Healthy ecosystems are vital to economic stability and the well-being of us all. Relentless pursuit of economic growth, development and urban expansion has led to a “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. This crisis has far-reaching implications for present and future generations.

Solving the triple planetary crisis is not straightforward. Challenges are interconnected, numerous stakeholders are involved, and multiple objectives must be balanced. As such, it is a ‘wicked problem’. Evidence-based policies are vital in achieving sustainable development.

Developing countries have indicated that they need access to resources, data and information that can enable them to make decisions that support sustainable development.  A 2015 survey commissioned by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that 33% of governments from 40 developing countries consider technical and advisory support the most important part of international assistance. These countries highlighted the importance of better enabling conditions to deliver on the global ambitions of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These conditions range from increased financial support and leveraging private finance to technical trainings and development of policy frameworks. The survey highlighted a desire for enhanced local skills and resources to help manage community and environmental issues. Improving access to specialised technical and advisory support, alongside knowledge sharing, can strengthen organisational capabilities and promote sustainable development.

Enhancing technical expertise in developing countries for environmental monitoring and protection

Norway has a long history of providing sector-specific cooperation programmes, bringing together expertise from ministries, agencies and universities. These programmes are supporting developing countries in progressing toward sustainable development while fostering long-term resilience. UNEP-WCMC has provided extensive technical expertise, capacity building, and institutional support to partner countries on behalf of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) for the past seven years.

Since 2017, UNEP-WCMC has collaborated with the Norwegian Environment Agency on three Norad programmes. A range of projects have been delivered, primarily across Africa. UNEP-WCMC supports countries in transforming data into evidence. This enables more informed decision-making and sustainable governance. UNEP-WCMC assists partner countries in managing, analysing and interpreting environmental data, as well as creating guidance to address national priorities. Key areas of focus include capacity development (developing institutional knowledge and skills), sensitivity mapping, data management and mobilisation, training and engagement. Through the Norad Knowledge Bank Programmes, UNEP-WCMC has strengthened in-country capacity and skills in eight countries. The aim of this work is to ensure environmental information is integrated into decision-making processes.

In Ghana, UNEP-WCMC helped the national stakeholders to develop an environmental sensitivity atlas. This provides context of how an ecological and/or socioeconomic asset is positively or negatively affected by given pressures. The atlas can be incorporated into Strategic Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Assessments to indicate how the environment can be affected by a development. Authorities are therefore able to regulate various socio-economic activities based on scientific information and thus to reduce the risks of development on the environment.  Potential risks include unregulated tourism, overfishing and industrial development. The atlas identifies sensitive areas, such as the Voltaian Basin, that should be prioritised in terms of protection. In April 2024, the atlas was used to develop a multi-agency emergency response plan in Ningo-Prampram District Accra. This was necessary after a ship broke down in an area identified as highly sensitive. Although there was no resultant oil spill, the use of the atlas had a significant role in preventing a potential ecological disaster.

A priority in Norad’s work is to ensure that countries have ownership over the process. In Ghana, the process of developing the atlas has helped transform stakeholder attitudes towards sensitivity mapping. Stakeholders, including government departments, businesses and NGOs, were empowered through consensus building. Subsequently, they have developed sensitivity maps without the need for external consultants.

Ensuring different initiatives align with country-specific needs is a critical area of partner-country support. In Mozambique, UNEP-WCMC has established a partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). This US non-profit aims to improve protected area management. In this partnership,  UNEP-WCMC and WCS engage with government representatives and other stakeholders to identify country needs and priorities and provide expert knowledge and the best available technical support to assist countries to address these priorities. The partnership also helps prevent work duplication. This is a serious issue that puts increased pressure on developing countries with already tight budgets. By working with partners such as WCS, UNEP-WCMC ensures we are collaborating in a complementary fashion. Through this collaboration, we avoid that our support leads to needlessly high government workloads.

The UNEP-WCMC and WCS collaboration has delivered impactful trainings. Environmental Assessment Platform (SGLA) trainings have been given to various governmental ministries in Mozambique. The platform has created a new standard in supporting environmental impact studies. UNEP-WCMC’s work with country partners in Mozambique has fostered impactful relationships within the Ministry of Land and Environment, and the Ministry of Sea, Inland Waters, and Fisheries. Open communication has enabled the collaboration between UNEP-WCMC and Mozambique officials to expand into new priority areas identified by these ministries, such as sustainable ocean governance.

Next steps: Incorporating climate into energy and ocean concerns

Norad's focus has traditionally been on sharing the knowledge and skills needed to alleviate poverty. Given the importance of climate change concerns, Norad has expanded its scope into sharing the knowledge and skills needed to enhance renewable energy and sustainability. This strategic shift reflects a growing awareness of the impacts of climate change on society, as well as the need for access to energy in developing countries. The shift underscores Norad's commitment to addressing these challenges.

Renewable energy enables economic growth, whilst simultaneously ensuring that energy access does not contribute to climate change. But barriers must be overcome to achieve a successful and just energy transition. These include leveraging private investment, creating supportive policy environments and addressing diverse energy priorities within countries. A successful transition requires effective and accountable management. Knowledge and skill sharing, targeted at country-specific needs is an important first step in establishing renewable energy and the associated governance frameworks. In line with this thinking, UNEP-WCMC will support country partners with:

• Geographic Information System (GIS) skills training
• Licensing processes
• Monitoring and reporting processes
• Environmental impact assessments
• National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) development
• Linking climate and biodiversity agendas

Stronger ocean governance in Mozambique

The Mozambique partnership shows how a Norad programme can be successfully implemented. In 2023, the Government of Mozambique with the support of UNEP-WCMC and Norad initiated efforts to develop Mozambique’s Maritime Spatial Plan (POEM). From promoting the sustainable use of natural resources to ensuring licensing processes are legally transparent, UNEP-WCMC is successfully working alongside multiple stakeholders in implementing this plan effectively.

Through this process, UNEP-WCMC has supported stakeholders to enhance their institutional knowledge in Mozambique. This improved capacity will ultimately lead to better allocation of marine spaces, minimising potential conflicts and promoting long-term marine sustainability. 

The success of the initial work conducted in partnership with Mozambique has led to increased engagement and collaboration. The Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries has recently requested an expansion of activities to strengthen the country’s ocean governance frameworks including UNEP-WCMC supporting the development of Mozambique’s National Coastal Management Policy.

The collaboration under Norad has strengthened Mozambique's capacity for environmental management. The collaboration has laid solid foundations for expanding and developing fruitful partnerships. UNEP-WCMC is playing an active role in Mozambique’s journey towards sustainable ocean management..  

UNEP-WCMC has forged impactful relationships with country partners and its track record is paving the way for future successful collaborations. UNEP-WCMC looks forward to working with Norad to expand efforts into new regions and to broaden relationships within existing countries. 

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