completed · WASH

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Dev. (ICIMOD), 2017-2022

ICIMOD has applied for support from Sida amounting to 150 000 000 SEK for implementation of ICIMOD's operations in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, according to the plan "Medium Term Action Plan, 2018-2022". ICIMOD is an intergovernmental organization which through regional cooperation generates and shares knowledge to promote sustainble development in the region. The organization's member countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. The ICIMOD's programs contribute to reduced poverty, reduced physical and social vulnerability and improvement of ecosystem services for men, women and children in the region. The Swedish contribution is given as overall program support in order to harmonize the support as far as possible for the effective implementation of the five-year plan. Program support includes support for regional programs, - innovation and integration as well as institutional functions. Planned strategic results are: - Dissemination of innovations and practices developed by ICIMOD and partners for adaptation to changes that result in positive results for men, women and children. E.g.: flood early warning systems and climate change adapted value chains. - Significant progress in the generation and use of relevant data, knowledge and analysis. E.g.: Measure, monitor and manage air pollution levels. - Significant progress in approaches and knowledge supporting gender equality and inclusive development. E.g.: Strengthen women's capacity and leadership roles in agriculture and local decision making bodies. - Significant progress in human and institutional capacity. E.g.: Strengthen the member countries' environmental management authorities. - Significantly affected policies through ICIMOD and partner organizations work. E.g.: contribute to improved environmental legislation in the region. - Strengthened regional cooperation related to sustainable development in mountain areas. E.g.: promote technical exchange between countries and joint management of transboundary natural resources. - Global awareness of the importance of mountain areas for improved and resilient living conditions and ecosystems. E.g.: influence at the global climate negotiations. The Swedish contribution will fund the completion of the current phase in 2017 and a broad program support for ICIMOD's five-year plan 2018-2022. Funding of the new five-year plan is planned with support from 8 donors where Sweden is included. In addition, smaller amounts will be provided from the eight member states. ICIMOD retains approximately 70% of the budget for regional programs and transmits about 30% to partner organizations. Sweden is a longstanding cooperation partner of ICIMOD, and Sweden has during the period 2012-2016 financed two of ICIMOD's initiatives, the climate change adaptation initiative HICAP and the Atmosphere initiative. ICIMOD performs annual audits of third party organizations that receive funds exceeding SEK 505,000. The environmental economics network SANDEE, which has for 15 years been supported with good results under Sweden's Strategy for Research Cooperation, will from 2017 be integrated into ICIMOD and take part of Sweden's new programme support to ICIMOD. SANDEE's results will continue to contribute to the Research Strategy. Sweden will also separately finance a Bilateral Associate Expert (BAE) position at ICIMOD, in the field of water and climate adaptation.