Download Priority - Global Environment Facility

Biodiversity Enabling Activity
Proposal for additional funding
Country:
Project Title:
GEF Focal Area:
Country Eligibility
Government Contribution (in kind)
Estimated total budget
GEF Implementing Agency
National Executing Agency
GEF Operational Focal Point
CBD Focal Point
CHM Focal Point
Estimated Starting Date
Project Duration
I.
Lebanon
Assessment of capacity building needs and country specific
priorities in biodiversity
Biological Diversity
Lebanon ratified the CBD in 1994
US$45,000
US$100,000
UNDP
Ministry of Environment
Dr. Berj Hatijian, Director General of the Ministry of Environment
Ms. Lara Samaha, Ministry of Environment
Ms. Lara Samaha, Ministry of Environment
1 February 2001
10 Months
Status of the Biodiversity Enabling Activity:
In 1995-1996, the Ministry of Agriculture on behalf of the Government of Lebanon completed the first Country
Study on Biological Diversity. Nine biodiversity assessment reports were developed and disseminated to
relevant ministries, government and non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and donor agencies.
These reports include 1) species checklist, 2) socio-economic factors affecting biodiversity, 3) terrestrial flora,
4) terrestrial fauna, 5) marine fauna and flora, 6) freshwater fauna and flora, 7) agricultural and livestock
habitats, 8) nature reserves, and 9) national capacity and economic evaluation of biodiversity
In 1998, the Ministry of Environment received an initial GEF enabling activity assistance (US$145,000) to
complete the First National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. In late 1998, an additional CHM request
granted the MoE US$9,500 to enable the staff of the biodiversity Unit to use electronic e-mails and Internet
service and to have access to global biodiversity knowledge. The NBSAP, which is the main outcome of the
biodiversity enabling project, was completed in early 1999 and was distributed to all relevant government
departments and ministries, NGO stakeholders, key individuals and academic institutions for information
dissemination and consultation. , In late 1999, the NBSAP was endorsed by National Biodiversity Steering
Committee on behalf of the Government of Lebanon.
The main outcomes/outputs of the biodiversity-enabling project in addition to the NBSAP document include:
1) Establishment of a multi-sectoral national steering committee on biodiversity;
2) Biodiversity stocktaking and assessment reports completed based on existing knowledge;
3) Extensive dialogue and consultations conducted with various stakeholders to identify and analyze options
for biodiversity conservation;
4) A first national report completed and submitted to the CoP/CBD;
5) Public awareness and participation actively promoted through various tools and activities:
 establishment of a web-site (net:http//www.moe.gov.lb),
 production of a TV spot expressing importance of national biological heritage,
 preparation of posters (2000 copies) representing cycle of life with Arabic and English sub-titles,
 preparation and distribution of pamphlets (800) covering information on key plant and animal species,
 distribution of caps, pads and folders carrying biodiversity identifications to workshop participants,
 organization of two national workshops and 4 provincial in different regions of the country with a total
participation of 500 individuals, and dissemination of proceedings of workshops (110 English copies,
400 Arabic copies) to participants and interested individuals and institutions
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II.
Objectives
The overall objective of the add-on is to assist the Ministry of Environment in further assessing national capacity
building needs, identify specific priorities, analyzing institutional and functional capabilities and determining
mechanisms necessary to protect national biodiversity in accordance with the NBSAP recommendations, and the
GEF and CoP/CBD guidelines.
The add-on assistance also will enable the MoE undertake the consultative process required for preparation of
the Second National Report and submission of the report within the limited time allowed by decision V/19 of the
CoP/CBD.
III.
Priorities for Capacity Building Needs
Three add-on priorities have been selected from within the BSAP recommendations through a collaborative
process involving the BSAP coordination team, MoE, the biodiversity Steering Committee, the CBD-CHM
Focal Point, and UNDP. These priorities amongst many others were previously discussed/negotiated at several
provincial meetings and were presented at the second national BSAP workshop held in late 1998. UNDP-GEF
had assisted the national coordination team in the final selection of the three priorities.
1.
Assess needs, identify priorities and build consensus on the Implementation of measures for in
situ and ex situ conservation and sustainable use through development and promotion of sustainable ecotourism
The NBSAP clearly identified sustainable development of ecotourism as an essential component of national
efforts aimed at covering recurrent and long-term costs of conservation and sustainable use of biological
diversity. Several options have been put forth by the NBSAP with the aim to integrating biological conservation
with sustainable development of the ecotourist sector. These included highlighting traditional and artistic
significance of the sea and the coastal zone ecosystem by encouraging non-destructive and biodiversity friendly
activities and marine oriented traditional industries. Also, enhancing concepts of integrated village system by
developing traditional alternative livelihood, and establishing an ecotourism oriented network of nature reserves
in major eco-geographic areas promoting conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Having clearly identified its priority objectives, the biodiversity strategy and action plan relatively fell short in
identifying the type and level of capacity building measures and tools needed to ensure conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity through effective and well-regulated ecotourism. This add on proposal will
complement the NBSAP by allowing a working group of national and international experts to brainstorm with
relevant stakeholders to reach consensus on specific capacity building needs, responsibility sharing, training,
financing mechanisms and funding management promoting sustainable and biodiversity friendly ecotourism.
The WG will meet with all various stakeholder groups starting from the Ministries of Environment and Tourism,
the private sector, the NGO community, the BSAP Steering Committee to compile an assessment report and an
action plan outlining options, strategies and actions responding to capacity building constraints hindering
sustainable ecotourism. The kind of capacity development activities, effective legislation requirements, roles and
responsibilities of stakeholder groups, human resources, training and awareness needed to ensure sustainable
ecotourism will be suggested. A national workshop will be convened towards the end of the project to present
the WG participatory approach in reaching national consensus on the issue and to discuss the WG outcomes and
recommendations.
2:
Assess capacity building needs necessary to evaluate and mitigate specific threats to components
of biological diversity in Lebanon
The NBSAP during the course of stocktaking had identified several anthropogenic, economic and
developmental pressures and activities standing against biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
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Many issues such as hunting, overgrazing, excessive herb collection amongst others have not been adequately
tackled due to lack of capacity building and responsibility sharing, ineffective legislation and unregulated
enforcement. The NBSAP has urged the relevant agencies to place special consideration to biodiversity
protection through effective regulation of the use of biodiversity and the natural ecosystems they are part of.
Dynamic efforts by the Ministry of Environment, and many other governmental and non-governmental agencies
have led to the revision of several legislature related to biodiversity conservation. The preparation of
fundamental guidelines especially related to environmental impact assessment and environmental monitoring
have been accomplished, however legal framework capacity relevant to mitigating specific threats to biological
diversity is still ad hoc and requires further assessment.
The add on request will build on the NBSAP and the BCS recommendations by allowing the establishment of a
working group of biodiversity experts to undertake a participatory approach involving all relevant stakeholders,
representatives from various sectors and actors with impact on biodiversity to articulate an assessment report
and a work plan specifically identifying capacity building requirements needed to mitigate threats affecting
native and globally important bioloigical diversity.
A national workshop culminating the efforts of the working group will be convened towards the end of the
project to present/discuss outcomes and recommendations. The WG report and workplan will be incorporated
into the overall capacity building report summarizing the requirements and capacity building needed for
effective biodiversity legislation, responsibility sharing between relevant stakeholders, mechanisms for
community involvement, financial mechanism and fund management.
3.
Assessment of capacity building needs to improve coordination between national institutions and
scientists and determine national taxonomic priorities
During its preparation, the team of the Country Study on Biodiversity (1995-1996) was successful in involving a
large number of national scientists and experts working in taxonomy. This group effort culminated in the
production of a species checklist for the country. In its recommendations, however, the NBSAP has emphasized
the need for taxonomists in various biological fields. In light of the fact that the number of taxonomists world
wide is relatively limited and that many of biodiversity conservation activities require interdisciplinary teams of
expert, Lebanon is at a stage where there is a need to evaluate capacity building needs and scientific expertise in
fields related to biodiversity. The add on will aim to address this need by establishing a working group of
experts to undertake a training-needs assessment with the aim of improving national taxonomic capacities in all
fields related to biodiversity conservation. Such an assessment also will enable Lebanon to identify priorities for
formalizing collaboration between national, regional, and/or international institutions.
An action plan summarizing an assessment report will be the main output of this activity. Priorities envisioned to
address the issue include identifying resources to enhance availability of taxonomic information, identifying key
regional and international institutions to establish collaborations and partnership in taxonomic activities,
assessing current infrastructure for national taxonomic collections, promoting coordination between various
institutions, and designating a national reference center in taxonomy related fields. A national workshop will be
convened towards the end of the project to present the WG approach in reaching national consensus on the issue
and to discuss WG outcomes and recommendations.
IV.
Coverage without duplication
The present project will be based on existing information and priorities established by the NBSAP. In addition,
there are a number of activities underway in the country, which complement the proposed Capacity Building
Needs Assessment:
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The ‘Code de l' Environment’ Law Project. Implementing Agency: World Bank. The law has been drafted
and has been submitted to the Council of Ministers and is currently waiting of endorsement in the House of
Representative.
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Develop an environmental monitoring program for pollutants and other bio-indicators to identify hot spots
and land-based sources of pollution. LEDO (Lebanese Environment and Development Obseratory)
Supported by UNDP/EU. Implementing Agency: Ministry of Environment.
Protected Areas Project. 1996-2001. Supported by UNDP/GEF. Implementing Agency: Ministry of
Environment.
Develop guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment and establish an EIA unit at the Ministry of
Environment. Supported by World Bank. Implementing Agency: Ministry of Environment (UPP: Unit of
Planning and Programming).
Dryland Agrobiodiversity Project. 1999-2004. Support by UNDP/GEF. Implementing Agency Lebanese
Agricultural Research Institute. Regional project.
Darwin Project in Coastal Vegetation Survey and Conservation for Lebanon. 1999-2002. Supported by the
Darwin Initiative, UK. Implementing Agency: American University of Beirut and the Royal Botanic
Gardens at Kew.
Protected Areas Law Project. Ministry of Environment. The law has been drafted and tabled with the
Council of Ministers.
Updating of the Lebanese Hunting Law Project. Ministry of Environment. A proposed new law has been
drafted to replace the law of 18/6/ 1952 and tabled with the Council of Ministers.
A National Action Plan and Strategy Framework for Sustainable Tourism Development in Lebanon has
been completed. This project was support by UNEP. Implementing Agency: Coordinating Unit for the
Mediterranean Action Plan. Endorsed by the Ministries of Environment and Tourism.
Projects in preparation
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V.
Conservation of Wetlands and Coastal Zones in the Mediterranean. Supported by UNDP/FFEM.
Implementing Agency Ministry of Environment. Regional project.
Small Grant Program. Supported by UNDP/GEF. Implementing Agency: UNDP in collaboration with the
Ministry of Environment.
Conservation and sustainable management of globally significant bird habitats in the East Palearctic-West
Arabian Flyway. Supported by UNDP/GEF. Implementing Agency: NGO (Association for Nature
conservation) under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment. Regional project.
Strategic Action Plan for the integrated management of the international watershed of Al-Kabeer river.
Supported by UNDP/GEF. Implementing Agency: Ministry of Electrical and Water resources. Bilateral
project involving Syria and Lebanon.
Biodiversity conservation in Akkar. Supported by UNDP/GEF. Implementing Agency: Ministry of
Agriculture.
Biodiversity conservation generation through sustainable use of natural resources at Yammouneh.
Supported by WB/GEF. Implementing Agency: Ministry of Environment.
Addressing the insect infestation of the Tannourine-Hadath El Jebbeh Cedar Forests. Supported by
UNEP/GEF. Implementing Agency: Ministry of Environment.
Institutional Framework and Project Implementation
Responsibility for the execution of the add on request including the preparation of the second national report and
the assessment of capacity building needs and the reporting to the UNDP/GEF will rest within the Ministry of
Environment.
Under the supervision and overall planning of the Ministry of the Environment, the National Steering Committee
will be expanded to include members from key governmental institutions that are responsible for environmental
management (Agriculture, Urban planning, Municipalities, Mohafaza, Caza, CDR, Roads and Planning, Council
of Grand Project, Ministry of Transportation, Department of Antiquities, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of
housing, Ministry of Hydraulic and electrical resources, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of urban affairs,
Ministry of Public works, Ministry of industry and Petroleum). The National Steering
Committee will also include members from local NGOs, universities, research institutions, and the private
sector. The National Steering Committee will advise, guide and provide contact and information to the project
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task force, which will enable the latter to efficiently gather information and opinions from the various sectors of
the country.
The enabling project coordination unit, which is still operational within the Ministry of Environment, will
continue to serve project implementation and daily operations.
UNDP CO in Beirut will provide overall technical and administrative backstopping to the project, and will
monitor project implementation as per regular UNDP rules and procedures.
An Add on Project Coordinator will be recruited at the onset of the project to be responsible for the daily
management and coordination of project activities including organization of meetings and workshops,
synthesizing assessment reports and workplans and submission of reports to the government for endorsement. The
project Coordinator will ensure incorporation of add-on results, outcomes and reports into Lebanon national reports
on biodiversity and will ensure submission of reports through to the CoP/CBD.
Under the supervision of the Project Coordinator, three working groups will be established mainly from the PIU,
national consultants, regional or international experts and where relevant members from the Steering Committee.
The Project Coordinator will prepare ToRs for all working groups and consultants to be recruited by the project and
will elaborate detailed workplans for implementation.
The Implementing Agency and the GEF focal point in Lebanon have satisfied themselves that the proposal for
additional funding complies with the Operational Criteria for the expedited financing of biodiversity enabling
activities.
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Table 1. Priorities for capacity building needs
Priority
Assess needs, identify
priorities and build
consensus
on
the
implementation
of
measures for in situ and
ex situ conservation
and sustainable use
through development
and
promotion
of
sustainable eco-tourism
Assessment of capacity
building
needs
necessary to evaluate
and mitigate specific
threats to components
of biological diversity
in Lebanon
Assessment of capacity
building needs to
improve coordination
between national
institutions and
scientists and
determine national
taxonomic priorities
Reasons for
Priority
Emerging national
needs for effective
protection
of
habitats
through
incorporating
actions promoting
sustainable
ecotourism
Work to be done
Product expected
Notes
A team of national experts will undertake
participatory evaluation to reach a national
consensus with respect to responsibility
sharing, awareness raising, community
involvement, financing mechanisms and
fund management
An assessment report and a work plan
outlining options, strategies and actions
responding to capacity building gaps in
sustainable eco-tourism including training
needs assessment, human resources,
awareness raising, costing and budgeting,
and responsibility sharing
Several components
of biodiversity are
threatened
by
various
socioeconomic
and
development
pressures. Ad hoc
capacity
for
mitigating
threats
and for enforcement
measures.
Weak institutional
capacity in fields
related to taxonomy
and
biodiversity
information
management.
WG established to reach consensus with
respect to identification of capacity building
needs especially in legislation and legal
frameworks, responsibility sharing, training
needed, financing mechanism, and fund
management to be allocated for this activity.
An assessment report and a work plan
outlining capacity building needs for
legislation, policy on responsibility
sharing, training needs, awareness, detailed
costing and budgeting.
WG to assess capacity and prepare
recommendations on capacity building
needs in taxonomy and taxonomic
information management, identify key
institutions to establish partnership in
taxonomic
activities,
assess
current
infrastructure for national taxonomic
collections, coordinate between various
national institutions to designate a national
reference center, and assess training in
taxonomic related fields.
An assessment report outlining capacity
building needs in training, storing and
exchange
of
national
taxonomic
information, detailed proposal for bilateral,
and multilateral agreements with regional
and international taxonomic institutions,
costing and budgeting proposals on
infrastructure needed to designate national
taxonomic centers in biodiversity in
Lebanon.
Develop
joint
strategies with the
Ministry of Tourism to
formally integrate ecotourism in the tourist
sector of the country
- In kind MoE
contribution
is
expected in the amount
of $15,000
- Government policy
should address causes
for lack of law
enforcement.
- Need to expand and
institutionalize
the
national
steering
committee to address
the issue in question.
- In kind MoE
contribution $15,000
In
kind
MoE
contribution $15,000
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Table 2. Time plan and schedule of activities
Activity/Month
Contract National Project Coordinator
Finalization of TORs for Consultants
Finalize add-on working plan and convene meeting
of national steering committee
Establish working groups and contracts for national
and international consultants
Document biodiversity accomplishments in a 2nd
National Report and submit report to CoP/CBD
Informal consultations of working groups with
national and local stakeholders
3 National workshops on
- Assessment of capacity building needs for in situ
and ex situ conservation measures
- Assessment of capacity building needs to
mitigate threats to biodiversity components
- Assessment of capacity building needs in
biodiversity monitoring including taxonomy
Working groups prepare and finalize assessment
reports on capacity building needs
A
national
workshop
to
review/endorse
recommendation reports
An overview report summarizing capacity building
needs/priorities in biodiversity in Lebanon
Submission of report and group reports and products
to national implementing agency and other ministries
for action
Incorporation of capacity building needs into
Lebanon’s 2002 Report to the CoP/CBD
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2
3
4
5
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6
7
8
9
10
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Table 3. Cost estimates for Additional Enabling Activities (USD)1
ACTIVITY
PRODUCT
PROCESS
Approved Earlier
* Original EA, less costs of CHM activities
( no entry required)
* CHM support (provided through add-on module or project
itself)
Total approved support
Additional Request
Assessment of Capacity-building needs for:
- Implementation of measures for in situ and ex situ
5,000
20,000
conservation and sustainable use
- methodologies to evaluate and mitigate specific threats to
5,000
25,000
biodiversity components
- Initial assessment and monitoring programs, including
10,000
30,000
taxonomy
1,000
4,000
Second National Report:
Preparation and submission to CoP/CBD

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


TOTAL
145,000
9,500
154,500 a
25,000
30,000
40,000
5,000
1
Government contribution will be in kind in the amount of US$45,000 and will include project counterpart
administration and management costs, hosting National Advisory Committee and Working Groups meetings,
Office space, equipment and costs for the preparation of the second national report.
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Total new request
Grand Total a+b
21,000
79,000
100,000 b
254,500
8