Creating a national support mechanism for environmental NGOs Chris Brown

Operational objectives Represent the environmental interests of Members Act as a consultative forum for its Members Engage with policy and law makers to improve the environmental policy setting in Namibia, as well as effective policy implementation Build environmental skills in young Namibians Support and advise its Members on environmental matters and best practices, and facilitate access to environmental information

NCE has eight (8) Programme Areas Membership support Advocacy Environmental Policy Research National facilitation Environmental Information Young Namibian training & mentorship Fund raising Grants making No field implementation, no duplication of work by NGOs, no competition – but support activities to members and the broader environmental community

NCE’s eight (8) Programme Areas Membership support: 30 environmental members to date Use of facilities in Windhoek 1st Members AGM – April 5th (set priorities for NCE) 2. Advocacy:. Working with MET on Parks & Wildlife Bill, revision of Environmental Management Act, SEA Bill, EU parliament, marine capture for aquarium trade, etc Environmental Policy Research: Forum established, priority policy issues identified, first project commissioned – Urban environment - Suggestions for future priority topics?

4. National facilitation: First symposium underway 2 events planned for 2017 (March 29-31 – topic?) & September 27-29 – “State of Namibia’s environment” - Suggestions for future priority topics? 5. Environmental Information: EIS housed and supported by NCE, photo library attached, scientific journal set up “State of Biodiversity” publication in 2017 “Red Data assessment of carnivores” - LCMAN 6. Young Namibian training & mentorship: Internship programme linked to the Policy Research Incentives through the grants application process Training & bursary scheme – Deed of Trust drafted

7. Fund raising - Support B2Gold to raise funds: Presentations given to mining, banking and business Discussions on co-funding with EIF Grant for Green Climate Fund accreditation 5 sponsors to date with B2Gold Namibia our patron sponsor and champion (Mark & Charles) Grants making: Developing a structured, on-line grants application, review and management system and tool. Will be open for grant applications from March 2017.

The NCE office is established, staffed (mean & lean), procedures are in place, profile is growing and core activities are underway. We are now ready to engage with Members to give their ideas & guidance on how the NCE should grow and what we should do to best support them.