CES-MED is a programme financed by the European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument (ENPI), which is the main financial mechanism through which assistance is given to the European Neighbourhood Policy countries. ENPI has been operational since 1 January 2007 and is the main source of financing for the 17 partner countries (ten Mediterranean and six East European countries, plus Russia). It replaces earlier financing instruments including TACIS for the East and MEDA to the South and builds most directly on the MED-PACT programme.
The Context
Urban development and sustainable energy challenges in the Southern Mediterranean countries:
Today, about 460 million people live in countries in the Mediterranean region. Of these, two-thirds live in urban areas concentrated in coastal zones. The southern Mediterranean countries account for over 30% of the region’s population and this percentage is continuously increasing. Most cities in the southern Mediterranean region face similar challenges related to urban development, energy supply, and environmental management, particularly as regards to water and waste management. Needs in areas of urban management are particularly significant: e.g. transport systems, water and waste infrastructure, clean energy and energy saving.
Hence, over the coming years, needs related to urban development and sustainable energy are expected to increase sharply in view of growing population and limited sustainable planning and management capacities.
Overall Objective
The overall objective of the project “Cleaner Energy Saving Mediterranean Cities” is to support the local authorities in the ENPI South Mediterranean Partner Countries to respond more actively to sustainable policy challenges.
Project Purpose
The purpose of this contract is to develop the capacities of local authorities in the region to formulate and implement more sustainable local policies, such as those implied by joining the Covenant of Mayors and developing the related Sustainable Energy Action Plans(SEAPs). Closely linked to this, the project will also contribute to making national authorities more aware of and responsive to the need for and advantages of a strong involvement of cities in policy issues which has a direct impact on them – such as localwaste and water management, urban mobility and transport, local energy use etc.
Expected Results
1. Improved knowledge of the ENPI South national authorities on the role of Local Authorities in the field of sustainable policy and progress in the design and implementation of support at national level of this role (for instance: via relevant legislation/regulation, national strategies, state programmes, etc.);
2. Increased capacity of ENPI South Local Authorities with regards to the development and implementation of sustainable policies, including CO2 reductions, expressed by an increase of the use of the participatory methodology and in the application of local policies covering issues such as renewable energy and energy efficiency, efficient water and waste management, use of environment-friendly public transport and mobility means, sustainable urban planning,
3. Improved awareness and involvement of the local population with regard to sustainable local policies, including sustainable energy;
4. Improved implementation of the Covenant of Mayors in the region. A number of cities in the Mediterranean sign up to the Covenant of Mayors and develop and implement Sustainable Energy Action Plans that are of good quality;
5. Two regional focal points (one in the Maghreb & one in the Mashreq) are established, and able to become Covenant Coordinators/Supporters and/or Covenant of Mayors Offices at a later stage.
