Download Experience and lessons from Rio+20 preparation process for

Experience and lessons from Rio+20 preparation process for Tanzania
Amani NGUSARU, June 2012
Rio+20 preparation process for Tanzania
UNDP-Tanzania with the support from UNDP/UNDESA provided financial and technical
support in the process for preparing Tanzania stocktaking report. The government focal
point for this process was the Vice President’s Office (Department of Environment) and
they effectively utilized all the funds that were provide by UNDESA.
The process involved hiring a consultant from the University of Dar es Salaam to
produce a draft stocktaking report based on wide consultations with key Government
Ministries and Departments, UN agencies, NGOs, development partners and private
sector stakeholders.
The focal point for sustainable development in the Government led the process of hiring
the consultant and facilitated the consultative process for developing the Stocktaking
report. The consultations were guided by the TOR that was developed with inputs from
UNDP and UNDESA.
At the government level, the stakeholders include President’s Office-Planning
Commission, Ministries Finance, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Foreign Affairs,
Energy and Minerals. Others were Ministries of Infrastructure, Water, Education, Youth
and employment, Housing, Trade, Natural Resources and Tourism, Vice President’s
Office, National Environment Management Council and Prime Minister’s Office-Regional
and Local Government Authority.
At the level of civil society, this included organizations representing Major NGOs
including Journalists for Environment in Tanzania, WWF, IUCN, CARE International,
and Platform of NGOs consortium engaged on Climate Change initiatives. Others
stakeholders were Higher learning Institutions and colleges.
Various government documents, related literature and National policies were reviewed
and in the end a Stocktaking Report was produced.
The next step involved conducting the National Stakeholders Workshop that brought
together government representatives, UN agencies, NGOs and other groups and
individuals that were not reached during the initial consultations. This was the most
useful meeting and quite substantive comments were obtained including
recommendation to broaden the coverage of the report to reflect more strongly on the
status and progress of sustainable development in Zanzibar. The development partners
that took part in consultations included WB, DFID, NORAD, CIDA and USAID.
Through the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, UN agencies in Tanzania
launched a process for making further inputs to the report and submitted a joint detailed
contribution to the report. The UN process also involved discussions based on the
UNDAP programme working group on Environment and Climate Change. This was
especially made easier by the existence of UN Delivering as One initiative in Tanzania.
These agencies including UNDP, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNEP, WFP, UNWOMEN and
FAO made specific inputs to the Stocktaking Report by working directly with the
Consultant. Another effort involved UNHABITAT that also submitted a detailed
contribution including recommendations drawn from similar RIO+20 regional processes
that were being coordinated by UNHABITAT. Other substantial contribution came from
the UNDP Regional Service Centre in South Africa based on support provided by
Regional Climate Change Policy Advisor.
Similarly the development partners paid particular attention to the Tanzania Rio+20
preparations, where the process and early results were presented and discussed during
the DPG-main meeting that is mostly attended by Heads of Missions in Tanzania and
Chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator.
Based on all these consultations and contributions the Final National Rio+20 Report for
Tanzania was produced.
Importance of UN Support
The UN support for Tanzania Rio+20 preparations was appreciated and recognised by
all stakeholders and donors. It contributed significantly in preparing the Tanzania
delegation to adequately engage in discussions prior and during the conference in Rio.
The Report together with other messages based on other UNDP/UNDESA HQ
processes was used by the delegation of Tanzania during NY discussions as part of
preparation of initial negotiation document for Rio+20 Conference. The Minister of
Environment from Tanzania and other senior government staff were involved in these
discussions. Tanzania representative also took part in the Africa wide regional
preparation meetings that took place in May in Senegal.
Outreach Activities on Rio+20
Some outreach activities were conducted for sensitizing the general public about the
importance of Rio+20 Conference. This included a meeting that convened key NGOs
involved in addressing climate change issues across the country through their umbrella
organization known as Forum CC.
Another outreach event was conducted on 05 June 2012 two weeks before Rio+20
Conference for Local Journalists to raise their awareness on the key issues to be
discussed at the Rio+20 and to encourage them to report on and inform the general
public about the key issues which are relevant to Tanzania. Relevant materials and
general information was shared with Journalists on Rio+20, environmental issues and
the UN support to Tanzania and other LDC countries. About 30 Journalists were
therefore sensitized on Rio +20 key issues, UN reports were shared with the media
through presentations and online resource.
Lessons and experience from the Tanzania process
The Tanzania process involved quite wide consultations with key stakeholders.
However, since sustainable development agenda touches on almost all sectors that are
critical for development, the process could have benefited from in-depth consultations
with the private sector and specific target groups including chamber of commerce, youth
and children, community based organisations, famers associations, trade unions,
science and technology, business and industry, but there were both time and funding
limitation. Similarly, a more active participation of development partners and would have
been better.
It was clear from the consultations that there is still perception among various
stakeholders that sustainable development is an environmental issue. The link with the
other two pillars on economic and social aspects is something that needs to be
strengthened. This is somewhat reflected in Tanzania Report where the lens seem to
have mainly focused on environmental issues.
The process experienced general lack of readily availability of data, indicators and
outcomes to inform progress on sustainable development. The Tanzania Report
therefore suffers the weakness of indicating clear trends and evidence on sustainable
development patterns over the last two decades.
Assessment of Tanzania on implementation of Rio92
Tanzania has recognized the adverse implications of climate change on water
resources, biodiversity and ecosystems, and desertification among others. On top of
these are the issues relating to rapid and unplanned urbanization and hazardous and
electronic waste-things that are within its control. These adverse implications and
developments as well as Tanzania’s low resilience to natural disaster have made it a
necessity for Tanzania to pay particular attention to sustainable development. It is in this
context that Tanzania adopted various Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)
and embraced green economy concepts in its approach to development as articulated
in the national development strategies and development plans. Formulation of various
sector policies, strategies and legislation after the Rio (1992) is a clear evidence of the
national political commitment towards achieving sustainable development.
What is Tanzania doing to promote Green economy?
Tanzania is involved in various clean energy production initiatives including of electricity
production from hydropower and other non-fossil fuel sources like wind, solar,
hydrothermal and biogas. Tanzania is promoting the use of bio fuels, where bio fuel
guidelines are in place since November 2010. Tanzania also reduced tariffs on solar
equipments where effectively since 2005 the solar PV equipment and related
accessories became tax exempted. This includes import duties and VAT.
What institutions have been established in Tanzania for sustainable
development?
Various institutions that were established following Rio92 recommendations included
Vice President’s office - Division of Environment, National Environment Management
Council and other sector-based institutions. The mandates of these institutions are
progressively being improved to accommodate policy revisions and emerging global
challenges.
Has Tanzania been actively involved in implementation of local Agendas 21?
A number of actions and programmes relevant to Agenda 21 that have been initiated
including: Continuous review of sectoral policies to address sustainable development;
Preparation of the National Environmental Policy (1997); Formulation of a National
Energy Policy; Signing and ratification of several global and regional conventions of
relevance to the environment and sustainable development; Adoption of National
Development Vision 2025; Development of the Environmental Management Act of 2004
with the establishment of environmental units in all sectoral ministries to address
environmental sustainability issues related to sustainable development.
Has Tanzania introduced integrated planning and decision making for sustainable
development?
Yes, integrated planning and decision making has always been promoted in Tanzania
for sustainable development. The sector strategic plans takes into account all national
strategies such as MKUKUTA, the Development Vision 2025, the National Environment
Action Plan (NEAP), and currently, the Five Year Development Plan (2011-2015).
What actions have been introduced in Tanzania to strengthen political support for
sustainable development?
Multilateral Environmental Agreements have been mainstreamed into development
policies and planning leading to sustainable development. Presence of relevant sector
policies that support implementation of various issues required by the MEAs is an
indication of political will for ensuring sustainable development. Establishment of
Environment Management Units in all ministries to oversee environmental issues in the
relevant sectors. Establishment of various institutions and agencies to guide sustainable
development is another indication of political support. Environment issues are now
being integrated in MTEF budgeting for various sectors
Are there specific industry sectors or resource areas where national political
commitment to achieve sustainable development goals has been especially
strong?
Tanzania Vision on renewable energy is one of the areas where national political
commitment to achieve sustainable development goals has been particularly strong.
Another strength is the increasing involvement of the private sector in the renewable
energy development.
Challenges for sustainable development in Tanzania
Tanzania like other LDC countries is faced with a dilemma of continuing to raise its
people’s living standards while continuing to increase its footprint, recognizing that
poverty alleviation remains a top priority issue for the Government. Economic growth
ambitions are also increasingly being influenced by issues of social equity and the
environment and climate change challenges. There is increasing trends to widening
imbalance between the three pillars of sustainable development in Tanzania, something
that need to be addressed in Rio+20.Another challenge is on financial problems: The
environmental multi-lateral support (include Multilateral Financial Institutions like the
World Bank, International Development Agency (IDA), Africa Development Bank, Africa
Development Fund, Various international funds like GEF etc.) is slowly being
complimented with a broadening development agenda which values natural resource
endowments contribution to development and poverty reduction. This view, which has
developed over the past 20 years, must form part of the review and assessment of
Rio92 implementation, identification of gaps and challenges that Rio+20 should try to
address and provide new solutions. Resource efficiency is of critical importance for
sustainable economic growth, human development and environmental sustainability in
Tanzania.
Key issues for Tanzania in Rio+20 as reflected in the National Stocktaking Report
Energy access, efficiency and sustainability issues
Tanzania is supporting the launch of a UN lead global initiative for universal energy
access. Tanzania is promoting minimization of wood fuel consumption through the
development of alternative energy sources and wood fuel energy efficiency. Tanzania is
promoting sustainable renewable energy resources, Energy efficiency and
conservation. Tanzania is one of the initial countries that have signed up to the SG’s
SE4ALL initiative.
Food security and sustainable agriculture issues
Tanzania is supporting accelerated process towards an “evergreen revolution.” This
revolution will meet the growing food demand while protecting soils, water and
biodiversity. However, there are serious issues related to sound water management.
Rising demand is running up against greater scarcity. Desertification and drought are
becoming more severe. This is happening even as flooding takes a heavy toll on lives
and livelihoods. The risk of conflict over scarce water looms large, as does the
challenge of coping with water stress. Closer international cooperation will be needed to
avert conflict. Rio+20 could offer an opportunity for forward-looking action on integrated
water resource management.
Improved resilience and disaster preparedness
Significant environmental changes are already affecting the people of Tanzania, often
affecting vast areas at a time. Natural disasters occur more frequently and their impacts
are becoming more severe. Many people especially the poor are under stress. These
people must adapt to these difficult circumstances. Building resilience is therefore
crucial. Tanzania desperately needs advancement in earth observation and early
warning systems. Also crucial are enhanced prevention and preparedness. At Rio+20,
governments and others could commit to work together more closely to strengthen
international management of natural disasters and support resilience building efforts in
vulnerable developing countries.
Inadequate Technology advancement, financing and capacity building issues
To effectively meet the new and emerging challenges, Tanzania will need international
support. Technology cooperation, capacity development and finance will be crucial. To
acquire technologies to build greener infrastructure and industries, finance will be
needed. Much of the financing for building greener economies will be mobilized by
developing countries themselves. However, international financial support will be
needed to move towards greener development, especially in the least developed
countries. Perhaps Rio+20 will launch a new public and private financing initiative, like a
global green economy fund.
Market uncertainties
Natural resources are the key capital for sustainable development in Tanzania.
However, unreliable and unavailability of markets is one of the key constraints for
achieving Sustainable Development.
Role of UN on Sustainable development; what we have been doing in Tanzania
With UN global reach, rich resource base on good practices and ability to work as One
UN exploiting comparative advantages of each agency from different perspectives, the
UN, and in particular UNDP, in Tanzania has been able to actively engage in assisting
the Government not only in developing sustainable development strategies but also in
implementing them.
Here are few examples that UNDP have been engaged in:
Support at the Policy level
Supporting the drafting and enactment of a comprehensive Environmental Management
Act (2004), which as an overarching environmental legislation, provides a framework for
sustainable management of the environment.
Supporting the drafting Water Resource Policy and the enactment of the Water Act
(2009) based on the findings of a project on water conservation emphasizing on the
evolving role of water users associations for managing water allocation, conservation
and conflict resolution. The project covering four districts (Pangani, Kilimanjaro, Arusha
and Tanga) in catchment areas focused on climate change adaptation, data collection,
processing and use for water resource allocation.
UNDP in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) was successful in
influencing the government in removing the taxes on solar energy devices. It went even
further in associating in setting ‘Solar Energy Standards’ and Code of Practice’ in
Tanzania. The Government of Tanzania has gone one step further in pursuing the East
African Community to adopt them as common standards in East Africa since 2008.
Support at the technical level
Technical and financial assistance was given in the provision of 14,000 improved
cooking stoves in three districts in 2011. The approach has been extended to both
individuals and institutions while enlarging the coverage to bio-gas cooking stoves and
storage. It has been able to build a knowledge base and a change of the mind set.
While this is still on a pilot basis and needs scaling up as a next step. This is by no
means an easy task as 91% of the rural population relies on bio-mass for cooking.
UNDP is now assisting the Government in Declaring the Eastern Arc as a World
Heritage site with the objective of gaining global recognition and conserving the
environment.
The UNDP is also supporting the Government in addressing deforestation which is a
critical environmental issue in Tanzania through the UN-REDD. This has initiated a
process which looks at land degradation due to economic activity. The challenge is
however huge as over 200,000 hectares of forests are lost every year due to
overgrazing and illegal logging.
Other support include: UNDP support in addressing issues related to climate change
adaptation and mitigation; Promote renewable energy technologies, Sustainable forest
and land management, water catchment management, Wildlife and protected areas
management; Biodiversity Conservation and supporting development of functional and
representative networks of protected areas; Valuation of ecosystems; EconomicEnvironmental analysis; Supporting programs targeting Poverty – Environment linkages;
and Support for clean production, greening of value chain;
Other UN Agencies: Under the current UNDAP, UNDP teams up with UNEP, UNIDO,
FAO, WFP and UNESCO and UNWOMEN in assisting the Government in
strengthening strategies and capacities for environment and climate change adaptation,
implementation of mitigation strategies, governance frameworks for reducing emissions,
sustainable management of protected areas, land and forests and coordinate, enforce
and monitor environmental and natural resources.
Challenges for strengthening UN Support and engage on Sustainable
Development
The UN plays only a catalytic role in environmental sustainability at the national level.
We provide policy advocacy support to integrate environmental policies to national
development. We also assist the Government to do things better and differently for
more productive outcomes, mostly on a pilot basis. But these need to be scaled up. And
this requires commitment at the political and bureaucratic levels.
There is a wealth of good practices that have been proven to be successful at the
national level. These need to be documented to create a resource bank for the use of
others. There also needs to have a follow-up mechanism to evaluate success (or
failures). Monitoring and evaluation thus play a key role in this process which is lacking
at the moment.
UN need to provide appropriate funding levels and capacity at country level for
addressing policy issues related to sustainable development.
Major new challenges need to be further prioritized and addressed—most prominently,
climate change.
Opportunities for strengthening UN Support on Sustainable Development
The UN, UNDP in particular is in a better position to assist in bridging the development
priority gaps between the Government and the other development partners.
Governments in developing countries are grappled with development priorities such as
poverty reduction, ensuring the provision of basic services such as education and
health, and the provision of employment to a growing labor force. Environmental
considerations may become a less priority to Governments unless they can balance the
two for a better outcome without compromising either of them.
Recent events such as the proposal to build a road that goes through the Serengeti
National Park which has later been downgraded is a clear example of these conflicting
priorities and expectations. On the other hand, donor priorities may tilt towards growth
and business interests. UN and UNDP in particular, with its focus on soft areas (such as
sustainable development policy and capacity building) could use its expertise in bridging
these gaps.
Other opportunities include: Promoting land policy reforms including spatial planning
that are critical for sustainable land and forest management; Ensuring that regulatory
frameworks are enforced, especially those related to trade and investment
opportunities; Establishment of dialogue between UNCTs and government MDAs
around SD issues; and Existence of E&CC PWG programming as part of UNDAP
delivery mechanism under One UN System is a good opportunity.
National dialogue on the Post 2015 Global Development Agenda
Looking at the discussions we have had on the Rio+20 at the global level it is likely that
Rio+20 could be used as a platform for the debate on the Post-2015 global
development agenda with the renewed focus on sustainable development. The UN in
Tanzania has already commissioned a technical paper evaluating the pros and cons of
various options on the table and had a discussion at the recent Country Management
Team Retreat. We are now taking this dialogue to the national level with technical
assistance and financial support from UNDP. This would provide an opportunity for the
Government policy makers to be aware of the issues, challenges and future options so
that they can effectively engage in such discussions at the global level (e.g. Rio+20 and
other UN meetings on the Post 2015 agenda etc).
Other expectations for Rio+20
The is wide expectation from Tanzania that RIO+20 will produce a blueprint for a
coherent pursuit of sustainable development, that Rio+20 will provide renewed political
commitment for sustainable development, that Rio+20 will be able to mobilization of the
entire UN system in support of sustainable development and that Rio+20 will produce
new commitments in financing and technology cooperation, especially for LDCs.
Conclusions
While much of this process was focused on the lead up to Rio+20, Tanzania
Government understands that the National Reports provide the basis for the country’s
strategic policy stance on sustainable development. It is therefore expected that
Tanzania National report could form the basis for longer term policy action and
programmatic support way after the Rio conference.