Project Description
The overall objective of the Regional Management and Support Unit (SMAP-RMSU) established by the project is to enhance regional environmental cooperation and, more specifically to reinforce the regional ownership of the SMAP programme and enhance multiplier effect of funded projects in the beneficiary countries. SMAP is the Euro-Mediterranean framework programme for policy and funding orientation for promoting sustainable development and supporting high priority environment related activities in the five priority fields (water, waste, desertification, integrated coastal zone management and hot spots). The key results are:
- Improved access of environmental stakeholders in the Mediterranean to updated information, capacity building tools, networks and partners;
- Improved integration of environmental issues into sectoral policies;
- Enhanced management and follow-up related to overall project management, administration, sustainability and impact of the SMAP projects (implemented under 1st and 2nd call for proposals).
As a result of the project activities (achievements):
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Information: setting up web portal for the programme, publishing regular SMAP newsletter, producing particular on-line tools (e.g. Online tools for conservationists, Arabic e-learning courses ICZM and sustainable tourism), setting up a web based information system - the Euro Mediterranean Clearing House for Environment – SMAP Clearing House in collaboration with the European Environmental Agency, regional actors (e.g. UNEP-MAP, MEDSTAT, CEDARE, METAP) and national focal points;
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Policy support: organising a series of national workshops on Environmental Policy Integration in collaboration with the SMAP correspondents (focal points of relevant national ministries/agencies) and regional actors;
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Monitoring, advice and support: pro active monitoring of 6 SMAP I and 7 SMAP II projects including regular monitoring visits to sites, continuous e-mail and phone support focusing particularly on project and contract management issues, reporting to EC on project progress support in reviewing project documents. As a result reporting practices of the projects were enhanced, need of ed hoc contract amendments recuded and stakeholder collaboration improved.
Services provided by SYKE include:
- Consultancy and training to enhance the capability to prepare, manage and monitor environmental projects in MEDA countries;
- Decision making support; fact finding and monitoring missions, studies, assessments and audits;
- Networking support (missions, workshops, regional and local workshops and events);
- Consultancy on communication, information dissemination and environmental information management;
- Backstopping (all environmental topics and horizontal themes).
More Information
Ms Tea Törnroos, Head of International Affairs Unit, Finnish Environment Institute
Management of Horizontal Activities and Support to SMAP (pdf, 96 kt)