United Nations
Global Environment
United Nations
Environment Programme
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Office for Project Services
Report of the First Steering Committee Meeting of the
UNEP/GEF Volta River Basin Project: Addressing
Transboundary Concerns in the Volta River Basin and its
Downstream Coastal Area
Bamako, 13-15 May 2008
UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
First published in Ghana in 2008 By the UNEP-GEF Volta Project.
Copyright © 2008, United Nations Environment Programme
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or
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UNEP-GEF Volta Project
Project Management Unit
No. E3 Leshie Cresent - Labone
c/o UNDP P.O. Box 1423
Accra Ghana
Phone: +233 21763648
Fax: +233 21763649
Mobile: +233 206309775
Website: http://gef-volta.iwlearn.org
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this report do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of UNEP or the
GEF. The designations employed and the presentations do not imply of any opinion
whatsoever on the part of the UNEP, or of the GEF, or of any cooperating organization
concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, of its authorities, or of the
delineation of its territories or boundaries.
The report was prepared by Mr. Hubert Onibon and Mr. Olumide Akinsola of the UNEP-GEF
Volta River Basin Project Management Unit.
Cover illustration: Group photograph of participants, 1st Project Steering Committee Meeting
For citation purposes this document may be cited as:
UNEP-GEF Volta Project, 2008. Addressing Transboundary Concerns in the Volta River
Basin and its Downstream Coastal Area. Report of the 1st Meeting of the Steering Committee
UNEP/GEF/Volta/PSC.1/2008
UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The First meeting of the UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project Steering Committee was held in
Bamako, Mali on 13th-15th May 2008. The meeting opening ceremony was attended by two
government ministers, the Minister of Environment and Sanitation and the Minister of Energy, Mines
and Water, while the technical session was chaired by Mr. Souleymane Cissé, Technical Advisor in
the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Bamako, Mali.
The meeting was attended by Government officials (National Institutional Focal Points for the Project)
as well the representatives of the Implementing Agency UNEP/DGEF, the Executing agencies
(UNOPS) and the UNEP Collaborating Center (UCC), the Volta Basin Authority. Representatives of
Non-Governmental Organizations and Research Institutions as well as representatives of the project
partners and representatives of government technical services in Mali also attended the meeting as
observers.
The main objectives of the 1st meeting of the UNEP/GEF Volta Project Steering Committee were as
follows:
· Present, discuss and adopt the inception report (including updated project brief);
· Inform all PSC members on the status and results of the projects inception phase;
· Reach agreement on the project implementation strategy and Project work plan and budget
(including the first year work-plan and budget);
· Detail collaboration and partnership opportunities in the Volta Basin.
The decisions and recommendations of the first UNEP/GEF Volta River Basin Project Steering
Committee meeting are presented in this report.
UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
THE DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE VOLTA RIVER BASIN PROJECT
1ST PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
The 1st meeting of the UNEP/GEF Volta River Basin Project Steering Committee, was held in
Bamako, Mali from 13th to 15th May 2008. The Project Steering Committee reviewed the Inception
Report presented, including revised activities, budget, monitoring and evaluation plan and
implementation arrangements for the project, and noted with appreciation the progress made during
the Inception Phase of the project since December 2007.
The Project Steering Committee made the following decisions and recommendations:
I. To the Project Management Unit (PMU)
1.
Requests the PMU to implement the first year proposed activities, taking into consideration
suggestions for improvements made by the Project Steering Committee;
2.
Requests the PMU to prepare project documents for the demonstration projects, based on
available reports prepared during the PDF-B phase of the UNEP/GEF Volta Project. Consideration
should be given to new initiatives, baseline data, realistic budgets, relevant indicators, and a plan for
their long-term sustainability;
3.
Requests the PMU to provide guidelines on the method of reporting and monitoring of the
cash and in-kind co-financing from partners and participating countries by July 2008;
4.
Requests the PMU to provide a detailed project budget to all members of the Steering
Committee by July 2008;
5.
Recommends that clear mechanisms should be developed in order to give a material and
methodological support to the National Institutional Focal Points and the National Implementation
Committees to enable them to successfully fulfil their functions within the project;
6.
Noted the importance of countries to ratify the Volta River Basin Convention. Acknowledged
with satisfaction the ongoing efforts between the UNEP/GEF Volta Basin Project and the Volta Basin
Authority to establish a mechanism for cooperation and collaboration between the two partners.
(Details of which will be drafted and included as annex to the revised Inception Report);Highlighted
the need for the representatives of the UNEP/GEF Volta River Basin Project to attend regularly the
key meetings of the Volta Basin Authority.
7.
Requests that the PMU prepare a cost analysis of project travel in the region with the
justification of purchase of vehicle for project partners' consideration;
II. To the Project Steering Committee Members
8.
Agreed to provide to the PMU, detailed information on ongoing and planned national and
regional initiatives and projects that have direct or indirect linkages to the activities of the UNEP/GEF
Project by June 2008;
III. General observations and recommendations
9.
Recommends that the downstream region of the Volta River Basin is given due consideration
during the implementation of the project. Furthermore additional resources to be sought for
implementing the joint demonstration project Ghana-Togo on the preservation of coastal aquifers from
salinisation, which was not included in the final project document;
UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
The Project Steering Committee expressed sincere thanks to the government and all the people of Mali
for hosting this first meeting and the warm reception during the period of stay.
UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
Table of contents
List of abbreviations and acronyms
2
1. Opening of the 1st Project Steering Committee Meeting
3
1.1
Opening remarks
3
1.2
Appointment of the Bureau
3
1.3
Review of Agenda and Introduction of participants
3
1.4
Objectives and expected outcomes of the meeting
4
2. Presentations of key documents and discussions
4
2.1
Presentation of project objectives, expected outcomes, activities and budget
4
2.2
Presentation of budget and activities for year 1 and discussions
5
2.3
Presentation on institutional framework and discussions
6
2.4
Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and UNOPS reporting and procedures
7
2.5
Presentation on ongoing projects/initiatives and discussions
7
2.6
Presentation of demonstration projects and discussions
78
2.7
Presentation of SIAAP experience in Kara
8
2.8
Presentation of IUCN/PAGEV experience
8
3. General comments
9
4. Adoption of draft recommendations of the 1st PSC meeting
10
5. Closing remarks and closure of the meeting
10
6. Annexes
1112
6.1
Annex 1: List of participants
1213
6.2
Annex 2: Meeting agenda
1617
6.3
Annex 3: Vote of thanks
1819
i
UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
List of abbreviations and acronyms
Abbreviation Definition
BFP Basin
Focal
project
DRE
Direction des Ressources en Eau
ECOWAS
Economic Community Of West African States
EU
European Union
GEF
Global Environment Facility
GCLME
Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem
GWP-WAWP
Global Water Partnership- West Africa Water Partnership
IRB International
River
Basin
IRD
Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (France)
IUCN
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
IWRM
Integrated Water Resources Management
MOA Memorandum
of
Agreement
NAP National
Action
Plan
NOFP
National Operational Focal Point
PAGEV
Projet d'Amélioration de la Gouvernance de l'Eau dans le bassin de la Volta
PMU
Project Management Unit
PSC
Project Steering Committee
RPC
Regional Project Coordinator
SAP
Strategic Action Program
SIAAP
Syndicat Interdépartemental pour l'Assainissement de l'Agglomération de Paris
TDA Transboundary
Diagnostic
Analysis
UCC
UNEP Collaborating Centre
UNEP
United Nations Environment Program
UNEP/DGEF
United Nations Environment Program/ Division of GEF Coordination
UNEP/GEF
United Nations Environment Program/ Global Environment Facility
UNOPS
United Nations Office for Project Services
VBA
Volta Basin Authority
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
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UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
1. Opening of the 1st Project Steering Committee Meeting
1.1 Opening
remarks
1. The 1st UNEP/GEF Volta River Basin Project Steering Committee Meeting was hosted by the
Government of Mali at the Massaley Hotel, Bamako, from 13 to 15 May 2008. The opening
ceremony was graciously attended by two high level Government representatives: the Minister of
Environment and Sanitation and the Minister of Mines, Energy and Water.
2. In his opening speech, Mr. Hubert Onibon, the Regional Project Coordinator (RPC) of the
UNEP/GEF Volta Basin River Project thanked the Malian government for hosting the meeting,
and expressed his appreciation for the Honourable Ministers presence at the opening ceremony.
He noted that the project is aimed at facilitating the integrated development and protection of the
natural resources of the six riparian countries in the basin, and expressed his optimism that the
meeting deliberations will impact positively on the project implementation.
3. Ms. Virginie Hart, UNEP/DGEF representative at the meeting also expressed her sincere thanks to
the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation and the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water of Mali
for hosting the First Steering Committee Meeting of the GEF/UNEP Volta River Basin Project.
She noted that the objective of the project inception phase is to further detail the project activities,
the budget, the monitoring and evaluation plan, implementation arrangements and new initiatives
in the region.
4. In his statement, the Executive Director of the Volta Basin Authority (VBA), Mr. Charles Biney
expressed great pleasure at the opening ceremony and noted the untiring efforts that have been
invested into the project. He stressed that the VBA is currently going through the process of
completing its establishment, and the Volta Basin Convention will come into force upon
ratification by at least four of the six countries. He congratulated Burkina Faso and Mali for
having ratified the Convention and expressed hope that the other countries will follow suit.
5. In his opening Statement, the Minister of Environment and Sanitation, Honourable Mr. Aghatam
Alassane, welcomed the participants from different countries of the basin to Mali, and thanked the
Project Steering Committee (PSC) for choosing Mali as the venue for its 1st meeting. He further
highlighted the challenges towards achieving sustainable development in the basin and expressed
optimism that the project along with other initiatives in the basin will help address these
challenges. He thanked all the project partners, including UNEP and UNOPS for their support to
the project and wished the participants successful deliberations.
1.2 Appointment of the Bureau
6. Mr. Alamir Toure, National Coordinator of the GEF-Volta Project for Mali proposed
Mr. Souleymane Cissé, Technical Advisor of the Ministry of Environment as Chairman for the
meeting. He further proposed Mr. Benjamin Ampomah of the Water Resources Commission,
Ghana to be the Rapporteur, and Volta-GEF Regional Project Coordinator (RPC), Mr. Hubert
Onibon as Secretary for the meeting. These proposals were accepted by all participants.
1.3 Review of Agenda and Introduction of participants
7. The Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé welcomed all the participants and wished all participants a
good stay in Bamako "the City of the three crocodiles". He noted the need for effectiveness during
the course of the meeting in order to conclude the proposed agenda, which was then submitted for
consideration.
8. Mr. Hubert Onibon explained that the meeting was originally scheduled for two days but later
extended to three days after confirmation with BFP-Volta to enable the presentation on their
research work in the Volta Basin. The proposed agenda was then adopted after minor comments
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
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UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
from participants and agreement that closing remarks be made on the third day of the meeting. The
Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé then proposed that participants introduce themselves.
1.4 Objectives and expected outcomes of the meeting
9. The presentation on objectives and expected outcomes of the meeting made by Mr. Olumide
Akinsola, noted that the overall objective of the First Project Steering Committee Meeting is to
present, discuss and adopt the inception report (including updated project brief), inform all PSC
members on the status and results of the projects inception phase, to reach agreement on the
project implementation strategy, agree on Project work plan and budget, including the first year
work-plan and budget, and to detail collaboration and partnership opportunities in the Volta Basin.
2. Presentations of key documents and discussions
2.1 Presentation of project objectives, expected outcomes, activities and budget
10. In his presentation, Mr. Hubert Onibon, highlighted management challenges of the project and the
needs that necessitated the review of project activities. He equally noted that the GEF-Volta
project is based on two main pillars; Development of management tools on International River
Basin (IRB) and Capacity building for riparian countries for which guidelines are required and
therefore will be developed to address equitable and sustainable management of water and
associated natural resources in the basin.
11.
The presentation further highlighted updated project logical framework (objectives,
outputs/outcomes, and indicators), activities per sub-objective, budget and co-financing issues.
12. In his comments on the presentation, Mr. Sidi Touré from Mali highlighted problems in the basin
and suggested that changes that have occurred in the basin should be noted when dealing with
IWRM actions. He provided information regarding the Regional Plan of Action that was adopted
in April 2008 and also the adopted ECOWAS Policy. He noted that Mali has ratified the Volta
Convention and submitted that all this should be incorporated into the document. He further
submitted that project plans for institutional matters should be conducted within the framework of
the basin study, and indicated the need for VBA to take the lead in the project activities.
13. Mr. Sidi Touré also noted that the proposed budget for equipment is too restrictive and may not
accommodate sufficient equipment purchase. Mr. Alamir Touré further said that the low
contribution from Mali was due to the economic situation during the PDF-B phase and that the
amount will be reviewed based on the updated project document.
14. Mr. Joachin Ouédraogo from Burkina Faso noted that the presentation enabled the participants to
understand the project objectives and status. With regard to financial contribution, he agreed with
the RPC that the endorsement letter sent by the Burkina GEF focal point in 2003 did not specify in
kind or cash contribution. Nevertheless, following the requests sent by the RPC, Burkina Faso
contribution has been estimated at $189,000 and an official letter will be sent to the PMU in that
regard. Mr. Joachin Ouédraogo further expressed concern about time required to implement the
program and also the documentation of lessons learned from demonstration projects.
15. Mr. Kwamé Odame-Ababio from IUCN/PAGEV made some clarifications regarding the budget
co-financing arrangement between IUCN and GEF, and noted that IUCN interventions will
compliment the GEF project while promising to make PAGEV results available to the project. He
stated that the co-financing is still valid as parallel support to complement Volta-GEF activities.
16. Mr. Benjamin Ampomah from Ghana submitted that the in-kind contribution of his country will
be $550,000 while the cash will be $35,000 per annum (i.e. $140,000 for 4 years) making a total
of $690,000. He added that the initial contribution proposed has reduced drastically because the
project was supposed to support institutional framework for the creation of VBA to which most
contribution was already provided when VBA was created.
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
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UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
17. Mr. Daniel Amlalo from Ghana noted that based on the project title the project should also put
emphasis on the Downstream Coastal Areas since majority of the countries are also part of the
Abidjan Convention. He equally added that the cost of $5,000 allocated to develop hydrological
modelling in the Volta GEF project as stated on page 47 (English version) is small. He suggested
that the Project should ensure that GCLME Project is fully involved.
18. Concerning co-financing issues, Mr. Gérard Cougny representing UCC informed participants that
his organisation will provide a co-financing amount equal to what the project will make available
for UCC activities. Also speaking on those issues, Mr. Dam Mogbanté representing GWP-WAWP
noted that there are challenges with project budgeting because of the decreasing value of the US
Dollar and therefore suggested that the project should look at worst case scenario and also assess
what PAGEV co-funding would entail.
19. Ms. Virginie Hart noted that the Project document was approved by GEF because of the level of
co-financing promised. She mentioned that co-financing for the GEF project is a little over $6
million with GEF contribution equal to $5.3 million bringing total project funding to about $11.3
million. Ms. Virginie Hart highlighted that the Project can not be executed on a regional scale
unless this co-financing is made available and therefore suggested that the PSC makes a
recommendation on how to finalize co-financing issue and also explore linkages with other project
activities.
20. While responding to comments and questions asked by participants, Mr. Hubert Onibon stated that
the project is putting in place mechanisms for coordination with partners like SIAAP. He agreed
that timing is an issue of concern for the project implementation but believed that lessons from
Demo Projects can be documented and incorporated into SAP within the project period. He also
noted that since the US dollar rate is falling, the project needs to mobilise more resources in
addition to contributions received from Czech Republic and Hungary Government.
21. With regard to Mr. Dam Mogbanté's suggestion, Mr. Hubert Onibon reaffirmed that the major
pillar of the project is finalisation of the TDA and preparation of SAP and NAPs. He then
informed participants that the GEF contribution has been secured and allocated to that end.
2.2 Presentation of budget and activities for year 1 and discussions
22. The presentation made by Mr. Olumide Akinsola, dwelt on the project budget for Year 1 (GEF
Contribution). This was presented per project specific objectives. The presentation also noted that
the total GEF contribution for the first year is about $1.43 million.
23. During the discussion session, the Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé requested to know how funds
will be provided to countries and the type of feedbacks required from national partners. He also
agreed with the co-financing issues raised by Ms. Virginie Hart, while noting that National Focal
Points will require means to work and therefore suggested that it is important to make necessary
provisions for them in the budget.
24. Mr. Kwamé Odame-Ababio noted that the personnel and operational cost is high when compared
to the project activities. This was supported by Mr. Daniel Amlalo, who observed that the
personnel allocation is about 50% of the budget.
25. Mr. Pierre Damien Bakyono from Burkina Faso submitted that his country considers the project as
VBA project, and believed that VBA will give more strength to the project. He requested to know
the basis by which resources are distributed among countries in the budget.
26. Mr. Hubert Onibon clarified that in the summary presentation of the budget, personnel, travel and
consultants were included (many of which would be national), leading to the misinterpretation that
management and personnel costs were excessively high, and that the detailed breakdown of
budget lines was included in the Inception Report, sent to all SC members. Concerning the
institutional issues, he highlighted the fact that all project activities are meant to support VBA are
clearly presented in the Inception document, but noted that UNEP unfortunately can not sign an
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
5
UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
agreement with VBA because currently it has no legal status. On allocation of finance, he recalled
that the project document stipulates that GEF will distribute resources equitably while other
considerations will be based on differential allocations for different demo projects.
2.3 Presentation on institutional framework and discussions
27. Mr. Hubert Onibon in his presentation mentioned that the Institutional Framework was revised in
order to take into account the considerable changes that had occurred in the basin. He presented
the role and responsibility of key components of the institutional framework, including the newly
proposed expert group called Task Force. He stated that at the national level, National Operational
Focal Points (NOFP) are needed to ensure regular feedback to the PMU. He equally noted that the
National Implementation Committee (NIC) for Project Implementation will guide project
implementation at national level. He highlighted possible bottlenecks including,
feedback/availability of national partners, and mobilization of national contributions and
coordination of parallel funding, collaboration between Ministries of Water and Environment, and
the involvement of all national players.
28. Mr. Charles Biney agreed that all project activities should be in line with VBA vision, and
submitted that VBA will facilitate the endorsement of project documents and linkages with key
government ministries.
29. Mr. Alamir Touré from Mali reaffirmed the importance of linking implementation at national level
with budget, including provision of human and financial support for the national focal points to
implement activities at the national level.
30. Mr. Kwamé Odame-Ababio commented that the implementation arrangement at national level is
top heavy, and suggested that the National Implementation Committee members should include
representatives at the local level. He also proposed that the project should use existing structures
for project implementation.
31. Mr. Sidi Touré from Mali agreed with the idea of setting up of national committees and the
involvement of people at the grassroots level in these committees. He further agreed with the idea
of National Operational Focal Point and proposed that establishing strong links with VBA is
necessary in the overall management of the project. He recalled that the VBA member countries
have demanded the ratification of the Volta Basin Convention by all countries, and expressed hope
that the convention will soon enter into force.
32. Mr. Félix Azonsi from Benin requested to know how the six Project Task Force members will be
recruited; and suggested concerning data collection that the project should agree on the parameters
for data to be collected during implementation.
33. The Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé commented on the project linkage with VBA and reiterated
the need for the project to have strong links with VBA and good coordination units at the national
level. He proposed the importance of setting deadlines for countries to respond to requests,
including putting in place structures like the NOFP among others.
34. Mr. Hubert Onibon noted that only flexibility and dialogue can help address institutional
challenges. On the question of linkage of budget to national level activities, he responded that the
MOA to be signed will specify detailed budgets for each country. He also emphasised that each
country should have its committee based on choice. In his response to Mr. Sidi Touré's comment,
he said that the project will work with VBA and ensure complementarity. He confirmed that the
task force experts are yet to be appointed and the PMU is still collating CVs. Concerning the
institutional structures to be established, he indicated that the project considers national focal
points and their institutions as focal structures consisting of the Coordinator and the second
representative on the PSC. Mr. Gérard Cougny supported this notion and said that the National
Implementation Committee will also be involved in other activities and not just pilot projects,
hence the need for flexibility in its establishment.
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
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UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
35. Ms. Virginie Hart remarked that the aim of the project is to work with VBA on TDA and SAP
which are the needed foundations for VBA. Mr. Charles Biney also noted that VBA considers the
Volta GEF as a project with a time frame and that VBA structures will help implement key
outcomes from the project and equally relate to the project like the Volta Hycos Project.
36. Following these submissions, the Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé agreed that the steering
committee should be flexible in order not to encourage further implementation delay and
submitted that the project proceed as currently proposed with future situation review before the
end of the project .
37. Mr. Yawo Jonky Tenou from Togo highlighted possible bottlenecks that the project may
encounter based upon his experience on the Gulf of Guinea Large Marine Ecosystem project
(GCLME) Project. These include lack of support to national offices to draft action plans and
eventual delays in developing the plan by some countries; experts are not localized hence do not
provide information for national offices; appointed national project directors are not supported
despite their roles and responsibility on the project. He therefore suggested that the Volta GEF
Project should find ways to support the national coordinators in order to encourage them. He
mentioned that Togo has passed a decree to ratify the Volta Basin convention.
38. In responding to these remarks, Mr. Hubert Onibon submitted that the project budgeted for NAP
development and that regional experts will support actions at regional levels while support will be
available for engaging consultants for country interventions.
2.4 Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and UNOPS reporting and procedures
39. Ms. Virginie Hart made a presentation on the Monitoring & Evaluation Plan of the project.
Following the presentation, the question of whether the indicators are at national or project level
was raised. Ms. Virginie Hart responded that there are indicators at different levels, and that PMU
had developed tentative indicators, with demo projects having their own monitoring indicators.
40. Presentation was also made by Ms. Julie Klassen on reporting requirements by UNOPS. The
presentation highlighted the use and importance of Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) to be
signed by Executive Director of UNOPS and Head of Institutional entities working on the project.
2.5 Presentation on ongoing projects/initiatives and discussions
41. The presentation made by Mr. Olumide Akinsola, highlighted several ongoing regional projects
and initiatives in the basin, and noted areas where the ongoing projects and the Volta GEF project
would compliment each other in order to deliver the sustainable objectives for the basin.
42. During discussions, Mr. Benjamin Ampomah suggested that the project should research
environmental projects that are ongoing and in the pipeline, and also projects that could negatively
impact on water resources. Mr. Charles Biney supported this and suggested that the project further
identify and prepare a detailed list of NGOs in the basin as well. Mr. Gérard Cougny reported that
the new EU project in the basin will be incorporated into the project document.
43. The Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé reaffirmed that the project document is good as an initial
effort, and that the focal points can also contribute to improve it in view of the synergy effects to
be achieved with other existing programmes and projects in the basin.
2.6 Presentation of demonstration projects and discussions
44. The presentation on demonstration projects made by Mr. Hubert Onibon, highlighted the
difficulties with the demo projects and efforts made at revising the projects' briefs, including new
opportunities identified to strengthen the projects.
45. During discussions on the demo projects, it was clear that all the demo projects need further
elaboration. Concerning the Demo Project 1, it was noted that the problem of water resources are
problems of water flow, and therefore there is a need to underline this issue in the inception report
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
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UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
of the demo project. Mr. Sidi Touré noted the need to have more information on Lerry Dam in the
tributary of the Volta and the impacts of agriculture expansion.
46. Mr. Joachim Ouédraogo supported the idea of commissioning consultants to appraise the status of
the demo projects. Mr. Mamadou Coulibaly, an observer from Mali suggested that the project be
implemented in consultation with users, and advised the project to ensure that sustainable
activities are included when involving private companies.
47. Mr. Winston Andah representing the BFP-Volta noted that the projects are ambitious and
reaffirmed the importance of conducting base-line studies for the demo projects. He further
cautioned on the potential high cost of constructing treatment plants and reforestation projects.
Similarly, Mr. Dam Mogbanté expressed concern about the magnitude of the demo projects and
noted that the Kara project is very ambitious, but also appreciated the fact that consultants will still
re-evaluate the projects.
48. Mr. Hubert Onibon stated that the ambitious nature of the demo projects is the reason for
proposing inception periods for these projects. The Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé endorsed
that the demo projects are all interesting, and requested the PMU to make use of consultants as
proposed, to improve the demo projects in order to achieve project success.
2.7 Presentation of SIAAP experience in Kara
49. In her presentation, Ms. Charlotte Bayle-Kalinowski highlighted SIAAP's experiences on
improving the sanitation situation in Kara, and its plan to construct wastewater network based on
completed investment plan and feasibility study. The presenter explained the extent of the
partnership proposed by GEF-Volta Project and reemphasised the company's intention to partner
and work with the Volta-GEF project in the two countries of the demo project 2 (Benin and Togo).
50. After the presentation, the Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé noted that the presentation had also
raised the need to review the project document as earlier mentioned. Mr. Dam Mogbanté
suggested that the project pay attention to connecting projects in different countries. He noted that
SIAAP's plan is workable but needs to be implemented on time, and that project indicators and
time schedules for activities should be revisited. In his response to these comments, Mr. Hubert
Onibon agreed with the need to visit sites with SIAAP and finalize the plan and project document.
He said that this will be done as soon as the new SIAAP President is installed, and the local
elections in Benin concluded in order to have the new Mayor's support for the project.
2.8 Presentation of IUCN/PAGEV experience
51. The IUCN/PAGEV Coordinator, Mr. Kwamé Odame-Ababio made a presentation on the IUCN
Water Governance Project experiences in the transboundary area of Burkina Faso and Ghana. The
presentation highlighted the project's institutional and implementation approach, achievements
and challenges encountered during implementation. After the presentation, the Chairman,
Mr. Souleymane Cissé stressed the need for PMU to work closely with PAGEV during project
implementation.
52. Mr. Michel N'guessan from Côte d'Ivoire also noted that the PAGEV project has good ownership
issues to be replicated. Mr. Dounanké Coulibaly, an observer from Mali noted that processes such
as PAGEV take time and requested to know how long it took to come up with tangible results for
the project, while Mr. Winston Andah requested to know the major challenges faced by the
project and if the results are replicable.
53. In his response to the comments on the presentation, PAGEV Project Coordinator acknowledged
that the process is time consuming, but replicable. He listed major challenges as meeting people's
expectations and demands; gender mainstreaming; time and involvement of administrative staff in
the projects.
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
8
UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
3. General comments
54. During the general comments session introduced to take note of issues not covered during
presentations and comments from participants on the inception report, the Chairman
Mr. Souleymane Cissé noted that the demo projects proposed are transboundary activities, and
wondered if there are other projects to be implemented at national level and if results are
obtainable in four years.
55. Mr. Hubert Onibon responded that other activities will focus on development and implementation
of training tools for basin management. He reaffirmed that, only the current phase will last 4 years
after which the project outputs will be inserted into VBA long term work plan and used as support
for development and implementation of new national level projects.
56. Mr. Daniel Amlalo expressed concern that the PMU may be constrained to visit project sites while
there is no provision for vehicles in the project document. Mr. Hubert Onibon responded that the
project will need to visit projects sites for regular monitoring, and that the issue had been raised
but would have to be considered by the PSC before any further action could be taken.
57. The Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé submitted that the PSC can not accept that the regional
project coordinator uses his private car for official purposes, and expressed the view that there
must be a vehicle at the level of coordination, as a minimum condition for fulfilling the duties
assigned. He therefore recommended a budget revision to accommodate this requirement.
58. In her response to the discussion on the project vehicle, Ms. Virginie Hart mentioned that GEF
decided not to use GEF financing to purchase vehicles. She therefore suggested that a cost
analysis over the period of the project be carried out upon which a justification will be made to
explore the purchase of a vehicle from co-financing contribution. In his comment on this same
issue, Mr. Sidi Touré from Mali stressed the need for a vehicle during the raining seasons, and
expressed his view that the project can not rely on analysis to get a vehicle and therefore suggested
that the PSC find a way to get one for the project.
59. Finally, the Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé requested that the PSC propose a recommendation
that the coordinator can not use his personal car to work, and therefore efforts must be made to get
a vehicle for the project.
60. The Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé further noted that there are only two professional staff iat
the regional level and wonder if this is enough for the project, to which Mr. Hubert Onibon
responded that the project planned to use consultants and Project Task Force to help with specific
activities.
61. Mr. Dam Mogbanté expressed concern about the project human resources based upon their
experiences at the GWP/WAWP, and wanted to know how much time the task force would be
expected to put into the project. While Mr. Yawo Jonky Tenou from Togo also expressed his
concern on how the project consultants will be managed at the national level.
62. Mr. Daniel Amlalo noted that with the emphasis on the downstream coastal areas in the project
title, the project should also implement activities that will contribute to downstream areas.
Mr. Gérard Cougny responded that out of the 40 proposals received for Demo projects only 4 were
selected. Out of these 4 only 3, apart from the one with focus on the coastal area, could be funded
due to budget constraints. Mr. Gerard Cougny also noted that, if necessary, additional funds could
be sought for this demo during the project lifespan.
63. In his responses to these comments, Mr. Hubert Onibon mentioned that the TDA and SAP will
address the coastal concerns and also that GCLME is also addressing the coastal challenges. He
noted that the concern about managing the consultants is serious and always difficult, but was
hopeful that the project will have balance in experts.
64. Mr. Gérard Cougny noted that the project anticipated 40 man/day/year for each task force member
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
9
UNEP-GEF Volta River Basin Project
but proposed reduction to 22 man/days/year. Mr. Hubert Onibon suggested that we maintain the
40 man/day/year because of the task ahead. He confirmed that UNEP will evaluate all assignments
before it is awarded by UNOPS. Concerning consultancy tenders, he submitted that PMU will
support national partners to do tenders. The countries will be expected to do sourcing of
consultants, evaluate and send recommendation to PMU, while PMU will get UNOPS to sign
contracts with experts in order to pay them directly.
65. When Mr. Sidi Touré emphasised again the need for the project to integrate its activities into
VBA, Mr. Hubert Onibon stressed that this had been discussed and was included in the Inception
document. He further mentioned that SAP will be implemented by VBA after project lifespan. The
Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé submitted that the project implementation should not be delayed
further and efforts be made to ensure that VBA appropriates project results.
66. Ms. Virginie Hart, mentioned that it is unfortunate that the project could not sign an agreement of
collaboration with VBA because of its status, however all the elements for collaboration had been
discussed and were in place, for VBA to take ownership of the results of the project, and leading
to the future adoption and implementation of the SAP and NAPs.
4. Adoption of draft recommendations of the 1st PSC meeting
67. The chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé introduced the above mentioned agenda item and requested
the Rapporteur to present the draft recommendations of the 1st Project Steering Committee
Meeting. Mr. Ben Ampomah, representing Ghana presented the recommendations.
68. Following discussions on the draft recommendations presented, the Steering Committee adopted
the decisions with amendments and urged for same to be included as annex to the report of the 1st
PSC meeting.
5. Closing remarks and closure of the meeting
69. Mr. Hubert Onibon representing the PMU, expressed thanks to the Ministers, Project Steering
Committee members, IRD, SIAAP and PAGEV. He specially expressed the PMU's thanks to Mr.
Alamir Toure of Mali and his team for their support and constant availability. He also expressed
immense gratitude to the Malian government for agreeing to host the meeting and for their warm
hospitality during the meeting.
70. Ms. Virginie Hart representing UNEP/DGEF thanked the participants for their contributions
during the PSC meeting, while promising on behalf of UNEP/DGEF that the project will be
implemented based upon the agreements with the partner countries and their expectation for the
development of Volta basin.
71. Mr. Charles Biney, the Executive Director of the VBA expressed appreciation to research
colleagues as well as the translators and all those who contributed to the success of the meeting.
72. Mr. Michel N'Guessan from Côte d'Ivoire, on behalf of the Steering Committee expressed
appreciation to the Government of Mali and in particular the Minister of Environment and
Sanitation and the Minister of Energy, Mines and Water for agreeing to host the meeting and to
their staff for the excellent organization of the meeting.
73. The Chairman, Mr. Souleymane Cissé thanked the delegates for their participation in the meeting
and wished them and the PMU well in project implementation. In the absence of any other
business, the Chairman on behalf of the Minister in charge of Environment declared the meeting
closed at 17:16 on Thursday 15th May 2008.
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
10
6. Annexes
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
11
Annex 1: List of participants
6.1 Annex 1: List of participants
N°
Country/Organisation Name/ /Address
Steering Committee Members
1. Benin
Mr. HOUELEKOU Jean-Pierre
MEPN, 01BP 3621
Cotonou, Benin
Tél: (229) 21314129 /21312065
Fax: (229) 21315081
Cel : (229) 97393182 / 90033509
jphouelekou@yahoo.fr
2. Benin
Mr. AZONSI Félix DG Eau
MMEE, Cotonou (Benin)
01BP 385 Cotonou (Benin)
Tel : (229) 21313298/ 21313487
Cel : (229) 95569780 /90918961
felixazonsi@gmail.com
3. Burkina
Faso
Mr. BAKYONO Pierre Damien
DGRE, Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso
Tél: (226) 50374871 à 78
Fax: (226) 50374864
Cel : (226) 70162571 bakierre@yahoo.fr
4. Burkina
Faso
Mr. OUÉDRAOGO Joachim
DCN
01BP7044 Ouagadougou 01
Burkina Faso
Tél: (226) 50357879
Cel: (226) 70240470
Fax : (226) 50358249
ouederjoachim@yahoo.fr
5. Côte
d'Ivoire
Mr. N'GUESSAN Bi Tozan Michel
DRE
Abdijan, Côte d'Ivoire
Tél : (225) 20323820 / 20322441
Fax : (225) 20323820
michel_tozan@yahoo.fr ; mytozan@aviso.ci
6. Ghana
Mr. AMPOMAH Benjamin
Water Resources Commission (WRC)
P.O Box CT 5630, Accra, Ghana
Tél: (233) 21 76 36 51
Mob: (233) 24 87 41 38
Fax : (233) 21 76 36 49
byampomah@yahoo.com
7. Ghana
Mr. AMLALO Daniel
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
P.O. Box M 326, Accra, Ghana
Tél : (233) 21 66 46 97 / 8
Direct : (233) 21 66 12 59
damlalo@epaghana.org
8. Togo
Mr. TENOU Yawo Jonky
Direction de l'Environnement (DE)
BP 4825 Lomé, Togo
Tél : 954 54 50 / 338 82 56
ytenou1@yahoo.fr
9. Togo
Mr. AKAKPO Wohou
Direction Générale de l'Eau et de
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
12
Annex 1: List of participants
l'Assainissement (DGEA)
BP 335 Lomé, Togo
Tél : 223 14 46 Cel : 901 69 73
akakpo_raouf@yahoo.fr
10. Mali
Mr. Alamir Sinna TOURE
STP/CIGQE
Point Focal / FEM
BP 2357 Bamako, Mali
Tél : (223) 223 10 74
Cel : (223) 683 62 17
astoure@hotmail.com
11. Mali
Mr. Sidi TOURE
Direction Nationale de l'Hydraulique
BP 66 Bamako, Mali
Tél: (223) 221 48 77
Fax: (223) 221 86 35
dnhe@afribonemali.net
12. VBA
Mr. BINEY Charles
Volta Basin Authority
Ouaga 2000, Near Hôtel SORITEL
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Tél: (226) 50376067
Cel: (226) 96137478
cbiney@gmail.com
13. UNPE/DGEF
Mrs. Virginie HART
Task Manager International Waters
UNEP Division of GEF Coordination
UNEP/MAP
48, Vas. Konstantion Grèce
P.O. Box 18019, 11610 Athens, Greece
virginie.hart@unep.org
14. UNOPS
Mrs. Julie KLASSEN
UNOPS Kenya Operations Centre (KEOC)
UNOPS Building, United Nations Lane, off
UN Avenue
P.O. Box 783, Village Market 00621
Nairobi - Kenya
juliek@unops.org
15. UCC - Water
Mr. COUGNY Gérard
Denmark
Tél : +45 45169038
Fax : +45 45169292 Denmark
Bureau Abidjan : Tél : (225) 22486116
gec@dhigroup.com
16. UNEP/GEF
Volta
River
Mr. Hubert ONIBON
Basin Project (PMU)
Office: Water Resources Commission
(Annex)
Postal: c/UNDP P.O. Box 1423
Ring Road, Accra, Ghana
Tel: +233 245425943
Hubert.onibon@unep.org
Observers
17. IUCN/PAGEV
Mr. KWAME Odame-Ababio
UICN-BRAO, 01BP 1618
Ouagadougou 01
Burkina Faso
Tél: (226) 50334023
kwame.odame-ababio@iucn.org
18. GWP/WAWP
Mr. DAM Mogbanté
c/ CREPA Office,
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
13
Annex 1: List of participants
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Tél: (226) 50366212 / 70200701
Fax: (226) 50366208
dammogbante@gmail.com
19. SIAAP
Mrs. Charlotte Bayle-KALINOWSKi
Mission Relations Internationales
2, rue Jules César 75012 Paris France
+33 1 44 75 44 94 (office)
Tel: +33 6 64 66 43 82 (mobile)
charlotte.kalinowski@siaap.fr
20. BFP-IRD
Mr. DEVARAJ de Condappa
IRD, France
Tel : +33 6 74 94 37 91
devaraj.de-condappa@ird.fr
21. BFP-WRI/CPWF
Mr. Winston Andah
WRI, P.O. Box M 32 Accra Ghana
Tél : (233) 21 77 55 11
Cel : (233) 20 815 59 48
22. UNEP/GEF
Volta
Basin
Mr. Olumidé AKINSOLA
River Project
c/oUNDP Accra.
P.O. Box 1423 Ring Road
Accra, Ghana
Tel: +233 248953869
olumidea@unops.org
23. Mali
Mr. Dounanké COULIBALY
Direction Nationale de l'Hydraulique
BP 66 Bamako, Mali
Tél: (223) 221 48 77
Fax: (223) 221 86 35
dnhe@afribonemali.net
24. Mali
Mr. Mamadou GAKOU
STP/CIGQE
BP 2357 Bamako, Mali
Tél : (223) 223 10 74
Fax: (223) 223 58 67
stp@stp-cigqe.gov.ml
25. Mali
Mr. Mahamadou COULIBALY
Direction Nationale de l'Agriculture
Bamako, Mali
Tél: (223) 604 85 01
m-dcoulib@yahoo.fr
26. Mali
Mr. Bourama DAO
Direction Nationale de la Pêche
Bamako, Mali
Tel : (223) 222 54 58
Cel : (223) 681 96 45
27. Mali
Mr. Namory KEITA
Direction Nationale de la Conservation de la
Nature
Bamako, Mali
Tél : (223) 676 69 02
namokeit53@yahoo.fr
28. Mali
Mr. Famoussa BAGAYOKO
Direction Nationale de l'Assainissement
Bamako, Mali
Cel: (223) 679 56 06
bagayokofamoussa@yahoo.fr
29. Mali
Mr. Souleymane CISSE
Ministère de l'Environnement et de
l'Assainissement,
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
14
Annex 1: List of participants
Bamako, Mali
Tél : (223) 689 74 24
Souleymanecisse2002@yahoo.fr
30. Mali
Mr. Mamadou DIARRA
DNPIA Bamako, Mali
mamadoudiarra@yahoo.fr
Secretariat
31. Mali
Mrs. Haïdara Mariam COULIBALY
STP/CIGQE
Bamako, Mali
Tél : (223) 223 10 74
mhaidara08@yahoo.fr
32. Mali
Mrs. Barry Kadidia DABO
STP/CIGQE
Bamako, Mali
Cel : (223) 604 31 60
dabokadidia@yahoo.fr
33.
Mrs. Oumou Dicko
STP/CIGQE
Bamako, Mali
Cel : (223) 686 93 37
oumouahmadoudicko@yahoo.fr
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
15
Annex 2: Meeting agenda
6.2 Annex 2: Meeting agenda
Day 1: Tuesday 13 May, 2008
Time
Activity
Responsible
08:00 09:00
Arrival and registration
PMU and National partners
09:00 09:45
Opening remarks
Regional Project Coordinator
Representative of UNEP
Representative of VBA
Malian Minister in charge of
Environment
09:45 10:15
Tea/Coffee Break
10:15 10:30
Appointment of the Bureau of the meeting
All participants
Review and Agreement of meeting Agenda
10:30 10:45
Introduction of Participants
All participants
10:45 11:00
Workshop objective and expected outcomes
Olumide Akinshola
11:00 11:30
Overall revised project: objectives, expected
Hubert Onibon
outcomes, activities and budget
11:30 11:45
Budget and co-financing issues
Hubert Onibon
11:45 12:30
Discussion
All participants
12:30 13:00
Proposed work plan and budget for the first year of
Olumide Akinshola
implementation
13:00 15 :00
Lunch
15:00 16:30
Institutional Arrangements
Hubert Onibon
16:30 16 :45
Tea/Coffee Break
16:45 17:05
Presentation of project M&E plan
Virginie Hart
17:05 17:25
UNOPS reports and procedures
Julie Klassen
17:25 18:00
Discussions
All participants
18:00
End of day 1
Day 2: 14 May, 2008
Time
Activity
Responsible
09:00 9:45
Linkage with other projects or initiatives
Olumide Akinshola
09:45 11:00
Updated Demonstration projects: objectives,
Hubert Onibon
expected outcomes, activities and budget
11:00 11:15
Tea/Coffee Break
11:15 12:00
Demo Project 2: Presentation of SIAAP experience
SIAAP
and plan
12:00 13:00
Presentation of IUCN/PAGEV experience
Kwame Odame-Ababio
13:00 15 :00
Lunch
15:00 16:30
General comments and discussions on the inception
All participants
report (including project review)
16:30 17:30
Preparedness of Recommendations
Bureau of the meeting
17:30 17:45
Tea/Coffee Break
17:45 18:30
Recommendations
All participants
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
16
Annex 2: Meeting agenda
Day 3: 15 May, 2008: Challenge Program Water for Food / BFP Volta
Time
Activity
Responsible
09:00 09:30
Presentation of the CPWF and BFP - Volta
J. Lemoalle
09:30 10:00
The Water Resource
D. de Condappa
10:00 10:15
Discussion
All participants
10:15 10:45
Food production and water productivity
W. Andah
10:45 11:00
Discussion
All participants
11:00 11:30
Tea/Coffee Break
11:30 12:00
Rural poverty
J. Lemoalle
12:00 12:15
Discussion
All participants
12:15 12:30
Research questions
J. Lemoalle
12:30 13:00
Discussion
All participants
13:00 14:45
Lunch
14:45 16:00
Closing remarks
Regional Project Coordinator
Representative of UNEP
Representative of VBA
Malian Minister in charge of
Environment
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
17
6.3 Annex 3: Vote of thanks
1st Project Steering Committee Meeting
Bamako, 13-15 May 2008
Vote of Thanks
We, representatives from the riparian countries of the Volta river basin, involved in the
steering and implementation of the UNEP/GEF Volta River Basin Project for "Addressing
Transboundary Concerns in the Volta River Basin and its Downstream Coastal Area" having
met in Bamako from 13 to 15 May 2008 on the occasion of the 1st Project Steering
Committee meeting,
Hereby express our sincere thanks to:
- The Government of Mali for hosting the meeting and the warm reception during our
stay;
- The Minister of Environment and Sanitation and the Minister of Energy, Mines and
Water and their staff for the excel ent organization of the meeting; and
- Our technical and financial partners for their continued support.
Bamako, 15 May 2008
The Representatives of the countries of the Volta Basin
First GEF-Volta Project Steering Committee Meeting, Bamako 13-15 May 2008
18