FRAMEWORK BRIEF
GEF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP ON THE DANUBE/BLACK SEA BASIN
INTRODUCTION
1. In the International Waters focal area, countries often face very complex, water-related
environmental problems. In order to develop the joint political commitment to be successful in
addressing these transboundary problems, the GEF Operational Strategy recognized that a series
of international waters projects may be needed over time to: (a) build the capacity of countries
to work together, (b) jointly understand and set priorities based on the environmental status of
their waterbody, (c) identify actions and develop the political commitment to address the top
priority transboundary problems, and then (d) implement the agreed policy, legal, and
institutional reforms and investments needed to address them.
2. The 17 countries of the Danube, Dnipro, Dniester, and Don basins draining to the Black Sea
face a variety of shared environmental problems that are transboundary in nature. Through two
GEF assisted projects since the Pilot Phase, the countries have identified the excessive release of
nutrient pollution from agriculture, municipal, and industrial sources as the top priority
transboundary water problem and releases of toxic substances from hotspots as an additional
priority. Beginning with the Pilot Phase of the GEF, the Danube Basin countries have worked
together as have the 6 countries surrounding the Black Sea with European Union and GEF
assistance. The series of two pilot phase projects and two small follow-on projects has resulted
in the countries learning to work together, setting priorities related to the most serious
transboundary problems, and jointly agreeing on what interventions are needed to address the top
priorities through their programs or plans of actio ns (known as "Strategic Action Programs"
(SAP) in the GEF Operational Strategy).
3. The Danube Basin SAP and the Black Sea SAP are now ready for implementation by the
countries consistent with GEF Operational Program 8 in the International Waters focal area. In
order to accelerate on-the-ground implementation of the SAPs, this Strategic Partnership is being
proposed for Council approval. The Partnership has been developed over the last 24 months, has
been discussed at a Stocktaking meeting in June 2000 with all 17 basin countries, and has been
"mainstreamed" into the programs of GEF Implementing Agencies (IA) as a way of meeting the
country-driven needs according to the comparative advantages of each IA. This Strategic
Partnership also responds to Objective 8.5(e) of Operational Program 8 as part of a test to
determine whether GEF can serve as a significant catalyst in leveraging policy/legal/institutional
reforms and priority investments for reversing degradation of a damaged large marine ecosystem
and its contributing freshwater basins. This basin-wide, multi-stakeholder collaboration is also a
globally significant test to determine whether on-the-ground implementation of measures can be
accelerated to reverse nutrient over-enrichment and toxics contamination of the Black Sea as part
of the Global Programme of Action (GPA) to protect the Marine Environment from Land-Based
Activities.
4. This Framework Brief is included in the Work Program for Council approval. It (a)
reviews the background of GEF assistance and the development of this Strategic Partnership, (b)
outlines the objectives and indicators of meeting those objectives for the six year Partnership that
have been adopted by the 17 collaborating nations (15 recipient plus Austria and Germany) and
IAs, (c) describes the tranches that are being sought for the three initiatives under the
Partnerships and their first tranche outputs and success criteria for which Council approval is
sought, and (d) includes as Attachments the three individual elements according to IA
comparative advantage that together constitute the Strategic Partnership. Council is being asked
to approve a first tranche of USUS$29 million. This will consist of USUS$9 million for the two
regional capacity building/technical assistance projects to be implemented by UNDP and UNEP
and US$20 million for the World Bank Partnership Investment Fund for Nutrient Reduction. In
total, the two Regional Projects would be allocated US$25 million and the Investment Fund
US$70 million over multiple tranches. The Partnership would be allocated a total of US$95
million in GEF funds over multiple tranches. The Investment Fund will aim to leverage US$210
million to accompany US$70 million GEF grant funds for nutrient reduction investments in the
agriculture, and municipal and industrial wastewater treatment sectors and for wetland
restoration. The two Regional Projects will in total leverage US$26.5 million in co-financing
and a US$907 million baseline to complement the US$25 million total GEF financing over the
two tranches.
BACKGROUND
5. Based on years of preparatory discussions and closely following the Rio Earth Summit in
1992, Danube River basin countries signed a convention pledging to work together to restore the
environment of their transboundary river system and the six Black Sea countries signed their
own convention pledging to do the same for the Black Sea environment. In 1992 the European
Union joined forces with the Pilot Phase of GEF to provide US$12 million in co-finance for a
Danube Basin GEF international waters project (US$8.5 million GEF grant) and in 1993
provided US$23 million in co-finance for a Black Sea international waters GEF project (US$9.3
million GEF grant). Both projects were led by UNDP, predated the GEF Operational Strategy,
and were aimed at building the countries' capacity to work together to solve their shared water
problems.
6. Both pilot phase international waters projects came to a close just as Council adopted the
GEF Operational Strategy. In 1996, Council approved two small "bridging projects" to complete
the strategic work recommended by the GEF Operational Strategy in Operational Program 8. The
Danube basin bridging project ran from 1997-1999 with a GEF grant of US$3.9 (US$6 million
co-finance) and the Black Sea brid ging project from 1998-2000 with a GEF grant of US$1.8
million (US$4million co-finance). The other large, multi country river draining to the Black Sea
is the Dnipro River. An international waters project was approved by Council for that three-
country basin in 1998 with UNDP (US$7.3 million GEF, US$11 million co-finance) and is under
implementation to complete equivalent strategic work to the rest of the basin and begin
implementation of nutrient reduction measures.
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Box 1. Black Sea/Danube and Other Waterbodies Experience Serious Nutrient Pollution
Nutrient overenrichment or eutrophication is becoming a more widespead pollution
problem around the globe. Countries of Europe, North America, and Asia are still trying
to reverse nutrient pollution of coastal and marine waterbodies, such as the North Sea,
Baltic Sea, Adriatic, Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, Albemarle/Pamlico Sound,
Florida Bay, and the Seto Inland Sea. Overfertilization of coastal waters with excessive
amounts of nitrogen from a man-induced disruption of the global nitrogen cycle has
become a problem on every continent. Until the 1960s, the Black Sea was known for its
productive fishery, scenic beauty, and as a resort destination for millions of people.
Since that time, as with other waterbodies around the world, massive overfertilization of
the sea by nitrogen and phosphorus from agriculture, municipal, and industrial sources
has seriously degraded the ecosystem, disrupted the fisheries, reduced biodiversity,
posed health threats to humans, and resulted in billions of dollars of economic losses to
the economies of the 6 countries. Pollution from 17 countries (15 GEF-recipient
countries as well as Germany and Austria) has created this transboundary water quality
problem. Since 1992, efforts have been underway with European Union and GEF
support to gradually reverse the situation; this proposal for a Strategic Partnership is
aimed at accelerating implementation of nutrient reduction measures and
policy/legal/institutional reforms in the basin draining to the fragile sea.
7. Beginning with the Council Paper entitled STREAMLINING THE PROJECT CYCLE
(GEF/C.12/9) in 1998, Council was alerted to the opportunity that such strategic partnerships
could help expedite meeting programmatic objectives of the GEF Operational Strategy. In 1999,
Council was informed in paragraph 42 of the GEF CORPORATE BUSINESS PLAN, FY 01-03
(GEF/C.14/9), that such a partnership was under development for the Danube/Black Sea Basin.
At its Spring, 2000 meeting, Council received a progress report on the development of strategic
partnerships and programmatic approaches in GEF/C.15/3 that referred to the accompanying
Council Information Document (GEF/C.15/Inf.6) on the approach under development for the
Danube Basin and Black Sea. Following its initial presentation as a Council INF document,
funding limitations prevented the proposed Partnership from being presented to Council in
November, 2000. The Strategic Partnership is now being presented to Council for approval.
8. Elements of the proposed Strategic Partnership were developed by the IAs in consultation
with the countries and the GEF Secretariat. The draft approach papers were discussed with
representatives of all 17 countries in a Stocktaking Meeting held in Istanbul, on June 29-30,
2000. The Stocktaking meeting was organized by the International Commission for the
Protection of the Danube River and the Black Sea Commission and all 3 IAs and the GEF
Secretariat participated in the dialogue for accelerating implementation of the Danube and Black
Sea action programmes. Following incorporation of recipient country comments, the elements of
the Strategic Partnership were discussed at subsequent Danube Commission and Black Sea
Commission meetings. Adjustments were adopted in 2001 by the two groups to a tranched
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approach to the Partnership in response to funding shortages and to better match actual demand
for resources.
9. The processes of consultation in formulating this strategic partnership not only helped to
develop common understandings among recipient countries, IAs, and the GEF Secretariat but
also served as an instrument for involving other organizations wishing to assist the countries so
that coordination and collaboration may be achieved rather than duplication or creation of gaps.
In particular, the European Union, EBRD, EIB, USAID, WWF, and the Governments of
Germany, Austria, Canada have been involved in the process, are contributing to accelerate SAP
implementation, and provide important coordinated support to the larger strategic framework.
The EU is taking a leadership role in convening partners for better coordination, including
sponsorship of periodic donor and agency coordination meetings with the first held in February
2001 in Brussels. This may help to shorten by one-half the time frame experienced elsewhere in
Europe and North America of two to three decades for developing necessary political
commitments and institutional reforms to foster enough action on transboundary waterbodies.
THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
10. GEF and its Implementing Agencies are proposing a Strategic Partnership consisting of
capital investments, economic instruments, development and enforcement of environmental law
and policy, strengthening of public participation, and monitoring of trends and compliance over
the period of 2001-2007 for the 17 countries of the Danube/Black Sea basin. This would
complement the activities of the countries, EC, EBRD, EIB, and bilaterals aimed at similar
objectives as well as fit programmatically with the on-going GEF project for the Dnipro basin.
Through the formulation process, six objectives with indicators of success were adopted by the
17 nations for this Strategic initiative for the entire 6 year period. They are listed in Box 2. The
Partnership consists of three elements which fit together to assist the countries in a collaborative
manner according to IA comparative advantage. Each element has received endorsement from
the GEF Operational Focal Points of all the participating countries.
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Box 2. Objectives and Indicators of Success for the Danube/Black Sea Basin Strategic Partnership for 2001-2005
Objective
Indicator
In support of the implementation of the Black Sea Strategic Action Plan and
By 2007, 100% of participating countries introduce one or more policy or regulatory
the "Common Platform for Development of National Policies and Actions
measures (including P-free detergents) to reduce nutrient discharges in the agricultural,
for Pollution Reduction under the Danube River Protection Convention",
municipal, or industrial sectors, to restore nutrient sinks (wetlands, flood plains), and to
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and taking into account the mandate of the Sofia and Bucharest
prevent and remediate toxics "hot spots", and 50% adopt multiple policy measures,
Conventions, Danube/Black Sea basin countries adopt and implement
towards goals of maintaining 1997 levels of nutrient inputs to the Black Sea, and reducing
policy, institutional and regulatory changes to reduce point and non-point
toxics contamination in the basin.
source nutrient discharges, restore nutrient `sinks', and prevent and
remediate toxics "hot spots".
Countries gain experience in making investments in nutrient reduction and
100% of participating countries initiate one or more investments in agricultural,
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prevention and remediation of toxics "hot spots".
municipal, land use or industrial sectors for nutrient discharge reduction, nutrient sink
restoration, and prevention and remediation of hot spots of toxic substances, some with
GEF assistance, by 2007 to accompany expected baseline investments.
Capacity of the Danube and Black Sea Convention Secretariats is increased
Payments of contributions by all contracting parties to the Danube and Istanbul
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through, sustainable funding, and development of international waters
Conventions made for 2000 and 2001 and pledged for the period beyond project duration.
process, stress reduction and environmental status indicators adopted
Nutrient control, toxics reduction and ecosystem indicators assessing processes in place,
through Convention processes.
stress reduction, and environmental status, are developed, harmonized and adopted for
reporting to Secretariat databases by 2006.
Country commitments to a cap on nutrient releases to the Black Sea at 1997
Countries adopt protocols or annexes to their two conventions and/or develop legally
levels and agreed targets for toxics reduction for the interim, and possible
binding "Action Plans" regarding nutrients and toxics reduction commitments as part of
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future reductions or revisions using an adaptive management approach after
their obligations under the GPA for Land-Based Sources of pollution to the Danube/Black
2004 are formalized into specific nutrients control and toxics discharge
Sea basin by 2006 towards agreed goal to restore the Sea to 1960's environmental status.
protocol(s) or Annex(es) to both Conventions.
For the Danube, such a commitment will be contained in the revised Nutrient Reduction
Plans (coherent with the ICPDR Joint Action Programme) and developed in accord with
the application of the relevant EU Water Directives.
Implementing Agencies, the European Union, other funding partners and
Regular programs of IA's and EC support country nutrient and/or toxics reduction
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countries formalize nutrient and toxics reduction commitments into IA, EU
commitments during 2001-2007 as part of expected baseline activities and incorporate
and partner regular programs with countries.
them into CCF (UNDP), GPA Office Support (UNEP), CAS (WB), and EU (Accession
support) by 2005.
Pilot techniques for restoration of Danube/Black Sea basin nutrient sinks and All countries in basin begin nutrient sink restoration and non-point source discharge
reduction of non-point source nutrient discharges through integrated
reduction by 2007 through integrated river sub-basin management of land, water and
management of land and water resources and their ecosystems in river sub-
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ecosystems with support from IA's, partners and GEF through small grants to
basins by involving private sector, government, NGO's and communities in
communities, biodiversity projects for wetlands and flood plain conservation, enforcement
restoration and prevention activities, and utilizing GEF Biodiversity and
by legal authorities and holistic approaches to water quality, quantity and biodiversity of
MSP projects to accelerate implementation of results.
aquatic ecosystems. Plans (coherent with the ICPDR Joint Action Programme) are
developed in accord with the application of the relevant EU Water Directives.
Elements of the Strategic Partnership
11. The following three elements constitute the proposed Strategic Partnership:
1.
A GEF Black Sea Regional capacity building and technical assistance
element implemented (in cooperation with the Black Sea Commission under the
leadership of UNDP and with the assistance of UNEP for defined components -
two tranches;
2.
A GEF Danube River basin regional capacity building and technical
assistance element implemented (in cooperation with the ICPDR) under the
leadership of UNDP -two tranches;
3.
A GEF / World Bank Partnership Investment Fund for Nutrient Reduction
focused on single country nutrient reduction investments - multiple tranches.
Elements 1 and 2: Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
12. The two regional elements are aimed at addressing transboundary environmental
degradation in the Danube/Black Sea basin through policy and legal reform, public
awareness raising, and institutional strengthening. Each element will be operated through
or closely linked to the respective Black Sea and Danube Secretariats in Istanbul and
Vienna. The first tranche of each of the two elements are presented in Attachments 1 and
2. They will each focus on the following areas within the Danube and Black Sea
convention countries, with the GEF lead agency shown for each:
Actions to revise and/or create a nutrients and toxics reduction protocol/annex to the
Black Sea Convention in accordance with the Global Programme of Action to
Protect the Marine Environment from Land Based Activities (UNEP). For the
Danube, strategies and measures for nutrient reduction will be reflected in the ICPDR
Action Plan, which will be endorsed and thus become legally binding to the
contracting Danube countries under the DRPC (UNDP);
Activities to develop and implement policies and legislation aimed at addressing
sectoral causes of nutrient and toxics releases, such as phosphate detergent phase-out,
agricultural reform, cleaner production in industry, etc. (UNDP);
Policy and legislative reforms aimed at promoting the protection and restoration of
critical nutrient sinks, particularly wetlands and floodplains (UNDP);
Strengthening of the institutional capacities of the Black Sea and Danube Secretariats
to build in long-term capacity to understand, address and monitor levels and impacts
of transboundary nutrients and toxics (UNDP);
Public awareness raising in support of basin-wide nutrient and toxics reduction efforts
(UNDP);
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Harmonization of water regulatory standards (in line with EU regulations, where
applicable) among the Danube/Black Sea basin countries to include similar nutrient
and toxics reduction provisions (UNDP);
Development of Black Sea and Danube River basin Monitoring and Evaluation
indicators harmonized among countries for process, stress reduction and
environmental status indicators (UNDP);
Strengthening of the Information System to allow interactive information exchange
and update and development of public area for specific topics of nutrient reduction
(UNDP);
Support to further development of NGO activities at national and regional level
(UNDP);
Establishment of Small Grants Fund to reinforce community based actions for
nutrient reduction with particular attention to agricultural reform projects, wetland
restoration and use of lagoons for nutrient reduction (UNDP);
Feasibility studies for a nutrients emission trading system at the national and regional
levels. UNDP will coordinate an overall feasibility study for the Black Sea basin as a
whole while the ICPDR/KfW will carry out a study specific to the Danube River
Basin towards the possibility of developing economic instruments for nutrient
management in the Danube River Basin (UNDP).
Element 3: GEF / World Bank Partnership Investment Fund for Nutrient
Reduction
13. A paper describing the Partnership Investment Fund for Nutrient Reduction in the
Danube/Black Sea Basin is proposed for approval by Council (Attachment 3). A
summary of this investment fund is described below.
14. The Partnership Investment Fund for Nutrient Reduction would be funded by GEF for
a total of US$70 million over multiple tranches. The World Bank in using this fund
commitments to assisting the 15 recipient countries in the Basin as they implement the
two SAPs in addressing the top transboundary priority nutrient reduction. The World
Bank would commit to (a) incorporating in its country dialogue with each of the 15 GEF-
recipient countries policies that address nutrient reduction in the agriculture, municipal,
and industrial sectors, (b) promoting inclusion of Danube/Black Sea restoration issues in
the on-going Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) development processes, and (c) using
the Bank's convening powers and comparative advantage to mobilize funding and engage
other donors/partners to achieve an overall contribution of US$3 from other sources for
every US$1 from GEF in implementing nutrient reduction measures.
15. The Investment Fund would fund modest investments in nutrient reduction as part of
domestic and industrial wastewater treatment, agricultural pollution control and wetland
restoration projects in individual countries. Projects would be selected by the World
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Bank according to specific, pre-approved eligibility criteria, including country
identification as a priority investment as part of the SAP development process; potential
for replicability and commitment to specific activities that promote replicability; country
commitments to policy/legal/institutional reforms related to nutrient reduction and water
quality improvement; GEF focal point endorsement; the country being up-to-date on
contributions to its regional convention(s); and acceptable level of co-financing secured.
Each project would be approved and implemented following standard World Bank
procedures and therefore would be subject to World Bank Board approval. Project
implementation under the Investment Fund would be streamlined through delegation of
approval authority to the GEF CEO under Council authorized GEF funding envelopes
the first of which is sought in this work program. Replenishment of tranches for the
Investment Fund would be requested from the GEF Council together with a progress
report with information on the overall leveraging ratio achieved to date and the project
pipeline.
16. Replicability. Replication of nutrient reduction interventions throughout the Black
Sea/Danube Basin will be one of the most important objectives of the Partnership
Investment Fund. Projects supported through GEF funds will have design elements to
facilitate their replication. This is important since GEF funds invested through the
Partnership will constitute only a small fraction of the total resources needed to finance
the priority hot spots identified by Danube and Black Sea Strategic Action Plans and to
make a difference in the Black Sea's ecological state.
17. Leveraging Ratios. The Investment Fund would aim at leveraging GEF grant funds
against other project financing sources at a target overall program ratio of 1 (GEF) to 3 (
other sources) which would when this is achieved, represent some of the higher. Co-
financing may be secured from a combination of national sources, loans from the World
Bank or other IFIs, and additional grant funding from donors/partners. The minimum
leveraging ratio for individual projects has been established as of 1 (GEF) to 0.5 (other)
and would only be allowed in very exceptional cases, such as in countries with the most
significant resource constraints or critical wetland restoration projects with funding
constraints. Such low-leverage projects would be offset by other investments, such as
nutrient reduction at wastewater treatment plants, where the proportion of GEF
incremental cost financing would be expected to be significantly lower. The World Bank
will assist countries of the region in finding co-finance sources so that they may
participate in the Partnership.
18. Reporting Requirements. The CEO will circulate each proposal intended for approval
to Council for information for a two weeks period in which comments would be
welcomed. The World Bank will report annually to the Council on status of the
Partnership and to the two commissions periodically at their meetings. The CEO will
transmit a report to Council on achievement of progress and indicators in the first tranche
for consideration at a Council meeting before authorizing the start of the second tranche.
A final report with lessons learned and recommendations will be submitted to Council.
19. Monitoring and Evaluation provisions. Each individual project will have its own
monitoring indicators, benchmarks, and monitoring plan to confirm actual nutrient
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reduction achieved. This is very important globally in that cost-effectiveness indicators
(US$/kilogram nitrogen or phosphorus removed) will be established through the
Partnership for different situations to be used in possible future applications by GEF and
by the international community as non-recipient countries enhance their actions to reduce
nutrient over enrichment of coastal/marine ecosystems.
SUMMARY OF FIRST TRANCHE PROPOSALS FOR MAY 2001 COUNCIL
APPROVAL --- OUTPUTS and SUCCESS CRITERIA
1.
Black Sea Regional Project (US$4 million)
Objectives/Outputs/Success Criteria
Objectives
Success Criteria
The long-term objective is for all Black Sea basin 1. For the long term objective, the availability of state of
countries to take measures to reduce nutrient levels the Black Sea reports that permit comparison with the
and other hazardous substances to such levels historical data on the state of the Black Sea before the onset
necessary to permit Black Sea ecosystems to of severe eutrophication.
recover to similar conditions as those observed in
the 1960s.
2. Full compliance with the new Protocol for Landscape
and Biological Diversity to the Bucharest Convention.
Intermediate objective: Urgent control measures
should be taken by all countries in the Black Sea
3. For the intermediate objective, annual reporting of the
basin, in order to avoid that discharges of nitrogen
discharges of P and N from rivers, direct point sources and
and phosphorus to the Black Sea exceed those
airborne fluxes (estimates based on ground stations).
levels observed in 1997.
4. Full compliance with the new LBA Protocol to the
Immediate Objectives:
Bucharest Convention.
1. Reduction of the nitrogen and phosphorus
loads to the Black Sea;
2. Enhancement of the service function of
wetlands and benthic (seabed) plant communities
for the assimilation of nutrients;
3. Improved management of fisheries to permit
their economic recovery in parallel with
improvements to the ecosystem.
4. In addition to the above, and where
appropriate, attention will also be given to
transboundary contamination by hazardous
substances, particularly where these have similar
sources to nutrients. In the case of oil pollution (a
significant problem in the Black Sea), attention
will also be given to measures that may reduce the
risk of spillage by ships.
Objective 1. Support the integration of a Sustainable Secretariat for the Bucharest Convention
Outputs
Success Criteria
1. A management regime capable of
1. Programme Implementation Unit (PIU) fully staffed
coordinating regional actions to overcome the
and operational
key transboundary issues facing the Black
2. Joint Management Committee established and
Sea, primarily the control and abatement of
operational
eutrophication and hazardous substances but
3. Advisory Groups and Activity Centres operational and
also the improved management of fisheries
engaged in addressing transboundary issues
(see component V).
4. Istanbul Commission able to raise funding for
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2. A permanent mechanism for co-operation
transboundary projects
with the ICPDR (Danube) and other emergent 5. Inter-Commission Working Group operating and
river basin commissions in the Black Sea
setting common management objectives
Basin.
6. Information in the public domain throughout the Black
3. Publicly accessible programme materials in all
Sea coastal region regarding the transboundary
Black Sea languages
problems and solutions offered.
Objective 2. Regional actions for improving LBA legislation to control eutrophication and for tackling
emergent problems.
Outputs
Success Criteria
1. A new and more comprehensive protocol for
1. New LBA Protocol approved and endorsed
the control of land-based activities in the
2. Feasibility study of the MEH published.
Black Sea. This will pay particular attention to 3. Black Sea Futures report approved by the Istanbul
the integral control of eutrophication.
Commission and published.
2. A detailed study of emergent issues in the
Black Sea and their social and economic root
causes based on application of the GIWA
methodology.
3. A feasibility study for the establishment of a
marine electronic highway (MEH) in the
Black Sea and Turkish Straits.
Objective 3. Assist countries to improve their knowledge of the process of eutrophication in the Black Sea
Outputs
Success Criteria
1. State of the Black Sea report (as required by
1. Integration of international study group on Black Sea
the SAP), focusing on eutrophication and
2. Peer reviewed study
hazardous substances, in December 2001.
3. Completion of 4 surveys in 2001 and studies of nutrient
This activity will enable the report to be made
sources
despite the absence of a functional monitoring 4. Publication of State of the Black Sea Report, 2001
network (see Objective 4).
5. Copies of the satellite color scan maps and explanatory
2. Satellite maps of indicators of eutrophication
reports distributed widely in all six Black
issued weekly.
6. Use of the information in setting new adaptive
3. Recommendations to the Istanbul
management
Commission and ICPDR for new nutrient
control objectives within the concept of
adaptive management (see also Obj. 5)
Objective 4. Introduce new sectoral policies and a system of process, stress reduction and environmental
status indicators for monitoring the effectiveness of measures to control eutrophication (and hazardous
substances where appropriate).
Outputs
Success Criteria
1. Sectoral nutrient control master plans and
1. Written agreement of the agricultural, industrial and
associated indicators (agriculture, industry,
municipal sectors in each country to cooperate on
municipalities) for each country.
specific indicators and to help to develop and
2. Amended laws and policies, as appropriate.
implement measures within their area of responsibility.
3. National nutrient reduction strategies.
2. Adopted new system of process, stress reduction and
4. An Istanbul Commission information base,
environment status indicators employed, similar to that
initially managed by the PIU.
described in Annex 8.
5. Annual environmental status monitoring
3. Indicator data used to enforce existing/new regulations
reports, starting in 2002 and incorporating
and for regional status and trends reports
process and stress reduction indicators by
4. Use of the information base by all six countries.
2003.
5. Status reports showing positive trends in selected
indicators.
Objective 5: Support the Commissions in their periodic review of Adaptive Management objectives
Outputs
Success Criteria
1. A benefit/cost study of the application of the
4. Publication and positive reception of the benefit/cost
recommendations (to be conducted jointly
study
with the ICPDR)
5. Recommendations for new objectives and priorities
2. Technical recommendations for new
formulated.
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objectives including recommendations of
6. Approval of the new objectives by the two
target sectors/sub-sectors for control measures
Commissions (hopefully also the new Dnipro
and/or investments.
Commission).
3. Final recommendations to the Commissions
(from the Joint Working Group
Objective 6. Assist the public in implementing activities to reduce eutrophication through a programme of
grants for small projects and support to regional NGOs.
Outputs
Success Criteria
1. Reports describing 29 completed actions in
1. Full implementation of first tranche of 29 projects
the first tranche (e.g. wetlands restored, videos
(independent review).
produced, farms converted to organic
2. Successful second call for proposals.
production, etc.)
3. Full implementation of the second tranche
2. Reports, as above, for the second tranche.
(independent review).
3. Regional NGO newsletter `Black Sea Shared'
4. Effective contribution of NGO evinced by the
produced and distributed quarterly (mainly
establishment of a regional NGO WG on nutrient
electronically)
reduction, media reports and presence at significant
4. Regional report on wetland protection and
regional open meetings.
restoration and recommendation for local
5. Increased number of wetlands protected and/or restored
actions (WWF)
(WWF)
5. Inclusion of the Black Sea in WWF's Europe-
6. Introduction of fisheries no-take zones and analysis of
wide reports on the reform of fisheries
those subsidies to fishing that may be damaging to
management (WWF).
stocks or the environment(WWF)see also Objective 8.
Objective 7. Formulate proposals for market-based or alternative economic instruments for limiting
nutrient emissions and establish private -public sector partnerships for environmental protection in the
Black Sea.
Outputs
Success Criteria
1. `Gap analysis' published, showing difference
1. Reports of actions taken within countries to correct
between the current use of economic
identified gaps in the application of instruments.
instruments and those that would be required
2. Decision of Commissions regarding mechanism for
for the effective implementation of national
nutrient trading and/or alternatives.
nutrient reduction strategies.
3. Loans for nutrient-related investments channeled
2. Feasibility study of the nutrient trading
through regional or national development banks.
mechanism and its alternatives (including
4. Substantial project portfolio that can be taken to a 2005
action-oriented recommendations for the
donor conference or similar funding mechanism
Commissions).
3. Letters of agreement and other practical
arrangements with regional/national funding
institutions.
4. Long-term investment priorities for the post
Strategic Partnership period.
Objective 8. A fisheries exploited within its maximum sustainable yield and incorporating measures to
protect ecologically sensitive areas.
Outputs
Success Criteria
1. First Black Sea Fish Stock Assessment
1. Reports demonstrating effective protection of sensitive
2. Declaration of fisheries free zones to allow for
habitats as fisheries free zones
restoration of macrophyte habitats and
2. Recovery of macrophyte beds damaged by trawling
recovery of nursery grounds.
gear (indicators as per Annex 8).
3. Measures for enforcing the above.
3. Independent review of stock assessment.
4. Signed fisheries convention with measures to
4. Signature, ratification and implementation of the
limit fishing effort and provisions for
Fisheries Convention
enforcement.
5. Signature, ratification and implementation of the new
Biological and Landscape Diversity Protocol to the
Bucharest Convention (prepared with BSEP (GEF and
Tacis) funding.
6. Sustained increases in sensitive stocks (e.g. Turbot,
Sturgeon)
7
2.
Danube River Basin Regional Project (US$5 million)
Objectives/Outputs/Success Criteria
Objectives
Success Criteria
1. Long-term Development Objective:
Overall Project Objective: At the end of Phase 1 of the
Project, methodologies and concepts have been developed
The long-term development objective of the
under the DRPC to introduce and implement legal and
proposed Regional Project is to contribute to
institutional mechanisms for efficient pollution control and
sustainable human development in the DRB
reduction of nutrient loads to the Black Sea. At the end of
through reinforcing the capacities of the
the Project Phase 2, all Danube River Basin countries have
participating countries in developing effective
developed and ratified policies and legal instruments for
mechanisms for regional cooperation and
sustainable water management and nutrient reduction and
coordination in order to ensure protection of
have put in place mechanisms for exacting compliance.
international waters, sustainable management of
natural resources and biodiversity.
Objective 1: At the end of the Project Phase 1, all Danube
River Basin countries have reviewed policies and legal
2. Overall Objective:
instruments in relation to ecological land use (River Basin
Management) and water management and have prepared
The overall objective of the Danube Regional
mechanisms to adapt their national legislation to
Project is to complement the activities of the
international and EU standards.
ICPDR required to provide a regional approach
and global significance to the development of
Objective 2: By end of Phase 1, operational mechanisms
national policies and legislation and to the
for the monitoring of water pollution and control of
definition of priority actions for nutrient reduction emissions from point and non-point sources and a reliable
and pollution control with particular attention to
information system under the ICPDR are designed and
achieving sustainable transboundary ecological
ready for implementation at the regional and national level
effects within the DRB and the Black Sea area.
to assess improvement of water quality and nutrient
The combined structural (US$882 million
reduction in the Black Sea.
baseline) and non-structural (this project, Phases 1
and 2) interventions will reduce nitrogen and
Objective 3: At the end of Phase 1 of the Project the
phosphorus burdens to the Danube River basin by
Secretariat of the Danube Environmental Forum (DEF) is
an estimated 22 and 33 percent, respectively.
fully operational and national representations exist in all
Danube countries. National NGOs are involved in project
The specific objectives of Phase 1 of the Project
preparation and have identified community-based nutrient
are:
reduction projects to be financed under the GEF Small
Grants Programme and have prepared at least two national
1. Creation of sustainable ecological conditions
awareness-raising campaigns.
for land use and water management
2. Capacity building and reinforcement of Objective 4: At the end of Phase 1 of the Project, the
transboundary cooperation for the improvement of ICPDR has conceptualized and developed its monitoring
water quality and environmental standards in the and evaluation system and has identified the indicators for
DRB
pollution reduction and environmental status; knowledge on
removal of nutrients and toxic substances is increased and
3. Strengthening of public involvement in
economic instruments to encourage investments for nutrient
environmental decision making and reinforcement
reduction are developed at the national and regional level.
of community actions for pollution reduction and
protection of ecosystems
4. Reinforcement of monitoring, evaluation and
information systems to control transboundary
pollution, and to reduce nutrients and harmful
substances.
8
Objective 1: Creation of sustainable ecological conditions for land use and water management
Outputs
Success Criteria
Output 1.1:
1. River Basin Districts are defined
Development and implementation of policy
2. River basin management practices are identified and gaps
guidelines for river basin and water resources
and needs in relation of WFD requirements are clarified
management.
3. Methodology for preparation of RBD management plans
is implemented in pilot river basins
4.Transboundary cooperation and coordination is enhanced
Output 1.2:
1. List of priority agricultural `hot spots' and assessment of
Reduction of nutrients and other harmful
legislation on point and non-point sources of pollution are
substances from agricultural point and non-point
updated
sources through agricultural policy changes
2. Review of hazardous agrochemicals and their impacts is
worked out
3. Conventional and alternative agricultural practices and
farming in line with EU requirements for central and
downstream Danube countries are analyzed
4. National deficiencies in agricultural policy are identified
Output 1.3:
1. Assessment of practical promotion of best agricultural
Development of pilot projects on reduction of
practices and manure handling is updated
nutrients and other harmful substances from
2. Alternative concepts for farming and manure handling in
agricultural point and non-point sources
line with EU requirements for central and downstream
Danube countries are elaborated
3. Needs for pilot activities in best agricultural practices
are identified in UA, MO, RO, BG, YU and B-H
4. Understanding of decision makers and farmers on the
need to introduce new concepts for animal farming and
manure handling is addressed
Output 1.4:
1. Areas for land use planning in pilot river basins are
Policy development for wetlands rehabilitation
identified
under the aspect of appropriate land use
2. Methodology and concepts for appropriate land use and
wetland restoration are developed
3. Inappropriate land use at wetland restoration is discussed
with stakeholders (workshop)
Output 1.5:
1. Updated list of priority `hot spots' and inventory on
Industrial reform and development of policies
industries with outdated techniques and facilities
and legislation for application of BAT (best
(accidental risks), related to SIAs, are produced
available techniques including cleaner
2. Existing policies and legislation at the national level are
technologies) towards reduction of nutrients (N
collected and existing gaps with EU legislation are
and P) and dangerous substances
identified
3. Workshop programmes for BAT introduction are
prepared
Output 1.6:
1.
Deficiencies in international comparison related to
Policy reform and legislation measures for the
tariffs, metering, types of collection etc. are identified
development of cost-covering concepts for water 2. Most appropriate cost recovery models and gradual
and waste water tariffs, focusing on nutrient
tariffs reform are proposed for specific countries
reduction and control of dangerous substances
Output 1.7
1. Present systems of charges, fines and incentives is
Implementation of effective systems of water
analyzed nationally and DRB-wide.
pollution charges, fines and incentives, focusing 2. Alternative concepts for the introduction of incentive
on nutrients and dangerous substances
based instruments for groups of DRB countries are
identified
3. Institutional, economic and social capabilities to
implement economic instruments are assessed
9
Output 1.8:
1. Analysis of legal and institutional possibilities for
Recommendations for the reduction of
introducing restrictive standards for detergents use in
phosphorus in detergents.
particular DRB countries is performed
2. Proposals of severe standards and implementation
schedule for phosphorus reduction are developed
3. Proposals for enforcement and compliance are elaborated
4. Organization of workshops on phase out of phosphorus in
detergents
Objective 2: Capacity building and reinforcement of transboundary cooperation for the improvement of
water quality and environmental standards in the DRB.
Outputs
Success Criteria
Output 2.1:
1. Existing structures and mechanisms for implementation
Setting up of "Inter-ministerial Committees" for
of environmental policies and legislation analyzed
development, implementation and follow-up of
2. Adequate structures proposed in cooperation with
national policies legislation and projects for
relevant ministerial departments
nutrient reduction and pollution control
3. Inter-ministerial Committees established
Output 2.2:
1. Water quality objectives and nutrient and toxics quality
Development of operational tools for
conditions are developed
monitoring, laboratory and information
2. Statistics of emissions from point and non-point sources
management and for emission analysis from
for P and N are existing
point and non-point sources of pollution with
3. Inventory of priority chemicals in line with EU is
particular attention to nutrients and toxic
prepared
substances
4. Laboratory equipment in selected countries is reinforced
5. Information system and network are improved
Output 2.3:
1. National stations - PIACs for MD, UA, BiH, YU are
Improvement of procedures and tools for
planned and programme for implementation prepared
accidental emergency response with particular
2. Inventory and assessment of high accidental risks spots
attention to transboundary emergency situations
are produced in all countries
3. DBAM is prepared for improvement to respond to
pollution transport issues
Output 2.4:
1. ICPDR Information System is fully operational with
Support for reinforcement of ICPDR
internal working area and public accessible area
Information and Monitoring System
2. Networking within DANUBIS by all ICPDR contracting
(DANUBIS)
parties is developing
3. Interactive DANUBIS web site is developing
4. Mechanisms for many users of having access to
information are available
Output 2.5:
1. Joint work programme for MoU is approved
Implementation of the "Memorandum of
2. Agreement of status indicators is reached
Understanding" between the ICPDR and the
3. Joint AQC system is defined and agreed
ICPBS relating to discharges of nutrients and
4. Rules of reporting are developed
hazardous substances to the Black Sea
5. Agreement on regular meetings is concluded
6. MoU is signed.
Output 2.6:
1. Training needs are assessed, training programmes and
Training and consultation workshops for
course materials are developed.
resource management and pollution control with 2. Sub-contractors and organizations for training courses are
particular attention to nutrient reduction and
identified and contracts are prepared.
transboundary issues
10
Objective 3: Strengthening of public involvement in environmental decision making and reinforcement of
community actions for pollution reduction and protection of ecosystems
Outputs
Success Criteria
Output 3.1:
1. Optimal operation of DEF secretariat is achieved
Support for institutional development of NGOs
2. Training needs identified and programmes on
and community involvement
environmental issues developed
3. Publications and materials for awareness raising on
nutrient and toxics are conceptualized and prepared
4. Training courses and materials to reinforce NGO
cooperation are prepared.
Output 3.2:
1. Conditions and implementation mechanisms for Small
Applied awareness raising through community
Grants Programme prepared and disseminated (topics,
based "Small Grants Programme"
criteria, timing)
2. Calls for a regional and two local grants programmes
Output 3.3:
1. Realistic approach on organizing public campaigns is
Organization of public awareness raising
developed
campaigns on nutrient reduction and control of
2. Sufficient and reliable information for mass media
toxic substances
purposes are prepared and published
3. Basin-wide documents are periodically published
Objective 4: Reinforcement of monitoring, evaluation and information systems to control transboundary
pollution, and to reduce nutrients and harmful substances
Outputs
Success Criteria
Output 4.1:
1. Monitoring and evaluation system for project
Development of indicators for project
implementation is developed
monitoring and impact evaluation
2. Indicators for emissions and water quality are reviewed to
respond to nutrient concerns
3. Progress indicators for monitoring project
implementation are developed
4. Impact indicators to evaluate environmental effects are
defined
5. Environmental status indicators are developed
Output 4.2:
Carried out only in the 2nd Phase of the Project
Analysis of sediments in the Iron Gate reservoir
and impact assessment of heavy metals and
other dangerous substances on the Danube and
the Black Sea ecosystems
Output 4.3:
1. Criteria for wetlands classification and observation
Monitoring and assessment of nutrient removal
priorities are defined
capacities of riverine wetlands
2. Methodological approach for assessment of nutrient
removal capacities is developed taking into account
results of other projects
3. Observation programme to assess annual removal
capacities is designed and approved
Output 4.4:
1. Economic instruments for nutrient reduction analyzed
Danube Basin study on pollution trading and
elaborated
corresponding economic instruments for nutrient 2. Assessment on legal and policy issues related to
reduction
economic instruments in DRB countries
3. Needs and barriers for "pollution trading" studied
11
World Bank GEF Partnership Investment Fund for Nutrient Reduction (US$20
million)
20. The World Bank is submitting the overall framework for a Nutrient Reduction
Investment Fund and seeks GEF financing of US$20 million for a first envelope of funds
under a longer term program requesting US$70 million of GEF resources. This envelope
of funds would be used to commit resources against individual eligible projects at the
CEO endorsement stage. An important feature of the proposed Partnership Investment
Fund is that these funds will not be earmarked against any particular project at the time of
GEF Council approval. This feature is intended to promote competition for best practice
projects, to promote early action, and to provide flexibility in managing investments in
accordance with partnership eligibility criteria and objectives. Currently, seven proposed
projects are at various stages of development (summarized below) and are likely
candidates to access funds from the first tranche. The demand for GEF resources that this
pipeline of projects reflects are well in excess of US$20 million that would be approved
in the first tranche. A second tranche will be requested at the December 2001 Council
meeting. Periodic progress reports to the GEF Council during the Partnership
implementation period will describe the ongoing project pipeline and future tranche
funding requests will report retrospectively on the use of funds committed under earlier
tranches. Outputs and success criteria for the Partnership Investments Fund are described
in the Investment Fund Paper (Attachment 3) including leveraging targets, replication
goals; and contribution to nutrient reduction. Progress on Investment Fund indicators
will be described in the periodic progress reports to the Council. Each project under the
Partnership will include its own measures for success relating to nutrient reduction,
sustainability and replicability.
Status of Project Pipeline Development
21. Three advanced concepts. The proposed Romania Agricultural Polution Control,
Bulgaria Wetlands Restoration, and Russia Rostov Reduction of Nutrient Discharges and
Methane Emissions on Rostov-on-Don Projects are at an advanced stage of preparation
and expected to require GEF resources in the calendar year 2001. These are model
projects for the Partnership Investment Fund and their concept notes were presented to
the GEF Council in May 2000. These concept notes are attached again as an annex to the
Investment Fund Paper. In case these projects fall behind schedule or fall out of
compliance with Partnership criteria (for example arrears on Commission dues), then
there are other project proposals under development that may be committed sooner.
22. Two less advanced concepts. The proposed Turkey Agricultural Pollution Control
and Russia Krasnodar Agricultural Pollution Reduction Projects are at early project
concept note stage and have not yet received preparation grants, but both governments
have indicated their desire for preparation funds.
23. Two very preliminary concepts. The proposed Moldova Agricultural Pollution
Control, and Hungary Wastewater Nutrient Reduction Projects are at early stages of
discussion. The Moldova project may be blended with a World Bank agricultural credit
and extension project targeted at small and medium sized enterprises. Contingent finance
with GEF grant funds is under consideration/review. The Hungary Project may be
12
blended with EU and EBRD financing. Additional project ideas are expected. Presented
below are a quick summary of each of the three most advanced projects.
ROMANIA: AGRICULTURAL POLLUTION CONTROL PROJECT
Project Objective. The overall objective of the project is to increase the use of environmentally-friendly agricultural
practices in the project area and thereby reduce pollution from agricultural sources in Romania to the Danube River and
Black Sea and at the same time assist Romania in meeting European Union standards in agricultural pollution control. The
project, which will focus its activities in the Calarasi county in the southern part of Romania, along the lower Danube, could
be used as a demonstration activity to be replicated in similar sites in Romania as well as other Black Sea riparian countries.
Rationale. Romania is the largest contributor of nutrients to the Black Sea as its entire territory drains into the Black Sea.
In 1994, nutrient calculations in surface waters consisted of about 284-306 tons of nitrogen/year and 39-40 kilo tons of
phosphorous/year. Agriculture accounts for 44% of the total nitrogen and 58% of total phosphorous contamination.
Groundwater pollution with nitrates and microbial organisms from agriculture has major implications for drinking water
supply for rural settlements in Romania. Between 1996-1999, forty five cases of acute nitrate poisoning were reported in the
project area; in fact, all cases of acute nitrate poisoning in 1997 in Romania were in the Calarasi judet. Since the economic
decline in the region in the past decade and the success of nutrient load reduction programs, the overall discharge of nutrients
to the Black Sea have reduced and this offers a window of opportunity for actions aimed at improving the quality of the
Black Sea which will also help Romania in its EU accession process.
Project Components. Component 1: Activities in the Calarasi Judet, which will include: (i) promotion of environment-
friendly agricultural practices by farmers' associations, family farms and individual farmers in seven communas; (ii) manure
management practices; (iii) promotion of ecologically sustainable land use in the Boianu-Sticleanu Polder, including a
conservation management plan for the Iezer Calarasi water body; (iv) water and soil quality monitoring; and (v) public
awareness and replication Component 2: National level Activities, incl.: strengthening national policy and regulatory
capacity, including harmonizing relevant legislation with the requirements of the EU; and (ii) public awareness activities and
replication strategy. Component 3: Regional Collaboration, which would include regional workshops, field trips, training
and other activities to promote replication of project activities in other Black Sea riparian countries.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION: REDUCTION OF NUTRIENT DISCHARGES AND METHANE EMISSIONS IN
ROSTOV-ON-DON
Rostov Oblast and the city of Rostov have been identified as a "hot-spot" by the Black Sea Environmental Program Strategic
Action Plan (SAP). As such, it is a priority and is eligible for GEF financing under the Partnership for Nutrient Reduction in
the Danube River Basin and Black Sea (Partnership). The Russian Federation Environmental Management Program has
already developed the Environmental Strategic Action Plan for Greater Rostov (GRESAP). The action plan analyzed the
environmental priorities of the Rostov Water and Wastewater Municipal Company (Rostov Vodokanal RVK) and their
possible impact in the restoration of the Azov/Black Sea watershed. Both GRESAP and SAP have identified municipal
wastewater pollution as the most serious problem facing the Azov/Black Sea region. The priority for these programs is to
reduce pollution from wastewater operations, particularly nutrient discharges from wastewater treatment operations.
By improving wastewater treatment schemes through an integrated investment program and changes in consumer practices,
the project would complement the regional Don River Pollution Reduction Program and assist the Government in meeting its
13
international obligations under the Bucharest Convention and the Odessa Ministerial Declaration on the Protection of the
Black Sea. The identified components of the project are (a) Sewerage Network Improvement; (b) Upgrading of the
Wastewater Treatment Plant; (c) Sludge Handling Improvement and Utilization of Methane Gas; (d) Policy Reform
Programs; (e) TA for Replication; and (f) Project Management and Monitoring.
The project will demonstrate effective mechanisms for rehabilitation of wastewater schemes to reduce the nutrient loads and
prevent wastewater sludge spillover into the Don River and Azov/Black Sea, reduce methane emissions from wastewater
operations, and will facilitate replication of this comprehensive approach in other parts of Russia and in other countries of the
Black Sea basin.
BULGARIA: WETLANDS RESTORATION AND POLLUTION REDUCTION PROJECT
Environmental degradation in the Black Sea Basin has caused significant losses to riparian countries in reduced revenues
from tourism and fisheries, loss of biodiversity, and increased water-borne diseases. Pollution is likely to increase as the
regional economy recovers. As reflected in the Danube/Black Sea Partnership Strategy Report, the most urgent actions to
address the degradation of the Black Sea are the implementation of measures aiming to reduce excessive nutrient loads,
mostly nitrogen and phosphorus, in the rivers discharging into the Black Sea, particularly into the Danube. Indeed, this is the
focus of the Bulgaria Wetlands Restoration and Pollution Reduction Project. Although the project focuses on directly
addressing the restoration of a few priority wetlands in Bulgaria, the implementation of the project will play a critical
demonstration role within the region and help to promote nutrient reduction investments in other parts of Bulgaria and
neighboring countries.
The Bulgaria Wetlands Restoration and Pollution Reduction Project would support the restoration of critical wetlands in the
Danube river basin and the use of the riparian zones of the wetlands as nutrient traps. The project will also support
sustainable management of selected areas in the flood-plain of the Danube, improved water quality and monitoring, and
public awareness. The identified components of the project are (a) Integrated Nutrient Reduction Strategy and Action Plan;
(b) Wetlands Restoration and Protected Areas Management; (c) Monitoring Program; (d) Sustainable Livelihoods Program;
(e) Public Awareness and Participation Program; and (e) Project Management and Coordination.
14
TURKEY: AGRICULTURAL POLLUTION CONTROL PROJECT
Project Objective. The overall objective of the project is to assist the Government of Turkey in reducing the discharge of
agricultural pollutants to the Black Sea and assist it in meeting European Union standards in agricultural pollution control.
Rationale. Turkey with a Black Sea coastline of about 1,700 km, and three large rivers (Sakarya, Kizilirmak and
Yesilirmak) flowing into it, is a significant contributor of nutrients and agricultural pollutants to the Black Sea. The Nutrient
Reduction Action Plan for Turkey identified agricultural non-point source pollution as a very significant source of nutrient
pollution of Turkish rivers discharging into the Black Sea. Kizilirmak and Yesilirmak deltas are subject to intensive
horticultural and small scale livestock production. The Government of Turkey, with international assistance, is seeking to
introduce sustainable river basin management for all three rivers flowing into the Black Sea and has therefore tentatively
selected the Yesilirmak basin (provinces of Samsun, Tokat and Amasya) and, possibly, selected water catchments in the
Kizilirmak river basin as the proposed project site. The project would benefit approximately 1.5 million people in the project
area and help Turkey in its EU accession process.
Project Components include (i) Promotion of environmentally-friendly agricultural practices, including crop rotation,
integrated pest management, manure management, soil and water quality monitoring; (ii) Strengthening of national policy
and regulatory capacity towards meeting EU standards, including support for harmonizing national legislation with EU
standards; and (iii) Public Awareness and Replicability, to increase understanding for the environmentally-sound agricultural
practices and dissemination of good agricultural practices for conservation of biodiversity, and water and soil protection.
RUSSIA KRASNODAR AGRICULTURAL POLLUTION REDUCTION PROJECT
Project Objective. The overall objective of the project is to increase the use of environmentally-friendly agricultural
practices and improved land management in the project area and thereby reduce nutrient runoff and pollution in the Black
Sea. The project activities will initially focus on Krasnodar Kray area and could be replicated in similar sites of the region.
The Project would help the Russian Federation meet EU standards in agricultural pollution control.
Rationale. Intensive farming and poor land use management practices have contributed to declining soil fertility and rill
erosion in Krasnodar Kray, leading to significant nutrient run-off into the Black Sea. Over the past 30 years, soil loss from
erosion is estimated at 600 million tons. In the past few years, due to the economic crisis, although application of fertilizers
and other chemicals has fallen sharply, the danger of increased input use is imminent as the economy recovers. There is now
a "window of opportunity" to introduce integrated nutrient management practices and the project proposes to select pilot
farms in three to four districts in Krasnodar to test and demonstrate improved agricultural practices, and strengthen the
national policy and regulatory capacity that will help make agriculture environmentally sustainable in the project area.
Project Components include: (a) Promotion of environmentally-friendly agricultural practices;; (b) Strengthening national
policy and regulatory capacity, including harmonizing relevant legislation towards meeting EU standards; (c) Public
awareness, capacity building and replication of project activities to other similar local, national and regional areas; and (d)
Development of a pilot system to monitor changes in land use patterns and the quality of land and develop a Code of Good
Agricultural Practices.
SEQUENCE OF TRANCHES
24. The GEF Secretariat, the Implementing Agencies, and requesting countries have
agreed to phase the funding of the partnership to help better match the requirement for
GEF funds. The CEO will submit for Council's approval in May 2001 the Strategic
Partnership and a request for a first tranche of funds. The sequence of tranches would be
proposed as follows:
15
i)
May 2001 tranche. Regional capacity building activities for the first three years
(US$9 million, led by UNDP) and an envelope for priority investments that would
be identified and well advanced in preparation by that time (US$20 million, led
by the World Bank).
ii)
December 2001 tranche. Additional identified investments in nutrient reduction
(US$25 million, led by the World Bank).
iii)
May 2002. Final capacity building activities (US$16 million, led by UNDP).
iv)
November 2002. Additional identified investment projects (US$25 million, led
by the World Bank).
ATTACHMENTS
FIRST TRANCHES FOR THREE ELEMENTS OF THE PARTNERSHIP
(1)
BLACK SEA REGIONAL PROJECT
(2)
DANUBE BASIN REGIONAL PROJECT
(3)
WORLD BANK PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT FUND FOR NUTRIENT REDUCTION
16