Transcript Developing a National GEF Strategy and Setting Priorities

Nadzri Yahaya, PhD, Deputy Undersecretary
Conservation and Environmental Management Division
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Malaysia
Developing National GEF
Strategies and Priority Setting
GEF Country Support Program Sub-Regional
Workshop for GEF Focal Points East and
South East Asia
Bangkok, Thailand
2-3 April 2007
Conservation and Environmental Management Division,
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Malaysia
INTRODUCTION

GEF project proposals to be in line with Malaysia’s National Development
goals

9th Malaysia Plan: 2006-2010. Environmental stewardship promoted to
ensure balance between development needs and the environment is
maintained.

Emphasis will be accorded to studies and measures needed to facilitate
action by Malaysia to meet its commitments to multilateral environmental
agreements

Greater focus will be placed on preventive measures to mitigate negative
environmental effects at source, intensifying conservation efforts and
sustainably managing natural resources

MOSTE – GEF OFP SINCE 1995

NRE (GEF OFP) - formed in 2004 consolidating the administration of 10
environment and natural resources agencies to facilitate a coordinated
and comprehensive approach in managing environment and natural
resources.
CONSTRAINTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT

Lack of environmental data and indicators
to monitor the environmental planning and
management efforts,

Federal versus States’ government
jurisdiction over environment and natural
resources

Mainstreaming environmental management

Issues and problems become more
complex: global and transboundary
BACKGROUND GEF PROJECTS

GEF 3 – 8 projects: 2 EA, 6 FSP. Total: 30.4 million

Peat Swamp, Marine Parks, Biosafety, Targeted Research, BIPV, MIEEIP,
BIOGEN (Biomass Power Generation and Cogeneration in the Malaysian
Palm Oil Mills), NC2

Main achievements so far:

gazettements of additional PFE /protected areas,

formations of state wetlands/biodiversity committee,

development of energy services companies (ESCOs) support , energy
audit guidelines & energy efficiency financing programme,

biosafety bill,

national training centre for grid-connected BIPV
KEY PLAYERS –RAF (GEF 4)

GEF 4 - National Dialogue started in June 2006.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment & ITS
agencies: FRIM, Forestry Department, NAHRIM
Economic Planning Unit
Ministry of Energy, Water and Communication
Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry
Ministry of Housing and Local Government
Ministry of Commodities and Plantation Industries
Universities and Research Institutes
State Economic Planning Units
UNDP Malaysia
NGOs









RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS





Conducted three main dialogues and many
follow up meetings and discussion
Climate change projects list is almost ready –
5 main priority projects
Biodiversity projects – shortlist of 10 projects,
still in discussions
At least 2 projects on mainstreaming
environmental management
Two regional projects agreed
CHALLENGES

Climate change issues – energy efficiency and
renewable energy has clear stakeholders

Biodiversity issues – many stakeholders with diverse
priorities and urgency

Some proposals have similar objectives – need to be
consolidated

State governments’ support for biodiversity projects is
vital

Many proposals especially from Universities/RI but are
more local issues and research based
LESSONS LEARNED

National based projects are less complex than regional

Stakeholders not very clear of GEF criteria

GEF 4 RAF mechanism is still evolving – updating of deadlines,
procedures and document formats

Interagency coordination for certain cross cutting project ideas
has been very challenging

OFP to carry out more awareness programme
CONCLUSIONS
GEF criteria must be clear and simple
 Projects are to supplement national efforts
vis-à-vis Convention objectives
 It is country driven efforts and in line with
National Development Plan
 must receive full cooperation from GEF
Secretariat

TERIMA KASIH/ THANK
YOU