220 SP1 EA(b) Rapid and reliable environmental assessments

Final revised draft, 6 October 2009

UNEP Programme of Work 2010-11

Programme Framework Document

Disasters and Conflicts

EA (b): Rapid and reliable environmental assessments following conflicts and disasters as requested

EA (c): The post-crisis assessment and recovery process contributes to improved environmental management and the sustainable use of natural resources

(Post-Crisis Environmental Assessments and Recovery)

Reviewed for Approval

Name and title of Expected Accomplishment:

Sub-programme 2, EA 2/3 - Post-crisis assessment/recovery

Name of Coordinating Division Director:

Ibrahim Thiaw, Director, DEPI

Review Signature:

__       Date://20

Name and title of Sub-programme Coordinator:

Name: Henrik Slotte, Chief, Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch

Review Signature:

       Date://20

Approval[1]

PAG approval of the Programme Framework:

Name: Angela Cropper, UNEP Deputy Executive Director

Approval Signature:

       Date://20

1 Programme Framework Outline

Programme of Work Basis and Cost

Subprogramme		#2	Disasters and Conflicts	Lead Division:	DEPI
Expected Accomplishment		#2/3	(2) Rapid and reliable environmental assessments following conflicts and disasters as requested (3) The post-conflict assessment and recovery process contributes to improved environmental management and the sustainable use of natural resources	Coordinating Division:	DEPI
Indicator of Achievement			(2) Increased percentage of identified acute environmental risks that are mitigated in the post-conflict and post-disaster relief period (3) (i) Increased percentage of inter-agency post-crisis needs assessments and early recovery plans that identify, prioritize and cost environmental damage and needs, and (ii) increased percentage of the total long-term relief and crisis recovery funding focused on environment an natural resource management and associated livelihood projects
Baseline and Target			(2) Ratio of assessments conducted to number of post-conflict and post-disaster operations. Dec 2007: n/a, Dec 2009: tbd, Dec 2011: 90 percent (3) (i) Percentage of recovery plan by UN entities with environmental components in supported countries. Dec 2007: n/a; Dec 2009: tbd; Dec 2011: 90 percent; and (ii) Percentage increase in funding with relief and recovery operations for environmental and livelihood projects. Dec 2007: n/a; Dec 2009: tbd; Dec 2011: 10 percent increase
PoW Outputs and ID Numbers (#ID: SP-EA-Output, e.g. 1-1-1)				IMDIS Category, Quantity	Accountable Division
#211	Environmental expertise for emergency response coordinated and mobilized to identify and mitigate acute environmental risks to human health stemming from specific emergencies and related secondary risks [12 interventions]			Fact-finding missions, 12	DEPI
#222	Field-based environmental assessments conducted to identify environmental risks to human health, livelihoods and security, and environmental needs integrated within national recovery plans and appeals, and United Nations recovery activities in post-crisis countries [4 countries]			Field projects, 4	DEPI
#223	Environmental considerations integrated within relief and recovery policies, practices and appeals [4 countries]			Contribution to joint outputs, 4	DEPI
#224	Network of UNEP experts and associated institutions established and trained to contribute to emergency response missions, environmental assessments, and real-time technical assistance to crisis-affected countries [1 network]			Training courses, seminars and workshops, 1	DEPI
#231	Environmental policy and institutional support provided to post-crisis countries [4 countries]			Advisory services, 4	DEPI
#232	Environmental clean-up projects catalysed at sites contaminated by hazardous substances and wastes as a result of conflicts or disasters [4 projects]			Field projects, 4	DEPI
#233	Ecosystem restoration and management projects catalysed for sites damaged by conflicts or disasters [4 projects]			Field projects, 4	DEPI
#234	Sustainable building and construction guidelines implemented on a pilot basis as a contribution to the efficient use of resources in crisis-affected countries [4 pilots]			Field projects, 4	DTIE
#235	Environmental considerations integrated into UN peacebuilding and recovery activities in post-crisis countries and regions [4 countries]			Contribution to joint outputs, 4	DEPI

Table 1: Total Framework Budget for 2010-2011 (total, including in-kind)

	Environment Fund	Extra-Budgetary	GEF	Total
Estimated Budget	$	$	$	$
Secured	$	$	$	$
Unsecured	$	$	$	$

Programme Framework Description

Programme Framework logic:

The UNEP Medium-term Strategy 2010-2013 (MTS) identifies "Disasters and Conflicts" as one of six priority areas of work for the organization. This development is the result of increased global awareness of the environmental dimensions of conflicts and disasters, as well as of the comparative advantage UNEP has built over the past decade in this emerging area of work.

Within the framework of the UNEP Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme, conflict is understood to mean violent conflict, referring to wars or other struggles that involve the use of force. Disaster refers to an event induced by natural processes (natural hazards) and/or originating from industrial accidents (technological hazards), which causes widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and exceeds the ability of the affected group or society to cope using its own resources. In the Programme of Work, the phrase "man-made disasters" or "human-made disasters" is understood to encompass violent conflict. Considering the shared environmental consequences of both phenomena, UNEP uses the term crisis to refer to both conflicts and disasters.

Violent conflicts and disasters impact the environment in three main ways. First, direct environmental impacts from conflicts and disasters can cause acute threats to human life and health due to the release of polluting and hazardous substances into the air, soil and water, and result in the destruction of ecosystems and wildlife.

Second, damage to natural resources such as forests, pastures, soils, wetlands and coral reefs threaten human livelihoods and security. The sudden loss of environmental goods and services often implies the immediate loss of livelihoods and complete reliance on humanitarian aid, or the development of coping strategies to survive the socio-economic disruption caused by a crisis. This in turn can entail the liquidation of natural assets for immediate survival income, or the overuse of marginal areas, which can lead to long-term environmental damage. Poor and vulnerable populations are particularly affected.

Third, relief and recovery operations themselves can have far-reaching environmental consequences. Not only does the recovery process divert human and financial resources from ongoing sustainable development activities in the region, but natural resources including land, water, timber, and fuel are required to meet immediate relief needs and provide the foundation for recovery. Without due consideration for environmental sustainability, these operations can create new sources of risk, destroy natural habitats and ultimately undermine the recovery process. At the same time, however, the recovery process presents new opportunities for policy reform, building back better and re-orienting a country towards sustainable development.

Work presented under this Programme Framework builds on the capacity developed by UNEP in the course of the last decade to address the environmental dimensions of conflicts and disasters. Since it was established in 1999, the Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch (PCDMB) has operated in more than forty countries impacted by conflicts or disasters, accumulating substantial experience in post-crisis environmental assessment and recovery operations. As a consequence, UNEP has become the focal point for environment in a wide range of UN and other international processes, including humanitarian response clusters, early recovery programmes, and post-crisis needs assessments. Based on UNEP's added value, demand for environmental expertise is growing continually.

This programme framework focuses on UNEP's work in post-crisis situations, including the identification of risks to human health, livelihoods and security from the environmental impacts of conflicts and disasters, the integration of environmental needs and priorities into recovery, peacebuilding and development planning, and capacity-building for improved environmental management to support long-term stability and socio-economic development. As such, it covers the response aspects of the Disasters and Conflicts Programme of Work 2010-2011. A second Programme framework comprises all the activities conducted by UNEP in addressing vulnerabilities and reducing risk of future disasters and conflicts.

The framework combines Expected Accomplishments 2 (post-crisis environmental assessment) and 3 (post-crisis environmental recovery) as the two are intrinsically linked, forming two steps - one in the short to medium term, the other in the medium to long term - of a single approach. As UNEP shifts towards integrated programming at the country level, projects could increasingly deliver these two phases simultaneously, as is currently the case in DR Congo. The implementation strategy is as follows:

Post-Crisis Environmental Assessment: UNEP will respond to requests for technical assistance in countries where critical ecosystems or natural resources have been directly or indirectly degraded, damaged or destroyed by conflicts and disasters. Field-based assessments using sound science and state-of-the-art technology will identify environmental risks to human health, livelihoods and security with the aim of integrating environmental needs into relief and recovery programmes.

Post-Crisis Environmental Recovery: Based on the outcomes of environmental assessments, UNEP will develop recovery programmes that encompass environmental governance, clean-up, ecosystem rehabilitation, sustainable reconstruction, and peacebuilding projects. These programmes will provide an initial anchor for UNEP in crisis-affected countries, which can be used as a basis for wider programming involving other priority areas. UNEP will also act as the focal point for environmental issues within the UN Country Team and integrate environmental needs into UN-wide recovery and peacebuilding programmes. Given the often extreme needs in post-crisis settings, UNEP's preferred approach is to implement a single needs-driven country-based programme consisting of multiple projects delivered by different divisions under the various sub-programmes. Disasters and Conflicts will provide both technical support and overall coordination for the UNEP country-based programme to ensure a coherent and effective approach.

Operations under this Programme Framework provide an initial anchor for UNEP in crisis-affected countries that can be used as a basis for wider programming involving multiple UNEP divisions and sub-programmes, thereby ensuring the sustainability of results. Indeed, crisis response and recovery operations are by nature limited in time. As the country recovers and enters the "normal" development stream, a robust hand-over strategy is developed in full cooperation with the relevant Regional Office and all relevant internal partners to plan for the transition out of the post-conflict recovery phase into long-term programming to address broader environmental needs.

Four criteria are used to determine when such long-term programming should take place: (i) the decline of the UN security phase from 2,3,4 to 1 or 0, signaling an end to insecurity and increased economic and political stability; (ii) a shift in project financing from post-crisis reconstruction and recovery funds to normal "development cooperation" financing; (iii) when post-crisis capacity-building targets have been met, including the establishment of a basic legal framework for environmental governance combined with a functioning institution, trained staff, baseline environmental information and the capacity for public consultation; and (iv) when the national environmental authority shifts from UNEP as the primary provider of technical support to multiple providers, including other UN agencies, international NGOs and bilateral aid organizations.

These criteria will be jointly assessed on an annual basis by the Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme and the Regional Office to determine a suitable hand-over or transition point. Where the relevant UNEP Regional Office has the capacity to maintain field operations, a hand-over plan will be developed at the start of the final year of a funded post-crisis project. All files, sources of information, lessons learned, and relevant staff will be transferred to the Regional Office as specified in the plan during the hand-over period. Where the relevant Regional Office does not have the capacity to maintain operations, alternative institutional options will be assessed, including UNDP, the World Bank, and other development partners. In addition, early engagement will be promoted with the GEF Secretariat and agencies to determine whether GEF-funded mechanisms could support longer-term programming by UNEP or partner agencies.

In accordance with the Bali Strategic Plan of Action, projects under this Programme Framework will strengthen the capacity of countries in transition through capacity-building and technological support, and enhance country-level availability/access to information and knowledge collected within target countries. In addition, following the Governing Council's Decision 25/9 on South-South cooperation, UNEP will also further develop triangular cooperation partnerships (North-South-South) to leverage complementary resources and specialized technical expertise for the identified assessment and recovery work. Projects under this framework are accordingly designed to promote institutional linkages and networks to facilitate the sharing and exchange of information, advisory support and services, and opportunities for cooperation on joint activities.

With regard to gender integration, the environmental assessment methods used within the proposed projects will incorporate gender-specific analytical tools and use sex-disaggregated data collection methods. In particular, assessments will consider how environmental damage from disasters and conflicts disproportionately affects groups such as women and children; and will ensure that environmental recovery projects take their specific needs into account. These projects will also support and enhance the role of women as active actors in post-crisis settings. considering that women are uniquely vulnerable to environmental degradation, mainly in post-crisis settings,

Scientific tools developed by UNEP, as well as the wealth of knowledge and data garnered through past or ongoing projects addressing similar issues, will be instrumental in assessing environmental needs in post-crisis situations and designing environmental recovery strategies. DEWA for example will have a critical role in assisting with environmental assessments and the design of appropriate methodologies, as well as building the capacity of national counterparts to manage the data needed to carry out assessments at the national level, for example through the GEO process. Similarly it will be important to take stock of lessons learned and reflect best practices from ongoing or past work across the organization on issues such as transboundary resource management, for example from the extensive range of projects supported by DGEF in the African region.

The projects included under this framework can be grouped in three clusters, reflecting the needs and requests of Member States and partner organizations:

Three "generic" projects, or "templates," (22/3-P1, 22/3-P2, 22/3-P3) provide UNEP with the programmatic mechanism needed to respond in a timely way to the crisis events (conflicts, disasters, industrial accidents) that will occur in the course of the biennium. Considering that the timing and location of such events cannot be predicted, these projects detail the three sequential phases of the response mechanism that will be activated in case of request for UNEP's services. The first response phase comprises rapid assessments of acute environmental risks (1-3 days of field time) that aim to recommend appropriate action for mitigation. If a rapid assessment concludes that further investigation is warranted, a second phase, comprised of a detailed field-based assessment of post-crisis environmental impacts and needs (1-12 weeks of field time) will be conducted. If in turn a clear opportunity emerges from the findings of the detailed assessment for UNEP to assist the national authorities to address identified environmental priorities, a third phase, consisting of a country-level environmental recovery programme will be implemented. All activities will be undertaken as requested by Member States or the UN system. In its Programme of Work 2010-2011, UNEP has committed to conducting a minimum of twelve emergency response interventions, four post-crisis environmental assessments, and four environmental recovery programmes during the biennium.

A project (22/3-P4) for enhancing the capacity of UNEP and the wider UN family, as well as Member States, to provide a more effective response to environmental needs in the aftermath of conflicts and disasters. This includes building the environmental capacity of the humanitarian cluster system.

A series of twelve country-level projects for environmental assessment and recovery, including long-standing UNEP programmes in Afghanistan and Sudan. Building on expertise developed at the country level over the past nine years, these projects aim to strengthen the capacity of national and local environmental authorities, and depending on identified environmental priorities, to rehabilitate ecosystems, mitigate risks and ensure that resources are used sustainably within recovery and development processes. For ease of reference, a distinction is made between new projects proposed for the biennium (see section 2: P22/3-P5 through P10) and ongoing approved projects that will continue through the biennium (see section 2 bis).

The majority of these projects will span the biennium and continue beyond 2011, as the environmental needs identified in these countries will require more than two years to address adequately. However, the proposed projects are designed to guarantee delivery of the all programmatic outputs over the course of the biennium. A range of concrete deliverables is envisaged, including: provision of rapid environmental assistance; delivery of post-crisis environmental assessment and publication of assessment reports; increased integration of environmental needs into humanitarian policy and operations; provision of expertise and training to support environmental governance in post-crisis countries; full or partial clean-up/rehabilitation of contaminated sites; improved delivery of critical ecosystem services through environmental management and; provision of technical support and best practice in sustainable reconstruction.

Finally, this Programme Framework includes a "support project" (22/3-P11) that encompasses the two critical management functions of monitoring and evaluation, and communications and outreach - at Expected Accomplishment level.

Key Actors in the field and Programme Framework partnerships

To implement the projects and programmes under this framework, UNEP has developed strong partnerships with the following key international actors in the field of disasters and conflicts:

United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC): UNDAC is the principle UN mechanism for providing the first line of response to major disasters. Upon request from a disaster-stricken country, stand-by teams of disaster management professionals can be deployed within hours to carry out rapid assessment of priority needs and support national authorities and the UN family to coordinate international relief on-site. Several UNEP staff have received UNDAC training and been included in the roster of experts. UNEP has also deploys external experts to UNDAC missions upon request.

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA): OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in case of disasters and other emergencies. UNEP's formal partnership with OCHA, the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit, is the UN mechanism to coordinate the international emergency response to acute environmental risks caused by conflicts, disasters and industrial accidents.

United Nations Development Group (UNDG): The UNDG unites the 32 UN funds, programmes, agencies, departments, and offices that play a role in development. In 2001, the UNDG developed an inter-agency post-conflict needs assessment (PCNA) tool, which has since been successfully applied in many post-conflict countries. As the focal point for environment within the Group, UNEP provides core environmental expertise to the PCNA process, by developing and refining environmental assessment tools, and deploying experts upon request. The PCNA, in turn, is often used as UNEP's trigger mechanism for conducting a full post-conflict environmental assessment.

Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC): In late 2005, the cluster approach of the IASC was developed as a follow-up to the Humanitarian Response Review. This approach established nine humanitarian response clusters and identified a lead agency for each. It also integrated cross-cutting issues such as the environment in order to both "do no harm" and "build back better". Within the Cluster Working Group on Early Recovery, UNEP is the focal point for providing technical guidance on integrating environmental issues within relief and early recovery operations, As such, UNEP works to develop core environmental assessment tools (including an environmental module for the post-disaster needs assessment process), and is available to deploy experts upon request.

International Recovery Platform (IRP): As the thematic platform of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) system, the IRP is a key pillar for the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action, a global plan for disaster risk reduction adopted by 168 governments in 2005. The role of the IRP is to identify gaps and constraints in disaster recovery and to serve as a catalyst for the development of tools, resources, and capacity for resilient recovery. IRP is an international source of knowledge on good recovery practice. UNEP is, since January 2008, a member of the IRP's steering committee.

Other critical information:

Internal management arrangements and reporting requirements:

A Programme Framework Support Project (22/3-P11) funds the two critical management functions of (i) monitoring and evaluation, and (ii) communications and outreach at Expected Accomplishment level. The support activities are the responsibility of the Coordinating Division.

Silja Halle, Programme Officer, Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch, is assigned by the Programme Framework Coordinating Division to compile and report on Programme Framework progress six-monthly to the Sub-programme Coordinator.

3 Risk Analysis

Table 2: Programme Framework risk analysis

Framework risk rating = Medium

Risk analysis

Proposed risk management strategy

Lack of political support

o Probability of occurrence = Medium

o Impact severity = High

Lack of recognition by national and local authorities of the importance of emergency strategies, assessment plans or recovery programmes.

Difficulty in achieving political acceptance of lessons learned, particularly when findings are politically sensitive.

Lack of institutional capacity at national level often preventing the uptake of assessment findings.

Political dialogue less constructive than anticipated, hampering the development of legal and management frameworks.

Low participation of both public authorities and civil society in trainings and capacity building activities, due to either lack of interest, or other obstacles.

Unexpected UNHQ policy decision on sensitive issues related to the environmental dimensions of conflicts and/or disasters may significantly undermine the programmatic approach undertaken as well as the work plan implementation.

Establishing and maintaining strong institutional linkages and relationships.

Demonstrating clearly the benefits of proposed actions and ensuring ownership from Governments when designing interventions through: (i) constant dialogue with authorities within recipient countries, and (ii) early involvement and sensitization of policy-makers (e.g. learning by doing process).

Ensuring early preparation of trainings.

Need to consider and closely follow-up "policy guidance" from UN General Assembly and Security Council.

Security issues

o Probability of occurrence = High

o Impact severity = Medium

Most post-conflict countries operate at UN Security Phase 3 and 4, entailing significant risk for staff and equipment.

Ensuring detailed preparation, training and adherence to security regulations to operate, particularly for fieldwork (experts deployed need to be trained and experienced in working in elevated security phase environments).

Up-to-date assessment of security situations and necessary evacuation procedures are required. Should the security situation deteriorate to the extent that the United Nations can no longer work in a given country, enough flexibility in the schedule should allow the project to be suspended until such time that project activities can be reactivated at a later point.

Natural hazards

o Probability of occurrence = High

o Impact severity = Medium

Several of the countries where projects are implemented are particularly vulnerable to natural hazards. In case a severe disaster occurs, project preparation/implementation could be interrupted or delayed.

Maintaining flexibility in the project timeline/workplan in order to either postpone implementation or select an alternative location without undermining PoW delivery.

Logistical issues

o Probability of occurrence = High

o Impact severity = Low

The lack of capacity and supporting infrastructure in post-crisis settings can lead to high cost and high risk projects with fieldwork logistics being in some cases one of the major constraints to the achievement of specific activities. The usual impacts are schedule slippages with associated project cost implications.

Developing reasonable contingency plans with schedule flexibility and dedicated budget lines.

Coordination and communications issues

o Probability of occurrence = Medium

o Impact severity = Low

Exceeded project management capacity preventing key decisions to be made on time, due to unplanned multi stakeholder involvement (national and international partners).

Lack of sufficient coordination/communication between divisions and relevant UNEP country offices due to inter-divisional and inter-regional nature of some actions and reinforced by competing priorities within each UNEP division.

Establishing clear and systematic modalities of implementation agreed by each partner from the outset.

Ensuring that an effective communication strategy (communication channels) is agreed between each partner and between relevant UNEP divisions and country offices as well as guaranteeing clear allocation of communication responsibilities.

Lack of partner capacity and commitment

o Probability of occurrence = Medium

o Impact severity = Medium

Lack of technical and human resources capacity of partners. This presents risks to their ability to follow through on commitments made, and could have implications for the ability to deliver.

Lack of engagement and/or no continuity among operational partners in the countries.

Low participation of both public authorities and civil society in trainings and capacity-building activities, due to either lack of interest, or other obstacles.

Lack of technical and human resources leading to continued dependence on beyond the post-crisis recovery phase.

Strategically selecting project partners with value added to the process.

Strengthening partner capacity throughout the project (e.g. emphasis on learning by doing type of activity). This would mean that risks drop over time as capacity increases.

Ensuring early preparation of trainings.

Ensuring continuity of mandates through timely formal communication and formal meetings (country visit, delegations).

Given the often extreme needs in post-crisis settings, UNEP's preferred approach is to implement a single needs-driven country-based programme consisting of multiple projects delivered by different divisions under the various sub-programmes. The Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme provides technical support and overall coordination for the UNEP country-based programme until such a time as the national context allows for transition from a post-crisis recovery phase to a longer-term development phase, in which the Regional Office takes on the coordination role. A strategy is developed in full cooperation with the Regional Office and all relevant internal partners to plan for the transition out of the post-conflict recovery phase into long-term programming, and the hand-over to the Regional Office or external development partners, such as the World Bank and UNDP.

Funding issues

o Probability of occurrence = Medium

o Impact severity = High

Difficulty to communicate the value-added of new projects and to raise funds for country projects where numerous environmental activities are already taking place.

Insufficient funds mobilized resulting in undermined PoW delivery and UNEP's reputation due to high expectations from national counterparts on UNEP's resource mobilization capacity and subsequent successful implementation of planned activities.

Decrease in commitment from the international community in providing financial resources according to country-defined needs in the environment-security domain.

Developing a multi-stakeholder fundraising strategy that draws upon best practice in UNEP, and through ensuring the complementarity of UNEP activities to existing programmes.

Developing high-quality proposals.

Systematic networking, communication, fundraising and awareness efforts towards donor agencies active worldwide and in relevant specific regions.

Early sensitizing of donor community, identifying synergies and priorities, developing high-quality proposals.

Programme Framework Opportunities

Further consolidation of the One UN concept is expected in 2010, including the development of multi-donor trust funds for post-crisis countries.
The Stability Instrument of the European Commission is a multi-billion dollar source of funding that could be used to support post-conflict assessments and capacity-building programmes.
Increasing awareness of UNEP's post-crisis environmental assessment capacity is leading to increased requests for assistance.
Climate change agreement taken at Copenhagen may provide new directions in terms of climate change, disaster risk reduction and ecosystem management.
Possible development of common environmental assessment methods between EC, UN system and selected bilateral donors may provide new opportunities.
Increasing use of standard post-crisis needs assessment methods provides UNEP with an entry point to deploy the newly developed environmental assessment methods.
GEF replenishment in 2010-2011 may provide opportunities for environmental recovery programmes.
Implementation of the SG's report on peacebuilding in the aftermath of conflict will begin in 2010. The report makes explicit reference of the need to deploy technical experts in natural resources and the environment during post-conflict needs assessments

4 Overview Table, including Regional and Country Focus

Table 3: Framework Overview

anl-gE+Pue='mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-ansi-language: EN-GB'>Internal management arrangements and reporting requirements:

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221 Environmental expertise for emergency response

221a Environmental expertise for emergency response

Project 22/3-P1: Coordination and mobilization of international assistance to environmental emergencies (UNEP response phase 1)

Project objective

To mobilize and coordinate the international emergency response and identification of acute environmental risks caused by conflicts, disasters and industrial accidents.

Considering the unpredictable nature of disasters, conflicts and industrial accidents, and the need for UNEP to be able to mobilize and respond in a timely way to any urgent crisis occurring during the 2010-2011 biennium, this project proposes a methodology that can be applied - when requested and with the necessary adaptations - to undertake emergency response projects worldwide. UNEP expects to conduct a minimum of twelve such interventions in the course of the 2010-2011 biennium. This method represents phase 1 of UNEP's post-crisis response operations.

PoW outputs

#221: Environmental expertise for emergency response coordinated and mobilized to identify and mitigate acute environmental risks to human health stemming from specific emergencies and related secondary risks.

Project idea and approach

Rationale:

Local and national capacities to respond appropriately to acute environmental risks in the aftermath of disasters and conflicts are often overstretched. Yet large-scale crises that hit highly vulnerable societies with low capacity to cope often reverse hard-won development gains, entrenching people in poverty cycles and increasing vulnerability. To identify and mitigate such risks, rapid environmental assessments are necessary.

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly acknowledged the serious threats posed by environmental emergencies. Governments had come to recognize the connections between environmental conditions, human health and the success of development efforts. Member States also determined there was a need to improve international response to environmental emergencies and dedicated the UN to that role. The Joint Environment Unit is the result of cooperation between the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) technical expertise and the humanitarian response coordination structure of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The objective of the Joint Environment Unit is to mobilize an environmental expert in the immediate post-crisis period to rapidly assess any acute environmental risks to human health. Mainstreaming of gender issues, as well as the promotion of gender equality is fully integrated into the coordination and mobilization of international assistance to environmental emergencies. This project also contributes to poverty alleviation through assisting affected countries to recover faster from environmental emergencies and allow them to return to normality rapidly.

These rapid assessments either take place as part of the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) teams or as stand-alone activities. If acute risks are identified, typically from hazardous chemicals, the Joint Unit then coordinates the international response for risk mitigation. Collectively, these activities represent UNEP's first phase of post-crisis operations. In most cases, more detailed environmental impact and needs assessments are then conducted (phase 2 - see Project 22/3-P2), followed by environmental recovery programmes (phase 3 - see Project 22/3-P3). Since the Joint Unit was established in 1994, it has mobilized nearly 100 rapid assessment missions to identify acute environmental risks caused by emergencies.

Comparative advantages of UNEP and partners:

The comparative advantage of both UNEP and OCHA lies in their technical partnership, which combines UNEP's environmental expertise with the response coordination tools and services of the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. This combination allows for the rapid assessment of acute environmental risks and, if needed, for the mobilization and coordination of risk reduction measures. UNEP has a track record of providing practical and operational environmental emergency response assistance for over 15 years, including to oil spills, forest fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.

Project scope:

Upon request from national governments, UNEP provides assistance in the form of an emergency response package that can include the following six components, depending on and responding to potential needs:

Monitoring: UNEP continuously screens and monitors media and other information sources for environmental emergencies. Information on environmental emergencies is shared with the relevant OCHA and UNEP entities (Regional Offices, HQ, etc), as well as other agencies, as appropriate.
Situation reports: UNEP, through its counterparts in OCHA, provides draft inputs on environmental impacts of the crisis event for inclusion in OCHA Humanitarian Situation Reports (SitReps). OCHA SitReps are country-specific updates on humanitarian emergencies providing data on the number of people affected, on national and international response, as well as the humanitarian aid required.
Hazard identification: Each time a United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team is put on stand-by for deployment to a sudden onset disaster, UNEP applies the Hazard Identification Tool (HIT) to identify any "big and obvious" facilities or objects that may have potential environmental impacts in the affected area. The results of this urgent and rapid desk research is instantly shared with the UNDAC team, as well as all relevant UN entities in-country and in the region, who can share it with the relevant response authorities.
Rapid environmental assessment: UNEP deploys environmental experts to rapidly assess environmental impacts of a given crisis during the immediate relief phase, using the Flash Environmental Assessment Tool (FEAT). The FEAT is a "first aid" tool to identify environmental impacts, and support initial response actions in crisis contexts. It provides quick answers in complex crisis situations, even in the absence of specialized technical resources or expertise. Findings from application of the FEAT are communicated quickly to appropriate organizations so that appropriate actions can be taken. The rapid assessment allows the identification of the potential need for specialized expertise.
On-site sampling and analysis: Through its partnership with the Government of the Netherlands, UNEP deploys the "Environment Assessment Module" (EAM). The EAM is an innovative mobile laboratory to support international response to environmental emergencies, in particular to assess the effects of disasters, industrial accidents, and conflicts. The EAM is mainly deployed in countries that lack the specialist knowledge or capacity needed to deal with environmental risks stemming from crises.
Technical environmental assistance: Through its extensive network of donors, UNEP deploys a wide range of experts to carry out rapid assessments and address acute environmental issues in crisis situations, including hazardous materials, disaster waste management, oil and chemical spills, hydro dam integrity, and slope stability.

Sustainability of the outcomes is ensured through hand-over from relief interventions to actors responsible for recovery and rehabilitation, including the national authorities, UNEP Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch, UNEP Regional Offices and UNDP country offices.

Project duration and geographical coverage:

This project will span the entire 2010-2011 biennium. Its geographical focus is worldwide (upon request).

Project roles and responsibilities

Managing division:

DEPI: Interventions under this project are implemented and managed by the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit, in full consultation with the Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch.

Other divisions:

Regional Offices: Regional Offices will play a political function in terms of liaison with key government counterparts, and help identify regional experts and institutions that could be involved in rapid environmental assessment. Additionally, Regional Offices will also contribute to the follow-up of recommendations derived from assessments.
DEWA: DEWA will potentially assist in providing support on the analysis of remotely sensed images, GIS analysis, cartographic representations of impacted areas or themes, and information management of data collected at the field level.
DCPI: Press releases and other communications initiatives will be jointly developed and simultaneously issued by OCHA and DCPI.

Note: UNDAC-trained staff across the various UNEP divisions, and in particular DTIE, could be deployed within the framework of this project as part of UNDAC response missions when their technical skills were required.

Supporting partners:

The main partners of the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit include national governments (civil protection agencies, ministries of foreign affairs, ministries of environment), and various OCHA entities.

221b Environmental expertise for emergency response

Project 22/3-P4: Environment, Humanitarian Action and Early Recovery

Project objective

This project aims to provide technical support and build capacity to integrate environmental considerations within the UN humanitarian coordination system (cluster approach), with a view to adequately addressing environmental needs in post-crisis situations. Through the establishment of an Environment Network, and through active involvement with clusters of concern, in particular the Inter-Agency Standing Committee's (IASC) Cluster Working Group on Early Recovery (CWGER), UNEP will work to raise awareness of key environmental considerations in emergency situations, develop assessment tools and train responders, provide targeted field-level technical assistance on environmental considerations during post-crisis needs assessments and other forms of response initiated through the humanitarian system, and advocate for the inclusion of environmental components in Flash Appeals and the Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP).

PoW outputs

#223: Environmental considerations integrated within relief and recovery policies, practices and appeals.

#224: Network of UNEP experts and associated institutions established and trained to contribute to emergency response missions, environmental assessments, and real-time technical assistance to crisis-affected countries.

Project idea and approach

Rationale:

UNEP is the focal point for environment within the humanitarian coordination system (Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) cluster approach), as well as within the IASC Cluster Working Group on Early Recovery (CWGER), and other clusters of concern. In this capacity, UNEP works to mainstream environmental issues within humanitarian operations in order to minimize possible environmental impacts and ensure they do no harm with regard to longer-term vulnerability and development.

UNEP is also responsible for conducting environmental needs assessments as part of the inter-agency Post-Conflict Needs Assessment or Post-Disaster Needs Assessment processes. Through these processes, UNEP defines and costs the environmental needs and establishes a policy and programme framework for post-crisis recovery. These interventions typically contribute to a larger UNEP post-conflict environmental assessment (see project 22/3-P2).

Through UNEP's work and advocacy in the humanitarian system to date, there has been a tangible increase in demand for environmental planning and capacity-building expertise, as recently demonstrated by requests for assistance in China, the Gaza Strip and Myanmar. Mainstreaming of environmental needs in response planning and operations remains insufficient, however, and there is a pressing need to improve and consolidate existing tools, materials, and training programmes at both the international and national levels.

Upon request, UNEP will also continue to deliver technical support as part of strategic planning or assessments conducted through the cluster system. UNEP's expertise will ensure that environmental needs receive due consideration early in the planning process, and that comprehensive and cohesive environmental strategic plans can be developed as needed. Priority clusters for technical assistance include health, water and sanitation, food security, shelter, and camp management and coordination.

Comparative advantages of UNEP and partners:

Through its Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch, UNEP has operated in more than forty crisis-impacted countries since 1999, and accumulated substantial experience in post-crisis environmental assessment methodologies. As is evidenced by its position as focal point for environmental issues within the IASC system and UNDG, UNEP is the only UN agency with a mandate to respond specifically to environmental issues in post-crisis situations. As a result, UNEP has a number of critical comparative advantages for this project, including:

UNEP has over ten years of assessing and addressing the environmental dimensions of humanitarian response and recovery at the field level;
UNEP has a network of over 60 senior environmental experts that can be deployed within short time period to crisis-affected countries to conduct assessments or provide technical expertise;
UNEP is fully integrated within UN humanitarian response system as the environmental focal point; and
UNEP has established solid partnerships with international organizations including major UN entities and departments in the political, environmental and social and economic development fields, enabling the synergies and complementarities necessary for an integrated, holistic approach to post-crisis assessment.

Project scope:

This project will have four main areas of activity:

1. Integrating environmental needs within IASC policy and operations. UNEP will develop an engagement strategy for both entities and assess opportunities for expanding its institutional engagement to other clusters, such as health, water and sanitation, food security, shelter, and camp management and coordination, as well as to IASC subsidiary bodies, sub-working groups and task forces of concern. UNEP will also develop technical standards, monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

2. Training programmes for humanitarian actors to integrate environmental issues within their operations. UNEP will spearhead environmental training and capacity-building activities within the humanitarian response system, including preparation of training materials, delivery of local training sessions and workshops, and delivery of a "train the trainers" courses in three selected locations, and the development of tailored modules to be included in humanitarian coordination trainings, Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) trainings, Early Recovery Advisor trainings, and other relevant training initiatives.

3. Field deployment and real-time technical assistance. Upon request, UNEP will participate in inter-agency post-conflict/post-disaster needs assessment processes and provide real-time environmental advice to humanitarian agencies on minimizing environmental damage and doing no harm while meeting humanitarian needs.

4. Network of UNEP and associated institution experts. To ensure that UNEP becomes more effective in responding to environmental needs caused by disasters and conflicts, UNEP and associated institution staff will receive the necessary training to participate in inter-agency emergency response missions, environmental assessments, and real-time technical assistance to crisis-affected countries. In its capacity as focal point for environment within the humanitarian coordination system, UNEP will also establish an Environment Network, with a view to defining needs, gaps and necessary action, and developing strategies and tools.

With a view to ensuring the sustainability of early recovery operations, this project aims to enhance environmental response (i) at the international level, by improving communication, liaison and interaction between relevant cluster members; and (ii) at the local level by building the capacity of national experts and institutions. Because common knowledge of environmental recovery approaches, practices and tools are essential to ensuring that environmental priorities are understood and addressed by actors on the ground (including Humanitarian/Resident Coordinators, specialized agencies, NGOs and national counterparts), training and awareness-raising will form an essential component of the project.

Project duration and geographical coverage:

This project will span the entire 2010-2011 biennium and its focus is global, with country-level interventions determined by need and request from the IASC system and Humanitarian Coordinators.

Project roles and responsibilities

Managing division:

DEPI: The project will be managed by DEPI, through the Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch.

Other divisions:

Regional Offices: Regional Offices are key partners in identifying countries targeted for training and other interventions. Moreover, Regional Offices will provide technical and policy guidance to the further development and implementation of this project.
DEWA/DTIE: The technical support of DEWA and DTIE will be critical in developing training and assessment tools, and in conducting environmental assessments at the field level. Indeed, while DEWA will be setting up environmental recovery indicators, DTIE will provide disaster-stricken countries with policy packages offering the right incentives to promote the transition to a green economy.

Supporting partners:

The external partners are all members of the CWGER, especially UNDP, and all members in the IASC. Technical partners will be selected according to the intervention context.

221c Environmental expertise for emergency response

Project 22/3-P11: Programme Framework Support Project

Project objective

This project is designed to support the delivery of the overall Programme Framework through two critical actions namely monitoring and evaluation, and communications and outreach.

PoW outputs

#222: Field-based environmental assessments conducted to identify environmental risks to human health, livelihoods and security, and environmental needs integrated within national recovery plans and appeals, and United Nations recovery activities in post-crisis countries.

#223: Environmental considerations integrated within relief and recovery policies, practices and appeals.

#231: Environmental policy and institutional support provided to post-crisis countries;

#232: Environmental clean-up projects catalysed at sites contaminated by hazardous substances and wastes as a result of conflicts or disasters;

#233: Ecosystem restoration and management projects catalysed for sites damaged by conflicts or disasters;

#234: Sustainable building and construction guidelines implemented on a pilot basis as a contribution to the efficient use of resources in crisis-affected countries; and

#235: Environmental considerations integrated into UN peacebuilding and recovery activities in post-crisis countries and regions.

Project idea and approach

Rationale:

Although the environmental dimensions of disasters and conflicts are now broadly recognized by the international community of environment and development practitioners, they remain an emerging and poorly quantified field of interest for donors and the general public. In this respect, UNEP recognizes two main needs to be fulfilled by this project:

First, clear, concise, and compelling information is needed about the environmental causes and consequences of crises to influence a broad audience (from governments to general public) and to bring about the changes in policies and practices needed to tackle these issues. Effective communication is therefore critical not only to achieving results, but also to capitalizing on accomplishments to mobilize new funding, generate wider awareness and participation, and ensure the sustainability of success. In addition to the specific communications activities embedded within each project, it will be necessary to develop and implement dedicated communications initiatives to raise the profile of the sub-programme and create awareness of its goals and key achievements.

Second, there is a need to provide UNEP and its donors with the means to monitor and evaluate progress towards risk reduction objectives to be achieved by UNEP for the 2010-2011 biennium. Monitoring is an essential management function to verify the achievement of results and assess performance based on verifiable data through results-based indicators. It is a continuous function that aims to provide managers with indications of the quality, quantity and timeliness of progress towards delivering intended results.

Project scope:

The project scope is divided into two self-standing components:

1. Monitoring and evaluation: Support activities will be undertaken to monitor the present Programme Framework by assessing progress and contribution towards Expected Accomplishment (EA) 1. Methodologically, this will be conducted in accordance with predefined indicators of achievement and respective performance measures set up for the respective expected accomplishment 1 (see the table below).

Expected accomplishments (EA)

Indicators of achievement*

* Additional indicators of achievement will be defined in order to fine-tune the analysis (see activities below -i.e. baseline study)

Performance measures

Unit of measure

Dec 2009 (Baseline)*

* To be defined in due time (see activities below -i.e. baseline study)

Dec 2011 (Target)

Data source and collection method

Rapid and reliable environmental assessments following conflicts and disasters as requested.

Increased percentage of identified acute environmental risks which are mitigated in the post-conflict and post-disaster relief period.

Number of risks identified versus mitigated per operation

100% of environmental risks are mitigated.

Based on the outcome of UNEP environmental assessments, UNEP will analyze the number of environmental risks that are mitigated within the relief and recovery period.

The post-crisis assessment and recovery process contributes to improved environmental management and the sustainable use of natural resources

Increased percentage of inter-agency post-crisis needs assessments and early recovery plans that identify, prioritize and cost environmental damage and needs

Number of plans which include environmental needs

100% of all plans include environmental needs.

UNEP will count the number of flash appeals and early recovery plans which include environmental needs based on the outcomes of UNEP's environmental assessment.

Increased percentage of the total long-term relief and crisis recovery funding focused on environment and natural resource management and associated livelihoods projects.

Financial data per country operation

100% of environmental needs are funded.

Within national budgets, donor reports and early recovery plans, UNEP will analyze the total amount of funding identified and raised to address environmental needs identified by UNEP's environmental assessment.

Specific activities for monitoring and reporting are the following:

Baseline study: This activity will establish the baseline (through desk study, survey or other means), determine additional indicators of achievements and define data sources and collection methodologies or systems required to collect data to monitor and measure performance for the Programme of Work over the biennium.

Progress reports: Guided by the data and indicators defined in the baseline study and the data collected through the monitoring system previously established, progress reports will be released every six months to demonstrate how project activities and implementation contribute to the achievement of the EA 1 and respective outputs.

Programme Framework evaluation: An evaluation of the entire Programme Framework, including individual projects evaluations, will be undertaken upon completion of the projects contained within it. The aim of the evaluation is to determine and verify the role and performance of UNEP in achieving the EA 1. While measurement of the EA will focus on the indicators of achievement, evaluations will be more expansive and examine effects that may be broader than the indicators utilising completed project-level evaluations. The Programme Framework evaluation will specifically focus on the ‘theory of change' or ‘impact pathways' used to link project activities to the Expected Accomplishment and will document the evidence of actual (or potential) achievements, by UNEP and its partners, along such ‘pathways'. Where possible, these evaluations will attempt to establish the amount of such change that is attributable to the intervention.

2. Communications and outreach

The activities proposed under this project, coordinated by DEPI's Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch, will aim to: (i) raise awareness of the key issues/messages among target audiences in order influence policies and policy-makers on key issues; and encourage engagement and participation from partners and fellow practitioners; (ii) raise the profile and media presence of the Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme by communicating activities and results, with a view to securing commitment of stakeholders to project aims and mobilizing funds; and (iii) create awareness among UNEP staff across all divisions, regions and affiliated institutions about the "Disasters and Conflicts" Programme of Work for 2010-2011 and beyond, and share information on a regular and systematic basis with UNEP divisions, regional offices, affiliated institutions and other priority areas to strengthen internal coordination and promote engagement with the "Disasters and Conflicts" sub-programme.

The approach rests on the following communications mix:

Web: The Disasters and Conflicts section of www.unep.org website will become the principal communications tool for the sub-programme. The site will feature individual pages for each ongoing project/programme, comprised of an overview of the project, a "news" section, access to all related publications and background material, a standard PowerPoint presentation, a photo gallery, and audiovisual resources. The site be updated on a systematic basis and made dynamic through the use of podcasts, videos and blogs.
Print/CDs: The Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme will nevertheless continue to produce flagship reports, policy papers, presentational brochures and other publications in print. While electronic media will be privileged for reasons of access, distribution, and reduced environmental footprint, printed matter will remain an essential tool for communicating at field level, where availability and access to online or electronic media cannot be guaranteed.
Audiovisual: Video and audio coverage of field operations will be systematized through the use of hand-held equipment, for web and other uses. In collaboration with DCPI, professional teams will be available to produce footage for news and features and/or long-format programmes, for regular or online TV.
Press: The Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme will produce regular press releases, coordinated through DCPI, on ongoing projects and results. In addition, opportunities for feature articles and opinion pieces should be sought out on a regular basis in relevant publications.
Events: The presence and visibility of the Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme should be ensured at targeted major conferences, meetings and other high-level events, for example through the Disasters and Conflicts exhibit module, the distribution of printed materials, or the screening of documentary films. In addition, opportunities for lecturing and participating in panel discussions or roundtable events should be actively sought out as a means of reaching more specialized audiences.
Email: PCDMB will ensure the periodical distribution of progress reports and an electronic newsletter to targeted list of recipients within the various communities of practice.
Presentations/training events: In order to raise awareness and understanding of the goals, activities and approach of the Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme within the organization, PCDMB staff will deliver presentations and training sessions to UNEP divisions, regional offices and affiliated institutions.
Intranet: In the medium term, a Disasters and Conflicts intranet tool comprising contacts, access to project information, resource materials, and a calendar of events could be made available to a "community of practice" within UNEP.

Project duration and geographical coverage:

These support activities will run through the biennium.

Project roles and responsibilities

Managing division:

DEPI: Activities under this project are managed by the Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch of DEPI.

Other divisions:

Component 1 - Monitoring and evaluation: Considering that several projects under this Programme Framework are managed by other Divisions than DEPI, and that a wide range of project components are implemented in close collaboration with other entities, all other Divisions and Regional Offices will contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities by providing or contributing to progress and evaluation reports as needed. These activities will be carried out following the guidance of UNEP's Evaluation and Oversight Unit (EOU), which complies with the highest international norms and standards on evaluation including the OECD/DAC and UNEG.

Component 2 - Communications and outreach: All communications activities will be jointly designed and implemented with DCPI, based on the Disasters and Conflicts Communications Strategy, within the framework of the UNEP External Communication Strategy. The Regional Offices will also have a critical role to play through the Regional Information Officers.

222 Field-based environmental assessments

222a Field-based environmental assessments

Project 22/3-P2: Post-Crisis Environmental Assessment (UNEP response phase 2)

Project objective

Conducted upon request in countries that have been affected by conflicts or disasters, post-crisis environmental assessments aim to enable (i) widespread understanding of the key environmental impacts and needs in a given post-crisis situation, and (ii) the identification of priorities and the development of a nationally agreed environmental recovery programme.

Considering the unpredictable nature of disaster and conflict events, and the need for UNEP to be able to respond in a timely way to any urgent crisis occurring during the 2010-2011 biennium, this project proposes a methodology for response that can be applied - when requested and with the necessary adaptations - to conduct post-crisis environmental assessments worldwide. UNEP will conduct a minimum of four such assessments in the course of the 2010-2011 biennium. This method represents phase 2 of UNEP's post-crisis response operations. Post-crisis environmental assessments either take place as a follow-up to a rapid assessment conducted by the Joint Unit, or as a stand-alone activity as part of a UN post-crisis response.

PoW outputs

Project idea and approach

Rationale:

Environmental destruction, damage and degradation are often a byproduct of disasters and conflicts. The environmental impacts resulting from crises such as the destruction of critical ecosystem and wildlife, the release of polluting and hazardous substance, and socio-economic disruption with liquidation of natural assets for immediate survival are dire and present an overriding threat to sustainable recovery efforts. Moreover, conflicts and disasters disproportionately impact the poorest communities and other vulnerable groups, such as women, children, the sick and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to disease, natural hazards and environmental degradation.

In this context, international aid investments need to be clearly prioritized. Therefore, following an assessment of acute environmental risks (phase 1), UNEP is available to conduct detailed post-crisis environmental assessments based on fieldwork, laboratory analysis and state-of-the-art technology (phase 2). Each assessment is conducted on an equally neutral, impartial and scientific basis and adopts a tailor-made approach to the situation's particular geographical, political and security conditions.

Since 1999, UNEP has conducted post-crisis environmental assessments in the Balkans, Afghanistan, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, Sudan, Ukraine and Rwanda, as well as the countries affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. In 2010, environmental assessments will be undertaken in such countries as DR Congo and Nigeria.

Comparative advantages of UNEP and partners:

Since 1999, UNEP has operated in more than forty crisis-impacted countries and accumulated substantial experience in post-crisis environmental assessment methodologies. As a result, UNEP has a number of critical comparative advantages for post-crisis environmental assessments, including:

UNEP's neutral and scientific approach to environmental assessment is internationally recognized;
UNEP is the only UN agency with a mandate to respond specifically to environmental issues in post-crisis situations;
UNEP has established solid partnerships with international organizations including major UN entities and departments in the political, environmental, social and economic development fields, enabling the synergies and complementarities necessary for an integrated, holistic approach to post-crisis assessment; and
Through its offices around the world, UNEP has established relations with all national governments, as well as networks of institutions and experts which provide a global reach unmatched by any other player in this area.

Project scope:

All UNEP post-crisis environmental assessments are conducted according to five key principles:

1. UNEP interventions are based on requests from UN or national partners and on the availability of bilateral funding;

2. Assessment operations are conducted by a core team of UNEP experts supplemented by partners and an expert roster, as well as by national experts;

3. UNEP remains independent and neutral in conducting all operations using state-of-the-art environmental science;

4. All operations are designed according to the needs, as well as to the given political and security situation; and

5. UNEP participates in the UN country team and other UN processes to advocate for an environmental agenda, coordinate environmental interventions and provide real-time technical expertise.

A UNEP post-crisis environmental assessment comprises four main interconnected components:

1. Development of detailed science-based knowledge of the status, trends and issues of the environment throughout a given country or in specific affected areas;

2. Development of government and international community plans for corrective action;

3. Awareness-raising of the key issues for environmental management and sustainable development for the given country; and

4. Capacity-building for environmental assessment (cross-cutting component).

A UNEP post-crisis environmental assessment typically comprises the seven following steps:

Step 1: Scoping study. This first step starts with field observation and preliminary evaluation of potential environmental impacts. Based on the needs, this can include multiple scoping missions to the crisis-affected country, initial broad desk-based reconnaissance, identification of key issues and target sites and fieldwork options, and initial partner selection activities.

Step 2: Desk study. A review of the findings of previous reports and the collation of local anecdotal information will form the desk study.

Step 3: Fieldwork and remote sensing analysis. Relying on the data collected in the two previous phases, field missions aim to collect air, soil, water and vegetation samples from selected sites using state-of-the-art technology. At the same time, interviews with local stakeholders are conducted, and field-level data is supplemented by remotely sensed images and GIS.

Step 4: Report drafting, consultation and completion. Findings are drawn together and reviewed. A core UNEP team then focuses on draft report development. A consultation process is conducted with the given authorities and a selected group of stakeholders.

Step 5: Action plan development. Through the review of existing plans and a gap analysis, this phase focuses on the development of government and international plans for environmental recovery and capacity-building. Dependent upon government engagement, a parallel output will be a government-owned plan ready for circulation. Sustainability of the project's results is ensured by the establishment of nationally owned recommendations that will be integrated into short- to long-term country programming.

Step 6: Media launch and dissemination of the post-crisis environmental assessment report. The final report is launched and disseminated at both the national and the international levels, through targeted events and media strategies. Sustainability of the project's results is also guaranteed through effective and targeted communications efforts that help to ensure that UNEP's role and project aims are clearly communicated. This in turn warrants key stakeholder acceptance and maintains country ownership.

Step 7: Report and action plan launch and rollout process. If the action plan is ready, it may be launched concurrently with the post-crisis environmental assessment at the national level. Following the launch, a two-pronged rollout process is foreseen: (i) A national level rollout led by the government with UN assistance, and (ii) an international level rollout led by UNEP with government representatives.

Step 8: Follow-up and technical assistance. UNEP will ensure follow-up actions to integrate assessment recommendations into national and international development plans via two activities: (i) technical assistance - joint development of policy documents and concepts notes for follow-up projects in close collaboration relevant national counterparts; and (ii) monitoring and evaluation system - UNEP and partners will track the progress of the recommendations and therefore improve the take-up and provide a record for lessons learned in future.

Project duration and geographical coverage:

This project will span the entire 2010-2011 biennium and its focus is worldwide (upon request). Depending on the needs formulated, the geographical scale and the scope of assessment agreed with national counterparts, the timeline of a post-crisis environmental assessment may vary from approximately 3 to 12 months.

Project roles and responsibilities

Managing division:

DEPI: Post-crisis environmental assessments are coordinated by the Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch, in full consultation and agreement with the regional offices, who take the political lead at the national and regional level.

Other divisions:

Depending on the expertise required, all other UNEP divisions can play a role in post-crisis environmental assessment projects.

Regional Offices: Beside their political liaison and coordination functions with national and regional partners, the Regional Offices - with the appropriate level of expertise in terms of technical and managerial capacity in project formulation/implementation - will also progressively be engaged in project delivery.
DEWA: DEWA has an instrumental role in assisting with environmental assessments and the design of appropriate methodologies, as well as building the capacity of national counterparts to manage the data needed to carry out assessments at the national level, for example through the GEO process. In addition, within specific post-crisis assessment operations DEWA will provide support on the analysis of remotely sensed images, GIS analysis, cartographic representations of impacted areas or themes, and information management of data collected at the field level.
DELC: DELC will provide technical expertise to determine how multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) can support post-crisis environmental recovery needs and present opportunities for enhancing regional cooperation of crisis-affected countries. DELC will also be involved in the assessment of institutional and legal capacity at the national level, and in the design of capacity-building programmes for environmental law and supporting regulations.
DTIE: DTIE will assess opportunities towards greening the economies of post-crisis countries by identifying the best investment choices.
DCPI: DCPI will be closely associated with all external communications activities carried out under this project. This will include developing effective communication strategies, assisting in the design and core messaging of assessment reports, generating media interest in findings and follow-up, and enhancing UNEP's public profile and corporate image.

Supporting partners:

Logistical and administrative support at the country level is provided by a resident UN agency, usually either UNDP or UNOPS. Technical expertise is sought in a wide range of areas such as forestry, ecology, climate change adaptation, wildlife and protected areas, waste management, depleted uranium, etc. In this case, appropriate partnerships with specific technical organizations, NGOs or institutions (e.g. UNDP, FAO, IOM, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNHCR, etc) are established on a case by case basis.

222b Field-based environmental assessments

Project 22/3-P11: Programme Framework Support Project

Project objective

This project is designed to support the delivery of the overall Programme Framework through two critical actions namely monitoring and evaluation, and communications and outreach.

PoW outputs

#223: Environmental considerations integrated within relief and recovery policies, practices and appeals.

#231: Environmental policy and institutional support provided to post-crisis countries;

#232: Environmental clean-up projects catalysed at sites contaminated by hazardous substances and wastes as a result of conflicts or disasters;

#233: Ecosystem restoration and management projects catalysed for sites damaged by conflicts or disasters;

#234: Sustainable building and construction guidelines implemented on a pilot basis as a contribution to the efficient use of resources in crisis-affected countries; and

#235: Environmental considerations integrated into UN peacebuilding and recovery activities in post-crisis countries and regions.

Project idea and approach

Rationale:

Project scope:

The project scope is divided into two self-standing components:

Expected accomplishments (EA)

Indicators of achievement*

* Additional indicators of achievement will be defined in order to fine-tune the analysis (see activities below -i.e. baseline study)

Performance measures

Unit of measure

Dec 2009 (Baseline)*

* To be defined in due time (see activities below -i.e. baseline study)

Dec 2011 (Target)

Data source and collection method

Rapid and reliable environmental assessments following conflicts and disasters as requested.

Increased percentage of identified acute environmental risks which are mitigated in the post-conflict and post-disaster relief period.

Number of risks identified versus mitigated per operation

100% of environmental risks are mitigated.

Based on the outcome of UNEP environmental assessments, UNEP will analyze the number of environmental risks that are mitigated within the relief and recovery period.

The post-crisis assessment and recovery process contributes to improved environmental management and the sustainable use of natural resources

Increased percentage of inter-agency post-crisis needs assessments and early recovery plans that identify, prioritize and cost environmental damage and needs

Number of plans which include environmental needs

100% of all plans include environmental needs.

UNEP will count the number of flash appeals and early recovery plans which include environmental needs based on the outcomes of UNEP's environmental assessment.

Increased percentage of the total long-term relief and crisis recovery funding focused on environment and natural resource management and associated livelihoods projects.

Financial data per country operation

100% of environmental needs are funded.

Specific activities for monitoring and reporting are the following:

Baseline study: This activity will establish the baseline (through desk study, survey or other means), determine additional indicators of achievements and define data sources and collection methodologies or systems required to collect data to monitor and measure performance for the Programme of Work over the biennium.

Progress reports: Guided by the data and indicators defined in the baseline study and the data collected through the monitoring system previously established, progress reports will be released every six months to demonstrate how project activities and implementation contribute to the achievement of the EA 1 and respective outputs.

Programme Framework evaluation: An evaluation of the entire Programme Framework, including individual projects evaluations, will be undertaken upon completion of the projects contained within it. The aim of the evaluation is to determine and verify the role and performance of UNEP in achieving the EA 1. While measurement of the EA will focus on the indicators of achievement, evaluations will be more expansive and examine effects that may be broader than the indicators utilising completed project-level evaluations. The Programme Framework evaluation will specifically focus on the ‘theory of change' or ‘impact pathways' used to link project activities to the Expected Accomplishment and will document the evidence of actual (or potential) achievements, by UNEP and its partners, along such ‘pathways'. Where possible, these evaluations will attempt to establish the amount of such change that is attributable to the intervention.

2. Communications and outreach

The approach rests on the following communications mix:

Web: The Disasters and Conflicts section of www.unep.org website will become the principal communications tool for the sub-programme. The site will feature individual pages for each ongoing project/programme, comprised of an overview of the project, a "news" section, access to all related publications and background material, a standard PowerPoint presentation, a photo gallery, and audiovisual resources. The site be updated on a systematic basis and made dynamic through the use of podcasts, videos and blogs.
Print/CDs: The Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme will nevertheless continue to produce flagship reports, policy papers, presentational brochures and other publications in print. While electronic media will be privileged for reasons of access, distribution, and reduced environmental footprint, printed matter will remain an essential tool for communicating at field level, where availability and access to online or electronic media cannot be guaranteed.
Audiovisual: Video and audio coverage of field operations will be systematized through the use of hand-held equipment, for web and other uses. In collaboration with DCPI, professional teams will be available to produce footage for news and features and/or long-format programmes, for regular or online TV.
Press: The Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme will produce regular press releases, coordinated through DCPI, on ongoing projects and results. In addition, opportunities for feature articles and opinion pieces should be sought out on a regular basis in relevant publications.
Events: The presence and visibility of the Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme should be ensured at targeted major conferences, meetings and other high-level events, for example through the Disasters and Conflicts exhibit module, the distribution of printed materials, or the screening of documentary films. In addition, opportunities for lecturing and participating in panel discussions or roundtable events should be actively sought out as a means of reaching more specialized audiences.
Email: PCDMB will ensure the periodical distribution of progress reports and an electronic newsletter to targeted list of recipients within the various communities of practice.
Presentations/training events: In order to raise awareness and understanding of the goals, activities and approach of the Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme within the organization, PCDMB staff will deliver presentations and training sessions to UNEP divisions, regional offices and affiliated institutions.
Intranet: In the medium term, a Disasters and Conflicts intranet tool comprising contacts, access to project information, resource materials, and a calendar of events could be made available to a "community of practice" within UNEP.

Project duration and geographical coverage:

These support activities will run through the biennium.

Project roles and responsibilities

Managing division:

DEPI: Activities under this project are managed by the Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch of DEPI.

Other divisions:

222c Field-based environmental assessments

4. Environmental Survey of Ogoniland, Nigeria

Project objective

This project aims to assist Nigeria in the generation of comprehensive environmental baseline data, assessments and recommendations, to enable the progressive remediation of oil-contaminated sites in Ogoniland.

PoW outputs

#222: Field-based environmental assessments conducted to identify environmental risks to human health, livelihoods and security, and integrate needs within recovery plans and appeals.

PAG
approval

This project was approved for the period from December 2007 to December 2010 with the latest revision being done in December 2008.

Project idea and approach

Rationale:

Oil exploration and production by Shell International in the oil-rich Niger Delta region started in the 1950s, but operations were suspended in the early 1990s due to local public unrest. The oilfields and installations have since remained dormant. Spills from these operations, however, remain unremediated or only partially remediated today. In addition, further oil contamination has resulted from lack of maintenance, oil tapping, and damage to oil infrastructure and facilities over the last 15 years.

In July 2006, UNEP received a formal request from the Federal Government of Nigeria to carry out a comprehensive environmental assessment of the Ogoni region, and recommend suitable remediation actions based upon its findings. The request to UNEP was made as part of a broader government-led peace and reconciliation initiative in the region, and within the Programme Framework for Improving Human Development in the Niger Delta, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

UNEP, in partnership with UNDP, has therefore launched a project aiming at establishing an environmental assessment of oil contamination in Ogoniland, in order to recommend scientifically robust methods for cleaning the contaminated zone. It is expected that the outcome of this project would significantly contribute to the peacebuilding efforts being conducted in this region by the national authorities and the international community. In particular, UNEP's recommendations will advise sustainable ways to reorient local development towards poverty alleviation, by restoring natural resources-based livelihoods. The project will also pay particular attention to gender considerations, by specifically involving women groups across all project's activities, including the field assessment work, the capacity-building and communication actions, and the consultations undertaken within the Ogoni communities.

Comparative advantages of UNEP and partners:

UNEP's approach to environmental post-crisis assessment is internationally recognized;
UNEP is the only UN agency with a mandate to respond specifically to environmental issues in post-crisis situations;
UNEP has established solid partnerships with international organizations including major UN entities and departments in the political, environmental and social and economic development fields, enabling the synergies and complementarities necessary for an integrated, holistic approach to post-crisis situations;
Through its offices around the world, UNEP has established relations with all national governments, as well as networks of institutions and experts which provide a global reach unmatched by any other player in this area; and
UNEP, working under the UN umbrella of safety and security, has established systems to work under difficult security situations around the world.

In addition, UNEP is partnering with UNDP Nigeria, which has a well established field presence, knowledge of the local context, and experience of operating in country. Along with other UN projects within the region, carried out by WHO and UNITAR amongst others, this joint UNEP-UNDP project strengthens UN efforts to bring peace and development to this unstable and under-developed region of Nigeria.

The project scope is defined by three main components:

1. Impact assessment of chemical contamination of soil and water from oil spills, which will cover: the nature and quantification of the contamination of groundwater, surface water, sediments in the creeks, and will offer recommendations regarding the scope, modalities and means of remediation of this contamination.

2. Impact assessment on fisheries and agriculture, which will cover: the potential changes to surface hydrology, to aquatic vegetation and ecosystems and the potential changes in fisheries productivity due to contamination of surface water and creeks.

3. Impact assessment on public health, which will cover: the health risks and impacts from agriculture and fisheries' activities in the contaminated zones, and the public health concerns in relation to air pollution from extensive gas flaring in the region.

UNEP teams of experts will conduct field-based assessments in over 300 sites to identify the impacts of oil on environmental systems such as land, water, agriculture, fisheries and air - as well as the indirect effects on biodiversity and human health. The findings of the environmental assessment will be used to determine the appropriate levels of remediation needed to rehabilitate the land to a condition that is environmentally acceptable, on the basis of international standards.

The project will be undertaken in a manner that maximizes benefits to the community - through employment, capacity-building, information and consultation.

Implemented through a project office in Port Harcourt (Nigeria), this project ensures the sustainability of the results by guaranteeing: (i) community and country ownership and relevance to national development priorities, (ii) integration of project outcomes into long-term development planning, (iii) cross-fertilization with existing UN activities, in particular through a partnership with UNDP Nigeria, and (iv) capacity-building activities for environmental management, in particular addressed to the local Ogoni communities and to the state and federal environmental administrations.

The sustainability of the results will also be ensured by the project communication strategy. Indeed, it is envisaged that an effective and targeted communications effort will help to ensure that UNEP's role and project aims are clearly communicated as well as buy-in from key stakeholders (e.g. federal government, relevant regional and local entities) implicated in the process is secured. The project will guarantee that any communications efforts are transparent and messages are consistent from the onset; this in turn will provide a critical opportunity to ensure key stakeholder acceptance and local ownership. At local level for instance, four local community liaison staff will be recruited with the aim of maintaining a permanent contact with the beneficiary communities of Ogoniland, and for conducting communication activities, including environmental awareness raising actions.

UNEP is currently engaged in discussions to explore the possibility of conducting a second phase to this assessment project which would consist in a clean-up of the most heavily contaminated sites of Ogoniland identified during the UNEP assessment.

Project duration and geographical coverage:

This project will span the entire 2010-2011 biennium and covers approximately 300 hundred contaminated sites in Ogoniland, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Project roles and responsibilities

Managing division

DEPI: Management and coordination of this project will rest with the Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch, in full consultation with the Regional Office for Africa. PCDMB manages the country project office in Port Harcourt and coordinates the project components, with a particular focus on presenting a unified UNEP to national stakeholders.

Other divisions

DCPI: to contribute to (i) raise the profile of UNEP by relaying relevant information on project implementation and achievements to an international/external audience, and supervising press contacts in relation to this project, and (ii) maintain permanent contact with the beneficiaries from UN assistance as well as ensuring ownership of the project by local entities.

ROA: to provide guidance on the political aspects of the project, and to supervise the framework of cooperation with UNDP for implementing this project.

Supporting partners

UNDP Nigeria, a number of Nigerian institutions such as the National Oil Spill Agency (NOSDRA), the Ministry of Environment, the Government of Rivers State, Shell Petroleum Development Corporation (SPDC), as well as Universities based in Port Harcourt and overseas. All of the key stakeholders are represented on the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) which meets periodically in Abuja.

223 Environmental considerations integrated

223a Environmental considerations integrated

Project 22/3-P4: Environment, Humanitarian Action and Early Recovery

Project objective

PoW outputs

#223: Environmental considerations integrated within relief and recovery policies, practices and appeals.

Project idea and approach

Rationale:

Comparative advantages of UNEP and partners:

UNEP has over ten years of assessing and addressing the environmental dimensions of humanitarian response and recovery at the field level;
UNEP has a network of over 60 senior environmental experts that can be deployed within short time period to crisis-affected countries to conduct assessments or provide technical expertise;
UNEP is fully integrated within UN humanitarian response system as the environmental focal point; and
UNEP has established solid partnerships with international organizations including major UN entities and departments in the political, environmental and social and economic development fields, enabling the synergies and complementarities necessary for an integrated, holistic approach to post-crisis assessment.

Project scope:

This project will have four main areas of activity:

Project duration and geographical coverage:

This project will span the entire 2010-2011 biennium and its focus is global, with country-level interventions determined by need and request from the IASC system and Humanitarian Coordinators.

Project roles and responsibilities

Managing division:

DEPI: The project will be managed by DEPI, through the Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch.

Other divisions:

Regional Offices: Regional Offices are key partners in identifying countries targeted for training and other interventions. Moreover, Regional Offices will provide technical and policy guidance to the further development and implementation of this project.
DEWA/DTIE: The technical support of DEWA and DTIE will be critical in developing training and assessment tools, and in conducting environmental assessments at the field level. Indeed, while DEWA will be setting up environmental recovery indicators, DTIE will provide disaster-stricken countries with policy packages offering the right incentives to promote the transition to a green economy.

Supporting partners:

The external partners are all members of the CWGER, especially UNDP, and all members in the IASC. Technical partners will be selected according to the intervention context.

223b Environmental considerations integrated

Project 22/3-P11: Programme Framework Support Project

Project objective

This project is designed to support the delivery of the overall Programme Framework through two critical actions namely monitoring and evaluation, and communications and outreach.

PoW outputs

#223: Environmental considerations integrated within relief and recovery policies, practices and appeals.

#231: Environmental policy and institutional support provided to post-crisis countries;

#232: Environmental clean-up projects catalysed at sites contaminated by hazardous substances and wastes as a result of conflicts or disasters;

#233: Ecosystem restoration and management projects catalysed for sites damaged by conflicts or disasters;

#234: Sustainable building and construction guidelines implemented on a pilot basis as a contribution to the efficient use of resources in crisis-affected countries; and

#235: Environmental considerations integrated into UN peacebuilding and recovery activities in post-crisis countries and regions.

Project idea and approach

Rationale:

Project scope:

The project scope is divided into two self-standing components:

Expected accomplishments (EA)

Indicators of achievement*

* Additional indicators of achievement will be defined in order to fine-tune the analysis (see activities below -i.e. baseline study)

Performance measures

Unit of measure

Dec 2009 (Baseline)*

* To be defined in due time (see activities below -i.e. baseline study)

Dec 2011 (Target)

Data source and collection method

Rapid and reliable environmental assessments following conflicts and disasters as requested.

Increased percentage of identified acute environmental risks which are mitigated in the post-conflict and post-disaster relief period.

Number of risks identified versus mitigated per operation

100% of environmental risks are mitigated.

Based on the outcome of UNEP environmental assessments, UNEP will analyze the number of environmental risks that are mitigated within the relief and recovery period.

The post-crisis assessment and recovery process contributes to improved environmental management and the sustainable use of natural resources

Increased percentage of inter-agency post-crisis needs assessments and early recovery plans that identify, prioritize and cost environmental damage and needs

Number of plans which include environmental needs

100% of all plans include environmental needs.

UNEP will count the number of flash appeals and early recovery plans which include environmental needs based on the outcomes of UNEP's environmental assessment.

Increased percentage of the total long-term relief and crisis recovery funding focused on environment and natural resource management and associated livelihoods projects.

Financial data per country operation

100% of environmental needs are funded.

Specific activities for monitoring and reporting are the following:

Baseline study: This activity will establish the baseline (through desk study, survey or other means), determine additional indicators of achievements and define data sources and collection methodologies or systems required to collect data to monitor and measure performance for the Programme of Work over the biennium.

Progress reports: Guided by the data and indicators defined in the baseline study and the data collected through the monitoring system previously established, progress reports will be released every six months to demonstrate how project activities and implementation contribute to the achievement of the EA 1 and respective outputs.

Programme Framework evaluation: An evaluation of the entire Programme Framework, including individual projects evaluations, will be undertaken upon completion of the projects contained within it. The aim of the evaluation is to determine and verify the role and performance of UNEP in achieving the EA 1. While measurement of the EA will focus on the indicators of achievement, evaluations will be more expansive and examine effects that may be broader than the indicators utilising completed project-level evaluations. The Programme Framework evaluation will specifically focus on the ‘theory of change' or ‘impact pathways' used to link project activities to the Expected Accomplishment and will document the evidence of actual (or potential) achievements, by UNEP and its partners, along such ‘pathways'. Where possible, these evaluations will attempt to establish the amount of such change that is attributable to the intervention.

2. Communications and outreach

The approach rests on the following communications mix:

Web: The Disasters and Conflicts section of www.unep.org website will become the principal communications tool for the sub-programme. The site will feature individual pages for each ongoing project/programme, comprised of an overview of the project, a "news" section, access to all related publications and background material, a standard PowerPoint presentation, a photo gallery, and audiovisual resources. The site be updated on a systematic basis and made dynamic through the use of podcasts, videos and blogs.
Print/CDs: The Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme will nevertheless continue to produce flagship reports, policy papers, presentational brochures and other publications in print. While electronic media will be privileged for reasons of access, distribution, and reduced environmental footprint, printed matter will remain an essential tool for communicating at field level, where availability and access to online or electronic media cannot be guaranteed.
Audiovisual: Video and audio coverage of field operations will be systematized through the use of hand-held equipment, for web and other uses. In collaboration with DCPI, professional teams will be available to produce footage for news and features and/or long-format programmes, for regular or online TV.
Press: The Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme will produce regular press releases, coordinated through DCPI, on ongoing projects and results. In addition, opportunities for feature articles and opinion pieces should be sought out on a regular basis in relevant publications.
Events: The presence and visibility of the Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme should be ensured at targeted major conferences, meetings and other high-level events, for example through the Disasters and Conflicts exhibit module, the distribution of printed materials, or the screening of documentary films. In addition, opportunities for lecturing and participating in panel discussions or roundtable events should be actively sought out as a means of reaching more specialized audiences.
Email: PCDMB will ensure the periodical distribution of progress reports and an electronic newsletter to targeted list of recipients within the various communities of practice.
Presentations/training events: In order to raise awareness and understanding of the goals, activities and approach of the Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme within the organization, PCDMB staff will deliver presentations and training sessions to UNEP divisions, regional offices and affiliated institutions.
Intranet: In the medium term, a Disasters and Conflicts intranet tool comprising contacts, access to project information, resource materials, and a calendar of events could be made available to a "community of practice" within UNEP.

Project duration and geographical coverage:

These support activities will run through the biennium.

Project roles and responsibilities

Managing division:

DEPI: Activities under this project are managed by the Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch of DEPI.

Other divisions:

224 Network of UNEP experts and associated institutions

224a Network of UNEP experts and associated institutions

Project 22/3-P4: Environment, Humanitarian Action and Early Recovery

Project objective

PoW outputs

#223: Environmental considerations integrated within relief and recovery policies, practices and appeals.

Project idea and approach

Rationale:

Comparative advantages of UNEP and partners:

UNEP has over ten years of assessing and addressing the environmental dimensions of humanitarian response and recovery at the field level;
UNEP has a network of over 60 senior environmental experts that can be deployed within short time period to crisis-affected countries to conduct assessments or provide technical expertise;
UNEP is fully integrated within UN humanitarian response system as the environmental focal point; and
UNEP has established solid partnerships with international organizations including major UN entities and departments in the political, environmental and social and economic development fields, enabling the synergies and complementarities necessary for an integrated, holistic approach to post-crisis assessment.

Project scope:

This project will have four main areas of activity:

Project duration and geographical coverage:

This project will span the entire 2010-2011 biennium and its focus is global, with country-level interventions determined by need and request from the IASC system and Humanitarian Coordinators.

Project roles and responsibilities

Managing division:

DEPI: The project will be managed by DEPI, through the Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch.

Other divisions:

Regional Offices: Regional Offices are key partners in identifying countries targeted for training and other interventions. Moreover, Regional Offices will provide technical and policy guidance to the further development and implementation of this project.
DEWA/DTIE: The technical support of DEWA and DTIE will be critical in developing training and assessment tools, and in conducting environmental assessments at the field level. Indeed, while DEWA will be setting up environmental recovery indicators, DTIE will provide disaster-stricken countries with policy packages offering the right incentives to promote the transition to a green economy.

Supporting partners:

The external partners are all members of the CWGER, especially UNDP, and all members in the IASC. Technical partners will be selected according to the intervention context.

224b Network of UNEP experts and associated institutions

Project 22/3-P11: Programme Framework Support Project

Project objective

This project is designed to support the delivery of the overall Programme Framework through two critical actions namely monitoring and evaluation, and communications and outreach.

PoW outputs

#223: Environmental considerations integrated within relief and recovery policies, practices and appeals.

#231: Environmental policy and institutional support provided to post-crisis countries;

#232: Environmental clean-up projects catalysed at sites contaminated by hazardous substances and wastes as a result of conflicts or disasters;

#233: Ecosystem restoration and management projects catalysed for sites damaged by conflicts or disasters;

#234: Sustainable building and construction guidelines implemented on a pilot basis as a contribution to the efficient use of resources in crisis-affected countries; and

#235: Environmental considerations integrated into UN peacebuilding and recovery activities in post-crisis countries and regions.

Project idea and approach

Rationale:

Project scope:

The project scope is divided into two self-standing components:

Expected accomplishments (EA)

Indicators of achievement*

* Additional indicators of achievement will be defined in order to fine-tune the analysis (see activities below -i.e. baseline study)

Performance measures

Unit of measure

Dec 2009 (Baseline)*

* To be defined in due time (see activities below -i.e. baseline study)

Dec 2011 (Target)

Data source and collection method

Rapid and reliable environmental assessments following conflicts and disasters as requested.

Increased percentage of identified acute environmental risks which are mitigated in the post-conflict and post-disaster relief period.

Number of risks identified versus mitigated per operation

100% of environmental risks are mitigated.

Based on the outcome of UNEP environmental assessments, UNEP will analyze the number of environmental risks that are mitigated within the relief and recovery period.

The post-crisis assessment and recovery process contributes to improved environmental management and the sustainable use of natural resources

Increased percentage of inter-agency post-crisis needs assessments and early recovery plans that identify, prioritize and cost environmental damage and needs

Number of plans which include environmental needs

100% of all plans include environmental needs.

UNEP will count the number of flash appeals and early recovery plans which include environmental needs based on the outcomes of UNEP's environmental assessment.

Increased percentage of the total long-term relief and crisis recovery funding focused on environment and natural resource management and associated livelihoods projects.

Financial data per country operation

100% of environmental needs are funded.

Specific activities for monitoring and reporting are the following:

Baseline study: This activity will establish the baseline (through desk study, survey or other means), determine additional indicators of achievements and define data sources and collection methodologies or systems required to collect data to monitor and measure performance for the Programme of Work over the biennium.

Progress reports: Guided by the data and indicators defined in the baseline study and the data collected through the monitoring system previously established, progress reports will be released every six months to demonstrate how project activities and implementation contribute to the achievement of the EA 1 and respective outputs.

Programme Framework evaluation: An evaluation of the entire Programme Framework, including individual projects evaluations, will be undertaken upon completion of the projects contained within it. The aim of the evaluation is to determine and verify the role and performance of UNEP in achieving the EA 1. While measurement of the EA will focus on the indicators of achievement, evaluations will be more expansive and examine effects that may be broader than the indicators utilising completed project-level evaluations. The Programme Framework evaluation will specifically focus on the ‘theory of change' or ‘impact pathways' used to link project activities to the Expected Accomplishment and will document the evidence of actual (or potential) achievements, by UNEP and its partners, along such ‘pathways'. Where possible, these evaluations will attempt to establish the amount of such change that is attributable to the intervention.

2. Communications and outreach

The approach rests on the following communications mix:

Web: The Disasters and Conflicts section of www.unep.org website will become the principal communications tool for the sub-programme. The site will feature individual pages for each ongoing project/programme, comprised of an overview of the project, a "news" section, access to all related publications and background material, a standard PowerPoint presentation, a photo gallery, and audiovisual resources. The site be updated on a systematic basis and made dynamic through the use of podcasts, videos and blogs.
Print/CDs: The Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme will nevertheless continue to produce flagship reports, policy papers, presentational brochures and other publications in print. While electronic media will be privileged for reasons of access, distribution, and reduced environmental footprint, printed matter will remain an essential tool for communicating at field level, where availability and access to online or electronic media cannot be guaranteed.
Audiovisual: Video and audio coverage of field operations will be systematized through the use of hand-held equipment, for web and other uses. In collaboration with DCPI, professional teams will be available to produce footage for news and features and/or long-format programmes, for regular or online TV.
Press: The Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme will produce regular press releases, coordinated through DCPI, on ongoing projects and results. In addition, opportunities for feature articles and opinion pieces should be sought out on a regular basis in relevant publications.
Events: The presence and visibility of the Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme should be ensured at targeted major conferences, meetings and other high-level events, for example through the Disasters and Conflicts exhibit module, the distribution of printed materials, or the screening of documentary films. In addition, opportunities for lecturing and participating in panel discussions or roundtable events should be actively sought out as a means of reaching more specialized audiences.
Email: PCDMB will ensure the periodical distribution of progress reports and an electronic newsletter to targeted list of recipients within the various communities of practice.
Presentations/training events: In order to raise awareness and understanding of the goals, activities and approach of the Disasters and Conflicts sub-programme within the organization, PCDMB staff will deliver presentations and training sessions to UNEP divisions, regional offices and affiliated institutions.
Intranet: In the medium term, a Disasters and Conflicts intranet tool comprising contacts, access to project information, resource materials, and a calendar of events could be made available to a "community of practice" within UNEP.

Project duration and geographical coverage:

These support activities will run through the biennium.

Project roles and responsibilities

Managing division:

DEPI: Activities under this project are managed by the Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch of DEPI.

Other divisions: