Strategic Moves - Regional Environmental Center for Central and ...

44
C H A P T E R 1
T H E R O L E O F T H E P R I O R I T Y E N V I R O N M E N TA L I N V E S T M E N T P R O G R A M M E F O R S E E
S T R AT E G I C M O V E S
In summary, the knowledge and capacities of national authorities improved significantly
during the implementation of the PEIP. The success of the PEIP has
been linked to the determination on the part of the countries to achieve practical
results. However, many gaps still remain and capacity is still lacking compared
to the challenges they face. Further efforts are therefore needed in this field, for
example to build capacities for the development and enforcement of economic
instruments, and to prepare bankable environmental investment projects. Experiences
gathered in the course of programme implementation will be of great benefit
to further work in this area.
General observations
• The PEIP has facilitated a process of strategic environmental investment planning
by national environmental authorities by identifying and prioritising necessary
and relevant projects. The programme has provided valuable information
to the donor community on environmental and institutional needs and priorities,
and on the status of environmental investment planning in the region.
• Between 2007 and 2009, the PEIP maintained the lists of priority projects; organised
nine national workshops and four regional meetings; and drafted manuals
on water reform and waste investments.
• When the PEIP was launched in 2001, SEE countries lacked experience in strategic
planning and the prioritisation of environmental investment projects, and
had insufficient knowledge of available sources of funding. The PEIP has contributed
to filling this gap and to raising awareness by providing capacity building;
drafting publications; and serving as a platform for information exchange.