1. Influencing the implementing tools: Key action points and next steps
Pauline Denissel
Neighbourhood Programme Assistant WWF EPO
November 2006

2. Environmental integration in programming is crucial
It serves two purposes:
“to identify and avoid any harmful direct and indirect environmental impacts of the co-operation programme {…}”*
“to recognise and realise opportunities for enhancing environmental conditions{…}”*
* Inter-service Quality Support Group Programming Guide for Country Strategy Papers (update 07/04/2005)

3. Main obstacles to influencing the implementing tools
The CSP shall be prepared in consultation with the partner government, but its final agreement to the CSP is not obligatory.
The participation of NSAs in the programming process is not an obligation.
Lack of communication and visibility on the process
Lack of tradition on consultation of Civil Society in some NC govts
Responsibilities EU delegation / EC not clear

4. Opportunities for environmental integration
New guidance requires:
- compliance with the objectives of the European Consensus: eradication of poverty in the context of SD,...
- enhanced role for NSAs
- enhanced role for the Partner Country
- the inclusion of an environmental analysis (and CEP) as mandatory components of the CSP process
- use of SEAs of chosen focal sectors

5. Timetable and opportunities for involvement
Country/ Regional Strategy Papers
Adoption and publication of CSPs/RSPs, NIPs and RIPs early 2007
National Indicative Programmes NIPs /
Mid-term review of CSPs/RSPs: 2009
Revision of AAPs each year
Annual Action Plans for each year of the CSP/RSP

6. Checklist for Action (1)
Visit EC delegation officials in your country, who is/are charged with Country Strategy Papers
- gather information on the process, programming docs, the timeframes
- discuss opportunities to engage regularly
Find out what other CSOs are planning, pool resources and work together where appropriate
Contacts in environment departments in the government are also important allies

7. Checklist for Action (2)
Review the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) in the light of the obligations mentioned in the new guidelines:
- status of integration of environment in CSP (CEP, SEAs)
- engagement of NSAs in the process. Were there consultations? Is the description of the engagement process with NSAs accurate?
- Review the draft CSP in the light of the Country Environmental Profile, and your knowledge. Have the main challenges from the CEP been captured? Are the threats of environmental degradation to human wellbeing and economic development defined and translated into policy areas and actions?

8. Checklist for Action (3)
Participate in the consultation phase prior to the drafting of the CSP (if there is one…)
- Look for possibilities of input in environmental integration (for example through reviewing and commenting on the Country Environmental Profile)
- Explore role in environmental assessments and Country Environmental Profiles CEPs Work with Government environment ministries and build on technical expertise in this area. Explore this with the EC delegation.
- Advocate and recommend Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Ensure SEA is a focus of the CEP and that recommendations for SEA are made if appropriate.

9. Thanks for your attention