Environment And Management Of Natural Resources. Towards Sus

Environment and Infrastructure Division

Topicsheet

Section: Environment and management of natural resources Topic: International environmental agreements and conventions

Biological diversity Context

Activities and services

Biological diversity or “biodiversity” is

<

sustainable use of its components

In the biodiversity field GTZ supports

more than just pandas or gorillas.

<

fair and equitable sharing of the

partner countries with more than 70

Comprising the diversity of genes,

benefits arising from the utilisation

bilateral development programmes

species and ecosystems, it guaran-

of genetic resources.

and projects. We work closely with

tees the stability of our natural envi-

other implementing agencies of Ger-

ronment and influences human well-

Industrialised countries agreed not

man Development Cooperation, such

being: microorganisms provide soil

only to achieve these targets at home,

as the KfW development bank, the

fertility and water purification, insects

but also committed to supporting

German Development Service (DED),

pollinate plants, forests provide wood,

developing countries’ efforts to im-

the Centre for International Migration

erosion control and carbon sinks.

plement the CBD. The Cartagena

and Development (CIM) and Capacity

Protocol on Biosafety regulating trans-

Building International (InWEnt).

Ecosystems and their services ex-

boundary movements of genetically

tend beyond national borders. The

modified organisms entered into force

ongoing global destruction of ecosys-

in 2003.

tems calls for action on local, regional and global levels. International re-

Biodiversity is an important asset,

gimes and conventions have become

particularly for many poor people in

increasingly important in addressing

developing countries. They rely on

these issues.

biological resources, among others, for food, clothing, medicine and in-

The Rio Summit in 1992 adopted

come. Biodiversity loss makes poor

the Convention on Biological Diversity

people more vulnerable because they

(CBD). Signed by 187 states and the

lack alternatives. Thus, conservation

European Community, the convention

and sustainable use of biological di-

pursues three objectives:

versity contribute directly to poverty

<

conservation of biodiversity commissioned by:

reduction.

The modern pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry has recognized the value of biodiversity and traditional knowledge. The “Convention of Biologigal Diversity” is demanding the consent of the holders of such knowledge as well as their equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources

Thematic focus <

<

Management of protected areas: support of co-management, buffer

<

zone development with local communities, sustainable financing and

<

integration into regional development in more than 30 projects, e.g. in the

<

Brazilian Amazon forest, the Pendjari National Park in Benin or the Tam <

<

Conservation and poverty allevia-

Policy development (e.g. Madagascar)

tion integrated: We contribute to the

institutional development

balancing of interests among stake-

(e.g. Vietnam)

holders and to the identification of

organisational development

revenue potentials that derive from

(e.g. Brazil)

sustainable use of natural resources,

information management and net-

such as sustainable tourism or com-

work building (e.g. Colombia)

mercialisation of non-timber forest

communication,

education

and

Dao National Park in Vietnam.

public awareness for biodiversity

Sustainable use of biodiversity

(e.g. programme “Implementing the

and fair sharing of benefits: devel-

Biodiversity Convention”).

opment of participatory strategies and concepts for long-term valuation of biodiversity and its utilisa-

Sustainable financing of protected areas: We contribute through the identification of long-term financing

Impacts

strategies based on business plans. Increasing awareness: Biodiversity

tion, e.g. in the following areas:

<

products.

- Genetic resources: support of

Commitments become policy: we

as a global public good gets more at-

ministries and other partner insti-

contribute to the development of na-

tention and continued commitment,

tutions in developing and imple-

tional laws, strategies, action plans

both in partner countries and in the

menting their legal framework on

and administrative structures that de-

general public of developed countries.

ABS (Access and Benefit Sharing

rive from commitments made by part-

of genetic resources), e.g. in South

ner countries in the CBD and the

Africa;

Cartagena Protocol. This sets the

- Biosafety: implementation of the

fundamental preconditions for suc-

German Biosafety Capacity Build-

cessful environmental policies in part-

ing Initiative of BMZ, e.g. in China.

ner countries.

Ecotoursim is sustainable to biological diversity – it is conservation, use and benefit sharing

Agrobiodiversity: conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in agriculture, e.g. in Panama.

Increased policy coherence: Our partner organisations increasingly integrate biodiversity concerns in na-

Our capacity building support to

tional development strategies such as

stakeholders consists of an extensive

Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers

range of advisory services on:

(“Greening PRSPs”) and other sector policies.

Imprint For further information: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Convention on Biological Diversity PO Box 5180 65726 Eschborn, Germany Phone: +49 6196 79-1320 Fax: +49 6196 79-7123 Email: see web site below www.gtz.de/biodiv

Published by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Environment and Infrastructure Division PO Box 5180 65726 Eschborn, Germany Phone: +49 6196 79-1320 Fax: +49 6196 79-7123 [email protected] www.gtz.de/umweltmanagement

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Status: 12/2005

Environment and Infrastructure Division

Topicsheet

Section: Environment and management of natural resources General Topic: International conventions and regimes on environment

Implementing the international Convention to combat Desertification Context A third of the world’s people live on

majority of people affected by deser-

and capacity building measures as

arid land that makes up 41% of the

tification will have no alternative

well as provision of appropriate in-

surface of the globe. Desertification

sources of employment and income

struments and planning procedures in

has severely degraded up to a fifth of

once natural resources have been

the following thematic areas:

the arid regions. The process is de-

degraded or destroyed.

<

stroying agricultural and pastoral pro-

Policy and strategy development. We support our partners in devel-

ductivity and threatening food secu-

To address the grave economic,

oping national policies and strate-

rity and water supply mainly of poor

social and environmental problems

gies of sustainable resource man-

people. But desertification not only

desertification is causing for many

agement in arid regions; especially

aggravates the immediate poverty

countries, the International Conven-

in the participatory elaboration and

situation, expected climate changes

tion to Combat Desertification (UNC-

implementation of National Action

will reduce the drinking water supply,

CD) entered into force in 1996. It put

Programmes (NAPs) to combat de-

particularly in areas already short of

in place a new framework to combat

sertification. The incorporation of

water. At the same time desertification

desertification based on binding in-

NAPs in cross-sector national poli-

reduces the adaptability of ecosys-

ternational law. It has been ratified by

cies and national budget planning is

tems and production systems to cli-

191 states.

of particular importance.

mate changes and makes the people affected more vulnerable. The Millennium Development Goals

<

Approaches and instruments

will be unattainable without effectively

Implementation at local and subnational levels. We advise our partners on specific measures to combat desertification at local and regional levels. This encompasses

combating desertification in develop-

In an integrated approach, we offer

sustainable resource management,

ing countries. The African countries

partners a package of services geared

promoting local and regional econ-

impacted by it are already at the bot-

towards combating desertification at

omic development, applying par-

tom of the “Human Development In-

local, national, regional and interna-

ticipatory planning methods, creat-

dex” compiled by the UNDP. The

tional levels. This includes advisory

ing alternative sources of income

commissioned by:

Turkmenistan, Nohur – severe rill erosion due to deforestation and overgrazing

Burkina Faso – stone walls (“diguettes”) decrease runoff, improve infiltration in the soil and increase soil fertility

Outcomes

<

and supporting decentralised co-

Our effort to support the combating

activities into policy making and im-

ordinating structures

of desertification in the partner coun-

plementing by highlighting the causes

Regional co-operation and inter-

tries is a contribution to poverty re-

as well as the environmental, eco-

national negotiation processes.

duction and food security and hence

nomic and social impacts of desertifi-

We advise partners on cross-bor-

to attaining the MDGs.

cation and enhancing the ability of the

der co-operation and support them

partners to act by providing upgrad-

in effectively participating in the in-

Poverty reduction and food secu-

ternational negotiation processes.

rity: Measures to combat erosion and

We support new forms of partner-

reclaim degraded land raise agricul-

ship (e.g. international and inter-in-

tural yield and improve family income,

management:

stitutional co-ordinating and steer-

thus reducing the pressure to migrate

co-ordination and promotion of multi-

ing organs, integrative working

to the cities and abroad. Higher in-

donor partnerships adds to raising

platforms, strategic partnership

come is often used by the families to

awareness of the economic signifi-

agreements) of multi-donor part-

pay for health and education.

cance of improved resource manage-

nerships in international negotiation processes. <

Awareness building and network-

ing tailored to their requirements. Enhanced investment in land Improved

national

ment and boosts readiness of governAwareness raising and capacity building: We support an integration of

ment and private sector to invest in measures to combat desertification.

ing. We sensitise and inform the political and social decision-makers we have pinpointed. We offer advice on compiling media, con-

Tunisia: Process consultancy in implementing the National Action Programme

duct specially designed public rela-

<

tions activities and help our part-

The “Programme d‘Action National de Lutte contre la Désertification”

ners with effective networking.

(PANLCD) adopted in the framework of the UNCCD in 1998 identifies reasons

Monitoring and evaluating. We

for setbacks experienced with investment so far: too rigid state control; insuf-

support partners in monitoring both

ficient participation of the population; measures of the various sectoral minis-

the effects and the quality of meas-

tries fall flat because they focus on single items and are insufficiently co-ordi-

ures to combat desertification.

nated with one another.

Here, we base our activities on the provisions and guidelines of the

This is why German consultancy focuses on strengthening the planning,

UNCCD and support partners in

co-ordinating and management capacities at national and governorate levels.

evaluating the national implementa-

At local level, the population’s abilities to actively plan and develop their own

tion of the Convention.

future are trained incorporating concrete development requirements.

Imprint For further information: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Convention Project to Combat Desertification Tulpenfeld 2 53113 Bonn, Germany Phone: +49 228 983 710 Fax: +49 228 983 7125 [email protected] www2.gtz.de/desert/english/index.html

Published by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Environment and Infrastructure Division PO Box 5180 65726 Eschborn Germany Phone: +49 6196 79-1320 Fax: +49 6196 79-7123 [email protected] www.gtz.de/umweltmanagement

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Status: 12/2005

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Division

Topicsheet Section: Policy consultancy in the agriculture, fisheries and food sectors General Topic: International environmental regimes, environmental conventions

Chemical safety Context

Disposing of dieldrin in Mauritania: Pumping dieldrin into isotanks for transport to Europe for safe disposal

Every year some 500 million tonnes of

and destroying the ecological sub-

chemicals are produced, used and

structure and human subsistence ba-

processed worldwide. The World

sis. Their negative environmental im-

Health Organization (WHO) estimates

pact is felt in even the remotest areas,

that agricultural chemicals alone

such as the Antarctic. Clearly, chemi-

cause 220,000 deaths each year. And

cals must be used more safely and

the International Labour Organization

responsibly, particularly in developing

(ILO) reports that 70% of all accidents

countries.

involving toxic chemicals occur in developing countries, though they use only 20% of the chemicals pro-

Approach

duced.

<

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

GTZ’s work is driven by Agenda 21,

requiring member states to ban the

Used correctly, chemicals can do

in particular Chapter 19, which deals

production and use of particularly

much to enhance countries’ develop-

with the environmentally sound hand-

hazardous persistent substances or

ment and the quality of human life.

ling of toxic chemicals, as well as

to reduce their release into the envi-

But the life cycle of toxic substances

international chemical conventions.

ronment.

involves many hazards, from development on through production, ship-

The pivotal conventions are:

ping, storage, application and dis-

<

posal (if this takes place).

Additional relevant international

The Rotterdam Convention on the

regulations are, among others, the

Prior Informed Consent Procedure

Globally Harmonized System of Clas-

for Certain Hazardous Chemicals

sification and Labelling of Chemicals

Highly toxic substances cannot be

and Pesticides in International Trade

(GHS) and the Basel Convention on

confined within national borders. The

(PIC) governing the traffic of toxic

the Control of Transboundary Move-

air and water spread them far and

chemicals worldwide and enabling

ments of Hazardous Wastes and their

wide, compromising the quality of life

countries to ban their import.

Disposal.

commissioned by:

Isotanks labelled according to the IMDG Code

Workers in developing countries often handle chemicals without knowing about their danger to health and environment

GTZ focuses on building the human

GTZ acts as a link between interna-

gramme), we identified and docu-

and institutional capacities of its part-

tional negotiation processes (meas-

mented potential sources of dioxin

ner countries in Asia, Africa and Latin

ures of UN institutions) and the work

and furan emissions in Thailand.

America. We indicate ways of improv-

done on the ground in the partner

Two follow-up studies enabled us

ing chemical safety in selected coun-

countries. We also collaborate closely

to suggest ways to minimise or

tries and support them in implement-

with other projects and technical co-

eliminate environmental pollution

ing the conventions and internation-

operation programmes operating in

caused by the daily operation of

ally accepted standards.

the areas of environment, health, agriculture, commerce, water and trans-

The responsible authorities in partner countries need to be enabled to <

<

crematories <

portation. Our activities include con-

the creation of a network of poison

sulting and upgrading, supplying ma-

control centres

post notification of national-level

terials for pilot programmes and offer-

chemical bans or restrictions

ing grants for training sessions and

chemicals management for small

make decisions regarding imports

workshops.

and medium-sized enterprises used

<

of prior informed consent (PIC) chemicals <

draw up inventories of persistent

<

<

We developed a handbook on

in many developing and newly in-

Impacts

dustrialising countries <

organic pollutants (POPs) <

In Latin America we supported

We advised and supported many developing countries in Africa and

organise financing for the safe dis-

GTZ has improved chemicals man-

Asia on inventorying and disposing

posal of POPs chemicals

agement and chemical safety in

of obsolete pesticides and/or poly-

reduce emissions of POPs sub-

selected developing countries. It can

stances during manufacturing and

take credit for contributing exten-

combustion

sively to concept development for

institutions we funded national and

provide non-toxic alternatives to

implementation of the Rotterdam and

regional workshops in Asia, Africa

POPs chemicals

Stockholm conventions. We also

and Latin America on improving

helped certain partner countries take

chemicals management (GHS, PCBs,

Pesticides being distributed by motorcycle

chlorinated biphenyls (PBCs) <

the first steps toward complying with the conventions.

In cooperation with international

obsolete pesticides, dioxins/furans) <

In conjunction with the cement industry, we completed a pilot

Some examples: <

project to test the incineration of

With financial support from Euro

hazardous wastes in cement kilns

Chlor (European Association of the

in the Philippines. We then partici-

Chlor-Alkali Industry) and UNEP

pated in incineration testing by

(United Nations Environment Pro-

monitoring dioxin/furan emissions

Imprint For further information: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH GTZ Pilot Project Chemical Safety Tulpenfeld 2 53113 Bonn Phone: +49 228 985 700 Fax: +49 228 985 7018 [email protected] www.gtz.de/chs

Published by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Environment and Infrastructure Division PO Box 5180 65726 Eschborn, Germany Phone: +49 6196 79-1320 Fax: +49 6196 79-7123 [email protected] www.gtz.de/umweltmanagement

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Status: 12/2005

Environment and Infrastructure Division

Topicsheet

Section: Environment and management of natural resources General Topic: International environmental agreements and conventions

Climate protection Context

Approaches

The ever-increasing consumption of

In the 1992 United Nations Frame-

GTZ provides support to partners un-

coal, oil and gas since the onset of

work Convention on Climate Change

dertaking specific climate change

industrialisation is impacting the glo-

(UNFCCC), the international commu-

mitigation activities in more than 30

bal climate: the global average sur-

nity pledged to protect human society

countries. GTZ also contributes to

face temperature has increased by

and ecosystems against human-in-

climate protection by supporting en-

0.6 ºC since 1900 and continues to

duced climate change. The Kyoto

ergy, tropical forest conservation and

rise. So far mainly the developed

Protocol in 1997 fleshed out the UN-

disaster prevention projects. This

countries are causing the greenhouse

FCCC by setting reduction targets for

work is closely coordinated with other

effect, producing the major share of

the industrialised countries for the

German implementing organisations

greenhouse gases, especially carbon

first time. With the Protocol’s entry

and donors. To underscore our com-

dioxide (CO2) and methane.

into force in February 2005 these

mitment to climate protection, GTZ’s

targets can now also be achieved in

management voluntarily undertook to

But population growth and the tre-

developing countries by reducing

engage in a CDM project to offset

mendous need for social and eco-

emissions through projects undertak-

GTZ’s own unavoidable CO2 emis-

nomic development are driving up

en via the Clean Development Mech-

sions, especially from air travel by

resource and energy consumption in

anism (CDM). In addition to reducing

GTZ staff.

developing countries, too – along with

emissions, adaptation to the impacts

greenhouse gas emissions. The de-

of climate change is of central import-

veloping countries’ total emissions

ance. Climate change is most likely to

are expected to overtake the industr-

affect countries and demographic

ialised nations’ emissions within just

groups which – due to their lack of

15 years. So there is massive poten-

opportunities and dependence on

work with representatives of devel-

tial to develop carbon-neutral growth

fragile ecosystems – have the lowest

oping countries to strengthen their

strategies based, for example, on the

adaptive capacities. Poor countries

capacity in policy formulation and

use of renewables and energy effi-

and people in the developing world

representing their interests at cli-

ciency.

are particularly vulnerable.

mate negotiations

commissioned by:

Climate protection at GTZ encompasses the following three areas: <

Promoting policy dialogue. We

Extreme weather events are becoming more and more frequent. Cloudbursts and torrential rainfall cause flooding. Extreme periods of heat result in disastrous droughts. Those most vulnerable are those least able to adapt to the consequences The use of climate-friendly technologies can prevent or reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Impacts <

Reducing greenhouse gases. We

Climate protection and poverty re-

climate protection is taken into ac-

assist developing countries to build

duction: Through our work we help to

count not only in environmental policy

the necessary human resources

reduce anthropogenic climate change

but also, and especially, in energy

and organisational capacities to

and its impacts, especially those af-

policy, waste management, transport,

carry out CDM projects, thus ena-

fecting poorer communities. We sup-

agriculture, tropical forest conserva-

bling them to benefit from invest-

port development strategies and ac-

tion, water shed and disaster risk

ment and technology transfer. By

tion plans which mitigate the risks

management.

implementing projects to promote

associated with climate change, es-

the use of renewables and improve

pecially for the poor.

energy efficiency, we are contribut-

providing advisory services on the Implementing commitments: We

Clean Development Mechanism and

support the development of legisla-

the Global Environment Facility we

tion, strategies, action plans and ad-

help to mobilise financial resources

Adaptation. We help partner coun-

ministrative structures at national level

for climate policy measures in devel-

tries to develop national adapta-

based on the commitments enshrined

oping countries.

tion strategies and integrate them

in the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol.

into development strategies. We

Honouring these commitments is a

Awareness-raising: We raise pub-

also assist with the planning and

key prerequisite for successful cli-

lic and politicians awareness of the

implementation of practical meas-

mate policy in partner countries.

need for climate policy and equip our

ing to a climate-oriented energy policy in developing countries. <

Financing climate protection: By

ures, especially in disaster risk management

and

water

shed

management.

partners with the resources to present Policy coherence and climate protection: We help to ensure that

the case for climate protection more effectively in political debate.

Humankind is changing the global climate. This is caused mainly by increased emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas released when fossil fuels are burnt. Further global warming contributions are made by other gases such as methane, which is produced in waste management and in farming, and by gases from industrial processes

Imprint For further information: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Climate Protection Programme PO Box 5180, 65726 Eschborn, Germany Phone: +49 6196 79-4102 Fax: +49 6196 79-804102 [email protected] www.gtz.de/climate

Published by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Environment and Infrastructure Division PO Box 5180 65726 Eschborn, Germany Phone: +49 6196 79-1320 Fax: +49 6196 79-7123 [email protected] www.gtz.de/umweltmanagement

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Status: 12/2005

Environment and Infrastructure Division

Topicsheet

Section: Environment and management of natural resources General Topic: Sustainable management of natural resources

Nature conservation and development Context

Approach

More than 80% of the world’s

GTZ’s development cooperation aims

biological resources are located in

to balance conservation of biological

developing countries. Nearly all poor

diversity and people’s need to use

people directly depend on natural

these resources.

Examples of our main nature conservation services: <

Promotion of national nature conservation programmes, support in

resources for their survival. Excessive exploitation and poor management

We support our partner countries in

implementing international environ-

are dramatically decreasing biological

fulfilling their obligations in regards to

mental conventions, development

and agricultural diversity.

international environmental conven-

of conservation policies, adjust-

tions and in developing and imple-

ment of legal frameworks and con-

Yet when sustainably used, natural

menting their national environment

trol mechanisms.

resources offer enormous potential

policies. Our work in this context en-

for development, particularly in areas

compasses preservation of eco sys-

of

where they are still abundant. Preser-

tems and wild animal and plant spe-

development and implementation

vation of our biological diversity is a

cies, reduction of erosion and provid-

of management plans, installation

global challenge. As the main con-

ing clean air and adequate water.

of infrastructure like ranger stations

<

sumers of resources industrialised

development and implementation protected

area

concepts,

and surveillance systems, promo-

countries have a specific responsi-

Our approach goes far beyond

bility to contribute to environmental

nature conservation and species pro-

protection.

tection; we integrate socio-cultural, political and economic aspects.

tion of the participation of local people in the park management. <

sustainable development around protected areas: promotion and

Nature conservation is important to

integration of conservation in re-

achieving the Millennium Develop-

gional and local development plan-

ment Goals and provides develop-

ning, sustainable resource manage-

ment opportunities for future genera-

ment by the local population and

tions.

other users.

commissioned by:

Well-protected forest elephants in the Dzanga Sangha Forest Reserve (Central African Republic) Rangers using GPS (Geographical Positioning System) for efficient patrolling

Impacts <

financing of nature conservation

With our nature conservation projects

planning, e.g. in Morocco, Vietnam

through the development of suitab-

we contribute not only to ecological

and Bolivia. This enhances accept-

le financing mechanisms, identifi-

sustainability but also to economic

ance and effectiveness of protected

cation of long-term financial re-

development, poverty reduction, de-

areas.

sources, e.g. direct revenue from

mocratisation and health.

strengthened and encouraged to par-

the conservation area, dept-for-na-

<

stakeholders

are

ticipate actively in decision-making

ture swaps, international founda-

Economic development and pov-

tions, payment for environmental

erty reduction: Our work helps to

services,

funds,

eradicate extreme poverty and hun-

sponsoring of protected areas and

ger by securing people’s livelihoods.

Health promotion: Large ecological

adoption of endangered species.

Sustainable management of natural

systems, e.g. the Congo Basin or the

conflict resolution and reconcilia-

resources also creates jobs, e.g. in

Amazon area, where the GTZ pro-

tion of interests through mediation

Ecuador in processing and marketing

motes many nature conservation

of negotiation processes, develop-

nature products or in Cameroon in the

projects, among other things play a

ment of environmental capacity

forestry and tourism sector.

central role in slowing down global

environmental

building and communication pro-

<

Local

on conservation and use of natural resources.

climatic change and in regional drink-

grammes as well as creation of al-

Decentralisation and democracy

ing water supplies. A wide range of

ternative sources of income e.g.

promotion: Our projects support

food comes from different eco sys-

game management, agroforestry or

nature conservation authorities to

tems and medicinal plants are often

ecotourism.

integrate nature protection concepts

the only source of medicine for the

nature conservation in conflict

in national and local development

rural population.

areas through international lobbying for protected areas and their buffer zones in conflict regions, promotion of trans-boundary protected areas (“peace parks”) in politically sensitive areas as an instrument of crisis prevention.

Accomodation of game guards at the edge of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Imprint For further information & published by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Department Environmental and Management of Natural Resources PO Box 5180, 65726 Eschborn, Germany Phone: +49 6196 79-1320 Fax: +49 6196 79-7123 [email protected] www.gtz.de/umweltmanagement

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Status: 12/2005

Environment and Infrastructure Division

Topicsheet

Section: Environment and wanagement of natural resources Topic: Regional environmental co-operation for sustainable development and resource governance

Regional environmental co-operation for sustainable development and resource governance Context

Approach

Natural resources and global envi-

duced in line with social and environ-

The growing interdependence in the

ronmental concerns extend beyond

mental standards – or also in the in-

use and management of natural re-

national borders. That’s why a whole

ternational discussion about global

sources and raw materials and the

lot of problems can’t be solved na-

environmental goods and services

transboundary character of many re-

tionally. The sustainable manage-

and their adequate valuation. Regio-

sources – such as large forests, water

ment of natural resources, their pro-

nal governance of natural resources

catchments, wild life habitats, etc. –

tection as well as the long-term se-

and global sustainable development

make it necessary for national organi-

curity of environmental goods and

are inseparable.

sations and institutions to co-operate

services important to everyone on

increasingly with neighbours. For that,

earth, need aims and procedures

transboundary mechanisms and insti-

that are agreed and accepted across

tutions need to be strengthened.

borders and implemented by each of the countries involved.

Regional approaches that complement the co-operation with individual

To put regional co-operation into

partner countries are hence becoming

practice is not just a matter of sup-

more and more important. Depending

porting partner countries in their ne-

on the context, these approaches are

gotiation processes and of capacity

implemented with existing regional

development of regional organisa-

organisations or within regional net-

tions. It also means to advance re-

works of various partners and stake-

gional stability, to support peace

holders. In many cases transboundary

building and to assist partner coun-

co-operation is politically sensitive,

tries in successfully positioning them-

especially when regulations of access

selves in the international arena: in

to and benefits from natural resources

accessing international markets – for

are concerned. Not only national in-

example for goods and products pro-

terests are coming into play but also

commissioned by:

Services the rights, concerns and interests of

<

Organisational development and

Outcomes <

Regional environmental co-opera-

local communities as well as the pri-

capacity building of regional or-

tion strengthens transboundary

vate sector. Effective support by the

ganisations to drive trans-boundary

mechanisms for the sustainable

political processes.

management of natural resources.

Harmonisation of policies and frame

Achievements concern the man-

competence and experience. It also

conditions, e.g. for sustainable

agement of water resources and

requires confidence building and a

value generation from environmen-

river basins (Nile, Lake Chad, Me-

careful clarification of roles and man-

tal goods and services and their

kong), the conservation of tropical

dates of the various actors involved.

contribution to sustainable devel-

rain forests (Congo Basin, Ama-

opment.

zonia) or the longterm preservation

Multi-stakeholder co-operation and

of biocorridors, e.g. for migrating

GTZ is not only based on sound technical know-how and methodological

<

<

strengthening of the dialogue capability of the relevant actors.

species. <

Regional co-operation contributes

Capacity development of imple-

to enforcing international law and

menting partners at all levels

to building agreements for security

<

Planning and monitoring.

and peace (Congo Basin; Great

<

Knowledge management, environ-

<

mental information systems and <

Lakes Area). <

propriate frame conditions for sus-

Regional use of national “best prac-

tainable production and trade, such

tices”, e.g. for effective eco-indus-

as adaptation of taxation policy and

trial management (e.g. waste), for

legal

the sustainable use of transbound-

ASEAN) or the formation of free

ary watersheds, forests or protect-

trade areas (MERCOSUR states or

ed areas or for the responsible exploitation of mineral resources. <

Regional co-operation provides ap-

impact monitoring.

systems

Basin,

Mediterranean region with the EU). <

Regional co-operation promotes

Conflict prevention and resolution,

the negotiation, adaptation and im-

for example through transboundary

plementation of environmental and

co-operation on peace parks.

social standards across boundaries and sectors.

Imprint For further information & Published by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Department Environment and Management of Natural Resources PO Box 5180, 65726 Eschborn, Germany Phone: +49 6196 79-1320 Fax: +49 6196 79-7123 [email protected] www.gtz.de/umweltmanagement

(Congo

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Status: 12/2005

Environment and Infrastructure Division

Topicsheet

Department: Environment and Management of Natural Resources General Topic: Environmental Policy and Institutional Development

“EcoFinance” Mobilising Resources for Sustainable Development Context

Approach

Policies aiming to protect the environ-

efits has become a central question

GTZ supports developing countries in

ment and manage natural resources

for environmental policy design.

political and institutional reform proc-

sustainably are under increasing pres-

esses at different administrative lev-

sure to maintain levels of political

Highlighting “EcoFinance”, GTZ

els, with the aim to use resources

priority and allocations from public

aims to support developing countries

most effectively and target incentives

budgets. Poverty reduction, econom-

in mobilising resources for environ-

as effectively as possible.

ic growth and health concerns have

mental concerns and to assist in us-

cludes:

been receiving much of the attention

ing their natural resources as sustain-

<

and resources previously assigned to

ably and as beneficially as possible.

ling/reducing environmentally un-

environmental concerns. Modern en-

The core question is how can develop-

friendly subsidies (e.g. energy and

vironmental instruments are expected

ing countries use their considerable

to live up to much higher levels of eco-

natural resource wealth more efficient-

nomic efficiency than classical „com-

ly by following win-win scenarios of

capturing natural resources rents

mand and control“. How economic

increas-ing revenues of resource use

(e.g. forests) and user fees (e.g.

costs compare to environmental ben-

and minimising negative impacts?

protected areas, solid waste man-

This in-

freeing up resources from cancel-

water subsidies) <

generating

new

resources

by

agement) <

providing incentives and generating revenues by environmental taxes and charges (e.g. water and waste water, air pollution, energy use), and

<

the development and application of innovative financing mechanisms (e.g. payments for environmental services, funds for sustainable fi-

commissioned by:

nancing of nature conservation,

ments applied range from taxation

debt for nature swaps, environmen-

and tax breaks to fees, certificates

ment in developing “environmental

tal certificates under the clean

and tradable permits to certification

fiscal reform” conceptually for im-

development mechanism).

and liability regulation.

plementation in developing coun-

<

GTZ supports the German govern-

tries in the OECD context

Relevance

GTZ experiences

In a number of countries policy instru-

<

<

GTZ works on sustainable financing schemes for protected areas in Lat-

GTZ assists in introducing eco-

ments to mobilise resources and pro-

nomic instruments in a variety of

viding incentives for sustainable de-

countries and regions, based on

velopment have gained importance in

the experiences made in Germany

the course of the last decade. This

and in the developing world

applies in particular to countries with a dynamically evolving institutional

in America, Africa and Asia <

GTZ develops policies for financing sustainable forestry and

<

GTZ develops organisational ca-

GTZ is involved in the development

pacity and know-how in developing

landscape. Subsidies on raw materi-

and implementation of “payments

countries to benefit from the trad-

als and energy are being reconsidered

for environmental services” mecha-

ing of emission reductions under

in the context of structural adaptation

nisms in a number of countries in

the Clean Development Mechanism

and international market exposure.

Latin America

of the Kyoto Protocol.

<

Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol, emission reduction credits are being traded worldwide. Countries like China, India and South Africa have gradually introduced

environmental

taxes

and

charges. Colombia charges levies on air pollution and solid waste disposal, Brazil charges fees for water use and industrial sewage, Mexico, Chile and Argentina have introduced different forms of waste disposal levies. Instru-

Imprint For further Information & published by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Department Environment and Management of Natural Resources PO Box 5180, 65726 Eschborn, Germany Phone: +49 6196 79-1320 Fax: +49 6196 79-7123 [email protected] www.gtz.de/umweltmanagement

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Status: 12/2005

Environment and Infrastructure Division

Topicsheet

Section: Environment and management of natural resources General Topic: Environmental policy and institutional development

Environmental assessments Context The majority of development plan-

deal with general environmental is-

ing PRSP, MDG-based development

ning processes fail to take sufficient-

sues in a region or sector, thereby

strategies or the like. For this SEA is

ly into account the environmental

guiding and reducing the workload of

a key to open the door.

impacts of their implementation. This

project level EIA.

holds true from project to policy

Activities and services

levels and in turn often produces

EIA is a mandatory element of

unsustainable development results.

project development in most coun-

Environmental impact assessment

tries. With the EU-Directive and the

With regard to EIA, GTZ can look back

(EIA) and strategic environmental as-

UNECE-Protocol on SEA, also the

on many years of experience support-

sessment (SEA) are tools to avoid

SEA approach is now spreading rap-

ing partner countries in various ways.

such unwanted side effects. They

idly in industrialised countries. In

In the field of SEA, GTZ is cooperating

help optimise planning processes by

addition, donors have highlighted the

closely with several donors (e.g. DFID,

comparing alternative development

importance of EIA and SEA in the

SIDA, NDL, World Bank, UNDP) in de-

options and ensuring that decision-

Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness

veloping a common OECD-DAC guid-

making integrates relevant environ-

of 2005.

ance and approach on SEA. The same

mental aspects.

is the case in supporting partner counIn most developing countries the

While EIA focuses on the project

majority of the poor depend for their

level (e.g. construction of a major

livelihoods on natural resources and

road or an industrial estate), SEA is

suffer disproportionally from environ-

applied to policies, plans and pro-

mental pollution. They are also par-

grammes (like PRSPs or sector plans).

ticularly vulnerable to the effects of

As such, SEAs e.g. also capture cu-

environmental disasters. For sustain-

mulative effects of several clustered

able and sustained poverty reduction

developments that often are not

these poverty-environment linkages

covered in EIA. In addition, SEAs can

need to be considered when develop-

commissioned by:

tries on the ground.

While technical specifications are more important for EIA the real challenge for SEA lies in managing a political process including participation

Thematic focus: <

<

Services:

Building up national systems for

alternative development options we

Technical advice (on substance,

contribute to informed decision-mak-

EIA: advice for environment agen-

process and policies) on individual

ing, optimised and more sustainable

cies responsible for the evaluation

steps and elements or the whole

development outcomes.

of EIA studies in developing evalu-

process of implementing EIA and

ation standards, standard terms of

SEA (e.g. in Vietnam and Benin), on

Improved policy coherence: we help

reference per sector and the moni-

setting up an EIA or SEA national

partners ensure that PRSP, sector and

toring of EIA implementation (e.g. in

system (e.g. in Tunisia) and on

regional policies, plans and projects

Tunisia and Jordan).

adapting an existing system (e.g. in

integrate relevant environmental con-

Indonesia).

cerns. We contribute to increased in-

<

EIA/SEA in post-disaster reconstruction: support for environmen-

teraction and cooperation of environCapacitating institutions and indi-

mental actors with other departments

tally sound reconstruction after

viduals to gain, use and dissemi-

also in decision-making.

natural disasters like the tsunami

nate EIA and SEA know-how

and for adapting existing assess-

through

ment processes to the special cir-

management, training, etc. (e.g. in

processes: we contribute to more

cumstances (e.g. in Indonesia and

Tunisia and Vietnam).

inclusive policy making and planning

<

exchange,

knowledge

Thailand). Helping partners bridge institutional

participatory

teraction with civil society.

SEA of PRSP: advice for integrated

and sectoral barriers, build up net-

consideration

environmental

works and cross-cutting fora and

Efficient environmental manage-

concerns in the revision of a PRSP

working relations (e.g. in Morocco).

ment: by supporting partner institu-

of

(e.g. in Benin). <

and

processes that seek dialogue and in<

<

Transparent

SEA of free trade agreements:

tions to consider environmental as-

Impacts

methodology for dialogue forums

pects up front, we help to create room for more efficient environmentally friendly solutions at each plan-

and assessment of the impact of

Provide for environmental safe-

ning stage. We contribute to keeping

free trade agreements on the envi-

guards: we help partner countries

EIA application and systems focused,

ronment (e.g. in Morocco).

avoid unwanted negative environ-

realistic and practical.

mental effects of their development <

SEA for biodiversity: process de-

efforts.

sign and participatory assessment of impacts of sectoral or socio-eco-

Better informed decision making:

nomic development plans on na-

supporting partners to use environ-

tional parks (e.g. in Vietnam).

mental know-how and to assess

Imprint For further information: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Pilot Project Rioplus Tulpenfeld 2 53113 Bonn, Germany Phone: +49 228 -98 533 -0 Fax: +49 228 -98 570 18 [email protected] http://www.gtz.de/rioplus

Published by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Environment and Infrastructure Division PO Box 5180 65726 Eschborn, Germany Phone: +49 6196 79-1320 Fax: +49 6196 79-7123 [email protected] www.gtz.de/umweltmanagement

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Status: 12/2005