G-PAS Second Synthesis - 30 Nov 2007

GEF-Pacific Alliance for Sustainability

Eligible National Priorities for Project Preparation to be finalized at the Bali UNFCCC G-PAS Side Event on 5th December, 2007.

Samoa expects to attract somewhere between $USD5-10million to help fund about 10 major environmental projects.

Whilst the MNRE acts as the G-PAS Operational Focal Point, it is imperative that these planned projects are harmonized with other existing and planned country projects/programmes. All Ministries are expected to be involved in one way or another.

In addition, both NGOs and CBOs are also expected to assist both the private sector and public sector successfully implement the approved G-PAS-funded projects.

The following second draft synthesis attempts to harmonize all the G-PAS projects from all PICs.


COUNTRIES
Biodiversity
Adaptation
Mitigation
International Waters
POPs
Cross-cutting capacity building
Cook Island
IAS
PACC
EE, PIGREP
IWRM

CB2
Fiji
FR
PACC
PIGREP
IWRM
MNI
CB2
Kiribati
IIB, IAS

PIGREP
IWRM
MNI

Marshall Island
MC, IAS
PACC-2
ADMIRE

SW
CB2
Micronesia
MC, IAS
PACC

IWRM
SW

Nauru
IIB
PACC
PIGREP
IWRM


Niue
IAS, FR
PACC

IWRM


Palau
MC
PACC-2

IWRM
SW

Papua New Guinea
IAS, FR, CTI
PACC
LULUCF, PIGREP
IWRM
SW, DDT, NIP

Samoa
FR, IAS
PACC
EE, PIGREP
IWRM


Solomon Island
CTI
PACC
PIGREP
IWRM
SW
CB2

Tonga
IAS, MB
PACC
EE, PIGREP

SW
CB2
Timor Leste
EA
NAPA-I



CB2
Tuvalu
IIB, EA
PACC, NAPA-I
PIGREP
IWRM
SW, DDT
CB2
Vanuatu
FR, IAS
PACC
EE, PIGREP
IWRM

CB2
ACRONYMS
Biodiversity

Climate Change

IAS
Invasive Species Management
PACC
Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change
FR
Forestry protected area management
ADMIRE
Action for the Development of Marshall Islands Renewable Energies
IIB
Integrated island biodiversity management and community conservation
PIGREP
Pacific Islands Greenhouse Gas Abatement through Renewable Energy Project in 10 countries (ongoing)
MC
Micronesia Challenge
EE
Energy Efficiency in buildings
CTI
Coral Reef Triangle
NAPA-I
NAPA Implementation
EA
Enabling Activities


International Waters

POPs

IWRM
Integrated Water Resources Management/Water Supply Protection

SW
Integrated solid and hazardous waste and POPs management
Cross cutting Capacity Building
DDT
Alternatives to DDT
CB2
Cross-cutting capacity building projects
MNI
Monitoring of POPs
LAND MANAGEMENT

GEF-UNDP Targeted Portfolio Project on Capacity Building and Mainstreaming of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The umbrella program was CEO endorsed in September 2004. The program aims at developing individual, institutional and systemic capacity for sustainable land management in these countries. GEF funding is available to LDCs and SIDS for targeted capacity building through individual MSPs.

BIODIVERSITY

Sustainable Finance Systems for Island Protected Area Management (Micronesia Challenge) – Marshall Islands, Palau and Micronesia
GEF Agency: UNEP

Invasive Species Management – Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Cook Island, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Niue
GEF Agency: UNEP (and UNDP and FAO)

Strengthening community-based marine resources and fisheries management (Coral Triangle Initiative) – Solomon Island and Papua New Guinea
GEF Agency: Asian Development Bank

Terrestrial/Forestry Protected Area Management – Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and Niue
GEF Agency: UNDP (and World Bank)

Integrated island biodiversity and community conservation – Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu (concept to be developed)
GEF Agency: UNDP OR UNEP OR ?

Mainstreaming of biodiversity – Tonga
GEF Agency: World Bank

Enabling activity (Reporting to CBD) – Timor Leste, Tuvalu
GEF Agency: UNDP, UNEP and WB

Comments on other proposals not being included in the list:
(i) Nauru Integrated Coastal Management Programme - Nauru submitted two priorities, the other being the restoration of the top-side habitats. Need to confirm with Nauru if it comes down to choosing between coastal management and terrestrial which would be more of a priority. The loss of BD over many years of phosphate mining is likely the higher priority for this coral island country.
(ii) Niue Biotechnology and Biosafety for Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability - When listed as a regional project, others like PNG and Samoa might join. It would be worth going back to countries to confirm if they would join this project if included in GEFPAS as a regional/multi-country project. The synergies with IAS activities in stregthening biosecurity systems might make it worth considering the integration with IAS.
(iii) Sustainable Management of Coastal Resources at Vaiusu Bay. Samoa listed this project as multi-focal area (BD, IW, LD, CC). Samoa also proposed $1.6m from BD to be allocated to its forestry project. As Samoa is also in the regional invasive species project there may not be enough funds available under BD RAF for this project. Protecting the mangroves can be included in Adaptation but need to ensure no overlaps with PACC
(iv) Tuvalu’s strengthening of community based conservation programs on highly vulnerable near shore marine and land/coastal ecosystems

ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Building resilience to climate change (Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change) – Cook Islands, Fiji, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu (extension to other countries)
Lead GEF Agency: UNDP
Extending PACC to Palau, Marshall Islands to be considered

NAPA Implementation- Timor Leste, Tuvalu (plus other LDCs).A follow up project from NAPAs, as determined by the country. (LDCF)[1]
GEF Agency: UNDP and UNEP

Comments on other proposals not being included in the first list:
(i) Tonga – PACC first. Other Priorities: Activities need to be finalized first in PACC with the implementing agency. Climate proofing, with ADB
(ii) Cooks Islands- PACC first. Other Priorities: Integrated Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management-SCCF
(iii) Samoa- PACC First. Other Priorities: Integrated Climate Change Adaptation in Samoa. (SCCF). Clarification is needed to make sure activities do not have overlap with PACC.
(iv) Nauru- Needs additional work as the list of priorities is unclear and follow up projects are difficult to envision.
(v) Solomon Islands - PACC first – need to determine activities in PACC. Other Priorities: Climate Proofing, Enhancement of National Meteorological Hydrological Service related to Climate Change and Variability – (SCCF)
(vi) Fiji- PACC First- Other Priorities: Enhancing resilience in tourism sector to CC impacts – (SCCF)
(vii) Micronesia. PACC first, Other Priorities: (?) finalize activities. Climate Proofing (SCCF)

Please note that there are no resources left in the SCCF except for the PACC project (there is a possibility to include in the PACC the two remaining island states that are not in the PACC, Marshall Islands and Palau. As Kiribati has already accessed $2 million GEF resources through the SPA and can access $3.5 million GEF/LDCF resources it is fair to give priority to the other two island states). Even though it would be more efficient to add two more states to the PACC - Palau and Marshall Islands may select a different Implementing Agency, as the process is country driven.

There are some resources, although limited, under the SPA in the GEF trust fund. The SPA does not follow the RAF. The LDCF and SCCF do not follow the RAF.

As the resources under the SCCF have been all allocated, except for the resources planned to finance the PACC, all priorities that fall under the SCCF can be submitted under the SCCF only after it is communicated that the donors have announced new pledges to the SCCF.

Climate Change Mitigation Projects

Energy efficiency program - Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, Cook Islands. Energy Efficiency focusing on electricity end uses (demand side management), appliance labeling, and technology transfer is a good idea. Improved energy efficiency of buildings (e.g. Government buildings, tourism.), Enhanced Institutional and technical capabilities to implement energy efficiency. . There is the possibility of formulating a good regional energy efficiency project here, if countries agree. Other countries might choose to participate as well.
GEF Agency: Asian Development Bank

ADMIRE Project in Marshall Islands was recently approved by the GEF.
GEF Agency: UNDP

Extended PIGREP or Sustainable Economic Development through Renewable Energy Applications (SEDREA) in Nauru and Palau should be feasible as both are proposing some form of renewable energy projects. Neither are in PIGGAREP. (PIGREP is a renewable energy project approved in GEF-3 and is designed to assist countries identify viable RE projects in 10 countries).
GEF Agency: UNDP

LULUCF Project in Papua New Guinea replacing the proposed biomass project which is not very well described and raises questions about its sustainability. We would therefore suggest that PNG use their CC allocation and combine it with resources from the BD focal area and make it a larger sustainable forests project, using the CC money to ensure LULUCF benefits.
GEF Agency: World Bank

Comments on other proposals not being included in the first list:
(i) Fiji and Vanuatu: Both countries propose transport projects. There should be some collaboration and cooperation as the solutions of SIDS in these areas may be quite similar. Perhaps a regional program could be proposed to ensure some sharing of experiences and approaches. Can consider a regional project.
(ii) Kiribati: Kiribati is already participating in PIGREP, so proposing another RE project at present does not seem practical. Better to wait until PIGGAREP makes progress.

INTERNATIONAL WATERS

Integrated Water Resources Management/Water Supply Protection
GEF Agency: UNDP and UNEP

Ridge to Reef and Integrated Coastal Management -Palau, Micronesia and Solomon islands. This project can be included in the Coral Triangle Initiative.
GEF Agency: Asian Development Bank

POPS

Support to POPs monitoring - Fiji and Kiribati. Kiribati and Fiji listed this project as a regional priority, but again will need flexibility for others to be in the MSP, especially countries that in other for a were identified to be in the project such as Niue, Samoa, Palau, and Solomon Islands
GEF Agency: UNEP with University of South Pacific.[2]

DDT alternatives: PNG, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
GEF Agency: UNEP with WHO (Regional Office in Manila)[3]


Integrated solid and hazardous waste and POPs management - Cook Islands, FSM, Marshall Islands, PNG, Samoa, Tuvalu, Palau, Tonga (the latter two countries only if they ratify the Stockholm Convention). This regional project with specific country-level interventions would address the requests of the countries wishing to work on NIP implementation and/or waste management, and would support the recently adopted Pacific Strategy for Waste Management. Others might wish to join in this effort when they are made aware of it. This concept would have to be much developed before writing a PIF.
GEF Agency: Asian Development Bank in collaboration with SPREP and the Basel regional centre for the Pacific.

NIP implementation- Papua New Guinea
GEF Agency: Possibly with UNDP

CROSS-CUTTING CAPACITY BUILDING

Development of capacity to sustain global environmental benefits (Follow-up of NCSAs) – Vanuatu, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Timor Leste, Tuvalu
GEF Agency: UNEP, UNDP, World Bank


[1] Acronyms: LDCF Least Developed Countries Fund
SCCF Special Climate Change Fund
SPA Strategic Priority on Adaptation

[2] UNEP is developing an MSP to support effectiveness evaluation under the Stockholm Convention. The Pacific component of which would address these requests. PIF is under development.

[3] PIF submitted for consideration.

Samoa's Country Priorities (15-10-007)

The following preliminary information was offered to the G-PAS on 15th October 2007 for eventual regional synthesis.

SAMOA'S PRIORITY PROJECTS IN THE GEF FOCAL AREAS FOR THE PACIFIC ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Priority number
NATIONAL PROJECTS
Detailed title of the proposal and its current status of preparation (concept, PIF, project document)*

GEF Focal Area and Operational Strategy
List 2 to 3 expected major outcomes of the proposed project in terms of
List 3-5 main project activities
Identify link to national strategies or reports to the conventions
Co-financing sources (in-kind and cash co-financing listed separately)
Global environmental benefits
National sustainable development benefits
1
Sustainable Management of Forest Resources on Savaii Island

Biodiversity
1. Protection of forest genetic resources
2. Protection of terrestrial biodiversity
3. Development of model for Community Protected Areas on customary lands
1. Sustainable development of forest resources among rural communities
2. Improved support for rural livelihoods from forest products
3. Improved governance for Community Protected Areas
4. Establishment of Community Protected Areas on customary lands
1. Build capacity for the sustainable development of forests
2. Develop income generating activities for affected stakeholders
3. Implement pilot projects to support the establishment of Community Protected Areas
1 National Strategy for the Development of Samoa 2005-2007
2 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
3 National Policy on Forestry for Sustainable Development
4 National Policy for the Conservation of Biodiversity
Cash
-UNDP
-JICA
- AusAID
In-kind
- Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment (MNRE)
- Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (MAF)
- Ministry of Women, Community & Social Development (MWCSD)

2
Integrated Climate Change Adaptation in Samoa

Climate Change (adaptation)
Not Applicable
1. Enhanced early warning systems
2. Improved management of climate health
3. Enhanced food security
4. Strengthened resilience of coastal communities
1. Improve weather and climate services
2. Build capacity to deal with climate-related diseases
3. Build capacity in food security
4. Protect coastal wetlands
1 National Policy on Combating Climate Change
2 National Adaptation Plan of Action
3 Coastal Infrastructure Management Strategy
Cash
- Government of Samoa
- World Bank
- FAO
In-kind
- MNRE
- MAF
- MWCSD
- Ministry of Health (MoH)

3
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Abatement through Energy Efficiency and Biofuel Applications in the Electricity Sector

Climate Change (mitigation)
1. Reduced GHG emissions
2. Reduced reliance on fossil fuel
3. Experience in climate change mitigation strengthened

1. Savings in consumer electricity costs due to reduced demand
2. Savings in fossil fuel costs for electricity generation due to more efficient supply operations
3. Use of biofuel as alternative to fossil fuel developed
4. Savings in energy use for buildings due to improved design and construction
1. Improve energy efficiency of electricity enduses (demand management)
2. Improve energy efficiency of electricity production (supply management)
3. Improve energy efficiency of buildings
4. Conduct research in biofuel as alternative to fossil fuel

1. National Policy on Combating Climate Change
2. National GHG Abatement Strategy 2007-2017 (draft)
3. National Energy Policy
Cash
- Government of Italy
- ADB (energy)
- UNDP
In-kind
- MNRE
- MWCSD
- Ministry of Works, Transport & Infrastructure (MWTI)
- Electric Power Corporation (EPC)
- Research & Development Institute of Samoa (RDIS)
4
Sustainable Management of Coastal Resources at Vaiusu Bay

Multi-focal Areas:
- Biodiversity
- International Waters
- Land Degradation
- Climate Change

1. Improved protection of marine biodiversity
2. Enhanced conservation of marine ecosystems
3. Improved quality of inshore waters
4. Reduced marine pollution from land-based activities
5. Use of mangroves as carbon sinks strengthened
1. Enhanced amenity of the bay area
2. Increased levels of fish and shellfish
3. Greater protection of mangroves
4. Better protection of marine resources
5. Cleaner coastal waters
6. Use of mangroves as protection against storm surges and sea level rise strengthened
1. Protect the mangrove forests
2. Conserve the marine resources
3. Reduce pollution in the bay from human activities
4. Clean-up the old rubbish dump at Vaitoloa (within the bay area)
1. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
2. National Policy on the Conservation of Biodiversity
3. National Action Plan on Land Degradation
4. National Policy on Waste Management
5. National Chemicals Management Strategy 2007-2017 (draft)

Cash
- ADB (sanitation & drainage)
- EU
- Government of Venezuela
- NZAID
In-kind
- MNRE
- MAF
- MWTI
- MoH
- MWCSD
- Samoa Water Authority (SWA)


5.
Sustainable Management of Chemical and Carbon Releases in the Tourism Sector

Cross-cutting Issues:
- Tourism
- Chemicals (including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) & Persistent Toxic Substances (PTSs)
- Carbon Emissions

1. Reduced health risks from POPs and PTSs
2. Reduced production of dioxins and furans
3. Reduced carbon emissions due to tourism travel
4. Use of forests as carbon sinks developed

1. Sustainable management of chemicals
2. Improved environmental and public health from chemical pollution
3. Sustained growth in the tourism sector

1. Develop effective options for the disposal of chemical waste
2. Reduce the local production of unintended POPs
3. Mainstream environmental impact assessment in tourism development
4. Plant trees to offset carbon emissions from tourism operations

1. National Implementation Plan for POPs
2. National Chemicals Management Strategy 2007-2017 (draft)
3. National Policy on Combating Climate Change
4. National GHG Abatement Strategy 2007-2017 (draft)
Cash
- JICA
- EU
- World Bank
In-kind
- MNRE
- MoH
- MAF
- MWCSD
- Ministry of ,Education, Sports & Culture (MESC)
- Samoa Tourism Authority


MULTI-COUNTRY PROJECTS
Detailed title of the proposal and its current status of preparation (concept, PIF, project document)*






1
Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (Pacific regional project under SPREP)

Climate Change (adaptation)
Not Applicable
1. Enhanced resilience of coastal communities
2. Improved conservation of coastal natural resources
3. Greater protection of coastal infrastructures

1. Protect private coastal assets
2. Conserve coastal natural resources and the environment
3. Protect public coastal assets and infrastructure

1. National Adaptation Plan of Action
2. National Policy on Combating Climate Change
3. Coastal Infrastructure Management Strategy

Cash
- World Bank
- Government of Samoa
In-kind
-MNRE
-MWTI
-MWCSD

2
Integrated Water Resources Management (Pacific regional project under SOPAC)
International Waters
1. Improved quality of freshwater
2. Improved quality of inshore waters

1. Improved assessment of underground water
2. Strengthened protection of watershed areas
3. Improved governance of national water resources

1. Improve freshwater quality
2. Rehabilitate watershed areas
3. Develop public-private partnerships for sustainable water resources management
1. National Water Resources Policy
2. National Water Resources Strategy 2007-2017
Cash
-JICA
-EU
-ADB (sanitation)
In-kind
-MNRE
-SWA
-MoH
-MWTI
-MWCSD
-EPC

3
Pacific Invasive Species Management Programme (Pacific regional project under SPREP)
Biodiversity
1. Strengthened regional biosecurity system
2. Reduced risk of new invasions and/or new species becoming established
1. Strengthened quarantine and boarder control services
2. Better programmes focused on specific species and sites
3. Improved techniques for management and cure

1. Create public awareness and collect planning data
2. Build capacity and acquire relevant skills
3. Implement eradication and control pilot projects

1. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
2. National Policy on the Conservation of Biodiversity
3. South Pacific Regional Invasive Species Strategy
4. National Invasive Species Strategy
Cash
-JICA
-Conservation International
In-kind
-MNRE
-MAF
- Ministry for Revenue (MfR)


4
Access and Benefit Sharing (Pacific regional project under SPREP)
Biodiversity
1. Fair sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources improved
2. Availability of genetic resources for utilization increased
1. Better control over access to genetic resources
2. Greater opportunities to engage in benefit sharing arrangements over the use of genetic resources
1. Increase public awareness
2. Build capacity and acquire relevant skills
3. Draft and pass Access and Benefit Sharing legislation
1. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
2. National Policy on the Conservation of Biodiversity
Cash
-AusAID
In-kind
-MNRE
-MAF
-MfR
-RDIS