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Mediterranean Partnership for sustainable energy development (MEDITEP)
[last updated July 12, 2007 3:58 PM]
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General Information
Partnership website(s) |
Expected TimeframeJune 2007 - Open Ended |
Partners
Governments:
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Major Groups:
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UN System:
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Other intergovernmental organizations:
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Other:
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Thematic Focus
Primary Themes:
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Secondary Themes:
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Geographic Coverage
Geographic Scope: Regional
Country(ies) where the partnership is being implemented: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Morocco, Palestian Territory, Occupied, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Turkey |
National Focal Points
This partnership has not made any contact with the national focal points for sustainable development in the countries involved
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Goals and Objectives
Summary of the partnership's goals and objectives
The Southern Mediterranean region is facing high demographic and socio-economic development growths. In this context, energy demand is expected to increase. Presently, 83% of TPES in the region is satisfied by hydrocarbons. According to the OME BAU scenario, this will continue (annual increase of about 4.3% during 2005-2020). Consequently, CO2 emissions are expected to rise by 240% over the same period. This is unsustainable and many options do exist allowing the region evolving in a more sustainable energy development path. The region is indeed endowed with high potential of energy efficiency and renewable energy that need to be better exploited. Indeed, in addition to security of supply concerns, SEMCs need to address urgently climate changes as recent studies (GIEC…) confirm the vulnerability of the region and the important damages of their effects on their economies and development.
The aim of MEDITEP, a think tank on energy in the Mediterranean region, is to pursue and deepen the work already initiated within the “Summer Mediterranean University” (UMET) on the shared concerns adopted from the start: how can energy scenarios in the Mediterranean be followed up and evaluated? How is the situation evolving, how is it placed with respect to the initial and alternative scenarios? Are these scenarios acceptable and what are their impacts? and then to continue exploration of more specific topics: territories and sustainable development, globalization and new energy markets, investments & financing tools, technological innovation, technology transfer, research and development, regional cooperation, climate change, etc.
Several organisations and initiatives already work on these issues, but link and dialogue are missing. These are very important and need to be established in a stable way in order to allow better cooperation and facilitate convergence of efforts and achieve a sustainable development in the region.
Thus, the objectives of MEDITEP are to:
- Create a common framework for dialogue among all stakeholders from decisions makers to civil society on sustainable energy prospect in the region with particular focus on energy efficiency, access to energy and renewable energy;
- Investigate emerging concerns that need to be addressed and promote the dialogue and research on them;
- Make proposals to decision makers, international organizations, etc. on how to enhance sustainable energy in the region and to continue to instill a sense of urgency as to the decisions to take;
- Exchange experiences, knowledge and best practices;
- Promote networking on specific topics to be defined;
- Foster research, training, expertise and capacity building;
- Broad dissemination of information and awareness;
- Provide a single window information as a strong tool allowing update and exhaustive information on energy and sustainable development in the Mediterranean region, linking together institutions and initiatives working on these issues on the region.
The aim of MEDITEP, a think tank on energy in the Mediterranean region, is to pursue and deepen the work already initiated within the “Summer Mediterranean University” (UMET) on the shared concerns adopted from the start: how can energy scenarios in the Mediterranean be followed up and evaluated? How is the situation evolving, how is it placed with respect to the initial and alternative scenarios? Are these scenarios acceptable and what are their impacts? and then to continue exploration of more specific topics: territories and sustainable development, globalization and new energy markets, investments & financing tools, technological innovation, technology transfer, research and development, regional cooperation, climate change, etc.
Several organisations and initiatives already work on these issues, but link and dialogue are missing. These are very important and need to be established in a stable way in order to allow better cooperation and facilitate convergence of efforts and achieve a sustainable development in the region.
Thus, the objectives of MEDITEP are to:
- Create a common framework for dialogue among all stakeholders from decisions makers to civil society on sustainable energy prospect in the region with particular focus on energy efficiency, access to energy and renewable energy;
- Investigate emerging concerns that need to be addressed and promote the dialogue and research on them;
- Make proposals to decision makers, international organizations, etc. on how to enhance sustainable energy in the region and to continue to instill a sense of urgency as to the decisions to take;
- Exchange experiences, knowledge and best practices;
- Promote networking on specific topics to be defined;
- Foster research, training, expertise and capacity building;
- Broad dissemination of information and awareness;
- Provide a single window information as a strong tool allowing update and exhaustive information on energy and sustainable development in the Mediterranean region, linking together institutions and initiatives working on these issues on the region.
Targets and Progress
Partnership targetsThe targets of MEDITEP are to:
- Provide a unique exhaustive tool of information as "a single window on energy and sustainable development in the Mediterranean" (website, database, useful links, newsletter, Euro-Mediterranean journal for Sustainable energy, position papers on crucial issues) facilitating thus quick access to update, brief and exhaustive information on energy in the region (on different aspects, institutional, financial, opportunities for cooperation, etc.); - Identify adapted conditions and means of implementation (trade, finance, technology transfer, etc.) for sustainable energy; - Promote the link and dialogue between institutions and initiatives working on energy and sustainable development issues in the region in order to develop contacts and cooperation which will support and facilitate achieving their objectives in a more efficient way; - Organize regular workshops on specific topics of common interest and an annual event “the Summer Mediterranean University on energy in the Mediterranean region - UMET” to review progress achieved and take common decisions for future activities, common position on specific topics to be delivered to concerned stakeholders (European Commission, World Bank, ministries, etc.); - Enhance the regional cooperation in the field of research through exchange of researchers and launch of annual thesis work on emerging and new topics; - Make the link between energy and climate change policies for example through facilitating clean development mechanism projects in the region, promoting changes in the unsustainable patterns of consumption and production and supporting the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development; - Develop capacity building activities, including for local authorities. |
Progress against targetsBehind the proposed Initiative is the UMET (Summer Mediterranean University on Energy and Sustainable Development in the Mediterranean region). UMET was set up five years ago and since, 5 events have been organised, involving the main players in energy and the environment in the Mediterranean.
During the fourth edition, a demand emerged, expressed by various partners present, to further develop the framework of these meetings and stressed the need to strengthen this initiative in order to inform and create awareness, to debate and exchange, to foster research, training and expertise, to develop cooperation throughout the Mediterranean region, and to continue to instill a sense of urgency as to the decisions that must be taken in the fields of energy and sustainable development. UMET partners and participants particularly underscored the absolute necessity of greater collaboration between all involved, whether they came from the North or South of the Mediterranean, from consumer countries or producer countries, and whether they be political, industrial or financial players. They stressed that UMET had made a significant contribution in this regard and called for strengthened work on this collaboration. As a consequence, it has been decided at the closure of UMET5 to evolve UMET into a CSD Partnership on energy and sustainable development in the Mediterranean region. |
Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer
Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer
- Human resources development/training
- Education/building awareness
- Institutional strengthening, including local participation
- Technology transfer/exchange
The former sessions of UMET highlighted the needs in term of capacity building in the region and technology transfer. For instance, one of the major topics for the 4th session was the Clean Development Mechanism. UMET thus organised a regional workshop on this topic in cooperation with Plan Bleu in the framework of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development. Several other sessions were also initiated from previous UMETs, including PhDs, training, etc.
Within the MEDITEP partnership, it is proposed to establish a "catalogue" for needs regarding capacity building and technology transfer. A database for both capacity building demand and supply will be established and posted in the MEDITEP website. Capacity building activities will be facilitated and/or implemented by MEDITEP and its partners. Technology transfer will be facilitated through contacts, workshops, etc.
Relationship to International Agreements on Sustainable Development
How the partnership contributes to the implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation
The initiative will contribute towards promoting sustainable energy development in the Mediterranean region while fostering the Euro Mediterranean cooperation in these fields. The initiative will help implement the outcomes of CSD 15 on energy, particularly those recommendations for increasing access to energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy shares.
Relevant Sections of Agenda 21
Relevant Sections of Agenda 21
International cooperation to accelerate sustainable development in developing countries and related domestic policies; Combating poverty; Promoting sustainable human settlement development; Integrating environment and development in decision-making; Protection of the atmosphere; Promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development; Recognizing and strengthening the role of indigenous people and their communities; Strengthening the role of non-governmental organizations: partners for sustainable development; Local authorities' initiatives in support of Agenda 21; Strengthening the role of business and industry; Scientific and technological community; Financial resources and mechanisms; Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and capacity-building; Science for sustainable development; Promoting education, public awareness and training; National mechanisms and international cooperation for capacity-building in developing countries; Information for decision-making
Relevant Sections of the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 Integration of economic, social and environmental objectives; Sectors and issues; Means of implementation
Relevant Sections of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation Introduction ; Poverty eradication ; Changing unsustainable patterns of consumption and production ; Protection and managing the natural resource base of economic and social development ; Sustainable development in a globalizing world ; Sustainable development for Africa ; Means of implementation ; Objectives; Strengthening the institutional framework for sustainable development at the international level; Role and function of the Commission on Sustainable Development; Role of international institutions; Strengthening institutional arrangement for sustainable development at the regional level; Strengthening institutional frameworks for sustainable development at the national level; Participation of major groups
Coordination and Implementation
Coordination Mechanism of the PartnershipMEDITEP will establish a strong and transparent coordination and implementation structure with various acting bodies (which will comprise a Management Committee and a Scientific Committee) and a delivery structure, which will include a regional secretariat and a network of 11 national focal points in the targeted countries (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, PNA, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey). The focal points will be in permanent contact with the regional secretariat.
The programme of MEDITEP will be composed of: - website and information tools, - implementation of key priority activities as defined by the Scientific committee and taking into consideration the regional specific needs and the donor interests; - organisation of an annual event. MEDITEP strives to avoid duplication and will look for cooperation with other initiatives such as REEEP, MEDREP, etc. |
Implementation Mechanism of the Partnership- Elaboration of a single window information tool on energy and sustainable development in the Mediterranean region including links to partners, initiatives, projects … structured around topics. The website will also give a synthesis and update information on major issues and events in regard with energy and sustainable development in the region. It will include a database for major contacts, projects, requests for cooperation opportunities, capacity building and technology transfer needs and programmes. The website will be set in a way that it will facilitate access to information, awareness, cooperation and dialogue between all stakeholders;
- Identification of priority topics to be addressed for capacity building and organisation of capacity building and training activities; - Facilitation of researchers exchange and PhD preparation both in Northern and Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries. A network of research institutions will be set up; - Organisation of an annual event “the Summer Mediterranean University” on a specific topic to be decided by the Scientific Committee. The General Assembly of MEDITEP will meet twice a year and will be co-chaired by two high level representatives, one from the NMCs and one from the SEMCs. The mandate of the co-presidents will be of 3 years. |
Resources
Funding Currently AvailableAmount in US$: 150,000
Source(s): Government - Private sector - IGO
ADEME (France), EDF (France), Gaz de France (France), CEA (France), ENEL (Italy), INSTN (France), Tunisian Ministry for Industry (Tunisia), ANME (Tunisia), STEG (Tunisia), ETAP (Tunisia), Ecole Polytechnique de Tunisie (Tunisia), IEPF (Canada) |
Non-financial resources availableType(s): Computers - Office space - Staff
Source(s): IGO
Observatoire Méditerranéen de l’Energie (OME) (France) |
Funding SoughtRequired Amount in US$: 800,000
Source(s) already approached: AFD (France), Italian Ministry for Environment, French Ministry for Industry, Areva, Lafarge, Veolia, CDC, Suez.
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Non-financial resources soughtRequirement(s):
Source(s) approached and details:
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Additional Information
Additional Relevant Information
The next edition of UMET and hopefully the kick-off meeting of MEDITEP will be organised in Tunisia on 4 to 6 November 2007 under the hospices of HE the Minister of Energy and Industry of Tunisia.