Avaliação de Meio-Termo

Republic of Angola MINISTRY OF URBAN AFFAIRS AND ENVIRONMENT Project 00011125 – National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and Preparation of the First National Report to the Conference of Parties Report Mid Term Review Elaborated by: Isabel Dias Ramos – International Consultant Natália Pinto – National Consultant November 2005 Luanda – Angola The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is a project of the Ministry of Environment and Urban Affairs (MINUA) and it intends to assess the current state of biodiversity in Angola, the pressures exercised upon it and its potential. This project is funded the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and has the support of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). The project’s main objective is the elaboration of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan as well as the First National Report for the Conference of Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity. For more information about the project or additional copies of this report contact the NBSAP Project Team at: Largo de Bressane Leite, nº 29, Luanda; Telephone/ Fax: +244-222-338919; Email: nbsap.angola@nexus.ao November 2005 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 Biodiversity is the essence of life: without it, life on earth would wither and ultimately come to a halt, since biodiversity represents the base of all existence. The World Conservation Monitoring Centre has placed Angola in the list of 25 priority countries for biodiversity conservation, in view of its biological heritage. The country has been blessed with a magnitude of biological riches and their preservation is of the utmost importance. The sheer size of the country and astonishing variety of ecosystems, ranging from desert dunes to tropical rainforests and savannas, make it a rich storehouse of biodiversity. However its fauna and flora remain amongst the least documented of all African countries. Furthermore, 175 animal and plant species are listed on the 2000 IUCN Red List as being critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or data deficient (including 3 insect species, 37 bird species, 90 mammals, 7 reptiles, 10 gastropods and 28 magnoliopsides). Thus, the successful completion of this Project is of pressing importance. It will culminate with the publication of the country’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the First National Report to the Conference of Parties1, which are vital tools in the process of biodiversity conservation. The Project embodies the spirit of a new Angola – a nation concerned about the future of its natural resources, as it recognizes that the state of its environment is inextricably linked to the advancement and wellbeing of its people. By being a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Angola demonstrates its profound commitment to a sustainable and equitable present and future and confirms its role as a global player in today’s increasingly environmentally conscious world. 1 “The Conference of the Parties is the governing body of the Convention (on Biological Diversity), and advances implementation of the Convention through the decisions it takes at its periodic meetings.” Available at: http://www.biodiv.org/convention/cops.asp. Retrieved: November 24, 2005 i Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 Table of Contents List of Acronyms ................................................................................................................................................. iii Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................. 1 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 3 1.1 Angola’s Social, Political and Economic Context .............................................................................. 3 1.2 The Environment within Angola’s Ministerial Context ...................................................................... 4 1.3 Methodology and Evaluation Stages ................................................................................................... 5 1.4 Difficulties Encountered ..................................................................................................................... 7 Brief Project Description ........................................................................................................................... 7 2.1 Background ......................................................................................................................................... 8 2.2 Expected Outputs and Project Stages .................................................................................................. 9 2.3 Organizational Structure ................................................................................................................... 10 Project Implementation ........................................................................................................................... 11 3.1 Project Elaboration and its Adequacy to the Current Context .......................................................... 11 3.2 Relevance .......................................................................................................................................... 12 3.3 Adequacy .......................................................................................................................................... 13 3.4 National Execution Modality (NEX) Modus Operandi .................................................................... 13 3.5 Implementation, Execution and Quality of the Activities ................................................................. 14 3.5.1 Establishment of the PSC and the Reference Group ............................................................... 14 3.5.2 Training Activity and Familiarisation of the Reference Group ............................................... 15 3.5.3 Information Stocktaking/ Thematic Studies ............................................................................ 15 3.5.4 Regional Workshops ............................................................................................................... 16 3.5.5 First National Workshop ......................................................................................................... 17 3.5.6 Information and Awareness Raising ........................................................................................ 18 3.5.7 Project Team and Other Participants Performance .................................................................. 18 3.5.8 Performance and Support Given by MINUA and UNDP ........................................................ 19 3.5.9 Finances ................................................................................................................................... 20 3.5.10 Additional Activities ............................................................................................................... 21 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................................... 23 Recommendations..................................................................................................................................... 25 5.1 General .............................................................................................................................................. 25 5.2 Until the End of the Project – March 2006 ....................................................................................... 25 5.3 Project Extension for Three Additional Months ............................................................................... 26 5.4 After the Project’s Completion ......................................................................................................... 27 2 3 4 5 ANNEXES .......................................................................................................................................................... 29 Annex 1 Annex 2 Annex 3 Annex 4 Annex 5 Mid Term Review Terms of Reference List of People/ Institutions Interviewed List of National Consultants, PSC Members and Project Team List of Documents Reviewed Brochure “Estratégia e Plano de Acção Nacionais para a Biodiversidade (NBSAP)” (National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan) ii Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 List of Acronyms CBD CoP GEF GURN IDF IUCN MINUA NBSAP NGO NORAD NPC PRODOC PSC SADC SADC-REEP SPGRC ToR UNDP UNITA Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of Parties Global Environment Facility Government of National Unity and Reconciliation Institute for Forestry Development World Conservation Union Ministry of Urban Affairs and Environment National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan Non Governmental Organization Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation National Project Coordinator Project Document Project Steering Committee Southern Africa Development Community SADC Regional Environmental Education Programme SADC Plant Genetic Resources Centre Terms of Reference United Nations Development Fund National Union for Total Independence of Angola iii Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 Executive Summary In the aftermath of nearly thirty years of armed conflict Angola faces several challenges. Amongst them is the necessity to have a clear picture of the current state of biodiversity in the Country, taking into account the impacts of three decades of armed conflict. Such is necessary in order to establish and define priority intervention areas within the fields of biodiversity and the environment in general. By taking this urgent necessity into consideration, the Government of Angola, through the Ministry of Environment and Urban Affairs (MINUA), financed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Global Environment Fund (GEF) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), embarked on the Project “National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and Preparation of the First National Report to the Conference of Parties” (NBSAP). The NBSAP Project arises within this context to provide an answer to a multiplicity of concerns and responsibilities related to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), ratified by Angola on the 1st of April 1997. The NBSAP was defined as having a duration of 18 months, starting in October 2004 and an ending predicted for the end of March 2006. The Project has three expected outputs: 1. An institutional framework and other practical provisions, aimed at ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and coordination of the enabling activity; 2. The elaboration of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan; 3. The elaboration of the First National Report to the Conference of Parties of the CBD. This report is the result of the Project’s Mid Term Review, during which the first thirteen (13) months of the Project were analysed, from October 2004 to October 2005. The review intended to reflect upon and analyse the activities developed within the Project’s scope, the Project’s overall degree of implementation and progress considering its working mechanisms. Additionally, the review intends to make future recommendations and propose an orientation for the Project’s continuity. This review was done in Luanda, in November 2005, by two independent consultants (international and national) hired by the UNDP. The evaluation team considers the Project pertinent and relevant, as it is the first step in understanding and assessing Angola’s environmental problems and needs. Only after such an assessment can the Country’s environmental needs be addressed and solutions set forth. Furthermore, the Project has fostered synergies and new dynamics within the Project itself and MINUA, as well as in between the different governmental institutions, academic institutions and civil society. Within the Project’s scope, great dissemination, awareness raising and knowledge transmission about issues relating to the environment have been done. 1 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 Other aspects worth highlighting include the commitment and dedication shown by the different institutions/ individuals involved directly and indirectly in the Project. Their pride is being part of an initiative of such magnitude and their desire to see the practical results of their work through the implementation of the NBSAP is contagious. Further remarkable aspects worth noting are the high level of participation and far reach achieved by the Project. This was accomplished by not limiting the Project’s activities to Luanda and running regional workshops in various regions of the country (more precisely in six) in which participants from all provinces joined. It has to be noted that a lot has been achieved in little time, considering all the difficulties encountered in the elaboration of a Project of this nature in a country like Angola, still in a post conflict situation. One of the Project’s main limitations has to do with its very limited time frame considering the Country’s reality, as the Project only has an 18 month duration. Nevertheless, and up to this moment, the Project has been advancing quite well. If the Project continues to progress as it has progressed until now, it is expected that it will finish successfully and within the deadline. However, it is considered that the Project will benefit considerably from a three month extension. This extension will be necessary and is justified mainly to serve as a lever for the Project’s continuity and also to perfect and refine its main outputs. This abovementioned continuity is an extraordinarily relevant aspect to consider: one of the Project’s outputs, and the most important amongst the three, is the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Consequently, the implementation of the recommendations, strategies and plans included in the NBSAP is vital so the results of this Project are not merely well elaborated documents, and have the much needed and expected practical results. Hence it becomes crucial to emphasize that the political will of all governmental sectors when it comes to the implementation of the NBSAP is and will be pivotal for the success of this initiative, starting with the approval of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan by the Council of Ministers. It is hoped that this approval will be done without major delays, demonstrating that the Country recognizes the priority, importance and benefits that can be ripped within the scope of this Project and its continuity. Additionally, considering the central role MINUA has assumed as the Project’s implementing agency, it should demonstrate and assume a clear commitment to follow through NBSAP’s implementation stage. 2 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 1 Introduction This report is the result of the Mid Term Review of the Project “National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and Preparation of the First National Report to the Conference of Parties” (NBSAP). The mid term review intends to evaluate the implementation and progress of the Project and make future recommendations concerning it. The mid-term review took place between the 1st and the 18th of November 2005. It was done by a team of consultants: Isabel Dias Ramos, International Consultant (representing SADC-REEP) and Natália Pinto, National Consultant, both hired by UNDP. Throughout this evaluation, the Project’s activities and their implementation and progress, together with their consistency and coherence with the PRODOC were analysed. Furthermore, successful and unsuccessful activities and mechanisms were focused upon. These are described in order to identify best practices, strengths and weaknesses, therefore fostering the Project's future successful completion, and in order to make future recommendations. This analysis also included the performance of the different parties involved, namely the Project Team, the PSC and the organizations who support the Project. The Consultants would like to thank the PSC, UNDP, NORAD and all the consultants who made themselves available to interviews and discussions, contributing towards the successful completion of the mid term review. A very special thank you goes to the Project Team for all the collaboration and support provided throughout the process. 1.1 Angola’s Social, Political and Economic Context The Republic of Angola is located in sub-Saharan Africa, having a surface area of 1,246,7000 Km2. Its population is estimated in 13.5 millions, with 40 per cent inhabiting urban areas and the remaining 60 per cent, rural areas2. Angola conquered its independence in 1975. Ever since, the Country was involved in armed conflict and in great instability until March 2002, with the exception of two periods of peace between 19901992 and 1994-1998. Throughout this whole period, and mainly after the return to war in 1998, 4.3 million people where displaced from their areas of origin3. The period after 1998 was one of the most critical of the armed conflict. 2 3 NBSAP Thematic Studies Ibidem 3 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 However, the signing of the cease-fire and peace treaty between the armed forces of the Angolan Government and the military troops of the National Union for Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) in April 2002, brought strong perspectives of lasting peace and sustainable development. Nevertheless, and despite the cease-fire, the Angolan population still lives in precarious conditions, as the Country’s economy has been severely affected by 27 years of war. The high level of destruction of social and economic infrastructures, the high number of displaced people, the increasing food shortages due to the abandonment of agricultural production areas and old subsistence ways, are tangible consequences of the nearly three decades of armed conflict. After the signing of the Luena’s Memorandum of Understanding, in April 2002, the Government of Angola, with the support of United Nations Agencies and national and international NGOs, established a plan to support the demobilization and social and economic reintegration of the former troops, the return and settling of populations to their original areas, and has started rebuilding the Country. Within the scope of this reconstruction, the Environment must assume a pivotal role. Little is known about its current state, and it is widely recognised that Angola suffers from several environmental problems that have been aggravated by the severe impacts of three decades of armed conflict:    increasing human population pressure, concentrated in urban areas and along the coastline; the soil’s overexploitation, which has led to erosion, exhaustion and desertification; deforestation due to an increased demand for exotic wood species, domestic use for fuel and building purposes and clearing for agriculture and other activities. Deforestation has also contributed to the loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, water pollution, silting of rivers and dam reservoirs, and an inadequate supply of drinking water. It should also be noted that during the colonial era, Angola had 13 protected areas – five were National Parks and eight were Reserves. All together these covered just about 6.6% of Angola’s surface area 4. Today, the only protected area which is managed is the Kissama National Park, south of Luanda, although only partially. All the others are not managed and do have conservation programmes. Protected areas are key repositories of biodiversity, consequently they are vital in fighting biodiversity loss. 1.2 The Environment within Angola’s Ministerial Context In as much as MINUA is the entity responsible for the Project’s implementation, it is important to have an idea of how the area of the Environment has been evolving in Ministerial terms. Before 1992, the environment and environmental concerns were part of/ diluted within the Ministry of Agriculture 4 NBSAP Thematic Studies 4 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 and were not considered a priority. At that time, as a result of the teamwork and reflections resulting from the preparation for, and participation in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (or Earth Summit) which took place in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, the Secretary of State of the Environment was created. In 1997, with the Government of National Unity and Reconciliation (GURN), the Secretary of State of the Environment was extinct, and the Ministry of the Environment was created. In 1999, this Ministry was extinct, having been incorporated in the Ministry of Fisheries and Environment, so it could use funds available in that same Ministry. In 2002, the environment “moved” again, becoming a part of the Ministry of Urban Affairs and Environment (MINUA), where it has been ever since. Nowadays, the MINUA includes four national directorates:     National Directorate for the Environment National Directorate for Housing Policy National Directorate for Natural Resources Directorate for Urban Planning It is presupposed that the successive re-structuring the current Ministry has suffered, together with the changes in functions and responsibilities of the people working in the environmental field, may have lead to a certain lack of stability and indefinition in the organisational chart and job descriptions, principally at a provincial level. These factors consequently affect the adequate articulation and implementation of projects of this nature. Another aspect that needs to be emphasised has to do with the enormous gaps that exist regarding the professional training of specialised personnel to work in the different fields of the environment. There is few qualified staff, and in the short, medium and long-term future this must be a concern for the Country, especially in the NBSAP’s implementation stage. As a result, and taking into account the current state of affairs, the Government’s capacity to provide an answer to the Country’s environmental needs is still in a fragile and debilitated state. Moreover, it will depend greatly on the priorities established within the next few months and on the political will for this process to advance, even if in a gradual manner. 1.3 Methodology and Evaluation Stages In accordance with the Terms of Reference (Annex 1), the Mid Term Review of the NBSAP Project mainly considered the following points:     “The adequacy and consistency of the project management and implementation tools, as specified in the Project Document; The modus operandi of the national execution modality (NEX); The project design and its relevance to the current context; The degree and quality of the implementation of the project activities; 5 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005    The quality and opportunity of the project activities; The involvement of the Project Team as well as of the different project consultants; The efforts and support provided by the Ministry of Urban Affairs and Environment (MINUA) and by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)”5 Additionally, the mid term review also focused on:    “Identify(ing) and examin(ing) the various difficulties in the implementation and/or extension of the project; Mak(ing) recommendations so as to overcome the obstacles, to improve and ensure the sustainability of the project results; Mak(ing) recommendations for the next project activities.”6 The methodology used was based on: a. a critical analysis and revision of Project documents, such as the descriptive Quarterly Reports elaborated by the Project Manager; documentation relating to the activities which have taken place throughout the course of the Project, including its Financial Reports and chronograms of activities (annual and quarterly). b. semi-structured interviews with 20 people7/ institutions (Annex2), including the members of the Project Team (3); the Project Steering Committee (7); the National Consultants for the Supervision of the Thematic Studies (2); the National Consultants for the Elaboration of the Thematic Studies (3); UNDP (3); GEF Focal Point (1); NORAD (1). The content of the interviews differed according to the function and responsibility exercised by the interviewee within the Project. The 3 members of the Project Team were interviewed. Over 50% of the PSC was interviewed, with the aim of achieving the highest possible representativity, in order to obtain the most diversified information, taking into account the different governmental sectors and civil society represented in the PSC. Consequently, the mid term review was sub-divided in the following stages: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Document review and analysis Field work (interviews) Elaboration and discussion of the draft report and contributions towards it Final Report in Portuguese Translation to English 5 6 ToR Mid Term Review NBSAP, p. 2 Ibidem 7 Gabriela Nascimento as a member of the PSC and UNDP; Armindo Mário Gomes da Silva as a member of the PSC and GEF Focal Point 6 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 1.4 Difficulties Encountered The main difficulties encountered throughout the course of the mid term review were fundamentally related to time constraints. The two consultants only had 11 days together, during which they reviewed documents, made interviews, elaborated a first draft report and presented and discussed the review’s main observations and conclusions with the Project Team and the UNDP. Other factors directly related to the Country’s context, such as the frequent power cuts in the city of Luanda, caused certain difficulties in the meeting of deadlines and influenced and conditioned the progress of the work and communication between the two consultants. 7 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 2 Brief Project Description 2.1 Background Realising the importance of preserving its rich biodiversity, Angola’s Government ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on the 1st of April 1997. Subsequently, and with the support of NORAD, UNDP, SPGRC and other organizations, the country has initiated several activities with the purpose of protecting biodiversity. Nevertheless, up to this date, there is no comprehensive strategy for biodiversity conservation and “for realising other national commitments under the CBD”8 and other multilateral environmental agreements. The NBSAP is a Project of the Ministry of Environment and Urban Affairs (MINUA), implemented through the National Directorate for Natural Resources, financed by GEF/ UNDP; UNDP; NORAD; e co-financed by the Government of Angola. Therefrom, the Project aims at filling the existing gaps in this field of mounting relevance, through preparing Angola’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and Angola’s First National Report to the Conference of Parties. As the Project Document states, “the NBSAP will help define the current status of biodiversity in Angola, the pressures to which it is exposed, the possible choices to be made and the actions to be implemented on a priority basis in order to ensure its conservation, its sustainable use and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits deriving there from. The NBSAP will further identify institutional arrangements, role players, and financing needs, needed to operationalize the Strategy. The Action Plan will contain clear milestones and indicators to verify progress in implementation. The project will build on existing knowledge to elaborate the NBSAP through a multisector participatory planning process involving consultation with national and provincial stakeholders, including with the NGO sector, private enterprises and community representatives.”9 “The Government of Angola sees the BSAP as the first step in the process of rebuilding its biodiversity conservation programme after the long years of war, and expects it to lead eventually to development of a Biodiversity Conservation Policy, in addition to a programmatic approach to investment in the arena of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use (expected to be funded by Government and the donor community).”10 8 9 UNDP PRODOC, p. 6 UNDP PRODOC, p. 7 10 Ibidem 8 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 2.2 Expected Outputs and Project Stages The PRODOC defines 3 immediate outputs: “Output 1 Output 2 Output 3 An institutional framework and other practical provisions, aimed at ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and coordination of the enabling activity. A document containing the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP). A First National Report to the Conference of Parties.”11 According to the Project Document, the project will be divided in 4 stages12. Stage 1      Stocktaking and assessment of Angola’s biodiversity; Identification and assessment of threats to biological resources and ecosystems; Assessment of the sustainability of biological resource use; Assessment of the legal, policy and institutional framework. Preparation of thematic reports which will provide an analysis of the situation so national priorities can be set and objectives defined. These reports will subsequently be validated through the course of several national and regional workshops. Stage 2   Analysis of the results of the assessment and inventory processes, taking into consideration the outcomes of the consultation process; Preparation of sub-strategies and action plans for priority areas, covering conservation, sustainable use, access and benefit sharing. Stage 3  Consolidation of sub strategies and action plans into a draft NBSAP. This draft will posteriorly be distributed to all interested parties and validated at a Second National Workshop (National Forum). All the stakeholders input will be taken into consideration and the final NBSAP will thereafter be submitted for political approval. Stage 4  Drafting of the First National communications to the CBD, considering key recommendations. 11 PRODOC, p. 7 and 8 9 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 The project is financed by: GEF/ UNDP NORAD UNDP Government (in kind) TOTAL USD 339,000 USD 17,000 USD 17,000 USD 25,000 USD 398,000 Although the above are the values presented in the PRODOC, up to now, the UNDP has contributed an additional USD 15,000 in 2005 and additional USD 45,000 are planned for 2006. As to the Government, its contribution is of around USD 80,00013 to this date. 2.3 Organizational Structure In organisational and operational terms, the NBSAP is comprised by:   a Project Team (National Project Coordinator, Project Manager, Project Assistant); a Project Steering Committee (13 members, representing the Ministry of Geology and Mines, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Petroleum, the Ministry of Energy and Water, the Ministry of Fisheries, National Directorate for Natural Resources, the Faculty of Science of the Agostinho Neto University, the Maiombe Network, UNDP, GEF, CBD and the Project itself); Up to this moment, several consultants have also been involved in the Project: one international consultant in the “Training Seminar on the Elaboration of the Thematic Studies”; three regional consultants and six provincial consultants in the “Regional Workshops”; one national consultant for the facilitation of the “First National Workshop”; six national consultants for the supervision of the thematic studies and eight national consultants for the elaboration of the thematic studies. The national consultants for the supervision of the thematic studies and the national consultants for the elaboration of the thematic studies were involved mostly during the stage of the elaboration of the six thematic studies, having also participated in the “First National Workshop” during which their studies were presented. 12 13 PRODOC, p. 11 and 12 Preliminary Analysis of the NBSAP 10 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 3 Project Implementation 3.1 Project Elaboration and its Adequacy to the Current Context Some doubts remained as to the PRODOC’s elaboration while the mid-term review took place in Luanda. However, subsequently, the following information was given by the National Project Coordinator (MINUA) and by the UNDP:  NPC (MINUA): two versions of the PRODOC were presented. The first was elaborated by an international consultant. The final version was elaborated by the UNDP, more precisely by the chief technical adviser, Dr. Tamar Ron. UNDP: the first version of the PRODOC was elaborated by an international consultant, in the mid 90’s, in Luanda. After a reprofiling at UNDP in 2001, there was not an appropriate handover by the member of staff who previously dealt with Environmental matters. The then recruited UNDP’s Program Officers promoted several working sessions with the objective of updating the PRODOC before submitting it to the GEF. The changes were made by the then National Director of the Ministry of Fisheries and Environment (biologist João Vintém), the then National Director of the Ministry of Fisheries and Environment (Carlos Santos), GEF’s focal point (Eng. Armindo Gomes da Silva), UNDP’s and the Ministry’s International Consultant on Biodiversity (Dra. Tamar Ron) and the then President of the Maiombe Network (Abias Huongo).  The final version was approved in September 2003 by the Government of Angola, through the Ministry of Planning, and the UNDP. The PRODOC presents deficiencies at various levels: little coherence, and, for example, in matters of deadlines and time needed, it does not take into sufficient account the Country’s context. When elaborating a project it is not possible to exclude factors that are very characteristic to the country in question and that exercise an enormous influence in the project’s outcomes and achieved results. In Angola’s particular case, factors such as frequent power cuts, communication difficulties, the inexistence of a reliable postal service, the inexistence of data bases, the degraded state of infrastructures such as roads, the difficulty in accessing the internet and consequently doing research through it, the lack of bibliography (the libraries are dilapidated, the archives spread all over), the lack of organisation/ functioning of governmental institutions and the different costs of living applicable to different provinces, make the execution of tasks and work more time consuming and different in costs from what could have been expected previously. Predictably, these factors have to necessarily be taken into account so that proposed activities, results, outputs and deadlines are realistic. Furthermore, when it comes to budgetary values, the PRODOC values date from 2003, and it was not clear if the budget had been reviewed between the 1st and the last version of the document. Taking into 11 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 account that the cost of living in Angola has been rising considerably, such facts assume a certain relevance. Additionally, in accordance with UNDP norms, the budgetary values of each one of the budget lines cannot be transferred or partly transferred to other lines. It is understood that because of control and monitorisation it must be so. Nevertheless, this provides no incentive to a better allocation of funds. If the Project Manager had more freedom relating to these matters, even if everything had to be previously agreed with the UNDP, the funds could be allocated in a more efficient manner, maximising the benefits for the Project (and as a result for the UNDP). In a country like Angola, where prices are relatively unstable, this freedom to adapt and adequate the Project’s budget to the country’s immediate reality seems quite important. The PRODOC also has some evident mistakes that reveal a certain lack of attention and care on the behalf of those who wrote it. Examples of such include: the description of Angola as “the second largest country in Africa”14; the Terms of Reference presented in the English version in Annex A referring to the National Project Coordinator are in fact applicable to the Project Manager and not to the NPC; an impossibility to understand how some budget values presented in the table “Project Financing: Angola BSAP + 1st Report”, PRODOC, page 13, are represented in the “UNDP Budget”, PRODOC, pages 14 e 15. Considering the aforementioned difficulties, the Project Manager presented a “Preliminary Analysis to the PRODOC” to UNDP/ MINUA, with comments and suggestions for changes. This documented was posted to MINUA and UNDP on the 5th of Ocober 2004. A second version was emailed to the UNDP on the 8th of October. On the 14th, the Project Manager met with UNDP in order to present the document and collect comments. As there was no official statement from the UNDP regarding the proposed changes, the Project Manager considered them as accepted informally, and from that point onwards he planned the Project’s activities taking the changes described in the document into account. 3.2 Relevance The Project itself, with the necessary changes, is extremely relevant and timely. The environmental field increasingly receives more attention globally. It is recognised that the state of the environment has a great influence in innumerous activities and that its deterioration has a profound and negative impact on Humanity. Mankind’s sustainable development intrinsically depends on the conservation of biodiversity, as the good health of ecosystems depends also on it. Matters such as conflicts due to the access to natural resources or provoked by their scarcity, environmental refugees, ecosystem’s destruction, traditional/ indigenous knowledge and medicine, and many others connected to the field of environment and biodiversity, are increasingly in the order of the day. In Angola’s case, a Country whose natural resources represent one of its greatest riches, this Project is of extreme importance, because preserving its biodiversity and the sustainable use of its 14 PRODOC, p. 3 12 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 natural resources may bring great benefits and their destruction can impact very negatively the future of the Country. The approval of this Strategy also denotes the political will to manage biodiversity in a sustainable manner, and that the co-existence between development and sustainable natural resource use is possible. 3.3 Adequacy Decades of armed conflict have had a profound impact on Angola’s biodiversity and state of the environment in general. Moreover, and also as a result of that situation, very little is known about the real current state of biodiversity in the Country. To be aware of the reality and make an assessment of the situation in order to create strategies and action plans to protect biodiversity is consequently an urgent necessity. It is never too early to protect the biodiversity that we so depend upon – this is the ideal moment, because one day it might be too late. 3.4 National Execution Modality (NEX) Modus Operandi This Project was elaborated under the UNDP’s NEX (National Execution) modality. Under it, it is expected that the Project is to be implemented by a government agency. A National Project Coordinator, who is part of the Ministry, is nominated, being the link between the Ministry and the Project. As to the Project Manager, UNDP’s rules and regulations state that he/ she can be nominated by the Minister or recruited through public tender. However, the first option has priority over the second one. In NBSAP’s case such did not happen, due to a previous experience with MINUA and the little capacity existent to implement projects of this nature. As a result, it was decided to recruit the current Project Manager and the Project Assistant through public tender. Up to now, this choice has proved rather effective, not only because of the qualifications and competences of the Project Team, but also because in this manner they are working exclusively for the Project, not having any additional ties to MINUA or its other activities. The Project has been considered a role model/ exemplar because its implementation has been a success, promoting a very participatory management. However, it is important to note that a great part of its success has to do with the personal characteristics of the Project Manager, and not only with the fact that he was hired through public tender. Hiring through public tender may increase the probabilities of hiring a Project Manager with adequate qualities, competences and qualifications, but it is by no means a guarantee that such will happen. 13 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 3.5 Implementation, Execution and Quality of the Activities In this sub chapter, the Project’s main activities are analysed and commented on. 3.5.1 Establishment of the PSC and the Reference Group The PSC is the Project’s first output. Moreover, it was also one of the main activities to be implemented during the 1st quarter. Its main objective is to advise the Project Team with regards to NBSAP’s development. The creation of a PSC is an aspect common to all projects financed by the UNDP. In order to establish the PSC, MINUA invited different institutions which in their turn nominated their representatives (Annex 3). It is assumed that throughout the course of the Project, the members of the PSC will inform the different agencies and organizations which they are part of, as to the progress of the Project, hence involving them in the process. At first sight, it might have seemed that the size of the PSC was unpractical and ineffective. However, it has been one of the factors that has contributed the most towards the Project’s success: considering that the Environment is a multi-sectoral field, it is indeed important that all parties with a more direct interest in it are to be involved. Furthermore, as the members of the PSC have nominated a substitute in case they could not participate themselves in any given activity, the degree of participation has been rather high, even taking into account the added responsibilities they assume within their Ministries or organizations. It was noticeable that by having been involved and having participated in the NBSAP’s elaboration, the members of the PSC feel a greater appropriation of the Project and are well informed about it. Consequently they have been exercising their functions with greater dedication and efficiency. The level of commitment, involvement and debate has been quite satisfactory. A practical reflection of that was the way in which they organised themselves, internally and according to their expertise, to give their contributions towards the content of the thematic studies. This PSC model was considered valid to such an extent that it was adopted by one of the projects of the Institute for Forestry Development (IDF)15. In addition, it is considered that there is a strong interaction, and good follow up, between the majority of the PSC members and the Project Team. As to the Reference Group, it was not created in the manner initially described in the PRODOC (page 9, point 26). In the Project Manager’s opinion, and in accordance to the modifications proposed and 15 “Project Participatory Formulation of Policies and Legislation on Forests, Wild Fauna and Protected Areas”, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, supported by FAO 14 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 agreed to with UNDP, it would make no sense to have a Reference Group as such, considering the existence of a fully functional PSC and the need to hire National Consultants for the Supervision of the Thematic Studies, who could perfectly well fill that role. 3.5.2 Training Activity and Familiarisation of the Reference Group The main objective of the “Training Seminar on the Elaboration of the Thematic Studies” was to give the necessary support to the Project participants in the process of elaborating those very same studies. During the seminar, the exchange of ideas was fostered, knowledge relative to elaborating and structuring studies was transmitted, and, lastly, the participants created a personalised model adapted to each one of the studies as to how to go about elaborating them. Furthermore, it was intended to capacitate the PSC so it could provide guidance and support to the studies in accordance to the seminar’s results. In the opinion of the interviewees (PSC and National Consultants) this seminar was very useful in so far as it allowed for the acquisition of knowledge (elaboration of studies/ research), research methodologies, debate and exchange of experiences. Useful support materials were also distributed. It was clear that the seminar contributed to clarify what was expected from the thematic studies and that it gave much needed tools to the process. The participants emphasized that, as a result of this learnership, it was possible to have greater clarity as to their role within the NBSAP. Reference Group – not applicable. 3.5.3 Information Stocktaking/ Thematic Studies The main problem encountered throughout the elaboration of the thematic studies was related to the access to information, a factor that cannot be dissociated from the Country’s context. The existing studies are by far dated, there are no data bases, a lot of the studies are no longer in the Country, the libraries are stripped of their bibliographic collections, many studies are not published e several documentation is in private hands. The lack of open and disinterested sharing of information between government institutions and/ or others is a frequent problem. It has serious negative results, such as hindrances, delays and even failure in obtaining the information needed, work duplication and fundamentally an enormous frustration on behalf of those who need the information and find the institutions’ doors closed. The need to recur to personal relations in order to obtain documents that should be in the public domain was mentioned several times by the interviewees. Consequently, the fact that state agencies retain/ appropriate information, documentation and studies that are in their hands, has affected the whole course of the elaboration of the thematic studies, both 15 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 from the point of view of the diversity of information, the quality of the studies and the time needed to elaborate them. This has in part justified the need to extend the time predicted for their elaboration. The following is a list of the Thematic Studies elaborate:       Study of terrestrial biodiversity, including domesticated fauna and flora, analysis and classification of human pressures on Angola’s biodiversity (Thematic Study 1) Analysis of marine and coastal biodiversity and identification of human pressures on marine and coastal ecosystems (Thematic Study 2) Study of the legislative, institutional and policy framework, including human resources specialised in biodiversity management (Thematic Study 3) Study of the relationship between social, economic and demographic patterns and pressures on biodiversity (Thematic Study 4) Inventory of projects, programmes, data bases and other information sources about Angola’s biodiversity (Thematic Study 5) Analysis of biodiversity usage practices based on traditional knowledge of the indigenous communities in Angola (Thematic Study 6) Considering the problem of information sharing is a cultural one, of mentalities and behaviours, it will be difficult to solve it overnight. Nevertheless, it must be taken into account due to its repercussions in the course of all kinds of projects. The widespread distribution of the First National Workshop report and of the Regional Workshops report, as well as the publication of the thematic studies, are ways in which the Project attempts to create a new “sharing of information” mentality, as to achieve better environmental management. With regards to the consultants, there were few applications for the elaboration of certain studies, namely Thematic Studies 5 and 6. In addition, the restriction posed by the budgetary values allocated to these consultancies conditioned the amount of time the consultants devoted to the studies. However, it was observed that the national consultants interviewed, although some assumed greater responsibilities than others, viewed this experience as enriching, both from a learning standpoint and considering the knowledge acquired throughout the entire process of elaboration of the thematic studies. 3.5.4 Regional Workshops Initially, Regional Workshops were to take place in the Country’s 18 provinces. Due to time and budget constraints, it was opted to group them, running them in six areas of the Country: Northern Area: Bengo, Cabinda e Zaire; Eastern Area: Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul e Moxico; Southern Area: Cunene, Namibe e Huíla; Central Southern Area: Benguela, Bié, Huambo e Kwanza Sul; Central Northern Area: Kwanza Norte, Malanje e Uíje; Area Kuando Kubango. The province of Luanda was not included because it had the opportunity to host the First National Workshop. It was attempted to 16 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 mobilise individuals and organizations linked directly or indirectly with the field of biodiversity in Angola. The main objective of this activity was to spread knowledge/ information about the thematic studies and make a public consultation in order to improve the national recommendations and identify provincial/ regional recommendations. The Regional Workshops were run in nine weeks and not throughout the three months initially proposed in October 2004. Such happened because in February, immediately after the “Training Seminar on the Elaboration of the Thematic Studies”, the Project Manager extended the deadline for the elaboration of the thematic studies by two extra months, changing it from April to June 2005. This as he verified that it would not have been possible to produce the studies within such a limited time period. Although it created great stress on the Project Team, the Regional Workshops took place and were run adequately and the extra time allocated to the elaboration of the studies proved necessary. Regional consultants were selected in order to help organise, facilitate and run these workshops, through visiting the provinces chosen to host the event, to identify provincial consultants, deal with and solve logistic matters, and elaborate the reports of each of the workshops. In general, the participation was good, both from the people within the province in question and from neighbouring provinces. Whenever possible, it was attempted to involve members of the PSC in these activities so they would get a more adequate and realistic perception of how the theme was being dealt with in the provinces. As a result, all Regional Workshops counted with the participation of a member of the PSC. In the course of some interviews, it was mentioned that the allowances for some of the provinces were too low and not always covered the high real costs of some regions, a fact that caused a certain discomfort and embarrassment both for members of the PSC and for the regional consultants. To minimize this problem, the Project Team decided that the NBSAP would cover all meals, both for the members of the PSC and for the regional consultants, throughout the course of the workshops. 3.5.5 First National Workshop The First National Workshop took place on the 6th and 7th of July 2005 in Luanda. Its organization was under the responsibility of MINUA, through the Project Team. The list of participants in this workshop counts 107 people. This workshop had a great reach, as it involved government agencies, political parties, members of the National Assembly, scientific and academic institutions, international agencies, the private sector, civil society, press, as well as members of the PSC, consultants and the Project Team. 17 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 Several issues were focused upon throughout this activity. The presentation on the six thematic studies, including their conclusions and recommendations, was its most important aspect. Throughout this activity, significant contributions were made by the audience and by the work groups, as well as the sharing and spreading of information relating to the current state of biodiversity in Angola. The First National Workshop managed to involved different players, key for the success of NBSAP’s implementation, demonstrating the Project’s high mobilisation capacity. This can potentially have a certain influence in future contributions during NBSAP’s validation stage. 3.5.6 Information and Awareness Raising With regards to information and raising awareness, the Project presented very positive initiatives. High awareness was created by promoting NBSAP through radio and other media: its activities have been frequently disseminated through the media, mostly through the ANGOP News Agency, Jornal de Angola (Angola’s Newspaper), and radio stations. Regional and provincial participation was promoted by running regional workshops. An explanatory brochure of the Project was also published (Annex 4). It is written in an accessible manner, having an attractive layout, explaining simply and clearly what the Project is about. Furthermore, the methodology followed by the Project was highly participatory and had a strong and important mobilising component. The fact that the office itself was “an open door space”, where anyone interested could walk in and ask for information relating to the Project, also contributed to its success. One of the high notes of the Project is the involvement and commitment presented by all those involved and also the openness that the Project has been showing in terms of the participation of the generality of civil society. 3.5.7 Project Team and Other Participants Performance Other factors have also contributed towards the high level of engagement, participation and dedication of the parties involved: the commitment of the Project Team; its good daily management in several areas, from good organisation, planning and fulfilment of activities, tasks and deadlines; and a good management of human and material resources. For example, the simple yet important fact that materials and documents were distributed with the necessary advance to the members of the PSC before their meetings has been contributing towards good participation and commitment on their behalf. The Project has been functioning in an exemplary manner. The management of the Project’s financial resources will only be ascertained in more detail when its financial audit is done, which is set to take place during the 1st quarter of 2006. 18 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 The National Project Coordinator is both part of the Project Team and part of MINUA, being the link between the two. This function is extremely important in this type of Project. Nevertheless, it is essential for this function to have clear and well defined ToR, which does not happen in this Project. In NBSAP’s case, the support given by the NPC has been positive and adequate. However, considering future projects, it is important to note that it can be argued and questioned if a NPC should assume too many functions and responsibilities within the Ministry itself. Regardless of his/ her professional qualities, having too many duties and responsibilities may penalize the more specialised support the NPC should provide the Project with. The process of hiring the Project Manager, the Project Assistant and the National and International Consultants followed transparent rules and criteria, as they were recruited by public tender, after publication of the vacancies on the Jornal de Angola (Angola’s Newspaper) and emails sent to potentially interested parties. Apparently, this fact has contributed towards a good atmosphere between all participants, having been mentioned during some interviews. In general terms, it was observed that the Project Team, the PSC members and the Project Consultants have demonstrated a good level of professionalism throughout the course of the Project. 3.5.8 Performance and Support Given by MINUA and UNDP Regarding MINUA, the greater difficulties encountered had to do with some delay in the Government contribution in kind for the Project’s start (office, car, equipment). This contribution was estimated initially in USD 25,000. For that reason it seems important to emphasise that the Government’s contribution has exceeded all expectations, and, as of now, mounts to around USD 80,00016. This fact demonstrates MINUA’s commitment to the NBSAP Project. As to institutional and political support, MINUA has been fulfilling its role. This has been made evident by the Vice Minister Carla Ribeiro’s participation in the Project’s official launch (January 2005) and the Vice Minister Graciano Domingos’ participation in the opening and closing ceremonies of the First National Workshop. The active participation of the PSC’s and other MINUA technical staff also denotes the institutional support the Project has been receiving. Apart from the initial problems with the disimbursement of funds for the Project’s 2 nd quarter (January to March 2005) caused by internal information systems’ problems (UNDP’s change to an integrated management system, ATLAS, at a global level), the UNDP has been giving the Project the necessary and possible support. However, this support is not of a technical nature, but at a more administrative level. Such is the case as the former UNDP’s International Consultant on Biodiversity is no longer at 16 Preliminary Analysis of the NBSAP 19 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 UNDP. Furthermore, the UNDP is represented in the PSC by a Program Officer, a fact that illustrates UNDP’s involvement and commitment to the Project. In general terms, the administrative mechanisms have worked well. 3.5.9 Finances Quarterly, the Project Manager presents UNDP a Financial Report in which the breakdown of the costs relating to the finished quarter is done and explained. Additionally, also quarterly, after the NPC’s approval, the project Manager presents UNDP the request for the advance of funds for the following quarter, considering the activities planned for that same period. In order to receive the advance of funds within due time, the Project has to present the aforementioned documents 15 days before the end of the quarter in question. Until now, the quarterly requests for the advance of funds have matched the quarter’s real costs, which demonstrates good planning and management of the activities and quarterly budgets presented. The difficulties encountered to date relate to Project’s 2nd quarter (January to March 2005), period for which it did not receive the advance of funds that had been solicited in the 1st quarter (October to December 2004), due to problems with the new information system, ATLAS. This caused several complications:     delay in the payment of the International Consultant who ran the “Training Seminar on the Elaboration of the Thematic Studies”; the Project Team did not receive its salaries during that same period; disruptions in the work developed by the Project and fulfilment of its obligations; a negative impact on the image of the different organisations involved in the Project. No other difficulties were presented either by the UNDP or by the Project Team beyond the abovementioned. It is important to mention that the UNDP collected additional funds in the value of USD 15,000 for 2005. This additional value was needed due to higher than expected costs connected to the running of the workshops and in order to facilitate the running of a workshop for the analysis of options and priorities for the management and conservation of biodiversity in Angola. Moreover, UNDP also collected USD 45,000 for the year of 2006, increasing the value of its funding by USD 60,000 for the two years in question. Nonetheless there is one particular aspect of the financial audits that seems relevant to note. UNDP’s regulations state that financial audits are to be done annually, between January and March, as long as the Project has spent at least USD 100,000 during the previous calendar year. Consequently, this 20 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 Project has not had a financial audit yet. Such is to happen next year, according to UNDP’s auditing plan/ schedule. In accordance to UNDP norms concerning financial audits, and considering that in this particular case the Project is scheduled to last 18 months, it may very well be completed and finished when the financial audit is done. In case that happens, the Project Manager will no longer have a contract of employment with the Project. However, the necessity to clarify and better understand some aspects relating to the workings and costs of the Project may still persist, and they will be more difficult to clarify after the Project is over. There is one aspect relating to some financial documents presented by the UNDP that seems worth nothing. The values that appear on the cover of particular type of report as being the values correspondent to the total financing value of each financer are not the real values: such is the case for the total value of GEF’s financing on the cover of a budget review document. It was explained that such happens due to some technical problem of the system, but that even so UNDP has an effective control of the disbursements. We believe it is so. Nevertheless, this same document, even though it presents incorrect values, is signed by UNDP’s Resident Representative in Angola. It is accepted and recognised that information systems often cause problems and generate incorrect reports, hindering the work of its users. However, from the moment it is signed by UNDP’s Resident Representative, this document becomes official, and consequently and presumably, validated. Although the problems with information systems are real, they do not seem a sufficiently valid justification so that documents with these kinds of errors, and that can cause several serious misunderstandings, are signed at the highest level. Hence it is extremely important that these problems are solved with the greatest urgency, so that the reports generated by the system are reliable and that the work of UNDP’s staff is facilitated and not hindered by the new system. 3.5.10 Additional Activities Although not initially part of the Project, there are two extra activities very worth mentioning:  due to available funding from the GEF, the Third National Report for the Conference of Parties of the CBD has been being elaborated. This activity was incorporated within the scope of NBSAP in July 2005, considering that the Project has the necessary structure (office space, PSC) to guarantee the elaboration of this document. Furthermore, it possesses all the relevant information (obtained throughout the elaboration of the thematic studies) to complete this activity successfully. NBSAP’s role in this process is one of coordination, taking into account that the Third National Report for the Conference of Parties is under the responsibility of two national consultants. By elaborating and completing this report, Angola will fulfil a great part of the requisites of the CBD. 21 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005  additional funds from oil companies were identified to publish the Thematic Studies number 1, 2 and 3. This opportunity arose due to the recommendations of the Thematic Studies, First National Workshop and the Regional Workshops, in which the printing and spreading of the information produced during the Project was asked for. 22 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 4 Conclusions After completing the Mid Term Review, the team of consultants reached the following conclusions as to the Project, its implementation and progress. The conclusions are not listed in order of importance or priority. 1. The Project is going very well, considering the necessary adjustments made to the PRODOC and some constraints encountered during its course (period encompassed by the mid term review). 2. The Project Team’s excellent performance has been excellent, namely in terms of competence, dynamism and commitment. 3. The competence, knowledge and qualities of the Project Manager have led to an exceptional management of the Project and to good relations and fruitful interaction between all its partakers. 4. The activities’ chronogram elaborated by the Project Manager has been fulfilled. UNDP has supervised and monitored the Project closely and in an accessible manner. 5. The PSC is functional and efficient, demonstrating an increasing level of commitment and dedication towards the Project. Nevertheless, the ToR of the PSC are too broad. They include too many tasks considering that its members are not working exclusively for the PSC and assume several other responsibilities within their Ministries/ institutions. 6. The PSC’s high multi sectoral representativity will also be important in the future: NBSAP’s implementation may very well be facilitated, as it is expected that the PSC’s members have been informing their Ministries throughout time as to the Project itself, its progress and its relevance to the country. The non-inclusion of some sectors in the PSC could possibly lead to delays, problems and a generalized ill will towards the Project’s implementation. 7. There is good interaction, communication and cohesion between the PSC and the Project Team. 8. The Project has been raising awareness through spreading information, by using the media most appropriate and adequate to the country’s context. 9. The Project, taking into consideration the adaptations it suffered, presents an innovative methodology: it is an open Project, with a participatory approach, multi-sectoral, with a great mobilising component, high involvement and timely management and organisation. Such as resulted in the engagement and dedication of its various participants. 23 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 10. The time estimated for the elaboration of the thematic studies was insufficient considering the country’s social and political context. That has been a limitation in the process of elaborating and perfecting the studies. Lack of funds and time did not allow for information collection and stocktaking at a provincial level, in the littoral and interior of the Country. 11. Everything indicates that the two last outputs of the Project will be achieved within the Project’s deadline, on the 31st of March 2006. 12. There is a great need to invest in training of national/ local personnel at several levels, from technical to masters levels, as well as to invest in in-service training, capacity building and professional development within the Ministry, using national academic institutions and short duration workshops. 13. Seeing the results NBSAP has been achieving to this date, there are very good prospects that different donor agencies, including the ones which already fund this Project, are interested in continuing to finance the ensuing implementation stages of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (Ex. UNDP, GEF, NORAD, USAID, World Bank, oil companies). Nevertheless, there is something very important to bear in mind when it comes to this Project’s success. If things continue to progress as they have until now, this Project in itself will be a success, considering the achievement of its outputs: output 1 – the institutional framework, which took the shape of the PSC, and outputs 2 and 3, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and the First National Report to the Conference of Parties, as everything indicates they will also be achieved within the Project’s deadline. However, as it is a national strategy and action plan, if it is not implemented, the Project’s results will be merely well written documents and will not have any practical impacts. By elaborating the NBSAP Project, the Government of Angola has shown that on top of having a long-term vision of the future and taking the protection of its environment seriously, it can find personnel capable of implementing a Project successfully, with great involvement and dedication of the parties concerned, mainly the governmental entities and civil society. 24 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 5 Recommendations 5.1 General Some of the practises which have contributed to this Project’s success could be adopted and taken into account when implementing other projects. Such aspects include:      The PSC’s structure and its multi sectoral character; Its participatory, inclusive and pro active methodology; The involvement of different institutions (governmental, academic, research), private sector (oil companies) and civil society as to achieve great mobilisation; The involvement of the press, in order to spread information about the Project’s activities; The inclusion and participation of all those interested and the efficient use of the media in the process of spreading the word and raising awareness about the Project, which have both resulted in a high level of awareness. Concerning the elaboration of PRODOCs, it would be ideal that they were elaborated by a team that included individuals with a profound local knowledge, so that time related, financial, cultural and contextual aspects of the Country were reflected upon and considered when writing the PRODOC. 5.2 Until the End of the Project – March 2006 If the Project keeps running the same way it has been running up to date, it is expected that it will be finished by the expected deadline. In order for that to happen, and for its results to be the best, it is recommended: 1. To comply with the activities’ chronogram. 2. To mobilise the national consultants involved in certain thematic studies to better and perfect them. 3. To publish thematic studies 1, 2 and 3, in the beginning of the Project’s last quarter, so as it coincides with the National Environment Day, the 31st of January. 4. Publish the First and the Third National Reports to the Conference of Parties of the CBD. 5. During this period, mobilise/ lobby donor agencies and institutions so that NBSAP’s implementation is a reality and that the time gap between the Project’s end and its implementation as such is the least possible, so as not to loose the momentum already achieved. 25 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 5.3 Project Extension for Three Additional Months The Mid Term Review recommends that the NBSAP Project shall be extended by three more months (April, May and June 2006), considering the following reasons. It is considered that the Project may benefit considerably from a three month extension. This extension will be necessary and is justifiable to serve as a lever for the Project’s continuity and also to refine, edit and publish the three last thematic studies ( 4, 5 and 6). It is also known that other countries in southern Africa had more time to elaborate their NBSAPs, usually periods above two years. Considering the Country’s contextual constraints and that the Project has been evolving successfully, the three month extension is well deserved. Especially if the need to better, perfect and prepare the next stage more carefully is taken into account. Additionally, it is important to mention that the approval of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan by the Council of Ministers does not depend on the Project Team, and there might be a delay in its approval. That could result in the Project ending without the document having been approved, and consequently in a dispersion of the Project Team. Although the Project’s extension by no means guarantees that the NBSAP will be approved more rapidly or within the new time frame, the probabilities of such happening would increase. That could be highly beneficial to the implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan as such. In case there is a three month extension of the Project it is recommended: 1. Perfect and better the three thematic studies 4, 5 and 6, elaborated within the Project’s scope. 2. Edit and publish the three thematic studies 4, 5 and 6, contributing towards higher awareness and greater public knowledge (academic and government institutions, civil society, etc.) about the different themes. 3. Translate, publish and distribute of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and the First National Report to the Conference of Parties. 4. Raise awareness about the First and the Third National Reports to the Conference of Parties of the CBD. 5. The NBSAP Project participates in the CBD’s Eight Conference of Parties, which is to take place from the 21st to the 30th of March 2006 in Brazil. Angola’s participation in this event would reinforce the Country’s contribution in this field and it would provide for the ideal stage for the Country to show what it has achieved in such a short period of time in the field of 26 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 biodiversity – this would be an excellent public relations exercise, promoting the Country’s image. 6. The Project Team elaborates and presents the UNDP/ MINUA with a new activities chronogram together with its budgetary needs, and that considering the extra funds needed, the above entities look for additional funding to finance the Project’s extension. 7. After the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan’s approval, and taking into account its implementation’s priorities, some provinces/ municipalities could be selected (the ones target of a greater intervention) in order to promote activities such as the publication of materials, running workshops, involving the press, so the local communities are informed about and involved in the subsequent implementation stage. Regardless of a Project extension, it is imperative to emphasise the following:  It is fundamental and extremely important that the members of the PSC follow through closely and frequently the Project’s progress and provide their Ministries with information relating to the NBSAP, in order to accelerate and influence the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan approval process by the Council of Ministers. MINUA itself should demonstrate and assume a clear commitment and financial comparticipation, and provide the necessary institutional support to follow through NBSAP’s implementation. Although the PRODOC (page 18, point 51) notes that this Project does not include a Clearing House Mechanism, funds for its elaboration have already been identified: USD 110,000 on GEF’s behalf.   5.4 After the Project’s Completion There are some recommendations to be made for the period after the Project’s completion. This is not a static Project, but a Project that can be the starting point of many others due to one of its outputs, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. It is hoped it will be implemented, so this Project can be indeed a success. Consequently, it is recommended: 1. Elaborate proposals/ projects/ concept papers as results of the strategy and action plan so that funding is obtained and secured, in order not to compromise or condition the implementation stage. 27 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 2. Spread information widely and raise awareness about the NBSAP, as to inform and involve the maximum number of people possible, so civil society exercises a certain pressure on the Government to also consider it a priority. 3. Recruit and train qualified, competent, and motivated staff to work in the implementation stage. 4. Create a mechanism or coordination cabinet to monitor NBSAP’s implementation activities. 5. It is mandatory to stress that the political will of all governmental sectors for the implementation of this initiative is and will be crucial for its success. In order for this Project to be a complete success, it is imperative that its results are implemented. Otherwise it will be nothing but a well written document with no practical results. After all the efforts and dedication from the parties involved, that would be not only a great disappointment but an even greater waste. 28 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 ANNEXES Annex 1 Mid Term Review Terms of Reference Annex 2 List of People/ Institutions Interviewed Annex 3 List of National Consultants, PSC Members and Project Team Annex 4 List of Documents Reviewed Annex 5 Brochure “Estratégia e Plano de Acção Nacionais para a Biodiversidade (NBSAP)” (National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan) 29 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 ANNEX 1 Mid Term Review Terms of Reference Terms of Reference for Mid-Term Review of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Project Introduction The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) are supporting the Government of Angola with the support from the Norwegian Development Agency (NORAD). This support is for the development of the Angolan National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the First National Report for the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). All these documents are needed for Angola to meet the commitments related to this Convention which Angola ratified in 1998. The NBSAP Project is implemented by the Ministry of Urban Affairs and Environment through the National Directorate for Natural Resources. This 18-month project started in October 2004 and will complete one year on the 30 September 2005. As planned in the Project Document it is important that after one year of implementation a report in prepared focusing on the evaluation of the progress of the project and the project team in relation to the expected outputs. This report should also make recommendations for the following project activities and adjust activities and deadlines which are deemed as needed. The Project Document included three expected outputs, namely:  Output 1: An institutional framework and other practical provisions, aimed at ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and coordination of the enabling activity. Output 2: A document containing the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). Output 3: A First National Report to the Conference of Parties.   In each of the expected outputs there are a number of stages and activities whose implementation is important for the achievement of these outputs. Objectives of the short-term consultancy The main objective pf this short-term consultancy is to undertake an analysis of the NBSAP Project Activities, its progress and implementation. This analysis should include the progress by the different stakeholders, namely the Project Management Team, members of the Steering Committee and the institutions that support the project. This consultancy should also place emphasis on the activities and mechanisms which have worked and have not work so as to provide a lessons learned tool for future projects. The mid-term review should analyse: 30 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005        The adequacy and consistency of the project management and implementation tools, as specified in the Project Document; The modus operandi of the national execution modality (NEX); The project design and its relevance to the current context; The degree and quality of the implementation of the project activities; The quality and opportunity of the project activities; The involvement of the Project Team as well as of the different project consultants; The efforts and support provided by the Ministry of Urban Affairs and Environment (MINUA) and by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); The Mid-Term Review is also intended to:  Identify and examine the various difficulties in the implementation and/or extension of the project;  Make recommendations so as to overcome the obstacles, to improve and ensure the sustainability of the project results;  Make recommendations for the next project activities. Qualifications  University degree on subject related to education, evaluation and development of environmental projects. The knowledge of Portuguese will be an advantage;  Experience in inventories, data collection and analysis, interviewing skills, report writing;  Knowledge and experience in compiling information from different sources into an analytical document;  Comproved capacity to work on Word processors. Duration This consultancy will last for 10 days (18 – 28 October 2005). Expected Results  A clear and concise document with an impartial analysis of the progress and results of the NBSAP Project as well as possible recommendations for the improvement of its activities. This document should also contain information on the relevance of the project as well as its contribution to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Experience At least five (5) years of experience in consultancy in the field of project development and evaluation. Procedure: The interested candidates should send their letters of intention and curriculum vitae to nbsap.angola@nexus.ao and indicated International Consultant for the Mid-Term Review: NBSAP Project 00011125. Deadline for applications: 30 September 2005. 31 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 ANNEX 2 List of People/ Institutions Interviewed Members of the Project Team National Project Coordinator – Dr. Soki Kuedikuenda Project Manager – Vladimir Russo Project Assistant – Neusa Paulo Members of the Project Steering Committee Representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development – Domingos Nazaré da Cruz Veloso Representative of the Ministry of Geology and Mines – Kavungo Paulo de Oliveira Marlon Representative of the Ministry of Fisheries – Silvi Nsiangango Representative of the Ministry of Petroleum – Ema Gomes Secretary General of the Maiombe Network – Januário Augusto GEF Focal Point – Armindo Mário Gomes da Silva UNDP – Gabriela Nascimento National Consultants for the Supervision of the Thematic Studies Maria Engrácia Cohen dos Santos (thematic study nº 3) Miguel Veríssimo de Morais (thematic study nº 2) National Consultants for the Elaboration of the Thematic Studies Abias Moma Huongo (thematic study nº 6) Cândido Miranda Kiala (thematic study nº 3) Maria José Martins (thematic study nº 2) NORAD Vibeke Skauerud UNDP Program Specialist – Camilo Ceita Program Officer – Gabriela Nascimento Program Assistant – Malaquias Tenente GEF GEF Focal Point – Armindo Mário Gomes da Silva MINUA His Excellency the Vice Minister of the Environment Mr. Graciano Domingos João Vintém member of staff of the Ministry, and one of the participants in the PRODOC’s elaboration (first and second versions) 32 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 ANNEX 3 List of National Consultants, Members of the PSC and Project Team List of the working group for the elaboration of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan National Consultants for the Supervision of the Thematic Studies 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Elizabeth Merle Matos (option nº. 1) Miguel Veríssimo de Morais (option nº. 2) Maria Engrácia Cohen dos Santos (option nº. 3) Maria Antónia Castelo (option nº. 4) Carlos Manuel Nobre de Andrade (option nº. 5) Teresa Martins (option nº 6) National Consultants for the Elaboration of the Thematic Studies 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Almerindo de Sousa Barradas e Evaldina Jorge Henriques Fernandes Pedro (option nº. 1) Maria Olívia de Oliveira Fortunato de Alva Torres e Maria José Martins (option nº. 2): Cândido Miranda Kiala (option nº. 3) Júlio Pedro Soares (option nº. 4) Joaquim Lourenço Manuel (option nº. 5) Abias Moma Huongo (option nº. 6) Members of the Project Steering Committee 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Armindo Mário Gomes da Silva, GEF Focal Point Augusta Silva, Representative of the Faculty of Science of the Agostinho Neto University Kavungo Paulo de Oliveira Marlon, Representative of the Ministry of Geology and Mines Domingos Nazaré da Cruz Veloso, Representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Ema Gomes, Representative of the Ministry of Petroleum Gabriela do Nascimento, UNDP Program Officer Januário Augusto, Secretary General of the Maiombe Network Maria Odete Trigo, Representative of the Ministry of Energy and Water Silvi Nsiangango, Representative of the Ministry of Fisheries Nascimento António, Technician of the National Directorate for Natural Resources Soki Kuedikuenda, CBD Focal Point Soki Kuedikuenda, Project Team Member Vladimir Russo, Project Team Member Project Team 1. Neusa Paulo, Project Assistant 2. Soki Kuedikuenda, National Project Coordinator 3. Vladimir Russo, Project Manager 33 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 ANNEX 4 List of Documents Reviewed Preliminary Analysis of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) October 2004 United Nations Development Program, Project Document: National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and Preparation of the First National Report to the Conference of Parties Quarterly Activities Report (October-December 2004; January-March 2005; April-June 2005; JulySeptember 2005) Quarterly Financial Reports (October-December 2004; January-March 2005; April-June 2005; JulySeptember 2005) Training Seminar on the Elaboration of the Thematic Studies Report Regional Workshops Report First National Workshop Report (Region North; Region East; Region South; Region Central South; Region Central North; Region Kuando Kubango) 34 Project 00011125 Mid Term Review – November 2005 ANNEX 5 Brochure “Estratégia e Plano de Acção Nacionais para a Biodiversidade (NBSAP)” (National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan) 35