- Evaluation Plan:
- 2017-2021, Albania
- Evaluation Type:
- Mid Term Project
- Planned End Date:
- 03/2019
- Completion Date:
- 06/2019
- Status:
- Completed
- Management Response:
- Yes
- Evaluation Budget(US $):
- 13,000
Evaluation of project “Enhancing Transboundary Management in Drini river basin”
| Document | Type | Language | Size | Status | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 UNDP-GEF-MTR-TOR- DRIN Final Draft 20 June 2018.docx |
tor | English | 83.53 KB | Posted | 1214 |
| UNDP-GEF-MTR-TOR- DRIN Final IC contract.docx |
tor | English | 85.13 KB | Posted | 1150 |
 2019 MTR FINAL GEF - Drin Report.pdf |
report | English | 1935.17 KB | Posted | 1302 |
| Title | Evaluation of project “Enhancing Transboundary Management in Drini river basin” | ||||||||||||||
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| Atlas Project Number: | 00082116 | ||||||||||||||
| Evaluation Plan: | 2017-2021, Albania | ||||||||||||||
| Evaluation Type: | Mid Term Project | ||||||||||||||
| Status: | Completed | ||||||||||||||
| Completion Date: | 06/2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Planned End Date: | 03/2019 | ||||||||||||||
| Management Response: | Yes | ||||||||||||||
| Focus Area: |
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| Corporate Outcome and Output (UNDP Strategic Plan 2018-2021) |
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| SDG Goal |
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| SDG Target |
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| Evaluation Budget(US $): | 13,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Source of Funding: | Project Budget | ||||||||||||||
| Evaluation Expenditure(US $): | 20,800 | ||||||||||||||
| Joint Programme: | No | ||||||||||||||
| Joint Evaluation: | No | ||||||||||||||
| Evaluation Team members: |
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| GEF Evaluation: | Yes
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| Key Stakeholders: | Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration | ||||||||||||||
| Countries: | ALBANIA |
| Lessons | |
|---|---|
| Findings |
| Recommendations | |
|---|---|
| 1 | The project should have a no cost extension of until 28 February 2021 to ensure sufficient time for the outcome impacts to be fully realized. The reasoning for this includes i) a delay in starting project activities due to a) securing “no-objection” from Albania for GWP ground staff b) the decision to ensure that parallel activities could be conducted in the Kosovo (White Drini) project; ii) the TDA taking longer than anticipated due to a) delays in achieving field monitoring results due to the delayed start, b) delays in the thematic report on Hydrology ; iii) the establishment of an unforeseen, but highly important and country driven Expert Working Group on Flood Control which needs time to convene and provide meaningful input for the SAP; iv) greater time for SAP development than envisioned in ProDoc, v) taking advantage of the large Annual stakeholder and DCG meeting in November 2020 to showcase its achievements and forward the SAP; and vi) ensuring sufficient time to close the project (2-3 months). Based on the release of funds to date, it is reasonable to assume that there will be sufficient funds to continue until the recommended date. |
| 2 | The Outcome 2 Indicator #1 should be reworded to read “The Shared Vision contained in the 2011 Drin MoU is confirmed to be consistent with the findings of the TDA”, and its associated target should be changed accordingly. The Outcome 2 Indicator #2 should be reworded to read “A Strategic Action Programme (SAP with a 5-year time horizon) consistent with the 2011 Drin Shared Vision MoU and based on TDA findings, is approved by the DCG. It should address main issues of transboundary concern and contain concrete actions at the national and regional levels, as well as environmental quality objectives (horizon of 20 years), relevant indicators, and strategic development lines and priorities”. |
| 3 | The budget associated with Outcome 2 indicator #1 should be reduced to reflect the new level of effort envisioned, and a commensurate amount should be added to indicator #2. |
| 4 | The verification for Outcome 4 Indicator 1 should read, “TORs are developed for EWGs, meetings of the EWGs are held, and related reports include recommendations for the DCG to implement the project and the Drin MoU”. |
| 5 | Outcome 4 indicator 2 should be reworded to “Inter-ministerial committees are formed and/or there is multi-sectoral input and discussions at the national level with regard to SAP development and responding to guidance from the DCG”. The respective target should be expanded to “The Inter-Ministerial Committees are established and/or functional inter-sectoral dialogue at the national level is conducted.” |
| 6 | It is important that Kosovo move alongside its neighbours in addressing Drin Basin challenges. It is not eligible for vertical funding and efforts by GWP-Med, and both UNDP IRH and Kosovo, should be exercised to leverage bi-lateral funding for inclusion of Kosovo. At the very minimum continuation for Kosovo participation in DCG and SAP implementation should be ensured through their participation as “experts in their respective fields” |
| 7 | Greater emphasis should be placed on the Expert Working Group on Floods, as it provides an entry point for power companies into the SAP development and basin management in general. The EWG should have its TOR expanded, if necessary, to discuss possibilities of how to enhance power generation as well as balance flood control. Seek to change the name to Flood Control and Power Enhancement. The EWG on flood control should consider as part of the SAP development: • A study in looking to examine a cascade approach to facility operations while maximizing flood control and power benefits based on the previous EU Regional Strategy for Sustainable Hydropower in the Western Balkans. • Exploring additional storage developed in the White Drini with a primary function of flood control, augmenting power generation at the 500MW dam at Fierzë in Albania, and possibly opportunistic power generation in Kosovo. An example could be taken from the Duncan dam in the Columbia system. • A study to look at “ecosystem approach to flood management”, such as the development of constructed flood plains or groundwater recharge zones. |
| 8 | Undertake to determine what interests power companies may have in participating in a Drin Basin Management Plan. This would include addressing pollution and debris entering turbines and increasing the life span of the reservoirs through sedimentation control (re-forestation and protection of riparian zones, upstream storage, road and development planning etc.). |
| 9 | In preparing to undertake the focal groups associated with the development of the SAP, care should be taken to not create over-expectations of what can be delivered within the scope of the current project. It should contain a mix of on-the ground measures that can be easily be decided on (such as diversion of the Sateska river from Lake Ohrid), but also for additional planning and data gatherings and analysis. A target should be to have an agreed SAP by June 30, 2020 for submission to GEF as a precursor for applying for GEF 7 funding for SAP implementation |
| 10 | The Information Management System should first be functional to serve the needs of the DCG decision making, and the beneficiary national bodies (as it currently does). Its development into a more sophisticated automated system, as initially envisioned, should considered for inclusion in SAP implementation |
| 11 | Continue to push for better cooperation with World Bank Albania Water Resources and Irrigation Project. |
| 12 | Effort should be placed on finding out the status of complimentary projects to better assess co-financing for the terminal evaluation. |
Management Response Documents
1. Recommendation:
The project should have a no cost extension of until 28 February 2021 to ensure sufficient time for the outcome impacts to be fully realized. The reasoning for this includes i) a delay in starting project activities due to a) securing “no-objection” from Albania for GWP ground staff b) the decision to ensure that parallel activities could be conducted in the Kosovo (White Drini) project; ii) the TDA taking longer than anticipated due to a) delays in achieving field monitoring results due to the delayed start, b) delays in the thematic report on Hydrology ; iii) the establishment of an unforeseen, but highly important and country driven
Expert Working Group on Flood Control which needs time to convene and provide meaningful input for the SAP; iv) greater time for SAP development than envisioned in ProDoc, v) taking advantage of the large Annual stakeholder and DCG meeting in November 2020 to showcase its achievements and forward the SAP; and vi) ensuring sufficient time to close the project (2-3 months). Based on the release of funds to date, it is reasonable to assume that there will be sufficient funds to continue until the recommended date.
Management Response: [Added: 2020/02/05]
An extension request is prepared and submitted by UNDP CO to UNDP GEF with the assistance of the PCU; the extension was awarded as per recommendation, till 28 February 2021.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1. Extension request prepared, in cooperation with the PCU
[Added: 2020/02/05] |
UNDP CO/ PCU | 2019/05 | Completed | ||
| Extension request evaluated
[Added: 2020/02/05] |
UNDP | 2019/05 | Completed | ||
| Contract extended
[Added: 2020/02/05] |
UNDP CO/GWP | 2019/06 | Completed |
2. Recommendation:
The Outcome 2 Indicator #1 should be reworded to read “The Shared Vision contained in the 2011 Drin MoU is confirmed to be consistent with the findings of the TDA”, and its associated target should be changed accordingly.
The Outcome 2 Indicator #2 should be reworded to read “A Strategic Action Programme (SAP with a 5-year time horizon) consistent with the 2011 Drin Shared Vision MoU and based on TDA findings, is approved by the DCG. It should address main issues of transboundary concern and contain concrete actions at the national and regional levels, as well as environmental quality objectives (horizon of 20 years), relevant indicators, and strategic development lines and priorities”.
Management Response: [Added: 2020/02/05]
Recommendation implemented
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The recommendation was discussed in the SC meeting (Pristina, 30-31 May 2019) and adopted;
a. the Outcome 2 Indicator #1 was reworded as per recommendation. The SC decided that the associated target should change and read as follows: “Expert opinion that the Shared Vision is consistent with the findings of the TDA”. The Result Framework Analysis of the Project is updated accordingly.
b. the Outcome 2 Indicator #2 was reworded as per recommendation. The Result Framework Analysis of the Project is updated accordingly.
[Added: 2020/02/05] |
UNDP/PCU | 2019/05 | Completed |
3. Recommendation:
The budget associated with Outcome 2 indicator #1 should be reduced to reflect the new level of effort envisioned, and a commensurate amount should be added to indicator #2.
Management Response: [Added: 2020/02/05]
Recommendation implemented
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The recommendation was discussed in the SC meeting and adopted without changes.
[Added: 2020/02/05] |
UNDP/PCU | 2019/05 | Completed |
4. Recommendation:
The verification for Outcome 4 Indicator 1 should read, “TORs are developed for EWGs, meetings of the EWGs are held, and related reports include recommendations for the DCG to implement the project and the Drin MoU”.
Management Response: [Added: 2020/02/05]
Recommendation implemented
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The recommendation was discussed in the SC meeting. The SC decided to partially follow the recommendation. The SC decided to retain the part of the old wording of the indicator related to the preparation of workplans for each EWG. The decision was for the Outcome 4 Indicator 1 to read: “TORs are developed for EWGs, meetings of the EWGs are held, and related reports include recommendations for the DCG to implement the project and the Drin MoU. Work Plans for each EWG are prepared and approved by DCG”. The Result Framework Analysis of the Project is updated accordingly.
[Added: 2020/02/05] |
UNDP/PCU | 2019/05 | Completed | The recommendation was partially adopted by the SC meeting |
5. Recommendation:
Outcome 4 indicator 2 should be reworded to “Inter-ministerial committees are formed and/or there is multi-sectoral input and discussions at the national level with regard to SAP development and responding to guidance from the DCG”. The respective target should be expanded to “The Inter-Ministerial Committees are established and/or functional inter-sectoral dialogue at the national level is conducted.”
Management Response: [Added: 2020/02/05]
Recommendation implemented
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The recommendation was discussed in the SC meeting and adopted without changes. Further the SC decided to alter the source of verification of indicator 2 that now reads: “Inter-ministerial bodies are formed and/or there is multi-sectoral input and discussions at the national level with regard to SAP development and responding to guidance from the DCG.”
[Added: 2020/02/05] |
UNDP/PCU | 2019/05 | Completed |
6. Recommendation:
It is important that Kosovo move alongside its neighbours in addressing Drin Basin challenges. It is not eligible for vertical funding and efforts by GWP-Med, and both UNDP IRH and Kosovo, should be exercised to leverage bi-lateral funding for inclusion of Kosovo. At the very minimum continuation for Kosovo participation in DCG and SAP implementation should be ensured through their participation as “experts in their respective fields”
Management Response: [Added: 2020/02/05]
Appropriate action for the implementation of the recommendation will be undertaken
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The SAP includes activities that stretch across the entire Drin Basin including Kosovo. Kosovo negotiates with assistance of the PCU with bilateral donors for the financing of priority actions.
a. After SAP is finalized each of the Riparians (including Kosovo) identifies a priority action
b. A project fiche for each of the identified priority action is prepared
c. Identification of bilateral donors and negotiation for the financing of the priority action; activities and subsequent requested financing for the participation of Kosovo in the DCG will be proposed.
[Added: 2020/02/05] [Last Updated: 2021/09/02] |
PCU | 2020/12 | Completed | The 9th SC meeting (Tirana, 30-31 January 2020) “agreed that Kosovo is already included and should continue to be included in the future in the DCG and the SAP implementation”. Kosovo participates on equal basis along with the rest of the Drin Riparians in the Drin Coordinated Action Process for the implementation of the Drin MoU and the same is true regarding the Drin SAP -endorsed at Ministerial level on 24 April 2021- implementation efforts. The field selected by Kosovar competent authorities for which priority actions should be implemented is drought management. A project fiche is developed. There have been discussions with SDC and Sida for the financing of drought related activities in Kosovo. Financing of the operation of the DCG -including representatives from Kosovo- is secured for the next 4 years through two projects financed by the Austrian Development Agency and the Adaptation Fund. Documents: Minutes of the 9th SC meeting (Tirana, 30-31 January 2020) Drin SAP: http://drincorda.iwlearn.org/gef-supported-drin-project/the-drin-strategic-action-programme Drought management Project concept note History |
7. Recommendation:
Greater emphasis should be placed on the Expert Working Group on Floods, as it provides an entry point for power companies into the SAP development and basin management in general. The EWG should have its TOR expanded, if necessary, to discuss possibilities of how to enhance power generation as well as balance flood control. Seek to change the name to Flood Control and Power Enhancement. The EWG on flood control should consider as part of the SAP development:
• A study in looking to examine a cascade approach to facility operations while maximizing flood control and power benefits based on the previous EU Regional Strategy for Sustainable Hydropower in the Western Balkans.
• Exploring additional storage developed in the White Drini with a primary function of flood control, augmenting power generation at the 500MW dam at Fierzë in Albania, and possibly opportunistic power generation in Kosovo. An example could be taken from the Duncan dam in the Columbia system.
• A study to look at “ecosystem approach to flood management”, such as the development of constructed flood plains or groundwater recharge zones.
Management Response: [Added: 2020/02/05]
Appropriate action for the implementation of the recommendation will be undertaken
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The recommendations in relation to the expansion of the ToR of the EWG on floods and the change of its name will be included for discussion as items in the agenda of the next SC meeting.
[Added: 2020/02/05] [Last Updated: 2021/09/02] |
PCU | 2020/03 | Completed | The issue was discussed in the 9th SC meeting (Tirana, 30-31 January 2020). The SC decided that: expansion of the ToR of the EWG on Floods can’t be done as the enhance power generation as well as balance flood control are issues beyond the mandate of the DCG hence, its EWGs; changes in the mandate and name of the EWG is either not possible or will demand time and energy without providing any added value for the time being. History | |
| The EWGs have included, during their last meeting, as part of the draft SAP a study related to the examination of a cascade approach to facility operations while maximizing flood control and power benefits.
a. The draft SAP is discussed and approved by the DCG
[Added: 2020/02/05] [Last Updated: 2021/09/02] |
PCU | 2020/06 | Completed | The action is implemented through a separate project financed by the Austrian Development Agency and implemented by GWP-Med. The study is expected to be ready during Q4 2021. History | |
| The recommendation to include in the SAP the two additional studies i.e. “Exploring additional storage developed in the White Drini with a primary function of flood control, augmenting power generation at the 500MW dam at Fierzë in Albania, and possibly opportunistic power generation in Kosovo.” and “A study to look at “ecosystem approach to flood management”, such as the development of constructed flood plains or groundwater recharge zones” will be proposed for inclusion in the SAP.
[Added: 2020/02/05] [Last Updated: 2021/09/02] |
PCU | 2020/06 | Completed | The issue was discussed in the 9th SC meeting (Tirana, 30-31 January 2020). The SC decided that: the recommendation for building the dam in Kosovo is beyond the mandate of DCG; the SAP include proposed studies entirely or partially; this is considered to be sufficient. History |
8. Recommendation:
Undertake to determine what interests power companies may have in participating in a Drin Basin Management Plan. This would include addressing pollution and debris entering turbines and increasing the life span of the reservoirs through sedimentation control (re-forestation and protection of riparian zones, upstream storage, road and development planning etc.).
Management Response: [Added: 2020/02/05]
Appropriate action for the implementation of the recommendation will be undertaken
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The SC has requested the development of a Drin River Basin Management Plan. The ToR for the development of the management plan will include provisions in line with the recommendation
a. Preparation of draft ToR
b. Power companies are contacted
b. The SC discuss and approve the ToR
[Added: 2020/02/05] [Last Updated: 2021/09/02] |
PCU | 2020/06 | Completed | The issue was discussed in 9th SC meeting 30-31 January 2020, The countries decided that follow up with the Power companies related actions should be undertaken when the Drin Basin Management Plan is prepared. History |
9. Recommendation:
In preparing to undertake the focal groups associated with the development of the SAP, care should be taken to not create over-expectations of what can be delivered within the scope of the current project. It should contain a mix of on-the ground measures that can be easily be decided on (such as diversion of the Sateska river from Lake Ohrid), but also for additional planning and data gatherings and analysis. A target should be to have an agreed SAP by June 30, 2020 for submission to GEF as a precursor for applying for GEF 7 funding for SAP implementation
Management Response: [Added: 2020/02/05]
Recommendation implemented
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meetings for the development of the SAP are organized and moderated in a way that takes into consideration the recommendation.
a. Focal stakeholders’ meetings are organized in line with the recommendation
b. Experts meetings are organized in line with the recommendation
c. EWG and DCG (SC) meetings are organized in line with the recommendation
[Added: 2020/02/05] [Last Updated: 2021/09/02] |
PCU | 2020/05 | Completed | The SC decided that the target for the preparation of a final draft SAP is end of August 2019. The SC meeting to discuss the final draft SAP is scheduled for October 2019. The Drin SAP, included related action, was endorsed at Ministerial level on 24 April 2020. http://drincorda.iwlearn.org/gef-supported-drin-project/the-drin-strategic-action-programme History |
10. Recommendation:
The Information Management System should first be functional to serve the needs of the DCG decision making, and the beneficiary national bodies (as it currently does). Its development into a more sophisticated automated system, as initially envisioned, should considered for inclusion in SAP implementation
Management Response: [Added: 2020/02/05]
Appropriate action for the implementation of the recommendation has partially been undertaken; additional action will be undertaken
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Drin Information System is prepared as a functional Information Management System (IMS) to serve the needs of the DCG decision making, and the beneficiary national bodies
a. A Drin Information System is already developed as a functional IMS for the needs of the PCU and the DCG
b. ToR for the upgrade of the DIS to become a functional IMS for national policy making are prepared
c. Upgraded DIS is ready
[Added: 2020/02/05] [Last Updated: 2021/09/02] |
PCU | 2020/06 | Completed | The Drin SAP, included related action, was endorsed at Ministerial level on 24 April 2020. http://drincorda.iwlearn.org/gef-supported-drin-project/the-drin-strategic-action-programme History | |
| The EWGs have included, during their last meeting, as part of the draft SAP, the development of sophisticated automated IMS.
a. The draft SAP is discussed and approved by the DCG
[Added: 2020/02/05] [Last Updated: 2021/09/02] |
PCU | 2020/06 | Completed | The action will be implemented as planned, depending on the SAP consultation process duration. The Drin SAP, included related action, was endorsed at Ministerial level on 24 April 2020. http://drincorda.iwlearn.org/gef-supported-drin-project/the-drin-strategic-action-programme History |
11. Recommendation:
Continue to push for better cooperation with World Bank Albania Water Resources and Irrigation Project.
Management Response: [Added: 2020/02/05]
Appropriate action for the implementation of the recommendation will be undertaken
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| An email is send to the responsible institutions in Albania to enable cooperation with the World Bank Albania Water Resources and Irrigation Project (WBAWRIP), as related efforts from the PCU till now to establish cooperation with the WBAWRIP have not proven enough deliver the necessary results.
[Added: 2020/02/05] [Last Updated: 2021/09/02] |
PCU | 2020/03 | Completed | There are no changes despite described efforts under “key actions”. History |
12. Recommendation:
Effort should be placed on finding out the status of complimentary projects to better assess co-financing for the terminal evaluation.
Management Response: [Added: 2020/02/05]
Appropriate action for the implementation of the recommendation will be undertaken
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A letter to all institutions and organizations that have provided co-financing letters, requesting information on the delivery of the respective projects will be sent.
[Added: 2020/02/05] [Last Updated: 2021/09/02] |
PCU | 2020/03 | Completed | A letter to all institutions and organizations that have provided co-financing letters or assisted in acquiring co-financing letters by institutions and organizations, requesting information on the delivery of the respective projects was sent. History |