The Programming phase is crucial for environmental integration because key decisions concerning the overall co-operation process are made that can be difficult to adjust in later phases. The main environmental integration tool during Programming is the Country Environmental Profile (CEP).
Key Points
What is it?
A report that includes the
analysis of the country's environmental situation, current policies,
institutional capacities and environmental co-operation experience with
clear recommendations for the integration of the environment during CSP
preparation.
What needs to be done by EC staff?
Undertake or contract consultants to undertake the study involving
either the preparation of a new CEP or the revision/update of an
existing CEP. If consultants are commissioned, the Del / Dev/ Relex
prepare ToR.
Under what conditions?
A CEP is required for all beneficiary countries.
When is it needed?
Ideally before the end of the preparation of a CSP.
How long does it take?
The duration and cost of preparing a CEP varies considerably as a
function of the data availability, the size of the country and the
complexity of the environmental issues. Using consultants from
inception to final report takes typically +/- 4 months.
Where is it used?
The CEP is used in the preparation of the CSP/NIP, for policy dialogue
and reference. A summary of the CEP must be annexed to the CSP.
The main contents of a CEP are outlined in the table below :
Summary
Brief presentation of the main environmental problems, the main conclusions and recommendations.
State of the environment
An assessment of the state and trends of the environment in relation to development, including an identification of the main environmental problems to resolve or avoid. This section addresses the relationship between the environment and the social and economic situation, and more particularly between poverty and environment.
Environmental policies and institutions
A presentation of the main features of the institutional, policy and regulatory framework leading to the identification of weaknesses and constraints on the capacity to address main environmental concerns, including a review of the legislation and procedures regarding EIA and SEA.
A review of the international obligations undertaken by the country in the area of environmental protection.
Environment in the main policies and sectors
An identification of links between the main government policies (overall development policy, PRSP, sector policies) and environmental sustainability issues, providing indications on the extent of existing environmental mainstreaming and SEA, with a special attention paid to the “focal sectors” of EC intervention.
Analysis of aid
A description of past and ongoing aid from the EC and other donors in the field of the environment, incorporating lessons learnt from major evaluations.
Assessment of opportunities to collaborate with other donors in pursuing common goals and seeking complementarities.
Conclusions and recommendations
Recommendations on how environmental issues can be most effectively addressed by EC co-operation, their relative priority and the implementation challenges. These must particularly address environmental aspects to take into account under potential focal sectors, including additional studies (such as SEA), capacity building/institutional strengthening, and potential indicators to be used in the NIP. These environmental integration measures may go along with recommendations concerning specific actions targeting the environment as a “focal sector”, i.e. having environmental improvements as the main objective.
The CEP is based on a compilation of available environmental information, the validity and consistency of which should be determined. However the analysis of the information, the conclusions drawn and the recommendations made must have an EC-specific focus.
Regional Environmental Profiles (REP) are used to inform regional co-operation strategies (Regional Strategy Paper – RSP). The REP focuses on environmental issues common to a group of neighbouring countries (including transboundary issues) such as sharing the management of ecosystems, which can be more effectively addressed at the regional level.
List of existing environmental profiles
 CEP Inventory
For ACP countries, CEPs are available on the following sites:
-
The Country's general information page on Europaid, for example Ghana (under 'RELATED LINKS' on the right side)
- The i-centre : in the 'text search criteria', add the word "profil"
- On some delegation's webpage
Useful Sources of Information
Country Level Environmental Analysis: A Review of International Experience, World Bank, 2003
Country Profiles and Mapping Information System, FAO
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Country Environmental Profile 
