Egypt National Capacity Self Assessment (Ncsa)

EGYPT NATIONAL CAPACITY SELF ASSESSMENT (NCSA)
"NATIONAL STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT"
December 2007
Preface:
"The Path to Sustainable Development starts by:

Recognizing our international obligations,
Understanding the needed capacity,
Working in collaborative actions,
This plan has been developed by the National Capacity Self Assessment project
(NCSA/EGYPT) funded by the Global Environment Facility/ United Nations
Development Programme and implemented by Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency
from 2005 - 2007. It passed through various stages of consultation process from
stocktaking and gap identification for the cross cutting themes, prioritization and in-depth
analysis. Different stakeholders from line ministries, NGOs, academia and national
experts and most of all conventions focal point have participated in such process.
The plan as being open ended,flexible and comprehensivewill not only serve in assisting
our country achieving the obligations under the three RlO conventions but will be an
essential component in our upcoming National SustainableDevelopment Strategy.
I would like to acknowledge the serious efforts endeavored by the NCSA team, the
UNDP/ CO and the conventions focal point including the Nature Conservation Sector and
Climate Change Unit of EEAA to develop this plan. Special thanks to the Desert
Research Center / Ministry of Agriculture for sharing with us our experience and
providing insight to the whole NCSA process.
Minister of State for Environmental Affairs
Eng. Maged George Elias

Acknowledgements
Egypt’s National Strategy and Action Plan has been prepared by a team of the
following participants:
Organization Team:
Dr. Mohamed Bayoumi – Environment Program Officer, UNDP
Ms. Yasmine Fouad – NCSA Project Manager, GEF/UNDP - EEAA
Mr. Khaled Roshdy – Assistant project manager GEF/UNDP - EEAA
Technical Team:
Dr. Amr Osama – NCSA National Consultant, Integral Consult
Mr. Ahmed Al-Qabany – Environmental Specialist, Integral Consult
Ms. Dalia Sakr – Environmental Specialist, Integral Consult
Dr. Adham Ramadan, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Expert
Dr. Hoda Sabry, Financial Mechanisms Expert
Dr. Sahar Hafez, Legislation Formulation & Enforcement Expert
Dr. Tarek Wafik, Public Participation Expert
The team expresses its gratitude to all who participated and contributed to the
development of this Strategy and Plan. Special gratitude is extended to:
• Dr. Mostafa Fouda, UNCBD Focal Point in Egypt, Nature conservation

sector, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA)
• Dr. Sayed Sabry, UNFCCC Focal Point in Egypt, Climate Change Unit,
Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA)
• Dr. Isamil Abdel Galil, UNCCD Focal Point in Egypt, Desert Research
Centre, Ministry of Agriculture
• Dr. Ismail Bagoury, on behalf of UNCCD Focal Point in Egypt, Desert
Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture
• Dr. Shakinaz Taha, Head of Environmental Research Centre, Cairo
University
• Dr. Essmat Abdel Ghaffar, Vice President for Projects, National Research
Centre.
• Dr. Essam Khalifa, Minister's Office Director for Research and Special
Studies, Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation
• Mr. Mohamed Hendawy, EX. Director of NGO Unit, EEAA
The reviewers of the previous NCSA reports:

• Professor Hamdallah Zedan - Ex. Executive Secretary of the UNCBD.
• Professor Kamal El-Batanony – Botany Dept.-Faculty of Science – Cairo
Univ.
Table of Contents
Section Page
SECTION 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .........................................................................3
SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................3
SECTION 3 METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................3
SECTION 4 EGYPT'S ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES ......................................3

4.1 BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................3
4.2 EGYPT’S FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ...........................................3
4.2.1 The Framework's Environmental Objectives ................................................................3
4.2.2 The Framework's Guiding Principles ...........................................................................3
4.2.3 The Framework's Monitoring Indicators .......................................................................3
4.3 EGYPT’S NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN (NEAP) ..................................3
4.3.1 Biodiversity...............................................................................................................3
4.3.2 Climate Change ........................................................................................................3
4.3.3 Desertification...........................................................................................................3
4.4 EGYPT'S NATIONAL ACTION PLANS IN THE THREE THEMATIC AREAS..........................3
4.4.1 Biodiversity...............................................................................................................3
4.4.2 Climate Change ........................................................................................................3
4.4.3 Desertification...........................................................................................................3
SECTION 5 PRIORITIZED CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS.........................................3
5.1 IDENTIFIED CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS ...........................................................................3
5.1.1 Cross Cutting:...........................................................................................................3
5.1.2 Each thematic area ................................................................................................3
5.2 PRIORITIZATION OF CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS ..............................................................3
5.3 RECOMMENDED LINES OF ACTION ...............................................................................3
5.3.1 Cross Cutting:........................................................................................................3
SECTION 6 NATIONAL STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN ....................................3
6.1 NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT .................................................3
6.2 GENERAL INSTITUTIONAL SETUP ................................................................................3
6.3 RECOMMENDED ACTION PLAN ...................................................................................3
SECTION 7 MONITORING AND EVALUATION ......................................................3
LIST OF REFERENCES ........................................................................................................3

List of Figures
FIGURE 1: THE BASIS OF THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR CAPACITY

DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................................................................3
FIGURE 2: THE ORGANIZATIONAL SETUP OF THE NATIONAL COORDINATION

COUNCIL (NCC) FOR THE RIO CONVENTIONS ...............................................................3
FIGURE 3: ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF EEAA............................................................3
FIGURE 4: ESTABLISH A FORMAL STRATEGY FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

AND COOPERATION (TT-2)..................................................................................................3
FIGURE 5: ESTABLISH A TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COOPERATION UNIT

WITHIN EACH NATIONAL FOCAL POINT (TT-3).............................................................1
FIGURE 6: ESTABLISH A TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COOPERATION UNIT

WITHIN EACH NATIONAL FOCAL POINT (TT-3).............................................................3
FIGURE 7: NOMINATE A CATALYZING ENTITY FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

AND COOPERATION (TT-6)..................................................................................................3
FIGURE 8: INCORPORATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COOPERATION INTO

NATIONAL POLICIES (TT-1) ................................................................................................3
List of Tables
TABLE 1: SUMMARY OF THE RECOMMENDED LINES OF ACTION – NATIONAL

ACTION PLAN .........................................................................................................................3
TABLE 2: MAJOR CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS IN THE THREE THEMATIC AREAS...3
TABLE 3: PRIORITIZATION OF CROSS-CUTTING SYNERGIES ....................................3
TABLE 4: LINKAGES BETWEEN THE PROPOSED RECOMMENDED LINES OF

ACTION AND THE NEAP AND NAPS..................................................................................3
TABLE 5: SUMMARY OF THE RECOMMENDED LINES OF ACTION ...........................3
TABLE 6: VARIOUS TYPES OF CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS (NCSA,

2005E)...................................................................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
Section 1 Executive Summary
The National Capacity Self-Assessment in Egypt (NCSA), implemented by the

United Nations Development Program and funded by the Global Environment Facility
(GEF), aims at identifying and analysing national priorities and needs for capacity
development in the context of the three Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)
obligations (UNCBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD). This document is the final outcome of the NCSA
project, where the National Strategy and Action Plan for capacity development were
developed in order to implement the three Rio Conventions.
The National Strategy and Action Plan will not initiate a completely new or stand-
alone strategic planning, but will build upon the existing national strategies and under the
broad umbrella of the country's vision and policies. As a result it was necessary to conduct a
brief review for the most important existing national strategies and plans that include Egypt's
Framework for Sustainable Development, National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP), and
National Action Plans for the three thematic areas. In addition, the findings of the previous
stages of the NCSA project which are the stocktaking and gap identification phase,
prioritization and focusing phase, and the in-depth phase were utilized in the formulation of
the action plan.
The review of Egypt's Framework for Sustainable Development highlighted the

environmental objectives specified under its three dimensions: (i) economic development and
increase of resources; (ii) protection of natural and environmental resources and
environmental conservation; and (iii) social justice in resource distribution, education,
services, and social integration. Furthermore, the 16 guiding principles defined in the
National Framework for the ministries and other institutions to assist them to plan and
implement these environmental objectives were also listed. As to the NEAP review, that
represents Egypt's agenda for environmental actions till year 2017, the environmental issues
tackling the three thematic areas: biodiversity, climate change, and desertification were
addressed. With regards to the National Action Plans (NAPs), the review focused on the
prioritized cross-cutting issues from the analysis of the NCSA project: public participation;
technology transfer and cooperation; financial mechanisms; legislation formulation and
enforcement; and monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
The current national status in relation to the implementation of the three Rio
Conventions is elaborated upon through a review of the previous stages of the NCSA project.
In the stocktaking and gap identification phase, the three stocktaking reports prepared by
national consultants identified the capacity constraints in achieving the requirements of each
convention. In the prioritization and focusing phase, prioritization for the cross-cutting
constraints that were identified in the same stage was conducted and resulted in five
constraints: public participation, technology transfer and cooperation, financial mechanism,
legislations formulation and enforcement, and monitoring and evaluation. In the in-depth
phase, a number of actions were recommended to address the identified capacity constraints
in collaboration with national experts in the five cross-cutting fields based on desk study and
interviews.
National Capacity Self Assessment Project - Egypt’s National Strategy & Action Plan 6
The recommended lines of actions were refined by removing duplications and
modifying/merging of similar actions. Building upon all the previous stages, a vision and
overall strategy for the action plan was formulated. The refined lines of actions, as
summarized in Table (1), were then linked to the national priorities and capacity constrains.
Table 1: Summary of the recommended lines of action – National Action Plan

Capacity Needs/ Issues Lines of Actions Lead Agency Timeframe Funding Required
Stakeholder Engagement
- Create National Council for Coordination Focal points Medium Low
Co-management
between Conventions and Activate/Establish (1-3 years) (<60,000 EGP)
mechanisms
Coordination Committees (TT-5, TT-7).
Cooperation between - Nominate a catalyzing entity for technology Private entity Medium High
stakeholder groups transfer and cooperation (TT-6). (1-3 years) (> 300,000 EGP)
- Develop Guidelines for Effective Public EEAA Short-term (≤ Low
Participation in Projects Related to the 1 year) (<60,000 EGP)
Conventions Implementation (PP-3).
Building and - Develop a New Model(s) of “Community EEAA Medium Medium
maintaining partnerships Based Interventions” (PP-5). (1-3 years) (60,000 – 300,000 EGP)
- Develop and Implement a Clear Strategy to Ministry of Medium Medium
Encourage the Private Sector to Invest in Investment (1-3 years) (60,000 – 300,000 EGP)
Projects in the Three Thematic Areas (PP-7).
Information & Knowledge
- Promoting the Development of Research Ministry of Long High
Research and Science Capabilities (ME-5). Higher (> 3 years) (> 300,000 EGP)
Education
- Incorporate Technology Transfer and Focal Long Low
Information access and Cooperation into National Policies (TT-1). Points (> 3 years) (<60,000 EGP)
sharing - Establish a Formal Strategy for Technology Focal Medium Low
Transfer and Cooperation (TT-2). Points (1-3 years) (<60,000 EGP)
Planning & Policy
- Promoting the Incorporation of the Global EEAA Short Medium
Planning and strategy
Environment in National Policies and Plans (≤ 1 year) (60,000 – 300,000 EGP)
development
(ME-3).
- Establish New Environmental Court to Ministry of Long High
Improve Environmental Laws Enforcement Justice (> 3 years) (> 300,000 EGP)
Regulatory (L-3).
frameworks - Reviewing the Legal Framework in Egypt to EEAA Medium Medium
Meet Rio Conventions Obligations (F-1, L-1, (1-3 years) (60,000 – 300,000 EGP)
L-4, L-5, L-6, L-7)
Organisation & Implementation
- Rehabilitation of the Environmental Protection EEAA Long High
Mobilisation & Fund (F-2). (> 3 years) (> 300,000 EGP)
organisation of resources - Strengthen Small Grants Programs for NGOs EEAA Short Medium
and CBOs (PP-6). (≤ 1 year) (60,000 – 300,000 EGP)
- Establish a Technology Transfer and Focal points Medium Medium
Technical skills and
Cooperation Unit within each National Focal (1-3 years) (60,000 – 300,000 EGP)
technology transfer
Point (TT-3).
- Establish a National Technology Transfer Private entity Medium High
Center (TT-4). (1-3 years) (>300,000 EGP)
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Establish National Mechanism to Follow Up EEAA Medium Medium
the Implementation of the Conventions’ (1-3 years) (60,000 – 300,000 EGP)
Other (where relevant Obligations (L-2).
and applicable) - Formulating Standardized Procedures for EEAA Medium Medium
Monitoring, Data Collection, and Reporting (1-3 years) (60,000 – 300,000 EGP)
(ME-1, ME-2, ME-4)
The National Strategy and Action Plan was formulated based on the principles of the
National for Sustainable Development Framework, the requirements of the three Rio
Conventions, as well as the principles emerging from the cross-cutting/synergy analysis of
the NCSA process. A general institutional setup was proposed for the action plan
implementation where the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) would take the
leading role with the involvement of other relevant ministries. It is recommended that EEAA
establishes a National Coordination Council for the three Rio conventions (NCC) within
which a Working Group shall be formed.
Three options are proposed for the structure of the Working Group as follows:
• Option A: the Working Group is formed as a sub-committee from the
Planning Department associated with the office of the Chief Executive Officer
for EEAA.
• Option B: the Working Group is formed of the three focal points of the Rio
Conventions.
• Option C: the Working Group is contracted by EEAA and/or the NCC to an
independent organisation within civil society, i.e., private entity, NGO, or
combination of both.
As to the specific lines of actions, they were further developed as ‘project profiles’, in
which a short activity description is given, the time-frame for implementation, resources,
tentative budget, expected results, monitoring indicators, responsible institutions, and
expected outcomes in a simple and clear way to the executing entities. Linkages were also
established to clearly indicate the connection of the capacity need with the national priorities,
plans and programs as stated in the environmental objectives of Egypt's National framework
for sustainable development, as well as the NEAP and the NAP.
The expected total cost for implementing the National Strategy and Action Plan is on
average 6.36 Million Egyptian Pounds (between 5.58 – 7.14 Million EGP). The funding for
the National Strategy and Action Plan for capacity development should primarily be provided
from the national financial sources. Therefore, the line of action should become part of the
regular annual programmes of the respective ministries and other responsible institutions
along with their budgetary programmes. The ongoing and planned future projects in the
environment and similar sectors, financed not only from domestic sources, and especially the
bilateral and multilateral technical support projects, may be an important source of funding as
well.
Finally, the monitoring and evaluation of the National Strategy and Action Plan is a
core component to ensure it successful and effective continuity and improvement throughout
the duration of its implementation. The EEAA will be responsible for setting up the necessary
harmonized M&E mechanisms, utilizing the necessary tools, and conducting reviews in order
to ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation. The other implementing partners will
provide periodic reports in accordance with the procedures and harmonized with UN agencies
(UNCBD, UNFCCC, and UNCCD) on the progress, achievements and results of their
projects. These reports shall outline the challenges faced in project implementation,
assessment of performance against the indicators, analysis of stakeholder participation,
budget performance, as well as resource utilization as articulated in the project profiles.
Section 2 Introduction
The National Capacity Self-Assessment in Egypt (NCSA) is implemented by the

United Nations Development program and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The NCSA aims at identifying and analysing national priorities and needs for capacity
development in the context of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) obligations.
These MEAs include the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change
(UNFCCC), United Nations Convention for Biodiversity (UNCBD), and the United Nations
Convention to Combat Land Degradation (UNCCD). The NCSA helps the country to assess
its capabilities, define their priorities, and identify the constraints with regard to global
environmental management.
In this report a National Strategy and Action Plan for capacity development is
prepared to assist Egypt to overcome the capacity constraints at the national level, which will
enable Egypt to fulfil its obligations in the 3 Rio Conventions taking into account its national
priorities. The National Strategy and Action Plan for capacity development was developed
based on the previous NCSA stages and the existing environmental national strategies and
plans of the country. Several recommended lines of actions are formulated with clear
objectives, main activities, resources, expected budgets, relevant stakeholders, outputs, and
basic monitoring indicators are detailed.
Section 3 Methodology
The National Strategy and Action Plan for capacity development was developed after
undergoing several stages. The first stage involved reviewing Egypt's existing environmental
strategies. The main strategy is Egypt's National Framework for Sustainable Development,
where all the environmental objectives relevant to the prioritized capacity constraints for
achieving the Rio Conventions were listed and the guiding principles for achieving these
objectives were studied. In the second stage, Egypt's National Environmental Action Plan
(NEAP) as well as the three thematic National Actions Plans (NAP) for biodiversity, climate
change, and desertification were reviewed as detailed in Section 4. In section 5, a summary
for all the NSCA previous stages was prepared and the recommended lines of actions
generated in the in-depth stage were evaluated.
Review Egypt's
National Framework Review of all Refine Lines of
Review NEAP previous NSCA Actions from In-
for Sustainable and NAPs
Development stages depth stage
Vision and Overall

Objectives
Linkage between capacity constrains,

screened lines of actions and National
Environmental Priorities
Rationale, Objectives, Funding sources,

Main activities stakeholders, lead entity
National Strategy & Action Plan
'Project Profiles'
Time schedule, Expected outputs and
Resources, Budget evaluation indicators
The recommended lines of actions were refined by removing duplications, and

modifying/ merging similar actions. Building upon all the previous stages, a vision and
overall strategy for the action plan was formulated. The refined lines of actions were then
linked to the national priorities and capacity constrains. Finally, the refined lines of actions
were further developed as ‘project profiles’ in which a short activity description is given, the
time-frame for implementation, tentative budget, expected results, indicators, responsible
institutions, and expected outputs were detailed.
Section 4 Egypt's Environmental Strategies
4.1 BACKGROUND
At the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) governments,

including Egypt, made a commitment to adopt national strategies for sustainable
development. The strategies for sustainable development are instruments intended "to ensure
socially responsible economic development while protecting the resource base and the
environment for the benefit of future generations". However, moving towards sustainable
development presents tremendous challenges for countries as significant economic, social,
and environmental structural changes are needed.
While most countries have a number of strategic planning processes in existence, few, if any,
have a system to effectively coordinate them which usually results in duplication of
capacities and resources. The National Strategy for achieving the commitments for the Rio
Conventions should not initiate a completely new or stand-alone strategic planning. The
National Strategy should be build upon the existing national strategies and under the broad
umbrella of the country's vision and policies. Therefore a brief review will be conducted in
this section for the most important existing national strategies and plans that include Egypt's
Framework for Sustainable Development, National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP), and
National Action Plans for the three thematic areas.
4.2 EGYPT’S FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
In order to achieve its goal of realizing sustainable development in Egypt, a National

Framework for Sustainable Development that constitutes of three dimensions: economic,
social, and environment was prepared. This framework aims to create harmony between
economic and social national policies & plans and the various environmental components in
Egypt. The National Framework for Sustainable Development should be a tool to achieve the
following:
• Analyze economic, environmental, and social issues in a holistic and integrated
method.
• Merge together the objectives of the economic, environmental, and social policies.
• Support the government efforts in establishing sustainable development policies and
build a consensus about it through stakeholders' participation.
• Assist in identifying alternatives, objectives, and targets for development.
• Coordinate the activities between the sectors (horizontally) and the various
geographical levels (vertically).
• Facilitate the efficient allocation of the national limited resources on the basis of
identifying priorities.
• Improve sharing of development benefits based on social justice.
• Assist in building capacities in various fields.
• Assist in the coordination of donors support for projects and initiatives that were put
as priority through the strategy.
• Facilitate the utilization of the national human, financial, and physical resources to
support sustainable development.
4.2.1 The Framework's Environmental Objectives
The National Framework has set up objectives that were identified by various ministries and
entities to achieve sustainable development. The objectives were categorized under the three
dimensions: (i) economic development and increase of resources; (ii) protection of natural
and environmental resources and environmental conservation; and (iii) social justice in
resource distribution, education, services, and social integration. The focus was on the
second category related the environmental objectives as well as environmental-related
objectives in the other two categories. The objectives were screened to only include the most
relevant to the prioritized capacity constraints for achieving the Rio Conventions as follows:
(i) Economic development and increase of resources
Encourage the use of information technology as a practical tool to advance the

various industrial sectors and achieve sustainable development.
Disseminate cleaner production technology.
Improve the compliance with environmental laws in industrial establishments.
Establish a comprehensive database for all the information related to industrial
activities in the governorates and the new industrial areas.
Introduce policies that stimulate research and development and its applications
in the industry.
Use finance (revolving funds) to reduce the negative environmental impacts
from industry.
Intensify scientific research and technological development in the field of
water desalinization.
Intensify scientific research programs in reuse of agricultural wastes and use
of traditional, new, and renewable energy sources.
Encourage Egyptian, Arab, and foreign investment in the agricultural sector.
Encourage the private sector to participate in land reclamation projects
through providing incentives and reduction of the prices for new desert lands.
(ii) Protection of natural and environmental resources and environmental

conservation
Encourage the participation of the private sector in financing projects

especially drinking water and treated waste water use projects.
Activate the Water National Council to ensure the coordination between
policies and programmes and legislation support that improves from
compliance enforcement.
Implement Polluter Pay Principle.
Implement civil society participation in biodiversity conservation
programmes.
Improve scientific and technical capabilities in biodiversity and natural
resources conservation in development areas.
Build national capacities to conserve biodiversity.
Implement the obligations of international agreements.
Support the legislative base and strengthen the economic and social incentives
to conserve biodiversity and natural resources.
Achieve participatory governance through the participation of civil society,

private sector, and the government in urban development projects.
Provide necessary funding for urban development projects.
Provide the necessary finance for projects that reduce air pollution in industry.
Strengthen and improve the role of the local authorities.
Provide incentives for private sector to participate in solid and hazardous
waste management whether complete or partial.
Support linkages between the information network for hazardous waste
management in EEAA with the private industrial sectors.
Increase general awareness of waste management through education, training,
and media.
(iii) Social justice in resource distribution, education, services, and social

integration
Participation of private sector in decreasing environmental pollution.

Improve the cooperation between governmental bodies responsible for
environmental regulations implementation and achieving the requirements of
sustainable development.
Improve the cooperation between the civil society, NGOs, and governmental
organizations.
Support NGOs through micro-scale financing programmes for neglected
groups and individuals.
Promote civil society participation in environment protection and development
projects.
Increase the capacities of NGOs.
Finding innovative solutions to finance education and scientific research.
Provide NGOs and citizens with environmental information.
Increase the general awareness of the importance of sustainable development
and its three dimensions.
Strengthen the communication with international entities to support national
efforts in achieving the highest sustainable development rates.
Continue Egypt's active and efficient role in coordinating with the African,
Arab, and Mediterranean sustainable development committees to protect the
regional resources.
Increase the benefit from the ratified international agreements and research
and study joining new agreements or protocols.
Identify creative mechanisms to fund sustainable development.
Support South-South cooperation efforts to get the up-to-date technologies
with the least costs and experience exchange in various fields.
Unite the Egyptian entities efforts in presenting well prepared projects to
donor countries in order to achieve mutual benefits.
4.2.2 The Framework's Guiding Principles
In order to achieve the objectives of sustainable development in the National Framework, it

requires a coordinated system that includes technological, economical, and social policies in a
comprehensive development plan. The National framework recommended for the ministries
and other institutions to follow 16 guiding principles that would assist them to develop such
policies.
• Principle #1: Strategic Planning

In order to achieve sustainable development, certain political and institutional changes
have to be done to fulfil the requirements that have been identified which can be
achieved through 'strategic planning'. The 'strategic planning' has to be implemented
with the wide participation of all relevant stakeholders to attain the best outcomes.
• Principle #2: Technical Analysis

The National Strategy for Sustainable Development will depend on the accurate
analysis of the current situation, future plans, and the expected risks in addition to
linking it with the local, national, and international challenges. In this analysis that
depends on documented information, the local capabilities and available data will be
comprehensively used.
• Principle #3: Realistic & Flexible Objectives

Although the objectives represent a challenge, however they should be realistic,
achievable, and flexible.
• Principle #4: Budget and Strategy Priorities

The strategy has to be included during the budget planning to ensure providing
financial resources to realize its objectives.
• Principle #5: Integrated Policy

The National Committee for Sustainable Development will support the policies for
sustainable development. Common committees will be formulated between the
relevant ministries as necessary; in addition the central authorities, the governorates,
and the local management units should include environmental and social policies in
all its sectoral policies. One of the roles of the National Committee for Sustainable
Development is to coordinate between the sectoral strategies, plans, and programmes
while integrating the environmental and social aspects into them.
• Principle #6: Participatory Governance

The governance at the national, local, and governorates levels has to be based on
transparency in decision-making and the participation of the civil society in decision
making and shared responsibility in implementation.
• Principle #7: Decentralization

The implementation of gradual decentralization in decision making to the lowest level
possible is necessary, where specialities and responsibilities move from the central
level to the regional and local levels. On the other hand, the government has the upper
hand in setting up policies and legal frameworks to achieve the identified objectives.
• Principle #8: Awareness Raising

This principle focuses on the importance of education and capacity building in
awareness raising of sustainable development issues among all levels of the society.
• Principle #9: Justice between Generations

The natural resources has to be left for future generations in the same amounts current
generations have received them to provide them with equal or better opportunities to
meet their needs.
• Principle #10: Social Justice

There should be equal distribution of income while guaranteeing the basic human
needs for all levels of the society.
• Principle #11: Natural Resources Conservation

There should be a conservation of natural resources, use of renewable resources, and
recovery of energy in wastes to ensure sustainable development.
• Principle #12: Polluters Pay

The entity that its activities cause negative impacts on the environment or uses, trades
raw materials, pre-final products, or final products that contain harmful materials to
the environment should pay fees due the degradation it has caused. It will also pay
completely all the expenses require to prevent these environmental risks and remove
the harms that have happened.
• Principle #13: Users Pay

Any individual using natural resources should pay a realistic price in return for their
use in order to cover the expenses of treating the waste generated from use. This
principle should be implemented on services such as water supply, collection and
treatment of wastewater, municipal solid waste collection and disposal, etc.
• Principle #14: Shared Responsibility

In order to attain sustainable development, all the beneficiaries should realize their
shared responsibility towards reducing the pressures of development on the
environment, natural resources, and the society.
• Principle #15: Prevention

Prevention of pollution is considered more efficient than treatment of pollution (end-
of-pipe treatment). This principle should be achieved through environmental impact
assessments and use of best available technologies.
• Principle #16: Urban Planning and Land Use

Urban and land use planning is a major tool to achieve urban and rural sustainable
development.
4.2.3 The Framework's Monitoring Indicators
The National Strategy for sustainable development requires an efficient system of indicators
that provide the government with clear indications of issues related to development. These
indicators should depend on monitoring of data in order to allow the government to formulate
the appropriate political response. Three stages were put to prepare the monitoring indicators:
(i) preparation stage, (ii) identification and selection of indicators stage, and (iii) evaluation
stage. In the first stage, working groups are established to design the indicators. In the second
stage, the most appropriate indicators are identified and selected to comply with national
requirements and where information for it is available. Finally, in the third stage, the current
development status is evaluated, non-sustainable development trends are evaluated, and the
political and institutional shortcomings that caused it are identified.
4.3 EGYPT’S NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN (NEAP)
The National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) represents Egypt's agenda for
environmental actions between years 2002 till 2017. It complements and integrates with
sectoral plans for economic growth and social development and is the basis for the
development of local environmental initiatives, actions, and activities. It is designed to be the
framework that coordinates for future environmental activities in support of the sustainable
development in Egypt.
The NEAP includes programmes and projects that address the environmental issues. Each
program consists of three major components: information and monitoring, preventive and/or
corrective measures, and supportive measures. Most of the information and monitoring
activities are conducted by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency. Most of the
corrective and preventive measures are the responsibility of the central and local agencies in
order to integrate environment protection into their plans.
The NEAP addressed many environmental issues which included the three thematic areas:
biodiversity, climate change, and desertification.
4.3.1 Biodiversity
The aim of biodiversity conservation in Egypt is to set the bases of rational use and
sustainable development of the national natural biological resources. The objective is that
these resources remain fit for use and capable of production in ways that provide for the
legitimate requirements of the present and for the basic needs of future generations. The goals
of biodiversity conservation in Egypt are:
1. Managing the natural biological resources and the systems that support and sustain
them on a scientific basis, which ensures maintenance of natural balances, protection
of ecosystems against degradation and conservation of living biota.
2. Developing Egyptian scientific and technological capabilities in fields of conservation
and development of natural resources, and development of institutional and
managerial capacities to enable implementation of action programs in the fields of
research, monitoring, and inventories and management of projects.
3. Mobilizing national capacities and resources to conserve biodiversity with its

ecological taxonomical and general elements; to ensure the sustainability and rational
use of these elements.
4. Setting programs of action that ensure the positive participation of people, as
individuals and as organizations, in the implementation of biodiversity conservation
programs, and in enjoying their equitable shares of the benefits of these endeavors.
5. Establishing legal instruments and economic and social incentives that support
conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
6. National actions should complement regional and international actions in fields of
biodiversity conservation, exchange equitably available scientific information related
to conservation of biodiversity resources including genetic resources.
Principles guiding biodiversity conservation

• Sustaining the use of natural resources through protecting and managing a
representation system of national protectorates, created by the prime minister to
conserve and rehabilitate the nation’s biological diversity and to protect a sample of
the nation’s most outstanding natural landscapes.
• Protecting the biodiversity resources against dangers of deterioration or loss through
establishing and improving natural protectorates’ networks, conducting research, and
adopting essential monitoring and evaluation measures.
• Ensuring the sustainable management and use of natural protectorates and promoting
conservation of biological diversity.
• Ensuring that each protectorate is managed properly to optimize income generation
without prejudicing the natural values for which it has been protected. This income is
to be used in improving and developing other parks.
• Promoting the conservation and sustainable use of wild resources outside national
protectorates in consultation and, where practicable, in cooperation with rural
communities and user groups.
Specific actions of the biodiversity sector

• Improving the biodiversity sector through hiring qualified staff that is well prepared
for decision-making processes.
• Adopting a program for comprehensive management of national protectorates.
Through this program there would be a specific management plan for each
protectorate.
• Implementing the national strategy for biodiversity to be achieved through improving
the performance of existing international projects and searching for local and
international funds for new projects.
• Committing the national, regional and international efforts towards biodiversity
conservation.
• Adopting environmental awareness programs to be integrated in EEAA programs.
• Expanding the natural protectorates network. Declaring new protectorates will not
occur without preparing a previous study and setting required human and other
resources needed for managing these protectorates properly.
• Adopting programs for improving the economic sustainability of natural
protectorates. This to be done through increasing the income of the successful
protectorates and investing in other protectorates.
4.3.2 Climate Change
Egypt is taking the issue of climate change seriously. The Nile Delta and coastal zones are
prone flooding due, in part, to rising sea levels. Agricultural productivity is another subject
that climate change will potentially negatively affect as a result of increased average
temperature. Human health is also at risk due to climate change. The increased
temperatures might lead to the outspread of vector-borne diseases. Coral reefs are one of
Egypt’s natural resources that climate change adversely affects. Egypt seeks the help and
support of the international community to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Egypt implemented two major projects in the field of climate change during the period 1995
to 1999. These projects were “Support for National Action Plan” and “Building Capacity for
Egypt to Respond to UNFCCC”. These projects ended in December 1999 by submitting
Egypt’s National Communication and establishing a Climate Change Unit at EEAA as the
institutional focal point for climate change. In addition, a support program to build the
capacity to institutionalize Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) was completed
successfully during November 2001 as a step towards implementing Egypt’s strategy on
CDM. The strategy includes, but not limited to, improving energy efficiency, promoting use
of renewable energy, and expanding current activities for afforestation using treated
wastewater to plant timber trees.
The climate change targets are mainly improving energy efficiency, promoting use of
renewable energy, and expanding current activities for afforestation using treated wastewater
to plant wood trees.
4.3.3 Desertification
Egypt, with land extending over one million square kilometers under arid and hyperarid
climatic conditions, is endowed with varied agro-ecological zones with varied and specific
attributes of resource base, climatic features, terrain and geomorphic characteristics, land use
patterns and socio-economic implications. A meaningful national action plan for Egypt would
be comprised of sub-components, each of which is geared to address the specific attributes of
each agro-ecological zone distinguished in Egypt. The zones could be identified as follows:
1. North Coastal Belts: Including North West coastal areas and Northern areas of Sinai.
2. The Nile Valley: Encompassing the fertile alluvial land of Upper Egypt, the Delta and
the reclaimed desert areas in the fringes of the old Nile valley.
3. The Oases and Southern Remote Desert Areas: Including Uwienate, Toshki and Darb
El-Arbien Areas and Oases of the Western Desert.
4. The Desert Inland: Including the plateau and dry valleys of Sinai and elevated areas in
the Southern Eastern Desert.
The general priorities in desertification in Egypt as presented in the NEAP tackled several
issues, these are:
• Degradation of irrigated farmland as a result of using low quality water in irrigation,
• Degradation of rain-fed farmland (northern coastal belt and northern Sinai rainfall
100-250mm), for insufficient water harvesting and water spreading processes.
• Degradation of rangeland (northern coastal belt) through overgrazing, degradation of
plant cover,
• Encroachment of sand formations, especially from the Western desert, on the Nile
Valley land (southern Egypt) and on the High Aswan Dam reservoir (in Egypt and
Sudan).
• To formulate meaningful options that ensure that the introduction of irrigation into
the area does not threaten the sustainable use of the marginal land or the livelihoods
of the present local population.
• To conserve the ecosystem from invading pests and pollutants.
• To provide and enhance green areas for better and healthier microclimatic conditions.
• To formulate rational and innovative policies for waste management treatment and
reuse of solids and effluents.
• To promote public awareness campaigns dealing with environmental issues using all
available media means.
• To develop environmental institutional aspects with appropriate capacity building
and training in issues specific to characteristics of the surrounding ecosystems.
• To combat damaging flash floods through appropriate water spreading and water
conservation techniques; and to prevent and alleviate damages of flash floods to the
infrastructures and available resources including adverse socio-economic impacts.
• To conserve, manage and utilize the highly valued and diversified natural flora and
fauna resources.
4.4 EGYPT'S NATIONAL ACTION PLANS IN THE THREE THEMATIC AREAS
The first commitment of the countries that ratified the CBD, UNFCCC, and UNCCD is the
preparation of National Action Plans (NAP) to preserve biodiversity, mitigate & adapt
climate change, and combat desertification. According to the conventions, the NAP should
identify the factors contributing to biodiversity loss, climate change, and desertification and
set up practical measures to reduce it.
The priorities considered in the NAPS in this report are from the identified cross-cutting
capacity in the prioritization phase of the NCSA project. The focus is only related to the
prioritized cross-cutting issues: public participation; technology transfer and cooperation;
financial mechanisms; legislation formulation and enforcement; and monitoring, evaluation,
and reporting.
4.4.1 Biodiversity
The issues tackled in the biodiversity action plan related to the requirements of the CBD are:
development of national plans, programs and institutional capabilities; improvement of
legislations formulation and enforcement; enhancement and increasing scientific research
capabilities; enhancement of technology transfer and cooperation; improvement of
monitoring and evaluation systems; increase of public participation and the incorporation of
biodiversity into public education. Also, the provision of training for people in the sector and
the development of new funding strategies and financial mechanisms are within these
priorities.
4.4.1.1 Public Participation
It is visualized that a number of Protectorates must be managed by the Nature
Conservation Authority in partnership with local stakeholders living in the areas in
which Protectorates are located. This can be achieved through services and pricing
structures that offer local people incentives to conserve and manage wild resources
more sustainably. This will include community based resource management
programmes that give the landholders in an area rights to use and trade freely in wild
resources, in order to maximize the returns from using them sustainably. In addition,
the Nature Conservation Authority should promote the awareness among decision
makers and the public at large of the value of wild resources and the importance of
managing them effectively.
4.4.1.2 Technology Transfer and Cooperation

The Nature Conservation Authority should use internationally recognized best
practices to achieve the standards of excellence expected by the Convention on
biodiversity.
4.4.1.3 Financial Mechanisms

Currently, Egypt’s PAs are all chronically under-resourced, far below the norm for
developing countries or even Africa. In order to match the regional or developing
countries norms, Egypt would need to invest between $7.4 million and $15.7 million
annually in its national protected area system – a 4 to 9 fold increase on current
expenditure. The Nature Conservation entity should endeavour to make Protectorates
as financially self supporting as possible by optimizing revenue generation from each
area to the extent the market will bear and without threatening natural values. The
management of PAs should be supported by a grant in aid from Government, or a
donor, augmented by revenue generated by the protectorate from entry charges,
concession, licenses fees or the like.
4.4.1.4 Legislations Formulation and Enforcement

The Nature Conservation Authority should promote better long term conservation of
all wild resources outside Protectorates. Legal instruments will define means for
deterrence and/or punishment of violations of set limits. There are a number of laws
for protection of the environment at large and for conservation of natural resources
and biodiversity in particular, however there is still the need for consolidating and
enforcing these instruments and their statutes. This should be done through supportive
regulatory mechanisms and incentives for local people.
4.4.1.5 Monitoring and Evaluation Systems

The Nature Conservation Authority (NCA) should monitor the status and trends in the
wild resources throughout the country with a view to initiating appropriate action to
prevent harm to valuable species, ecologically processes or aesthetically attractive
scenery. The NCA should devise strategies to protect the health and livelihoods of
people. It is stated that the Chief of Monitoring and Research will prepare a
programme to monitor the effectiveness of the Nature Conservation Authority’s
management agenda in protected areas on annual basis. This should be reported
through higher authority to the Council. Using objectively verifiable indicators, the
former report should describe how well natural landscapes and natural values are
being protected in each area, how well key species are being conserved, how
sustainable the use of the area is, its revenue generation, and the cost effectiveness of
the management program.
4.4.2 Climate Change
The climate change action plan was produced in 1999 and identified the following
crosscutting issues as priorities in its agenda to be considered in the policy of all involved
entities: The improvement of national plans, programs and institutional capabilities;
increasing scientific research capabilities, enhancement of technology transfer and
cooperation; improvement of monitoring and evaluation systems; increase of public
involvement and awareness of the issue; and the provision of training for people in the sector.

It is stated that public understanding of the phenomenon of climate change is a crucial
component for the acceptance, success, participation and sustaining all the actions that
are stated in the action plan. The proposed actions include using special TV and radio
programs that would be written and produced by professionals. These programs
should be simple and friendly in order to target a wide scope of people. It also
includes preparing a climate-change newsletter addressing the higher level audience
with more than secondary school certificate. Moreover, it includes inviting a media
representative from time to time to a one day gathering for briefing on what is new
and what message EEAA wants to send to the public.

Climate change is a high rank priority area within the national environmental policy
of Egypt. However, as the case in most developing countries, the national resources
for environmental issues allocated at the national level are rather limited which also
applies on climate change. This makes the international cooperation in the field of
climate change an important issue that is essential for implementing most of the
actions introduced in the climate change plan.

This item is not tackled in the climate change NAP.

This item is not tackled in the climate change NAP.

The main stress in the climate change action plan was on mitigation actions rather
than on monitoring and evaluation. However, there is a proposed research project in
the plan for climate science for monitoring and modelling. This should be conducted
by universities and research institutes and executed by appropriate and concerned
institutions such as the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Science.
4.4.3 Desertification
In the desertification sector, the main priorities identified in the action plan that were cross-
cutting with the other thematic areas are: development of national plans, programs and
institutional capabilities; improvement of legislations formulation and enforcement;
enhancement of technology transfer and cooperation; improvement of monitoring and
evaluation systems; increase of public involvement and awareness of the issue; the provision
of training for people in the sector and the development of new funding strategies and
financial mechanisms for combating desertification. In addition to increase of integration and
cooperation with the biodiversity and climate change sectors.

There should be participation of local communities, targeted groups, stakeholders, and
NGOs in planning, implementation, evaluation and monitoring. Up-grading the
capacity of the local community, NGOs, institutions and all partners in the various
aspects of desertification control is an essential perquisite for NAP success.
Awareness raising in the field of desertification control in general and rangeland
management and sand dunes fixation in particular. The promotion of public awareness
campaigns dealing with environmental issues, particularly combating desertification,
should be done using all available media.

It is important for Egypt to obtain technical assistance from concerned regional and
international institutions as well as from other developed countries and donors and to
adopt innovative technologies for halting the desertification processes. Further and
more effective coordination and cooperation with sub-regional, regional, and
international activities in the field of combating desertification are needed.

Allocating adequate permanent financing resources required for combating
desertification. Financial assistance to Egypt should be obtained from concerned
regional and international institutions as well as from other developed countries and
donors, additional funds through GEF, the Global Mechanism, World Bank, the
International Fund for Agricultural Development, etc. An important point that was
declared in the national consultation workshop is that Egypt is in the process of
establishing a national fund for implementation of UNCCD obligations as part of the
NAP projects.

Additional legislation and regulations at the national, governorates and local levels
will be needed. Enforcement of existing and newly issued legislations and regulations
are also needed to support efforts and activities of combating desertification in the
different Agro-ecological zones.

The NAP states that there should be measurements for the types and degrees of
desertification and its extension in the four agro-ecological zones in Egypt should be
monitored. In order to provide the decision makers with relevant analyses of the
desertification processes. A system to monitor the impact of desertification should be

set up to quantify the extent, intensity of land degradation on special scale and some
indications on temporal scale. Thematic maps and creation of relevant indicators
should be generated to inform stakeholders and decision makers regularly with the
scope of the desertification phenomena and provide them with an objective basis for
making related plans.
Section 5 Prioritized Capacity Constraints
This section of the study reviews the findings of the previous stages of the NCSA project
which are the stocktaking and gap identification phase, prioritization and focusing phase, and
the in-depth phase. In the stocktaking and gap identification phase, the three stocktaking
reports prepared by national consultants identified the capacity constraints in achieving the
requirements of each of the conventions.
In the prioritization and focusing phase, all the constraints that appeared in the stocktaking
phase were listed and cross-cutting issues between two or more conventions were identified.
Seventeen cross-cutting constraints were found to occur in two or more of the thematic areas,
which were then integrated into twelve main cross-thematic synergies. After the
identification of cross cutting capacity constraints, the capacity development actions were
prioritized for the cross-cutting synergies and for each specific thematic area using seven
evaluation criteria. The prioritized cross-cutting constraints that were identified were: public
participation, technology transfer and cooperation, financial mechanism, legislations
formulation and enforcement, and monitoring and evaluation.
In the in-depth phase, a number of actions were recommended to address the identified
capacity constraints in collaboration with national experts in the five cross-cutting fields
based on desk study and interviews. The recommended action plans were also linked to the
priority environmental issues in Egypt that were identified previously in the NCSA focusing
and prioritization phase.
5.1 IDENTIFIED CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS

5.1.1 Cross Cutting:
All of the national capacity constraints identified in the stocktaking stage are summarized and
listed in Table 2, shown below. The cross-cutting analysis is done by inserting an 'x' sign for
the capacity constraint, if exists for the theme. Each 'x' sign scores one point, and the total
score which adds all values for all themes is listed in the occurrence column. The cross-
cutting synergies are identified as the synergies that score a total value of two (2) or three (3).
The synergies with the value of one (1) are considered only unique for that particular theme.
Table 2: Major capacity constraints in the three thematic areas
Issue Climate
No. Capacity Constraint Biodiversity Desertification Occurrence
change
Non-existence of country
National 1 national specific emission x 1
Inventories factors
Lack of support from
different ministries and
2 x 1
institutions to complete
national inventories
Measures taken for
implementation of the
Examine 3 x 1
convention are still under
Obligation,
formulation
assess
implementation Division of responsibilities
4 between institutions needs x 1
to be more specified
Limited presence of
instrumental processes to
evaluate the national
5 x x 2
economical value of
biodiversity and land
degradation
National and Outdated national action
Regional 6 x 1
plan
programs /
plans Ignoring the integrated
approach in national
7 policies, capacity x x x 3
development tools and
programs
Improper and irrational
8 x 1
land policy and planning
Lack of integration
between biodiversity,
9 climate change and x x x 3
desertification conventions
on the national scale
Absence of a national
indicator system for
10 monitoring/evaluation of x x 2
Identification
programs and activities
and Monitoring
and early warning systems
Lack of necessary tools
Protected Areas and practices for proper
11 x 1
law enforcement in
protected areas
Absence of proper
enforcement of legislations
Legislations 12 already adapted and need x x x 3
for further legislations to
protect the environment
Lack of sustainable
financial mechanism for
Financial 13 x x x 3
mobilizing funds either
Mechanisms
domestic or international
The allocated funds for
desertification control in
14 eastern and western x 1
deserts including Sinai are
very low
Lack of financial resources
15 x 1
for the management unit
Lack of long term
16 programs for awareness x x x 3
Public and education
Education Limited presence of
national knowledge,
17 x x x 3
awareness and
management skills
Lack of mechanisms for
enhancing citizen's
participation in community
18 decision making and for x x x 3
fostering and
Public institutionalizing local
Participation resource generation
Weak local communities
19 x 1
capabilities
20 Inactive role of NGOs x 1
Absence of proper link

between research
institutes/universities,
21 x x x 3
policy makers, and the
national implementing
agencies
Lack of motivation for
22 x x x 3
research programs
Research and Lack of a regional model
Scientific 23 for prediction of climate x 1
Studies change impacts
Lack of scientific research
24 capabilities to support all x x 2
goals of the convention
Absence of departments
for climate change in
25 universities to study the x 1
impacts of climate change
on different regions
Dispersion of research
26 efforts amongst institutions x x x 3
and agencies
Limited presence of proper
27 institutional capabilities to x x x 3
implement the convention
Weak technical
28 capabilities of some x 1
institutions to carry out
comprehensive studies
and follow-up on land
degradation issues
Absence of country data,
networking system and
information exchange that
29 facilitate the acquisition, x x x 3
processing and
dissemination of technical
Information knowledge
Exchange Non-existence of national
data base and reporting
30 x 1
system for the climate
change information
31 Lack of database for EIA x 1
Data Collection Lack of database for

32 x 1
penalties and violations
Lack of clear national
policy for regional and
33 x x x 3
international technology
transfer and consultation
Lack of proper access to

34 x 1
knowledge and information
Technology
Transfer and Lack of effective
Cooperation 35 cooperation on the national x x 2
and international levels
Weak obligatory tool on the

global level in the field of
36 x 1
technology transfer and
cooperation
Limited training and
capacity building due to
37 x x x 3
shortage in staffing,
Training, equipment and tools
Personal
training and Lack of training on
Retraining 38 strategic impact x 1
assessment
Lack of a regional model

for environmental
39 x 1
assessment (North Africa,
Nile Basin countries)
Limited presence of the
institutional mechanism to
Environmental assess the impact of other
Assessment 40 x 1
regional and international
conventions and
agreements on biodiversity
and vice versa
Inadequate number of
Kyoto Protocol participants in CDM
41 x 1
COP/MOP meetings to
cover all responsibilities
From the above table, Seventeen cross-cutting capacity constraints were found to occur in
two or more of the thematic areas. These were further grouped into twelve cross-thematic
synergies, as follows:
• National Plans, Programs and Institutional Capabilities: Ignoring the integrated
approach in national policies, capacity development tools and programs (
capacity constraints #5, 6, #7, 8, and 9)
The lack of adequate skills in planning, issuance of legislations, risk impact
assessment and economics comes as a major barrier for strengthening the national
capacity to undertake full assessment in each of the three thematic areas.
Development and implementation of strategies and central action plans encompassing
national and regional obligations for the conventions is missing. Furthermore,
enhancing national capacity to formulate and implement systemic policies and laws,
as well as strengthening national reporting to the respective conference of parties is
not adequate.
• Legislations Formulation and Enforcement: Absence of proper enforcement for

legislations already adapted and needs for further legislations to protect the
environment (capacity constraint # 12)
The absence of adequate and coherent policies and legislative measures constitutes
one of the main constraints to implement the goals of the conventions. The absence of
explicit policies and legislations or existence of conflicting policies and laws in
Egypt, for the three thematic areas, acts as major limitations to implementing the
goals of the convention.
• Scientific Research Capabilities: Lack of scientific research capabilities to

support all goals of the conventions and absence of proper link between research
institutes, universities and the national implementing agencies (capacity
constraints # 21, 22, 23, 24,26, 27 and 28)
An important capacity development priority concerning the three conventions is
creating an enabling system for linking scientific research to policy making. Scientific
research should focus on cumulative and synergistic impact assessment of the
linkages between biodiversity losses, desertification and climate change and produce
information decisions on integrated responses and mitigation plans.
• Technology Transfer and Cooperation: Absence of networking with sub-

regional, regional and international organizations and lack of clear national
policy for regional and international technology transfer (capacity constraints #
33, 34, 35 and 36)
The Rio conventions emphasize the importance of technology co-operation and
transfer in achieving their respective goals. Mutually supportive technologies will be
of value to address the common elements and synergies from a technological
perspective.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Systems: Absence of a national indicator system for

evaluating and monitoring programs and activities for implementation of the
three conventions (capacity constraint # 10)
There is an essential need to develop and implement national programs for monitoring
and evaluating programs and activities for desertification, biodiversity, and climatic
change based on sound integrated systems of indicators. These systems should be
linked to national programs for knowledge management on the three thematic areas
that are accessible to all stakeholders.
• Public Participation: Lack of awareness of the community, particularly in rural

population, and lack of mechanisms for enhancing citizen's participation in
community decision making and for fostering and institutionalizing local
resource generation (capacity constraints # 18, 19 and 20)
The capacities of the local communities to address issues of biodiversity,
desertification and climate change should be developed in a sound technical way,
keeping close attention to the linkages with sustainable development. This can be
done through capacity development for local institutions (municipalities, NGO’s, etc.)
to enable them to develop their own initiatives for implementing global environmental
thinking within the local context.
• Public Education: Relevant educational and training programs pertaining to

national resources, management and conservation are actually absent or
undeveloped, and lack of long term programs for awareness and education
(capacity constraints # 16 and #17)
The existing educational system in environmental sciences and natural sciences in
general does not adequately address scientific and practical linkages between themes
of biodiversity, desertification and climate change, and the natural environment.
Education on global environment issues can promote the development of an increased
awareness and understanding of the impact of the local actions that degrade the
environment. Subjects related to the conventions should be integrated in educational
programs and curricula to ensure a sustainable flow of education packages for
environmental management and linkages between the three themes.
• Training Programmes: Training courses and programs dealing with the concepts
of the Rio conventions are generally missing (capacity constraints # 37 and 38)
Environmental and technical training packages developed by and for the national
institutions should begin to focus on linkages and synergies between the conventions.
Programs must be developed to utilize existing national and regional specialized
centers to provide courses in technical areas relevant to the three conventions.
• Financial Mechanisms : Lack of sustainable financial mechanisms for mobilizing

funds whether domestic or international (capacity constraints # 13, 14 and 15)
Apart from some exceptions, one of the major constraints facing accomplishing the
targets of the three Rio conventions is that most institutions lack the technical and
practical knowledge for financial and technical mobilization in order to implement
projects and programs tackling synergies between the three themes. No permanent
financial resource has been ensured for the concerned areas although it is the key for
achieving sustainable development.
• Economic Evaluation: Limited presence of instrumental processes to evaluate

the national economical value of biodiversity and desertification (capacity
constraint # 5)
There is limited presence of instrumental processes to evaluate the national
economical value of biodiversity and desertification or the cost of their degradation.
Moreover, feasibility studies and cost-effectiveness of sustainable management and
options to provide a rationale for continued environmental management, and allow for
priority setting of environmental actions on the national level are still missing.
• Integration between Conventions: Lack of clear and systematic integration of

the cross-cutting concepts in the national policy formulation process (capacity
constraint # 9)
The main cross-cutting concepts advocated by the conventions are not well reflected
in the current national development and sectoral policies in a clear and integrated
manner. Linkages between the Rio conventions and poverty eradication should be
emphasized to ensure the credibility of integrating the themes into development
policies.
• Information Exchange: Absence of country data, networking system and
information exchange that facilitate the acquisition, processing and
dissemination of technical knowledge (capacity constraints # 29 and 30)
5.1.2 Each thematic area
Other constraints were identified specifically for certain thematic areas; these are the
constraints that should be addressed within the framework of each convention separately and
are not cross-cutting issues.
In Biodiversity:
• Mechanisms for enhancing citizen's participation in community decision making and
for fostering and institutionalizing local resource generation are generally lacking
• Lack of proper access to knowledge and information
• Weak local communities capabilities
• Lack of necessary tools and practices for proper management and law enforcement in
protected areas
• Weak obligatory tool on the global level in the field of technology transfer and
cooperation
In Climate change:
• The CCU/EEAA requires more financial resources.
• Need for establishment of national data base and reporting collection for the climate
change information.
• Need to develop a regional model for prediction of climate change impacts.
• Number of participants in CDM COP/MOP meetings is not enough to hold all
responsibilities.
• Need to establish departments for climate change in the universities to study the
impacts of climate change on different regions.
• Need to update national action plan.
In Desertification:
• Enhance technical capabilities of some institutions to carry out comprehensive
studies and follow -up of land degradation issues
• The allocated funds for desertification control in eastern and western deserts including
Sinai are relatively low
• Division of labour between institutions needs to be more specified
• Need to incorporate combating desertification aspects into policies and planning
• Measurers taken for implementation of the convention are to be complemented and
continued (according to the review of the previous activities that were completed in
the NAP)
5.2 PRIORITIZATION OF CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS
The next step was the prioritization of the (i) cross-cutting constraints and the (ii) specific
thematic constraints. The prioritization was based on a quantitative scoring system based on a
three-scale point method. The criteria selected for prioritizing capacity development actions
for the constraints are as follows:
Criterion 3-scale point method

3 2 1 0
Presence in Egypt's National
Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) -
N/A Yes Partially No
(only in cross-cutting constraints
prioritization)
Presence in the National Action Plan
N/A Yes Partially No
(NAP) for each specific thematic area
Identified by focal points N/A Yes Partially No
The time required for implementation Short Medium Long /
(higher priority for shorter time) 2-3 years 5-6 years 6-7 years
The time anticipated to achieve Short Medium Long /
significant results (higher priority for 2-3 years 5-6 years 6-7 years
shorter time)
Table 3: Prioritization of cross-cutting synergies
Presence in NAP Presence in focal point priorities Time
Presence Implementation anticipated
Synergies Priority
in NEAP Climate Climate Timeframe for significant
Biodiversity Desertification Biodiversity Desertification
change change results
Technology transfer and
cooperation: Absence of
networking with sub-regional,
regional and international Yes Partially Partially Yes Yes Yes Yes Short Medium
17
organizations and Lack of (2) (1) (1) (2) (2) (2) (2) (3) (2)
clear national policy for
regional and international
technology transfer
Public participation : Lack of
awareness of the community,
particularly in rural
population, and lack of
mechanisms for enhancing Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Long Medium
15
citizen's participation in (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (0) (1) (2)
community decision making
and for fostering and
institutionalizing local
resource generation
Scientific research
capabilities: Lack of scientific
research capabilities to
support all goals of the
Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Medium Medium
conventions and absence of 14
(2) (2) (2) (0) (2) (2) (0) (2) (2)
proper link between research
institutes, universities and the
national implementing
agencies
Financial mechanisms : No
permanent financial resource
has been ensured for the Yes Yes No Partially Yes Yes No Medium Short
14
concerned areas although it is (2) (2) (0) (1) (2) (2) (0) (2) (3)
the key for achieving
sustainable development, and
Synergies Priority
lack of sustainable financial
mechanisms for mobilizing
funds either domestic or
external
Legislations formulation and
enforcement: Absence of
proper enforcement for
Yes Partially No Yes Yes No No Short Short
legislations already adapted 13
(2) (1) (0) (2) (2) (0) (0) (3) (3)
and needs for further
legislations to protect the
environmental issues
Monitoring and evaluation
systems: Absence of national
indicator system for
No Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Medium Short
evaluating and monitoring 13
(0) (2) (2) (2) (0) (2) (0) (2) (3)
programs and activities for
implementation of the three
conventions
Training programmes:
Training courses and
programs dealing with the
concepts of the Rio
conventions are generally
missed and mechanisms for
No Yes Yes Yes No No No Short Short
enhancing citizen's 12
(0) (2) (2) (2) (0) (0) (0) (3) (3)
participation in community
decision making and for
fostering and
institutionalizing local
resource generation are also
lacking
Synergies Priority
National plans, programs and
institutional capabilities:
Ignoring the holistic approach No Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Medium Long
11
in national policies, capacity (0) (2) (2) (2) (0) (0) (2) (2) (1)
development tools and
programs
Public education : Relevant
educational and training
programs pertaining to
national resources,
No Yes Yes No No Yes No Long Long
management and 8
(0) (2) (2) (0) (0) (2) (0) (1) (1)
conservation are actually
absent or undeveloped, and
Lack of long term programs
for awareness and education
Integration between
conventions: Lack of clear
and systematic integration of No No No Yes No No No Short Medium
7
the cross-cutting concepts in (0) (0) (0) (2) (0) (0) (0) (3) (2)
the national policy
formulation process
Information Exchange:
Absence of country data,
networking system and
Partially No No No Yes No No Medium Medium
information exchange that 7
(1) (0) (0) (0) (2) (0) (0) (2) (2)
facilitate the acquisition,
processing and dissemination
of technical knowledge
No No No No No No No Medium Medium
Economic evaluation 4
(0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (2) (2)
Section 5 Current National Status
According to Table 3, the top high priority cross-cutting capacity constraints are as follows:
1. Technology transfer and cooperation
2. Public participation
3. Scientific research capabilities
4. Financial mechanisms
5. Legislations formulation and enforcement
6. Monitoring and evaluation
5.3 RECOMMENDED LINES OF ACTION

5.3.1 Cross Cutting:
Several actions were recommended in the in-depth phase of the NCSA project to address the
main prioritized constraints specifically and all the identified gaps that were identified in the
stocktaking and gap identification phase generally. These actions should be applied to achieve
the goals of the three Rio conventions (Biodiversity, Desertification, Climate change). These
actions are:
Public Participation:
• Restructuring the National Institutional Settings (PP-1).
• Awareness Raising and Capacity Building for Effective Public Participation and
Partnership (PP-2).
• Develop Guidelines for Effective Public Participation in Projects Related to the
Conventions Implementation (PP-3).
• Effective Exchange and Dissemination of Information Related to the Rio Conventions
(PP-4).
• Develop a New Model(s) of “Community Based Interventions” (PP-5).
• Strengthen Small Grants Programs for NGOs and CBOs (PP-6).
• Develop and Implement a Clear Strategy to Encourage the Private Sector to Invest in
Projects in the Three Thematic Areas (PP-7).
Technology Transfer and Cooperation:

• Incorporate Technology Transfer and Cooperation into National Policies (TT-1).
• Establish a Formal Strategy for Technology Transfer and Cooperation (TT-2).
• Establish a Technology Transfer and Cooperation Unit within each National Focal Point
(TT-3).
• Establish a National Technology Transfer Center (TT-4).
• Create National Council for Coordination between Conventions and Activate/Establish
Coordination Committees (TT-5).
• Nominate a catalyzing entity for technology transfer and cooperation (TT-6).
• Implement Technology Transfer Projects Linking the Three Thematic Areas (TT-7).
Financial Mechanisms:
• The Application of Law 8 of 1997 for the Reduction of Custom Duties on Environmental
Goods (F-1)
Section 5 Current National Status
• Rehabilitation of the Environmental Protection Fund (F-2)
Legislation Formulation and Enforcement:

• Establish Legal Protection Strategy for Formulation and Enforcement of Environmental
Legislations (L-1).
• Establish National Mechanism to Follow Up the Implementation of the Conventions’
Obligations (L-2).
• Establish New Environmental Court (L-3).
• Developing Legal Framework for Sustainable Financial Mechanisms (L-4).
• Modifying The Current Article of Law No. 4/1994 and Law No. 102/1982 Related to the
Role of Civil Society towards Environmental Issues (L-5).
• Adding Specific Article to the Code of Intellectual Properties Related to the Role of
Private Sector in Protecting Intellectual Properties (L-6).
• Unifying Local Legislations to Cover Rio Conventions Obligations (L-7).
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Developing a Framework Methodology for Monitoring and Data Collection (ME-1).
• Improving Reporting (ME-2).
• Promoting the Incorporation of the Global Environment in National Policies and Plans
(ME-3).
• Improving Inter-Agency Coordination (ME-4).
• Promoting the Development of Research Capabilities (ME-5).
The recommended lines of actions in the five cross cutting areas and their relation to Egypt’s
national environmental priorities as stated in the NEAP and NAPs are summarized in the
following table.
PP-4
PP-7
PP-6
PP-5
PP-3
PP-2
PP-1
TT-7
TT-6
TT-5
TT-4
TT-3
TT-2
TT-1
Action
Proposed
Section 5
Conservation of wetlands
Public Participation
x
Biodiversity conservation
x x
x x
Endangered species
x x x
Protected areas
x x x
Habitat damage
Technology Transfer and Cooperation
x x x x x x
x x x x x x
x x x x x x
x x x x x x
x x
x x x x x
x x x x x
x x x x x x
x x x x x x
Sustainable use of biological
resources
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Biosafety
Biodiversity
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Invasive Alien species
x
x
x
x
x
x
Mountain biodiversity
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Exploitation of
biotechnology
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Remote sensing
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Mitigation - GHGs reduction
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Adaptation
x
x
x
x
x
x
Sea level rise

Change
Climate
x
x
x
x
x
x
Vulnerability to climate
change
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Sustainable land
Management and Use
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Sustainable use of water

resources
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Soil erosion and loss (due to

irrigation practices)
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Urban encroachment
National Capacity Self Assessment Project - Egypt’s National Strategy & Action Plan
Current National Status
Mismanagement practices
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
and water pollution due to

Egypt's Environmental Priorities – NEAP & NAP
agricultural activities
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Enhance afforestation
Table 4: Linkages between the proposed recommended lines of action and the NEAP and NAPs
x
x
x
x
x
x
Agro-biodiversity
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Habitat damage
37
Desertification
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Coastal management
x
x
x
x
x
Coastal erosion
x
x
x
x
x
Sustainable use of marginal

land
Initial salinity of virgin desert
x
x
x
x
x
x
soils
Degradation of rangeland and
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
cultivated rain fed areas

x
x
x
x
x
Remote sensing and Early

Warning Systems
F-2
F-1
L-7
L-6
L-5
L-4
L-3
L-2
L-1
ME-2
ME-4
ME-5
ME-3
ME-1
Action
Proposed
x
x
Section 5
Conservation of wetlands
x
Biodiversity conservation
Financial Mechanisms
x x
Endangered species
x
Protected areas
x x x
Habitat damage
x x
Sustainable use of biological
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

resources
Legislation Formulation and Enforcement
x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x
x
x x x x x x
x x x x x x x
Biosafety
Biodiversity
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Invasive Alien species
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Mountain biodiversity
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Exploitation of
biotechnology
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Remote sensing
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Mitigation - GHGs reduction
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Adaptation
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Sea level rise

Change
Climate
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Vulnerability to climate
change
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Sustainable land
Management and Use
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Sustainable use of water

resources
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Soil erosion and loss (due to

irrigation practices)
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Urban encroachment
National Capacity Self Assessment Project - Egypt’s National Strategy & Action Plan
Current National Status
Mismanagement practices
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
and water pollution due to

Egypt's Environmental Priorities – NEAP & NAP
agricultural activities
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Enhance afforestation
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Agro-biodiversity
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Habitat damage
38
Desertification
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Coastal management
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Coastal erosion
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Sustainable use of marginal

land
Initial salinity of virgin desert
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
soils
Degradation of rangeland and
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
cultivated rain fed areas

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Remote sensing and Early

Warning Systems
Section 6 National Strategy and Action Plan
6.1 NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

The National Strategy and Action Plan for Capacity Development for Egypt in the three thematic
areas of biodiversity, climate change and desertification was formulated based on an inverted
pyramid flowing from the generic National Framework on Sustainable Development, then
moving to the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP), the three National Action Plans
(NAP), and finally to the more specific previous stages of the NCSA project as illustrated in
Figure (1). The main objective of the National Strategy is to strengthen the systemic, institutional
and individual capacities for implementation of the three Rio Conventions.
National Framework for Sustainable

Development
National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP)
National Action Plans (NAP)
NCSA Previous Stages
National
Strategy
Figure 1: The basis of the National Strategy for Capacity Development
The National Strategy is formulated on strategic principles of the National Sustainable

Development Framework, the requirements of the three Rio Conventions, as well as the
principles emerging from the cross-cutting/synergy analysis of the NCSA process. For
accomplishment of the capacity development objectives, the responsible entities shall be
governed by the following strategic principles:
National ownership and leadership: The efforts should be nationally owned, led and
driven, including strategic planning, self-monitoring, and self-evaluation. A high degree
of national political commitment is essential, but in the same time there should be
decentralization in responsibilities.
Stakeholders' participation and partnership: multiple stakeholders should be involved
in national decision making and have shared responsibility in implementation to
maximize impact and create synergies.
Holistic and integrated approach: capacity-building efforts should be realistic,

recognize and build on existing strengths, knowledge and experience. Capacity
development must be integrated with ongoing initiatives to enhance capacities for
broader environmental managements and for sustainable development in general without
duplication of efforts or resources. Parallel to this, the outcomes of the action plan should
be taken in consideration in national planning and decision-making.
Flexibility: Capacity-building efforts should be supported by a variety of tools and
methodologies. These could range from the more traditional methods to capacity building
(such as workshops, training, awareness raising, etc) to those that offer greater scope both
methodologically and institutionally (such as networking, horizontal exchanges and
cooperation, etc.).
Continual improvement: capacity building is a dynamic process therefore adequate
monitoring and evaluation techniques are essential for adaptive management and
improvement.
Usually in Egypt, the same as most developing countries, there is a gap between most written
actions plans and their implementation on the ground. In order to ensure that the National
Strategy and Action Plan for Capacity Development is implemented; several practical, simple,
and clear measures are proposed and detailed in the coming sections.
6.2 GENERAL INSTITUTIONAL SETUP
The leading ministry for implementation of the National Strategy and Action Plan, in accordance
with the legal provisions, should be the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) with
involvement of other relevant ministries. Having in mind the complexity of the issues in the three
Rio Conventions and their relevance to other ministries, it is recommended that EEAA establish
a National Coordination Council for the three Rio conventions (NCC), as a continuation of the
NCSA Steering Committee, and regulate the issues of composition, number of members and its
responsibilities. The National Coordination Council would directly cooperate with existing
National Committees for climate change and desertification, as well as with the Committee for
biodiversity when it is established as shown in Figure (2).
The EEAA shall continue to support the work of the NCC in the period of implementation of the
Action Plan. This may be carried out by establishing a Working Group where it should be the
executive arm of the NCC and may be logistically supported by some of the EEAA’s
Departments. In this sense the EEAA shall continue to play main role in the process of
monitoring and evaluation. The mandate and the responsibility of this Working Group would be
the following:
Coordination and implementation of the National Strategy and Action Plan (NSAP)
implementation;
Cooperation with partner institutions, committees, and individuals responsible for
implementation of the NSAP. These parties can also provide expertise and help monitor
progress on specific topics in the Action Plan;
Exchange information on programmes and projects with environmental capacity

development components that are underway in Egypt;
Review proposals for national and donor-supported projects, and make suggestions on
how actions proposed in the Action Plan might be incorporated;
Organize the NCC meetings and prepare annual reports, to be presented to the NCC for
adoption;
Provide regular update of the web page/ network databases with information and data
from the three thematic areas;
Development of indicators for monitoring of the implementation and monitor the
implementation of the Action Plan and report periodically (e.g., quarterly or biannually)
to the NCC on progress and constraints facing the Action Plan with recommendations;
Implement corrective actions and improvement recommendations by NCC.
National Committee for

Desertification
Recommend specific
changes through:
- 1 Legal Expert
- 2 Technical experts
- 1 Policy expert National Coordination Council for
the three Rio Conventions
National Committee for (To be established)
Climate Change Representatives:
Recommend specific - Ministry of Environment (4) Cabinet of Ministers
changes through: - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1)
- 1 Legal Expert - One Legal Expert
- 1 Policy expert Working Group
National Committee for

Biodiversity
(To be established)
Recommend specific
changes through:
- 1 Legal Expert
- 1 Policy expert
Figure 2: The organizational setup of the National Coordination Council (NCC) for the Rio Conventions
Three options are proposed for the implementation structure of the Working Group to be
considered by EEAA.
1. Option A: the Working Group is formed as a sub-committee from the Planning &
Follow-up Department associated with the office of the Chief Executive Officer
for EEAA.
2. Option B: the Working Group is formed of the three focal points of the Rio
Conventions.
3. Option C: the Working Group is contracted by EEAA and/or the NCC to an
independent organisation within civil society, i.e., private entity, NGO, or
combination of both.
Option A: Working Group is formed as Sub-Committee of EEAA Planning Department
In this option, the responsibility for implementation of the Action Plan would be assigned to the
institutional structure already in place at EEAA as shown in Figure (3); which is the Planning
and Follow-up Department. The role of the Planning and Follow-up Department is to prepare
policies and the general planning of EEAA activities through studies and researches and the
follow up and evaluation of these annual plans. This department is directly connected to the
office of the Chief Executive Officer of EEAA. Since capacity development is one of EEAA
priorities, therefore the Action Plan for Environmental Capacity Development will fall within the
Planning and Follow-up Department mandate.
The structure of the Working Group in Option A will be as follows:

A “Capacity Development Working Group” would be established from among the
Planning and Follow-up Department members and given responsibility to follow up on
the Action Plan, to promote implementation of specific actions, and to monitor and
evaluate progress. Since it is already a day-to-day task performed by this department,
therefore this option would not require new procedures.
Other members can be drawn from departments/organizations that have responsibility for
capacity development, or an interest in it. The Working Group members should be well
selected to follow up on the Action Plan, represent diverse stakeholders, and are
knowledgeable about and interested in capacity development.
Specific actions in the Plan would be delegated to related EEAA departments or
coordinated with other ministries or agencies in accordance with their responsibilities.
The advantages of Option A are:

Integrated with an existing implementation structure in EEAA, therefore no duplication
of national efforts or resources should occur.
The Action Plan will receive high commitment and will have enough authority to
influence actions needed by other implementing organizations, committees and project
managers. Its members will be decision-makers with experience and previous
background of the country's implementation structure.
Figure 3: Organizational chart of EEAA
The disadvantages of Option A are:

The Planning Department may be facing operational obstacles that have hampered the
implementation of other plans/programs. Therefore, adding the Action Plan to its
responsibilities could delay its implementation.
There could be a limitation on bringing in new and innovative approaches to the planning
and implementation of the Action Plan as it will follow mainly the traditional methods of
governmental institutions.
Option B: the Working Group is formed of the three focal points of the Rio Conventions
In this option, the three focal points for the CBD, UNFCCC, and UNCCD would be designated
as the lead entities with direct responsibility for ensuring that the Action Plan is implemented.
The lead entities would establish a “Capacity Development Working Group" which would be
independent from, but parallel to, the National Committees structure (biodiversity, climate
change, and desertification).
The structure of the Working Group in Option B will be as follows:

The Working Group members would be selected from relevant committees and institutions with
wide range of stakeholders to be involved in implementing the Action Plan. Currently, the
National Committee for Climate Change has among its members the two focal points for
UNCBD and UNCCD. Therefore, it is recommended that the National Committee for Climate
Change acts as the Working Group temporarily until its structure is finalized if this option will be
chosen.
The advantages of Option B are:

Places direct responsibility for the Action Plan with three key entities, rather than a large
committee/department (i.e, EEAA Planning and Follow-up department); and therefore
involves a small, focused group of individuals with direct responsibility for
environmental capacity development.
Having key members of the NCSA Project in the Working Group takes advantage of their
experience, historical overview, and their motivation to take the Action Plan further.
Already falls within the responsibilities of the three focal points.
The disadvantages of Option B are:

The Working Group might not have enough authority to influence actions by other
organizations, committees, and project managers.
It may require additional human, financial, and logistical resources.
This adds a new working group and committee structure in a country where institutions
and individuals are already spread very thin among existing committees and projects.
(“committee fatigue”).
The delegation of executive powers to a working group/sub-committee might create
problems with the whole committee (conflict of authorities).
Option C: Working Group is contracted by EEAA and/or the NCC to an independent

organisation within civil society
Under this option, the goals and functions performed by the organisation(s) in Options A and B
would be the similar, but all or some of the technical and secretariat functions would be moved
to a separate entity within civil society (outside government). A government body (EEAA and/or
NCC) would delegate responsibility for driving and coordinating implementation of the Action
Plan to this entity on a contractual basis.
The structure of the Working Group in Option C will be as follows:

An independent organization outside government would be contracted to partially or fully drive
and coordinate implementation of the Action Plan. The entity could be an NGO, a consultant
and/or a small consortium of individuals from different sectors selected through a transparent
tendering process. As a result, the members of the Working Group will be independent experts
and consultants in multi-specialities. The terms of reference (TOR) and a contract would
delineate accountability and legal and institutional areas of responsibility, including a
methodology for stakeholder involvement
The advantages of Option C are:

Ensures that the Action Plan is followed up, since there is a contractual responsibility.
This relatively new and innovative idea may stimulate interest among stakeholders.
Takes advantage of the technical, managerial and logistical capacity available outside of
government (that are usually operational constraints).
Outside organizations, whether NGO or private or both, may bring in fresh, new
approaches and innovative partnerships.
The disadvantages of Option C are:

The model is new and would have to be investigated to determine legal, contractual, and
technical implications.
Additional funds would be required to pay for the services of the independent
organization.
Some lines of actions require to be implemented by a governmental body (e.g. activation
of committees or enforcement of laws), this can't be implemented outside the
government.
The Working Group will not have authority to influence actions by other organizations,
committees, and project managers.
6.3 RECOMMENDED ACTION PLAN
The Action Plan will detail the recommended lines of actions through identification of overall
objectives for capacity development for the prioritized cross-cutting issues determined in the
previous NCSA In-depth phase. The recommended lines of actions in the Action Plan were
screened (modified, combined, or removed) and categorized according to the priority five
capacity needs as shown in Table (5): stakeholder engagement, information & knowledge,
planning & policy, organization & implementation, and monitoring & evaluation. This
categorization is based on the UNDP default capacity assessment framework, which was also the
basis for the methodology suggested in the NCSA Resource Kit. It was also recommended to be
followed by the NCSA project reviewers during the preparation of the Action Plan. Each
capacity need is linked to the environmental objectives of Egypt's National Framework for
Sustainable development which is further linked to the screened recommended lines of actions as
shown in Table (4).
The recommended lines of actions in the Action Plan shown in Table (5) are further developed as
‘project profiles’ in which a short activity description is given, the time-frame for
implementation, tentative budget, expected results, indicators, responsible institutions, etc. The
tabular presentation is used in this document in order to show the basic information on the
activities proposed in order to achieve the overall and the specific capacity-development
objectives in a simple and clear way to the executing entities. The information in the project
profiles has the following meaning:
Title & ID Number: The title for the recommended line of action and the Identification
number given in the NSCA in-depth phase.
Rationale: a brief description of the recommended line of action.
Linkages to National Priorities, Plans, and Programs: clearly indicating the
connection of the capacity need with the national priorities, plans and programs as stated
in the environmental objectives of Egypt's National framework for sustainable
development (Table 5), as well as the NEAP and the NAP (Table 4).
Objectives: the objectives expected to be achieved after implementing the line of action.
Activities: a task break-down for the required activities to implement the line of action.
Evaluation indicators: basic indicators for monitoring and evaluating progress and
achievements.
Activities time schedule: the sequence of the activities and the total duration of the line
of action. The recommended lines of actions are presented as short-term, mid-term, and
long-term actions for the fulfilment of the conventions requirements.
Required inputs: it is composed of three components: resources, total budget, funding

sources. The resources include the technical experts, administrative personnel,
equipment, and facilities needed to implement the line of action. The tentative budget and
a cost break-down for each resource is then presented in Egyptian Pounds. Finally, the
funding sources are proposed for implementation of the line of action. It should
primarily be provided from the national financial sources, and to secure this the line of
action should become part of the regular annual programmes of the respective ministries
and other responsible institutions and organizations along with their budgetary
programmes. The ongoing and planned future projects in the environment and similar
sectors, financed not only from domestic sources, and especially the bilateral and
multilateral technical support projects, may be an important source of funding as well.
Expected output: quantifiable and specific outputs expected after the completion of the
line of action.
Stakeholders: all the relevant stakeholders expected to participate in the implementation
of the recommended line of action.
Proposed executing entity: the lead entity to implement the line of action.
Table 5: Summary of the recommended lines of action

Egypt's National Framework Environmental Lines of Actions Lead Timeframe Funding
Capacity Needs/ Issues
Objectives Agency Required
Stakeholder Engagement
- Activate the Water National Council to ensure the - Create National Council for Focal Medium-term Low
coordination between policies and programmes Coordination between Conventions and points (1-3 years) (<60,000 EGP)
Co-management mechanisms
and legislation support that improves from Activate/Establish Coordination
compliance enforcement. Committees (TT-5, TT-7).
- Improve the cooperation between governmental - Nominate a catalyzing entity for Private Medium-term High
bodies responsible for environmental regulations technology transfer and cooperation entity (1-3 years) (> 300,000
implementation and achieving the requirements of (TT-6). EGP)
Cooperation between stakeholder sustainable development.
groups - Continue Egypt's active and efficient role in
coordinating with the African, Arab, and
Mediterranean sustainable development
committees to protect the regional resources.
- Implement civil society participation in - Develop Guidelines for Effective Public EEAA Short-term (≤ Low
biodiversity conservation programmes. Participation in Projects Related to the 1 year) (<60,000 EGP)
Building and maintaining - Participation of private sector in decreasing Conventions Implementation (PP-3).
partnerships environmental pollution.
- Encourage the private sector to participate in land
reclamation projects through providing incentives
and reduction of the prices for new desert lands.
- Provide incentives for private sector to participate - Develop a New Model(s) of EEAA Medium-term Medium
in solid and hazardous waste management “Community Based Interventions” (PP- (1-3 years) (60,000 –
whether complete or partial. 5). 300,000 EGP)
- Achieve participatory governance through the
participation of civil society, private sector, and
the government in urban development projects.
- Improve the cooperation between the civil - Develop and Implement a Clear Ministry of Medium Medium
society, NGOs, and governmental organizations. Strategy to Encourage the Private Sector Investment (1-3 years) (60,000 – 300,000
EGP)
- Promote civil society participation in environment to Invest in Projects in the Three
protection and development projects. Thematic Areas (PP-7).
- Increase the capacities of NGOs.
Information & Knowledge

- Introduce policies that stimulate research and - Promoting the Development of Ministry of Long-term High
development and its applications in the industry. Research Capabilities (ME-5). Higher (> 3 years) (> 300,000 EGP)
- Intensify scientific research and technological Education
development in the field of water desalinization. and
Research and Science - Intensify scientific research programs in reuse of Scientific
agricultural wastes and use of traditional, new, Research
and renewable energy sources.
- Finding innovative solutions to finance education
and scientific research.
- Encourage the use of information technology as a - Incorporate Technology Transfer and Focal Long-term Low
practical tool to advance the various industrial Cooperation into National Policies (TT- Points (> 3 years) (<60,000 EGP)
sectors and achieve sustainable development. 1).
- Establish a comprehensive database for all the
information related to industrial activities in the
governorates and the new industrial areas.
- Establish a Formal Strategy for Focal Medium-term Low
- Support linkages between the information
Technology Transfer and Cooperation Points (1-3 years) (<60,000 EGP)
network for hazardous waste management in
(TT-2).
EEAA with the private industrial sectors.
Information access and sharing - Provide NGOs and citizens with environmental
information.
- Improve scientific and technical capabilities in
biodiversity and natural resources conservation in
development areas.
- Support South-South cooperation efforts to get
the up-to-date technologies with the least costs
and experience exchange in various fields.
- Disseminate cleaner production technology.
Planning & Policy

- Promoting the Incorporation of the EEAA Short-term Medium
Planning and strategy development - Integrated policies principle. Global Environment in National (≤ 1 year) (60,000 – 300,000
EGP)
Policies and Plans (ME-3).
- Improve the compliance with environmental laws - Establish New Environmental Court to Ministry of Long-term High
in industrial establishments. Improve Environmental Laws Justice (> 3 years) (> 300,000
- Implement the obligations of international Enforcement (L-3). EGP)
agreements.
- Support the legislative base and strengthen the
Regulatory frameworks economic and social incentives to conserve
- Reviewing the Legal Framework in EEAA Medium Medium
biodiversity and natural resources. (60,000 – 300,000
Egypt to Meet Rio Conventions (1-3 years)
- Implement Polluter Pay Principle. EGP)
Obligations (F-1, L-1, L-4, L-5, L-6, L-
- Increase the benefit from the ratified international
7)
agreements and research and study joining new
agreements or protocols.
Organisation & Implementation
- Use finance (revolving funds) to reduce the - Rehabilitation of the Environmental EEAA Long-term High
negative environmental impacts from industry. Protection Fund (F-2). (> 3 years) (> 300,000
- Support NGOs through micro-scale financing EGP)
programmes for neglected groups and individuals.
- Encourage Egyptian, Arab, and foreign
investment in the agricultural sector.
- Encourage the participation of the private sector
Mobilisation & organisation of in financing projects especially drinking water
resources and treated waste water use projects. - Strengthen Small Grants Programs for EEAA Short-term Medium
- Build national capacities to conserve biodiversity. NGOs and CBOs (PP-6). (≤ 1 year) (60,000 –
- Provide necessary funding for urban development 300,000 EGP)
projects.
- Provide the necessary finance for projects that
reduce air pollution in industry.
- Identify creative mechanisms to fund sustainable
development.
- Improve scientific and technical capabilities in - Establish a Technology Transfer and Focal Medium Medium
Technical skills and technology Cooperation Unit within each National points (1-3 years) (60,000 – 300,000
biodiversity and natural resources conservation in EGP)
transfer Focal Point (TT-3).
development areas.
- Support South-South cooperation efforts to get - Establish a National Technology Private Medium High
the up-to-date technologies with the least costs Transfer Center (TT-4). entity (1-3 years) (>300,000 EGP)
and experience exchange in various fields.
- Disseminate cleaner production technology.
- Encourage the use of information technology as a
practical tool to advance the various industrial
sectors and achieve sustainable development.
- Establish a comprehensive database for all the
information related to industrial activities in the
governorates and the new industrial areas.
- Support linkages between the information
network for hazardous waste management in
EEAA with the private industrial sectors.
- Provide NGOs and citizens with environmental
information.
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Establish National Mechanism to EEAA Medium Medium
Follow Up the Implementation of the (1-3 years) (60,000 – 300,000
- Strengthen and improve the role of the local EGP)
Conventions’ Obligations (L-2).
authorities. Medium
- Formulating Standardized Procedures EEAA Medium
Other (where relevant and - Unite the Egyptian entities efforts in presenting (60,000 – 300,000
for Monitoring, Data Collection, and (1-3 years)
applicable) well prepared projects to donor countries in order EGP)
Reporting (ME-1, ME-2, ME-4)
to achieve mutual benefits.
A] SHORT-TERM LINES OF ACTIONS

Strengthen Small Grants Programs for NGOs and CBOs (PP-6)
2.1 Rationale
Small Grants Program helps facilitate ownership of development initiatives by a broader
sector of society, that is often excluded from the public arena, through increasing their
capacity to influence policy and program decisions. Small grants to NGOs and CBOs
represent one of the very effective tools to enhance implementation at the very local/micro
level, in addition to disseminating a well articulated public message that will eventually
contribute in awareness building. The small grants mechanism needs to be strengthened in
order that it effectively achieves its objectives.
2.2 Linkages to National Priorities, Plans, and Programs
This recommended line of action links with the national priorities of supporting NGOs
through micro-scale financing programmes for neglected groups and individuals, building
national capacities to conserve biodiversity, and identifying creative mechanisms to fund
sustainable development. In addition, in the desertification NAP it is stated that there should
be participation of NGOs and up-grading of their capacities in the various aspects of
desertification control is an essential perquisite for NAP success.
2.3 Objectives
Strengthen the small grants mechanism as an effective financial tool to meet the conventions
obligations by NGOs and CBOs.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Analyze the current operation of the small grant mechanism for NGOs and CBOs
(interviews, questionnaires, desk study, etc)
#2 Identify the gaps present at the current system for small grants
#3 Optimize the use of current resources by filling in the gaps
#4 Seek new financing resources that supports small grants mechanism
#5 Measure progress at the end of the project
Evaluation Indicators:
• % of fulfilled gaps at the end of the project
• Number of new sources and total amount of allocated grants
2.5 Activities Time Schedule
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
Activity #4
Activity #5
Total Short-term (≤ 1 year)
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
Resources: Total Cost (EGP) Funding Sources:
Financial experts • International donors
• EEAA/EPF
Administrative staff
Office facilities
Total Budget: Medium
(60,000 – 300,000
EGP)
2.7 Expected Output:
• Assessment Report
• Directory of new funding sources
• Achievements Report
2.8 Stakeholders
EEAA, focal points, Ministry of Local Development, Environmental Protection Fund (EPF),
GEF small grants program, national federation of NGOs, federation of environmental NGOs,
National Center for Environment and Development, and donor agencies.
2.9 Proposed Executing Entity:
EEAA
Develop Guidelines for Effective Public Participation in Projects Related to the

Conventions Implementation (PP-3)
2.1 Rationale
Public participation guidelines will be developed to promote active and representative
participation toward enabling all community members to meaningfully influence the
decisions that affect them related to the conventions implementation. The specific design of
these guidelines should render it to be as flexible and applicable to all projects supported by
donor agencies and those supported by public finance under the sponsorship of national
committees. The language used in the guidelines should be easily understood by the layman
and not only for specialists. The guidelines should be verified through implementing it on an
actual case study(ies) and open discussion in a public workshop. The guidelines should
acquire a binding and committing force (semi-legal power) through administrative and legal
procedures (e.g. Ministerial decree) to secure compliance. Within the same context, guideline
design should be realistic and flexible to facilitate its implementation.
This recommended line of action links with the national priorities of improving the
cooperation between the civil society, NGOs, and governmental organizations; promoting
civil society participation in environment protection and development projects (specifically
biodiversity conservation programmes); and achieving participatory governance through the
participation of civil society and the government in urban development projects. In the
biodiversity NAP, it is visualized that a number of Protectorates must be managed by the
Nature Conservation Authority in partnership with local stakeholders living in the areas in
which Protectorates are located. In the desertification NAP, it requires the participation of
local communities, targeted groups, stakeholders, and NGOs in planning, implementation,
evaluation and monitoring.
2.3 Objectives
1) Methods and procedures for effective public participation during implementing
different programs and projects.
2) Encouraging the involvement of local stakeholders in all phases of planning,
implementation, monitoring, feedback, etc.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Formulate technical working group to prepare the guidelines
#2 Prepare draft guidelines
#3 Send draft guidelines for technical review by independent experts & officials in EEAA
#4 Develop the semi-final version of the guidelines
#5 Public workshop to discuss the guidelines

#6 Implement the guidelines on actual case study ( refer to PP-5)
#7 Incorporate the feedback from the case study (verification report from PP-5) and the
public workshop into the guidelines
#8 Officially endorse the final version of guidelines through a Ministeral decree
• Feedback from the technical review
• Responses during the public workshop
• Discrepancies with the case study (model) in PP-5
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
Activity #4
Activity #5
Activity #6
Activity #7
Activity #8
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
Working Group experts (public • International donors
participation, legal, etc) • EEAA
EEAA officials • NGOs
Independent experts
Workshop expenses
Office facilities
Total Budget: Low (<60,000 EGP)
• Public participation guidelines
• Official endorsement of the guidelines
• Technical review & EEAA officials report
• Public Workshop report
2.8 Stakeholders
National committees, focal points, EEAA, Ministry of Local Development, NGOs, and donor
agencies.
EEAA
Promoting the Incorporation of the Global Environment in National Policies and Plans
(ME-3)
2.1 Rationale
Global environmental issues, though identified as a priority area for action in Egypt, are not
always effectively integrated in national policies and plans. This is a result of not only
inadequate monitoring, evaluation and reporting, but more importantly non-optimized use of
outputs from monitoring evaluation and reporting in the decision making process.
This recommended line of action links with the national priorities of the integrated policies
principle that focuses on integrating significant environmental aspects to the existing national
policies.
2.3 Objectives
This aims at promoting the utilization of monitoring, evaluation and reporting outputs for
better incorporating global environmental issues in national policies and plans.
1) Improved incorporation of global environmental issues in national policies and
plans.
2) Developed feedback mechanisms to improve the utilization of monitoring
evaluation and reporting by decision makers. These would primarily entail
reporting mechanisms comprising very concise information, generated at
frequent regular intervals (daily/weekly) and targeting decision makers. These
mechanisms can make use of information technology, GIS, etc. where
applicable. This outcome would necessitate this line of action to be carried out
in close coordination with lines of action 1 and 2, described above.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Identify all global environmental issues relevant to Egypt
#2 Draft the national policies to incorporate global environmental issues
#3 Send the draft for official approval
#4 Develop feedback mechanism to improve the utilization of monitoring evaluation and
reporting by decision makers
• The number of global issues in national policies and plans
• Feedback mechanism
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
Activity #4 Continuous
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
A task force with a membership • EEAA
from data management • International donors
departments, and technical
offices of key decision makers

would closely work with the
decision makers to identify the
primary information, its forms
and frequencies which would be
needed. This would then be
followed by developing the
specific reporting mechanisms
for this information, identifying
any information technology
tools which would be applicable.
Total Budget: Medium (60,000 -
300,000 EGP)
excluding any
information
technology needed
• Integrated national policies with global environmental issues
• Efficient feedback mechanism
2.8 Stakeholders
EEAA and Ministry of Agriculture
EEAA
B] MEDIUM-TERM LINES OF ACTIONS

Develop and Implement a Clear Strategy to Encourage the Private Sector to Invest in
Projects in the Three Thematic Areas (PP-7)
2.1 Rationale
Develop and implement a strategy to deliberately attract the private sector to invest in
environmental projects. Introduction of the private sector should be based on clear
development and articulation of innovative economic instruments and public private
partnership. A consultation with the potential private sector that could finance environmental
project should be made before drafting the strategy in order to take in consideration their
areas of interest, preferred investment methods, and expected benefits.
This recommended line of action links with several national priorities which are: the
participation of private sector in decreasing environmental pollution; encourage the private
sector to participate in land reclamation projects through providing incentives and reduction
of the prices for new desert lands; provide incentives for private sector to participate in solid
and hazardous waste management whether complete or partial; and achieve participatory
governance through the participation of civil society, private sector, and the government in
urban development projects.
2.3 Objectives
1) To trigger the private sector to invest in environmental projects that contributes to the
conventions implementation.
2) Create a sustainable funding tool through the civil society rather than temporary funds
from donors.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Conduct economical feasibility study for projects that fulfill the commitments under the
Rio Conventions.
#2 Implement consultation workshop with private sector and disseminate brief information
related to the economic benefit from the projects.
#3 Develop a strategy to encourage private sector investment.
#4 Develop criteria for private companies’ selection.
#5 Prepare a database of all private sources of financing interested after screening in
accordance with the developed criteria.
#6 Distribute information about private sources of financing for projects that fulfill the
commitments under the Rio Conventions to stakeholders.
#7 Coordinate and follow-up the control of projects funding from private enterprises.
#8 Document and record successful and unsuccessful case studies.
#9 Review and modify the strategy based on the projects’ outcomes and funding
experience.
• Number of projects financed through private sector.
• Yearly amount of funds allocated to finance the projects.
• Number of private sources of financing.
• Type of projects that were financed.
• Evaluation if implemented projects has achieved their targets (% achievement)
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
Activity #4
Activity #5
Activity #6
Activities
#7, 8,
YEAR 2
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activities
#7, 8
YEAR 3
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activities
#7, 8
Activity #9
Total Medium (1-3 years)
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
Environmental experts • Private Sector
Financial experts / financial • EEAA / EPF

services • Commercial banks
Office facilities
(60,000 – 300,000
EGP)
• At least 10 projects implemented and financed/co-financed by the private sector
• National strategy to encourage private sector investment in environmental projects
• Public accessible document with the successful and unsuccessful case studies
2.8 Stakeholders
EEAA, Ministry of Investment, Ministry of International Cooperation, private sector
environmental association, private sector federations and association, the General Federation
of Productive Cooperation, commercial banks, and the EPF.
Ministry of Investment
Develop a New Model(s) of “Community Based Interventions” (PP-5)

2.1 Rationale
The model should establish a clear and practical paradigm for community based projects. The
experts should fully interact with local community in order that the scientific expertise is well
blended with local traditional knowledge. A different individual project should be designed
for each of the three conventions. Current and ongoing projects could be selected for model
application if they match the model selection criteria. However, it is recommended to
endeavor designing a model with a selected community that could integrate implementation
of the three conventions or two of them at minimum (such as biodiversity and
desertification).
cooperation between the civil society, NGOs, and governmental organizations; promoting
civil society participation in environment protection and development projects (specifically
biodiversity conservation programmes); and achieving participatory governance through the
participation of civil society and the government in urban development projects. In the
biodiversity NAP, it is visualized that a number of Protectorates must be managed by the
Nature Conservation Authority in partnership with local stakeholders living in the areas in
which Protectorates are located. In the desertification NAP, it requires the participation of
local communities, targeted groups, stakeholders, and NGOs in planning, implementation,
evaluation and monitoring.
2.3 Objectives
1) Apply and verify the developed guidelines (PP-3) of public participation in
implementation projects.
2) Create a highly feasible, replicable, and successful model for "Community Based
Interventions" for implementation of conventions obligations to be widely
disseminated and replicated.
3) Promote public participation and community based projects utilizing this project
model.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Selection of the team of experts
#2 Set up selection criteria for the community based projects

#3 Design/select 3 individual projects for each convention and one integrated project
#4 Implement the model based on the guidelines developed in PP-3
#5 Document the experience from the community based projects
• Degree of convention fulfillment by the selected project
• Replicablity of the model
• Discrepancies with the developed guidelines in PP-3
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
Activity #4
Activity #5
YEAR 2
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #4
Activity #5
YEAR 3
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #4
Activity #5
Total Medium-term (1-3 years)
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
Team of experts (public • International donors
participation, socio-economic, • EEAA
etc) • NGOs
Administrative staff • Private sector
Field visits • Small grants program
Office facilities

(60,000 – 300,000
EGP)
• Model for "Community Based Interventions"
• Documented case studies
• Report on public participation guidelines (verification report)
2.8 Stakeholders
EEAA, ministries, national committees, focal points, donor agencies, and selected NGOs.

EEAA
Establish a Formal Strategy for Technology Transfer and Cooperation (TT-2)

2.1 Rationale
Improvement of technology transfer and cooperation in the three thematic areas can be
achieved through a systematic strategy build upon the national policy and laws & regulations
related to technology transfer and cooperation. The strategy should include objectives to
encourage the adoption of ‘green technologies’ through both international technology transfer
& cooperation and small-scale production of affordable technologies appropriate to Egypt.
The concept of this action is illustrated in Figure (4).
This recommended line of action links with the national priorities of achieving the
prevention principle through the use of best available technologies. In the NEAP, one of the
goals of biodiversity conservations is developing Egyptian scientific and technological
capabilities in fields of conservation. In the biodiversity NAP, it is stated that the Nature
Conservation Authority should use internationally recognized best practices to achieve the
standards of excellence expected by the Convention on biodiversity. In the climate change
NAP, it addresses international cooperation in the field of climate change as an important
issue that is essential for implementing most of the actions introduced in the climate change
plan. In the desertification NAP, it is stressed that it is important for Egypt to obtain technical
assistance from concerned regional and international institutions as well as from other
developed countries and donors and to adopt innovative technologies for halting the
desertification processes.
2.3 Objectives
1) Develop a strategy for technology transfer and cooperation on the national, regional,
and international levels.
2) Set up specific and measurable objectives for technology transfer and cooperation to
be achieved within a specified time frame.
3) Integrate the objectives with the current programs or establish new programs for
technology transfer & cooperation within the organization.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Set up objectives for technology transfer and cooperation on the national, regional, and
international levels. The objectives should be SMART (Specific, Measurable,
Applicable, Realistic, within a Time-frame) and relevant to each organization.
#2 Review the objectives to ensure it meets national policies, priorities, and regulations
#3 Draft a strategy based on the objectives developed
#4 Independent external review of draft strategy
#5 Final strategy approved by decision maker in the organization
#6 For each objective, either integrate it to current program(s) or establish new program(s)
for technology transfer & cooperation within the organization. The programme should
have set up targets, resources, budget, responsibilities, methods, and deadlines.
#7 Implement programmes
#7 Yearly measurement and evaluation of programmes. Review of the set up objectives &
programmes (modify as necessary based upon the achievements)
• Objectives meets national environmental priorities, policies, and regulations
• Objectives are SMART
• % achievement of objectives & programmes

YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
Activity #4
Activity #5
Activity #6
Activity #7
YEAR 2
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #7
Activity #7
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
Local team of experts (within the • Hosting organizations for
organization) focal points
Independent expert • National Center for
Research
Office facilities
• Formal strategy for technology transfer and cooperation for each participating
organization
• Objectives for technology transfer and cooperation for each participating organization
• Programmes for technology transfer and cooperation for each participating
organization
• Annual achievements reports
2.8 Stakeholders
All relevant biodiversity, climate change, and desertification entities; including focal points,
EEAA, National Center for Research, etc.
Focal Points
Climate Change
Focal Point Formulate Technology
Transfer Action Plan
2 Technical
Experts
Biodiversity Programs with

Focal Point clear objectives,
Identify Common targets, and
2 Technical monitoring
Areas of Interest
Experts indicators
(Common issues)
Desertification
Focal Point
2 Technical
Experts
Figure 4: Establish a Formal Strategy for Technology Transfer and Cooperation (TT-2)
Establish a Technology Transfer and Cooperation Unit within each National Focal
Point (TT-3)
2.1 Rationale
Each focal point will establish a technology transfer & cooperation unit through optimizing
its available resources. The main aim for the unit is to identify technology needs, initiate
cooperation with national, regional, and international entities, and conduct fundraising
activities to sustain funds required for technology transfer & cooperation. The technology
transfer unit at each focal point will focus on its own thematic area, while the technology
transfer center proposed in the next recommended line of action should focus on common
areas between the three thematic areas. The concept of this action is illustrated in Figure (5).
For the desertification, it already has a complete research center – Desert Research Center
(DRC)- that can act as the technology transfer and cooperation unit building upon the existing
capacities instead of establishing a new unit. As to climate change, it is already planned to
establish a national-regional ‘Centre of Excellence’ for climate change research that can act
as the technology transfer and cooperation unit in addition to its other activities.
Two priority projects are suggested to be initiated by these units, which are:
A] Bioenergy for Sustainable Rural Development

The objective of this project is to remove the technical, institutional, information, financial, and
market barriers to the increasing use of biomass energy in promoting sustainable rural
development in Egypt and in reducing the negative global and local environmental impacts
associated with the use of fossil fuels and the environmentally not sound management of the
agricultural and solid waste. This is envisaged to be achieved by (i) testing the technical and, in
particular, the economic and financial feasibility of selected bioenergy technologies on the basis
of new business and financing models and developing further the financial, institutional and
market strategies for their large-scale replication; (ii) supporting the development and adoption
of an enabling policy framework to implement and leverage financing for the recommended
strategies; iii) building the capacity of the supply side to market, finance and deliver rural
bioenergy services; and iv) institutionalizing the support provided by the project to facilitate
sustainable growth of the market after the end of the project.
B] Sustainable Transport
The objective of the project is to reduce the growth of the energy consumption and the related
greenhouse gas emissions of the transport sector in Egypt, while simultaneously mitigating
the local environmental and other problems of increasing traffic such as deteriorated urban air
quality and congestion by 1) initiating the concept for the development of new, integrated
transport services for Greater Cairo and its satellite cities on the basis of public-private
partnerships; 2) promoting non-motorized transport in medium sized provincial cities; 3)
introducing new traffic demand management measures; 4) improving the energy efficiency of
freight transport; and 5) enhancing the awareness and capacity of local professionals on
different aspect of sustainable transport and strengthening the institutional basis to promote
sustainable transport during and after the project.
This recommended line of action links with the national priorities of improving scientific and
technical capabilities in biodiversity and natural resources conservation in development areas;
encourage the use of information technology as a practical tool to advance the various
industrial sectors and achieve sustainable development; establish a comprehensive database
for all the information related to industrial activities in the governorates and the new
industrial areas; support linkages between the information network for hazardous waste
management in EEAA with the private industrial sectors; provide NGOs and citizens with
environmental information; support South-South cooperation efforts to get the up-to-date
technologies with the least costs and experience exchange in various fields; disseminate
cleaner production technology; and achieving the prevention principle through the use of best
available technologies. In the NEAP, one of the goals of biodiversity conservations is
developing Egyptian scientific and technological capabilities in fields of conservation. In the
biodiversity NAP, it is stated that the Nature Conservation Authority should use
internationally recognized best practices to achieve the standards of excellence expected by
the Convention on biodiversity. In the climate change NAP, it addresses international
cooperation in the field of climate change as an important issue that is essential for
implementing most of the actions introduced in the climate change plan. In the desertification
NAP, it is stressed that it is important for Egypt to obtain technical assistance from concerned
regional and international institutions as well as from other developed countries and donors
and to adopt innovative technologies for halting the desertification processes.
2.3 Objectives
1) Transfer technology according to the focal point needs and priorities.
2) Initiation of communication and cooperation between all relevant entities (research
institutes, NGOs, etc).
3) Correspond with international funding agencies, especially at developed countries
committed to the convention, and the mobilization of funds to support technology
transfer and cooperation objectives.
4) Create database for the projects of the focal point through technology transfer &
cooperation. The database should be linked with the National Technology Transfer
Center.
5) Provide the focal point personnel, as relevant, with training to learn about new
technologies.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Conduct an assessment for the technology needs (know-how, software & hardware,
training, etc) of the focal point ‘Gap Analysis’.
#2 Formulate a programme/project to meet the identified technology needs (concept paper);
this may include capacity building in certain technology (training, recruitment of
experts, etc)
#3 Create a database with local entities, international entities, funding sources, previously
implemented projects, and on-going/ suggested projects. This database should be linked
to National Technology Transfer Center as per TT-4.
#4 Communicate with relevant national and international entities to investigate willingness
to participate in each project or implement it independently if possible. Use the database
to match between the proposed project and relevant entities.
#5 Seek financing for each project by corresponding with funding sources
#6 Sign agreements with selected entity to implement the project
#7 Implement the project/programme
#8 Enter the implemented projects in the database including all documents related to the
project.
#9 Repeat cycle (back to #1)
• Implemented projects meet technology needs
• Yearly % fulfillment of technology needs (is there yearly progress??)
• Meet the formal strategy objectives in TT-2
• Number of communication initiation
• Number of entities cooperation was established with
• Database Completeness (entities, funding sources, projects information, etc)
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
Activity #4
Activity #5
Activity #6
Activities
#7, 8
YEAR 2
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activities
#7, 8
Activity #9
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
Highly trained personnel, • International donors

fundraising experts, and IT • Hosting organizations for
specialists focal points
Administrative staff • National Technology
Well equipped office Transfer Center
(computers, international calls,
internet & intranet, meeting
rooms, etc)
(60,000 – 300,000
EGP)
• Technology transfer unit in each focal point
• Database for projects linked to the National Technology Transfer Center.
• Provide training to the focal point personnel, as relevant, with training to learn about
new technologies.
• Initiate communication between all relevant entities and correspond with international
funding agencies.
2.8 Stakeholders
Focal points, National Technology Transfer Center, funding agencies, ministries, research
centers, research institutions and universities, NGOs, and other related entities.
Focal Points
Section 6 Climate Change National Strategy and Action Plan
Focal Point
Resources:
- OfficeFigure
Space6: Establish a Technology Transfer and Cooperation Unit within each National Focal Point (TT-3)
- Computers
- Communication
- 2 Technical Experts
- 4 Officers
- 2 Administrative
Staff
National
Committee for
Desertification
Biodiversity
Focal Point
Resources:
- Office Space
- Computers National
Technology - Communication National Coordination
Transfer - 2 Technical Experts Committee for Council for Cabinet of
Center - 4 Officers Climate the three Rio Ministers
- 2 Administrative Change Conventions
Staff
Biodiversity National
Focal Point Committee for
Desertification
Resources:
- Office Space
- Computers
- Communication
- 2 Technical Experts
- 4 Officers Figure 5: Establish a Technology Transfer and Cooperation Unit within each National
- 2 Administrative Staff Focal Point (TT-3)
Create National Council for Coordination between Conventions and Activate/Establish

Coordination Committees (TT-5, TT-7)
2.1 Rationale
The role of the National Council for Coordination between the Conventions is to identify
common fields between the three themes and create joint implementation programs. The
committee will minimize the duplication of effort and maximize the benefit from the three
focal points resources. As to the current/absent National Coordination Committee for each
theme, it has to be activated. The concept of this action is illustrated in Figure (2).
This recommended line of action links to the national priorities that focuses on the integration
and coordination between policies, programmes, and projects.
2.3 Objectives
1) Facilitate cooperation between the three focal points in joint implementation
programs.
2) Developing an overall policy for technology transfer & cooperation between the three
themes according to each theme priority (to be base on TT-2) and synergies between
the three themes.
3) Implement technology transfer projects linking the three thematic areas.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Establish National Committee for Biodiversity
#2 Establish the National Coordination Council (NCC) for the Rio Conventions
#3 Review, strengthen, and restructure (if necessary) the National Climate Change
Committee and the National Desertification Committee
#4 Assign a team of experts in each thematic national committee and members of NCC and
its Working Group
#5 Formulate an Agenda for each committee meeting and hold periodic meetings to discuss
strategic goals and adopting common interest objectives (continuous activity). As a start,
develop an overall policy for technology transfer & cooperation between the three
themes according to each theme priority (to be base on TT-2) and synergies between the
three themes. Then, implement technology transfer projects linking the three thematic
areas.
#6 Allocate responsibilities, funds, and resources to items agreed upon in the committee
meetings
#7 Follow-up on items agreed upon in previous meetings (to be included in the Agenda of
the next meeting)
• Outcomes of each national committee meeting
• Outcomes of NCC meeting
• Number of strategies, programs/plans, and projects that take into account the
objectives of the conventions.
• Degree of synergies between the three themes
• % of meeting outcomes achieved yearly
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
Activity #4
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 57 6 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
Four (4) legal experts • Hosting organizations for
focal points (EEAA &
Three (3) policy experts
DRC)
Six (6) Technical experts
Office facilities

• Active National Committee for Biodiversity
• Active National Coordination Council for the Rio Conventions
• Overall policy for technology transfer and cooperation between the three themes
2.8 Stakeholders
Focal points and related stakeholders
Focal Points
Establish a National Technology Transfer Center (TT-4)

2.1 Rationale
The National Technology Transfer Center, as an independent entity or affiliated to any other
entity, will be a data bank for all local entities. It will facilitate data sharing and will
systemize its accessibility. It will provide all three main elements of generic transfer of
technologies: “materialized” technology (prototypes, components, new materials), know-how
(documents, research results), expertise and acquired skills (manuals, training programmes,
databanks, codes of practice, visits of experts). In addition, it will link the local entities
together as well as network them to the international entities. Moreover, the technology
transfer center will be responsible for the implementation of the pilot projects and joint
programs for technology transfer. Example of projects that can be initiated as joint programs
could be climate vulnerability adaptation strategies and practices that target agriculture,
water, and coastal zones.
At the beginning the center will mainly depend on donors agencies as means of finance, then
it should gradually be more dependent on the private sector, its main market as well, after the
center would have proved its credibility.

2.3 Objectives
1) Provide technology evaluation and market assessment services.
2) Facilitate easy access to experts, services, technologies and research.
3) Market promising new technologies to potential clients.
4) Create centralized national information and database network connecting participating
entities.
5) Categorize entities according to similar activities/projects and allow the database to be
searchable.
6) Assists in developing partnerships between local, regional, and international entities.
7) Conduct regular general and tailored training courses for subjects under technology
transfer theme.
8) Implement pilot projects and joint programs
2.4 Activities:
#1 Create the centralized database
#2 Link it to the databases of the technology transfer units in the focal points and other
available databases in other entities (form a network). Most of the database will be
available to public. Some data will be restricted due to confidentiality, therefore it will
be password protected for only selected personnel.
#3 Update the database on a monthly basis by uploading new data or modifying existing
data (continuous activity)
#4 In-depth assessment of technology transfer and cooperation needs among the various
stakeholders. This report will identify the gaps and recommend tailored services to be
conducted by the center.
#5 Organize and implement services to meet TTC needs (continuous activity); such as:
• technology evaluation and market assessment,
• marketing of new technologies,
• partnership with private sector (research & provide a requested technology to
private sector, joint programs/projects, etc),
• Fundraising assistance,
• training courses/study tours/conferences, etc
#6 Evaluate the performance of the center and take immediate corrective actions (back to
Activity #4)
• Database completeness (entities, funding sources, projects information, etc) and user
friendliness
• Number of linked databases to the network / participating entities
• Number of joint programs / cooperation level
• Number of technology transfers per type (equipment, know-how, etc)
• Evaluation survey to be filled by client at the end of each service
• Meeting technology needs (based on Activity #4)
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #4
YEAR 2
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Total Medium-term (1-3 years) for establishment & active operation
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
Multidisciplinary scientists and • International donors
experts (local and international) • Private sector
Computer information specialists • National Research Center
and programmers • EEAA/EPF
Market and financial analysts
Intellectual-property
management experts
Administrative/support staff
Highly equipped office facilities
and building (training facilities,
meeting rooms, offices,
computers & laptops,
international calls, etc)
Total Budget: High (>300,000 EGP)
• Active and operational National Technology Transfer Center

• Centralized database accessible to the public
• National technology assessment report
• Diverse services based on the yearly technology assessment report
2.8 Stakeholders
Focal points, research centers, ministries, universities, industry/business community, NGOs
Private Entity
Nominate a Catalyzing Entity for Technology Transfer and Cooperation (TT-6)

2.1 Rationale
In order to ensure the sustainability and quality of performance of the technology transfer
center and the technology transfer units, an independent entity for the supervision and overall
coordination is proposed. This entity will serve as a supervisor for activities, facilitator, and
fund raiser. Moreover, the entity will ensure regional coordination of technology transfer
programs with countries that has similar interests. The structure of the entity is shown in
Figure (7).
cooperation between governmental bodies responsible for environmental regulations
implementation and achieving the requirements of sustainable development; and continuing
Egypt's active and efficient role in coordinating with the African, Arab, and Mediterranean
sustainable development committees to protect the regional resources. In the NEAP, one of
the goals of biodiversity conservations is developing Egyptian scientific and technological
capabilities in fields of conservation. In the biodiversity NAP, it is stated that the Nature
Conservation Authority should use internationally recognized best practices to achieve the
standards of excellence expected by the Convention on biodiversity. In the climate change
NAP, it addresses international cooperation in the field of climate change as an important
issue that is essential for implementing most of the actions introduced in the climate change
plan. In the desertification NAP, it is stressed that it is important for Egypt to obtain technical
assistance from concerned regional and international institutions as well as from other
developed countries and donors and to adopt innovative technologies for halting the
desertification processes.
2.3 Objectives
1) Supervision of technology transfer center and ensure quality performance
2) Regional coordination and support of activities
3) Fund raising for technology transfer
2.4 Activities:
#1 Recruit experts and staff
#2 Establish separate building, facilities, and up-to-date equipment
#3 Conduct fundraising campaign
#4 Conduct communication and cooperation campaign with all relevant institutions
#5 Create IT databases and networks & upload available information
#6 Supervise, coordinate, and support technology transfer activities
• Number of relevant institutions communication & cooperation was initiated with
• Number of fundraising agencies contacted
• Amounts of funds raised

• Quality performance of technology transfer activities
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
YEAR 2
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity # 3 Continuous
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
Multidisciplinary scientists • Private Sector
• International donors
Computer information • EEAA
specialists and programmers
Market analysts
outreach specialists and
technology transfer negotiators,
intellectual-property
management experts
Administrative and support staff
Office facilities and equipment
Total Budget: High (> 300,000 EGP)
• Technology Transfer Center
• High quality technology transfer activities
• Support for technology transfer centers/activities
2.8 Stakeholders
Private entity, focal points, technology transfer center
2.9 Proposed Executing Agency:
Private entity
Hosting
Entity
TT Unit
Biodiversity
Focal Point
Personnel:
- Managing Director Technology Transfer TT Unit
- 4 Technical Desertification
Center
Experts Focal Point
- 8 Professionals
- 8 Administrative
staff
TT Unit
Equipment: Climate
- Computers and Change
Servers Focal Point
- Communication
- Publishing tools
Figure 7: Nominate a Catalyzing Entity for Technology Transfer and Cooperation (TT-6)
Reviewing the Legal Framework in Egypt to Meet Rio Conventions Obligations (F-1, L-
1, L-4, L-5, L-6, L-7)
2.1 Rationale
An intensive review should be conducted for the legal framework in Egypt to incorporate
within it the requirements for the Rio Conventions for biodiversity, climate change, and
desertification. This review will mainly cover the following:
The Application of Law 8 of 1997 for the Reduction of Custom Duties on Environmental
Goods (F-1)
As an incentive to environmental investments specifically targeting solid waste and also
covering industrial and hazardous waste, the Executive Regulations of the Investment
Guarantees and Incentives 8 of 1997 were amended to include custom duties reduction on
equipment relating to the mentioned environmental sector. While this would be a strong
economic instrument for investors in this area, the application of this article is very tedious
and sometimes in-applicable due to the lack of a well defined procedure that would facilitate
the application for the potential investors. There should be a development of a detailed
procedure that defines the steps to be taken by the investors in the above sectors for
benefiting of the incentives that have been incorporated within the Executive Regulations of
Law 8/1997. This should be documented and made available to the public.
Establish Legal Protection Strategy for Formulation and Enforcement of

Environmental Legislations (L-1)
Improvement of environmental legislations formulation and enforcement related to the three
thematic areas can be achieved through a systematic legal strategy based upon the national
policies. Add to the proposed legal protection strategy the following provisions:
At formulation level
a- Integration philosophy for legislative and penalty polices of Rio obligations.
b- Integration Pollution Control principle Between Rio obligations at legislative and penalty
polices.
At enforcement level
a- Set up specific objectives for legal and judicial training.
b- Integrate the objectives with new programs / actions to be achieved according to applicable
timeframe.
Developing Legal Framework for Sustainable Financial Mechanisms (L-4)

Improvement of sustainable financial mechanism resources in the three thematic areas can be
achieved through the development of legal framework.
Modifying The Current Article of Law No. 4/1994 and Law No. 102/1982 Related to the
Role of Civil Society towards Environmental Issues (L-5)
Modifying the current articles of law No. 4/1994 and law No. 102/1982 related to the role of
civil society towards environmental issues for encouraging the national initiatives to improve
the environment and supporting the efforts of non governmental, private and investment
institutions concerned with the environment protection. Assist civil society obtaining eco-
rights as follow:
a) Public hearing, public advocating, public consulting and advising.
b) Unifying and cooperating the effort with national private sector.
c) Preparing the public policy and national strategic and actions plans in Co-
operation with business communities.
d) Preparing and carrying out an integral action for training personnel on the
means and ways of environmental protection in coordination with the
concerned authorities.
e) Reviewing and considering the environmental impacts of the basic
development projects before its implementation by concerned authorities.
Adding Specific Article to the Code of Intellectual Properties Related to the Role of
Private Sector in Protecting Intellectual Properties (L-6)
Enhancing the role of private sector in protecting the intellectual properties can be achieved
by adding specific article to the new code of intellectual properties (civil law).
Unifying Local Legislations To Cover Rio Conventions Obligations (L-7)

Unifying the current legislations to cover Rio conventions issues and obligations not included
in current legislations can be achieved through updating local legislations (laws, regulations
decree, etc.) by reviewing and making overall revision to specific following current laws
according to Rio obligations such as:
• Law No. 4/1994 and its executive regulations.
• Law No. 338/1995 and its proposed amendment.
• Law No. 102 /1982 of the Protected areas.
• Law No. 124/ 1983 concerning fishing & marine animals
• The Agriculture law No. 52/1966 and The Egyptian Law for punishment No. 58
(1973).
Enhancing the issuance and modification for penalty system to be more proportional to the
negative environmental impacts in the field of Rio conventions by adapting the following
penalties: a) polluter pay principle (P.P.P.), b) restoration, c) imprisonment penalty, c) fines,
and d) confiscations.
compliance with environmental laws in industrial establishments; implementing the
obligations of international agreements; increasing the benefit from the ratified international
agreements and research and study joining new agreements or protocols; supporting the
legislative base and strengthen the economic and social incentives to conserve biodiversity
and natural resources; and implementing the Polluter Pay Principle. In the biodiversity NAP,
it is mentioned that there is still the need for consolidating and enforcing laws for protection
of the environment at large and for conservation of natural resources and biodiversity in
particular. This should be done through supportive regulatory mechanisms and incentives for
local people. In the desertification NAP, it is stated that additional legislation and regulations
at the national, governorates and local levels will be needed as well as enforcement of
existing and newly issued legislations and regulations are also needed to support efforts and
activities of combating desertification in the different Agro-ecological zones.
2.3 Objectives
1) Enhance investments in the pollution prevention projects in line with the objectives of
Rio Conventions.
2) Establish a formal legal strategy for environmental legislations formulation and
enforcement of environmental related to Rio conventions obligations at the national,
regional, and international levels.
3) Improve institutional and individual capacities for mobilizing funds and develop legal
alternative for sustainable financial resources for the Rio conventions.
4) Enhancing indirectly participation and supporting civil society related to
environmental issues and in obtaining eco-rights.
5) To make the necessary funding vehicle available and equipped with the necessary
capacity and flexibility to manage and allocate funds can be achieved through the
modifications of the new code of intellectual properties.
6) Regulate regional and international technology transfer through the modification of
the current intellectual rights code to enhance the private sector role in environmental
issues.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Establish working groups for each component and assign a team of experts for each
group
#2 Undertake extensive review of existing legislation to identify strengths and gaps (per
working group)
#3 Hold a meeting for all the working groups to present the results (strength & gaps)
#4 Provide recommendations for improving the legislations (per working group)
#5 Hold a meeting for all the working groups to present the results (recommendations)
#6 Prepare a draft revision for the legislation and submit to Cabinet of Ministers
#7 Prepare a final revision for the legislation and submit to Cabinet of Ministers
#8 Official issuance of the revised legislations
• Meeting Rio Conventions obligations
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
Activity #4
Activity #5
YEAR 2
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #6
Activity #7
YEAR 3
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #8
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
National experts on • International Donors
establishment of procedures and • EEAA
regulations (financial and legal),
policy–makers, experts and
consultants.
Office facilities
(60,000 – 300,000
EGP)
• Legislation gap analysis report
• Recommendation report
• Revised versions for legislations
2.8 Stakeholders
EEAA, focal points, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Justice, Ministry
of Internal Affairs, Policy makers, Ministries of Commerce and trade industry, Ministry of
International Cooperation, EPF, Donors.
2.9 Proposed Executing Agency:
EEAA
Establish National Mechanism to Follow Up the Implementation of the Conventions’

Obligations (L-2)
2.1 Rationale
The national mechanism under the supervision of EEAA will be the legal databank that
identifies and includes the classifications of Egyptian obligations against the ratified
environmental conventions in general and the Rio conventions in specific.
compliance with environmental laws in industrial establishments; strengthening and improve
the role of the local authorities; implementing the obligations of international agreements;
increasing the benefit from the ratified international agreements and research and study
joining new agreements or protocols; supporting the legislative base and strengthen the
economic and social incentives to conserve biodiversity and natural resources; and
implementing the Polluter Pay Principle. In the biodiversity NAP, it is mentioned that there is
still the need for consolidating and enforcing laws for protection of the environment at large
and for conservation of natural resources and biodiversity in particular. This should be done
through supportive regulatory mechanisms and incentives for local people. In the
desertification NAP, it is stated that additional legislation and regulations at the national,
governorates and local levels will be needed as well as enforcement of existing and newly
issued legislations and regulations are also needed to support efforts and activities of
combating desertification in the different Agro-ecological zones.
2.3 Objectives
1) Enhance the legislative lead role of EEAA according to Article 4 of Law No. 4/1994
as the following obligations:
a) Participating in the efforts aimed at preparing or reviewing the international

agreements on the environmental in general and on the three thematic Rio area
in specific, attending the specialized conferences, meetings and seminars on
the regional and international levels and coordinating stance on the local level
and with the Arab states and the nations witnessing the same development
circumstance, by joining them or taking reservations against their stances.
b) Strictly abiding by the follow up for the implementation of the provisions of
the national or international accords concerned with the environment affairs to
which Egypt is apart, promulgating the necessary legislation, and improving
effectiveness of the institutions entrusted to perform such tasks.
c) Study the environmental reports submitted to it relating to the state of the
environment in the country to take necessary actions.
d) Coordinate the relation of the state with the international and regional
organizations concerned with the environmental affairs in cooperation with
foreign and international cooperation ministries.
2) Study and review the ratification, signature of accession of the regional and
international conventions related to environmental affairs and in coordination with the
concerned authorities.
3) Conduct an assessment for following up the execution and implementation of the
ratified multilateral agreements (MEAs) obligations especially the Rio conventions
for supporting the efficiency and coordination between the different authorities
according to article (4) of Environment law No. 4/ 1994.
4) Follow-up the new developments in the international law in the field of the protection
of the environment relevant to Egypt.
5) Fulfill Egypt’s obligations especially for Rio obligations to meet coefficient of Article
151 of 1971 Egyptian constitution.
There are five proposed units under the EEAA supervision :

1- The unit of the biological resources and the natural environments.
2- The unit of the water/ marine environments.
3- The unit of pollution and environmental hazards
4- Strengthen the international affairs and multilateral environmental agreements
department.
5- The unit for three thematic area (Rio obligations)
Each one of the five proposed units should include:

1- The chairman of the committee (from the side responsible for the action required).
2- The technical secretary from the environmental affairs agency (EEAA).
3- Scientific consultant and legal consultant from outside the agency.
4- A member from the ministry of foreign affairs.
5- Two members in charger to be responsible of following up regional international
agreements / conventions and protocols.
6- A general coordinator, assisted by a unit representing the databank which includes all the
stored data required for implementation.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Establish the supervisory team in each EEAA unit (as explained above)
#2 Study and review the ratification, signature of accession of the regional and international
conventions related to environment. Identify gaps in the compliance with the
international and regional conventions.
#3 Create the legal databank for Egypt and upload in EEAA network/webpage to be
publicly accessible (it can be linked to other external databases as well such as in TT-4).
#4 Promote greater awareness and knowledge of the regional and international
environmental conventions among the 5 units in EEAA
#5 Monitor and supervise the implementation of the provisions of the regional and
international environmental conventions, specifically identified gaps, and take necessary
corrective actions (continuous activity).
#6 Follow-up the new developments in the international law in the field of the protection of
the environment relevant to Egypt, and update the legal databank (continuous activity).
• Compliance to environmental conventions specifically in relation to Rio Conventions
obligations
• Level of awareness of Rio Convention obligations among the 5 units
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
Activity #4
YEAR 2
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Duration 1.5 year to initiate the program and to conduct the first follow-up, then the
cycle will be repeated every year
2.6 Required Inputs
International and national • EEAA
environmental legal experts,
consultants, and advisors
IT specialists
Office facilities
(60,000- 300,000 EGP)
• Legal databank for Egypt’s ratified environmental conventions
• Follow-up mechanism for compliance with the environmental conventions
(continuous)
• Training for the 5 units in relation to Egypt’s obligations in the MEAs
• Annual follow-up report with corrective actions
2.8 Stakeholders
EEAA, focal points, Ministry of foreign affairs and all ministries/ agencies / entities
concerned.
EEAA
Formulating Standardized Procedures for Monitoring, Data Collection, and Reporting

and Improving Inter-Agency Coordination (ME-1, ME-2, ME-4)
2.1 Rationale
Developing a Framework Methodology for Monitoring and Data Collection (ME-1)
One of the challenges facing monitoring, evaluation, and reporting for the three conventions
is concerned with inconsistencies and incompatibilities of data collected through monitoring
activities carried out by different entities. Different data definitions, collection and update
frequencies, validation, designs and structures used for data storage and manipulation limit
data exchange and use. In this respect, there is a need to develop fundamental specifications
for all data collection, and management activities, with the aim of harmonizing all such
activities between all concerned entities, as well as across the three thematic areas.
Improving Reporting (ME-2)

Reporting to the three conventions, though carried out regularly, and, generally, in line with
reporting requirements, could be improved, particularly with regards to the preparatory
process of these reports. This process relies on obtaining the necessary data and information
from different entities, which is currently not conducted efficiently. This is due to a lack of
common reporting formats, and in some instances, unclear lines of reporting. More
importantly, inter-agency reporting is mostly not institutionalized, rendering it irregular and
inconsistent.
The formulated procedures should take into account the existing data collection &
management, exchange practices, and reporting within the different entities. The procedures
should include quality control indicators for each process.
Improving Inter-Agency Coordination (ME-4)

A number of different entities are concerned with the thematic areas of the three Rio
Conventions. Currently coordination between these different agencies and entities is random,
particularly with regards to monitoring, evaluation and reporting. This leads to significant
hindrances to effective monitoring evaluation and reporting, with adverse effects on the
inclusion of global environmental issues in national policies and plans.
The institutionalization of inter-departmental coordination would necessitate a coordinator

from the office of the head of the concerned entity where these departments exist to follow up
on the implementation of the improved data collection, monitoring, and reporting
mechanisms developed. For Inter-agency improved coordination, there would be a need to
sign cooperation protocols (or update existing ones). This would be followed by a key
representative within each agency for follow up.
This recommended line of action links with the national priorities of strengthening and
improving the role of the local authorities; uniting the Egyptian entities efforts in presenting
well prepared projects to donor countries in order to achieve mutual benefits. In the
biodiversity NAP, it is stated that the Nature Conservation Authority (NCA) should monitor
the status and trends in the wild resources throughout the country with a view to initiating
appropriate action to prevent harm to valuable species, ecologically processes or aesthetically
attractive scenery. In the climate change NAP, although there were not much emphasis on
monitoring on evaluation but it was mentioned a proposed research project in the plan for
climate science for monitoring and modelling. As to the desertification NAP, it is stated that
there should be measurements for the types and degrees of desertification and its extension in
the four agro-ecological zones in Egypt should be monitored. In order to provide the decision
makers with relevant analyses of the desertification processes.
2.3 Objectives
1) Formulating standardized procedures specifying monitoring, data and data
collection attributes, and reporting.
2) Improved individual capacities for carrying out monitoring, data collection
and data management, and reporting.
3) Clear lines of reporting, and reporting guidelines comprising compatible
formats, frequencies of reporting, as well as items reported on.
4) Institutionalized coordination and cooperation mechanisms between different
concerned agencies and entities.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Select the technical team (monitoring – data collection – reporting).
#2 Formulate standardized procedures specifying monitoring, data and data collection
attributes, and reporting. The procedures should refer to guidelines and/or templates to
unify the methods and formats, which should be accessible to the responsible personnel
in the internal IT network.
#3 Provide training and technical assistance on the standardized procedures in order that the
staff can better prepare reports and improve monitoring and data collection. The training
should be mainly on-job training with real on-going exercises on the three areas
(monitoring – data collection – reporting).
#4 Let the trainee prepare a complete inventory and assessment of existing data and
information for each convention and the quality and the compatibility of the data formats
in various agencies and organizations.
#5 The experts team should review the trainee output after 3 months, 6 months and then by
the end of the year. A report should be submitted to the head of their relevant
departments each review period.
#6 All the data collected and reports generated should be uploaded to the central network
once it is approved and authorized. This network will be linked to other external
networks as per TT-4. This item should be included in the standardized procedures.
• Meeting standardized procedures
• Process quality control indicators
• Clear lines of reporting
• Consistency of data and report formats
• Completeness of data & reports uploaded on the network
• Cooperation and coordination level
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
YEAR 2
Activity # 1 2 3 74 5 6 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #4
Activity #5 * * *
Activity #6
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
A working group with • EEAA
representative members of the • International donors
different entities, preferably from
the departments concerned with
data collection/management.
External experts should also be
recruited.
An overall coordinator from
EEAA
A coordinator from the office of
the head of the concerned entity
IT specialists
Training facilities
(60,000 -300,000 EGP)
• Standardized procedures for monitoring, data collection, and reporting.
• Any accompanying guidelines, forms, and templates that would be required.
• Training of at least 6 personnel from each involved entity (preferable from different
units).
• Three review reports (3, 6, 12 months) for each unit.
• Upload of all data and reports to the central network
• Different concerned agencies and entities implementing the procedures for
monitoring, data collection and management and reporting.
• Different concerned agencies and entities using common reporting format and
following the agreed upon lines of reporting.
2.8 Stakeholders
EEAA, Central Agency for Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), Decision Support Center
(DSC) of the Cabinet of Ministries, Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry
of Electricity, Governorates, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
EEAA
C] LONG-TERM LINES OF ACTIONS

Promoting the Development of Research Capabilities (ME-5)
2.1 Rationale
Adequate monitoring, evaluation and reporting for the three thematic areas of the Rio
Conventions rest on a need for a solid knowledge base of technical and scientific issues with
the three thematic areas. In this respect, technical and scientific expertise is not equally
adequate in these areas, necessitating its further promotion and development.
This recommended line of action links with the national priorities introducing policies that
stimulate research and development and its applications in the industry; intensify scientific
research and technological development in the field of water desalinization; intensifying
scientific research programs in reuse of agricultural wastes and use of traditional, new, and
renewable energy sources; and finding innovative solutions to finance education and
scientific research. In the NEAP, one of the goals of biodiversity conservations is developing
Egyptian scientific and technological capabilities in fields of conservation. In the biodiversity
NAP, it is stated that the Nature Conservation Authority should use internationally
recognized best practices to achieve the standards of excellence expected by the Convention
on biodiversity.
2.3 Objectives
This aims at promoting the development of necessary technical and scientific research
capacities within the three thematic areas of the Rio Conventions.
1) Strengthened technical and scientific expertise in the three thematic areas of
the Rio Conventions, in particular with regards to climate change.
2) Improved technical and scientific cooperation between different concerned
research entities.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Conduct an assessment for the research capabilities in the research institutions related to
the three thematic areas.
#2 Prepare a 5-year plan for capacity building in scientific and specialized institutions
related to the three thematic areas based on the assessment in Activity #1. This plan
should tackle means to improve national capability to conduct credible field and lab
research, including development of standardized methods and protocols for data
collection, analysis, exchange, and dissemination. The plan will be achieved through
programmes to be implemented within a certain time-frame.
#3 Develop mechanisms and incentives (financial and non-financial) to promote locally
driven research through agreements that encourage cooperation between the various
stakeholders and sharing of lab facilities. Special attention should be given to
cooperation with the private sector as it can generate funds and research topics as per
PP-7.
#4 Implement the programmes by each research institution
#5 Annul evaluation for achievements and corrective actions
#6 Re-conduct the assessment after 5 years (repeat the cycle)
• % fulfillment of gaps in the assessment report (annual basis).
• Number of joint research between different research entities.
• Number of collaborations with the private sector.
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
YEAR 2
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #2
Activity #3
YEAR 3
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5
7 6 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #6 Repeat the assessment after 5-years
Total Long-term (> 3 years)
Duration
2.6 Required Inputs
Team of experts • Private sector
Researchers • International donors
Field and lab equipments
Training and office facilities
Total Budget: High (> 300,000 EGP)
• Capacity building assessment report
• 5-year plan for capacity building (per research institution)
• Mechanisms and incentives to promote locally driven research
• Annual evaluation report
• 5-year evaluation report
2.8 Stakeholders
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, EEAA, Ministry of Agriculture,
universities and research institutes.
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Incorporate Technology Transfer and Cooperation into National Policies (TT-1)

2.1 Rationale
The general awareness of technology transfer and cooperation should be incorporated into
national policies. These policies at the decision maker’s level should be transformed into
regulations that enhance the process of technology transfer and cooperation at the national,
regional, and international levels. The concept of this action is illustrated in Figure (8).
The national committee for each theme will recommend specific changes through a team of
experts then present them to the National Coordination Council for the Rio Conventions,
which is recommended to be established. Upon approval by the coordination council, it will

be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers to be endorsed and incorporated to Egypt’s national
policies.
2.3 Objectives
1) Add to the current national policies specific clauses for technology transfer and
cooperation.
2) Regulate regional and international technology transfer through the modification of
current laws and regulations.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Recommend specific changes through the team of experts in the national committees
#2 Hold national committees meeting individually
#3 Hold the NCC first meeting and discuss recommendations of each thematic committee
#4 Send approved recommendations to the Cabinet of Ministers
#5 Official endorsement and integration to National Policy
#6 Incorporate technology transfer amendments in the National Policy into the regulations
• Outcomes of each national committee meeting
• Outcomes of NCC meeting
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
Activity #4
Activity #5
Activity #6 3-5 years
Total Long-term (>3 years)

Duration 1 year to incorporate into policies
3-5 years to incorporate into legislations
2.6 Required Inputs
Four (4) legal experts • Hosting organizations for
focal points (EEAA &
Three (3) policy experts DRC)
Six (6) Technical experts
Office facilities

• Amended National Policy to include Technology Transfer component
• Modified legislations to include Technology Transfer component
2.8 Stakeholders
The main stakeholders would be the focal points, national committees, NCC, and policy
makers such as Prime Minister, Ministers, and their advisors.
Focal Points
Climate Change
Focal Point Formulate Technology
.
Transfer Action Plan
2 Technical
Experts
Climate Change Programs with

Focal Point clear objectives,
Identify Common targets, and
2 Technical monitoring
Areas of Interest
Experts indicators
(Common issues)
Climate Change
Focal Point
2 Technical
Experts
Figure 8: Incorporate Technology Transfer and Cooperation into National Policies (TT-1)
Rehabilitation of the Environmental Protection Fund Program (F-2)

2.1 Rationale
The Environmental Protection Fund is the fund established by Law 4 of 1994 for
Environmental Protection. Its strategic objective is to become a tool for achieving the
environmental policies within a framework of sustainable development and to stimulate
financing in the environmental sector by leveraging the investment resources throughout the
period of economic transition. This action plan seeks to upgrade the capacity of the EPF to
involve it in the environmental activities in order for it to assume its role as the main financial
mechanism for directing the financial resources to the targeted activities in line with the
purpose of its inception and to achieve the national and international environmental
objectives. This action plan is divided into four components:
Component 1: Revenue Enhancement of the EPF

The revenue sources of the EPF according to Article 14 of Law 4/94 and Article 7 of its
Executive Regulations include inter alia: “Resources of the Protectorates Fund, as
prescribed in Law No. 102 of the year 1983. Resources include budget allocations,
donations, and aid ascribed to protectorates, in addition to user fees, and fines as ruled for
violating Law No. 102.”
This Component will address the above mentioned Revenue Source which represents the
resources of the Protectorates Fund. This revenue source represents the major source for the
EPF. The other sources of revenue are not fully operational and are not vigorously
implemented. The focuses that should be developed under this Component will address how
to further develop the revenue generating areas to protect and enhance the revenue generated
by them and how to develop new ones that will generate income. This will have to be done
along economically feasible project financing principles:
Focus 1.1: Project development for the existing entrance fees generating areas, namely: Ras
Mohamed, Red Sea and/or St. Katherine’s. These projects will be directed towards the areas
where the NCS itself manages the operations of the areas concerned. They will be concerned
with investments that would render these areas better conserved in lieu of the consistent use
and to provide more services for the visitors, focusing on generating higher revenues.
Focus 1.2: Project development for new areas either based on own management or on
concessions. Although it has not been customary for concessions to provide major
revenue for comprehensive environmental funds1, yet concessions for tourism
exploitation under the supervision and monitoring of the NCS would be an ideal
management structure considering the commercial aspect, which, in principle, is more
suitable for a private operator. In this case, the concession values will be calculated relative
to the revenues these areas generate, perhaps with a floor that is established as a minimum,
and would provide a steady un-fluctuating income for the EPF. This could also be
tendered internationally on a BO (Build and Operate) basis and could be considered for
already existing areas that are the subject of Focus 1.1. This also represents a sustainable
mechanism for the effective management and conservation of the protected areas.
Component 2: EPF Revolving Fund

Egypt’s National Strategy Study on the Clean Development Mechanism (ENSS CDM)
estimated the share of the international market in carbon credits and the revenues that Egypt
might expect in various scenarios. With full implementation of all options the ENSS CDM
calculated that Egypt could sell up to 2.6 MtC of credits generating an income of US$20.28
million, assuming a price of 7.8 $/tC. Two major types of customers are involved in the
projects to which CDM applies: Government entities: Ministry of Agriculture, MSEA/EEAA,
Ministry of Petroleum and municipalities and the Private Sector. One major constraint facing
the demand on these activities, despite the economic feasibility, is how to finance the initial
investment costs of these projects (The average tenor of a CDM project until approval has
lxxxviilxxxviilxxxviilxxxviilxxxviilxxxviilxxxvii
1
Revenue Sources for Environmental Funds: International Experience, Patrick Francis, March 2002,
Egyptian Environmental Policy Program
been found to be 1.5 years).

Agreements with local banks will involve the extension of the soft loans from EPF extended
funds at concessionary interest rates in the range of 4 – 5%, out of which the banks will earn
a management fee of 1.5 – 2% and the outflow of funds from the EPF account will be based
on actual disbursement to the customer. Liaison and cooperation with the World Bank
carbon financing mechanisms is also an option.
Component 3: Communities Small Grants

This component targets communities small projects in the solid waste disposal, production of
recyclable and agricultural products (feed, fodders and compost) from municipal solid waste,
and agricultural residues, low cost technology sanitation, forestation, etc. The EPF is in a
position to assemble the small projects that together could result in GHG reduction that could
qualify for CDM. EPF could also act as a liaison with the GEF Small Grants Program and
the Social Fund for Development whereby a number of funding options are available for the
small communities’ projects that fall within the priorities. The transparency of this grants
component advises the use of a competitive projects mechanism for choosing the funded
projects. The successful candidates will be the projects that provide the most environmental
benefits within a framework of sustainable development.
Component 4: Desertification Fund

This is a temporary component for the EPF that is recommended to be established in order to
facilitate the flow of funds related to the desertification projects, bridging the gap until the
formalities for establishing the Desertification Fund within the Ministry of Agriculture are
completed. Once the Desertification Fund is established at the Ministry of Agriculture, the
balance of this Fund will be credited to it and all the outstanding projects will automatically
become the responsibility of the new Fund, subject to completing the legal documents for
such transfer. This Component will be managed by a joint management committee including
EEAA and Desert Research Center representatives. Funds will be separated in a sub-account
of the EPF Central Bank Account for independent financial recording and management.
This recommended line of action links with the national priorities of using finance (revolving
funds) to reduce the negative environmental impacts from industry; supporting NGOs
through micro-scale financing programmes for neglected groups and individuals; providing
necessary funding for urban development projects; providing the necessary finance for
projects that reduce air pollution in industry; and identifying creative mechanisms to fund
sustainable development. In the biodiversity NAP, the Nature Conservation entity is obliged
to endeavour to make Protectorates as financially self supporting as possible by optimizing
revenue generation from each area to the extent the market will bear and without threatening
natural values. In the desertification NAP, it is stated that there should be allocation of
adequate permanent financing resources required for combating desertification.
2.3 Objectives
1) Achieve self funding for Biodiversity and Protected Area management programs, as
well as economic-based institutional development of the nature protection sector.
2) Catalytic financial support to pollution abatement projects and projects working
towards reduction of the GHG emissions.
3) Re-enforcing and encouraging community development projects in the areas of
pollution abatement related to the three conventions based on the collaboration and
participation of the various stakeholders by leveraging the community resources and
achieving cost recovery systems.
4) Temporary funding vehicle until formalities for the establishment of the

Desertification Fund are finalized.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Component 1: Revenue Enhancement of the EPF
#2 Component 2: EPF Revolving Fund
#3 Component 3: Communities Small Grants
#4 Component 4: Desertification Fund
• % annual increase in revenue
• income sources for funds
• Annually utilized funds for environmental projects meeting Rio conventions
YEAR
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1 5 years (to be rolled over)
Activity #2 Loan tenor: 2-5 years including grace period (to be rolled over every 5
years)
Implementation period: 5 years for disbursement of loans, up to 10
years or the longest tenor loan for management
Activity #3 5 years (to be rolled over)
Activity #4 1-2 years
Duration The Program duration is for a five year term, of which inception is for the
first 4 months. Component 4 may terminate any time the Ministry of
Agriculture establishes and activates the Desertification Fund. Components
1, 2 & 3 could be rolled over for more than one term.
2.6 Required Inputs
Component 1 100,000,000 EGP • EPF resources (USD funds
(co-funding for LE 50 could be allocated from the
million) interest on the USD
account separated in a
Component 2 -
subsidiary account for that
Component 3 25,000,000
purpose)
Component 4 -
• CDM/DNA management
Staff & Experts fees 1,000,000
fees
Operating Expenses 4,000,000 • World Bank Prototype
Equipment and 1,500,000 Carbon Fund
vehicles
• Seed money for the NAP
Note 1: Operating expenses will include the awareness
• local and international
raising and promotion costs for the demand driven
donors grants
components, documentation and capacity building for the
EPF/EEAA staff and related stakeholders, in addition to the
normal running costs.
Note 2: In addition to the resources indicated for each
component, the implementation of the Program will need
the necessary organizational structure, skills and
knowledge of the staff of the EPF to be able to carry out the
various activities. It is necessary to establish the Projects

Unit, the Revenues Unit, in addition to the Financial Unit
that will monitor and control the various inflows and
outflows of the EPF.
Total Budget: 131,500,000 EGP
High (>300,000 EGP)
• Operations of the EPF would acquire the autonomy that is needed in order for it to
become a tool for achieving environmental objectives.
• EPF would be a financial bridge that leverages the funds of the Government and
private investors in the environmental sector.
• The Government would offload the operations and management of these Biodiversity
and nature conservation areas to private operators where possible, and focus on
efficiently and effectively playing the role of the control, monitor and policy maker.
• Economic benefits from improving tourism by efficient management of the natural
resources.
2.8 Stakeholders
Component 1: EEAA (NCS – EPF), concerned governorates, Ministry of Tourism, private
sector.
Component 2: EPF, CCU/DNA, local banks, private sector, UNFCCC, Prototype Carbon
Fund, Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance
Component 3: EPF, Municipalities, NGOs, CDAs, youth centers, clubs, professional and
labor unions, Ministry of Social Solidarity (MOSS), (possibly: CDM/DNA, GEF Small
Grants Program).
Component 4: EEAA (EPF), Ministry of Agriculture (Desert Research Center), Ministry of
Finance, UNCCD, other public and private entities.
EEAA
Establish New Environmental Court to Improve Environmental Laws Enforcement (L-

3)
2.1 Rationale
The integrated management for the execution of environmental issues at national, regional,
and international level should be incorporated into judicial structure within determinative
specific authority within, such as environmental courts, in order to enhance the environmental
diction court towards the judicial procedure and judgments the responsible of comprehensive
execution for environmental protection legislations.
compliance with environmental laws in industrial establishments; implementing the
obligations of international agreements; increasing the benefit from the ratified international
agreements and research and study joining new agreements or protocols; supporting the
legislative base and strengthen the economic and social incentives to conserve biodiversity
and natural resources; and implementing the Polluter Pay Principle. In the biodiversity NAP,
it is mentioned that there is still the need for consolidating and enforcing laws for protection
of the environment at large and for conservation of natural resources and biodiversity in
particular. This should be done through supportive regulatory mechanisms and incentives for
local people. In the desertification NAP, it is stated that additional legislation and regulations
at the national, governorates and local levels will be needed as well as enforcement of
existing and newly issued legislations and regulations are also needed to support efforts and
activities of combating desertification in the different Agro-ecological zones.
2.3 Objectives
1) Enhance the judicial dictions of the environmental protection executive at courts.
2) Improving the integrated management for the execution of environmental legislations.
3) Decrease the long time needed for judicial procedures related to environmental issues
at the courts.
4) Increase the number of well trained legal and judicial personal in the field of the
execution of environmental issues.
5) Create relevant legislations databases to facilitate environmental law enforcement.
2.4 Activities:
#1 Establish the court and select qualified personnel with legal and environmental expertise
(judges, Attorney Generals, enforcement officers, etc)
#2 Create a databank of national laws and legislations and be linked to Egypt’s MEAs
database in LR-2. A separate database will also be created for cases/disputes submitted
to the court to facilitate its follow-up (it should contain follow-up reminders and
scheduling of cases).
#3 Develop a coordinated environmental law enforcement strategy with multiple techniques
to promote more consistent application of laws and regulations (e.g. increase the number
and quality of enforcement officers, ensure that the political and managerial levels
provide strong direction to enforcement officers, improve coordination between law
enforcement agencies, identify topic where public community, Media, and NGOs might
help improve law enforcement etc)
#4 Train legal and judicial personnel in the court
#5 Begin the environmental court operation
#6 Evaluate the performance of the environmental court
• Annual number of environmental cases
• Annual number of resolved disputes
• The time needed to complete the judicial procedure
• Citizen / Media complaints
YEAR 1
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #1
Activity #2
Activity #3
YEAR 2
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Activity #4
Activity #5
Activity #6
YEAR 3
Activity # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
/Month
Duration 1.5 years: to establish the court
1 year: pilot operation
2.6 Required Inputs
Legal and environmental • EEAA
expertise (judges, Attorney
Generals, enforcement officers,
etc)
Court building (design &
construction, computers &
equipment, furniture, etc)
Training facilities
IT and network security
specialists
Total Budget: High (>300,000 EGP)
• Efficient environmental court
• At least 50 trained personnel in the field of environmental legislation and enforcement
• Database for national laws and legislations
• Database for the court’s environmental cases/disputes with scheduling and follow-up
reminders
• Environmental law enforcement strategy
• Annual court performance reports
2.8 Stakeholders
EEAA, focal points, Ministry of Justice, legislative institutions, and all other ministries/
agencies / entities concerned.
Ministry of Justice
Section 7 Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring and evaluation are core components of the NCSA strategy and Action Plan, as it
provides opportunities for continual improvement. The lead entity, the Egyptian
Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) that is responsible for ensuring implementation of
the Action Plan should also be responsible for undertaking systematic monitoring, evaluation,
and reporting on the Action Plan through the National Coordination Council for the three Rio
Conventions (NCC) and its Working Group. The objectives of monitoring and evaluation
should be:
1. To provide systematic method of collecting & recording, analyzing, and reporting the
progress of implementing of capacity building programs and projects; and
2. To generate useful information for improving the planning and implementation of
capacity building programs to ensure its sustainability and success.
A proper monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system has to be put in place and should be built
upon existing M&E systems which are operating successfully in focal agencies. Once the
M&E system is defined, EEAA/NCC should lay out the organizational support infrastructure
required to administer and operate the system within the various collaborating entities. This
includes defining responsibilities for data collection and processing, data analysis, database
development, and reporting of results. In order that the M&E system would be functional, it
should be easy to operate and maintain by designing it to be of simple data input but with
useful data output, clear methods for computing and analysis to the operators, and ease of
accessibility to its users.
The monitoring and evaluation will depend on a set of indicators as listed in the 'project
profiles' of the recommended lines of action. These indicators should be further refined and
detailed by EEAA/NCC. The various types of indicators outlined in Table (6) can be used as
guidance. These monitored indicators and their analysis should be summarized in the periodic
progress reports issued by EEAA/NCC.
Monitoring and evaluation of the NCSA strategy and Action Plan should be undertaken in
line with the UNDAF monitoring and evaluation plan and indicators throughout its five year
duration (2007 – 2012). This should be coordinated with the Sub-committee on
Environment chaired by the CEO of EEAA and the CO of the UNDP, which already meets
quarterly and then reports its results to the Outcome Board responsible for the follow up of
the UNDAF indicators. The members of the Sub-committee on Environment include
representatives from the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Agriculture,
Ministry of Electricity, Ministry of Electricity, Ministry of Housing & Utilities, Ministry of
Environment, and other UN agencies concerned with monitoring indicators.
Table 6: Various types of capacity development indicators (NCSA, 2005e)

Type Description Examples
Output indicators measure completion levels, • Targets vs. accomplishments
timeliness of delivery, efficiency • Actual vs. standards
and quality of outputs of • Target date vs. actual date of
capacity development completion
undertakings and interventions • Output per unit input
Effect indicators measure the immediate effects (+ • Change in technical competence
or -) of the project. They • Change in financial capability
measure the immediate changes • Change in institutional
created by project outputs or commitment
resulting from the use of these • Change in political support
outputs
Impact indicators measure the level attained by a • Social goal/objectives vs.
capacity development accomplishments
undertaking or intervention in • Economic goal/objectives vs.
meeting its goals and objectives; accomplishments
they gauge long-term benefits • Environment goal/objectives vs.
brought about by the accomplishments
undertaking’s outputs and effects
Sustainability indicators measure whether or not [and to • Interventions are internalized by
what extent] the impacts of a recipient organizations (program
capacity development is sustained, regular staff
undertaking or the changes implement the program and
brought about by it are sustained regular funding is sourced)
[i.e., manifested continually • Effects are sustained through time
through time] (changes in technical competence,
financial capability,
organizational commitments, and
breadth of public support)
Equitability indicators measure the equitability of the • Collaborating organizations and
distribution of benefits among different sectors are given equal
target organizations and entities; opportunity to access capacity
they determine whether or not building programs
[and to what extent] the impacts • Gender equity in capability
are more or less evenly development
distributed among stakeholders • Regional and local (municipal and
city) offices are given equal
opportunity to avail of,
participate, or execute capacity
development programs
The EEAA/NCC will be responsible as well for the conducting the reviews and progress
reports in order to ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation of the status of the National
Strategy and Action Plan. The other implementing partners will provide periodic reports on
the progress, achievements and results of their projects, outlining the challenges faced in
project implementation, should include an assessment of performance against the indicators,
an analysis of stakeholder participation, budget performance, as well as resource utilization as
articulated in the project profiles. The progress reports issued should be transparent, with
measurable and meaningful values, and presentable at all three participation levels: public,
technical, and political. The reporting will be in accordance with the procedures and
harmonized with UN agencies (CBD, UNFCCC, and UNCCD) to the extent possible.
A midterm review should also take place every three years to guide adjustments to the
National Strategy and Action Plan. The approaches to this mid-term review can include
internal review, external review, or a combination of both. The internal reviews can be
undertaken by government bodies/personnel to assess progress towards delivering strategy
commitments or in achieving set targets against strategy indicators. External reviews are
undertaken by bodies which have no direct responsibility for either developing or
implementing the strategy. Such review can be undertaken by organisations/consultants either
from within the country or from other countries. External reviews can include also national
peer reviews where it involves inviting other countries (peers) that implemented their own
National Strategy and Action Plan to review Egypt's progress, which allows an exchange of
experiences.
List of References
• Council of Ministers, Decree form the no. 3214 of 1997.

• Department of Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 20: 40.
• DRC (2005). Egypt’s National Action Plan to Combat Desertification, Desert Research
Center (DRC), June 2005.
• Egyptian Constitution 1971 amended by 1981, (2006), Cairo, Elhia Elamalmatabe
Elmariaa.
• Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, National Biodiversity Unit, (2005), “Egypt
Third National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity” (in Arabic)
• EEAA (2003). Egypt’s National Action Plan to Combat Climate Change,
EEAA/TIMS/E2RC.
Second National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity”
• EEAA (2002). The National Environmental Action Plan of Egypt 2002/2017, UNDP.
• Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, (1999), “The Arab Republic of Egypt: Initial
National Communication on Climate Change”, prepared for the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC.
First National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity”,
• EEAA (1998). Egypt’s National Action Plan to Combat Biodiversity, National
Biodiversity Unit/EEZZ, January 1998.
• Egypt's National Framework for Sustainable Development (draft document).
• Egyptian Environmental Policy Program, (2004), NCS Financial Analysis.
• Egypt-Pollution Abatement Project, (2003), ART Consulting report, Study of
Sustainable Mechanisms for Financing of Industrial Environmental Investments in Egypt.
• Egypt-Pollution Abatement Project, (1998), ERM consultants report, Economic
Instruments for Industrial Pollution Control in Egypt: Findings and Recommendations.
• Elkasas, Mohamed Abd El (1999). Report of National Mechanism for Following up the
Egypt’s obligations in Protecting the Environment, National Specialized Assemblies.
• Environment Law No. 4 / 1994 and its executive regulation No. 1741/ 2005, Cairo,
Eihayaa Elmaa Limatabaa Elamaria.
• Francis, P. (2002), Revenue Sources for Environmental Funds: International Experience,
Egyptian Environmental Policy Program.
• Hafez, S. (2006), “Environmental Grimes and Global Environmental Security”, The
National review of Criminal Sciences. VOL 25 No. 1. Issued by the National Center for
Social and Criminological Research, Cairo, Egypt. P.P. 13-25.
• Hafez, S. (2005), “The commitments of Egypt towards Protection Agreements
Multilateral Environment, Ass. Univ. Bull. Environ. Res. Vol. 8 No2, Assiut, Egypt.
• Hanafy, Mahmoud Hassan (2006). Stocktaking and Gap identification report for the
UNCBD (Biodiversity), National Capacity self assessment project (NCSA), GEF/UNDP.
• Hegazi, A.M. (2006). Stocktaking and Gap Identification Report for the UNCCD
(Desertification), National Capacity self assessment project(NCSA), GEF/UNDP.
• INTEGRAL Consult, (2007), “In-Depth Study for Prioritized Cross-Cutting Capacity
Constraints for the three Rio Conventions”, National Capacity Self Assessment Project,
the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP), May 2007.
• INTEGRAL Consult, (2006), “Prioritization and Focusing Report”, National Capacity
Self Assessment Project, the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), November 2006.
• Interview with Dr. Sayed Sabry, UNFCCC Focal Point in Egypt, Climate Change Unit,
Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), February 2007.
• Interview with Dr. Ismail Bagoury, on behalf of UNCCD Focal Point in Egypt, Desert
Research Centre, February 2007.
• Interview with Dr. Mostafa Fouda, CBD Focal Point in Egypt, Biodiversity Unit,
Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), February 2007.
• Interview with Dr. Shakinaz Taha, Head of Environmental Research Centre, Cairo
University, February 2007.
• Interview with Dr. Essmat Abdel Ghaffar, Vice President for Projects, National
Research Centre, February 2007.
• Interview with Dr. Essam Khalifa, Minister's Office Director for Research and Special
Studies, Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, February 2007.
• Interview with Mr. Mohamed Hendawy, Director of NGO Unit, EEAA, March 2007
(by phone).
• League of Arab States and Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia,
(2004). “Arab Region State of Implementation on Climate Change”, Draft Report.
• Mansoor, Bahaa (2006). Stocktaking and Gap Identification Report for the UNFCCC
(Climate change), National Capacity self assessment project (NCSA), GEF/UNDP.
• MSEA/EEAA, Environment Protection Fund, Annual Report 2000-2001
• NCSA (2005a). National Capacity Self-Assessment and Draft National Action Plan for
Inplementation of UN Conventions, Republic of Croatia, UNDP, April 2005.
• NCSA (2005b). Seychelles National Capacity Self-Assessment: Action Plan for
Environmental Capacity Development, UNDP, May 2005.
• NCSA (2005c). Jamaica’s NCSA Action Plan, UNDP, September 2005.
• NCSA (2005d). Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) 2006 – 2010, Indonesia
Report, UNDP.
• NCSA (2005e). National Capacity Self-Assessment Project of the Philippines, Volume
IV: Action Agenda, GOP/UNDP/GEF.
• NCSA (2004a). Armenia’s National Capacity Self Assessment for Global Environmental
Management, UNDP/GEF/ARM.
• NCSA (2004b). Bulgarian National Capacity Self Assessment for Global Environmental
Management, UNDP/GEF/MEW.
• Social Fund for Development, (1999), Annual Report.
• UNIDO, (2002), “Innovative Technology Transfer Framework Linked to Trade for
UNIDO Action”.
• United Nation Convention on biological Diversity (UNCBD): www.biodiv.org.
• United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): www.unccd.int
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
www.unfccc.org
• World Bank, (2003), Consultant Report, Egypt: Energy Environment Review.
• World Bank, (2005), Country Environment Analysis (CEA) of Egypt.

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EGYPT NATIONAL CAPACITY SELF ASSESSMENT (NCSA)

"NATIONAL STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR

"The Path to Sustainable Development starts by:

Minister of State for Environmental Affairs

Eng. Maged George Elias

• Dr. Mostafa Fouda, UNCBD Focal Point in Egypt, Nature conservation

The reviewers of the previous NCSA reports:

SECTION 3 METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................3

SECTION 4 EGYPT'S ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES ......................................3

LIST OF REFERENCES ........................................................................................................3

FIGURE 1: THE BASIS OF THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR CAPACITY

FIGURE 2: THE ORGANIZATIONAL SETUP OF THE NATIONAL COORDINATION

FIGURE 3: ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF EEAA............................................................3

FIGURE 4: ESTABLISH A FORMAL STRATEGY FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

FIGURE 5: ESTABLISH A TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COOPERATION UNIT

FIGURE 6: ESTABLISH A TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COOPERATION UNIT

FIGURE 7: NOMINATE A CATALYZING ENTITY FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

FIGURE 8: INCORPORATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COOPERATION INTO

TABLE 1: SUMMARY OF THE RECOMMENDED LINES OF ACTION – NATIONAL

TABLE 2: MAJOR CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS IN THE THREE THEMATIC AREAS...3

TABLE 3: PRIORITIZATION OF CROSS-CUTTING SYNERGIES ....................................3

TABLE 4: LINKAGES BETWEEN THE PROPOSED RECOMMENDED LINES OF

TABLE 5: SUMMARY OF THE RECOMMENDED LINES OF ACTION ...........................3

TABLE 6: VARIOUS TYPES OF CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS (NCSA,

The National Capacity Self-Assessment in Egypt (NCSA), implemented by the

The review of Egypt's Framework for Sustainable Development highlighted the

Table 1: Summary of the recommended lines of action – National Action Plan

The National Capacity Self-Assessment in Egypt (NCSA) is implemented by the

Vision and Overall

Linkage between capacity constrains,

Rationale, Objectives, Funding sources,

The recommended lines of actions were refined by removing duplications, and

At the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) governments,

4.2 EGYPT’S FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

In order to achieve its goal of realizing sustainable development in Egypt, a National

4.2.1 The Framework's Environmental Objectives

(i) Economic development and increase of resources

 Encourage the use of information technology as a practical tool to advance the

(ii) Protection of natural and environmental resources and environmental

 Encourage the participation of the private sector in financing projects

 Achieve participatory governance through the participation of civil society,

(iii) Social justice in resource distribution, education, services, and social

 Participation of private sector in decreasing environmental pollution.

4.2.2 The Framework's Guiding Principles

In order to achieve the objectives of sustainable development in the National Framework, it

• Principle #1: Strategic Planning

• Principle #2: Technical Analysis

• Principle #3: Realistic & Flexible Objectives

• Principle #4: Budget and Strategy Priorities

• Principle #5: Integrated Policy

• Principle #6: Participatory Governance

• Principle #7: Decentralization

• Principle #8: Awareness Raising

• Principle #9: Justice between Generations

• Principle #10: Social Justice

• Principle #11: Natural Resources Conservation

• Principle #12: Polluters Pay

• Principle #13: Users Pay

• Principle #14: Shared Responsibility

Encourage the use of information technology as a practical tool to advance the

Encourage the participation of the private sector in financing projects

Achieve participatory governance through the participation of civil society,

Participation of private sector in decreasing environmental pollution.