Evaluation and assessment of capacity building approaches in environmental protection

The study aimed at an evaluation and assessment of existing approaches to and measures for capacity building in the context of the ongoing evaluation of Capacity Building measures. This review highlighted the differences between for example the GEF/UNDP "Capacity Development Initiative" and the current UNEP approach to capacity building in the field of environmental policy.

In order to answer the central question, i.e. to what extent capacity building measures enhanced the capability of countries to implement effective policies in the context of climate change, the OECD concept "Capacity Development in Environment" was used as a yard stick. This concept offers criteria for the appropriate implementation and efficiency of capacity building measures. It also emphasised that these measures must integrate various policy fields on different political levels in order to ensure coherence of these measures.

The study encompassed a country case study of capacity building measures in Indonesia in order to examine how these general concepts are being implemented on the policy level. Interviews with representatives from Indonesian government entities and nongovernmental organisations and as well as with representatives of donor organisations were foreseen in order to find out to what extent general principals of capacity building measures can and are being followed in project implementation.

The study linked this general assessment of capacity building measures with the ongoing evaluation of capacity building within the UNFCCC. To support this process the study developed practical policy recommendations for the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development that aimed at the promotion of the long-term development of capacities in the context of climate protection.