This action is funded by the European Union

Transcription

1 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 2. Zone benefiting from the action/location Regional coordination and support for the EU CA enhanced regional cooperation on Environment, Water and Climate Change CRIS number: 2015/ financed under Development Cooperation Instrument Central Asian Countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan The action shall be carried out at the following location: the Central Asian countries and the EU 3. Programming document 4. Sector of concentration/ thematic area 5. Amounts concerned 6. Aid modality(ies) and implementation modality(ies) Multiannual Indicative Programme Regional Central Asia Sustainable regional development: Energy, Environment/Water and Socio-Economic development Total estimated cost: EUR Total amount of EU budget contribution EUR Project Modality Direct management procurement of services 7. DAC code(s) Water resources policy and administrative management 8. Markers (from CRIS DAC form) General policy objective Not targeted Significant objective Main objective Participation development/good governance Aid to environment Gender equality (including Women In Development) Trade Development [1]

2 9. Global Public Goods and Challenges (GPGC) thematic flagships Reproductive, Maternal, New born and child health RIO Convention markers Not targeted Significant objective Biological diversity Combat desertification Climate change mitigation Climate change adaptation Environment and Climate Change Main objective 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 CONTEXT 1.1 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]

3 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 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 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 ". In 2010 Turkmenistan adopted the National Strategy for Economic, Political and Cultural Development of Turkmenistan until 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 , based on the country's long-term National Sustainable Development Strategy adopted in 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]

4 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 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 EU- Central 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 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]

5 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 , 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 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]

6 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 4 th 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 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 issue 1. 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 Some countries might consider one area as a bigger priority than the other and might therefore only sent experts for these specific priorities. 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. Risk level (H/M/L) Medium Medium Mitigating measures EU will make sure that all the relevant experts are invited and will strongly encourage them to participate. 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). 1 Multiannual Indicative Programme Regional Central Asia [6]

7 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 Low 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. Specific work programme to follow up the agreements reached during the meeting will be established and monitored 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 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 LESSONS LEARNT, COMPLEMENTARITY AND CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES 3.1 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]

8 - 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. 3.2 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 [8]

9 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 States 6 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 , and EUR 15 million for the period ). Finland has launched a Water Management Programme to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (EUR 8 million for the period ). 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 [9]

10 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 EU- Central 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]

11 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]

12 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 IMPLEMENTATION 5.1 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/ 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/ Implementation modalities Procurement (direct management) [12]

13 Subject in generic terms, if possible Type (works, supplies, services) Indicative number of contracts Indicative trimester of launch of the procedure Regional coordination and support for the EU CA enhanced regional cooperation on Environment, Water and Climate Change Services 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 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 Procurement (direct management) Regional coordination and support for the EU CA enhanced regional cooperation on Environment, Water and Climate Change EU contribution (amount in EUR) Indicative third party contribution, in currency identified N.A. Totals N.A 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]

14 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]

15 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 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]

16 Overall objective: Impact 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. Intervention logic Indicators Baselines (incl. reference year) 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. 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) Dialogues established 1 in 2009 Targets (incl. reference year) All high level dialogues and initiatives maintained ( ) 1 biannually (2018 and 2020) Sources and means of verification - Evaluation reports on the implementation of the EU strategy for Central Asia Proceedings/ Press releases of Summit Assumptions Political commitment by the five countries; Political stability; Stable economic development; Cultural differences overcome. 7 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 [16]

17 Outputs Specific objective(s): Outcome(s) 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. 1. Enhanced regional dialogue between EU and CA 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. 2. Policy making and implementation on Number of Strategies/Action Plans on Environmental governance and Climate Change adaptation and mitigation drafted with EU support* Regular EU-CA Ministerial meetings on Environment and Water - Annual work programme of the Platform discussed and agreed - Total Number of organised High level meetings and regional workshops / seminars/ conferences; Number of Climate Change mitigation/adaptation plans developed at national level Number of capacity 13 available in biannually 13 ( ) 5 under development (2015) 2 regional 10 additional ones by biannually with extension of scope to Climate Change (2016 and 2019) Every year ( ) 20 ( ) 5 developed (2019) 1 regional Action website Proceedings/Press releases of meetings Action website - [17]

18 water/environment issues in CA responds more adequately to existing challenges and increasingly incorporates international practices. building programmes on Environmental Monitoring and reporting Information Systems Number of transboundary agreements and interstate river basin organisations ( ) ( ) Number of visits to the project website 4500 per year ( ) 3. Communication/mappin g/analysis/networking as well as visibility of the EU support is enhanced. Number specific visibility events organised by the Action annually Mapping of regional project in place and publicly released annually 1 ( ) 1 ( ) Action website access counter [18]