1. Dr. Vladimir Mamaev UNDP Regional Technical Advisor Integrated Natural Resource Management in the Baikal Basin Transboundary Ecosystem Russian Federation and Mongolia Baikal Project Mid-term Evaluation 2014 Findings Third Steering Committee Meeting, July 2014 Lake Baikal

2. Mid-term Evaluation Purpose and Objectives The purpose of the evaluation is to provide an independent external view of the progress of the project at its approximate mid-point, and to provide feedback and recommendations to UNDP and project stakeholders that can help strengthen the project and ensure its success during the second half of implementation. The objective of the mid-term evaluation is to: –Identify potential project design issues; –Assess progress toward achievement of expected project results; –Identify and document lessons that can both improve the sustainability of benefits from this project and aid in the overall enhancement of UNDP and GEF programming in the region; and –Make recommendations regarding specific actions that should be taken to improve the project.

3. Main Evaluation Criteria Relevance Effectiveness Efficiency (cost-effectiveness) Results Sustainability

4. Evaluation Timeframe Evaluation initiated in March 2014 Field visit from April 7 th – 18 th Field visits to: –Ulaanbataar –Ulan-Ude –Project sites near Lake Baikal in Russia (Barguzin Valley, protected areas) –Moscow Evaluation draft report completed June 14 th

5. Evaluation Main Findings and Conclusions Overall project outcome rating of satisfactory There have been many positive results so far, which are well-known to project participants The project is now at a critical phase with respect to the SAP and draft revised transboundary agreement It is urgent to reach final results and ensure sustainability, with only 18 months of implementation left Only with a clear commitment from both governments to move forward could there be future work with potential support of the GEF

6. Evaluation Ratings

7. Main Evaluation Criteria Relevance: Highly satisfactory – highly relevant to the priorities of Mongolia and Russia in the Baikal region, and relevant to international priorities (CBD, World Heritage, etc.) Efficiency: Highly satisfactory – 54.9% of budget disbursed by mid-point, 95%+ financial delivery, management costs <10%, co-financing on track, excellent project management, strong partnerships and good cooperation Effectiveness & Results: Satisfactory – On-track to achieve planned results Sustainability: Moderately likely – Some uncertainty about level of progress, and bilateral agreement for continued cooperation that will be reached by the end of the project; environmental threats exist as well (potential hydropower development, climate change, pollution)

8. MTE Key Recommendations Key Rec 1: SAP development process should include sub-national stakeholder consultations, particularly in Mongolia Key Rec 2: Project should provide any necessary support to Mongolia for consideration and review of the draft revised transboundary agreement Key Rec 3: Exit strategy should be developed by end of 2014 Key Rec 4: Explore all possibilities to undertake additional pilot/demonstration activities for IWRM in Mongolia

9. Additional Recommendations (1) 5. Explore possibility to cooperate with GEF-SGP in Mongolia 6. Carry out media and public awareness events to increase support for adoption of a revised transboundary agreement 7. Strengthen bilateral transboundary coordination mechanism, including integrating SAP into agreed transboundary workplans 8. Promote online Baikal Information Centre as much as possible once complete 9. Support capacity development of River Basin Management Authorities and River Basin Councils in Mongolia 10. Extend activities to include additional efforts on responsible mining in Mongolia 11. Conduct feasibility for citizen-based water quality monitoring, particularly in Mongolia 12. Participate in inception workshop of new FAO-GEF project in Mongolia

10. Additional Recommendations (2) 13. Focus on awareness and understanding of critical issues by top policy makers, through targeted policy briefs for dissemination 14. Explore and assess feasibility of piloting transboundary payments-for-ecosystem-services, which could be globally unprecedented 15. Keep detailed records of co-financing 16. Review project results framework to ensure further changes are not required in 2 nd half of project, and revise targets that are over-ambitious, especially for Outcome 2, which are not reflective of the planned project results

11. Issues and Areas for Attention in 2 nd half Maintain excellent pace and results seen so far Develop and SAP that is concrete and specific enough for implementation, but that can also gain political support from both countries Make progress toward concluding a revised bilateral transboundary resources agreement Further progress toward implementation of river basin management plans in both Russia and Mongolia Capacity strengthening for River Basin Administrations and River Basin Councils in Mongolia

12. Thank you for your attention http://baikal.iwlearn.org