1

Results of the UNDP survey

“Assessment of capacities for low-carbon and climate resilient development”

Western Balkan countries

FINAL DRAFT

Prepared: May 2011

United Nations Development Programme,

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Bratislava Regional Centre

Contents Background ................................................................................................................................................... 3

Conclusions: .................................................................................................................................................. 4

Results of the mapping survey: ..................................................................................................................... 9

Institutional capacity for climate change policy implementation ............................................................. 9

Participation in climate change negotiations: ........................................................................................... 9

National coordination mechanisms/National climate change committees .............................................. 10

Climate change departments/experts: ..................................................................................................... 12

Regional cooperation: ............................................................................................................................. 13

Legislation: ............................................................................................................................................. 14

Carbon emissions trading: ....................................................................................................................... 16

Reporting, awareness and knowledge: .................................................................................................... 18

Adaptation: .............................................................................................................................................. 20

Low-carbon development: ...................................................................................................................... 22

Financial resources: ................................................................................................................................ 24

Monitoring and evaluation of climate change policy:............................................................................. 26

Summary of the survey results for UNMIC Kosovo .............................................................................. 27

Additional important things identified by the respondents: ................................................................ 32

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Background

A survey “Assessment of capacities for low-carbon and climate resilient development” was

conducted in late April, early May 2011 in five Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, the FYR1 of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia). A less comprehensive one was

conducted for Kosovo2, as it is not a Party under UN Conventions, which results are presented in

this summary in a separate chapter.

The main goal of the survey was to understand better capacity issues that Western Balkan

countries face in responding to the new challenges of climate change, in particular as it relates to

formulating comprehensive approaches to ensure sustainable human development using

emerging opportunities.

The survey consisted of two parts – first, mapping the existing capacity of the countries and the

second, an open assessment with evaluation questions, answers to which will help to understand

better the context of that particular status3. The mapping was filled in with factual information,

while the survey was targeting a wide range of representatives in each country/entity.

The survey targeted representatives of the government, including ministries responsible for

development, economy, finance, energy, agriculture, forestry, transport, and environment, as

well as relevant agencies and institutions, industry associations and nongovernmental

organizations. The total number of respondents was 80. Almost half of the respondents come

from governmental organizations, and the rest from academia, private companies and

nongovernmental organizations. They come predominantly from environment (48.8%) and

energy (22.5%) sectors, but also 11% from areas connected with development and 20% other

sectors of economy. In terms of position, the respondent majority are senior (56.3%) and 28.1%

medium level, of which 54.3% are men (for UNMIC Kosovo 100% men). Bigger share of them

(81.4%) are indirectly involved in climate change policy formulation and 18.6% directly, while

58% are indirectly involved in implementation of the policy and 42% directly.

The survey was conducted electronically, it was anonymous and results are presented in an

aggregated format. Mapping is presented the way it was reported by each country’s respondent,

however in some areas there is still some missing information.

The results of the survey provide a basis for both host countries and donors to better address the

emerging issues that these countries face in addressing low-carbon and climate resilient

development, and point towards capacity gaps that may need to be addressed immediately or

need further in-depth analysis.

1 Here and hereafter also referred to as Macedonia

2 Here and hereafter referred in the context of the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999)

3 A scoring system was used where 4 = very much, 1 = not at all

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Conclusions:

Strengthening and enhancement of existing capacity

Although there are some institutional capacities already in place to tackle the challenges of

climate change, further improvements are deemed necessary according to the survey.

Institutional capacity and stakeholder involvement in developing and implementing climate

change policies has been assessed as a very high priority by all the countries. The mapping

shows that some institutional capacity are already in place in all the countries , such as

established and operational National Focal Points and Designated National Authorities for CDM

projects approval; preparation of different reports; some strategic documents and legislation; and

functioning regional cooperation. However, even these areas need further improvement and

development as pointed out by all the respondents in the survey. For example, although the

Western Balkans countries have already made significant efforts in building institutional

capacities for participation in the Kyoto Protocol, they still face numerous barriers that inhibit

effective implementation of climate change mitigation policies and large-scale engagement in

current or future carbon trading mechanisms or internationally provided assistance. It is a fact

that there are operational Designated National Authorities in all of the countries. At the same

time, there are almost no existing Clean Development Mechanism projects.

The following conclusions were drawn from the survey. They are based on the information

provided by respondents of this study.

Broader participation in international climate change negotiations

Overall, more can be done to increase the number of negotiators, include more members with

better representation from different sectors, as well to increase the capacity to cover various

topics of the complex international climate change negotiations. Reaching a regional consensus

and coordination on certain negotiation positions is assessed as important or very important by

90% of respondents.

All five countries are non Annex I (developing countries) to the UNFCCC and non Annex B (do

not have legally binding mitigation commitments) to the Kyoto Protocol. All of them are

undergoing a process of accession to the European Union. As such, there are significant

similarities in their position in the climate change negotiation process, as well as opportunities

for regional cooperation.

In all five countries the responsibilities for the implementation of international and national

climate change related policy lays with ministries responsible for the environmental policy.

Some of the ministries with National Focal Points are responsible for spatial planning. However,

it is not clear to what extent the part of the ministry responsible for “spatial planning” is engaged

in climate change, or if an internal coordination mechanism exists.

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Enlarging departments/expert on climate change

To ensure cross-sectoral impact of climate change interventions, there is a strong need to have

specific climate change departments in key ministries, in particular in environment, energy,

agriculture and transport. Currently, dedicated departments for climate change mostly sit in the

ministries of environment with one or two experts in some other ministries or organizations.

Without any doubt, institutional and human capacities are one of the most important factors for

the success of any policy, especially such an innovative one as low-carbon and climate resilient

policy. In addition, more than 70% believe that if it is not possible to have a dedicated

department, at least some climate change experts on specific areas should be working in the key

ministries.

Establishment and improvement of coordination mechanisms on climate change

Coordination of development and implementation of climate change policies appears to be a

week point in all of the countries. There are no national climate change coordination

mechanisms established in the countries at the moment, and even if some national climate

change committees exist they are not functional. Nowadays, when climate change is not only

environmental issue, but rather a development issue, the need to engage all the ministries and

stakeholder is a must.

The institutional arrangements for transitioning to low-emission and climate resilient

development should first of all determine an institution or several institutions that would take the

leadership and responsibility for coordinating the process and establish a mechanism for cross-

sectoral cooperation and broader stakeholder participation. Majority of respondents assess as

very important to have a national coordination committee (NCC) (or similar) on climate change,

while at the same time emphasizing that the NCC should have sufficient authority and resources

to effectively coordinate climate change initiatives in the country and it should be inclusive.

Using lessons learned from regional cooperation

Regional cooperation in climate change has good history in the region. Regional cooperation

has been found as a key mechanism for successfully addressing climate change issues.

However the performance of existing regional mechanisms/platforms in addressing climate

change policy and programming needs was rated rather low. Evidently, based on the good

lessons learned in this area more could be achieved.

Regional cooperation brings enhanced opportunities for the countries to share knowledge and

best practices that would otherwise be generated through individual activities. Additionally,

regional approaches are a proven cost-effective way of performing any activities and projects in

this region. All the similarities amongst the Western Balkan countries: political, economical,

geographical as well as the ongoing regional activities imply that it is preferable to continue

cooperation on a regional basis, including on issues related to climate change – on both

mitigation and adaptation. At the same time, this approach is in line with the strategic approach

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of both the UNFCCC and the EC in supporting the region in responding to the climate change

challenge.

Challenges to introduce climate change related legislation

The mapping shows that there is still a lack of comprehensive climate change legislation, and

in some cases there are unclear connections between climate change policies and other energy

and environmental priorities and policies, including EU accession issues. It is even very

important that all existing development, sectoral, adaptation strategies are cohesive.

The respondents unanimously gave very high importance to the legislation of climate change

policy implementation. At the same time, they assess the capacity of the governments to

introduce needed climate change legislations and policies as still not sufficient. Additionally, the

extent to which climate change policies and laws are funded/resourced is assesses by the

majority as relatively low. Same applies for the ability to engage relevant stakeholders (e.g.,

private sector, communities, NGOs, etc.) in formulating climate change laws, policies and

implementation mechanisms; private sector preparedness to understand and implement climate

change laws; capacity of the government to ensure that climate change laws and policies are

adequately understood at the local level.

At the global level, the development of new international agreements on climate change is likely

to influence long-term decisions concerning national climate change policy in the Western

Balkans. On the other hand, preparation for accession to EU brings new environmental standards

and legislation to these countries. Alignment with the EU legislation in many cases supports the

UNFCCC requirements, however, it should be taken into account that the Western Balkan

countries are still non Annex I and non Annex B under the UNFCCC process.

For these countries it is important to find a way of benefiting from the new global low-carbon

and climate-resilient economy achieving economic growth, through defining and implementing

the right policies, such as investing in new technologies, making the right balance between

different sectors’ development, green jobs creation and receiving financial, technology and

capacity building support from the post 2012 international climate change assistance structures.

Low participation in carbon emissions trading

While the importance of the flexible mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol for the

implementation of climate change policy is assessed in general as high, the preparedness of

the countries to take part in the negotiations on new market-based mechanisms is reported as

relatively low (more than 60%). As non Annex I Parties, the Western Balkan countries are

eligible to participate in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol. As

accession countries, they have to prepare to implement the EU ETS.

Although all the countries have in place operational Designated National Authorities, it was

reported only for two CDM projects registered under UNFCCC from the whole region.

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The proper implementation of the EU ETS requires a lot of capacity building for the government,

as well as the private sector. However, the preparedness of the countries to take part in the EU

ETS is reported as relatively low (more than 70%). There is little awareness of the private sector

on the EU ETS requirements. Only Montenegro and Serbia reported for some preparatory

activities to implement EU ETS.

Strengthening reporting, awareness and knowledge:

National expertise engaged in the preparation of the National Communication (NC) is

assessed in general as sufficient; however, the sustainability of the government in preparation

of the NC was rated as marginally sufficient. The countries are not well prepared to report on a

more frequent basis.

Having in place the mandatory and voluntary reports under the UN serves different purposes: (i)

strengthens national expertise in different areas; (ii) increases the public awareness on various

issues; (iii) provides information necessary to formulate national policies and measures in the

area; (iv) informs donors about the achievements and the needs of the countries.

It should be noted that reporting under UNFCCC post 2012 regime will become more

comprehensive and on a more frequent basis.

The National Capacity Self Assessment (NCSA) study, where in place, is not making a

significant difference in policy making according to the respondents.

Although some training was provided to the countries in climate change area (reported mainly

in GHG emissions inventories and CDM), the need for more trainings in various climate

change areas is very big. Still, the need for more GHG inventory training is assessed as high,

and the same applies for GHG projections, development of LEDS and NAMAs, carbon trading,

implementation of climate change related legislation, access to climate change finance, etc.

More actions on adaptation needed

The importance of adaptation strategy is unanimously rated very high. Although some

capacities and resources in the countries for implementation of the Adaptation Strategy/Action

Plan exist, in general they are assessed as relatively low. The regional cooperation was

identified as very useful when developing and implementing the Adaptation Strategy/Action

Plan. More than 55% assessed the capacity to mobilize international funding to help implement

the national adaptation strategy and action plan as not adequate and other 30% as adequate.

Time to transition to low-carbon development

One of the main problems with climate change policies is that governments and other

stakeholders do not realize that domestic GHG emission reduction measures could be

capitalized through participation in the global efforts to reduce emissions and in emissions

trading mechanisms. This may lead to missed opportunities for substantial financial flows from

the developed countries, improved efficiencies, new technologies, green jobs and better

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environmental quality. For example, although there is international financial, technology and

capacity building support envisaged under UNFCCC for countries developing and implementing

Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions, so far only Macedonia submitted a list of such to the

UNFCCC.

The transition to low emission development path in both developed and developing economies

has been recognized internationally as an imperative to stabilizing GHG concentrations in line

with the 2-degree temperature increase scenario. However, there is still limited practical

experience on designing and implementing comprehensive national low-emission development

strategies (LEDS), and no guidelines on the preparation of such strategies or of the nationally

appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) have been developed and adopted in the UNFCCC

process. At the same time, fast start financing committed by developed countries in Copenhagen

is already supporting countries in developing and implementing LEDSs and NAMAs, as well a

number of countries have initiated and developed LEDS or NAMAs.

The importance of low-emission development for the implementation of climate change policy is

considered by the majority as very high. However, besides Macedonia, no other country

submitted NAMAs to Appendix 2 of the Copenhagen Accord. Macedonia, Montenegro and

Serbia are undertaking steps towards development of LEDS/NAMAs with international support.

At the same time, the capacity of the governments to define and submit NAMAs to UNFCCC is

assessed by some 35% as good and by another 37% as not enough. Many of the respondents are

not aware of the political will to undertake ambitious NAMAs under post-2012 regime. The need

for international support of NAMAs is recognized by the majority of respondents.

The capacity of the government to develop Low-emission development strategy (LEDS) is

considered as low ( 60%) and sufficient (20%).

Lack of financial resources

The shortage of sustainable financial resources for climate change activities poses a key

barrier for action. The lack of national financial resources, as well as inefficient use and

coordination of the existing international financial resources is almost unanimously agreed upon

by all respondents. Although there is a wide range of funding institutions and on-going capacity

building initiatives, additional efforts are required to meet these countries’ needs.

More to be done on monitoring and reporting

The capacity to establish an efficient Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system

is assessed as not sufficient. Although monitoring and evaluation of implementation of climate

change policies is considered important, the existing system for GHG inventory is evaluated as

insufficient together with the monitoring system for the implementation of the national climate

change policy.

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Results of the mapping survey:

Institutional capacity for climate change policy implementation

Institutional capacity is assessed as very high priority for all the countries by around 70% and 20

% as high priority. Stakeholders’ involvement in implementation of climate change policy is

considered high – approximately 95% of the answers.

Participation in climate change negotiations:

Mapping:

All five countries are non Annex I (developing countries) to the UNFCCC and non Annex B (do

not have legally binding mitigation commitments) to the Kyoto Protocol. All of them are

undergoing a process of accession to the European Union. Thus implies similarities in their

positions in the climate change negotiation process as well as opportunities for regional

cooperation.

National Climate Change Focal Point

Albania Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water Administration

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Ministry for Physical Planning, Civil Engineering and Ecology of Republika Srpska

FYR of

Macedonia

Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning

Montenegro The Ministry for Spatial Planning and Environment

Serbia Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning

In all five countries the responsibilities for the implementation of international and national

climate change related policy lays with ministries which are responsible for the environmental

policy. It is not clear to what extent the part of the ministry responsible for “spatial planning” is

engaged, or if an internal coordination mechanism exists.

Delegation for climate change negotiations

Albania Normally there is only one participant, the UNFCCC focal point, while in the COP/MOPs the

delegation participating at the high-level segment is enlarged to 4-6 members representing the

Prime Ministry, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration and the Ministry

of Foreign Relations/diplomatic missions. The regional cooperation is secured through the set

meetings of our Group during the negotiating talks. There is no prior coordination.

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

B&H regularly participate during COP meetings, especially during last two years since Country

has started preparation of the National communications to UNFCCC. However, there is no country

negotiation team for international negotiations under UNFCCC.

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FYR of

Macedonia

Delegation that participates at CoP meetings usually includes representatives of other relevant

ministries/institutions beside the UNFCCC Focal Point and representatives from the Ministry of

Environment and Physical Planning. The Minister of Environment and Physical Planning is almost

always present at the high level segment of the CoP. In Copenhagen, the President of Macedonia

was leading the delegation, and in Mexico, beside the Minister of Environment and Phisical

Planning, the Minister of Health was part of the delegation for the high level segment of the

meeting.

Montenegro Depending on the occasion, in the occasion of COP meetings delegation consists of several

government representatives (between 5 to 10 members), in other occasions i.e. other annual

meetings, delegation consist of one to two members or country is not represented at all.

Participation is heavily dependent on funds available. International negotiations under UNFCCC

are coordinated by the sector for international relations within the Ministry, and made up of a team

of 4 people in addition to the deputy minister in charge of the sector.

Serbia Delegation usually consists of 10 people from different institutions, including Ministry of

Infrastructure and Energy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic Hydrometeorological service, EU

Integration Office, Electric power Industry Serbia, Ministry of Economy and Regional

Development, NGO.

Results of the survey:

The influence of the National Focal Point on climate change to engage other institutions in

policy making and implementation is assessed as good by half of the respondents.

40% assessed the number of the members of the

delegation on the climate change negotiations as

sufficient, the other 30% as non sufficient and the

rest do not know;

The need to involve in the delegation other

ministries and organizations, together with the

ministry of environment is broadly recognized. The

role of the energy, development and finance

ministries is rated high, together with the need of

involvement of the NGOs and civil society (see the

figure);

The capacity to cover various topics under

negotiations is relatively low. At the same time,

around 1/3 of the respondents do not know what is

the capacity of the negotiation team;

Regional consensus and coordination on certain

negotiation positions is assessed as very important

by 60% and as important by more than 30%.

National coordination mechanisms/National climate change committees

The institutional arrangements for transition to low-emission and climate resilient development

should first of all determine an institution/s that would take the leadership and responsibility for

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coordinating the process and establish a mechanism for cross-sectoral cooperation and broader

stakeholder participation.

The most appropriate institutional design depends on national circumstances of particular

countries. It is important that key agencies involved in national development planning participate

in the process. Moreover, some legal arrangements for a national coordinating body should be

made. It is possible either to use institutions that existed prior to low carbon and climate resilient

growth plans or to create a new one that includes inter-ministerial representation.

Mapping:

National coordination mechanism – National CC Committee

Albania No. Not on a sustainable basis. There is the National Steering Committee facilitated under the

UNDP Climate Change Programme and on a projects basis, headed by the Ministry of

Environment, Forestry and Water Administration with representatives from the Ministry of

Economy, Trade and Energy; Ministry of Public Works and Transport; Ministry of Finance;

Ministry of Health; Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Interior; Ministry of Tourism; Ministry of

EU Integration; INSTAT; Academy of Sciences and three relevant NGOs.

A project to facilitate the establishment of a Network at a high level is under implementation;

The project for the preparation of the Third national Communication of Albania to UNFCCC

(which is at the stage of self assessment) will contribute to the process as well.

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

For implementation of its obligations, BiH has established the Climate Change Committee at the

State level, (with 32 members) and, subsequently, in 2007, the Sub-committee for Climate Change

(with 10 members). The latter comes under the National Steering Committee for Environment and

Sustainable Development. These two bodies include representatives of the State, two entities and

Brčko District, and are responsible for reaching common positions on relevant proposals before

their submission for official adoption/endorsement. However, those bodies, according available

data are inactive.

FYR of

Macedonia

The National Climate Change Committee was established in 2000 and it cosists of representatives

of all relevant Ministries (Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, Ministry of Agriculture,

Forestry and Water Economy, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Transport and Communication,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs), academia, private sector and NGOs. The current Chair of the CC

Committee is from the Macedonian Academy of Arts and Science.

Montenegro Currently there is no national Committee on Climate Change, but we are intensively thinking about

modalities of establishment of such body. There are some obstacles which get in the way of

establishment of this body, mainly the influence of financial crisis that resulted in rationalization or

cutting down of already established committees in the Government, and of course halting the

creation of new ones.

Serbia Working group for the process of negotiation under UNFCCC has been established in 2009, and it

consists of the representatives from different institution including Ministry of Infrastructure and

Energy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic Hydrometereological Service, EU Integration

Office , Ministry of Economy and Regional Development, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of

Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Water Management

Results of the survey:

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More than 65% assess as very important to have

a national coordination committee (NCC) (or

similar) on climate change and 25.7% as

important;

63% responded that it is very important and 25%

important that the NCC should have sufficient

authority and resources to effectively coordinate

climate change initiatives in the country;

More than two thirds of the answers show that it

is important to include all relevant ministries and

stakeholders to be represented in the NCC.

Climate change departments/experts:

Institutional and human capacity has the highest importance for the success of any policy, especially of an

innovative one such as low-carbon and climate resilient policy.

Mapping:

Climate change departments/experts

Albania Climate change departments exist in ministries of: environment and other organizations. Climate

change experts: agriculture/forestry, energy, and health. Between 1 and 2.

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Climate change departments exist in ministries of: environment; other organizations/institutions;

some experts in environment and other organizations.

FYR of

Macedonia

According to the structure of the post in the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, there

should be a Climate Change department but currently there is only a CC State Advisor who is also

the UNFCCC Focal Point. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and

Water Economy have CC Focal Points, and the Ministry of Economy has an Energy Department

dealing with energy efficiency and renawables. Climate change experts exist in all relevant

institutions.

Montenegro Climate change departments exist in ministries of: environment. Climate change experts:

environment, energy, transport, health, and other organizations/institutions - between 1 and 2.

Serbia Climate change departments exist in ministries of: environment (climate change division, 5

employees), energy (Department for Sustainable Development and Climate Change) , foreign

affairs; additionally there are climate change experts in environment, economy/finance,

agriculture/forestry, energy, transportation, health, foreign affairs, and other

organizations/institutions – between 1 and 2.

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Results of the survey:

The need to have specified climate change departments in

key ministries is strong, in particular in: environment,

energy, agriculture and transport.

The need to have climate change department in ministries

dealing with development appears relevant.

More than 70% believe that if it is not possible to have a

department at least some climate change experts on

specific areas should be working in the key ministries.

Regional cooperation:

Regional cooperation brings enhanced opportunities for the countries to share knowledge and

best practices, which would otherwise be generated through individual activities. Additionally,

regional approaches are a proven cost-effective way of performing any activities and projects in

this region. All the similarities amongst the Western Balkan countries: political, economical,

geographical as well as the ongoing regional activities imply that it is preferable to continue

cooperation on a regional basis, including on issues related to climate change – on both

mitigation and adaptation. At the same, time this approach is in line with the strategic approach

of both the UNFCCC and the EC in supporting the region in responding to the climate change

challenge.

Mapping:

Regional cooperation

Albania There is no other regional coordination besides the ones on RENA and Western Balkan

Investment Coordination Platform (WBICP).

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Belgrade Climate Change Initiative (which supports the implementation of the South-

East European Climate Change Framework Action Plan for Adaptation and has

established the Subregional Virtual Climate Change Centre hosted by Republic

Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia); Energy Community of the SEE Region

(which aims to improve the environmental situation via support for energy efficiency

and renewable energy); Regional Cooperation Council (which supports regional

cooperation in six key areas, including energy, and is based in Sarajevo)

FYR of

Macedonia

Energy Community, RENA, Mediterranean Initiative for Climate Change leaded by Greece,

Regional Cooperation Council, South East European Climate Change Framework Action Plan

for Adaptation.

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Montenegro South East European Climate Change Framework Action Plan for Adaptation –

SEE/CCFAP-A; Regional Forum on Climate Change with Montenegro as a host

country; Belgrade initiative

Serbia Serbia actively participates in RENA, as well as in Regional Forum for Climate

Change that has been established in 2009

Results of the survey:

More than 71% of respondents replied that regional cooperation is

very important and about 25% that it is important for addressing

climate change issues. The performance of existing regional

mechanisms/ platforms in addressing climate change policy and

programming needs was rated above 12% as good, above 28% as

satisfactory and about 30% as not very good and around 13% not

satisfactory.

Legislation:

At the global level the development of new international agreements on climate change is likely

to influence long-term decisions concerning national climate change policy in the Western

Balkans. On the other hand preparation for accession to EU brings to the countries new

environmental standards and legislation. Approximation of the EU legislation in many cases

supports the UNFCCC requirements, however, it should be taken into account that the Western

Balkan countries are still non Annex I and non Annex B under the UNFCCC process.

For the WB countries it is important to find a way of benefiting from the new global low carbon

and climate resilient economy achieving economic growth, through defining and implementing

the right policy, such as: investing in new technologies, making right balance between different

sectors’ development, green jobs creation. It is equally important to receive financial, technology

and capacity building support from the post 2012 international climate change assistance

structures.

What is even more important is that all existing development, sectoral, adaptation strategies are

cohesive. Unless policy makers integrate mitigation, adaptation and development strategies they

will miss efficiency savings and may pursue strategies that solve one problem but aggravate

others. Low-emission and climate resilient development strategy, in the context of sustainable

development, should be the leading if not the only development strategy in the countries.

Mapping:

Main Strategies

Albania National level: Sustainable Development Strategy; Sectoral strategies on Environmental Protection;

on Energy; on Road Safety; Health & Adaptation (under preparation); Strategy on national

Protection for Disasters (under preparation); Policy paper and its related Action plan on Carbon

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Financing; Law on Environmental Protection; Law on Forests and Forest services;

The preparation of the EU Tables of Concordance and the implementation of the reporting duties

according to the EU questionnaire related to the monitoring of the approximation to the EU

Climate Change Acquis - a Project under implementation.

Local Level: Mati River basin Management Plan; Torism & Agrotourism Development Strategy of

the Lezha Region; Forestry Development Strategy of the Lezha Region.

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

National level: No strategy, policy or action plan specific to climate change issues (except INC)

exists at the State or entity levels. There are sectoral strategies that are developed recently and

which addressed climate changes issues in proper way (e.g. Forestry Strategy for RS) but also there

are some sectoral strategies that has been developed recently which does not addressed climate

changes issues at all (e.g. water management strategy in FBIH). Additionally, there are other

strategic documents, mainly in energy sector which consider climate changes issues only through

implementation of the energy efficiency activities and using of renewables and did not recognize

them as a treaty (e.g. changes in water quantities and consequence for hydro power plants) -

Decision on establishment of DNA is approved by Council of Ministers, goal is that DNA would

be fully operational during 2011

Local Level: EU Convenient of Mayors as most important driver for addressing climate changes on

local level; - By signing EU Covenant of Mayors local communities are obliged to create adequate

administrative structures and prepare baseline emission inventory and develop Sustainable Energy

Action Plan - SEAP - City of Banja Luka and City of Sarajevo has finished this process - 10 other

local communities are in the process of joining EU Covenant of Mayors and preparation of its

SEAPs

FYR of

Macedonia

The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MoEPP) develop a proposal for EU ETS and

MRV for the Norwegian bi-lateral support; also UNDP CO in collaboration with the MoEPP

developed a proposal on MRV and ETS for the Bulgarian CC Fast Start Funding and the proposal

was approved.

The Ministry is also planning to submit a proposal for the IPA 2012 programming.

Montenegro National level: National Spatial Plan of the Republic of Montenegro until 2020, 2006; National

Strategy of Sustainable Development of Montenegro, 2007 ; National Environmental Policy, 2008;

National Forestry Policy, 2008; Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy - July 2006;

UNFCCC First National Communication – October 2010; Energy policy of Montenegro by 2030

(adopted in March 2011); Energy Development Strategy of Montenegro by 2025 (2007); Action

Plan for implementation of the Energy Development Strategy for the period 2008-2012 (2008);

Strategy for Small Hydro Power Plants Development in Montenegro (2006); Energy Efficiency

Strategy (2005); Action Plan for implementation of the Energy Efficiency Strategy for the period

2008-2012 (2007); First National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for 2010 - 2012 (2010); Energy

Efficiency and Energy Strategy, Tourism Strategy...

Serbia National level: Initial national Communication; National Strategy for incorporation of the Republic

of Serbia into Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol for waste management,

agriculture and forestry sectors; National Environmental Protection Programme; National

Sustainable Development Strategz (NSDS) and Action Plan for the implementation of the NSDS

for the period 2009-2017; Serbian energy Development strategy by 2015; Forestry development

strategy; Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development; National Strategy for

Biodiversity

16

Survey results:

The importance of the legislation for the implementation of climate

change policy is rated 76.1% as very high, and 23.9% as high.

The capacity of the governments to introduce needed

climate change legislations and policies is assessed as

still not sufficient with about 30% good, 42%

relatively low, 13% low, and 7.2% very good;

The extent to which climate change policies and laws

are sufficiently funded/resourced is assesses by about

70% as relatively low and low all together;

67% reported for poor engagement of relevant

stakeholders (e.g., private sector, communities,

NGOs, etc.) in formulating climate change laws,

policies and implementation mechanisms;

The private sector preparedness to understand and

implement climate change laws is assessed by about

32% as low and about 43% as very low;

About 50% considers as low and 20% as very low the capacity of the government to

ensure that climate change laws and policies are adequately understood at the local level;

With 21% assessing as good, and 40% as not very good, and about 30% as low the

capacity of the local government units/agencies to introduce local policies/ordinances that

would support national climate change legislations/policies.

Carbon emissions trading:

As non Annex I Parties, the Western Balkan countries are eligible to participate in the Clean

Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol. As accession countries they have to prepare to

implement the EU Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

Mapping:

Participation in CDM

Albania Designated National Authority (DNA) for approval of CDM projects is operational, one (1)

CDM project registered.

Bosnia and Decision on establishment of the DNA is approved and it is expected that DNA would be fully

17

Herzegovina operational in 2011.

FYR of

Macedonia

DNA functional; One CDM project registered.

Montenegro DNA functional; no CDM projects registered.

Serbia DNA functional; no CDM projects registered.

As candidate countries for membership in the EU, the five countries should prepare for the

effective implementation of the EU ETS, from the moment of accession. The EU ETS is the

major tool for CO2 reduction and all other carbon trading mechanisms should be implemented in

line with it, e.g. avoiding double counting of emission reductions. The proper implementation of

the EU ETS requires a lot of capacity building for the government as well as the private sector.

Participation in EU ETS

Albania n.a.

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

No plans.

FYR of

Macedonia

The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MoEPP) develop a proposal for EU ETS

and MRV for the Norwegian bi-lateral support; also UNDP CO in collaboration with the

MoEPP developed a proposal on MRV and ETS for the Bulgarian CC Fast Start Funding and

the proposal was approved.

The Ministry is also planning to submit a proposal for the IPA 2012 programming.

Montenegro According to National Plan for Integration transposition of ETS and non-ETS directives into

national legislation in 2014.

Serbia At the moment, there are certain activities related to capacity building of all relevant

stakeholders including representatives of energy and industry sector, in order to introduce them

key elements and main requirements of EUETS and to prepare them for the future

implementation (one seminar on EU ETS was held in March in Belgrade and the second

seminar will be organized in May 2011).

Survey results:

The importance of the flexible mechanisms under the Kyoto

Protocol for the implementation of climate change policy is assessed

as high.

18

The DNA’s capacity to perform its functions effectively to ensure adequate implementation of

CDM policy in the country is relatively low. Similar is the rating of the private sector capacity to

implement CDM projects. The preparedness of the countries to take part in the negotiations on

new market-based mechanisms is relatively low; more than 50% assessed it as such, with

around 25% answering “I do not know”.

The preparedness of the countries to take part in the EU ETS is

reported as relatively low, more than 70% assessed it as such. Little

awareness of the private sector on the EU ETS requirements is

expressed – around 60%, with only 13% rating it as relatively good.

Reporting, awareness and knowledge:

Having in place the mandatory and voluntary reports under the UN serves different purposes:

Strengthens national expertise in different areas;

Increases the public awareness on various issues;

Provides information, necessary to formulate national policies and measures in the area;

Informs donors about the achievements and the needs of the countries.

It should be noted that reporting under UNFCCC post 2012 regime will become more

comprehensive and on more frequent basis.

Mapping:

Reports status National Communication

(NC)

National Human

Development

Report (HDR)

Technology

Needs

Assessment

(TNA)

National Capacity

Self Assessment

(NCSA)

Albania Submitted Second NC,

starting stock taking for the

Third NC.

General Human

Development Report

- 1998; National

Human

Development

Report-2010:

Capacity

Development and

Integration with the

European Union

Published

March 2004.

There are plans

to

develop/update

the TNA

through UNDP.

Completed.

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

First NC submitted, about

to start Second NC.

Published in 2007. No plans for

TNA.

Inception phase.

FYR of

Macedonia

Submitted the SNC,

starting stock taking for the

Published in 2004. TNA prepared

in 2004. The

Ministry would

Completed.

19

TNC. like to update

the TNA

through UNEP.

Montenegro First NC submitted, about

to start Second NC. Published in 2005. TNA is

underway,

office for

sustainable

development is

coordinating the

assessment

No.

Serbia First NC adopted by the

Government and submitted

to the UNFCCC Secretariat

in November 2010.

Published 2005. No plans to

develop TNA.

No.

Survey results:

Reporting, awareness and knowledge has been assessed as highly important

for the implementation of climate change policy by almost all.

National expertise engaged in the preparation of the

National Communication (NC) is assessed in general as

sufficient with around 30% highly sufficient and 45%

sufficient;

The sustainability of the government in preparation of the

NC was rated as marginally sufficient;

The countries are not very well prepared to report more

frequently (as it was decided under the Cancun

Agreements).

The climate change issues were assessed as not fully addressed in the Human Development Reports

(HDR) of each country by 35% of the respondents, at the same time about half answered with “I do not

20

know”. The answers show that the HDR findings and recommendations were not used broadly to shape

national climate change policies and legislations, and more than 50% are not aware of this4.

The National Capacity Self Assessment (NCSA) study, where in place, is not making a significant

difference in policy making, where more than 60% answered with “I do not know”.

The importance of climate change related websites is assessed as very high almost by all (74.3% very

high, 21.4% high). Few websites related to climate change were reported as existing. However their

efficiency to reach different stakeholders was not assessed as good.

Although some training was provided to the countries in climate

change areas (reported mainly in GHG emissions inventories and

CDM), the need for more trainings is very big. Moreover, the need

for more GHG inventory training is assessed as high, and the same

applies for GHG projections, development of LEDS and NAMAs,

carbon trading, implementation of climate change related

legislation, access to climate change finance, etc.

Adaptation:

Adaptation policy and measures should be assessed in a development context. Capacity to

develop an adaptation strategy, including disaster risk management and capacity to implement it

are equally important.

Mapping:

Adaptation strategy/plan Disaster Risk Reduction strategy

Albania There is the Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan for

the Drini cascade area, part of the Second National

Communication of Albania to UNFCCC; There is still

as a draft version the Health and Climate Change

Adaption Strategy and Action plan; A report on

possible adaptation measures for the energy sector in

Albania; A report/action plan for the adaptation

measures for the agriculture sector in Albania is under

preparation; There are three adaptation plans developed

for three communes within the Lezha Region; The

The National Strategy for Disaster Risk

Management is under preparation;

Plans are under preparation for the

flood management control in

Drini/Buna basins;

4 It should be noted that in most countries the last Human Development Report was prepared several years ago,

hence, reflection of climate change doesn’t necessarily indicate current situation in the country.

21

Action Plan for the adaption to climate change of the

Lezha Region is under preparation; There are plans to

develop an action plan for adaptation for the area to be

considered under the Vulnerability&Adaptation chapter

of the Third National Communication of Albania to

UNFCCC (the area not yet fixed: there are two options

considered (The Vjosa River Basin and the Albanian

Coastal Area).

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

The detailed list of potential primary and secondary

adaptation measures is proposed in the INC for

particular sectors (land, coastal areas, water

management, agriculture and cattle breeding, forestry,

mining and energy, tourism, economy and trade,

infrastructure, health and social status, education and

socio-economic development). These measures, which

include legislation, capacity-building, organizational

and technical measures, and economic instruments, are

presented at a rather general level without setting

priorities or a time frame. It would be necessary to

further develop sectoral strategies on adaptation, but for

now there are no plans for this action.

Currently, government together with

UNDP is preparing Disaster risk

assessment which would consider

climate changes. Plan is to prepare

National Strategy for Disaster Risk

Reduction in years to come.

FYR of

Macedonia

Adaptation Strategy/Plan is part of the Second National

Communication and it will be upgraded during the

development of the Third National Communication that

will start in the second half of 2011.

There is a National Strategy for Adaptation of the

Health Sector and an Action Plan, and the similar

strategy is under preparation for the agriculture sector.

The outline of a National Disaster Risk

Reduction Strategy will be prepared

with support from UNDP as part of the

regional project on DRR

There is a National Platform on

Disaster Risk Reduction

Montenegro There is no current consideration for development of

National Strategy or Action Plan for Adaptation

There is some recent development in

area of National Strategy for Disaster

Risk Redaction but with limited

consideration of climate change.

Serbia Initial National Communication contains short term

adaptation measures for hydrology and water resources,

forestry, biodiversity and natural ecosystems,

agriculture and health. In addition, INC indicates

priority need for development national Adaptation Plan

of Actions (NAPA)

22

Results of the survey:

The importance of adaptation strategy is unanimously expressed as

very high.

Although some capacity and resources in the countries for implementation of the Adaptation

Strategy/Action Plan exist in general it is assessed as relatively low.

The regional cooperation was identified as very useful when developing and implementing

Adaptation Strategy/Action Plan.

More than 50% assessed the capacity to mobilize international funding to help implement the

national adaptation strategy and action plan as not adequate and other 30% as adequate.

Ecosystem-based adaptation is assessed by about 40% as very important and about 34% as

important. The role of ecosystems in absorption and storing of carbon is shown by more than

70% as high.

Workshops, demonstration projects, publications are found by the majority as important in

strengthening scientific capacities of countries in preservation of carbon pools at ecosystems.

Low-carbon development:

The transition to low emission development path in both developed and developing economies

has been recognized internationally as an imperative to stabilizing GHG concentrations in line

with the 2 degree temperature increase scenario. However there is still limited practical

experience on designing and implementing comprehensive national low emission development

strategies (LEDS) or nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) and no guidelines on

the preparation of such strategies or NAMAs have been developed and adopted in the UNFCCC

process. At the same time fast start financing committed by developed countries in Copenhagen

is already in place to support countries in developing and implementing LEDSs and NAMAs. A

number of countries globally and in the region have initiated and developed LEDS or NAMAs.

To answer the needs of the countries from EE&CIS, UNDP initiated a regional project

“Supporting countries transition to low-emission development” in April 2010. The project

assists the countries to develop capacity to formulate, mobilize finance and implement Low-

emissions Development Strategies or Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions. Guidelines on

how to develop LEDS and NAMAs was published in English and Russian languages

(http://europeandcis.undp.org/home/publications).

Mapping:

Low-emission development strategies / Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions

23

Albania NAMAs not specified under UNFCCC. The country plans to develop NAMAs as part of the Third

National Communication of Albania to UNFCCC.

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

NAMAs not specified under Copenhagen Accord. There are not prepared NAMAs, but as part of

the Initial National Communication to UNFCCC there are proposed mitigation measures by

different sectors. Namely, measures are proposed for the energy sector (increase in energy

efficiency, introduction of renewables, reduction of methane emissions), district heating sector

(improvement in infrastructure and regulation, support for cogeneration), building sector (new

standards, recovery of existing buildings, new technologies), industrial processes (energy

efficiency, introduction of renewables), transport (better inspection of vehicles, support for public

transport, railways and water transport), agriculture (biogas production, better agricultural

practice), forestry (better forest management) and waste management (reduction of waste

generation, support for recycling and re-use, an emphasis on collection and usage of methane from

regional landfills). Specific attention is paid to renewable energy sources. The highest emission

reduction potential has been assessed for hydropower (560,000 – 2.5 million tons of CO2 per

year), energy efficiency measures (180,000 – 240,000 tons of CO2 per year) and co-combustion of

biomass in power stations (more than 150,000 tons of CO2 per year).

FYR of

Macedonia

Range of NAMAs submitted (Electric power sector; Industrial energy transformations and heating

sector; Transport; Waste Sector; Agriculture and forestry, amongst others: harmonization with the

EU legislation, Introduction and development of mitigation technologies Strengthening the

national and local capacities for carbon financing, Education for application of mitigation

measures, Implementation of the strategic documents). The WB and SIDA allocated about 2 mil

USD (Trust fund established) to support development of Green development plan.

Montenegro At a later stage NAMAs to be submitted to the UNFCCC (once the First National Communication

ready. At this stage LEDS is not being developed. A twinning EC project the national development

plan is underway, but the contract/TOR did not include the low emissions component to the plan.

In contest of our international commitments to UNFCCC and Copenhagen Accord and Cancun

Agreement as well in contest of EU accession process, our plan is to conduct consultation on

national level and consultation with our international partners in order to design and submit

appropriate NAMAs.

Serbia At a later stage NAMAs to be submitted to the UNFCCC (once the First National Communication

ready. "Capacity Development project on nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMA) in

the Republic of Serbia" started in January 2011, funded by the Government of Japan. Main

objective is capacity building for the preparation of mitigation related measures and activities.

Survey results:

The importance of low-emission development for the implementation of

climate change policy is considered by the majority as very high.

The capacity to define and submit Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) to UNFCCC

is assessed by some 27% as good by other 35% as not enough. About 47% of the respondents are not

24

aware of the political will to undertake ambitious NAMAs under the post-2012 regime; about 6%

consider the will as high, 14.7% as relatively high, 23.5% as relatively low and 8.8% as low. The need for

international support of NAMAs is exceeding 65%.

The capacity of the government to develop Low-emission development strategy (LEDS) is considered

low by about 55% and sufficient by 22%.

The expertise possessed by the countries in the specific areas needed for LEDS development is assessed

as follows:

Strategic planning - high

Macroeconomic analysis - high

Development of GHG inventories - high

GHG projections - good

Prioritization of mitigation options- relatively good

Regulatory approach/legislation - good

Regulatory approach/ standards - good

Regulatory approach/ fossil fuel subsidy removal – relatively

week

Regulatory approach/ tax reform - relatively week

Regulatory approach/directing tax revenue to support low-carbon

economy - relatively week

Sectoral measures for emission reduction – relatively good

Mobilizing investments for transition to low-carbon economy

domestically – week

Mobilizing investments for transition to low-carbon economy

internationally - week

Social dimensions of LED, such as poverty, green jobs, health,

education and culture - relatively week

Consideration of gender issues while developing and

implementing climate change policy is still not enough

Monitoring, reporting, adjustment – relatively low

Financial resources:

At COP 15 in Copenhagen (2009) and COP 16 in Cancun (2010), there was a broad agreement

that an effective response to climate change will require new financing on a massive scale up to

and beyond 2012. It was also agreed that developing countries will require substantial additional

assistance to meet the challenges they face.

For the Western Balkan countries the accession to the EU presents a challenge to meet the

relevant climate change requirement, but at the same time it is an opportunity in terms of

financing sources.

However, there is a need of a certain level of capacity in order to have an access to existing

financing and to prepare for the future financial assistance. For example, in order to receive

carbon finance from CDM projects certain structures and procedures should be in place, for

receiving international support for implementing NAMAs, a country should have developed

those NAMAs and respectively the needed structures for their implementation.

25

Mapping:

Financial sources

Albania n.a. national, private funding.

EU funds: There is no special focus on climate change within the EU Delegation in Albania. The

EPA 12-2nd programming is under preparation in cooperation with the Ministry of Integration: A

formal request from the MoE on possible funds for climate change activities is to be considered.

RENA project

UNFCCC: Adaptation Fund: no application yet. GEF/UNDP: Identification and implementation of

adaptation measures in the Drini-Mati river deltas; Market transformation for solar water heating

in Albania; Enabling Albania to prepare its Third National Communication to UNFCCC. German

Gov/WHO: Protecting health from climate change in Albania. World Bank: Impacts of climate

change in energy and agriculture; Vulnerability of European and Central Asian countries to climate

change; Natural resources/reforestation-aforestation CDM project; Disaster risk mitigation and

adaptation. Italian Ministry for Environment, Land and Sea: Assistance for the implementation of

the Kyoto Protocol.

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

The environmental funds in both entities are operational, and among other things they should

financially support climate change activities. However, funds that are on disposal are limited (in

Republika Srpska for 2011 it is about 1.1 million Euros). They are supporting different

environmental protection projects including projects on climate changes mitigation. Also, support

is provided for preparation of strategic documents and legislation. According its Statutes, Funds

could co finance programmes and projects implemented by international financial institutions and

organizations. Private funding exists in the area of renewables (small hydro and biomass) and

energy efficiency.

EU funds: IPA funds. UNFCCC funds: GEF. Project on Energy Efficiency in Public Building is

submitted to GEF Secretary; USAID - Energy Efficiency; GTZ - Energy Efficiency; EU - Energy

Efficiency; UNDP - Support for establishment of BiH’s DNA; National Communications to

UNFCCC (INC and SNC); Preparation of the Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs); Support

in reform of the existing national (entity) environmental protection funds; Energy Efficiency.

FYR of

Macedonia

There is no environmental fund in the country. The state is partially co-financing some of the

investments in EE and renewable, as well as some of the local governments. Most of the projects

are financed by donor funding – UNDP/GEF, WB, Norway, Swedish SIDA, Swiss Cooperation

Agency, kfW, GTI (former GTZ), Italy, Austrian Development Agency, REC, etc.

Montenegro There is no national funding for climate change activities, no private funding. UNFCCC:

Adaptation Fund, project concept is being prepared. The Special Climate Change Fund. Green

Fund- yet to be established. EU/IPA, GEF, UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO, World Bank, GIZ, REC,

Government to Government donors: Italy, Norway, Netherland.

Serbia EU funds: IPA, TAIEX; UNFCCC: GEF; Bilateral donors: Government of Japan - Capacity

Development project on National Appropriate Mitigation Actions; Government of Norway -

development of National Strategy for incorporation of the Republic of Serbia into Clean

Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol; Government of Spain - Feasibility Study

"Efficient ways for GHG emissions reduction under the post-Kyoto framework"; Government of

Italy - different activities related to climate change

26

Survey results:

All respondents consider mobilization of climate change resources as important,

of which 69.7% very important and 28.8% important.

National resources are considered as insufficient by the majority. At the same time, the existing available

resources are not used efficiently and 75% believe that more national funds are needed to meet the

countries needs. Respondents consider that there are not enough tools to leverage private financing for

climate change, the opinion on Public Private Partnership applicability in the countries is divided into

two, and there is a strong need to introduce policy and regulatory frameworks that would allow greater

private sector participation in climate change funding/investments.

Most respondents are of the opinion that EU funds related to

climate are not very well used (55%). Almost all respondents

recognize the that there is a need for more capacity building in

order to be able to use EU funds efficiently and that EU funds are

not sufficient to meet the country’s needs in the area of climate

change.

The majority of the respondents think that their country does not benefit enough from existing UNFCCC

funds and that the government does not have sufficient capacity to prepare projects under relevant parts of

the UNFCCC funds.

On the question to what extent are there active donors in your country in the field of climate change and if

donors’ support is sufficient of the majority of the answers is in the lower range.

Monitoring and evaluation of climate change policy:

Monitoring and Reporting is necessary for the implementation for domestic mitigation measures and is

required for obtaining international support for NAMAs. This requires detailed quantitative and

qualitative evidence, thus a monitoring and reporting system should be in place in the countries.

27

Mapping:

Monitoring and evaluation of the climate change policy/ NAMAs

Albania Stock-taking exercise for the preparation of the National Communications. No concrete plans for

domestic MRV.

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

No.

FYR of

Macedonia

The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MoEPP) develop a proposal for EU ETS and

MRV for the Norwegian bi-lateral support; also UNDP CO in collaboration with the MoEPP

developed a proposal on MRV and ETS for the Bulgarian CC Fast Start Funding and the proposal

was approved.

The Ministry is also planning to submit a proposal for the IPA 2012 programming.

Montenegro No system in place currently because there is no CC strategies, plans or policies the Agency for

Environmental Protection is mandated with monitoring on a status of environment ,covering

among others climate change- its mandate for this year is to begin the process of developing

environmental indicators (not sustainable development, but just environment). Since this issue has

not been regulated on international level, we will wait for further decisions and guidance on final

form and content of MRV. Our plan is to enhance our domestic capacities for MRV mainly

through improvement of capacities of competent authority located in Environmental Protection

Agency. In this area we will need substantive support from our partners.

Serbia One of the main purposes of the Capacity development project on NAMA will be enhancement of

general understanding on NAMAs and measurement, reporting and verification (MRV).

Survey results:

Monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the climate change

policy is considered of a very high importance.

The existing system for GHG inventory, as well as the monitoring system for the implementation of the

national climate change policy are evaluated as not sufficient. The capacity in the country to establish an

efficient MRV system is not sufficient either.

Summary of the survey results for Kosovo

As Kosovo is not a Party to the UNFCCC and other UN Conventions, the survey was less

comprehensive and includes only relevant topics. That is why the results are not included in the

survey for the above five countries. However, the specific results are very much comparable to

the ones described above and the similar conclusions could be drawn in regard to the capacity

status and needs towards the low-carbon and climate resilient development.

28

The summary of the mapping and survey results are presented below.

Kosovo

Mapping CC Departments Do not exist in any of the ministries

CC experts Available in ministries of: environment, economy/finance, agriculture/forestry, energy,

transport, health, foreign affairs, as well as other organizations. Number – between 1-2

Regional

cooperation

RENA, ENVSEC

Relevant strategies

and laws

Adopted Laws: 1. Law on environmental protection 2. Law on forests of Kosovo 3. Law on

energy 4. Law on air protection 5. Law on nature conservation 6. Law on waste 7. Law on

integrated pollution prevention and control 8. Law on air protection from pollution.

Draft laws expected to be adopted in 2011: 1. Draft law on energy efficiency Administrative

orders: 1. Administrative order for issuing the ecological (environmental) permit 2.

Administrative order on cadastre (inventory) of emissions in the environment 3.

Administrative order about the norms and the limits for emissions in the air from stationary

sources 4. Administrative order for administering the wastes in public areas

Strategies: 1. Kosovo Energy Strategy 2009 – 2018 – adopted 2. Strategy of Air and Action

Plan for Air Quality 3. Kosovo Environmental Strategy and Action Plan 2011 – 2015 under

preparation

Plans to implement

EU ETS

No, there are currently no plans to implement EU ETS.

HDR At present UNDP Kosovo is preparing the HDR together with the Ministry for Economic

Development

CC Websites There are no web sites on climate change

Provided trainings A training on 'Capacity Development Clean Development Mechanism and on Energy

Efficiency'. 1) EU Climate and Energy Package 2) Renewable energy and Carbon Capture

and Storage (RENA) 3) Adaptation to the Impacts Climate Change for Reducing the Risks

in South Eastern Europe (Venice-Viu).

Plans to develop

National Strategy or

Adaptation Plan

A Concept Note on LEDS was prepared (together with the above). Pending on fundraising.

With the support of UNDP Kosovo in coordination with BRC.

Development of

LEDS

A Concept Note on Climate Resilient Development (including the National Strategy and

Action Plans for Adaptation) and DRR was prepared. Both are pending on fundraising. With

the support of UNDP Kosovo in coordination with BRC.

National funds for

CC

No, there are no funds dedicated for the climate change activities.

Private funding for

CC activities

No

Active donors in the

country

UNDP Project for GHG Inventory - is the only project that is under preparation.

Monitoring

mechanism for the

implementation of

the strategies and

plans

No, there is not any mechanism in place to monitor and evaluate the climate change policy

Survey results Type of institution

presented 57.1% governmental structure; 28.6% Other (industry); 14.3% NGO.

Sectors represented 50% environment; and 12.5% each from development, agriculture, energy, forestry, and

transport.

Level of the position 42.9% senior; 57.1% medium.

Involvement in CC

policy decision 14.3% direct and 85.7% indirect.

29

making

Involvement in CC

policy

implementation

28.6% direct and 71.4% indirect.

Gender 100% male.

National

coordination

committee (NCC)

Importance of NCC: 85.7% very high; 14.3 high;

Authorities and resources of the NCC: 85.7% very

important; 14.3% important

The NCC shall be established immediately

Inclusion of

representatives of

other organization in

NCC

71.7% very important; 14.3% important; 14.3% not important

Importance to

establish CC

departments

Environment: 100% very important;

Economy/finance: 50% very important, 33.3%

important;

Development: 83.3% very important;

Agriculture 66.7% very important and 16.7%

important;

Forestry: 50% very important and 25.0% important;

Energy: 71.4% very important and 28.6% important;

Transport: 66.7% very important and 33.3%;

Health: 57.1% very important;

Foreign affairs: 25% very important and 25%

important.

If not a CC

department at least

experts

42.9% very important, 42.9% important

Regional

cooperation 71.4% very important;

Performance of

regional

mechanisms/platfor

ms

14.3% very good, 28.6% good, 14.3% relatively poor. 14.3% poor

Importance of

legislation to

implement CC

policy

85.7% very important; 14.3% important

30

Capacity to

introduce CC

legislation and

policy

Capacity of the government to introduce legislation:

14.3% sufficient, 42.9% relatively sufficient, 42.9%

relatively insufficient;

Funding of CC policies and laws: 14.3% sufficient,

14.3% relatively sufficient, 28.6% relatively

insufficient; 42.9% insufficient;

Ensuring participation of stakeholders: 42.9%

sufficient, 28.6% relatively sufficient, 28.6%

relatively insufficient;

Private sector involvement: 42.9% relatively

sufficient, 42.9% relatively insufficient.

Capacity to ensure

that CC laws are

adequately

transferred to local

level

To be understood at local level: 14.3% sufficient, 14.3% relatively sufficient, 42.9%

relatively insufficient;

To be implemented at local level: 14.3% sufficient, 42.9% relatively sufficient, 28.6%

relatively insufficient, 14.3% insufficient

EU ETS Preparedness of the government: 42.9% relatively sufficient, 42.9% relatively

insufficient;

Private sector: 14.3% relatively sufficient, 57.1% relatively insufficient.

Awareness and

knowledge Importance of awareness and knowledge for implementation of CC

policy: 50% very important, 33,3% important, 16.7% not very

important.

CC related Websites 100% very important;

Efficiency to reach stakeholders of the existing websites: 28.6% relatively poor, 28.6%

relatively poor.

Training needed

In the areas of:

o Inventories

o Development of strategies and laws

o Development of NAMAs

o Implementation of legislation

o GHG projections

o Access to finance

o Carbon trading

o others

Capacities and

resources to

implement

adaptation strategy

Capacity in the country to implement Adaptation

strategy: 14.3% relatively good, 57.1% relatively

week, 28.6% week;

Regional cooperation: 100% very important;

Ecosystem based approach: 57.1% very important;

42.9% important;

Climate induced natural hazards: 28.6% exist, 42.9%

do not exist;

Capacity to mobilize international funding: 14.3%

sufficient, 14.3% relatively sufficient, 28.6%

relatively insufficient, 42.9% insufficient;

31

Low-emission

development Importance: 100% very important;

Political will undertake ambitious NAMAs: 14.3% high, 57.1% relatively high, 14.3%

relatively low, 14.3% low;

Need for international support: 71.4% very high, 28.6% high;

National capacity to develop LEDS: 14.3% relatively sufficient, 71.4 insufficient,

14.3% insufficient.

National expertise in

regard to LEDS

Strategic planning – relatively low

Macroeconomic analysis - relatively low

Development of GHG inventories - low

GHG projections – very low

Prioritization of mitigation options- low

Regulatory approach/legislation - good

Regulatory approach/ standards - good

Regulatory approach/ fossil fuel subsidy removal – relatively

week

Regulatory approach/ tax reform - week

Regulatory approach/directing tax revenue to support low-carbon economy - week

Sectoral measures for emission reduction – relatively good

Mobilizing investments for transition to low-carbon economy

domestically – low

Mobilizing investments for transition to low-carbon economy internationally - week

Social dimensions of LED, such as poverty, green jobs, health, education and culture - week

Consideration of gender issues while developing and implementing climate change policy is still not enough

Monitoring and reporting of implementation of strategy –

relatively good.

Importance of

mobilization of

financial resources

Very important 85.7%, 14.3% important

Financial recourses

sufficiency

National resources: not sufficient

Existing funds: not sufficiently used

More national funds needed: 57.1% very high

Existence of tool to leverage financing for CC: very

low;

Applicability of PPP: not high;

Need to introduce policy and regulatory framework

that will allow greater participation of the private

sector: very high.

Donors Active donors in the CC field: little;

Donor’s support: not sufficient.

32

Monitoring and

evaluation of the

implementation of

CC policy

Very important 87.5%. 14.3% important;

GHG inventory: not sufficient;

Monitoring system for policy implementation: not

sufficient;

Capacity to establish MRV system: relatively

sufficient;

Additional important things identified by the respondents:

To improve national performance is needed:

National coordination mechanism for climate change issues and LED

Strategic planning

Legislation and its implementation

Monitoring, verification, reporting

Strengthening of the statistical structures

Human capacity

Knowledge and education

Recommendations to donors:

Donors should coordinate their actions in a way to secure synergies and to avoid

overlapping and duplication.

to be more in line with the governments programs

Act in response to the country needs

Focus on specific green investments, trainings, jobs, education;

Offer various alternative financing mechanisms custom-made for specific national

market conditions

To target regional cooperation

To provide more funds

Recommendations to the international community:

The international community is expected to provide further support to the countries and

to help them meet their development goals and

to secure clarity and rules in global climate regime

Networking Regional cooperation

33

Detailed information about the mapping survey could be found at:

Mapping: http://desktop.websurveyor.net/analysis/generatepublicreport.aspx?esid=343779&subaccountid=92349

Survey: http://desktop.websurveyor.net/analysis/generatepublicreport.aspx?esid=343776&subaccountid=92349