The SMAP correspondents network: Activities and lessons learned. Yasmine Fouad Former SMAP Correspondent / Egypt EEAA

Transcription

1 The SMAP correspondents network: Activities and lessons learned Yasmine Fouad Former SMAP Correspondent / Egypt EEAA Final Regional SMAP Seminar

2 The implementation process Endorsement of Horizon Appointment of the SMAP national correspondent 1999 Second call 8 regional projects financed Third call - 8 regional ICZM projects were financed 2003 Establishment of the RMSU and SMAP III TA

3 Constraints facing SMAP correspondents Individual Not enough capacity to understand the nature of the SMAP program and complex nature of the environmental problems (since 1999). Reporting on SMAP progress needs more time than follow up on its implementation. Institutional Absence of coordination mechanism at the national level to build synergies with other ongoing regional activities such as ( MAP/ METAP / MEAs and GEF ) Weak working capacities of national counterparts( SMAP beneficiaries) Systemic limited tools for environmental policy integration to achieve the SMAP overall objective Detachment because decision-makers are not involved in the design process

4 Constraints facing SMAP correspondents Technical weak capacity for development of SMAP project proposals. General lack of accurate data and transparent information from previous activities, on which a new SMAP project could be based. Operational Long procedures for making any necessary reforms to policies or legislations, which does not allow initiative /activity to achieve the desired impacts in their life time. weak follow up mechanism for SMAP projects and program level that should focus on impact rather than disbursement.

5 Evolution of the role of the SMAP correspondent Endorser of project proposal Follow up on Implementation and reporting on progress Facilitator to sustainable development concepts Building synergies with other regional activities

6 Available tools RMSU SMAP III TA Environmental Policy Integration Development of project proposals CHM SD activities

7 Conclusions of EPI workshops Providing additional impetus to the dialogue between the EU and MEDA countries in the fields of environmental integration and the sustainable development. Increasing the knowledge on the EU experiences in environmental integration, legislation and policy instruments. Presenting, discussing and learning from Euro-Mediterranean initiatives and opportunities as well as from other key regional players (such as FEMIP, UNEP- MAP, METAP,regional NGOs). Stimulating the dialogue between sectoral ministries on cross-sectoral integration and disseminating information on current state of environmental integration. Increase the awareness on the outcome of SMAP (I, II) projects and other projects relevant to the five SMAP priority areas. Strengthening and expanding the national and regional network of environmental stakeholders. Identifying actions, mechanisms and tools for improving environmental information and communication, education and awareness raising. Identifying a number of concrete proposals to overcome obstacles to better implement ICZM.

8 Egypt: Policy environmental integration Provided the basis for multi sectoral dialogue for SD Boost the decision makers for the need to establish a high level sustainable mechanism for SD in Egypt Assisted in mobilizing additional international resources for development of the framework of NSSD raise the awareness for the need to work on some adhoc activities for SD indicators such as : - nationalization of MDG 7 - establishment of an environmental indicators unit in EEAA - more systemic production of SOE

9 Results Better feasibility of SMAP projects and process Foster regional dialogue related to regional initiatives Mobilize interested stakeholders to implement regional activities Building the needed capacity at the national level Involving the NGOs and the private sector Act as a catalyst for the birth of Horizon 2020

10 Lessons learnt Need to have an enabling environment for focal points to maintain their tasks. More improvement is needed in coordination. Exchange of information is a powerful tool for better design of regional environmental programs. Sustainability should be planned from the beginning of each initiative.

11 Lack of ownership and commitment Lack of financial resources SUSTAINABILITY Discontinuity in Management Absence of plans for sustainability Failure to maintain built human capacity

12 The way forward Increase the involvement of donors. Commitment, dedication, ownership of focal point to establish synergies. country driveness mechanisms for sustaining the SMAP and other initiatives/ activities. Process oriented approach instead of project oriented approach (continue the process beyond the life of the project).

13 Thank you