National Capacity Self-Assessment: A tool for priority-setting & Programming

1. National Capacity Self-Assessment: A tool for priority-setting & Programming Sub-regional Workshop for GEF Focal Points Europe & CIS Istanbul, Turkey 7-8 March 2007

2. Background • NCSA – National Capacity Self-Assessment – a global initiative initiated by GEF with support of UNDP and UNEP since late 2003 • NCSA – a nation-wide process implemented in 27 countries of Europe and CIS • Primary objective: ”Identify national priorities and capacity building needs to address global commitments in the areas of biodiversity, climate change, and land degradation, with the aim of catalyzing domestic and/ or externally assisted action to address those needs in a coordinated and planned manner”

3. Key Players • NCSA process attracted key stakeholders: Line Ministries, Members of Parliament, National experts, NGOs, local communities • Main tools of engagement: steering committee, advisory groups, thematic groups, stakeholder workshops, direct consultations, surveys, web-based discussion forums • In most countries number of people involved ranged between 50-200

4. Key Principles of NCSA (1) • Connect the global with national and local – Illuminating the intersection between global environmental obligations and national sustainable development priorities. • Avoid re-inventing the wheel, build on what exists–Improving cross-sectoral coordination and dialogue by using existing mechanisms and reinvigorating inactive ones • Generate a shared vision of what the country would like to accomplish – Raising awareness and understanding of global environmental issues among stakeholder communities

5. Key Principles of NCSA (2) • Break silos and cross fences in order to build consensus – Strengthening networks and channels of communication within the national environmental community, and with the broader governance and development community • Avoid wish lists, adopt prioritization tools and approaches – Establishing or reinforcing a culture of self-evaluation and problem-solving within the public sector

6. Example of prioritization

7. Key Recommendations • NCSA reports can inform priority setting for all GEF focal areas – approx 70% of all GEF focal area projects make reference to NCSA findings in ECIS • Partnerships built through the NCSA can support national dialogue for GEF country portfolio development • Countries with NCSA under implementation could use stakeholder consultation process for GEF priority setting • Key principles of NCSA remain valid for broader national consultations and prioritization

8. Key to success: • Ownership and Leadership: • Systematic engagement of stakeholders – requires adequate planning and process design • Consensus building – Identified GEF priorities should reflect the necessities and priorities of key stakeholders, and be placed squarely in national development framework