Download Regional coordination and support for the EU

This action is funded by the European Union
ANNEX 1
of the Commission Implementing Decision
on the Annual Action Programme 2015 part 2 in favour of Central Asia
Action Document for the Regional coordination and support for the EU – CA enhanced
regional cooperation on Environment, Water and Climate Change
1. Title/basic act/
CRIS number
Regional coordination and support for the EU – CA enhanced regional
cooperation on Environment, Water and Climate Change
CRIS number: 2015/038-060
financed under Development Cooperation Instrument
2. Zone benefiting
from the
action/location
Central Asian Countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
3. Programming
document
Multiannual Indicative Programme Regional Central Asia 2014-2020
4. Sector of
concentration/
thematic area
5. Amounts
concerned
Sustainable regional development: Energy, Environment/Water and
Socio-Economic development
6. Aid
modality(ies)
and
implementation
modality(ies)
7. DAC code(s)
8. Markers (from
CRIS DAC form)
The action shall be carried out at the following location: the Central
Asian countries and the EU
Total estimated cost: EUR 2 000 000
Total amount of EU budget contribution EUR 2 000 000
Project Modality
Direct management – procurement of services
14010 – Water resources policy and administrative management
General policy objective
Participation development/good
governance
Aid to environment
Gender equality (including Women
In Development)
Trade Development
[1]
Not
targeted
☐
Significant
objective
☐
Main
objective

☐
☐
☐


☐

☐
☐
Reproductive, Maternal, New born
and child health
RIO Convention markers
Biological diversity
Combat desertification
Climate change mitigation
Climate change adaptation

☐
☐
Not
targeted
☐
☐
☐
Significant
objective
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
Main
objective




Environment and Climate Change
9. Global Public
Goods and
Challenges (GPGC)
thematic flagships
SUMMARY
"Regional coordination and support for the EU – CA enhanced regional cooperation on
Environment, Water and Climate Change" (the Action) will continue the type of activities
carried out by the EU-funded project "Regional coordination and support for the EU – CA
enhanced regional cooperation on Environment and Water (WECOOP)". The Action fully
considers the climate change dimension and is fully aligned with key EU cooperation
priorities in the region, thus contributing addressing some of the key challenges in the Central
Asia. It will carry out activities detailed below aiming at 1) sustaining and developing
dialogues, 2) developing capacity of regional and national stakeholders through training and
policy advice and 3) strengthening links between the EU and Central Asia while increasing
awareness among specific target groups on climate change, water and environment. The
project will also notably aim at assuring better coordination and effectiveness of
implementation between EU funded regional and bilateral activities in the water-environment
and climate change nexus.
1
1.1
CONTEXT
Sector/Country/Regional context/Thematic area
The Central Asia region as covered by this Action comprises Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The region is characterised by varied geography,
including high passes and mountains (Tian Shan, Pamir), vast deserts (Kara Kum, Kyzyl
Kum, Taklamakan), and steppes. Major rivers of the region include the Amu Darya and the
Syr Darya. Major water bodies include the Aral Sea and the Lake Balkhash.
The Central Asian countries are strongly interdependent regarding their water and energy
resources and their environment. Hydropower resources are concentrated in the Kyrgyz
Republic and Tajikistan, the upstream countries of Central Asia’s Amu Darya and Syr Darya
rivers, and the hydrocarbon resources are concentrated in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and
Kazakhstan. The most challenging issues for Central Asia are increasing water deficiencies,
aggravated by the growing demand for water, and the degradation of aquatic and land
ecosystems. The management of regional water resources between competing demands for
human consumption, irrigation, industrial use and electricity production is essential.
[2]
Kazakhstan inherited, and continues to suffer from, significant environmental problems
including air and water pollution, land degradation, desertification, and water scarcity. Aware
of the significant existing and long-term costs related to not addressing these concerns in a
comprehensive way, Kazakhstan took the decision to transit to a green economy model, as
announced in the country's 2050 Strategy (December 2012) and further detailed in the
government's Green Economy Concept (adopted in May 2013) which proposes a
comprehensive set of sustainable-development initiatives in six priority sectors, such as water
resources, agriculture, energy efficiency, power sector, air pollution, and waste recycling. In
2013 Kazakhstan has launched the National Emission Trading System, which called for
further improvement of legal and regulatory frameworks. In January 2014 the State Water
Management Program for 2014-2040 was adopted aiming at improving water resources use
efficiency, ecosystems preservation, and trans-boundary water cooperation.
Kyrgyzstan is extremely vulnerable to the climate change impact. Food and energy safety
issues directly impacting poverty in the country can become particularly topical, the situation
with access to drinking water, water treatment and waste management has worsened during
the last decade. Key priorities of the Government's program include reforming policy making
and legislation, including interagency and inter-sectorial coordination through use of the
Strategic Environmental Assessment and wider public participation, development of national
policy on climate change, safeguarding biodiversity and rational use of natural resources and
developing international cooperation to resolve national ecological problems. The National
Sustainable Development Plan adopted in December 2013 includes measures for mitigating
impact and reducing ecological consequences of economic activities; preservation of
biodiversity and restoration of ecosystem, including forest, improvement of water supply and
sanitation, and measures on disasters risk mitigation and improved response.
Tajikistan is also extremely vulnerable to the impact of climate change. In 2007 the
Government adopted the Concept of Transition of the Republic of Tajikistan towards
Sustainable Development until 2030. This policy document defines overall priorities, strategic
objectives, tasks and stages of the implementation of the Concept. In 2008, the Government
approved the “Environmental Concept» aimed at rational use of natural resources, ensuring
that environmental conditions are favourable to the lives and health of the population, and at
poverty reduction. In 2010, the Government of Tajikistan approved the Action Plan to deliver
the objectives of the 2008 Environmental Concept. However, Tajikistan faces serious
limitations at the implementation stage of these policies. Specific environmental aspects are
also covered in the latest "Living Standards Improvement Strategy 2013-2015".
In 2010 Turkmenistan adopted the National Strategy for Economic, Political and Cultural
Development of Turkmenistan until 2030. The main strategic goal in terms of environmental
protection is conservation and recovery of nature. At present the new Water Code has been
elaborated introducing the principles of the Integrated Water Resources Management. The
National Strategy on Climate Change (adopted in 2012) aims at strengthening legal
environmental framework, identification of key issues and adoption and mitigation measures
on climate change.
Uzbekistan's current mid-term policy document on environmental protection and climate
change mitigation is the Programme of Actions on Nature Protection for 2008–2012, based on
the country's long-term National Sustainable Development Strategy adopted in 1997. The
Programme includes an action plan which is a table of actions to be undertaken with an
indication of actors, costs and time frames. It covers four major areas supported by 44
projects: 17 projects on environmental protection and ensuring environmental safety, 15 on
[3]
the rational use of natural resources and the introduction of environment-friendly methods of
economic activity and management, 8 on streamlining the legislative framework and the
development of environmental research, education and training, and 4 on international
cooperation and regional environmental safety.
1.1.1 Public Policy Assessment and EU Policy Framework
Governments of all Central Asian countries are aware of the seriousness of water and
environmental challenges both on national and regional levels. Countries have responded with
national and regional strategies and reforms, and have expressed interest to foster cooperation
with the European Union.
The EU Strategy for a New Partnership provides a framework for enhanced cooperation and
increased regional approach to foster integrated and efficient resources management, which
has taken the shape of the EU-Central Asia Platform for Cooperation on Environment and
Water.
In this framework, the implementation of the Strategy includes a structured political dialogue
with the Central Asian Countries through regular high-level meetings coordinated by Italy
with the support of the European External Action Services and the European Commission, in
order to ensure that the proposed priorities, as well as the undertaken actions, such as the EU
Cooperation programs, are in line with the national and regional priorities and interests. The
water-related cooperation issues are addressed more specifically through the EU Water
Initiative Eastern Europe Caucasus Central Asia (EECCA) Working Group chaired by
Romania.
During the third EU- Central Asia High Level Conference in Rome in 2009, stakeholders
agreed that the following areas will constitute the EU-Central Asia Platform for enhanced
cooperation: environmental governance, climate change, sustainable water management. A
regular dialogue was launched on how to address the threats posed by climate change in
Central Asia, and therefore agreed to establish a new EU-CA Working Group on
Environmental Governance and Climate Change (WG EGCC), led by Italy, that should also
help to strengthen policy cooperation at regional level and will provide guidance on
cooperation activities between EU and CA.
This process has been supported by the EU-funded project "Regional coordination and
support for the EU – CA enhanced regional cooperation on Environment and Water
(WECOOP)". This project since its inception in early 2012 supported the activities of the EUCentral Asia Platform, in particular two regional meetings of the WG EGCC held in Almaty
in September 2012 and June 2014, and the EU-Central Asia High Level Conference on
Environment and Water held in Bishkek in 2013. Number of regional and national thematic
seminars on environmental governance and climate change was held to strengthen capacity of
the national and regional stakeholders. The next high level conference is to be held in Milan
in 2015 to review the progress under the Platform, exchange the information on priorities and
actions, and to agree on further steps.
The policy dialogue is being supported by projects implemented under the EU Regional
Environmental Programme for Central Asia (EURECA) which is closing. The institutional
support and capacity building is provided to the trans-boundary river basin organisations. The
countries of the region are taking part in the Forest Law Enforcement and Governance
(FLEG) process concerning the protection and sustainability of forests in Eastern Europe,
South Caucasus and Central Asia and considering adoption of principles joining to SEIS.
[4]
Under the EU Water Initiative, four Central Asian States have established the intersectoral
National Policy Dialogues providing a platform to discuss acute problems of water supply and
sanitation and to promote principles of the integrated water resources management.
The environmental protection and climate change is a cross cutting issue of the EU
development aid and reflected in the EU bilateral assistance. For the period 2014-2020, the
following focal sectors of intervention have been identified at national level:




Kyrgyzstan – education, rule of law, rural development
Tajikistan – education, health, rural development
Turkmenistan- education
Uzbekistan – rural development
The emphasis on rural development in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan sets the scene
for an efficient coordination and optimisation in the design of the regional and bilateral
actions to be funded by the EU in the environment, water and the climate change nexus.
1.1.2
Stakeholder analysis
The Central Asian countries are aware that national approaches are insufficient to address
their water and environmental challenges, many of which are transboundary in their nature.
Bilateral and multilateral agreements adopted since independence during the 90s mainly
regulate water allocation and power issues. Regional cooperation was fostered through the
establishment of a regional institutional framework for water management and the
environmental protection. An Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) was
formed in 1992 and is currently located in Tashkent, which subsumed the two existing main
river basin water organisations (BWO), and was authorised to determine annual water
consumption limits in accordance with actual water availability. The ICWC includes as well a
Scientific Information Centre (SIC). BWOs, SIC ICWC and Secretariat - are executing bodies
of the ICWC. The following year, the Interstate Council on the Aral Sea (ICAS) and the
International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) were formed.
This regional institutional framework comprising ICAS, IFAS and ICWC, was soon endorsed
and supported by the international donor community. The Heads of States agreed on the
present hierarchy for the relations between main water governance institutions on 9 April
1999 in Ashgabat. An Executive Committee (EC) of IFAS was established in 1997 as its
working organ. The EC IFAS is a permanent body composed of 2 members from each state,
which implements all IFAS Board decisions via the National Branches of IFAS. In addition,
EC-IFAS, on behalf of the Board, could organise the Agencies or PMCU for the
implementation of different projects (international and donors). Under the chairmanship of
Kazakhstan, the EC IFAS has developed with support of the international donors the Aral Sea
Basin Programme 3 (ASBP-3), which was endorsed by the Central Asian Governments and
has been widely supported by the donors. In 2013 the regional office of the EC IFAS moved
to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and further programme for implementation of ASBP-3 is under
development.
Another structure, established in 1994 by the five countries, the Interstate Commission for
Sustainable Development (ICSD), has played an important role in supporting the UN ECE
Central Asian Initiative on Sustainable Development, prepared for World Summit on
Sustainable Development in Johannesburg (2002), by ensuring ownership of each of its
countries. The Regional Environmental Action Plan Focal Points and a regional working
[5]
group were established for the implementation of the REAP components and supporting
Framework Convention on Environmental Protection for Sustainable Development in Central
Asia.
Finally, the Central Asian Regional Environment Centre (CAREC) was established following
the decision of the 4th Pan European Conference “Environment for Europe” (Aarhus, 1998),
on the initiative of the CA states. It activities started in 2001, with headquarters in Almaty and
branch offices in each country. Similar to other RECs established in Central and Eastern
Europe, it was created as a non-profit organisation to support dialogue between NGOs,
governments and businesses.
1.1.3
Priority areas for support/problem analysis
The region is environmentally at risk and vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change
which exacerbates regional tensions over the management of shared resources – notably
energy and water - and desertification. Collaboration between CA countries, promoting an
environment conducive to a non-confrontational approach within the region, notably in areas
sensitive for overall political and social stability has been highlighted as a major regional
issue1.
Climate change, population growth, industrialisation, urbanisation and deforestation are
creating a huge burden on the water resources of the region, with potentially devastating
consequences, in particular for the more vulnerable parts of the population. Addressing these
challenges requires improved governance, more effective institutions, increased awareness
and enhanced capacities to ensure long-term sustainable management between competing
demands for human consumption, irrigation, industrial use and electricity production.
2
RISKS AND ASSUMPTIONS
Risks
Risk
Mitigating measures
level
(H/M/L)
1
Some countries might consider one
area as a bigger priority than the
other and might therefore only sent
experts for these specific priorities.
Medium
EU will make sure that all the relevant
experts are invited and will strongly
encourage them to participate.
The main risk stems from the fact
that governments have divergent
interests in certain aspects covered
by the Action, notably in the field
of transboundary water
management.
Medium
The risk would be mitigated through
ensuring
highly
transparent
and
participative approach with particular
emphasis on success stories and best
practices, demonstrating benefits derived
from regional cooperation (i.e. pilot
projects).
Multiannual Indicative Programme Regional Central Asia 2014-2020
[6]
It should be backed up by the
comprehensive
communication
and
information dissemination activities, as
well as the training programme for the
national and regional stakeholders.
Low
Specific work programme to follow up the
agreements reached during the meeting
will be established and monitored
Other risks related to the
implementation of phase II of this
programme are whether the
commitment expressed during
stakeholder
consultations
and
Ministerial Conferences is enacted
in practice through the individual
Central Asian partner countries
taking the initiative to participate
and also to actively contribute to
the dialogue forums and related
activities
of
the
Platform.
Experience of the first phase of the
project has shown that there is a
great interest in and commitment
for this kind of cooperation and
dialogue.
Assumptions
The Action is based on the assumption that governments of Central Asia countries will keep
topics related to water, environment, and climate change and consultations among them as
well as dialogue and cooperation with the EU, high on their respective agenda. This
assumption is confirmed by the commitments made at the high level meeting in Bishkek in
February 2013.
The second assumption is that regional institutions charged with addressing water/
environment/climate change topics will maintain, and fulfil, their functions and that
sufficient capacity at national and regional levels is continued to be mobilised for
participation in the activities
3
3.1
LESSONS LEARNT, COMPLEMENTARITY AND CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES
Lessons learnt
Previous experience of the EU-CA Platform for Environment and Water Cooperation shows
that:
-
the dialogue platform offered by the EU bringing together all stakeholders including civil
society is accepted and appreciated by all partner countries;
given the transboundary nature of the issues addressed under the platform, the regional
approach of this program associating all stakeholders is the only one valid;
[7]
-
-
-
-
-
-
3.2
the demand-driven nature of the Platform should be maintained and the support offered to
the various partners need to be differentiated;
partner countries have established several transnational institutions dealing with water and
environmental issues. Their support to the Platform remains critical in order to achieve
sustainable results;
flexibility is key for successful regional activities to be able to adapt quickly to rapidly
changing political and economical environment of the CA countries, inhomogeneous in
many terms but tied up by the common past and shared resources. This applies to the
Platform as well;
further institutional strengthening of the Platform is needed to ensure follow up and
sustainability of the dialogue ( national focal point, working programme on follow up and
capacity development activities under WG EGCC);
further coordination through the Platform would contribute to enhancing the national legal
base and regulations, in particular in regards to implementation of Multilateral
Environmental Agreements promoting transboundary cooperation, public participation
and inclusive growth;
along with the inter-country cooperation, the establishment of effective inter-institutional
and intersectoral coordination mechanisms such as the one offered by the Platform is
critical because the response to environmental issues depends to a large extent of actions
in other sectors, such as transport , health, disaster risk management, agriculture, energy;
Continuing efforts in awareness raising on the potential risks associated with climate
change, support updating existing programs and develop new projects on climate change
adaptation and mitigation is necessary.
Complementarity, synergy and donor coordination
The EU is implementing the number of actions at regional and national levels aimed at
strengthening water, energy and environmental cooperation and addressing institutional and
technical bottlenecks. The EU Regional Environmental Programme for Central Asia
(EURECA), which will close in 2015, tackles issues such as trans-boundary water
cooperation and water management (WMBOCA)2, forest management, biodiversity,
environmental monitoring (FLERMONECA)3, and environmental awareness raising
(AWARE)4.
Exceptional Assistance Measure to provide “conflict prevention related to water and energy
issues in Central Asia” under the instrument contributing to Peace and Stability will focus on
promoting dialogue for conflict prevention related to environment, water and energy issues in
Central Asia and on the media for improved reporting on environment and natural resources.
In April 2013 the EU Regional Sustainable Energy Programme (CASEP)5 has been launched,
aimed at enhancing the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency in five
Central Asian Countries.
2
waterca.org
www.flermoneca.org/
4
www.carecnet.org
5
www.casepresee.org
3
[8]
Other activities funded by the EU in the field of water and environment are the support to the
National Water Policy Dialogues in four Central Asian States6 and the investment projects
funded by the Investment Facility for Central Asia.
In April 2015, the EU bilateral project (EUR 7.3 million) has been launched to support the
transition of Kazakhstan to green economy, focusing on introducing green economy
principles into the water resources management and action for fighting the climate change.
The action is implemented jointly with UNDP and UNECE.
The EU bilateral programme "Sustainable Management of Water Resources in rural areas in
Uzbekistan" was approved in 2014 with total amount of EUR 20 million to strengthen
technical and institutional capacities for water management at national, basin and farm level
while increasing the awareness on rational water use and related resources. Under its
Component 1, the programme foresees assistance for legal framework and policy advice on
water resources issues. This component will be delegated to GIZ and other EU agencies.
Two EU Member States, Germany and Finland are in particular active in the sector at the
regional level. In the framework of the Berlin process, Germany, in cooperation with UNECE,
has started the third phase of a programme on Trans-boundary Water Management for the five
Central Asian countries (EUR 10 million grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Germany for the period 2009-2011, and EUR 15 million for the period 2012-2014). Finland
has launched a Water Management Programme to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (EUR 8 million
for the period 2014-2017). The programme aims at equitable and sustainable management of
water resources, including trans-boundary waters. Specific activities encompass building
national capacity for application of integrated water resources management, advancing transboundary water co-operation, strengthening access to water and sanitation and adaptation to
climate variability and change.
The World Bank is undertaking the Central Asia Energy Water Development Programme
(CAEWDP), co-funded by DFID, SECO and the European Commission. CAEWDP aimed at
building regional energy and water security through enhanced regional cooperation.
CAEWDP is structured on four main components (i) energy generation, (ii) energy trade, (iii)
energy-water linkages, and (iv) water productivity. The World Bank is developing the
Climate Resilience Program for Central Asia, which was discussed with the Central Asian and
Development Partners in May 2014 during the Climate Knowledge Forum.
The Action will support donor cooperation and coordination on the environment, water and
climate change related issues, involving the EU Delegations in the countries, the UNDP,
UNECE, OECD, FAO, the World Bank, EIB, ADB and the EBRD, the OSCE, bilateral
donors (governments of Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Norway,
Slovakia, Switzerland, USA and others) active in the region for ongoing and future projects.
The major donors, representatives of the EU Delegations, EU MS and International
Organisations active in the field will take part at the meetings of the Platform, which will
serve as a regional platform for donors’ coordination. In countries, where no specific donor
coordination mechanism for environment/climate change/water exists, the Action is designed
to support coordination between donors. Particular attention will be paid to other relevant
projects initiated/supported by the European Union and EU Member States.
6
www.unece.org/env/water/npd
[9]
3.3
Cross-cutting issues
The Action will address several crosscutting issues, in particular environmental sustainability
through enhancing cooperation and building partnership on water and environment issues.
The programme also aims to strengthen national and local institutional capacities. The
Commission will ensure that gender balance is maintained in the project activities, notably in
the forums for dialogue and in the training and capacity building activities.
4
DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION
The Action will continue the type of activities carried out by the EU-funded project "Regional
coordination and support for the EU – CA enhanced regional cooperation on Environment and
Water (WECOOP)" and be fully aligned with key EU cooperation priorities in the region and
will contribute to addressing some of the key challenges by the Central Asia region. It will
carry out activities detailed below aiming at 1) sustaining and developing dialogues,
2) developing capacity of regional and national stakeholders through training and policy
advice and 3) strengthening links between the EU and Central Asia while increasing
awareness among specific target groups on climate change, water and environment.
4.1
Objectives/results
The overall Objective is to promote the stable and peaceful sustainable development of
Central Asia countries and to facilitate closer regional cooperation both within Central Asia
and between Central Asia and the EU.
The specific Objective is to further develop and ensure effectiveness and visibility of the EUCentral Asia Water, Environment and Climate Change dialogue and cooperation, in particular
through the EU-CA Water, Environment and Climate Cooperation platform, aimed at
improved policies, increased capacities and enhanced regional cooperation, both between the
EU and Central Asia and within Central Asian region.
Result 1: Enhanced regional dialogue between EU and Central Asia countries and
strengthened coordination capacities on environment, water and climate action, in particular
through the Environment, Water and Climate Cooperation Platform and the Working Group
on Environmental Governance and Climate Change;
Result 2: Policy making and implementation on water/environment/climate change issues in
CA responds more adequately to existing challenges and increasingly incorporates
international best practices;
Result 3: Communication/mapping/analysis/networking as well as visibility of the EU
support is enhanced.
4.2
Main activities
The main activities will be carried out along the following components/areas of work, in line
with the achievement of political dialogue and specific requests by Central Asia countries:
[10]
Activities related to Result 1 - Dialogues
To achieve this result, and building on the achievements of WECOOP project, a significant
number of working group's meetings, conferences, seminars and thematic workshops, such as
EU-Central Asia Ministerial Conference(s) on Water, Environment and Climate Change and
the EU-Central Asia Working Group on Environmental Governance and Climate Change will
be organized. Topics of these events will be demand-driven, in line with the outcomes of the
Fourth EU-Central Asia High Level Conference on Environment and Water held in Bishkek
in February 2013 and will consider inter alia mainstreaming environmental information and
knowledge; developing shared environmental information system; regularly carried out
environmental impact assessment; focusing on EU-CA Climate Change Strategies and
Policies (adaptation and mitigation); enhancing cooperation in the field of integrated water
resource management and water supply sanitation; promoting cooperation and synergies with
international partners and NGOs; and determining the regional and national priorities in this
context. After each event recommendations and an Action plan for implementation will be
developed. The project will (i) provide technical and secretarial support to the preparation,
organization and follow-up of these events; (ii) promote institutional linkages between EU
and CA institutions/ agencies addressing water, environment and climate change nexus; and
(iii) strengthen coordination capacities of relevant national government or regional
agencies/institutions and mainstreaming environmental concerns into other sectoral policies.
Activities related to Result 2 - Training and Policy advice
Building on the achievements of WECOOP project, activities under this component will
include demand-driven policy advice delivered to partner countries by consultants recruited
under the project, as well as trainings and capacity building measures on issues related to
environmental governance, climate change and sustainable water management, offered to
stakeholders from all partner countries. This component will also include activities aimed to
build enhanced cooperation between European agencies and Central Asian inter-state regional
structures such as IFAS, ICWC, and ISCD.
Activities related to Result 3 - Communication/mapping/analysis/networking
Building on the achievements of WECOOP project, activities under this component will
include (i) the maintenance of a website aimed to disseminate relevant information in a userfriendly manner, (ii) dialogue among stakeholders and international development partners in
order to increase synergies and reduce overlaps, (iii) increase the visibility of EU involvement
in the sector; (iv) enhance coordination with other EU-funded activities; (iv) increase
awareness among specific target groups on climate change, water and environment; (v) carry
out specific studies aimed to provide input into national and regional decision support systems
on climate change, water and environment; (vi) update of relevant information and project
database aimed to enhance information and coordination among stakeholders; (vii) provide
updates, assessments and analysis on programs and projects in water/environment/climate
action in the region. Use updated tools to communicate about relevant water/environment
issues with and to stakeholders.
[11]
4.3
Intervention logic
The Action will provide a practical tool for enhanced and structured policy dialogue, policy
advice, capacity development for the national authorities, institutional strengthening for the
regional organisations and exchange of information aimed at coordinating the response to the
environmental and climate change challenges in the region. The mapping of
projects/initiatives to be carried out under result (3) sets up the base for the proper
identification of issues of regional dimension, which may direct in turn a coordinated regional
and bilateral response. The mapping also sets the ground for an enhanced coordination of
activities between donors which will be exploited to its full potential.
It is expected that the dialogues to be carried out under result (1) will set the scene for
constructive exchanges between the regional stakeholders, including civil society
organisations, reinforce mutual ownership for regional activities and in particular
transboundary cooperation and thus highlight the positive role of the EU in the region.
The activities to be conducted under result (2) will permit reinforcing bridges and exchanges
between regional specialists (including policy makers, economists, lawyers, engineers) based
on EU best practices which are therefore better apprehended and adhered to all through the
region. The activities under result (2) will also ensure that the political debate also builds
upon sound technical background.
Highlighting issues of regional dimension, the Action will also provide the tool for
coordination and synergy with all relevant initiatives, programs and projects brought forward
in the area by international organizations, donor countries and civil societies.
5
5.1
IMPLEMENTATION
Financing agreement
In order to implement this Action, it is not foreseen to conclude a financing agreement with
the partner country, referred to in Article 184(2)(b) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No
966/2012.
5.2
Indicative implementation period
The indicative operational implementation period of this Action, during which the activities
described in section 4.2 will be carried out and the corresponding contracts and agreements
implemented, is 60 months from the date of adoption by the Commission of this Action
Document.
Extensions of the implementation period may be agreed by the Commission’s authorising
officer responsible by amending this decision and the relevant contracts and agreements; such
amendments to this decision constitute technical amendments in the sense of point (i) of
Article 2(3)(c) of Regulation (EU) No 236/2014.
5.3
Implementation modalities
5.3.1.1 Procurement (direct management)
[12]
Subject in generic terms, if possible
Type (works, Indicative
Indicative
supplies,
number of trimester
of
services)
contracts
launch of the
procedure
Regional coordination and support for the Services
EU – CA enhanced regional cooperation
on Environment, Water and Climate
Change
1
3 trimester of
2015
In order to ensure the launch of the procurement procedure in the intended trimester and
subject to a prior approval by the responsible authority, the Contracting Authority intends to
launch a tender procedure with a suspension clause before the financing decision is adopted
by the Commission. .
5.4
Scope of geographical eligibility for procurement and grants
The geographical eligibility in terms of place of establishment for participating in
procurement and grant award procedures and in terms of origin of supplies purchased as
established in the basic act and set out in the relevant contractual documents shall apply.
The Commission’s authorising officer responsible may extend the geographical eligibility in
accordance with Article 9(2)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 236/2014 on the basis of urgency or of
unavailability of products and services in the markets of the countries concerned, or in other
duly substantiated cases where the eligibility rules would make the realisation of this Action
impossible or exceedingly difficult.
5.5
Indicative budget
EU
contribution
(amount in
EUR)
Indicative
third party
contribution,
in currency
identified
5.3.1.1 - Regional coordination and support for the EU –
CA enhanced regional cooperation on Environment, Water
and Climate Change
2 000 000
N.A.
Totals
2 000 000
N.A
Procurement (direct management)
5.6
Organisational set-up and responsibilities
The policy dialogue will be coordinated by the EU and EU MS. A senior government official,
ideally a Deputy Prime Minister or Minister of a hosting partner country, is expected to cochair the High Level meetings. The meetings of the Working Groups are expected to be cochaired by the responsible Deputy Minister of the hosting partner country. No specific
[13]
Steering Groups will be established. The planning, reporting and consultation will be
supervised and approved by the established mechanisms mentioned above. The EU
Delegations of the Central Asian region will be systematically invited to nominate
representatives in the main meetings/events.
For coordination of activities at regional level, a regular donor coordination mechanism
chaired by the EU will be established.
5.7
Performance monitoring and reporting
The day-to-day technical and financial monitoring of the implementation of this Action will
be a continuous process and part of the implementing partner’s responsibilities. To this aim,
the implementer of the Action shall establish a permanent internal, technical and financial
monitoring system for the Action and elaborate regular progress reports (not less than annual)
and final reports. Every report shall provide an accurate account of implementation of the
Action, difficulties encountered, changes introduced, as well as the degree of achievement of
its results (outputs and direct outcomes) as measured by corresponding indicators, using as
reference the logframe matrix. The report shall be laid out in such a way as to allow
monitoring of the means envisaged and employed and of the budget details for the Action.
The final report, narrative and financial, will cover the entire period of the Action
implementation.
The Commission may undertake additional project monitoring visits both through its own
staff and through independent consultants recruited directly by the Commission for
independent monitoring reviews (or recruited by the responsible agent contracted by the
Commission for implementing such reviews).
5.8
Evaluation
Having regard to the nature of the Action, a mid-term evaluation will be carried out for this
Action or its components via independent consultants contracted by the Commission.
It will be carried out for problem solving, learning purposes in particular with respect to the
intention to launch a subsequent phase of the action.
The Commission shall inform the implementing partner at least 2 months in advance of the
dates foreseen for the evaluation missions. The implementing partner shall collaborate
efficiently and effectively with the evaluation experts, and inter alia provide them with all
necessary information and documentation, as well as access to the project premises and
activities.
The evaluation reports shall be shared with the partner country and other key stakeholders.
The implementing partner and the Commission shall analyse the conclusions and
recommendations of the evaluations and, where appropriate, in agreement with the partner
country, jointly decide on the follow-up actions to be taken and any adjustments necessary,
including, if indicated, the reorientation of the project.
The financing of the evaluation shall be covered by another measure constituting a financing
decision.
[14]
5.9
Audit
Without prejudice to the obligations applicable to contracts concluded for the implementation
of this Action, the Commission may, on the basis of a risk assessment, contract independent
audits or expenditure verification assignments for one or several contracts or agreements.
The financing of the audit shall be covered by another measure constituting a financing
decision.
5.10 Communication and visibility
Communication and visibility of the EU is a legal obligation for all external actions funded by
the EU.
This Action shall contain communication and visibility measures which shall be based on a
specific Communication and Visibility Plan of the Action, to be elaborated at the start of
implementation and supported with the budget indicated in section 5.5 above.
In terms of legal obligations on communication and visibility, the measures shall be
implemented by the Commission, the partner country, contractors, grant beneficiaries and/or
entrusted entities. Appropriate contractual obligations shall be included in, respectively, the
financing agreement, procurement and grant contracts, and delegation agreements.
The Communication and Visibility Manual for European Union External Action shall be used
to establish the Communication and Visibility Plan of the Action and the appropriate
contractual obligations.
The Service Contract will include appropriate provisions for EU visibility in the context of
project implementation.
In addition, the following additional mechanisms are anticipated:

Development of a formal communication and visibility programme during the
Inception Phase which, subject to modification as circumstances dictate, should be
applied to all deliverables of the project at regional and national level;

Development of a formal dissemination and communication programme, so that
project activities and outputs can be made available to all beneficiary countries;

Creation of a centralised project website with all approved deliverables available in
downloadable format.
[15]
APPENDIX - INDICATIVE LOGFRAME MATRIX 7
The activities, the expected outputs and all the indicators, targets and baselines included in the logframe matrix are indicative and may be
updated during the implementation of the Action without an amendment to the financing decision. The indicative logframe matrix will
evolve during the lifetime of the Action: new lines will be added for listing the activities as well as new columns for intermediary targets
(milestones) when it is relevant and for reporting purpose on the achievement of results as measured by indicators.
Overall objective: Impact
Intervention logic
To promote the stable
and
peaceful
sustainable
development of Central
Asia countries and to
facilitate closer regional
cooperation both within
Central
Asia
and
between Central Asia
and the EU.
Indicators
High Level
Security
Dialogue established
EU-CA Drug Action Plan
established
EU-CA
Structured
Human Right Dialogue
established
EU-CA Rule of Law
Initiative established
EU-CA
Education
Initiative established
EU-CA
Platform
on
Enhanced
Cooperation
Water and Environment
established
Regular
Summits
of
Specialised
Regional
Organisations (IFAS)
7
Baselines
Targets
(incl. reference year)
(incl. reference year)
2008-2010
Dialogues
established
All high level
dialogues and
initiatives
maintained
(2016-2019)
Sources and means
of verification
Assumptions
- Evaluation
reports on the
implementation of
the EU strategy
for Central Asia
Political
commitment by
the
five countries;
Political
stability;
Stable
economic
development;
Proceedings/
Press releases of
Summit
1 in 2009
1 biannually
(2018 and
2020)
Mark indicators aligned with the relevant programming document mark with '*' and indicators aligned to the EU Results Framework with '**'.
* Multiannual Indicative Programme Regional Central Asia 2014-2020
[16]
Cultural
differences
overcome.
Specific objective(s):
Outcome(s)
Outputs
Further development,
effectiveness and
visibility of the
Environment and Water
Cooperation Platform
aimed at improved
policies, increased
capacities and enhanced
regional cooperation,
both between the EU
and Central Asia and
within Central Asia.
Number
of
Strategies/Action Plans 13 available in 10 additional
ones by 2019
on
Environmental 2014
governance and Climate
Change adaptation and
mitigation drafted with
EU support*
1 biannually
with extension
Regular
EU-CA 1 biannually
of scope to
Ministerial meetings on
Climate
Environment and Water
Change
(2016 and
2019)
1. Enhanced regional Annual
work
Every year
dialogue between EU programme
of
the
(2016-2019)
and CA countries and Platform discussed and
strengthened
agreed
coordination capacities
on environment, water - Total Number of 13
20
and climate action, in organised High level (2012-2014)
(2016-2019)
particular through the meetings and regional
Environment,
Water workshops / seminars/
and
Climate conferences;
Cooperation Platform
and the Working Group Number
of
Climate 5 under
5 developed
on
Environmental Change
development
(2019)
Governance
and mitigation/adaptation
(2015)
Climate Change.
plans
developed
at
national level
2. Policy making and
implementation
on Number
of
capacity 2 regional
1 regional
[17]
Action website
Proceedings/Press
releases of
meetings
Action website
water/environment
issues in CA responds
more adequately to
existing challenges and
increasingly
incorporates
international practices.
3.
Communication/mappin
g/analysis/networking
as well as visibility of
the EU support is
enhanced.
building programmes on (2012-2014)
Environmental
Monitoring and reporting
Information Systems
(2017-2020)
Number
of
transboundary agreements and
interstate river basin
organisations
Number of visits to the
project website
4500 per year
(2016-2019)
Number specific visibility
events organised by the
Action annually
1
(2016-2019)
Mapping of regional
project in place and
publicly released annually
1
(2016-2019)
[18]
Action
website
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