Document of
The World Bank
Report No.:
PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT FUND BRIEF
ON A
PROPOSED GRANT FROM THE
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY TRUST FUND
IN THE AMOUNT OF USD 30 MILLION
FOR THE FIRST TRANCHE OF A GEF USD 85 MILLION
INVESTMENT FUND
FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA LARGE MARINE ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP
April 28, 2006
Abbreviations and Acronyms
BOD
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
CAS
Country Assistance Strategy
CEO
Chief Executive Officer
CI Conservation
International
ECA
Europe and Central Asia
EU European
Union
FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization
GDP
Gross Domestic Product
GEF
Global Environmental Facility
GIWA
Global International Waters Assessment
GWP
Global Water Partnership
IBRD
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
ICM
Integrated Coastal Management
IDA International
Development
Association
IFI International
Financial
Institution
IW:LEARN International
Waters Resource Center website
IUCN
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (World Conservation Union)
LME
Large Marine Ecosystems
MAP
Mediterranean Action Plan
METAP
Mediterranean Environment Technical Assistance Program
MNA
Middle East and North Africa
MPA
Marine Protected Area
N Nitrogen
NAP
National Action Plan
NGO
Non-Governmental Organization
OPS3
Third Overall Performance Survey
P Phosphorus
PAD
Project Appraisal Document
PSC
Project Steering Committee
SAP
Strategic Action Program
SP Strategic
Priorities
SPA
Specially Protected Areas
TDA
Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis
TTL
Task Team Leader
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UNEP
United Nations Environment Programme
UNESCO
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNIDO
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
WB World
Bank
WHO
World Health Organization
WWF
World Wildlife Fund
WSSD
World Summit on Sustainable Development
Vice-President:
Shigeo
Katsu, Christiaan J. Poortman
Sector
Manager:
Marjory-Anne Bromhead, Narasimham
Vijay Jagannathan
Task Team Leader:
Emilia Battaglini, Dahlia Lotayef
1
TABLE OF CONTENT
A. STRATEGIC CONTEXT AND RATIONALE ..............................................................................3
Region and Sector Issues ..........................................................................................................................3
Environmental challenges of the Mediterranean Sea................................................................. 3
Status of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea ..................................................... 5
An integrated, action-oriented response: The GEF Strategic Partnership for the
Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem...........................................................................................6
A long history of collaboration, analysis and planning, but limited implementation................. 6
An opportunity to catalyze a strategic, coordinated and integrated response to the
SAPs: the Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem............. 7
Different levels of interventions and impact ............................................................................... 8
Rationale for World Bank involvement....................................................................................................9
World Bank commitment............................................................................................................. 9
Rationale for GEF Involvement..............................................................................................................10
Country Ownership................................................................................................................... 10
Conformity of the Investment Fund with GEF Priorities.......................................................... 11
B. INVESTMENT FUND DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................11
Objective of the Fund..............................................................................................................................11
Design of the Fund..................................................................................................................................12
Financing Plan.......................................................................................................................... 12
Types of Investment Projects .................................................................................................... 13
Project Eligibility Criteria........................................................................................................ 14
Project Selection and Financing............................................................................................... 15
Projects under Preparation ......................................................................................................................16
C. IMPLEMENTATION .....................................................................................................................18
Implementation Arrangements................................................................................................................18
Monitoring and Evaluation .....................................................................................................................18
Replication ..............................................................................................................................................19
Dissemination .........................................................................................................................................20
Sustainability...........................................................................................................................................20
Critical Risks and Controversial Aspects ...............................................................................................21
Stakeholder Consultation ........................................................................................................................21
ANNEXES .............................................................................................................................................22
2
A. STRATEGIC CONTEXT AND RATIONALE
Region and Sector Issues
Environmental challenges of the Mediterranean Sea
The countries of the Mediterranean Sea basin1 face a variety of shared environmental problems
that are transboundary in nature. The coastal areas around the Mediterranean are heavily
populated and are undergoing a dramatic process of development. The populations of coastal
states have doubled in the last 40 years to 450 million (in 1999) and will reach over 600 million
in 2050. In addition, tourism arrival is expected to rise from 135 million in 1990 to 350 million
in 2025, doubling the population along the coast during summer. Population load is shifting
towards the southern and eastern Mediterranean and about 60% of it lives within 100 km of the
coast. Population density in coastal areas ranges from double to ten times the national average
due to the more favorable climatic, agricultural and often socioeconomic conditions. As a result
of the increased demand for space, water and natural resources, the stress on coastal eco-systems,
and the infringement on natural and agricultural land is continuously increasing.
Eighty percent of the pollution load of the Mediterranean Sea originates from land sources,
mainly in the form of untreated discharges of urban waste (which includes microbiological,
nutrient and chemical contaminants) reaching the sea from coastal sources and through rivers.
Lack of sewage collection, treatment and disposal infrastructure is still the greatest problem in
many Mediterranean countries. 69 % of coastal cities with more than 10,000 inhabitants have
sewage treatment plants, resulting in a large annual discharge of more than 1 billion m3 of
untreated sewage to the sea. Some countries have no treatment plants at all. Overall, 66 million
m3 of untreated industrial wastewater is discharged to the Mediterranean each year. To add to
this, agricultural practices cause significant soil erosion and pesticide pollution of surface and
groundwater resources, consequently, through rivers and direct runoff, affecting the coastal and
marine ecosystems.
Uncontrolled coastal development, population expansion and increasing coastal tourism,
unregulated and unsustainable fishing, damming and pollution are the greatest threats to the
marine and coastal ecosystems.
1 Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya,
Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Serbia and Monte Negro, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey, are riparian
countries. Bulgaria, FYR Macedonia and West Bank and Gaza are included as part of the broader Mediterranean
basin. SAPs have been endorsed by all riparian countries and the EU. All countries except Cyprus, France, Greece,
Israel, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Slovenia and Spain are eligible for GEF support.
3
Land-based Pollution Hotspots
The 2005 Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis2 (TDA) for the Mediterranean Sea identifies the
following major transboundary environmental concerns for the Mediterranean basin (Annex 1):
- Decline of biodiversity due to over-fishing, conversion and degradation of critical
habitats, introduction of alien species, pollution in the form of excess nutrients, toxic
waste, including oil, solid waste and litter, and use of non-selective fishery gears;
- decline in fisheries due to over-fishing, use of harmful fishing practice, loss of shallow-
water habitats for some life stages of critical fisheries, adverse water quality from rivers,
coastal aquifers, sewage discharges, dredging, and non-point discharges;
- decline in seawater quality due to inadequate sewage treatment, lack of best practices in
agriculture use of fertilizers and pesticides, inadequate controls on atmospheric emissions
of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants from European industrial sources,
inadequate source controls and discharge control for industries along the sea, and
increases in shipping traffic across the Mediterranean with consequent increase in
accidental and purposeful discharge of harmful pollutants;
2 The Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) is a scientifically based assessment of the environmental
conditions of an internationally shared water-body, which identifies major problems, their causes, possible
solutions, and discriminates between those issues requiring international action (transboundary), and those of an
exclusively national nature. The first TDA for the Mediterranean Sea was completed in 1997 and then revised in
2005.
4
- human health risks due to ingestion of seafood, ingestion of water while swimming,
contact with contaminated seafood products, and contact with seawater contaminated
with pathogens or viral agents;
- loss of groundwater dependent coastal ecosystems due to the contamination, salinization
and over-exploitation of coastal aquifers.
The cost for pollution remedial actions in the Mediterranean Sea was estimated at almost US$ 10
billion in 1997 - with approximately US$ 1.3 billion for intervention in the Adriatic Sea. The
cost of implementing priority measures for biodiversity protection has been estimated at US$
140 million.
Status of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea
In spite of the intensive human use it has experienced for more than two thousand years, the
Mediterranean Sea remains a global biodiversity hotspot, listed in the top 15 marine hotspots by
Conservation International (CI) and figuring prominently in the WWF Global 200 list.
Marine protected areas in the Mediterranean remains critically weak when measured against a
goal of reducing the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, especially for the countries in the southern
and eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea.
From: "Hotspots for Marine Biodiversity in the Mediterranean". Marine Programme Team IUCN Centre for
Mediterranean Cooperation, 2003
5
Although countries have established MPAs, many of these remain "paper parks". In addition,
many were created purely for species protection without giving adequate consideration to the
opportunities to capture multiple benefits through the careful consideration of location, size,
(multiple-use) zoning/management, and the synergistic effects of networks. At the same time
several national reports have identified several common problems affecting the selection,
establishment and management of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean basin (Annex 1).
According to the 2003 Strategic Action Program for the Mediterranean Biodiversity there is a
critical need to review the existing MPA and coastal PA networks to achieve both conservation
and sustainable use benefits (fisheries, tourism, etc.), thus bridging the GEF Strategic priorities
for biodiversity BD-1 and BD-2.
An integrated, action-oriented response: The GEF Strategic Partnership for the
Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem
A long history of collaboration, analysis and planning, but limited implementation
The riparian States of the Mediterranean Sea have a long history of commitment to preserving
the Mediterranean basin through actions at the local, regional and global levels. They launched
an Action Plan for the Protection and Development of the Mediterranean Basin (MAP) in 1975
and signed the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution
(Barcelona Convention) in 1976 and the Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea
against Pollution from Land-Based Sources (LBS Protocol) in 1980 which was then revised in
1996. The countries also signed the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and
Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean (SPA Protocol) in 1995.
Following the extensive preparatory work carried out with support from the GEF under the first
TDA in 1997 (then revised in 2005), the countries adopted a Strategic Action Program to address
pollution from land-based activities (SAP MED) that identifies hotspots priority measures and
targets in all countries and laid the ground for the preparation and implementation of National
Action Plans. In 2003 the Mediterranean countries adopted the Strategic Action Program for the
Conservation of Mediterranean Marine and Coastal Biological Diversity (SAP BIO) that
identifies priority actions and targets to protect fragile ecosystems and reduce damage to natural
habitats (see key SAP targets in Annex 1).
Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations have undertaken several
initiatives in support of the protection of the Mediterranean sea over the years, including the
Mediterranean component of the EU Water Initiative, the EC-funded Mediterranean Protected
Area Network (MEDPAN) managed by WWF, the Adricosm Project on land and coastal
management sponsored by Italy, the Adriatic-Ionian initiative supported by the governments of
the Adriatic region, and the initiative for improved management of transboundary basins and
aquifers in South East Europe (the Athens Declaration) and the GEF-supported project for the
implementation of the SAP MED that is now coming to closure (Annex 1). Several international
agencies are very active in the Mediterranean basin: UNEP, UNDP, FAO, UNESCO, WWF,
UNIDO, METAP, GWP, the EC and the World Bank. However, many of these interventions are
6
fragmented: the focus is more on diagnostic and planning than physical investments, the scope is
limited to a sector or sub-sector, and investments are constrained by the lack of adequate
financing from both public and private sector.
An opportunity to catalyze a strategic, coordinated and integrated response to the SAPs: the
Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem
The countries of the Mediterranean basin recognize that they need a more coordinated and
innovative approach to the implementation of the SAPs that accelerates on-the-ground
implementation of priority actions and removes the institutional, financial and technical barriers
to investments.
The countries of the Mediterranean basin in collaboration with the GEF, the World Bank, UNEP,
and MAP have proposed to establish a Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea
Large Marine Ecosystem to leverage reforms and catalyze investments that address
transboundary pollution reduction and marine and coastal biodiversity conservation priorities
identified in the two SAPs.
The Strategic Partnership will provide a critical mass of financial resources and technical
knowledge readily available to countries that embrace the goal of improving the environmental
conditions of the Mediterranean Sea through a combination of capital investments, economic
instruments, policy and regulatory frameworks and public participation. It will also develop a
strategic regional approach to investments for greater benefit to the basin countries.
The Partnership would achieve its objectives through the implementation of two components:
· Regional Component: Implementation of Regional Activities for the Protection of the
Environmental Resources of the Mediterranean and its Coastal Areas (US$ 15 million
GEF grant, under preparation and to be implemented by UNEP and partners3)
· Investment Fund for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem Partnership (US$
85 million GEF grant, implemented by World Bank).
The key strategic elements of the proposed Partnership are:
· up-front commitment by the GEF and partners to a significant amount of funds that
signals the availability of a predictable envelope of grant financing for beneficiary
countries and co-financiers to access;
· critical mass of investments to promote higher political visibility and interest;
· design framework that takes advantage of on-the-ground learning to replicate and
transfer investment experiences throughout the region;
· streamlined financing through simplified GEF approval procedures; and
3 The concept for the Regional component entered the GEF Pipeline in November 2004 (see Annex 2). The project
is currently under preparation and will be presented for Council approval by end of 2006.
7
· a regional approach to investments that would benefit the countries individually and
collectively.
The regional approach to investments has a number of important advantages. It provides a
vehicle for focusing individual country investments on regional objectives (mainly through the
Investment Fund) and helps to transfer knowledge, share best practices, promote adoption of
policies for replication and scale-up to achieve common objectives (mainly through the Regional
component). Stakeholders' ownership and participation in a regional investment program will
strengthen as a result of the recognition that they are doing their part to contribute to a wider
regional cause. A regional framework provides also a better mechanism for cooperation with
diverse partners, for example the EU which has a significant role to play as a political driver for
action and co-financier of investments. A strategic approach is a more cost-effective vehicle to
demonstrate benefits than a series of individual projects. A strategic approach will also help
provide a targeted timeframe to promote action over a shorter period so that more tangible results
can be achieved.
Different levels of interventions and impact
Strategic Partnership
The higher goal to which the Strategic Partnership contributes is to reduce the degradation of the
Mediterranean Sea large marine ecosystem and its freshwater basins.
The objective of the Strategic Partnership is to leverage reforms and catalyze investments that
address transboundary pollution reduction and marine and coastal biodiversity conservation
priorities identified in the SAPs for the Mediterranean basin. The expected results of the
Partnership to which both the Investment Fund and Regional component contribute include4:
· More effective collaboration between international and domestic donors and financiers
(including the non-GEF Med countries and EU), knitting together the current somewhat
fragmented, unfocused and uncoordinated donor efforts
· SAP objectives mainstreamed into national policies
· Leveraged financing from different sources for multiple investments and policy measures
that reduce pollution and preserve biodiversity in the Mediterranean basin
· Successful investments replicated or scaled-up above and beyond what achieved by the
Investment Fund and Regional component
· Stress reduction achieved at water-body level
Regional Component
The objective of the Regional Component is to induce harmonized policy, legal and institutional
reforms and fill the knowledge gap aimed at reversing marine and coastal degradation trends and
4 Outcomes and indicators for the Strategic Partnership and the Regional Component will be further defined and
confirmed at the time of Council approval of the Regional Component.
8
living resources depletion, in accordance with priorities agreed by the countries in the SAP MED
and SAP BIO. The expected results of the Regional component5 include:
· Increased capacity of basin countries to implement policies and strategies that address
SAP priorities
· Increased knowledge of countries and donors on most innovative projects/technologies
that address regional priority objectives
· Replication strategy for scaling-up successful investments within and across countries
fully developed
· Stress reduction measures monitored at water-body level
· Increased coordination of donors and governments programs addressing SAPs
The objective and expected results of the Investment Fund are discussed in detail in section B of
the Project Brief.
Rationale for World Bank involvement
The proposed Investment Fund fully supports the World Bank strategy for Water Resource
Management in South East Europe prepared in 2003. The strategy identifies "partnerships" as an
effective model for addressing transboundary problems and fostering cooperation on water
sharing, management of water quality, watershed management and ecosystem and biodiversity
conservation are the recommended measures. The strategy also recommends supporting full-
scale implementation of agreed actions plans and projects.
The GEF Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem and its
Investment Fund would also implement some of the recommendations of the Athens Declaration
of 2003, an action plan to promote sustainable management of transboundary water resources in
South East Europe supported by the EU and the World Bank and endorsed by the countries.
World Bank commitment
As the GEF Implementing Agency for the Partnership Investment Fund the World Bank commits
to
· Promoting the Strategic Partnership objectives and SAP targets in the country dialogues
and including them in the World Bank Country Assistance Strategies (CASes) as they are
updated;
· Promoting policies that address (transboundary) pollution reduction and biodiversity
conservation as part of country dialogues;
· Championing and helping to mobilize funds from countries and donors for pollution
reduction;
· Working closely with UNEP, MAP and the other international agencies active in the
region to maximize coordination between the regional technical assistance project
5 See footnote 4.
9
(Regional Component) and individual investment projects and foster replication at a
larger scale.
Rationale for GEF Involvement
Through the years GEF has supported extensive analytical work and capacity building in the
basin countries to provide the scientific basis and build the public awareness and government
commitment needed to address the environmental degradation of the Mediterranean Sea. These
efforts culminated with the adoption of the two SAPs (land-based pollution and biodiversity
conservation) by all riparian countries and opened the way to the second generation of GEF
support targeted to the implementation of the priority actions agreed upon by the countries. The
implementation of the SAPs enjoys high-level country commitment but requires significant
domestic and foreign investments to achieve even a minimal impact on pollution control and
coastal management in the basin.
The Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem - with its Regional
Component and Investment Fund pillars - is the most effective financing modality available to
catalyze critical investments from public and private sector for pollution reduction, coastal
management, biodiversity conservation and promote the institutional, technical and financial
innovations needed to accelerate implementation and is the logical next step for GEF
intervention.
Without the catalytic effect of the GEF financing, investments would likely be limited, scattered
and not targeted to reduction of transboundary pollution, and governments would likely give
only marginal attention to the implementation of the SAPs within their financially constrained
development programs.
The Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem follows the model
established by the Strategic Partnership for the Black Sea and Danube basins which has been
under implementation for about five years. A mid-term evaluation of the Black Sea/Danube
Partnership (BSDP) highlighted many positive achievements, some already beyond the original
targets: mainstreaming nutrient reduction objectives in policy dialogue; legal and regulatory
changes towards more stringent policies, physical investments targeted to nutrient reduction
beyond the GEF initial financial support, financing leveraged from other sources, innovation and
dissemination of best practices (See Annex 3).
Country Ownership
The proposed Investment Fund follows the basin-wide approach in addressing transboundary
pollution and priority ecosystem conservation in the Mediterranean Sea. Many issues affecting
the Mediterranean Sea originate in upstream countries. In this perspective, and conditional to
receiving the endorsement of the individual country's GEF Operational Focal Point for each
investment project, it is proposed that the Investment Fund be accessible to the following
countries: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, FYR Macedonia,
10
Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Serbia and Montenegro, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and West Bank and
Gaza, all of which are eligible for GEF support for International Waters and Biodiversity6.
Both SAP-MED and SAP-BIO have been endorsed by the basin countries and are ready for
implementation. Representatives of the basin countries endorsed the concept of the Strategic
Partnership for the Mediterranean Large Marine Ecosystem, its regional element and the
Investment Fund at a meeting convened by MAP in Italy in October 2004.
Conformity of the Investment Fund with GEF Priorities
The proposed Investment Fund is consistent with the Integrated Land and Water Operational
Program (OP9) in the International Waters focal area and its objectives: implementing projects
that integrate sound land use and water resource management strategies as a result of sectoral
policy changes; facilitating collaboration among IA's and countries and leveraging the
involvement of IA programs and donors; developing projects in threatened marine waters in
close cooperation with OPs in the biodiversity focal area and with coastal/marine priority.
Projects funded by the proposed Investment Fund will address the GEF International Waters
Strategic Priority IW-1: Catalyze financial resource mobilization for implementation of reforms
and stress reduction measures agreed through the (TDA)/SAP or equivalent processes for
particular transboundary systems.
The proposed Investment Fund is also consistent with the Coastal, Marine and Freshwater
Ecosystem Operational Program (OP2) in the Biodiversity focal area and its objective:
conservation and sustainable use of biological resources in coastal, marine and freshwater
ecosystems. Projects funded by the proposed Investment Fund may address any of the following
GEF Biodiversity Strategic Priorities: BD-1: Catalyze sustainability of protected areas, BD-2:
Mainstream biodiversity in production landscapes and sectors and BD-3: Generation and
Dissemination of Best Practices for Addressing Current or Emerging Issues in Biodiversity
B. INVESTMENT FUND DESCRIPTION
Objective of the Fund
The objective of the proposed Investment Fund is to accelerate the implementation of
transboundary pollution reduction and biodiversity conservation measures in priority hotspots
and sensitive areas of selected countries of the Mediterranean basin that would help achieve the
SAP MED and SAP BIO targets. The four main transboundary concerns identified in the
Mediterranean Sea LME include: biodiversity loss, pollution hotspots, coastal habitat
degradation and loss and fisheries depletion.
6 Bulgaria, FYR Macedonia and West Bank and Gaza have been added to the list of MAP countries as they are part
of the Mediterranean watershed but are not receiving related and complementary support from the GEF (such as the
Nile Basin Initiative for the African countries).
11
The expected outcomes of the Investment Fund include:
· Transboundary pollution reduction and biodiversity conservation in priority hotspots and
sensitive areas of the Mediterranean Sea identified through the TDA-SAP process are
achieved
· In-country replication of pollution reduction and biodiversity conservation investments is
initiated
· Investments for pollution reduction and biodiversity conservation in selected countries
are catalyzed
· SAPs implementation is addressed in World Bank country dialogues
· Innovative, cost-effective investments in specific country contexts are promoted
· Measurable pollution reduction and biodiversity conservation in support of the SAP
targets are achieved
· Knowledge-sharing and cross-fertilization of project achievements among the SP partners
are facilitated.
Outcome indicators include:
· 15% of major hotspots/sensitive areas identified in the TDA are addressed
· Replication strategy is adopted and initiated in at least 3 countries
· US$ 100 million replication investments are leveraged
· US$250 million of project co-financing is secured
· Measures to address SAP targets are incorporated in at least 7 CASes
· At least 5 innovative low-cost techniques (such as managed aquifer recharge, engineered
wetlands, treated wastewater reuse, etc) are demonstrated
· 1,000,000 population equivalent of wastewater is treated
· 5-7 sensitive areas are under effective management
· Bank IF Coordination team participates in all (100%) SP consultations
· Bank IF Coordination team organizes and/or participates in at least 5 regional
conferences and/or technical workshops in support of the SP objectives.
Design of the Fund
Financing Plan
The overall resource envelope requested from GEF in support of the proposed Investment is US$
85 million with a leveraged co-financing of approximately US$ 250 million.
Project co-financing may be obtained from a combination of national sources, loans and credits
from the World Bank or other IFIs, or additional grant funds from the EU and bilateral sources.
Eligibility for the Investment Fund does not necessarily require borrowing from the World Bank
but it does require counterpart finance which can include in-kind contributions from countries
and/or other donor support
12
The Investment Fund will be open to contributions from donors. These contributions could be
applicable to all countries/issues or targeted to specific regions/issues according to the donor's
priorities.
The GEF Council is asked to commit to the overall program. However, funding will be made
available to the Investment Fund in three tranches (US$30 million, US$30 million and US$25
million), on the basis of the resources available at the time of replenishment and subject to the
satisfactory progress in achieving the Fund objectives and targets. The first tranche includes
US$25 million from the International Waters focal area and US$5 million from the Biodiversity
focal area. The allocation for the first tranche requested for approval at the June 2006 Council
meeting is for US$10 million (US$7 million from the International Waters focal area and US$3
million from the Biodiversity focal area) with the balance of US$20 million to be requested as
soon as funding becomes available7.
Prior to requesting the second and third tranches the following targets should be met:
· At least two projects under the current tranche have been approved by the World Bank
Board
· At least three projects planned for funding under the requested tranche have obtained
GEF pipeline entry
· A progress report detailing the status of the Investment Fund is prepared for submission
to the GEF Council together with the tranche request. The report will detail the progress
in achieving the Fund leveraging targets, status of preparation and implementation of
projects under the existing tranche; a description of the project pipeline for the requested
tranche; a description of the coordination and replication activities carried out by the
Fund and the other partners; and any proposed changes in the design or implementation
arrangements that may be necessary to improve the Fund performance and the likelihood
to achieve its objectives.
The GEF Council would approve subsequent tranches subject to availability of funds. A stock-
taking meeting will be held at implementation mid-point to review the progress of the Fund as
well as the overall Strategic Partnership.
Types of Investment Projects
The Investment Fund would finance priority projects that contribute to achieving transboundary
pollution reduction targets agreed by the basin countries under SAP MED, and the biodiversity
targets agreed by the basin countries under SAP BIO and reflected in National Action Plans.
Projects supported by the Investment Fund may include:
7 An allocation of US$10 million at the June 2006 Work Program inclusion would allow the processing of one of
two investment projects that will be ready for World Bank Board approval within the next 6 months.
13
· Domestic and industrial wastewater treatment in selected priority hotspots:
demonstration and use of innovative and/or low cost technologies for waste water and
sanitation management such as engineered wetlands, enhancement to existing systems to
improve efficiency, combined wastewater/septage treatment plants, integrated managed
aquifer recharge and wastewater reuse, etc)
· Coastal ecosystem management: restoration and preservation of aquatic habitats
including wetlands, coastal lakes and lagoons; control of saline intrusion in coastal
aquifers; restoration/protection of coastal processes (sediments transport, etc.), promotion
of ICM practices
· Integrated surface and groundwater management in selected watersheds: promotion of
IWRM practices in watersheds draining into the Mediterranean, including groundwater
systems and balancing flows, as a mean to protect coastal-marine habitats of
transboundary significance and reduce pollution from non point sources and sediment
loads
· Biodiversity conservation: protection of endangered natural habitats and sensitive areas of
transboundary relevance, strengthening/expansion of the marine protected area network,
mainstreaming biodiversity conservation in productive seascape and generation and
dissemination of best practices for addressing marine and coastal biodiversity issues
Most projects will include a combination of investments, policy and legal improvements,
capacity building and replication and may support innovative financing mechanisms and public-
private partnerships. Projects will be identified by the proposing country, with assistance from
the World Bank and/or other eligible financiers and in coordination with MAP through the
coordination mechanism that will be established under the Regional Component of the Strategic
Partnership.
Project Eligibility Criteria
The proposed eligibility criteria include:
· the project focuses on hot spots and sensitive areas and responds to priorities identified
by the Mediterranean Sea TDA and the two SAPs;
· the project responds to the priorities identified in the National Action Plan (NAP) or
equivalent strategic documents endorsed by the requesting country;
· the project has secured adequate co-financing for non-incremental components;
· the project adheres to the principles of the GEF International Waters and/or Biodiversity
Strategies, Operational Programs and Strategic Priorities and is formally endorsed by the
country's GEF Focal Point;
14
· the project includes piloting and testing alternative methodologies and approaches that
are innovative in the country context
· the project can demonstrate on-the-ground impact and includes provisions and adequate
financial resources for monitoring and evaluation activities, and specific indicators
consistent with International Waters and Biodiversity frameworks
· the project demonstrates high potential for replication within the country and the
Mediterranean basin;
· the requesting country commits to the policy, legal and institutional reforms related to
transboundary pollution reduction and coastal-marine ecosystem conservation supported
by the project;
· the requesting country is up-to-date on contributions to the Barcelona convention.
Project Selection and Financing
No portion of the GEF grant will be earmarked for any individual country or specific project.
All eligible countries will have an equal opportunity to benefit from the GEF allocation to the
Investment Fund and will be encouraged to submit project proposals. Project proposals
submitted by recipient countries will each be considered based on merit. In principle, in the
interest of speedy advancement of investments and to trigger demonstration and replication
effects on the ground, funds will be made available to countries on a "first come first served"
basis.
However, in the medium to long-term, the pipeline of projects put forward for financing under
the Fund will need to be managed to some degree, to ensure that the strategic objectives of the
Investment Fund are met fully. It is proposed that the rationale for managing the Investment
Fund project pipeline include:
· geographical balance, to ensure that the Fund captures the diversity of environmental
problems and country conditions typical of the Mediterranean basin and to encourage
cross-fertilization;
· diversity of investment typology, to learn from different technologies, approaches and
instruments, and increase the demonstration impact across sectors;
· adherence to the priorities identified in the two SAPs and the 2005 TDA;
· leveraging ratio. The target co-financing ratio for the Fund overall is US$ 1 (GEF) to
US$ 3 (others), with a minimum of 1:1 allowed only on exceptional basis for example for
countries with significant resource constraints or for projects addressing priority natural
habitats or wetland restoration. Priority will be given to projects with high catalytic
impact.
15
Project Processing Procedure
Projects for financing under the Mediterranean Partnership Investment Fund would follow the
same streamlined review and approval procedures in effect for the Black Sea/Danube Partnership
Investment Fund.
Generally GEF co-financing would be requested as part of a larger World Bank project.
Following GEF pipeline entry, project preparation would be carried out according to GEF and
Bank procedures (including the independent review by STAP) and draft project documents
would be submitted directly to the GEFSec for a two-week review prior to GEF CEO
endorsement. The GEF CEO would approve projects on a rolling basis until the funding limit of
each tranche has been reached. The key milestones of project processing therefore can be
summarized as follows:
· Recipient country proposes project concept to World Bank for funding under the
Investment Fund
· Investment Fund coordination team reviews concept against IF eligibility criteria and
approves for World Bank pipeline
· Investment Fund coordination team consults with Regional Component team to ensure
overall consistency, obtain relevant inputs from partners and ensure that replication
potential is fully considered during project design
· GEFSec reviews project concept note for pipeline entry
· GEFSec approved PDF-B (if requested)
· World Bank and recipient country teams prepare project according to World Bank
policies and standards for WB-GEF projects
· STAP expert reviews and endorses draft project document
· GEFSec reviews draft project document
· GEF CEO endorses the project
· World Bank Board approves the project.
Projects under Preparation
A pipeline of projects has been under development since the Investment Fund concept was
approved for pipeline entry in November 2004. Two project concepts have been already
reviewed and approved by the GEF Secretariat for pipeline entry (see Annex 4):
Bosnia/Croatia - Neretva and Trebisnjica River Basin Management: The Neretva River is the
largest river in the Eastern Adriatic watershed and together with the Trebisnjica river (connected
by karst hydrogeology) comprises most of the Adriatic watershed of Bosnia and Croatia. The
entire valley and delta of the lower Neretva River from Mostar (in Bosnia) to the river mouth (in
Croatia) contain the largest and most valuable remnants of the natural Mediterranean wetlands in
the Eastern Adriatic coast. Most pollutants generated in the drainage basins of the Neretva and
Trebisnjica River are carried to the Adriatic Sea and the Neretva river canyon and delta are
identified as priority hot spots and sensitive areas in SAP MED and SAP BIO. Declining water
16
quantity and water quality, land degradation and loss of wetlands and their associated habitats
and biodiversity are the main transboundary problems. Inefficient water allocation and use,
municipal, industrial and agricultural pollution, salt water intrusion and conversion of wetlands
for agriculture are the main causes. The proposed project supports selected intervention for
improved integrated surface-groundwater management of transboundary water resources,
improved management and use of wetlands ecosystems and priority investments for water
pollution reduction including from municipal and industrial sources..
Egypt - Alexandria Integrated Coastal Zone Management. The TDA and SAP MED have
identified several hotspots and sensitive areas on the northern coast of Egypt which has been
witnessing a continuous increase in population, development and degradation. Three hotspots are
located in and around Alexandria: Alexandria, El-Mex Bay and Abu-Qir Bay. Population in
Alexandria has increased ten times in the last 100 years with pressing demand for new land
development including around Lake Mariout which is now surrounded by urban and industrial
development and drains in the hot spot of El-Mex bay. Sewage, industrial wastewater and
nutrient loads from agricultural drainage are the main causes of degradation of water quality and
coastal biodiversity loss. The proposed project will support small scale investments to reduce
industrial and domestic pollution loads in the hot spots of El Mex Bay and Alexandria; and
strengthen the national framework for sustainable coastal management.
More recently, other two project concepts were proposed for pipeline entry and are being
reviewed by GEFSec:
Montenegro Tourism Development. Growing tourism industry and the associated urbanization
are causes of increasing environmental degradation along the coast of Montenegro, some parts of
which are still in pristine condition. Untreated urban effluents, eutrophication and microbial
pollution can be detected in the vicinity of coastal towns. In the southern part of the coast, the
Boyana-Buna delta is a migration corridor and unique habitat for endangered and rare water
birds, fish and water bound mammals. The Boyana-Buna Delta is situated in the municipalities
of Bar and Ulcinj, the two major coastal cities. Port Milena, the waterway that connects the
inland lagoon to the sea is the most significant pollution hot spot on the Montenegro coast. The
proposed project would pilot low cost waste water treatment alternative methods in Bar and
Ulcinj and improve the management and conservation of the wetlands in the Bojana-Buna Delta
by extending the protection status form the coastal strip to the hinterland.
Morocco - Sustainable Development of Nador Lagoon and Al-Hoceima. After Turkey, Morocco
is the country with the greatest number of species and habitat diversity in the Mediterranean
region. Unfortunately, the impact of economic activities and inadequate safeguards to address the
increasing development has resulted in significant coastal degradation as well as damage on
human health and marine biodiversity. The proposed project focuses on two of the four priority
hot spots identified in the TDA: Nador Lagoon and the coastal region of Al Hoceima, both areas
with highly sensitive ecosystem habitats. It will support restoration of globally significant coastal
ecosystem processes; strengthening the capacity of environmental institutions to monitor and
mitigate environmental threats to Mediterranean coastal zones; and the development and
implementation of a comprehensive and harmonized coastal zone management legislation and
management plan.
17
C. IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation Arrangements
The Investment Fund will be implemented by the World Bank, through its Europe and Central
Asia (ECA) and Middle East and Northern Africa (MNA) regional departments8. A small
Investment Fund coordination team (a representative from each region) would be responsible for
coordinating the Investment Fund activities, and liaising with the Regional Component, the GEF
Secretariat and the MAP.
Individual eligible projects would be implemented by government and non-government agencies
within the recipient countries. World Bank staff would be responsible for appraising and
supervising projects according to GEF and World Bank requirements. Bank staff would also be
responsible for ensuring coordination, knowledge sharing and replication strategy development
at project and country levels and for coordination with the Regional Component regarding
regional replication potential.
World Bank staff will participate in the Steering Committee and the Coordination Group for the
Strategic Partnership established under the UNEP-led Regional component. Detailed
mechanisms, including financial resources for ensuring regular consultations and reporting on
progress are being developed as part of the Regional Component
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of performance and results will be carried out at level of
project, Investment Fund and Partnership (See Annex 4).
1) Project Level
Individual projects will adopt monitoring indicators consistent with the monitoring framework of
the IW focal area, which identifies the three categories of Process, Stress Reduction9 and
Catalytic Impact indicators and/or consistent with the monitoring framework for the Biodiversity
focal area. Individual project indicators will be consistent with the project objectives and
contribute to monitoring the Investment Fund targets. Selected key indicators will be consistent
across projects, countries and sectors in order to report achievements at project level, Investment
Fund level and also at Partnership level (basin level).
8 The World Bank core team responsible for the preparation and implementation of the proposed Mediterranean
Partnership Investment Fund includes: Emilia Battaglini (GEF Regional Coordinator and Task Team Leader,
ECSSD); Dahlia Lotayef (GEF Regional Coordinator e co-Task Team Leader, MNSRE): Manuel Mariño (Lead
Water Specialist, ECSIE).
9 See also Key Stress Reduction Indicators at Project Level in Annex 4
18
Specific M&E arrangements for individual projects including resource requirements and
institutional responsibilities will be developed at the time of project preparation.
2) Investment Fund Level
The indicators for the Investment Fund will respond to the conceptual framework summarized in
Annex 4 (Result Framework). They will fall under the categories of Process, Stress Reduction
and Catalytic Impact and will include assessments of the cumulative impacts of replication at the
regional level. The Investment Fund coordination team will be responsible for collecting
monitoring and evaluations results from individual projects and reporting results to the GEF the
Regional Component, MAP and the Barcelona Convention countries on an annual basis.
3) Partnership Level
Arrangements for M&E at Partnership level, including the establishment and monitoring of
Environmental Status Indicators10 are being developed as part of the Regional Component and
will be under the responsibility of the Partnership coordination team.
Replication
One of the goals of the Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean is to have the most successful
pollution reduction and biodiversity conservation investments implemented under the Investment
Fund replicated on a larger scale throughout the basin. Replication potential is therefore one of
the eligibility criteria for funding under the Investment Fund.
Individual projects will develop a replication strategy identifying all areas/sites suitable for
replication within the country (and the basin when applicable), and estimating the potential
impact in terms of the Strategic Partnership's objectives. They will all include communications
campaigns, study tours, and other replication activities (dialogue with government agencies,
including within the context of CAS negotiations, donor conferences, etc.) within the project
country and across the countries receiving support from the Fund.
The Regional component implemented by UNEP will develop and support a replication strategy
for the whole LME by reaching out to all recipient countries to ensure the broader dissemination
of the lessons learnt and results achieved under the Investment Fund. The information from
individual projects will feed into the broader replication and reach-out efforts carried out by the
Regional component.
Depending on the nature of the project, replication mechanisms could engage private sector and
bilateral donors as financing and technical cooperation partners, as well as mainstreaming
10 Environmental Status indicators are measures of change in the state of the environment ("Program Performance
indicators for GEF IW Programs", GEF/C.22/Inf.8 November 11, 2003). They are measures of actual performance
or success in restoring and protecting the targeted water body.
19
investments into government budgets and development plans. This could include opportunity for
World Bank and IFC financing in the replicated projects.
Dissemination
Dissemination of project results and lessons learnt throughout the basin would support the
Strategic Partnership's replication objectives.
Individual projects will be responsible for providing information on project progress, results and
lessons. Dissemination of this information would occur primarily through:
· a website developed for each individual project according to standards established under
the GEF IW:LEARN program the GEF dissemination tool for International Waters
projects;
· Strategic Partnership coordination meetings; and
· MAP meetings.
Individual projects will therefore develop a project website, provide information on project
progress and results to the IF coordination team, on a regular basis and participate in meetings.
The Investment Fund coordination team will be responsible for feeding this information into the
overall Strategic Partnership website that should be established under the UNEP project. The IF
coordination team would also direct project results to specific target countries identified through
the replication efforts managed by the Regional Component. All websites will be linked to the
IW:LEARN program and resources will be available in each project to allow participation to
IW:LEARN events and activities.
Sustainability
Projects supported by the Investment Fund will address financial, technical, institutional,
environmental and social sustainability through the application of World Bank policies and
safeguards. Projects will seek the highest level of government commitment and support for
policy reforms as a means to ensure long-term sustainability. Also, as projects would be only
partially funded by the GEF, recipient countries would have to commit to contribute financially
to cover all project costs (on their own or through donor financing). In this regard, a critical goal
of the proposed Investment Fund will be to increase GEF grant leveraging against other project
financing sources, and to increasingly encourage other partners to take over larger shares of
pollution reduction investments. Blending GEF co-financing into larger World Bank operations
will ensure implementation sustainability and country ownership. Incorporation of the Strategic
Partnership objectives in the World Bank country dialogue will ensure the long-term
sustainability of the program.
20
Critical Risks and Controversial Aspects
Risk Rating
Risks
Risk Mitigation Measures
with mitigation
To Investment Fund objectives
Regional Component is not approved Collaboration by World Bank staff with UNEP, MAP and
L
by GEF and/or cannot undertake the partners in Regional Component design; continued support
activities assigned to it in support of
and interaction with the Regional Component under its
the Fund
implementation.
Sub-projects do not comply with
Include replication and dissemination requirements as legal
L
replication and dissemination
covenants under Grant Agreements, encourage close
requirements
collaboration between the Fund and World Bank teams on
the development and implementation of replication and
dissemination strategies.
To individual project results
Project level governance issues
Close supervision of fiduciary and safeguard issues
M
Slow implementation due to lack of
Financial analysis during appraisal
L
counterpart funding
Sub-project difficult to replicate
Encourage early consultation within region and between
M
sub-projects to ensure maximum information dissemination
and experience-sharing
Overall risk rating
Modest
M
Stakeholder Consultation
The Investment Fund is proposed within the framework of the GEF Strategic Partnership for the
Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem. The Partnership brings together the World Bank,
UNEP and a variety of agencies and donors active in the Mediterranean region: UNDP, FAO,
UNESCO, WWF, UNIDO, METAP, GWP and the EU. Consultations with all partners and
recipient countries were carried out during the preparation of this initiative and extensive
feedback was received from GEFSec, UNEP and MAP. The Investment Fund coordination team
will continue consultations with Partners and countries through coordination mechanism set up
for the Partnership under the UNEP Regional component. World Bank staff will consult with
recipient countries on the Partnership objectives and Investment Fund opportunities during the
process of developing the CAS.
The beneficiaries of the projects supported by the Investment Fund are governments, civil
societies, economic sectors, including private sector, communities, NGO's and the population of
the riparian states. Each project funded under the Investment Fund will carry out stakeholder
consultations on the proposed investments and develop a stakeholder participation plan during
project preparation, according to World Bank and GEF requirements.
21
ANNEXES
ANNEX 1 - Technical Background for the GEF Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea
Large Marine Ecosystem
Page 22
ANNEX 2 - Regional Component of the GEF Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea
Large Marine Ecosystem
Page 30
ANNEX 3 - GEF Strategic Partnership on Nutrient Reduction in the Danube/Black Sea Basin
Preliminary Results
Page 46
ANNEX 4 - Mediterranean Partnership Investment Fund Result Framework and Monitoring
Page
51
ANNEX 5 - Mediterranean Partnership Investment Fund Pipeline: Project Concepts
Page
55
22
ANNEX 1
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND FOR THE GEF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR THE
MEDITERRANEAN LARGE MARINE ECOSYSTEM
Major transboundary environmental concerns in the Mediterranean Sea
Transboundary degradation of coastal habitats and decline of biodiversity arise from the
combination of the following factors: Marine living resources are often migratory; coastal
habitats provide nursery and feeding grounds to migratory species, thus the degradation of
coastal habitats contributes to an overall decline in biodiversity; The sustainability of marine and
coastal habitats depends on the integrity and viability of their interlinked, transboundary
ecosystems, that support trophic levels in the food chain.
Transboundary aspects in fisheries sustainability and management are of particular importance
regarding migratory and shared stocks, which makes it inevitable and essential to address
fisheries on an international level. This task is complex in the Mediterranean as there are a high
number of riparian states in varying stages of development in the management of fisheries.
Future progress in terms of fisheries management however will be based on the ability to build a
multilateral dimension into national practices. The number of shared fisheries has increased in
several areas of the Mediterranean like the Alboran Sea, the Gulf of Lyons, the Northern
Tyrrhenian Sea, the Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea, the Aegean Sea, the Sicily Strait and the Gulf
of Gabes. The number of shared fisheries identified already at this stage justifies common action
to be taken for those stocks at international level.
Transboundary concerns related to marine water quality arise from the fact that pollutants often
travel great distances through air, sea currents and rivers, before their effects can be traced. The
Mediterranean seawater exchange patterns, persistent toxic substances dispersed by atmospheric
circulation, transboundary transport of pollutants such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
(PAHs), euthrophication and the evidence of long-range biological pollution impacts on sea birds
and other marine life, are the main focus areas of sea water quality. Pollution hot spots can also
affect biodiversity resources of Mediterranean-wide importance in addition to site-specific
impacts.
Transboundary elements affecting human health include the trade of contaminated seafood that
diffuses health concerns beyond Mediterranean basin and through the transboundary exposures
of tourists to potentially contaminated seafood; Risks of adverse health impacts from
contaminated seawater such as gastroenteritis, ear, skin and eye infections, viral diseases such as
hepatitis A, cholera and superficial or deep mucoses from contact with contaminated beach sand,
whilst visiting Mediterranean beaches. Without adequate water resource management, human
health issues will continue to degrade. Lack of water and sanitation, inadequate waste and
wastewater disposal, potential waterborne diseases, unhealthy seafood and occurrences of
euthrophication will increase.
Transboundary threats to coastal aquifers. The groundwater problems in the context of the
Adriatic (eastern coast) basin and in selected section of the Levantine and the Southern
23
Mediterranean coasts are linked to the coastal aquifers freshwater- saltwater interface. The
problems are linked to and arise from functions for basin water balance and freshwater
discharges, water supplies, control of saltwater intrusion and coastal salinization, nutrient and
contaminant transport and SGDs and preservation of fresh-, brackish- and coastal water
ecosystems. They are ultimately referred to the lack of policy and sustainable legal and
institutional frameworks for coastal aquifer management. The problems vary depending on the
vulnerability of the aquifer systems, the hydrogeology and importance of land-based water
pollution and are related to (a) sustainable protection and use of shared coastal aquifers, and
ultimately to (b) the sustainability of the regional basin including marine water balance and water
quality and the impacts on the marine ecosystems.
Transboundary problem of marine litter. Marine litter has been an issue of concern in the
Mediterranean since the 1970s. Marine litter is an environmental, economic, health and aesthetic
problem. It causes damage and death to wildlife. It threatens marine and coastal biological
diversity in productive coastal areas. Plastic litter is a source of persistent toxic substances.
Pieces of litter can transport invasive species between seas. Medical and sanitary waste
constitutes a health hazard and can seriously injure people. Every year, the presence of marine
litter causes damage that entails great economic costs and losses to people, property and
livelihood, as well as poses risks to health and even lives. And marine litter spoils, fouls and
destroys the beauty of the sea and the coastal zone.
Status of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a global biodiversity hotspot, listed in the top 15 marine hotspots by
Conservation International (CI) and figuring prominently in the WWF Global 200 list. In such
an intensively utilized environment, protected areas established solely for the preservation of
biodiversity are almost impossible to create and enforce. As a result of this pressure to both
conserve and use, Mediterranean countries have already established some of the most innovative
and successful marine protected areas (MPAs) in the world, ranging from small specific areas for
critically important biodiversity, such as the MPAs established for protection of the Monk Seal
in Greece, Turkey and Morocco, the Port Cros Park in southern France, and the Pelagos
Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals, a transboundary protected area created by
France, Monaco and Italy in the Ligurian Sea.
Despite these innovations, the general situation with regard to marine protected areas in the
Mediterranean remains critically weak when measured against a goal of reducing the rate of
biodiversity loss by 2010, especially for the countries in the southern and eastern parts of the
Mediterranean.
There are more than 150 Marine and Coastal Protected Areas in the Mediterranean under the
SPA Protocol, more than 50 of which are open water areas. Among the signatories to the
Protocol, only Italy has specific legislation for establishing marine protected areas. Most of the
other countries have adopted legislative texts permitting the establishment of such areas, without
detailed rules concerning regulation and management. In the case of wetlands, there are 150
Ramsar sites in the region, but this number could be easily doubled applying the Convention on
Wetlands criteria.
24
Although countries have established MPAs, many of these remain "paper parks". In addition,
many were created purely for species protection without giving adequate consideration to the
opportunities to capture multiple benefits through the careful consideration of location, size,
(multiple-use) zoning/management, and the synergistic effects of networks.11 At the same time
several national reports have identified several common problems affecting the selection,
establishment and management of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean basin.
According to the 2003 Strategic Action Plan for Biodiversity in the Mediterranean (SAP BIO)
there is a critical need to review the existing MPA and coastal PA networks in the light of an
expanding literature12 on design and monitoring of MPAs to achieve both conservation and
sustainable use benefits (fisheries, tourism13, etc.), thus bridging the GEF Strategic priorities for
biodiversity BD-1 and BD-2. Although mass tourism remains a major threat to Mediterranean
biodiversity, there are successful examples of mainstreaming biodiversity; e.g. coastal tourism in
Slovenia and southern Albania, green tourism in the Cres-Losinj archipelago in Croatia,
integrated management of the coastal areas in the Antalya region of the southern coast of Turkey,
and ecotourism and whale-watching off the Balearic Islands in Spain.
Common problems affecting the conservation of marine biodiversity through the use of
MPA's in the Mediterranean.
A series of problems have been recurrently identified by the National Reports, although,
obviously, the importance of magnitude of each problem differs between the countries bordering
on the Mediterranean Sea:
- Insufficient legal system, lack of adequate legislation
- Confusion of competency, or fragmentation of responsibility (leading to problems of
implementation of the existing laws)
- Lack of coordination between administrations, competencies overlap
- Interference with other human activities occurring in the coastal zone, mainly tourism
- Low or no participation of stakeholders and other agents in the decision-making process
- Poor effort to improve public awareness on marine conservation issues
- Lack of effective enforcement measures in some cases
- Lack of effective scientific monitoring
- Lack of sufficient economic resources to achieve the protection measures, so that a
number of MPAs receive only nominal management and protection ("paper MPAs")
- Problems of mismanagement and deterioration caused by the limited experience of the
people administrating the MPAs
11 Agardy, T. et al. (2003). "Dangerous targets? Unresolved issues and ideological clashes around marine protected
areas." Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems; published online in Wiley InterScience
(www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI: 10.1002/ aqc.583.
12 Syms, C. and M. H. Carr (2001) Marine Protected Areas: Evaluating MPA effectiveness in an uncertain world.
Scoping paper presented at the Guidelines for Measuring Management Effectiveness in Marine Protected Areas
Workshop, Monterey, California, May 1-3, 2001, sponsored by the North American Commission for Environmental
Cooperation. http://www.biology.ucsc.edu/people/carr/Syms/syms_download_page.htm
13 e.g. Alonnissos Marine National Park in the Northern Sporades in Greece combines tourism with conservation of
the Monk Seal, one of the 12 most threatened mammals in the world
25
- Lack of effective conservation measures to protect particular species (monk seal, sea
turtles, cetaceans, etc.) and/or communities (e.g. seagrass meadows)
- Need to set up a network of MPAs, and therefore define of goals, mechanisms and
management organization for such a network
- Need for integrated coastal zone planning and management.
Other identified problems that affect the selection, installation, management and evaluation of
Mediterranean MPAs are the following:
- Need to clearly establish the specific goals of each MPA
- Improved scientific basis for the selection (location, habitats included, depth range, etc.)
and design (size, shape, number, proportion of total surface protected, etc.) of MPAs
- Need for appropriate monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of MPAs, based on
sound sampling designs (e.g. BACIP, beyond-BACI...)
- Lack of empirical evidence for potentially complex effects of MPAs, e.g. spillover,
indirect effect on ecosystems ("cascade" effects), effects on larval replenishment of
commercially and/or ecologically important species, genetic effects, socio-economic
results, etc.
- Need to ascertain the relationship of MPAs with other management tools.
History of collaboration among Mediterranean countries, agreements reached and ongoing
activities
The riparian States of the Mediterranean Sea have long since recognized the threat that pollution
poses to the marine environment and have committed to preserving the Mediterranean basin
through actions at local, regional and global level. To this effect, they agreed to launch an Action
Plan for the Protection and Development of the Mediterranean Basin (MAP) in 1975 and to sign
a Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution (Barcelona
Convention) in 1976 (Box 1).
The main objective of MAP was to improve the quality of the environmental information
available to governments as the basis for their policy formulation and strengthen their ability to
make environmentally sustainable choices for allocation of resources. The focus of MAP shifted
over time from a sector approach to marine pollution to integrated coastal zone planning and
management as a way to ensure linkages between environmental protection and social and
economic development.
Recognizing that land based activities have the highest impact on the marine environment, the
countries signed a Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution from
Land-Based Sources (LBS Protocol) in 1980 which entered into force in 1983 and was revised in
1996. A year later, in 1997, the countries adopted a Strategic Action Program to address
pollution from land-based activities (SAP MED) that identifies priority measures and targets to
address pollution from land-based activities in all countries and laid the ground for the
preparation and implementation of National Action Plans. In November 2003, the Mediterranean
countries adopted the Strategic Action Program for the Conservation of Mediterranean Marine
26
and Coastal Biological Diversity (SAP BIO) that identifies priority actions and targets to protect
fragile ecosystems and reduce damage to natural habitats.
Box 1. Barcelona Convention
The Barcelona Convention on the "Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution" which entered into force on 12
February 1978 is a notable instance of regional cooperation. Since 1994, several components of the Barcelona system have
undergone significant modifications. In June 1995 the Convention was revised in order to bring it into line with the principles of
the Rio Declaration, the philosophy of the new Convention on the Law of the Sea and the progress achieved in international
environmental law in order to make it an instrument of sustainable development. The convention was amended to "The
Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean", hereinafter "the
Convention" (the amendments are not yet in force).
The Barcelona Convention includes the following Protocols:
a) The Protocol for the Prevention and Elimination of Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by Dumping from Ships and Aircraft
or Incineration at Sea, (amended 1995, not yet in force);
b) The Protocol Concerning Co-operation in Preventing Pollution from Ships and in Cases of Emergency, Combating Pollution
of the Mediterranean Sea, (2002, entered into force on 17 March 2004);
c) The Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution from Land-Based Sources and Activities (LBS
Protocol), (amended 1996, not yet in force);
d) The Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean, (of 1995, entered into
force 12 December 1999);
e) The Protocol Concerning Pollution Resulting from Exploration and Exploitation of the Continental Shelf, the Seabed and its
Subsoil, (1994, not yet in force); and
f) The Protocol on the Prevention of Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes
and their Disposal, (1996, not yet in force).
In addition to the above, the Contracting Parties have adopted, at their last ministerial meeting in Catania, November 2003, the
recommendation to draft the text of the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Area Management in the Mediterranean. The text should
be prepared and submitted for discussion at the next Contracting Parties Meeting in late 2005.
UNEP/MAP and its marine pollution assessment and control program MEDPOL carried out
extensive preparation work in support of the SAP MED, including a Transboundary Diagnostic
Analysis for the Mediterranean Sea (TDA MED) prepared in 1997 and revised in 2004. This
TDA identifies the major sources of transboundary pollution and hotspots and provide the
foundation for interventions at national and regional level that would benefits the individual
countries as well the basin as a whole. In addition, UNEP/MAP, through its Regional Activity
Center for Special Protected Areas (SPA/RAC), carried out activities on the preparation of SAP
BIO, which was adopted by the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention in November
2003.
The SAP-MED and SAP BIO outline the specific targets and activities agreed by the member
countries to address the Mediterranean Sea environmental degradation. Some of the key targets
that address transboundary environmental issues, in line with WSSD, include:
· Dispose municipal wastewater in conformity with the LBS Protocol in cities exceeding
100,000 inhabitants by 2005 and in other cities by 2025;
· Dispose 50% of industrial wastewaters which are source of BOD, nutrients and
suspended solids by 2010 and 100% by year 2025;
· 50% increase in marine protected areas by 2012;
· Protection of 20% of the coast as marine fishery reserves by 2012;
27
· Maintain or restore fishery stocks to levels that can produce the maximum sustainable
yield with the aim of achieving these goals for depleted stocks on an urgent basis and
where possible not later than 2015; and
· Effective protection of endangered species by 2012.
SAP-MED and SAP BIO also identify the Adriatic Sea as one of the top priority areas for
protection in the Mediterranean Sea and proposed interventions in liquid and solid waste
treatment, water supply and monitoring programs for coastal zone and sensitive areas. Other
hotspots include: Haifa Bay in Israel, Abu Qir bay and El'Mex bay in Egypt, Saida (Sidon)
Gazieh in Lebanon, Tetouan in Morocco, and Durres and Vlora in Albania, and others (see TDA,
2004)
The cost for pollution remedial actions in the Mediterranean Sea has been estimated in 1997 at
almost US$ 10 billion [with approximately US$ 1.3 billion for intervention in the Adriatic Sea].
The SAP BIO identified 226 actions at national levels and 30 actions at the regional level for
biodiversity protection, with estimated costs of US$ 100 million and US $40 million
respectively.
Some other activities relevant to the protection of the Mediterranean Sea
Several other activities and initiatives have been undertaken by governments, intergovernmental
and non-governmental organizations, some of which have relevance for the Mediterranean Sea
Basin. Among recent initiatives, reference should be made to the Adricosm Project on land and
coastal management, initiated by the Italian government, as well as the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative
supported by the governments of the Adriatic region.
Reference should also be made to the Mediterranean Component of the EU Water Initiative, as
well as to efforts being made to improve the management of the many transboundary basins and
aquifers of SE Europe by introducing IWRM practices (the Athens Declaration Process). A
number of these waters flow into the Mediterranean and have a significant impact on coastal
ecosystems and water quality. Box 2 and 3 below summarize these processes.
Box 2. The Athens Declaration Process
Jointly coordinated by the Government of Greece and the World Bank
The Athens Declaration Process was launched during the major International Conference on Sustainable Development for
Lasting Peace: Share Waters, Shared Future, Shared Knowledge, 6-7 May 2003, Athens, Greece. The process aims to assist
countries of the region, in cooperation with relevant stakeholders, to draft IWRM and water use efficiency plans for major river
basins and would include a range of complementary interventions in individual river and lake basins, with a coordination
mechanism to allow for exchange of information and experience between activities. The entire program is a building block of the
Mediterranean Component of the European Union Water Initiative.
The Athens Declaration of May 2003 has four Recommendations for Action: Recommendation (1) Diplomacy for Environment
and Sustainable Development, (2) Southeastern Europe Transboundary River Basin and Lake Basin Management Program, (3)
Mediterranean Shared Aquifers Management Program, and (4) Assessment of Regional and National Frameworks to Implement
Integrated Water Resources Management.
Recommendations 2, 3 and 4 build on the implementation process of the European Union Water Framework Directive and
complement and draw lessons from the ongoing GEF Danube River Basin Program and the Lake Ohrid Conservation Project
among others.
28
Box3: The Mediterranean Component of the EU Water Initiative (MED EUWI)
Led by the Government of Greece
MED EUWI is an integral part of the overall EU Water Initiative, coordinated by eh European Commission. It aims to:
-assist design of better, demand driven and output oriented water related programmes
-facilitate better coordination of water programmes and projects, targeting more effective use of existing funds and mobilization
of new financial resources and
-enhanced cooperation for project proper implementation.
MED EUWI, announced during WSSD in Johannesburg, gives particular emphasis to Mediterranean and SEE priorities.
Integrated water resources management with an emphasis on management of transboundary water bodies is a defined priority
theme of MED EUWI. The current Project will contribute as a pilot for enhancing the MED EUWI objectives in the SEE region.
Political commitment for the development of MED EUWI has been expressed in various fora, inter alia, the EU Informal
Council of Environment Ministers (May 2003, Athens and December 2003, Brussels), 5th Pan-European Ministerial Conference
of the "Environment for Europe" process (May 2003, Kiev), Euro-Mediterranean Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs
(May 2003, Crete and June 2004, Dublin), three meetings of the North African Ministers Council on Water (February and
October 2003, April 2004, Cairo), etc.
The process is facilitated by a MED EUWI Secretariat, within Global Water Partnership Mediterranean.
Initial GEF IW project: Objectives and achievement
In order to support the efforts of the Mediterranean countries in implementing the SAP MED, in
1998 the GEF Council approved a US$ 6.3 million grant in support of the project "Determination
of priority actions for the further elaboration and implementation of the Strategic Action
Programme for the Mediterranean Sea" to be implemented by UNEP together with other
agencies (Box 5).
The project supported preparatory actions leading to: the adoption and implementation of
regional guidelines and plans; investment in the elimination of regionally prioritized pollution
hot spots; development of a strategic action program for biodiversity which identifies targets and
estimates costs (SAP BIO); enhancement of public participation and institutional capacity in the
region; development and implementation of economic instruments for the sustainable
implementation of the SAP MED; and development, adoption and implementation of National
Action Plans (NAPs) for the implementation of the SAP MED.
29
Box 4. Initial GEF IW Project in the Mediterranean
The main aim of the UNEP-GEF "Determination of priority actions for the further elaboration and implementation of the
Strategic Action Programme for the Mediterranean Sea" Project was to create a solid ground for the implementation of the SAP-
MED, and to prepare the SAP-BIO, a basic instrument for the protection of marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean. The
activities of the Project are numerous and comprised of the following components:
- Revision of TDA;
- Capacity building;
- Development of regional guidelines and plans;
- Adaptation of existing and development of new economic instruments for sustainable implementation of the SAP MED;
- Public participation;
- Preparation of National Action Plans (NAPs) to address pollution of the Mediterranean from land based sources and activities;
and
- Preparation of pre-investment studies for selected pollution hot spots.
The revised TDA is at the final stage of preparation and soon to be released.
Within the capacity building component, a series of regional and national training courses were organized. More than 400
national experts were trained on various issues, so far. The majority of them were taught in their mother tongue using training
material translated into their national languages. A set of regional guidelines and plans were prepared, which will guide national
experts that are preparing NAPs. These guidelines were endorsed by the meeting of MED POL National Coordinators; and then
approved by the meeting of the MAP Focal Points. In addition, two regional plans were adopted by the meeting of the
Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention.
One of the major goals of this Project is the preparation of NAPs. The first phase of this very complex and delicate process has
been accomplished by preparing national Baseline Budgets (BBs) of releases and emissions, and a National Diagnostic Analysis.
The second phase, the preparation of Sectoral Plans and Integrated NAPs is under implementation. The adaptation of existing and
development of new economic instruments for sustainable implementation of NAPs is now under way and will soon be
concluded (2005). Testing through pilot projects is being conducted at a national level in numerous countries and the results will
be implemented in the NAPs.
A common methodology for public participation in the process of preparing, adopting and implementing has been prepared and
distributed to the countries of the region. The countries are also receiving financial support for the public participation. The
preparation of pre-investment studies for selected pollution hot spots is now under way in 11 Mediterranean countries. The
activities in four countries are directly supported by FFEM.
Finally, the SAP BIO is one of the main outputs of the Project. The SAP BIO document was based on national reports and plans
on the state of biodiversity, as well as numerous reports concerning various regional issues. The document, was adopted by the
meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention (2003) and presents the main issues, analyses their causes and
proposes priority activities. It also contains, an Investment Portfolio at the regional and national levels.
The two SAPs and the proposed ICM Protocol will help countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and the WSSD
targets.
30
ANNEX 2
REGIONAL COMPONENT OF THE GEF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR THE
MEDITERRANEAN SEA LARGE MARINE ECOSYSTEM
FINANCING PLAN (US$)
AGENCY'S PROJECT ID:
GEF ALLOCATION
GEFSEC PROJECT ID:
Project (estimated) $15
million
COUNTRY: Mediterranean (12 countries): Albania,
Project Co-financing
it is expected that
Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Egypt,
at least an
(estimated)
equivalent amount
Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Serbia and Monte Negro,
of grant funding
Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey.
will be leveraged
from other
PROJECT TITLE: Strategic Partnership for the
agencies, donors
Mediterranean Large Marine Ecosystem Regional
and recipient
Component: Implementation of agreed actions for
countries.
the protection of the environmental resources of
PDF A*
the Mediterranean Sea and its coastal areas.
PDF B**
700,000
GEF AGENCY: UNEP
from IW
OTHER EXECUTING AGENCY(IES):UNEP/MAP
300,000
FAO, UNESCO, UNIDO, ICS-UNIDO,
from BD
METAP/WB, WWF
PDF C
DURATION: 6 Years
Sub-Total GEF PDF TBD
GEF FOCAL AREA: International Waters and
Biodiversity
PDF CO-FINANCING (details provided
GEF OPERATIONAL PROGRAM: OP 9 AND OP 2
in Part II, Section E Budget)
GEF STRATEGIC PRIORITY: IW-1 Catalyzing
GEF Agency
TBD
Financial Resources for Implementation of Agreed
National Contribution
TBD
Actions; BD-1 Catalyzing Sustainability of Protected
Italy 100,000
Areas and BD-2 Mainstreaming Biodiversity in
Others TBD
Production Landscapes and Sectors.
Sub-Total PDF Co-
ESTIMATED STARTING DATE OF PDF-B: 2005
financing:
ESTIMATED WP ENTRY DATE: FY 2008
PIPELINE ENTRY DATE: November 2004
31
Country ownership
1.
COUNTRY ELIGIBILITY
Twelve riparian countries (listed on the first page) are eligible for GEF support for International
Waters (IW) under paragraph 9(b) of the GEF Instrument: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Croatia, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Serbia and Monte Negro, Syria,
Tunisia, and Turkey.
2.
COUNTRY DRIVENNESS
As mentioned above, the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) was established in 1975, as the first
Regional Seas Programme of UNEP. The Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean
Sea Against Pollution (the Barcelona Convention), which was adopted in 1976 and related
protocols are legal instruments for the implementation of MAP. All Mediterranean Countries
participating in this project have ratified the Barcelona Convention. Strategic Action Programme
to Address Pollution from Land-Based Activities (SAP MED), prepared under a GEF PDF-B
Grant, was adopted by the Contracting Parties in 1997. The SAP MED is related to the LBS
Protocol. A Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Biological Diversity in the
Mediterranean Region (SAP BIO) was developed under the current GEF Project and was
adopted in 2003. It is related to the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and
Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean.
Both the SAP-MED and SAP-BIO are ready for implementation in consistence with GEF
Operational Program 9 (OP) in the International Waters Focal Area and Operational Program 2
(OP 2) in Biodiversity Focal Area.
A Stocktaking Meeting for the development of the GEF Strategic Partnership for the
Mediterranean Large Marine Ecosystems was held in Trieste, Italy, on 11-12 October 2004 with
the support of the Italian Government (the minutes of the meeting are provided in Annex 2).
The representatives of the Mediterranean countries expressed their full support to the GEF
initiative. They stressed the need for assistance for the full implementation of their NAPs in
order to fulfill the goals of the two SAPs. To achieve that, the representatives suggested to tailor
the project's activities according to the specific needs of each country. At the meeting the
countries have adopted the following recommendations:
"The representatives of Mediterranean countries approved the proposed Strategic Partnership
as a whole. They also considered that the effective initiation of the SAP MED activities and
the recent adoption of the SAP BIO provided an excellent opportunity to apply the integrated
approach involving pollution reduction and biological diversity proposed in the Strategic
Partnership.
In addition, the representatives of countries emphasized that, at present, the implementation
of the SAP BIO called for additional resources under the "biodiversity" component of the
GEF in order to enable practical implementation of the activities at the national and regional
levels. Consequently, several representatives considered that the GEF funds for biological
32
diversity should be increased in order to provide a substantial contribution to the launching of
the SAP BIO in the region."
Program and Policy Conformity
1.
PROGRAM DESIGNATION AND CONFORMITY
The proposal is consistent with the GEF Operational Programme #9 which states: "these projects
focus on integrated approaches to the use of better land and water resource management
practices on an area-wide basis. The goal is to help groups of countries utilize the full range of
technical, economic, financial, regulatory, and institutional measures needed to operationalize
sustainable development strategies for international waters and their drainage basins (para 9.2)."
The Proposal is consistent with the BD OP 2: The objective of this Operational Program is the
conservation and sustainable use of the biological resources in coastal, marine, and freshwater
ecosystems generally (including lakes, rivers and wetlands, and island ecosystems).
(a) Conservation can be ensured by ecosystem functioning through the establishment and
strengthening of systems of conservation areas. The scope will be tropical and temperate coastal,
marine, and freshwater ecosystems areas at risk; and
(b) Sustainable use can be ensured by systems, which combine biodiversity conservation,
production, and socio-economic goals. The scope, as set out in the Operational Strategy, includes
strict protection on reserves, various forms of multiple use with conservation easements, and full
scale use.
As indicated in the GEF Operational Strategy, this Operational Program will be implemented in
conjunction with those in the International Waters focal area.The project is also consistent with
the new GEF International Waters Strategic Priority IW-1: Catalyze financial resource
mobilization for implementation of reforms and stress reduction measures agreed through the
(TDA)/SAP or equivalent processes for particular transboundary systems. The project is also
consistent with the new GEF Biodiversity Strategic Priorities BD-1: Catalyzing Sustainability of
Protected Areas, and BD-2: Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Production Landscapes and Sectors.
2. PROJECT DESIGN
The main objective of this Regional Component under the Strategic Partnership is to promote
and induce policy, legal and institutional reforms aimed at reversing marine and coastal
degradation trends and living resources depletion, in accordance with what had been agreed by
the countries in the SAP MED and SAP BIO to be reflected in their NAPs. In doing so, the
Project will also strengthen the enforcement, assessment and monitoring capabilities of the
national and local institutions; and establish technical mechanisms for supporting transboundary
pollution prevention and abatement originating in the coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea
towards the Environmental Quality Objectives (EQO's) identified in the Mediterranean TDA,
which broadly are:
· Reduce the impacts of LBS of pollution on the Mediterranean marine environment and
human health;
· Reach sustainable productivity from fisheries; and
33
· Preserve the coastal and marine biodiversity (ie. habitats, ecosystems, biological taxa and
genetic resources).
Long Term Objectives of the Regional Project and relevant Success Indicators are listed in
Annex 1 as well as Immediate objectives, actions, outputs and related Project's Success
Indicators. The proposed Project will focus on and assist the countries:
1. To implement legal, institutional and policy reforms, which are necessary for the
implementation of NAPs, in order to achieve the targets, set by the two SAPs.
2. To develop an adequate human capacity for legal/institutional set up, reforms and
harmonization of policies needed to reverse pollution degradation trends, biodiversity and
living resources depletion, by following the priorities established by the SAP MED and
SAP BIO, by providing a required technical assistance.
3. To provide technical and financial support in implementing selected priority actions
identified in NAPs in accordance with priorities set up by the SAP MED and SAP BIO.
4. To address groundwater issues in coastal regions, particularly in arid and karst areas,
through use of demonstrations projects and vulnerability assessments; this should include
the adoption of hydrologic basins as key management units (particularly in Balkan and
Eastern Mediterranean countries, including coastal groundwater units near hot spots in
arid and karst regions).
5. To develop a long term sustainable financing capacity of countries through increased
integration of environmentally related economic instruments and innovative use of
financing mechanism into mainstream environmental financing in order for sustainable
implementation of the SAP MED including and launch of the SAP BIO implementation
to achieve sustained global environmental benefits. Establish a potential regional network
on environmental sustainable financing and innovative financing practices/methods.
6. To respond to the SAPBIO targets related to Marine Protected Areas in the
Mediterranean (by 2012, increase by 50% the coverage of marine protected areas, in
relation to 2003, and protect 20% of the coast as marine fishery reserves;
This Regional Project will be implemented by UNEP and executed by UNEP/MAP, through
MED POL and associated Regional Activity Centers (CP/RAC, PAP/RAC, REMPEC,
SPA/RAC), with inputs from UNEP/GPA.
Some actions will be co-executed by relevant international organizations. Thus, the Food and
Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) directly and through the General
Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) could co-execute the actions addressing
fisheries management and their eventual integration into ICM frameworks. The groundwater
actions would be co-executed by UNESCO/IHP. The habitat and biodiversity conservation
actions will be implemented by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). WWF will
specifically contribute with its technical expertise in biodiversity conservation, its ability to
mobilize the civil society, build capacity and raise public awareness. The Mediterranean
Environment Technical Assistance Program (METAP) will provide technical assistance to
countries in integrating environmental and social components into targeted sectoral projects.
Activities related to cleaner technologies and pollution reduction could be co-executed by the
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and by the International Centre
34
for Science and High Technology (ICS-UNIDO). Other organization, as well as NGOs could
execute some activities too. This broad regional alliance of institutions around a common project
through the Regional Component of the Partnership will strengthen the commitment and capacity
of all stakeholders to address the identified main transboundary concerns, identified in the
Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA).
The full fledge Project Implementation Strategy, including specific activities, outcomes and
outputs of the Full project will be developed during PDF-B implementation. The proposed
activities of the Regional Project could be clustered as follows:
Component I. Facilitation of policy and legislative reforms (UNEP/MAP through MED
POL, CP/RAC, PAP/RAC, REMPEC and SPA/RAC)
The development and implementation of policies and legislation aimed at addressing
transboundary causes of environmental degradation of the Mediterranean Sea, as established in
the SAP MED and SAP BIO, will be one of the objectives of the Regional Project. Adequate
capacity will be developed in the countries for legal/institutional set up, reforms and
harmonization of policies needed to reverse degradation trends and living resources depletion, by
following the priorities established by the SAP MED and SAP BIO. During further elaboration
of the project, the needs for reforms and the commitments emerging from each country's
National Action Plan and SAP BIO National Action Plans, National Biodiversity Strategy and
Action Plans (NBSAPs) and other relevant protected areas planning documents, will be
identified and specific indicators will be set in the context of the project's M&E Plan.
Activities will include:
· Assisting the countries to implement the legal, institutional and policy reforms, which are
necessary for the implementation of NAPs, in order to achieve the targets, set by the two
SAPs.
· Assisting the countries in the development and implementation of policies and legislation
aimed at addressing sectoral causes of environmental degradation of the Mediterranean
Sea.
· Promoting countries coordination to develop and implement international and national
Action Plans, including fisheries IPOAs and NPOAs.
· Assisting the countries to improve legislation, reinforce the human resources and
exchange of information on monitoring illegal oil discharges and prosecution in the
Mediterranean Sea.
· Strengthening of public awareness, participation (including NGO networks) and
education, to support public participation in the implementation of NAPs and focus on
transboundary environmental issues;
· Assessing the applicability of regional and sub-regional flexibility mechanisms for the
achievements of pollutant emission reductions, e.g. as a market-oriented means of
controlling nutrient introduction;
· Strengthening of planning and management capacities for Integrated Coastal
Management (ICM) at national and local levels in the Mediterranean countries and the
development of demonstration projects for effective management of coastal areas, and
identification and management of MPAs.
35
· Revise the 2004 TDA in year three of the project with follow up revision of SAPs, if
needed.
Outcomes:
· Legal, institutional and policy reforms in order to achieve the targets, set by the two
SAPs, implemented.
· Policies and legislation aimed at addressing sectoral causes of environmental degradation
of the Mediterranean Sea developed and implemented.
· Multi-stakeholders participation in the implementation of the NAPs and SAPs
strengthened.
· Improvement of long term sustainable financing for the implementation of the Sap-MED
· Strengthened planning and management capacities for Integrated Coastal Management
(ICM) at national and local levels in the Mediterranean countries and the development of
demonstration projects for effective management of coastal areas, and identification and
management of MPAs.
· A management regime capable of coordinating regional actions to overcome the key
transboundary issues facing the Mediterranean Sea.
Component II. Replication Strategies. (UNEP/MAP WORLD BANK)
This Component of the Regional Project will develop and support a replication strategy to ensure
the replication of successful demonstrations, and the broader dissemination of the lessons learnt
and results achieved under the Investment Fund and the overall Strategic Partnership. The
replication Strategy, to be fully developed during the PDF-B, will consist of two major elements:
1. Replication of Investment Demonstration Projects. Since the Investment Fund will provide
only a small portion of the investment needs to achieve significant reductions in pollution loads
or coastal/marine ecosystem improvements, the proposed fund will specifically finance project
components that promote wider replication of each investment project. Each demonstration
project will in fact have its own replication strategy built in the project design. The World Bank,
in collaboration with UNEP/MAP, will provide for each project under the Fund:
· the replication context for each demonstration, i.e.: the number, location, areas/sites in
the Mediterranean where the specific technology/practice could apply;
· based on the above, a strategy aimed at promoting actual replication of each
demonstration implemented under the Investment Fund Element of the Strategic
Partnership, including ad hoc dissemination programs, site visits and exchanges, etc;
· Assessment of the value of demo projects replication
· Evaluation of the overall expected impact should full replication occur.
2. The UNEP/MAP executed Regional Project will (i) promote replication of its own activities
and (ii) support regionally the replication strategy of the Fund's projects. This will be achieved
largely through an intensive monitoring, learning, outreach and evaluation process. In parallel,
the project will promote replication of its successes, and particularly its more innovative
initiatives, during its own lifetime. A key element of its replication strategy that will serve both
these objectives will be an aggressive and systematic awareness and results dissemination
program. The main mechanism to achieve this will be an Annual Replication Workshop, to be
36
conducted in coincidence with Steering Committee Meetings. Other mechanisms will also be
employed (regional and global conferences, project and sub-project websites, printed materials,
etc.) involving multiple partners. Through these multiple mechanisms and partnerships,
information on successful investment and policy reform promotion strategies, innovative
financing modalities and new partnerships will be widely disseminated. This will promote
replication of individual Investment Fund demonstration projects and the Regional component
activities as well as the Strategic Partnership itself.
Outcomes:
· Regional replication strategies for each demonstration under the Fund component defined
and implemented;
· Replication strategies for the Regional Project activities and the Strategic Partnership
itself defined and implemented.
· Sectoral environment assessment for full replication at the country and regional level;
· Demonstration projects successfully replicated in several Mediterranean countries.
Component III. Technical Assistance
Sub-Category 1. Implementation of the SAP MED and related NAPs (pollution reduction
strategies). (UNEP/MAP through MED POL and CP/RAC, UNIDO, ICS-UNIDO,
UNEP/GPA, METAP).
Under this Sub-category of actions a variety activities will be developed during the PDF-B
phase, according to countries' needs and commitments, such as:
· Promoting an integrated approach to improve industrial environmental performance by
introducing environmentally sound technologies in order to meet objectives and targets of
the SAP MED;
· Strengthening existing institutions which could play a major role in the implementation
of the SAPs such as: Cleaner Production Centers etc.;
· Developing a long term sustainable financing capacity of countries through increased
integration of environmental/environmentally related economic instruments and
innovative use of financing mechanism into mainstream environmental financing
including building networks between ministries of finance, economy and environment at
national and regional level and demonstrate and/or adapt existing economic instruments
for the sustainable implementation of the SAP MED;
· Development and implementation of an Action Plan on Marine Litter which will be based
on the Guidelines prepared by MED POL as part of previous GEF MED Project to
prevent environmental and socio-economic harmful effects and damages caused by
marine litter;
· Assisting the countries in introducing BATs as well as BEPs, following the Guidelines
developed as part of the GEF/UNEP/MAP Project;
· Monitoring the compliance to the SAP MED and report on the overall progress and
achievements of the project and establish harmonized environmental status indicators to
meet the SAP MED and SAP BIO 2010 and 2015 targets.
37
Outcomes:
· Strategies of pollution prevention and reduction addressing the issues identified in the
SAP MED introduced in the plans and policies of the Mediterranean countries;
· Regional pool of well trained experts capable of addressing successfully the pollution
prevention and reduction objectives of the SAP MED in the national plans and policies;
· Reduced impacts of LBS of pollution on Mediterranean Marine Environment and Human
Health;
· Enhanced capacity of the participating countries to address industrial pollution reduction
in an integrated manner;
· Increased use of environmentally sound technology at demonstration hot spots resulting
in reduction of pollution loads from industrial hot spots in accordance with SAP-MED
objectives;
· Improved sharing and dissemination of information on industrial best environmental
practices in the Mediterranean Region.
Sub-Category 2. Implementation of the SAP BIO and related NAPs (biodiversity protection
strategies). (UNEP/MAP, SPA/RAC. FAO/GFCM, IUCN, EIFAC, WWF)
As described in section 2, although Mediterranean countries have established MPAs, many of
these were created without giving adequate consideration to the opportunities to capture multiple
benefits through the careful consideration of location, size, (multiple-use) zoning/management,
and the synergistic effects of networks.
Existing Marine and Coastal Protected Areas need to be enhanced, in terms of (i) devoting
sufficient resources to funding the management of current Protected Areas; (ii) improving
methods of management planning, implementation and monitoring of Marine and Coastal
protected areas; and (iii) integrating specific protection measures at particular locations within
wider management plans, as well as into large-scale networks of Coastal and Marine Protected
Areas.
Further benefits can be obtained from networking existing and future protected areas at regional
level. Although on a local scale Marine Protected Areas can be effective conservation tools, on a
regional scale MPAs can only be effective if they are substantially representative of all habitats,
also taking into account the biological and ecological particularities of protected species and
habitats. An additional benefit of such a network is that it acts as a buffer against the vagaries of
environmental variability and provides significantly greater protection for marine communities
than a single reserve.
Activities to be developed in the PDF-B phase of the proposed project will build on and
complement ongoing regional and national knowledge14 and activities in accordance with the
countries' priorities and commitments and will be grouped around the following priorities
actions and objectives:
14 CIESM (1999) Scientific design and monitoring of Mediterranean marine protected areas; Porto Cesareo (Italy),
23-26 October1999; CIESM Workshop Series volume n°8; Italy's Sistema Aphrodite programme; Arturo López &
Elena Correas (2003) Assessment and Opportunities of Mediterranean Networks and action plans for the
Management of Protected Areas. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. ISBN: 2-8317-0734-X.
38
· Strengthening and assisting the existing MPAs, especially with regard to monitoring
management effectiveness to measure impact and derive lessons to apply to the
replication component of the project15.
· Strengthening of the network of priority marine and coastal protected areas identified by
countries and improvement of existing MPAs: to contribute to achieving the WSSD
targets concerning the establishment by 2012 of Marine Protected Areas, consistent with
international law and based on scientific information, representative networks and
time/area closures for the protection of nursery grounds and periods, proper coastal land
use16.
· Implement inventorying, mapping and monitoring programmes on the effectiveness of
marine and coastal protected areas: to contribute to achieving the WSSD17 targets
concerning the establishment by 2004 of a regular process under the United Nations for
global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-
economic aspects, both current and foreseeable, building on existing regional
assessments18.
· Assessing and mitigating the impact of threats to biodiversity, especially in the existing
MPAs: to contribute to achieving the WSSD targets concerning significant reduction by
2010 in the current rate of loss of biological diversity19.
· Improve understanding of Med. Coastal and marine sensitive habitats and filling in gaps
in biodiversity: to improve the scientific understanding and assessment of marine and
coastal ecosystems20 and MPAs.
· Capacity-building, stakeholders involvement and awareness raising: to strengthen
cooperation and coordination of all stakeholders, increase stakeholders participation in
conservation initiatives and increase awareness raising on marine and coastal biodiversity
conservation and MPAs.
Outcomes:
· Fully functioning system of marine biodiversity conservation through the network of
MPAs
· Biodiversity protection through the development of marine and coastal protected areas
identified by countries and improvement of existing MPAs;
· Improved understanding of Med. Coastal and marine sensitive habitats;
· Implemented monitoring programmes on the effectiveness of marine and coastal
protected areas
· Improved methods of MPAs implementation, management and monitoring;
15The MPA Management Effectiveness Initiative (MEI) guidebook "How is your MPA Doing? A Guidebook of
Natural and Social Indicators for Evaluating Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness" has been applied to
the Miramare Natural Marine Reserve, Trieste, Italy; see http://effectivempa.noaa.gov/cases/Miramare.pdf
16 Extract from Paragraph 31c, Plan of Implementation" of the World Summit on Sustainable Development - 4
September 2002, Johannesburg
17 World Summit on Sustainable Development, " Plan of Implementation " - Johannesburg, September 2002
18 Extract from Paragraph 34b, Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development
Johannesburg, September 2002
19 Extract from Paragraph 42, Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development - 4
September 2003 Johannesburg
20 From paragraph 34 of " Plan of Implementation " of the World Summit on Sustainable development
Johannesburg, September 2002
39
· Legislation updated to conserve sensitive habitats;
· Developed and coordinated protection actions for priority coastal and marine sites;
· Improved conservation of threatened and endangered (coastal and marine) Med species;
· Facilitated access to information for managers and decision-makers, as well as
stakeholders and the general public and increased Mediterranean-level stakeholders
awareness
Sub-Category 3. Implementation of the SAP BIO related to the conservation and
sustainable management of vulnerable or endangered fish and invertebrates, including
IUCN/CITES lists, including sustainable related fisheries (living resources strategies)
(FAO/GFCM, SPA/RAC)
Conservation and sustainable management of vulnerable or endangered fish and invertebrates
requires the implementation of numerous actions, which should be undertaken at the regional and
national levels, as prioritized in the SAP BIO and relevant NAPs. Specific actions, which would
be developed during the PDF-B phase in accordance with the countries' needs and commitments,
may be grouped into the following:
· Assisting the countries to implement fisheries and living resources reforms and programs
to meet GFCM, ICCAT, SAP BIO and WSSD 2010/2015 sustainable fisheries targets;
· Improve single-species and multi-species selectivity of gear and fishing practices,
addressing particularly the problems of multi-species catch, discards and ghost-fishing
· Assisting the countries to develop and implement the Mediterranean Strategy to reduce
fishing-related mortality of marine mammals, turtles and sea birds
· Mediterranean Strategy to eliminate particularly harmful fishing practices, building on
the SAP BIO regional report: "Effects of fishing practices on the Mediterranean sea:
Impact on marine sensitive habitats and species, technical solution and
recommendations."
· Develop new fisheries management techniques (fishing rights, economic incentives)
· Improve coordination between fisheries and environmental commissions and institutions
Outcomes:
· Fisheries and living resources reforms and programs to meet GFCM, ICCAT, SAP BIO
and WSSD 2010/2015 sustainable fisheries targets;
· Mediterranean Strategy to reduce fishing-related mortality of marine mammals, turtles
and sea birds;
· Mediterranean Strategy to reduce the impact of trawling and other towed gear on critical
habitats;
· Mediterranean Strategy to eliminate particularly harmful fishing practices (dynamite,
chemicals, etc.);
· New fisheries management techniques (fishing rights, economic incentives);
· Improved coordination between fisheries and environmental commissions and
institutions.
Sub-Category 4. Regional Strategies to manage and protect coastal aquifers. (UNESCO)
This sub-category will identify and develop regional, national and sub-national actions and pilot
demonstrations aimed at reversing aquifer related degradation trends, such as:
40
· the growing salinization of coastal aquifers;
· the contamination due to polluted sub-marine aquifer discharges (e.g.: karst systems);
· the loss of ground-water dependent coastal ecosystems and wetlands.
Activities will also be developed to introduce the systematic assessment of aquifer vulnerability
along the Mediterranean coastal regions, so that priorities maybe addressed in the revised SAP.
Outcomes:
· Improved knowledge on the status of coastal aquifers and their vulnerability;
· Agreed Regional Actions for Coastal Aquifer Management;
· Legal, institutional and policy reforms for Coastal Aquifer Management.
Sub-Category 5. Regional Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
(UNEP/MAP, GWP, METAP)
The sub-category will facilitate the incorporation of the basins draining into the Mediterranean
Barcelona Convention framework and thus establish the needed strong linkages with the GPA on
Land Based Sources of Pollution. Through this component the Project will link with ongoing
initiatives related to the Athens Declaration Process and the EU Water Initiative.
Actions within this sub-category will include the adoption of hydrologic basins as key
management units - particularly in Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean Countries. Particular
emphasis would be put on including biodiversity in WRM and issues related to vulnerable
habitats such as wetlands. The component would also include institutional reforms and policy
dialogue, legal and regulatory coordination and private sector participation in water resource
management and water quality. This effort, that will be supported through demonstration
projects and ad hoc training, will aim amongst others at reducing the release of contaminants,
both point and non-point sources, and at maintaining environmental flows and functioning of
water related coastal ecosystems and habitats/sensitive areas. The component would also identify
investment needs related to water resource management and water quality, and assist countries to
prepare pre-feasibility studies and investment proposals which could be considered by the
Investment Fund. One pillar of this sub-category, would build on the work METAP is already
undertaking on water quality policy coordination and monitoring and information dissemination.
The objective of the activities proposed is to encourage and enable the Mashreq and Maghreb
countries to advance the process of addressing their priority water quality challenges and issues
through a systematic, coordinated approach to water quality management.
Outcomes:
· Regional Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) strategies;
· National WRM and water quality programme of actions and instruments for their
implementation;
· Biodiversity concerns included in national WRM plans;
· Investments in WRM and improved water quality.
Sub-Category 6. Regional Integrated Coastal Management (UNEP/MAP through
PAP/RAC, METAP)
41
This sub-category will support countries to take the necessary steps to strengthen their policy and
institutional framework to address key issues in ICM, such as coastal urbanization, biodiversity
protection, water pollution, waste and litter management, erosion and climate change. The sub-
category would contribute to the implementation of the ICM Protocol being negotiated upon
recommendation of the Barcelona Convention Contracting Parties. The component would
consist of three pillars: (i) a regional pillar in support of the priority actions identified in the ICM
protocol which would be implemented by UNEP/MAP through PAP/RAC; (ii) a pillar which
would support the individual countries to evaluate the cost of environmental degradation in
coastal areas, develop necessary policy and implementation tools at national level, which would
be implemented by METAP; and (iii) a pillar that would provide a linkage to the Investment
Fund component of the Partnership, by identifying potential investment opportunities for the
protection and restoration of valuable coastal areas and assist the countries in the development of
pre-feasibility studies and project proposals, which would be implemented jointly by
UNEP/MAP-PAP/RAC and METAP.
Outcomes:
· Regional ICM Protocol developed and implemented;
· National strategies for ICM including programme of action and instruments for its
implementation;
· ICM plans with institutional systems in place aimed at their implementation;
· ICM tools, instruments and approaches, such as Cost of Environmental Degradation
(COED) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA);
· Use of ICM for coastal and marine biodiversity conservation;
· Investments in the protection and rehabilitation of valuable coastal areas
Component IV. Overall Coordination and Monitoring Arrangements for the Strategic Partnership
The Project Steering Committee
The Steering Committee for the Strategic Partnership (SPSC) will be established to provide
overall decision-making at the policy level. The SPSC will be comprised of one National Focal
Points (appointed by the participating governments), the Implementing Agencies (UNEP and
WB) and the executing agencies (UNEP/MAP) as well as the President of the Bureau of the
Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention. All principal partners (particularly major co-
funders) will also be represented on the SPSC.
The SPSC will act as the main policy body overseeing the project execution. The PSC will make
decisions on major issues such as the reviewing and endorsing status reports from the
Investments Fund demonstration projects and reports from the Regional Project, adoption of and
revisions to the workplan or budget and endorsement of the Regional Project and Investments
Fund Coordinator's/PCU's reports.
Specific functions of the Steering Committee will include:
· Endorsement of Investment Fund Demonstration Project Status Reports
· Annual review of the Regional project and Investment Fund budgets
· Annual review of projects activities to assess projects development
42
The SPSC will be expected to meet formally at least once every 12 months. The SPSC will also
communicate and coordinate closely between meetings (as and when required) to ensure
effective and appropriate project implementation and to agree on any proposed amendments to
activities or budget requirements.
The SPSC is especially responsible for evaluation and monitoring of project outputs, outcomes
and achievements. In its formal meetings, the SPSC will be expected to review the project work
plan and budget expenditure. The SPSC is responsible for endorsing any changes to the work
plan or budget, and is responsible for ensuring that the Strategic Partnership remains on target
with respect to its outputs (or, where necessary, approves new targets in coordination with, and
approval from, the Implementing Agencies).
Coordination Group
A Coordination Group, established under the Strategic Partnership, will be responsible for the
overall coordination of the Strategic Partnership, in particular ensuring effective exchanges and
synergies between its two Components (Regional Project and Investment Fund). It will be
formed by:
The MAP Coordinator (chair)
· Representatives of the GEF Secretariat
· Representatives of MED POL and RACs
· The Project Manager of Component 1 (Regional Project),
· UNEP/GEF Coordination Office Representative
· The World Bank-GEF Regional Coordinators (ECA and MENA),
· The World Bank Task Managers responsible for the Fund's projects
· Representatives of co-executing agencies
· Representatives of co-funding partners and donor countries.
The Coordination Group will monitor the needed systematic linkage between the two
Components, so that synergies will not be missed, and consistency with agreed rules, targets, and
indicators would be achieved throughout. It will oversee the design and implementation of
replication strategies and provide advice on the Fund's pipeline.
The Group will meet once a year at the office of MAP in Athens, in conjunction with regular
MAP meetings of the parties. In addition to the World Bank Task Managers of the projects under
the Fund, project personnel as well as representatives of the countries involved and of external
experts and Executing Agencies representatives will be invited to attend the meetings according
to advancements and needs.
An independent expert will perform an assessment of the Strategic Partnership advancements
every year. The Coordination Group at its inception meeting will define the TORs for this task.
The relevant Annual Performance Assessment will be presented and discussed at the meeting of
the Coordination Group. This Coordination & Monitoring component of the Partnership will be
funded under Regional Project. A mid-term stocktaking meeting of all nations and partners will
43
be held after three years of implementation to review progress and adopt mid-course corrective
measures, if needed.
A project website will be developed in coordination with the World Bank Investment Fund in
consistency with IW:LEARN guidance.
Outcomes:
· Strong overall coordination of the two Elements of the Partnership;
· Effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism;
· Effective project information and lessons learned dissemination
· Enhanced replication of demonstration projects.
3. SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PROJECT (INCLUDING FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY)
The project falls under the broad policy guidance of the Barcelona Convention through the MAP.
It coordinates its objectives and activities with the mandated institutions in place (e.g. fisheries
commissions). The commitments of the Mediterranean countries have been demonstrated in the
previous GEF IW project: "Determination of priority actions for the further elaboration and
implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Mediterranean Sea", the resulting
SAP MED and SAP BIO showing a variety of regional and national actions, with related
investments. Thus, the countries have made the commitment to contribute to a significant portion
of the expense of developing Mediterranean-wide biodiversity conservation and pollution stress
reduction measures. The project will focus on developing a strong legal/regulatory framework
from which other ongoing activities can be launched and will foster existing frameworks. The
project will also concentrate on the development of sustainable financing mechanisms and
economic instruments to help achieve sustainability of environmental interventions in the
Mediterranean region. The project will also ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the
initiative through: the involvement, right from the start, of the private sector; the creation of a
good environment for external investments; the creation of innovative financial tools.
4. REPLICABILITY OF THE PROJECT
The project under Component II will develop Replication strategies for actions supported by the
project within the region, including successful investment demos implemented under the
Investment Fund component. Sectoral environment assessment will also be developed for full
replication at the country level. The full fledge replication strategy for the project will be
developed during the PDF-B.
5. STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT/INTENDED BENEFICIARIES
The beneficiaries of this project are governments, civil societies, industry associations and
chambers of commerce, NGO's and the population of the riparian states. The full stakeholders
participation and involvement plan will be developed during the PDF-B.
44
Financing
1. FINANCING PLAN
The indicative figure for the GEF allocation to the Regional Project is $15 million. The full
flagged financial plan and budget will be developed during the PDF-B phase.
2. CO-FINANCING
The co-financing, at least in 1:1 ratio, will be sought during the implementation of the PDF-B.
Institutional Coordination and Support
1. CORE COMMITMENTS AND LINKAGES
The riparian States of the Mediterranean Sea, fully aware of their responsibility to preserve and
develop the entire area in a sustainable way and recognizing the threat posed by the pollution of
the marine environment agreed in 1975, to launch a Mediterranean Action Plan for the Protection
of the Mediterranean Basin (MAP) and, in 1976, to sign a Convention for the Protection of the
Mediterranean Sea against Pollution (Barcelona Convention), which entered into force in 1978.
The Convention was amended in 1995 and the amendments entered into force in 2004.
As the result of the MAP, a large number of concrete actions were taken by many countries in
conformity with the requirements and provisions of the MAP, thus influencing the environmental
policies and practices of the Mediterranean countries. The MAP has been a significant
instrument for change and progress concerning environmental matters in the Mediterranean.
In spite of numerous regional and national efforts and successes achieved by the MAP, other
regional actors (European Union, WB, international NGOs), national and local authorities, there
are still many barriers to more effective ecosystems management that need to be removed. Thus
stronger emphasis on the promotion of ICM is needed; national environmental legislation and its
effective enforcement should be strengthened; institutional structures must be improved and
more human resources allocated for these type of activities; more financial resources need to be
mobilized; and strong political commitment to solve the existing problems should be expressed.
Based on the achievements and shortcomings of the Initial Phase of the MAP, as well as the
results of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the "Action Plan for
the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Sustainable Development of the Coastal Areas
of the Mediterranean (MAP Phase II)" was prepared and adopted in 1995, followed by the
adoption of MED POL Phase III.
A Strategic Action Programme (SAP MED) to address pollution from land-based activities,
which represents the regional adaptation of the principles of the GPA, was adopted by the
Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention in 1997. SAP MED identifies the major
45
pollution problems of the region, indicates the possible control measures, shows the cost of such
measures and establishes a work plan and timetable for their implementation.
A Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Mediterranean Marine and Coastal
Biological Diversity (SAP BIO) was adopted by the Contracting Parties in 2003. The
Programme, prepared on the basis of national reports, presents the current status of the marine
and coastal biodiversity, identifies the major threats, establishes priorities for action and indicates
a time frame for their implementation. In addition, it estimates the cost of the implementation of
the priority actions both at the regional and national levels.
2. CONSULTATION, COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN AND AMONG
IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES, EXECUTING AGENCIES, AND THE GEF SECRETARIAT
A Strategic Partnership Steering Committee will be established during PDF-B (as described in
Component IV above), which will include National Focal Points (appointed by the participating
governments), technical advisors (nominated from cooperating national institutions), President of
the Bureau of the Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention, UNEP/DGEF, UNEP/MAP
(MED POL and MAP-associated RACs), UNEP/GPA, WB, METAP, UNESCO IHP, UNIDO,
ICS-UNIDO, IUCN, FAO, GEF, WWF and any other major donors to the project. The Project
Coordinator will serve as Secretary to the Steering Group. Two active regional NGOs will also
be included in the Steering Group to ensure public participation and dissemination of project
information to the relevant stakeholders.
3. IMPLEMENTATION/EXECUTION ARRANGEMENTS
The Regional Component of the Strategic Partnership will be implemented by UNEP and
executed by UNEP/MAP through MEDPOL and MAP's associated RACs CP/RAC; SPA/RAC;
PAP/RAC, REMPEC); UNEP/GPA, and other co-implementing agencies, as appropriate. So far,
the following Organizations have indicated their full support and interest for participation:
· FAO activities related to fisheries;
· UNESCO IHP activities related to the groundwater issues;
· UNIDO and the ICS-UNIDO activities related to industrial pollution and cleaner
production technologies;
· METAP (World Bank) activities related to capacity building, economic and financial
mechanisms, ICM as well as linkages with the Investment Fund; and
· WWF activities related to biodiversity protection.
46
ANNEX 3
GEF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP ON NUTRIENT REDUCTION IN THE
DANUBE/BLACK SEA BASIN PRELIMINARY RESULTS
The World Bank-GEF Investment Fund for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem
Partnership has been, in large part, modeled on the Danube/Black Sea Basin Strategic
Partnership on Nutrient Reduction. With the aim to replicate the unprecedented successes of the
D-BS Program and its catalytic role in leveraging non-GEF investments for reduction of nutrient
pollution levels and other hazardous substances, the proposed Mediterranean Partnership has
been designed as a similar vehicle for catalyzing investments and accelerating urgent actions that
are necessary for reducing pollution of the Mediterranean Sea, and the Adriatic Sea in particular.
Actions under all three components of the D-BS Strategic Partnership: Danube Regional Project
(DRP), Black Sea Ecosystem Recovery Project (BSERP) and the World Bank Investment Fund
for Nutrient Reduction (IFNR), have had, and continue to have, a tremendous impact on
reversing the documented dead zone of oxygen depletion in the Black Sea by reducing nitrogen
and phosphorous loads to the Danube and Black Sea. An impact analysis reveals that Program
interventions have already led to a decrease in nitrogen emissions by 20% and phosphorous by
almost 50% in the Danube basin over the last 15 years. No where has such nitrogen and
phosphorous reduction, and concomitantly demonstrable water quality and ecosystem
improvements, been observed in a large river and adjacent sea as in the Danube River/Black Sea
system over the last decade. In fact the EU has highlighted the Danube Program as a model for
transboundary waters governance in its report to the UN Commission on Sustainable
Development in April 2005.
With strong linkages to the EU Water Framework Directive, projects under the Partnership are
playing a lead role in facilitating nutrient-reduction related legal, policy and institutional reform
in the basin and to mainstreaming these strategies for transboundary pollution reduction into
national strategies and plans. The World Bank IFNR is in the process of financing 14
demonstration nutrient reduction investments in 10 GEF-eligible countries totaling US $83.27 m.
in GEF financing and US $496 m. in co-financing (ratio 6:1). Currently, the IF portfolio
includes seven Agricultural Pollution Control (APC) Projects (in Croatia, Moldova, Romania,
Russia Krasnodar, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine); one wetland restoration project (in Bulgaria),
one ICZM project (in Ukraine) and five municipal wastewater treatment projects (in Hungary,
Bosnia, Moldova, Russia Rostov and Ukraine). Overall completed and ongoing nutrient
reduction investments in the basin total US $3.294 billion and represent total nitrogen and
phosphorus emissions reductions of an estimated 25.85 kt/yr and 4.131 kt/yr, or 6 % and 33%,
respectively, of recent (2000-2002 average) estimates of N and P loads to the western Black Sea.
These data also underscore significant progress towards achieving and even exceeding (for P) the
intermediate objective of stabilizing Black Sea nutrient loads at 1997 levels, the latter estimated
at 415 and 20 kt/yr for N and P respectively.
The D-BS Strategic Partnership has successfully tested a new mechanism for harnessing
interagency collaboration to meet country-driven needs while streamlining the GEF project cycle
and facilitating more rapid disbursement for agreed priority investments. The continuing success
47
of the Program has emphasized GEF's important catalytic role in bringing all 16 riparian and
littoral countries together to focus on national actions needed for the transboundary water system
and in calling for attention as part of EU Accession on the needed transboundary reduction of
nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. GEF-funded demonstration investments are complementing
those of the EU and calling attention to mainstreaming agriculture sector and wetland restoration
measures into policies on all levels in order to sustain the improvements.
Similar actions as those supported by this GEF partnership on nutrient reduction are now needed
elsewhere in both GEF and non-GEF recipient nations to restore and protect coastal waters as
noted by the GEF-funded Global International Waters Assessment. The Mediterranean
Partnership is one such effort in this direction, and its concept, design, organizational structure
and operational strategy have been based in large measure on the D-BS Partnership with the aim
of achieving similar successes in the Mediterranean Sea basin. The mid-term review of the six
objectives of the DanubeBlack Sea Strategic Partnership Program, indicate varying degrees of
success, with all objectives meeting at least 50% of their targets:
Partnership Objective 1: Legal, Policy and Institutional Reform for Nutrient Reduction
Progress Estimate: 100%
With DRP support, all countries in the Danube River Basin and around the Black Sea have
implemented or are in the process of implementing one or more new policies and legislation
which support nutrient reduction; eight or 57% of the GEF-eligible countries have introduced
multiple measures. Three countries (CZ, SK, SI) have declared all surface water resources
sensitive, thus requiring N and P removal for wastewater plants in communities of over 10,000
inhabitants. Within the Danube River Basin, three countries have already imposed voluntary
bans on phosphorus-containing detergents (DE, AT and CZ). With the assistance of the GEF
DRP, the ICPDR is actively encouraging a wider introduction of such a ban. Within the DRB,
several non-accession countries have also expressed willingness to comply with specific
directives, most notably the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and to cooperate with other
countries within the frame of the ICPDR. The key relevant directives under the WFD include the
Nitrates Directive, Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, Integrated Pollution Prevention and
Control Directive, and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform.
Partnership Objective 2: Investments in Nutrient Reduction
Progress Estimate: 100%
Significant investment opportunities for nutrient reduction have been identified and carried out
throughout the Danube and Black Sea basins; 100% (16 of 16) of the participating countries have
made one or more investments in nutrient reduction during the first 3 years and 10 countries have
accessed the World Bank's IFNR. The GEF/World Bank IFNR has supported identification and
preparation of 14 demonstration investments in 10 eligible countries totalling $83.27 m. in GEF
financing and $496 m. in co-financing (ratio 6:1). Investments leveraged by GEF through the
Partnership Investment Fund concentrate on non-EU member countries, and are focused on less
well addressed nutrient control measures including agricultural nutrient reduction, tertiary
elements of wastewater treatment (WWT), and wetland restoration. Non-GEF investments cover
almost exclusively baseline WWT, and are largely concentrated in (new and pre-existing) EU
member countries. This demonstrates the incremental and complementary nature of GEF/World
48
Bank investments. The GEF interventions have called attention to important agricultural sources
of nutrient pollution and the importance of removing embankments so that floodplains may
function properly in sequestering nutrient pollution.
To date, a total of 211 investment projects (all financing sources), representing a combined total
investment of US$3,294 million and estimated N and P reductions of 25.85 and 4.131 kt/a
respectively have been implemented or are scheduled for completion in the Danube/Black Sea
basin within the next few years. Roughly half of these investments are situated within the DRB
EU member countries: Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Municipal sector projects account for the majority of the fully financed projects, and national co-
financing provided over 50% of total municipal investments; external sources of investment
financing include EU, World Bank, EIB, EBRD and others. 12 projects involved wetland
restoration with associated nutrient reduction and habitat protection, and another 13 projects
totaling US $78 m. have been undertaken in the industrial sector. The GEF-UNDP-UNIDO
Danube TEST programme has also been very effective at promoting nutrient and other pollution
reduction through transfer of cleaner production technologies/strategies, while simultaneously
enhancing profitability and reducing resource consumption. Investments in Russia and Ukraine
have also considerably increased in recent years, with 9 municipal projects due for completion in
2006 in Russia and 46 smaller projects in Ukraine.
Partnership Objective 3: Sustainable Multi-Country Institutions and Development of Indicators.
Progress Estimate: 50%
The Danube River Protection Convention, the International Commission for the Protection of the
Danube River (ICPDR), its Permanent Secretariat (PS) and its various permanent and ad hoc
Expert Groups have now been fully operationalized entities for a number of years and are
considered institutionally and financially fully sustainable. All countries are current in their
pledged contributions to the ICPDR except Bosnia and Herzegovina which only recently joined
(and ratified December 2004) and Ukraine for which 2003, 2004 and 2005 payments remain due.
Regarding payments of contributions to the Black Sea Commission by all countries, only one of
the six countries party to the Bucharest Convention, Georgia, is still behind in their dues (5
pending payments). A strategy for securing continued country and other contributions to the BSC
is presently under development.
Both Commissions have initiated development of International Waters indicators following or
closely adapted from the GEF M & E Indicators framework issued by the GEF M&E Unit in
2002. The Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG), formed to facilitate implementation of the
Memorandum of Understanding between the BSC and ICPDR, has agreed upon ecological status
indicators and reporting formats, taking into account implementation of the EU WFD in coastal
waters. The Danube basin has a fully operational monitoring station network (TNMN) and
protocols in place as well as an emissions database (EMIS). The ICPDR closely monitors and
tracks progress in investments in stress reduction through the Joint Action Programme and
monitored by its Emissions Expert Group (EMIS EG). The current BSERP includes further
development of a comprehensive monitoring program based on relevant chemical and biological
indicators, and establishment of an emissions/state database for point and non-point pollution
sources within the coastal zone; these represent significant progress towards establishment of
both stress reduction and environmental status indicators in the Black Sea.
49
Partnership Objective 4: Incorporating Nutrients and Toxics Reduction into Conventions and
their Action Programs. Progress Estimate: 50-75%
In the Danube, specific country commitments to nutrient reduction are being prepared within the
framework of the revision of the ICPDR Joint Action Programme (JAP, the follow-up to the
GEF-supported SAP). Approval of the EU WFD Roof Report at the December 2004 Ministers
Meeting confirms the commitment from the 13 Danube River Basin countries in adopting
binding actions in reducing pollution to the Danube River in support of the ICPDR's JAP. In the
context of legislative reform, the four recent EU member states (CZ, HU, SI, SK) are projected
to be in full compliance with the EU Nitrates Directive by 2008 (and Romania soon thereafter).
With assistance from UNEP, the BSERP has supported development and negotiation of a Land-
Based Activities Protocol to the Bucharest Convention which is presently under consideration by
the Black Sea Commission and proposed for adoption as early as 2007; a Work Program to
Enhance Implementation of the Black Sea LBA Protocol has been developed and is ready for
implementation. In addition, the BSERP has advanced the development and negotiation of a
regional fisheries convention for the Black Sea.
Partnership Objective 5: Implementing Agency and Partner Mainstreaming of Nutrient
Reduction. Progress Estimate: 75%
Each agency participating in the Partnership has taken a number of steps to mainstream the
objectives of the Partnership into its core programmes and activities.
UNDP is mainstreaming and promoting replication of Black Sea and Danube programmes
through its Bratislava Regional Service Centre; several UNDP Country Offices are supporting
integrated water resources management, river basin management, and EU WFD approximation
processes in a number of Danube/Black Sea basin programme countries as well as in countries
outside the Danube/Black Sea basin addressing similar water resources management challenges.
UNDP's Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS (RBEC) is presently developing a new
strategic approach for its water governance practice in Europe/CIS, building on UNDP's
extensive experience through the GEF with promoting transboundary waters management in this
region. The strategy will include knowledge management, community and capacity
development, regional and national-level programme development, partnership development and
resource mobilization. As part of this mainstreaming, RBEC has committed to fund the UNDP-
GEF Regional Technical Advisor (RTA) for International Waters & Land Degradation, and has
also mobilized external resources (LEAD) for a Water Governance Advisor who will support
development and oversight of GEF IW portfolio in the region.
World Bank. Since the start of the Partnership, Black Sea / Danube pollution issues have been
well integrated in the World Bank Country Assistance Strategies (CASs) that lay out the
country's priorities for investment and policy operations that it would like to accomplish with
World Bank assistance over the next three years. Since 2000, ten out of twelve new CAS that
were prepared in the Black Sea/Danube countries included a discussion of projects to be
implemented under the WB GEF Investment Fund.
50
European Union. The EU ISPA, EIB and EBRD have been instrumental in helping to promote
investments in nutrient reduction throughout the region; for example, EIB has extended several
loans for tertiary treatment of municipal wastewater in CZ, and EBRD is working with EU ISPA
on improvements to the municipal sector. Other relevant EU mainstreaming initiatives include
TACIS (MO, UK, Black Sea), PHARE (cross-border environmental issues between HU, SK,
BG, RO), CADSE (land use, river basin management, infrastructure in Danube tributaries) and
SAPARD (agricultural reform in new/accession countries). Also, in 2001, the DABLAS Task
Force was established by the Environment Ministers of the Danube-Black Sea region together
with the EU, to facilitate coordination and prioritization of pollution reduction investments needs
within the region. The TF identified 354 known/planned investment projects as part of its 2004
assessment, including 191 municipal, 77 industrial, 32 agro-industrial, 40 wetland restoration
and 14 land use projects.
Partnership Objective 6: Integrated Management of Land and Water Resources in Sub-basins.
Progress Estimate: 50%
Sub-basin river basin management programmes have been developed or are under development
in the Sava and Tisza River basins for more detailed implementation of basinwide approaches.
The linked GEF-UNDP Dnipro River Basin programme has prepared a Transboundary
Diagnostic Analysis, Strategic Action Programme and draft legal agreement. The SAP is in the
process of being adopted by each riparian country and is expected to be designated as the `action
programme' under the river basin `Agreement'. Nutrient and industrial toxics pollution are
included as priority issues and actions in the Dnipro TDA and SAP.
The Danube Regional Project is providing input to assist countries in developing policies aimed
at Best Agricultural Practices and is supporting wetland managers in the basin with evaluation of
nutrient removal capacities in wetlands. Both the DRP and BSERP have implemented small
grants programs targeting nutrient reduction in agriculture, land use, industry and households; to
date the DRP has supported 63 projects totaling $600k and the BSERP has approved 17 projects
totaling $320k. These programs are essential for harnessing community participation as part of
the water quality improvement process. Integrated Coastal Zone Management policies for the
Black Sea were developed in 1999 with GEF support as well. Based on this, the BSERP has
made significant progress in assisting the countries in developing a regional Integrated Coastal
Zone Management Strategy which was approved by the BSC in November, 2004. UNDP is also
supporting implementation or development of five wetlands conservation projects within the
Danube/Black Sea basin under the GEF Biodiversity focal area.
Based on the successes of the ongoing D-BS Program as outlined above, the World Bank-GEF
has developed the Mediterranean Partnership Investment Fund, drawing on its tested
combination of capital investments, economic instruments, policy and regulatory frameworks
and public participation that will, in large measure, provide a critical mass of financial resources
and technical knowledge readily available to countries that embrace the goal of improving the
environmental conditions of the Mediterranean Sea.
51
ANNEX 4
MEDITERRANEAN PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT FUND RESULT FRAMEWORK
AND MONITORING
Results Framework
Monitoring and Evaluation of performance and results are carried out at different levels: at
Strategic Partnership level, Investment Fund and Regional Component level, and at individual
investment project level. The Result Framework and Monitoring Arrangements described below
refer only to the Investment Fund.
The Investment Fund is a demand-driven mechanism in support of the Strategic Partnership
objectives. It finances investment projects that will be identified and developed after its approval
by the GEF Council. Indicators at Investment Fund level are therefore mostly catalytic and
process indicators. Only individual projects funded by the IF will have pollution reduction
targets specific to the sectors and processes used (nutrient load reduction, BOD reduction, water
flows, etc.) Individual projects will measure baseline and subsequent reduction for pollutant
discharges and report them annually in their project progress report.
The Investment Fund will be responsible for monitoring, aggregating and reporting on project
specific stress reduction and biodiversity conservation indicators and their impact as indicated in
the Monitoring Arrangements table.
The Investment Fund has one stress reduction indicator (15% of priority hotspots and sensitive
habitats with improved environmental conditions) which is also an indicator of country
compliance with the targets adopted under the SAP MED and SAP BIO. The Investment Fund
has also two aggregate stress reduction indicators for pollution reduction and biodiversity
conservation. They are provided as measurable, comprehensive parameters of impact of the Fund
and are linked to the specific pollutant reduction and biodiversity conservation targets achievable
by the individual projects. They are also directly linked to the SAP MED and SAP BIO targets.
The target of 1,000,000 population equivalent of waste water treated is linked to the SAP MED
targets of disposing municipal and industrial wastewater in conformity with the LBS Protocol by
2025. The TDA identified 30 coastal cities with population between 50,000 and 900,000 with no
waste water treatment with the great majority of cities below 150,000 inhabitants. The
assumption is that projects under the Investment Fund will address pollution in mid-size coastal
cities.
The target of 5-7 sensitive habitats under effective management is linked to the SAP BIO targets
of effective protection of endangered species by 2012 and protection of 20% of the coast as
marine fishery reserve by 2012. The assumption is that several projects under the Investment
Fund will address pollution hotspots as a major threat to sensitive habitats and improve the
effectiveness of more traditional biodiversity conservation measures.
52
Objective of the Fund
Outcome Indicators21
Use of Fund Outcome
Information
Accelerate the implementation of
· Hotspots and sensitive habitats of national
Evaluate the Investment
transboundary pollution reduction
priority identified in NAPs and SAPs with
Fund contribution to
and biodiversity conservation
improved environmental conditions (15 %
Strategic Partnership
measures in priority hotspots and
of major hotspots/sensitive areas identified
objectives
sensitive areas of selected countries
in TDA)
of the Mediterranean basin that
(SR)
would help achieve the SAP MED
· Replication strategy adopted and initiated (3
and SAP BIO targets
countries)
(C)
· Replication investment leveraged (US$100
million)
(C)
Intermediate Outcomes
Intermediate Outcome Indicators
Use of Intermediate
Outcome Monitoring
Investments for pollution reduction
· Co-financing leveraged (US$ 250 million)
Evaluate the Investment
and biodiversity conservation in
(C)
Fund's progress in
selected countries catalyzed
achieving its objective
SAPs implementation addressed in
· Measures to address SAP targets
and provide inputs and
World Bank country dialogues
incorporated into CASes for eligible
feedback to Investment
countries (7 countries)
Fund Coordination
(C)
Team for project
Innovative, cost-effective
· Innovative, low cost techniques such as
pipeline management
investments in specific country
managed aquifer recharge, engineered
contexts promoted
wetlands, treated wastewater reuse, etc.
demonstrated (5 techniques)
(P)
Measurable pollution reduction and
· Organic pollution (in waste water) treated
biodiversity conservation in support
(1,000,000 population equivalent22)
of the SAP targets achieved
(SR)
· Sensitive habitats under effective
management (5-7 sites)
(SR)
Knowledge-sharing and cross-
· Participation of Bank IF coordination team
fertilization of project achievements
in SP consultations (100% of meetings)
among the SP partners facilitated
(P)
· Regional conferences/technical workshops
participated in/organized by the IF (5
events)
(P)
21 (C) Catalytic indicator; (SR) Stress Reduction indicator; (P) Process indicator
22 Population equivalent (p.e.) is a measure of pollution representing the average organic biodegradable load per
person per day. It is used here as a comprehensive parameter of for the aggregate wastewater pollution treated by
investments initiated by the Investment Fund.
53
Individual projects supported by the Investment Fund will adopt monitoring indicators consistent
with the project objectives and will comply with the GEF International Waters and Biodiversity
requirements for monitoring project progress and results (Tracking Tools). Specific M&E
arrangements including resource requirements and institutional responsibilities will be developed
at the time of project preparation.
Selected key indicators will be consistent across projects, countries and sectors in order to report
achievements at project level, Investment Fund level and also at Partnership level (basin level).
The table below summarizes key stress reduction and biodiversity conservation indicators that
will be included in the M&E plan of individual projects.
Type of Investments supported by the
Key Stress Reduction and Biodiversity
Use of Project Indicator
Fund
Conservation Indicators at Project Level
Monitoring
Domestic and industrial wastewater
· Municipal and industrial pollutant
treatment in selected priority hotspots:
discharge (BOD, N, P, Cr, etc.)
demonstration and use of innovative and/or
reduction
low cost technologies for waste water and
sanitation management such as engineered
wetlands, enhancement to existing systems
Contribute to measure the
to improve efficiency, combined
aggregate reduction of
wastewater/septage treatment plants,
land-based pollution
integrated managed aquifer recharge and
discharges and
wastewater reuse, etc)
improvement in
Coastal ecosystem management:
· Wetland water volume increase
management effectiveness
restoration and preservation of aquatic
· Wetland/coastal lagoon area under
of biodiversity sensitive
habitats including wetlands, coastal lakes
protected/improved management
areas in the
and lagoons; control of saline intrusion in
· Sites with coastal aquifer saline
Mediterranean Sea
coastal aquifers; restoration/protection of
intrusion under control
coastal processes (sediments transport,
· Reduction of sediment loads and
Evaluate country progress
etc.), promotion of ICM practices
lagoon siltation
in achieving objectives of
Integrated surface and groundwater
· Point source pollution reduction
NAP, IF and Strategic
management in selected watersheds:
· Reduction of non point source pollution Partnership
promotion of IWRM practices in
runoff
watersheds draining into the
· Increase in flows to coastal freshwater
Mediterranean, including groundwater
ecosystems
systems and balancing flows, as a mean to
· Area with improved land-water
protect coastal-marine habitats of
management practices and sediment
transboundary significance and reduce
load reduction
pollution from non point sources and
· Surface of aquifer recharge areas under
sediment loads
protection/effective management
Biodiversity conservation: protection of
· MPA surface increase
endangered natural habitats and sensitive
· MPAs and coastal wetlands/lagoons
areas of transboundary relevance,
under effective management
strengthening/expansion of the marine
· Area of production systems that
protected area network, mainstreaming
contribute to biodiversity conservation
biodiversity conservation in productive
or its sustainable use
seascape and generation and dissemination
of best practices for addressing marine and
coastal biodiversity issues
54
Arrangements for results monitoring at the level of the Fund
Projects reporting to Fund
Fund Reporting to GEF
Outcome Indicators
2011
2016
Frequency and
Data Collection
Responsibility
Frequency
Responsibility
Reports
Instruments
for Data
and Reports
for Data
Collection
Collection
Hotspots and sensitive habitats of
5% 15% Annual
Project Government data;
UNEP/MAP,
Report
Fund
national priority identified in NAPs and
Progress Review
Regional Project
PIU, Bank task
annually to
Management
SAPs with improved environmental
(PPR)
reports; Project
team,
GEFSEC;
Team with
conditions (# of hotspots/sensitive areas
progress report
Investment
Report to GEF
data derived
identified in TDA)
Fund
Council at
from Bank
Replication strategy adopted and
-
3
Annual PPR
coordination
time of request
project task
implementation initiated (# of countries)
team
for subsequent team reporting
Replication investment leveraged (US$)
-
100M
tranche
Result Indicators
Co-financing leveraged (US$)
75M
250M
Annual PPR
Project team reports;
Bank supervision
missions;
Measures to address SAP targets
3
7
Annual PPR
CASes
incorporated into CASes for eligible
countries (# of countries)
Innovative low-cost techniques such as
2 5 Annual
PPR
managed aquifer recharge, engineered
wetlands, treated wastewater reuse, etc.
Bank task
Report
Fund
demonstrated (# of techniques)
Project team reports;
team;
annually to
Management
Organic pollution (in waste water)
250,000 1,000,000
Annual
PPR
Bank supervision
Investment
GEFSEC;
Team with
treated (p.e.)
missions;
Fund
Report to GEF
data derived
MPA and coastal wetland/lagoons under
2
5-7
Annual PPR
coordination
Council at
from Bank
effective management (# of sites)
team
time of request
project task
Participation of Bank IF coordination
100% 100%
SP meeting minutes
for subsequent team reporting
team in SP consultations (% of meetings)
tranche
Regional conferences/technical
2 5 Workshop/conference
proceedings
workshops participated in/organized by
the IF (# of events)
Key stress reduction and biodiversity
Individual project will comply with GEF IW and Biodiversity
conservation indicators at project level
tracking tools requirements and will report monitoring results in
(see description in Result Framework)
annual implementation progress reports and PPR
Page 55
ANNEX 5
MEDITERRANEAN PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT FUND PIPELINE:
PROJECT CONCEPTS
· Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia: Neretva and Trebisnjica River Basin Management
Project
· Egypt: Alexandria Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project
56
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA AND CROATIA
NERETVA AND TREBISNJICA RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PROJECT
FINANCING PLAN (US$)
AGENCY'S PROJECT ID: P084608
GEF PROJECT/COMPONENT
GEFSEC PROJECT ID:
Project 8,000,000
COUNTRY: BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA AND
PDF A
CROATIA
PDF B
430,000
PROJECT TITLE: Neretva and Trebisnjica River
PDF C
Basin Management Project (under the
Mediterranean Sea Partnership Investment Fund.
Subtotal GEF
8,430,000
GEF AGENCY: World Bank
OTHER EXECUTING AGENCY(IES):
CO-FINANCING
DURATION: 5 Years
IBRD/IDA/IFC
GEF FOCAL AREA: IW and B
Government 8,355,000
GEF OPERATIONAL PROGRAM: OP9; OP2
Bilateral 3,925,00
GEF STRATEGIC PRIORITY: IW-1; BD-2
NGOs
Pipeline Entry Date: 06/13/2003
Others 500,000
ESTIMATED STARTING DATE: October 1, 2006
Sub-Total Co-financing: 12,780,000
Total Project Financing: 21,210,000
FINANCING FOR ASSOCIATED
ACTIVITIES IF ANY:
LEVERAGED RESOURCES IF ANY:
*Details provided under the Financial
Modality and Cost Effectiveness section
CONTRIBUTION TO KEY INDICATORS OF THE BUSINESS PLAN:
The project supports priority investments identified in the Strategic Action Plans for the
Mediterranean basin that reduce water pollution and increase biodiversity conservation
effectiveness in the hot spots of the Neretva/Trebisnkica river basin and its wetlands.
RECORD OF ENDORSEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT(S):
Minister Jadranko Prlic, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, June 2, 2003
Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Minister Bozo Kovacevic, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Physical July 10, 2003
Planning , Croatia
Approved on behalf of the World Bank. This proposal has been prepared in accordance with GEF policies
and procedures and meets the standards of the GEF Project Review Criteria for work program inclusion
Steve Gorman
Emilia Battaglini, ECA Regional Coordinator
Executive coordinator, The World Bank
Tel. and email: (+1-202)473-3232,
Ebattaglini@worldbank.org
Usaid El Hanbali, Task team Leader
Tel. and email: (1-202) 473-4186;
uelhanabali@worldbank.org
57
1. Project
Summary
a) Project rationale, objectives, outputs/outcomes and activities
Project Rationale. The Neretva and Trebsijnica River Basin (NTRB) lies within both Bosnia and
Herzegovina (BiH) and Croatia (HR) and encompasses approximately 10,000 km2. Within BiH, the
NTRB has additional transboundary characteristics as it is shared by the two entities which comprise BiH
the Federation of Bosnia Herzegovina (FBiH) and the Republika Srpska (RS). The Neretva River (220
km) is the largest river in the Eastern Adriatic watershed. Its average annual flow is 11.9 BCM. The
Trebisnjica River (99 km) is located entirely in the RS and is hydraulically linked to the Neretva River.
Its average annual flow is about 2.5 BCM. Taken together, these two rivers comprise most of the Adriatic
watershed of BiH and Croatia. The rivers are used for transport, recreation, fisheries, fishing, abstraction
for drinking water for the 430,000 residents in the region, irrigation, and energy production. The entire
valley and delta of the lower Neretva River from Mostar municipality ( in FBiH) to the river's mouth (in
Croatia) contain the largest and most valuable remnants of the natural Mediterranean wetlands in the
Eastern Adriatic coast, as evidenced by designation as a Ramsar Wetlands site. The transboundary
wetlands serve a number of functions important to water resource management including; water
purification, nutrient reduction, sedimentation sink, flood management, and prevention of shoreline
erosion. They also provide critical habitats and support local economic activities.
A transboundary environmental analysis based on assessments of land and water management,
biodiversity, social, and economic conditions in the NTRB was conducted during preparation and
identified the key environmental problems related to water resources in the NTRB as follows: declining
supplies for municipal and agricultural purposes; declining water quality; as well as land degradation and
loss of wetlands and their associated habitats and biodiversity. The causes of these problems are inter-
related and include inefficient water allocation and water use amongst competing users; pollution from
municipal, industrial and agricultural sources, and salt water intrusion; and conversion of wetlands for
agricultural purposes, illegal hunting, and other economic activities. Demands for water resources are not
balanced through any comprehensive and coordinated strategy on the national or international level. The
existing water management system is characterized by: lack of legal and institutional mechanisms for
transboundary water resource management; lack of river basin level management or planning lack of
basin-wide management tools including hydrological and biological monitoring and water information
management systems; insufficient understanding of river basin dynamics and water balance to assess and
manage supply and demand; limited consideration of ecological issues; and limited public participation in
decision making processes
To address these issues, the project will focus on select interventions, including improved transboundary
water resource management, improved management and use of wetlands ecosystems, priority investments
for water pollution including municipal wastewater treatment and industrial pollution control, as well as
promoting public participation in decision making processes. Thus the proposed project qualifies for
support under the GEF Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem Investment Fund
as proposed activities meet the Partnership's eligibility criteria: industrial wastewater treatment, wetland
restoration, and improved management of watersheds for habitat conservation and pollution reduction.
The project will be the Bank's first efforts in implementing the objectives of the Mediterranean Strategic
Action Program (SAP) to Address Pollution from Land-Based Activities (MED POL, 1997) and the
Mediterranean SAP for Biodiversity (MED BIO, 2003). Both SAPs identify the Adriatic Sea as one of
the top priority areas for protection in the Mediterranean Sea and have as their goals reduced land based
sources of marine pollution and protection of the biodiversity and habitats of the Mediterranean. The
project targets hot spots and sensitive areas included in the SAPs - the Neretva River Canyon and the
Neretva River Delta. The project also supports the objectives of the proposed GEF Strategic Partnership
for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem by promoting policy, legal and institutional reforms;
strengthening monitoring and assessment capabilities on a local and national level; and reducing land
based sources of pollution. BiH and Croatia support the Barcelona Mediterranean Convention of 1976 for
58
the Prevention of Pollution of the Mediterranean, and have signed and ratified all its protocols, as well as
the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
Also, Government strategies for water resource management in both BiH and Croatia are driven by the
EU's Water Framework Directive (WFD) requirements which calls for river basin management plans
(RBMPs) based on integrated water resource management. The WFD provides the legislative framework
EU member states must follow to protect and improve the quality of water resources within the EU.
International rivers must have transboundary RBMPs which reflect environmental concerns including the
hydrological and ecological interactions between wetlands, the riverine zone and the quality of
ecosystems in the basin. The project fully supports the objectives of the EU WFD and supports the
countries' commitment to meet its requirements.
Without GEF support, both countries may continue to approach water resource management from
different perspectives. Both countries might undertake a series of small ad-hoc activities, in different
sectors, on different administrative levels, with no synergistic effect. Relevant legal, policy and
institutional frameworks in each country need to be enacted in coordination to prevent the possibility of a
clash of competing interests that could potentially exacerbate political and social tensions in Southeast
Europe.
Project Objectives. The project development objective is to improve management of transboundary
water resources in the NTRB thereby laying the basis for efficient and equitable water allocation amongst
users and for improved health of the water dependent ecosystems.
The global objective is to reduce water pollution in the Adriatic Sea which is a hot spot within the
Mediterranean Sea basin.
Project Outputs/Outcomes: Outputs would include a comprehensive transboundary river basin
management plan; trained river basin management authorities with resources to implement the RBMP; a
strengthened interstate water commission for the implementation of the RBMP; an effective hydrological
measurement and monitoring system; a transboundary water information system; improved use and
management of wetlands ecosystems; new techniques for salt water intrusion prevention and mitigation;
cost effective municipal and industrial pollution prevention investments; and increased opportunities for
civil society involvement in water resource management. The overall outcome of the project is improved
water quality and quantity flowing into the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas.
Project Activities
The project to be implemented over five years, will include the following components:
Component 1: Strengthened capacity for transboundary water resource management (US$6.14 of
which GEF US$2.4). The objective of this component is to strengthen the institutional capacity for the
comprehensive management of the NTRB's water resources and environment. Activities to be financed
under this component include:
1.1 Institution and capacity building
· Support and equipment for the river basin management authorities
· Support for operations of the ISWC and the Adriatic sub-committee
· Training on preparation of river basin management plans and implementation of the EU WFD, to
include study tours
· Design of a set of appropriate regional coordination procedures for transboundary water resource
management
· Identification of necessary additional policy and institutional reforms to facilitate enhanced
transboundary management actions
1.2 Measurement, monitoring and information management
59
· Equipment and expansion of the existing network of water measurement and monitoring stations
in the NTRB
· Develop basin-wide water information system including GIS system, equipment and training
1.3 River basin management planning
· Preparation of background studies for development of the NTRB RBMP
· Identification of protected areas in NTRB, sensitive ecosystems, and ecological management
objectives for the NTRB
· Conduct an economic analysis of water use in the NTRB
· Develop river basin management plan
Component 2: Improved management and use of wetlands ecosystems (US$2.41 million of which
GEF US$1.5 million). The Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) of the Mediterranean Partnership
has identified degradation of coastal habitats as contributing to an overall decline in biodiversity in the
Mediterranean basin. Activities under this component will help to maintain and conserve water
dependent ecosystems and their associated biodiversity in the NTRB by focusing on improved
management of wetland ecosystems. These interventions will be designed in accordance with the
requirements of the EU WFD. The activities to be financed under this component are as follows:
2.1 Improved wetlands management. Activities under this sub-component will promote improvements in
sites, services, and management tools for the existing nature park in the NTRB in BiH and protected
areas in Croatia; mitigation of tourism-related environmental impacts; refurbishing of scientific and
educational facilities for wetlands biodiversity conservation & financing of the transboundary newsletter
"NASA Neretva.
2.2 Water Management Infrastructure: This sub-component will include: preparation of a monitoring
network for salt water intrusion and improvements in irrigation and groundwater management to address
saline intrusion in the Neretva delta; wetlands restoration in Hutavo Blato; rehabilitation of Bunica river
gate and wooden irrigation wheels; and restoration of select river banks.
2.3 Improved operation of reservoirs, HPPs, and dams: Proposed activities include a study to determine
the minimum biological flow in the Neretva and Trebisjnica Rivers; training program for optimal
management of HPP reservoirs; management models for reservoir operations; as well as provision of
equipment for seismic monitoring.
Component 3: High Priority Investments for Water Pollution Control (US$9.87 million of which
GEF US$3.0 million) The TDA for the Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea indicates that
eighty percent of the pollution load of the Mediterranean Sea originates from land sources, mainly in the
form of untreated discharges of urban waste (which includes microbiological, nutrient and chemical
contaminants) reaching the sea from coastal sources and through rivers. The objective of this component
therefore is to reduce water pollution to the NTRB through high priority investments in low cost,
appropriate wastewater technology improvements in three municipalities and one industrial sector in BiH.
The municipalities and industries will contribute a minimum of 50% of the investment costs. The
activities to be financed under this component are:
3.1 Municipal wastewater treatment improvements in BiH . Water pollution from municipal sources is
one of the main threats to the water resources of the NTRB. This sub-component will finance
improvements to wastewater treatment in five municipalities in BiH Bileca, Konjic, Ljubuski, Nevesinje
and Trebinje - to reduce pollution in the Neretva and the Trebisjnica Rivers. Project investments would
include, inter alia, upgrades to secondary treatment and expansion and rehabilitation of the collection
system, provision and installation of equipment for secondary biological treatment, sludge de-watering,
rehabilitation of the sedimentation tanks, etc.
3.2 Industrial Pollution Control in BiH. Two metallurgy companies (UNISGAL and "SurTec Eurosjaj")
in Konjic have been identified as particularly "dirty" industries by local authorities. The project will
60
finance equipment, capacity building for monitoring and enforcement of industrial wastewater effluents
by upgrading the municipal water quality laboratory (see below) and by developing effluent standards;
developing enforcements guidelines; and training. . The two companies will finance a minimum of 50%
of the costs.
3.3 Strengthening of Water Quality Monitoring Laboratories. Water quality laboratories are either poorly
equipped or non-existent. The project will finance equipment for three water quality laboratories in BiH
which can then more broadly serve the region for purposes of monitoring wastewater effluent.
Component 4: Public Participation and Management of Project Implementation (US$2.33 million
of which GEF US$1.1 million). The objective of this component is to increase civil society
participation in the decision making process for water resource management and to establish an incentive
mechanism for responsible, local level resource management. It also finances project management. The
activities to be financed are:
4.1 Scientific Community Involvement: Establishment of a basin wide working group with representatives
from principal universities and resource institutes to facilitate transboundary and cross-sectoral scientific
exchange and four annual workshops to disseminate results of scientific community to a broad range of
stakeholders
4.2 Civil Society participation: Training and facilitation to support community participation in
preparation of the RBMP; supporting grants for NGOs transboundary partnerships and projects which
address the NTRB objectives; and community based demonstration projects through matching grants of
practices which conserve water resources, promote improved water quality, reduce pollutant loads, and
maintain wetlands.
4.3 Management of Project. Project management would include monitoring of the project; and training
for national and local government officials on project implementation, during the five-year period of the
project implementation; office equipment and vehicles; operating costs; and project management staff in
BiH (for procurement and financial management only), and Croatia, as needed.
Table 1: Project Costs US$ millions
Component
GEF
Other
GoBiH GoC
Beneficiaries Total
donors
I. Improved Transboundary Water
2.4 3.50
0.20
0.04
6.14
Resource Management
II. Improved Management and use
1.5 0.10
0.07
0.54 0.20 2.41
of wetlands ecosystems
III. High priority investments for
3.0 0.30
3.02
3.25 0.30 9.87
water pollution control
IV. Public participation and
1.1
0.73
0.50 2.33
Management of Project
Implementation*
Total including physical and price
8.0 3.90
4.02 4.3 0.50 20.75
contingencies
b) Key indicators, assumptions, and risks
Key Indicators. Key indicators to measure project impact would include:
· A transboundary river basin management plan completed and agreed upon by both countries
· A functioning comprehensive hydrological measurement and monitoring program, linked to a
transboundary water information system
· Improved water quality
· Increased water volume in wetlands
61
· Reduced discharge through wastewater effluents of municipal and industrial pollutants to
international waterways
· Establishment of a mathematical simulation model for water management (quantity and quality)
in the Neretva Delta
· Implementation of a pilot irrigation scheme to address salt intrusion in the Neretva Delta.
Increased number of civil society activities which engage stakeholders in river basin
management planning and improved use of water resources.
Critical risks and mitigation measures:
Risk
Mitigation Strategy
Risk Rating after
Mitigation
Reforms in the water sector may not Both entities in BiH are committed to bringing
M
proceed as planned
water and environment legislation in line with
the EU WFD
Cooperation between BiH and
The project supports the role of the Inter-State
H
Croatia may not be forthcoming
Water Committee which forms the nucleus of
the TWG.
The two country SC will ensure the key decision
making is done cooperatively
Given tight government budget
Most project activities for RBM planning are
M
conditions; counterpart financing to
already part of the water ministries budgeted
project activities may not
activities
materialize
Counterpart financing for wastewater treatment
investments has already been committed in
municipal budgets.
Project management may not have
In both countries PMTs will build on existing
M
enough capacity to implement the
implementation structures for other WB projects
project
and sector work
Overall Risk Rating
M
2. COUNTRY
OWNERSHIP
a) COUNTRY ELIGIBILITY
Both BiH and Croatia support the Barcelona Convention (Convention for the Protection of the Marine
Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean) and have signed and ratified all its protocols.
BiH and Croatia are party to the Convention on Biodiversity Conservation, and the Ramsar Convention
on Wetlands of International importance.
b) COUNTRY DRIVENNESS
The BiH PRSP identifies improved water resource management as a key environmental priority requiring
action and proposes water management reform to improve the water sector legal and institutional
framework. It recommends establishing river basin management authorities per the EU WFD. The 2003
BiH National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) identified improved water resource management as
essential for sustainable growth and river basin level management as a priority. Activities in the project
address hot spots for pollution control of international waterways as identified in the BiH NEAP.
Similarly, the Croatia NEAP identifies water resource management as a top priority. The Croatia
Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (BSAP 2000) identifies the Neretva Delta wetlands as the most
62
threatened ecosystem in the country. The Interstate Water Committee (ISWC) established by a treaty
between the two countries (July 1996) created a framework for transboundary water management. BiH
and Croatia have also jointly identified protection of the Neretva Delta and improved transboundary and
river basin level management of the Neretva River as priority actions through the Regional Environmental
Reconstruction Program (REReP) of the South East Europe (SEE) Stability Pact.
3.
PROGRAM AND POLICY CONFORMITY
(a) Fit to GEF Operational Program and strategic priority
The project is in conformity with the objectives of the World Bank GEF Strategic Partnership for the
Mediterranean Sea Large marine Ecosystem (the "Partnership") and the proposed activities meet the
Partnership's eligibility criteria: industrial wastewater treatment, wetland restoration, improved
management of watersheds for habitat conservation and pollution reduction, protection of endangered
natural habitats and sensitive areas, and strengthening of marine protected areas. The NTRB Project is
consistent with the Partnership's objective of implementing the top transboundary priority pollution
reduction and habitat protection measures by each basin country, agreed upon under the Mediterranean
Strategic Action Program (SAP) to Address Pollution from Land-Based Activities (MED POL) and the
Mediterranean SAP for Biodiversity (MED BIO). The project also supports the objectives of the
Partnership by promoting policy, legal and institutional reforms; strengthening monitoring and
assessment capabilities on a local and national level; and reducing land based sources of pollution. The
SAPs identify Mediterranean pollution hot spots and sensitive areas and these include the Neretva River
Canyon and the Neretva River Delta. BiH and Croatia are party to the Convention on Biodiversity
Conservation. Both countries support the Barcelona Mediterranean Convention of 1976 for the
prevention of pollution of the Mediterranean, and have signed and ratified all its protocols, as well as the
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
(b) Sustainability (including financial sustainability)
The project design includes elements that will contribute to the sustainability of project interventions. By
building on the existing structure and initiatives agreed upon for national and transboundary water
management, the project will strengthen the new Adriatic Basin Authority in BiH and support the water
sector reform initiatives already in motion. Working with the existing ISWC, the project will link itself to
broader transboundary water resource management which includes the Danube Basin, to which both
countries are already committed. Thus the project sets itself within a larger initiative to which the
governments of both countries are committed and which receives donor support. Furthermore, since both
the national level and international level institutions are financially supported by budget allocations
already in place there are no additional recurrent costs. Application of the EU WFD requirements to
guide water resource planning and management on both the national and transboundary level is another
sustainability mechanism under the project. By utilizing the approaches laid out in the WFD, and
producing a RBMP that meets the WFD requirements, the project is receiving strong support and
commitments from state and entity levels in both the water and environment sectors. Furthermore, both
countries recognize that regional cooperation activities such as those supported by the project will
enhance their chances for future EU grants thus increasing their commitment to fully implementing the
project. Developing local level mechanisms for increased public participation in water resource
management decision making, and creating incentives for alternatives to water intensive or polluting
activities as designed under the project would ensure local beneficiary ownership and commitment to the
project.
(c) Replicability
The project will be designed to promote replication of sustainable water resources management on a
national scale within BiH and Croatia as well as the Mediterranean basin as a whole. The proposed
activities will serve as models for the two countries and will provide benchmarks for good practices. The
63
project will develop and implement a replication strategy in consultation with the UNEP-led regional
project. Funds will be allocated for developing and maintaining a website focusing on the project's
objectives, activities, progress and impact as well as clearly demonstrating how it is achieving the
objectives of the Partnership Program. Knowledge dissemination will be an integral part of the project.
Towards this, funds will be earmarked for participation in IW-Learn workshops as well as other regional
and international meetings and conferences where project exhibits will be presented/demonstrated for the
benefit of participants undertaking or embarking on similar pollution reduction projects. The project will
also provide funds for travel of country official(s) to participate in biannual GEF International Waters
conferences to brief participants on project progress and learn from their experiences.
Although 90% of the land in Southeast Europe is in international river basins, there is relatively little
regional experience in transboundary management of water resources on the river basin level in
accordance with the EU WFD. Project activities, that re being designed to comply with relevant measures
of the EU WFD, will also serve as examples for other countries in the region for replication.
(d) Stakeholder Involvement
A broad range of stakeholders was identified in the Social Assessment conducted as part of project
preparation and they were actively involved in preparation. As a multi sectoral project, a wide range of
national and local government authorities, e.g. water, environment, energy, agriculture, were engaged in
the preparation early on. The creation of a joint technical working group which included government
authorities, local experts, citizens, and NGOs, early in the preparation process has ensured a high level of
involvement. There is strong evidence of broad support within government and local communities for the
implementation of this project. . The project develops local level mechanisms for increased public
participation in water resource management decision making and provides direct benefits to local
communities.
(e) Monitoring and Evaluation
The monitoring and evaluation of outcomes and results during implementation would follow standard
Bank practice. During project preparation, a monitoring system will be designed to measure both stress
reduction and process indicators. During project implementation, at agreed intervals, data on pollutants
entering the water bodies will be recorded and measured against the baseline. A well-designed monitoring
and evaluation system will be critical for ensuring the project's timely and successful implementation, and
enhancing its impact by a systematic analysis of lessons learned and their effective dissemination. Project
monitoring and evaluation would be the responsibility of the Project Management Team (PMT) under
guidance of the Interstate Water Committee (ISWC). M&E will be based on the results of the baseline
surveys undertaken during preparation of the project as well as on the agreed targets set forth in Annex B.
The results of M&E activities will be fed back into the implementation process as improved practices.
The project will design a simple Management Information System for M&E, reporting formats for each
component, including targeted annual performance objectives and monitoring indicators using Annex B
details as the basis. These indicators include evaluating the project's impact by monitoring soil and water
quality. Quarterly reports will cover progress in physical implementation, the use of project funds and
project impact. The Quarterly reports will be consolidated by the PMTs into half-yearly progress reports
to be submitted through the Ministries to the Bank within two months of the end of each six-month
reporting period. These half-yearly progress reports will also include an implementation plan and work
program for the next six months following the reporting period. The format of reports will be agreed with
the Bank.
A mid-term review will be carried out to assess overall progress. Lessons learned, with recommendations
for any improvements, would be used in restructuring the project, if necessary.
64
4.
FINANCIAL MODALITY AND COST EFFECTIVENESS
The Global Environment Facility is requested to co-finance the project's incremental costs estimated at
US$8 million through two grants one to each country. The Governments of BiH and Croatia will
provide the bulk of the co-financing in a combination of cash and in-kind services. Other donors will
provide additional and substantial aid to the project area and objectives.
Table 3: Co-financing Funds
Co-financing Sources
Name of Co-financier
Classification Type
Amount
(US$
m)
Status*
(source)
Government - BiH
cash/in kind
Counterpart
4.02 Approved
in
funding
principle
Government - Croatia
Cash/in kind
Counterpart
4.30 Approved
in
funding
principle
Beneficiaries Cash/in
kind Counterpart
0.50 Approved
in
funding
principle
Other Donors
cash
Grant Funds
3.90
approved
Sub-Total Co-financing
12.75
5
INSTITUTIONAL COORDINATION AND SUPPORT
CORE COMMITMENTS AND LINKAGES
The Bank has a commitment to improved water resource management in Southeast Europe (SEE) in
general, and country specific projects which support objectives of the project in both BiH and Croatia.
The project is consistent with the World Bank Water Resources Sector (2003) and the SEE Water
Resource Strategy (2002). The project complements and builds on activities and projects which are
already under implementation at the national and local level and other regional GEF international
waterways initiatives including the Lake Ohrid project (completed) and the Lake Skodar project (in
preparation). In BiH, the proposed project would be closely linked to the World Bank Bosnia Small Scale
Commercial Agricultural (SSA) Development Project which has just become effective. The SSA Project
is rehabilitating irrigation structures and introducing environmentally sound agricultural practices within
the project region. In BiH, the project would also build on the accomplishments of the World Bank
financed Mostar Water Supply and Sanitation Project (US$12 million) which seeks to reduce municipal
pollution to the Neretva River. The project was designed in coordination with the BiH GEF Water
Quality Project (WQP), 2004, which will finance further improvements to wastewater treatment in the
largest city on the Neretva River, Mostar, and preparation of a wastewater strategy for the Neretva River.
While the WQP addresses one specific threat at one site to the NTRB, the project addresses the issues of
overall management of the water resources. The project will benefit from the GEF project Bosnia Forest
and Mountain Protected Area Management Project, in preparation, which will finance improvements the
protected area management sector.
In Croatia, the project has direct linkages to two existing World Bank projects in implementation; the
Karst Ecosystem Conservation (KEC) Project and the Coastal Cities Water Pollution Control Project (in
implementation). The project would further develop the Bank's contribution to pollution control in the
Adriatic through the Coastal Cities Pollution Control Project which finances improvements to wastewater
treatment in those municipalities which contribute the most to pollution of the Neretva River Metkovic
and Opuzen. The Croatia Cadastre Project will also contribute to the project by improving land tenure
issues in the Neretva Delta which currently exacerbate issues related to conversion of wetlands for
agricultural production.
65
The Bank's primary advantage is that it could serve as a broker in supporting the dialogue on
transboundary water resource management. The Bank could catalyze improved communication between
the countries, which would need to reach agreement on water resource management issues.
Project Implementation Arrangements
The project will be implemented during FY 2007-2012. The lending instrument would be two separate
grants from GEF. One GEF grant of $7.14 million will go to the state government of BiH through the
Ministry of Finance and Treasury . The other grant of $1.96 million will go to the Government of Croatia
also through the Ministry of Finance. Although there are two GEF grants, the recipients intend to
implement the project jointly, e.g. joint contracts, tendering, TORS, to fully ensure the inter-state quality
and objectives of the project. On the transboundary level, overall coordination of project implementation
will be the responsibility of the ISWC. The ISWC will be supported by the joint Steering Committee
(SC), established during project preparation and consisting of authorized representatives (8 from BiH and
4 from Croatia) of relevant ministries from both countries (ministries responsible for environment, water
management, cultural heritage, energy, communal infrastructure) and the Technical Working Group
(shown as one body in the organizational figure because members overlap). The TWG will consist of
experts in water, environment, agriculture, and energy sectors; HPP authorities; municipal
representatives; and NGOs. It is already functional and fully financed by the countries. The TWG
significantly contributed to, and supervised, project design. It is proposed to establish sub-groups of the
TWG to provide sector specific assistance on specific issues and project activities. This is a model used
by both countries in other similar river basin commissions, e.g. the Sava River Commission.
In BiH the overall project implementation is the responsibility of the two entity ministries of Agriculture,
Forestry and Water Management. The two entity ministries of environment will be responsible for
implementation of those project activities under their mandate. The BiH State level Ministry of Foreign
Trade and Affairs (MOFDA) will coordinate the activities of the implementing agencies across sectors
and entities and will serve as the liaison with Croatia. A project management team (PMT) will be
established with the members delegated from the ministries of water and environment and financed as
part of the government contribution. The project manager will be from MOFDA. Procurement and
financial management assistance may be required and would be financed by the grant. Upon the
establishment of the two offices of the Adriatic River Basin Authority in Mostar and Trebinje, which
report to the MAFWM, it is expected that project implementation activities would be managed from these
locations.
In Croatia the project implementation is the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Water Management through Croatia Waters. The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Environmental
Protection and Physical Planning will have responsibility for implementation of project activities within
their scope. A project management team would be established within Croatia Waters with the support of
experts from the three Ministries (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management; Ministry of
Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction; and Ministry of Culture). The project
management team will be financed by government contribution. Procurement and financial management
assistance may be required and would be financed by the grant. During project preparation, the project
management teams in each country have developed strong working relationships with each other and
across sectors and it is expected this will continue. The Operations Manual (to be completed by
appraisal) spells out the implementation arrangements and clear roles and responsibilities for each agency.
66
EGYPT
ALEXANDRIA INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROJECT
A
FINANCING PLAN (US$)
GENCY'S PROJECT ID:
GEFSEC
GEF ALLOCATION
PROJECT ID:
COUNTRY: Egypt
Project (estimated) 7,500,000
PROJECT TITLE: Alexandria Integrated Coastal Zone
Project Co-financing
70,000,000
Management Project (Investment Fund for the Mediterranean
(estimated)
Sea LME partnership)
PDF A*
GEF AGENCY: World Bank
PDF B**
350,000
Other Executing Agency(ies):
PDF C
DURATION: 5 years
Subtotal GEF PDF
350,000
GEF FOCAL AREA: IW
GEF OPERATIONAL PROGRAM: OP9
PDF CO-FINANCING (details provided in
GEF STRATEGIC PRIORITY: IW-1 Catalyzing financial
Part II, Section E Budget
resources for implementation of agreed actions
E
IBRD/IDA/IFC
STIMATED STARTING DATE: July 2007
E
Government
STIMATED WP ENTRY DATE:
P
Contribution
IPELINE ENTRY DATE: MAY 2006
Others
Sub-Total PDF Co-
financing:
Total PDF Project
350,000
Financing:
* Indicate approval date of PDFA:
** If supplemental, indicate amount and date of
originally approved PDF:
RECORD OF ENDORSEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT:
Date
Ms. Fayza Aboul Naga
09/28/2004
Minister of International Cooperation
This proposal has been prepared in accordance with GEF policies and procedures and meets the
standards of the GEF Project Review Criteria for approval. Approval is being sought for pipeline
entry only at this stage.
Project Contact Person
Dahlia Lotayef
Steve Gorman
GEF Regional Coordinator
GEF Executive Coordinator, World Bank
Middle East and north Africa
Date: May 13, 2005
Tel. and email (202) 473-5439
dlotayef@worldbank.org
A SUMMARY
1. PROJECT RATIONALE
The proposed project is consistent with and will contribute to the ground implementation
of the goals of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. The
pollution discharge from land-based sources in the "hot spot" areas of Alexandria and El-Mex
Bay, Egypt, will be addressed by targeted investments for pollution reduction, new financing
mechanisms and local coastal management bodies, and technology transfer. Experiences from
the demonstration project in Alexandria will be upstreamed to the national level to mainstream
pollution reduction strategies, integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) and environmental
objectives into sectoral and national planning in other similar highly degraded lagoon systems in
Egypt and elsewhere in the region.
The project is blended with the Egypt: Pollution Abatement Project 2 (EPAP2), which will
address industrial pollution in the Alexandria area. The GEF project and EPAP2 will promote
environmental integration with the Lake Mariout component of the City Development Strategy
(CDS) for Alexandria as well as the CDS-related Bank-financed project, Alexandria Growth
Pole Project (AGPP). It will also be closely linked to the potential World Bank Water Supply
and Sanitation Project which has received the green light from the Ministry of Housing to
address the sewage situation in Alexandria with the new holding company.
Project development objective is: a) to reduce the load of land-based sources of pollution
(industrial and domestic) entering the Mediterranean Sea in the "hot spots" of El-Mex Bay and
Alexandria; and b) to protect/restore globally significant coastal heritage and ecosystem
processes by supporting the Government of Egypt's efforts to develop and implement a National
Coastal Zone Management Plan ..
Project global environment objective is: to implement the Strategic Action Plan (SAP-MED)
towards the targets set for the discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater and contribute
towards the GEF Partnership for the Mediterranean large Marine Ecosystem
B - Country ownership
3. COUNTRY ELIGIBILITY
Egypt is eligible for GEF assistance in the International Waters Focal Area through the
World Bank.
Egypt has had several successful GEF projects under the Biodiversity Focal Area, but is
generally underrepresented in terms of GEF International Waters funding. The GEF/UNDP Lake
Manzala project will be taken into consideration during the preparation of this project, as a good
successful model for replication in Egypt and other countries in the region with similar
conditions.
68
4. COUNTRY DRIVENNESS
The proposed project is an important block in the ongoing Environmental Dialogue
between the Government of Egypt and the Bank. It is blended with the Egypt: Pollution
Abatement Project II (EPAP II) which is addressing industrial pollution reduction in Lake
Mariout and will be linked to a potential World Bank project on sewage in the City of
Alexandria. It is closely coordinated with the City Development Strategy (CDS) for Alexandria
which has identified the restoration of Lake Mariout as the main environmental priority for the
city. It is also linked to a World Bank Project to implement the CDS action plan, Alexandria
Growth Pole Project (AGPP), whose objective is to support Alexandria Governorate in its efforts
to attract private investment, address high priority investment needs in infrastructure, land
development around Lake Mariout, urban upgrading and creation of economic opportunities. The
Governor of Alexandria, in a letter to the World Bank dated 9 of May 2004, has requested the
Bank to apply for coastal zone funding for the city upgrading. Also, the Egyptian Government,
through its Environmental Affairs Agency, which has since 1996, taken positive steps towards
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) has expressed its interest in an ICZM project in
Alexandria. All resources and expertise of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA)
will be made available to the project and the Egyptian government will provide a counterpart
contribution to the project to facilitate its operation and implementation.
The Country Environmental Assessment (CEA) for Egypt shows that the high rate of urban
development, expanding industrial and tourism activities, adversely affect the marine and coastal
environment. The CEA suggests some urgent actions to strengthen ICZM in Egypt.
C Program and Policy Conformity
6. PROGRAM DESIGNATION AND CONFORMITY
The proposal is consistent with the IW OP 9: Integrated Land and Water Multiple Focal Area
Operational Programme and its objectives to undertake a series of projects that involve helping
countries to address transboundary environmental concerns degrading specific water bodies; and
is consistent with the GEF's International Waters Strategic Priority I `Catalyze financial
resource mobilization for implementation of reforms and stress reduction measures agreed
through TDA-SAP or equivalent processes for particular transboundary systems' by building
and strengthen institutional capacity for reducing land based sources of pollution, implementing
coastal zone management at local and national levels, and provide support for targeted
investments.
The Alexandria Integrated Coastal Zone Management project described herein is the first
project from the MNA region proposed for GEF co-financing under the proposed World
Bank/UNEP/GEF Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem to
assist countries in implementing policy reforms and priority investments that address
transboundary pollution reduction and biodiversity conservation priorities identified in two
Strategic Action Plans (SAP) for the Mediterranean Sea. The Partnership would support capital
investments, economic instruments, implementation of policy reforms, strengthening of public
69
institutions and public participation through two elements: a regional technical assistance project,
implemented by UNEP and an Investment Fund, implemented by the World Bank
The Investment Fund under the GEF partnership would primarily finance investments that
support achieving the pollution reduction and biodiversity conservation targets agreed by the
basin countries under SAP MED and SAP BIO, including domestic and industrial wastewater
treatment; wetland restoration and/or construction; improved management of watershed and
aquifers for habitat conservation and pollution reduction; protection of endangered natural
habitats and sensitive areas.
The Alexandria Coastal Zone Management Project would assist the Government of Egypt
and the Governorate of Alexandria towards meeting selected SAP MED targets. For municipal
wastewater the target is to "By the year 2005, to dispose sewage from cities and urban
agglomerations exceeding 100,000 inhabitants and areas of concern in conformity with the
[LBS] Protocol". The proposed targets for industrial development are " By the year 2025, point
source discharges and air emissions into the Protocol Area from industrial installations to be in
conformity with the Protocol and other agreed international and national provisions; Over a
period of 10 years, to reduce by 50% discharges, emissions and losses of substances that are
toxic, persistent, and liable to bioaccumulate from industrial installations; Over a period of 10
years, to reduce by 50 % discharges, emissions, and losses of polluting substances from
industrial installations in hot spots and areas of concern.". Targets for physical alterations and
destruction of habitats are "to safeguard the ecosystem function, maintain the integrity and
biological diversity of species; and where practicable, to restore marine and coastal habitats that
have been adversely affected by anthropogenic activities".
The SAP MED targets would be achieved by activities at national level such as:
- by 2005, coastal cities and urban agglomerations of more that 100,000 inhabitants to be
connected to a sewer system and dispose all waste water in conformity with a national
regulation system:
- locate coastal outfalls of sewage so as to obtain and maintain agreed environmental
quality criteria and avoid exposing shell fisheries, water intakes, bathing areas, and
sensitive environments
- to promote the primary, secondary and where appropriate and feasible, tertiary treatment
of municipal sewage discharge to rivers, estuaries and the sea;
- to promote the reuse of treated effluents for the conservation of water resources;
- to reduce discharges and emission of industrial pollutants as much as possible;
- to support programmes for integrated coastal zone management
7. PROJECT DESIGN
Problem Statement
The SAP MED has identified several "hot spots and sensitive areas" on the northern coast
of Egypt, which for several decades has been witnessing a continuous increase in population,
70
development and environmental degradation. Three of these "hot spots" are located around
Alexandria (Alexandria, El-Mex Bay, Abu-Qir Bay).
In 1905, the 370,000 inhabitants of Alexandria lived in an area of about 4 square kilometers
between the two harbors. Today, population is ten times higher and occupies an area of about
300 square kilometers, with an ever-increasing demand for new land development, including
planned development of some 100 hectares of vacant land around lake Mariout .Due to the
expansion of the City of Alexandria, Lake Mariout has been divided into five main basins by
road infrastructure and is surrounded by urban and industrial development. The demand for new
land around the low laying lake is extremely high and coastal areas are constantly encroached.
The lake area today is only a fraction of what it used to be. Sewage and industrial wastewater, in
addition to the inflow of nutrient-rich agricultural drainage water, have contributed to the
degradation of water quality and biodiversity in the lake which suffers from serious
eutrophication. Seven million cubic meter of water per day almost equivalent to the flow of the
Rosetta branch is being pumped from Lake Mariout into the hot spot El-Mex Bay in the
Mediterranean with impact on coastal biodiversity, cultural heritage and tourism in the whole
Alexandria area.
With its combination of an incredible cultural heritage, thriving urban community, and
one of the highest pollution loads to the Mediterranean, a GEF intervention in Alexandria offers
unique opportunities to make a regionally significant a reduction of the pollution load reaching
the Mediterranean Sea. The value added of GEF co-financing is essential for securing the
estimated USD70 million investments foreseen under EPAP2 and a strong incentive for the
implementation of the CDS action plan and potential World Bank project on Water Supply and
Sanitation. At the same time, improved environmental quality in the coastal areas would
strengthen Alexandria's competitiveness as a tourist destination as well as improve the livelihood
for a large number of marginalized user groups such as fishing communities.
Project Components
To secure these global, national and local,benefits three components are suggested a)
strengthening the national framework for sustainable coastal management; b) pilot demonstration
projects on reducing land-based pollution sources in the Alexandria area; and c) monitoring and
evaluation.:
Component 1: Policy, Planning and Implementation Tools for Integrated Coastal Zone
Management at national and local level.
This component would strengthen the capabilities of the Environmental Agency (EEAA)
to undertake Integrated Coastal Zone Management by:
· develop a national vision for the coastal zone of Northern Egypt, based on
Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) and Cost of Environmental
Degradation Assessments (COED);
· a demonstration activity on the establishment of a management committee
composed of local stakeholders of Lake Mariout;
71
· replication strategies to extend the experiences in Lake Mariout to other similar
coastal areas.
The proposed project will, based on a participatory process engaging a broad range of
local, regional, and national level stakeholders in identifying management and investment
needs to ensure a sustainable development of Egypt's Mediterranean coastal areas. The national
vision would put in place the enabling conditions to advance ICZM in Egypt such as building a
constituency for promoting ICZM, strengthening the existing institutional and policy
frameworks, conclude the work on a national ICZM plan and impose the necessary authority for
implementation and enforcement. Particular focus would be put on supporting the participation
of weaker user groups such as fishermen and local communities in this process.
Lake Mariout is one of four major northern delta lakes in Egypt (Mariout, Edku,
Burollus, and Manzalah). This lake is one of the major sources of land based pollution to the El-
Mex Bay and surrounding areas identified as a "hot spot" in the SAP. Traditionally, these lakes
have produced about half of the total fish landings and income from fisheries in Egypt, but are
now in different states of degradation.. As a consequence of the environmental degradation, Lake
Mariout has changed from being the most productive fisheries resource of the four lakes, to the
least productive in a couple of decades As a demonstration project on improving management in
coastal lakes and lagoons in the Mediterranean, the GEF intervention would support an
innovative local management approach in Lake Mariout. . The project would support the
establishment of a inter-agency management body for Lake Mariout involving the major
stakeholders under the leadership of the Governor of Alexandria. This management body would
ensure the integration between the EPAP 2, the CDS, AGPP and the proposed GEF ICZM
project.
The experiences from Alexandria will provide good replicable strategies for upstreaming
environmental objectives in development planning in coastal areas with similar environmental
conditions (coastal lakes, heavily polluted closed or semi-closed coastal lagoons with multiple
uses such as fisheries, recreation, biodiversity, etc.) which are common both in Egypt and
elsewhere in the region. The replication of the following components will be of particular
relevance: a) a forum for developing a local vision for coastal management, b) decentralization
of natural resources management responsibilities (technical and financial) and decision making
from central to regional and local level, c) defining roles and responsibilities of national,
regional, and local authorities in the ICZM process, d) involvement, role and contribution of
non-governmental stakeholders such as industry, private sector entities, and NGOs e)
institutional strengthening and capacity building,
Component 2: Targeted investments to reduce the pollution reaching the Mediterranean Sea
through Lake Mariout and improved management for the protection/recovery of valuable
coastal systems. The second component will reduce the discharge of selected pollutants (to be
defined under PDF B) in the hot spots of Alexandria and El-Mex Bay by X % (to be defined
during PDF B) towards the targets of SAP-MED and the restoration of the Lake Mariout and
adjacent coastal ecosystem.
It will include:
· A local ICZM action plan pollution reduction and environmental improvement;
72
· Demonstration projects to reduce the discharges of BOD,COD, TSS, and
nutrients to the Mediterranean Sea using innovative technologies for enhanced
primary treatment of sewage such as "beneficial microorganisms", engineered
wetlands and the re-use of treated sewage water.;
The management body established under component I will develop an ICZM plan for
Lake Mariout, the Mariout Valley, and adjacent coastal areas consisting of a) an urgent action
plan to reduce the load of pollutants to the Mediterranean and restore some basic functions which
will allow Lake Mariout to maintain its own self-cleaning capacity to reduce pollutants (e.g. to
function as an engineered wetland with improved efficiency for pollutant trapping and improved
dilution by increased circulation of water); and b) a medium-term vision of improving the
function of the lake and adjacent coastal systems. During the project preparation, a detailed
circulation model and mass balance of the major pollutants will be done (based on the Adricosm
project) for the Lake and surrounding coastal areas to define how much BOD, COD, TSS, and
nutrients can be reduced by different management and investment alternatives.
The GEF component would mainly target sewage-related pollutants identified in the SAP
which are being discharged via Lake Mariout to the Mediterranean hot spot of El-Mex Bay.
Priority actions will consist of enhanced primary treatment in existing sewage treatment plants,
including new biotechnology such as the use of "Beneficial Microorganism" developed by the
EM Research Organization in Japan which will be tested on pilot scale to improve sewage
treatment. Other actions would include the re-use of treated sewage water for irrigation purposes,
which would have the dual benefit of reducing the large volumes of sewage water to be disposed
of and reducing the pollution loads entering the Mediterranean. Investments for addressing major
pollution reduction measures will be provided by EPAP2 (industrial sources) and are discussed
within the Alexandria Growth Pole Project (AGPP) and Water Supply and Sanitation Project.
The medium-term action plan will identify investment opportunities focusing on projects
and activities for pollution reduction, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and
cultural heritage in lake and its surroundings. An important issue is to restore the lake ecosystem
and water circulation pattern. Technology developed by the Adriatic Sea Integrated Coastal
Areas and River Basin Management System ADRICOSM has successfully implemented near
real time planning and management systems for urban drainage and wastewater utilities, and
developed interfaces between river basin and coastal systems. This modeling of the lake system
will be undertaken during the project preparation to test pollution reduction options, including
the use of the vegetation cover in the lake as engineered wetlands for improving the self-
cleaning capacity of the lake, and the impact on water quality, shorelines, and cultural heritage
along the coastline of Alexandria.
Component 3: Project Management and Performance Monitoring.
This component will:
· Strengthen the capacity and improve the infrastructure of the EEAA at national
and regional levels to undertake environmental monitoring; and
· provide EEAA with the necessary tool for performance monitoring, evaluation of
project progress, and M&E reporting.
· Develop the necessary tools, including but not limited to a project website, for the
dissemination of findings and results and replication at the national level as well
73
as the regional level, feeding into the Regional Component of the Strategic
Partnership. These results will also be presented at the regional meetings of MAP,
the GEF Partnership and annual portfolio meetings.
The EEAA is responsible for Egypt's Sea and Coastal Zone policies, while different
national authorities are responsible for their implementation. The Ministry of Defense
and the EEAA are the main controlling and monitoring agencies, the Ministry of Water
resources and Irrigation with its Shoreline Protection Authority is responsible for
shoreline management, Ministry of Transport is responsible for shipping. The Tourism
Development Authority and the Fisheries Development Authority are among the main
users of the coastal areas. The Governorates also have an important role in managing
coastal areas at the local level.
During project preparation the EEAA will be developing an monitoring and evaluation
framework based on its governmental mandate. The Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
would include a Results Framework, GEF IW M&E indicators, an assessment of the M&E
capacity of the stakeholders and implementing parties, definition of clear responsibilities for
monitoring and evaluation.
Baseline scenario (without the GEF involvement): According to the Transboundary
Diagnostic Analysis for the Mediterranean Sea, the pollution load reaching the Mediterranean
Sea via the three hot spots in the Alexandria area are significant with more than a third of the
total BOD and COD loads as well as significant loads of heavy metals.
Lake Mariout is a significant source of pollution to the El-Mex Bay. Seven million cubic
meter of water per day almost equivalent to the flow of the Rosetta branch is being pumped
from the lake to the Mediterranean Sea. According to the Environmental Technical Report 8:
Chemical and Biological Characterization of Lake Maryout which was part of the 1997 Final
Report on the Alexandria Wastewater Project Phase II, the Lake Mariout receives inflow from
three sources: the Kalaa Drain (750,000 m3/day of discharges from the Eastern Treatment Plant,
agriculture drainage and untreated sewage), the Omoum Drain (6.00million m3/day of
agricultural irrigation drain) and the Western Treatment Plant, and West Noubaria Drain (1.54
million m3/day of agricultural irrigation drain). Groundwater may also enter the main basin. The
Fisheries basin receives little direct inflow. The Northwest Basin receives direct discharge from
several industries, while the Southwest Basin, the biggest basin receives inflow from the Omoum
Drain. The lake also receives industrial waste, either directly or indirectly from some 194
industrial establishments surrounding the lake.
Although pesticides and heavy metals are found in water, sediments and biota in the
lake, the final report for the Alexandria Wastewater project Phase II (Environmental Technical
Report 8: Chemical and Biological Characterization of Lake Mariout), suggest that these priority
pollutants are not a major concern for the ecological function of Lake Mariout. Instead, the
ecological community of the main basin is regulated by the sewage discharge which creates
stressful condition for higher taxonomic groups. Sewage related pollutants (nutrients, BOD,
COD, coliforms) in the main basin are considerably higher than in other basins. Also metal
concentrations in sediments are higher. The sewage discharge into the lake is also reducing the
oxygen levels and causing odors due to the release of hydrogen sulfide and methane.
74
Currently, the lake is only a small remnant of what it has been as large portions of the
lake has been drained and converted to land. The remaining part of the lake is split up into
several hydrologically separated basins. Lake Mariout has suffered severe ecological damage
which has considerably reduced its value as a bird area and its potential for recreation, tourism,
fishing, fishfarming as well as the livelihoods of fishermen communities whose income and
health are severely affected by the environmental degradation.
Since the late 1970s, the City of Alexandria has been studying different wastewater
alternatives, such as: a) disposal to Lake Mariout of secondary treated sewage;b) secondary
treatment with lake by-pass; c) secondary treatment with polishing ponds in the main basin and
sea disposal to the Mediterranean of primary treated sewage; and d) two land-based effluent
disposal alternatives with reuse options. Identification of a final discharge location has been a
major hurdle to overcome. During a first phase to upgrade the Alexandria sewage system, the
Eastern Treatment Plant (ETP) and the Western Treatment Plant (WTP) are in operation since
1993 discharging to Lake Mariout. Actions toward a more sustainable and stable sanitary
drainage service under a Second Phase II have started and several studies have been carried out.
The cost for upgrading the primary treatment to secondary treatment at the WTP is estimated to
at least USD200 millions. Present investment projects are limited to expanding Phase I activities,
such as upgrading the capacity of ETP from 410 to 607 cubic meters per day, and the WTP from
186 to 460 cubic meters per day.
The Egypt: Pollution Abatement Project EPAP 2 would provide a financial mechanism
and incentives for reducing industrial pollution in Lake Mariout by providing attractive loans to
financially viable industrial enterprises for pollution reduction measures in the Alexandria area.
EPAP 2, however, does presently not have a mechanism to address non-industrial pollutants,
coastal management and protection/restoration of valuable coastal heritage and ecosystems or the
use of biotechnology such as engineered wetlands and beneficial microorganisms..
Alternate scenario (with GEF involvement): The combined impact of the GEF component and
EPAP 2 would reduce the pollution load reaching the hot spots El-Mex Bay and Alexandria
through Lake Mariout. Improved quality of the 6 million cubic meter/day of water pumped from
the lake into the El-Mex Bay (by far the largest point source of pollution in the Alexandria area
and a very significant point source at regional level) will also have positive impact on marine
biodiversity. The GEF project would preliminary target sewage-related pollutants (BOD,COD,
TSS, and nutrients) by enhancing primary treatment, and use of beneficial microorganisms and
engineered wetlands.
The GEF project will also develop an institutional framework for ICZM in Egypt and test an
innovative management approach to reduce coastal degradation in Lake Mariout and surrounding
areas. The management body for Lake Mariout, under the leadership of the Governor of
Alexandria would have widespread authority in planning and executing actions to protect the
lake and surrounding coastal areas. It would also have its own budget allocation from involved
stakeholders and test economic incentives (such as user fees, tariffs, etc) to stimulate
investments in pollution reduction. Based on the experiences from the GEF project in Lake
Manzala, the project would support targeted investments in engineered wetlands for in pollution
75
reduction (sewage), and other application of biotechnology such as beneficial microorganisms..
The protection/restoration of globally significant biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural heritage
implemented by the established management committee for Lake Mariout, would complement
the pollution reduction measures towards restoring the Lake. By the active involvement of the
EEAA, the experiences of the local management body for Lake Mariout will be upstreamed to
be used in national ICZM policy development and replicated elsewhere.
8. SUSTAINABILITY (INCLUDING FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY)
The environmental degradation of Lake Mariout and surrounding coastal areas is the major
environmental concern for the Governorate of Alexandria.
The Governor of Alexandria has decided to address the issue of managing Lake Mariout by
the establishment of one single body to be responsible for improving the environmental
conditions. Today, about 14 different authorities have a role in the management of the lake and
the formal establishment of this body, supported by the necessary authority and financial
resources is a promising step and the composition and legal/management/financial authority will
be supported by the project. Supplemented by the technical and financial assistance from the
EPAP 2 and the proposed GEF project, the political support and public demand for improved
environmental management guarantees the sustainability of this process beyond the life of the
GEF project
9. REPLICABILITY
This project, as part of the GEF Partnership Investment Fund, will contribute to the design
and implementation of replication strategies expected for each demonstration project which are :
a. Define the replication context for each demonstration, i.e.: the number, location,
areas/sites in the Mediterranean where the specific technology/practice could apply;
b. Outline a strategy aimed at promoting actual replication of each demonstration
implemented under the Investment Fund Element of the Strategic Partnership, or the
Regional Element, identify and implement ad hoc dissemination programs, including
site visits and exchanges, etc;
c. Evaluate the overall expected impact of the full replication.
The World Bank , as the lead agency for the EPAP 2, the CDS and the proposed GEF
project will be well placed to ensure that the pollution reduction measures, Strategic
Environmental Assessments, management models and other experiences developed under the
project will be disseminated through a website consistent with IW:Learn guidelines, and
presented at regional meetings of MAP, the GEF Partnership and annual portfolio meetings can
be replicated elsewhere and upstreamed to policy development at national/regional level. The
pollution of coastal lakes, lagoons and other valuable habitats is common both in Egypt (other
coastal lakes) and other countries in the region. Within the SAP, several hot spots (Lagoon of
Nador, Morocco; coastal areas of Ghazaouet, Algeria; and Bizert Lagoon in Tunisia) were
identified with similar environmental problems. The comprehensive approach to address
76
multiple pollution sources demonstrated in this project can therefore be of relevance to other
polluted hot spots or historically significant sites in the Mediterranean as well as in the Red Sea.
The proposed project will make use of the experiences of the UNDP-GEF Medwet Coast
Project and in particular the activities in Lake Burulus (another Egyptian Northern Lake that is
open to the Mediterranean) where the MedWet Coast Project is developing a management plan
for the Lake and an institutional set up for implementation and overall management of the Lake
has been established with various level of committees that include all stakeholders, similar to
what is suggested in this proposal. Also, the experiences of technology demonstrated by the
UNDP-GEF project on Engineered Wetlands in Lake Manzala will be used in issues related to
improving the self-cleaning capacity of the wetlands in Lake Mariout.
10. STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT/INTENDED BENEFICIARIES
The GEF project will support innovative implementation approaches for environmental
protection in coastal areas. It will support the establishment of local multi-stakeholder
management committees which will identify investments in environmental improvements which
will benefit local environmental agencies, local community groups and other stakeholders. The
management of Lake Mariout is presently split under up to 14 different authorities, and the
number of stakeholders is far wider involving fishermen communities, private sector enterprises
and NGO's.
During project preparation, a comprehensive stakeholder identification will be completed and
options for their involvement in the management of the lake will be identified.
Since Lake Marriout Development is one of the CDS three component, all proposals,
including this GEF initiative, has been discussed during the meetings of the CDS Partnership
Forum, which gathers key city stakeholders to reach a shared vision of the city development and
priorities until 2020.
D Financing
1) FINANCING PLAN
Component 1: Policy, Planning and Implementation Tools for Integrated Coastal Zone
Management USD3,500.000
Component 2: Targeted investments for urgent actions needed to restore the self-cleaning
capacity of Lake Mariout and the protection/recovery of valuable coastal systems
USD5,000.000
Component 3: Project Management and Performance Monitoring USD1,000,000
2) CO-FINANCING
The GEF project will be blended with the Egypt: Pollution Abatement Project 2 which
consist of USD20 from IBRD, USD40 million from Japan and USD10 million from the
Carbon Fund.
77
E - INSTITUTIONAL COORDINATION AND SUPPORT
1) CORE COMMITMENTS AND LINKAGES
During the Annual Meetings of the World Bank/IMF, the representatives of the Egyptian
Government reconfirmed their commitments to the parent programme, EPAP2, which
together with the proposed GEF project form a perfect "blended operation".
At the implementing side, the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) and the
Governorate of Alexandria have been working together to produce the Concept Note. EEAA
has designated its Alexandria Regional Branch Office to become the key counterpart during
implementation.
2) CONSULTATION, COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN AND AMONG
IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES, EXECUTING AGENCIES, AND THE GEF SECRETARIAT, IF
APPROPRIATE.
The PCN has been discussed and received inputs from the Egyptian Environmental Affairs
Agency and the Governorate of Alexandria during a working group meeting of the City
Development Strategy (CDS) the 21st of September 2004 and discussed with the Governorate
of Alexandria and the EEAA 23 September 2004. Further discussions on preparatory work
and implementation arrangements will be held with the EEAA and the Governorate 20-25
may 2005.
The project is submitted to the GEF to be implemented within the framework of the GEF
Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem. It was included in
the Concept paper for the World Bank-GEF investment Fund for Pollution Reduction in the
Mediterranean Sea discussed at the Stocktaking meeting in Trieste, Italy, 11 12 October
2004.
3) IMPLEMENTATION/EXECUTION ARRANGEMENTS
The project will be implemented by the Governorate of Alexandria in close collaboration
with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency through the Management Committee
established for Lake Mariout.
A detailed framework for Monitoring and Evaluation will be developed during project
preparation.
78