3rd Phase of Multi-lateral Environmental Agreement (MEAs) Project

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1. Introduction/Background

A. To address challenges faced by developing countries in the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), the Programme on Capacity Building related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements in African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries (ACP MEAs) was initiated in 2009 to assist 79 countries globally to enhance their capacities in implementing certain MEAs at the national and regional level.

B. The AUC along with the UN Environment are implementing the MEAs Programme with the Commission as the African Hub to:

i. Contribute to improvement of international environmental governance, thereby enhancing the delivery of the UN Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development. This includes:
- a. Loss of biodiversity halted.
- b. Greener growth and more circular economies.
- c. Human health and the environment more protected from hazardous substances.
- d. More transparency and efficient management of natural resources.
ii. Improve enforcement of- and compliance with- Multilateral Environmental Agreements related to biodiversity (CBD, CITES, CMS) and chemicals and waste (Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Minamata).
iii. Improve and sustain International environment governance leading to less biodiversity loss, better welfare of the populations AU Member states, better health conditions, transparency and efficient management of natural resources.

C. Project at the AUC covers 49 ACP countries in Africa.

D. First Phase commenced from March 2009 to March 2013 while the Second Phase started in 2014 and ended 2017.

2. Objectives

Overall objective is to strengthen and enhance the indigenous capacity to effectively implement MEAs and related commitments.

Specific Objective is to strengthen the capacities of the AUC, RECs and Member States (MS) thereby enhancing the endogenous capacities of African countries to effectively implement their obligations and commitment under global and regional environmental agreements and other international legal instruments in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.

3. Scope

A. The areas of focus are related to enhancement of skills of African Negotiators, awareness raising, institutional development of adequate regulatory and legislative frameworks, mainstreaming of MEAs into development policies and programmes and information exchange. Phase I focused on promotion of environmental sustainability and to facilitate Africa countries to honour commitments under the MEAS, however due to limited funds, Phase II focused on Biodiversity and chemicals / waste.

B. Achievements included: Support to the African Negotiators on Climate Change (UNFCCC); Mercury (Minamata); Desertification (UNCCD); Biodiversity (CBD); Trainings and facilitated Pre-COP meetings; Enhancement of knowledge on policy issues as well as raised awareness on the African Parliamentarians; Promoted Regional and inter-continental cooperation with the South Pacific and Carribean regions.

4. Key Interventions Areas are below while details is attached as Annex I:

A. Enforcement and compliance with selected biodiversity and chemicals and waste conventions.

B. Development of national frameworks, legislations and mechanisms for the effective implementation of selected biodiversity and chemicals and waste conventions.

C. Development of knowledge sharing tools, guidelines and mechanisms for the effective implementation of selected biodiversity and chemicals and waste conventions / Conference of the Parties (COP) Readiness and Support.

5. Beneficiaries:

Member States, RECs, NGOs, Private Sector, Local communities in management of land, water and other natural resources.

6. Duration:

The proposed Implementation period of the contract was from 15/11/2019 - 02/04/2024; and with possible extension to 8 May 2024 and subject to the ‘no objection’ of the EU.

7. Resources