Strengthening IW Marine Projects M&E activities with respect to Climate Change
Under GEF 5 (and future replenishments) there is an expectation that all IW projects will include climate variability and change considerations as mainstreamed elements of the project, and reflected in the Logical Framework and integrated in the activities of the project (See General M&E Guidance in the Project Management Manual). In addition to the technical issues surrounding climate change (for example in developing scenarios within a TDA/SAP to ensure that measures are adequately 'climate proofed') there is a need to adequately reflect climate change within project management and reporting; specifically within project results frameworks, M&E activities, etc.
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The Resource Book comprises four main sections, reflecting the four principal dimensions of the climate issue- the changing climate, the observed and potential impacts, and the two broad categories of policy responses and actions, namely mitigation and adaptation. Climate and Sea- level Variability and change in the mentioned area suggest that it will continue to be dominated by the inter- annual variability, due to the enhanced greenhouse effect the Region will likely be warm. Consequences of Climate and Sea- level Variability and Change in the Pacific Island Countries may include extensive coastal erosion, droughts, coral bleaching, more widespread and frequent occurrence id mosquito- borne diseases, and higher sea levels. Mitigation, as a response to Climate and Sea- level Variability and Change, in Pacific Island Countries is normally best implemented through a collaborative partnership involving at least some of the key players: developed countries, government, the private sector, community- based organizations, investors, donors and the public at large. Adaptation is other response. It requires enhancement of institutional capacity, developing expertise and building knowledge. It also needs an external entity to facilitate the adaptation process. SPREP: Climate Variability and Change and Sea level Rise in the Pacific Islands Region A Resource Book for Policy and Decision Makers, Educators and other Stakeholders (Ref. Doc. 37) |
As part of the expected and recommended approaches for project management and following the check lists given above, the overall approach to the M&E Plan (including indicators, baseline figures, results frameworks) are all reviewed during the inception phase. In addition the need to respond to GEF Agency reporting requirements (including PIRs) necessitates an updating of all indicators and values on (at least) an annual basis.
The expectation is that the Project Coordination Unit (PCU), in discussions with the Project Steering Committee (PSC) will review and amend these basic project documents to ensure that climate change is reflected in both the indicators (for example are long-term monitoring programmes or data recording procedures in-place) and that activities (demonstration actions, capacity strengthening, stakeholder awareness etc.) include information on climate variability and change.
Key elements from the M&E Plan that should be reviewed for climate issues include:
- Project Result Frameworks: Are outputs and activities reflecting the significance of climate change within the project area?
- Project indicators: Are the GEF 'types' of indicators (P, SR, ES/SE) reflecting climate issues: For example: are IMC including climate within policy plans? Are potential coastal and marine areas related stress reduction actions (ICZM, MSP, MPA, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, protected wetlands, reduced fishing pressure measures, invasive species reduction) including potential climate change scenarios in their planning and implementation? Have estimates of sea level rise included impacts on coastal infrastructure?
- Reporting: Have activities that are being undertaken identified climate adaptation benefits (for example from training of stakeholders, demonstration actions, etc.)?
