Global Environment Facility
1818 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20433 USA
Tel: 202.473.3202
Monique Barbut
Fax: 202.522.3240/3245
Chief Executive Officer
E-mail: mbarbut@TheGEF.org
and Chairperson
July 24, 2009
Dear Council Member,
UNDP as the Implementing Agency for the project entitled: Regional (Argentina,
Uruguay): Reducing and Preventing Land-based Pollution in the Rio de la Plata/Maritime
Front through Implementation of the FrePlata Strategic Action Programme, has submitted
the attached proposed project document for CEO endorsement prior to final approval of the
project document in accordance with UNDP procedures.
The Secretariat has reviewed the project document. It is consistent with the proposal
approved by Council in April 2008 and the proposed project remains consistent with the
Instrument and GEF policies and procedures. The attached explanation prepared by UNDP
satisfactorily details how Council's comments and those of the STAP have been addressed.
We have today posted the proposed project document on the GEF website at
www.TheGEF.org for your information. We would welcome any comments you may wish to
provide by August 21, 2009 before I endorse the project. You may send your comments to
gcoordination@TheGEF.org .
If you do not have access to the Web, you may request the local field office of UNDP or
the World Bank to download the document for you. Alternatively, you may request a copy of the
document from the Secretariat. If you make such a request, please confirm for us your current
mailing address.
Sincerely,
Attachment:
Project Document
cc: Country Operational Focal Point, GEF Agencies, STAP, Trustee

---

REQUEST FOR CEO ENDORSEMENT/APPROVAL
PROJECT TYPE: Full-sized Project
THE GEF TRUST FUND
Submission Date: 26 June 2009
PART I: PROJECT INFORMATION
GEFSEC P
Expected Calendar (mm/dd/yy)
ROJECT ID: 3519
Milestones
Dates
GEF AGENCY PROJECT ID: 4055
C
Work Program (for FSPs only)
April 2008
OUNTRY(IES): Argentina, Uruguay
PROJECT TITLE: Reducing and preventing land-based pollution in
Agency Approval date
September
the Rio de la Plata/Maritime Front through implementation of the
2009
FREPLATA Strategic Action Programme
Implementation Start
November
GEF AGENCY(IES): UNDP
2010
OTHER EXECUTING PARTNER(S): Secretariat for Environment
Mid-term Evaluation (if planned)
November
and Sustainable Development (SAyDS, Argentina), Ministry of
2012
Housing, Land Use and Environment (MVOTMA-Uruguay)
Project Closing Date
November
GEF FOCAL AREA(s): International Waters
2014
GEF-4 STRATEGIC PROGRAM(s): IW SP-2
NAME OF PARENT PROGRAM/UMBRELLA PROJECT: N/A
A. PROJECT FRAMEWORK
Project Objective: To advance towards sustainability of the uses and resources of the Rio de la Plata/Maritime Front through the
implementation of the Strategic Action Program (SAP) with regards to reduction and prevention of land-based pollution
Co-Financing1
Project
Expected Outcomes
Expected Outputs
GEF Financing1
Total ($)
Components
($) a
%
($) b
%
1.
T
Multi-sectoral
Two permanent NICs
400,000
28.94
982,000
71.06
1,382,000
Implementa-
A
approaches facilitated
and a Bi-national
tion of
through functional
Technical Advisory
institutional
National Inter-sectoral
Group institutionalized
reforms and
Committees in each
An institutional bi-
strengthening
country that support SAP
national and national
at bi-national
implementation and
framework for effective
and national
attainment of the agreed
and participatory
levels as
EQOs
implementation of SAP
proposed in
Coordination
defined and operational
the SAP to
mechanisms with GEF
Effective links with
address
projects and initiatives
other freshwater and
priority
relevant to the project
coastal-marine
transboundary
objective in the Rio de la
environment initiatives
environment-
Plata and its Maritime
established
tal problems
Front (RPMF) and Plata
An inter-jurisdictional
Basin, agreed and
and inter-institutional
operative
environment for
Key stakeholders
addressing pollution
groups have better
problems developed and
understanding of the
agreed to that includes
importance of reducing
innovative financial
and controlling pollution,
arrangements between
as well as of the tools and
public and private sectors
processes available to for
Feasible financial
this, based on
sustainability mechanisms
collaborative public-
for the project activities
private approaches
and institutional
Authorities approve
framework for SAP
diagnostic report on inter-
implementation, agreed,
jurisdictional
and applied
institutional/legal
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FREPLATA SAP Implementation- CEO Endorsement

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frameworks, competency
profiles and capacity
needs for prevention,
reduction and control of
land-based pollution in
NIC jurisdictions
A financial strategy to
ensure the sustainability
of the Integrated
Monitoring Program
(IMP)and the Integrated
Bi-national Information
System (IBIS) agreed to
by relevant institutions
Regulatory frameworks
for pollution control and
reduction in the Project
area include instruments
that are transboundary in
scope
2. Enhanced
T
Coastal municipalities
Environment
805,000
14.92
4,590,000
85.08
5,395,000
capacities and
A
agree to unified
management capabilities
tools to
management criteria and
and competencies at
prevent and
procedures, including
municipal levels
mitigate
analytical, methodological
strengthened including for
pollution
and operational standards
routine monitoring,
promote
and norms for prevention
identification of emerging
greater
and control of land-based
hot spots, and
collaboration
pollution, to improve
development of
between
environmental quality at
appropriate policy and
public and
local level
technical responses
private
Inter-jurisdictional
Capacities at provincial
sectors,
Municipal Commissions
/municipal levels to
specially at
established and operative
engage private sector in
provincial and
Institutional
reduction and mitigation
municipal
arrangements to support
of pollution sources
levels
collaborative partnerships
through Public-Private
between public and
Partnerships developed
private sector at local
and demand-driven
level established
municipal PPP project
At least 10 investment
portfolios developed with
opportunity briefs
several proposals to pre-
prepared and
feasibility level.
disseminated to national,
Demonstrative PPP/CP
bi-national and
project for the small end
international networks
intermediate
Expanded RIIGLO
electroplating industry in
with improved data
the City of Buenos Aires,
exchange capabilities
linked to the Buenos
operational and integrated
Aires Produces Clean
into the IMP, underpinned
program, prepared and
by standardized
supported.
methodologies at bi-
Strengthened RIIGLO
national levels, effectively
and other coastal-marine
strengthens
municipal networks
municipalities' capacity
generate system-wide
for environmental quality
monitoring for water
control
quality control to inform
Early warning system
decision-making at local
2
FREPLATA SAP Implementation- CEO Endorsement

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for harmful algal blooms
levels.
(HABs) established in the
RPMF
3. A suite of
T
Reduction of >50% of
Replicable artificial
670,000
16.22
3,460,000
83.78
4,130,000
pilot activities
A
nutrients, pathogens and
wetland pilot project that
that
metals loads of the
effectively reduces
contribute to
effluents of the San
pollution loads in
a measurable
Clemente del Tuyú
untreated or partially
reduction in
Treatment Plant by
treated wastewater results
the agreed
constructed wetland, and
in stress reduction in the
priority
foundations laid for
natural Samborombón
pollutants,
replication in other
wetland, successfully
implemented
coastal municipalities in
implemented
the region
Responsible-
At least 10 enterprises
production demonstration
in the tannery sector have
projects (agro-industry
Cleaner Production (CP)
and dairy farming)
plans formulated and
implemented in selected
agreed with the
micro-basins of Santa
environmental authority
Lucia wetland provide
to eliminate pollutant
replicable lessons and
discharges that exceed
procedures for
norms
incorporating targeted
An 80% reduction in
pollution
total chrome loads
prevention/reduction
discharged outside the
measures into wetland
norm by the entire tannery
management plans
sector in Uruguay in
Replicable PPP pilot
terms of loads relative to
project for the reduction
baseline at 40% by Year 4
of heavy metals and other
and 20% by Year 7
persistent toxic substances
in the Uruguayan tannery
industry, with the
participation of
industrialists applying CP
packages, implemented
4. Integrated
T
Decision-taking
Integrated monitoring
573,000
12.72
3,933,000
87.28
4,506,000
Monitoring
A
frameworks for
and evaluation system
Program and
environmental
(underpinned by a suite of
Integrated Bi-
management of the RPMF
GEF IW indicators) of the
national
underpinned by an
Project and the SAP
Information
Integrated Monitoring
EcoQOs ­ with an initial
System
Program (IMP) and an
focus on water and
established to
Integrated Bi-national
sediment quality,
support
Information System
operating and financially
decision
(IBIS) providing for
sustainable by the end of
making and
follow-up of SAP and
the project
management
RPMF environmental
Improved RPMF
of the RPMF
status, based on
Common Use Waters
International Waters GEF
sediment transport model
indicators
developed and in use.
Water quality
The IIS of FREPLATA
indicators agreed to at bi-
transferred and
national levels in the
incorporated into an
framework of the IMP for
Integrated Bi-national
the areas of exclusive
Information System
national jurisdiction
(IBIS) which is
waters and for the
established and fully
Common Use Waters of
operational within the
3
FREPLATA SAP Implementation- CEO Endorsement

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the Rio de la Plata
national environmental
Scope and extent of the
agencies of Argentina and
information generated
Uruguay and financially
within the MP framework
sustainable by the end of
allows an integral
the project.
understanding of patterns
and the RPMF
environmental status
IBIS Virtual bi-
national node in operation
within the first 2 years of
the project
5. M&E
T
Independent mid-term
Independent mid-term
117,000
66.10
60,000
33.90
177,000
(independent
A
and terminal evaluations
and terminal evaluations
evaluations,
undertaken
deliver sound assessments
audits,
Audits undertaken
of project progress
technical
Technical reports
Annual audits confirm
reports,
completed and approved
good management of
lessons
by Steering Committee
project funds
learned)
Lessons learned
Technical reports and
compiled and
lessons learned reports
disseminated through
collate practices and
practice networks
modalities developed and
including IW:LEARN
validated by the project
follow-ons
that are useful to other
Note: other M&E
projects funded both by
components are allocated
GEF and other sources
to and will be funded from
the technical components
of the project
8. Project management
285,000
15.41
1,565,000
84.59
1,850,000
Total Project Costs
2,850,00
16.34
14,590,000
83.66
17,440,000
0
1
List the $ by project components. The percentage is the share of GEF and Co-financing respectively of the total amount for the component.
4
FREPLATA SAP Implementation- CEO Endorsement

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B. SOURCES OF CONFIRMED CO-FINANCING FOR THE PROJECT
Name of co-financier (source)
Classification
Type
Amount ($)
%*
Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable
Nat'l Govt.
in kind
Development of Argentina (SAyDS)
5,100,000
34.96
Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable
Nat'l Govt.
cash
Development of Argentina (SAyDS)
1,235,000
8.46
Ministry of Housing, Land use and
Nat'l Govt.
in kind
Environment of Uruguay (MVOTMA)
720,000
4.93
Ministry of Housing, Land use and
Nat'l Govt.
cash
Environment of Uruguay (MVOTMA)
180,000
1.23
Municipal Intendencia of Montevideo (IMM)
Local Gov't
in kind
1,035,000
7.09
Local Gov't
in kind
Municipal Intendencia of Canelones
500,000
3.43
Province of Buenos Aires
Local Gov't
in kind
230,000
1.58
Local Gov't
cash
Province of Buenos Aires
70,000
0.48
City of Buenos Aires ­ Environmental
Local Gov't
in kind
Protection Agency (APRA)
525,000
3.60
City of Buenos Aires ­ Environmental
Local Gov't
cash
Protection Agency (APRA)
130,000
0.89
Local Gov't
in kind
Metropolitan Agenda Program (Uruguay)
612,000
4.19
Metropolitan Agenda Program(Uruguay)
Local Gov't
cash
40,000
0.27
Oceanographic, Hydrographic and
Nat'l Govt.
in kind
Meteorological Service of the Armada
(SOHMA- Uruguay)
600,000
4.11
Technical Laboratories of Uruguay (LATU)
Nat'l Govt.
in kind
1,100,000
7.54
National Port Association of Uruguay (ANP)
Nat'l Govt.
in kind
1,263,000
8.66
Chamber of Industries of Uruguay
Private Sector
in kind
1,250,000
8.57
Total Co-financing
B14,590,000
100%
C. FINANCING PLAN SUMMARY FOR THE PROJECT ($)
For comparison:
Project
Project
Total
Agency Fee
Preparation a
GEF and Co-
b
c = a + b
financing at PIF
GEF financing
150,000
A
2,850,000
3,000,000
300,000
3,300,000
Co-financing
400,000
B
14,590,000
14,990,000
15,020,000
Total
550,000
17,440,000
17,990,000
18,320,000
D. GEF RESOURCES REQUESTED BY AGENCY, FOCAL AREA AND COUNTRIES
(in $)
GEF Agency
Country Name/
Focal Area
Global
Project (a)
Agency Fee ( b)2
Total c=a+b
UNDP
International
Argentina,
3,000,000
300,000
3,300,000
Waters
Uruguay
Total GEF Resources
3,000,000
300,000
3,300,000
E. CONSULTANTS WORKING FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE COMPONENTS:
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FREPLATA SAP Implementation- CEO Endorsement

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Estimated person
GEF amount($)
Co-financing ($)
Project total ($)
weeks
Component
Local consultants*
1,872
310,000
626,000
936,000
International
consultants*
25
67,500
0
67,500
Total
1,897
377,500
626,000
1,003,500
* Details provided in Annex C
F. PROJECT MANAGEMENT BUDGET/COST
Total Estimated
GEF amount
person weeks
($)
Co-financing ($)
Project total
Cost Items
($)
Local consultants*
750
37,500
240,000
277,500
International consultants*
72
180,000
0
180,000
Office facilities, equipment, vehicles
0
990,000
990,000
and communications*
Travel*
46,000
100,000
146,000
Others**
21,500
235,000
256,500
Total
822
285,000
1,565,000
1,850,000
* Details provided in Annex C
*Office facilities include:
Rentals ­ Government of Uruguay for project HQ, host countries support for pilot projects - $805,000
Utilities ­ host countries - $60,000
Furnishings ­ for project HQ and host countries support for pilot projects- $45,000
Equipment, including server and software­ host countries $80,000
* Travel includes at least two Steering Committee meetings covered by the host countries, TAG meetings, and travel by government
representatives within the RPMF throughout project implementation
**Others includes:
Utilities and supplies ­ host country $55,000, GEF $11,500
Internet/web-site, maintenance from information divisions of MVOTMA and SAyDS ­ host countries $120,000
Public awareness materials, translations ­ host countries $60,000 - GEF $10,000
G. DOES THE PROJECT INCLUDE A "NON-GRANT" INSTRUMENT? yes
no
H. DESCRIBE THE BUDGETED M &E PLAN:
Project monitoring and evaluation will be conducted in accordance with established UNDP and GEF procedures and the
management structure and processes proposed for this project. The Strategic Results Framework matrix in Annex A
provides performance and impact indicators for project implementation along with their corresponding means of
verification which will underpin the M&E system that will be established. The standard M&E reports and procedures
required for all UNDP/ GEF projects would apply to the M&E for the proposed project, including the following: i)
inception workshop and report; ii) tripartite review; iii) quarterly operational reports; iv) harmonized Annual Project
Report and Project Implementation Review; v) periodic thematic reports; vi) independent external evaluations, both
mid-term and final; vii) budget revisions, as appropriate; viii) substantive project revisions, as appropriate; and ix)
audits. Results from the project will be disseminated within and beyond the project area through a number of existing
information sharing networks and fora, including IW:LEARN follow-on initiatives. The project will also identify,
analyze, and share lessons learned that might be beneficial in the design and implementation of similar future projects,
to be delivered not less frequently than once every 12 months. The costed M&E indicative plan is summarized below:
Type of M&E activity
Responsible Parties
Budget US$
Time frame
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FREPLATA SAP Implementation- CEO Endorsement

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Excluding project
team Staff time

Project Coordinator
Within first two months
Inception Workshop

UNDP CO
None
of project start up

UNDP GEF

Project Team
Immediately following
Inception Report

None
UNDP CO
IW
Measurement of Means

Project Coordinator will oversee the
To be finalized in
Start, mid and end of
of Verification for
hiring of specific studies and institutions,
Inception Phase and
project
Project Purpose
and delegate responsibilities to relevant
Workshop. Indicative
Indicators
team members
cost US$15,000
Measurement of Means

Oversight by Project GEF Technical
To be determined as
Annually prior to
of Verification for
Advisor and Project Coordinator
part of the Annual
APR/PIR and to the
Project Progress and

Measurements by regional field officers
Work Plan's
definition of annual work
Performance (measured
and local IAs
preparation.
plans
on an annual basis)
Indicative cost
US$20,000
APR and PIR

Project Team
None
Annually

UNDP-CO

UNDP-GEF
TPR and TPR report

Government Counterparts
None
Every year, upon receipt

UNDP CO
of APR

Project team

UNDP-GEF Regional Coordinating Unit
Steering Committee

Project Coordinator
None
Following Project IW and
Meetings

UNDP CO
subsequently at least once
a year
Periodic status reports

Project team
None
To be determined by
Project team and UNDP
CO
Technical reports

Project team
US$10,000
To be determined by

Hired consultants as needed
Project Team and UNDP-
CO
Mid-term External

Project team
US$40,000
At the mid-point of
Evaluation

UNDP- CO
project implementation.

UNDP-GEF Regional Coordinating Unit

External Consultants (i.e. evaluation
team)
Final External

Project team,
US$40,000
At the end of project
Evaluation

UNDP-CO
implementation

UNDP-GEF Regional Coordinating Unit

External Consultants (i.e. evaluation
team)
Terminal Report

Project team
At least one month before

UNDP-CO
None
the end of the project

External Consultant
Lessons learned

Project team
Yearly

UNDP-GEF Regional Coordinating Unit
8,000 (average
(suggested formats for documenting best
US$2,000 per year)
practices, etc)
Audit

UNDP-CO
US$20,000 (average
Yearly

Project team
US$5000 per year)
Visits to field sites

UNDP Country Office
Yearly
(UNDP staff travel costs

UNDP-GEF Regional Coordinating Unit
US$10,000 (average
to be charged to IA fees)
(as appropriate)
one visit per year)

Government representatives
TOTAL INDICATIVE COST
US$ 163,000
Excluding project team staff time and UNDP staff and travel expenses
7
FREPLATA SAP Implementation- CEO Endorsement

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PART II: PROJECT JUSTIFICATION:
A. STATE THE ISSUE, HOW THE PROJECT SEEKS TO ADDRESS IT, AND THE EXPECTED GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL
BENEFITS TO BE DELIVERED:
The Río de la Plata and its Maritime Front (RPMF) is one of the leading fluvio-marine systems in the world, connecting
the Río de la Plata Basin (the second largest basin in South America and fourth largest worldwide) to the Atlantic
Ocean. The RPMF contains globally significant biodiversity, but suffers from degradation due to economic activities
located in the coastal areas of both countries and is therefore a sink for substantial urban, agricultural and industrial
pollution. The system is very dynamic and pollutants are transported by currents, vertical advection, winds, sediments
and living organisms. Pollution hot spots, increasing incidents of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), and the emergence of
potential "dead zones" signal the considerable stress that the system is under. Unless addressed, the magnitude of these
problems will increase over time.
The FREPLATA GEF project that culminated in 2007, a pioneering bi-national initiative in the region, generated a
significant body of information and prepared a comprehensive Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA). As the TDA
concluded, dynamics can rapidly transport land -based pollution (point and diffuse) introduced in the coastal zone
(nutrients, heavy metals, POPs and other PTS) to distant parts of the system and therefore constitutes a priority
transboundary issue. In recognition of the need to address this, the FREPLATA program culminated in the endorsement
of a Strategic Action Program (SAP) by a comprehensive range of 37 key stakeholders including 9 ministries, navy,
coast guards, provincial and local authorities, and private sector representatives, as well as the endorsement of the
respective National Action Programs (NAPs). This constitutes the broadest SAP endorsement in UNDP's IW history
and is a significant achievement for the GEF IW portfolio. The SAP defined two Ecosystem Quality Objectives
(EcoQOs), one relating to water quality for human and environmental health, and other on habitat degradation. Given
the magnitude of actions needed to address these issues and the limited scope, timeframe and budget of this proposed
intervention, both countries selected to focus on the reduction and mitigation of land-based sources of pollution.
Nonetheless, through pilot projects being undertaken in two strategic wetlands, a fundamental linkage between pollution
mitigation, ecosystem services and habitat protection is made.
FREPLATA has built capacities across a range of sectors, and enhanced regional cooperation both in public and private
spheres to unprecedented levels. There is now an opportunity to capitalize on these achievements and the proposed
Project will contribute to strengthening the institutional basis for implementation of the SAP at all levels: bi-national
Commissions, national agencies with mandates over land based activities, and local governments. Given the complex
and sometimes overlapping responsibilities for mitigating and reducing pollution levels, the project will undertake a
comprehensive inter-jurisdictional mapping exercise in each country as a basis for determining competency profiles and
capacity needs at sub-national levels. Targeted capacity building focused especially at sub-national levels will
strengthen the ability of local authorities to monitor pollution hotspots and trends more rigorously, and to implement
more effective policy and technical responses by developing more effective modalities and mechanisms for preventing
and reducing pollution at the source through closer partnering with private sector stakeholders. A key focus of this
initiative is to strengthen platforms for enhancing collaboration between public and private sectors to achieve agreed
pollution reduction objectives, which include Cleaner Production (CP) approaches and Public-Private Partnerships
(PPP). These types of arrangements will also provide municipal authorities with a broader range of options for
addressing adequate treatment of municipal wastewater. There is uneven experience with both CP and PPP in the
region, so both countries assign the highest importance to the establishment of mechanisms for exchange of information
and experiences.
These efforts will be complemented by a suite of pilot projects that will provide for hands-on experience in these new
collaborative arrangements as well as for testing new approaches for pollution mitigation by wetland systems. The latter
will contribute to greater understanding and awareness of the range of ecosystem services provided by wetlands, which
are also central to coastal responses to climate change impacts. Additionally, a bi-national, Integrated Monitoring
Program (IMP) and an Integrated Bi-national Information System (IBIS) will underpin the collaborative management
approaches that the project will further. These build upon the FREPLATA Integrated Information System developed
during the first phase of the Program, which was deemed to be a best practice within the IW portfolio by independent
evaluators.
In addition to the project deliverables described above, it is the manner in which the project will be executed that
provides an additional guarantee of sustainability. During the life of the project, activities will be gradually transferred
to the respective national or sub-national counterparts so that in practice the project will not end, but fade out, and the
8
FREPLATA SAP Implementation- CEO Endorsement

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project team will have a cross-cutting responsibility for assisting the relevant government institutions to take up project
activities. This will be ensured by the identification and adoption, during Project execution, of options for the financial
sustainability of the institutional framework and activities carried out by the Project in support of SAP implementation
as well as of the IMP and IBIS.
Regarding global benefits, as one of the leading fluvial and fluvio-marine systems in the world, the Río de la Plata and
its Maritime Front (RPMF) constitutes a unique system that is under significant stress as evidenced by the emergence of
potential "dead zones" and increasing HAB incidents. The RFMP is part of the Patagonian Shelf LME which contains
globally significant biodiversity and has been included by the WWF Global 200, among one of the richest, rare and
endangered natural areas in the planet. The convergence of the Río de la Plata with the Subtropical Convergence
Ecosystem has physical, meteorological and biological impacts for the entire LME. The productivity (biomass
production) of the coastal, estuary and marine ecosystems of the RPMF has the highest values according to the NASA
world vegetation map. The project area also contains high habitat diversity including Ramsar sites, where one of the
pilot projects is sited and which has been classified by Conservation International as one of the Earth's Last Wild Places
of the wetlands biome and is a crucial link in the migratory chain of sites of hemispheric importance for species of
migratory shorebirds. In addition to commercial species of high economic value, the system also harbors other
biodiversity of outstanding global significance.
B. DESCRIBE THE CONSISTENCY OF THE PROJECT WITH NATIONAL AND/OR REGIONAL PRIORITIES/PLANS:
Representatives of key stakeholder groups in both countries - including nine ministries, the navy, coast guards,
provincial and local authorities, and private sector representatives -
have decisively endorsed a Strategic Action
Program (SAP) that resulted from the GEF-funded FREPLATA project that details requirements and arrangements for
its implementation. The SAP is complemented by two National Action Programs that each contain a Portfolio of
Projects organized around jointly agreed priority issues that build upon robust baseline investments and efforts, and that
explicitly contribute to addressing identified transboundary impacts. Several projects are linked to align a suite of trans-
sectoral institutions to address common issues. The Project Portfolios in the NAPs represent government budgetary
allocations that jointly total over USD 1.3 billion.
The government of Argentina is committed to the progressive incorporation of the environmental dimension into the
strategic core of government policies by promoting rational use of natural resources, adoption of technologies and
production processes that are more environmentally friendly. This is evidenced by ongoing efforts and investments to
restore some of the most polluted basins such as Matanza-Riachuelo and the Buenos Aires Metropolitan coastal area. At
all levels (national, Province of Buenos Aires and City of Buenos Aires), significant investments are being undertaken
in waste water management and cleaner production that are congruent with the Government's commitment to improving
conditions in the RPMF as reflected in the NAP. Moreover, at all three government levels there are Cleaner Production
initiatives.
Together with the UNDP CO in Argentina, the Government of Argentina is currently formulating the 2010-2014
UNDAF which has a strong focus on poverty alleviation strategies and achievement of the MDGs. There is recognition
that their achievement requires that social and economic development be underpinned by pollution prevention and the
protection of natural resources. This proposal is linked, moreover, to the CPD, under Outcome 4.1, "Strengthened
institutions and strategies at provincial and national levels for promoting cleaner productions, control of pollution and
rational use of energy", and under Outcome 2.1, "Land use norms at national, provincial and municipal levels developed
and under implementation" as well as Outcome 2.2, "New economic ­ financial instruments with citizen participation
and a gender focus are implemented in order to promote conservation of natural resources".
In the project's area, the Argentinean government has expressed its commitment towards a normative harmonization
and a coordinated set of congruent actions between the different jurisdictions (Municipal, Provincial, Federal and the
city of Buenos Aires) involved with the environmental recovery of the Matanza Riachuelo basin and the southern
coastal strip of the Rio de la Plata. Based on the existing structures (e.g. COFEMA, the Argentinean Federation of
Municipalities, the Department of Municipal Affairs of the Buenos Aires Province, the Coordination Unit for the
Integrated Costal Management, etc.), the different governmental levels are committed to advancing, with the support of
the proposed project, the harmonization of both norms and actions within the various jurisdictions involved with the
environmental management of the RPFM.
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In Uruguay there is also clear recognition of the fact that the attainment of equitable and sustainable economic
development is underpinned by the environmental dimension. This is evidenced by government's commitment to
strengthening the country's environmental management capabilities through approval of key environmental legislations
such as the Framework Law on Environmental Protection. The government of Uruguay has also initiated a Regional
Decentralization Plan in order to improve institutional and inter-jurisdictional cooperation as well as the creation and
strengthening of decentralized units, gradually transferring responsibilities for environmental quality to the
municipalities.
Concern over the health of the RPMF is also evidenced in the Common Country Assessment 2005 for Uruguay which
established the framework analysis for all Agencies, Funds and Programs in the United Nations System represented in
Uruguay. It notes that coastal environments in the RPMF and the Atlantic Ocean have problems related to inadequate
land use and indiscriminate occupation, and that in terms of shared water resources, it is necessary to continue
improving tools for shared management. Additionally, the project is part of one of the national UNDP focal areas:
Environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, which supports "capacity building for integrated
land use management, natural resources and the environment in accordance with the international commitments of the
country in terms of the environment".
Additionally, the initial FREPLATA program supported processes in both countries that have now become
institutionalized and upon which the second Project is building. For example, FREPLATA generated enabling
conditions for the creation of the Integrated Coastal Management Plan of the Province of Buenos Aires, which lead to
the creation of an inter-ministerial unit. In Uruguay, FREPLATA supported the ECOPLATA program which also
focused on coastal zone management, and which will contribute to the implementation of this proposed project. The
national environment authority has included in its National Biodiversity Strategy PAs in the coastal zone that were
proposed during the FREPLATA Project.
The proposed Project is strongly aligned with these objectives through dedicated support for more integrated and
informed natural resource management, catalyzing of private-sector support and investment, and promotion of civil
society participation. Enhanced public-private partnerships at municipal levels which are considered a key building
block for sustainable economic growth are central to the project. The project will contribute to controlling land-based
industrial pollution from SMEs and small informal establishments by reducing non-compliance with wastewater
disposal norms into sewers and streams in areas of high environmental vulnerability given that these stakeholders
usually evidence higher non-compliance with relevant norms. By focusing on the SAP's EcoQO of safe water for public
health, recreational use and development of aquatic biota, conditions will be created for contributing to the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs). Finally, the proposed project will assist both countries to fulfill the objectives of the
Global Program of Action for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Land-Based Sources (GPA).
C. DESCRIBE THE CONSISTENCY OF THE PROJECT WITH GEF STRATEGIES AND STRATEGIC PROGRAMS:
Building upon the solid foundations laid by the GEF FREPLATA project, this proposed initiative will serve to "catalyze
transboundary action addressing water concerns" as defined in both the SAP and the respective NAPs. The FREPLATA
project amply fulfilled its objective under SO1, and the current proposal therefore conforms to SO2. The focus of the
project will be on reduction of land-based coastal pollution as called for under SP2, in order to halt and reverse
increasing pollution by nutrient loads and hot spots that already result in potential "dead zones". In keeping with GEF
guidance, given that collective action was agreed upon, the project would focus on policy, legal and institutional
reforms to reduce land-based in puts of nitrogen, phosphorus and other priority pollutants as well as on implementation
of pilot projects and concrete programs that will strengthen and develop innovative public-private partnerships. By
establishing the bases for cross-sectoral, bi-national processes that result in controlled and reduced land-based pollution,
the project will contribute to GPA goals. Moreover, through the two pilots sited in wetlands, ecological options for
addressing waste-water and non-point pollution issues will be explored. This will serve to enhance understanding of the
range of ecosystem services wetlands offer, which not only deliver benefits for globally important biodiversity but are
also critical components of coastal adaptation responses under climate change scenarios while delivering benefits for
globally important biodiversity and enhancing coastal protection to climate change impacts.
D. JUSTIFY THE TYPE OF FINANCING SUPPORT PROVIDED WITH THE GEF RESOURCES.
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The type of financial support provided through GEF resources will be a grant. The initial FREPLATA program
culminated with a robust TDA and broad endorsement for the bi-national SAP. However, catalytic support is required to
strengthen enabling conditions for SAP implementation at both national and bi-national levels.
E. OUTLINE THE COORDINATION WITH OTHER RELATED INITIATIVES:
The project will ensure close linkages with a suite of initiatives funded by both GEF and the respective governments
that are both ongoing and currently under preparation. In Argentina there are several biodiversity projects that address
governance and management issues related to both fisheries and wetlands. The GEF-UNDP project under preparation,
Strengthening Fisheries Governance to Protect Freshwater and Wetland Biodiversity in Argentina targets the lower
Paraná ecoregion which is adjacent to the FREPLATA systems boundary, and will provide rich opportunities for cross-
fertilization between the two projects, in particular the two pilot projects sited in wetlands. The project will also explore
participatory approaches to improved spatial and inter-sectoral planning across different jurisdictions to reduce threats
and improve wetlands, which has strong synergies with the FREPLATA program. The GEF-UNDP project, Inter-
jurisdictional System of Coastal-marine Protected Areas, is proposing to develop a system of coastal-marine PAs along
the Patagonian coast to protect associated biodiversity from a range of anthropogenic threats by deploying ecosystem-
based management approaches. The Province of Buenos Aires will participate in this initiative as many species of
wildlife that breed on the coast of Patagonia migrate north during the winter months to waters near the mouth of the Río
de la Plata.
This project will benefit from FREPLATA efforts to incorporate pollution-mitigation options in
management plans of PAs in wetlands in the region. Furthermore, although the World Bank GEF Patagonia Marine
Project: Coastal Contamination Prevention and Sustainable Fisheries Management has already finalized, given the
linkages established between the two projects during the initial FREPLATA project efforts will be made to identify
lessons learned. The same will apply for the GEF-UNDP Patagonian Coastal Management Plan Project that is
undergoing its final evaluation.
In Uruguay, as the GEF Focal Point informed the GEF, a "Comprehensive Package of Intervention" was defined that
links the FREPLATA proposal with two national GEF-funded projects that collectively address the key aspects of the
sustainable management of this shared ecosystem: GEF-SPA-UNDP project on Implementing Pilot Climate Change
Adaptation Measures in Coastal Areas of Uruguay and the GEF-FAO project on Piloting of an Ecosystem-based
Approach to Uruguayan Coastal Fisheries. This "Comprehensive Package of Interventions" will provide for an
innovative way to achieve integration across focal areas, between countries, and among agencies, and a Coordination
Committee has already been established. The FAO MSP focuses mainly on the second of the SAP objectives by
promoting an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries and enhancing ecological sustainability of aquatic resources. For
its part, the SPA initiative will provide a critical cross-cutting management tool for safeguarding SAP achievements by
changing Uruguay's current coastal land-use planning paradigm to include climate change considerations so that future
anthropogenic pressures on key coastal ecosystems will be kept to levels that do not exceed the coping range of key
habitats and species. This will have far-reaching implications for sectoral, sub-national and national planning processes
in Uruguay and high potential for replication in Argentina, for which the FREPLATA project can provide an ideal
platform. In addition to these, the GEF-UNDP project that is strengthening a National System of Protected Areas
(SNAP in Spanish), is carrying out targeted environmental education activities in the Santa Lucía wetland (SLW) which
will provide rich opportunities for synergies as the SLW pilot will be working with a broad range of stakeholders.
Furthermore, SAP implementation calls for active coordination with the ECOPLATA and PROBIDES projects
(Uruguay) which focus on coastal and wetland management, as well as with the Land Use Plan of the Buenos Aires
Province. These are linked to the Information Exchange Network on control and exchange of water quality information
of both coasts of Río de la Plata (RIIGLO) in which local governments participate since 2004. Cooperation during the
FREPLATA project will be broadened to further consolidate these municipal networks. The SAP has established a
cooperation framework with these initiatives for addressing issues such as treatment of urban effluents, reduction in
pollutant loads, and water treatment plans. Similarly, the project will coordinate with many NAP activities including
those addressing Cleaner Production (CP).
At a regional level, the proposed initiative will work closely with the GEF-UNEP project, Sustainable Management of
the Water Resources of the La Plata Basin with respect to the Effects of Climate Variability and Change given that it
seeks to strengthen transboundary cooperation among the riparian country governments of the Plata Basin to further
integrated management of shared water resources within the context of climate variability and change. The work
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undertaken in this project will provide critical inputs to the FREPLATA integrated monitoring program and integrated
information system. Additionally, the two projects will provide a platform for enhancing dialogue between the
Commissions in the Plata Basin and the two bi-national commissions in the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front.
Finally, despite the fact that the project focuses on LBS, linkages will be established with projects and initiatives that
also focus on marine-based issues
such as the global UNDP project, Building Partnerships to Assist Developing
Countries to Reduce the Transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms in Ships' Ballast Water (GloBallast Partnerships).
F. DISCUSS THE VALUE-ADDED OF GEF INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROJECT DEMONSTRATED THROUGH
INCREMENTAL REASONING :
The FREPLATA project enabled a diverse suite of key institutions and stakeholders at both bi-national and intra-
national levels, to come together to coordinate, exchange, and harmonize cross-sectoral/ministerial actions thus setting
the bases, in the jointly approved SAP and in the NAPs, for effective ecosystem based management approaches for the
RPMF. Moreover, with the TDA and the development of an information system and shared databases, decision making
processes now have the potential to be based on sound science.
The NAPs defined an important and substantial commitment on the part of both countries, as can be appreciated from
the following table:
COUNTRY / INSTITUTION
AMOUNT
COUNTRY/INSTITUTION
AMOUNT
NUMBER
OF
(US$)
NUMBER OF
(US$)
PROJECTS
PROJECTS
ARGENTINA
URUGUAY
Argentina Water and Sanitation
1,232,130,000
National
Administration
of
8,585,000
Utility (AySA)
Ports (ANP-MTOP)
1
3
National Water Institute (INA)
3
240,000
Navy
1
8,383,550
Secretariat for Environment and
3,125,900
National
Environment
7,375,000
Sustainable Development (SAyDS)
Directorate (DINAMA)
8
8
Industry and Commerce Secretariat
65,000,000
National Directorate of Aquatic
6,340,826
Resources (DINARA)
1
7
University
of
Buenos
Aires
296,500
National
Hydrographic
7,162,000
(CETA-UBA)
Directorate (DNH)
1
2
National
La
Plata
University
1,406,200
Industry, Energy and Mining
735,000
(UNLP)
Ministry (MIEM)
7
3
Nationa Mar del Plata University
79,400
Integrated Management of the
145,000
(UNMDP)
Uruguayan
Coast
Support
Program (ECOPLATA)
1
2
National
Water Resources Sub-
1,440,000
Municipality of Canelones
275,000
secretariat (SSRH)
5
1
Argentinean
Naval
Prefecture
3,250,000
Municipality of Montevideo
5,608,000
(PNA)
7
5
Ports and Navigable Waterways
1,700,000
Other Coastal Municipalities
753,900
Sub-secretariat (SPyVN)
1
2
Buenos
Aires
Province
7,493,173
National
Administration
of
5,151,000
Environmental Policy Secretariat
Combustibles,
Alcohol
and
(SPA)
Portland (ANCAP)
13
2
Province of Buenos Aires Ministry
1,035,000
State Sanitary Works (OSE)
91,597,000
of Housing (MIVSP-DIPSOH)
1
3
Water Authority (ADA)
2,813,000
Universities
530,000
1
2
Province of Buenos Aires Agrarian
3,449,150
Cetacean
Conservation
600,500
Affairs Ministry (MAA)
Organization (OCC)
5
1
Ports and Navigable Waterways
180,000
Sub-Total Uruguay
143,241,776
Sub-secretariat (SSPyVN)
1
42
Sanitary
Works
State
Society
36,472,000
(OSSE)
1
Government of the Autonomous
2,831,000
City of Buenos Aires (GCBA)
9
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City Foundation (NGO)
1,595,000
1
FVSA (NGO)
673,500
10
FMM (NGO)
131,100
1
Local
Governments
Information
2,620,400
Exchange Network (RIIGLO)
1
Inter-american
Sanitary
and
Environmental
Association
(AIDIS)
5
Sub-Total Argentina
1,367,961,323
84
Currently both countries are implementing these commitments, as evidenced by key actions that include large-scale
investments in environmental management of urban wastewater, such as the Montevideo Urban Sanitation Plan IV with
an investment of US$ 139 million, the first project from an Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) credit line of
US$220 million with counterpart government funding of US$40 million. Another important initiative is the Matanza-
Riachuelo (M-R) Basin Sustainable Development Project in Argentina, a 12-year US$1,232 million project in the
appraisal stage for which the World Bank will contribute US$841 million and the government of Argentina US$391
million. The World Bank is also currently financing major water and flood control infrastructure projects in areas
geographically and hydrologically related to the basin, as well as implementing a solid waste management project.
Therefore it is clear that the proposed project builds upon a very solid baseline. However, the catalytic role that GEF can
play in SAP implementation cannot be overemphasized: if the focus of the initial FREPLATA program was on
diagnosis and planning, and there is a now a need to consolidate effective enabling conditions in terms of institutional
arrangements, capacity building, innovative practices and tools, and participatory approaches for engaging the private
sector in compliance with defined norms. In the absence of continued GEF support, NAP implementation would be
carried out with limited bi-national interaction given that the jurisdiction of the two bi-national Commissions is
restricted to the Common Use and Common Fishing Areas of the RPMF and that there is no experience within the
respective national authorities with mandates and responsibilities over land-based sources of marine pollution for
working together in a systematic manner nor for incorporating transboundary concerns and criteria into their work.
Therefore implementation of initiatives agreed in the SAP and NAPs will proceed in an ad hoc, non-articulated manner
and the great strides made in initiatives such as the Information Exchange Network of Rio de la Plata are unlikely to be
upscaled and replicated in other parts of the RPMF. Furthermore, despite the very considerable baseline investments
programmed by both countries, these will be implemented from a narrow sectoral perspective and without a regional,
transboundary focus, thereby limiting opportunities for knowledge sharing, cross-fertilization of best practices and
technologies, and ecosystem-based management approaches.
There is growing recognition that full compliance with defined standards for pollutant loads cannot be achieved through
traditional control-and-command approaches, and that modalities for more active private sector engagement need to be
explored and implemented. Moreover, sub-optimal compliance is more characteristic of SMEs and informal sectors, and
the capacity to implement effective service delivery processes is also more constrained at sub-national levels. The
possibility of creating capacities, tools, and an enabling regulatory environment at these levels for defining contextually
specific solutions to pollution issues, such as that offered by PPPs, therefore has significant replication potential and is
highly catalytic. This process needs to be nested in overarching exercises for harmonization of policies, regulations and
competencies between jurisdictions with regards to not only PPP enabling environments but also to CP. This is precisely
a main focus of the proposed intervention. And given the range and complexity of the issue to be addressed, other
innovative approaches need to be piloted in the region to provide both societies with a broader palette of options.
Demonstration projects will be undertaken in two very different wetlands, in order to generate a range of experiences
for addressing both point and non-point sources of land-based pollution and pollutants ranging from nutrients to POPs
and heavy metals. These pilots, which have high replication potential in the region, will explore different requirements
for recovering and preserving critical coastal/marine habitats that have vital nutrient and pollutant filtration capacities
and are, moreover, important in the life cycles of globally important biodiversity.
The FREPLATA program identified the need for coordinated bi-national action given that the RPMF is a very dynamic
system and pollutants (especially heavy metals and POPs and other PTS) are transported throughout the system.
Moreover, as a transboundary aquatic system of global significance the impacts of pollution and biodiversity loss, as
well as the responsibility for mitigating these, are shared by the two States. As the Terminal Evaluation for the first
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FREPLATA project indicated with regards to the countries' capacity `to undertake activities and implement accords for
the reduction of impacts from main transboundary pollution sources':
"The foundations are in place. However,
additional support is still needed to build on them and consolidate the achievements that have been reached". During the
first FREPLATA project, extensive technical bi-national and intra-national networks were established - as well as a
solid Integrated Information System that consolidated the extensive analyses developed through the TDA. This has to be
capitalized by removing the existing barriers that stand in the way of achieving an enabling environment that allows for
sustained SAP implementation.
G. INDICATE RISKS, INCLUDING CLIMATE CHANGE RISKS, THAT MIGHT PREVENT THE PROJECT OBJECTIVE(S)
FROM BEING ACHIEVED AND OUTLINE RISK MANAGEMENT MEASURES:
Risk
Risk Type
Rating
Risk management strategy
Countries' commitment to SAP and
Political
Low
The wide endorsement of the SAP indicates that there
respective NAPs implementation,
is significant multi-sectoral support for the process.
including needed sectoral,
However, this engagement will be enhanced through a
institutional, legal and economic
robust and targeted communications strategy that will
reforms is not forthcoming
feed
into
the
public-private
partnerships
to
be
developed and promoted, as well as the CP schemes.
The National Intersectoral Committees (NICs) are fora
that will serve to address emerging priorities, concerns
and needs.
Macro economic and financial
Financial
Medium
Given the uncertain global macro-economic climate, it
factors do not hinder the project
is not feasible to assess with precision potential
impacts on the economies of both countries. However,
during implementation of the initial FREPLATA
project, Argentina weathered one of its most difficult
financial crises and yet project implementation
continued with no measurable impacts. Therefore the
risk, although not negligible is not considered to be
high.
The various institutions and entities
Political
Low
Throughout the initial FREPLATA project, strong
advancing monitoring programs in
practice networks were built up with the same
the project area are committed to
institutions that are now key partners in this project.
providing their information to the
Although protocols for definition of access levels to
IMP and the IBIS in a continuous
the information system will need to be agreed to,
and timely manner (access to data is
precisely because of this it is envisaged that there will
ensured)
be no major difficulties in ensuring continuous and
timely sharing of relevant information.
Significant difference in participating
Political
Low
These did not affect the execution of the previous
countries' size and institutional
FREPLATA project and is not expected to affect the
frameworks will hinder project
proposed project, as these differences are being
execution.
recognized and taken into account in the proposed
project design.
Continued cooperation among key
Political
Low
During the TDA and SAP processes, very dynamic
institutions and partners will weaken
networks were established at both intra-national and
bi-national levels. Interest in the continuation of
FREPLATA is strong and therefore it can be expected
that not only will institutions/partners that participated
initially be maintained, but that a host of new
stakeholders, particularly from the private sector, will
gravitate towards the project.
Commitment on the part of
Financial
Medium
Sustainability is one of the major focus areas of the
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Risk
Risk Type
Rating
Risk management strategy
Governments to ensure financial
proposed project. To manage this risk, Output 1.5
sustainability of the institutional
centers on the identification, adoption, and application
framework and tools for SAP
of feasible financial sustainability mechanisms for
implementation beyond the life of the
project activities and institutional framework for SAP
Project is maintained
implementation as well as for both the integrated
monitoring program and the bi-national integrated
The Integrated Monitoring Program
Financial
Medium
information systems that the proposed project will
(IMP) and Integrated Bi-national
support. Most importantly, during the life of the
Information System (IBIS) to track
project, activities will be gradually transferred to the
SAP implementation, and in
respective national and local counterparts so that in
particular ecosystem status
practice the project will gradually become part of the
indicators, will not be sustained.
permanent working agendas of the executing
institutions. GEF resources will be concentrated in the
first two-three years of implementation, and the project
team will have a cross-cutting responsibility of
assisting the relevant government institutions to take
up project activities
Climate change will inevitably have
Environ-
Medium
The IMP and IBIS will play a critical role in the
major impacts on the system in the
collation, analysis and provision of information for
mental
future, although currently impacts are
defining climate change scenarios that will need to
difficult to distinguish from the
orient decision-making in this very dynamic
system's natural variability. As
waterbody. In addition, both pilot projects in the
analyzed in the TDA, climate change
wetlands (Santa Lucia and Samborombón Bay) are
effects would cause sea level rise and
contributing to enhancing understanding of the value
alterations in tributary river flows
of wetlands, and to creating capacities for the
and an increase in sediment loads to
dissemination of artificial wetlands. This contributes to
the system. Under analyzed
coastal adaptation responses given that wetlands act as
scenarios, the delta of the Santa
a key buffer to increased storm surges. Moreover,
Lucia river and the Samborombón
these pilot projects will be linked to existing programs
Bay wetlands are considered to be
dealing with mitigation and adaptation to climate
the most vulnerable areas in the
change in the coastal zone of Uruguay. Even if these
RPMF.
pilot projects are modest in size, their value resides in
their replicability to similar situations in larger areas of
the coastal zone of the RPMF.
H. EXPLAIN HOW COST-EFFECTIVENESS IS REFLECTED IN THE PROJECT DESIGN:
The proposed Project will ensure cost-effectiveness of the GEF funding by i) building upon the strong intervention
platform created by the initial FREPLATA program; ii) gradually transferring project activities into the regular work
plans and budgets of relevant national and sub-national agencies; iii) allocating GEF funds to deliverables that are
strongly catalytic; and iv) supporting development and validation of practices and approaches that are highly replicable.
The proponed Project will ensure the cost-effectiveness of its activities by building upon the targeted transboundary
problems identified in the TDA and the detailed pollution reduction Project Portfolios identified in the NAPs which
already prioritize cost-effective solutions. Based on the extensive political and technical bi-national and intra-national
networks that have been established by the previous FREPLATA Project, cross-sectoral responses that bring together
public and private partners will be developed. The dynamism and momentum that lead to the widely successful SAP
endorsement will be leveraged to mobilize additional resources in support of SAP implementation, in addition to
benefiting from the significant political and economic commitment from both countries including long-term funding in
the region, as has been described. Moreover, by embedding the activities of the proposed Project into the regular
programs of the national organizations from an early stage of project execution, sustainability of project deliverables
will be addressed from the outset and the benefits of economies of scale will be taken advantage of. An example of this
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is the use of the information system facilities already existing in both DINAMA and SAyDS for the Integrated Bi-
national Information System (IBIS), as well as the fact that the Integrated Monitoring Program will collate and integrate
the existing coastal monitoring programs and activities in both countries.
In addition to the demonstrative pilots, the proposed Project will allocate GEF resources strategically and incrementally
in three main areas which either provide the basic platforms for SAP implementation or are highly catalytic. Firstly, a
framework will be established and developed at bi-national, national and local levels as required for continued SAP
implementation, which includes modalities for cooperation between the two bi-national Commissions and national
agencies with mandates over prevention and reduction of land based pollution as well as between jurisdictions at
national levels. Given the complex and sometimes overlapping responsibilities for mitigating and reducing pollution
levels, the project will undertake a comprehensive inter-jurisdictional mapping exercise in each country as a basis for
determining competency profiles and capacity needs at national and local levels. An enabling environment for SAP
implementation is thus delivered. Secondly, key focus of this initiative is to strengthen platforms for enhancing
collaboration between public and private sectors, and therefore Cleaner Production approaches and Public-private
Partnerships will be developed in accordance to the specific context of the project area. Small and Medium Enterprises
(SMEs), informal sectors and municipalities will be among the main groups targeted given that their successful
engagement will have high replication potential and generate experiences, lessons and practices which can be upscaled.
Innovative approaches for achieving compliance with pollution reduction targets will be validated, thus providing both
countries with enhanced options. Thirdly, a Bi-national Monitoring Program and an Integrated Bi-national Information
System will be developed as key management tools to support decision-making, planning processes and technical
interventions, alongside sustainable financing mechanisms. The IBIS is built based on the Integrated Information
System developed during the first phase of the FREPLATA Program, which is being transferred to the environmental
authorities of both countries and was considered by independent evaluators as a best practice within the GEF
International Waters portfolio.
High replicability potential is a cross-cutting characteristic of activities within this proposed project. Given the nature
and magnitude of the problems to be addressed and the scope of the proposed project, the amount of funding that can be
accessed through GEF is modest in comparison to the requirements. Most of the funding will come as co-financing from
both governments, but the proposed project has been designed so that the funding being requested from GEF is applied
in activities that are highly catalytic. One of the criteria for the selection of the on-the-ground demonstration and pilot
projects is that they are relevant in the articulation of different management strategies between governmental and
nongovernmental institutions, so that the proposal can be transferred to other areas regardless of the type of jurisdiction
and enforcement authorities, encouraging participation and consensus of stakeholders. Another consideration was the
selection of demonstration projects that have the possibility of generating incentives for replication. Thus, the PPP/CP
approach of the Uruguay tannery and the engagement of dairy and horticultural sectors in the Santa Lucia area, should
demonstrate competitive advantages that incentivize the collaboration of private sector actors and wider dissemination
of sustainable practices, thus also boosting the capacities of authorities for enforcement of discharge norms and
regulations. In addition, the project will implement tangible, on-the-ground activities including the strengthening and
upscaling of a number of existing successful initiatives that are currently operating in the Rio de la Plata Basin such as
the RIIGLO network .Again, these investments should deliver a strong return.
In summary, the cost-effectiveness of the proposed Project is reflected by the fact that with a relatively small investment
in key strategic reforms and activities with high degrees of synergy and replicability, while tools, structures and
mechanisms will be generated that are highly catalytic. Support for SAP implementation at this juncture therefore
represents an investment with very high rate of return.
PART III: INSTITUTIONAL COORDINATION AND SUPPORT
A. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT:
UNDP is the only GEF Agency involved in this project.
B. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENT:
This Project, which will be implemented by UNDP, seeks to improve capacities in both countries, both in private and
public sectors, to implement the SAP in a sustained manner. As the project advances, the responsibilities for
implementation will be progressively transferred to the institutions of each country. Therefore, the project will have a
small Regional Project Coordination Unit, guided by a bi-national Steering Committee. The support and direct
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intervention of the RPCU in the execution of activities will there be reduced. By the end of the project, this should result
in the internalization of SAP implementation activities within the regular work plans of the various institutions as well
as with structured coordination mechanisms at several levels.
The Project will be guided by a Steering Committee in which representatives of the two countries will participate
including from the CDC, SAyDS and MVOTMA. UNDP will also be a member of the Steering Committee.
In each country there will be an agency with lead responsibility for execution of agreed activities and will also be the
National Focal Point and therefore, the Secretary of the respective National Inter-sectoral Committees. In Argentina the
project will be lead by SAyDS and in Uruguay by MVOTMA. UNDP will execute the project under national execution
(NEX) modality through the respective national lead institutions with support from UNDP CO's. There will be two
NEX arrangements, one for each country, and Uruguay as the host country will also be responsible for regional
components of the project.
The SC will review and approve all technical documents, review budgets and financial reports, and provide general
strategic and implementation guidance to the RPCU. The SC will also promote the participation of stakeholders in the
implementation of the project in order to establish the bases for sustainable SAP implementation. The Regional Project
Coordinator will act as Secretary of the SC.
The SC will meet on a quarterly basis. Two formal meetings will be held: in March to approve the AWP and in August
to review the GEF PIR and any other relevant business. These meetings will be financed by the project. Additionally, a
minimum of two operational meetings will be held, financed by the Parties.
Each country will establish a NIC. An important element of their work will be to link the project objective to national,
institutional and sectoral development plans as well as with investments or interventions that are planned or ongoing in
the framework of the PANs. This will enable the NIC to identify project support requirements as well as opportunities
for strengthening its reach. The NICs will also help to coordinate the participation of institutions in the execution of
activities in each country given that its members will execute activities or be their direct beneficiaries. The NICs will be
able to establish, as required, inter-sectoral ad hoc working groups, including experts from private and public sectors
and civil society organizations to analyze or participate in key issues for project implementation.
The NIC in Uruguay will be lead by MVOTMA and initially composed of at least IMM, DINARA, DNH and other
organizations and units with responsibility for Project execution in Uruguay including those from private sector and
civil society. The NIC in Argentina will be lead by SAyDS and initially composed of at OPDS, Jefatura of the
Ministerial Cabinet of Buenos Aires Province, APRA, APM SHN, and other organizations and units with responsibility
for Project execution in Argentina including those from private sector and civil society.
A small RPCU will administer the Project, and will be located in Uruguay. It will have a staff that consists of an
international RPC, a specialist in institutional affairs, a specialist in cleaner production and PPP, a specialist in M&E
and information systems, a specialist in wetlands and coastal areas, and an administrative assistant. In SAyDS and in
MVOTMA a representative will be designated who will act as a link between the National Focal Point, the RPCU and
national institutions with execution responsibilities.
The RPCU and in particular the RPC will have overall responsibility for the timely fulfillment of Project objectives in
coordination with the focal points from each country. His/her responsibilities will include oversight and coordination of
project implementation at an operational level and will the main point of contact for UNDP with regards to admin
issues.
The responsibilities of the RPC will also include the development of work plans and corresponding budgets that will
enable the project objective to be fulfilled within the framework defined in the project SRF. These plans and budgets
will be presented to the SC. The UNDP and GEF requirements for monitoring and reporting will be the responsibility of
the RPC. Another function of the RPC will be to coordinate the effective work of the inter-sectoral working groups. The
RPC will also have oversight functions for the pilot projects and will be responsible for integrating their results into the
project as well as for the identification of lessons learned and mechanisms for upscaling and replication
A bi-national TAG will be established with Experts from the public sector, academia, scientific organizations, private
sector, Chambers of industry, NGOs and civil society groups from both countries. The TAG will provide
recommendations to the SC, the NICs and the RPCU as requested, on technical aspects related to the project.
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As noted above, during Project execution efforts will be undertaken to institutionalize and ensure the sustainability of
the NICs and the TAG so that once the Project ends, the institutional framework created will be able to continue
contributing to SAP implementation. Decisions will be taken at highest levels to determine which the best institutional
arrangement to maintain coordination and management activities is (see organigram). The model to be followed to
achieve long term sustainability is described in the organigram in Part II. Four levels of intervention are defined:
steering, execution, management, and advisory. The project will be thus guided by a SC, executed by the respective
NICs, managed by the PCU and national entities with environmental responsibilities. These 3 levels of intervention will
be in turn supported by the bi-national TAG.
PART IV: EXPLAIN THE ALIGNMENT OF PROJECT DESIGN WITH THE ORIGINAL PIF:
The project design is fully aligned with the original PIF concept and objective. There have been, however, some
adjustments in the project components that have strengthened the initiative's ability to provide for long-term
implementation of the SAP in terms of prevention, reduction, and control of land-based pollution. Moreover, these
adjustments also serve to streamline project design while maintaining its original focus, thus facilitating actual project
implementation. The main adjustments are:
Key stakeholder groups requested that the project objective be rephrased as the inclusion of reference to
"restoration" of the ecosystem implied that it was wholly degraded which in fact, it is not. Therefore the revised
objective refers to advancing "towards sustainability of the uses and resources of the Rio de la Plata/Maritime Front
through the implementation of the Strategic Action Program (SAP) with regards to reduction and prevention of land-
based pollution". The thrust and essence of the objective remains exactly the same, but the new phrasing more aptly
describes what the project sets out to achieve.
In the PIF, the first and second project components established a distinction between institutional reforms and
policy/legislative frameworks. However during the PPG phase it became apparent that this separation was artificial
and that the establishment of an enabling environment for SAP implementation requires comprehensive approaches
tailored to specific requirements at the various levels. Thus, under the current design, the first component has a more
systemic focus, encompassing the reforms, new institutional structures, sustainable financing mechanisms and inter-
jurisdictional mapping exercises required at bi-national and national levels. The second component targets primarily
sub-national levels, building capacities and competencies for effective prevention and control of pollution as well as
for engaging private sector to achieve this aim through PPP and cleaner production approaches at municipal and
provincial levels. This component also builds upon and supports the strong decentralization drive in both countries
which is progressively increasing responsibilities for pollution mitigation and control to local levels. The RIIGLO
output was included in this component as it operates at municipal levels.
The wetland pilot in Uruguay was initially slated for Carrasco wetland. However, as a result of the extensive scoping
study undertaken in the preparatory phase, and in consultation with government authorities, it was determined that the
Santa Lucia wetlands better fulfilled the selection criteria including that of strong replication potential.
The CP/PPP pilot in Argentina is not structured as a stand-alone component, but has rather been incorporated into the
project as Output 2.3 as the Government of Argentina wants to mainstream the pilot already into its Buenos Aires
Produces More Cleanly Program. By focusing on the electroplating industry which has high levels of informality
which results in high levels of non-compliance with existing regulations, and which moreover uses highly toxic
compounds including cyanide and heavy metals, mechanisms and practices will be developed which will enable the
program to gradually incentivize informal enterprises in other sectors to adopt more sustainable production practices.
The integrated information system remains under Component 4 which has been considerably strengthened by the
incorporation of an integrated monitoring program that will underpin it. Both governments assign highest priority to
the integrated monitoring program ­ which was formerly separate as Component 5. Given that the focus of the
outcome is therefore on tool for sound science-based decision-making, the output on the communications strategy,
which is cross-cutting to the entire project, was moved to Component 1 which, as noted above, has a broader,
systemic scope.
Finally, a new output related to providing for financial sustainability of project and SAP activities was added to
Component 1.
In summary, the main project deliverables are fully analogous to those in the PIF, but have been restructured in some
instances to enhance the structural logic of the project and therefore facilitate future project implementation.
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PART V: AGENCY CERTIFICATION
This request has been prepared in accordance with GEF policies and procedures and meets the GEF criteria for
CEO Endorsement.
Agency
Date
Project
Coordinator,
Signature
(Month, day,
Contact
Telephone
Email Address
Agency name
year)
Person
Andrew Hudson,
25 June 2009
Paula
+507 302
Paula.caballero@undp.org
UNDP-GEF
Caballero
4571
Officer-in-
Charge
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ANNEX A: PROJECT RESULTS FRAMEWORK
Project Strategy
Objectively Verifiable Impact Indicators
Goal: Safe water for population health, recreational use and aquatic biota development (SAP EcoQO)
Indicator
Base Line
Target
Verification sources
Risks and
assumptions
Project Objective
1. Regulatory frameworks
Strategic Environmental Assessment At national level relevant regulation
New norms or regulations
Countries'
To advance towards
for pollution control and
and bi-national Technical Protocols
incorporates the Strategic Environmental
proposed
commitment to SAP
sustainability of the
reduction in the Project
for Environmental Impact
Assessment and bi-national technical
New norms in force when
and respective NAPs
uses and resources of
area include instruments
Assessments for the Common Use
protocols for Environmental Impact
published in the Official
implementation,
the Rio de la
that are transboundary in
Waters and the Common Fishing
Assessments by Year 3
Bulletin
including needed
Plata/Maritime Front
scope
Zone elaborated within the
Mid-Term and Final
sectoral, institutional,
through the
FREPLATA framework have not
Evaluations
legal and economic
implementation of the
been implemented.
reforms is maintained
Strategic Action
Methodology for establishing water
Macro economic
Program (SAP) with
quality objectives for the Common
and financial factors do
regards to reduction
Use Waters of the Rio de la Plata
not hinder the project
and prevention of
and Common Fishing Zone,
Commitment on the
land-based pollution
including water quality bi-national
part of Governments to
criteria, elaborated within the
ensure financial
FREPLATA framework has not been
sustainability of the
implemented
institutional framework
2. Decision-taking
Several agencies and institutions
An integrated and sustainable program
Monitoring information
and tools for SAP
frameworks for
have monitoring programs which
for monitoring a select suite of
generated by relevant
implementation beyond
environmental
are not coordinated and there is no
indicators in areas under national
agencies and entities
the life of the Project is
management of the RPMF
capacity for integrated assessments
jurisdiction, the coastal interface, and
incorporated into the IBIS
maintained
underpinned by an
at the RPMF system level
the Common Use waters, and linked to
Cooperation agreements
Significant
Integrated Monitoring
Information compiled by
the Integrated Bi-national Information
signed with and between
difference in
Program (IMP) and an
FREPLATA is not updated and
System (IBIS) established and
environmental agencies at
participating countries'
Integrated Bi-national
needs to be improved so as to
operational by Year 3
national level that belong
size and institutional
Information System (IBIS)
become a more user-friendly tool to
to different jurisdictions,
frameworks does not
providing for follow-up of
support decision taking processes
and at bi-national level
affect project execution
SAP and RPMF
Monitoring programs of the various
Final Evaluations
Climate change
environmental status,
agencies have evolved in an
PIRs
impacts on the system
based on International
uncoordinated manner, especially
in the future mainly
Waters GEF indicators
from a bi-national perspective
through sea level rise
.
and increased water
3. Scope and depth of the
Coastal programs, executed
31 parameters and at least 55 sampling
Survey reports
flows
information generated
independently by diverse authorities
stations generate information that is
Mid-Term and Final
within the Integrated
and entities, are uncoordinated and
analyzed in an integrated manner with a
Evaluations
Monitoring Program (IMP)
fragmented. Water quality
transboundary perspective through the
PIRs
framework provides for an
information is not shared at bi-
Integrated Monitoring Program (IMP),
integral understanding of
national level and is scarcely shared
generates a comprehensive
RPMF environmental
at national level (depending on
understanding of the RPMF
status and trends
jurisdictions)
environmental status by Year 4
Results of coastal water quality
monitoring programs undertaken by
agencies in both countries
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(ie.ACUMAR, AySA, RIIGLO,
IMM-Sanitation Plan, coastal
municipalities of Uruguay, etc.) are
used as a management tool by the
corresponding authorities, are not
analyzed in an integrated manner.
There is no Monitoring Program for
the Common Use Waters although
there are specific results from
oceanographic surveys executed by
institutions from both countries
within the initial FREPLATA
program
4. Multi-sectoral
Inter-ministerial groups exist in
Effective national inter-sectoral
NIC reports to the
approaches facilitated
both countries but are narrow in scope
committees are successful in engaging a
Steering Committee
through functional national
and do not provide a platform for
broad group of stakeholders in support of
PIRs
inter-sectoral committees
inter-sectoral, multi-disciplinary
integrated and innovative responses to
in each country that
dialogue to promote integrated
reduce and control land based pollution
support SAP
responses to national and
by Q3
implementation and
transboundary pollution issues
attainment of the agreed
In the Province of Buenos Aires,
EQOs
based on the FREPLATA Inter-
ministerial Commission, in 2008 the
Integrated Coastal Management
Coordination Unit was created,
mainly to support SAP actions within
an ICZM framework
Outcome 1
1. Creation of a bi-national
Ad-hoc technical exchanges
A bi-national Technical Advisory
GTA Meeting Minutes
Implementation of
Technical Advisory Group
between the two countries. There is
Group created and operative advising
Reports on GTA
institutional reforms
no platform for regular exchange of
the CDC and national and municipal
contributions and support
and strengthening at
experiences, lessons and practices
institutions on issues regarding land-
provided
bi-national and
based pollution control and prevention
national levels as
by Q2
proposed in the SAP to
address priority
2. Coordination
During the initial FREPLATA
Agreements defined to guarantee a
Cooperation Agreements
transboundary
mechanisms with GEF
Project cooperation modalities with
sustained and consistent coordination
Minutes of Coordination
environmental
projects and initiatives
several GEF projects were agreed
for information, experiences and good
Meetings
problems
relevant to the project
Both countries have established at
practices exchange by Year 2
objective, agreed and
national level coordination
operative
modalities among GEF projects.
However these efforts do not count
on a platform that ensures its
sustainability
3. A financial strategy to
Mechanisms to ensure the
National and bi-national institutions
Financial strategy
Political consensus
ensure the sustainability of
sustainability of FREPLATA
with responsibility for water quality
document
for the adoption of the
the Integrated Monitoring
Integrated Information System have
monitoring in the project area and for
Incorporation of the IMP
bi-national instruments.
Program (IMP)and the
not been defined
maintaining and/or providing inputs to
and the IBIS maintenance
A diverse range of
Integrated Bi-national
the IBIS, have agreed on a financing
and operation costs to the
stakeholders, including
Information System, as
strategy to ensure the sustainability of
regular budget of the
resource users at all
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well as the FREPLATA
the IBIS and the MP by Q8
national environment
levels and the private
web site, agreed to by
agencies
sector, understand the
relevant institutions
benefits of reducing
land-based pollution
4. Key stakeholders groups
Stakeholders at all levels, but
Local authorities and sectoral groups
Results of surveys at
and are supportive of
have better understanding
especially at local level, including
from at least 80% of the coastal
municipal level with local
any required
of the importance of
public and private sectors, have
municipalities in both riparian
authorities, sectoral
investments, reforms
reducing and controlling
limited awareness and knowledge
countries, confirm the effectiveness
groups and NGOs
and/or trade-offs
pollution, as well as of the
of the impacts of land-based
of the Project's Communication
Mid-Term Evaluation
tools and processes
pollution on the RPMF. In general,
Strategy by Year 3
PIRs
available to achieve this
command and control approaches
based on collaborative
have prevailed up to date, and
public-private approaches
there is limited knowledge of
alternatives based on economic
instruments and partnerships
between public and private sectors
5. Authorities approve
Although various government
Report approved by the respective
Inter-jurisdictional
diagnostic report on inter-
levels may need to be involved in
authorities as basis for undertaking
analysis report
jurisdictional
decisions on control of wastewater
necessary reforms of mandates and
institutional/legal
discharges and monitoring, and
regulatory frameworks by Q5
NIC Meeting Minutes
frameworks for prevention,
there are often overlaps or gaps in
for report approval
reduction and control of
planning and operational
land-based pollution in
processes. These however, are not
NIC jurisdictions as a basis
clearly identified, and there are no
for definition of required
established mechanisms for
reforms for SAP
ensuring effective coordination
implementation
between the various jurisdictions.
In Argentina the legal frameworks
need to be harmonized between the
various jurisdictions.
Outcome 2
1. Coastal municipalities
At local level, capacities for norms
Management procedures and criteria
Minutes of consultations
Consensus among
Enhanced capacities
agree to unified
regulation and pollution control and
(analytic, methodological and operative)
between municipalities
local stakeholders
and tools to prevent
management criteria and
prevention monitoring are
at municipal level are unified thus
Reports and documents
(government, private
and mitigate pollution
procedures to control
heterogeneous, but most
generating opportunities for economies
defining agreed
sector and civil
promote greater
environmental quality at
municipalities cannot comply with
of scale by Q5
procedures and criteria
society) on the
collaboration between
local level
the responsibilities on this matter.
Satisfaction surveys of
benefits of PPPs
public and private
Water quality objectives in the
training courses
Regulatory
sectors, specially at
several jurisdictions in Argentina
Agreement on protocols
environment for PPPs
provincial and
are not harmonized which
for environmental quality
arrangements are
municipal levels
constitutes an additional barrier.
control
attractive to the
Scale economies and possible
Technical documents on
private sector.
synergies among municipalities are
agreed methodologies
not used
2. Inter-jurisdictional
Institutional frameworks and
At least 3 Inter-jurisdictional Municipal
Minutes of Inter-
Municipal Commissions
capacities at
Commissions generate synergies and a
jurisdictional Municipal
established and operative
departmental/provincial and
platform to strengthen relationships
Commissions meetings
municipal levels insufficient for
with authorities at Provincial and
and of consultations with
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pollution prevention and control
National levels (i.e.: Integrated Coastal
ECOPLATA, the
Insufficient coordination among
Management Coordination Unit of the
Integrated Coastal
jurisdictions for an effective
Province of Buenos Aires, OPDS,
Management
pollution control and monitoring
ECOPLATA, UDELAR, AySA,
Coordination Unit,
MVOTMA, MGAP, MDN,
COFEMA and COTAMA
MINTURD), as well as for
PIRs
harmonization and development of
Mid-term Evaluation
relevant norms by Year 1
3. Institutional
Predominance of inefficient
At least 12 municipalities with
Minutes of local advisory
arrangements to support
command and control mechanisms
operational representative mechanisms
councils' meetings
collaborative partnerships
for pollution prevention
(e.g. Local Advisory Councils) for the
Mid-Term and Final
between public and private
Absence of cooperation
development of PPP initiatives by Q6
Evaluations
sector at local level
mechanisms between public and
PIRs
established
private sectors at local level for
pollution prevention and control.
Municipalities have limited
capacities to implement actions
aimed at reducing land-based
pollution. Lack of
economic/financial incentives to
introduce improvements in
operative practices for pollution
prevention/reduction. Limited
commitment from private sector
and civil society in the
implementation of actions to
reduce/prevent coastal pollution
4. Number of investment
RPMF Municipalities have no
10 investment opportunities briefs
Investment opportunities
opportunity briefs prepared
experience on PPP initiatives and
elaborated, including SMEs and more
briefs published
and disseminated to
processes to develop effective
informal sectors, by Year 3
Links to investment
national, bi-national and
investment arrangements
opportunity briefs and on
international networks
Private sector involvement in
the Project web site
environmental management is
PIRs
limited, and the private sector is
Final Evaluation
perceived as a services supplier that
is not involved in environmental
management at local levels
5. Expanded RIIGLO with
Municipalities have limited
Strengthened RIIGLO enables local
Surveys undertaken
improved data exchange
capacities for monitoring water
governments to improve capacities for
Record of agreement on
capabilities operational by
quality and preventing coastal
systematic and coordinated monitoring
standardized
Q6 and integrated into the
pollution
of water quality on both shores of the
methodologies
IMP, underpinned by
Limited capacity for information
Rio de la Plata - based on sampling,
Satisfaction surveys for
standardized
exchange and processing at national
chemical analysis and information
training courses
methodologies at bi-
level
processing methodologies standardized
national levels effectively
Common database on water quality
at bi-national level - by Q6
strengthens municipalities'
not systematically updated and
capacity for environmental
results not analyzed in an integrated
quality control
manner
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Outcome 3
1. Inter-sectoral
San Clemente treatment plant has
Agreements between the Municipality,
Official records of
Local authorities,
A suite of pilot
agreements between
insufficient capacity to provide
the Supplying Public Services and
agreements
industry chambers,
activities that
municipal, provincial, and
adequate treatment to domestic
Works Cooperative of the San
Minutes of consultations
and farmers remain
contribute in a
national governments and
wastewater, particularly during
Clemente del Tuyú treatment plant,
between stakeholders
committed to testing
measurable way to the
civil society to build and
seasonal tourism peaks. Other
the Province of Buenos Aires and
PIR
pilot approaches
reduction of priority
operate the artificial
municipalities in the region also face
SAyDS, establish a partnership
Mid Term Evaluation
Pilot cases prove to
pollutants are
wetland in San Clemente,
constraints in their capacity to
arrangement between public and
Final Evaluation
have high replication
implemented
Samborombón
effectively treat domestic and agro-
private sectors and civil society to
potential for other
industrial effluents
advance innovative approaches to
agro-industries and
There are no previous experiences
treatment of sewage effluents in small
industries as well as
with artificial wetlands construction
localities due to seasonal increases by
for coastal
or operation in [project area]
Q4
municipalities with
2. Constructed wetland
Reduction of >50% of nutrients,
Monitoring reports from
limitations for
reduces nutrients,
pathogens and metals contributions
the treatment plant
adequate treatment of
pathogens and metals from
from the San Clemente del Tuyú
confirmed through
domestic wastewater
the effluents of the San
Treatment Plant by Year 4
protocols and control
Consensus reached
Clemente del Tuyú
Opportunities for replication in other
reports from the
between authorities
Treatment Plant ­(and lays
coastal municipalities in the region
environmental authority
and SMEs managers
foundations for replication
identified and activities for replication
inspecting the treatment
on technological and
in other coastal
initiated by Year 4
plant
regulatory packages
municipalities in the
Pilot activity linked to Integrated
Pilot Project monitoring
to promote CP
region) (SR)
Management Plan for Samborombon
reports as verified by the
Wetland (Ramsar site)
Coordinator and the TAG
3. Number of enterprises in
SMEs and informal companies in
10 enterprises in the tannery sector have
CP Plans
the tannery sector with
productive sector are not aware of
completed their CP plans by Year 2
Reports systematize the
Cleaner Production (CP)
the benefits of CP and have
Lessons and pilot processes
pilot's process and
plans formulated and
insufficient capacity and resources
systematized to enable DINAMA and
lessons learned
agreed with the
to implement this kind of approach
other private stakeholders (CIU, CNCS)
Satisfaction surveys of
environmental authority to
to replicate the pilot in other productive
training courses
eliminate pollutant
sectors
PIRs
discharges that exceed
Final evaluation
norms
4. Reduction in chrome
SMEs and informal companies in
An 80% reduction in total chrome loads
Analyses and reviews of
loads discharged that
the tannery sector have high rates of
discharged outside the norm by the
companies' data
exceed norms in the
non-compliance with regulations
entire tannery sector; loads relative to
DINAMA data and
tannery sector in Uruguay
on industrial effluents, discharging
baseline at 40% by Year 4 and 20% by
evaluations
(SR)
heavy metals and other harmful
Year 7
Verification reports by
substances directly into sanitation
the project Coordinator
networks and tributaries
and TAG
Pilot monitoring reports
confirmed through
control protocols and
reports of DINAMA
5. Number of producers
Limited number of producers, some
At least 60 producers from the dairy
Project verification
joining the SLW pilot
in the Project area and others in the
sector and at least 65 producers from
reports
Project that adopt
medium and high Santa Lucia River
the fruit/vegetable sector have adopted
Metropolitan Agenda
sustainable productive
basin have adopted sustainable
sustainable production practices by
monitoring reports
practices
productive practices but are isolated
Year 3
Pilot monitoring reports
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events without systematizing or
confirmed through
replication possibility
control protocols and
reports of DINAMA
PIR
Final evaluation
6. Reduction of non-point
The Santa Lucia basin discharges
Pilot project monitoring
pollution loads from dairy
significant organic loads into the RP,
reports confirmed by
farms discharged into
estimated at 34.6 tons/day of total N
control protocols and
micro watersheds and
and 1.7 tons/day of total P. Non point
reports of DINAMA
Pilot phase
Long term
water bodies near
sources (e.g. from livestock and
goal:
goal:
Verification reports by
productive lands in the
agricultural activities) are leading
Expected
Expected
the project Coordinator
Santa Lucia Wetlands
sources. 90% of total N and 63% of
mean
mean
and TAG
load (kg/day)
load (kg/day)
(SLW) pilot Project ( SR )
total P are linked to non-point sources
Mid term and final
Ntotal
6.289 (2.3%*)
1.417 (78%)
P
evaluations
total
701 (1.6%)
328 (54%)
BOD5
24.288 (2.8 %)
1.250 (95%)
* Percentage of reduction (%)
Lessons and pilot processes
systematized to enable DINAMA to
replicate the pilot in other productive
sectors
7. Pollution Prevention and
There is willingness to cooperate
SLW Management Plan incorporates a
Pollution prevention and
Reduction Program in the
among stakeholders to support
pollution prevention and reduction
reduction plan in the
Santa Lucia Wetlands
integrated management of the SL
program which effectively enables the
SLW Management Plan
(SLW) approved by the
River Basin, and coordination
inclusion of production activities in the
approved by pertinent
competent authority and
actions are incipient.
wetland buffer areas by Year 3
authorities published and
incorporated into its
The Metropolitan Agenda program
disseminated
Management Plan
is promoting integrated
PIR
management approaches in the
Final evaluation
Montevideo metropolitan area,
including the coastal area and the
Santa Lucia River basin but requires
of specific tools and procedures to
develop effective responses to point
and diffuse pollution sources
Outcome 4
1. Water quality indicators
Baseline for water quality,
Formal agreement at bi-national level
Minute of the bi-national
Environmental
Monitoring/evaluation
agreed to bi-nationally in
sediments and biodiversity
on physical/chemical, microbiological
agreement on water
agencies from both
(M&E) Program and
the framework of the IMP
generated at national level and
and biological parameters to be included
quality parameters
countries are
Integrated
for the areas of exclusive
generated/compiled by the
in the integrated monitoring program
Meeting Minutes of the
committed to
Information System
national jurisdiction waters
FREPLATA project (RIIGLO and
for water and sediment quality by Q6
bi-national group on
maintaining the IBIS
established to support
and for the Common Use
oceanographic and coastal surveys).
monitoring program
and the IMP upon
decision taking and
Waters of the Rio de la
At a technical level, within the
Letters from key
Project termination
management of the
Plata
FREPLATA framework, water
stakeholders from both
RPMF
quality and sediments parameters
countries committing
The various
were proposed but these have not
themselves with the water
institutions and
been approved nor applied. During
quality and sediments
entities advancing
the PPG phase the parameters to be
integrated monitoring
monitoring programs
included in the FREPLATA
program
in the project area are
Monitoring Program were agreed to
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with key technical actors from each
committed to
country, but these have not been
providing their
formally agreed to at bi-national
information to the
level
IMP and the IBIS in a
2. Greater spatial coverage
Existence of an incipient HABs
HAB early warning system established
Bulletins and informative
continuous and
and more frequent
monitoring program in the Province

material on the water
timely manner
Fresh and marine water HABs
monitoring actions for
of Buenos Aires and RIIGLO;
quality situation status
(access to data is
monitoring program extended to 14
HABs identification
methodologies for determination of
published
ensured)
partidos and 36 fluvial and coastal-
enables establishment of an
cyanotoxins not validated between
marine municipalities not included in the
Municipal Workshops
effective early warning
both countries.
network to date, and at least 50%
outcomes

system
Fragmented coordination between
increase in surveys by Q6
the provincial, national government
and local governments.
3. Scope and extent of the
Uncoordinated and fragmented
31 parameters and 55 sampling stations,
Campaign reports
information generated
coastal programs are carried out
with information generated integrally
within the MP framework
independently by several authorities
analyzed by means of the MP, generate
allows an integral
and entities. Knowledge on water
and integral vision of the RPMF
understanding of patterns
quality is not shared at bi-national
environmental status for year 4
and the RPMF
level and scarcely shared at national
environmental status
level (depending on jurisdictions).
Outcomes corresponding to coastal
water quality monitoring programs
carried out by both countries (i.e.
RIIGLO, ACUMAR, AySA, IMM-
Sanitation Plan, coastal
municipalities of Uruguay, etc.)
used as management tool by the
corresponding authorities but are
not integrally analyzed. There is no
monitoring program for the
Common Use Waters.
4. Up-to-date information
Integrated Information System
The IBIS, nested in the environmental
GIS outputs; number of
on the RPMF system
(IIIS) generated within the
national agencies of both countries, with
GIS layers and number of
available through an
FREPLATA program not updated.
capacities to compile, compare and
fields available.
Integrated Bi-national
There is no bi-national information
analyze information received from the
Protocols defined and
Information System (IBIS)
management system. There are no
different agencies, and supporting
agreements with technical
mechanisms to facilitate exchange
decision and planning frameworks as
institutions and agencies
of information in a permanent and
well as the bi-national monitoring
for information input
consistent manner between the two
program operational by Year 2
Number of visits to the
countries at all levels
IBIS site
Information required for
understanding RPMF
environmental status is dispersed
among several institutions and
agencies.
5. Institutional
There are no agreements
Agreements between key stakeholders
Institutional agreements
arrangements and minimal
established to share information in
from different jurisdictions on
for information exchange
contents defined for the
a systematic and permanent
institutional arrangements for the IBIS'
signed
successful operation of the
manner.
management and upkeep, as well as
Environmental agencies
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IBIS
contents by Q3
from both countries
upload information
transferred from
FREPLATA.
Resources allocated by
environmental agencies
of both countries for the
IBIS as per approved
agency budgets
6. IBIS Virtual bi-national
Absence of a bi-national information IBIS Virtual bi-national node guided by
Number of dedicated visits
node in operation within
system to support SAP
the CDC, operative within the first 12
to the IBIS ­ Virtual
the first 2 years of the
implementation
months of the project
Information Node
project
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ANNEX B: RESPONSES TO PROJECT REVIEWS (from GEF Secretariat and GEF Agencies, and Responses to
Comments from Council at work program inclusion and the Convention Secretariat and STAP at PIF)
The only comment from STAP at the time of PIF approval was the following: "Experience in other large estuaries
shows that once point source pollution is more strongly controlled, the large and more difficult to control non-point
sources (agriculture, urban run-off, atmospheric) are revealed. In addition, more upstream monitoring of all sources
may be required to ensure that at-source measures are more effectively targeted. The current TDA appears to focus on
information in the estuary itself. Efforts to further improve the information systems and integrate these are strongly
supported." During project preparation, a survey of all water quality monitoring programs in both Argentina and
Uruguay was made. This included monitoring programs in the RPMF tributaries and upstream sources. It was found that
no experience exists in monitoring diffuse pollution at-source. However, several programs, such as the one financed by
JICA in the Santa Lucia basin in Uruguay and that of the Matanza-Riachuelo basin in Argentina being implemented by
ACUMAR, monitor the consequences of both upstream point and diffuse sources by measuring components in the
tributaries. In response to the STAP recommendation, the design of the water quality monitoring program provides for
comprehensive integration of relevant ongoing monitoring efforts: its range will encompass not only the Common Use
waters of the Rio de la Plata proper, but will also be linked to national programs that monitor the effects of land-based
pollution as well as to the monitoring exercises within the demonstration pilot projects in order to ascertain their
effectiveness. Linkages to other initiatives further upstream, including the main tributaries, will also be strengthened in
order to arrive at an adequate characterization of pollution sources that affect the RPMF, both point and non-point. This
builds upon the monitoring efforts of the previous FREPLATA project, which in fact monitored only the estuary. Under
this initiative, monitoring activities will also include not only the estuary itself, but will also be linked to monitoring of
the coastal areas and tributaries, advancing in the direction of the STAP recommendation. It is noted that the Santa
Lucia wetland demonstration pilot project focuses specifically on agricultural non-point nutrient pollution.
The only Council member that commented on the proposed project was France which only noted that it had a
"favorable" opinion of the initiative.
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ANNEX C: CONSULTANTS TO BE HIRED FOR THE PROJECT USING GEF RESOURCES
$/
Est.
Position Titles
person
person
Total $
Tasks to be performed
week
weeks
For Project Management
International
Responsibility for the overall management and administration of
the Project and implementation of the work plan; planning and
programming of the Project work and activities; coordinate the
Project
2500
72
180000
work of the other three Specialists and the Administrative
Coordinator
Coordinator as well as of all consultants hired for the project;
provide technical guidance to the pilot project and ensure uptake
of practices and lessons for replication.
Local
Perform a variety of secretarial, coordinating, monitoring and
administrative services to ensure the efficient daily running of the
Administrative
PCU and in support of project/program activities. The AS will
250
150
37500
Assistant
work within the PCU to ensure the smooth functioning and
continuity of the projects/programs and will receive directions
from the Project Coordinator on technical matters.
Justification for Travel, if any: Two trips per year to Argentina for the Project Coordinator; participation in two
IWCs; two annual Steering Committee meetings.
For Technical Assistance
Local
Design,
validate
and
oversee
implementation
of
the
communication strategy, including coordination of training and
dialogues with key stakeholders. Liaise with other technical
Institutional/
specialists
in
the
project
in
order
to
ensure
that
the
Communication
500
170
85,000
communications strategy provides a strong platform for engaging
Specialist
a broad range of stakeholders to support specific project
deliverables such as the establishment of robust PPP and CP
approaches at local levels.
Lead and coordinate the formulation and application of PPP/CP
strategies and programs at Provincial/Municipal levels; provide
Public Private
technical support to the pilot project for the tannery sector in
Partnership/
Uruguay and for output 2.3 targeting the electroplating sector in
Cleaner
500
50
25,000
Argentina, and ensure consistency with the overall strategic
Production
thrust of the project, contribute to the identification of lessons
Specialist
learned, good practices, and opportunities for up scaling and
replication. Guide complete PPP process including definition of
requirements for enabling environment.
Working with counterparts in the two national environmental
agencies, coordinate and supervise the establishment of, and
Monitoring and
requirements for operation of, the IBIS; coordinate and supervise
Evaluation/
dialogues and agreements for provision of information from
Information
500
50
25,000
various institutions and partners as well as to define the access
Systems
protocols. Assist in the establishment of the Integrated
Specialist
monitoring program including agreements for provision of data
and requirements for its evaluation and integration.
Information
Definition of operational modalities and access levels for the
500
24
12000
Technology
virtual bi-national mode with the IBIS; assistance to CDC in
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$/
Est.
Position Titles
person
person
Total $
Tasks to be performed
week
weeks
Expert
definition of content and agreements for information to be
included; support in start up of the node and targeted technical
backstopping during first two years of operation.
Identification of additional parameters to include for calibration
Specialist in
and validation of the model, definition of maintenance needs for
Sediment
500
40
20000
equipment and provision o f support for equipment maintenance.
Transport
Assist in integration of data into the Integrated Monitoring
Modeling
Program
Support CDC in coordination with national authorities, in
definition of modalities for adoption of the management tools
Environmental
elaborated in the initial
FREPLATA project
(i.e.: technical
500
10
5000
law specialist
protocols
for
Environmental
Impact
Studies,
Strategic
Environmental Assessments and methodologies in order to
develop Water Quality Objectives, etc.).
Undertake an inter-jurisdictional analysis to define competency
Institutional and
profiles and capacity needs to strengthen institutional capacities
Organizational
500
34
17000
for prevention, reduction and control of land-based pollution in
Specialists (1 per
the municipalities and provinces (Intendencias) within the project
country)
area as per Output 1.4
Provide technical support and oversight activities for definition
Specialists in
of and support to, capacity building requirements at municipal
pollution control
levels related to environmental quality
control including
and reduction
500
16
8,000
definition of targeted training required. Incorporation of capacity
strategies (1 per
requirements for application of PPP/ CP at municipal levels.
country)
Identification of opportunities for cost-efficiency through bi-
national sharing of practices, tools, and methodologies.
Pool of local
Provide targeted support to municipalities and local stakeholders
specialists in
in
activities
under
the
PPP
program
including
public
with expertise in
awareness/consensus
building,
preparation
of
prefeasibility
Public Private
500
70
35000
studies, negotiation of partnership arrangements, packaging and
Partnerships and
promotion of investment briefs, outreach with potential investors
Cleaner
and assist in the organization and implementation of an Investors
Production
Round Table.
Expert in Cleaner
Evaluate requirements for application of CP schemes to
Production
participating electroplating industries and provide technical
processes, esp.
500
12
6000
support as well as identification of lessons learned / best practices
electroplating
for replication to other sectors.
industry
Environmental
Technical support and back-stopping to municipalities for the
Quality
500
24
12000
harmonization of criteria and management standards for control
Specialists (1 per
of water pollution from point and non point sources.
country)
GIS Specialist
500
12
6000
Provide training on GIS and data analysis
Environmental
Quality M&E
Definition of the Common Waters water quality indicators and
500
48
24000
Specialists (1 per
design of the Integrated Monitoring Program
country)
Information
Technical support to both DINAMA and SAyDS for uptake and
System
upscaling of the initial FREPLATA information system and to
500
24
12000
Specialists (1 per
establish the Integrated Bi-national information System. Assist in
country)
consultations with relevant agencies and stakeholders for
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$/
Est.
Position Titles
person
person
Total $
Tasks to be performed
week
weeks
provision of information and definition of relevant agreements.
Project design
Prepare technical reports for the project; undertake analysis and
and evaluation
500
36
18000
systematization of lessons learned.
specialists
International
To provide technical support for the development of the
FREPLATA PPP program, building upon the expertise and
PPP expert
2500
5
12,500
experience developed through other similar initiatives, such as
the PEMSEA project
Supervision and technical back-stopping of all components of the
project incluidng: coordination with other relevant initiatives in
the
region;
provision
of
technical
orientation
to
the
communications strategy; supervision of inter-jurisdictional
analysis and support consultations with stakeholders to validate
findings; review
of proposals for sustainable financing
mechanisms and undertake consultations with government
agencies as well as with potential external sources; definition of
Regional Project
2500
110
275,000
capacity building requirements at municipal levels; guide and
Coordinator
support development and implementation of the FREPLATA
PPP program; oversee work under RIIGLO; ensure that pilot
project activities are in line with overall project objective and
opportunities/methodologies
for
replication
are
actively
developed; ensure effective linkages between project monitoring
activities (RIIGLO, sediment transport model, pilot projects) and
the IMP; support definition and implementation of effective take
up modalities between the IMB and the IBIS
Project
Evaluation
2750
20
55,000
Undertake independent Mid-Term and Terminal Evaluations.
experts
Justification for Travel, if any: throughout the project efforts will be made to limit travel costs as much as possible
and to employ teleconferencing and other electronic means whenever possible. However, some limited travel will be
required between the two countries to ensure that a harmonized and approaches are being developed in terms of PPP
and CP approaches; for strengthening the RIIGLO as a single, bi-national network, and for joint communications
and outreach activities to strengthen the bi-national focus of the project. Cost-saving opportunities for joint training
with stakeholders from both countries may also be considered. In addition, travel expenses for the M&E
international consultants need to be covered, as well as for the PPP expert.
* Under Project Management, 570 weeks of local consultancies that are co-financed are included in Table F. This
reflects consultants that governments at all levels (national, provincial/Intendencia, and municipal) will fund in order to
coordinate and support implementation of the three pilot projects, and provide additional administrative assistance both
to the FSP project as well as the pilots. Given that these consultants therefore include mostly high level staff as well as
some administrative support, the cost per week has been averaged at $400.
ANNEX D: STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT PREPARATION ACTIVITIES AND THE USE OF FUNDS
A. EXPLAIN IF THE PPG OBJECTIVE HAS BEEN ACHIEVED THROUGH THE PPG ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN.
The PPG objective was fully achieved through the activities, workshops, meetings and teleconferences carried out
during the preparatory phase. Emphasis during this stage was on the collection, discussion and analysis of
information to support project design, achievement of agreement among both participating countries on the project
strategy, and elaboration of the Project Document and annexes in accordance with GEF and UNDP requirements.
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After an initial presentation and orientation visit to both countries lead by the UNDP Regional Technical Advisor,
activities centered on undertaking scoping and assessment exercises to provide inputs for the definition of the
agreed project components. In order to achieve cost-efficiencies, these were organized into a suite of consultancies
Two consultancies on Legal and Policy Frameworks (one for each country) and two consultancies on Institutional
Frameworks (one for each country) carried out the policy needs assessments to review national/federal and
municipal policy and governance mechanisms as a basis for creating a policy and investment climate at the local
government level, as well as the policy needs assessments related to harmonization of pollution reduction
policy/legislation frameworks across federal/provincial/municipal levels as well as of Cleaner Production regimes in
both countries. These were complemented by consultancies on Public Private Partnerships (one for each country) to
review of experiences at national and sub-national levels related to PPPs and an analysis of requirements for
establishment of multi-sectoral partnerships, in particular at municipal/provincial levels for the development,
financing, and implementation of environmental infrastructure improvement and conservation projects. Another
consultancy, which included an extensive survey to municipalities participating in the initial FREPLATA RIIGLO
network, was undertaken to review this initiative's scope and achievements to determine the most effective
modalities for upscaling it. This also included the Coastal-Marine network. Requirements for the establishment of a
bi-national network for HABS early warning system were also defined. It was determined that the most effective
modality for definition of the pilot projects was to develop 4 proposals which included, with regards to the PPP/CP
pilots, the analysis of key entry points for CP and PPP activities which resulted in the final selection of the tannery
pilot project in Uruguay and the decision to focus Output 2.3 on the electroplating SME sector in the City of Buenos
Aires. For the pilots sited in wetlands, this included the review of existing coastal wetlands management plans and a
feasibility assessment of a pilot project for coastal water quality improvement in Samborombón, Santa Lucia and
Carrasco wetlands. In accordance with GEF requirements, a stakeholder involvement plan was also prepared for
each country.
In addition to this, UNDP provided support in the definition of project components related to Public Private
Partnership by the UNDP PPP for Service Delivery Unit located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Support from the
on-going FREPLATA project which is being maintained through government contributions and support from the
FFEM, was a valuable asset during the entire duration of the preparation process both in terms of technical inputs
and expertise and well as in facilitating dialogue with an array of stakeholders. Participating agencies for their part
provided technical support in the definition of project components such as the integrated monitoring program,
which will require the commitment of a wide range of agencies, and the integrated information system.
In terms of project scoping and definition, the most cost-effective modality decided upon was to have two national
experts, one per country, lead in the coordination and consultations with stakeholders in each country. These experts
also provided support to the preparation and consultation of the logical framework matrix for the project. With their
support the modalities and mechanisms were defined for institutional coordination between agencies involved in the
SAP implementation and the CDC. Drafts of the project proposal were extensively consulted with a wide array of
stakeholders to ensure that inputs from consultations were duly reflected in the evolving project design. Inter-active
workshops were held in both countries to guide the preparatory process and to develop the technical components of
the draft document; to identify and agree on the interventions necessary for inclusion; to refine the demonstration
pilot projects to be included in the draft proposal; and to agree on the components of the proposal. These workshops
had representation both from government as well as civil society.
As part of the process, surveys were sent to selected stakeholders that were to play an important role during project
execution, such as the coastal municipalities members of the Local Governments Information Network (RIIGLO by
its Spanish acronym) to determine their main concerns and priorities with regards to controlling coastal pollution at
the source and establishing an early warning system for harmful algal blooms (HABs). Finally countries were
requested to identify the information and capacity building requirements, as well as interventions that would be
most effective to address priority issues. The results of the survey as well as those of the workshops served to
inform project design.
B. DESCRIBE FINDINGS THAT MIGHT AFFECT THE PROJECT DESIGN OR ANY CONCERNS ON PROJECT
IMPLEMENTATION, IF ANY: N/A
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C. PROVIDE DETAILED FUNDING AMOUNT OF THE PPG ACTIVITIES AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION STATUS
IN THE TABLE BELOW:
GEF Amount ($)
Project Preparation
Implementation
Amount
Amount
Amount
Uncommitted
Co-
Activities Approved
Status
Approved
Spent To
Committed
Amount*
financing
date
($)
Activity 1
Completed
73.267
59.506
10.966
75,000
Activity 2
Completed
21.734
16.443
16.000
280,000
Activity 3
Completed
54.999
25.637
21.448
45,000
Total
150.000
101.586
48.414
400,000
* Any uncommitted amounts should be returned to the GEF Trust Fund. This is not a physical transfer of money, but achieved through
reporting and netting out from disbursement request to Trustee. Please indicate expected date of refund transaction to Trustee.
ANNEX E: CALENDAR OF EXPECTED REFLOWS
Provide a calendar of expected reflows to the GEF Trust Fund or to your Agency (and/or revolving fund that
will be set up) N/A
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UNDP Project Document
Governments of Argentina and Uruguay
United Nations Development Program
PIMS 4055 - Reducing and Preventing Land-based Pollution
in the Rio de la Plata/Maritime Front through Implementation
of the FREPLATA Strategic Action Program
Brief description
The initial FREPLATA program has built capacities across a range of sectors, and enhanced bi-national
cooperation to unprecedented levels as reflected in the widely endorsed Strategic Action Program (SAP). There is
now an opportunity to capitalize on these achievements, as the bilateral and cross sectoral dimensions of reducing
land-based sources of pollution demand not only coordinated but also sustained national and bilateral efforts. The
proposed Project will allocate GEF resources strategically and incrementally in four main areas which contribute
to creating an enabling context for SAP implementation or are highly catalytic: i)
bi-national and inter-
jurisdictional modalities for cooperation and for harmonizing pollution mitigation, prevention and control
responsibilities, norms and capacities will be developed ; ii) innovative platforms to enhance collaboration
between public and private sectors and therefore compliance with existing regulations will be established through
Cleaner Production (CP) approaches and Public-private Partnership (PPP) arrangements that are responsive to
specific requirements - such as those of municipalities and SMEs, with strong replication potential for upscaling
throughout industrial sectors; iii) a Bi-national Monitoring Program and an Integrated Bi-national Information
System will provide critical management tools to support decision-making, planning processes and technical
interventions; and iv) a suite of highly replicable pilot projects that provide for hands-on experience in PPP/CP
approaches as well as for testing new approaches for pollution mitigation by wetland systems will be
implemented. The three pilot projects have been selected in order to generate a range of experiences for
addressing both point and non-point sources of land-based pollution.
1

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Table of Contents
Section
Page

SECTION I: Elaboration of the Narrative........................................................................................... 6
Project Context ..................................................................................................................................... 6
PART I: Situation Analysis................................................................................................................ 7
Context and global significance ..................................................................................................................... 7
Socio-economic Context .............................................................................................................................. 14
Institutional, sectoral and policy context...................................................................................................... 18
Threats, root causes and barriers analysis .................................................................................................... 22
Stakeholder analysis ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Baseline analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 28
PART II: Strategy............................................................................................................................. 31
Project Rationale and Policy Conformity ........................................................................................... 31
Project Goal, Objective, Outcomes and Outputs ................................................................................ 32
Project Indicators, Risks and Assumptions ........................................................................................ 53
Incremental reasoning and expected global, national and local benefits............................................ 55
Country Ownership : Country Eligibility and Country Drivenness ................................................... 57
Sustainability ...................................................................................................................................... 58
Replicability........................................................................................................................................ 59
Financing Modality............................................................................................................................. 59
Cost-effectiveness............................................................................................................................... 60
PART III: Management Arrangements ......................................................................................... 61
PART IV: Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and Budget.............................................................. 63
PART V: Legal Context ................................................................................................................... 69
SECTION II: STRATEGIC RESULTS FRAMEWORK ............................................................... 70
SECTION III: TOTAL BUDGET AND WORK PLAN.................................................................. 78
PART I: Letters of Endorsement: Please see separate file ........................................................... 83
SECTION IV: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION............................................................................. 83
PART II: Organigram of Project................................................................................................... 84
PART III: Terms of Reference for Key Project Staff .................................................................. 85
PART IV: Stakeholder Involvement Plan: Please see separate file ............................................. 88
PART V: Pilot Projects Documents: Please see separate file ....................................................... 88
PART VI: Co-Financing Letters: Please see separate file ............................................................ 88
PART VII: Additional tables: Please see separate file ................................................................. 88
2

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Acronyms
ACUMAR
Matanza-Riachuelo Basin Authority (Argentina)
ANP
National Port Administration (Uruguay)
APA
Environmental Protection Agency (Argentina)
APN
National Park Administration (Argentina)
APRA
Environmental Protection Agency of the City of Buenos Aires
AR
Argentina
AySA
Water and Sanitation of Argentina (utility)
CP
Cleaner production
CAICHA
Argentinean Chamber of Pork Industry
CARP
Administrative Commission for Rio de la Plata
CARU
Administrative Commission of the Uruguay River
CDC
Consortium Directing Commission (CARP and CTFM)
CIU
Chamber of industry of Uruguay
CMPA
Coastal Marine Protected Area
CNCS
National Chamber of Commerce and Services of Uruguay
COFEMA
Federal Council of the Environment (Argentina)
CONICET
National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (Argentina)
COTAMA
Technical advisory organization with representation of stakeholders (Uruguay)
CPmL-Uy
Uruguayan Cleaner Production Center
CTFM
Bi-national Technical Commission for the Maritime Front
DHN
Naval Hydrographic Directorate (Uruguay)
DINAMA
National Directorate for the Environment (Uruguay)
DINARA
National Directorate for Aquatic Resources (Uruguay)
DINASA
National Directorate for Water and Sanitation (Uruguay)
EIAs
Environmental impact assessment
GDP
Gross domestic product
GEF
Global Environment Facility
GGP
Gross geographic product
3

---

GIS
Geographic information system
HAB
Harmful algal bloom
IADB
Inter-American Development Bank
IBIS
Integrated Bi-national Information System
ICZM
Integrated coastal zone management
IIS
Integrated information system
IMM
Municipal Government of Montevideo
IMP
Integrated Monitoring Program
IMs
Municipal Governments (Uruguay)
ISCMPA
Inter-jurisdictional System of Coastal-Marine Protected Areas
IW
International waters (GEF)
LATU
Technological Laboratory of Uruguay
LME
Large marine ecosystem
M&E
Monitoring and Evaluation
MERCOSUR
Southern Common Market
MNP+L
National cleaner production board (Uruguay)
M-R
Matanza-Riachuelo river in Argentina
MVOTMA
Ministry for Housing, Territorial Planning and Environment (Uruguay)
NAP
National Action Plan
NGOs
Non-governmental Organizations
NIC
National inter-sectoral committee
OAS
Organization of American States
OPDS
Provincial Organism for Sustainable Development (Argentina)
Program for support of competitiveness and export promotion of small and intermediate
PAC
industries (Uruguay)
PCBs
Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Program of General Measures for the Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change in
PMEGEMA
Uruguay
PNUD
United Nations Development Program
POPs
Persistent organic pollutants
PPP
Public private partnership
PTS
Persistent toxic substances
4

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SME
Small and intermediate industry
COD
Chemical oxygen demand
RIIGLO
Local Governments Information Exchange network
RPMF
Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front
SADAM
Argentinean Chamber of Electroplating Industry
SAP
Strategic action programme
SAyDS
Environment and Sustainable Development Secretariat (Argentina)
SEA
Strategic environmental assessment
SHN
Naval Hydrographic Service (Argentina)
SNAP
System of National Protected Areas (Uruguay)
TDA
Transboundary diagnostic analysis
UdelaR
University of the Republic (Uruguay)
UY
Uruguay
5

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SECTION I: Elaboration of the Narrative
Project Context
1.
The Río de la Plata and its Maritime Front (RPMF) constitutes a transitional water system, whose
resources are shared between the Republic of Argentina and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. At a global level
the RPMF is one of the leading fluvial and fluvio-marine systems in the world, connecting the Plata Basin (the
second largest basin in South America and fourth largest worldwide) to the Atlantic Ocean. The Project area
includes the RPMF and its coastal areas. The RPMF encompasses approximately 252.000 km2 as defined by
Articles 1 and 73 of the Treaty of the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front, including the areas of exclusive
jurisdiction of Argentina and Uruguay, as well as the adjacent territorial sea. With a surface of 35.500 km2, the
Rio de la Plata extends 327 km, with a width of 227 km where it opens onto the Atlantic Ocean between Punta
Rasa (San Antonio Cape in Argentina) and Punta del Este (Uruguay). In this Project, the term "Maritime Front"
is used to refer to oceanic space comprising the Common Fishing Zone established by the Treaty and
encompassing an area of approximately 216.000 km2 in the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the outer limits of the
Rio de la Plata. The RPMF faces considerable threats due to the extensive economic activities located in the
coastal areas of both countries and is therefore a sink for substantial urban, agricultural and industrial pollution.
The system is very dynamic and pollutants are transported by currents, vertical advection, winds, sediments and
living organisms. Pollution hot spots, increasing incidents of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), and the emergence
of potential "dead zones" signal the considerable stress that the system is under.
2.
FREPLATA has built capacities across a range of sectors, and enhanced bi-national cooperation both in
public and private spheres to unprecedented levels. There is now an opportunity to capitalize on these
achievements, as the bilateral and cross sectoral dimensions of reducing land-based sources of pollution demand
not only coordinated but also sustained national and bilateral efforts. The proposed Project will allocate GEF
resources strategically and incrementally in three main areas which either provide the basic platforms for SAP
implementation or are highly catalytic. Firstly, an institutional framework will be established and developed at
bi-national, national and local levels as required for continued SAP implementation, which includes modalities
for cooperation between the two bi-national Commissions and national agencies with mandates over prevention
and reduction of land based pollution.
Given the complex and sometimes overlapping responsibilities for
mitigating and reducing pollution levels, the project will undertake a comprehensive inter-jurisdictional
mapping exercise in each country as a basis for determining competency profiles and capacity needs at national
and local levels. Secondly, key focus of this initiative is to strengthen platforms for enhancing collaboration
between public and private sectors to achieve the objectives defined in the SAP and therefore Cleaner
Production approaches and Public-private Partnerships will be developed in accordance to the specific context
of the project area. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), informal sectors and municipalities will be among
the main groups targeted given that their successful engagement will have high replication potential and
generate experiences, lessons and practices which can be upscaled. Thirdly, a Bi-national Monitoring Program
and an Integrated Bi-national Information System will be developed as key management tools to support
decision-making, planning processes and technical interventions, alongside sustainable financing mechanisms.
The IBISis built based on the Integrated Information System developed during the first phase of the FREPLATA
Program, which is being transferred to the environmental authorities of both countries and was considered by
independent evaluators as a best practice within the GEF International Waters portfolio.
3.
These efforts will be complemented by a suite of pilot projects that will provide for hands-on experience
in new public-private collaborative approaches as well as for testing new approaches for pollution mitigation by
wetland systems. The three pilot projects have been selected in order to generate a range of experiences for
addressing both point and non-point sources of land-based pollution and pollutants ranging from nutrients to
POPs and heavy metals. The pilots sited in wetlands will contribute to a greater understanding and awareness of
the range of environmental services provided by these ecosystems, which are also central to coastal responses to
climate change impacts.
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4.
This project will lay the bases for the sustainability of the FREPLATA Program. However, in addition
to the outcomes described above, it is the manner in which the project will be executed that provides a guarantee
of sustainability. During the life of the project, activities will be gradually transferred to the respective national
and local counterparts so that in practice the project will not end but fade out and become part of the permanent
working agendas of the executing institutions (see Organigram in Section II, Part II). GEF resources will be
concentrated in the first two-three years of implementation, and the project team will have a cross-cutting
responsibility of assisting the relevant government institutions to take up project activities.
PART I: Situation Analysis
Context and global significance
5.
The Río de la Plata runs from the Punta Gorda Parallel until imaginary straight line that links Punta del
Este (Oriental Republic of Uruguay) with Punta Rasa of the San Antonio Cabo (Republic of Argentina), in
accordance with the Treaty of the RPMF of April 7th of 1961 and the Joint Declaration on the External Limit of
the Rio de la Plata of January 30th 1961 (Art. 1 of the RPFM Treaty, 1973). Likewise, in accordance with art. 73
of the Treaty, the Maritime Front in this area is composed by a circumference of two arches with a radius of 200
nautical miles whose center is located respectively in Punta del Este (Oriental Republic of Uruguay) and Punta
Rasa of the San Antonio Cabo (Republic of Argentina) (Figure 1.1) On the coasts of the RPFM the major ports
and the respective capital cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo are located.
Figure 1.1 Jurisdictional limits established by the Treaty of the Río de la Plata and its Maritime Front
6.
The Rio de la Plata is a highly threatened basin and faces considerable threats due to the extensive
economic activities developed in the coastal areas of both countries, and is also a sink for substantial urban,
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agricultural and industrial pollution from seventeen tributaries (Figure 1.2).The main urban-industrial centers of
both countries are located on its shores, resulting in heavy pollutant loads (Figure 1.3).
Figure 1.2 Tributaries of the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front
Tributary Basins
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
Source: Lasta et. al. 2003. Cuencas Hidrográficas Tributarias al Río de la Plata y su Frente Marítimo. Working Document FREPLATA.
Figure 1.3 Leading urban-industrial centers
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Figure 1.3 Leading urban-industrial centers (continued)
7.
The RPMF is a very dynamic system and pollutants are transported by currents, vertical advection,
winds, sediments and living organisms. Pollution hot spots, the emergence of potential "dead zones, and
recurrent incidents of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), and the extension increase of critical pollution areas
indicate the magnitude of the impacts resulting from (coastal) land-based pollution that this system faces.
8.
The physical environment of the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front depends on the dynamics of the
Paraná and Uruguay rivers, and on winds, tides and currents from the South Western Atlantic (Figure 1.4). The
average flow of fresh water into the system is some 24,000 m3/sec, sufficient to maintain a considerable part of
the system in a permanent freshwater state. However, this flow is highly variable; the water flow of the two
largest rivers (Paraná and Uruguay) appears to have increased since the 70's but suffers huge variations
especially during ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation) years when it may reach more than 60,000 m3/sec.
Given this variability it is necessary to be careful when making statements regarding the physical system as
conditions can change considerably.
9.
Predictive capacity with regards to this water body is rendered more complex as a result of variability in
adjacent maritime areas. Changes in winds, particularly in those along its axis, can cause major changes in water
levels. For example near the upper Rio de la Plata, storm surges and floods are generated under SE winds
conditions (in the Uruguayan coast) or shallow waters limiting navigation and drinking water supply in the
Argentinean coast after NW winds. Winds that are perpendicular to its axis produce a circulation pattern that can
give rise to large eddies (gyres), most notably in the Samborombón Bay, where they are an almost permanent
feature.
10.
Salinity conditions also differ between seasons. The transition waters of the Rio de la Plata (a mix of
seawater and freshwater) occur further offshore during summer and are transported towards the coast of Brazil
in winter due to the currents. Noticeable temperature changes between summer and winter and temperature
variations in the upper Rio de la Plata are much greater than in the adjacent coastal Atlantic Ocean (i.e.
freshwater flows into the system are comparatively hotter in summer and colder in winter).
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11.
As in other transition systems, a zone of very turbid water or "maximum turbidity" is observed, where
polluted sediments and solid waste from coastal areas in Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires and from the La
Plata Basin accumulate. This is caused by two simultaneous processes: i) some natural substances (organic and
inorganic) transported by the Rio de la Plata freshwater (either dissolved or absorbed into suspended materials)
flocculate out and precipitate when salinity suddenly increases; and ii) salt water from the ocean travels along
the bottom as it is denser and therefore heavier, and acts like a wedge, forcing light material settled on the floor
back into suspension, which then increments the bioavailability of the pollutants "trapped" in the sediments..
Since the zone of "maximum turbidity" is an area of great biological activity, there is a danger that if the
observed levels continue to increase, the accumulated contaminants can enter the trophic chain with deleterious
consequences. In the maximum turbidity front various species of demersal and pelagic fish aggregate to feed,
spawn, and develop their early life stages.
Figure 1.4 In the RPMF five aquatic environments of importance can be distinguished
12.
In the coastal area of Argentina within the Project area, there are different aquatic environments and
protected areas with particular environmental and jurisdictional characteristics. In the inner Rio de la Plata, the
predominant eco region is the "Delta and Paraná Islands". The areas associated to the outer Rio de la Plata
(Samborombón Bay) and its Maritime Front correspond the eco-regions of the "Pampa" at continental level and
of "Atlantic Sea" at oceanic level, where important rest and feeding areas for migratory birds are found (ie.
Punta Rasa and Mar Chiquita respectively). The Samborombón Bay, declared a Ramsar Site, extends along 150
km (224.000 ha) and is threatened by point and non-point pollution from land-based activities (such as sewage
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effluents discharges that increase significantly in the summer season and nutrients originating from agricultural
and livestock activities) (Figure 1.5 and 1.6).
Figure 1.5. Natural Protected Areas of the Coastal Zone in the Río de la Plata and its Maritime Front
13.
In the coastal zone of Uruguay, there are 8 main coastal wetlands associated to tributaries that discharge
to the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front, located in the departments of San José, Montevideo, Canelones,
Maldonado and Rocha (ie. Arazati, San Gregorio, Arroyo Mauricio, Santa Lucía, Arroyo Pantanoso, Carrasco,
Solis Grande and Maldonado) (Figure 1.6) The wetlands of Santa Lucia River (SLW), Arroyo Pantanoso, and
Arroyo Carrasco, located on the outskirts of Montevideo constitute one of the main water pollution hotspots in
Uruguay. Pantanoso and Carrasco streams are highly polluted by heavy metals, organic matter, and solid and
microbiological wastes. The Santa Lucia Wetland currently evidences lower pollution levels, but present trends
indicate that it will continue to receive ever greater pollution loads in the future (especially copper, zinc,
chrome, lead, and organic matter given its closeness to the Montevideo urban zone, as well as from diffuse
agricultural and livestock sources) (Figures 1.5 and 1.6).
Pollution and Health of the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front
14.
The RPMF faces considerable threats due to the extensive economic activities located in the coastal
areas of both countries. In Argentina the coastal area concentrates 45% of total industrial activity and 35% of its
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population, while in Uruguay contains approximately 70% of its total population and most of its economic,
industrial and port activities. Despite an average flow (24,000 m3/s) the Rio de la Plata is evidencing of stress
from land-based pollution impacts on its coastal areas. Coastal areas receive pollutants of urban, industrial,
agricultural and livestock origin. For example, water quality in the coastal area of the Metropolitan Area of
Buenos Aires has been seriously jeopardized (is not suitable for aquatic life nor for recreational use by direct
contact), Montevideo Bay presents specific pollution issues and in both shores incidents of Harmful Algal
Blooms (HABs) are more frequent. Another pollution hotspot, the Maximum Turbidity Front has been noted,
which exhibits an accumulation of pollutants, especially heavy metals and persistent organic compounds of
coastal origin and from the Paraná River. (Figure 1.6).
Figure 1.6 Critically Polluted Areas ("hot spots") of the Río de la Plata and its Maritime Front. Red circles indicate critically
polluted or special management areas. Yellow circles indicate areas with pollution indicators of specific characteristics. Red dots
indicate the main population centres
15.
The asymmetry in urban and industrial development between both coastal areas (Uruguayan and
Argentine) is reflected in water and sediments quality. For example, while on the western bank (Argentina) of
the Rio de la Plata 15,000 industries are located, on the eastern bank (Uruguay) of the river there are around
200. Therefore, the levels of impacts in opposite margins are different.
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16.
Metropolitan coastal areas are the most degraded, reflecting a direct relationship between the degree of
activity (urban, industrial, services, uses, etc.) and the rate of environmental degradation. Discharges of
industrial and urban effluents (sewage outfalls) are the most significant. For example, heavy metals loads
(chromium and lead) and total estimated hydrocarbons for the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires are 1,8 and
103 t/day, respectively.
17.
The Southern Coastal Area of the Rio de la Plata (Buenos Aires-La Plata), in the nearshore area, is the
most affected by pollution. As a consequence of land-based activities, besides microbiological agents, organic
matter and nutrients, this area receives very high loads of suspended materials, solid wastes, heavy metals
(mainly chromium and lead), hydrocarbons and persistent organic pollutants (organochlorine pesticides and
PCBs), as well as other substances derived from point or non-point sources. These contributions directly affect
the coastal area, generating high pollution concentrations in water and/or sediments that exceed the maximum
limits recommended for protection of biota.
18.
Deteriorating water quality in the Southern Coastal Area of the Rio de la Plata represents a threat to the
main source of drinking water for the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, including the city of La Plata and
neighboring areas.
19.
Recreational use of the Southern Coastal Area of the Rio the la Plata is affected by the presence of
microbiological agents, as well as other pollutants. The lack of treatment of urban-industrial effluents as well as
coastal area features, result in concentrations of coliform bacteria that exceed the maximum limits recommended
for recreational uses, between coast and 3000 m (a variable width depending on specific areas)
20.
Jointly the Lujan and Riachuelo Rivers, Sarandí and Santo Domingo channels and the Berazategui
sewage emissary, contribute more than 80% of total pollutants load flowing into the Southern Coastal Area of
the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (Figure 1.3).
21.
Tributaries of Samborombón Bay and the Maritime Front (Argentine coast) have point pollution issues.
High levels of heavy metals (mercury and lead) and coliform bacteria are observed in the San Clemente estuary
channel, Ajó river, sewage outfall of Mar del Plata, Quequén Grande river, and the external part of Puerto Mar
del Plata. The Tributaries of Samboroombón Bay are characterized by eutrophication levels generated by
agricultural and livestock activities, as well as by dredging and channeling activities. San Clemente is
characterized as a receptor of significant sewage effluents particularly during the summer season (Figure 1. 6).
22.
The Northern Coastal Area of the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front (Uruguayan coast) has lesser
water pollution problems than those present in the Southern Coastal Area. In the Metropolitan Area of
Montevideo, where the most industrialized watersheds in Uruguay are located, Carrasco stream, Montevideo
Bay and Pantanoso and Miguelete streams, evidence high levels of heavy metals (chrome, zinc, copper and
lead), organic matter, solid and semi-solid waste, as well as microbiological pollution (coliform bacteria).
Although those levels are not as high as those for the Southern Coastal Area of the Rio de la Plata, they are
sufficient to undermine water and sediments quality, with regards to both protection of biota and recreational
uses. (Figure 1. 6).
23.
FREPLATA TDA identified three pollution hot spot or special management areas: the Metropolitan
Area of Buenos Aires and Gran La Plata (Southern Coastal Area: Luján-Magdalena), Metropolitan Area of
Montevideo and adjacent areas (Santa Lucía River, Montevideo Bay ­ Pando stream) and the Maximum
Turbidity Front (Barra del Indio) (Figure 1.6).
24.
However, even if FREPLATA data show that coastal pollution has not yet severely affected the
common use areas1, the system is very dynamic and pollutants are transported by currents, vertical advection,
winds, sediments and living organisms. River and estuary dynamics can rapidly transport pollutants introduced
in the coastal zone to distant parts of the system. It should be pointed out that physical processes cause
1 "Common Use Waters" is the water volume and surface intermediate between the two defined areas of exclusive jurisdiction of each of
the two countries, as defined in the RPMF Treaty.
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dispersion of pollutants but food chain biomagnifications provide the ultimate link to humans, a fact clearly
demonstrated in FREPLATA studies2.
25.
With regards to high pollutant levels in sediments, biota and the water column of the Southern Coastal
Area, high levels of PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in streaked prochilodus tissue were observed, which
constitute a serious risk to human health.
26.
Historical trends in eutrophication in the Rio de la Plata can be interpreted differently. Recent studies
have indicated considerable contemporary levels of eutrophication associated to the contribution of nutrient
flows from the agricultural sector as well as from urban effluents and the Plata basin. The dynamics of the
nutrient cycle is very complex given the physical characteristics of the Rio de la Plata. There appears to be a
growing incidence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) that may be symptomatic of this phenomenon. There are
two distinct types of HABs in the region, those associated with freshwater and those with marine characteristics
(including brackish systems). The most notable freshwater HABs are blue-green algae (cyanophytes). Dense
blooms of these species are a nuisance and can cause oxygen depletion. But a particular problem in the Río de la
Plata is the species Microcystis aeruginosa. Some strains of Microcystis sp. may produce toxins that have been
reported to cause health problems to animals that drink the water, and minor skin irritation and gastrointestinal
discomfort in humans contacting toxic blooms. In brackish and marine regions of the system, dinoflagellates are
responsible for HABs. These are phytoplankton species, only some of which are toxic. Unfortunately, some of
the toxins they produce are pathogenic and others cause major fish kills. Toxins generally reach humans through
ingestion of bivalve mollusks where they tend to concentrate.
Socio-economic Context
27.
As previously noted, the capital cities of Argentina and Uruguay and also the main industrial activities
are concentrated on the shores of the Rio de la Plata. Population in the project area, particularly in Argentina,
has risen sharply and the coastline is becoming increasingly urbanized. At the outset of the Millennium, 11.5
million people or 31.6% of the total Argentinean population lived in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area
(AMBA)3. In Uruguay, 1.7 million people or 54% of the total population is concentrated in the Montevideo
Metropolitan Area. Although projected growth for Montevideo to 2030 is limited, Buenos Aires Metropolitan
Area is expected to reach approximately 13 million. Both countries are rapidly becoming urbanized, with
projections showing around 90% in both countries. This implies increased demands on the water, sewage and
solid waste disposal systems as well as transportation and food supply.
28.
Figure 1.7 shows the population concentrations along the Rio de la Plata, which in the Metropolitan
Area of the City of Buenos Aires continuously increased throughout the 90s. Sectors with large marginalized
populations, for example the Matanza-Riachuelo basin (where 3.5 million people live), and the Pantanoso
stream often coincide with places where environmental degradation is more acute4. In the Great Buenos Aires,
poverty levels increased from approximately 20% in 1991 to 52% in 20035.
2 TDA for Decision-Makers, 4. Transboundary issues and associated problems, p. 28.
3 The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area or "Greater Buenos Aires" refers to the urban continuum integrated by the Autonomous City of
Buenos Aires and the 24 surrounding "partidos" or municipalities. Other terms used are "Buenos Aires conurbation" (Conurbano
Bonaerense) and the "Greater Buenos Aires Agglomeration" (Aglomerado Gran Buenos Aires)-
4 TDA for Policy-Makers, 2. A sense of place, p. 25.
5 TDA, 4 The Socioeconomic Context, p. 160.
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Figure 1.7 Distribution of urban population and political boundaries in the Río de la Plata and its Maritime Front
Source: FREPLATA TDA, 2005
Industrial and agro-industrial sectors
29.
The design and implementation of treatment alternatives to reduce the impact of urban and industrial
discharges to the RPMF was declared as maximum priority in the Argentinean and Uruguayan NAPs6.
30.
The metropolitan areas of Buenos Aires and Montevideo generate 65% and 87% of the industrial GDP
of their respective countries. In Argentina, in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires and the Province of
Buenos Aires constitute the most dynamic economic region of the country. The participation of the Autonomous
City of Buenos Aires and the Province of Buenos Aires represent, in terms of value, 65% of total manufacturing
output, 62% of total services rendered and 70% of trade. Approximately 20% of the economic activity in
Greater Buenos Aires is concentrated in the manufacturing industry, representing 18% of industrial production
in the country. The Province of Buenos Aires has important agricultural production, representing the equivalent
of 40% of total national production of cereals and 37% of livestock. 46.4% of the nation's industrial production
(mainly oil refineries, chemicals, engineering, pharmaceuticals, milk products and refrigeration) is concentrated
here, as well as an important mining industry for construction materials.
6 Plan De Acción Nacional Argentino and Plan De Acción Nacional Uruguayo; Proyecto PNUD-GEF (RLA/99/G31):Protección
Ambiental del Río de la Plata y su Frente Marítimo: Prevención y Control de la Contaminación y Restauración de Hábitats (FREPLATA)
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31.
Industries in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires are mainly distributed in 19 municipalities
corresponding to the area served by the Argentinean Water and Sanitation company (AySA), with 50% located
in the municipalities of La Matanza and San Martín. The Rio de la Plata and its tributaries (ej: Matanza,
Riachuelo, Reconquista, Luján, etc.) have been receptors of effluents for many years. The main industrial
sectors are: automotive (22.8%); food, beverages and tobacco (15.8%); metal and electroplating (6.7%);
refrigeration activities and pork sausage (6.0%); and chemical (5.7%). Other industrial activities with lower
levels of activity include: batteries (0.12%); tanneries (1.0%); dairies (1.1%); and paper industries (2.9%).
Ninety percent of the industries discharge into sewers (a frequent option since substance discharge limits are less
strict that those applied for water bodies). The remaining industries discharge directly into water bodies, 30.7%
to the Matanza-Riachuelo basin, 48.8% to the Reconquista basin, and 20.5% directly into the Río de la Plata.
Most of the surveyed industries (64%) had some type of treatment (primary physical and chemical, and
secondary; none had tertiary treatment), but lack of maintenance, poor operation and inadequate types of
treatment are a problem7. In those industries that had no treatment (36%), lack of physical space for treatment
facilities or lack of credit were the main barriers. As a result of this, discharges often do not comply with the
existing norms, in particular in the electroplating, tanneries, refrigeration, dairy, chemical, pharmaceutical and
paper industries. Major pollutants are BOD5, cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic. In the case of the latter,
(mainly from electroplating industries) noncompliance with discharge regulations was common with 71%
exceeding the norm at least once a year and more than four times in the period between1999-20048. The
Reconquista river basin, tributary of the Luján river also has a high number of polluting industries.
32.
In Uruguay, most of the economic activity is concentrated in Montevideo Department, which accounts
for 59% of the GNP (including 71% of its industry and 66% of services). Montevideo's most serious problem is
the urban expansion along an extensive coastal area which will generate negative environmental externalities
unless addressed. The six administrative Departments9 of Uruguay's coastal zone account for 87% of the
national manufacturing industry, 82% of services and 73% of construction.
33.
In Uruguay, industrial sectors identified as priorities in the NAP were: meat, dairy, tannery, wool
washing, plastics and hydrocarbons. More recently DINAMA included among the priority sectors the pulp and
paper industry, the pharmaceutical industry and the electroplating industry. The latter is scattered over a broad
area and characterized by informal and small size enterprises, whose effluents have high concentration of
contaminants and toxicity, although volumes are low. For its part, impacts from the agricultural sector, in terms
soil and water management, and use of energy and agrochemicals are increasingly important10. Gross value
added of the different manufacturing industrial sectors to the economy, with the exception of products derived
from hydrocarbons, is rather atomized (few are above 3% and none is above 7%)11. The environmental authority
has issued sectoral plans with applicable norms only for the dairy, meat, tanneries and pharmaceutical industry
sectors.
34.
Approximately 32 tanneries are located in Uruguayan coastal basins12 and are the source of 99% of total
industrial pollution by heavy metals, in particular by chromium (Figure 1.8). Almost 80% of these loads
discharged into sewers or directly into water bodies are above the norm13.
35.
Agricultural activity is also important in the Montevideo Department Area. Agricultural activities,
through the release into the environment of pesticides and fertilizers, and because of improper management of
7 Carsen, A.E. and Carlos Gómez. Localización e identificación de establecimientos industriales generadores de efluentes líquidos
residuales, de actividades industriales y zonas geográficas críticas en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y Partidos del Área Metropolitana para
implementación de planes de reducción de la contaminación. FREPLATA/SAyDS, December 2005.
8 Carsen, A.E. and Carlos Gómez. Localización e identificación de establecimientos industriales generadores de efluentes líquidos
residuales, de actividades industriales y zonas geográficas críticas en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y Partidos del Área Metropolitana para
implementación de planes de reducción de la contaminación. FREPLATA/SAyDS, December 2005.
9 Colonia, San José, Canelones, Montevideo, Maldonado and Rocha
10 Olivet, Beatriz. Informe correspondiente al Contrato de Obra del Consultor Uruguayo en Producción más Limpia. Thematic report
commissioned for the preparation of this project.
11 Benavente, Maria Dolores. Asociación Público ­ Privada. Thematic report commissioned for the preparation of this project.
12 FREPLATA/DINAMA. Informe de Evaluación del Sector Curtiembres. Octubre 2005.
13 13 Olivet, Beatriz. Informe correspondiente al Contrato de Obra del Consultor Uruguayo en Producción más Limpia. Informe
Temático encomendado para la preparación de este proyecto.
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livestock excreta, are responsible for 80% of nitrogen loads. A recent consultative process regarding the
proposed national protected area in the Santa Lucia Wetland (SLW), estimated that about 19,200 ha or 30% of
the proposed total area is cultivated. In rural Montevideo (16,000 ha), which represents less than 0.001% of
available agricultural land in the country, there are 1360 farms that account for more than 3% of the agricultural
gross domestic product. This activity supplies more than 50% of domestic demand for leafy vegetables, over
25% of main fruit crops and significant percentages of the production of other foodstuffs. The use of synthetic
fertilizers has also been steadily increasing14
Figure 1.8 Water Pollution from Chromium in Uruguay
SOURCE: Carsen, A. E., A. Perdomo and M. Arriola. Pollution of Water, Sediments and Biota. FREPLATA Project Working Document, 2004.
9.9 µg/l: value establised by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment 1999 (Environmental Quality Guidelines) for protection of the aquatic
biota.
Aquatic transport
36.
The Rio de la Plata plays an important role in the extensive fluvio-maritime transportation system for
the entire La Plata Basin (LPB) that connects the main production, supply, consumption, and import/export
centers. The Río de la Plata is a central hub for the increasing maritime transport and fluvial transport to other
regions of the world. Along the Paraguay-Paraná waterway, fluvial transport of goods increased from 700
thousand tons at the beginning of 1990 to 13 million tons in 2004. Some 92 million tons of cargo was shipped
through Argentine and Uruguayan ports in 2003; 10.7 million tons of this shipping was fluvial. In 2006 the total
volume of cargo transferred in Argentine ports on the Paraná River was almost 100 million tons15. Maritime
trade with overseas still dominates, however. In 2000, Argentina transported 69.577 million tons of cargo by
ship (84.1% of exports) and imported 17.877 million tons (82.8% of imports). For Uruguay, maritime exports
were 2.65 million tons and imports 3.47 tons (60.24% of this was oil).
37.
In the Argentine coast, the ports of Buenos Aires and Dock Sud (AMBA) operate 19 terminals
specialized in movement of containers (administrated by national and provincial governments respectively) and
the port of La Plata port has 6 terminals. These ports concentrate 96 % of the container movement in the country
(more than 30 million tons of cargo in 2006). They are part of the Argentinean Trunk Navigation System and
play an important strategic and economic role for the Plata Basin and the country. Both governments are
committed to ensuring the sustainability of their port activity. For example, the National Port Administration of
14 Brazeiro, Alejandro. ANEXO 3 del Informe Correspondiente al Contrato de Obra del Consultor Uruguayo en Implementación de
Planes de Manejo de Humedales. Thematic report commissioned for the preparation of this project.
15 Plan Maestro y Director del Sistema de Navegación Troncal: Visión Estratégica y Bases para su implementación. (Ed. Claudio
Daniele) Subsecretaría de Puertos y Vías Navegables de Argentina.2008.
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Uruguay (ANP) is investing US$ 9,000,000 in improvements, in order to minimize environmental impacts of
port activities.
Institutional, sectoral and policy context
i)
Bi-national context
38.
The Treaty of Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front of 1973 establishes the legal framework for
environmental protection and sustainable development of the uses and resources in the RPMF. Diligent
negotiations resulted in an agreement on boundaries as defined in the Treaty and in the Joint Declaration of 30
January 1961 regarding the External Limits of the Río de la Plata (see Box 1). From the point of view of
International Law, the Project Area therefore comprises an area adjacent to the coasts of each country which
under national jurisdiction (and termed `internal waters'), and a maritime sector, the Maritime Front. The term
Maritime Front is used to refer to the ocean space extending seawards from the outer limit of the Rio de la Plata,
also known as "Common fishing zone" and delimited in article 73 of the Treaty. Partially overlapping the
exclusive economic zones of the Parties, it is subject to a special legal regime under the Treaty. The Maritime
Front encompasses an approximate surface area of 215,900 km2 with a "prohibition zone for polluting activities"
(created by article 78 of The Treaty) situated seawards of the external limit of the Rio de la Plata. (Box 1).
Box 1 Río de la Plata area covered by the Treaty16
Article 1 stipulates that the Río de la Plata extends from the Punta Gorda Parallel (its limit with the Río Uruguay) to the imaginary straight line that
joins Punta de Este (Uruguay) with Punta Rasa of Cabo San Antonio (Argentina), which is its limit with the Atlantic Ocean. In the Maritime Front,
the Parties agreed in the Treaty to set up two bilateral special areas which overlap their respective economic exclusive zones: the Zona Común de
Pesca (Common Fishing Zone) and the Zona de Prohibición de Acciones Contaminantes (Pollution Activities Prohibition Zone), in conformity with
the dispositions of the Treaty of the Rio de la Plata and in the Joint Declaration regarding the External Limits of the Río de la Plata of January 30th,
1961.
Article 2 defines two zones of exclusive jurisdiction adjacent to the coasts of each Party (country) in the Río de la Plata. This zones have a width of
seven nautical miles (between the external limit of the Río de la Plata and the imaginary straight line between Colonia in Uruguay and Punta Lara
in Argentina) and a width of two nautical miles (from this last line to the parallel of Punta Gorda). However, its outer limits shall be inflected as
necessary so that they do not go beyond the edges of channels in waters shared by the Parties and so that port access channels are included.
Such limits shall be no closer than 500 meters to the edges of channels located in shared waters, nor shal they be more than 500 meters from the
edges and the mouth of port access channels.
39.
At institutional level, the Treaty of the RPMF established two commissions: the Administrative
Commission of the Rio de la Plata (CARP) and the Joint Technical Commission of the Marine Front (CTMFM)
which have been operating since 1976. On June 19, 1998 the Commissions established the CARP-CTMFM
Consortium and their respective Consortium Directive Commission (CDC) which constituted the institutional
framework for the execution of the FREPLATA Project and links to this Project.
40.
In addition to policies specifically targeting the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front, both countries
are members of several conventions related to the conservation of the aquatic environment, such as the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992).
Both countries are developing National Plans for implementation of the Stockholm Convention on persistent
organic pollutants.
ii) National context
41.
At national levels, there are significant differences in the political structures of both countries which
have implications for the definition of responsibilities and mandates over land-based sources of pollution.
Argentina has a federal political organization wherein the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires
Province have independent political structures and relationships to the national administration. For its part,
16 TDA Synthesis for PolicyMakers, 3. The system boundaries, p. 26.
18

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Uruguay has a centralized government. Argentina is subdivided in provinces and these are subdivided in
"Partidos" (municipalities) and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires in circumscriptions, while Uruguay is
subdivided into "Departments" (municipalities). In the project area there are 23 coastal municipalities17 in
Argentina and 6 coastal Departments in Uruguay.
42.
In Argentina, at national level there are several agencies with responsibilities relevant to the protection
of the aquatic environment of the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front. These include the Secretariat of
Environment and Sustainable Development (SAyDS) which has several Under-secretariats, including one for
Control and Prevention of Environmental Pollution. In the Ministry of Federal Planning, Public Investments and
Services, the Under-secretariat of Ports and Waterways, the Under-secretariat of Water Resources, the National
Institute of Water, and the National Entity for Water Works and Sanitation and the Argentinean Water and
Sanitation (AySA) company, carry out functions that are relevant to this project's objective. Other institutions
related to the RPMF are the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Council of Scientific and
Technical Research (CONICET), the Ministry of Education, and National Universities, such as the University of
Buenos Aires, National University of La Plata, University of Lujan, and the National University of Mar del
Plata. Other national institutions related to the environmental protection of the RPMF are the Argentine Coast
Guard, the Naval Hydrographic Service, and the Under-secretariat of Industry under the Ministry of Economy
and Production. In addition, the National Parks Administration should be mentioned as it has planning and
implementation functions for protected areas under its jurisdiction18.
43.
In the Province of Buenos Aires three agencies encompass the most relevant institutions for
environmental protection within the project area: the Provincial Organism for Sustainable Development
(POSD), the Water Authority and the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Production. Within the Province there
are 22 coastal municipalities with very different characteristics in terms of economic and social development
and environmental problems.
44.
In terms of land use planning, inter-jurisdictional coordination needs to be strengthened between
municipalities, the Province of Buenos Aires, the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and the Nation through the
COFEMA19. It is also important to note that at the national and Buenos Aires Province levels, the Argentine
Federation of Municipalities and the Department of Municipal Affairs of the Jefatura of Government are,
respectively, platforms for dialogue that would also benefit from strengthening. The land use planning process
seek to take into account political, physical, social, technological, cultural and economic aspects of the local,
regional and national reality as well as to provide for environmentally sound use of resources. However, efforts
are also focused on enabling maximum productivity and use of the different environments, guaranteeing
minimal degradation and waste and promoting social participation in sustainable development decisions. The
Provincial Organism for the Sustainable Development has responsibilities for delegating to municipalities the
supervision of first and second tier industrial establishments (according to Law 11459 classification), and with
respect to third tier industrial establishments will only be able to impose precautionary measures in case of extreme
risk. When the source is not an industrial establishment, with the exceptions established by the SPA Resolution
(242/97), supervision will be carried out by the competent Environmental Authority in the territorial environment
where it is located.
45.
Through Decree N°. 2271/2003 the Province of Buenos Aires created within the purview of the Chief of
Staff, the FREPLATA Project Inter-ministerial Commission, in order to regulate the coast in a manner congruent
with neighbouring Uruguay. Through Resolution 3207/05, the former Secretariat of Environmental Policy of the
Province, today the Provincial Organism for the Sustainable Development (OPDS) initiated participatory processes
with coastal municipalities for integrated coastal management. Finally, through Decree Nr. 1802/2008 the
Coordination Unit for Integrated Coastal Management was created, which will have to implement an integrated
coastal plan and has established zoning for the Argentine coastal area of the RPMF (Figure 1.9).
17 Tigre, San Fernando, San Isidro, Vicente López, Avellaneda, Quilmes, Berazategui, Ensenada, Berisso, Magdalena, Punta Indio,
Chascomús, Castelli, Tordillo, Lavalle, La Costa, Pinamar, Villa Gesell, Mar Chiquita, General Pueyrredón, Alvarado, Lobería y
Necochea
18 Di Paola, M.E. Análisis del Marco Institucional y de Participación. Thematic report commissioned for the preparation of this project.
19Environmental Federal Council
19

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Figure 1.9 Zoning of the Río de la Plata and its Maritime Front as defined in the context of the Province of Buenos Aires'
Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan
Source: First Integrated Coastal Zone Management Workshop, May 19-21st, 2004, San Clemente, Partido de la Costa, Province of Buenos Aires. Ed:
Government of the Province of Buenos Aires, FREPLATA Project Inter-ministerial Unit.
46.
In the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, the Ministry of Environment and Public Space with its Under-
secretariats of Public Space and Urban Health, has primary responsibility for environmental impact assessments,
environmental monitoring, control of hazardous and pathogenic wastes, environmental education and
information, cleaner production approaches, and promotion of sustainable development. The Urban Health
Authority, the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve and the Environmental Protection Agency (APRA) all operate
under the auspices of this Ministry. The National Government, the Province of Buenos Aires and the
Autonomous City of Buenos Aires all have their own jurisdictions, as do the Partidos or Municipalities. The
regulation and control of industrial wastewater in the Great Buenos Aires area is covered by the National
SAyDS, the Buenos Aires Province and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, which applies the national or
provincial norms in accordance with each case. This results in complex jurisdictional overlaps and uncertainty
for the industry regarding which norms are applicable in each specific case.
20

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47.
The project area is impacted by anthropogenic activities developed mainly in the Matanza-Riachuelo
river basin, the most polluted in the RPMF. The Matanza Riachuelo Basin Authority (ACUMAR)20 plays an
important role in leading efforts to clean the basin. ACUMAR is an inter-jurisdictional public entity formed by
the National Government (SAyDS), the Buenos Aires Province and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.
Within this geographical area, it is striving to eliminate the overlaps and complexities mentioned previously.
Within ACUMAR's purview there are consultation efforts that aim to create consensus between public and
private stakeholders: a Municipal Council composed by one representative from each municipality of the basin
and a Social Participation Commission composed by representatives of organizations with interest in the area.
However, this is a unique instance and these mechanisms are not generalized.
48.
In Uruguay, despite its unitary political organization, there is a significant degree of functional and
territorial decentralization. The key institutional actors include the National Directorate for the Environment
(DINAMA), the recently created National Directorate for Water and Sanitation (DINASA), both under the
Ministry for Housing, Territorial Planning and Environment (MVOTMA), the Uruguayan Coastguard (part of
the Navy), and the National Directorate for Aquatic Resources (DINARA) in the Ministry of Livestock,
Agriculture and Fisheries. There exists a technical advisory interagency organization, with representation of
stakeholder organizations (COTAMA). Other relevant governmental actors are the National Port Administration
(ANP), with several areas of responsibility for conservation and protection of the aquatic environment in port
areas, and the State Sanitary Works (responsible for the water supply and sewerage in the country, with the
exception of Montevideo). The Governments of the six coastal Departments have a number of responsibilities
related to control of effluents and protection of coastal areas21. The regulation and control of industrial
wastewater of the Departments of San José, Montevideo and Canelones is coordinated through the Metropolitan
Agenda. The other Departments act independently.
49.
On the other hand, both countries have a wide range of national norms with direct bearing on the
protection of the environment in the RPMF. Both countries have similar institutional mandates on a range of
environmental matters. However, given that Argentina has a federal structure unlike Uruguay, it has three
jurisdictions that with regulatory and enforcement responsibilities, while in Uruguay these are vested at national
levels. Therefore there are differences regarding legislation on discharge of sewage effluents and discharge
limits for industrial effluents. In Argentina, the Government of the Buenos Aires Province is the main authority
in this matter within the Project area but in Uruguay, this competence resides in the institutional framework at
national level. The Autonomous City of Buenos Aires has wider competencies for coastal zone management
than the city of Montevideo. In the Project Area, the responsibility for the coastal zone in Argentina lies both
with the Government of the Province of Buenos Aires and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. In Uruguay
the responsibility is with institutions at the national level. Ports are managed at national/federal and provincial
level in Argentina and at national level in Uruguay. These institutional arrangements have important
implications for the control of land-based pollution from point and non-point urban and industrial sources,
especially in relation to norms and regulations which are not harmonized.
50.
In Argentina the implementation of economic instruments (including taxes, fees, levies and incentives)
has resulted in new institutional capacity for water management and tools for management, regulation and
monitoring have been developed.22 Within the scope of ACUMAR an Environmental Compensation Fund was
created administered by the River Basin Authority that will be destined primarily to the protection of the human
rights and the prevention, mitigation and settlement of environmental damages. This fund will consist of
budgetary allocations included in the annual budgetary law of the National Government; the funds collected
from fines, taxes and tributes established by the norms; compensations established in judicial locations by
resetting the basin when it cannot be executed; subsidies, donations or legacies; other resources assigned by the
national State, the Province of Buenos Aires and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires; and international
credits.
20 Created by Law No. 26.168
21 TDA for Decision-Makers, 6. The key concern: governance and investments for managing and resolving transboundary issues, p 56.
22 TDA for Decision-Makers, 6. The key concern: governance and investments for managing and resolving transboundary issues, p 65.
21

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51.
In Uruguay, strictly speaking there are no economic instruments in place. There are charges for services
such as drinking water or sanitation but these have not been designed to change behavior towards the
environment. Currently, the entire basis of environmental legislation in the country is the `command-control'
paradigm. However, public-private partnerships have been relevant for improving the implementation of
specific environmental policies. The use of legal mechanisms accompanied by a strategy of voluntary
agreements with the private sector has achieved significant progress in controlling solid waste pollution in the
Department of Montevideo23. In Argentina, initial progress has been registered in public-private associations in
some areas of the country. In the 1990s initiatives were developed for public-private partnerships in the
management of industrial effluents, which achieved a positive relationship between private industry and
government that led to treatment facilities for the elimination of cyanide in liquid effluents. Therefore incipient
progress has been made in public-private partnerships.
Threats, root causes and barriers analysis
52.
The FREPLATA mainly GEF-funded project24 elaborated a comprehensive Transboundary Diagnostic
Analysis (TDA)25 which identified priority transboundary issues that need to be addressed as a matter of
urgency in order to achieve the human and ecosystem health objectives and the RPFM system agreed to in the
FREPLATA Strategic Action Program (SAP) (see Table 1,Part VI). The primary threats to the ecological
integrity of the RPMF as reflected in the two Ecosystem Quality Objectives defined in the SAP are coastal land-
based point and non-point pollution by nutrients, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other
persistent toxic substances (PTS), as well as the destruction of natural habitats.
53.
Agro-industrial wastes have an impact in the coastal zone by increasing point and diffuse loads of
organic and inorganic contaminants to the water body and generating impacts in associated biota including the
potential reduction of primary or secondary productivity of the ecosystem particularly in the Rio de la Plata.
Biomagnification of toxic substances via trophic chains may also occur, as well as alteration of reproductive
and/or migratory behavior and in some cases, increases in the incidence of algal blooms. These may also extend
to the Maritime Front.
54.
The main FREPLATA TDA26 findings are summarized in the following paragraphs (more details can be
found in Tables 2 to 5, Part VI). The TDA determined that heavy metals accumulated in specific areas of the
system are re-suspended in the water column by the peculiar dynamics of the Río de la Plata and the fluvio-
marine geochemistry. Furthermore, these metals (through bio-concentration processes) affect the biota,
especially that which is mobile throughout the system, such as commercial fish species, where evidence of
concentration of heavy metals have been found. Pollutants accumulated in sediments and the associated water
column may impact key habitats and spawning and nursery areas of fish.
55.
The zone of "maximum turbidity" is where fine sediments accumulate and the material transported
through the Rio de la Plata's fresh water (Figure 1.6) result in the accumulation of pollutants (e.g: chromium and
persistent organic compounds) in the river's bed. With regards to solid wastes, the zone of "maximum turbidity"
also acts as a barrier accumulating, for example, plastics, cans, and unidentified objects mainly from the coastal
zones (Acha et al., 2003)27. In the maximum turbidity front is where fine sediments and pollutants from the Plata
Basin (particularly from the Paraná River) accumulate. The maximum turbidity front also serves as an area for
23 Ibidem.
24 Environmental Protection of the Plata River and its Maritime Front. Project PNUD/GEF/RLA/99/G31
25 Based on 206 technical reports which were integrated and summarized, the TDA Technical Document and the TDA for Decision-
Makers were produced by the FREPLATA Project.
26 Based on 206 technical reports which were integrated and summarized, the TDA Technical Document and the TDA for Decision-
Makers were produced by the FREPLATA Project.
27 Acha EM, Mianzan HW, Iribarne O, Gagliardini DA, Lasta C y Daleo P. 2003. The Role of the Río de la Plata Bottom Salinity Front
in Accumulating Debris. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 46(2), 197-202.
22

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solid wastes to accumulate. Coastal pollution is also particularly severe adjacent to the maximum turbidity zone
in the nearshore zone as a result of land based discharges, as well as in the Argentinean coastal nearshore zone
of the Río de la Plata where contaminated sediments tend to be re-suspended and transported towards a zone of
"maximum turbidity" where they are deposited (Figure 1.6).
56.
The southern coastal margin of the Río de la Plata (Argentinean margin corresponding to the
Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires and the Gran Plata ) constitutes an extensive hot-spot for pollution; or rather
a succession of hot spots more than 100 km long and 2-3 km wide. In this strip, very high levels of contaminants
are observed in sediments, biota and the water column. There is a notable area of pollution hot spots of varying
dimensions located in a 100 km belt close to the southern shore of the system. High levels of POPs and heavy
metals are observed in the water and sediments in concentrations sometimes many times higher than the
proscribed levels suggested at an international level for the protection of aquatic biota. Some coastal areas are
clearly affected by microbial pollution and there is evidence that sewage pollution, including potentially
pathogenic viruses and parasites. Most of the microbial pollution is limited to nearshore coastal areas (in the
proximity discharge zones of the effluent sources and the coast). As it was mentioned previously, given the
dynamics of the system, the land-based pollution represents a threat for the RPMF system as a whole.
57.
These threats have determinants that correspond to root and underlying causes. The former, which
include population growth, social and economic development, agro-industrial growth, aquatic transport and
climate change have been summarized in the TDA28 and are described in Part VII. These are evidently beyond
the project's purview.
However, intermediate causes are largely related to capacity constraints, to inter-
jurisdictional gaps, and to the need to develop mechanisms and tools for enhancing collaboration between the
public and private sectors, as follows:
58.
Effective responses to land-based pollution are limited by weak bi-national, national and local
coordination The CARP-CTMFM Consortium has achieved a high degree of effective coordination of their
activities, and through the creation of its Directive Commission (CDC), the institutionalization of their
interactions. However, their interaction with national and local entities with responsibilities over the coastal
zone is limited. The 1973 Treaty established exclusive jurisdiction areas of the Rio de la Plata (2.7 miles) and
the Territorial Sea (12 miles offshore) over which each country has separate mandates. Therefore there is a need
to work within larger boundaries that encompass the source of the problems. Although during the initial
FREPLATA program Coordination and a Technical Advisory Committees were created, these were not
institutionalized and no permanent National Inter-sectoral Committees or Steering Committee was established,
except in the Province of Buenos Aires where a FREPLATA inter-sectoral committee, integrated by ministries,
secretariats and municipalities related to the coastal management of the RPMF was created within the Jefatura
of Cabinet. This constitutes a significant gap given that addressing land-based pollution sources requires
effective coordination both between the two countries as well as between the CDC and national and local
entities with mandates over the coastal area and the tributaries in the project area. The leading national
environmental entities are the MVOTMA in Uruguay and the SAyDS in Argentina, but there is a need for
strengthening coordination and communication between these two institutions and local governments (Province
of Buenos Aires, City of Buenos Aires and municipalities of both countries) to address land-based pollution
issues, so as to provide a platform for rendering compatible the relevant policy frameworks and advancing
towards the attainment of the environmental quality objectives that underpin the SAP.
59.
In addition, and as described above, responsibilities for reducing and mitigating pollution sources are
fragmented among the various jurisdictional levels and responsibilities are often duplicated or evidence gaps
between national and local (provincial/municipal) authorities. Often the final responsibility for controlling and
monitoring specific sectors or effluents is not sufficiently clear. This is particularly problematic in terms of
generating an operating context that is conducive to the promotion and development of new partnership
arrangements between public and private sector, including investment options through Public-Private
Partnerships (PPP). One clearly identified pitfall for PPP schemes relates to uncertainties in regulatory
frameworks. Moreover, as the normative framework evolves to better address existing and emerging issues, it is
important that institutions are technically competent and have more decision taking capacities. Considerable
28 TDA for Decision-Makers, 5.4. Root causes and cause and effect, p. 46.
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efforts are still required to achieve this in the project area. Only when inter-jurisdictional links are strengthened
and operational within and between these levels (bi-national, national, provincial, municipal and civil society),
can a truly integrated approach for the management of the RPMF be launched and sustained with a reasonable
probability of success.
60.
Local governments evidence institutional weaknesses for supporting pollution reduction and prevention
objectives Municipalities are important counterparts in strategies to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the
RPMF. In Argentina there are 23 coastal municipalities with different responsibilities and capacities for the
application, implementation, monitoring and enforcement of the relevant normative frameworks. However, their
institutional capacity for the regulation of norms for the prevention and control of pollution sources as well as
for harmonizing normative instruments and water quality and discharges parameters at municipal level is
uneven. The tools and standards for water quality and discharges at municipal level are not harmonized for the
coastal area of the RPMF. In Uruguay there are six municipalities or departments of which only one, the
Intendencia of Montevideo, has the installed capacity to effectively carry out responsibilities regarding pollution
prevention and control, even despite the fact that a decentralization process that is underway and will assign
control over environmental quality to the Departments. Interaction and coordination between municipalities is,
moreover, limited, resulting in fragmented and scattered responses and uneven capacities for carrying out their
functions. With the support of the initial FREPLATA Project, several local governments (18 including the
Government of the Province and the City of Buenos Aires) of both countries collected information on water and
environmental quality. FREPLATA promoted the establishment of the Network for Information Exchange of
Local Governments of the Rio de la Plata (RIIGLO) for exchange of information and monitoring of water
quality in the coastal area. However, an inter-jurisdictional platform that facilitates dialogue at local
(municipal/provincial and the City of Buenos Aires) levels and with national entities enables the establishment
of an integrated system for pollution prevention and control in the RPMF coastal area needs to be improved. In
addition to this, local government capacities for generating information on a standardized basis that can be
shared and analyzed is largely weak. Local governments (municipalities and departments) need to be
strengthened and need to have enhanced mandates and functions, undertake monitoring and control activities
and be able to identify emerging pollution hot spots and to develop effective responses.
61.
Limited private- public sector collaboration to reduce pollution discharges at the source Although
they may not be entirely harmonized, waste water and industrial discharge norms and regulations exist which
establish reduction targets and adequate controls of land-based pollution sources. However, as noted above,
compliance with relevant norms is often sub-optimal especially among the less formal and less organized
sectors.
In these cases, the effectiveness of traditional command and control measures is limited. This is
particularly true for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). Even though SMEs individually generate reduced
pollution loads, the number of SMEs and the types of substances (ie. chrome, arsenic, lead) used in several
industrial sectors, indicate that they are a strong pollution source that must be addressed. However, many SMEs
demand greater efforts than more formal and large scale sectors given that they have different types of
constraints for complying with existing environmental norms. In addition to this, with few exceptions,
municipalities also evidence weaknesses for implementing actions for preventing/reducing pollution of the
coastal zone of the RPFM with the traditional instruments at hand. Therefore, both countries have assigned
priority to furthering approaches that generate a platform for collaboration and concerted dialogue between
private and public sector stakeholders, for example Cleaner Production (CP) schemes and Public-Private
Partnerships (PPPs). Through PPPs, in addition to finding partnerships and identifying investment projects, the
aim is also for civil society and the private sector to become directly involved in the environmental management
of the RPMF, so that the latter is no longer merely a provider of services to municipalities.
62.
There is recognition that effective responses to land-based pollution require the private sector's
entrepreneurship, technical expertise, and innovative capacity. With regards to Cleaner Production, Argentina
has over a decade of experience, but this has been largely limited to the formal industrial sector. Commitment
and experience in these arrangements at local levels is, in most cases, very weak. Smaller enterprises have been
only marginally included in these initiatives. In Uruguay after approval of MERCOSUR's regional policy to
promote cleaner production and sustainable consumption, a national cleaner production and sustainable
consumption action plan is only now being developed by DINAMA. In both countries, however, there is
growing recognition that Cleaner Production efforts need to be complemented by PPPs in order to overcome
24

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limitations related to costs of industrial reconversion and operations, and above all, to promote the inclusion of
local governments and private sector in the environmental management of the RPMF. Argentina has only
limited experience and in Uruguay it is even scarcer. Moreover, although there is significant interest in both
countries at all levels in establishing permanent mechanisms for exchange of technical information, experiences
and lessons learned, without an adequate platform this collaboration is sporadic. The FREPLATA program
provided an excellent bi-national participation and exchange forum at diagnostic level and for SAP elaboration
but not at operational levels.
63.
Information is not easily accessible as a tool to support planning and decision-making processes, and
monitoring programs are fragmented and dispersed
The FREPLATA Program made significant inroads in
terms of bi-national collaboration for monitoring water and sediment quality and biota in the Rio de la Plata and
in the establishment of a solid integrated information system, in particular through the joint water quality control
mechanism by Local Governments of the Rio de la Plata (RIIGLO). The coastal and oceanographic prospection
surveys, and the water circulation and sediment transport models carried out during the TDA-SAP phase were
also important contributions. The information system provided a robust baseline for underpinning SAP and
NAP objectives, but mechanisms for its sustainability were not adequately provided for. Continuous, integrated
monitoring of this shared water body is essential for progressive development of relevant normative frameworks
and for supporting efforts by local governments/civil society to embark on innovative pollution-reducing PPP
and CP activities. At present, there is no sustainable bi-national monitoring program for the RPMF. Both
countries are carrying out coastal water quality, sediments and biota monitoring programs independently, and to
date there is no modality that enabling sharing of information generated and for rendering methodologies
compatible29. In order to be able to assess the environmental status of the Rio de la Plata and the long term
efficacy of actions proposed in the SAP and associated NAPs, an integrated monitoring program on water
quality and sediments is essential.
64.
The integrated information system established by FREPLATA provides an excellent source of
information, but arrangements for updating it as well as for maintenance and sustainability are not in place.
Although both the MVOTMA and SAyDS have national environmental information systems, these are not
articulated bi-nationally and there are neither established mechanisms for sharing data nor protocols for
determining access levels30. In addition, there is no bi-national information node to support the work of the two
Commissions. Moreover, the design of this bi-national information system would need to be closely linked to
the requirements of the Project and the SAP M&E framework. In addition, such a system would also need to be
designed around the use of the data, that is, the decision and planning processes it needs to support, to ensure
that the information can be extracted in a structured and useful manner.
Climate change
65.
Climate change will inevitably have major impacts on the system in the future requiring development of
adaptive measures. Currently impacts are difficult to distinguish from the system's natural variability. As
analyzed in the TDA, climate change effects would cause sea level rise and alterations in tributary river flows.
The former would increase coastal erosion leading to alteration and loss of habitat. Society in general would be
negatively impacted by loss of physical coastal space and infrastructure as well as loss of aesthetic quality and
devaluation of physical coastal space. Changes in the hydrological regime would affect the tributaries, the Rio
de la Plata itself, and the coastal zone as a consequence of heightened erosion in the hydrographic basins and an
increase in sediment loads to the system, and alteration in the concentration of nutrients with corresponding
alteration or loss of habitats. While erosion is not a transboundary problem, siltation is because it affects
navigation hence requiring constant dredging and disposal of materials, as well as given its impacts within the
29 With the financial support of the French Fund for the Global Environment (FFEM) and under the framework of the
CDC, the science and technology organisms of both countries and the French Institute for the Research and Exploitation of
the Seas (IFREMER) are developing, supported by the FREPLATA findings, a model for sediment transport in the RPFM.
30 Pacheco, Fernando. Thematic report commissioned for the preparation of this project.
25

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marine ecosystem, particularly benthic environments. Alteration and/or destruction of habitats is a significant
transboundary problem because it affects migratory or highly mobile species and diminishes the capacity of
habitats to act as filters to remove excess of nutrients.
66.
Preliminary studies made in Uruguay31,32, in conjunction with global IPCC projections for mean sea
level rise, indicate that in the project area these changes will also be influenced by possible changes in
atmospheric pressure systems in the region as well as the frequency and direction of prevailing winds33. As for
the effect on streamflow, analyses of the distribution and magnitude of future rainfall and temperature for the
Paraná and Uruguay river basins seem to indicate a slight increase in flow, at least (and perhaps exclusively) in
the Uruguay River. This could provide an additional centimeter to mean sea level and its fluctuations. In
Uruguay, a vulnerability analysis found that the most vulnerable areas are in particular rocky and sandy
landforms, respectively for increases over 20 cm. An increase of over 50 cm would imperil the entire coast of
Montevideo and its infrastructure. Under all scenarios, the delta of the Santa Lucia River was identified as the
most vulnerable coastal zone given its sensitivity to river floods, and a small increase in precipitation was also
projected for its basin. In the country as a whole, temperature increases between +0.3 and +0.5oC for 2020 and
between +1.6 and +2.5oC for 2050 were estimated.
67.
In the case of Argentina, the Samborombón Bay is the most vulnerable area in the RPFM coast
according to global scenarios, because the sea level rise in this area would produce a combination of two types
of impacts: first, the direct effect of the sea advancing over a very flat area and secondly, an increase in the level
for the discharge of the Salado and Samborombón rivers and other minor streams, as well as the artificial
channels constructed in the area34. The effects of climate change would have an impact not only on the
anthropogenic water cycle, its microenvironment and the biota, but also on the productive activities that take
place in the Bay and its environs. Changes in surface and groundwater quality would cause fragmentation and
loss of habitats, forcing the biota to migrate upland. Coastal forests would probably be reduced with
concomitant loss of habitat. Grasslands would change with predominance of species more resistant to the
increased salinity, including those that are detrimental to livestock such as "duraznillo blanco", impairing the
principal livestock activity of the Bay. The planning of measures to adapt the microenvironments and biota to
the projected changes in order to minimize the environmental and socioeconomic impact on productive activities
in the area, involve the mitigation of the effects of these changes and addressing potential conflicts of use35.
Stakeholder analysis
68.
Given the scope of the present project, there is a very significant range of stakeholders that will both
participate in project execution and benefit directly or indirectly. In support of the consultations undertaken in
the preparatory phase, a framework matrix of participatory levels was developed. This framework matrix
correlates bi-national, national/federal, provincial, municipal, and civil society levels with participation levels
for given stakeholders. These stakeholders have been subdivided into three groups: those that will intervene
directly in the execution of the project, those whose participation will be more indirect, and those whose
participation is either circumscribed to specific project activities or who are mainly beneficiaries. Some of the
identified key actors are shown in the following table (see Part IV for more details):
31 DINAMA/GEF/PNUD. Análisis de la estadística climática y desarrollo y evaluación de escenarios climáticos e hiodrológicos de las
principales cuencas hidrográficas del Uruguay y de su Zona Costera (Río Uruguay, Río Negro, Laguna Merín, Río de la Plata y Océano
Atlántico). Septiembre 2005.
32 DINAMA/Universidad de la República/Apoyo Embajada Británica. Building capacity in Coastal Climate Change and Variability:
PRECIS-based climate models downscaling in Uruguay. Final Report. November 2008.
33 These figures correspond to the second of the studies cited and should be taken as indicative only, as predictions vary according to the
model used and according to the study. In the second study, sea level increases of 60-65 com were predicted for 2020 and from 1.5 to 1.6
m for year 2050 at a global scale; however, lower values were used for the simulations.
34 Volpedo, Alejandra, Anne-Laure Bianconi, and Alicia Fernández Cirelli. "Las funciones en humedales costeros de la misma latitud
(26o-36oS): Tres casos de estudio". Gestión Sostenible de Humedales, 305-317.
35 Volpedo, Alejandra and Alicia Fernández Cirelli. "Efectos del Cambio Climático en el humedal de Bahía Samborombón, Argentina".
Fernández Cirelkli, Alicia, Lucas Fernández Reyes and Alejandra Volpedo, Editors, El Agua en Iberoamérica; efecto cambios globales
sobre los recursos hídricos y ecosistemas marino costeros. CYTED, 2007.
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Table 1.1 Examples Identified Key Stakeholders
Intervention
Direct intervention in project execution
Indirect intervention in
Intervention in specific activities of the project and/or
project execution
beneficiaries of the project
Level
AR
UY
AR
UY
AR
UY
Bi-national
CDC
APN,
DINAMA,
PNA, NAVY,
AySA SHN
NGOs, National Ministry of
NGOs
National/Federal
SAyDS
DINASA
Science and
Economy and Production PyME
technology
Secretariat
PAC, SME
SNAP
organisms
(ex:
Universities)
Autonomous City
Ministry of Urban Development of
ACUMAR, APRA,
and Provincialof
the City of Buenos Aires
OPDS, SHN
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Buenos Aires
MGOs
11 municipalities of
Buenos Aires
IMM and other
Other municipalities of Buenos
Municipal
Province members of
5 IMs members
Aires Province
RIIGLO
of RIIGLO
Chamber of
NGOs, Public and Private
Private
sector
Argentine Chamber of
Industry,
NGOs Academia, Scientific
Universities, Commerce
and Community
Electroplating Industry
NGOs
MNP+L,
Organizations, Associations,
Industry Associations, Civil
(SADAM)
LATU
NGOs
Private Sector, Civil Society
Society
69.
In terms of the private sector, both countries have dynamic private sectors, including industries which in
Uruguay are represented in the Chamber of Industry of Uruguay (CIU). This Chamber has an Environmental
Commission and an Environmental Management Department. It is through these units that the Chamber
participates in working groups with the national and municipal environmental authorities, to identify solutions to
pressing environmental problems, such as the treatment of industrial effluents. In Argentina, the participation of
the industrial private sector is through specific industrial organizations, such as the Argentinean Chamber of
Electroplating Industry (SADAM). Also, in both countries there are NGOs committed to finding solutions to
environmental problems and willing to participate in programs with the authorities. One example is the City
Foundation (Fundación Ciudad) in Argentina, which organizes participative fora to discuss and propose
solutions to common problems of public interest, such as the sustainable use of the metropolitan coast. Other
similar organizations are the Argentine Wildlife Foundation (FVSA), the Environment and Natural Resources
Foundation (FARN) and the Argentinean Institute of Water Resources (AIHR). In Uruguay, among the NGOs,
the CLAES (Latin-American Center for Social Ecology), APRAC (Association for the Recovery of Carrasco
Stream); Vida Silvestre (Wildlife); SOS Rescue for Marine Fauna are highlighted among others. These all
belong to the Uruguayan Network of Environmental NGOs, which has a mandate for coordinating, promoting,
supporting and disseminating activities for preserving and conserving the environment; linking up with similar
organizations globally; and supporting the institutional development of its associates through capacity building
and other activities, both in terms of environmental management as well as organizational skills.
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Baseline analysis
70.
During the initial FREPLATA program, the SAP was developed and endorsed by a wide and
representative group of stakeholders from both countries including public and private sectors, underpinned by a
comprehensive and highly participatory process for formulation of the TDA. Decision making processes now
have the potential to be based on sound science, an integrated information system, and shared databases.
Moreover, FREPLATA enabled a diverse suite of key institutions and stakeholders at both bi-national and intra-
national levels, to come together to coordinate, exchange, and harmonize cross-sectoral/ministerial actions thus
setting the bases for effective systemic management approaches for the RPMF. An example of that is the
cooperation between the FREPLATA Project and the French Fund for the Global Environment (FFEM)
(1.005.000 Euros) which provided for carrying out six oceanographic surveys and the development of a model
for sediment transport predictions in the Rio de la Plata. This model, for which the CDC is responsible with the
support of the French Research Institute for Sea Exploration (IFREMER), constitutes the basis for generating a
water quality model for the RPMF and needs continuous support related to a sustainable system of water quality
monitoring. The FREPLATA program now enters a critical phase as the transition is made from planning to
implementation. The current proposal will build upon the notable momentum acquired during the first
FREPLATA project. In this respect, the catalytic role that GEF can play in SAP implementation should be
underscored.
71.
In recognition of growing long-term threats to the RPFM system - and thus to the socio-economic and
political well-being of the two countries - both Governments endorsed a SAP at the highest levels. This initiative
confirmed that cross-sectoral, harmonized, and integrated approaches and commitments, based on an informed
understanding of ecosystem dynamics, are required to address identified priority transboundary issues. Unless
addressed in a timely, coordinated and comprehensive manner, the magnitude of these problems will increase
over time. The SAP defined two long-term environmental quality objectives (EQOs): i) safe water for public
health, recreational use and development of aquatic biota; and ii) habitat and biodiversity conservation. Short-
term operational objectives were established and a series of "very high" and "high" priority actions were agreed
to for each of the EQOs, to which the signatories of the SAP are committed. Given the scope of issues to be
addressed, both Governments with the support of GEF, determined to assign priority to the first of these two
objectives, building upon the wealth of information that the FREPLATA program has collected, generated and
analyzed. Effective management of land-based sources of pollution will include a range of multi-sectoral
stakeholders in the approach to the increasing pressures and impacts on the RPMF environment..The proposed
Project will directly contribute to the operational objectives defined under the first Eco QO which focuses on
prevention and reduction of land-based point (industrial and municipal) and non point sources of pollution, and
indirectly to the second operational objective that focuses on the protection of priority habitats and sustainability
of its resources. The SAP identified the following high priority actions at binational level, in order to achieve the
environmental quality objective of safe water for public health, recreational use and development of aquatic
biota:.
Cleaner production in critical industries
Characterization of industrial and municipal waste "hot spots"
Wastewater treatment
Coordination of strategies and policies to improve wastewater treatment
Integrated information system
Bi-national monitoring programs
Strengthening of M&E of industrial wastes and apply discharge norms
Foster the application of economic instruments to promote application of new technology to reduce pollution
Capacity building
Stimulate public participation
Review of legal and institutional frameworks
Early warning of HABs
72.
These actions also support the achievement of the other objectives proposed in the SAP.
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73.
Other high priority and priority actions, which include high-cost programs such as those related to
wastewater disposal and treatment, are reflected in the respective NAPs, and therefore evidence the strong
commitment of both countries to the achievement of the long-term EQOs. Each of the National Action Plans
(NAPs) includes a project portfolio, which frames and strengthens the current environmental policies of
governments of both countries in relation to the overall environmental improvement of the Rio de la Plata and
its Maritime Front. The portfolio of projects of the National Action Plan of Argentina includes 84 projects with
transboundary impact within the SAP framework. These represent a commitment of US$ 1,329 million funding
from the State and society in Argentina and additional financing needs for US$38.5 million. The portfolio of the
Uruguayan National Action Plan includes 41 projects with transboundary impacts, representing a commitment
of US$ 125.3 million funding from the State and Uruguayan society and additional financing needs totaling US$
17 million. These portfolios included the following thematic areas: environmental management of urban
wastewater; environmental management of industrial effluents; monitoring of water quality, sediment and biota;
environmental management in ports and waterways; institutional strengthening for environmental management;
environmental information systems; and, environmental education and social participation.
74.
Both countries are now implementing their commitments under the SAP as evidenced by key actions
that include large-scale investments in environmental management of urban wastewater, such as the Montevideo
Urban Sanitation Plan IV with an investment of US$ 139 million, the first project from an Inter-American
Development Bank (IADB) credit line of US$220 million with counterpart government funding of US$40
million. This project includes a sewage pre-treatment plant and a sub-fluvial outfall improving the
environmental quality of Montevideo Bay and the western beaches of the Montevideo Department. This is a ten
year plan in three modules that when finished, would have increased the sanitation coverage in the Montevideo
Department from 84% to 95% (100% for those living in urban areas).
75.
Another important initiative is the Matanza-Riachuelo Basin Sustainable Development Project
(PDSCMR) in Argentina, whose objective is to improve the environmental quality of this Plata tributary basin
and the water quality of the Southern Area of the Río de la Plata. The PDSCMR will improve sewerage services
in the M-R basin; reduce industrial discharges to the M-R basin36; improve urban drainage and land-use in the
M-R basin; and strengthen the institutional framework for the environmental restoration of this basin, the most
polluted in the RPMF. This is a 12-year US$1,232 million project in the appraisal stage for which the World
Bank will contribute with US$841 million and the government of Argentina US$391 million. The World Bank
is also currently financing major water and flood control infrastructure projects in areas geographical and
hydrological related to the basin, as well as implementing a solid waste management project. Jointly these
projects will tackle the major sources of land-based organic pollution in the Rio de la Plata and the industrial
conversion of the main polluting industries.
76.
It is important to notice that since both of these projects involve sub-fluvial outfalls, sampling and
monitoring programs are being set up in the respective Rio de la Plata receiving areas. In Uruguay, through an
agreement between the Montevideo municipality and the University of the Republic, a sampling program will
monitor zooplankton, selected fish species, and sediments, to establish a base line and monitor effects of the
outfall. The Environmental Quality Laboratory of the Montevideo municipality also maintains a water quality
monitoring program of the major tributaries to the Rio de la Plata and of the Montevideo Bay, as well as of the
coastal waters of the Montevideo beaches. The National Ports Administration, through its Environmental
Management Unit is developing a Physical/Chemical Water Quality Monitoring Plan and toxicology of
sediments from dredging activities in the Access Channel, Commercial Docks and La Teja Channel. In 2009, a
Project they are financing on biological indicators will start through an Agreement with the UDELAR ­ Faculty
of Science. Likewise in Argentina, the Matanza-Riachuelo Basin Authority is initiating a similar program to
establish a baseline and monitor the effects of the M-R outfall in the Rio de la Plata. Base line information is
available from the water quality sampling and monitoring activities in the Common Use Waters and the northern
and southern coastal zone waters carried out during the FREPLATA project. At the same time, the AySA
36 The first phase of the project will focus on the 50 main industrial polluters contributing to approximately 95 percent of the total
industrial organic load (approximately 70 percent of the total organic load) and the 170 industries with the highest toxic load currently
discharged into the M-R River. For the industrial pollution control component, total clean-up investments may run as high as US$250
million, to be financed primarily by the private sector within a framework of government-sanctioned economic incentives and penalties.
29

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company is carrying out the following monitoring campaigns: a) Matanza Riachuelo River, b) Discharges into
the Rio de la Plata, c) Reconquista River and Luján River affluent; d) Medrano stream, e) Southern Coastal Area
of the Rio de la Plata and f) turbidity alert in the Luján River. To execute these campaigns, AySA invests US$
700,000 yearly.
77.
Other existing monitoring activities include: a) monitoring network of algal blooms in continental and
marine waters (encompassing the area from Paraná de las Palmas to Carmen de Patagones located on the
Atlantic Ocean southern coast, southern border of the province) implemented by the Provincial Organism for
Sustainable Development (POSD) in cooperation with other provincial entities, b) water quality and sediments
monitoring corresponding to the trunk navigation channel in the Paraná and Plata Rivers, and c) at the bi-
national level, the Local Governments Information Exchange Network (RIIGLO) with FREPLATA support has
carried out more than 16 samplings to determine water quality in the coastal zone.
78.
Both countries have also made progress in advancing cleaner production schemes and approaches.
Argentina has accumulated valuable experience. There is a National Cleaner Production Policy and the SAyDS
created the Environmental Management for a Sustainable Production in the Productive Sector Program with
IADB financing through Loan 1865/OC-AR37. The Autonomous City of Buenos Aires also counts with the
Buenos Aires Produces Cleaner program which focuses on fostering the adoption of cleaner production (CP)
plans in the industrial and service sectors. In Uruguay there have been advances, although cleaner production
policies have not yet been incorporated into the legal framework. An Action Plan has instead been launched
through DINAMA and a National Cleaner Production Table was created in 2004. The Uruguayan Cleaner
Production Center (CPmL-Uy) was also created within the framework of a technical cooperation agreement
between the University of Montevideo and the IADB to promote eco-efficient production in SMEs; more than
48 events have been promoted with participation of about 2,000 participants from 323 firms. The Chamber of
Industry is collaborating with DINAMA and the Montevideo municipality to find a solution for the final
disposition of urban industrial solid wastes. It should also be noted that MERCOSUR, to which both countries
are members, supports CP policies and plans, and in 2007 approved its own Promotion and Cooperation in
Sustainable Production and Consumption Policy based on those principles38.
79.
Through the Ministry of Housing, Land Use Planning and Environment (MVOTMA), Uruguay is
executing a US$6 million project with US$5 million from an IADB loan and US$1 million co-financing, for
effective environmental management, aimed at ensuring the environmental quality, the environmental
sustainability of production processes, and the environmental competitiveness of the country, by strengthening
the technical and operational capacity of key institutions responsible for environmental management in the
country. Within that project, DINAMA is strengthening its National Environmental Information System. Also
with contributions from GEF, UNDP, the government of Uruguay, various private stakeholders and the French
and Spanish Cooperation, Uruguay is implementing a System of National Protected Areas (SNAP). This project
will be advancing educational activities in the Santa Lucía wetlands and their areas of influence are being
studied through an agreement with the NGO Vida Silvestre Uruguay.
80.
In Uruguay, the municipalities of Canelones, Montevideo and San José created a working group within
the Agenda Metropolitana program to work with DINAMA towards the creation of a Protected Area in the
Santa Lucia wetlands, an initiative that currently has no external support or funding. In addition to this, Uruguay
has institutionalized the integrated management of its coastal zone through the long-term ECOPLATA initiative
with the participation of MVOTMA, several other ministries, the University of the Republic and the coastal
municipalities of Colonia, San José, Montevideo, Canelones, Maldonado and Rocha. ECOPLATA is managed
by a Direction Board and an Executive Board and executes the Program of General Measures for the Mitigation
and Adaptation to Climate Change in Uruguay (PMEGEMA) for the establishment of land and coastal
management policies and practices for adaptation to climate change to increase the resilience of coastal
ecosystems. Finally, Uruguay is implementing the only project in Latin America under the Special Pilot
Program on Adaptation (SPA) of GEF, Implementing Pilot Climate Change Adaptation Measures in Coastal
37 Lombardi, Carlos. Cleaner Production. Thematic report commissioned for the preparation of this project.
38 Olivet, Beatriz. Synthesis of the National Policies and Priority Action Guidelines in Cleaner Production. Thematic report
commissioned for the preparation of this project.
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Areas of Uruguay which focuses on the incorporation of climate change risks into policy and regulatory
frameworks and pilot adaptation measures to be implemented at local levels.
81.
Both countries, are participating in the GEF/UNEP/OAS initiative for the Sustainable Management of
the Water Resources of the La Plata Basin with respect to the Effects of Climate Variability and Change; this
US$62 million project seeks to enable the governments of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay to
coordinate actions and investments in the La Plata Basin to achieve sustainable utilization of water resources,
and initiate the process of adapting to climate variability and change39. Both countries also participate in the
GEF-UNDP-IMO pilot project (GloBallast Project) to reduce the risk of aquatic bio-invasions mediated by
ships' ballast water and sediments, a three-tiered effort involving global, regional and country-specific partners
(more than 70 countries in 14 regions), representing government, industry and non-governmental organizations.
82.
These actions fully illustrate the willingness of both countries to comply with the commitments made
towards the NAPs and SAP implementation. However, in order to fully implement the SAP, capacities at
various levels as well as an effective enabling environment that facilitates collaborative and coordinated bi-
national actions still needs to be further developed. This is an objective for which `start-up' international
assistance and funding from GEF and other appropriate co-funders is sought, with a view to achieving
sustainable regional and national structures to consolidate a sustainable basis for continued progress in support
of SAP objectives over the long-term.
PART II: Strategy
Project Rationale and Policy Conformity
83.
The SAP and two associated NAPs identified an impressive portfolio of projects required to effectively
achieve the Common Vision of "improvement in the standard of living of the population of the RPMF by
restoring and preserving its water quality, biodiversity, and the sustainability of its uses and resources". The
broad range of endorsements of the SAP as well as the significant investments on both coasts to reduce
wastewater and industrial discharges reflects both countries' commitment to advancing towards the stated goal.
However, these activities would be carried out with limited bi-national interaction given that the jurisdiction of
the two bi-national Commissions is limited to the Common Use and Common Fishing Areas of the RPMF and
that there is no experience within the respective national authorities with mandates and responsibilities over
land-based sources of marine pollution for working together in a systematic manner. The FREPLATA program
identified the need for coordinated bi-national action given that the RPMF is a very dynamic system and
pollutants (especially heavy metals and POPs and other PTS) are transported throughout the system. Moreover,
as a transboundary aquatic system of global significance the impacts of pollution and biodiversity loss, as well
as the responsibility for mitigating these, are shared by the two States.
84.
If the focus of the initial FREPLATA program was on diagnosis and planning, and there is a now a need
to lay the bases for effective implementation of the SAP. As the Terminal Evaluation for the first FREPLATA
project indicated with regards to the countries' capacity `to undertake activities and implement accords for the
reduction of impacts from main transboundary pollution sources': "The foundations are in place. However,
additional support is still needed to build on them and consolidate the achievements that have been reached".
During the first FREPLATA project, extensive technical bi-national and intra-national networks were
established - as well as a solid Integrated Information System that consolidated the extensive analyses developed
through the TDA. This has to be capitalized by removing the existing barriers that stand in the way of achieving
an enabling environment that allows for sustained SAP implementation.
85.
Building upon the solid foundations laid by the GEF FREPLATA project, this proposed initiative will
serve to "catalyze transboundary action addressing water concerns" as defined in both the SAP and the
39 It is noted that during the initial FREPLATA project, two agreements with CIC were signed in 2004: one between the CARP-CMTFM
Consortium and CIC for technical and scientific collaboration; and the other between the FREPLATA International Coordinator and CIC
to exchange experiences and execute joint activities related to water quality.
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respective NAPs. The FREPLATA project amply fulfilled its objective under SO1, and the current proposal
therefore conforms to SO2. The focus of the project will be on reduction of land-based coastal pollution as
called for under SP2, in order to halt and reverse increasing pollution by nutrient loads that already result in
potential "dead zones". In keeping with GEF guidance, given that collective action has been agreed upon, the
project would focus on policy, legal and institutional reforms, as well as enhanced inter-jurisdictional
coordination, to reduce land-based inputs of nitrogen, phosphorus and other priority pollutants as well as on-the-
ground pilots and concrete programs that will strengthen and develop innovative public-private partnerships. By
establishing the bases for cross-sectoral, bi-national processes that reduce and mitigate land-based pollution, the
project will contribute to GPA goals. Moreover, through the two activities sited in wetlands, ecological options
for addressing sanitation issues will be explored. This will serve to enhance understanding of the range of
ecosystem services wetlands offer, which not only deliver benefits for globally important biodiversity but are
also critical components of coastal adaptation responses under climate change scenarios.
Project Goal, Objective, Outcomes and Outputs
86.
The project goal as defined in the SAP is "Safe water for population health, recreational use and aquatic
biota development"
87.
The project objective is to advance towards sustainability of the uses and resources of the Rio de la
Plata/Maritime Front through the implementation of the Strategic Action Program (SAP) with regards to
reduction and prevention of land-based pollution.
88.
This objective will be achieved through the following four outcomes: i) implementation of bi-national
and national institutional reforms and strengthening as proposed in the SAP, to address priority transboundary
issues referred to in the SAP; ii) strengthened capacities and tools to prevent and mitigate pollution and promote
greater collaboration between public and private sectors, especially at a local government levels; iii)
implementation of a series of pilot activities that contribute in a measurable way to the reduction of priority
pollutants agreed; and iv) development and strengthening of a monitoring/evaluation (M&E) Program, and an
Integrated Information System to support management and decision taking in the RPMF.
89.
These outcomes and their outputs are described in the following paragraphs.
OUTCOME 1 IMPLEMENTATION OF INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS AND STRENGTHENING AT BI-
NATIONAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS AS PROPOSED IN THE SAP TO ADDRESS PRIORITY
TRANSBOUNDARY ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
90.
Underpinning the successful implementation of the SAP and associated NAPs is the need to strengthen
the existing institutional agreements and the involvement of critical stakeholder groups. Given project
objectives, a two-pronged institutional strategy is foreseen: one focused at bi-national/national levels (described
here), and one on municipal levels (described in outcome 2). At the bi-national level, coordinated action exists
within the framework of the CARP and CTMFM Commissions, which enabled and facilitated the achievements
of the initial FREPLATA project. Nevertheless, the same commissions, through the Consortium Directive
Commission (CDC) have acknowledged the need to strengthen their performance by promoting the
compatibility of norms, technical protocols and of monitoring and information exchange activities, in order to
address the challenges posed by the bi-national implementation of the SAP and associated NAPs. Given this
proposed project's emphasis on reduction and prevention of land-based pollution, the strengthening of the bi-
national institutional domain must be accompanied by enhanced coordination and cohesion of actions at the
national level and between these, and those promoted and coordinated by the Commissions at the bi-national
level. The proposed Project will also seek to strengthen and broaden linkages with those initiatives which were
initially established during the FREPLATA Project.
91.
Given the complexity of the RPMF environment, many stakeholders are involved, some through
positive actions that aim to ensure the sustainability of its resources, others negatively through actions,
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omissions or indifference. The proposed Project will promote awareness at all levels regarding the importance
for all of ensuring the sustainable use of RPMF resources. It will therefore design and implement a robust
communication strategy aimed at actively involving all public and private stakeholders related to the process.
This strategy will be supported by a platform for the identification of inter-jurisdictional barriers, gaps and
overlaps in terms of land-based pollution monitoring and mitigation, and for promotion of necessary reforms to
create a favorable inter-jurisdictional enabling environment. Finally, but no less importantly, the proposed
Project will actively explore and propose financial mechanisms within the legal and institutional frameworks of
both countries, in collaboration with institutions at bi-national, national, and the local governments (Province of
Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Departments and municipalities), to ensure the financial
sustainability both of institutional frameworks as well as of relevant monitoring activities, information
management and replication of pilot projects. Financial sustainability that provides for the continuity of the
actions initiated and promoted by the FREPLATA program, which the proposed Project will consolidate, will be
a reflection, to a considerable degree, of its success.
Output 1.1
An effective and participatory institutional framework for SAP implementation consolidated
and operational at both bi-national and national levels
92.
The SAP recognizes that the environmental protection is an integral part of the development process and
highlights that a bi-national perspective is required to address environmental issues and strengthen cooperation
and coordination mechanisms between both countries. Therefore, the SAP determined the need to support the
institutional and management structures of both countries.
93.
The RPMF is governed by the Treaty of the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front which defines both
the coastal areas and those under the exclusive jurisdiction of each riparian country and the Common Use
Waters and Common Fishing Zone. Under the aegis of the Treaty, two bi-national Commissions were created,
CARP and CTMFM which signed a Cooperation Joint Declaration in 1994 to better account for the dynamics of
the system and to coordinate environmental actions. This collaborative framework was consolidated during the
development of the initial FREPLATA Project which culminated on August 28, 2007 with the approval and
endorsement of the SAP by the CDC, national and local authorities and civil society from both countries.
Under the current proposal, CDC will be strengthened in order to:
Define both the specific requirements, as well as the gaps and jurisdictional overlaps, for promoting the
harmonization of the internal legislative and legal frameworks of both countries, building upon the analysis
of environmental regulations carried out in the FREPLATA TDA-SAP (linked to output 1.3).
Define the possibility of adopting technical protocols for Environmental Impact Studies, Strategic
Environmental Assessments and methodologies in order to develop Water Quality Objectives ("goals")
within the FREPLATA program, in order to evaluate issues related to transboundary pollution;
Continue supporting model for sediment transport developed in collaboration with the French Fund for the
Global Environment (FFEM) and define, in agreement with the relevant public-private stakeholders, the
terms for transferring the model to other initiatives. This information will contribute to generating a water
quality model for the RPMF, including both coastal areas and Common Use Waters. This model will be
incorporated into the water quality monitoring program (linked to output 4.1); and
Support the bi-national virtual node that will be established as part of the Integrated Information System, in
order to define contents at bi-national levels as well as the various access levels (linked to output 4.2).
94.
There is, however, recognition that in order to advance towards integrated management of the RPMF,
coastal zones and tributaries need to be taken into account. The SAP therefore refers to the "diversity of
jurisdictions involved" in addressing the RPMF's complex environmental issues, which range from national to
municipal levels, and encompass a suite of agencies with mandates over the definition, implementation and
enforcement of environmental norms and the use of the system's resources. Therefore the respective National/
Inter-sectoral Committees (NICs) will be formalized through the project, building upon existing inter-
ministerial and multi-disciplinary fora. These will coordinate actions and approaches at all government levels
(national, municipal, and city) as well as with various sectors in order to address specific land-based sources of
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pollution, particularly nutrients, POPs and other PTS. In Argentina, participation by the municipalities that have
been organized within the framework of the Integrated Coastal Plan of the Province of Buenos Aires will be
considered. The NIC will act as the Advisory Committee for NAP implementation.
95.
Finally, a bi-national Technical Advisory Group (TAG) will also be established. Such group will
bring together Technical practitioners and experts from different disciplines relevant to the project, drawn from
public organizations, private sector, universities, scientific and technical organizations, and NGOs from both
countries. This TAG will provide technical and scientific advice to the NICs, to the Steering Committee and to
the Regional Project Coordination Unit during project execution. It will also serve as a vehicle for strengthening
stakeholder participation in the project.
Output 1.2
Effective linkages between freshwater management and the coastal and marine environment
achieved to advance a bi-national management approach
96.
From a bi-national perspective, the project will seek to ensure effective linkages between freshwater
management and its impact on the coastal and marine environment in keeping with the Global Program for the
Prevention of Marine Pollution from Land-based sources. A platform for dialogue, visits, and exchange of
information with the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee of the Countries of the Plata Basin (CIC Plata)
will be generated. Consequently, close coordination with the UNEP/OAS GEF-funded project, Sustainable
Management of the Water Resources of the La Plata Basin with respect to the Effects of Climate Variability and
Change, will be advanced.
97.
To promote integrated management approaches at the La Plata Basin level, the project will strengthen
the groundwork laid by the FREPLATA program in terms of close collaboration with other projects in the
RPMF and adjacent areas with regards to issues related to pollution prevention/reduction.
98.
It is also proposed to lay the basis for coordination and resource mobilization mechanisms such as the
Strategic Partnerships, modeled on those developed under the auspices of other GEF initiatives associated to the
project objective. In addition, based on the IW:LEARN approaches, the exchange of experiences, including
project support for capacity building, will be promoted.
The project will participate in and contribute to,
IW:LEARN follow up activities, the knowledge exchange program of the GEF International Waters. There will
be participation (self-financed) in the bi-annual GEF IW Conferences (2009, 2011, 2013), "IW Experience
Notes" will be prepared that document important lessons and good practices, and contributions to various
IW:LEARN type regional knowledge and thematic exchanges, both virtually and in person. The project will
identify, analyze and share lessons learned that can benefit the design and implementation of similar future
projects. Moreover, as described below under Output 1.3, the FREPLATA project website will be updated,
making publicly available all project documents, contacts, links to partner and affiliated projects, and
information on project component activities.
Output 1.3
A comprehensive communications strategy enhances participation of major stakeholders
from both public and private sectors, in advancing project activities and SAP-NAP
implementation
99.
In order to effectively implement the SAP and associated NAPs, the project must actively involve all
stakeholders in the process. This participation will be achieved through an improved understanding of the
environmental services and goods of the RPMF and the actions and partnerships needed for its protection and
maintenance.
100.
Major project thematic thrusts such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Cleaner Production (CP)
schemes, require a robust communication and dissemination strategy that enables stakeholder groups to
understand pollution impacts at the RPMF level, including nutrients and hazardous substances, as well as
recovery measures that require their participation and commitment. Similarly, with regards to critical industrial
pollutants such as heavy metals, arsenic and cyanide, the cross fertilization of experiences in both countries on
innovative ways and programs to reduce this threat requires communication and dissemination. The strategy will
also therefore serve as a platform for the replication of the results of the pilots and demonstrative experiences
that this proposed Project will be implementing in terms of both PPPs and CP schemes.
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101.
The results of the pilot projects targeting the role of the region's wetlands in retaining pollutants from
land-based sources and maintaining the coastal ecosystems, will also be disseminated thus enhancing awareness
of the range of ecosystem services provided and therefore of associated conservation needs. In the two proposed
pilots in two important coastal wetlands of the RPMF, the participation of informed stakeholders is crucial for
their replication to wider areas and the attainment of their synergic benefits. Communication among
stakeholders in both countries involved in water quality monitoring is also crucial if the results of these activities
are to be integrated in a coherent form thus providing the basis for a sustainable integrated monitoring system
that would accrue bi-national benefits. Similarly, decision-makers need to understand both the scope and
objective of the project in order to engage in the development of the bi-national integrated information system
and ensure that it is responsive to specific management requirements. Both countries are also embarking on
important activities and initiatives as part of their NAPs, to which the proposed Project could provide a platform
for exchange of experiences and to identify opportunities for synergies.
102.
With regards to port and navigation activities, the FREPLATA Program supported the development of
Operational Procedures and Management Protocols for Effluents and Ships Waste which were adopted by the
National Port Administration of Uruguay. Both countries are undertaking there a suite of activities to address
environmental problems related to ports and navigation. These initiatives, on top of increasing maritime traffic
will create needs for improved communications and exchange of experience on a bi-national basis to minimize
externalities in the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front. Bi-national technical activities (i.e. encounters,
exchanges, workshops and training) between port authorities from both countries will be facilitated, in order to
advance on improvements in environmental management in keeping with the commitments assumed in the SAP
and international agreements such as MARPOL 73/78, related to ship waste management and water quality
monitoring in ports.
103.
In order to ensure informed stakeholder participation, the FREPLATA project website will be updated,
making publicly available all project documents, contacts, links to partner and affiliated projects, and
information on project component activities. Access to the Integrated Information System will be possible
through this portal (see Output 4.2).
104.
In summary, the project will develop a dynamic communication strategy to motivate and facilitate the
participation and contribution of key organizations of the civil society, the private sector and the different
jurisdictions (national, municipal, and city) in SAP and NAPs execution, by providing a coordination platform
for synergy of actions and fostering social capital.
Output 1.4
An inter-jurisdictional enabling environment for addressing pollution sources and
promoting environmental investments, developed
105.
Dialogue between national and local government levels will be promoted, in particular working through
the NICs at federal/national and provincial levels to empower the different jurisdictions given that more than
one level of government may be involved in decision-making and planning processes. Government agencies
with mandates in environment, economic and development planning and investment need to be engaged. In
some cases, more than one level of government may be involved in decisions about emission controls and
monitoring, definition of environmental standards, investments and private sector participation. In other cases, it
may be necessary for several municipalities to work jointly to engage private sector investment. Therefore
arrangements and mechanisms for addressing inter-jurisdictional issues need to be established. Moreover,
modalities for addressing multi-sectoral conflicts will also need to be set up. Effective responses to the multi-
sectoral challenges of addressing point and non-point pollution sources, including through advancing
environmental investments, requires appropriate institutional arrangements and policies as well as platforms for
dialogue between national and local levels40.
106.
A two-pronged strategy is proposed. In first place, the mandates of the several jurisdictions with NAP
responsibilities need to be reviewed to identify inter-jurisdictional barriers, gaps, and overlaps in terms of
monitoring and mitigation of pollution from land-based sources. Issues to be analyzed include: i) ensuring that
40 The TDA carried out by the FREPLATA program included a detailed analysis of the respective legal and institutional frameworks that
now needs to be furthered in order to assess specific requirements as well as jurisdictional gaps and overlaps that would constrain or
delay SAP implementation.
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responsibilities for emission control and monitoring of sources and receiving bodies are clearly assigned and
defined among jurisdictions ­ this will be complemented by carrying out competency profiles and targeted
capacity needs assessments; and ii) incorporating sanitation utilities in government planning models (this applies
only to Argentina). It will be necessary to consider modalities for strengthening the role of national
environmental organizations.
107.
Secondly, the diverse existing economic instruments and environmental policies and legal mechanisms
that provide an appropriate environment for private sector investments will be assessed, in order to ensure that
there is a solid foundation for PPPs and other potential investment arrangements. This will be linked to Outputs
2.1 and 2.2 given that the administrative arrangements of central and local governments regarding economic
development, investments and environmental management need to be straightforward. Clear lines of
responsibility regarding emission controls and monitoring, (sensible) environmental standards, and adequate
technical capability in particular for the consistent application of relevant regulations, stimulates investments in
the environment. Moreover, it is necessary to identify supporting policy frameworks and institutional
mechanisms to stimulate investment, facilitate issuance of permits and licenses, quality standards and
development of integrated management systems.
108.
The management responsibilities within the different jurisdictions represented in the NICs will
evaluated in order to identify inter-jurisdictional gaps, overlaps, duplications and barriers for effective SAP
implementation in terms of monitoring and mitigation of land-based pollution. Ongoing initiatives such as
ACUMAR and the Integrated Coastal Management Coordination Unit of the Province of Buenos Aires will be
reviewed in order to derive useful experiences and lessons that can be applied. Among the issues to be analysed
are: i) if responsibility for emissions control and sources, and monitoring of receiving bodies is assumed, how
can environmental externalities be addressed and not to passed on other jurisdictions; ii) how to incorporate
sectoral planning models into public sanitation companies; iii) how to enable the NICs to empower the diverse
jurisdictions; and iv) how to build up capacities and dialogue at a local government levels (provincial and
municipal). This mapping will define the capacity building needs and competency profiles required in the
various key institutions and jurisdictions, and will orient the activities to be executed under Output 2.1.
Output 1.5
Financial sustainability modalities defined and operational for continued implementation of
the project institutional framework and activities, especially the Monitoring and Evaluation
System and the Integrated Bi-national Information System
109.
The FREPLATA Project made important inroads for the establishment of a solid knowledge basis for
the RPMF and in advancing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration beyond the CDC. This has been reflected
in its most important products, the TDA, SAP and NAPs, and by the significant commitments made by both
countries for building on these achievements bi-nationally. The decision to focus the proposed Project on land-
based sources of pollution is an important step in this direction because it requires a firm and stable platform to
coordinate strategies and the approaches of analogous institutions (such as the environmental authorities) and
replicate activities in both countries at national and local levels. Although this was started by the initial
FREPLATA program, its consolidation and institutionalization will be carried out by the proposed Project, as
described in the previous four outputs.
110.
An objective of this second stage will be to ensure that the institutional framework and the mechanisms
and instruments developed are financially sustainable. Therefore, an analysis to identify, analyze and propose
alternatives which can be agreed upon and applied to achieve financial sustainability at the end of the project
will be advanced. Given that a central tenet of the Project strategy is the gradual transfer and institutionalization
of project activities in national and municipal agencies, this analysis will focus on the requirements to
internalize the operational costs of this institutional framework as well as for monitoring and evaluation. There
will be an important link between this exercise and Output 2.2 to define financial sustainability modalities with
participation of PPP mechanisms.
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OUTCOME 2 ENHANCED CAPACITIES AND TOOLS TO PREVENT AND MITIGATE POLLUTION PROMOTE
GREATER COLLABORATION BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, SPECIALLY AT
PROVINCIAL AND MUNICIPAL LEVELS
111.
As proposed in the SAP, both countries committed to strengthening capacities, regulatory frameworks
and mechanisms at all relevant levels to advance coordinated and comprehensive management approaches to
address point and diffuse pollution sources. One of the key findings of the TDA was that high concentrations of
nutrients, heavy metals and other PTSs from land-based sources were having a detrimental effect on the RPMF.
It concluded that unless addressed, the magnitude of these impacts will increase over time. Consequently, in
order to reduce this impact there is an urgent need to develop and implement mechanisms to ensure the
enforcement of existing strategies and policies to improve prevention and control of negative environmental
impacts caused by coastal activities.
112.
In order to achieve the effective prevention and control of the plurality of pollution land-based sources,
more than one governmental level must be involved in decisions on emission controls and monitoring, definition
of environmental standards, investments and private sector participation. In many cases, as noted above it may
be necessary for several municipalities work jointly to engage private sector investments and incorporate
sectoral planning patterns which avoid transferring environmental externalities to other jurisdictions.
113.
Local governments face more directly the demands of the different sectors from the civil society in the
territory. Also the arrangements and mechanisms to address inter-jurisdictional issues affecting these local
governments must be established. On the other hand, it will also be needed to establish the modalities to deal
with multi-sectoral conflicts and negotiations on a pre-active base required that promote common benefit to
overcome conflicts, which can demand interventions of more than a governmental level.
Output 2.1
Improved coordination and capacities at local levels contribute to effective prevention and
control of pollution in the Project area
114.
The effective response to the multi-sectoral challenges of addressing point and diffuse pollution sources
requires specific capacities, institutional coordination and appropriate policies among national and local levels.
In both countries, although legal frameworks for prevention and control of pollution sources exist, regulation,
application and implementation needs to be strengthened. Local governments (municipalities) are often those
with lesser institutional capacity to address the enforcement and monitoring of relevant norms.
115.
The overarching aim is to develop an integrated system with a management approach focused at bi-
national and/or coastal zone levels that could, in the future, even be extended to the local tributary basins of the
RPMF. In both countries mechanisms and opportunities for exchange of information, knowledge, and
experience among municipalities will be promoted, given that some have greater installed capacities for
preventing and monitoring pollution. Based on the inter-jurisdictional mapping exercise undertaken in Output
1.4., capacities for environmental quality control will be strengthened. These will include routine prevention and
control activities as well as skill sets for identification of emerging pollution hot spots and environmental
emergencies, development of early warning mechanisms, and preemptive identification of conflicts in order to
develop appropriate responses. This will contribute to the harmonization of criteria and management standards,
such as of analytical and methodological criteria thereby enabling both countries to advance towards integrated
approaches for management and control of pollution sources. Both countries have underlined that this project
should provide a platform for systematic exchange and coordination of experiences, and therefore bi-nationally
coordinated fora for inter-institutional technical exchanges will be established (see also Output 2.3).
116.
In addition to this, in Argentina an Inter-jurisdictional Commission (Table) of Municipalities will be
established to promote the implementation of a coordinated integrated system for pollution prevention and
control that provides for the definition of harmonized administrative technical tools and normative frameworks
for the RPFM's coastal area. Given the Argentine federal administrative structure, institutional capacities at
local level for the regulation of norms to prevent and control pollution sources need to be improved. Moreover,
normative instruments and parameters for water quality and effluents at municipal level will need to be
harmonized in keeping with Art. 41 of the National Constitution, the Framework Environment Law, Law
Number 25688 which establishes a Regime for Environmental Management of Water Resources and others.
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Capacity development will focus on reinforcing local management skills in order to develop complementary
regulations in accordance with the Framework Environment Law. The Coastal Marine Network of
Municipalities which was recently developed in Argentina, composed of local governments and coordinated by
the Province of Buenos Aires will provide a solid basis for these efforts, as will the RIIGLO developed bi-
nationally for coastal monitoring during the first stage of the FREPLATA program (See Output 2.4).
117.
In Uruguay, under a centralized administration scheme, the MVOTMA has the administrative
responsibility for environmental control at a national level, as well as for the definition of land use and water
policies. The present tendency of the administration is towards the decentralization of functions regarding
environmental quality control. According to the normative regarding the Decentralization Regional Plan41, the
Government of Uruguay aims to strengthen capacities at departmental levels for exercising hygienic and
sanitary vigilance and control of waste water, from both domestic and industrial sources. The Environmental
Quality Directorate of DINAMA supports departmental governments in the generation of information on
pollution sources and loads, which is then taken up and analyzed at national level. However, under the
decentralization process, the Departments will assume greater responsibility for environmental quality control.
Currently, capacities are quite uneven between the various coastal Departments (Intendencias) and there is a
need to enhance competency profiles and skill sets. Moreover, there are opportunities for synergies, given that
Montevideo Department and the Agenda Metropolitana Program which includes the departments of
Montevideo, Canelones and San José have stronger installed capacities. In addition, the project will assist in
establishing the normative and functional linkages between the decentralization process and the National
Directive for Coastal Zone Use in Uruguay. This directive, although already under implementation, needs to be
further developed from a regulatory standpoint in order to broaden its current emphasis on territorial systems
and provide specific inclusion of the coastal interface. Furthermore, enhanced inter-municipal coordination is
required to support implementation of this Directive in terms of achieving concrete actions to prevent coastal
pollution. These actions include, as detailed under the Output 2.4, the identification of emerging pollution hot
spots resulting from undeclared effluent discharges and subsequent adoption of corrective measures in
coordination with the MVOTMA, either through more rigorous enforcement of existing norms or through
application of innovative approaches such as PPP.
118.
In addition, for the effective operation of the Integrated Information System (Output 4.2) efficient
coordination needs to be achieved between MVOTMA as the leading national inter-jurisdictional entity and the
Departments (Intendencias), in terms of operational and methodological aspects linked to environmental quality
control and for information processing. For MVOTMA this requires greater capacity for effectively processing,
evaluating and integrating environmental information generated by the municipalities. At municipal level and
linked to Output 4,1, their operational and analytical capacity for monitoring environmental parameters for
enforcement of existing norms, as well as for generating and processing environmental information in a
standardized manner, needs to be improved. Therefore, among the capacity building activities, special emphasis
will be assigned to: a) training municipal staff in tasks related to environmental quality control, including water
quality monitoring, through the exchange of experiences and/or training of trainers; and b) harmonizing work of
laboratories in coastal municipalities to ensure comparable results in environmental quality control activities and
samples analysis.
Output 2.2
Capacity Development at local levels to reduce and control pollution sources through PPP
119.
Addressing environmental externalities including pollution and resource degradation is often
constrained by the lack of institutional capacities and of an enabling regulatory environment, especially at the
local level. Therefore, the involvement and commitment of the private sector through collaborative approaches
to assist and complement public sector's role is a key component of effective responses to environmental
challenges.
120.
Among the range of alternatives for building investment relationships with the private sector, Public-
Private Partnerships (PPP) offer a solid platform for addressing needs at local levels given that they provide a
framework for collaborative investment opportunities with a view to generating mutual benefits that are
responsive to the unique technical, institutional, financial and economic conditions of municipalities.
41 Law Nº 17 283 and Law 18 308
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121.
To make these types of partnership be sustainable and address local environmental challenges, the
capacities of the various partners involved have to be developed to enable an adequate regulatory framework
and specific technical, political and social responses that ensure adequate prevention and mitigation of the
problems.
122.
This Product seeks to assist the public sector, particularly local actors of both countries, in addressing
pollution problems through innovative, effective and sustainable Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).
123.
In order to accomplish this, a three-pronged approach is proposed:
124.
Enabling Environment
In this context and as part of the overall strategy of the project, especially
activities outlined under Output 1.3., efforts will be focused mainly in the promotion of a conducive and uniform
bi-national framework that enables the recognition and establishment of PPP at the municipal level, as an
instrument for environmental protection from a multi-stakeholder perspective.
125.
This form of cooperative relationship requires continuous awareness raising and consensus building to
ensure that local government and potential stakeholders understand the mechanisms and benefits of PPP
arrangements The skills and financial resources of the private sector need to be engaged and the establishment
of an enabling environment that promotes multi-stakeholders' participation supported.
126.
Under this Output, the project will provide support to a range of initiatives that encompass partnership
agreements between the public and private sectors as well as support to advance towards concrete investments in
Cleaner Production. The purpose of these partnerships is to generate win-win opportunities to develop
investments that respond to local needs and strengthen inclusive participation at local level.
127.
Special emphasis will be given to the establishment of incentives to industries in the locality, as a way
to stimulate their involvement in introducing cleaner production practices. Such incentives will contribute to the
promotion of partnerships between small and intermediate formal and informal industries, taking into account
their lack of technical and financial capacities to introduce appropriate cleaner production technologies.
128.
Additionally, it is also necessary to strengthen cooperation between the productive sector and science
and technology agencies, both for the evaluating the adoption of appropriate technologies, and also to measure
and analyze the linkages between competitiveness and sustainable production.
129.
These activities will be supported by a PPP Working Group composed of national experts and the
Project PPP Adviser. The PPP program will promote the creation and/or strengthening multi-sectoral Advisory
Councils or their equivalent as well as Local Advisory Councils composed of local governments, private sector
and civil society to examine, plan and mobilize new and additional resources focused on pollution reduction and
prevention. These Local Advisory Councils will be municipal versions of the NICs. These platforms will enable
local authorities, local industries, private sector and civil society groups to discuss local actors' roles and
responsibilities in achieving sustainable environmental management as well as in defining priority
environmental concerns. This process will assist in transferring to local levels the strategies that the NICs
promote at national levels in the respective NAPs. The first set of activities will focus on generating awareness
and understanding of the PPP program by key actors as a basis for consensus building and development of
agreements between stakeholders regarding the elaboration of an inclusive PPP framework.
130.
Capacity development. In order to identify the capacity needs of different actors (municipalities and
formal/informal industries) a capacity assessment exercise will be carried out and will contribute to the design of
a capacity development response with a focus on:
Support capacity development for local governments to develop adequate policies and set up instruments to
facilitate PPPs;
Support capacity for engagement modalities between public and private sector, and between formal and
informal industries. This could be promoted by government as part of an incentives package for private
investment in cleaner production; and,
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During this stage, industry organizations' (Chambers) capacities will be strengthened in order to promote
the introduction of Cleaner Production technologies, and to qualify them as capacity development suppliers
and coaches for small informal industries.
131.
In addition to this, municipal capacities will be strengthened in order to:
Enable them to have a strategic and practical understanding of the operating context of problems to be
addressed, including the implications and limitations of political and economic contexts, and legal and
administrative frameworks at national and provincial level; it will be particularly important that the
municipalities develop an understanding of the regulations affecting PPPs at local level, including
incentives for private sector and for involving small scale suppliers or producers;
Reach a strategic evaluation of possible PPP options, based on the issue to be addressed as priority and
clear understanding of the benefits and opportunities offered by PPPs. Similarly, municipal actors must
have a basic knowledge of the possible investment options as well as of private sector financial
arrangements such as rates of return, financial viability, debt servicing and the financial conditions
necessary for investment;
Analyze and develop strategic responses based on a clear perception of available and required information,
through effective participative processes with stakeholders. Capacities for determining whether PPP
arrangements offer appropriate responses to address a given issue and the type of partnerships suitable for
the local context; and,
Implement transparent bidding and selection processes, management of PPP legal and contractual aspects,
and participation in negotiation processes.
132.
Additionally, the project will support a limited number of pre-feasibility studies based on a demand
analysis grounded on existing information. Investment Opportunities Reports will be elaborated (Opportunity
Briefs) which will be disseminated through national and international networks in order to identify possible
investors. Round Tables will be formed to guide the development of a potential project Portfolio and will
support the identification of investors for the selected proposals. If judged advisable and based on the proposals'
profiles, an external investors and/or donors' round table will be held.
133.
The convenience of establishing a regional network of potential partners for PPPs will also be explored.
The investors' selection process will include the evaluation of the existing regulations and the identification of
possible economic and social impacts of the investment. This process will make use of other projects'
experience in PPPs development, including the PEMSEA GEF project.
134.
Support participation of civil society. The program will be implemented in Rio de la Plata and its
Maritime Front (RPMF) municipalities taking into account actors within civil society in the region. The project
will aim to promote civil society's engagement as part of the PPP giving it an active role in awareness raising
and oversight roles in pollution reduction and prevention initiatives. To this respect, activities involving civil
society will be focused on:
135.
Social awareness raising and environmental education activities in partnership with local governments
and other Non State Actors (private sector, NGOs, CBOs) to promote social environmental awareness and the
introduction of environmentally responsible practices at the community level.
136.
Promoting inclusive project formulation through civil society involvement as public watchers in relation
to industries compliance with regulations on Clean Production. To this extent, civil society will be a
participating member of the multi-sectoral Advisory Councils and Local Advisory Councils to be established.
These will be a key stakeholder's forum to review the potential investments and associated socio-economic and
environmental considerations, to develop capacities for analysis of investment opportunities, for selection of the
most appropriate investment options, and for generating ownership and trust in cooperative partnership
agreements.
137.
Besides these three areas of intervention, the PPP component of the project will have a dedicated link on
the Project Web site where information will be provided regarding the overall process, training events, proposals
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and agreements. It will serve as a mechanism to disseminate lessons learned, the initiative itself and ensuring
transparency and effectiveness in decision-making. It will also be a tool for identifying new PPP opportunities
and to start building cooperative networks among stakeholders.
138.
This process should ensure the sustainability of the PPP participatory process and enhance overall social
responsibility to generate more effective initiatives that are responsive to local context and conditions. It will be
underpinned by broader skill sets among local stakeholders and an adequate operating context at local levels.
Output 2.3
New approaches to Cleaner Production within the framework of the Buenos Aires Produces
More Cleanly Program enable the participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
139.
Argentina has made good progress in federal and sub-national Cleaner Production programs, but the
achievements in terms of Private-Public Partnerships have been more limited. Although a National Cleaner
Production Plan exists as do other plans to promote reduction of industrial pollution, innovative approaches for
inclusion of the private sector as a partner in the sustainable development of the RPMF still need to be
developed. Therefore, the government of Argentina is interested in strengthening the development PPP
agreements within the framework of the Federal Program of Cleaner Production and the Buenos Aires Produces
more Cleanly Plan given that the majority of industries in the RPMF are concentrated in the Metropolitan Area
of Buenos Aires. PPP agreements will be developed that focus especially on supporting cleaner production
practices in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the City of Buenos Aires and adjacent areas, which
will constitute an innovatory experience with replication potential in both countries. It is recognized that for
small and medium enterprises to be able to adopt practices and technologies for the efficient use of raw
materials and supplies and the reduction of waste generation, many require additional support as well as tools
and financing.
140.
Within industrial sectors, the treatment of surfaces (electroplating) is the one that uses the most
dangerous and hazardous raw materials (including cyanide and heavy metals such as chromium, nickel, zinc and
cadmium). Most of these industries operate within the City of Buenos Aires and discharge their effluents into
the Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin and directly into the Rio de la Plata. To date, efforts to improve these
productive practices have focused end-of-pipe treatments, and there is no awareness of the benefits and
opportunities that the Cleaner Production approaches could contribute to this sector. It is underlined that this
sector is characterized by notable levels of informality which generate specific challenges for incorporating it
into Cleaner Production schemes. Moreover, given the complexity and costs of treatment cost, in addition to
problems related to physical space and final disposition of wastes, this sector ­and in particular less formalized
companies, require additional support.
141.
Through this Output, strategic alliances between the respective chambers of industries, the authorities of
the City of Buenos Aires, the SAyDS, companies, NGOs and the Technological Centre for Sustainability of the
UTN will be established to promote industrial reconversion. This will include exchanges and formulation of
legal frameworks for regulating issues related to Cleaner Production schemes, including adjustment of this
framework to the new principles of the Framework Environment and Cleaner Production Law. In the context of
this collaboration between public and private sectors, instruments and incentives to encourage Sustainable
Production and Consumption will be developed and agreed to. Similarly, linkages and cooperation between the
productive sector and science and technology organizations will be strengthened in order to further Cleaner
Production activities.
142.
Sectoral environmental diagnostic analysis will be carried out within the framework of specific
agreements to determine priorities for each sector, starting with the electroplating sector, for the application of
Cleaner Production schemes. Sectoral sustainability indicators will be agreed in a participatory manner. In
parallel, communication and information instruments and mechanisms on Cleaner Production will be created, in
order to generate greater awareness in the industry about environmental impacts of activities and the cost-
effective opportunities that Cleaner Production offers. Based on the diagnostic analysis, capacity gaps for
furthering Cleaner Production goals will be identified. A determined number of companies will be supported in
the preparation of their cleaner production plans, with the participation of universities, research centers and
NGOs. These informal enterprises will receive technical back-stopping and economic support through specific
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instruments such as non-refundable grants (ANR). These grants co-finance projects for technological innovation
undertaken by micro enterprises and SMEs.
A suite of activities will be undertaken that include: i)
characterization of the suite of industries in the sector (metal plating) in the city of Buenos Aires; ii) definition
of the pollutant loads it discharges to the Rio de la Plata; iii) outreach on Cleaner Production for stakeholders in
the sector; iv) training in Cleaner Production tools for the sector, v) exchanges between stakeholders at all
levels; and vi) establishment of a group of experts to provide support to key stakeholders.
143.
Finally, the systematization of experiences will be undertaken in order to provide for exchange of
experiences, particularly to Uruguay, where the development of these practices is not as consolidated although a
National Cleaner Production Board exists. Moreover, Uruguay also has many sectors that have significant
participation of more informal enterprises, so this experience is particularly relevant. As detailed in Output 2.1,
this project will provide a platform for systematic exchange and coordination of experiences, and therefore bi-
nationally coordinated fora for inter-institutional technical exchanges will be established. The countries will
develop permanent exchanges of PPP experiences. Key actors in Uruguay will benefit from the Argentine
experience in the implementation of cleaner production and PPP practices constituting an opportunity for south-
south cooperation within the project framework.
Output 2.4
Strengthening of RIIGLO and other Coastal-Marine Networks
144.
Under this Output, a number of existing successful initiatives that are currently operating in the RPMF
will be strengthened and adapted.
145.
During the first phase of the FREPLATA program, a bi-national network of local governments was
formed with three main goals: i) to undertake systematic and coordinated monitoring of water quality in coastal
areas of the Rio de la Plata; ii) to establish an Information Exchange Network of Local Governments (RIIGLO
as per the Spanish acronym), and iii) to carry out specific actions to systematize, review and analyze the
information generated by the simultaneous samplings as a basis for a water quality monitoring of program.
Currently, this bi-national network is integrated by 16 municipalities or "local governments" (11 from Argentina
and 4 from Uruguay) and since its creation in 2004, other institutional actors including the OPDS and the Water
Authority of the Government of the Province of Buenos Aires, the Argentinean Naval Prefecture, and Argentine
Water and Sanitation (AySA) (Figure 2.1), have become partners. In addition to having carried out 20 bi-
national or joint water quality samplings to date, the RIIGLO has a shared data base and has had several
preliminary experiences on standardization of samples, chemical analyzes and transference of technology (for
example, use of kits to determine the presence of cyanotoxins).
146.
To date, RIIGLO is the only bi-national initiative for water quality control in the Rio de la Plata and the
information obtained has proven useful for decision-taking by local governments - for example for evaluating if
a given coastal area is suitable or not for recreational use by direct contact.
Figure 2.1 Assessment of the water quality in the Río de la Plata Coastal Zone: RIIGLO monitoring stations network.
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147.
Regarding the evaluation of the presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), RIIGLO has a specific
component on this which has been upscaled, within the framework of the Coastal Strategic Plan, by the OPSD
of the Province of Buenos Aires. Currently this Monitoring Network for Freshwater and Marine Harmful Algal
Blooms covers the entire coast of the Province of Buenos Aires (Figure 2.2). This network also involves those
municipalities located in the coast of the Paraná de las Palmas and some municipalities that are not part of
RIIGLO. In Uruguay, RIIGLO does not have a mechanism for monitoring HABs. This would be undertaken
with the support of LATU for quantification of cyanobacteria, together with analysis of phytoplankton and of
toxins (saxytoxin and microcystine-LR) in order to track HABs both in fresh and marine waters along the coast
of Uruguay.
148.
Figure 2.2 Assessment of Freshwater and Marine Harmful Algal Blooms in the RPMF, Province of Buenos Aires
Monitoring Stations Network.
149.
However, despite local governments' (municipalities, Province of Buenos Aires and the City of Buenos
Aires) support, these important achievements of the FREPLATA Program must still be consolidated to ensure
their sustainability as well as to incorporate them into the bi-national monitoring program that the current
proposal seeks to establish (see Output 4.1). During the preparatory phase of this project, a detailed survey of
the participant municipalities and the OPDS was carried out. It was determined that in order to provide for long
term sustainability the RIIGLO the following activities need to be undertaken:
i)
Maintain the RIIGLO bi-national working group which integrates coastal municipalities of the RPMF,
AySA, OPDS and others, created by the initial FREPLATA project operational, and incorporate national
43

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environmental authorities. This group will be supported by experts in institutional arrangements for
environmental cooperation and management.
ii)
Define unified water criteria at bi-national level with regards to cyanotoxin levels in water and number of
cyanobacteria cells, as well as for quality criteria to be used as bi-national references for processing relevant
survey data (lined to Output 4.1);
iii) Prepare, on the basis of the information from the 20 national surveys carried out between 2004 and 2009 a
final integrated analysis that also proposes bi-national water quality criteria.
iv) Formalize and include in the municipal governments' agenda through the requisite cooperation agreement,
the existing collaboration and coordination mechanisms among the municipalities that are part of the network
and non-municipal entities (ex.: Provincial Organism for Sustainable Development-POSD, Argentine Water and
Sanitation-AySA,
National Directorate for the Environment-DINAMA, Secretariat of Environment and
Sustainable Development-SAyDS, and LATU);
v)
Undertake at least 4 bi-national annual RIIGLO surveys each year (Figure 2.1) encompassing the water
quality parameters proposed to date (nutrients, physical-chemical, bacteriological, cyanobacterial, VOC, SOC)
The analysis and sampling will be co-financed by the municipalities, AySA, PODS and ADA.
vi) Undertake at least 4 surveys per year in the framework of the provincial network on HABS (figure XX) for
freshwater and marine, carried out by POSD (Figure 2.2).
vii) Develop, based on existing experiences to date in the region, an early warning system based on water
discoloration, so that communities are warned of impending danger, by means of, for example, visual
monitoring of harmful algal blooms and tracking of chlorophyll concentrations based on temperature, turbidity
and salinity, throughout the summer season.
viii) Validate, through laboratory tests already identified, the ELISA method for determination of presence of
microcystine LR (see Annex X). Once validated, this will be included in the RIIGLO monitoring activities on
both sides of the RPMF.
ix) Strengthen capacities for: a) standardization of sampling and chemical analysis; b) transfer of the ELISA
method for determining presence of microcystine LR; and c) implmenting quality control methods.
x)
Develop, jointly with Output 4.2 (IBIS), tools for systematizing and managing on line the information
generated to date within the RIIGLO and the Provincial Network for Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms (data
bases, satellite maps and images, spatial analysis tools).
OUTCOME 3 A SUITE OF PILOT ACTIVITIES THAT CONTRIBUTE IN A MEASURABLE WAY TO THE
REDUCTION OF PRIORITY POLLUTANTS ARE IMPLEMENTED
150.
Critical to any GEF intervention is the implementation of tangible, on-the-ground activities that deliver
measurable results and lay the basis for upscaling responses to priority problems. A suite of pilots will reduce
point and non-point transboundary pollution, addressing nutrients, heavy metals and POPs, and thereby develop
options for improving the system's health and delivering global benefits. These will strengthen capacities at
local levels (municipalities and provincial) in order to effectively monitor, control and reduce pollution sources.
Experience and expertise in this matter is uneven, and there are significant opportunities for cross-fertilization
between the two countries to develop tailored management approaches for critical pollution sources.
151.
Experiences in developing targeted on-the-ground responses to pollution issues, contextualized to local
realities and requirements will be generated, bolstered by structured exchanges of approaches and lessons
learned among all stakeholders involved. This will include updating the advances made by the TDA on
identification and characterization of the main pollution sources (agricultural, industrial and municipal waste
waters) and quantification of pollution loads in critical areas. The three pilot projects have been selected in order
to generate a range of experiences for addressing both point and non-point sources of land-based pollution and
pollutants ranging from nutrients to POPs and heavy metals.
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152.
In order to reduce non-compliance of norms for wastewater discharges by SMEs and by informal
activities within critical industrial sectors located in basins that suffer severe pollution problems, pilot
approaches will be adapted and applied. Although there are regulations to control pollution discharges, these
nevertheless are often made directly into the sewer system in the case of informal SMEs, draining untreated
loads of chromium, lead, arsenic and other pollutants into the RPMF. The CP pilot project in Uruguay will work
with SMEs - which have the highest non-compliance records, through innovative, participatory approaches that
will reduce non-compliance and hence pollution to the RPMF. Both the sector, and in particular informal SMEs,
will be assisted in the adoption of CP processes, in association with the relevant authorities and respective
Chambers of Industry which have shown interest in promoting PPP approaches. The best estimate of pollution
loads and characterization (eg chromium, lead, arsenic, etc.) (concentrations or volumes) discharged by
industries will be made, as well as an estimate of violations of effluent disposal norm in order to determine over
the medium to long term the pilot project achievements (either directly or indirectly when the PPP and CP
approaches are replicated and applied to the other industries in that sector or to other polluting industries).
153.
Given that the original FREPLATA project and the SAP include both pollution control and reduction
objectives as well as biodiversity conservation goals, two initiatives will be undertaken, one in each country, in
important wetland areas: one in the Santa Lucia Wetland in the border of the Montevideo Department of
Uruguay and one in the Samborombón Bay wetland (a Ramsar site) bordering an eponymous bay in Argentina.
These will explore different requirements for recovering and preserving critical coastal/marine habitats
(wetlands) that have vital nutrient and pollutant filtration capacities and are, moreover, important in the life
cycles of globally important biodiversity such as migratory birds and important species of fishes and
crustaceans. Moreover, these wetlands have been considered to be the most vulnerable areas to climate change
impacts within the proposed Project area (see Part I section on climate change). These projects are fully
incremental and will assist both countries to strengthen regional approaches to integrated environmental
management of the RPMF.
154.
The project will ensure that there are full synergies between the two wetland project pilots, and will
follow up with the identification of opportunities for replication in the region. Additionally, the possibility of
applying methodologies developed through the wetland pilots to address point pollution from industrial sources,
such as for example the tannery sector, will be explored.
Output 3.1
Development of artificial wetlands in the Samborombón Bay Wetland supports the prevention
and reduction of point pollution
155.
This wetland, one of the priority areas for biodiversity conservation in the country and a Ramsar site,
contains critical habitats including pastures, tidal channels, natural grasslands, estuaries, and dunes. It is
inhabited by key invertebrate species of the Pampean ecoregion, as well as endangered mammals such as the
Pampas deer, and is important for migratory species. It comprises protected areas under different management
categories, jurisdictions and administrative regimes. The three main urban concentrations near the wetland are
General Conesa, General Lavalle, and San Clemente del Tuyú. The environmental dimension is associated to the
morphological, chemical and biological characteristics of the area which presents the largest dendrite network of
tidal channels and estuaries not yet affected by human activities. The presence of heavy metals in the wetland
water and sediments, as well as high concentrations of nutrients in the tributaries, has been determined. The
large number of lotic and lentic systems in the area are important for channeling water from the mainland to the
Bay, so that the quality of this water is essential to reducing pollution in the coastal zone and the fluvial-marine
environment, which are endangered by increased nutrient inflow.
156.
The initial FREPLATA program contributed to the establishment of the Argentinean RPMF
Biodiversity Strategy and the Buenos Aires Province Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, a participative
process that culminated in their approval by the respective authorities. The pilot project in the Samborombón
wetland area, selected after a comparative review and analysis of the 17 Protected Areas in the Province of
Buenos Aires, will build upon these achievements through a measurable on-the-ground activity with high
replication potential. The pilot project will make use of an artificial wetland to apply biotechnology to treat the
untreated or partially treated effluent from the wastewater treatment plant of the coastal town of San Clemente,
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generated by seasonal population increases from the tourism industry, and reduce the stress on the natural
wetland. As described in the pilot project document, one of the activities to be developed will be the selection
of the type of artificial wetland to be created, either a wetland with free flow or surface flow or a wetland with
sub-surface flow based on the detailed technical guidance therein provided.
157.
The potential replication of the pilot project will be determined, characterized and quantified, to be used
as the medium and long-term target effect (Figure 2.3). A link will be made to the protected areas management
plans already existing in the various jurisdictions within the area, considering the cross-cutting target of
pollution prevention by conserving the ecological functions of the wetland, their dynamics and biodiversity, in
line with their carrying capacity. To assess the impacts of the pilot project activities, a water quality monitoring
program for the discharge area will be implemented. This monitoring program will be integrated to the
monitoring program of the proposed Project (see output 4).
158.
The first step in this pilot will be the identification and analysis of the major stakeholders and the
formation of a stakeholder working group that will intervene in the final design, tendering, construction,
monitoring and dissemination of results. Additional data collection of the sewage treatment plant outflow will be
collected and analyzed to update the baseline and to select the macrophytes to be used in the final design of the
artificial wetland, whose construction will be tendered. Special attention will be given to the expected effects of
climate change on the Samborombón wetland that have been identified (see paragraphs on climate change in
Part 1, Section 1) in order to include the necessary adaptation measures in the design (location of works,
expected water levels and water quality changes due to sea level increase, etc.). Simultaneously during the
construction, the system operators will be selected and their training initiated. The training will continue on-site
once the construction of the artificial wetland is finalized and placed in operation. Sampling of the quality of
both inflows and outflows of the artificial wetland will be made, as well as monitoring of the water quality in the
areas of discharge and other nearby areas that could be affected by the operation of the artificial wetland. Near
the completion of the first and second years of continuous operation and monitoring, the results will be
synthesized, analyzed and evaluated and adjustments in operational procedures will be made. At the end of this
two-year period of continuous operation and monitoring, a report for dissemination of results will be prepared
which will include recommendations and a plan for replicating the experience in other selected coastal small
municipalities in the Samborombón Bay nearby areas as well as in selected small municipalities in the
Uruguayan coast located far from the Montevideo area.
159.
Concurrently, joint meetings with the stakeholders (Federal, Provincial and Municipal) involved in the
management of protected areas existing in the area, as well as interested and intervening NGOs and other civil
society organizations will be held, to exchange information and analyze all protected areas management plans,
as a basis for developing an integrated Framework Plan linked to the objectives of the pilot project of pollution
prevention by conserving the ecological functions of the Samborombón wetland, according to its carrying
capacity and taking into consideration the expected effects of climate change in the area. A draft of the Macro
Plan will be made and discussed with the stakeholders to reach consensus. Adjustments will then be made to the
draft and the final Plan will be finished and presented to the proper authorities for their approval and
implementation.
Output 3.2
Governance and integrated management of Santa Lucia Wetlands contribute to the
prevention and the effective reduction of diffuse pollution in the coastal areas of the Rio de la
Plata
160.
In Uruguay, the Santa Lucía River wetland (STW) in the lower watershed, is one of the largest wetland
system in the country (approximately 22,500 ha), and is located in the departments of Montevideo, Canelones
and San José. The Aguas Corrientes dam is located on this river, which provides the drinking water for over
than half of the country's population, serving Montevideo and its metropolitan area. From an ecological
perspective it is important as it is part of the RPMF priority areas of concern regarding pollution identified by
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the FREPLATA TDA (the so-called core areas contributing to the Rio de la Plata "Turbidity Front"42), and has
been designated as an important bird conservation area due to the high concentration of globally threatened birds
that makes use of the different environments of the system43. Moreover, in the RPFM several aquatic species
under different levels of threat worldwide inhabit the area either permanently or on a transitory basis. The list
includes 19 seabirds, 5 freshwater birds (closely linked to the coastal zone), 13 marine mammals, 4 sea turtles,
22 sharks and rays, and 5 fish species44.
161.
Proximity to Montevideo entails a high risk of degradation of the area. Currently there are
slaughterhouses, dairy processing plants, tanneries, fertilizers plants, and wool washing plants, among others, in
the area. Ninety percent of the industries of the Department of Canelones drain directly into watercourses of the
basin. The Rio Santa Lucia is significantly altered by three dams (Aguas Corrientes, Canelones Grande, and
Paso Severino). There is also major farming activity (which supplies Montevideo with vegetables and fruits),
with significant use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers (it is estimated that some 19,200 ha or 30% of the
total area is farmed). It is estimated that agriculture and livestock activities through pesticides and fertilizers and
cattle refuse, contribute 80% of the total nitrogen load into the wetland area45. The total nitrogen discharged into
the SLW has been estimated in 34.6 ton/day, 6% of which is of domestic origin (2.06 ton/day), 4% from
industrial origin (1.4 ton/day), and 90% from non-point agricultural origin (31.14 ton/day)46. Since the retention
capacity of the SLW was estimated at 60%47 (21.8 ton/day; 3.4 from domestic and industrial sources and 18.34
from non-point agricultural activities) and using the above data, nearly 40% (12.8 ton/day) of the present-day
non-point nitrogen pollution would need to be prevented from entering the SLW so as to not exceed its retention
capacity. Over the past years the government of Uruguay has been implementing a suite of measures to respond
to the growing population of Montevideo which include stricter controls on industrial discharges. Since 2003 the
Government has been supported by JICA in the development of water management capacities in Montevideo.
Currently, in a second phase, JICA is strengthening the capacity of DINAMA and other institutions for
management of water quality of the Santa Lucia basin, which constitutes a strong baseline upon which the
proposed pilot will build.
162.
A Management Plan is under development for the SLW, but it is more conservation focused and does
not incorporate activities for reducing pollution loads draining into the system. Therefore, this pilot will
undertake six demonstration exercises to generate incentives, working with public sector authorities, for
producers to adopt more sustainable practices. These experiences will provide concrete mechanisms and lessons
that will enable the Management plan to include components for effectively addressing pollution issues in the
wetland's buffer areas. Thus, these demonstration exercises will enable stakeholder to define stress reduction
opportunities in keeping with the retention capacity of the wetland for BOD5, agrochemicals, PTS, nutrients
(nitrogen and phosphorus) from agricultural and dairy activities in its periphery. Four demonstrations on
sustainable production of fruits and vegetables will be implemented, aimed at reducing the organic loads
discharged to the SLW tributaries, using approaches such as adoption of organic production systems, and)
restoration of native grasslands and riparian forests that act as traps for nutrients, reducing discharges to water
bodies. Two components on sustainable dairy production in cooperatives or producer associations will be
implemented in selected micro-basins, focused on reducing organic pollution associated with wastewater from
milk drums, which are discharged to the tributaries of the HSL. Two technological packages for the treatment of
effluent drums will be tested: i) treatment by oxidation basins and septic tanks, and ii) treatment by artificial
42 FREPLATA (2005): Análisis Diagnóstico Transfronterizo del Río de la Plata y su Frente Marítimo. Documento Técnico. Proyecto
Protección Ambiental del Río de la Plata y su Frente Marítimo. Proyecto PNUD/GEF/RLA/99/G31.
43 Aves Uruguay/BirdLife International (2007): Programa Áreas de Importancia para la Conservación de las Aves (AICAs). Progress
report.
44 FREPLATA (2005): Análisis Diagnóstico Transfronterizo del Río de la Plata y su Frente Marítimo. Documento Técnico. Proyecto
Protección Ambiental del Río de la Plata y su Frente Marítimo. Proyecto PNUD/GEF/RLA/99/G31, p50.
45 Brazeiro, Alejandro. Selección de Humedal y Plan de Manejo a Apoyar. Thematic report commissioned for the preparation of this
project.
46 JICA-MVOTMA (2007): Proyecto sobre fortalecimiento de la capacidad de gestión de calidad de agua en Montevideo y Área
metropolitana. CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. 148p.
(http://www.mvotma.gub.uy/dinama/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=100&Itemid=158)
47 Brazeiro, Alejandro. Selección de Humedal y Plan de Manejo a Apoyar. Thematic report commissioned for the preparation of this
project.
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wetlands. These demonstration projects will be developed in association with a range of stakeholders, including
NGOs and academia that are currently working on these sustainable practices.
163.
The pilot will work with producers to apply technological packages, which include modifying farming
methods, rate of application of agrochemicals, replacement by less persistent and harmful products, alternate
methods of washing milk drums, etc. The potential replication of the pilot project will be determined,
characterized and quantified, to be used as the medium and long-term target effect in relation to the carrying
capacity of the wetland to prevent pollution without degrading its ecological functions, dynamics and
biodiversity. In order to assess the impacts of the six activities, a water quality monitoring program will be
developed with 6 sampling sites associated with each project. This monitoring program will be integrated to the
monitoring program of the proposed Project (see outcome 4).I
164.
The responsible dairy production demonstration projects offers an excellent opportunity to link and
interact with the UNDP/GEF Small Grants Program, which supports activities of nongovernmental and
community-based organizations in developing countries towards climate change abatement, conservation of
biodiversity, protection of international waters, reduction of the impact of persistent organic pollutants and
prevention of land degradation while generating sustainable livelihoods.
165.
The first step in this pilot will be the identification and analysis of the major stakeholders and the
formation of a stakeholder working group that will intervene in the final selection of the demonstrative sites,
monitoring and dissemination of results. The government proposed Santa Lucia wetland management plans will
be reviewed and recommendations for improvement will be made. On this basis, a prioritization of the pollution
problems will be made to select the priority actions to implement in each of the six selected demonstrative sites.
Agreements will be reached with stakeholders in these selected sites about the PPP precautionary measures to be
implemented in each one. Sampling of both the inflows and outflows in each of the demonstrative site will be
made.
166.
Near the completion of the first and second years of continuous monitoring, the results will be
synthesized, analyzed and evaluated and adjustments in operational the precautionary measures in each site will
be made. At the end of this two-year period of continuous operation and monitoring, a report for dissemination
of results will be prepared which will include recommendations and a plan for replicating the experience in
other areas of the Santa Lucia wetland.
Output 3.3
Application of Cleaner Production approaches in informal sectors is facilitated
166.
The tannery industry was selected in Uruguay because is one of the four industry sectors for which the
environmental authority has issued sectoral plans with applicable norms, which can be monitored. Also, the
tanneries located in the Uruguayan coastal basins48 originate 99% of all industrial heavy metal pollution, chrome
in particular; and about 80% of these discharges into the sewers and water bodies have pollutant loads above the
norm49. There are 33 industries in the sector, two thirds of which are small and medium enterprises and 88% of
which are located in the Rio de la Plata coastal Departments of Montevideo, Canelones and San José. The
project will finance consultants in 10 medium and small tannery industries in Uruguay, to study their processes
and recommend changes, as necessary, within the framework of CP. An objective of this pilot is to generate the
necessary practices and processes in order to replicate this experience throughout the industry. It is noted that
the pilot project will have the support of the Uruguayan Chamber of Industry.
167.
Similarly to the Argentinean case (see Output 2.3), a key focus of this pilot will be on small and
medium enterprises and informal operations whose aggregated pollution contribution and non-compliance with
the effluent norms and regulations is significant but, unlike the larger established industries, do not have
installed adequate treatment processes or are not the subject of attention by other programs.
48 FREPLATA/DINAMA. Informe de Evaluación del Sector Curtiembres. October 2005.
49 Olivet, Beatriz. Informe correspondiente al Contrato de Obra del Consultor Uruguayo en Producción más Limpia. Thematic report
commissioned for the preparation of this project.
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168.
The first step will also consist of a stakeholder analysis and the creation of a stakeholder working group.
This will be followed by a general awareness event in which all group members will participate and also
contribute with information about the problems faced by the tannery industry. Indicators and reference values as
well as process of the tannery industry will be identified, as well as the different opportunities for improving
their processes through CP schemes. This will be the basis for the selection of up to 10 participating tannery
industries based on the identified opportunities for improvement complemented by a visit to the industry itself.
Basic selection criteria will include a focus on prevention, pollution impact reduction and degree of innovation.
CP plans will then be made and agreed with each participating industry detailing the process improvements and
pollution reduction objectives, as well as identifying cost savings from reduced resource inputs, energy and
compliance costs.
Individual industry plans will then be implemented during a two-year period and a
monitoring plan will be established. At the end of this two-year period, results will be synthesized, evaluated
and analyzed and a report for dissemination will be prepared. This report will also include recommendations for
replication to a larger number of tannery industries in Uruguay and similarly sized tannery industries in
Argentina that are not covered by other existing projects.
OUTCOME 4 MONITORING/EVALUATION (M&E) PROGRAM AND INTEGRATED INFORMATION
SYSTEM ESTABLISHED TO SUPPORT DECISION TAKING AND MANAGEMENT OF THE
RPMF
169.
Any program aimed at pollution control and reduction needs to have a solid base line and indicators that
provide for monitoring progress of the program and periodic evaluation of results. Notwithstanding the progress
achieved during the initial FREPLATA program, as well as the water quality monitoring programs that several
institutions carry out in both countries, there is not yet a sustainable and integrated monitoring program with
results that can be easily integrated to obtain a clear understanding of the status of the RPMF and which can be
easily used as support in decision-taking. The indicators that will enable monitoring at a bi-national level and
evaluation of stress reduction and of RPMF system status have not been defined. The proposed program will fill
these gaps through Output 4.1. It will result in a bi-national monitoring system with the participation of the
corresponding organizations developing coastal water quality monitoring programs in each country, with
compatible and comparable data that can be used to define in greater detail the environmental status base line for
water quality, both in the coastal area as well as in the RPMF Common Use Waters. Monitoring surveys to be
carried out will cover the Common Use Waters, but have been designed in collaboration with national
institutions that undertake coastal waters monitoring surveys, in order to ensure complementarity and synergies.
This system, although initially focused on water quality, will also lay the foundations for future consolidation of
a wider SAP M&E system and no less importantly, will be linked to Output 1.5 to ensure financial sustainability
for its continuity after the proposed Project ends.
170.
Although data collection is important, no less so is the systematization and consolidation of information
in a digital data base that is easily accessible and contains not only primary information, but also second-tier
information, focused not only at SAP M&E purposes, but also on supporting planning and decision making for
conservation and sustainable use of the RPMF resources. The proposed Project will transfer the information
system developed during the initial FREPLATA project to permanent installations in national institutions, one in
each country, to ensure its long-term continuity. This system will be modernized and expanded through Output
4.2. It will include a bi-national node, for which the respective protocols will be analyzed and agreed, both for
uploading data into the system, as well as for access and use. As is the case with the monitoring program, the
development of the bi-national information system will be related to Output 1.5 to en sure its financial
sustainability.
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Output 4.1
Project Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Program implemented, as a management tool for
the sustainable management of the fluvial-marine system
171.
The Rio de la Plata receives significant pollutant loads from coastal sewage and industrial and
agricultural effluents resulting in high levels of nutrients, heavy metals and persistent organic compounds, which
in many cases significantly degrade the quality of its coasts and coastal waters. Although in general terms the
Common Use Waters have an acceptable water quality, there is an accumulation of heavy metals and persistent
organic compounds in the zone of maximum turbidity, resulting from the re-suspension of pollutants from the
southern coastal strip (Argentine shoreline for the Buenos Aires metropolitan area) and from other sources to the
Rio de la Plata50.
172.
The Monitoring and Evaluation Program will respond to two objectives: i) as a tool for progressive
characterization of spatial and temporal trends related to water quality and sediments; and ii) as a tool for
monitoring the effectiveness of control and prevention measures through the development of an indicator system
and therefore, as a management tool for decision makers. The M&E framework will be designed to monitor and
evaluate SAP implementation and environmental status of the RPFM. It will also monitor project
implementation. It will be based on a suite of GEF indicators for International Waters (processes, stress
reduction and ecosystem status), and the project will report to the GEF suing the IW Tracking Tool. The
Program will be developed based on the institutional capacity in both countries, and this project aim to improve
their capacity so that the Program can be progressively strengthened. The Program should generate consistent
and comparable outcomes that support decision making processes at regional, national and local levels.
173.
Since it will take years to develop a complete and sustainable M&E Program, initial focus will be on
water quality. The environmental monitoring and evaluation program will give focus on water and sediment
quality in Common Use Waters, coastal waters and the pilot project areas thus advancing integration within a bi-
national system of the various water and sediment quality monitoring programs implemented by different
institutions in both countries. Until now, these various monitoring initiatives are carried out independently in
Argentina and Uruguay, basically in the exclusive jurisdiction areas of each country and with only limited
possibility for comparing and integrating results. Moreover, the CDC, in cooperation with the French Fund for
the Global Environment (FFEM), a sediment transport model for the Rio de la Plata is being developed, which
includes a monitoring network of physical and chemical parameters. Both will be incorporated as references and
as inputs into the water and sediments quality monitoring program promoted by the project (linked to Output
1.1).
174.
The project will work with authorities responsible for existing monitoring programs in both countries in
order to jointly identify a suite of ecosystem status indicators which can adequately describe processes and their
status, and track tendencies in the RPMF, while still being efficient and technically feasible. This suite of ESI
indicators will be part of the environmental monitoring and evaluation program, will contribute to assessing the
Water Quality Objectives proposed in the SAP. The definitive selection of monitoring and evaluation indicators
will be defined in consultation with the corresponding authorities at the outset of the new initiative.
175.
The proposed Program will focus to a large extent on monitoring pollution points identified as critical
by the TDA. It will also build upon the information compiled during the sampling surveys carried out during the
initial stage of FREPLATA. In addition, monitoring programs undertaken in other parts of the river basin will be
studied since, as indicated by the STAP Review, it is necessary to contemplate non-point sources in the river
basin.
176.
Key monitoring programs that the Project will work with are those of the Montevideo Urban Sanitation
Plan IV of the Montevideo Department and the Matanza-Riachuelo Basin Sustainable Development Project
being implemented by the Matanza-Riachuelo Basin Authority (ACUMAR) and the RIIGLO, which are part of
the countries' commitments. The pilot projects of the Samborombón and Santa Lucia Wetlands will have their
50 Carrizo, L. and M. Arriola. Propuesta de red de monitoreo de calidad para aguas de uso común y sedimentos del río de
la Plata. Thematic report commissioned for the preparation of this project.
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own monitoring activities, which will feed into the broader monitoring component. It will also be linked to the
Integrated Bi-national Information System (IBIS) that the proposed project will support (see Output 4.2).
177.
The proposed monitoring program for this new FREPLATA project was discussed with representatives
from key institutions of Argentina51 and Uruguay52. Therefore, the resulting program to be financed will cover
the Common Use Waters. The initial proposal includes a minimum of two annual surveys in the Common Use
Waters of the Rio de la Plata during two years. For each survey, samples in the inner Rio de la Plata are
proposed, near the exit of the main tributaries (the Paraná and Uruguay Rivers), near the Southern Coastal Zone
(Argentina), near the Northern Coastal Zone (Uruguay) and in the Zone of Maximum Turbidity. Different on
field and laboratory analyses will be undertaken for each sampling site: heavy metals in water and sediments,
nutrients in water, hydrocarbons in water and sediments, agrochemicals, BOD5 and microbiology. Additionally,
samples of plankton and benthos for biological and pollution assessments will be undertaken and their
usefulness as biological water quality and sediment indicators will be evaluated. The definitive characteristics of
the monitoring program regarding sites for samplings, frequency and parameters will have to be reviewed and
agreed to in consultation with relevant authorities at the outset of the project.
178.
In order to coordinate and monitor the studies, stakeholders consultations, as well as bi-national
workshops for planning and evaluation will be carried out. The sampling program will also be underpinned by
inter-calibration activities to ensure that results are representative and compatible. After the sampling exercises
during the first and second year, results will be evaluated in order to adjust the program as needed. By the end of
the second year a report with the results and recommendations for subsequent sampling surveys will be
prepared.
179.
According to consultations carried out in Uruguay during the preparatory phase, given current priorities
within development programs of relevant institutions, the existing analytical capacities of many stakeholders,
and even the scopes of their jurisdictions, it would be difficult for stakeholder to commit to participating in new
monitoring programs. Therefore, to ensure that these institutions can closely collaborate with the Monitoring
Program in the Common Use Waters, their current capacities will be strengthened to enable them to fulfill NAP
commitments accomplish the commitments as detailed in Output 2.1. This will include logistic infrastructure for
adequately carrying out monitoring activities as well as the analytical capacities of the laboratories for
processing the samples.
180.
The monitoring program will play a critical role in the provision of information for defining climate
change scenarios that will need to orient decision-making in this very dynamic waterbody. Sampling stations
included in the integrated monitoring program, data on the Paraná and Uruguay rivers flows and from
hydrographic stations, as well as information on physical and chemical parameters obtained from the sampling
network set up with the support of the French Fund for the Global Environment (FFEM), will provide inputs for
evaluation and prediction of impacts of extreme climate events in the coastal and non-coastal zones of the
RPMF. The numeric model for the sediment transport through the RPFM, developed with the financial support
of the FFEM, will continue to be improved during project implementation and contribute to more accurate
evaluations of climate change impacts on the coastal and non-coastal zones of the RPFM. For instance this
model could eventually contribute to definition of possible scenarios on dynamics of the flows of the Parana and
Uruguay rivers with other systems, such as the Samborombón and Santa Lucia wetlands, and the winds, tides
and currents of the south western Atlantic Ocean. Given that the highly contaminated coastal waters of the
Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area would present a serious health risk to large swathes of the population in case of
flooding, the ability to evaluate or predict such developments would be critical for the definition and adoption of
mitigating measures.
181.
Finally, the project will identify, analyze and share lessons learned from this Program that can benefit
the design and implementation of similar future projects. Moreover, as described below under Output 1.3, the
51 SAyDS (National Environmental and Sustainable Development Ministry); ACUMAR (Matanza-Riachuelo Basin Authority); AySA
(Argentine Water and Sanitation utility); INA (National Water Institute); SHN (Navy Hydrographic Service); and ILPLA (Raúl
Ringuelet Institute of Limnology).
52 LATU (Technological Laboratory of Uruguay); IMM (Municipality of Montevideo); DINAMA (National Environment Directorate);
School of Chemistry of the University of the Republic; and SOHMA (Naval Oceanography, Hidrography and Meteorology Service).
51

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FREPLATA project website will be updated, making publicly available all project documents, contacts, links to
partner and affiliated projects and programs, and information on project activities. These will also be shared
through participation in and contribution to, IW:LEARN follow up activities, the knowledge exchange program
of the GEF International Waters as well as (self-financed) participation in the bi-annual GEF IW Conferences
(2009, 2011, 2013).
Output 4.2
An Integrated Bi-national Information System (IBIS), established as management and
decision-making tool
182.
The IBIS will include the implementation of information technology tools that provide for
systematizing, managing, administering and providing access to the information generated during the
FREPLATA Program, as well as the possibility of consulting information generated by other organizations, in
real time. These tools include motors for database devices, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Internet
services and open standards.
183.
The System must have user-friendly interfaces that will enable stakeholder groups (public organizations
at bi-national, national, and municipal levels, private sector, academia, NGOs, and the general public) to
undertake decision-making process based on existing information. Similarly, the project will consult with key
stakeholders to determine the type of information required to support decision making processes.
184.
The Integrated Information System (IIS) developed by FREPLATA I will be transferred to national
institutions - DINAMA in Uruguay and SAyDS in Argentina - which already have information systems. The
project will support them in the bi-national coordination and integration, including ensuring the inter-operability
of platforms. Socioeconomic, physical, water quality, sediments and biological data (produced either by
FREPLATA, or other agencies, sectors and projects) will have to be integrated and maintained. These
institutions will receive the support required in each case, to render the Integrated Bi-national Information
System (IBIS) compatible with their Environmental Information Systems which are either already functional or
under development.
185.
The IBIS will establish a bi-national virtual node, which will include:
Information that is cross cutting or related to project activities, providing for their follow up;
Specific developments for information systematization and integration of pilot and demonstrative projects
(including the RIIGLO), water and sediment quality monitoring, PPP and CP activities and HABs early
warning; as well as for easy access and web consultation by stakeholders (considering, as necessary, the
implementation of restricted accesses);
Tools that provide for linkages, participation and communication among stakeholders involved in the project
(forums, wikis, among others);
Tools that provide for SAP monitoring, such as process, stress reduction and environmental status indicators;
and,
Linkages with the sediments transport model and with the results from oceanographic surveys, geographical
information system and satellite images generated by the cooperation framework between the CDC and the
French Fund for the Global Environment.
186.
It will also have to consider the inclusion and incorporation of nodes for stakeholders (at national and
municipal levels, civil society organisms, private sector), so as to create a support network for the management
of the water body and the project. This System will allow for the development and transfer of capacities and the
generation of horizontal cooperation mechanisms between nodes. A key activity will be to ensure that it is
institutionalized in the national institutions to ensure its future sustainability once the Project ends.
187.
The activities to be developed in relation to the IBIS are: i) Agreements with the DINAMA and the
SAyDS for the establishment and operation of the IBIS, as well as with the relevant authorities for definition of
access protocols for various data and information types and categories for the use by the CDC, host institutions
and NIC and TAG member institutions, as well as for the general public; ii) Creation of a work group composed
of stakeholders who provide and stakeholders who require, information; iii) Analysis and evaluation of
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information gaps and needs; iv) Review of equipment needs (hardware, software): acquisition and installation;
v) Review of requirements for specific applications for the Integrated System, such as data bases, tools for
spatial information analysis using the Geographic Information Systems (thematic and ecological sensitivity
maps), implementation of networks and/or communication and exchange of information tools, and of Internet
services; vi) Review and evaluation of needs for migrating data from the FREPLATA I Information System; vii)
Design and implementation of a Web site for the IBIS that will to upload information from the SII of
FREPLATA I; and, viii) Elaboration of a joint strategy between both countries to ensure the IBIS long term
sustainability (linked to Output 1.5).
Project Indicators, Risks and Assumptions
188.
The Project has established a set of performance indicators the details of which are presented in the
Section II Part II. Given that the main thrust of this project is to create and strengthen institutional structures
both bi-nationally and intra-nationally so effectively support achievement of the EcoQO that focuses on water
quality for the RPMF, the majority of indicators are process oriented. Nonetheless, the three pilot projects will
deliver specific stress reduction indicators that, although of very limited overall impact, have been selected for
their high replication potential. Therefore their contribution to overall stress reduction in this shared waterbody
is part of the long-term implementation of the SAP. Project indicators include:

Regulatory frameworks for pollution control and reduction in the Project area include instruments that
are transboundary in scope

Scope and depth of the information generated within the Integrated Monitoring Program (IMP)
framework provides for an integral understanding of RPMF environmental status and trends

A financial strategy to ensure the sustainability of the Integrated Monitoring Program (IMP)and the
Integrated

Key stakeholders groups have better understanding of the importance of reducing and controlling
pollution, as well as of the tools and processes available to achieve this based on collaborative public-
private approaches

Coastal municipalities agree to unified management criteria and procedures to control environmental
quality at local level

Inter-jurisdictional Municipal Commissions established and operative

Institutional arrangements to support collaborative partnerships between public and private sector at
local level established

Number of investment opportunity briefs prepared and disseminated to national, bi-national and
international networks

Expanded RIIGLO with improved data exchange capabilities operational by Q6 and integrated into the
IMP, underpinned by standardized methodologies at bi-national levels effectively strengthens
municipalities' capacity for environmental quality control

Constructed wetland reduces nutrients, pathogens and metals from the effluents of the San Clemente del
Tuyú Treatment Plant ­(and lays foundations for replication in other coastal municipalities in the
region) (SR)

Reduction in chrome loads discharged that exceed norms in the tannery sector in Uruguay (SR)

Reduction of non-point pollution loads from dairy farms discharged into micro watersheds and water
bodies near productive lands in the Santa Lucia Wetlands (SLW) pilot Project ( SR )

Water quality indicators agreed to bi-nationally in the framework of the IMP for the areas of exclusive
national jurisdiction waters and for the Common Use Waters of the Rio de la Plata

Greater spatial coverage and more frequent monitoring actions for HABs identification enables
establishment of an effective early warning system

Scope and extent of the information generated within the MP framework allows an integral
understanding of patterns and the RPMF environmental status

IBIS virtual bi-national node in operation within the first 2 years of the project
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189.
The project rests on assumptions that imply the continued commitment expressed by both governments
and other key stakeholders to work bi-nationally to advance integrated and coordinated management of the
shared system of the RPMF. It is also assumed that this commitment will translate into a willingness to share
information in a timely and substantive manner in order to provide the basis for informed decision-making.
Another key assumption holds that the project will be successful in engaging the private sector through more
robust Cleaner Production schemes that are complemented by PPP approaches, and that enabling environments
in terms of attractive regulatory environments and adequate capacity at national and local levels will be in place.
Eight main assumptions are summarized below, along with the risk of them not holding and the measures
included in the project design for mitigation. Other assumptions guiding project design are explained in the
Logical Framework.
Risk
Risk
Rating
Risk management strategy
Type
Countries' commitment to SAP
Political
Low
The wide endorsement of the SAP indicates that
and respective NAPs
there is significant multi-sectoral support for the
implementation, including needed
process.
However,
this
engagement
will
be
sectoral, institutional, legal and
enhanced
through
a
robust
and
targeted
economic reforms is not
communications strategy that will feed into the
forthcoming
public-private partnerships to be developed and
promoted, as well as the CP schemes.
The
National Intersectoral Committees (NICs) are fora
that will serve to address emerging priorities,
concerns and needs.
Macro economic and financial
Financial
Medium
Given the uncertain global macro-economic
factors do not hinder the project
climate, it is not feasible to assess with precision
potential impacts on the economies of both
countries. However, during implementation of the
initial FREPLATA project, Argentina weathered
one of its most difficult financial crises and yet
project implementation continued with no
measurable impacts. Therefore the risk, although
not negligible is not considered to be high.
The various institutions and
Political
Low
Throughout the initial FREPLATA project, strong
entities advancing monitoring
practice networks were built up with the same
programs in the project area are
institutions that are now key partners in this
committed to providing their
project. Although protocols for definition of access
information to the IMP and the
levels to the information system will need to be
IBIS in a continuous and timely
agreed to, precisely because of this it is envisaged
manner (access to data is ensured)
that there will be no major difficulties in ensuring
continuous and timely sharing of relevant
information.
Significant difference in
Political
Low
These did not affect the execution of the previous
participating countries' size and
FREPLATA project and is not expected to affect
institutional frameworks will
the proposed project, as these differences are being
hinder project execution.
recognized and taken into account in the proposed
project design.
Continued cooperation among key
Political
Low
During the TDA and SAP processes, very dynamic
institutions and partners will
networks were established at both intra-national
weaken
and bi-national levels. Interest in the continuation
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Risk
Risk
Rating
Risk management strategy
Type
of FREPLATA is strong and therefore it can be
expected that not only will institutions/partners that
participated initially be maintained, but that a host
of new stakeholders, particularly from the private
sector, will gravitate towards the project.
Commitment on the part of
Financial
Medium
Sustainability is one of the major focus areas of the
Governments to ensure financial
proposed project. To manage this risk, Output 1.5
sustainability of the institutional
centers on the identification, adoption, and
framework and tools for SAP
application of feasible financial sustainability
implementation beyond the life of
mechanisms for project activities and institutional
the Project is maintained
framework for SAP implementation as well as for
both the integrated monitoring program and the bi-
The Integrated Monitoring
Financial
Medium
national integrated information systems that the
Program (IMP) and Integrated Bi-
proposed project will support. Most importantly,
national Information System
during the life of the project, activities will be
(IBIS) to track SAP
gradually transferred to the respective national and
implementation, and in particular
local counterparts so that in practice the project
ecosystem status indicators, will
will gradually become part of the permanent
not be sustained.
working agendas of the executing institutions.
GEF resources will be concentrated in the first
two-three years of implementation, and the project
team will have a cross-cutting responsibility of
assisting the relevant government institutions to
take up project activities
Climate change will inevitably
Environ-
Medium
The IMP and IBIS will play a critical role in the
have major impacts on the system
collation, analysis and provision of information for
mental
in the future, although currently
defining climate change scenarios that will need to
impacts are difficult to distinguish
orient decision-making in this very dynamic
from the system's natural
waterbody. In addition, both pilot projects in the
variability. As analyzed in the
wetlands (Santa Lucia and Samborombón Bay) are
TDA, climate change effects
contributing to enhancing understanding of the
would cause sea level rise and
value of wetlands, and to creating capacities for the
alterations in tributary river flows
dissemination of artificial wetlands. This
and an increase in sediment loads
contributes to coastal adaptation responses given
to the system. Under analyzed
that wetlands act as a key buffer to increased storm
scenarios, the delta of the Santa
surges. Moreover, these pilot projects will be
Lucia river and the Samborombón
linked to existing programs dealing with mitigation
Bay wetlands are considered to be
and adaptation to climate change in the coastal
the most vulnerable areas in the
zone of Uruguay. Even if these pilot projects are
RPMF.
modest in size, their value resides in their
replicability to similar situations in larger areas of
the coastal zone of the RPMF.
Incremental reasoning and expected global, national and local benefits
190.
The catalytic role that GEF can play in SAP implementation is decisive. The FREPLATA project
enabled the preparation of a comprehensive TDA that for the first time integrated data and information to arrive
at a solid understanding of the dynamics and trends, both physical and socio-economic, that drive this complex
shared waterbody. Through the process, a diverse suite of key institutions and stakeholders at both bi-national
55

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and intra-national levels, came together to coordinate, exchange, and harmonize information thus setting the
bases for effective integrated management approaches for the RPMF. The TDA underpinned the formulation
and endorsement of a far-ranging SAP and two respective NAPS that reflect the high priority assigned by, and
commitment of, both governments to undertake necessary actions, investments and reforms to better manage the
RPMF.
191.
However, in the absence of GEF support to set in place an adequate institutional framework, SAP
implementation will be ad hoc and opportunities for synergies among ongoing or planned initiatives as well as
for bi-national efforts in support of the agreed EcoQOs will be missed. The National Inter-sectoral Committees
(NICs) for SAP implementation will not be structured and their potential as instruments to direct reforms and
investments in support of cross-sectoral, integrated management approaches in the project area will not be
realized.
Critically, the necessary interaction between the Commissions and national/local authorities with
mandates and responsibilities over land-based sources of pollution will not be formalized, and effective
responses to transboundary issues related to land-based pollution sources in the project areas will therefore be
constrained. At national levels, gaps and overlaps in terms of jurisdictional responsibilities will not be addressed
in a cross-cutting manner, and the potential for municipalities to actively support implementation of their
respective NAPs agreed EcoQOs will be limited. Ground work laid for regional harmonization of policies and
regulations are unlikely to be realized, particularly those related to Cleaner Production, PPP and the treatment of
urban & industrial discharges. Implementation of initiatives agreed in the SAP and NAPs will proceed in an ad
hoc, non-articulated manner. Furthermore, despite the very considerable baseline investments programmed by
both countries, these will be implemented from a narrow sectoral perspective and without a regional,
transboundary focus, thereby limiting opportunities for knowledge sharing, cross-fertilization of best practices
and technologies, and ecosystem-based management approaches.
192.
GEF funding provided through this proposed initiative is limited given the dimensions of the project,
and therefore the project strategy aims to allocate this funding in a highly strategic and incremental manner.
Efforts will concentrate on three levels. The institutional framework at bi-national, national and local levels
required for continued SAP implementation will be established and developed, which includes modalities for
cooperation between the two bi-national Commissions and national agencies with mandates over prevention and
reduction of land based pollution. Given the complex and sometimes overlapping responsibilities for mitigating
and reducing pollution levels, the project will undertake a comprehensive inter-jurisdictional mapping exercise
in each country as a basis for determining competency profiles and capacity needs at national and local levels.
Another key focus of this initiative is to strengthen platforms for enhancing collaboration between public and
private sectors to achieve the objectives defined in the SAP and therefore Cleaner Production approaches and
Public-private Partnerships will be developed in accordance to the specific context of the project area. SMEs,
informal sector and municipalities will be among the main targets given that these stakeholders are often those
with least capacities and opportunities and that their successful engagement will have high replication potential
and generate experiences, lessons and practices which can be upscaled. Finally, key tools to support decision-
making, planning processes and technical interventions will be developed, alongside sustainable financing
mechanisms, namely a bi-national Monitoring Program underpinned by an Integrated Bi-national Information
System. The IBIS is built based on the Integrated Information System developed during the first phase of the
FREPLATA Program, which is being transferred to the environmental authorities of both countries and was
considered by independent evaluators as a best practice within the GEF International Waters portfolio.
193.
Through these deliverables, the enabling environment, capacities and tools will be established to enable
Argentina and Uruguay to achieve the ambitious EcoQOs agreed to in the SAP. As the project activities will be
transferred to relevant government agencies during the life of the project, conditions will be set for the
replication and upscaling of Cleaner Production and APP approaches that are innovative for the region, as well
as of the incorporation of wetlands into pollution reduction strategies, as appropriate. These initiatives also have
significant replication potential in other coastal regions of Latin America and the Caribbean which face similar
problems and share similar development contexts. The application of these tools and practices will contribute to
reduction of coastal and offshore pollution in the unique system of the RPMF, generating global benefits for
biodiversity and contributing to the global goals enshrined in the Global Program of Action for Protection of the
Marine Environment from Land-based Pollution.
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Country Ownership : Country Eligibility and Country Drivenness
194.
Representatives of key stakeholder groups in both countries - including nine ministries, the navy, coast
guards, provincial and local authorities, and private sector representatives -
have decisively endorsed a
Strategic Action Program (SAP) that resulted from the GEF-funded FREPLATA project that details
requirements and arrangements for its implementation. The SAP is complemented by two National Action
Programs that each contain a Portfolio of Projects organized around jointly agreed priority issues that build upon
robust baseline investments and efforts, and that explicitly contribute to addressing identified transboundary
impacts. Several projects are linked to align a suite of trans-sectoral institutions to address common issues. The
Project Portfolios in the NAPs represent government budgetary allocations that jointly total over USD 1.3
billion.
195.
The government of Argentina is committed to the progressive incorporation of the environmental
dimension into the strategic core of government policies by promoting rational use of natural resources,
adoption of technologies and production processes that are more environmentally friendly. This is evidenced by
ongoing efforts and investments to restore some of the most polluted basins such as Matanza-Riachuelo and the
Buenos Aires Metropolitan coastal area. At all levels (national, Province of Buenos Aires and City of Buenos
Aires), significant investments are being undertaken in waste water management and cleaner production that are
congruent with the Government's commitment to improving conditions in the RPMF as reflected in the NAP.
Moreover, at all three government levels there are Cleaner Production initiatives.
196.
Together with the UNDP CO in Argentina, the Government of Argentina is currently formulating the
2010-2014 UNDAF which has a strong focus on poverty alleviation strategies and achievement of the MDGs.
There is recognition that their achievement requires that social and economic development be underpinned by
pollution prevention and the protection of natural resources. This proposal is linked, moreover, to the CPD,
under Outcome 4.1, "Strengthened institutions and strategies at provincial and national levels for promoting
cleaner productions, control of pollution and rational use of energy", and under Outcome 2.1, "Land use norms
at national, provincial and municipal levels developed and under implementation" as well as Outcome 2.2,
"New economic ­ financial instruments with citizen participation and a gender focus are implemented in order
to promote conservation of natural resources".
197.
In the project's area, the Argentinean government has expressed its commitment towards a normative
harmonization and a coordinated set of congruent actions between the different jurisdictions (Municipal,
Provincial, Federal and the city of Buenos Aires) involved with the environmental recovery of the Matanza
Riachuelo basin and the southern coastal strip of the Rio de la Plata. Based on the existing structures (e.g.
COFEMA, the Argentinean Federation of Municipalities, the Department of Municipal Affairs of the Buenos
Aires Province, the Coordination Unit for the Integrated Costal Management, etc.), the different governmental
levels are committed to advancing, with the support of the proposed project, the harmonization of both norms
and actions within the various jurisdictions involved with the environmental management of the RPFM.
198.
In Uruguay there is also clear recognition of the fact that the attainment of equitable and sustainable
economic development is underpinned by the environmental dimension. This is evidenced by government's
commitment to strengthening the country's environmental management capabilities through approval of key
environmental legislations such as the Framework Law on Environmental Protection. The government of
Uruguay has also initiated a Regional Decentralization Plan in order to improve institutional and inter-
jurisdictional cooperation as well as the creation and strengthening of decentralized units, gradually transferring
responsibilities for environmental quality to the municipalities.
199.
Concern over the health of the RPMF is also evidenced in the Common Country Assessment 2005 for
Uruguay which established the framework analysis for all Agencies, Funds and Programs in the United Nations
System represented in Uruguay. It notes that coastal environments in the RPMF and the Atlantic Ocean have
problems related to inadequate land use and indiscriminate occupation, and that in terms of shared water
resources, it is necessary to continue improving tools for shared management. Additionally, the project is part of
one of the national UNDP focal areas: Environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural resources,
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which supports "capacity building for integrated land use management, natural resources and the environment in
accordance with the international commitments of the country in terms of the environment".
200.
Additionally, the initial FREPLATA program supported processes in both countries that have now
become institutionalized and upon which the second Project is building. For example, FREPLATA generated
enabling conditions for the creation of the Integrated Coastal Management Plan of the Province of Buenos
Aires, which lead to the creation of an inter-ministerial unit. In Uruguay, FREPLATA supported the
ECOPLATA program which also focused on coastal zone management, and which will contribute to the
implementation of this proposed project. The national environment authority has included in its National
Biodiversity Strategy Protected Areas in the coastal zone that were proposed during the FREPLATA Project.
201.
The proposed Project is strongly aligned with these objectives through dedicated support for more
integrated and informed natural resource management, catalyzing of private-sector support and investment, and
promotion of civil society participation. Enhanced public-private partnerships at municipal levels which are
considered a key building block for sustainable economic growth are central to the project. The project will
contribute to controlling land-based industrial pollution from SMEs and small informal establishments by
reducing non-compliance with wastewater disposal norms into sewers and streams in areas of high
environmental vulnerability given that these stakeholders usually evidence higher non-compliance with relevant
norms. By focusing on the SAP's EcoQO of safe water for public health, recreational use and development of
aquatic biota, conditions will be created for contributing to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Finally, the proposed project will assist both countries to fulfill the objectives of the Global Program of Action
for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Land-Based Sources (GPA).
Sustainability
202.
This proposed initiative will set in place the necessary institutional framework to support continued SAP
implementation. There is already strong commitment on the part of both governments to improving the
environmental health of the RPMF as evidenced by the significant investments in waste water management and
in cleaner production programs. Through this project, these initiatives which would otherwise be fragmented
sectoral responses will be articulated both at national levels and bi-nationally within broader integrated
approaches. This will be underpinned by robust information and monitoring programs, that will be tailored to
support science-based decision making, thus further supporting comprehensive approaches to address
transboundary issues. Most importantly however, in terms of ensuring sustainability, it the manner in which the
execution of the project will be structured. GEF funding will be concentrated in the first two or three years of
the project, with the activities gradually being mainstreamed into the regular work programs and budgets of the
relevant government agencies. A key measure of the project's success will be the degree to which it fully fades
out in the final stages of the project.
203.
Moreover, there are already clear indications of sustainability. Two examples, from two different levels,
are illustrative. During the initial FREPLATA program, the two bi-national Commissions strengthened the
CDC, as an institutional arrangement for articulating their interactions in the project area. The CDC is now
established and is maintained as such in the proposed second project, indicating the strong commitment of the
Commissions to working in a fully coordinated and harmonized manner. At another level, the RIIGLO, the
municipal network established during the first FREPLATA intervention, has been maintained by the
participating municipalities even after that project ended. Admittedly in the interim its scope has been reduced,
but its continuation speaks to the priority that monitoring programs of the project area is afforded by
stakeholders. With the additional support and strengthening that will now be provided (see Output 2.4) full
continuity will be achieved.
204.
The linkages generated through SAP formulation were strengthened during the current preparatory
phase. The new implementation arrangements recognize the fundamental role of the environmental authorities in
both countries in the execution of this proposed intervention, in coordination with the CDC of the two
Commissions. This is also reflected in the hand-over of the original FREPLATA Information System to both
SAyDS and MVOTMA during this preparatory phase. Government entities with a mandate over prevention,
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mitigation and control of land-based sources of pollution will progressively incorporate project activities into
their institution's work plans and budgets thus providing for a seamless exit strategy for the project.
205.
As per Output 1.5, the project will identify options for ensuring financial sustainability of key
components of the FREPLATA program, including collection of information and data at various levels,
management and maintenance of the monitoring program, and the Integrated Bi-national Information System.
206.
Finally and most importantly, it is the manner in which the project will be executed that provides a
guarantee of sustainability. During the life of the project, activities will be gradually transferred to the respective
national and local counterparts so that in practice the project will not end but fade out and become part of the
permanent working agendas of the executing institutions (see Organigram in Section II, Part II). GEF resources
will be concentrated in the first two-three years of implementation, and the project team will have a cross-
cutting responsibility of assisting the relevant government institutions to take up project activities.
Replicability
207.
Given the nature and magnitude of the problems to be addressed and the scope of the proposed project,
the amount of funding that can be accessed through GEF is modest in comparison to the requirements and the
funding committed by both countries in the respective NAPs. Most of the funding for achieving the project
objective will be provided as baseline investments and co-financing from both governments, but the proposed
project has been designed so that the funding being requested from GEF is strategically allocated to activities
that have high potential for triggering catalytic effects. Therefore, a key criteria for the selection of the pilot
projects is that they are relevant in the articulation of different management strategies between public and
private sector, as well as for establishing linkages between habitat protection and pollution reduction, so that
they can be transferred to other areas and sectors. Thus, the added value of the pilot project in Uruguay in
support of Cleaner Production (Output 3.3) will demonstrate new approaches for engaging the private but more
informal tannery sector, and therefore has high replication potential in other sectors. This approach, when
applied widely to other similar industries, will incentivize the collaboration of the industries and improve
compliance with discharge norms and regulations. Similarly, the projects in Santa Lucia and Samborombon
wetlands, respectively in Uruguay and Argentina, tackle different aspects of management and technological
responses to both conserve these habitats, and apply their filtering capacity in support of pollution control
objectives. Both these pilots have high replication options not only in the project area but elsewhere. In addition
to the pilots, under Outcome 2 capacities and institutional structures will be both developed and strengthened for
effective promotion of Cleaner Production modalities and of PPP schemes. The objective is to set in the place
the foundations precisely to enable continued application and replication of these modalities by a broad range of
stakeholders that will include municipalities and less formal sectors that are often marginalized. The project
will build upon other GEF experiences in this field, notably the PEMSEA PPP MSP.
208.
Communication and capacity building efforts will also underpin the replicability of activities within the
project area. Awareness raising and effective participatory approaches are cross-cutting elements of the
proposed project in order to gain broader acceptance of the arrangements promoted such as Cleaner Production
and PPP. This will include informed stakeholder participation in local and inter-sectoral advisory committees,
and production of guidance materials resulting from the pilots and Outputs 2.2 and 2.3. As part efforts to
provide for sustainability, sector-based groups (for example for the tannery or metal plating industries) will be
established and formalized, thus also becoming platforms for replication of best practices. Partnerships with
government institutions, such as the National Agency of Investigation and Innovation (ANII) or the Program for
Small Donations (PPD) in Uruguay, will further assist in generating options for replication.
Financing Modality
209.
The overall cost of the project is US$17,440,000 million, including preparatory funds. The GEF project
financing for the Full-Size Project is US$2,850,000 million and the co-financing from National Governments,
private industry, and others will be US$14,590,000 million. The GEF contribution for the Full-Size Project
amounts to 16.34% of the total cost. A detailed budget can be found in Section III.
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Table 2.1 Co-financing Sources
Amount
Name of co-financier (source)
Classification
Type
($)
%*
Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable
Nat'l Govt.
in kind
Development of Argentina (SAyDS)
5,100,000
34.96
Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable
Nat'l Govt.
cash
Development of Argentina (SAyDS)
1,235,000
8.46
Ministry of Housing, Land use and
Nat'l Govt.
in kind
Environment of Uruguay (MVOTMA)
720,000
4.93
Ministry of Housing, Land use and
Nat'l Govt.
cash
Environment of Uruguay (MVOTMA)
180,000
1.23
Municipal Intendencia of Montevideo (IMM)
Local Gov't
in kind
1,035,000
7.09
Local Gov't
in kind
Municipal Intendencia of Canelones
500,000
3.43
Province of Buenos Aires
Local Gov't
in kind
230,000
1.58
Local Gov't
cash
Province of Buenos Aires
70,000
0.48
City of Buenos Aires ­ Environmental
Local Gov't
in kind
Protection Agency (APRA)
525,000
3.60
City of Buenos Aires ­ Environmental
Local Gov't
cash
Protection Agency (APRA)
130,000
0.89
Local Gov't
in kind
Metropolitan Agenda Program (Uruguay)
612,000
4.19
Metropolitan Agenda Program(Uruguay)
Local Gov't
cash
40,000
0.27
Oceanographic, Hydrographic and
Nat'l Govt.
in kind
Meteorological Service of the Armada
(SOHMA- Uruguay)
600,000
4.11
Technical Laboratories of Uruguay (LATU)
Nat'l Govt.
in kind
1,100,000
7.54
National Port Association of Uruguay (ANP)
Nat'l Govt.
in kind
1,263,000
8.66
Chamber of Industries of Uruguay
Private Sector
in kind
1,250,000
8.57
Total Co-financing
B
14,590,000
100%
Cost-effectiveness
210.
The proposed Project will ensure cost-effectiveness of the GEF funding by i) building upon the strong
intervention platform created by the initial FREPLATA program; ii) gradually transferring project activities into
the regular work plans and budgets of relevant national and sub-national agencies; iii) allocating GEF funds to
deliverables that are strongly catalytic; and iv) supporting development and validation of practices and
approaches that are highly replicable.
211.
The Project will ensure the cost-effectiveness of its activities by building upon the targeted
transboundary problems identified in the TDA and the detailed pollution reduction Project Portfolios identified
in the NAPs which already prioritize cost-effective solutions. Based on the extensive political and technical bi-
national and intra-national networks that have been established by the previous FREPLATA Project, cross-
sectoral responses that bring together public and private partners will be developed. The dynamism and
momentum that lead to the widely successful SAP endorsement will be leveraged to mobilize additional
resources in support of SAP implementation, in addition to benefiting from the significant political and
economic commitment from both countries including long-term funding in the region, as has been described.
Moreover, by embedding the activities of the proposed Project into the regular programs of the national
organizations from an early stage of project execution, sustainability of project deliverables will be addressed
from the outset and the benefits of economies of scale will be taken advantage of. An example of this is the use
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of the information system facilities already existing in both DINAMA and SAyDS for the Integrated Bi-national
Information System (IBIS), as well as the fact that the Integrated Monitoring Program will collate and integrate
the existing coastal monitoring programs and activities in both countries.
212.
In addition to the demonstrative pilots, the proposed Project will allocate GEF resources strategically
and incrementally in three main areas which either provide the basic platforms for SAP implementation or are
highly catalytic. Firstly, a framework will be established and developed at bi-national, national and local levels
as required for continued SAP implementation, which includes modalities for cooperation between the two bi-
national Commissions and national agencies with mandates over prevention and reduction of land based
pollution as well as between jurisdictions at national levels. Given the complex and sometimes overlapping
responsibilities for mitigating and reducing pollution levels, the project will undertake a comprehensive inter-
jurisdictional mapping exercise in each country as a basis for determining competency profiles and capacity
needs at national and local levels. An enabling environment for SAP implementation is thus delivered.
Secondly, key focus of this initiative is to strengthen platforms for enhancing collaboration between public and
private sectors, and therefore Cleaner Production approaches and Public-private Partnerships will be developed
in accordance to the specific context of the project area. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), informal
sectors and municipalities will be among the main groups targeted given that their successful engagement will
have high replication potential and generate experiences, lessons and practices which can be upscaled.
Innovative approaches for achieving compliance with pollution reduction targets will be validated, thus
providing both countries with enhanced options. Thirdly, a Bi-national Monitoring Program and an Integrated
Bi-national Information System will be developed as key management tools to support decision-making,
planning processes and technical interventions, alongside sustainable financing mechanisms. The IBIS is built
based on the Integrated Information System developed during the first phase of the FREPLATA Program, which
is being transferred to the environmental authorities of both countries and was considered by independent
evaluators as a best practice within the GEF International Waters portfolio.
213.
High replicability potential is a cross-cutting characteristic of activities within this proposed project.
Given the nature and magnitude of the problems to be addressed and the scope of the proposed project, the
amount of funding that can be accessed through GEF is modest in comparison to the requirements. Most of the
funding will come as co-financing from both governments, but the proposed project has been designed so that
the funding being requested from GEF is applied in activities that are highly catalytic. One of the criteria for the
selection of the on-the-ground demonstration and pilot projects is that they are relevant in the articulation of
different management strategies between governmental and nongovernmental institutions, so that the proposal
can be transferred to other areas regardless of the type of jurisdiction and enforcement authorities, encouraging
participation and consensus of stakeholders. Another consideration was the selection of demonstration projects
that have the possibility of generating incentives for replication. Thus, the PPP/CP approach of the Uruguay
tannery and the engagement of dairy and horticultural sectors in the Santa Lucia area, should demonstrate
competitive advantages that incentivize the collaboration of private sector actors and wider dissemination of
sustainable practices, thus also boosting the capacities of authorities for enforcement of discharge norms and
regulations. In addition, the project will implement tangible, on-the-ground activities including the strengthening
and upscaling of a number of existing successful initiatives that are currently operating in the Rio de la Plata
Basin such as the RIIGLO network.
214.
In summary, the cost-effectiveness of the proposed Project is reflected by the fact that with a relatively
small investment in key strategic reforms and activities with high degrees of synergy and replicability, tools,
structures and mechanisms will be generated that are highly catalytic. Support for SAP implementation at this
juncture therefore represents an investment with very high rate of return.
PART III: Management Arrangements
215.
This Project, which will be implemented by UNDP, seeks to improve capacities in both countries, both
in private and public sectors, to implement the SAP in a sustained manner. As the project advances, the
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responsibilities for implementation will be progressively transferred to the institutions of each country.
Therefore, the project will have a small Regional Project Coordination Unit, guided by a bi-national Steering
Committee. The support and direct intervention of the RPCU in the execution of activities will there be reduced.
By the end of the project, this should result in the internalization of SAP implementation activities within the
regular work plans of the various institutions as well as with structured coordination mechanisms at several
levels.
216.
The Project will be guided by a Steering Committee in which representatives of the two countries will
participate including from the CDC, SAyDS and MVOTMA. UNDP will also be a member of the Steering
Committee.
217.
In each country there will be an agency with lead responsibility for execution of agreed activities and
will also be the National Focal Point and therefore, the Secretary of the respective National Inter-sectoral
Committees. In Argentina the project will be lead by SAyDS and in Uruguay by MVOTMA. UNDP will
execute the project under national execution (NEX) modality through the respective national lead institutions
with support from UNDP CO's. There will be two NEX arrangements, one for each country, and Uruguay as
the host country will also be responsible for regional components of the project.
218.
The SC will review and approve all technical documents, review budgets and financial reports, and
provide general strategic and implementation guidance to the RPCU. The SC will also promote the participation
of stakeholders in the implementation of the project in order to establish the bases for sustainable SAP
implementation. The Regional Project Coordinator will act as Secretary of the SC.
219.
The SC will meet on a quarterly basis. Two formal meetings will be held: in March to approve the AWP
and in August to review the GEF PIR and any other relevant business. These meetings will be financed by the
project. Additionally, a minimum of two operational meetings will be held, financed by the Parties.
220.
Each country will establish a NIC. An important element of their work will be to link the project
objective to national, institutional and sectoral development plans as well as with investments or interventions
that are planned or ongoing in the framework of the PANs. This will enable the NIC to identify project support
requirements as well as opportunities for strengthening its reach. The NICs will also help to coordinate the
participation of institutions in the execution of activities in each country given that its members will execute
activities or be their direct beneficiaries. The NICs will be able to establish, as required, inter-sectoral ad hoc
working groups, including experts from private and public sectors and civil society organizations to analyze or
participate in key issues for project implementation.
221.
The NIC in Uruguay will be lead by MVOTMA and initially composed of at least IMM, DINARA,
DNH and other organizations and units with responsibility for Project execution in Uruguay including those
from private sector and civil society. The NIC in Argentina will be lead by SAyDS and initially composed of at
OPDS, Jefatura of the Ministerial Cabinet of Buenos Aires Province, APRA, APM SHN, and other
organizations and units with responsibility for Project execution in Argentina including those from private sector
and civil society.
222.
A small RPCU will administer the Project, and will be located in Uruguay. It will have a staff that
consists of an international RPC, a specialist in institutional affairs, a specialist in cleaner production and PPP, a
specialist in M&E and information systems, a specialist in wetlands and coastal areas, and an administrative
assistant. In SAyDS and in MVOTMA a representative will be designated who will act as a link between the
National Focal Point, the RPCU and national institutions with execution responsibilities.
223.
The RPCU and in particular the RPC will have overall responsibility for the timely fulfillment of Project
objectives in coordination with the focal points from each country. His/her responsibilities will include oversight
and coordination of project implementation at an operational level and will the main point of contact for UNDP
with regards to admin issues.
224.
The responsibilities of the RPC will also include the development of work plans and corresponding
budgets that will enable the project objective to be fulfilled within the framework defined in the project SRF.
These plans and budgets will be presented to the SC. The UNDP and GEF requirements for monitoring and
reporting will be the responsibility of the RPC. Another function of the RPC will be to coordinate the effective
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work of the inter-sectoral working groups. The RPC will also have oversight functions for the pilot projects and
will be responsible for integrating their results into the project as well as for the identification of lessons learned
and mechanisms for upscaling and replication
225.
A bi-national TAG will be established with Experts from the public sector, academia, scientific
organizations, private sector, Chambers of industry, NGOs and civil society groups from both countries. The
TAG will provide recommendations to the SC, the NICs and the RPCU as requested, on technical aspects
related to the project.
226.
As noted above, during Project execution efforts will be undertaken to institutionalize and ensure the
sustainability of the NICs and the TAG so that once the Project ends, the institutional framework created will be
able to continue contributing to SAP implementation. Decisions will be taken at highest levels to determine
which the best institutional arrangement to maintain coordination and management activities is (see
organigram). The model to be followed to achieve long term sustainability is described in the organigram in
Part II. Four levels of intervention are defined: steering, execution, management, and advisory. The project will
be thus guided by a SC, executed by the respective NICs, managed by the PCU and national entities with
environmental responsibilities. These 3 levels of intervention will be in turn supported by the bi-national TAG.
PART IV: Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and Budget
227.
Project monitoring and evaluation will be conducted in accordance with established UNDP and GEF
procedures and will be provided by the project team and the UNDP Country Office (UNDP-CO) with support
from UNDP/GEF. The Logical Framework Matrix in Annex 1 provides performance and impact indicators for
project implementation along with their corresponding means of verification. These will form the basis on which
the project's Monitoring and Evaluation system will be built.
228.
The following sections outline the principle components of the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and
indicative cost estimates related to M&E activities. The project's Monitoring and Evaluation Plan will be
presented and finalized at the Project's Inception Report following a collective fine-tuning of indicators, means
of verification, and the full definition of project staff M&E responsibilities.
Project Inception Phase
229.
A Project Inception Workshop will be conducted with the full project team, relevant government
counterparts, co-financing partners, the UNDP-CO and representation from the UNDP-GEF Regional
Coordinating Unit.
230.
A fundamental objective of this Inception Workshop will be to assist the project team to understand and
take ownership of the project's goals and objectives, as well as finalize preparation of the project's first annual
work plan on the basis of the project's logframe matrix. This will include reviewing the logframe (indicators,
means of verification, assumptions), imparting additional detail as needed, and on the basis of this exercise
finalize the Annual Work Plan (AWP) with precise and measurable performance indicators, and in a manner
consistent with the expected outcomes for the project.
231.
Additionally, the purpose and objective of the Inception Workshop (IW) will be to: (i) introduce project
staff with the UNDP-GEF expanded team which will support the project during its implementation, namely the
CO and responsible Regional Coordinating Unit staff; (ii) detail the roles, support services and complementary
responsibilities of UNDP-CO and RCU staff vis à vis the project team; (iii) provide a detailed overview of
UNDP-GEF reporting and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) requirements, with particular emphasis on the
Annual Project Implementation Review/Annual Project Report (PIR/APR), Tripartite Review Meetings, as well
as mid-term and final evaluations. Equally, the IW will provide an opportunity to inform the project team on
UNDP project related budgetary planning, budget reviews, and mandatory budget rephasings.
232.
The IW will also provide an opportunity for all parties to understand their roles, functions, and
responsibilities within the project's decision-making structures, including reporting and communication lines,
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and conflict resolution mechanisms. The Terms of Reference for project staff and decision-making structures
will be discussed again, as needed in order to clarify for all, each party's responsibilities during the project's
implementation phase.
Monitoring responsibilities and events
233.
A detailed schedule of project reviews meetings will be developed by the project management, in
consultation with project implementation partners and stakeholder representatives and incorporated in the
Project Inception Report. Such a schedule will include: (i) tentative time frames Steering Committee Meetings,
(or relevant advisory and/or coordination mechanisms) and (ii) project related Monitoring and Evaluation
activities.
234.
Day to day monitoring of implementation progress will be the responsibility of the Project Coordinator
based on the project's Annual Work Plan and its indicators. The Project Team will inform the UNDP-CO of any
delays or difficulties faced during implementation so that the appropriate support or corrective measures can be
adopted in a timely and remedial fashion.
235.
The Project Coordinator will fine-tune the progress and performance/impact indicators of the project in
consultation with the full project team at the Inception Workshop with support from UNDP-CO and assisted by
the UNDP-GEF Regional Coordinating Unit. Specific targets for the first year implementation progress
indicators together with their means of verification will be developed at this Workshop. These will be used to
assess whether implementation is proceeding at the intended pace and in the right direction and will form part of
the Annual Work Plan. In the Inception Workshop a common vision of overall project goals will be established.
Targets and indicators for subsequent years would be defined annually as part of the internal evaluation and
planning processes undertaken by the project team.
236.
Measurement of impact indicators related to global benefits will occur according to the schedules
defined in the Inception Workshop. The measurement, of these will be undertaken through subcontracts or
retainers with relevant institutions or through specific studies that are to form part of the projects activities or
periodic sampling.
237.
Periodic monitoring of implementation progress will be undertaken by the UNDP-CO through quarterly
meetings with the project proponent, or more frequently as deemed necessary. This will allow parties to take
stock and to troubleshoot any problems pertaining to the project in a timely fashion to ensure smooth
implementation of project activities.
238.
UNDP Country Offices and UNDP-GEF RCUs as appropriate, will conduct yearly visits to projects that
have field sites, or more often based on an agreed upon schedule to be detailed in the project's Inception Report /
Annual Work Plan to assess first hand project progress. Any other member of the Steering Committee can also
accompany, as decided by the SC.
239.
Annual Monitoring will occur through the Steering Committee/Tripartite Review (TPR). This is the
highest policy-level meeting of the parties directly involved in the implementation of a project. The Steering
Committee will meet at least once every year. The first such meeting will be held within the first twelve months
of the start of full implementation. The project proponent will prepare a Project Implementation Review (PIR)
and submit it to UNDP-CO and the UNDP-GEF regional office at least two weeks prior to the Steering
Committee/TPR. The APR will be used as one of the basic documents for discussions in the Steering
Committee/TPR meeting, highlighting policy issues and recommendations. The project proponent also informs
the participants of any agreement reached by stakeholders during the PIR preparation on how to resolve
operational issues. Separate reviews of each project component may also be conducted if necessary
Terminal Tripartite Review (TTR)
240.
The terminal tripartite review is held in the last month of project operations. The project proponent is
responsible for preparing the Terminal Report and submitting it to UNDP-CO and the UNDP Regional
Technical Advisor. It shall be prepared in draft at least two months in advance of the Steering Committee/TTR
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in order to allow review, and will serve as the basis for discussions in the Steering Committee/TTR. The
terminal tripartite review considers the implementation of the project as a whole, paying particular attention to
whether the project has achieved its stated objectives and contributed to the broader environmental objective. It
decides whether any actions are still necessary, particularly in relation to sustainability of project results, and
acts as a vehicle through which lessons learnt can be captured to feed into other projects under implementation
of formulation.
241.
The Steering Committee/TPR has the authority to suspend disbursement if project performance
benchmarks are not met that will be developed at the Inception Workshop, based on delivery rates, and
qualitative assessments of achievements of outputs.
Project Monitoring Reporting
242.
The Project Coordinator in conjunction with the UNDP-GEF extended team will be responsible for the
preparation and submission of the following reports that form part of the monitoring process. Items (a) through
(e) are mandatory and strictly related to monitoring, while (f) through (g) have a broader function and the
frequency and nature is project specific to be defined throughout implementation.
(a) Inception Report (IR)
243.
A Project Inception Report will be prepared immediately following the Inception Workshop. It will
include a detailed Firs Year/ Annual Work Plan divided in quarterly time-frames detailing the activities and
progress indicators that will guide implementation during the first year of the project. This Work Plan would
include the dates of specific field visits, support missions from the UNDP-CO or the Regional Coordinating
Unit (RCU) or consultants, as well as time-frames for meetings of the project's decision making structures. The
Report will also include the detailed project budget for the first full year of implementation, prepared on the
basis of the Annual Work Plan, and including any monitoring and evaluation requirements to effectively
measure project performance during the targeted 12 months time-frame.
244.
The Inception Report will include a more detailed narrative on the institutional roles, responsibilities,
coordinating actions and feedback mechanisms of project related partners.
In addition, a section will be
included on progress to date on project establishment and start-up activities and an update of any changed
external condition that may effect project implementation.
245.
When finalized the report will be circulated to project counterparts who will be given a period of one
calendar month in which to respond with comments or queries. Prior to this circulation of the IR, the UNDP
Country Office and UNDP-GEF's Regional Coordinating Unit will review the document.
(b) Annual Project Report/Project Implementation Review (APR/PIR)
246.
The APR-PIR and the International Waters Tracking Tool are an annual monitoring process mandated
by the GEF and UNDP. It has become an essential management and monitoring tool for project managers and
offers the main vehicle for extracting lessons from ongoing projects. Once the project has been under
implementation for a year, an APR/PIR must be completed by the project team with support from UNDP-GEF.
The APR/PIR is part of UNDP's central oversight, monitoring and project management. It is a self -assessment
report by project management to the RCU as well as forming a key input to the Steering Committee meeting. An
APR/PIR will be prepared on an annual basis to reflect progress achieved in meeting the project's Annual Work
Plan and assess performance of the project in contributing to intended outcomes through outputs and partnership
work.
247.
The individual APR/PIRs are collected, reviewed and analyzed by the UNDP RCU prior to sending
them to the focal area clusters at the UNDP/GEF headquarters. The focal area clusters supported by the
UNDP/GEF M&E Unit analyze the APR/PIRs by focal area, theme and region for common issues/results and
lessons. The focal area APR/PIRs are then discussed in the GEF Interagency Focal Area Task Forces in or
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around November each year and consolidated reports by focal area are collated by the GEF Independent M&E
Unit based on the Task Force findings.
(c) Quarterly Progress Reports
248.
Short reports outlining main updates in project progress will be provided quarterly to the local UNDP
Country Office and the UNDP-GEF regional office by the project team. See format attached.
(d) Periodic Thematic Reports
249.
As and when called for by UNDP, UNDP-GEF or the Implementing Partner, the project team will
prepare Specific Thematic Reports, focusing on specific issues or areas of activity. The request for a Thematic
Report will be provided to the project team in written form by UNDP and will clearly state the issue or activities
that need to be reported on. These reports can be used as a form of lessons learnt exercise, specific oversight in
key areas, or as troubleshooting exercises to evaluate and overcome obstacles and difficulties encountered.
UNDP is requested to minimize its requests for Thematic Reports, and when such are necessary will allow
reasonable timeframes for their preparation by the project team.
(e) Project Terminal Report
250.
During the last three months of the project the project team will prepare the Project Terminal Report.
This comprehensive report will summarize all activities, achievements and outputs of the Project, lessons learnt,
objectives met, or not achieved structures and systems implemented, etc. and will be the definitive statement of
the Project's activities during its lifetime. It will also lay out recommendations for any further steps that may
need to be taken to ensure sustainability and replicability of the Project's activities.
(f) Technical Reports (project specific- optional)
251.
Technical Reports are detailed documents covering specific areas of analysis or scientific specializations
within the overall project. As part of the Inception Report, the project team will prepare a draft Reports List,
detailing the technical reports that are expected to be prepared on key areas of activity during the course of the
Project, and tentative due dates. Where necessary this Reports List will be revised and updated, and included in
subsequent APR/PIRs.
Technical Reports may also be prepared by external consultants and should be
comprehensive, specialized analyses of clearly defined areas of research within the framework of the project and
its sites. These technical reports will represent, as appropriate, the project's substantive contribution to specific
areas, and will be used in efforts to disseminate relevant information and best practices at local, national and
international levels.
(g) Project Publications (project specific- optional)
252.
Project Publications will form a key method of crystallizing and disseminating the results and
achievements of the Project. These publications may be scientific or informational texts on the activities and
achievements of the Project, in the form of journal articles, multimedia publications, etc. These publications can
be based on Technical Reports, depending upon the relevance, scientific worth, etc. of these Reports, or may be
summaries or compilations of a series of Technical Reports and other research. The project team will determine
if any of the Technical Reports merit formal publication, and will also (in consultation with UNDP, the
government and other relevant stakeholder groups) plan and produce these Publications in a consistent and
recognizable format. Project resources will need to be defined and allocated for these activities as appropriate
and in a manner commensurate with the project's budget.
Independent Evaluations
The project will be subjected to at least two independent external evaluations as follows:-
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(i)
Mid-term Evaluation
253.
An independent Mid-Term Evaluation will be undertaken at the end of the second year of
implementation. The Mid-Term Evaluation will determine progress being made towards the achievement of
outcomes and will identify course correction if needed. It will focus on the effectiveness, efficiency and
timeliness of project implementation; will highlight issues requiring decisions and actions; and will present
initial lessons learned about project design, implementation and management. Findings of this review will be
incorporated as recommendations for enhanced implementation during the final half of the project's term. The
organization, terms of reference and timing of the mid-term evaluation will be decided after consultation
between the parties to the project document. The Terms of Reference for this Mid-term evaluation will be
prepared by the UNDP CO based on guidance from the Regional Coordinating Unit and UNDP-GEF.
(ii)
Final Evaluation
254.
An independent Final Evaluation will take place three months prior to the terminal tripartite review
meeting, and will focus on the same issues as the mid-term evaluation. The final evaluation will also look at
impact and sustainability of results, including the contribution to capacity development and the achievement of
global environmental goals. The Final Evaluation should also provide recommendations for follow-up activities.
The Terms of Reference for this evaluation will be prepared by the UNDP CO based on guidance from the
Regional Coordinating Unit and UNDP-GEF.
Audit Clause
255.
The Government will provide the Resident Representative with certified periodic financial statements,
and with an annual audit of the financial statements relating to the status of UNDP (including GEF) funds
according to the established procedures set out in the Programming and Finance manuals.
The Audit will be
conducted by the legally recognized auditor of the Government, or by a commercial auditor engaged by the
Government.
Learning and Knowledge Sharing
256.
Results from the project will be disseminated within and beyond the project intervention zone through a
number of existing information sharing networks and forums. In addition:
The project will participate, as relevant and appropriate, in UNDP/GEF sponsored networks, organized
for Senior Personnel working on projects that share common characteristics. UNDP/GEF shall establish
a number of networks that will largely function on the basis of an electronic platform.
The project will identify and participate, as relevant and appropriate, in scientific, policy-based and/or
any other networks, which may be of benefit to project implementation though lessons learned.
The project will participate in and contribute to, IW:LEARN follow up activities, the knowledge
exchange program of the GEF International Waters. There will be participation (self-financed) in the bi-
annual GEF IW Conferences (2009, 2011, 2013), "IW Experience Notes" will be prepared that
document important lessons and good practices, and contributions to various IW:LEARN type regional
knowledge and thematic exchanges, both virtually and in person.
The project will identify, analyze and share lessons learned that can benefit the design and
implementation of similar future projects. This is an ongoing process and the need to share these lessons
as one of the central contributions of this project is a requirements. To this end a percentage of project
resources will need to be allocated for these activities.
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Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
Type of M&E activity
Responsible Parties
Budget US$
Time frame
Excluding project team
Staff time

Project Coordinator
Within first two
Inception Workshop

UNDP CO
None
months of project

UNDP GEF
start up

Project Team
Immediately
Inception Report

None
UNDP CO
following IW
Measurement of Means

Project Coordinator will
To be finalized in
Start, mid and end of
of Verification for
oversee the hiring of specific
Inception Phase and
project
Project Purpose
studies and institutions, and
Workshop. Indicative cost
Indicators
delegate responsibilities to
US$15,000
relevant team members
Measurement of Means

Oversight by Project GEF
To be determined as part
Annually prior to
of Verification for
Technical Advisor and Project
of the Annual Work
APR/PIR and to the
Project Progress and
Coordinator
Plan's preparation.
definition of annual
Performance (measured

Measurements by regional
Indicative cost
work plans
on an annual basis)
field officers and local IAs
US$20,000
APR and PIR

Project Team
None
Annually

UNDP-CO

UNDP-GEF
TPR and TPR report

Government Counterparts
None
Every year, upon

UNDP CO
receipt of APR

Project team

UNDP-GEF Regional
Coordinating Unit
Steering Committee

Project Coordinator
None
Following Project
Meetings

UNDP CO
IW and subsequently
at least once a year
Periodic status reports

Project team
None
To be determined by
Project team and
UNDP CO
Technical reports

Project team
US$10,000
To be determined by

Hired consultants as needed
Project Team and
UNDP-CO
Mid-term External

Project team
US$40,000
At the mid-point of
Evaluation

UNDP- CO
project

UNDP-GEF Regional
implementation.
Coordinating Unit

External Consultants (i.e.
evaluation team)
Final External

Project team,
US$40,000
At the end of project
Evaluation

UNDP-CO
implementation

UNDP-GEF Regional
Coordinating Unit

External Consultants (i.e.
evaluation team)
Terminal Report

Project team
At least one month

UNDP-CO
None
before the end of the

External Consultant
project
Lessons learned

Project team
Yearly

UNDP-GEF Regional
8,000 (average US$2,000
Coordinating Unit (suggested
per year)
formats for documenting best
practices, etc)
68

---

Audit

UNDP-CO
US$20,000 (average
Yearly

Project team
US$5000 per year)
Visits to field sites

UNDP Country Office
Yearly
(UNDP staff travel costs

UNDP-GEF Regional
US$10,000 (average one
to be charged to IA fees)
Coordinating Unit (as
visit per year)
appropriate)

Government representatives
TOTAL INDICATIVE COST
Excluding project team staff time and UNDP staff and travel
US$ 163,000
expenses
PART V: Legal Context
257.
This Project Document shall be the instrument referred to as such in Article I of the Standard Basic
Assistance Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Argentina and the United Nations
Development Program, and the Government of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay and the United Nations
Development Program respectively signed by the parties on February 26 1985 (approved by the Law N° 23.396
of October 10, 1986) and on December 12 1985 (approved by the Law N° 15.597 of June 2, 1988). The host
country implementing agency shall, for the purpose of the Standard Basic Assistance Agreement, refer to the
government co-operating agency described in that Agreement.
258.
The UNDP Resident Representative in Uruguay is authorized to effect in writing the following types of
revision to this Project Document, provided that he/she has verified the agreement thereto by the UNDP-GEF
Unit and is assured that the other signatories to the Project Document have no objection to the proposed
changes:
a) Revision of, or addition to, any of the annexes to the Project Document;
b) Revisions which do not involve significant changes in the immediate objectives, outputs or activities of
the project, but are caused by the rearrangement of the inputs already agreed to or by cost increases due
to inflation;
c) Mandatory annual revisions which re-phase the delivery of agreed project inputs or increased expert or
other costs due to inflation or take into account agency expenditure flexibility; and
d) Inclusion of additional annexes and attachments only as set out here in this Project Document
69

---

SECTION II: STRATEGIC RESULTS FRAMEWORK
Project Strategy
Objectively Verifiable Impact Indicators
Goal: Safe water for population health, recreational use and aquatic biota development (SAP EcoQO)
Indicator
Base Line
Target
Verification sources
Risks and assumptions
Project Objective
1. Regulatory frameworks
Strategic Environmental Assessment
At national level relevant regulation
New norms or regulations
Countries'
To advance towards
for pollution control and
and bi-national Technical Protocols
incorporates the Strategic
proposed
commitment to SAP
sustainability of the
reduction in the Project area
for Environmental Impact
Environmental Assessment and bi-
New norms in force when
and respective NAPs
uses and resources of
include instruments that are
Assessments for the Common Use
national technical protocols for
published in the Official
implementation,
the Rio de la
transboundary in scope
Waters and the Common Fishing
Environmental Impact Assessments by
Bulletin
including needed
Plata/Maritime Front
Zone elaborated within the
Year 3
Mid-Term and Final
sectoral, institutional,
through the
FREPLATA framework have not
Evaluations
legal and economic
implementation of the
been implemented.
reforms is maintained
Strategic Action
Methodology for establishing water
Macro economic
Program (SAP) with
quality objectives for the Common
and financial factors do
regards to reduction
Use Waters of the Rio de la Plata and
not hinder the project
and prevention of
Common Fishing Zone, including
Commitment on the
land-based pollution
water quality bi-national criteria,
part of Governments to
elaborated within the FREPLATA
ensure financial
framework has not been implemented
sustainability of the
2. Decision-taking
Several agencies and institutions
An integrated and sustainable program
Monitoring information
institutional framework
frameworks for
have monitoring programs which are
for monitoring a select suite of
generated by relevant
and tools for SAP
environmental management
not coordinated and there is no
indicators in areas under national
agencies and entities
implementation beyond
of the RPMF underpinned
capacity for integrated assessments
jurisdiction, the coastal interface, and
incorporated into the IBIS
the life of the Project is
by an Integrated
at the RPMF system level
the Common Use waters, and linked to
Cooperation agreements
maintained
Monitoring Program (IMP)
Information compiled by
the Integrated Bi-national Information
signed with and between
Significant
and an Integrated Bi-
FREPLATA is not updated and
System (IBIS) established and
environmental agencies at
difference in
national Information
needs to be improved so as to
operational by Year 3
national level that belong
participating countries'
System (IBIS) providing
become a more user-friendly tool to
to different jurisdictions,
size and institutional
for follow-up of SAP and
support decision taking processes
and at bi-national level
frameworks does not
RPMF environmental
Monitoring programs of the various
Final Evaluations
affect project execution
status, based on
agencies have evolved in an
PIRs
Climate change
International Waters GEF
uncoordinated manner, especially
impacts on the system
indicators
from a bi-national perspective
in the future mainly
.
through sea level rise
3. Scope and depth of the



and increased water
Coastal programs, executed
31 parameters and at least 55
Survey reports
information generated
flows
independently by diverse authorities
sampling stations generate
Mid-Term and Final
within the Integrated
and entities, are uncoordinated and
information that is analyzed in an
Evaluations
Monitoring Program (IMP)
fragmented. Water quality
integrated manner with a
PIRs
framework provides for an
information is not shared at bi-
transboundary perspective through the
integral understanding of
national level and is scarcely shared
Integrated Monitoring Program (IMP),
RPMF environmental status
at national level (depending on
generates a comprehensive
and trends
jurisdictions)
understanding of the RPMF
70

---

Results of coastal water quality
environmental status by Year 4
monitoring programs undertaken by
agencies in both countries
(ie.ACUMAR, AySA, RIIGLO,
IMM-Sanitation Plan, coastal
municipalities of Uruguay, etc.) are
used as management tool by the
corresponding authorities, are not
analysed in an integrated manner.
There is no Monitoring Program for
the Common Use Waters although
there are specific results from
oceanographic surveys executed by
institutions from both countries
within the initial FREPLATA
program
4. Multi-sectoral
Inter-ministerial groups exist in
Effective national inter-sectoral
NIC reports to the
approaches facilitated
both countries but are narrow in scope
committees are successful in engaging a
Steering Committee
through functional national
and do not provide a platform for
broad group of stakeholders in support
PIRs
inter-sectoral committees in
inter-sectoral, multi-disciplinary
of integrated and innovative responses
each country that support
dialogue to promote integrated
to reduce and control land based
SAP implementation and
responses to national and
pollution by Q3
attainment of the agreed
transboundary pollution issues
EQOs
In the Province of Buenos Aires,
based on the FREPLATA Inter-
ministerial Commission, in 2008 the
Integrated Coastal Management
Coordination Unit was created, mainly
to support SAP actions within an
ICZM framework
Outcome 1
1. Creation of a bi-national
Ad-hoc technical exchanges between A bi-national Technical Advisory
GTA Meeting Minutes
Implementation of
Technical Advisory Group
the two countries. There is no
Group created and operative advising
Reports on GTA
institutional reforms
platform for regular exchange of
the CDC and national and municipal
contributions and support
and strengthening at
experiences, lessons and practices
institutions on issues regarding land-
provided
bi-national and
based pollution control and prevention
national levels as
by Q2
proposed in the SAP
to address priority
2. Coordination
During the initial FREPLATA
Agreements defined to guarantee a
Cooperation Agreements
transboundary
mechanisms with GEF
Project cooperation modalities with
sustained and consistent coordination
Minutes of Coordination
environmental
projects and initiatives
several GEF projects were agreed
for information, experiences and good
Meetings
problems
relevant to the project
Both countries have established at
practices exchange by Year 2
objective, agreed and
national level coordination
operative
modalities among GEF projects.
However these efforts do not count
on a platform that ensures its
71

---

sustainability
3. A financial strategy to
Mechanisms to ensure the
National and bi-national institutions
Financial strategy
Political consensus
ensure the sustainability of
sustainability of FREPLATA
with responsibility for water quality
document
for the adoption of the
the Integrated Monitoring
Integrated Information System have
monitoring in the project area and for
Incorporation of the IMP
bi-national instruments.
Program (IMP)and the
not been defined
maintaining and/or providing inputs to
and the IBIS maintenance
A diverse range of
Integrated Bi-national
the IBIS, have agreed on a financing
and operation costs to the
stakeholders, including
Information System, as well
strategy to ensure the sustainability of
regular budget of the
resource users at all
as the FREPLATA web
the IBIS and the MP by Q8
national environment
levels and the private
site, agreed to by relevant
agencies
sector, understand the
institutions
benefits of reducing
land-based pollution
4. Key stakeholders groups
Stakeholders at all levels, but
Local authorities and sectoral groups
Results of surveys at
and are supportive of
have better understanding
especially at local level, including
from at least 80% of the coastal
municipal level with local
any required
of the importance of
public and private sectors, have
municipalities in both riparian
authorities, sectoral groups
investments, reforms
reducing and controlling
limited awareness and knowledge
countries, confirm the effectiveness
and NGOs
and/or trade-offs
pollution, as well as of the
of the impacts of land-based
of the Project's Communication
Mid-Term Evaluation
tools and processes
pollution on the RPMF. In general,
Strategy by Year 3
PIRs
available to achieve this
command and control approaches
based on collaborative
have prevailed up to date, and there
public-private approaches
is limited knowledge of alternatives
based on economic instruments and
partnerships between public and
private sectors
5. Authorities approve
Although various government
Report approved by the respective
Inter-jurisdictional
diagnostic report on inter-
levels may need to be involved in
authorities as basis for undertaking
analysis report
jurisdictional
decisions on control of wastewater
necessary reforms of mandates and
institutional/legal
discharges and monitoring, and
regulatory frameworks by Q5
NIC Meeting Minutes for
frameworks for prevention,
there are often overlaps or gaps in
report approval
reduction and control of
planning and operational processes.
land-based pollution in NIC
These however, are not clearly
jurisdictions as a basis for
identified, and there are no
definition of required
established mechanisms for
reforms for SAP
ensuring effective coordination
implementation
between the various jurisdictions.
In Argentina the legal frameworks
need to be harmonized between the
various jurisdictions.
Outcome 2
1. Coastal municipalities
At local level, capacities for norms
Management procedures and criteria
Minutes of consultations
Consensus among
Enhanced capacities
agree to unified
regulation and pollution control and
(analytic, methodological and
between municipalities
local stakeholders
and tools to prevent
management criteria and
prevention monitoring are
operative) at municipal level are
Reports and documents
(government, private
and mitigate pollution
procedures to control
heterogeneous, but most
unified thus generating opportunities
defining agreed
sector and civil
72

---

promote greater
environmental quality at
municipalities cannot comply with
for economies of scale by Q5
procedures and criteria
society) on the
collaboration between
local level
the responsibilities on this matter.
Satisfaction surveys of
benefits of PPPs
public and private
Water quality objectives in the
training courses
Regulatory
sectors, specially at
several jurisdictions in Argentina are
Agreement on protocols
environment for PPPs
provincial and
not harmonized which constitutes an
for environmental quality
arrangements are
municipal levels
additional barrier. Scale economies
control
attractive to the
and possible synergies among
Technical documents on
private sector.
municipalities are not used
agreed methodologies
2. Inter-jurisdictional
Institutional frameworks and
At least 3 Inter-jurisdictional
Minutes of Inter-
Municipal Commissions
capacities at departmental/provincial
Municipal Commissions generate
jurisdictional Municipal
established and operative
and municipal levels insufficient for
synergies and a platform to strengthen
Commissions meetings
pollution prevention and control
relationships with authorities at
and of consultations with
Insufficient coordination among
Provincial and National levels (ie.:
ECOPLATA, the
jurisdictions for an effective
Integrated Coastal Management
Integrated Coastal
pollution control and monitoring
Coordination Unit of the Province of
Management
Buenos Aires, OPDS, ECOPLATA,
Coordination Unit,
UDELAR, AySA, MVOTMA,
COFEMA and COTAMA
MGAP, MDN, MINTURD), as well
PIRs
as for harmonization and development
Mid-term Evaluation
of relevant norms by Year 1
3. Institutional
Predominance of inefficient
At least 12 municipalities with
Minutes of local advisory
arrangements to support
command and control mechanisms
operational representative mechanisms
councils' meetings
collaborative partnerships
for pollution prevention
(eg. Local Advisory Councils) for the
Mid-Term and Final
between public and private
Absence of cooperation mechanisms
development of PPP initiatives by Q6
Evaluations
sector at local level
between public and private sectors at
PIRs
established
local level for pollution prevention
and control. Municipalities have
limited capacities to implement
actions aimed at reducing land-based
pollution. Lack of
economic/financial incentives to
introduce improvements in operative
practices for pollution
prevention/reduction. Limited
commitment from private sector and
civil society in the implementation
of actions to reduce/prevent coastal
pollution
4. Number of investment
RPMF Municipalities have no
10 investment opportunities briefs
Investment opportunities
opportunity briefs prepared
experience on PPP initiatives and
elaborated, including SMEs and more
briefs published
and disseminated to
processes to develop effective
informal sectors, by Year 3
Links to investment
national, bi-national and
investment arrangements
opportunity briefs and on
international networks
Private sector involvement in
the Project web site
environmental management is
PIRs
73

---

limited, and the private sector is
Final Evaluation
perceived as a services supplier that
is not involved in environmental
management at local levels
5. Expanded RIIGLO with
Municipalities have limited
Strengthened RIIGLO enables local
Surveys undertaken
improved data exchange
capacities for monitoring water
governments to improve capacities for
Record of agreement on
capabilities operational by
quality and preventing coastal
systematic and coordinated monitoring
standardized
Q6 and integrated into the
pollution
of water quality on both shores of the
methodologies
IMP, underpinned by
Limited capacity for information
Rio de la Plata - based on sampling,
Satisfaction surveys for
standardized methodologies
exchange and processing at national
chemical analysis and information
training courses
at bi-national levels
level
processing methodologies
effectively strengthens
Common database on water quality
standardized at bi-national level - by
municipalities' capacity for
not systematically updated and
Q6
environmental quality
results not analyzed in an integrated
control
manner
Outcome 3
1. Inter-sectoral agreements
San Clemente treatment plant has
Agreements between the
Official records of
Local authorities,
A suite of pilot
between municipal,
insufficient capacity to provide
Municipality, the Supplying Public
agreements
industry chambers,
activities that
provincial, and national
adequate treatment to domestic
Services and Works Cooperative of
Minutes of consultations
and farmers remain
contribute in a
governments and civil
wastewater, particularly during
the San Clemente del Tuyú treatment
between stakeholders
committed to testing
measurable way to the
society to build and operate
seasonal tourism peaks. Other
plant, the Province of Buenos Aires
PIR
pilot approaches
reduction of priority
the artificial wetland in San
municipalities in the region also face
and SAyDS, establish a partnership
Mid Term Evaluation
Pilot cases prove to
pollutants are
Clemente, Samborombón
constraints in their capacity to
arrangement between public and
Final Evaluation
have high replication
implemented
effectively treat domestic and agro-
private sectors and civil society to
potential for other
industrial effluents
advance innovative approaches to
agro-industries and
There are no previous experiences
treatment of sewage effluents in
industries as well as
with artificial wetlands construction
small localities due to seasonal
for coastal
or operation in [project area]
increases by Q4
municipalities with
2. Constructed wetland
Reduction of >50% of nutrients,
Monitoring reports from
limitations for
reduces nutrients,
pathogens and metals contributions
the treatment plant
adequate treatment of
pathogens and metals from
from the San Clemente del Tuyú
confirmed through
domestic wastewater
the effluents of the San
Treatment Plant by Year 4
protocols and control
Consensus reached
Clemente del Tuyú
Opportunities for replication in other
reports from the
between authorities
Treatment Plant ­(and lays
coastal municipalities in the region
environmental authority
and SMEs managers
foundations for replication
identified and activities for
inspecting the treatment
on technological and
in other coastal
replication initiated by Year 4
plant
regulatory packages
municipalities in the
Pilot activity linked to Integrated
Pilot Project monitoring
to promote CP
region) (SR)
Management Plan for Samborombon
reports as verified by the
Wetland (Ramsar site)
Coordinator and the TAG
3. Number of enterprises in
SMEs and informal companies in
10 enterprises in the tannery sector
CP Plans
the tannery sector with
productive sector are not aware of
have completed their CP plans by
Reports systematize the
Cleaner Production (CP)
the benefits of CP and have
Year 2
pilot's process and lessons
plans formulated and
insufficient capacity and resources
Lessons and pilot processes
learned
agreed with the
to implement this kind of approach
systematized to enable DINAMA and
Satisfaction surveys of
74

---

environmental authority to
other private stakeholders (CIU,
training courses
eliminate pollutant
CNCS) to replicate the pilot in other
PIRs
discharges that exceed
productive sectors
Final evaluation
norms
4. Reduction in chrome
SMEs and informal companies in the An 80% reduction in total chrome
Analyses and reviews of
loads discharged that
tannery sector have high rates of
loads discharged outside the norm by
companies' data
exceed norms in the tannery
non-compliance with regulations on
the entire tannery sector; loads relative
DINAMA data and
sector in Uruguay (SR)
industrial effluents, discharging
to baseline at 40% by Year 4 and 20%
evaluations
heavy metals and other harmful
by Year 7
Verification reports by the
substances directly into sanitation
project Coordinator and
networks and tributaries
TAG
Pilot monitoring reports
confirmed through control
protocols and reports of
DINAMA
5. Number of producers
Limited number of producers, some
At least 60 producers from the dairy
Project verification
joining the SLW pilot
in the Project area and others in the
sector and at least 65 producers from
reports
Project that adopt
medium and high Santa Lucia River
the fruit/vegetable sector have adopted
Metropolitan Agenda
sustainable productive
basin have adopted sustainable
sustainable production practices by
monitoring reports
practices
productive practices but are isolated
Year 3
Pilot monitoring reports
events without systematizing or
confirmed through control
replication possibility
protocols and reports of
DINAMA
PIR
Final evaluation
6. Reduction of non-point
The Santa Lucia basin discharges
Pilot project monitoring
pollution loads from dairy
significant organic loads into the RP,
reports confirmed by control
farms discharged into micro
estimated at 34.6 tons/day of total N
protocols and reports of
Pilot phase
Long term
watersheds and water
and 1.7 tons/day of total P. Non point
goal:
goal:
DINAMA
bodies near productive
sources (eg from livestock and
Expected
Expected
Verification reports by the
lands in the Santa Lucia
agricultural activities) are leading
mean load
mean load
project Coordinator and
(kg/day)
(kg/day)
Wetlands (SLW) pilot
sources. 90% of total N and 63% of
TAG
Ntotal
6.289 (2.3%*)
1.417 (78%)
Project ( SR )
total P are linked to non-point sources

P
Mid term and final
total
701 (1.6%)
328 (54%)
BOD
evaluations
5
24.288 (2.8 %)
1.250 (95%)
* Percentage of reduction (%)
Lessons and pilot processes
systematized to enable DINAMA to
replicate the pilot in other productive
sectors
7. Pollution Prevention and
There is willingness to cooperate
SLW Management Plan incorporates a
Pollution prevention and
Reduction Program in the
among stakeholders to support
pollution prevention and reduction
reduction plan in the SLW
Santa Lucia Wetlands
integrated management of the SL
program which effectively enables the
Management Plan
(SLW) approved by the
River Basin, and coordination
inclusion of production activities in
approved by pertinent
75

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competent authority and
actions are incipient.
the wetland buffer areas by Year 3
authorities published and
incorporated into its
The Metropolitan Agenda program
disseminated
Management Plan
is promoting integrated management
PIR
approaches in the Montevideo
Final evaluation
metropolitan area, including the
coastal area and the Santa Lucia
River basin but requires of specific
tools and procedures to develop
effective responses to point and
diffuse pollution sources
Outcome 4
1. Water quality indicators
Baseline for water quality, sediments Formal agreement at bi-national level
Minute of the bi-national
Environmental
Monitoring/evaluation
agreed to bi-nationally in
and biodiversity generated at
on physical/chemical, microbiological
agreement on water
agencies from both
(M&E) Program and
the framework of the IMP
national level and
and biological parameters to be
quality parameters
countries are
Integrated Information
for the areas of exclusive
generated/compiled by the
included in the integrated monitoring
Meeting Minutes of the
committed to
System established to
national jurisdiction waters
FREPLATA project (RIIGLO and
program for water and sediment
bi-national group on
maintaining the IBIS
support decision
and for the Common Use
oceanographic and coastal surveys).
quality by Q6
monitoring
and the IMP upon
taking and
Waters of the Rio de la
At a technical level, within the
programLetters from key
Project termination
management of the
Plata
FREPLATA framework, water
stakeholders from both
RPMF
quality and sediments parameters
countries committing
The various
were proposed but these have not
themselves with the water
institutions and
been approved nor applied. During
quality and sediments
entities advancing
the PPG phase the parameters to be
integrated monitoring
monitoring programs
included in the FREPLATA
program
in the project area are
Monitoring Program were agreed to
committed to
with key technical actors from each
providing their
country, but these have not been
information to the
formally agreed to at bi-national
IMP and the IBIS in a
level
continuous and timely
2. Greater spatial coverage
Existence of an incipient HABs
HAB early warning system established
Bulletins and informative
manner (access to
and more frequent
monitoring program in the Province
Fresh and marine water HABs
material on the water
data is ensured)
monitoring actions for
of Buenos Aires and RIIGLO;
monitoring program extended to 14
quality situation status
HABs identification
methodologies for determination of
partidos and 36 fluvial and coastal-
published

enables establishment of an
cyanotoxins not validated between
marine municipalities not included in
Municipal Workshops
effective early warning
both countries.
the network to date, and at least 50%
outcomes
system
Fragmented coordination between the
increase in surveys by Q6
provincial, national government and
local governments.
3. Scope and extent of the
Uncoordinated and fragmented
31 parameters and 55 sampling
Campaign reports
information generated
coastal programs are carried out
stations, with information generated
within the MP framework
independently by several authorities
integrally analyzed by means of the
allows an integral
and entities. Knowledge on water
MP, generate and integral vision of
understanding of patterns
quality is not shared at bi-national
the RPMF environmental status for
and the RPMF
level and scarcely shared at national
year 4
environmental status
level (depending on jurisdictions).
Outcomes corresponding to coastal
76

---

water quality monitoring programs
carried out by both countries (ie.
RIIGLO, ACUMAR, AySA, IMM-
Sanitation Plan, coastal
municipalities of Uruguay, etc.) used
as management tool by the
corresponding authorities but are not
integrally analyzed. There is no
monitoring program for the
Common Use Waters.
4. Up-to-date information
Integrated Information System (IIIS)
The IBIS, nested in the environmental
GIS outputs; number of
on the RPMF system
generated within the FREPLATA
national agencies of both countries,
GIS layers and number of
available through an
program not updated.
with capacities to compile, compare
fields available.
Integrated Bi-national
There is no bi-national information
and analyze information received from
Protocols defined and
Information System (IBIS)
management system. There are no
the different agencies, and supporting
agreements with technical
mechanisms to facilitate exchange of
decision and planning frameworks as
institutions and agencies
information in a permanent and
well as the bi-national monitoring
for information input
consistent manner between the two
program operational by Year 2
Number of visits to the
countries at all levels
IBIS site
Information required for
understanding RPMF environmental
status is dispersed among several
institutions and agencies.
5. Institutional
There are no agreements
Agreements between key
Institutional agreements
arrangements and minimal
established to share information in
stakeholders from different jurisdictions
for information exchange
contents defined for the
a systematic and permanent
on institutional arrangements for the
signed
successful operation of the
manner.
IBIS' management and upkeep, as well
Environmental agencies
IBIS
as contents by Q3
from both countries
upload information
transferred from
FREPLATA.
Resources allocated by
environmental agencies
of both countries for the
IBIS as per approved
agency budgets
6. IBIS Virtual bi-national
Absence of a bi-national information
IBIS Virtual bi-national node guided by Number of dedicated visits
node in operation within the
system to support SAP
the CDC, operative within the first 12
to the IBIS ­ Virtual
first 2 years of the project
implementation
months of the project
Information Node
77

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SECTION III: TOTAL BUDGET AND WORK PLAN
Award ID:
00057761 / 00057766
Award Title:
Reducing and Preventing Land-based Pollution in the Rio de la Plata/Maritime Front through Implementation of the FREPLATA Strategic
Action Program
Business Unit:
UNDP1
Project ID:
PIMS 4055; ATLAS ID: 00071473 / 00071482
Project Title:
Reducing and Preventing Land-based Pollution in the Rio de la Plata/Maritime Front through Implementation of the FREPLATA Strategic
Action Program
Executing Agency:
MVOTMA and SAyDS
Atlas
Budget
Amount
Amount
Amount
Amount
Account
(USD)
(USD)
(USD)
(USD)
Total
Budget
GEF Outcome/Atlas Activity
ResPart (IA)
SoF
Code
Input
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
(USD)
Notes
OUTCOME 1:
GEF
71200
International Consultants
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
100,000
1
Implementation of institutional
reforms and strengthening at bi-
GEF
71300
Local Consultants
45,000
50,000
34,000
10,000
139,000
2
national and national levels as
GEF
72100
Contractual Services - Companies
0
20,000
0
0
20,000
3
proposed in the SAP to address priority
GEF
71600
Travel
15,000
25,000
21,000
8,000
69,000
4
transboundary environmental
problems
GEF
72200
Equipment and furniture
0
0
0
0
0
GEF
74200
Audiovisual & Printing
0
7,000
8,000
5,000
20,000
5
GEF
75700
Training
8,000
25,000
19,000
0
52,000
6
Total Outcome 1
93,000
152,000
107,000
48,000
400,000
OUTCOME 2:
GEF
71200
International Consultants
15,000
37,000
30,000
5,500
87,500
7
Enhanced capacities and tools to
6,000
prevent and mitigate pollution promote
GEF
71300
Local Consultants
30,000
36,000
20,000
92,000
8
greater collaboration between public
GEF
72100
Contractual Services -
100,000
126,000
80,000
60,000
366,000
9
and private sectors, specially at
GEF
71600
Travel
3,000
12,000
7,000
2,000
24,000
10
provincial and municipal levels
GEF
72200
Equipment and furniture
25,000
0
0
0
25,000
11
GEF
74200
Audiovisual & Printing
10,000
20,000
0
0
30,000
12
GEF
75700
Training
60,000
100,000
20,500
0
180,500
13
Total Outcome 2
243,000
331,000
157,500
73,500
805,000
OUTCOME 3:
GEF
71200
International Consultants
25,000
0
00
25,000
14
A suite of pilot activities that contribute
GEF
71300
Local Consultants
0
0
00
0
in a measurable way to the reduction of
UNDP
72100
Contractual services
210,000
295,000
140,000
0
645,000
15
78

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priority pollutants are implemented
GEF
71600
Travel
0
0
0
0
0
GEF
75700
Training
0
0
0
0
0
GEF
72200
Equipment & Furniture
0
0
0
0
0
GEF
74200
Audiovisual & Printing
0
0
0
0
0
Total Outcome 3 (GEF)
235,000
295,000
140,000
0
670,000
OUTCOME 4:
GEF
71200
International Consultants
25,000
25,000
25,000
0
75,000
16
Monitoring/evaluation (M&E)
9,000
2,000
GEF
71300
Local Consultants
30,000
20,000
61,000
17
Program and Integrated Information
System established to support decision
GEF
72100
Contractual services
49,500
59,500
50,500
49,500
209,000
18
taking and management of the RPMF
GEF
71600
Travel
0
0
00
0
GEF
75700
Training
12,000
15,000
5,000
0
32,000
19
GEF
72200
Equipment & Furniture
120,000
24,000
00
144,000
20
GEF
72300
Material and Goods
3,500
3,500
3,500
3,500
14,000
21
GEF
74200
Audiovisual & Printing
8,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
38,000
22
Total Outcome 4 (GEF)
248,000
157,000
103,000
65,000
573,000
GEF
71200
International Consultants
0
27,500
0
27,500
55,000
23
GEF
71300
Local Consultants
0
3,000
6,000
9,000
18,000
24
M&E
GEF
72100
Contractual services
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
20,000
25
GEF
71600
Travel
0
12,000
012,000
24,000
26
Total M&E (GEF)
5,000
47,500
11,000
53,500
117,000
GEF
71200
International Consultants
45,000
50,000
45,000
40,000
180,000
27
GEF
71300
Local Consultants
9,000
9,500
9,500
9,500
37,500
28
GEF
71600
Travel
6,500
16,500
6,500
16,500
46,000
29
Project Management
GEF
72200
Equipment and furniture
0
0
00
0
GEF
72500
Supplies
5,000
3,000
2,000
1,500
11,500
30
GEF
74200
Audiovisual & Printing
1,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
10,000
31
SUBTOTAL
66,500
82,000
66,000
70,500
285,000
2,850,000
Budget notes:
OUTCOME 1
1.
40 weeks of international consultant @ $2,500 = $100,000, RPC to guide work on Output 1.2. for coordination with other relevant initiatives in the region, Output 1.3 to provide technical
orientation to the communications strategy; Output 1.4 to supervise inter-jurisdictional analysis and support consultations with stakeholders to validate findings; Output 1.5 to review proposals
for sustainable financing mechanisms and undertake consultations with government agencies as well as with potential sources outside of government, for example, with private sector.
79

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2.
Includes:
a.
40 weeks of one consultant @ $500 = $20,000, to support the CDC with the sediment transport model for identification of additional parameters to include for calibration and validation of
the model; define maintenance needs for equipment; provide support for equipment maintenance
b.
10 weeks to support the CDC in the identification, in coordination with national authorities, modalities for adoption of the management tools elaborated in the initial FREPLATA project
(i.e: technical protocols for Environmental Impact Studies, Strategic Environmental Assessments and methodologies in order to develop Water Quality Objectives, etc.).
c.
24 weeks of one consultant @ $500 = $12000, for definition of operational modalities and access levels with the IBIS (Output 4.2) through a virtual bi-national node
d.
34 weeks of two consultants, one for each country @ $500 = $17,000,, to undertake an inter-jurisdictional analysis to define competency profiles and capacity needs to strengthen
institutional capacities for prevention, reduction and control of land-based pollution
e.
170 weeks of specialist @ $500 = $85,000, to design, validate and oversee implementation of the communication strategy, including coordination of training and dialogues
3.
Service contracts to analyze the feasibility of alternative measures for financial sustainability of the SAP institutional framework, as well as IBIS and IMP, including validation with relevant
government agencies and definition of preferred options.
4.
Travel: throughout the project efforts will be made to limit travel costs as much as possible and to employ teleconferencing and other electronic means whenever possible. However, in order to
further this bi-national project, some joint technical meetings and consultations are required including: to coordinate the continuation of the sediment transport model and link to Output 4.1; for
establishment of the bi-national virtual node and link to Output 4.2; for TAG support to specific technical requests; for coordination with representatives from other relevant initiatives in the
region; for attending training and outreach events under the Communications strategy. Estimated 24 trips @ $2,500 = $60,000; 3 trips @ $3,000 = $9,000
5.
Costs of production and distribution of dissemination and outreach materials for the implementation of training and dialogues, (brochures, information packages, training manuals, etc.)
for both countries as well as outreach material for the communication strategy
6.
Includes consultations and awareness raising with members of the NICs and other relevant stakeholders in order to advance inter-sectoral platforms for decision-making and
institutional planning and budgetary processes; consultations with other relevant initiatives, programs and projects in the RPMF region.
OUTCOME 2
7.
International consultants including: i) 30 weeks RPC @ $2,500 = $75,000, to provide technical support and oversight to activities on Output 2.1. for definition of capacity building requirements at
municipal levels related to environmental quality control and identification of opportunities for cost-efficiency through bi-national sharing of practices, tools, and methodologies; Output 2.2. to
guide complete PPP process including definition of requirements for enabling environment, development of project portfolio, outreach with potential investors; Output 2.4 to coordinate and
supervise work under RIIGLO; and ii) 5 weeks of specialist in PPP/ CP @ $2,500 = $12,500, to assist in development of PPP program targeting particularly SMEs, informal sector and municipal
levels and support the local service contractors under Output 2.2
8.
Includes:
a.
50 weeks of Public Private Partnership/Cleaner Production Specialist @ $500 = $25,000
b.
16 weeks for consultancies (one per country)@ $500 = $8,000 to define capacity building needs for environmental quality control at municipal levels including for routine control activities,
identification and assessment of pollution hot-spots, and development of early warning approaches
c.
24 weeks for consultancies (one per country) @ $500 = $12,000, for harmonization of criteria and management standards to control water pollution from point and non point sources, with
special emphasis on municipal levels.
d.
12 weeks for consultancies @ $500 = $6,000, to provide training on GIS and data analysis
e.
12 weeks @ $500 = $6,000 to evaluate requirements for application of CP schemes to participating electroplating industries and provide technical support as well as to identify lessons
learned for replication to other sectors
f.
70 weeks @ $500 = $35,000 of a pool of local consultants to provide targeted support to municipalities and local stakeholders in activities under the PPP program including public
awareness/consensus building, preparation of prefeasibility studies, negotiation of partnership arrangements, packaging and promotion of investment briefs, and to assist in the organization
and implementation of an Investors Round Table
9.
Contracts including:
a.
Under Output 2.1) to review and provide recommendations on requirements (regulatory, procedural, investment, etc) to generate an enabling environment for PPP approaches with a focus
on local government levels ($20,000 for two consultancies - one per country)
b.
Under Output 2.2: to assist in development of the Provincial/Municipal PPP portfolios, including 10 opportunity investment profiles and their pre-feasibility studies, procedures and criteria
for project selection, and identification of potential sources of financing ($80,000- for two consultancies - one per country)
c.
Under Output 2.3: to identify specific electroplating sectors to which CP schemes with an PPP approach can be applied; design and supervision of the PPP and CP program to be
implemented, including M&E indicators ($134,000)
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d.
Under Output 2.3: to develop a replication strategy for the approach piloted in specific electroplating sectors, both within the sector and more broadly for incorporating SMEs and informal
sector; includes definition of criteria for selection of industries, procedures, outreach materials focusing on cost-effectiveness of CP, etc. ($60,000)
e.
Under Output 2.4: to implement and validate methodologies for cyanotoxins in relation to the HAB early warning and monitoring system in RIIGLO during the 4 years of the Project. It
includes the following: Standards inter-comparison, reactive preparation, preparation of sampling kits, preparation of reference material, validation and inter-calibration of kits, capacity
building, sample collection, sample transportation to participating laboratories, sample analysis and verification, analysis and discussion of results, and integration into the existing and later
the IBIS data base. ($40,000 )
f.
Under Output 2.4: to supplement the implementation of the HAB early warning system (US$3,000 per year for sampling from the Paraná Delta to the Southern limit of the Buenos Aires
Province x 4 years =US$12,000; US$5,000 per year for analysis of samples including DO, pH, nutrients, Chlorophyll, cyanotoxins, phytoplankton and presence of toxins in mollusks x 4 years
(US$20,000)
g.
Under Output 2.4.: to elaborate a report with the information gathered by RIIGLO between 2004 and 2009 ($ 6,000)
10. Travel: throughout the project efforts will be made to limit travel costs as much as possible and to employ teleconferencing and other electronic means whenever possible. However, in order to
further this bi-national project, some joint technical meetings and consultations are required including: of international consultant to assist in development of PPP program; Provincial/Municipal
representatives to PPP/CP strategy/policy coordination and consensus building meetings/workshops; for municipal representatives to coordination meetings for RIIGLO
expansion and strengthening. Estimated 8 trips @ $2,500 and 2 trips @ $2,000
11. Equipment to support local governments to assess environmental status of the coastal zone of the RPFM (i.e: water and sediment quality kits to assess levels of cyanotoxins,
nutrients, heavy metals in the water column, etc) and to process the collected data (software and hardware).
12. Costs of production and distribution of dissemination and outreach materials on PPP
13. Capacity building for municipalities in skill sets and competencies related to generation, collation, analysis and integration of data and information on a suite of parameters to
assess the environmental status and trends of the RPFM and to identify, define and implement actions, to address pollution from land sources; local PPP training events
conducted in 20 municipalities; regional PPP training event
OUTCOME 3
14. 10 weeks of international consultant @ $2,500 = $25,000, RPC to provide technical support to pilots, ensure identification of lessons learned and best practices, identify opportunities and define
strategies for replication.
15. For implementation of Outputs 3.1, 3.2and 3.3, the following contracts:
a.
For Output 3.1 Samborombon Bay (SBB) Wetland pilot project, contract including for design and building of artificial wetland; monitoring sampling and analysis (physical, chemical and
biological elements of the inflow and outflow of the artificial wetland; physical, chemical nutrients and xenobiotic parameters in SBB wetland control sites); operation of the artificial wetland
during four years; synergistic integration of the SBB wetland pilot project in an overall SBB wetland management plan; and on-the-job training program for operators of the SBB artificial
wetland in the SBB pilot project ($215,000)
b.
For Output 3.2 Santa Lucia wetland project, contract including for selection of producer demonstrators and selection of plots in the Santa Lucia wetland pilot; technical oversight and
assistance for implementation of demonstration sites; sampling; integration of experiences/best practices/lessons learned into the SLW Management Plan; for directing and overseeing the
monitoring activities in the Santa Lucia wetland) ($215,000)
c.
For Output 3.3 tanneries pilot project, contract including for analysis and detailed diagnostic of operational flows and activities in participating industries; support for implementation of CP
in participating industries (advisory services and implementation of specific measures in participating small industries); monitoring of 10 participating industries during project execution;
design and implementation of the training program on CP methods for participating industries in the PPP/CP tanneries pilot project ($215,000)
OUTCOME 4
16. 30 weeks of international consultant @ $2,500 = $75,000, RPC to provide technical support and oversight for development of the IBIS and IMP, development of indicators and means of
verification, ensuring effective linkages with activities under 2.4 as well as incorporation of data and information from pilot projects
17. Includes:
a.
50 weeks @ $500 = $25,000 for Monitoring and Evaluation/Information Systems Specialist
b.
48 weeks per country @ $500 = $12,000 to define the Common Waters water quality indicators and design the M&E permanent program
c.
24 weeks per country @ $500 = $12,000 to support linkage of DINAMA and SAyDS information systems to the bi-national virtual node
18. Contracts: 4 sample taking campaigns for 7 days total US$112,000; analysis of 210 samples US$88,400; and 16 inter-calibration exercises per campaign US$8,960. These are distributed as
follows:
81

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a.
Sample taking in the Common Use Waters of Rio de la Plata (4 campaigns x 3.5 days/campaign @ US$6,000/day = US$84,000)
b.
Sample taking near the mouth of the major tributaries (4 campaigns x 1 day/campaign @ US$2,000/day = US$8,000)
c.
Sample taking near the Southern Coastal Zone (4 campaigns x 1 day/campaign @ US$2,000/day = US$8,000)
d.
Sample taking near the Northern Coastal Zone (4 campaigns x 1.5 days/campaign @ US$2,000/day = US$12,000)
e.
Analysis of 4 parameters (metals in sediments, metals in water, nutrients in water, HC in water and sediment) in each of 27 samples per campaign (4 x 4 x 27 @ US$137/analysis =
US$59,192)
f.
Analysis of BOD5, in each of 27 samples per campaign (1 x 4 x 27 @ US$100/analysis = US$10,800)
g.
Analysis of total and fecal coliforms, in each of 27 samples per campaign (1 x 4 x 27 @ US$120/analysis = US$12,960)
h.
Analysis of Chrome and lead in benthos (6 samples) and biota (6 samples)in each campaign (4 x [6+6] @ US$106/analysis = US$5,088)
i.
Inter-calibration test analyses (4 x 16 @ US$140/test = US$8,960)
19. Training in: a) use of the Mathematical Model of Sediment Transport for the RPFM ,b) use of standarized methods for water and sediment sampling, c) relevance of the water quality indicators
developed for the RPFM and management of the information o line to assess environmental status of the RPFM (i:e: use of GIS, statistical software, satellite imagery, etc); and, d) hydrodynamic
model for the RPFM as a tool to predict the movement of HABs and their potential environmental impacts
20. Equipment for Output 4.2 Improved Integrated Bi-national Information System (IBIS):
a.
Incremental hardware for the DINAMA information system (US$32,000) and for the SAyDS information system (US$32,000)
b.
Incremental computing and information system components for the DINAMA information system (US$10,000) and for the SAyDS information system (US$10,000)
c.
Incremental software for the DINAMA and SAyDS information systems to create the bi-national node of IBIS (2 countries @ US$30,000/country = US$60,000)
21. Materials and goods for Output 4.1(sundry) US$3500/campaign x 4 campaigns = US$14,000
22. Costs of production and distribution of products (reports, graphs, maps, audiovisuals, dissemination material, etc.)
M&E
NOTE: The external independent evaluations (mid-term and terminal), the elaboration of project technical reports and the systematization of lessons learned are funded through this component. All
other activities are funded under the technical components of the project in order to provide for cost-efficiencies. The measurement of means of verification for project purpose indicators and for
project progress and performance will be undertaken under Output 4.1
23. Four international consultants for, two each for Mid-Term and for Terminal Evaluation (5 weeks each @ US2750= US$13,750=US$55,000
24. Consultancies for project technical reports (US$10,000) and for identification and systematization of lessons learned ($8000 ­ average $2000 per year)
25. Service contracts for Audits (4@ US$5000 = US$20,000),
26. Travel expenses for the M&E international consultants; 4 trips @US$6,000/trip=US$24,000
MANAGEMENT
27. 78 weeks of international consultant, Regional Project Coordinator
28. 150 weeks of an Administrative Assistant @$250 per week
29. Two trips per year to Argentina for the Project Coordinator @ $1,500 = $12,000; participation in IWC (2009, 2011) 2 trips @ $7,000 = $14,000; 2 annual Steering Committee meetings @$2500
x 4 = $20,000
30. Office supplies for PCU
31. Web-site creation and up-keep, telecommunications and internet connection, newsletters, posters, public awareness materials, Project Report and translations
82

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SECTION IV: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PART I: Letters of Endorsement: Please see separate file
83

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PART II: Organigram of Project
84

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PART III: Terms of Reference for Key Project Staff
A. Terms of Reference: Regional Project Coordinator
General Responsibilities:
The Regional Project Coordinator (RPC) shall be responsible for the overall coordination of all aspects of
the UNDP-GEF CLME. He/she shall liaise directly with designated officials of the Participating Countries,
the Implementing Agency at both Country Office level and Regional Unit level, existing and potential
additional project donors, and others as deemed appropriate and necessary by the Steering Committee or by
the RPC him/her self. The RPC will be also responsible for the management of the project as well as for the
delivery of a number of technical activities. The budget and associated work plan will provide guidance on
the day-to-day implementation of the approved Project Document and inception report and on the
integration of the various donors funded parallel initiatives. The RPC will be responsible for oversight of the
pilot projects, and will provide guidance and orientation with a view to ensuring that these are fully aligned
and harmonized with work undertaken within the main project. He/she shall be responsible for delivery of
all substantive, managerial and financial reports from and on behalf of the Project. He/she will provide
overall supervision for staff and consultants serving in the Regional Program Coordination Unit, as well as
guiding and supervising all external policy relations, especially those related to other relevant Projects in the
region.
Specific Duties:
Manage the UNDP- GEF Components of the PCU, its staff, budget and imprest account;
Prepare an Annual Work Plan of the program on the basis of the Project Document and inception report,
under the general supervision of the Project Steering Committee and in close consultation and
coordination with related Projects, National Focal Points, and implementing Agency;
Coordinate and monitor the activities described in the work plan
Oversee the pilot project implementation and design the replication strategy;
Oversee the development of information management tools to ensure robust evaluation, monitoring and
replication activities;
Ensure project compliance with all UN and GEF policies, regulations and procedures, as well as
reporting requirements;
Ensure consistency between the various program elements and related activities provided or funded by
other donor organizations;
Prepare and oversee the development of Terms of Reference for consultants and contractors;
Oversee the implementation of a communication strategy and of training activities;
Promote the Project and seek opportunities to leverage additional co-funding; and,
Represent the Project at meetings and other project related fora within the region and globally, as
required.
Qualifications:
Education: Post Graduate Degree in environmental management, environmental sciences, marine
biology, natural resources management, or related fields
Work Experience: 10 years of experience working on watershed and/or coastal zone management issues
at national and international levels and demonstrated understanding of sustainable development,
including financial and institutional sustainability. Experience in promoting sustainability and
environmental awareness to diverse audiences, including opinion and decision makers. A good
knowledge of the RPMF context and experience in implementing UN or GEF funded projects are
considered strong assets.
Languages: Fluency in Spanish and English, both speaking and writing is a requirement.
Geographical distribution: Preference will be given to the nationals of the participating countries.
Other Skills: Proven leadership skills and ability to facilitate the work of multidisciplinary teams,
manage change and coordinate various decision bodies of large scale project is essential. Effective oral
and written presentation skills are required as well.
Experience in managing budgets and human
resources is also required. Good professional knowledge of main office computer applications desired.
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B. Terms of Reference: Project Specialists (PE)
The PU will have three Project Specialists:
Institutional/Communication Specialist, responsible for design and implementation of the FREPLATA
Communications strategy which is cross-cutting for the project.
Public Private Partnerships/Cleaner Production Specialist, responsible for the technical aspects of Outputs
2.2 and 2.3 and Outcome 3.3
Monitoring and Evaluation/Information Systems Specialist, responsible for the technical aspects of
Outcome 4
The following applies for each of the three Project Specialists in their respective field of expertise:
General Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Regional Project Coordinator (RPC), the Project Specialist (PE) shall assist the
PC in coordinating the activities of the project at the national level. He/she will report to the RPC and is
responsible for providing technical support and backstopping to the project and project partners in execution
of project activities. The Project Specialist will have general responsibility for ensuring the Project's high
quality technical delivery in the relevant Outputs. The responsibilities of the PE will include:

Work closely with the Government, in particular the NIC members as well as other key stakeholders to
ensure their active participation in the project;

Assist the RPC and the respective UNDP-CO in managing the project budget at the national levels
related to activities under his/her area of expertise;

Assist the RPC in preparing and supervising the execution of the detailed annual work plan and budget
related to activities under his/her area of expertise;

Coordinate the activities under his/her area of expertise with the various government agencies and
stakeholders;

Lead and coordinate the institutional strengthening and the jurisdictional, strategy, policy and regulation
harmonization
activities
of
the
Project,
including
strengthening
of
RIIGLO
(Institutional/Communication Specialist);

Assist the RPC in overseeing the organization and execution of the communication strategy and training
activities required by the work plan (Institutional/Communication Specialist);

Lead and coordinate the formulation and implementation of PPP/CP strategies and policies required at
the Provincial/Municipal levels (Public Private Partnerships/Cleaner Production Specialist);

Lead, coordinate and supervise the execution of the pilot project for the tannery sector to ensure
consistency with the approved strategy, and to identify lessons learned, good practices, and opportunities
for upscaling and replication (Public Private Partnerships/Cleaner Production Specialist);

Lead, coordinate and supervise the execution of the M&E activities, including the indicator system, and
the operation of IBIS (Monitoring and Evaluation/Information Systems Specialist);

Lead, coordinate and supervise the establishment of the required linkages to maintain the flow of
information produced by the Project activities to the IBIS (Monitoring and Evaluation/Information
Systems Specialist);

Assist the PC in the recruitment, coordination and supervision of national-level consultants and
contractors for activities under his/her area of expertise, including preparation of Terms of Reference,
tender documents, contracts and stakeholder inputs.

Ensure coordination with other projects being implemented in the RPMF and Plata Basin with regards to
relevant activities;

Ensure adherence to the Implementing and Executing Agency's administrative and technical reporting
requirements and assist the PC with reporting;

Liaise, consult and network with national stakeholders with regards to activities under his/her area of
expertise
Qualifications and experience:

Postgraduate degree in his/her relevant fields of expertise or directly related field, or combination of
qualifications and equivalent experience;

At least 10 years working experience in his/her relevant fields of expertise or fields related to natural
resource management issues at national and regional levels, and demonstrated understanding of rural
sustainable development issues;
86

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A good knowledge of the RPMF context is a strong asset as well as experience in implementing UN or
GEF funded projects;

Familiarity with the goals and procedures of international organizations, in particular those of the GEF
and its partners (UNDP, UNEP, the World Bank, and regional organizations related to Project activities,
and currently identified Project donors);

Demonstrated management, interpersonal, networking and team building skills;

Experience with GIS and IT is highly desirable;

Fluency in oral and written English and Spanish, are requirements.

Other Skills: Ability to participate in and support multidisciplinary work on a large-scale project is
essential. Effective oral and written presentation skills required. Good professional knowledge of main
office computer applications required.
C. Terms of Reference: Administrative Assistant (AS)
General Responsibilities:
As part of the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) staff, the Administrative Assistant will perform a variety of
secretarial, coordinating, monitoring and administrative services to ensure the efficient daily running of the
PCU and in support of project/program activities. The Administrative Assistant will work within the PCU
ensuring the smooth functioning and continuity of the projects/programs and will receive directions from the
Regional Project Coordinator (RPC) on technical matters.
Specific Duties:

Draft correspondence and documents of an administrative nature in consultation with the RPC;

Coordinate the procurement activities for the PCU and support the financial control and monitoring
activities of the PCU;

Establish and maintain the filing system of technical documents and general internal and external
correspondence;

Make administrative arrangements with regard to recruitment of additional consultants / experts for the
Project; and

Assist in the organization of meetings held by the PCU (Steering Committee, working groups, etc), and
provide administrative and secretarial support during the meetings.
Qualifications:

Equivalent to graduation from secondary school or equivalent technical or commercial school;

Specialized training in secretarial/administrative training, or equivalent work-related experience,
including typing and proven skills on standard office software;

Fluent in English and Spanish, written and orally;

Work with computerized systems and databases;

Demonstrated managerial and communication skills;

Sound computer skills;

Previous experience within the UN system or with GEF projects is an asset.
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PART IV: Stakeholder Involvement Plan: Please see separate file
PART V: Pilot Projects Documents: Please see separate file
PART VI: Co-Financing Letters: Please see separate file
PART VII: Additional tables: Please see separate file
88

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SIGNATURE PAGE
Countries: Argentina, Uruguay
UNDAF Outcome(s)/Indicator(s):
Uruguay: By 2010, the country will have made progress in the generation of the capacity to incorporate
knowledge, innovation and diversification in the productive processes of goods and services aimed at
sustained and sustainable growth.
Argentina: (UNDAF under approval process)
(Link to UNDAF outcome., If no UNDAF, leave blank)
Expected Outcome(s)/Indicator (s):
Uruguay: The country will have promoted the integrated administration of the population, the territory and
the environment, with emphasis on local and rural development.
Argentina: the country will incorporate an environmental, risk management and disaster prevention focus
into public policies / the country will reduce emissions of persistent organic pollutants and of ozone layer
depleting pollutants.
(CP outcomes linked t the SRF/MYFF goal and service line)
Expected Output(s)/Indicator(s):
Uruguay: National and departmental Government skills and local initiatives of sustainable development
enforced by organizations of the civil society focused on the management of land use and waters for the
preservation of biodiversity and a sustainable use of natural resources.
Argentina: A national normative framework which includes an environmental focus is developed.
(CP outcomes linked t the SRF/MYFF goal and service line)
Implementing partner:
Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable
Development of Argentina (SAyDS),
Ministry of Housing, Land Use and
Environment of Uruguay (MVOTMA)
(designated institution/Executing agency)
Programme Period: Uruguay: 2007-2010 Argentina: 2005-2009
Total budget:
2.850,000
Programme Component: Uruguay: Sustainable development
Allocated resources:
____________
Argentina: Environment and Sustainable Development

Government
____________
Project Title: Reducing and Preventing Land-based Pollution in the

Regular
____________
Rio de la Plata/Maritime Front through Implementation of the

Other:
FREPLATA Strategic Action Program
o
GEF
2,850,000
Project ID: 00057761 / 00057766 (71743)

In kind contributions _________
Project Duration: 2010 - 2014
Management Arrangement: NEX
Agreed by (Government): _______________________________________________________
Agreed by (Implementing partner/Executing agency):________________________________
Agreed by (UNDP):______________________________________________________________
89

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UNDP Project Document:
Governments of Argentina and Uruguay
United Nations Development Program
PIMS 4055 - Reducing and Preventing Land-based Pollution
in the Rio de la Plata/Maritime Front through Implementation
of the FREPLATA Strategic Action Program
ADDITIONNAL INFORMATION
1

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Table of Contents
PART I: Letters of Endorsement .................................................................................... 3
SECTION IV : ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ............................................................. 3
PART IV: Stakeholder Involvement Plan: ..................................................................... 5
PART V: Pilot Projects Documents: Please see separate file...................................... 34
PART VI: Co-Financing Letters................................................................................... 35
PART VII: Letters of Support for the Project.............................................................. 51
PART VIII: Additional tables...................................................................................... 56
Table 1. Objectives and priority actions defined in the FREPLATA SAP............... 56
Table 2. Key pressures associated with transboundary issues ................................. 57
Table 3. Impact of socioeconomic development on the flow of Environmental goods
and services in the region.......................................................................................... 58
Table 4. Causes and effects of human impact on the Río de la Plata and its maritime
front and potential actions that may be considered during the development of a
Strategic Action Programme (SAP).......................................................................... 59
2

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SECTION IV : ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PART I: Letters of Endorsement
Argentina:
3

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Uruguay:
4

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PART IV: Stakeholder Involvement Plan
Given the scope of the present project, there are a very considerable number of stakeholders that will participate in and/or benefit from the project.
Therefore, the stakeholders have been organized according to their level of participation, as follows: 1) Stakeholders who intervene directly in the
project; ii) stakeholders who contribute to project implementation, and iii) stakeholders who will benefit from the project and may intervene in
implementation of specific activities. In addition to these, the population living in the RPMF, which includes the densely populated Buenos Aires
and Montevideo metropolitan centres that derive water from this system and for wide range of economic activities such as fishing, tourism,
recreation and port activities, will benefit from the project. These inhabitants will benefit from the improved water and sediment quality in the
waterbody and from the protection and conservation of its biodiversity including vital breeding and nursery areas which is a long-term objective
defined in the SAP.
Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
STAKEHOLDERS WHO INTERVENE DIRECTLY IN THE PROJECT
BI-NATIONAL COMMISSIONS
Administrative
Provides support for implementation of the legal
High
Review and approval of technical documents,
Commission for the
bi-national framework defined in the 1973 Treaty
budgets and financial reports, and general
Rio de la Plata
and maintains ongoing dialogue between the
strategic and implementation guidance to the
(CARP)
Republic of Argentina and the Oriental Republic
Project Coordination Unit.
of Uruguay regarding issues of shared interest for
Promotion of stakeholders' involvement in project
both nations in the Rio de la Plata
and SAP implementation.
Representative on the Steering Committee
Participation, as appropriate, in the National Inter-
To assist in the identification of requirements for
sectoral Committee (NIC)
Project support at bi-national levels
Sustainability of the sediment transportation
Elaboration of a water quality model for the
model developed in collaboration with the French
RPMF, including both coastal areas and the
Fund for the Global Environment (FFEM)
Common Use Waters.
Establishment and maintenance of a Bi-national
Virtual node within the Integrated Bi-national
Information System
5

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Bi-national
It mandate includes the adoption and coordination
High
Review and approval of technical documents,
Technical
of plans and measures to provide for the
budgets and financial reports, and provision of
Commission for the
conservation, preservation and rational
general strategic and implementation guidance to
Maritime Front
exploitation of living resources and the protection
the Project Coordination Unit.
(CTMFM)
of the marine environment in the Common
Promotion of stakeholders' involvement in project
Interest Zone.
and SAP implementation.
Representative on the Steering Committee
Participation, as appropriate, in the National Inter-
To assist in the identification of requirements for
sectoral Committee (NIC)
Project support at bi-national levels
Sustainability of the sediment transportation
Elaboration of a water quality pattern for the
pattern developed in collaboration with the French
RPMF, including both coastal areas and the
Fund for Global Environment (FFEM)
Common Use Waters.
Establishment and maintenance of a Bi-national
Virtual node within the Integrated Bi-national
Information System
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ­URUGUAY
Ministry of Housing,
National Environmental agency with primary
High
Responsibility for project execution; supervision
Land Planning and
responsibility for the execution of defined project
of Project implementation at operational level
Environment
activities
(MVOTMA)
Representation on the Steering Committee
National Focal Point and Member and Secretary
to the National Inter-sectoral Committee (NIC)
Secretariat of the National Inter-sectoral
Committee (NIC)
Link between the national focal point, the Project
To identify requirements for Project support and
Regional Coordination Unit (PRCU) and national
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
entities with execution responsibilities
Project activities in the country
6

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Implementation of the national environmental
Uptake of the FREPLATA Information System
information system that includes the FREPLATA
and host of the new Integrated Bi-national
database, besides the environmental information
information system
generated by other programs and municipalities.
Includes creation of a virtual bi-national node as
a dynamic tool for decision takers.
Ministry of Housing,
Participates in the National Inter-sectoral
High
To identify requirements for Project support,
Land Planning and
Committee (NIC)
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Environment
Project activities in each country
(MVOTMA) ­
National Directorate
Provision of operational link to the Project
Supervision of Project implementation at
for the Environment
Executing Unit
operational level
(DINAMA)
Host of the FREPLATA Information System and
Responsibility for updating and maintenance of
the new environmental information system
the national environmental information system
that will host the uptake the FREPLATA
database, as well as information generated by
other programs and the municipalities.
A virtual information node is created as a dynamic
tool for decision-makers
Oversees decentralization of responsibilities for
Implementation of normative framework of the
environmental monitoring and control with
Regional Plan for Decentralization
departmental governments
Increased capacities for pollution control and
prevention at municipal level, with trained
municipalities and laboratories functional and
homogenized
7

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Executing responsibility for the Tanneries sector
Pilot project will generate measureable on-the-
pilot project
ground experiences for creating incentives,
practices and support structures to enable SMEs
within the tannery sector to sustainable practices.
Experiences generated will be replicated within
the sector and to other industrial sectors.
Ministry of Housing,
Responsible for formulating national water and
High
To identify requirements for Project support,
Land Planning and
sanitation policies
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Environment
Representative of the National Inter-sectoral
Project activities in each country
(MVOTMA) ­
Committee (NIC)
National Directorate
Provision of operational link to the Project
Supervision of Project implementation at
for Water and
Executing Unit
operational level
Sanitation
(DINASA)
Hydrologic information handling to improve
Strengthening of environmental management
water management aspects
procedures
Ministry of Housing,
Responsible for formulating land planning
Medium
Implementation of norms within the framework of
Land Planning and
national policies
the Decentralization Regional Plan, in order to
Environment
strengthen environmental management capacities
(MVOTMA) ­
at municipal level
National Directorate
Participation in the National Inter-sectoral
To identify requirements for Project support and
for Land Planning
Committee (NIC)
inter-institutional coordination in the application
(DINOT)
of the new land planning law
Office of Planning
Participates in the definition of international,
High
Project approval at governmental level
and Budget (OPP)
bilateral and multilateral, technical and economic
cooperation policies, managed and programmed
with foreign governments and institutions and
international organizations
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ­URUGUAY
Metropolitan
Responsible for coordination of the public policies
High
Pilot project will generate measureable on-the-
Agenda
of 3 coastal Municipalities (Montevideo, San José
ground experiences for creating incentives,
and Canelones)
practices and support structures to enable
8

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
productive sectors in the buffer areas of the
wetland to adopt more sustainable practices.
Experiences generated will inform the
Management Plan for the SLW.
Municipality of
Overall responsibility for management of land and
High
Departmental Governments are the main actors
Montevideo
water resources within the municipality, in
and beneficiaries of the Santa Lucia Wetland pilot
accordance with national legal frameworks,
project. In addition, the municipality will benefit
particularly in the framework of the ongoing
from the activities focused on strengthening of
decentralization process. It is the only
capacities for environmental quality control and
municipality in the country with responsibility for
for application of PPP and CP approaches.
the management of its own water and sanitation
Expansion of the RIIGLO and HAB network will
requirements.
enhance capacity for monitoring coastal water
quality.
Municipality of San
Overall responsibility for management of land and
High
Departmental Governments are the main actors
Jose
environmental resources within the municipality,
and beneficiaries of the Santa Lucia Wetland pilot
in accordance with national legal frameworks,
project. In addition, the municipality will benefit
particularly in the framework of the ongoing
from the activities focused on strengthening of
decentralization process. (Water resources and
capacities for environmental quality control and
sanitation services are administered nationally by
for application of PPP and CP approaches.
OSE)
Expansion of the RIIGLO and HAB network will
enhance capacity for monitoring coastal water
quality.
Municipality of
Overall responsibility for management of land and
High
Departmental Governments are the main actors
Canelones
environmental resources within the municipality,
and beneficiaries of the Santa Lucia Wetland pilot
in accordance with national legal frameworks,
project. In addition, the municipality will benefit
particularly in the framework of the ongoing
from the activities focused on strengthening of
decentralization process. (Water resources and
capacities for environmental quality control and
sanitation services are administered nationally by
for application of PPP and CP approaches.
OSE)
Expansion of the RIIGLO and HAB network will
enhance capacity for monitoring coastal water
quality.
9

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Representatives of
Management of departmental resources
High
Responsibilities for ensure population and
the six coastal
Responsible of maintaining the hygienic and
environmental health conditions will be enhanced
municipalities:
sanitary conditions of the coastal interface
through Outputs 1.4, 2.2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Canelones, Colonia,
Responsible for implementation of sanitation and
Coastal waters quality monitoring programs will
Maldonado,
environmental monitoring programs
be strengthened through activities for improved
Montevideo, Rocha,
generation, collation, analysis and integration of
and San José
monitoring data and information.
RIIGLO up-keep and development of the HAB
Institutional strengthening, development of
early warning system
capacities, and establishment of the HAB early
warning system
Responsible of articulating support activities to
Support to the development of demonstrative
the Santa Lucia River wetlands management plan
activities of the Santa Lucia Wetland pilot project
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ­ARGENTINA
Secretariat for
National Environmental agency with primary
High
Responsibility for project execution; supervision
Environment and
responsibility for the execution of defined project
of Project implementation at operational level
Sustainable
activities
Development of the
National Focal Point and Member and Secretary
Representation on the Steering Committee
Nation (SAyDS)
to the National Inter-sectoral Committee (NIC)
Link between the national focal point, the Project
To identify requirements for Project support,
Regional Coordination Unit (PRCU) and national
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
entities with execution responsibilities
Project activities in the country
Host of the FREPLATA Information System and
Implementation of the national environmental
the new environmental information system
information system that includes the FREPLATA
database, besides the environmental information
generated by other programs and municipalities.
Includes creation of a virtual bi-national node as a
dynamic tool for decision takers
10

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Secretariat for
High
Guide and support project activities related to
Responsibility for the formulation and
Environment and
development and strengthening of institutional
implementation of policies for environmental
Sustainable
arrangements, capacity building and development
control and supervision as well as for pollution
Development
of practices, for PPP and CP. Benefits from
prevention and control
(SAyDS): Under-sec.
Integrated Monitoring Program which will
for Environmental
provide a more comprehensive understanding of
Control and
critical indicators and environmental trends in the
Supervision and
RPMF.
Pollution Prevention
Secretariat for
Design and implementation of the national policy
High
Environment and
related to the rational use of natural resources,
Sustainable
biodiversity conservation, tools development and
Development
policies implementation to support social,
(SAyDS): Under-sec.
economic and ecological sustainability at national
for Planning and
level
Environmental
Policy
Secretariat for
Formulation and implementation of a national
High
Define and support project activities related to
Environment and
policy on sustainable development
development and strengthening of institutional
Sustainable
arrangements, capacity building and development
Development
of practices, for PPP and CP. Benefits from
(SAyDS): Under-sec.
Integrated Monitoring Program which will
for Sustainable
provide a more comprehensive understanding of
Development
critical indicators and environmental trends in the
Promotion /
RPMF. Technical support for implementation of
Directorate for
Output 2.3 to enhance application of PPP and CP
Cleaner Production
approaches to the electroplating industry, and
and Sustainable
identification of opportunities and modalities for
Consumption
replication.
Secretariat for
Formulation, execution, implementation and
High
Promotion of strategies to enhance inter-
Environment and
coordination of national environmental policy.
jurisdictional coordination in terms of institutional
11

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Sustainable
arrangements, competency profiles and
Development
coordination mechanisms between the Province of
(SAyDS): Under-sec.
Buenos Aires, the City of Buenos Aires and the
for Public Policies
municipalities involved.
Coordination
ACUMAR (Matanza-
Responsible for the execution of the
High
Participation in the RPMF water quality and
Riachuelo River
Environmental Sanitation Integral Plan of the
sediments monitoring system
Basin Authority)
Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin
Participation in the definition of analytic
methodologies to be used; inter-calibration among
environmental laboratories
TAG member
Ministry. of Defense:
High
Identification of Project support requirements
NIC Member together with the SAyDS, OPDS,
Naval Hydrographic
regarding actions in the RPMF
Ministers Chief of Cabinet of the Province of
Service (SHN)
Buenos Aires, APRA and other organizations and
Participation in inter-institutional coordination for
units with responsibilities in the Project execution
execution of Project activities in the RPMF
in Argentina
Provides the public service of nautical safety.
TAG member
Generates and disseminates information on the
RPMF hydrographical features
Co-participation in the common use waters and
Provides logistic support for sampling campaigns
sediments monitoring network
and laboratory analysis of water and sediments
samples
Participation in the definition of the analytic
methodologies to be used; inter-calibration
between environmental laboratories
12

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Ministry .of Federal
Elaboration and execution of the national water
High
Advises the Project regarding planning and
Planning, Public
policy and proposal of the regulatory framework
elaboration of normative proposals for the use and
Investment and
regarding water resources management, linking
sustainable development of water resources, and
Services ­ Sec. of
and coordinating actions of other jurisdictions and
enforcement of compliance with the normative
Public Works:
organizations participant in water policy
framework
Under-secretariat of
Water Resources
TAG Member
Advises the Directive Committee, the National
Inter-sectoral Committees and the UCP on
technical issues regarding the Project
Ministry of
High
Participation in the pilot case of the
Education
Undergraduate and Post-grade Education.
Samborombón Bay wetlands. Determination of
University of Buenos
Scientific and technologic research on water
effluent parameters of the different chosen
Aires
resources management
environments and of macrophytes.
(UBA): Center for
Water Inter-
disciplinary Studies
(CETA)
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT- PROVINCIA DE BUENOS AIRES ­ARGENTINA
Provincial Organism
High
Identification of Project support requirements,
NIC Member together with the SAyDS, Ministers
for Sustainable
inter-institutional coordination en the execution of
Chief of Cabinet of the Province of Buenos Aires,
Development
project activities en the Province of Buenos Aires
APRA, APM, SHN and other organizations and
(OPDS)
units with responsibilities in the Project execution
Participation in the RIIGLO. Implementation of
in Argentina
coastal water quality monitoring programs.
OPDS ­ Provincial
TAG Member
High
Elaboration of recommendations to the Directive
Directorate for
Committee, the National Inter-sectoral
Natural Resources
Committees and the UCP on technical issues
regarding the Project.
13

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Promotes the rational use and Management of
Identification of Project support requirements, and
renewable natural resources. Supports
provision of guidance on inter-sectoral
demonstrative activities in the Samborombón Bay
coordination based on experience of the
wetlands pilot project
Provindical FREPLATA inter-sectoral committee.
Enhanced capacity to work with coastal
muncipalities in Province area with regards to
pollution prevention and control, routine
monitoring and identification of pollution hotspots
and HABS.
Development of alternative mechanisms and
Executing agency for the Samborombon wetland
procedures for addressing sanitation and point-
pilot project
source pollution issues. Identification of
opportunities and definition of modalities for
replication of the pilot project experience in other
locations in the project area.
OPDS ­
High
Approval of Environmental Impact Assessments
Environmental
Identification of Project support requirements,
in the Province, in industrial issues (Law regime
Supervision
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
11.459) as well as its general regime (Law regime
Coordination-
activities regarding pollution prevention and
11.723).
Environmental
control
Impact Assessment
Directorate
Min. Chief of
High
Identification of Project support requirements and
Summons, prepares and coordinates the Provincial
Cabinet: Advisory
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Cabinet meetings and elaborates the Executive
Chief of Cabinet
project activities in the Province of Buenos Aires.
Power agenda
NIC Member together with the SAyDS, OPDS,
APRA, APM, SHN and other organizations and
units with responsibilities in the Project execution
in Argentina
14

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Min. Chief of
Coordinates procedures for assessing degradation
High
Identification of Project support requirements and
Cabinet: Executive
and natural resources degradation, in coordination
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Coord. And
with the Natural Resources Provincial Directorate
project activities in the Province of Buenos Aires.
Executive Dir. For
when pertinent
Sustainable
Development,
Environmental
Economic Planning
and Alternative
Energies
Development
Governments of
Management of Municipal resources.
High
Municipalities will benefit from the activities
coastal and fluvial-
Responsible for maintaining the hygienic and
focused on strengthening of capacities for
marine
sanitary conditions of the coastal interface. Under
environmental quality control and for application
Municipalities:
a federal structure, also responsibilities for
of PPP and CP approaches. Expansion of the
normative harmonization
RIIGLO and HAB network will enhance capacity
(1) Tigre, San
for monitoring coastal water quality. Enhanced
Fernando, San
capacity for harmonization and implementation of
Isidro, Vicente
norms and regulations for ensuring health and
López, Quilmes,
hygiene conditions for the population and
Ensenada, Berisso
environment.
(2) La Plata,
Responsible of maintaining local environmental
Participation in Institutional strengthening,
Magdalena, Punta
sanitation and monitoring programs
capacities development initiatives. Participation in
Indio, Chascomús,
Public-Private Partnerships and Cleaner
Castelli, Tordillo
Production initiatives.
Villa Gesell,
(2) RIIGLO up-keep
(1) RIIGLO participation. Implementation of
General Madariaga,
coastal water quality monitoring programs.
Mar Chiquita,
(1) (2) Participation in the Harmful Algal Blooms
General Pueyrredón,
Network. Implementation of coastal waters
General Alvarado,
monitoring programs.
15

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Lobería, Necochea.
(3) Responsible of articulating activities regarding
(3) Support tos the development of demonstrative
the Samborombón Bay wetland management plan
activities of the Samborombón Bay wetlands pilot
(3) La Costa
project
(Ciudad de San
Joint meetings among directly involved
Clemente),General
stakeholders in the protected areas within the
Lavalle (Ciudad de
municipal environment.
General Lavalle),
Management Plan Elaboration and adjustment.
(Ciudad de General
Conesa)
AUTONOMOUS CITY OF BUENOS AIRES -ARGENTINA
Environmental
Proposes policies and designs plans and programs
High
Identification of Project support requirements and
Protection Agency
for improving and preserving the environmental
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
(APRA)
quality standards in the City of Buenos Aires.
project activities in the City of Buenos Aires.
Economic regime of sustainable development
Participation in institutional strengthening
promotion.
initiatives and capacity development under
Outputs 2.2 and 2.3.
NIC Member together with the SAyDS, OPDS,
Ministers Chief of Cabinet of the Province of
Participation in the RIIGLO. Implementation of
Buenos Aires, SHN, APM and other organizations
coastal water quality monitoring programs.
and units with responsibilities in the Project
execution in Argentina
Ministry of
Propose, from an environmental point of view, an
High
Participation in Public-Private Partnerships and
Environment ­
integral institutional management, with the
Cleaner Production initiatives for pollution
General Directorate
commitment and joint participation of public and
prevention and control in the Rio de la Plata.
for Policy and
private stakeholders.
Environmental
Companies' awareness and involvement in the
Assessment.
Promotes the adoption of technologies, processes,
Cleaner Production Plan of the electroplating
"Buenos Aires
products and services that allow the efficient
sector
produces Cleaner"
harmonization of the economic, social growth and
Program
the environmental protection of the City of
Support implementation of Output 2.3 and benefit
16

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Buenos Aires.
from, development of new CP approaches to
create incentives and modalities for SMEs and
Participation in Project implementation.
informal sector to adopt more sustainable
productive practices. This will strengthen the
Buenos Aires Produces More Cleanly Program
Supervision of execution of Output 2.3
PRIVATE SECTOR - URUGUAY
Chamber of Industry
Co-participation in pilot project for tanneries
High
Convenes industries and applying the training
of Uruguay (CIU)
sector implementation and applied methodology
methodology proposed in the pilot.
Replicating experiences learned to other
productive sectors.
Development of own environmental plans
(application of law on packaging and industrial
sanitary filling)
National Chamber of
Co-participation in pilot project for tanneries
Medium
Convenes industries and applying the training
Commerce and
sector implementation and applied methodology
methodology proposed in the pilot.
Services of Uruguay
extent
Replicating experiences learned to other
(CNCS)
productive sectors.
Development of own CP (GAAR Methodology)
to prevent and minimize pollution of industrial
origin
Chamber of
Participation in implementation of the pilot for
High
Sensitizing and involving companies in the
Tanneries of
tanneries sector
participation of the Cleaner Production Plan for
Uruguay
the tanneries sector
Companies that will
Beneficiaries of the tanneries pilot
High
Participating in the Cleaner Production Plan for
form the work
implementation outcomes
the tanneries sector, forming sectoral work groups
groups
and developing their own CP plans
Rural Montevideo
Is a relevant area in production and rural workers
High
Leadership in certain specific activities related to
Unit
and their families occupation with significant
responsible production of fruits and vegetables
ecological and environmental values as the Santa
and responsible management of dairy farms
17

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Lucia River and Carrasco marshlands, as well as
effluents
the western coast of the Rio de la Plata
National
Its social objective is to receive all milk delivered
High
Leadership in certain specific activities related to
Cooperative of Milk
by its cooperative members and the
the milk production and responsible management
Producers
pasteurization, industrialization, internal
of dairy farms effluents
(CONAPROLE)
commercialization and exportation of milk and its
derivatives
Fruit and vegetable
Beneficiaries of improvements in environmental
High
Active participation in the Santa Lucia Wetland
farmers and dairy
performance of their productive systems
pilot, applying identified measures
producers from
Montevideo,
Canelones and San
Jose
Environmental
Participation in the project, in the development of
Active participation in training activities and
NGOs, civil
the Pollution prevention and reduction program of
extent
partnerships and
the SLW national protected area
public in general
residing within the
SLW surroundings
PRIVATE SECTOR - ARGENTINA
San Clemente del
Participates in activities regarding support to the
High
Design and construction of the Built Wetland for
Tuyú Cooperative of
Samborombón Bay wetland management plan
effluents treatment in San Clemente del Tuyú
Works and Public
Environmental monitoring.
Services Supply
Wetland operational training.
Development of strategies agreed for the
sustainability of the venture
Wetland effectiveness assessment
Cooperatives
Responsible of articulating activities regarding
Medium
Development of strategies agreed between
Federation
support to the Samborombón Bay wetland
stakeholders for the sustainability of the venture.
management plan
Opportunities for learning about and training in
PPP approaches.
18

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Companies of the
Beneficiaries of the implementation outcomes
High
Participation in the Cleaner Production Plan of the
Autonomous City of
from initiatives in electroplating companies
electroplating sector formed by sectoral work
Buenos Aires that
groups and developing their own PPP and CP
will form the work
plans
groups
Environmental
Participation in the Project, in the development of
High
Active participation in education and extent
NGOs, civil
the San Clemente and surroundings pollution
activities
partnerships and
prevention and reduction program
public in general
residing within the
San Clemente
(Samborombón Bay)
pilot case
surroundings
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - URUGUAY
Technical
Co-participation in the common use waters and
High
Laboratory analysis of water and sediment
Laboratory of
sediments monitoring network
samples; definition of analytic methodologies to
Uruguay (LATU)
be used; inter-calibration between environmental
laboratories.
University of the
Co-participation in the common use waters and
High
Laboratory analysis of water and sediment
Republic
sediments monitoring network
samples; definition of analytic methodologies to
(UDELAR)
be used; starting of the ELISA methodology for
early alert of algal blooms
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ­ ARGENTINA
Centre for Coastal
Research, development and dissemination of
High
Joint meetings between directly involved
Resources Studies
information on coastal environment and problems
stakeholders in the protected areas within the
(CERC)
in La Costa Party.
municipal purview.
Responsible of articulating activities supporting
the Samborombón Bay wetland management plan
Elaboration of the Macro Management Plan.
19

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Stakeholders WHO contribute to project implementation
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ­URUGUAY
Technical Advisory
TAG Member
Medium
Identification of requirements for project support,
Commission for
Inter-institutional coordination of public and
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Environmental
private entities activities regarding the national
project activities.
Protection
environmental program
(COTAMA)
Ministry of Industry,
Support to environmental adaptation plans for
Medium
Incorporation of cleaner production plans to
Energy and Mining
industrial sectors
artisanal cheese factories of Colonia y San José
(MIEM): National
(PacPymes Program)
Industry Directorate
(DNI)
Ministry of
Responsible of implementing the GEF/FAO
Medium
Implementation of cooperation and support
Livestock,
Project "Development of Strategies for the
guidelines among GEF projects established at
Agriculture and
ecosystem handling of coastal fisheries of
national level (See ANNEX....Letter from
Fisheries (MGAP):
Uruguay". Coordination and Support between
Roberto Elissalde)
National Directorate
projects
for Aquatic
Resources
(DINARA)
Ministry of
To promote the use and rational management of
Medium
Identification of project support requirements by
Livestock,
renewable natural resources. To support
promoting and regulating the use of water in
Agriculture and
demonstrative activities on the Santa Lucia
agricultural activities and superficial soils and
Fisheries
Wetland pilot project
waters preservation (Santa Lucia wetlands)
(MGAP): General
TAG Member
Directorate for
Renewable Natural
Resources
(RENARE)
Ministry of
To support demonstrative activities on the Santa
Medium
Advising the Project regarding protection of
Livestock,
Lucia Wetland pilot project
natural woodlands, riparian and mountain woods,
20

---

Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Agriculture and
TAG Member
the woodland and scrubland
Fisheries
(MGAP): Forestry
National Directorate
(DGF)
Ministry of National
TAG Member
Medium
Advising the Project regarding prevention and
Defence (MDN):
surveillance in case of possible pollution of
Naval National
national jurisdiction waters resulting from ships
Coast Guard (PNN)
Ministry of National
To support common use waters and sediments
Medium
Support to monitoring activities in the Common
Defence
monitoring activities
Use Waters Monitoring Network and sediments,
(MDN):Buoying
providing naval means for their development
Service
(SERBA)
Ministry of
Water pollution prevention deriving from ships,
Medium
Advising the Project regarding planning and
Transportation and
aircrafts and naval artifacts ­ in port waters, in
elaborate normative proposals for the sustainable
Public Works
cooperation with the National Naval Coast Guard
use and development of water resources and
(MTOP): National
compliance control of the normative in force
Hydrography
TAG Member
Directorate (DNH)
Ministry of
To manage, preserve and develop Montevideo
High
Developing an environmental monitoring program
Transportation and
Port and other public ports of the country
for the Montevideo Bay and generation of
Public Works
indicators, considering ballast waters treatment
(MTOP):
Support to the Project in implementing ports
issues and management ship generated solid
National Port
environmental management plans and
waste. At the same time, the ANP will provide
Administration
experiences exchange at bi-national level
technical and administrative support so as to
(ANP)
facilitate the strengthening of a bi-national
cooperation environment that allows coordinating
actions and exchange experiences with
Argentinean institutions regarding water quality
and sediments monitoring and port and navigation
21

---

Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
activities in the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime
Front
Ministry of Housing,
Forms the implementation tool for national
High
Supporting the implementation of demonstrative
Land Planning and
environmental protection policies and plans.
activities to be developed within the Santa Lucia
Environment
Support to the implementation of the Santa Lucia
wetlands pilot project framework and
(MVOTMA):
Wetland pilot project
coordination of activities with other initiatives in
National System for
the pilot objective area
Protected Areas
(SNAP)
Sanitary State Works
Has the competence of supplying drinkable water
High
Advising the project in regard to water quality
Administration
services in the entire national territory and sewage
aspects in the Santa Lucia River
(OSE)
service, except for the Montevideo Department.
TAG Member
IMFIA
Develop knowledge and teaching in close
High
Extension and hydrology research in the Santa
relationship with specific problem solving of the
Lucia River.
national reality within its activity scope
Attention to issues on resource quality
INIA
Contribute to the integral development of
High
Leadership in certain specific activities related to
producers and the National Agro livestock sector
the responsible horti-fruitgrowing production
Naval
Co-participation in the common use waters and
High
Providing logistic support for sampling campaigns
Oceanographic,
sediments monitoring network
and laboratory analysis of water and sediments
Hydrographic and
samples
Meteorology Service
(SOHMA )
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ­ARGENTINA
Min. of Federal
Medium
Advising the Project, providing information based
Planning, Public
Study, research, technologic development and
on its Studies and investigations in the field of
Investment and
special services supply in the field of water
water knowledge, use, control and preservation.
Services ­ Public
knowledge, use, control and preservation.
Participation in hydrologic dynamics and
Works Secretariat:
sedimentologic studies of the Rio de la Plata.
National Water
Institute (INA)
22

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
National Parks
Planning and execution of biological and cultural
Medium
Support to the implementation of demonstrative
Administration
diversity conservation actions in the protected
activities to be developed within the framework of
(APN)
areas under its jurisdiction.
the Samborombón Bay wetland pilot project and
neighboring protected areas.
Ministry of Defense:
Contributes in maritime, fluvial and nautical
Medium
Provides logistic support for sampling campaigns
Argentinean Navy
safety tasks and in the preservation of the
and laboratory analysis of water and sediments
environment. Advices the project regarding water
samples
quality aspects.
Min. of Justice,
Acts in fluvial and maritime navigable waters
Medium
Advises the Project regarding prevention and
Security and Human
destined to inter-jurisdictional traffic and
surveillance in case of possible pollution of
Rights: Argentinean
commerce and ports under national jurisdiction
national jurisdiction waters resulting from ships
Naval Coast Guard
and in the navigable river banks.
TAG Member
University of Buenos
Scientific and technologic research
Medium
Advise in the design, construction and location of
Aires ­ Faculty of
Education and dissemination
the Built Wetland to treat exceeding effluents
Engineering,
Support to the Samborombón Bay wetland
from the San Clemente del Tuyú treatment plant
Technical
management plan
Consultants La Plata
Advise on the Assessment of the wetland
National University
Support in activities articulation
effectiveness and adjustments.
­ Research Centre
on the Environment
(CIMA) La Plata
National University­
Limnology Institute
"Dr. Raúl A.
Ringuelet" (ILPLA)
National University
Scientific and technologic research
Medium
Collaboration in communication and
of Mar del Plata ­
Education and dissemination
dissemination strategies on the importance of the
Faculty of Exact
Responsible for the articulation of activities
wetlands regarding pollution reduction and
Sciences
regarding support to the Samborombón Bay
prevention.
23

---

Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
La Costa National
wetland management plan
Public awareness
University
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ­ARGENTINA
OPDS ­Directorate
Medium
Advising the Samborombón Bay wetland pilot
Preserves and maintains Buenos Aires
for Natural
Project
environment as well as the associated cultural
Protected Areas
heritage features by promoting and proposing the
creation and administration of natural protected
areas and natural monuments
Ministry of Agrarian
Determines agricultural, agri-food and fishing
Medium
Support to the inter-institutional coordination in
Affairs, Under-
policies
the execution of project activities in the Province
secretariat of
of Buenos Aires.
Production,
Economy and Rural
Development and
Under-secretariat of
Agri-food Quality
and Agricultural
Uses of Natural
Resources.
Ministry Unit,
Institutional
Coordination
Directorate
Min. of
Determines the policies necessary for planning,
Medium
To identify Project support requirements, inter-
Infrastructure,
execution and control of public works, urbanism
institutional coordination in the execution of
Housing and Public
and housing, public services supply
project activities in the Province of Buenos Aires
Services
24

---

Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Min. Government
Medium
To identify Project support requirements, inter-
It is the institutional relationship nexus with
Chief of Cabinet:
institutional coordination in the execution of
municipalities, from the Chief of Cabinet and the
Under-sec.
Project activities in the Province of Buenos Aires
Government of the Province of Buenos Aires
Municipal Affairs
NIC Member together with the SAyDS, OPDS,
APRA, APM, SHN and other organizations and
units with responsibilities in the Project execution
in Argentina
Centre for Coastal
Support to the Samborombón Bay wetland
Development of agreed strategies between
Resources Studies
management plan
stakeholders for the sustainability of the venture.
(CERC)
AUTONOMOUS
CITY OF BUENOS
AIRES
Min. of the
Categorization and granting of the Environmental
High
Identification of Project support requirements in
Environment ­
Capability Certificate of activities, programs a/o
the City of Buenos Aires
General Directorate
specific enterprises
of Policy and
Environmental
Assessment
(DGPyEA):
Technical
Assessment General
Directorate
PUBLIC COMPANIES
25

---

Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
AySA (Argentinean
Company dedicated to supply and improve
Medium
Advising the Project regarding water quality
Water and
essential services of drinkable water and sewage
aspects.
Sanitation)
drainage in the City of Buenos Aires and 17
parties of the first cordon of Buenos Aires suburbs
Elaboration of laboratory analysis from samples
taken by monitoring
TAG Member
Provides recommendations to the Directive
Committee, National Inter-Sectoral Committee
and the UCP on technical issues related to the
project
PRIVATE SECTOR - URUGUAY
Chamber of Industry
Co-participation in the implementation of the
High
Summoning industries and applying the training
of Uruguay (CIU)
tanneries pilot project
methodology proposed in the pilot.
Replicating experiences learned to other
productive sectors.
Through the environmental improvement plans
under development (project on the application of
law on packaging and industrial sanitary filling
for industrial waste)
National Table for
TAG Member
High
Advising regarding the implementation of Cleaner
Cleaner Production
Production activities, particularly oriented to the
(MNP+L) -UR
To contribute in the formulation of CP national
implementation of the tanneries pilot within the
plans, advising the MVOTMA through the
framework of the development strategy for the
Plenary.
sustainable production and consumption national
To coordinate and articulate the diverse sectors
plan
actions by promoting information generation and
exchange between productive and services sectors
PRIVATE SECTOR - ARGENTINA
Argentinean
Support and advice on the pilot Project
Medium
Summon industries of the electroplating sector.
26

---

Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Association of Metal
implementation, and extent of the methodology
Training support and dissemination of the benefits
Finish (SADAM)
applied
from the pilot case. Support to the replication of
experiences learned to other productive sectors.
Local Development
Support the Samborombón Bay wetland
Development of agreed strategies among
Associations of the
management plan
stakeholders for the sustainability of the venture
La Costa Party
Local Coordinators
Support the Samborombón Bay wetland
Development of agreed strategies among
of the cities of San
management plan
stakeholders for the sustainability of the venture
Clemente del Tuyú,
Las Toninas, Santa
Teresita, Mar del
Tuyú, Costa del
Este, Aguas Verdes,
LA Lucila del Mar,
Costa Azul, San
Bernardo, Mar de
Ajó
Cooperatives
Support the Samborombón Bay wetland
Development of agreed strategies among
Federation
management plan
stakeholders for the sustainability of the venture
FEDERAL COUNCILS ­ ARGENTINA
COFEMA (Federal
Federal coordination organism, integrates the
Medium
Identification of Project support requirements,
Environmental
national and provincial governments as axis of the
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Council)
Environmental Federal System
Project activities
Formulates the integral environmental policy and
coordinates strategies and programs of regional
and national environmental management
TAG Member
COHIFE (Federal
Coordinating organism created by a national water
Medium
Identification of Project support requirements,
Water Council)
policy agreement
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
TAG Member
Project activities
27

---

Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Technologic Centre
Research on sustainable technologies.
High
Participation in the Cleaner Production Plan of the
for Sustainability
electroplating sector, forming sectoral work
(CTS) - UTN
Education and dissemination.
groups and developing their own PPP and CP
(National
plans
Technologic
University)-ARG
KEY STAKEHOLDERS WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE PROJECT AND MAY INTERVENE IN
IMPLEMENTATION OF SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ­URUGUAY
Ministry of
Has as objective to elaborate and promote
Medium
Support in training activities regarding
Education and
policies, guidelines, strategies and priorities of the
technological innovation related to the tanneries
Culture (MEC):
Ministry of Education and Culture on innovation,
pilot and extent of demonstrative activities of the
Directorate of
science and technology issues
Santa Lucia Wetland pilot
Innovation, Science
and Technology for
Development
(DICYT)
Ministry of
Assignment of organizing and managing tools and
High
Project integration into the Natural Resources
Education and
measures to promote and foster innovation,
Sectoral Fund, available for infrastructure of calls
Culture (MEC):
science and technology, building upon social and
and selection processes to be applied the selection
National Agency for
productive needs with scientific, technological
processes of the demonstrative experiences in the
Research and
and innovative capacities
Santa Lucia Wetland; availability of accounting,
Innovation (ANII)
financial and audit systems
Participation in activities related to the Santa
Lucia Wetland pilot
Ministry of Industry,
To promote improvement in companies'
Medium
Advising participant companies in the tanneries
Energy and Mining
competitiveness as mean for sustained increase of
pilot project on sustainability issues
(MIEM): National
exports
Quality Institute
(INACAL)
28

---

Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Ministry of Industry,
European financed program to support
Medium
Transference of clustering experiences of groups
Energy and Mining
competitiveness development of small and
of companies to be applied in tanneries and
(MIEM): Support to
medium companies.
wetlands pilots
Competitiveness and
Exports Promotion
TAG Member
for Small and
Medium Companies
Program
(PACPYMES)
Ministry of Industry,
TAG Member
Medium
Minimizing pollutant loads of La Teja refinery
Energy and Mining
towards the Montevideo Bay.
(MIEM): National
Administration of
Support for replication of experiences and lessons
Combustibles,
learned resulting from demonstrative experiences
Alcohol y Portland
in the Santa Lucia Wetland pilot
(ANCAP)
Institute Clemente
Research on technologic development and
Medium
Research and development of biotechnological
Estable
biotechnology
solutions (microbiological) potentially applicable
to demonstrative experiences in the Santa Lucia
TAG Member
wetlands
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ­ARGENTINA
Min. of Federal
Organize, administer and execute Infrastructure
Low
Identification of Project support requirements,
Planning, Public
Programs deriving from national policies in the
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Investment and
Drinking Water and Basic Sanitation sector.
Project activities in the country.
Services ­ Sec of
Responsible of formulating national policies on
Public Works:
water and sanitation
ENHOSA (National
Member of the National Inter-sectoral Committee
Entity of Water
(NIC)
29

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Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Works and
Hydrologic information handling to improve
Identification of Project support requirements,
Sanitation)
water management aspects.
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Project activities in the country.
Min. of Federal
Exerts control on issues regarding the public
Low
Identification of Project support requirements,
Planning, Public
services of the drinking water supply and sewage
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Investment and
drainage in the Regulated Area, including water
Project activities in the country.
Services- Sec. of
pollution in what refers to control and supervision
Public Works:
of the Dealer as polluting agent
National Regulating
Entity of Waters and
Sanitation (ERAS)
Min. of Federal
Intervenes in the elaboration, execution and
Medium
Identification of Project support requirements,
Planning, Public
control of policies and plans referred to fluvial
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Investment and
and maritime transportation.
Project activities in the country.
Services-
Support to the Project in the implementation of
Secretariat of
port environmental management plans and
Transportation:
exchange of experiences at bi-national level
Under-sec. of Ports
and Navigable ways
Ministry of Science,
Promotion of science and technology in Argentina
Low
Support to training activities regarding
Technology and
Advices public and private entities within its
technological innovation associated to the
Innovation:
competence scope.
electroplating pilot and extent of demonstrative
CONICET (National
activities of the Samborombón Bay wetland pilot
Council of Scientific
and Technical
Research)
Ministry of
Scientific and technologic development.
Low
Advices on different issues regarding the Project.
Education:
Graduate and post-grauate education.
Support to research, training and dissemination
University of
works of the Wetland pilot case
Buenos Aires (UBA)
30

---

Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
La Plata National
University
Ministry of
Design, implementation and supervision of public
Medium
Advice on environmental sustainability issues to
Production:
policies for PYMES development. Support to
PYMES within the Project purview.
Sec. of Industry,
environmental adjusting plans for industrial
Commerce and
sectors
Small and Medium
Companies
Ministry of
Public Service of Generation and Transference of
Low
Advice on environmental sustainability issues to
Production: INTI
Industrial Technology.
companies participating in the tanneries pilot
(National Institute of
Companies' competitiveness improvement.
Project.
Industrial
Technology)
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ­ARGENTINA
Government of the
Management of the Educational System
Low
Contributes to the dissemination and promotion of
Province of Buenos
the Project contents at cultural and educational
Aires: General
level in the Province of Buenos Aires
Directorate of
Culture and
Education
Government of the
Promotes, sponsors, guides and carries out
Low
Advising from the scientific purview on issues
Province of Buenos
scientific and technical research, articulating
regarding the Project in the Province of Buenos
Aires: Research
social and productive needs with scientific,
Aires
Commission (CIC)
technological and innovation capacities.
Government of the
Regulates, supervises and safeguards all activities
Medium
Identification of Project support requirements,
Province of Buenos
and tasks regarding water study, training, use,
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Aires: Water
conservation and discharge
Project activities in the Province of Buenos Aires.
31

---

Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
Authority (ADA)
Participation in the RIIGLO. Support to the
implementation of coastal water quality
monitoring programs.
Reconquista River
Formulation of the environmental policy tending
Low
Identification of Project support requirements,
Basin Committee
to preserve the water resource of the Basin.
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
(COMIREC)
Exerts the police power in the Basin.
activities in the Basin.
CITY OF BUENOS AIRES
Ministry of
Management, administration and execution of
Low
Identification of Project support requirements,
Environment and
Urban Sanitation Public Services.
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Public Space:
activities in the City of Buenos Aires.
Under-sec. for
Urban Sanitation
Ministry of
Elaboration and execution of policies to provide
Low
Identification of Project support requirements,
Environment and
the neighbors of a public space of quality
inter-institutional coordination in the execution of
Public Space :
Project activities in the City of Buenos Aires.
Under-sec. of Public
Space
NGOs
Wildlife Fund
Promotion, support and dissemination of actions
High
Special collaboration in tasks associated to the
Argentina (FVSA)
tending to the preservation and conservation of
implementation of pilot activities regarding the
the environment.
Samborombón Bay wetlands, the location of San
Clemente and Punta Rasa.
City Foundation
Promotion, support and dissemination of actions
High
Active participation in activities related to the
Argentina
tending to the preservation and conservation of
participation capacity strengthening of local
the urban environment.
stakeholders in SAP implementation, pilot
Promotion of public participation and
activities and particularly in the promotion of
environmental awareness.
partnerships between the public and private
32

---

Stakeholder
Roles and functions
Interest in the
Form of participation
project
sectors for pollution prevention and reduction.
Environment and
Participation in Project activities related to its
High
Participation in activities related to information
Natural Resources
assignment, which is introducing sustainable
access, citizen participation, Matanza Riachuelo
Foundation (FARN)
development into decisions.
Basin and other issues of its incumbency
­Argentina
regarding the Project (conservation, commerce,
governability and environmental policy, training)
Argentinean Institute
Active participation in the project associated to
High
Active participation in activities related to the
of Water Resources
participation strengthening.
participation capacity strengthening of local
(IARH)
governments and other stakeholders of the civil
society in SAP implementation, etc.
Marine World
Participation in the Project, in the development of
High
Active participation in training activities and
Foundation-
the pollution prevention and reduction program in
extent of the Wetlands Pilot
Argentina
the Samborombón Bay Wetland protected area.
Aquamarine
Participation in the Project, in the development of
High
Active participation in training activities and
Foundation-
the pollution prevention and reduction program in
extent of the Wetlands Pilot
Argentina
the Samborombón Bay Wetland protected area.
Uruguayan
Assignment of coordinating, promoting,
High
Work as nexus in the coordination with other
Environmental
supporting and disseminating actions tending to
NGOs and public opinion and support to the
NGOs Network
the environmental preservation and conservation
implementation of the Project communication
strategy
33

---

PART V: Pilot Projects Documents: Please see separate file
34

---

PART VI: Co-Financing Letters
Letter 1: APRA
35

---

36

---

Letter 2: SAyDS
37

---

38

---

Letter 3: Province of Buenos Aires
39

---

40

---

Letter 4: SOHMA
41

---

Letter 5: Agenda Metropolitana
42

---

43

---

Letter 6: ANP
44

---

Letter 7: CIU
45

---

Letter 8: IMM
46

---

47

---

Letter 9: Municipality Canelones
48

---

Letter 10: LATU
49

---

Letter 11: MVOTMA
50

---

PART VII: Letters of Support for the Project
Letter 1: AYASA
51

---

52

---

53

---

54

---

Letter 2: Vida Silvestre Fundation
55

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PART VIII: Additional tables
Table 1. Objectives and priority actions defined in the FREPLATA SAP
Long-term ecosystem
Short-term operational
Very high and high priority actions
quality objective
objective
Wastewater treatment
Cleaner production in critical industries
Characterization of industrial and municipal waste "hot
spots"
Coordination of strategies and policies to improve
wastewater treatment
Reduce urban solid wastes
Prevention and reduction
Integrated information system
of land-based point
Bi-national monitoring programs
(industrial and
Strengthen E&M of industrial wastes and apply discharge
municipal) and non-point
norms
sources
Foster the application of economic instruments to promote
application of new technology to reduce pollution
Capacity building
Stimulate public participation
Actualization of legal and institutional frameworks
Safe water for public
Early warning of HABs
health, recreational use
Actualization of EAEs and EIAs practices
and development of
Improve water ballast discharge operations
aquatic biota
Strengthen bi-national practice of dredging and disposal
Improve bi-national response capacity to polluting
navigational incidents
Prevention and reduction
Integrated information system
of pollution from aquatic
Bi-national monitoring programs
activities
Early warning of HABs
Capacity building
Stimulate public participation
Actualization of legal and institutional frameworks
Actualization of EAEs and EIAs practices
Integrated information system
Bi-national monitoring programs
Early warning of HABs
Remediation of highly
Capacity building
polluted sites
Stimulate public participation
Actualization of legal and institutional frameworks
Actualization of EAEs and EIAs practices
Integrated information system
Strengthen management of coastal zone areas
Contribute to protection
Implement biodiversity strategies
of endangered species
Action plans for conservation of endangered species
Mapping of ecological sensibility areas
Restoration plans for degraded coastal ecosystems
Contribute to the
E&M impacts of fisheries on aquatic ecosystems
Habitat and biodiversity
protection of habitats of
Capacity building
conservation
ecological importance
Stimulate public participation
and restoration of
Actualization of legal and institutional frameworks
degrades sites
Actualization of EAEs and EIAs practices
Integrated information system
Contribute to the
Capacity building
strengthening of
Stimulate public participation
responsible fishery
Actualization of legal and institutional frameworks
practices
Actualization of EAEs and EIAs practices
SOURCE: SAP, V. Short-term operational objectives and priority actions to meet the long-term ecosystem quality
objectives
56

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Table 2. Key pressures associated with transboundary issues
Issue
Problem
Key Environmental Pressures
Streams and small rivers carrying effluent discharges from industry,
particularly in the metropolitan areas of Buenos Aires and
Heavy metal pollution
Montevideo.
Municipal discharge.
Redistribution of sediments following dredging.
Streams and small rivers draining agricultural areas.
Upstream sources from the Plata Basin.
Pollution
Persistent organic pollutants
Municipal discharge.
(POPs) and petroleum
Industrial chemical effluent.
hydrocarbons
Operational oil spills.
Atmospheric deposition.
Discharge of poorly treated municipal sewage.
Microbial Pollution
Discharge from ships.
Agricultural and food processing waste discharged to streams/rivers.
Nutrients introduced via streams and rivers as a result of agricultural
Harmful algal blooms
Eutrophication
activities.
(HABs)
Municipal effluent.
Sediments
and Sediments transport and
High natural loads of sediments from the Paraná River.
suspended solids
sedimentation
Inappropriate use of fishing techniques including trawling.
Destruction of benthic
Dredging of shipping channels.
Loss of biological
habitats (related to fishing)
Construction of coastal infrastructure that impedes water circulation
diversity
and those of coastal margins
or destroys wetlands, shores or other habitats.
Overfishing
Excessive fishing effort.
Discharge of ballast water from ships.
Introduction of exotic Invasive species
Transport of fouling organisms attached to ships' hulls.
species
Accidental releases from aquaculture centers.
SOURCE: Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis: Synthesis for Policymakers, FREPLATA UNDP/GEF, December 2006
57

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Table 3. Impact of socioeconomic development on the flow of Environmental goods and services in the region.
Impact on the use of goods and
services in the region
Possible negative
Sum 1
consequences
water
for
fauna
s
ts
&
rie
ation
Drinking
Habita
flora
Fishe
resources
Recre
Transport
Increase in the waste loads (in
particular urban effluent)
3
2
2
2
0
9
Increase in direct population
growth
Population
pressure on coastal space
3
2
2
3
0
10
.
Increase in the volume of solid
ent
waste
2
2
2
2
0
8
m
Increase in the economic
cio-econoS
pressure on coastal space (for
2
2
1
2
0
7
develop
development purposes)
Increase in loads (and change
in composition) of agro-
3
3
2
2
0
10
industrial wastes
Food
Overexploitation of fish stocks
production
and the introduction of exotic
0
3
3
1
0
7
species
Increased risk of spills
(operational and accidental)
3
3
2
3
1
12
t
Increased dredging
1
2
1
1
0
5
transpor
Invasion of exotic species in
ballast wares and through
1
3
2
1
0
7
Aquatic
fouling
Sea level rise
te
1
1
1
2
0
5
Alteration in tributary river
Clima
change
flow
2
2
3
2
1
10
Sum 2
21
25
21
21
2
SOURCE: Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis: Synthesis for Policymakers,
FREPLATA
3 = most severe. Sum 1 shows the impact magnitude. Sum 2 shows the impact vulnerability
58

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Table 4. Causes and effects of human impact on the Río de la Plata and its maritime front and potential actions that may be considered during the
development of a Strategic Action Programme (SAP)
(SOURCE: : Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis: Synthesis for Policymakers, FREPLATA UNDP/GEF, December 2006)
Immediate
Root cause
Negative impacts (State
consequences
variables
Changes) on the ecosystem1
Negative impacts on society
Options for priority action
(Pressures)
Legal frameworks coordinated between the various jurisdictions and
organizations.
Implementation of a societal strategy of environmental education
and information
Organized participation of civil society
Coastal environments
modified/deteriorated (CZ)
Coastal zone management plans
Conflicts in use of space
Increase in coastal erosion (CZ)
Integrated and coordinated information systems
Reduction in environmental
Reduction in natural habitats
quality.
Plans for capacity building for public and private sector decision
and/or degradation of protected
makers
Increase in direct
POPULATION
areas (CZ, RP, MF)
Changes in artisanal fishing
population pressure
Institutional strengthening programs
GROWTH
on coastal space
Changes in the biodiversity of
Loss of value of the
species and the species
ecosystem (existence value
Maps showing sensitive areas
composition of communities
as well as economic value)
Policies of territorial spatial planning
(RP, MF)
Loss in the tourism sector
Bi-national strategies for biodiversity in the study area
Alteration of habitats (reduction,
fragmentation) (CZ, RP, MF)
Management plans for species at risk
Programs for sustainable tourism
Mechanisms for local public participation in managing coastal zones
and small catchments
Programs for aquatic protected areas
Increase in the
Deterioration of the aesthetic
Legal frameworks coordinated between the various jurisdictions and
Alteration of habitats (CZ, RP,
volume of solid
quality and loss of value of
organizations
MF)
waste
landscapes.
Implementation of a societal strategy of environmental education
1 Types of impact: T = Transboundary; CZ = Coastal Zone; RP = Río de la Plata; MF = Maritime Front region; FZ = Frontal zones
59

---

Immediate
Root cause
Negative impacts (State
consequences
variables
Changes) on the ecosystem1
Negative impacts on society
Options for priority action
(Pressures)
Health impacts on species (CZ)
Increase in costs clean-up
and information
Accumulation of solid wastes in
Increase in the costs in the
Organized participation of civil society
the turbidity front (CZ, FZ)
artisanal fisheries sector
Coastal zone management plans
through increased wear and
Integrated and coordinated information systems
tear
Plans for capacity building for public and private sector decision
Alteration of artisanal
makers
fisheries
Bi-national strategies for the enactment of existing international
legal instruments
SOCIAL AND
Programs for institutional strengthening
ECONOMIC
Environmental sensitivity maps
DEVELOPMENT
Territorial spatial planning policies
Strategies for the environmental management, monitoring and
evaluating solid wastes
Legal frameworks coordinated between the various jurisdictions and
organizations
Implementation of a societal strategy of environmental education
and information
Coastal environments modified
Conflicts in the use of land
Organized participation of civil society
or degraded (CZ)
space
Coastal zone management plans
Increase in the
Increase in coastal erosion (CZ)
Loss of environmental
Integrated and coordinated information systems
economic pressure
quality
on coastal space
Loss of biological diversity (RP,
Plans for capacity building for public & private sector decision
(for development
MF)
Changes in artisanal fishing
makers
purposes)
Programs for institutional strengthening
Alteration of Outcomes of the
Loss of value of the
ecosystem (RP, MF, FZ)
ecosystem
Environmental sensitivity maps
Territorial spatial planning policies
Bi-national strategies for biodiversity conservation in the RPMF
Management plans for species at risk
Sustainable tourism programs
Increase in loads
Legal frameworks coordinated between the various jurisdictions and
Increase of point and diffuse
AGROINDUSTRIA
(and change in
Risks to human health
organizations
loads of organic and inorganic
L ACTIVITIES
composition) of
contaminants to the water body
Limits to sustainable
Implementation of a societal strategy of environmental education
agro-industrial
60

---

Immediate
Root cause
Negative impacts (State
consequences
variables
Changes) on the ecosystem1
Negative impacts on society
Options for priority action
(Pressures)
wastes
(T, CZ)
development
and information
Increase in mortality and/or
Decline in the quality of life
Organized participation of civil society
disease in sensitive species (RP,
Conflicts in the use of
Coastal zone management plans
CZ)
coastal/aquatic space
Integrated and coordinated information systems
Biomagnification of toxic
Altered use of land space
substances via trophic chains
Plans for capacity building for public and private sector decision
including urbanization
(RP,MF)
makers
processes in the coastal zone
Alteration of reproductive and/or
and key sectors in the basin
Institutional strengthening programs
migratory behavior (T, RP, MF)
Changes of mentality and
Water quality monitoring and early warning programs
Reduction of primary or
conflicts of interest between
Bi-national criteria for the quality of water, ecosystems and
secondary production of the
different sectors of society
sediments
ecosystem (RP)
regarding the exploitation of
resources and water bodies
Early warning systems for harmful algal blooms
Increase in the incidence of
harmful algal blooms (T, RP,
Loss of ecological value
Strategies for managing and monitoring urban and industrial wastes
MF)
Program for information and dissemination of environmental
monitoring information
Updated and technical and economically viable standards for urban
and industrial effluents and discharges
Instruments for improving public-private collaboration and
partnerships
Mechanisms for local public participation in managing coastal zones
and small catchments
Programs for air quality monitoring
Plans for the promotion of clean technologies and sustainable
management
Alteration of reproductive and/or
Loss of ecological value
Legal frameworks coordinated between the various jurisdictions and
Overexploitation of
migratory behavior of sensitive
Loss of fisheries yield;
organizations
AGROINDUSTRIA
fish stocks and the
species (T, RP, MF)
transfer of the fishing effort
L ACTIVITIES
introduction of
Implementation of a societal strategy of environmental education
to other species and fisheries
exotic species
Reduction of primary or
and information
secondary production of the
impact on associated species
61

---

Immediate
Root cause
Negative impacts (State
consequences
variables
Changes) on the ecosystem1
Negative impacts on society
Options for priority action
(Pressures)
ecosystem (RP)
Reduction of jobs in the
Organized participation of civil society
fisheries sector
Alteration of biodiversity (RP,
Coastal zone management plans
MF)
Alteration of fisheries
Integrated and coordinated information systems
activities
Changes in productivity and/or
Plans for capacity building for public and private sector decision
biodiversity of ecosystems (CZ)
Crisis in the fisheries sector
makers
Alteration of interspecies
Bi-national strategies for improving compliance of existing
interactions in the ecosystem
international juridical instruments
(RP, MF)
Bi-national strategies concerning the introduction and control of
exotic species
Strategies for integrated management and monitoring of fisheries
resources
Sustainable sectoral reform in the fisheries sector
Danger of intoxication
Legal frameworks coordinated between the various jurisdictions and
through direct contact with
organizations
Increase in mortality and/or
polluted water
disease in sensitive species (RP,
Implementation of a societal strategy of environmental education
CZ)
Danger of intoxication from
and information
consumption of polluted
Biomagnification of toxic
Organized participation of civil society
species
substances via trophic chains
Coastal zone management plans and integrated and coordinated
(RP,MF)
Loss of recreational use and
information systems
of economic value of the
AQUATIC
Increased risk of
Alteration of reproductive and/or
polluted water
Plans for capacity building for public and private sector decision
TRANSPORT
spills (operational
migratory behavior of sensitive
makers
and accidental)
species (T, RP, MF)
Conflicts between
jurisdictions and their
Bi-national strategies for improving compliance of existing
Reduction of primary or
competencies
international juridical instruments
secondary production of the
ecosystem (RP)
Loss of sales of aquatic
Institutional strengthening programs
products because of public
concerns
Water quality monitoring and early warning programs
Maps showing sensitive areas
Fisheries loss
Program for information and dissemination of environmental
monitoring information
62

---

Immediate
Root cause
Negative impacts (State
consequences
variables
Changes) on the ecosystem1
Negative impacts on society
Options for priority action
(Pressures)
Programs for air quality monitoring
Instruments for improving public-private collaboration and
partnerships
Information campaigns and awareness directed and the maritime
and port communities
Legal frameworks coordinated between the various jurisdictions and
organizations
Implementation of a societal strategy of environmental education
Alteration and loss of habitats
and information
(by dredging) (RP)
Impacts on fishing
Organized participation of civil society
Alteration of benthic community
Coastal zone management plans
composition and species richness
Increase in health risks by
(RP)
inappropriate disposal of
Integrated and coordinated information systems
Increased dredging
dredged spoils
Loss of secondary production of
Plans for capacity building for public and private sector decision
the ecosystem (RP)
Loss of recreational use by
makers
inappropriate disposal of
Remobilization (dumping) of
dredged spoils
Bi-national strategies for improving compliance of existing
potentially contaminant
international juridical instruments
sediments (RP, CZ)
Bi-national criteria for the quality of water, ecosystems and
sediments
AQUATIC
TRANSPORT
Bi-national strategies for the mitigation of the negative impacts of
dredging
Alteration in fishing activity.
Legal frameworks coordinated between the various jurisdictions and
organizations.
Changes in the productivity
Rapid deterioration of
and/or biodiversity of ecosystems
engineering material and
Implementation of a societal strategy of environmental education
Invasion of exotic
(T, CZ, RP, MF)
infrastructure (e.g. water
and information
species in ballast
intakes)
wares and through
Alteration of the interspecies
Organized participation of civil society
fouling
relationships of the ecosystem
Increase in the cost of
Coastal zone management plans
(RP, MF, FZ)
operation and maintenance
of dams and water
Integrated and coordinated information systems
purification plants.
Plans for capacity building for public and private sector decision
63

---

Immediate
Root cause
Negative impacts (State
consequences
variables
Changes) on the ecosystem1
Negative impacts on society
Options for priority action
(Pressures)
makers
Bi-national strategies for improving compliance of existing
international juridical instruments
Bi-national strategies concerning the introduction and control of
exotic species.
Information campaigns and awareness directed and the maritime
and port communities
Legal frameworks coordinated between the various jurisdictions and
organizations
Implementation of a societal strategy of environmental education
Loss of physical space and
and information
Increase in coastal erosion (CZ)
coastal infrastructure
Organized participation of civil society
Sea level rise
Alteration and loss of ecosystems
Loss of aesthetic quality and
Coastal zone management plans
(CZ)
devaluation of physical
space
Integrated and coordinated information systems
Water quality monitoring and early warning programs
Policies of terrestrial spatial planning
Plans for monitoring and early warning for sea level rise
CLIMATE
Legal frameworks coordinated between the various jurisdictions and
CHANGE
organizations
Increase in erosion in the
hydrographic basin (T)
Devaluation of physical
Implementation of a societal strategy of environmental education
spaces
and information
Alteration and loss of ecosystems
(CZ, RP)
Increase in the vulnerability
Organized participation of civil society
of the coastal population
Alteration in
Alterations in the concentration
Coastal zone management plans
tributary river flow
of nutrients (RP, CZ)
Alterations in navigation
Integrated and coordinated information systems
Increase in sediment loads to the
Alterations in the supply of
system (CZ, RP)
electricity and drinking
Water quality monitoring and early warning programs
water
Bi-national criteria for the quality of water, ecosystems and
sediments
Early warning systems for harmful algal blooms
64

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Table 5. Major transboundary problems identified and their scientific evidence base
Issue
Problem
Evidence base
Transboundary nature of the
Comments
problem
Elevated metal concentrations
The peculiarities of dynamics of the
The main pollution problems in the system are
are
clearly
associated
with
Río de la Plata and the fluvio-marine
observed in the nearshore zone as a result of land
coastal zones in urban and
geochemistry
result
in
the
based discharges. Particular attention is drawn to the
industrialized areas. There is
accumulation of metals in particular
maximum turbidity zone (or front) where fine
evidence that the heavy metals
areas of the system and re-suspended
sediments
accumulate
from
the
Plata
Basin
are concentrated in commercial
them
in
the
water
column.
(particularly from the Paraná River), as well as to the
fish
species
such
as
Furthermore, the biota affected by
Argentinean coastal nearshore zone of the Río de la
Micropogonias
furnieri,
these
metals
(through
their
Plata where sediments tend to be re-suspended. The
Heavy metal
Cynoscion guatucupa y Mugil
bioconcentration) is mostly mobile
zone of maximum turbidity serves as an area for solid
Pollution
pollution
liza. (FCS, 1997; Carsen et al.,
throughout the system.
wastes to accumulate (such as plastic waste from
2004;
Marcovechio,
2004;
municipal garbage from the cities of Buenos Aires, La
FREPLATA, 2005; Volpedo y
Pollutants accumulated in sediments
Plata y Montevideo; Acha et al., 2003).
Fernández Cirelli, 2006). In a
and the associated water column may
limited number of cases the
impact key habitats and spawning
Coastal pollution is also particularly severe adjacent to
metal concentrations pose a risk
and nursery areas of fish. Dredging
the maximum turbidity zone (Bazán and Janiot, 1991;
to human health.
operations to represent a particularly
Janiot et al., 2003; Carsen et al., 2004).
important risk for metal resuspended,
as does the dumping of dredged
The
southern
coastal
margin
of
the
system
materials.
(Argentinean coast of the Río de la Plata) is an area
that constitutes an extensive hot-spot for pollution; or
65

---

Issue
Problem
Evidence base
Transboundary nature of the
Comments
problem
Petroleum
hydrocarbons
There appears to be a steady rise in
rather a succession of hot spots more than 100 km
represent a continuous risk for
the discharge of POPs to the system,
long and 2-3 km wide. In this strip, very high levels of
transboundary pollution, given
affecting the quality of exploitable
contaminants are observed in sediments, biota and the
the
heavy
(and
increasing)
fish and contaminating sediments and
water column.
Persistent
shipping traffic.
the water column (Colombo et al.
The reduction of transboundary impacts of land-based
organic
2000; 2003 a; 2003b; EWSAMER,
There is a notable area of
pollution (including microbiological) require that
pollutants
2002)
pollution hot spots of varying
urban effluents be addressed. Investments by the
(POPs) and
dimensions located in a 100 km
Discharge of petroleum hydrocarbons
respective governments in sanitation will need to
petroleum
belt close to the southern shore
has already impacted coastal margins
include treatment options.
hydrocarbons
of the system. This includes
as well as the main body of water
rather high levels of POPs,
shared between the two countries in
particularly
PCBs
and
the RPMF.
pesticides, in water, sediments
and biota.
Some coastal areas are clearly
Most of the microbial pollution is
Cholera (Vibrium cholerae), has been detected in a
affected by microbial pollution
limited to nearshore coastal areas (in
form that is viable but non-culturable. It is considered
and
there
is
evidence
that
the proximity of effluent sources).
to pose a significant risk for the system (as it may
sewage
pollution
includes
However, given the dynamics of the
become increasingly viable in the future). There have
Microbial
potentially pathogenic viruses
system, the area under risk extends
been no outbreaks of cholera since the 19th century
pollution
and parasites.
well into the shared part of the
and Uruguay has been declared as cholera free.
RPMF. There is an additional risk
from sewage from ships that is
Given this situation, it is recommended to continue
currently inadequately regulated.
monitoring for Vibrium cholerae as there is a very
small risk that it could be introduced from outside the
system (Costagliola et al., 2005).
66

---

Issue
Problem
Evidence base
Transboundary nature of the
Comments
problem
HABs caused by cyanophytes
Blooms are mostly associated with
Historical trends in eutrophication in the Río de la
and dinoflagellates are regular
increases in nutrient discharges from
Plata are poorly understood. Recent studies have
events that have intensified in
tributary rivers (including the Plata
indicated
considerable
contemporary
levels
of
recent years. They affect biota
Basin) and these may impact any part
eutrophication that are associated with nutrient runoff
(some species cause fish kills)
of the RPMF.
-
particularly
nitrogen
compounds
-
from
the
and
the
human
population
agricultural sector (application of fertilisers, erosion,
directly (nuisance to recreation,
castle breeding). This situation helps to explain the
dangerous
marine
toxins
in
large blooms of blue-green algae (cyanophytes) in the
Harmful
seafood
and
respiratory
fresh and brackish regions of the RPMF.
Eutrophication
algal blooms
problems in sensitive members
There has been clear evidence of an increase in
(HABs)
of
the
coastal
human
population).
incidents of `red tides' caused by dinoflagellates, both
in Argentina and Uruguay, as well as the shared
waters
of
the
RPMF
(Carretto
et
al.,
2004).
Fortunately, there have been few human illnesses
reported but the presence of species known to produce
potentially fatal neurotoxins is a significant risk. It
also poses a risk to the livelihood of artisanal fishers
in
both
countries,
notably
those
dedicated
to
exploiting blue mussel beds.
67

---

Issue
Problem
Evidence base
Transboundary nature of the
Comments
problem
The deposition of suspended
Siltation is a continuous problem for
The amount of sediments dredged annually in the Río
solids is a natural problem. The
navigation in the RPMF, requiring
de la Plata is enormous; approximately 25,000,000 m3
dynamics of the system and
constant
dredging.
This
in
turn
(FREPLATA, 2005)
potential
future
changes
in
sometimes
mobilizes
polluted
climate and upstream land use
sediment
that
is
subsequently
make it increasingly necessary
transported and dumped in another
Sediments and
Sediment
to take action to mitigate the
part of the system. Some sediments in
Suspended
transport and
situation.
the areas adjacent to the southern
Solids
sedimentation
coast
of
the
RPMF
are
highly
polluted and pose a considerable risk
(FCS, 1997; Colombo et al.,. 2003;
2003b; Carsen et al., 2004).
Erosion
is
not
a
transboundary
problem.
Habitat destruction is caused by
Habitat destruction is a
Trawling is one of the most common fishing
Destruction
unsustainable methods of
transboundary problem because it
techniques in the RPMF (used in the main fisheries for
of benthic
resource extraction (such as
affects migratory or highly mobile
hake and white croakers). According to official data of
habitats
trawling), dredging of
species, including many commercial
the Undersecretary for Fisheries and Aquiculture in
(related to
undisturbed areas and certain
fish species and decreases ecosystem
Argentina (SSP-SAGPyA), some areas are trawled 4
fishing) and
types of pollution.
resilience. The loss of coastal habitats
or 5 times per year, with consequent removal of most
those of
Loss of
(such as wetlands and intertidal
benthos. These numbers would be much higher if the
coastal
biodiversity
zones), threatens biodiversity,
effects of the Uruguayan fleet were considered. In
margins
recruitment of fish and crustaceans to
addition to the impacts on benthic diversity, fisheries
commercial stocks, and migratory
production itself may suffer since the lost benthos is
birds feeding or over-wintering.
the main food for several fish species.
Trawling is a transboundary problem
in the RPMF because most of it
occurs in the common fishing zone.
68

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UNDP Project Document:
Governments of Argentina and Uruguay
United Nations Development Program
PIMS 4055 - Reducing and Preventing Land-based Pollution
in the Rio de la Plata/Maritime Front through Implementation
of the FREPLATA Strategic Action Program
PART V: PILOT PROJECT DOCUMENTS

---

Table of Contents

Output 3.1 Development of artificial wetlands in the Samborombón Bay Wetland supports the
prevention and reduction of point pollution ........................................................................ 3
Output 3.2 Governance and integrated management of Santa Lucia Wetlands contributes to the
prevention and reduction of diffuse pollution in the coastal areas of the Rio de la Plata . 16
Output 3.3 Application of Cleaner Production approaches in informal sectors is facilitated in the
industrial tannery sector in Uruguay ................................................................................. 36
2

---

Output 3.1
Development of artificial wetlands in the Samborombón Bay Wetland supports the
prevention and reduction of point pollution
Reduction and Prevention of the Terrestrial Origin Contamination of the Rio de la Plata and its
Maritime Front through the implementation of the FREPLATA Strategic Action Program:
Pilot Project
Country: Argentina
Title:
Development of artificial wetlands in the Samborombón Bay Wetland supports the prevention and
reduction of point pollution
Executing Agency:
Provincial Organization for Sustainable Development of the Province of Buenos Aires
Cost of the Project:
GEF: US$ 215,000
Co-Finance: US$660.000
Background / Justification:
Samborombón Bay, the most extensive myxohaline wetland of Argentina, extends along 150 km of the western
coast of the outer zone of the Río de la Plata. The system is characterized by a set of connections of lotic and
lentic systems, and the flow of water from the continent into the Bay is significant. It is complemented by a
network of tidal channels with unique geomorphologic, physical-chemical and biological features. The fluvial-
marine systems and the coast of the Bay are greatly influenced by contributions from the lotic systems that cross
the wetland, contributing to the region's high productivity and making this is a critical spawning area including
for commercial fish such as Whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) and the Stripped weakfish
(Cynoscion guatucupa) (FREPLATA, 2006). A Ramsar site, it provides a range of environments (grasslands,
tidal channels, dunes, natural ravines, straw fields, estuary channels and crab grounds, tala woods) for important
biodiversity including migratory and emblematic species. Migratory species such as Calidris fuscicollis, Limosa
haemastica, Calidris canutus, and Pluvialis dominica use the Punta Rasa area as feeding grounds. The Pampas
deer (Ozotocerus bezoarticus celer), one of the wetland's emblematic species, is also one of the most threatened
endangered species of Argentina (Jackson and Langguth, 19871; UICN, 19962; Vila and Beade, 19973; Beade et
al., 20004; Bertonatti and Corcuera, 20005; Díaz and Ojeda, 20006). From an ecosystem perspective, the area
therefore delivers important services and goods (Figure 1).
1 Jackson, J. E. y A. Langguth. 1987. Ecology and status of pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) in the Argentinian pampas and
Uruguay. En: Biology and management of the cervidsae. Wemmer C.M.(ED) Smithsonian Inst. Press Washington D.C. 402 - 409.
2 UICN. 1996. Red List of Threatened Animals. UICN, Gland Switzerland, 368 pp.
3 Vila, A and M. Beade, 1997. Situación de la población del venado de las pampas en la Bahía Samborombón. Fundación Vida Silvestre
Argentina. Boletín Técnico de la Fundación Vida Silvestre N° 37:1-30.
4 Beade, M., H. Pastore y A. Vila. 2000. Morfometría y mortalidad de venados de las pampas en la Bahía Samborombón. Fundación Vida
Silvestre Argentina. Boletín Técnico de la Fundación Vida Silvestre 50:1-30
3

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Figure 1 Location of wetlands where the pilot will be sited in southern Samborombón Bay
Río de la Plata
Sudamérica
Río Salado
Canal Salado Inferior
a
BAHIA SAMBOROMBON
N
Canal 15
b
Canal 9
Punta Rasa
Canal 1
Puesta de Sol
General Lavalle
Las Compuertas
10 km
General Conesa
However, the wetland is threatened by solid and liquid wastes from urban areas (San Clemente), and nutrients
from agricultural and livestock activities. The water quality of these lotic and lentic systems has been studied
during sampling carried out by FREPLATA (2005)7 and by others, including Schenone et al., (20078; 20089).
The characterization of water quality studied by Schenone et al. (2007) reflects the fact that precipitation
patterns in the upper watersheds of the lotic systems that drain into the Bay affects pH and dissolved oxygen
values. This study also determined the presence of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the
water and sediments of the wetland, with concentrations that in some cases exceed the reference levels for
aquatic biota protection established by the Secretary of Water Resources of Argentina (Figure 2).
In terms of nutrients, Schenone et al., (2008) determined that rivers and channels draining into the Bay present
high P and N concentrations, are generally hypertrophic, and have P as limiting nutrient (Figure 3). Lotic
systems in the south of the Bay present high concentrations of nutrients given that they drain water from the foot
hills of the Tandilia System10 , and in some cases flow next to urban centers (as is the case with Channel 2 that
runs past the cities of Ayacucho and General Lavalle). In the southern area of the Bay, N and P concentrations
change, depending on precipitation levels in the upper watersheds that drain into the Bay, with higher rainfall
translating into higher pollutant loads. It appears that nutrient loads from runoff exceed the dilution effect of
rainfall, which added to reduced flows and the proximity to the marine-coastal zone, could influence nutrient
concentrations in water (Schenone et al., 2008).
5 Bertonatti, C y J. Corcuera. 2000. Situación Ambiental Argentina 2000. Fundación Vida Silvestre, 440 pp.
6 Díaz, G. B. y R. A. Ojeda, 2000. Libro Rojo de Mamíferos amenazados de la Argentina. SAREM. Buenos Aires, 105 pp.
7 FREPLATA, 2005. Análisis Diagnóstico Transfronterizo. Documento Técnico FREPLATA. 1-311.
8 Schenone, N; A. V. Volpedo and A. Fernández Cirelli. 2007. Trace metal contents in water and sediments in Samborombón Bay
wetland, Argentina. Wetland ecology and management 15: 303-310.
9 Schenone, N; A. V. Volpedo and A. Fernández Cirelli 2008. Estado trófico y variación estacional de nutrientes en los ríos y canales del
humedal mixohalino de Bahía Samborombón (Argentina). Limnética 27 (1): 65-72.
10 Tandilia System is an originated old mountainous cord (crystalline rocks) emerged to Brazilean Macizo.
4

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Figure 2 Metal concentration (µg.l-1) in water samples during low and high waters terms. NGPBA (Reference
levels for Aquatic Biota Protection) proposed by the Under-secretariat of Water Resources of Argentina.
Low Waters
Stations
As
Cd
Cr
Cu
Mn
Ni
Pb
Zn
Channel 2
<12
<2
<4
19.1 ± 3
178.7 ± 11.8
2.5 ± 0.1
107± 8.1
79.7 ± 8.8
Puesta de Sol
<12
<2
<4
24.9 ± 3.6
291.6 ± 20
9 ± 4.6
111.8±8.4
92.3 ± 9.2
2.59 ±
Punta Rasa
<12 9 ± 1.8
5.3 ± 1.1
5.12 ± 0.69
56.65 ± 4
90.48±7.57
23.46 ± 2.5
0.4
Las
<12
<2
<4
28.4 ± 4
56 ± 3.2
2.5 ± 0.1
265.4 ± 20.3
80.5 ± 7.2
compuertas
<15
<5
<2.5
<6.6
<800
<18
<19.5
<8.6
NGPBA
High Waters
Stations
As
Cd
Cr
Cu
Mn
Ni
Pb
Zn
Channel 2
10.86 ± 1.07
<4
<8
<5
<6
14.7 ± 1.35
Puesta de Sol
<10
<4
<8
<5
<6
<8
Punta Rasa
<10
<4
<8
<5
<6
<8
Las
<5
<6
compuertas
<10
<4
<8
<8
Figure 3 Average nutrient loads registered in the low and high waters. Nt: total nitrogen, NL: limiting nutrient,
N/P: nitrogen/phosphorus molar relation, Pt: total phosphorus, H: hypertrophic state, X ± SD: average value ±
standard deviation.
LOW WATERS
Sampling Station
N
11
t
Pt
N/P
Trophic
NL
Status
(mg/l)
(mg/l)
Channel 2
4.62 ± 0.27
0.32 ± 0.08
32.42
H
P
Gral. Lavalle
3.58 ± 0.18
0.38 ± 0.08
20.65
H
P
Puesta de Sol
3.72 ± 0.17
0.40 ± 0.06
20.75
H
P
Punta Rasa
3.43 ± 0.44
0.55 ± 0.09
13.91
H
N o P
Las compuertas
4.17 ± 0.35
0.20 ± 0.08
45.67
H
P
HIGH WATERS
Channel 2
5.53 ± 0.50
0.31 ± 0.04
39.20
H
P
Gral. Lavalle
3.93 ± 0.38
0.43 ± 0.06
20.47
H
P
Puesta de Sol
4.79 ± 0.37
0.51 ± 0.05
20.59
H
P
Punta Rasa
4.61 ± 0.23
0.73 ± 0.05
14.01
H
N o P
Las compuertas
9.41 ± 0.16
0.51 ± 0.06
41.07
H
P
Metals and nutrients contributions to the Río de la Plata have been quantified for the lotic and lentic systems of
the area (FREPLATA, 2005, Schenone et al., 2007; 2008). However, given significant run-off, increased
agriculture activities in the upper watersheds of these water bodies, population growth with permanent residents
in bordering cities, as well as tourism surges during the summer season, indicate that unless water quality in
these systems is controlled, over the coming years metal and nutrient loads into the RP will increase. Although
11 Superficial drainage often constitutes an important P contribution to water bodies. The amounts of P in superficial drainage depend on
the amount of P present in the ground, topography, vegetative cover, duration and intensity of flow, land use and pollution (Wetzel,
2001).
5

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the water flow from these lotic systems is far below that of the main Río de la Plata tributary, the Parana River,
this area plays a key role in the dynamics of the fluvial-marine environment given that it contributes
significantly to its biological productivity and plays an important economic function in the region in terms of
coastal fisheries. Therefore the control of pollutant loads is high-priority for the Province of Buenos Aires. As
noted above, it is also an important feeding ground for migratory birds (Schenone et al., 2008).
The project area encompasses several jurisdictions (municipal, provincial and national) including two
municipalities. These three jurisdictional levels are reflected in various protected areas in Samborombón: at
national level the National Park Campos del Tuyú, the Samborombón Bay Coastal Integrated Natural Reserve
and the Rincón de Ajó Integral Natural Reserve at provincial level, and the Punta Rasa Municipal Reserve. Of
these, the National Park and the Punta Rasa Reserve already have Management plans with same rangers and
basic infrastructure. The pilot project therefore offers a unique opportunity to explore and address requirements
for inter-jurisdictional coordination and harmonization. In addition, both municipalities in the pilot project area,
General Lavalle and La Costa, are strongly committed to environmental matters. General Lavalle proclaimed
itself National Capital of the Pampas Deer in 1998, (Decree 704/98 Nº and Municipal Decree Nº 285/98), given
the community's strong commitment to the conservation of this endangered species. For its part, the
municipality of La Costa participates in a series of environmental programs with various universities (e.g.
University of La Plata, National Technological University), with national and provincial science and technology
organizations (e.g. INTI -National Institute of Industrial Technology, INIDEP -National Institute of Research
and Fishing Development, and INTA-National Institute of Farming Technology). In addition this Municipality
has a leading role in the Argentine Federation of Municipalities which comprises over 2,500 municipalities, with
a mission of advancing sustainable policies and management experiences.
From a socio-economic perspective, the pilot project area is important as it contains the three main settlements
adjacent to the wetland: General Conesa (1,209 inhabitants), General Lavalle (1,472 inhabitants) and San
Clemente del Tuyú (11,174 inhabitants) (INDEC, 2001). The economic mainstay of these towns is livestock,
fishing and tourism (Volpedo et al., 2005). In addition, in General Lavalle and San Clemente del Tuyú have
fishing ports.
During the preparatory process, a study12 was carried out to define the location of the pilot project. The
Samborombón Bay wetland was ultimately selected as the site for the Pilot Project, as in addition to its critical
ecosystem services and functions, it fulfilled key criteria including the fact that i) several protected areas within
the wetland already have management plans or these are under preparation through participatory processes, thus
providing an opportunity to build upon management strategies that already include diverse governmental and
nongovernmental institutions; and ii) a baseline for processes that support biological diversity (flow energy and
matter, N and P cycles, communities interactions) has been already formulated by relevant scientific-technical
institutions (universities, research centers and NGOs). In addition, the Government of the Province of Buenos
Aires which will implement the proposal is providing both personnel and basic infrastructure necessary for its
implementation.
In order to provide a comprehensive response to the growing threats to this ecosystem from land-based
pollution, a strategy is proposed that consists of three main components:
A -Implementation of phytotechnologies to improve the treatment of excess domestic wastewater from the
City of San Clemente Treatment Plant, which are simply poured into the Bay in Puesta de Sol. The existing
Treatment Plant is designed for 165.000 inhabitants, and normally receives effluents generated by
approximately 42.424 inhabitants (3.5 inhab/conn.) which receive primary treatment. However during the
summer season, due to the high flux of tourists (approximately 400,000 persons), effluent volume may reach
560 L/s, significantly exceeding the capacity of the treatment plant.
12 Volpedo, A. V. 2008. Technical Report "Identification of a wetland in the Argentinean coast of the Rio de la Plata to implement a pilot
plan" FREPLATA II, 52pp
6

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The water quality of effluents from the plant is described in Figure 4. It can be observed that domestic
wastewater has significant amounts of organic matter as detailed by the physical-chemical parameters. Primary
treatment improves the quality of these effluents in terms of BOD, dissolved oxygen and organic matter.
However, analyses carried out by the staff at the plant indicate that xenobiotic concentrations are no significant.
Therefore the implementation of phytotechnologies would not have any negative environmental impacts given
that conditions are given for the constructed wetland to complement the Treatment Plant, without jeopardizing
the ecological integrity of the area, given that it is a natural wetland, and its dynamics and the communities that
inhabit are adapted to hydrologic changes and the contribution of nutrients and sediments. Moreover, in addition
to the construction of the wetland and its careful management, this proposal includes a Monitoring Program of
key sites to guarantee the non-alteration of the environment (See Annex II.C).
Figure 4 Inflow and outflow water quality in the Treatment Plant of San Clemente.
Type of sample
Sewage
Place
Treatment Plant
San Clemente del
Location
Tuyu
INFLOW
pH
6.65
Sediments
10 minutes
ml/l
1.5
2 hours
ml/l
3.6
Volatile
ml/l
225
Dissolved Oxygen
ml/l
2.1
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
5 total
ml/l
508
Chemical oxygen demand (COD)
ml/l
621
OUTFLOW
pH
7.1
Sediments
10 minutes
ml/l
0.3
2 hours
ml/l
0.5
Volatile
ml/l
344
Dissolved Oxygen
ml/l
4.5
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
5 total
ml/l
123
Chemical oxygen demand (COD)
total
ml/l
172
B ­ Coordination with management and planning measures of the protected areas in the area in order to
strengthen collaborative action between national, provincial and municipal levels, thus generating opportunities
for shared capacity building of staff in terms of measures and options for reducing and mitigating pollution
impacts, and improve improve human and infrastructure capital. A Macro Management Plan will be jointly
developed that will be cross-cutting to the management plans of the protected areas in project zone (NP Campos
del Tuyú, Samborombón Bay Integral Provincial Reserve, Rincón de Ajó and Punta Rasa Reserve) and
incorporate requirements and measures for pollution prevention through the conservation of wetland ecological
functions, its dynamics and biodiversity.
C ­ Public Awareness as local communities need to better understand the role wetlands play with regards to
pollution prevention, such as nutrients and xenobiotic retention, aquifer recharge, protection against saline
intrusion, among others. In addition, due to the fact that the area is an important tourist destination for
Argentina, especially during the summer season, public outreach has the possibility of reaching a wider
audience. Opportunities for replication in other wetlands and/or basins of Buenos Aires coastal municipalities
7

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will also be supported through this. This component will be implemented through Output 1.3 of the framework
FREPLATA SAP implementation project; it is described in Annex 1.
The proposed Pilot Project deliverables are:
A - Implementation of phytotechnologies which improve the water quality of the excess effluents of the City of
San Clemente which are discharged into the environment.
A.1. Construction of a wetland built on fiscal lands of the La Costa municipality or the Province of Buenos
Aires, next to Puesta del Sol, where partially treated effluents from the City of San Clemente are
currently discharged. The technical basis for the constructed wetland is described in Annex II A, and
this activity will include the selection of the type of wetland (surface or sub-surface)
A.2. Definition and implementation of technical requirements for wetland upkeep and for monitoring the
effectiveness of its services over the medium and long term (Annex II B).
A.3. Elaboration of a seasonal monitoring program in key control sites located in areas adjacent to the
constructed wetland. Sites of ecological importance will be especially considered in particular the
protected areas of NP Campos del Tuyú, Samborombón Bay Integral Provincial Reserve, Rincón de
Ajó and Punta Rasa Reserve in order to sure their health and ecological integrity (Annex II.C).
A.4. Elaboration of joint strategies among stakeholders to provide for medium and long term wetland
sustainability.
B ­ Coordination with management and planning measures of the protected areas that already exist in the zone.
B.1. Elaboration of the Macro Management Plan that involves the management plans that already exist for
protected areas under different jurisdictions and considers as a cross-cutting objective pollution
prevention through the conservation of the wetland ecological functions, its dynamics and biodiversity.
The Macro Management Plan must also include monitoring methodologies of different environmental
matrixes in different key sites of the protected areas, so as to evaluate its capacity for nutrients and
xenobiotics retention. Possible sampling sites are shown in Annex III.A and methodologies are
suggested for the analysis of the different environmental matrixes. This plan will be highly
participatory in order to provide for strong representativity of stakeholders and their concerns and
needs. In addition, the Macro Management Plan must contemplate an efficiency evaluation according
to criteria outlined in Annex III. B.
B.2. Implementation of a Macro Management Plan with support from diverse financial and human
resources.
End of Project Landscape (Outcomes)
The general deliverables expected from this Pilot Plan implementation are:

Reduction of pollutant loads (nutrients and xenobiotic) into the Río de la Plata.

Spatial-temporal monitoring of nutrients and xenobiotics for the different environmental matrixes of key
sites of the southern zone of the Bay.

Pollution prevention through the strengthening of an inter-institutional network formed by governmental
organizations of the various jurisdictions (municipal, provincial and national) and non-governmental
organizations to provide for coordinated management and planning measures for the protected areas of the
southern zone of the Samborombón Bay, in order to preserve the wetland's a ecological functions, its
dynamics and biodiversity.

Achievement of a change in attitude in local communities and tourists regarding the wetlands' functions,
and the need for adequate effluent and domestic waste management.
8

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Under each component, specific results will be obtained:
A- Implementation of phytotechnologies that improve the water quality of excess domestic effluents from the
treatment plant of the City of San Clemente
A.1. Identification of the most efficient local macrophytes species in metal removal and nutrients and type
of wetland (surface or subsurface) taking into account the Technical Bases described in Annex II.A.
A.2. Construction of a wetland with capacity to receive the partially treated excess effluents from the
treatment plant of San Clemente, especially during the summer season.
A.3. Technical program for the upkeep of the constructed wetland and for monitoring effectiveness in
pollutant retention over medium and long term
A.4. Nutrients and xenobiotics monitoring program in different key areas next to the constructed wetland
implemented.
A.5. Joint strategies, among stakeholders that provide for protection of the wetland over the medium and
long term, implemented.
B- Coordination with management and planning measures of the protected areas that already exist in the
zone
B.1. Participative Macro Management Plan elaborated and implemented, with support from various
financial and human resources, and including a nutrients and xenobiotics Monitoring Program in
different key areas of the protected areas.
B.2. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Macro Management Plan for addressing pollution reduction and
mitigation objectives
Long term Sustainability Strategy
Sustainability of the project is achieved through training and capacity building for stakeholders, strengthening of
an inter-institutional network that provides for enhanced coordination of management in the protected areas, as
well as dissemination and outreach programs with local communities. This builds upon the participatory social
structure of the La Costa Municipality which has a tradition of social responsibility and participatory approaches
in support of environmental objectives.
With regards to the operation of the constructed wetland, operational expenses need to be provided for wetland
upkeep, for staffing and for monitoring of environmental matrixes in adjacent sites. These expenses could be
partially covered reusing macrophytes as usable compost for various purposes (land fills, fertilizer for orchards
and pasture grounds, etc.). Moreover, the resources needed for monitoring key sites will come from ad hoc
projects under execution by governmental institutions with science and technology organizations in the region.
With regards to the coordination with management and planning measures of the protected areas that already
exist in the zone through the elaboration and implementation of the Macro Management Plan and evaluation of
its effectiveness, contributions from various resource streams, financial and human, national and international,
should allow for its periodic update. This update should coincide with the revision of the Management a/o
Operational plans of the existing protected areas which have allocated financial resources.
Finally, the Public Awareness and outreach Program which targets both local community and tourists, most
likely have contributions, including graphic and audio-visual material, from universities and NGOs that already
work in the project area and are already active in this regard. In addition, the Centre for Studies of Coastal
Resources is already developing several projects and plans on environmental issues with allocated funding, and
counts with significant scientific-technical expertise, strong on-the-ground presence, and political, institutional
and municipal support for its outreach work. In addition, international organizations such as the RAMSAR
9

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Wetland Convention, BirdLife, and Wildlife Trust Alliance (WTA) already work in Samborombón Bay,
especially in Punta Rasa
The inter-institutional network will provide a framework for forward planning of issues to be addressed by the
public awareness program, as well as guiding the selection of the most appropriate communication strategies for
informing the resident community and tourists about the critical ecosystem services and functions of wetlands,
and in particular, those related to pollution mitigation.
Replicability
The pilot Project is relevant both at local and regional levels, given that its implementation will create a model
for improving the quality of effluents discharged into the Río de la Plata and thus contribute to reducing coastal
pollution. It will not only generate technical responses but also inscribe these within inter-jurisdictional
management approaches that are also strongly participatory. Through this horizontal integration of stakeholders
and institutions positive attitude changes will be achieved with regards to environmental conservation and
sustainable resource use which can be replicable in other areas.
Given that the Province of Buenos Aires has 37 coastal municipalities with similar environmental problems to
those of the La Costa, although differing in intensity, and 14% of the population of Buenos Aires Province live
(4.880.532 inhabitants), this pilot Project has strong replication potential in other local and regional coastal
wetlands, both within the Rio de la Plata or in the maritime coast. Moreover it should be recalled that the
Province of Buenos Aires is highly committed to sustainable management at municipal and provincial levels.
This is reflected in the recent creation of the Integrated Coastal Management Coordination Unit which is issuing
sustainable coastal management guidelines. The coastal municipalities in the FREPLATA project area, taking
into account the ecosystem zoning proposed by Lasta and Jaureguizar (2003)13, are San Nicolás, Ramallo, San
Pedro, Baradero, Zárate, Campana, Tigre, San Fernando, San Isidro and Vicente Lopez in the north; Avellaneda,
Quilmes, Berazategui, Ensenada, Berisso and Magdalena in the Rio de la Plata area; Punta Indio, Chascomús,
Castelli, Tordillo and General Lavalle in the estuarine area; and La Costa, Pinamar, Villa Gesell, Mar Chiquita,
General Pueyrredón, General Alvarado, Lobería, Necochea in the maritime area. All of these are potential places
for replication.
The strength of this project is based on the three-pronged approach described above. This approach applicable to
other projects related to the environmental conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources at medium
and long term. In addition, the specific technical advances incorporated in each one of the three axes developed
could be applied to other areas and in other socioeconomic contexts.
Project Management Structure and Accountability
The project will be executed by the Provincial Organism for Sustainable Development (POSD) of the Province
of Buenos Aires under a service contract.
Monitoring and Evaluation Process
The Project Unit will produce a brief quarterly Progress Report updating the Steering Committee and the project
implementing agency on the progress of the pilot project based on the approved Logical Framework Matrix and
the project work plan. Once every year a detailed report will be submitted through the Steering Committee to
UNDP. This report will provide a full review of the work plan to identify project achievements and deliveries
versus the approved schedule, budget expenditures, recommendations with respect to any amendments to
workplan and budget, staff contracting and performance, and any other information required by the Steering
Committee and/or the Implementing Agency.
13 Lasta and Jaureguizar, 2003. Ecosystemic planning of the Buenos Aires coastal zone. www.procostas.org
10

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In addition to this, the pilot project strategy and objectives, intended outputs, implementation structure, work
plans and emerging issues will be regularly reviewed and evaluated annually by the Project Steering Committee.
Periodic Status Reports will be prepared at the request of the Steering Committee for presentation at key
meetings associated with the Project.
The pilot project will also be subject to:
·
Internal Project Implementation Reviews to be conducted by the RPC and submitted to the
implementing agency every six months.
·
An independent final project evaluation to be undertaken in conjunction with the Terminal Evaluation
for the FSP.
The project evaluations will be carried out in accordance with UNDP-GEF requirements and will cover all
aspects of the project. They will include: an assessment of (a) the outcomes generated, (b) the processes used to
generate them, (c) project impacts, and d) lessons learned. Advice will be given on how the M&E results can be
used to adjust the work if needed and on how to replicate the results in the region.
Co-Financing
The GEF contribution to this pilot project is US$ 215.000. The co-financing for this project is provided by the
Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development (SAyDS) of Argentina for $450,000 and the
Provincial Organism for Sustainable Development (POSD) of the Province of Buenos Aires for $180,000. Co-
financing will support the process of design and construction of the wetland as well as the development and
validation of the Management Plan. Moreover, as can be surmised from the description of the pilot project and
implementation process, there will be opportunities during implementation for leveraging significant additional
resources.
11

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Figure 5 Short, medium and long-term indicators.
Short-term indicator
Medium-term indicators
Long-term indicators
(1 year)
(5-10 years)
(10-20 years)
Implementation of phytotechnologies
Elaboration of am constructed wetland
Technical
design
of
the
Reduction of (>50%) of nutrients,
Waters
quality
and
sediments
constructed wetland completed
pathogens and metals contribution
discharged
into
the
fluvio-marine
Constructed
wetland
artificial
from excess effluents of the Treatment
environment must not exceed reference
and operative
plant of San Clemente del Tuyú treated
levels proposed by relevant authorities
in the constructed wetland.
Elaboration and implementation of technical
Technical personnel training for
Staff trained in wetland management.
measures for upkeep of the wetland and
wetland maintenance.
Plans for macrophytes and water reuse
Plans for macrophytes and water reuse
monitoring pollution retention effectiveness
elaborated.
implemented.
in the mid to long term.
Monitoring of water physical-
Monitoring plans implemented.
chemical
and
biological
Main pollutants concentrations lower
parameters in input sites of the
than the quality criteria pursued.
wetland and external sites.
Elaboration and implementation of a nutrients
Monitoring of physical-chemical
Spatial and temporal tendencies of
Historical suite of physical-chemical
and
xenobiotics
Monitoring
Program in
parameters,
nutrients
and
physical-chemical
parameters,
parameters, nutrients and xenobiotics
various adjacent key areas.
xenobiotics in water and soil in
nutrients and xenobiotics in water and
data publicly available.
selected sites.
soil registered.
Sampling sites selected with biological
integrity maintained.
Elaboration
of
joint
strategies
with
Development of agreed
Agreement
minutes
among
Constructed wetland built as a common
stakeholders that allow medium and long
strategies among stakeholders
stakeholders, mainly subscribed local
good included within public services.
term wetland sustainability.
that provide for effective
institutions.
Appointment of permanent personnel
wetland management.
for wetland maintenance.
Coordination with management and planning measures of the protected areas that already exist in the zone
Elaboration of the Macro Management Plan.
Management
plans
of
the
Macro Management Plan implemented
Biological
integrity
indicators
in
protected areas of the zone,
in the existing protected areas.
protected areas are positive
articulated
and
agreed
in
participatory
way,
elaborated
and approved by authorities.

---

Figure. 6 Work Plan
Activity
Semesters
Implementation of phytotechnologies
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Design of constructed wetland to treat excess effluents
from the Treatment Plan of San Clemente del Tuyú
Determination of physical-chemical and biological
parameters of the excess effluent.
Determination of physical-chemical and biological
parameters at the constructed wetland outlet.
Determination of physical-chemical parameters,
nutrients and xenobiotics in sampling sites of key areas
near the constructed wetland.
Wetland construction and location
Determination of macrophytes to be used in wetland.
Continuous personnel training to operate wetland.
Development of agreed strategies among stakeholders
for the sustainability of the venture.
Evaluation of wetland effectiveness and adjustments.
Activity
Semesters
Coordination with management and planning
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
measures of the protected areas that already exist in the
zone
Joint meetings among stakeholders directly involved in
protected areas within the municipal, provincial and
national purview so as to articulate protected areas plans.
Elaboration of the Macro Management Plan.
Consensual participatory meeting of the Macro
Management Plan with the community.
Adjustments to the Macro Management Plan.
Macro Management Plan elaborated and approved by
authorities.

---

Figure 7 Responsibilities for proposed activities
Activity
Responsible
Institutions associated to execution
Implementation of phytotechnologies
Design
of
constructed
Party of La Costa, Party of General Lavalle,
University of Buenos Aires/ Faculty of
wetland
to
treat
excess
OPDS, San Clemente del Tuyú Cooperative of
Engineering, Technical Consultants
effluents
from
the
Works Provision and Public Services
Treatment
Plan
of
San
Clemente del Tuyú
Determination of physical-
Party of La Costa, Party of General Lavalle,
CIMA (UNLP), ILPLA (UNLP)
chemical
and
biological
OPDS, San Clemente del Tuyú Cooperative of
parameters of the excess
Works Provision and Public Services, CETA
effluent.
(UBA)
Determination of physical-
Party of La Costa, Party of General Lavalle,
CIMA (UNLP), ILPLA (UNLP)
chemical
and
biological
OPDS, San Clemente del Tuyú Cooperative of
parameters
at
the
Works Provision and Public Services, CETA
constructed wetland outlet.
(UBA)
Determination of physical-
Party of La Costa, Party of General Lavalle,
CIMA (UNLP), ILPLA (UNLP)
chemical
parameters,
OPDS, San Clemente del Tuyú Cooperative of
nutrients and xenobiotics of
Works Provision and Public Services, CETA
different
environmental
(UBA)
matrixes of selected sites.
Wetland construction and
Party of La Costa, Party of General Lavalle,
University of Buenos Aires/ Faculty of
location
OPDS, San Clemente del Tuyú Cooperative of
Engineering, Technical Consultants
Works Provision and Public Services
Determination
of
Party of La Costa, Party of General Lavalle,
ILPLA (UNLP)
macrophytes to be used in
OPDS, San Clemente del Tuyú Cooperative of
wetland.
Works Provision and Public Services, CETA
(UBA)
Continuous
personnel
Party of La Costa, Party of General Lavalle,
University of Buenos Aires/ Faculty of
training to operate wetland.
OPDS, San Clemente del Tuyú Cooperative of
Engineering, CETA (UBA), CIMA
Works Provision and Public Services
(UNLP), ILPLA (UNLP)
Development
of
agreed
Party of La Costa, Party of General Lavalle,
Local Development Associations of Party
strategies
among
OPDS, San Clemente del Tuyú Cooperative of
of La Costa, Local Coordinators of the
stakeholders
for
the
Works Provision and Public Services
localities of San Clemente del Tuyú, Las
sustainability
of
the
Toninas, Santa Teresita, Mar del Tuyú,
venture.
Costa del Este, Aguas Verdes, La Lucila
del Mar, Costa Azul, San Bernardo, Mar de
Ajó, Cooperatives Federation, Centre for
Coastal Resources Studies (CERC)
Evaluation
of
wetland
Party of La Costa, Party of General Lavalle,
University of Buenos Aires/ Faculty of
effectiveness
and
OPDS, San Clemente del Tuyú Cooperative of
Engineering,
CETA
(UBA),
CIMA
adjustments.
Works Provision and Public Services
(UNLP), ILPLA (UNLP)
Coordination with management and planning measures of the protected areas that already exist in the zone
Joint
meetings
among
Ministry of Defence/ Planning Secretariat /
University of Buenos Aires / Faculty of
stakeholders
directly
Naval Hydrographic Service (SHIN)
Veterinarian Sciences / Centre for Water
involved in protected areas
Secretariat
of
Tourism/
National
Parks
Inter-disciplinary Studies (CETA)
within
the
municipal,
Administration / National Directorate for
La Plata National University / Center for
provincial
and
national
Conservation of Protected Areas
Environmental Research
purview so as to articulate
Government of the Province of Buenos Aires /
University of Buenos Aires /Faculty of
protected areas plans.
Provincial
Organism
for
Sustainable
Exact and Natural Sciences / Biodiversity
Development (OPDS)/Provincial Directorate
and Experimental Biology Department /
for
Natural
Resources
/Directorate
for
Ecology,
Genetics
and
Evolution
Protected Areas
Department
Party of La Costa (City of San Clemente)
La Plata National Universidad / Limnology
Party of General Lavalle (City of General
Institute "Dr. Raúl Ringuelet" (ILPLA)
Lavalle)
Mar del Plata National University / Faculty
Centre for Coastal Resources Studies (CERC)
of Exact Sciences

---

La Costa National University
Wildlife Fund ­ Marine Program
Félix de Azara Natural History Foundation
Marine World Foundation
Aquamarine Foundation
Inter-jurisdictional
System
of
Coastal-
marine Protected Areas of Argentina
Elaboration of the Macro
Secretariat
of
Tourism/National
Parks
University of Buenos Aires / Faculty of
Management Plan.
Administration / National Directorate for
Veterinarian Sciences / Centre for Water
Protected Areas conservation
Inter-disciplinary Studies (CETA)
Government of the Province of Buenos Aires /
La Plata National University / ILPLA
Provincial
Organism
for
Sustainable
Wildlife Fund ­ Marine Program
Development (OPDS)/Provincial Directorate
Félix de Azara Natural History Foundation
for
Natural
Resources/Directorate
for
Marine World Foundation
Protected Areas
Aquamarine Foundation
Party of La Costa (City of San Clemente)
Party of General Lavalle (City of General
Lavalle)
Center for Coastal Resources Studies (CERC)
Consensus
participative
Ministry of Defence/ Planning Secretariat /
University of Buenos Aires / Faculty of
meeting
of
the
Macro
Naval Hydrographic Service (SHIN)
Veterinarian Sciences / Centre for Water
Management Plan with the
Secretariat
of
Tourism/National
Parks
Inter-disciplinary Studies (CETA)
community.
Administration / National Directorate for
La Plata National University / Center for
Protected Areas conservation
Environmental Research
Government of the Province of Buenos Aires /
University of Buenos Aires /Faculty of
Provincial
Organism
for
Sustainable
Exact and Natural Sciences / Biodiversity
Development (OPDS)/Provincial Directorate
and Experimental Biology Department /
for
Natural
Resources/Directorate
for
Ecology,
Genetics
and
Evolution
Protected Areas
Department
Party of La Costa (City of San Clemente)
La Plata National Universidad / Limnology
Party of General Lavalle (City of General
Institute "Dr. Raúl Ringuelet" (ILPLA)
Lavalle)
Mar del Plata National University / Faculty
of Exact Sciences
La Costa National University
Wildlife Fund ­ Marine Program
Félix de Azara Natural History Foundation
Marine World Foundation
Aquamarine Foundation
Center for Coastal Resources Studies
(CERC)
Inter-jurisdictional
System
of
Coastal-
marine Protected Areas of Argentina
Local Development Associations of Party
of La Costa
Local Coordinators of the localities of San
Clemente del Tuyú, Las Toninas, Santa
Teresita, Mar del Tuyú, Costa del Este,
Aguas Verdes, La Lucila del Mar, Costa
Azul, San Bernardo, Mar de Ajó,
San Clemente del Tuyú Cooperative of
Works Provision and Public Services
Cooperatives Federation,
Adjustments to the Macro
Secretariat
of
Tourism/National
Parks
University of Buenos Aires / Faculty of
Management Plan.
Administration / National Directorate for
Veterinarian Sciences / Centre for Water
Protected Areas conservation
Inter-disciplinary Studies (CETA)
Government of the Province of Buenos Aires /
La Plata National University / ILPLA
Provincial
Organism
for
Sustainable
Wildlife Fund ­ Marine Program
Development (OPDS)/Provincial Directorate
Félix de Azara Natural History Foundation
15

---

for
Natural
Resources/Directorate
for
Marine World Foundation
Protected Areas
Aquamarine Foundation
Party of La Costa (City of San Clemente)
Center for Coastal Resources Studies
Party of General Lavalle (City of General
(CERC)
Lavalle)
Macro Management Plan
Secretariat
of
Tourism/National
Parks
Center for Coastal Resources Studies
elaborated and approved by
Administration / National Directorate for
(CERC)
authorities.
Protected Areas conservation
University of Buenos Aires / Faculty of
Government of the Province of Buenos Aires /
Veterinarian Sciences / Centre for Water
Provincial
Organism
for
Sustainable
Inter-disciplinary Studies (CETA)
Development (OPDS)/Provincial Directorate
La Plata National University / ILPLA
for
Natural
Resources/Directorate
for
Protected Areas
Party of La Costa (City of San Clemente)
Party of General Lavalle (City of General
Lavalle)
Party of Tordillo (City of General Conesa)
16

---

Figure 8 Estimated Budget
Activity
Co-financing
GEF
Total
(USD)
(USD)
Estimated
Cost
(USD)
Implementation of phytotechnologies
Design of constructed wetland to treat excess effluents
35,000
20,000
55,000
from the Treatment Plan of San Clemente del Tuyú
Definition of physical-chemical and biological
40,000
parameters of the excess effluent.
25,000
15,000
Determination of physical-chemical and biological
40,000
parameters at the artificial wetland outlet.
25,000
15,000
Definition of physical-chemical parameters, nutrients
0
and xenobiotics of the different environmental matrixes
of control sites seasonally selected.
Monitoring of presence of migratory birds and of
30,000
30,000
60,000
environmental parameters in their habitat
Wetland construction and location
45,000
29,000
74,000
Definition of macrophytes to be used in wetland
90,000
35,000
125,000
Continuous personnel training to operate wetland
25,000
14,000
39,000
Development of agreed strategies among stakeholders
170,000
for the sustainability of the venture.
160,000
10,000
Evaluation of wetland effectiveness and adjustments.
16,000
4,000
20,000
Coordination with management and planning measures of the protected areas that already exist in the zone
Joint meetings among stakeholders directly involved in
protected areas at municipal, provincial and national
levels to define and validate protected areas plans.
45,000
7,000
52,000
Elaboration of the Macro Management Plan.
60,000
16,000
76,000
Consensus participative meeting of the Macro
Management Plan with the community.
30,000
10,000
40,000
Adjustments to the Macro Management Plan.
24,000
3,000
27,000
Macro Management Plan elaborated and approved by
authorities.
10,000
2,000
12,000
Subtotal
660,000
215,000
Total
875,000
17

---

Strategic Results Framework
Verifiable objective indicators
Verification Sources
Assumptions and risks
1. Implementation of phytotechnologies
Design of constructed wetland to treat Constructed
wetland
in
Technical
Document
of
The community appreciates
excess effluents from the Treatment
operation with personnel trained
specifications and design of the
the
application
of
Plan of San Clemente del Tuyú
for that purpose.
constructed wetland.
phytotechnologies
as
an
Definition of the physical-chemical Register of wetland water Wetland located.
alternative for local effluents
and
biological
parameters
of
the
quality values for input and
Number
of
personnel
trained
treatment.
excess effluent.
outlet
through
courses
related
to
Provincial
authorities
work
Definition of physical-chemical and Selected control sites seasonally application of phytotechnologies.
closely
with
municipal
biological
parameters
for
the
monitored and maintaining its
Data
series
of
control
sites
authorities
and
community
constructed wetland outlet.
biological integrity.
elaborated and available for the
institutions
to
develop
a

Active participation of local
community.
flexible,
adequate
and
Definition
of
physical-chemical
stakeholders in the development
Reports
of
local
stakeholders
sustainable local strategy so
parameters, nutrients and xenobiotics
of strategies for the wetland
meetings
aiming
at
preparing
that the project continues after
of
the
different
environmental
long term sustainability.
strategies
for
the
constructed
the terms stipulated by the
matrixes of control sites selected.

wetland sustainability.
Pilot Plan.
Wetland construction and location.
Science
and
technique
Definition of macrophytes to be used
institutions involved increase
in wetland.
their commitment in control
Development of agreed strategies
sites monitoring, after project
among
stakeholders
for
the
termination.
sustainability of the venture.
Changes
in
the
political
Evaluation of wetland effectiveness
agenda
of
provincial
a/o
and adjustments.
municipal authorities.

---

Stress reduction
Reduction of >50% of
Monitoring reports from the
Constructed wetland reduces nutrients,
nutrients, pathogens and metals
treatment plant confirmed through
pathogens and metals from the effluents
contributions from the San
protocols and control reports from
of the San Clemente del Tuyú Treatment
Clemente del Tuyú Treatment
the environmental authority
Plant ­(and lays foundations for
Plant by Year 4
inspecting the treatment plant
replication in other coastal municipalities
in the region)
Pilot Project monitoring reports as
verified by the Coordinator and the
TAG
2. Coordination with management and
planning measures of the protected
areas that already exist in the zone
The
community
recognizes
Joint meetings among stakeholders Management plans revised and
Technical documents summarizing
the importance of preserving
directly involved in protected areas at
their coordination agreed.
coordination modalities between
wetlands
functions
and
municipal, provincial and national
Reports of consensus meetings
plans elaborated.
dynamics for preventing and
levels so as to articulate protected
with the community.
Minutes of consensus meetings.
reducing pollution in the Rio
areas plans.
Macro Management Plan
References in scientific-technical
de la Plata.
Elaboration of the Macro Management accepted and published.
publications to the Macro
Authorities at different levels
Plan.
Management Plan.
related to the protected areas
Consensus participative meeting of the
closely cooperate and access
Macro Management Plan with the
to
local
and
international
community.
financing for implementing
Adjustments
to
the
Macro
the Plan.
Management Plan.
Macro Management Plan elaborated
and approved by authorities.
19

---

Annex I
Public awareness strategy
Objectives
1. Elaboration of a dissemination program on wetland functions in relation to prevention and reduction of
pollution oriented to the entire local community and tourists.
2. Elaboration of graphic material (pamphlets, posters) and audio-visual (videos, electronic support) material
on the wetland functions related to pollution prevention and reduction.
3. Incorporation of the issue to existing projects and programs at municipal and provincial levels, in order to
generate community ownership and commitment to wetland protection over the long term. This builds
upon the many ongoing efforts at municipal level14
and in particular with the Centre for Coastal
Resources Studies which is the executing unit of the Project for Research and Technologic Transference
for land use planning of the La Costa (MINCYT- COFECYT) municipality. There, programs and projects
for enhancing social participation in integrated coastal management15 are already being developed with
community participation through diverse projects aimed at various education levels.16 At provincial level,
programs and projects related to wetland and coastal issues are developed such as "Marine Fauna Rescue,
Rehabilitation and Reintroduction Network" and the "Harmful Algal Blooms" project.
4. Articulation and strengthening among governmental and non-governmental institutions of the localities of
San Clemente del Tuyú, General Lavalle and General Conesa and the Province of Buenos Aires related to
the wetland, in order to minimize efforts and multiply the overall impact of the public awareness
program. This link will be strengthened through the establishment of an Inter-institutional Network.
Expected Outcomes
1. Dissemination program on wetland functions related to pollution prevention and reduction oriented to the
entire local community and tourists, elaborated and implemented.
2. Graphic material (pamphlets, posters) and audio-visual (videos, electronic support) material on wetland
functions related to pollution prevention and reduction, elaborated and disseminated.
3. Support to Plans and Programs of the Centre for Coastal Resources Studies related to pollution prevention
and reduction.
4. Strengthening of the Inter-Institutional Network.
14 The plans that the municipality of La Costa develops are: Clean Development Mechanisms (MDL); Solid Urban waste
and Forestation Plan; Water Quality; Coastal Erosion Treatment; Artisanal fisheries and Aquiculture; Alternative Energies
(Eolic Energy and Tidal Energy) , Nautical Activities; y Horticulture and Sawmill.
15 Integrated Coastal Management Project, that includes the Sand dunes Management Plan, the elaboration of the
Environmental Chart for La Costa, the Early Warning Plan for algal blooms and animal mortality, Coastal Observations
Program, Monitoring Program of marine water biologic quality, evaluation of coastal vulnerability by erosion.
16 "Small Gardeners" Project in schools and kindergartens, Educational Projects "Coastal Environmental Education" and
Teaching support publications on Integrated Coastal Management.

---

Figure I.1 Short, medium and long term indicators
Short-term indicator
Medium-term indicators
Long-term
(1 year)
(5-10 years)
indicators
(10-20 years)
Public Awareness
Elaboration of a dissemination program of the
Dissemination program of the wetland
Dissemination
program
of
the
Behavioral changes in the
wetland functions in relation to the prevention and
functions
related
to
pollution
wetland
functions
related
to
local community regarding
reduction of pollution oriented to the entire local
prevention and reduction elaborated.
pollution prevention and reduction
pollution.
community and tourists.
implemented
and
with
Tourists'
awareness
Elaboration of graphic material (pamphlets, posters)
Graphic material (pamphlets, posters)
accompanying
graphical
and
regarding the thematic.
and
audio-visual
(videos,
electronic
support)
and audiovisual (videos, electronic
audiovisual support.
Insertion of the thematic in
material on wetland functions related to pollution
support)
material
on
the
wetland
the political agenda.
prevention and reduction.
functions
related
to
pollution
prevention and reduction elaborated
and disseminated.
Incorporation of the issue into the Projects and
Projects and Programs of the CERC
New projects and programs of
programs already existing at local level
and of education institutes that include
environmental
education
that
the thematic of pollution prevention
include
and
deepen
into
the
and reduction, included.
thematic of pollution prevention
and reduction.
Articulation and strengthening among governmental
Minutes of agreement subscribed by
Inter-institutional
network
New
public
participation
and non-governmental institutions of the localities
governmental and non-governmental
implemented.
mechanisms implemented in
of San Clemente del Tuyú, General Lavalle and
institutions for the dissemination of the
the
Inter-institutional
General Conesa and of the Province of Buenos Aires
public awareness program.
Network.
in order to minimize efforts and multiply the impact
of the public awareness program.

---

Figure I.2 Responsibility for proposed activities in relation to public awareness
Activity
Responsible
Institutions associated to execution
Joint meetings among stakeholders directly involved in the
Secretariat
of
Tourism/National
Parks
Party of La Costa (City of San Clemente)
issue at municipal, provincial and national levels in order as
Administration / National Directorate for Protected
Party of General Lavalle (City of General Lavalle)
to propose an agreed communication and dissemination
Areas conservation
University
of
Buenos
Aires
/
Faculty
of
strategy of the wetland functions in relation to pollution
Government of the Province of Buenos Aires /
Veterinarian Sciences / Centre for Water Inter-
reduction and prevention.
Provincial Organism for Sustainable Development
disciplinary Studies (CETA)
(OPDS)
/
Provincial
Directorate
for
Natural
La
Plata
National
University
/
Center
for
Resources/Directorate for Protected Areas
Environmental Research
La Plata National Universidad / Limnology
Institute "Dr. Raúl Ringuelet" (ILPLA)
Mar del Plata National University / Faculty of
Exact Sciences
La Costa National University
Wildlife Fund ­ Marine Program
Félix de Azara Natural History Foundation
Marine World Foundation
Aquamarine Foundation
Center for Coastal Resources Studies (CERC)
Local Development Associations of Party of La
Costa
Local Coordinators of the localities of San
Clemente del Tuyú, Las Toninas, Santa Teresita,
Mar del Tuyú, Costa del Este, Aguas Verdes, La
Lucila del Mar, Costa Azul, San Bernardo, Mar de
Ajó.
San Clemente del Tuyú Cooperative of Works
Provision and Public Services
Cooperatives Federation,
Institute for Teaching and Technical Training Nº89
of La Costa.
General Basic Education Schools (EGB), of Initial
and Medium Education of the Party of La Costa
Elaboration of the Communication and dissemination
Government of the Province of Buenos Aires /
Secretariat
of
Tourism/National
Parks
strategy
Provincial Organism for Sustainable Development
Administration / National Directorate for Protected
(OPDS)
/
Provincial
Directorate
for
Natural
Areas conservation
Resources/Directorate for Protected Areas
Center for Coastal Resources Studies (CERC)
Party of La Costa (City of San Clemente)
Party of General Lavalle (City of General Lavalle)
Elaboration of graphic and audiovisual materials.
Secretariat
of
Tourism/National
Parks
University
of
Buenos
Aires
/
Faculty
of
Administration / National Directorate for Protected
Veterinarian Sciences / Centre for Water Inter-
22

---

Areas conservation
disciplinary Studies (CETA)
Government of the Province of Buenos Aires /
La
Plata
National
University
/
Center
for
Provincial Organism for Sustainable Development
Environmental Research
(OPDS)
/
Provincial
Directorate
for
Natural
La Plata National Universidad / Limnology
Resources/Directorate for Protected Areas
Institute "Dr. Raúl Ringuelet" (ILPLA)
Party of La Costa (City of San Clemente)
Mar del Plata National University / Faculty of
Party of General Lavalle (City of General Lavalle)
Exact Sciences
Centre for Coastal Resources Studies (CERC)
La Costa National University
Wildlife Fund ­ Marine Program
Félix de Azara Natural History Foundation
Marine World Foundation
Aquamarine Foundation
Incorporation of the issue into the Projects and programs
Government of the Province of Buenos Aires /
Institute for Teaching and Technical Training Nº89
already existing in at local levels.
Provincial Organism for Sustainable Development
of La Costa.
(CERC and education institutions).
(OPDS)
/
Provincial
Directorate
for
Natural
General Basic Education Schools (EGB), of Initial
Resources/Directorate for Protected Areas
and Medium Education of the Party of La Costa.
Party of La Costa (City of San Clemente)
Party of General Lavalle (City of General Lavalle)
Centre for Coastal Resources Studies (CERC).
Minutes of agreement subscribed by governmental and non-
Secretariat
of
Tourism/National
Parks
Center for Coastal Resources Studies (CERC)
governmental institutions for the dissemination of the public
Administration / National Directorate for Protected
Institute for Teaching and Technical Training Nº89
awareness program.
Areas conservation
of La Costa.
Government of the Province of Buenos Aires /
General Basic Education Schools (EGB), of Initial
Provincial Organism for Sustainable Development
and Medium Education of the Party of La Costa.
(OPDS)
/
Provincial
Directorate
for
Natural
Resources/Directorate for Protected Areas
Party of La Costa (City of San Clemente)
Party of General Lavalle (City of General Lavalle)
Schools Directorate of the Province of Buenos
Aires.
23

---

Figure I.3 Estimated cost of activities proposed regarding public awareness, which are included directly in the FREPLATA II Project.
Activity
Co-financing
GEF
Total
(USD)
(USD)
Estimated Cost
(USD)
Public Awareness.
Joint meetings among stakeholders directly involved in the issue within the municipal,
provincial and national levels in order to propose an agreed communication and
dissemination strategy of the wetland functions in relation to pollution reduction and
prevention.
24.000
12.000
36.000
Elaboration of the Communication and dissemination strategy
16.800
5.000
21.800
Elaboration of graphical and audiovisual materials.
25.000
10.000
35.000
Incorporation of the issue into Projects and programs already existing in at local level
(CERC and education institutions).
24.000
7.000
31.000
Minutes of agreement subscribed by governmental and non-governmental institutions for the
dissemination of the public awareness program.
4.000
2.000
6.000
Subtotal
69.800
24.000
Total
93.800
24

---

Figure I.4 Proposed timeframe for the outreach activities during the pilot project.
Activity
Bimesters
Public awareness
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Joint meetings among stakeholders directly involved in
the issue within municipal, provincial and national levels
in order to propose an agreed communication and
dissemination strategy of the wetland functions in
relation to pollution reduction and prevention.
Elaboration of the Communication and dissemination
strategy
Elaboration of graphical and audiovisual materials.
Incorporation of the thematic into the Projects and
programs already existing in the local purview (CERC
and education institutions).
Minutes of agreement subscribed by governmental and
non-governmental institutions for the dissemination of
the public awareness program.

---

Annex II A.
Technical Bases for constructed wetlands
Constructed wetlands are systems used for water depuration whose operation recreates the dynamics of
natural wetlands, reproducing the same functions of nutrients and xenobiotic retention. Physical, chemical
and biological processes that allow the removal of these pollutants present in water that arrive at the wetland
are sedimentation, adsorption to ground particles, assimilation by vegetation and microbial transformation
(Watson et al, 1989; Brix, 1994, Kadlec et al., 2004). In wetlands the ground is saturated permanently due to
the hydric and hydraulic regime of a zone, and vegetation is who transfers oxygen to water and controls the
amount of light arriving to water, limiting the formation of seaweed and is also a support for microbiological
activity. In these conditions, the adsorption and filtration of pollutants coming from waste waters is
facilitated.
The main applications of constructed wetlands are associated to the domestic and urban waste waters
treatment as secondary treatments (elimination of suspension matter and DBO) and in tertiary treatments
(elimination of nutrients mainly).
Constructed wetlands have been traditionally classified in two typologies paying attention if water circulation
is of underground or superficial type (Rousseau et al., 2004).
Wetlands with free flow or superficial flow (FL)
Wetlands with sub-superficial flow (FSS)
Wetlands with free flow are ponds or channels in which the water surface is exposed to the atmosphere and
the emerging plants are rooted on a generally waterproofed ground layer, to avoid infiltration of the phreatic
layer (Figure 1). Waste waters discharged into these systems usually are pre-treated and their depuration is
achieved when circulating the water through the stems and roots of plants rooted in the bottom. In these
wetlands the depth of water layer varies between some centimeters until a maximum of 1.0 m, being
common a depth between 0.3 and 0.5 m.
Wetlands with sub-superficial flow are ponds or channels with the bottom generally impermeable on which a
porous means is placed which can be ground, sand or gravel in which the emerging plants are seeded. Waste
waters discharged into these systems are generally pre-treated and water circulation is underground through a
granular mean (with a water layer depth of around 0.3 m to 0.6 m) and in contact with rhizomes and roots of
the macrophytes (García et al., 2003 a, b; 2004) (Figure 1).
1

---

Figure II. 1 Scheme of constructed wetlands of superficial and sub-superficial flow with horizontal flow
and vertical flow. (Source: Brix 1999).
The main advantages of sub-superficial flow wetlands regarding those of superficial flow (García et al., 2003
b; 2004) are:
Smaller incidence of bad odors due to the underground nature of the flow. This advantage is relative
since the superficial flow systems are usually applied to improve the quality of secondary effluents,
with the already received quite treated waters, with low potential for bad odors emissions.
Under risk of direct exposure to people and the appearance of insects also thanks to the underground
flow. Insects control can become an expensive activity in systems with superficial flow.
Heat protection due to the accumulation of vegetal remains and the underground flow.
Among the disadvantages it is possible to mention:
Higher construction cost mainly due to the granular material. According to Collado studies (2000),
based on constructive projects of lagoons and wetlands systems of sub-superficial flow, the cost can
be increased up to 30% as a result of the granular material.
Smaller value as wild life ecosystems because the water is hardly accessible to fauna.
Advantages and disadvantages of the application of constructed wetlands for water purification:
2

---

Advantages
Disadvantages
Limited human, economic and equipment resources
Wide surface destined to wetland in relation to other
for these systems management.
systems.
Cost of implantation, operation and maintenance
A specific design must be implemented due to the
costs lower compared to other water purification
type of ground, water flow, macrophytes species, etc,
technologies.
particular for each system.
Null power consumption of waste water treatment.
In wetlands of sub-superficial flow the proliferation
of roots and rhizomes along with the greasy oil and
inert fine materials contributions can fill the system.
Minimum generation of residues.
Little influence of stream flow variations or polluting
load in the wetland operation.
It improves landscaping conditions and integrates
into the natural environment.
General design methodology for a Constructed wetland.
The different components that form wetlands (vegetation, ground, microorganisms) influence on the
purifying process in different ways and degrees.
The vegetation most frequently used in constructed wetlands are cattails or "eneas" (Typha sp.), cane or
"junquillo" (Phragmites communies), and rushes (Juncos sp.), (Scirpus sp.) and (Carex sp.). These species
present particular characteristics and morpho-physiological adaptations which make them be an
indispensable component in constructed wetlands since they stabilize the bed surface, providing good
conditions for filtration, and in the case of vertical flow systems preventing obstructions, also providing
superficial area for the adhered microorganisms' growth. It has been considered that these plants can transfer
between 0.02 and 12 grams of oxygen per day for each m2 of wetland area, depending on means and seasonal
variations (Brix, 1994). Another important function of macrophytes in wetlands is the nutrients and
xenobiotic retention present in waste water. In some wetlands macrophytes growth is maintained, carrying
out periodic harvests and reusing this biomass for compost elaboration, usable in orchards and farms. The
macrophytes species most used in constructed wetlands are naturally present in the southern zone of the
Samborombón Bay Wetland.
The ground in constructed wetlands is the support for the development of the waste waters treatment process
realized by a complex group of microorganisms adhered to the roots and rhizomes of plants, and to ground
particles (Reed et al, 1995). In systems with free flow the water flows over the ground surface in which
occurs the greater microbial activity associated to the deposited detritus layer besides the microorganisms
adhered to the submerged surface of plants. The type of ground is fundamental to determine the removal
effectiveness for example in grounds with some clay content phosphorus removal is very effective, especially
during the first year of wetland operation. In the systems with subsuperficial flow the means can be sand or
gravel and on the means surface microorganisms grow. In the case of wetlands with subsuperficial horizontal
flow employing ground, they present a potential of phosphorus and ammonium removal similar to the
reported in systems with free flow. In the systems with vertical subsuperficial flow because the flow is
intermittent, the aerobic conditions are periodically recovered and ammonium is adsorbed, for what the
ground can be freed by the bacterial nitrification via and exchange sites would be free for future adsorptions.
In the systems with subsuperficial flow employing gravel, the removal capacity of phosphorus is very limited
(Arias et al., 2003).
Microorganisms are a fundamental component in wetlands by the degradation of compounds present in water
and their transference to other environmental matrixes.
General procedure used for wetlands design.
3

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Constructed wetlands can be considered as biological reactors of adhered biomass and their operation for
DBO and nitrogen removal can be estimated according to a first order kinetics for a reactor with piston flow.
The basic relations for reactors with piston flow are the proposals by Reed et al., (1995)
C C exp (Kt)
Where:
C: Concentration of polluting effluent. (mg/l)
Co: Concentration of polluting tributary. (mg/l)
K: First order constant reaction speed, depending on temperature (d-1)
t: Hydraulic retention time. (d)
The hydraulic retention time in wetlands can be calculated using the following equation:
where:
L: Length of the pond. (m)
W: Width of the pond. (m)
d: Water depth in the pond. (m)
n: porosity, or space used by water to flow through the wetland. In wetlands with free flow (FL) vegetation
and dry plants occupy a space while in wetlands with subsuperficial flow (FSS) the means, roots and other
solids do the same. The porosity is a percentage and is expressed in decimal form.
Q: Average flow through wetland. (m3/d)
In order to determine the average flow the following equation is applied:
where:
Qa: Tributary flow; Qe: Effluent flow
In order to make a preliminary design usually is assumed that Qa and Qe are similar. Combining the previous
equations the wetland superficial area can be determined.
Where as wetland superficial area (m2), the value of K depends on the type of removed pollutant and
temperature.
Criteria for free flow and subsuperficial constructed wetlands proposed by Crites and Tchobanoglous (1998)
are presented in Figures A1.1 and A1.2.
Figure A1. 1 Typical criteria for the design of free flow or sub-superficial wetlands and quality of effluents
expected.
Design Parameter
Unit
Parameter value
Retention time of water
d
2-5 DBO
7-14 (N)
Speed of organic load
K ha. D
<110
Water depth
m
0.06-0.45
Minimun size
m2/m3* d
5.3-10.7
4

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Relation L:W
2:1 a4.1
Mosquito control
Required in areas next to cities
Interval of macrophytes harvest
year
3-5 year
Expected effluent quality
DBO5
mg/L
<20
SST
mg/L
<20
NT
mg/L
<10
PT
mg/L
<5
Figure A.1.2 Typical criteria for the design of sub-superficial flow wetlands and quality of effluents
expected.
Design Parameter
Unit
Parameter value
Retention time of water
d
3-4
6-10 (N)
Speed of organic load
K ha. D
<110
Water depth
m
0.3-0.61
Means depth
m
0.46-0.76
Mosquito control
Is not required
Expected effluent quality
DBO5
mg/L
<20
SST
mg/L
<20
NT
mg/L
<10
PT
mg/L
<5
Technical recommendations:
The southern zone of the Bay is an area where urban centers are concentrated, for what there are great free
land extensions, occupied by natural wetlands (tidal channels, estuary channels and straw fields) reason why
there is no impediment for adapting an area of fiscal property, far from urban centers, destined to locate a
constructed wetland. In addition, species of potentially efficient macrophytes in metals and xenobiotics
removal are present naturally, such as phragmites grass, rushes, saltmarsh cordgrass and thyphas. The
resources for monitoring this and the personnel destined are reduced reason why the viability of this work is
high and its maintenance sustainable in time.
Bibliographic references
Arias C., Brix H. y Johansen N. (2003). Phosphorus retention in subusrface constructed wetlands:
investigations focused on calcareous materials and their chemical reactions. Wat. Sci. Tech., 48(5), 51-59.
Brix H. (1994). Use of constructed wetlands in water pollution control: historical development, present
status, and future perspectives. Wat. Sci. Tech., 30(8), 209-223.
Brix H. (1999).Use of constructed wetland in water pollution control: Historical deveploment, present status,
and future perspectives. Water Sciences Technology vol. 40 3 IAWQ
Collado, N. (2000). Economic Analysis of Natural Depuration Systems in Rural Nucleus. ETSECCPB
dissertation, Technical University of Catalonia, 89 pp.
Crites, R. y G. Tchobanoglous. (1998) Small and Decentralized Wastewater Management Systems.Water
Resources and Environmental Engineering. The McGraw-Hill Companies. New York, New York.
García J., Ojeda E., Sales E., Chico F., Píriz T., Aguirre P., y Mujeriego R. (2003 a). Spatial variations of
temperature, redox potential, and contaminants in horizontal flow reed beds. Ecol. Eng., 21, 129-142.
García J. (2003 b). Design factors of horizontal flow constructed wetlands. In: The Use of Aquatic
Macrophytes for Wastewater Treatment in constructed wetlands, 1st International Seminar. Dias V. y
Vymazal J. (eds.), Instituto Nacional da Água, Lisbon, Portugal, pp. 497-520.
5

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García J., Aguirre P., Mujeriego R., Huang Y., Ortiz L. y Bayona, J. M. (2004). Initial contaminant removal
performance factors in horizontal flow reed beds used for treating urban wastewater. Wat. Res., 38 (7), 1669-
1678.
Kadlec R.H., Knight R.L., Vymazal J., Brix H., Cooper P. y Haberl, R. (2000). Constructed wetlands for
Pollution Control: Processes, Performance, Design and Operation. IWA Specialist Group on use of
Macrophytes in Water Pollution Control, IWA Publishing. 156 pp.
Reed S.C., Crites R.W. y Middlebrooks E.J. (1995). Natural Systems for Waste Management and Treatment.
2nd Edition. MCGraw-Hill, New York, 431 pp.
Rousseau D.P.L., Vanrolleghem P.A. y De Pauw N. (2004). Model-based design of horizontal subsurface
flow artificial treatment wetlands: a review. Wat. Res., 38(6), 1483-1493.
Watson J.T. (1989) Perfomance espectations and loadings rates for constructed wetlands.
6

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Annex II B.
Technical measures for maintenance and monitoring of the wetland efficiency
over the medium and long term.
The maintenance of wetland must imply different activities such as:
Keep macrophytes dispersion on the surface of the uniform wetland, and harvest if needed, reducing
its biomass. Using the biomass surpluses in compost elaboration.
Keep selected macrophytes community by eliminating, if necessary, non-desirable species.
Wetland must be revised regularly to verify uniformity of water flow on its surface, the undesirable
odors and control invasion of animal and vegetal species.
Monitor water physical-chemical parameters (unload and spill) to assure wetland operation and
evaluate its efficiency. The important parameters to control include pH, dissolved oxygen (DO),
suspended solids (SS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), total phosphorus (Pt), total nitrogen
(Nt), heavy metals whose levels at present exceed reference levels proposed by the Secretariat of
Hydric Resources of the Nation and eventually fecal coliforms bacteria, since there are no bordering
populations. This monitoring should have to be carried out on a monthly or bimonthly basis.
7

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ANNEX II.C.
Sampling sites and Methodologies for Nutrients and Xenobiotics monitoring in different
environmental matrixes in the southern zone of the Samborombón Bay
Sampling sites proposed to seasonal monitor.
Figure II. 1: Transect and probable sampling sites location corresponding to key sites of the South of
Samborombón Bay. From East to West: Las Nutrias-Punta Rasa stream, San Clemente Port, Rincón de Ajó
Estuary Chanells, Samborombón Bay Integral Reserve, Campos del Tuyú National Park, General Lavalle
Port). Scale: 8 km.
Sampling collection:
Water: samples are collected in duplicate (approx vol. 1 L) in polyethylene containers previously
rinsed with distilled water, closed, without leaving air chamber. For definition of trace metals, 100
mL of water were collected in polyethylene containers, previously rinsed with nitric acid at 10% and
deionized water.
In this case, samples are preserved adding nitric acid at 0.2% v/v. Contact of
8

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samples with solar light will be avoided and will be preserved refrigerated until their arrival at the
laboratory to avoid possible alteration of physical-chemical parameters. Specific conductivity will be
measured in situ, with a conductimeter, temperature and pH with a pHmeter.
Ground: ground samples will be collected between 0 and 30 cm depth, and will be preserved in
plastic bags (approx. weigh 1 kg).
Sampling preparation:
Water: in laboratory, water samples obtained will be filtered by means of a vacuum pump through a
cellulose acetate membrane with a pore size of 0.45 microns. Laboratory determinations will
evaluate: total dissolved solids and mainstream elements: SO 2-
-
4
Cl-, HCO3, Na+, K+, NO3 , Ca2+ y
Mg2+. Chemical analyses will be carried out according to techniques usually employed and described
in: APHA (1993). For the definition of trace metals, (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, V,
Zn) according to EPA 200.7 methodology, the sample will be previously acidified with concentrated
HNO3.
Ground: samples will be sifted by stainless steel sieves with 2 mm diameter pores (mesh 10) and of
0.5 mm.
Analytic Definitions
Definition of mainstream elements in water samples
Chemical analyses were carried out according to techniques usually employed and described in APHA
(1993). In Figure II.1 the methodology employed in the determination of the different elements, whose
analysis is proposed, are summarized:
Figure II.1. Proposed Methodology for definition of elements
Na+
Atomic absorption spectrophotometry
K+
Atomic absorption spectrophotometry
Ca2+
Atomic absorption spectrophotometry
Mg2+
Atomic absorption spectrophotometry
Cl-
Precipitation Volumetric
SO 2-
4
Precipitation Volumetric by return
HCO -
2-
3 Y CO3
Acid-base volumetric
P
Molecular absorption spectrophotometry
STD
By calculation
Dureza
By qualification
Organic Matter
F-
Selective ionic electrode
For
the
determination
of
As
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
organic
matter
(OM),
ground
Ba
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
samples will be
dried in stove at
Cd
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
60 ºC, will be
grinded in agate
Co
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
mortar and sifted
of 0.200 mm. The
Cr
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
OM
will
be
determined
by
Cu
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
oxidation of 1 g
of sample with 10
Fe
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
ml of K2Cr2O7 1
N and 20 ml of
Mn
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
H2SO4
concentrated,
Mo
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
qualifying
with
FeSO
Ni
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
4 .7 H2O 0,5
N
and
phenantroline
as
Pb
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
indicator.
Sr
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
V
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
Nitrogen
Zn
Atomic emission spectrophotometry
The
method
proposed
for
9

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determination of N in ground is the Kjeldhal method. The main application of this method is to determine the
N in is -3 oxidation status. The method requires the previous digestion of the sample in acid conditions, in
presence of potassium sulphate and cupric sulphate as a catalytic to transform the organic N in ammonia.
The ammoniac N thus generated and the initially present in the sample are immobilized as ammonia
sulphate. Subsequently, the digested solution is distilled in presence of a soda solution, capturing the
ammoniac N in a boric acid solution. The ammonia is valuated by qualification with sulphuric acid 0.02N.
The result obtained is denominated N-kjeldhal, which includes N-ammoniac plus N-organic.
Structure
Ground structure is the relative proportion of the different sizes of particles. The method proposed is the
Bouyoucos one. With the method used the aggregation due to organic matter and the flocculation caused by
Ca and Mg cations are eliminated. Other cementing as carbonates is not eliminated. The reading time
generally used is 40 seconds for the division of particles greater than 0.05 mm (sand) and of 2 hours for
particles of diameter higher than 0.002 mm (slime and sand). These limits have been established by the
Department of Agriculture of the United States and have been used to build the structures triangle (USDA,
1996). The fraction percentage of sand, slime and clay expressed in percentage (%) are determined, entering
with these percentages into the structures triangle the structure type of each ground is determined (Figure
II.2).
Figure II. 2: Structures Triangle (Edafología 2004).
Definition of trace elements in different matrixes
The analysis of metals will be carried out through atomic spectrometry by inductive plasma (ICP) (EPA
200.7 Method). The determination of metals by plasma spectrometry of inductive coupling (ICP-OES) is an
efficient method since it allows reducing detection limits of the equipment, besides determining multi-
elements. ICP-OES instrumental parameters that would be used to determine the samples are: Potency 1400
W, Ar flux nebulizer 0.5 mL/min; Ar flux plasma 15 mL/min, Ar flux peripheral 0.7 mL/min and
nebulisation flow 1.2 mL/min. The detection limit will be estimated as three times the standard deviation
from the objective. For the calibration of the equipment, reference materials with traceability certification
will be used, which must be run in the equipment every 10 samples to assure is proper operation. Jointly with
the samples, also reactive objectives will be run (acids used in sample pre-treatment). Elements
concentrations and uncertainties of each determination will be estimated through the method of minimal
squares.
References
10

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APHA, AWWA, WPCF (1993). Normalized Methods for drinkable and waste waters analysis. 17ª ed. Edic.
Díaz de Santos S. A.
Edafology, 2004. Edafology Guide of Practical Works, FAUBA, 99pp.
USDA. 1996. Soil Sourvey laboratory methods manual. Soil Survey Investigations Report Nº 42. Version
3.0. 693 pp, Washington DC, USA.
11

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Annex III. A.
Methodologies to evaluate natural areas management with different management category
For the evaluation of the natural areas management with different category of intervention, diverse
methodologies associated to the monitoring objective can be applied. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of
the Macro Management Plan, the application of the methodological design applied by De Faria (1993) and
Cifuentes et al. (2000), which has been completed and applied recently in other areas of our country
(Giaccardi et al., 2006; Volpedo et al. 2008) is proposed. This methodology allows measuring management
effectiveness in individual natural areas, protected areas systems (subsystems) and administration
management of areas towards their influence zones.
This method presents the following characteristics:
Simplicity: it does not require special technology, or very specialized qualification.
Low cost: It does not require great equipment and time investment.
Flexibility: With capacity to improve and incorporate new criteria and indicators they can be
developed according to the existing needs.
Feasibility: The method can be applied despite the great variability of protected ecosystems,
management and development level.
It promotes: The excellence in protected areas conservation, indicators identification and their
measurement throughout time, allows identifying progresses or improvements obtained, to
demonstrate management efforts and use the information to keep informed high level decision
takers, developing an institutional memory of the area.
The methodology uses as measurement elements:
1) Environments, that provide the management referential framework (administrative, political, legal,
managements programs, etc.),
2) Variables, that constitute the key elements to evaluate management in each scope,
3) Sub-variables, which are focused on action, activity or situation regarding determined variable;
4) Parameters, that represents the smaller rank elements.
The valuation scale owns a qualifications rank from 0 to 4. For variables evaluation an optimal scenario is
established which represents the best condition a conservation area must have to approach its creation
objectives as guidelines, that allows measurement.
The structuring and systematization of this procedure allow establishing a monitoring system, if it is applied
periodically. The first measurement indicates the line base or departure line and the subsequent evaluations
allow knowing if the actions that have been implemented contributed to management improvement and to
what extent.
Key variables for areas management are shown in Table Nº1.
The defined scopes are:

Personal: Involves variables that allow measuring the institutional capacity regarding personnel
associated to the area: position in organizational charts, instruction levels, formation, qualification,
experience, number of personnel, permanent and temporary personnel, incentives, among the most
important aspects.

Infrastructure and equipment: Contemplates variables that include the adequate conditions for
management of the area, related to infrastructure and equipment: facilities with diverse objectives
(interpretation centers, access controls, etc.), communications equipment, accesses, signs, security,
among others.

Financing: Contemplates variables defining a good management of economic resources such as:
existence of budget, its execution, availability, financial planning, access to financing sources, etc.
Planning: Is related to variables describing an adequate planning process, with formulated and
12

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revised management plans, with periodic pursuit: Existence of management plans, operative plans,
handling programs, data bases and information updated and linked to management decisions, zoning,
etc.

Uses: Refers to the allowed and not allowed uses within the area, after an analysis of management
objectives. Indicates the compatibility and threat degree represented for the area.

Political-institutional: Corresponds to variables showing the existence of appropriate political
guidelines supporting management of this type of areas, regulations as a tool for better management
and support and community involvement: local support, effective and applicable regulations, etc.
With the basic information required for each variable and having available the optimal scenario it is
proceeded with its evaluation, using a series of matrixes. Each scope is evaluated through a specific sub-
matrix. Each variable qualification obeys to a 5 levels scale where the maximum value (5) corresponds to the
best situation defined in the optimal scenario and is described as very satisfactory, the following value level
(4) is described as satisfactory, value (3) as moderately satisfactory, value (2) as little satisfactory and the
lower level (1) corresponds to the situation in which conditions are not fulfilled or are against to what
defined in the optimal scenario which qualification is unsatisfactory. Thus, values obtained reflect the
existing situation for each variable.
Their valuation is carried out in three ways:
1) Obeying a specific parameter,
2) Based on a combination of parameters,
3) Based on a percentage relation between the real and the optimal.
The numerical optimal of each scope is the sum of the maximum score achievable by analyzed variables. The
integration of sub-matrixes (valuation of each scope), determines a general evaluation matrix that will
contain each scope qualifications and which sum will give the total reached.
Management effectiveness levels in relation to the area protection are expressed according to De Faria (1993)
as:
LEVEL I. Unsatisfactory Management (35%) A total score smaller or equal to 35% of the optimal
indicates that the area lacks of the necessary minimum resources for its basic management and,
therefore, there are no guarantees for its permanence in the long term. The area objectives could
not be reached under those circumstances.
LEVEL II. Little satisfactory management (36-50%) A score within this rank allows saying that the area
owns certain resources and means that are indispensable for is management, but that needs many
elements to achieve an acceptable minimum level. Such characteristics impose to the area a high
vulnerability condition to the incidence of external or internal contextual factors and,
consequently, do not guarantee its permanence in the long term. The area objectives could hardly
be reached, especially some primary objectives.
LEVELIII. Moderately satisfactory management (51-75%) the area has the minimum management
elements, but presents essential deficiencies that do not allow establishing a solid base for this
management to be effective. There is certain imbalance or disarticulation between the scopes that
influence in management that can jeopardize the resources integrity, and the objectives
fulfillment could only be partial, being able to neglect mainly some secondary targets.
LEVEL IV. Satisfactory management (76-89%) factors and means that make management possible are
being properly dealt with. The necessary activities are developed normally and with good results.
Permanence of the area would be guaranteed in as much as there is a dynamic equilibrium
among all management scopes; the whole set normally tends towards the fulfillment of
management objectives.
LEVEL V. Very satisfactory management (90%) the area counts with all the means for an efficient
management according to the present demands. Therefore, it has possibilities of absorbing
13

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certain future exigencies without jeopardizing the resource conservation. The fulfillment of the
area objectives would be guaranteed.
In order to achieve a dynamic interpretation and adjusted to the reality, it is necessary to interrelate the
values, identifying those low values that indicate management weaknesses and justifying the reason of those
weaknesses, as well as the strengths.
Primary and secondary information obtained during the evaluation process allows identifying the problems
causes, prioritize them and propose specific actions to mitigate them and achieve the optimal condition
desired.
Table Nº1 Scopes, measurement variables and parameters.
Nº
Variables
Parameters
Personal scope
1
Number of technical
4= There is 90 ­ 100% of personnel needed for Park Management.
personnel
3= There is 76 - 89 % of personnel needed for Park Management.
2= There is 51 - 75% of personnel needed for Park Management.
1= There is 36 ­ 50% of personnel needed for Park Management.
0= There is less than 35% or no personnel for Park Management.
2
Number of
4= There is 90 ­ 100% of personnel needed for Park Management.
managerial personnel
3= There is 76 - 89 % of personnel needed for Park Management.
2= There is 51 - 75% of personnel needed for Park Management.
1= There is 36 ­ 50% of personnel needed for Park Management.
0= There is less than 35% or no personnel for Park Management.
3
Number of
4= There is 90 ­ 100% of personnel needed for Park Management.
administrative
3= There is 76 - 89 % of personnel needed for Park Management.
personnel
2= There is 51 - 75% of personnel needed for Park Management.
1= There is 36 ­ 50% of personnel needed for Park Management.
0= There is less than 35% or no personnel for Park Management.
4
Number of
4= There is 90 ­ 100% of personnel needed for Park Management.
support/maintenance
3= There is 76 - 89 % of personnel needed for Park Management.
personnel
2= There is 51 - 75% of personnel needed for Park Management.
1= There is 36 ­ 50% of personnel needed for Park Management.
0= There is less than 35% or no personnel for Park Management.
5
Personnel number
4= There is 90 ­ 100% of personnel needed for Park Management.
Conservation Agents
3= There is 76 - 89 % of personnel needed for Park Management.
2= There is 51 - 75% of personnel needed for Park Management.
1= There is 36 ­ 50% of personnel needed for Park Management.
0= There is less than 35% or no personnel for Park Management.
6
Education level and
4= University Education (U) or Post grade (Post) + Specialization
experience of
Courses (Ce); high experience
technical personnel
3= Education U+Ce; high experience
2= Technical Education (T) y/o U; medium experience
1= Education T; low experience
0= Education T; without experience
3= Education T+Ce; high experience
1= Education U o Post; without experience
References
14

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Cifuentes, A. M.; Izurieta V.A. y H. E. De Faria. 2000. Measurement de la Efectividad del Manejo de Áreas
Protegidas. Turrialba, CC.R, WWF, IUCN, GTZ. Serie Técnica Nº2. 105 pp.
De Faria, H. E. 1993. Elaboración de un procedimiento para medir la efectividad del manejo de áreas
silvestres protegidas y su aplicación en dos áreas protegidas de Costa Rica. Tesis Mag. Scientiae. CATIE.
Turrialba, Costa Rica. 91 pp.
Giaccardi, M; A. Tagliorette y G. Palé. 2006. Metodología para la Evaluación de la Efectividad de Manejo de
las Áreas Marino-costeras Protegidas de la Argentina. PNUD ARG02/018, Proyecto PNUD ARG/02/G31,
Coastal Protected Area Assessment in Argentina" (2004-2018). National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, USA.
Documento Técnico N°1.
Volpedo (Coord). 2007. Plan de Manejo Parque Natural de Ciudad Universitaria. Área Gestión de la Ribera
Gobierno de al Ciudad de Buenos Aires y Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos
Aires, 117 pp.
15

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Output 3.2
Governance and integrated management of Santa Lucia Wetlands contribute to the
prevention and reduction of diffuse pollution in the coastal areas of the Rio de la
Plata
Reduction and Prevention of the Terrestrial Origin Contamination of the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front
through the implementation of the FREPLATA Strategic Action Program:
Pilot Project
Country: Uruguay
Title:
Governance and integrated management of Santa Lucia Wetlands contribute to the prevention
and reduction of diffuse pollution in the coastal areas of the Rio de la Plata
Executing Agency:
Metropolitan Agenda Program
Cost of Project:
GEF: USD 215,000
Co-Finance: $ 1,050,000
Background / Justification:
The project in the Santa Lucia Wetland (SLW) has direct contributions to the high priority transboundary
issue identified as one of the EcoQOs of the SAP for the environmental protection of the Rio de la Plata and
its Maritime Front (RPMF), reduction of land-based pollution. Indirectly, the pilot Project also contributes to
the second EcoQO, protection of the RPMF coastal biodiversity.
The Santa Lucia River flows into the Rio de la Plata, precisely in the zone known as the Maximum Turbidity
Front, a transboundary area identified by the TDA as a pollution hot spot.
In the lower part of the
hydrographic basin of the Santa Lucia River, the fourth of the country in terms of surface (1.348.200 ha), the
most extensive estuarine regime wetland of Uruguay (22.500 ha) is located, the Santa Lucia Wetland (SLW)
(Fig. 1). This wetland plays a key function as biological filter, retaining a significant percentage (60-65%) of
the pollutant load discharged by the Santa Lucia River (BOD: 20.7 ton.day-1, N: 34.6 ton.day-1, P: 1.7
ton.day-1) to the Rio de la Plata. Therefore, protection and management of the SLW constitutes a component
within the bi-national program of land-based pollution reduction to the RPMF.
The pilot Project promotes the protection of the SLW and adjacent coastal area and contributes to the
conservation of RPMF coastal and marine biodiversity. The wetland and the adjacent coastal area constitute
an important nursery and spawning ground for fish, including the blond corvina (Micropogonias furnieri),
the second most important fishing resource which is shared by Argentina and Uruguay. Primary production
in the bordering coastal area, the Turbidity Front, reaches the highest values within the Rio de la Plata,
contributing significantly to the system trophic chain. The wetland and adjacent coastal zone have been
identified as important areas for bird conservation (AICAs) by Birdlife, due to the high concentration of
globally threatened birds that use these habitats as spawning or wintering sites.
16

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Currently, water pollution in the Santa Lucia River is generally low, but proximity to the Montevideo urban
area, the country's capital, as well as the intense agro-industrial activity developed in its basin, indicates that
there is a considerable emerging pollution threat. The Santa Lucia River and its tributaries still have
acceptable water quality, with BOD values lower or equal to 5mg/l, except for some sectors that cross urban
zones, mainly in the medium and low basin sections (e.g. Santa Lucia Chico, La Virgen, Canelón Grande and
Canelon Chico Rivers) (JICA-MVOTMA 2007). In the case of Santa Lucia Chico river, precisely in the Paso
Severino reserve, an increase in magnitude of nitrogen concentrations has been observed over a 10 year
period, increasing from 0.85 mg/l in 1989 to 5.49 mg/l in 1997 (OSE, 1999). Phosphorus has doubled in the
same period, increasing from 0.17 mg/l in 1989 to 0.38 mg/l in 1997. These values exceed national and
international standards (e.g., Japan: 0.1-1.0 mg/l N and 0.01-0.1 mg/l of P).
Figure 1
Santa Lucia River Wetlands, location and boundaries of the national protected area proposed. Source:
IMSJ/IMC/IMM/MVOTMA (2007)
Nonetheless, the Santa Lucia River Basin contributes significant organic loads to the Rio de la Plata,
estimated at 34.6 tons/day total nitrogen, 1.7 tons/day total phosphorus and 20.7 tons/day BOD (JICA-
MVOTMA, 2007). Although point sources (e.g., industries, urban overflows) constitute a source worth
considering, non-point sources (e.g., farming production) are the most important in terms of nitrogen and
phosphorus loads. According to recent estimates, 90% of total nitrogen and 63% of total phosphorus are
associated to non-point loads. In the case of BOD, domestic and industrial contributions are the most
relevant, whereas non-point sources represent 15% of total load.
n the Santa Lucia River basin there is intense agricultural activity, with an estimated 19.200 has (30% of
total area) under cultivation (Fig. 2) (Wild Life 2008). Only in the rural area of Montevideo (16.000 ha) there
are 1,360 productive lands. With less than one thousandth of the country's productive surface, it is estimated
that it contributes more than 3% to the national gross agricultural product. This activity generates more than
half of leaf vegetables (lettuce, chard and spinach) for national consumption; more than a quarter of apples,
17

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peaches, pears and plums, as well as important percentages of overall production of lemon, grape and tomato
(http://www.montevideo.gub.uy/mvd_rural/). In terms of pesticide use, at national levels Uruguay increased
by 350% the use of agro-toxic substances over the past two decades. According to most recent available data
for 2000, $37.5 million dollars are annually spent in these products (Gómez, 2000), while the use of synthetic
fertilizers has also increased.
Figure 2 Land use in the Santa Lucia Wetland and its area of influence. The protected area boundaries reflect the
proposal under evaluation at present. Source: Wild Life (2008).
In terms of livestock activity, the dairy sector has the highest polluting potential, since it requires intensive
livestock concentrations. In Uruguay, this is an important export sector that generates an estimated USD 120
million annually. According to the year 2000 Farming Census, dairy farming comprises 1.235.000 has,
distributed in 6,548 farms with a total of 751,000 animals, that produced 1.311 million liters of milk
annually, equivalent to 202 thousand liters average per productive estate (MGAP/DIEA 2003). The territorial
location of dairy production has been basically linked to the main consumption centers, Montevideo in
particular. As a result of this, within the environs of Montevideo, the main dairy farming of the country has
consolidated (Southern Basin), distributed in the departments of Canelones, Florida, San José and
Montevideo (see Fig. 3). The Santa Lucia River Basin and in particular the SLW located here. Dairy farm
effluents have been identified as an important pollution factor and therefore a threat to the integrity of the
SLW protected area (see Fig. 4) (Wild Life 2008). A recent diagnosis (DINAMA/CONAPROLE/IMFIA
2008) on effluent treatment systems of dairy farms in the southern river basin (includes SLW), concludes that
in most of the establishments evaluated (37 altogether) the final effluents disposition is land filtration,
followed by overflow to water courses. Although most establishments have some treatment system, effluents
quality in general does not fulfill the legal standards (decree 253/59). In the case of BOD5, registered values
exceed between 2.7 and 5.8 times the established limit of 60mg/l.
18

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Figure 3 Distribution of dairy activity in Uruguay. Map of exploited surface (Map 1) and location of productive estates
exclusively dedicated to dairy production. Source: (MGAP/DIEA 2003). Note the high dairy activity in the zone
adjacent to the SLW.
Figure 4 SLW ­ map of main threats. Dairy farm effluents are represented as red dots. (Wild Life Uruguay, 2008)
19

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It has been internationally demonstrated that wetlands play a fundamental role in nitrogen retention (e.g.,
Saunders & Kalff 2001). Denitrification is the main mechanism involved in nitrogen removal from water,
followed by sedimentation and plants consumption. Although in the SLW there are no direct estimations of
nutrient retention capacity, based on international empirical evidence, it is estimated that the SLW would
have a retention capacity of 60-65% of total nitrogen load received. According to this estimation, the
Wetland would be retaining between 21 and 22.5 tons of NT per day, avoiding its overflow into coastal
waters of the Rio de la Plata.
Justification
It is evident that the SLW constitutes a key component for reduction/prevention of pollutants loads from the
Santa Lucia River basin into the Rio de la Plata. However, agriculture, livestock grazing land and irregular
human settlements are pushing against the limits of the SLW. Therefore the implementation of the SLW
protected area will constitute a key general measure for wetland protection and provide a legal framework for
its conservation. However, the effective and long term conservation of the ecosystem and its associated
ecosystem services such as nutrient retention will only be achieved if integrated management approaches can
be agreed with the main stakeholders. In absence of the present pilot project, the SLW protected area
planning and management would be essentially focused on issues related to biodiversity conservation, such
as habitat management, hunting control and artisanal fisheries management, and would thus not have the
ability to effectively integrate concrete responses to pollution issues.
Although in the SLW river basin initiatives have been developed in order to reduce and prevent pollution
both the agricultural and dairy sectors, the achievements reached are still quite limited and modest. For
example, the MGAP PRENADER program (Natural resources management program and irrigation
development) developed a pilot experience to reduce pollution from dairy farm effluents. A treatment system
based on oxidation sinks and septic tanks, of simple design, low cost (USD 2800 in 1998) and good
performance in terms of pollutants retention (86% BOD retention) was used. Although the system was
initially well received by the 41 producers involved in the Project, the experience has not been disseminated
to the other producers of the basin, and now some producers have stopped using the systems due to
maintenance costs. Promotion of sustainable productive systems in the fruit and vegetable sector of
Montevideo has also not been very successful partially due to the fact that efforts have been ad hoc and not
part of an integrated management framework. It is recognized that adoption of sustainable productive
systems degree by producers in Montevideo is still very limited.
It has not been possible yet to consolidate efficient sustainable, less polluting alternatives that are widely
adopted by producers in the river basin. The main barriers that have prevented the expansion of sustainable
productive systems developed or under development have to do with the producers' income-yield capacity.
Basically, it has not been conclusively demonstrated to producers that adopting the sustainable practices
recommended would generate economic benefits, either through access to new or better markets or through
economic incentives from the State. Climate variability has resulted in severe droughts over the last years
that have severely limited farming production income-yield capacity. Therefore economic aspects must be
considered in any strategy for promotion of more sustainable practices in farming production.
Additionally, the integrated management of the SLW is a very complex challenge, mainly due to the
following factors: (a) the area involves the jurisdiction of 3 municipalities (IMC, IMSJ and IMM) and one
ministry (MVOTMA), and the inter-institutional management experience is incipient, (b) generally the
resources (economic and human) and environmental management capacities are very limited, thus strongly
depending on the flow of external resources to achieve sustainable positive impacts, (c) there is a noticeable
asymmetry in the capacities of the 3 departmental governments involved, with the Intendendencias of
Canelones and San José being the weakest, and (d) experience in participatory planning in protected areas,
20

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and in particular on pollution prevention/reduction issues, is incipient. These factors limit governance in the
area, thus constituting another barrier to the integrated management of the SLW.
This pilot Project recognizes these barriers and will address them by providing an integrated framework for
promotion of more sustainable practices; working with and learning from experiences of institutions and
agencies with expertise in sustainable practices for the agricultural sector and particularly in the project area;
demonstrating the cost-efficencies and savings to be derived from application of these practices, in terms of
implementation costs, management and maintenance; working with authorities to promote economic
incentives for their adoption; dissemination of good practices;
and strengthening coordination and
governance capacities of the main stakeholders.
Link with national priorities and programs
The first signals of governmental interest for the development of the Santa Lucia River Basin date from
1985, when a Honorary Commission for the Integral Exploitation Study of the Santa Lucia River was created
by law (Nº 15.793), integrated by representatives from different ministries, entities and the University of the
Republic. Later, the SLW was designated as one of the three "Significant Ecological Areas" of the
Department of Montevideo in the Land Planning Plan (LPP, 1998), and in 1999 the Municipality of
Montevideo (IMM) created a small departmental protected area of 800 ha (Municipal Natural Park). The
priority assigned to the SLW by the departmental government of Montevideo has been maintained, and even
reinforced within the Environmental Agenda (see Environmental Agenda 2002-2007).
The three departmental governments with jurisdiction in the SLW, Canelones, Montevideo and San José,
elaborated in 2002 a joint project for implementing a SLW conservation and management program, which
finally was not executed due to insufficient funding. Notwithstanding this, in 2006 these municipalities
created a Working Group within the Metropolitan Agenda Program framework that, jointly with the National
Directorate for the Environment (DINAMA/MVOTMA), has been promoting activities for planning and
management of the area. This Working Group elaborated in 2007 a formal proposal to incorporate the SLW
to the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP). This proposal has been well received by the competent
national authority in the matter of protected areas (DINAMA/MVOTMA), and at present is being evaluated
and adjusted for its legal approval. According to declarations of the National Director for the Environment at
the Advisory National Commission for Protected Areas Plenary Meeting of December 2008, the formal
integration of the SLW area to the SNAP is programmed for 2009.
The proposed protected area comprises 22,500 has of wetland (including the present municipal protected
area), distributed in the three departments. It is proposed that the area be handled under the category of
"Protected Landscape" with the general objective of "Preserving cultural values, landscape and integrity of
the different natural environments residing in the area, their associated biological diversity in all hierarchic
levels (genetic, specific and ecosystem), as well as also promoting the everlasting values and environmental
services they provide" (IMSJ/IMC/IMM/MVOTMA 2007).
The departmental government of Canelones recently designated (2009) the territory corresponding to the
future national protected area buffering zone under its jurisdiction, as environmental protection zone,
demonstrating its interest and commitment with the SLW conservation.
Additionally, over the past years the government of Uruguay has been implementing a suite of measures to
respond to the growing population of Montevideo which include construction of a sewage system,
installations for waste disposal, and stricter controls on industrial discharges, among others. Since 2003 the
Government has been supported by JICA in the development of water management capacities in
Montevideo. Currently, in a second phase, JICA is strengthening the capacity of DINAMA and other
institutions for management of water quality of the Santa Lucia basin. This scenario in addition to the inter-
institutional articulation promoted by the Metropolitan Agenda Program, provide a favorable framework to
implement the proposed Pilot Project for the Santa Lucia Wetlands
21

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Objective:
The project general objective is to create the necessary conditions for wide and sustained adoption by
producers in the SLW of sustainable agricultural practices, in order to incorporate the practical experience
into the management plan of the SLW protected area to be shortly declared.
The specific objectives are:
To strengthen and upscale existing initiatives for responsible fruit and vegetable production related to
water pollution prevention/reduction in the SLW buffer zone.
To strengthen and upscale the existing initiatives for responsible dairy production related to the water
pollution prevention/reduction in the SLW buffer zone.
To elaborate the Pollution Prevention and Reduction Program of the SLW national protected area,
within the framework of the general Management Plan of the area.
Activities
Activity 1:
Strengthening of the Metropolitan Agenda Program and the SLW ad hoc Inter-
institutional Working Group
The pilot Project will be executed by the Metropolitan Agenda Program (MAP), supported by the Inter-
institutional Group that is working on the proposal for the creation of the SLW protected area. This Group is
integrated by delegates from the Intendencias of Canelones, Montevideo and San José, and other
organizations such as DINAMA, DINOT, DINAMIGE, MUNHINA, Heritage National Commission and
UdelaR. The focus will be on strengthening capacities for the elaboration of the pollution prevention and
reduction program in the SLW area (Activity 4), in coordination with Activities 2, 3 and 5.
Activity 2:
Strengthening and upscaling existing initiatives of responsible fruit and vegetable
production related to water pollution prevention/reduction in the buffer zone of the SLW
This activity aims identify, coordinate and upscale successful pilot experiences that are being developed in
the Santa Lucia river basin regarding fruit and vegetable production. This activity will be developed
especially in the departments of Canelones and Montevideo, where fruit and vegetable production is widely
extended.
This
activity
is
linked
to
the
Montevideo
Environmental
Agenda
2008-2012
(http://www.montevideo.gub.uy/ambiente/documentos/agenda2008-12.pdf) as far as the "Promotion of
sustainable productive systems" (Action 2.1). Successful efforts for reduction of pollutant loads will be
identified and activities will be undertaken to engage producers in their adoption.
Successful organizations and ventures in responsible fruit and vegetable production will be partners, such as
the Montevideo Rural Unit of the Municipal Intendance of Montevideo and the "Las Brujas" (Canelones)
Experimental Station of the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INIA), which have extensive
experience with producers of the low river basin for the Santa Lucia River. These institutions already have a
Cooperation Framework Agreement that facilitates joint work.
22

---

Next a cooperation strategy will be defined and work agreements with partners in the Project will be
established, with a view to implement the activities. The activities will include:
Selection of groups of producers with good environmental performances (Producers A). At least 12
producers, representative of the different productive sectors will be incorporated (horticulture, fruit
growers, grape growers and wine makers), distributed in Montevideo and Canelones. Based on the
experience of the Montevideo Rural Unit and INIA and rapid soil diagnosis, the producers selected will
be those demonstrating good performances in terms of responsible use of fertilizers and pesticides, and
conservation of land and riparian vegetation. Efforts will be made to work with producers belonging to
productive associations, for example the JUMECAL Cooperative that groups more than 100 fruit
growers, handling in total more than 2.300 has in Melilla, producing 30% of apples of the country, and
20% of pears (http://www.jumecal.com.uy/).
Determine and implement measures to improve and deepen their environmental performance.
Selection of producers with unsatisfactory environmental performances (Producers B). At least 50
producers will be selected, basically following the guidelines established in point 1 to detect those with
unsatisfactory environmental performances. This will build upon previous work by INIA or the
Montevideo Rural Unit.
Design and implement a strategy of adoption of sustainable practices by producers B, based on the
demonstrative experience of producers A. A central part of this strategy will be the development of
economic incentives. In this sense, the articulating role of the Metropolitan Agenda Program will be
central to take advantage of the benefits regularly provided by the departmental governments of
Canelones and Montevideo, as well as from the central government to the producers These organizations
grant different types of benefits to producers, which many times are not adequately explained and
recognized by producers, and are not used to develop incentives. For example, the Municipality of
Montevideo rents agricultural machinery at very low prices, distributes seeds, collects pesticides
packages, executes cleaning of ravines and provides advice, among other benefits granted. On the other
hand, the MGAP distributes forage for livestock during droughts, and supports the construction of ponds.
INIA provides regular technical support to producers and sells seeds at low prices. Therefore an analysis
of these benefits will be undertaken, in order to identify those that can be used as a basis for development
of incentives. Without significantly increasing the resources already invested by the State, with
appropriate allocation, re-sizing, control and dissemination policies, the adequate economic incentives
could be generated.
Economic incentives will be developed based on new benefits and resources
specially designed for the specific purpose of promoting the adoption of practices that reduce pollution to
water bodies.
Monitor performance indicators of producers.
Develop a manual of good practices for fruit and vegetable production.
Disseminate the Manual and demonstrative experiences.
In terms of the responsible production practices to be promoted, three non-exclusive options have been
identified. These options range from more targeted approaches (1 and 2) to more integral approaches 3) in
order to provide a range that can be adapted to specific requirements and capacities of producers:
Optimization/reduction of fertilizer and pesticide use. In agreement with the Montevideo Rural Unit
experience, there is an excessive and inadequate use of fertilizers and pesticides that without increasing
productivity generate water pollution problems both superficial and underground. For its part, the INIA
is starting to develop activities to reduce use of agrochemicals in Montevideo and Canelones.
Restoration of native riparian straw fields and forest. It has been demonstrated that riparian vegetation
acts as nutrients traps, reducing loads to water bodies. A "buffer" vegetation strip (grass, shrubs and
trees) of about 10 m width is able to remove between 90 and 100% of land-based nitrogen loads to
adjacent water bodies (Paterson et al. 1992; Vought et al. 1994). In several tributaries of the Santa Lucia
23

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River, in the zone bordering the SLW, alterations in coastal vegetation have been detected, such as total
or partial cutting, use of herbicides and invasion of exotic arboreal species. With respect to the control of
invasive species, the INIA is developing some control experiences of the exotic tree Ligustrum lucidum
(privet) that is considered the main invader of riparian forests of the Santa Lucia River. On the other
hand, the Municipality of Montevideo has nurseries for native species that could be used for producing
trees in restoration activities.
Adoption of organic production Systems. Organic production is defined as "a production system that
widely avoids or excludes the use of fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and additives for animal
feeding synthetically compounded. As far as possible, organic agriculture systems are based on
cultivation rotation, use of animal manure, leguminous, green fertilizers, organic waste generated outside
the estate, mechanic cultivation, natural minerals and biological control of pests to maintain ground
structure and productivity, nutrients contributions for plants and control insects, weeds and other
plagues". The organic production was established in Uruguay at the end of the 80s and began to be
consolidated as an important movement in the 90s, with the creation of the Agro-ecology Table (1992),
the Society of Biological Products Consumers (1992), the trade union of the Rural Association of
Uruguay and the Association of Organic Producers of Uruguay (APODU). Despite these activities it is
estimated that there are only 130 producers in Uruguay. In the SLW river basin, the Montevideo Rural
Unit of the IMM has been carrying out actions to promote organic systems of production for several
years. An important step was the creation in 1994 of an ecological and organic products market place,
which operates in a space provided by the IMM. The INIA has launched in 2008 a Work Group on
Organic
Agriculture,
with
strong
participative
profile
(http://www.inia.org.uy/online/files/contenidos/link_06062008021411.pdf). At present, the national
organic production is estimated in USD 1,140,000 annually and is destined for the internal market. This
represents only 0.12% of total consumption in the country. Nevertheless, the attitude of Uruguayan
consumers towards organic products is very positive according to a 1998 survey (Consur), which
nowadays is being confirmed by the appearance of organic products in supermarkets of the country, with
average prices 30% higher than the conventional ones. This developing market niche can offer
competitive advantages that stimulate producers to adopt these less polluting productive systems.
Precisely, the idea is to drive and deepen this action line in the SLW buffering zone, strengthening the
initiatives under development.
Activity 3:
Strengthening and scaling the existing initiatives of responsible dairy production
related to the aquatic pollution prevention/reduction in the buffer zone of the SLW
This activity aims to identify, articulate and upscale successful pilot experiences that are being developed in
the Santa Lucia river basin regarding responsible dairy production. This activity will be developed especially
in the department of San José, where dairy production is widely extended. It is planned to strengthen
successful ventures that reduce organic loads to superficial and underground waters. These ventures will be
used as promotional examples to promote the adhesion of producers with unsatisfactory environmental
performances.
Successful organizations and ventures involved in responsible dairy production will be identified, working
with partners. In that sense, the National Cooperative of Milk producers (CONAPROLE) in cooperation with
the Faculty of Engineering have begun to work on this issue, including producers of the lower basin of the
Santa Lucia River. Recently these institutions developed a diagnosis on treatment systems of dairy farms
effluents. Most establishments count with some kind of treatment, although 6% have no treatment at all.
Despite the treatment systems, most establishments do not comply with standards as far as water quality of
effluents. However, cases have been detected with adequate effluent management. Also, the diagnosis reports
a series of opportunities to improve management.
24

---

Next, a cooperation strategy will be defined and work agreements with Project Partners will be established in
order to implement the activities. Basically, the logic developed in activity 2 will be followed. The activities
will include:
Selection of groups of producers with good environmental performances (Producers A). At least 10
producers will be included, distributed mainly in San José. For the selection the recent diagnosis
developed by MVOTMA/CONAPROLE/IMFIA (2008) will be taken into account, complemented by
visits to the lands.
Determine and implement measures that improve and deepen their environmental performance.
Selection of producers with unsatisfactory environmental performances (Producers B). At least 50 will
be incorporated, taking into account the diagnosis cited (see point 1).
Design and implement a strategy of adoption of responsible practices by producers B, based on the
demonstrative experience of producers A. In this point the development of incentives will be crucial (see
line 26, point 4, for details on the logic to be developed).
Monitor performance indicators of producers.
Develop a manual of good practices for treatment of dairy farms effluents.
Disseminate Manual and demonstrative experience.
Within the framework of practices to be promoted for improved effluents treatment of dairy farms, a recent
diagnosis developed by MVOTMA/CONAPROLE/IMFIA (2008) also identified opportunities for improved
management in farms that already have treatment systems, with recommendations on design, construction,
maintenance and management of treatment systems.
In the case of farms lacking of treatment systems, or with very precarious ones, the construction of treatment
systems will be contemplated. In this case the recent experience of the MGAP PRENADER program
(Management Program of natural resources and irrigation development) will be applied. This Program
recently finalized a pilot experience with treatment systems based on oxidation sinks and septic tanks. 41
simple design and low cost (USD 2800 in 1998) systems were installed, which have been well received by
producers and have had very good performances in terms of organic pollutants retention. In the case of BOD,
retentions of up to 86% have been registered. However, it has not been possible to disseminate the
experience to the other producers of the basin. The system will be replicated and the project will review
options for low cost maintenance alternatives, complemented by economic incentives that promote the
adoption of the system by other producers.
Activity 4:
Elaboration of the SLW Pollution Prevention and Reduction Program (PPRP)
Once developed, the SLW coordination and integrated management experience through Activities 2 and 3,
Pollution Prevention and Reduction Program (PPRP) of the SLW will be elaborated for upscaling and
strengthening the measures developed in the pilot project.
Under the coordination of the MAP, the ad hoc working group will elaborate a PPRP proposal. This proposal
will be developed in coordination with the authorities of the SLW protected area, and will be agreed with
local stakeholders including rural producers associations, NGOs, and social and industrial organizations. For
that purpose, participative consultations in different area of the wetland buffer zone will be carried out.
The PPRP approved by authorities of the area will be published and disseminated in the zone of influence of
the SLW protected area.
Activity 5:
Pilot Project monitoring
25

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The pilot Project will be executed by the Metropolitan Agenda Program, with the support of a consultant
with a background as an agronomist, biologist or ecologist, preferably postgraduate and experience in water
quality issues. The consultant will prepare periodical reports that will be reviewed and approved by the
Metropolitan Agenda, as well as will elaborate syntheses annual reports that will be evaluated and approved
by FREPLATA/UNDP.
In order to evaluate impacts of activities 2 and 3 on water quality of receiving water bodies, a monitoring
plan will be implemented. At least 6 sampling spots will be selected, that will be strategically located in key
spots of the micro-basins integrating the receiving water bodies of the establishments adhered in the pilot
Project. Three monitoring spots will aim at evaluating the impacts of Activity 2 (responsible fruit and
vegetable production) and the other 3 will correspond to Activity 3 (responsible dairy production). The
evaluation of the impacts will be carried out based on the base lines previously established.
Monitoring will be carried out with seasonal frequency during a 2 year term. The parameters to be
considered will be: BOD5, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, Total solids, pH, temperature, dissolved
oxygen, conductivity, and volume. The pilot Project monitoring plan will be integrated with the monitoring
program of FREPLATA, and will articulate with other possible monitoring initiatives in the zone (e.g.,
MVOTMA/JICA Project) in order to avoid duplications and optimize the use of the resources.
End-of Project Landscape (Outputs)
At Project finalization the following results will be delivered:
Evaluation of a governance pattern for the management of inter-jurisdictional coastal wetlands
(jurisdiction of 2 or more local governments), based on coordination between local governments.
Pollution prevention and reduction program of the SLW national protected area, approved by
relevant authorities and by stakeholders, published and disseminated among the main stakeholders.
Reduction of organic loads derived from fruit and vegetable and dairy activities to the SLW.
Manual of good practices for responsible fruit and vegetable production.
Manual of good practices for treatment of dairy farm effluents.
Update of information on the pollution status and trends in the SLW.
Greater understanding by producers in the SLW of the importance of the wetland and more active
involvement in its sustainable management.
Project Management Structure and Accountability
The Metropolitan Agenda Program (MAP) will be responsible for the execution of this pilot project through
a service contract. The MAP was established through a political agreement signed in July 2005 by the three
municipalities that have jurisdiction over the SLW, Canelones, Montevideo and San José. It has the support
of the Presidency of the Republic (http://www.montevideo.gub/gobierno/agendametropolitana.htlm).
The Program's institutional framework consists of two bodies: (1) Directive Board, integrated by the three
intendentes and (2) an Executive Coordination Team, integrated by a General coordinator and three delegates
representing each of the three intendentes.
Project implementation will be supported through an Execution Unit based on the structure of the Inter-
institutional working group created to promote the integration of the SLW to the SNAP. The group is
integrated by delegates from the three municipalities and other organizations such as DINAMA, DINOT,
DINAMIGE, MUNHINA, National Heritage Commission and UdelarR, among others.
Stakeholders and Beneficiaries:
The main stakeholders and beneficiaries of the pilot Project are the departmental governments, especially
through the strengthening of the Metropolitan Agenda Program. This program already has 4 years of
operation and has played an important role in coordination public policies of the 3 municipalities.
26

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The Montevideo Rural Unit, INIA, CONAPROLE and IMFIA will be partners of the Project, as they will
lead specific activities associated to the responsible fruit and vegetable production or the responsible
management of dairy farm effluents. Their involvement in the project will allow them to strengthen and
upscale the initiatives that they are already developing in the lower basin of the Santa Lucia River.
Fruit and vegetable producers of Montevideo and Canelones, as well as milk producers of San José, will be
key stakeholders in the Project that will benefit from improved environmental performance of their
productive systems and cost efficiencies. It is expected to contact at least 125 producers, 65 fruit and
vegetables and 60 dairy producers. This will allow them to optimize the use of their resources bases, offering
them the opportunity to access to new markets with greater environmental demands.
Environmental NGOs, civil associations and communities residing in the SLW environs will be convened to
participate in the Project, especially through consultations and dissemination activities related to the
development of the Pollution prevention and reduction program of the SLW national protected area.
Long-term Sustainability Strategy
Project sustainability is highly feasible, in first place because the activities planned are strongly aligned with
the environmental policy and plans for the zone. The Montevideo Environmental Agenda and the creation of
the SLW protected area are two examples of plans and initiatives that will be able provide for sustainability
of the activities of the pilot project. The project will work with key partners with strong commitment and a
tradition of working in the area such as the Montevideo Rural Unit of the IMM, the INIA station "las Brujas"
and CONAPROLE. Most importantly, the project will develop an attractive system of incentives that entices
producers to adopt more sustainable practices. It is expected that these same producers will generate demand
to the institutions to continue and expand the experience. Finally, it is expected that the Metropolitan Agenda
Program will incorporate the project into its regular workplan as it is a priority.
Replicability
The pilot Project is replicable within the low river basin of the Santa Lucia River, in order to include the total
fruit and vegetable and dairy sectors. It is worth remembering that the fruit and vegetable activity (lettuce,
chard and spinach) in the zone generates more than half of national consumption of leaf vegetables, more
than the quarter part of apples, peaches, pears and plums as well as important percentages of the production
of lemons, grapes and tomatoes. Given the limited scope of this pilot project, the replication potential or for
upscaling is high.
Additionally, there is ample replication potential at national level, since Uruguay has several coastal c
jurisdiction among 2 or 3 departmental governments (see ANNEX 2). The number of wetlands is increased
to 14 if those distributed along the Atlantic coast, which have lesser pollution issues at present, are also
considered.
Monitoring and Evaluation Process
The Project Unit will produce a brief quarterly Progress Report updating the Steering Committee and the
project implementing agency on the progress of the pilot project based on the approved Strategic Results
Framework and the project work plan. Once every year a detailed report will be submitted through the
Steering Committee to UNDP. This report will provide a full review of the work plan to identify project
achievements and deliveries versus the approved schedule, budget expenditures, recommendations with
respect to any amendments to workplan and budget, staff contracting and performance, and any other
information required by the Steering Committee and/or the Implementing Agency.
In addition to this, the pilot project strategy and objectives, intended outputs, implementation structure, work
plans and emerging issues will be regularly reviewed and evaluated annually by the Project Steering
27

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Committee. Periodic Status Reports will be prepared at the request of the Steering Committee for
presentation at key meetings associated with the Project.
The pilot project will also be subject to:
·
Internal Project Implementation Reviews to be conducted by the RPC and submitted to the
implementing agency every six months.
·
An independent final project evaluation to be undertaken in conjunction with the Terminal
Evaluation for the FSP.
The project evaluations will be carried out in accordance with UNDP-GEF requirements and will cover all
aspects of the project. They will include: an assessment of (a) the outcomes generated, (b) the processes used
to generate them, (c) project impacts, and d) lessons learned. Advice will be given on how the M&E results
can be used to adjust the work if needed and on how to replicate the results in the region.
Co-Financing
The GEF contribution this pilot project is US$ 215.000. The co-financing for this project is provided by the
Ministry of Housing, land Use and Environment (MVOTMA) of Uruguay for $200,000, the Municipality of
Montevideo for $300,000, the Municipality of Canelones for $250,000, and the Metropolitan Agenda
Program for $300,000. Total co-financing amounts to $1,050,000. Co-financing contributions include
provision of technical experts to support the work of the SLW Working Group and support from other staff
and personnel for administrative and operational aspects (machinists, forest rangers, drivers, etc.).
Additionally, other ongoing efforts will directly contribute to achieving the pilot project objective including
the Rural Montevideo Program that promotes the responsible and sustainable agricultural production in the
rural area of Montevideo, adjacent to the SLW, and the development of the municipal protected area in Santa
Lucia.
28

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BUDGET
GEF
Outcome/Atlas Sub-components
Amount
Amount
Total ($)
Activity**
($)
($)
All
Year 1
Year 2
Years
Activity 1. Strengthening of the
Consultancy
10,000
5,000
15,000
Metropolitan Agenda Program and
the SLW ad hoc Inter-institutional
Support personnel
5,000
5,000
10,000
Work Group
Sub-total
15,000
10,000
25,000
Activity
2.
Strengthening
and
Work agreements with
scaling the existing initiatives of
20,000
20,000
40,000
responsible fruit and vegetable
institutions (UMR, INIA)
production related to the aquatic
Development of incentives
5,000
5,000
pollution prevention/reduction in
the buffer zone of the SLW
Management of lands
20,000
10,000
30,000
Manual of good practices
5,000
5,000
Sub-total
45,000
35,000
80,000
Activity
3.
Strengthening
and
Work agreements with
scaling the existing initiatives of
responsible
dairy
production
institutions
20,000
20,000
40,000
related to the aquatic pollution
(CONAPROLE, FING)
prevention/reduction in the buffer
Development of incentives
zone of the SLW
5,000
5,000
Management of lands
25,000
10,000
35,000
Sub-total
50,000
30,000
80,000
Activity 4. Elaboration of the SLW
Consultancy
Pollution
Prevention
and
8,000
8,000
Reduction Program (PPRP)
Workshops
5,000
5,000
Plan dissemination
2,000
2,000
Sub-total
0
15,000
15,000
Activity 5.Pilot Project pursuit and
Consultancy
monitoring
2,000
0
2,000
Monitoring program
(sampling and laboratory
4,000
9,000
13,000
analysis)
Sub-total
6,000
9,000
15,000
Total
116,000
99,000
215,000
29

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Strategic Results Framework
Pilot project
Objectively Verifiable Indicators of the Pilot Project
Sources of Verification
Assumptions and Risks
Integrated
Good practices of integrated Management of demonstrated
Report on good practices of the Project. Manual of
Economic crises do not occur that
Management of the
effectiveness for pollution prevention and reduction in the
good practices for fruit and vegetable production
debilitate the environmental interests
Santa Lucia
SLW
Monitoring program final Report
of producers
Wetlands: coastal
pollution prevention
Governance pattern of demonstrated effectiveness for
Final technical report of the Project
The Metropolitan Agenda Program
and reduction of the
pollution prevention and reduction in the SLW
appropriates the pilot project
Rio de la Plata
Significant reduction of pollutant loads (Nt, Pt, total solids and
Final technical report of monitoring program
All the important polluting sources are
BOD5) discharged to the SLW
(activity 5)
identified and considered in
Note: baseline and % reduction will be determined during the
evaluations
first year of the project
Reduction of non-
Mid-term and final Technical report
point pollution loads
The expected mean load of the dairy sector into the SLW
Economic crises do not occur that
from dairy farms
watershed by Year 4 of the FSP Project is:
Final technical report of monitoring program
debilitate environmental interest of
discharged into
(activity 5)
producers
micro watersheds
Final technical report of monitoring program
and water bodies
Pilot phase
Long term
(activity 5)
All important polluting sources are
near productive
goal:
goal:
identified and considered in the
Expected
Expected
lands in the Santa
mean
mean
evaluations
Lucia Wetlands
load (kg/day)
load (kg/day)
(SLW) pilot
Ntotal
6.289 (2.3%*)
1.417 (78%)
P
Project ( SR )
total
701 (1.6%)
328 (54%)
BOD5
24.288 (2.8 %)
1.250 (95%)
* Percentage of reduction (%)
Lessons and pilot processes systematized to enable DINAMA
to replicate the pilot in other productive sectors
Promotion of
Number of producers adhered to the pilot Project adopting
Mid-term and final Technical report
responsible Dairy
sustainable productive practices
production
Significant reduction of polluting loads (Nt, Pt, total solids and
BOD5) discharged to adjacent water bodies in productive lands
Final technical report of monitoring program
adhered to the pilot project
(activity 5)
Note: baseline and % reduction will be determined during the
first year of the project
Significant reduction of polluting loads (Nt, Pt, total solids and
30

---

BOD5) discharged to micro-basins
Final technical report of monitoring program
Note: baseline and % reduction will be determined during the
(activity 5)
first year of the project
Elaboration of the
Pollution Prevention and Reduction Program approved by the
Document approved by pertinent authorities,
Authorities of the SLW protected area
Pollution Prevention
competent authority and incorporated to its Management Plan
published and disseminated.
get involved in the development of the
and Reduction
Units given to the main stakeholders and published
Plan
Program of the SLW
in the web.
(PPRP)
31

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ANNEXES
Annex 1. Estimate of the capacity of retention of pollutants of the Santa Lucia River Wetlands.
It has been demonstrated at international level that wetlands play a fundamental role in nitrogen retention,
whose performance exceeds the observed in lakes and rivers (e.g., Saunders & Kalff 2001). Denitrification is
the main mechanism involved in nitrogen removal from water, followed by sedimentation and plants
consumption.
In a study that included 23 wetland of the Northern hemisphere (Canada, Denmark and USA), subject to a
total nitrogen load (NT) that varied within a range from 1 to 160 g/m2/year, it was observed that NT retention
increases linearly depending on the NT load (Saunders & Kalff 2001) (Fig. 1). In this range of loads,
wetlands were capable of retaining, without the appearance of saturation evidences, around 65% of N total
load.
Figure 1 Capacity of retention of total nitrogen (NT) in wetlands and lakes of the Northern hemisphere, depending on
NT load. Taken from Saunders & Kalff (2001).
The capacity of retention of nutrients by a wetland would also have to be associated to the relation between
its surface and the surface of the drained river basin. Using data supplied by Crumpton et al. (2006) for 4
wetlands of Iowa, the graph presented in figure 2 was elaborated. According to what expected, it is observed
a clear linear relation (r=0.95, p<0.05) between retention capacity of nitrates of wetlands and the wetland
surface:river basin surface relation. Assuming that this functional relation is applicable to the SLW, its
relation wetland:river basin (1.7) suggests a retention capacity of nitrates of 60%.
Based on the antecedents presented in this section, the SLW could have a retention capacity of 60-65% of
total nitrogen load received. That is to say, it is preliminary estimated that the SLW could be retaining
around 21 and 22.5 tons of NT per day.
32

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Figure 2
Relation between the capacity of retention of nitrates and the relation wetland surface:basin surface in 4
wetlands of Iowa (USA). Data taken from Crumpton et al. (2006). The value of the relation wetland surface:basin
surface for the case of the SLW (1.7) is indicated, what suggests a nitrate retention capacity of 60%
90
80
70
(%) 60
50
40
30
removal
20
10
Nitrate 0
0
0,5
1
1,5 HSL
2
2,5
1.7
Relation wetland surface:Basin surface
33

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Annex 2. Replication opportunity of the pilot Project: Main Coastal Wetlands of the Rio de la Plata.
There are 8 main coastal wetlands associated to tributaries unloading in the Rio de la Plata, distributed in the
departments of San José, Montevideo, Canelones and Maldonado (Figure 1 and Table 1). Three of them have
shared jurisdiction with 2 or 3 departmental governments.
Figure 1 Main coastal wetlands of the Rio de la Plata. See names in Table 1.
Table 2 Coastal Wetlands of the Rio de la Plata
Code
Name of Wetland
Main
Jurisdiction
(Fig. 1)
tributaries
associated
1
Arazati swamplands
Pavón stream
San José
and Luis
Pereira stream
2
San Gregorio
San Gregorio
San José
swamplands
stream
3
Mauricio stream
Mauricio
San José
swampland
stream
4
Santa Lucía
Santa Lucia
Montevideo,
swamplands
River
Canelones, San José
5
Pantanoso stream
Pantanoso
Montevideo
swampland
stream
6
Carrasco swamplands
Carrasco
Montevideo,
stream
Canelones
7
Solís Grande wetlands
Solís Grande
Canelones,
stream
Maldonado
8
Maldonado stream
Maldonado
Maldonado
wetlands
stream
34

---

Bibliographic references
Annunziatto, W., Damiani, O., and de Hegedus, P. (1993). The agricultural development from an
environmental perspective: An interpretation attempt. In Manual for extensionists on environment (pp. 1-9).
Montevideo: CEDESUR, CISS.
Crumpton WG, GA Stenback, BA Miller and MJ Helmers (2006): Potential Benefits of Wetland Filters for
Tile Drainage Systems: Impact on Nitrate Loads to Mississippi River Subbasins. Final project report to U.S.
Department of Agriculture. Project number: IOW06682
FREPLATA (2005a): Evaluation Report on meat sector. Authors: Vignale D and Arriola M.
FREPLATA (2005b): Evaluation Report on dairy sector. Authors: Vignale D and Arriola M.
FREPLATA (2005c): Evaluation Report on wools sector. Authors: Vignale D and Arriola M.
FREPLATA (2005d): Evaluation Report on tanneries sector. Authors: Vignale D and Arriola M.
Gómez A (2000): Organic Agriculture: An alternative. In "Environmental Profile of Uruguay". Ana
Domínguez
and
Ruben
G.
Prieto
(editors).
NORDAN,
Montevideo.
(http://www.ceuta.org.uy/files/Agricultura_organica_una_alternativa_posible.pdf)
JICA-MVOTMA (2007): Project on strengthening Management capacity of water quality in Montevideo and
Metropolitan Area. CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. 148p.
(http://www.mvotma.gub.uy/dinama/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=100&Itemid=15
8)
MGAP/DIEA
(2003):
Commercial
Dairy
in
Uruguay:
contribution
to
its
knowledge.
(http://www.mgap.gub.uy/Diea/Rubros/Lecheria/Leche_2003.pdf)
OSE (1999): Master Plan for Montevideo water supply.
Saunders DL & Kalff J (2001): Nitrogen retention in wetlands, lakes and Rivers. Hydrobiologia 443: 205­
212, 2001.
Wild Life (2008). Products 1 and 2 ­ Santa Lucia Wetlands. Technical assistance report carried out for the
SNAP Project Responsible Author: L. Rodríguez-Gallego.
35

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Output 3.3
Application of Cleaner Production approaches in informal sectors is facilitated in the
Industrial Tannery Sector in Uruguay
Reduction and Prevention of the Terrestrial Origin Contamination of the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front
through the implementation of the FREPLATA Strategic Action Program:
Pilot Project
Country: Uruguay
Title: Application of Cleaner Production Approaches in Informal Sectors is facilitated in the Industrial
Tannery Sector in Uruguay
Executing Agency:
DINAMA, through the Department of Environmental Control and Performance
Cost of the Project:
GEF: US$ 215,000
- Co-financing: $1,750,000
Background / Justification:
The tannery industry is a relatively important sector in Uruguay17 in terms of value generation, and it is an
export sector in a global market that assigns ever greater importance to environmental performance. The
sector is organized in the Uruguayan Tannery Industry Chamber, which is itself under aegis of the Chamber
of Industries of Uruguay. In the tannery sector, as is characteristic of all industrial activities in Uruguay,
SMEs represent a significant percentage: almost 80% of enterprises in the sector. Additionally there is an
informal sector that has been insufficiently assessed, that is responsible for high pollution loads, and it is
sometimes subcontracted by formal companies for some tasks.
The tannery industry is one of the most polluting, given the heavy metals (in addition to organic loads)
released thorough its effluents, sludge treatments and contaminated solid wastes produced. It is responsible
for 99% of the chromium load dumped into the environment by the industrial sector in the Department of
Montevideo18.
In regards to its geographical location, 88% of the sector's plants are concentrated in the Departments of
Montevideo (66%), Canelones and San José, along the Río de la Plata. As it is stated in the GEO Report
Uruguay 2008, because of pollution levels, the metropolitan area of Montevideo (Montevideo, Canelones
and San José) is a critical area that requires special management to address for its organic, lead and
chromium pollution.
Conventional processes (traditional system with chromium) for bovine leather have the following
approximate inputs and outputs for 1t of skin:
17 The industrial sector is highly atomized and few of these represent more than 3% of industrial gross added value.
18 Source: Unit for Industrial Effluents, Municipality of Montevideo
36

---

Table I Summary of inputs and outputs in the tannery sector
Table I: Summary of inputs and outputs in the tannery sector
Inputs
Outputs
Chemical
500 kg
Leather
200-
Products
250kg
Water
15-50 m3
Effluent
15-50m3
COD ­ 230.250kg
BOD ­ 100kg
SS ­ 150kg
Sulfurs ­ 10kg
Skins
1 t
Solid Waste
450-
Without processing
750kg
Scraps ­ 120kg
Flesh ­ 70-350kg
Leathery
Trims and others ­ 225kg
Dye, finished product
Powder, trims ­ 32kg
Treatment sludge (40% dry substance) ­
500kg
Energy
9.3-42Gj
Emissions
40kg
Organic Solvents
Despite norms and control measures, pollutant loads discharged into the environment significantly exceed
established limits, as it can be appreciated in the case of chromium as well as the BOD.
Table I1 Chromium discharges19
Discharge end
Total chromium
Chromium load
% of discharges
load (kg/day)
above the norm
above the norm
(kg/día)
Collector20
43.3
35.5
82 %
Run-off
4.1
3.3
80 %
Infiltration
0.1
TOTAL
47
38.8
Most of the chromium load dumped is outside the norms (80% -82%). That means that the chromium load
discharged is five times the authorized level.
In the case of organic materials, even if it is not significant in global terms given that urban effluents
constitute 81%, the sector still contributes 7%. The proportion of organic load (BOD) discharged that exceed
the norms is 37% in the case of discharges to a collector and 69% to waterways. Organic material measured
in terms of BOD discharged to a collector is 1.5 times the authorized levels and for loads discharged directly
into waterways, it is 3 times above the authorized level.
Beginning in 2008, consultative initiatives were undertaken with the industry in order to identify solutions
for dealing with solid wastes, a development that was enhanced by the fact that industrial landfill costs in the
metropolitan area are projected to increase significantly for the companies. This creates an incentive for them
to look for common alternatives to solve the issue of hazardous wastes in the sector. As the reduction of
these costs is directly linked to efforts to reduce wastes, it is believed that preventive strategies will be well
received.
19 Source: Department of Evaluation and Control, National Direction for the Environment. The data on the additional
loads were calculated for each individual company, taking into account the compliance with regulations with regards to
concentrations and discharge loads.
20 The discharge to a collector refers to discharges that end up in the drainage system without treatment in the Río de la
Plata.
37

---

The proposed objectives for the Cleaner Production pilot aim at a more efficient use of the resources as well
as the reduction of the environmental impacts of the tannery industry's actions, a sector that significantly
affects the water and land pollution of the Rio de la Plata basin. It will also identify cost savings from
reduced resource inputs, energy and compliance costs.
The proposed approach encompasses the environmental, economic, technical, security and health aspects
necessary to contribute to sustainable development. Cleaner Production (CP) consists in applying the
continuous strategy of environmental prevention to processes and products with the purpose of reducing risks
as much for the human beings as for the environment (UNEP).
With the objective of maximizing the impacts of the CP pilot project, making the most of the resources and
reducing the loads and environmental impacts of the sector in general and particularly to the Rio de la Plata,
a CP plan will be designed and implemented for the tannery sector. It will be done through Private-Public
Partnerships and participatory methodology, strengthening local capacities for cleaner production,
specifically in this sector.
To order to develop the project, the various stakeholders will be convened and a Working Group will be
established to draft a sectoral plan using the diagnostic outcomes and the identification of opportunities for
the companies. The companies will implement the prioritized CP projects, considering the objectives of
environmental adaptation for the sector by the environmental authority.
Regulations exist in the country regarding pollution volumes and concentrations in effluents, to both
collectors and waterways. This project will assist the environmental authority in the effective application of
regulations through private sector involvement, considering that Cleaner Production approaches are suitable
tools for demonstrating that environmentally sustainable responses can also generate economic benefits, from
an eco-efficient perspective. In addition, the expected modifications to the water code and adaptation to
relevant modifications will be considered within the objectives of the environmental authority.
The elements and the plan devised will be transplanted to the remaining the companies in the sector and
lessons will be extracted from the pilot project in order to replicate them with other sectors in the future. It is
interesting to note that the National Directorate on the Environment is working jointly with the industry (Law
on Packaging, on Landfill for industrial solid wastes) to adapt and improve processes, working from a shared
vision.
Link with national priorities and programs
Currently Uruguay is in the process of developing a Strategic Proposal and a National Action Plan for
Sustainable Production and Consumption that builds upon the National Dialogue for Cleaner Production
which is a consultative process with multiple stakeholders. Based on the inputs from the various working
groups which are thematically divided, a long and medium term plan (up to 5 years) for actions and priorities
is proposed.
Furthermore, DINAMA's Division of Environmental Control and Performance has defined different plans
with the objective of evaluating and reducing pollution loads discharged into the environment and reducing
the time required for implementation of required measures. These include a plan for improving
environmental performance of enterprises and sectoral compliance with the relevant legal framework, and
specific sectoral plans.
Although an environmental legal framework exists, the command and control mechanisms normally used
have not provided for satisfactory environmental compliance of the productive sector and particularly of
industrial sectors as polluting as the tannery sector. This sector discharges effluents (either to the drainage
system or the waterways) five times over the authorized limits. Moreover, regulations on water and effluent
quality have been revised, and further revisions and improvements expected this year.
38

---

The CP pilot project is based on Private Public Partnerships and the application of cleaner production
methodologies, which will contribute significantly to environmental adaptation process and to demonstrating
to industrial actors that it is possible to obtain both environmental improvements and economic benefits
through a better management of resources and processes.
The outcomes, in terms of pollution reduction and validation of the proposed methodology, will provide for
generating the necessary experience to create a model that can be applied to sectors to achieve better
environmental compliance and reduce pollution discharged into the environment.
Objectives and Activities
Objective:
Design and implement a Cleaner Production Plan for the tannery sector in Uruguay by strengthening local
capacities and creating a Sector Working Group, based on PPP approaches.

Strengthen local capacities for Cleaner Production, applied to the tanneries.

Develop indicators for the tannery sector and evaluate the sector's performance in the country.

Characterize the opportunities identified for the tannery sector in its technical, economic, and
environmental aspects, through the diagnosis and characterization of identified opportunities for
the participating companies.

Establish the CP plans in each participating company.

Evaluate and implement the CP projects prioritized between the participating companies.

Generate the tools that provide for replication in other companies of the sector.

Implement a work methodology in an industrial sector that can be replicated in others.
Activities
Activity 1: Preliminary activities, stakeholders' identification and increased awareness
A small core team will be created that will include: a coordinator from the environmental authority
(DINAMA), local consultants in CP, an international specialist in CP for the tannery sector, specific advisors
in PPP and a legal advisor.
The team will identify the necessary stakeholders that need to be involved to provide for improved
environmental management in the sector. Existing barriers will be identified
Step 1: Preliminary awareness program
An awareness program will be launched, aimed at identified stakeholders: national and municipal authorities,
tanneries, suppliers, neighbors' representatives, workers' delegates, and universities, among others, for which
a participatory dialogue methodology is proposed.
The launch event will not only raise awareness as to the issues related to pollution but will also assist in
identification of barriers, provide recommendations to authorities, and help to identify key stakeholders both
within the enterprises as well as in the community.
Activity 2: Launching and creation of the Working Group for the tannery sector
Step 2: Launch event
A launch event of the proposal aimed at the companies will take place with the support of the associations
linked to the sector (Chamber of Industries, Chamber of Tanneries). Identified academics and technicians
will be also invited to participate. A work strategy will be proposed and discussed.
Step 3: Formation of the Working Group
39

---

Based on an evaluation of stakeholders, including through the previous events, companies with greatest
potential to contribute to the project's objectives will be determined (considering their proactivity, social
responsibility performance, environmental situation, horizontal or vertical integration with other companies)
and they will be invited to join the Working Team (WT). A team of 10 companies is proposed, while trying
to cover a representative sample of the sector's companies in regards to the processes that they undertake as
well as their size (large, medium, small).
In the first meeting of the WT, composed of the companies and the project's team, emphasis will be placed
on the project's phases and steps, and the logistics will be coordinated for the next stage.
Activity 3: Develop the Pre-evaluation document of the sector, by defining the indicators and the
reference values, key data on the processes of the tannery industry in Uruguay and the CP
opportunities for the sector in the country
Step 4: Training program applied to CP
CP capacities in the sector will be strengthened through a-learning-by-doing methodology21. The company's
technicians will be trained on applied CP methodology and clean technology applied to the processes, solid
wastes, effluents, energy use and emissions of the tannery sector. Cost savings from reduced resource inputs,
energy and compliance costs will also be addressed. Personnel of the environmental authority and the
municipalities will also participate in the training. The international specialist will provide part of the
training, especially in relation with clean technologies applied to the tanneries. The process' indicators to
manage the companies will be jointly defined.
The international specialist will provide training on clean technologies applied to tanneries, and
simultaneously each company will develop the necessary skills to apply the methodology internally. Each
company will learn based on its own situation, with real data and the local consultant and the international
expert's support.
At the end of the first stage of this activity (pre-evaluation), each company will have a tailor-made reduction
diagnostic (evaluation of environmental aspects and impacts, detected opportunities and solution proposals,
barriers and requirements to implement it), but they can also take advantage of the exchange of knowledge
with other companies. Each company will develop its own pre-evaluation business report. Through
application of the methodology, the implementation of some easy measures from a technical or economic
standpoint will be defined at this stage (measures that do no require much design or justification of their
convenience).
In the second stage of the applied training program strengthening of the necessary capacities to improve the
eco-efficiency of the processes and their economic viability will continue. Through a technical, economic,
environmental security and health analysis of the proposed options, the following actions will be prioritized,
identifying those that can be initiated immediately and those that need a more elaborate design and further
funding.
Step 5: Preparation of the Sectoral Pre-evaluation Document
With the information obtained in the pre-evaluations of each company and the data on the rest of the sector
(number of companies, production volumes, the types of processes that each will undertake, information on
effluents and data on environmental performance, obtained from DINAMA and the municipal intendancies)
the baseline of the sector will be drawn, which will include: indicators, identified opportunities and a critical
analysis that will be used in the CP plan for the sector.
Activity 4: Design of the CP for the Tannery Sector
Step 6: Planning Workshops
21 PNUMA/ONUDI Methodology
40

---

Planning workshops will be held in which the Sectoral Pre-evaluation Document will be presented to the
authorities, institutions and sectoral chambers, in order to collect key elements for elaboration of the sectoral
plan.
Step 7: Elaboration of the CP Sectoral Plan
In this stage, the Working Group will be extended to include contributions from other institutions and
association's representatives, besides the national and municipal environmental authorities.
A CP sectoral plan will be drafted for the tannery sector, considering the pre-evaluation document, the key
elements gathered at the workshops and the environmental authority's definition of the goals to be achieved
for environmental adaptation focused in preventing pollution.
Activity 5: Making of the CP business plans
Step 8: Elaboration of the preliminary CP plans for each enterprise
Based on the CP Sectoral Plan, the Individual Pre-evaluation Reports and the basis for each CP project
developed in the activity 3, each company will design a preliminary CP plan, which will contain technical,
environmental and economic aspects, for the environmental authority's approval.
Step 9: Establishment of individual agreements
Individual agreements will be established between the environmental authority and each company, taking
into account the business characteristics and the individual requirements to develop and implement the plans
and the CP Sectoral Plan.
Activity 6: Implementation of the CP business plans
Step 10: Project selection to support/reward
Three projects will be selected and rewarded with a partial support for the implementation stage22. The
proposed criteria include a preventive approach, reduction of the impact and innovation in the proposal. With
this support the intention is to promote these aspects in the companies' projects as a way to stimulate their
quality, which is important for DINAMA.
Step 11: Implementation and monitoring
Although during the capacity building program the implementation of solutions of identified opportunities
occurs, some solutions have additional requirements (funding, time to develop in detail a project, new
technologies). The evaluated opportunities and solutions, including those agreed in the plans by each
company with the environmental authority, should then be implemented and monitored.
In this stage, the consultants will support and monitor the progress of the defined projects' implementation,
while providing the necessary contacts to solve possible difficulties. Before the deadline set in the project
expires a report will be drafted on the progress, barriers, implemented opportunities and continuity plans of
each company. Each enterprise will track and report on the net cost savings (and/or IROR) realized as a
result of their reductions in use of inputs, energy, and reduced compliance costs in order to generate
information that will demonstrate the cost-efficiencies and savings that CP delivers.
The Working Group will carry out periodic meetings, in which follow-up of the project, regulatory changes
and available environmental services will take place23. Likewise, a structure linked to the sector association,
which can carry on once the project is finished, will be considered at this stage.
Activity 7: Conclusion, diffusion and continuity activities
22 Two prizes are proponed for small enterprises and one for a medium sized enterprise
23 In particular with regards to the treatment and final disposal of industrial waste
41

---

Step 12: Continuity activities
The Working Group or the commission that substitutes it will be supported in generating a Continuity Plan
that replicates the experiences throughout the rest of the sector.
The feasibility of replicating this initiative to other sectors will be considered in cooperation with the
Chamber of Industries of Uruguay and the National Chamber of Commerce and Services.
Replication efforts should consider the convenience of adopting the methodology of implementation with
applied capacity and participatory conflict resolution methods. It should also consider forming the respective
businesses, focused in changing their business culture, or the attainment of results by directly outsourcing
consulting services.
Investors' tables will be held, in which the project's experiences will be presented, in order to attract
additional funds to ensure continuity.
Step 13: Final Report and disseminaiton
A Final Report of the Sectoral CP project will be drafted, which should include the reports of each company,
an evaluation of the level of progress and compliance with the Sectoral Plan, the before and after indicators,
both planned and achieved, and the lessons learned.
Dissemination of the outcomes obtained and the lessons learned between the countries will take place
Step 14: Final event
A final event will be held with the objective of disseminating the outcomes of the project to those involved in
the sector's environmental aspects as well as other business associations. The Sectoral Plan will be presented
and its level of progress, as well as success cases and lessons learned. This event will contribute to
disseminating the pilot project for its replication in other sectors.
Outcomes at the end of the project
At the end of the project the following would have been accomplished:

Relevant stakeholders with increased awareness: companies, business associations, suppliers of goods
and services, workers and authorities.

Local actors with strong capacity to practically apply cleaner production schemes: at least 20 people,
including business technicians and representatives of the local and municipal authorities.

Private-Public Networks operating to replicate the experience in the rest of the sector (Working Group)
and to put forward proposals for other sectors.

Sectoral Pre-evaluation document containing diagnostic, indicators, statistics and CP opportunities that
stand out.

CP document plan for the tannery sector in Uruguay.

10 companies engaged in the practical application of the CP program.

10 companies having agreed with the environmental authorities their CP plan, with a gradual reduction
goal to achieve environmental adaptation with emphasis on pollution prevention (Eliminate the
contaminating loads discharged outside the norms).

10 companies implementing the agreed plan with the authorities to environmentally adapt, with emphasis
on pollution prevention, from the 2nd year onwards of the project (evaluating the technology to
incorporate, managing the necessary resources, etc)

3 companies applying CP with partial support of a specific association to promote the quality of the
proposals, from the 2nd year onwards.

Elimination of the contaminating loads discharged outside the regulation in the period agreed with the
environmental authority.

Reduction of the contaminating loads discharged outside the regulation as a sector effluent (80% of the
chromium) to a quarter of its current levels in 7 years from the beginning of the project24
24 Esta es una proyección conservadora de la replicación al sector.
42

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Project Management Structure and Accountability
The project will be executed by the Environmental Performance and Control Unit of DINAMA under a
service contract. A project unit will be established that will coordinate activities with the municipalities of
Montevideo, Canelones and San José, whose jurisdiction is encompassed in the project area.
Key stakeholders and beneficiaries
Among the key stakeholders for the project's success are the following: the group of companies that integrate
the Working Groups, the Uruguayan Tannery Industry Chamber, the Chamber of Industries, the
environmental authority (DINAMA), the municipalities located within the project area (Montevideo,
Canelones y San José) and the project's team.
The beneficiaries will be the sector's companies, workers with improved working conditions, the community
in general, the Rio de a Plata and its tributaries, the environmental authorities and the municipalities. As
mentioned above, the expected contributions of this pilot are important as they provide for evolving from
command and control schemes towards interactive approaches between the environmental authorities and the
industry. It is worth highlighting that the proposed methodology was presented and revised after a series of
exchanges with the environmental authority.
Finally, the interest expressed in exchanging CP experiences between Argentina and Uruguay must also be
highlighted, and in particular the exchange of concrete experiences in diverse sectors.
Long-term Strategy
The sustainability of the program beyond the duration of GEF's support is based on:

The creation of public-private networks

The possibility to replicate the CP plan both in the sector and outside the sector.

The ease and convenience by which the project can be replicated (Annex II: Economic Feasibility).
Indeed, the CP methodology implies that better environmental performance is linked with better
economic performance, and therefore, they mutually pay themselves off.

The capacity development within the environmental authority.

The CP document plan for the tannery sector in Uruguay
In the Feasibility Document the repayment years for the methodology's implementation, the social
investments and even the project itself are calculated. The repayment calculations were made based on
discount rates of 6, 8 and 12%.
Future actions will be repaid in 5.22, 5.59 and 6.56 years, depending on the discount rates used (6%, 8% and
12%).
Replicability
The resulting benefits of the cleaner production implementation in the pilot's 10 companies will provide for
replication to other companies within the sector (it has around 30), through the dissemination of success
cases and lessons learned, under the umbrella of PPP actions that facilitate the activities' development.
The monitoring of experiences in Argentina and Uruguay will increase the possibility for exchanges,
generating basis for future actions.
The work experience in a Sectoral Cleaner Production with the participation of the companies themselves in
one of the most contaminating sectors in Uruguay, will lay the foundations for replication of the
methodology in other national sectors. The working group methodology including the companies and the
authorities' mutual agreements on actions, deadlines and goals is considered an appropriate route to take in
43

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other industrial sectors. DINAMA considers this experience as a methodological pilot from which lesson will
be extracted to focus the work in other sectors, such as dairy, wool washing, electroplating, plastics,
pharmaceutical and the one related with the production of refrigeration units.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The Project Unit will produce a brief quarterly Progress Report updating the Steering Committee and the
project implementing agency on the progress of the pilot project based on the approved Logical Framework
Matrix and the project work plan. Once every year a detailed report will be submitted through the Steering
Committee to UNDP. This report will provide a full review of the work plan to identify project achievements
and deliveries versus the approved schedule, budget expenditures, recommendations with respect to any
amendments to workplan and budget, staff contracting and performance, and any other information required
by the Steering Committee and/or the Implementing Agency.
In addition to this, the pilot project strategy and objectives, intended outputs, implementation structure, work
plans and emerging issues will be regularly reviewed and evaluated annually by the Project Steering
Committee. Periodic Status Reports will be prepared at the request of the Steering Committee for
presentation at key meetings associated with the Project.
The pilot project will also be subject to:
Internal Project Implementation Reviews to be conducted by the RPC and submitted to the implementing
agency every six months.
An independent final project evaluation to be undertaken in conjunction with the Terminal Evaluation for
the FSP.
The project evaluations will be carried out in accordance with UNDP-GEF requirements and will cover all
aspects of the project. They will include: an assessment of (a) the outcomes generated, (b) the processes used
to generate them, (c) project impacts, and d) lessons learned. Advice will be given on how the M&E results
can be used to adjust the work if needed and on how to replicate the results in the region.
Co-Financing
The GEF contribution to the CP pilot program applied to the tanneries US$ 215.000. The co-financing for
this project is provided by the Uruguayan Chamber of Industries for $1,000,000, by the Municipality of
Montevideo for $300,000, and by the Uruguayan Technical Laboratory (LATU) for $450,000 for a total of
$1,750,000. Co-financing includes a project coordinator from DINAMA and assistant coordinators for the
project assigned by the municipalities. It also includes set up of project facilities. On the part of the Chamber
of Industries, support will provide for validation of the methodology and for widespread replication within
the tannery sector as well as other sectors. It will also provide expertise in sustainable production practices
for the sector. LATU contribution will include support all analysis requirements for assessments and
monitoring of project deliverables as well as specialized expertise in CP approaches and particularly for the
tannery sector.
44

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BUDGET FOR THE PILOT PROJECT
Months
Hours
Number
Enterprises
Cost/ Unit
Subtotals
International expert in CP
applied to tannery industry
7
32
-
-
200
11,200
undertakes mission
Long distance technical
assistance of the international
23
20
-
-
100
11,500
expert
Visits to enterprises by
-
3
-
10
100
3,000
international expert
Local CP consultants
24
-
8
-
2,700
129,600
Targeted capacity building,
pre-evaluation phase and
-
-
-
-
-
14,760
implementation phase
Support for implementation
-
-
3
-
-
30,000
Internal trips
-
-
20
10
10
1,000
Travel by international expert
-
-
14
-
250
3,500
DSA international expert
-
-
42
-
100
4,420
Publications of success
-
-
-
-
-
2,000
stories
Films and photography
-
-
-
-
-
2,000
Measurement services
-
-
-
-
-
2,000
(subcontract)
TOTAL
215,000
45

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Work Plan
Mes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Activity 1: Form a work team, identify key stakeholders, general awareness event
Hiring. Identification of key stakeholders
Step 1: General awareness Event
Activity 2: Launching and creation of the Work Group for the tannery sector.
Step 2: Launching event
Step 3: Creation of the Group Work
Activity 3: Develop the Pre-evaluation document of the tannery sector, indicators, statistics of the tannery industry in Uruguay and CP
Step 4: Applied CP training program
- Pre-evaluation
- Continuity projects and plan
Step 5: Secoral Pre-evaluation document
Activity 4: Design of the CP for the Tannery Sector
Step 6: Planning workshops
Step 7: Drafting of sectoral plan
Activity 5: Making of the CP business plans
Step o 8: Preliminary business plans
Step 9: Individual business agreements
companies-environmental authority
Activity 6: Implementation of the CP business plans
Step 10: Selection of projects to support / reward
Step 11: Implementation and follow-up
Activity 7: Conclusion, diffusion and continuity activities
Step 12: Activities for continuity
Step 13: Final report and diffusion
Step 14: Final Event
46

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STRATEGIC RESULTS FRAMEWORK
Products
Key performance Indicators
Verification means
Assumptions
20 representatives of local enterprises trained
Records on training, event
Training methodology applied to the
Local capacities in CP for the
in the learning-by-doing methodology
participation, work meetings
project's objectives. Participation of the
tannery sector strengthened
applied to CP in the sector
and work plans
companies' representatives in the sector.
CP Performance indicators defined for the
Count with the involvement of the
Pre-evaluation reports of the
Performance indicators for the
sector.
authorities and the companies in the
pilot companies. Sectoral Pre-
tannery sector
10 participating companies define the sector
sector.
evaluation Report.
indicators.
Active participation of the companies in
Sectoral Pre-evaluation
search and analysis of CP opportunities.
Opportunities for CP identified 100 CP opportunities identified.
Report with respective
Learning-by-going Methodology
in the tannery sector.
20 CP opportunities evaluated in their
barriers, CP application of
(PNUMA) is used in the training
Technical, economic and
technical, economic and environmental
evaluated and prioritized
program, with participation of an
environmental aspects
aspects.
opportunities.
international expert in CP applied to the
evaluated.
Barriers to develop the work identified.
CP Plan for the tannery
sector. The learning process is based on
sector.
each company's reality.
10 companies with CP plans prepared and
agreed with the environmental authority, with
CP plans drafted by each
Possibility of consensus between the
a preventive contamination approach that
Individual CP business plans.
participating company
authority and the industrial sector.
eliminates the pollution discharges dumped
above the norms.
10 CP projects implemented or in the process Document approving the
Necessary funding or contributions to
CP projects evaluated and
of implementation.
rewards
implement the projects in time.
implemented (or in the process Three projects selected to be supported
Monitoring report of each
Other possible barriers detected and
of implementation)
partially through a reward.
company's implementation.
resolved.
Reduction in chrome loads
An 80% reduction in total chrome loads
discharged that exceed norms
discharged outside the norm by the entire
Analysis data and evaluation
Efficiency in the replication towards the
in the tannery sector in
tannery sector; loads relative to baseline at
from DINAMA
rest of the sector once the project ends.
Uruguay (SR)
40% by Year 4 and 20% by Year 7
47

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ANNEX II ­ TECHNICAL ­ ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF THE PILOT
PROGRAM
Few systematic studies exist on the links between the different kinds of economic development and the
consequences on the environment that result from the way the natural resources are used. Environmental
degradation is not an inevitable consequence of the human progress, but a characteristic of certain
production models.
The environment provides two types of general uses: one "productive", as natural resources are included
and destroyed in the processes of production and consumption, and one "vital", which provides the
environmental base for human life itself. The existence or absence accountability mechanisms for those
responsible for the consequences for managing those resources, results in impacts at various levels: a)
natural resources are consumed and destroyed above the necessary levels; b) excessive use on behalf of
productive sectors which also results in a reduction of the availability of those resources for collective
use; c) this derives in a situation in which available resources for collective use is less than what is
socially desirable and possible.
Environmental impacts are a negative externality: they affect the economic agents without being
incorporated into market conditions, Therefore in order to correct this the "polluter pays principle" is
applied which assumes that no one is obliged to undertake environmentally responsible actions, but
rather, that conditions needs to be created so that this approach is more profitable than degradation. The
relevant normative development is still incipient in the country.
The Cleaner Production Scheme is the continuous application of a preventive and integrated
environmental strategy applied to processes, products and services to increment their efficiency and
reduce the risks for human beings and the environment.25 It focuses in an integral way economic,
environmental security and health aspects. Through it, companies can obtain economic benefits as well
as environmental ones. The implicit environmental costs found in environmental impacts has started to
be perceived in less developed countries, whether as a consequence or not of sanctions by the
environmental authorities. In the process of continuous development and improvement the first stage is
usually to apply better management practices ­ with low or no investment -, going through a change of
processes­ with small or medium investments-, up until the incorporation of new technologies ­ with
medium to high investments-, which increasing rates of return. 26
The tanneries generate wastes that include: liquid effluents, solid wastes, foul emissions in the
atmosphere and noise, which translate into negative effects on the welfare of the population. The liquid
effluents include the discharges of the washing and soaking processes, and of the acid effluents (tanning
with chromium) and alkaline (sulfurs) to the rivers. The foul emissions are primarily related to the
sulfuric acids. Besides the negative impacts considered here, the CP methodology also reduces the use of
resources, both renewable and non-renewable, by improving their efficiency.
Feasibility analysis of the pilot program
1.
The Pilot Program contemplates CP application in 10 companies of the tannery sector.
2.
An analysis of the economic feasibility was done in two levels:
a.
At a company level
b.
At country level
3.
At a company level
25 UNEP definition, 1994
26 The investments in Uruguay are favored by specific lines of funding for CP and by the possibility to subsidize
through tax exemptions found in the new Investment Law, which has been insufficiently applied
48

---

a.
It is assumed that the work will take place with one large company, 4 medium ones and
5 small ones, according to the analysis of the companies classified by their exports and based on the
definition found in the Decree 504/007 on company sales (sales and exports are considered to be the
same).
Exports January-September 2008
Thousands
Company
of U$S
Decree 504/007
Varna
82.125
Paycueros
62.324
Bader
34.808
Curtiembre
More than USD
Large
Paris
18.808
1,650,001
Toryal
13.837
Curtifrance
11.849
Dofin
9.822
Naussa
3.715
Curlan S.A.
1.478
Montecasino
775
Moacín
561
Up to
Medium
CIBLE
327
USD 1,650.000
Mario
C
Macri
258
Caramora
206
Goel
(ex-
Napalan
S.R.L.)
153
López
Castiglioni
80
Moncuer
Ltda.
27
micro
Curtiembre
Up to
and
Del Plata
1
small
USD 200.000
Telmor
(ex
Almenil)
0
Midobers
0
Emidal
0
Tapicuer
0
ICASIL
(Ex
Dupark)
0
49

---

Gran
Torre
(Ex-
1577
S.R.L.)
0
Bray
-
Paul
Srl
0
Nintal
S.A.
(ex
Ormaral
S.A.)
0
b.
A USD 50.000, USD 30.000 and USD 10.000 dollars investment was estimated for
large, medium and small companies, respectively.
c.
Annual savings of 50% of the total investments made is a conservative estimate. The
experience of the Cleaner Production Center of the Montevideo University (2005 ­ 2008) indicates
that in average the annual savings exceed 120% of the investments made. In addition, the Bolivian
Center for Cleaner Production points out two examples of companies in the tannery sector with
savings of 900% y 180%.
On the other hand, the experience of some groups like "Gestión
Ambiental Asociativa y Rentable de la Cámara Nacional de Comercio y Servicios" indicates that
savings exceed 20 times more the investments made. Given that in the first stage of applying the CP
methodology diverse low cost solutions are implemented, the return on the investment is fast.
However, an annual 50% recovery was considered reasonable bearing in mind that probably some
companies must invest to construct or adapt their treatment plants.
d.
The next table indicates the recovery months at a discount rate of 6%.27
50%
ahorro %
inversión p/empresa
inversión
año 1
empresas
(US$)
total inv (US$)
(US$)
años de repago
grandes
1
50000
50000
25000
medianas
4
30000
120000
60000
pequeñas
5
10000
50000
25000
90000
220000
110000
2,19
e.
The full recovery of a company's investment takes a little more than two years.
f.
The data on the years of recovery of the investments will be presented next, considering
as investment the total cost of the program, with an amortization period of two years, with the
purpose to round off the recovery period of the companies not included in the program (2.19 years)
and deducting a 14000 US$ contribution to support the implementation of medium size companies
and contributions of 8000 US$ each to support the implementation of small size companies.
g.
The next table shows the repayment months with a discount rate of 6%.
proyecto
291180
50%
proy prorrata,
ahorro %
amortizado en 2 años +
total inv - subsidio+
inversión
año 1
empresas
inv p/empresa (US$)
proyecto (US$)
(US$)
años de repago
grandes
1
130883
130883
25000
medianas
4
78530
300120
60000
pequeñas
5
26177
114883
25000
235590
545887
110000
6,07
The repayment of the investments plus the cost of the project is 6.07 years.
27 If a savings percentage of 80% were calculated, the repayment years would reduce to 1,34.
50

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h.
For the second year, including the remaining amortization of the project, and an average
investment of 26.000 dollars, which includes training costs and five companies participating per
year, the repayment period is 5,04 years.
50%
ahorro %
inversión p/empresa
total inv + proyecto
inversión
año 2
empresas
(US$)
(US$)
(US$)
empresas
5
26000
275590
65000
5,04
i.
The increase of efficiency that would result from the experience acquired is not
contemplated in the calculations.
j.
The lack of sanctions imposed against contaminating companies, including closures,
might increase the profitability of those companies that apply CP. Such advantages are not included
in the calculations.
k.
The simulations reveal the viability of the CP actions proposed in this pilot project,
given that the time of repayment is quite short. Next, a simulation with discount rates of 8 y 12% will
be shown.
SIMULACIÓN EMPRESAS
8%
50%
ahorro %
inversión p/empresa
inversión
año 1
empresas
(US$)
total inv (US$)
(US$)
años de repago
grandes
1
50000
50000
25000
medianas
4
30000
120000
60000
pequeñas
5
10000
50000
25000
90000
220000
110000
2,27
proyecto
291180
50%
proy prorrata,
ahorro %
amortizado en 2 años +
total inv - subsidio+
inversión
año 1
empresas
inv p/empresa (US$)
proyecto (US$)
(US$)
años de repago
grandes
1
130883
130883
25000
medianas
4
78530
300120
60000
pequeñas
5
26177
114883
25000
235590
545887
110000
6,57
50%
ahorro %
inversión p/empresa
total inv + proyecto
inversión
año 2
empresas
(US$)
(US$)
(US$)
empresas
5
26000
275590
65000
5,38
51

---

SIMULACIÓN EMPRESAS
12%
50%
ahorro %
inversión p/empresa
inversión
año 1
empresas
(US$)
total inv (US$)
(US$)
años de repago
grandes
1
50000
50000
25000
medianas
4
30000
120000
60000
pequeñas
5
10000
50000
25000
90000
220000
110000
2,42
proyecto
291180
50%
proy prorrata,
ahorro %
amortizado en 2 años +
total inv - subsidio+
inversión
año 1
empresas
inv p/empresa (US$)
proyecto (US$)
(US$)
años de repago
grandes
1
130883
130883
25000
medianas
4
78530
300120
60000
pequeñas
5
26177
114883
25000
235590
545887
110000
7,99
50%
ahorro %
inversión p/empresa
total inv + proyecto
inversión
año 2
empresas
(US$)
(US$)
(US$)
empresas
5
26000
275590
65000
6,27
4.
Finally, at a country level, the total cost of the project (291.180 dollars) must be taken into
account and compared with the cost of the actions that the authorities would have to face if the
project did not exist. A possible scenario would probably include the cost of the damages caused for
not having prevented the pollution. The different wastes found in land, water and air would lead to
various actions. However there is not enough data to undertake an economic evaluation of as that
there are too many variables at stake.28
a.
With regards to the emissions, the surrounding community would clearly be affected
with the sulfuric acid emissions, which could also lead to the imposition of sanctions, including
possible closures.
b.
A significant contribution of organic materials and chemical substances like chromium
and lead is transported through the effluents (a lesser amount). The majority of the tanneries in the
geographical area considered dump their wastes directly into the drainage system and sometimes
directly into the waterways. In those tanneries in which there is no treatment or is not adequate the
load dumped causes damages to the drainage system. This has been verified in drainage
constructions in Montevideo, where destruction on parts of the system is revealed. Therefore, one of
the actions to be considered is the replacement of some parts of the drainage system. On the other
hand, recuperation initiatives along the course of the effluents or the Rio de la Plata would have to
also be considered.
c.
Solid wastes that are not disposed adequately damage the soils and can provoke
contamination of the groundwater sources used for human and animal consumption, irrigation and
industrial activities. The actions to be considered include recovery of the soils containing solid
wastes incorrectly disposed and their subsequent proper treatment. However, if groundwater
pollution is considered, the situation becomes much more serious.
28 It was not possible to find studies of this type for the tannery sector. Only an approximation of the subject was found
in a study in Pakistan: Environmental impacts and mitigation costs associated with cloth and leather exports from
Pakistan. Shahrukh Rafi Khan, Mahmood A. Khwaja and Abdul Matin Khan. Sustainable Development Policy Institute,
Islamabad. Publicación de Environment and Development Economics 6 (2001) 383-403. Cambridge University Press
2001
52

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d.
Another aspect to consider is the inefficient use of energy, which is one of the aspects
addressed by the CP methodology. In the absence of the project the current energy consumption
would be maintained, which would contribute to the already large consumption of fossil fuels used in
the country by the energy sector29 , and therefore contribute to global warming.
In conclusion, investments in raising awareness, strengthening of CP skills and implementing the
proposed methodology, with the environmental authorities' support, is definitely a contribution to
the sustainable development, and to the reduction and prevention of the terrestrial origin
contamination of the Rio de la Plata and its Maritime Front
Bibliographic references

Escobari, Jorge et al ­ Problemática ambiental en Bolivia ­ Unidad de análisis de políticas
ambientales y sociales,
http://www.udape.gov.bo/diagnosticos/documentos/documento%20sector%20medio%20ambiente.p
df

Morales Lamberti, Alicia - Incidencia del derecho en los costos ambientales generados por los
sistemas productivos - Centro de Investigaciones Jurídicas y Sociales, Facultad de Derecho y
Ciencias
Sociales,
Universidad
Nacional
de
Córdoba,
Argentina
http://bibliotecavirtual.clacso.org.ar/ar/libros/argentina/cijs/sec3001b.html

European Commission (2001) Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Reference
Document on Best Available Techniques for the Tanning of Hides and Skins

Guía
técnica
de
Producción
más
Limpia
para
Curtiembres
http://www.cpts.org/prodlimp/guias/curtiembres.htm [Consulta setiembre 2008]
29 56% of electric energy used in the country comes from oil fuel and 17% from wood fuel (Datos Dirección Nacional
de Energía, December 2008 based on an analysis of data from 2001-2007)
53

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Document Outline

• Chief Executive Officer
• Global Environment Facility

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