| Commissioning Unit: | Seychelles |
|---|---|
| Evaluation Plan: | 2017-2023 |
| Evaluation Type: | Project |
| Completion Date: | 03/2022 |
| Unit Responsible for providing Management Response: | Seychelles
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| Documents Related to overall Management Response: |
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Key Action Update History
Develop project Exit Strategy that includes relevant and clearly spelled out actions, agreements, responsibilities and financing needed for follow up
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28] [Last Updated: 2022/04/28]
Management agrees with the recommendation. An exit strategy was drafted and shared with all relevant stakeholders.
On-site meetings were held with various Ministries, departments and agencies to address the specificities of ownership, maintenance and sustainability beyond the project's end date. While some aspects have been agreed on principle, the exit strategy has to be endorsed and implemented by the various agencies.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop an Exit Strategy for EBA project to be submitted to MACCE
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
Project Team, PC, MACCE | 2022/03 | Completed | An exit strategy has been drafted and shared with relevant stakeholders for comments and implementation. There implementation of the exit strategy will require commitment from various Ministries, departments and agencies and some of the project's direct beneficiaries such as the watershed. |
Organize a final project review meeting that will summarize the project’s achievements and discusses the way forward and sustainability of project results, also based on the project exit strategy
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
Management agrees with this recommendation and a final project steering committee meeting is to be scheduled ahead of project closure.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exit Strategy shared and implemented
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE, Other stakeholders | 2022/12 | Initiated | The exit strategy has been drafted and shared to all key stakeholders. Identification of roles and responsibilities in the implementation of the exit strategy is expected to be completed by Dec 2022 as some agencies within government are being restructured. | |
|
Final PSC Meeting organized and minuted.
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
Project Manager and Team | 2022/03 | Completed | The final project steering committee meeting was held on Monday the 28th of March 2022. Project partners and beneficiaries generally lauded the project's interventions and achievements noting in particular the rehabilitation of the watersheds. |
Review and restructure the PCU, with a view to widen its role, portfolio and funding under a new leadership / management with a new Programme Coordinator) and staff (accountant + administration + communications) on Government’s contracts and payroll. This could also entail a fixed pool of Project PCU project managers, as to increase job security and linkage / succession of project activities. This could be informed by a PCU evaluation.
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
Management agrees with the recommendation. The Ministry has commenced on a thorough review of the Programme Coordination Unit and is in discussions with various other agencies for finalization of the structure and operational requirements for it to serve as an important unit to delive on donor funded projects and programmes.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Review of the Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) structure and implement recommendations for restructuring
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE | 2022/12 | Initiated | Restructuring is being coordinated by the Minister and Principal Secretaries of MACCE with support of an external consultant with vast experience in donor funded arrangements. The PCU is expected to be at full staffing by end 2022/early 2023 | |
| Ensure adequate Budget for staffing requirements and organizational structure
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE, MFTNP, DPA | 2022/12 | Initiated | Staffing requirements and budgets are currently under discussion with the newly reformed Dept. of Public Administration |
The Watershed Committees established by the EbA project should be supported to sustain the watershed management results, as well as to inform possible setting up of new watershed committees or other community groups. This could be through different projects (e.g., Ridge to Reef), Funds (SGP, SeyCCAT), government agencies (CAMS, Wetland Unit, Biodiversity Conservation Management Division, new Infrastructure agency, LWMA), private sector involvement, etc.
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
Management agrees with the recommendation. In the immediate short term, the watershed committees established will be sustained through the Ridge to Reef and SGP projects with longer discussions on long term financing. The management recommends investing in continuous capacity building such as training the watershed committees to conduct business feasibility assessment and exploring potential for securing long term grants through private sector or other agencies.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ensure capacity building and training for watershed committees to sustain watersheds
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE, District Administration Office, MNA’s Office, Local Government, GOS-GEF-UNDP Ridge to Reef Project, SGP, SeyCCAT, Government Agencies, Private Sector | 2024/12 | Initiated | MACCE, Local Government, should work in collaboration with the Watershed committees. The GOS-GEF-UNDP Ridge to Reef project, SGP and SeyCAAT to provide certain support to build their capacity within the scope of the projects' activities and duration | |
| Ensure political buy in and support for the Watershed Committees set up by the EBA project by the Government and as approved by the Ministry
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MNA’s Office in the various watersheds, districts, MACCE | 2024/12 | Initiated | Educating and involving Members of National Assembly to support the watershed committees work will be critical to ensuring political buy in at all levels. |
Discuss with North East Point watershed committee the completion of the wetland clearing and options for monitoring and maintenance.
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
Although Management agrees with the recommendation, the project team may not be in a position to influence the outcome of the discussions as there are various factors to be considered.
The MACCE unit will discuss the way forward post the final Project Steering Committee meeting and identify the relevant Departments and Agencies to be involved in the long-term monitoring and maintenance.
The exit strategy will propose the key actors involved for the same.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identify relevant agency for maintenance and monitoring N.E. point
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
CAMS, CCD, MACCE | 2022/12 | Initiated | The CAMS/CCD will assume responsibility to coordinate the maintenance of the NE wetlands and discuss with key players to ensure the sites are maintained. | |
| Conduct meetings for ongoing discussions between the North East Point watershed committee and Climate Change Department, CAMS, MACCE.
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
CAMS of CCD, MACCE, North East Point Watershed Committee, BCM Division | 2022/03 | Completed | The EBA project has organised a first meeting among all stakeholders. Given that the project is ending, the further actions will be led by the Department of Climate Change and take responsibility to ensure the wetland is maintained through ongoing and new contracts |
Finalize and publish the EIA for Glacis Noire for the proposed wetland reprofiling and clearing to serve as water resource for firefighting on Praslin. After approval of EIA a decision should be taken and budget granted to go ahead or not.
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
The management agrees with this recommendation. However, the EIA is expected to be completed only after 31st March 2022.
Furthermore, budgetary allocations should be identified in the 2023 budget should there be political willingness to do so notwithstanding other emerging priorities in other sectors.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MACCE to conduct public consultations and endorse the EIA report
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
EAPS, MACCE, EIA consultants | 2022/06 | Overdue-Initiated | EIA report submitted to the MACCE on 31st march 2022, for review. | |
| Identify sources of future funding/ budgetary allocations as necessary
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE, Adaptation Fund, GCF, SeyCAAT | 2022/06 | Overdue-Initiated | MACCE working on project concepts with various Climate Finance Agencies | |
| EIA report and all studies to be completed and submitted to MACCE
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
EBA project, MACCE, EAPS, EIA consultants | 2022/04 | Completed | The ESIA study report will be submitted to the EAPS department of MACCE on 31 March 2022. MACCE to follow up after EBA with EIA process. |
Ensure that the newly envisaged Infrastructure Agency will have sufficient resources and capacities, and that climate change and environmental concerns are adequately mainstreamed in its operations, to ensure climate proofed and environmentally friendly work and maintenance can be undertaken.
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
The Management partially agrees with this recommendation. While this recommendation will be carried forward through the Minister’s office (MACCE), it would depend on the government budget and allocations to ensure such actions can be mainstreamed. CAMS and other relevant agencies must be consulted during the transition to ensure environmental concerns are taken on board within the Agency’s mandate. However, it is neither within the scope of the EBA project, project team or UNDP to support the transition for the Infrastructural Agency.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAMS will liaise with the Infrastructure Agency to identify relevant resources and capacities to address environmental concerns such as clearing of drains by the wetlands.
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE | 2022/12 | Initiated | The restructuring of the Infrastructure Agency will enable resource mobilisation and management between parties for maintenance and upkeep of wetlands. |
Ensure that the reform of water resources management between the SEC and PUC is followed up as intended, with resource management being overseen by the SEC as resource regulator and with PUC as supplier of water to consumers
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
The management partially agrees with this recommendation.
The relevant reforms proposed are not within the scope of project, however with the SEC and the PUC being key departments falling within the purview of the MACCE, the MACCE can facilitate the process.
However, the intended actions may take longer given the legal implication and creating the necessary legal instruments for the management of water resources
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finalisation of the Integrated Water Resources Management Bill, for review and update of the regulatory structures for SEC and PUC.
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE, PUC, SEC | 2022/12 | Initiated | The Integrated Water Resources Management Bill will be submitted to MACCE by EBA project, for follow up management. | |
| Identify the roles and responsibilities for each department and create the necessary legal instruments for effective management and segregation of duties.
SEC as resource regulator and with PUC as supplier of water to consumers
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE, PUC, SEC | 2022/12 | Initiated | The reform of the water resource management will be led by the MACCE, with main stakeholders, such as SEC as the identified water regulator, PUC, Agriculture Department and Health authority, to ensure clarity in the roles and responsibilities of these stakeholders in the appropriate management of water resources in Seychelles. |
Finalize the Water Bill, as this will provide the legal foundation for improved integrated and community engaged water resources management, with attention to nature-based solutions, as well as increased financing through sustainable financing mechanisms.
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
Management agrees with this recommendation. The Water Bill will be critical to address the long-term sustainability of the project’s results and effective management of water resources.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Bill is endorsed by Cabinet of Ministers
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE, legal consultants, SEC, | 2022/12 | Initiated | Principal Secretaries and legal consultants to submit the final Bill to Cabinet for approval | |
| Finalize the Water Bill, and submit to MACCE, SEC, PUC
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
EBA project, MACCE, Consultants, AG office, SEC, PUC | 2022/03 | Completed | Integrated Water Resources Management Bill is being submitted to the MACCE on 31st march 2022 for follow up management. |
Develop a National Adaptation Plan (NAP), possibly with available readiness support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). In such a NAP, EbA as part of Nature based Solutions (NBS) should feature prominently, based on experience of the EbA project and others
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
Management agrees with this recommendation. A National Adaptation plan is expected to be submitted by April 2022
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop a National Adaptation Plan (NAP), possibly with available readiness support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE, CCD, GCF, UNDP, UNEP | 2022/06 | Overdue-Initiated | The NAP has been finalised by the Department of Climate Change, Technical Advisor has submitted a draft |
Explore national and international climate finance opportunities in order to secure sustainable finance for climate change adaptation and Nature Based Solutions
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
Management agrees with this recommendation and through the support of national and international partners explore sustainable financing mechanisms to support climate change adaptation and implementation of nature-based solutions.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explore national and international climate finance opportunities in order to secure sustainable finance for climate change adaptation and Nature Based Solutions
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE, UN, PCU, Consultants / Technical Adviser | 2023/12 | Initiated | The MACCE is working in collaboration with GCF, AF to explore vertical funding sources to support Nature based solutions | |
| Seek innovative financing solutions through BFU and other national and international partners
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE, UN, PCU, Consultants / Technical Adviser | 2023/12 | Initiated |
Seek accreditation for Adaptation Fund (AF) National Implementing Entity (NIE)
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
Management agrees with this recommendation and MACCE is currently discussing the accreditation process.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commence with the accreditation process for Adaptation Fund (AF) National Implementing Entity (NIE)
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE | 2023/12 | Initiated | MACCE is leading this process to be an AF accredited NIE. However, the process may take a while and further discussions may need to be had with national counterparts | |
| Submission of relevant documents and updates for receipt of accreditation.
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
GOS, Min. Finance, DBS, MACCE | 2023/12 | Initiated | The process is being led by MACCE. |
Develop a national PPP framework, so that funding for local environment activities through this mechanism will be possible
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
Management partially agrees with this recommendation as this mechanism cannot be developed within the scope of the project. However, the MACCE will need to explore the framework and mechanisms to enable the feasibility of these activities.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop a national PPP framework to support environmental management and conservation efforts
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
MACCE, Min. Trade, Min. Finance | 2022/12 | Initiated | While some PPPs exist, further deliberation and consideration needs to be given to the overall structure and would involve MOUs between Government and the Public and Private partners. |
Investigate and possibly reverse the abolishment of tax breaks for companies for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, in order to provide funding and interest from companies in local community work around climate change and environment.
Management Response: [Added: 2022/04/28]
Management does not wholly agree with this recommendation as this is led by the Ministry of Finance. While the PSC may be able to take this recommendation forward it is unrealistic to expect that the project may be able to influence the outcome of such financial instruments. However, within the MACCE’s Biodiversity Financing Unit, there may be scope to explore innovative, sustainable financing mechanisms to support funding and interest from local companies working around climate change and environment.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conduct assessment of financial instruments that can assist in alternative financing mechanisms for climate change, nature based solutions and environment
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
Ministry of Finance, MACCE, SEYCCAT and others | 2022/12 | Initiated | Discussions to be led by MACCE, Ministry of Finance, SEYCCAT and other relevant parties to review existing financial instruments and explore other mechanisms of innovative financing that may be beneficial in supporting CC, NBS and Environmental conservation and management | |
| Investigate the feasibility/impact of tax breaks for companies for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.
[Added: 2022/04/28] |
Ministry of Finance | 2024/12 | Not Initiated | The Ministry of Finance will be the lead agency to provide relevant guidance and commence any feasibility assessment for companies to benefit under tax breaks or CSR schemes. It is unlikely that the current Minister will backtrack on the decision to reinstate CSR tax within the year of it being abolished. |