Proposal for GEF Funding
National Capacity Needs Self-Assessment (NCSA) for
Global Environmental Management
Country Name:
Egypt
Project Title:
Self-Assessment of National Capacity in Egypt to
Manage the Global Environment
Short title:
Egypt NCSA Project
GEF Implementing Agency:
UNDP
GEF Operational Focal Point:
Dr. Mohamed Said Khalil, CEO, EEAA
National Executing Agency:
Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA)
Country Eligibility:
Egypt is fully eligible for GEF assistance
Convention Participation:
Convention
UNFCCC
Date of Ratification
2/06/94
CBD
2/06/94
UNCCD
7/07/95
GEF Financing:
US$200,000
Government Contribution:
US$35,000 (in-kind)
Estimated Total Budget:
US235,000
Estimated Starting Date:
1 December 2003
Duration:
18 months
2
National Focal Point
Dr. Mohamed El Shawawey, EEAA.
Telephone: 0020-2-525-6445/50
Dr. Mostafa Fouda, Director General,
Nature Conservation Sector, EEAA.
Email: ncs@link.net
Dr. Abdel Moneim Mohamed Hegazi,
Director General, Desert Research
Center, Ministry of Agriculture.
Email:drc@drc-egypt.com
LIST OF ACRONYMS
CDI
COP
CEO
CITES
DANIDA
DRC
GEF
GEAP
GOE
EEAA
EMU
EU
MSEA
NBSAP
NCCCD
NCS
NEAP
NAPCD
NBU
NCS
NCSAP
NCSA
NGO
PFP
PMC
PVO
PSC
RBO
TAG
UNCBD
UNCCD
UNDP
UNEP
UNFCCC
USAID
WSSD
Capacity Development Initiative, of GEF and UNDP
Convention Operating Procedures
Chief Executive Officer
Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species
Danish International Development Agency
Desert Research Centre
Global Environment Facility
Governorate Environmental Action Plans
Government of Egypt
Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency
Environmental Management Unit
European Union
Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
National Coordinating Committee for Combating Desertification
Nature Conservation Sector
National Environmental Action Plan
National Action Programme for Combating
Desertification
National Biodiversity Unit
Nature Conservation Sector
National Capacity Strategy and Action Plan in Climate Change,
Biodiversity and Land Degradation.
National Capacity Self-Assessment
Non-Governmental Organisation
Project Focal Points
Project Management Unit
Private Voluntary Organizations
Project Steering Committee
Regional Branch Offices
Technical Advisory Group
United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB)
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (CLD)
United National Development Programme UNEP
United Nationals Environment Programme
United Nations Environment Programme
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (CCCC)
United States Assistance for International Development
World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio + 10)
3
I
BACKGROUND, CONTEXT AND RELATED WORK:
1.
Institutional Setting
1.
Since 1992, Egypt has taken important steps to establish a framework for environmental
management and build the capacities of the relevant institutions.
2.
The first Minister of State for Environmental Affairs (MSEA) was appointed in 1997 and
the MSEA was subsequently formed. The MSEA works under the Ministry of State for Cabinet
Affairs headed by the Prime Minister, It’s mandate is to integrate environmental considerations
into Egypt's developmental plans and programmes in order to secure their sustainability. To
achieve this, the MSEA works in close consultation with national and international stakeholders. It
is charged with drafting environmental policies, proposing related legislations and f ollowing
up on the implementation of Law 4/1994 for the Environment. Furthermore, it is responsible
for defining, designing, activity supporting and implementing priorities and policies within the
context of sustainable development.
3.
EEAA was established in 1982 and restructured in 1992 to address environmental issues in
Egypt. In 1997 when the MSEA was created, EEAA became the Ministry’s technical arm. Law
4/1994 for the Environment defines the mandate of EEAA, specifying its roles and responsibilities
for environmental management. The Agency is in charge of the preparation of environmental
strategies and action plans, mobilizing resources for their implementation and coordinating
the enforcement of environmental legislations across Egypt's 26 governorat es and nongovernmental sectors. The EEAA is also authorised to implement some pilot projects.
4.
EEAA is headed by a Chief Executive Officer who reports to a Board of Directors, which
includes representatives from the public and private sectors as well as the academic and scientific
communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Board of Directors is chaired by
the Minister of MSEA while the CEO of EEAA acts as its Vice-Chairman. The Agency is
organized into sectors and departments reflecting lines of action for environmental protection.
Eight Regional Branch Offices (RBO’s) of EEAA are established throughout the country as part of
the Agency’s strategy for decentralization of environmental management.
5.
While MSEA-EEAA has some executive powers for environmental management, their
role is largely that of a coordinating body that works in close collaboration with other concerned
Ministries (Agriculture, Tourism, Energy, Planning, Educations, Higher Education, etc.). These
ministries are comprised of Departments, Authorities and Research Institutes, and often have
decentralized departments at the local levels. Some Ministries have established environmental
units that are responsible for liaising with MSEA and integrating, coordinating and following up
on environmental issues as part of their policies, legislations and programmes. In Egypt, the
Ministry of Planning plays an overall coordinating role among all ministries in all the different
sectors, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is responsible for
coordinating donor assistance to Egypt. No National Council for sustainable development exist in
the country.
6.
To decentralize environmental management, Environmental Management Units (EMU’s)
have been established in 26 Governorates around the country to address environmental issues at
the local levels in coordination with the RBO's. These regional offices were established during the
mid 1990s under the direct supervision of EEAA and are operational in close coordination with
local municipal departments in each Governerate.
7.
Many other stakeholders at both the central and local levels play important roles in
environmental protection in Egypt. There are more than ten universities established around the
country, many of these have environmental departments. Universities are the main institutions,
4
which conduct research and produce the manpower requirements for environment and sustainable
development fields.
8.
Businesses in Egypt are playing an increasingly pivotal role in environmental protection.
Some businesses, particularly in the energy and tourism sectors have established special
departments and field units to provide external support in the field of environment.
9.
There are over 10,0000 private voluntary organizations (PVO’s) and NGO’s registered
throughout the country; 100’s of these are listed as environmental NGOs1. Most of these NGO’s
are concerned with enhancing environmental protection in local communities, particularly in
aspects related to solid waste management, tree planting, green area establishment, environmental
health and awareness raising.
2.
Sustainable Development Context
10.
As part of the international community, Egypt has pledged to contribute to the world
efforts for finding effective solutions to manage the environment within the framework of global
sustainable development. Policy-makers in Egypt are recognizing that preserving the country's
natural environment is essential for the nation’s survival.
11.
The challenge facing Egypt in the 21st century is to balance the needs of a developing
nation with the protection of its environment and natural resources. Egypt witnessed
unprecedented development since the opening and liberalization of trade since the 1976.
Environmental problems have been increasing at an accelerated rate largely as a result of the
country stretching its limited resource-base to accommodate the economic needs of its rapidly
growing population. In response to heightened awareness of the acuteness of the environmental
problems and recognizing the nexus between environmental quality and economic development,
Egypt has embraced the concept of sustainable development, whereby environmental protection
and economic development go hand in hand.
12.
The MSEA/EEAA has taken the lead in sustainable development efforts. While some
countries established ministries for sustainable development, others have created agencies
concerned with environmental protection on the premise that the environmental protection
dimension, once introduced in their developmental efforts, will render these efforts sustainable.
This is the case in Egypt because environment cuts across all the sectors and an environmental
strategy would need to be adopted and integrated within and in-between sectors combining top
down and bottom-up approaches.
13.
The present interim strategy of sustainable development, which involves environmental
considerations across the board is based on the following main components:
1) Assessing the extent and intensity of environmental degradation in the country and
evaluating the economic costs connected to that;
2) Proposing and implementing the necessary policy, economic, institutional and
legislative initiatives as given in the Environmental Protection Law 4/1994;
3) Strengthening of all indigenous capabilities and mobilization of external resources to
ensure keeping the environment safe and sound;
4) Ensuring agreement of stakeholders in taking environmental measures into
consideration to ensure the sustainability of development efforts;
1
Organizations having major interest and activities in the field of environment
5
5) Charging the MSEA with the responsibility of coordinating the efforts among the
stakeholders, who in the end, implements the policies of sustainable development,
each in their domain.
14.
There have been a number of initiatives undertaken to develop, promote, integrate and
materialize this strategy; of special note are the following:




3.
With support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a National Agenda
21 Report was drafted in 1997, which had all the elements of environmentalizing the
operations of development by the various stakeholders;
The MSEA developed a Policy Statement reflecting the environment and sustainable
development priorities envisioned by the GOE for entering the 21' Century. The objectives
of the policy are listed in Annex 1;
In 1997, the GOE issued a report entitled "Egypt vision 2017". The report charged the
Cabinet of Ministers with the responsibility of establishing a national entity whose main
agenda is to ensure that actions by the various governmental authorities would be
undertaken based on sustainable development principles. Smaller entities, such as the
Environment and Sustainable Development Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have
been established or its roles modified to ensure adherence to the concept of sustainable
development;
As part of a UNDP Capacity 21 initiative, an updated National Environmental Action
Plan (NEAP) is under formulation taking into consideration the synergies between
environment and sustainable development employing a participatory approach which
involves governmental and non-governmental stakeholders at all levels, in addition
to relevant donor community members.
Environment Context
15.
In response to growing environmental degradation, the GOE started in the early 1990’s to
take serious steps to develop the necessary policies, institutions, legislations and other tools to
protect its natural and environmental resources. Egypt opted to add the environmental protection
dimension to the efforts of the various sectors in order to make these endeavours sustainable.
Some important benchmarks have been:
- The preparation of the first NEAP in 1992 that identified the priorities and gaps in the
field of environmental management in Egypt;
- Issuing of Law 4/1994 for the Environment and the approval of its executive
regulations in 1995. This law complemented previous environment related laws but
covered areas not adequately addressed before;
- The restructuring of EEAA in 1992 and its organizational development to
operationalize and implement Law 4/1994;
- The creation of the MSEA and the adoption of an environmental policy in 1997 that
seeks to achieve environmental protection through establishment of proper institutional,
economic, legislative and technical frameworks at the local, regional, national and
international levels.
16.
In 1999 the preparation of a second NEAP was initiated to augment the first plan and
address outstanding needs utilizing a demand-driven environmental planning process, favourable
to sustainable development. In conjunction with the NEAP, a Five Year Action Plan for the
MSEA/EEAA was developed comprising 14 programmes reflecting priority projects and policy
measures.
The development of detailed plans of action for each of these programmes is
underway.
6
17.
Strategic environmental planning is also being undertaken at the local level. Governorate
Environmental Action Plans (GEAP’s) are being formulated in a number of Governorates around
the country defining local environmental priorities.
18.
A wide range of donor-supported projects have been launched to build Egypt’s capacity in
environmental management which remained extremely limited prior to 1992. These initiatives
have attempted to address institutional, systemic and individual capacity in various sectors at both
the national and local levels. Considerable investment has been made by bi- lateral and multilateral donors to develop the national environmental framework and the MSEA/EEAA’s
intuitional capacity. Sector and cross-sectoral programmes that have been covered include:
- Agricultural land conservation
- Water resources management
- Energy conservation
- Industrial pollution
- Air pollution
- Hazardous waste management
- Municipal solid waste management
- Municipal water supply and treatment
- Coastal zone management
- Natural and cultural heritage
- Sustainable tourism
- Policy and economic reform
- Institutional development
- Legislation and enforcement
- Monitoring and impact assessment
- Information management
- Environmental education, training and awareness
19.
Partnerships with key stakeholders at the national, regional and global levels has been
recognized as a prerequisite for the success of environmental programmes. A wide range of
stakeholders from the public and private sectors are thus involved in environmental protection in
Egypt.
20.
Egypt likewise recognizes its global obligations. The country is signatory to over 50
international conventions with provisions for environmental protection. According to Law 4/1994
for the Environment, the EEAA is the government body responsible for liaising with national and
international bodies to oversee compliance of environmental conventions. In some cases other
Ministries have been designated as the focal points for conventions and are responsible for
overseeing their implementation. The EEAA works in cooperation with these and other concerned
authorities to review and undertake the necessary measures to comply with its commitments. The
Climate Change, Biodiversity and Desertification Conventions have been identified as priorities
and are being addressed within the context of national policies, plans and programmes.
3.1.
Climate Change – status and related activities
21.
Egypt was among the first Arab countries to join the global efforts to confront climate
change. The country ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) in 1994 and signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1999. Egypt is an active party to the
Convention participating in international and regional forums, and undertaking a wide range of
activities to fulfil its commitments under the agreement.
22.
EEAA is the national Focal Point for Climate Change Agreements through its Climate
Change Unit which was established in 1999. It coordinates and follows-up on CC national
7
strategies, policies, action plans and activities in Egypt. A National Committee on Climate Change
was formed by a Ministerial Decree in 1997 to provide the institutional framework to facilitate the
implementation of the convention. This inter-ministerial committee represents a wide range of
governmental and non-governmental stakeholders (see Annex 2). The CEO of the EEAA chairs
the committee, which is responsible for coordination, establishment and communication of
national policy on climate change.
23.
Within the context of establishing overall environmental plans, several parallel efforts
were undertaken, including the development of Egypt’s Climate Change National Strategy and
Action Plan, the National Energy Efficiency Strategy and the National Strategy for Solid Waste
Management.
24.
The EEAA in cooperation with UNDP-GEF implemented a programme for Capacity
Building for Egypt to Respond to UNFCCC Communications Obligations. The first phase of this
project was carried out during the period 1996 to 1999 with the aim of:
-
Strengthening Egypt’s capacity to comply with the requirements of the UNFCCC;
Institutionalising the national communications to comply with the UNFCCC;
Contributing to the emergence of Egyptian approaches and responses to the UNFCCC.
25.
The main output of this phase was preparation of Egypt’s Initial National Communication
and submission of it to the UNFCCC Secretariat in July 1999.
26.
The second phase of the project was implemented during 2001 and focused on assessing
technology needs for identifying climate change impacts and adaptation measures for minimizing
negative effects on coastal zones and coral reefs. It also covered the identification of available
systems for climate change monitoring and observation and the national needs related to this
issues. Public awareness was one of the major objectives of this project, which was achieved
through a number of activities. Other GEF and donor supported projects in the field of Climate
Change are listed in Annex 3.
27.
Law 4/1994 for the Environment and its Executive Regulations is the only national
legislation addressing Climate Change (see Annex 4).
28.
Different institutions, universities, private sector organizations, NGO’s and experts have
been involved in implementation of the Climate Change initiatives. An important outcome has
been the development of capacity in these institutions and stakeholders. Attempts have also been
made through the media to disseminate information and raise the awareness of the public.
29.
Capacity building in the field of Climate Change has focused largely on policies,
measures, strategies, action plans and developing the necessary institutional framework and
capacity at the central level. A pre-evaluation of current capacity needs in Egypt includes the
following areas: public awareness; NGO involvement; further enhancement of previously built
institutional capacities; vulnerability assessment and adaptation measures related to marine and
coastal zones, water resources, agriculture and human health; and climate change monitoring and
systematic observation of the phenomena. The NCSA process will include an analysis and
prioritisation of these needs and identify measures on how best to address them.
3.2.
Biodiversity – status and related activities
30.
In 1992 at the Rio Conference, Egypt signed the Convention on Biological Diversity that
was subsequently ratified by the Egyptian Parliament in 1994. The country submitted the First
National Report to the Convention in 1995 and the Second National Report is currently being
produced. Egypt is an active participant in the convention regularly attending meetings and
conferences of the Contracting Parties.
8
31.
EEAA is the national focal point for the Biodiversity Convention, with the Nature
Conservation Sector (NCS) as the implementing body responsible for following-up on convention
compliance. The NCS is a department in the EEAA and the government body responsible for
nature conservation entrusted with overseeing management of the National Protected Area
Network, coordination of hunting management and following-up on international conventions
related to biodiversity. A National Biodiversity Unit (NBU) has been established at the NCS to
undertake the necessary studies and programmes related to the UNCBD.
32.
With support from GEF-UNEP, the NBU produced the National Biodiversity Strategy and
Action Plan (NBSAP) in 1998, which identified priorities and programmes to fulfil Egypt’s
obligations under the Convention. A high level inter-ministerial National Biodiversity Committee
has been proposed to enhance NBSAP coordination and implementation, but has yet to be
established. Proposed stakeholder representation on the Committee is included in Annex 2.
33.
Actions and activities are underway to materialize the NBSAP. These have included the
following GEF-UNEP biodiversity enabling activities. No capacity needs assessment has been
undertaken in context of the mentioned enabling activities:
-
Production of the National Biodiversity Country Study in 1992;
Establishment of the National Biodiversity Data Base for the collection, updating and
exchange of information in the field of biodiversity;
The formulation of a Biosafety Framework consisting of an action plan, draft
legislation and National Biosafety Committee to oversee implementation
34.
There have been a number of other donor-funded projects to address biodiversity
conservation priorities, including those identified by the NBSAP (see Annex 3). Most projects
have focused on habitat conservation, and more particularly on Protected Areas. This has resulted
in the development of institutional capacity within national and local authorities; and to a limited
extent in hunting and CITES management, Development of capacity has also taken place in a
range of associated fields, such as in research and monitoring, environmental impact assessment,
ecotourism and community development.
35.
The scientific-academic community is one of the main stakeholders interested in
biodiversity and plays an active role. Only a small number of NGOs are concerned with and
actively engaged in biodiversity conservation. There is some private sector involvement mainly in
tourism. Local community participation in biodiversity conservation is likewise limited fostered
primarily through Protected Area initiatives.
36.
While there has been nature conservation legislation on the books in Egypt since the
1920’s, there are only a handful of laws conserving biodiversity (see Annex 4); the most important
of these is Law 102/1983 for the Natural Protectorates and Law 4/1994 for the Environment.
37.
Capacity deficiencies and constraints remain in both “in-situ” and “ex-situ” biodiversity
conservation, in particular with regards to species conservation. Specific gaps noted in the Second
National Report to the UNCBD, include in areas related to legislation, identification and
monitoring, economic instruments, education and training and public awareness. Other identified
capacity building priorities are in the areas of: institutional capacity; manpower development at all
fields; and NGO, private sector and local community involvement. The NCSA process will
provide an opportunity (through the active consultations and participation of key stakeholders) to
analyse and confirm the above-mentioned priorities, identify related capacity constraints and
determine opportunities for capacity building.
9
3.3.
Land Degradation – status and related activities
38.
Egypt signed the United Nation Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 1994
and ratified it in 1995. The country played an active role in the formulation of the UNCCD and
remains an active participant regularly attending meetings and conferences of the parties. Egypt
submitted its first national report to the UNCCD in 1999 and is in the process of preparing its
second communication.
39.
From 1995 to 2001, the EEAA was the focal point for UNCCD. A National Coordination
Committee (NCCCD) was formed headed by the CEO of the EEAA, to formulate and implement
the National Action Programme for Combating Desertification (NAPCD). In July 2001, the
NCCCD was reformed and the Committee came under the chairmanship of the Minister of
Agriculture. See Annex 2 for a list of current committee members.
40.
Based on the recommendations of the NCCCD, a Ministerial Decree was issued in July
2001 making the Ministry of Agriculture the focal point for the UNCCD and the Desert Research
Centre (DRC) the implementing body. The same decree established a Scientific Committee that
functions as a unit for the convention, following-up on the desertification phenomena, compiling
desertification studies, coordinating among the relevant institutions, overseeing projects at the
local, regional and global levels and publishing available information.
41.
The Ministry of Agriculture is the largest Ministry in the country with responsibilities for
agriculture, land reclamation, afforestation and fisheries. The Minister of Agriculture is the Deputy
Prime Minister. Among the organizations under the umbrella of the Ministry of Agriculture are:
research institutes, botanical and zoological gardens, museums, gene banks and cooperatives
providing outreach programs to local farmers.
42.
The DRC is a research centre under the Ministry of Agriculture and undertakes scientific
and applied research for exploring and evaluating the natural resources of the Egyptian desert, as
well as selecting the suitable desert areas for agricultural development. It is also concerned with
the studies of desertification processes and means of preventing their hazards. The DRC works in
close cooperation with other research centres at the Ministry of Agriculture, such as the
Agricultural Research Centre and universities.
43.
The production of the NAPCD is nearing completion and identifies factors contributing to
desertification and the appropriate measures to combat them. The process of producing the
NAPCD has included a number of components, including awareness raising of the stakeholders,
defining problems and potentials based on lessons learned, assessing multi-sectoral dimensions of
desertification and its control, and establishing interconnections between current relevant projects
undertaken by different sectors.
44.
There are several legislations issued related to land degradation and desertification (see
Annex 4), which need to be assessed in the context of the current endeavour for enforcement and
adaptability to the local context. In addition, many projects have been undertaken to address land
degradation and desertification, both supported by the GOE and through donor assistance. See
Annex 3 for a list of projects.
45.
A range of stakeholders are involved in UNCCD implementation; among the most
important are other Ministries, local authorities, research centres and universities. About 100 of
national NGO`S are concerned with issues related to combating desertification. Undoubtedly, the
private sector plays an important role in implementing the CD, but this has yet to be fully
explored.
46.
While there are many institutions, NGOs and local authorities engaged in addressing
desertification issues, the present dispersed responsibility and/or duplication between agencies
10
should be rationalized and coordinated. The first priority should be given to strengthening
institutional capacities to achieve a more efficient programme for combating land degradation.
Other identified capacity building priorities include: the establishment of monitoring and early
warning systems; information systems on desertification status in various Egyptian ecosystems;
public awareness; NGO participation; and the involvement of rural women in combating
desertification.
4.
Preliminary Analysis of Capacity Gaps and Priorities
47.
Despite the initiatives and advancements made since 1992, Egypt has yet to develop
sufficient capacity to effectively manage its environment and implement the Rio Conventions.
Egypt is experiencing capacity deficiencies at all levels, including overburdened capacity, under
utilized capacity and migration of capacity.
48.
The development of national capacity in the three thematic areas has been uneven, for
example capacity development in climate change is more advanced than the other two thematic
areas, notable with regards to the institutional framework, economic instruments. While there has
been considerable progress made in Biodiversity, the development of capacity has been uneven
with Protected Areas receiving greater attention and thus leaving significant gaps in other areas.
Capacity development in land degradation is still in the early stages awaiting the adoption of the
NAPCD.
49.
Common to the three thematic areas are the constraints in cross-cutting issues ie
integration and cooperation, legislation, institutional development, education and training, public
awareness, research and monitoring, information systems and economic instruments.
50.
Although stipulated by the conventions, the synergies between the three thematic areas
have not yet been properly addressed. The NCSA process will enable the identification of
overlapping priority lines between the GEF conventions, such as areas related to rangeland
management (UNCCC, UNCBD, UNCCD), coral reef conservation and monitoring (UNCBD,
UNCCC) and afforestation (UNCCC, UNCBD).
II
OBJECTIVES, AND LINKAGES TO ONGOING ACTIVITIES:
51.
It is anticipated that the long-term effect of the NCSA process will enable significant
development of capacity 2 in priority areas for a more effective, efficient and sustainable
implementation of the Rio Conventions in Egypt. In the short to medium term, the project will
identify the country level priorities and needs for capacity building to address global
environmental issues, in particular climate change, biological diversity and land degradation, with
the aim of catalyzing domestic and/or externally assisted actions to meet those needs in a
coordinated and planned fashion. Efforts will also be made to develop a system whereby the
identification of priority capacity building needs will remain an ongoing process.
52.
The project will explore the synergies between the three thematic areas, as well as wider
concerns of environmental management and sustainable development in Egypt. Employing a
holistic approach to capacity building, the project will assess the needs at the systemic3,
Capacity developing in this project is defined as “the actions needed to enhance the ability of individuals,
institutions and systems to make and implement decisions and perform functions in an effective, efficient
and sustainable manner.”
3
Systemic capacity building is concerned with the creation of enabling environments i.e. overall policy,
economic, regulatory and accountability frameworks within which institutions and individuals operate.
2
11
institutional4 and individual5 levels and how best to address these needs. Priority will be given to
identifying the crosscutting capacity constraints that are the root causes hindering or undermining
the abilities of the country to effectively implement the Rio Conventions.
53.
The project will build on existing frameworks strengthening mechanisms and linkages to
enhance convention implementation, in particular to galvanize high-level support. Using a
participatory approach, the project will aim to broaden stakeholder involvement and determine
how to decentralize capacity building in the three thematic areas. An enabling environment will be
created to allow an effective dialogue about the three thematic areas as it pertains to the Egyptian
context, applying the principle, “think global and act local”.
54.
The project will review past, on-going and planned initiatives with the aim to assess
capacity building constraints thereby complementing and building on existing experience to avoid
duplication of effort and capitalizing on lessons learned, particularly with regard to capacity
building initiatives. For example, the Climate Change capacity development experience in Egypt
will be used as a model for the other two thematic areas. The utmost consideration will be given to
insuring adequate cooperation and coordination with the GEF-UNDP Climate Change Capacity
Assessment Project (under implementation) and the GEF-UNEP Capacity Assessment Project in
Biodiversity (under development). The latter is being designed parallel to the UNDP NCSA
project to assess priorities and gaps in specific areas related to the CBD, such as in species
conservation, taxonomy and invasive species, and appropriate linkages will be established between
these projects; for example, the stakeholder consultation processes could be linked.
III
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Activity no. 1: Coordinate the initiation and management of the NCSA planning process
55.
The following activities will be initiated to set-up and launch the project:
- Establish the NCSA Project Steering Committee (PSC) (see Section IV for the
committee’s composition);
- Establish a Project Management Unit (PMU) with a Project Coordinator and support
staff;
- Identify Project Focal Points (PFP) which will follow-up on project-related activities
in their respective fields (see Section IV for details);
- Form the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), which will provide technical advise as
needed to the PSC and PMU;
- A National Biodiversity Committee Working Group will be formed along similar lines
to the National Committees in the other thematic areas that could become formalized
as a National Biodiversity Committee in the future6;
- As part of the project planning processes, initiate consultations with key stakeholders
and establish linkages with on-going capacity building initiatives in the thematic areas
integrating feedback on activities and mechanisms;
- Develop a work plan and establish indicators for measurement of progress and to
ensure that the NCSA outputs are realized;
- Start production of awareness raising materials.
4
Institutional capacity building focuses on overall organizational performance and functioning capabilities,
as well as the ability of an organization to adapt to change, such as improvements in physical assets.
5
Individual capacity building refers to the process of changing attitudes and behaviours most frequently
through imparting knowledge and developing skills through training.
6
This committee will be formed keeping in mind the need for virtual synergy between the NCSA areas of
focus and for integration with other relevant sectors in Egypt. The NCSA process will also explore the
establishment of a national committee for natural resources management incorporating the committees of
climate change, and desertification combat and the intended biodiversity one.
12
-
Prepare TORs and identify consultants for the stocktaking and gap identification
phase.
56.
The Project Coordinator (recruited by EEAA and UNDP) will take responsibility of the
above mentioned tasks under the guidance and administration of EEAA-MSEA and in
coordination with the GEF Focal Point and the three Convention Focal Points. UNDP will act as a
catalyst in support of the whole process.
Activity no. 2: Stocktaking and gap identification
57.
Three separate thematic profiles will be produced according to the criteria identified in
Activity 1. Information will be compiled about the current status of each of the three Conventions
in Egypt, including the following:
-
-
-
Review the obligations of each Convention, particularly the guidance related to
capacity development issued by the COP’s7;
Compile the relevant information, documents and other literature on the three thematic
areas;
Review and describe the existing capacity in the three thematic areas at both the
national and local levels, including legislations, policies, strategies, action plans,
institutions, stakeholders and on line activities;
Inventory and evaluate the projects in the three thematic areas, particularly capacity
building initiatives formulating lessons learned;
Conduct a gap analysis to identify outstanding capacity building needs to implement
the three global conventions, including identifying areas where capacity has yet to be
assessed;
Perform a preliminary examination of the crosscutting issues and synergies from the
perspective of each of the three thematic areas. Provide basic information relating to
the
urgency of the issues, the level of capacity needed, the centrality of the issue, the
stakeholders involved and anticipated ease with which the issue could be addressed.
58.
One consultant in each thematic field will be responsible for report preparation in
consultation with the national implementing bodies. The consultants will undertake a desktop
study and consult with key stakeholders. The drafts of the report will be discussed at one national
and three local workshops, as well as with the experts of the TAG and National Committees, with
feedback from these consultations integrated into the reports.
Activity no. 3: Prioritisation and focusing
59.
Based on the output of the analysis in Activity 2, a report will be prepared assessing the
synergies between the three thematic areas, identifying priorities for capacity building, particularly
addressing cross-cutting issues shared by two or more conventions and recommending
mechanisms to enhance coordination, cooperation and communication between the Rio
Conventions.
60.
One senior consultant will be responsible for the report preparation in consultation with
the national implementing bodies for the conventions. The draft of the report will be discussed at
one national workshop, as well as with the TAG and National Committees, with feedback from
these consultations integrated into the report.
7
The previously mentioned documentation originating from the CDI process provides lists and a general
discussion of COP guidance.
13
61.
A prioritisation exercise will then be conducted by the consultant and the PSC to select 5-7
areas for in-depth analysis focusing on cross-thematic synergies and complementarities shared by
two or more conventions. Priorities should be given to capacity constraints where there is clearly
identifiable lack of systemic, institutional or individual capacity that is a “root cause” critically
effecting implementation of one or more of the three Conventions such as public awareness,
legislation, institutional cooperation, education and economic instruments. Alternatively, the
priority could be an area worthy of further attention where it is widely felt that lack of capacity is a
key issue, such as financing, reporting and monitoring to comply with convention provisions.
Activity no. 4: In-depth analysis of priority areas
62.
In-depth studies will be produced focusing on the 5-7 priority areas selected in Activity 3.
As with the earlier studies, the outputs of this exercise will feed into the development of the
Strategy and Action Plan (Activity 5).
63.
Detailed reports will be produced for each of the identified priorities analysing its nature,
contributing factors and linkages, clearly illustrating the association between each specific capacity
constraint and the degradation of the global environment. Constraints at the systemic, institutional
and individual levels will be examined. Furthermore, the analysis will bear in mind that capacity
does not always have to be created. In many cases removal of the capacity constraint may involve
enhancing, mobilizing and sustaining existing capacity. As an output of this exercise, priority
programmes will be recommended to address each of the key capacity building deficiencies and
constraints, along with the most important stakeholders to be involved and the mechanism to
facilitate implementation.
64.
For each priority area a consultant will be hired to oversee report preparation and head a
working group consisting of representatives from the convention implementing bodies and TAG
experts in the relevant fields. The TAG will be expanded to include experts in each of the
identified priority areas. The draft reports will be discussed at one national and one local workshop
where key stakeholders will be invited to attend. The reports will then be circulated at the
National Committees and their feedback integrated into the reports.
Activity no. 5: Prepare and launch the strategy and action plan
65.
The National Capacity Strategy and Action Plan (NCSAP) will be an action-oriented
response to the key capacity constraints that has been described through the NCSA process. It will
identify required activities (generally or specifically) to address constraints, as well as indicate
how each activity is related to an ongoing national process. The plan will be defined a strategy for
monitoring and evaluating capacity development, possibly through activities supported by the
project at a later time. It may also cover: roles and responsibilities, partners and partnership
building, financing options and timelines.
66.
A team of three consultants will be hired to syntheses the information from the previous
reports and prepare a National Capacity Building Strategy and Action Plan in Climate Change,
Biodiversity and Land Degradation (NCSAP). The document will be prepared in consultation with
the convention implementing bodies and TAG experts. The draft report will be discussed at one
national and one local workshop and at a donor workshop where it will be circulated for discussion
with key bilateral and unilateral funding agencies. It will then be submitted for review and final
approval by the National Committees. Given time and funding constraints, consultants will be
contracted to develop detailed proposals for priority programmes.
Activity no. 6: Establish high-level involvement and support
67.
This will be integrated throughout the project and will be realized through:
14
-
Involvement of the National Committees that have high level representation;
The workshops will be held under the auspices of the Minister of State for
Environmental Affairs and other prominent decision makers;
After approval, the NCSAP will be submitted by the Minister of State for
Environmental Affairs to the Cabinet of Ministers for the endorsement of the Prime
Minister.
Activity no. 7: Multi-stakeholder consultation
68.
Multi-stakeholder consultation is integrated into all phases of the NCSA process to
disseminate and generate information, devise inputs and build consensus and ownership of the
project outputs. This will be realized through:
-
-
Consultations with a range of key stakeholders including convention focal points and
implementing bodies, members of relevant National Committees, regional and local
authorities, academia, private sector and civil society organisations, representatives of
donor institutions and other national experts;
five workshops and other meetings and forums at the national level;
five local workshops in Governorates having the highest priority for the three thematic
areas.
Activity no 8: Awareness Raising
69.
As part of the NCSA process, awareness will be raised on global issues and commitments
in the three thematic areas to foster a more informed dialogue with the stakeholders. These
activities will aim to explain the three conventions and the synergies between them, their
relevance, the requirements, the problems and some of the priorities. More particularly, this will
include the production of educational and promotional materials related to the Egyptian context,
including: professionally designed PowerPoint presentations on the Conventions; media
campaigns; and organizing of workshops.
Activity no 9:
Evaluation and Monitoring
70.
An evaluation of the implementation of the NCSAP will be undertaken one year after the
completion of the document. A consultant will be contracted to conduct the first evaluation to
assess progress achieved to date.
71.
It is expected that a permanent evaluation and monitoring mechanism for the NCSA will
be defined in the Action Plan and be based on existing frameworks. One consideration is for the
National Committees to review and evaluate capacity building efforts in annual reports submitted
to the EEAA Board of Directors. After receiving the approval of the board, the EEAA would help
to materialize the capacity building priorities as identified in the reports.
IV
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
72.
Project Framework: The EEAA under the MSEA will be the Implementing Body for the
project.
73.
Project Steering Committee (PSC): The Project Steering Committee headed by the EEAA
CEO will oversee and provide guidance for project planning and implementation processes. The
Committee will consist of between 10-12 individuals, including the following representatives:
EEAA Chairman, Project Coordinator, UNDP Representative, one representative each from the
national convention implementing bodies that will represent and report to their respective Units
and Committees, one individual each from the EEAA Departments of International Relations and
Information, the Senior Advisor heading the technical advisory group and one member each from
15
private sector and civil society organizations. Other representatives will be selected as needed by
the PSC. It is proposed that the committee will meet once every other month.
74.
Project Management Unit (PMU): EEAA in coordination with UNDP will interview and
select a qualified consultant to act as a full-time Project Coordinator endorsed by the PSC. The
Project Coordinator will establish and manage the Project Management Unit (PMU) to be based at
EEAA for the duration of the project. The PMU will coordinate, follow-up on and guide project
planning and implementation activities according to the work plan and directives of the PSC.
Other departments at the EEAA, such International Relations, Information and ROBs will be asked
to be involved in the implementation of project components as required.
75.
Project Focal Points (PFP): One individual in each of the units of the implementing
bodies of the three conventions: Climate Change, Biodiversity and Land Degradation, will be
identified to assist the Project Coordinator by following-up on responsibilities delegated to them in
their respective fields. Responsibilities will include liaisoning with national focal points,
implementing bodies and committees, information gathering, providing technical advise,
identifying qualified consultants and national experts and recommending participants to be invited
to workshops. This individual might also help with organizing workshops, meetings and other
project activities as needed.
76.
Technical Advisory Group (TAG): A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) will be established
to provide technical advise as needed to the PSC and PMU. A Senior Advisor will be appointed
by the PSC to head the TAG. This individual will be a well-known national expert with a broad
background in environment and is expected to act on occasion as a spokesperson for the project.
The TAG will function largely as a roster of national experts providing input on project outputs on
a demand driven basis. While the TAG will meet periodically as a group, in most instances
individual experts or smaller working groups of experts will be consulted.
77.
Initially, the TAG will consist of 7 experts, including at least one expert in each of the
three thematic fields endorsed by the respective National Committees. The group will be expanded
in the in-depth study phase to include national experts from the relevant disciplines in the
identified priority areas. In addition to experts from academia and the public sector, it is also
expected that experts from the private sector and civil society will be included on the TAG.
78.
Project Implementation: The project will draw on the services of short-term consultants
both with expertise related the conventions and others in systemic, individual and institutional
capacity. The purchases of all services shall be done fully in line with UNDP rules and procedures.
79.
The Government of Egypt will provide in-kind support ($35,000) to insure the project’s
success. This will include, but not be limited to: office space, office equipment, supplies and
overheads, basic salaries of most of the individuals involved, facilities for meetings and
consultations, political support and transportation within Cairo.
16
V
TIMEFRAME
Activity/Month
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Coordinate
the
initiation
and
management of the
NCSA
planning
process
Establish high-level
involvement
and
support
Multi-stakeholder
consultation
Awareness raising
and
material
production
Stocktaking
and
gap identification
Prioritisation
focusing
and
In-depth analysis of
priority areas
Preparation
of
strategy and action
plan
Monitoring
and
Evaluation
of
NCSA
implementation8
8
Implementation of the NCSA Strategy and Action Plan is not within the scope of the project funding,
however M&E of NCSA implementation would take place after the project is completed.
17
PROJECT BUDGET
GEF inputs9:
Activity
Stocktaking
Process:
(Assessments,
Consultations,
Workshops, etc)
PRODUCT:
(Assessment,
Consultations,
Workshops, etc)
TOTAL
(US $)
Thematic Assessments
 Biodiversity
 Climate Change
 Land Degradation
 Others
4,000
4,000
4,000
3,000
10,500
10,500
10,500
4,500
1,500
1,500
1,500
500
16,000
16,000
16,000
8,000
Thematic Assessments
Sub-total
15,000
36,000
5.000
56,000
Analysis of cross-cutting
Issues and synergies
10,000
26,250
3,750
40,000
Strategy and action plan 6,000
development
51,000
5,000
62,000
Coordination,
3,000
management
and
monitoring and evaluation
36,000
3,000
42,000
TOTAL
149,250
16,750
200,000
9
34,000
The Government of Egypt will contribute $35,000 in kind to the project.
18
ANNEXES
Annex 1: Objectives of the National Environmental Policy
Strategic Objective
To introduce and integrate environmental concerns relevant to the protection of human health and
management of natural resources into all national policies, plans and programmes.
Short-term Objective
To reduce current pollution levels and minimize health hazards to improve quality of life in Egypt.
Medium-Term Objective
To preserve Egypt’s natural resources and biodiversity, our natural heritage, within a context of
sustainable development.
19
Annex 2: Stakeholders on or proposed to be on National Committees in the Themetic
Areas
Climate Change
Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation
Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation
Ministry of Heath
Ministry of Industry
Ministry of Electricity and Energy
Ministry of Petroleum
Ministry of Transport
NGOs involved in Climate Change Issues
Environmental Experts
Biodiversity
Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation
Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Information
Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation
Ministry of State for Foreign Affairs
National experts from Academia
Representatives from the Private Sector
Representatives from NGOs
Combating Desertification
Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation
Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation
Ministry of State for Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Rural Development
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs
Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation
National experts from Universities and Research Institutions
20
Annex 3: List of Past, On-going and Planned Project in the Three Thematic Areas
Climate Change
Start and end National
date
Counterparts
Small Grants Programme ?
Arab Office
Youth
Environment
Support for National 1996 - 2000
EEAA
Action Plan
Building Capacity for
Egypt to Respond to
UNFCCC
Communications
Obligations
Phase I
1996 – 2000
EEAA
Phase II
2000 - 2001
EEAA
Natural Gas Motorcycles 2000 - 2002
EEAA
Donor
Title of Project
Methane Recovery from
Landfill
Technology Co-operation
Agreement Pilot Project
Fuel
Cell
Bus
Demonstration Project
2000- 2002
EEAA
1999 - 2001
EEAA
for GEF-UNDP
and
It will start EEAA
within
few
month
Hybrid Electric Bus 2001 - -----Social Development
Technology in Egypt
Fund
The Energy Efficiency 1999 ------Ministry
of
Improvement
and
Electricity
emissions
Reduction
Project
National Strategy Study 2001 - 2002
EEAA
on Clean Development
Mechanisms
Energy and Environment 2001 - 2002
EEAA
Policy Review
Promotion
of
Wind Started
few New and Renewable
Energy for Electricity years ago and Energy Authority
Generation
planed to be
completed by
2005
The Integrated Solar 1997 - 2001
New and Renewable
Thermal/Natural
Gas
Energy Authority
Power Plant at Kuraymat
Fuel Switching
1996 till now
EEAA
National Strategy Study 2000 till now
EEAA
on Clean Development
Mechanisms (CDM)
Energy and Environment 2001 till now
EEAA
Policy Review
21
USCSP
GEF/ UNDP
GEF/ UNDP
Canadian
Government
Canadian
Government
USAID
GEF/UNDP
GEF/ UNDP
GEF/UNDP
World Bank
World Bank
Different Donors
GEF/World Bank
USAID
World bank through
Swiss Funding
World bank
Technology Cooperation
Agreement Pilot Project
Biodiversity
Title of Project10
Start and end National
date
Counterparts
Gulf
of
Aqaba 1988 EEAA
Protectorates Programme
(including
Institutional
Support Programme to
the NCS)
Biodiversity
Country 1993-1995
EEAA
Study
National
Biodiversity 1997-1998
EEAA
Strategy and Action Plan
Capacitation
in 1996-1998
EEAA
Biodiversity
Data
Management
in
Developing Countries
Biosafety Framework
1998EEAA
Small Grants Programme
Arab Office for
Youth
and
Environment
Red Sea Project
1996EEAA-Ministry of
Tourism-Red
Sea
Governorate
St Katherine Protectorate 1997
EEAA
Programme
Wadi El Rayan Protected 1998EEAA
Area Project
El
Fayoum
Governorate
Siwa
Amelioration
Project
Red Sea Protected Area
Project
Conservation
of
Biodiversity
in
Mediterranean Wetlands
and Coasts
Medicinal Plants Project
Elba Protected Area
Project
Institutional Support to
the Nature Conservation
Sector
Protection
of
Key
199819942000-
2002
In planning
Donor
EU
GEF-UNEP
GEF-UNEP
GEF-UNEP
GEF-UNEP
GEF-UNDP
GEF-World Bank
EU
Italian Development
Cooperation
EEAA-Martruh
Italian Development
Governorate
Cooperation
EEAA-Red
Sea USAID
Governorate
EEAA
GEF-UNDP-Medwet
In planning
EEAA
EEAA-Red
Governorate
EEAA
In planning
EEAA
10
GEF-UNDP
Sea Italian Development
Cooperation
Italian Development
Cooperation
GEF-UNDP-World
There are many small projects, such as the BirdLife International Environmental Education Program
(1989-1992), BirdLife International IBA Programme (1998-1999), IUCN Projects (since the mid 90’s) and
the Egyptian Tortoise Conservation Programme (1998- )
22
“Bottleneck” sites for
Soaring Migratory Birds
in the Rift Valley and
Red Sea Flyway
Nile Basin Initiative
Bank-BirdLife
International
In planning
Nile Islands Protected In planning
Area Project
Matruh
Resource In planning
Management Project II
Ministry of Water GEF-World Bank
Resources
and
Irrigation
CEDARE?
GEF-UNDP
Ministry
of GEF-World Bank
Agriculture/EEAA
Desertification
Title of Project
El
Qasr
Rural
Development Project
Matruh
Resource
Management Project
Integrated Soil and Water
Project in Daqhaliya
Governorate
Construction of Drains in
the Nile Detla and Valley
Shrouk
Rural
Development Project
Water and Sustainable
Development in Siwa
South
Valley
Development
Project
(Toshka)
North Sinai Development
Project
Land
Improvement
Program
Improvement
of
Rangeland
in
the
Northwest Coast
Sand Dune Fixation in
Using Saline Drainage
Water in Siwa Oasis
Soil, water and plant
pollunts in New Land
Groundwater
and
Minerals
Assessment
Program in the Eastern
Start and end National
date
Counterparts
EEAA & Matruh
Governorate
Ministry
of
Agriculture
Ministry
of
Agriculture/Ministry
of Water Resources
and
Irrigation/Daqhaliya
Governorate
Ministry of Water
Resources
and
Irrigation
Ministry of Rural
Development ?
EEAA & Matruh
Governorate
Donor
GTZ
World Bank
World Bank
World Bank
Italian Development
Cooperation
Government
of
Egypt
Government
Egypt
Ministry
of Government
Agriculture
Egypt
Ministry
of World
Agriculture, Minstry Programme
of
Housing and
Rehabilitation
Ministry
of World
Agriculture/EEAA
Programme
Ministry
Agriculture
Ministry
Agriculture
23
of
of
Food
Food
of French Cooperation
Programme
of USAID
Desert
Remote Sensing Aids for
Groundwater Exploration
in Some Desert Areas in
Egypt
Sand Dune Accumulation
and Groundwater in the
Eastern Sahara
Small Grants Programme
Matruh
Resource In planning
Management Project II
Ministry
Agriculture
of Remote
Sensing
Center Boston Univ.
USA
AIESCSO
Arab Office for GEF-UNDP
Youth
for
Environment
Ministry
of GEF-World Bank
Agriculture/EEAA
24
Annex 4: National Legislation in the Three Thematic Areas
Climate Change
Legislation
Implementing Body
Law 4/1994 for the Environment and its Executive MSEA/EEAA
Regulations
Biodiversity
Legislation
Law 53/1966 The Agriculture Law and related Ministry
of Agriculture Decrees designating Protected Species
Law 124/1983 On Catching Fish and Aquatic Life and
related Ministry of Agriculture Decrees
Law 102/1983 For Natural Protectorates and related
Prime Ministerial Decrees declaring Protected Areas
Law 4/1994 for the Environment and its Executive
Regulations
Implementing Body
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Agriculture
EEAA
EEAA
Land Degradation/Combating Desertification
Legislation11
Law 53/1966 The Agriculture Law
Implementing Body
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Agriculture
Law 116 / 1983 Control the use of Land for
Non-Agricultural Purposes (Title???)
Law 48 / 1982 Protection of the Nile River and
waterways from pollution (Title?)
Law 12/1984 for Irrigation and Drainage for use by
Households and Industry
;
Law 213/1994 for modification of the law of irrigation
and drainage
Law 4/1994 for the Environment and its Executive
Regulations
11
Ministry of Water Resources
and Irrigation
Ministry of Water Resources
and Irrigation
Ministry of Water Resources
and Irrigation
EEAA
There are many other related ministerial Decrees concerning the disposal of brackish water and ponds, irrigation and
drainage and controlling pesticides
25
Annex 5: Endorsement Letter
26