Comments on Improving NSP Guidance Document Cambodia and the Philippines

1. Comments on Improving NSP Guidance DocumentCambodia and the Philippines

2. Overall Structure • Title to be made more clear: NSP for Mercury Reduction • Additional Annexes – Sample Form Budget, Format for Questionnaire • Consistency of terms, ie. National Strategic Plan on ASGM • Usefulness of having a section spelling out definitions or acronyms.

3. Section 1: Background and Rationale • Include a portion on why it is important for countries to develop an NSP. • Focus of NSP – priority on mercury, however there opportunity to address other factors as well. • Reformat section – not FAQ format, uses Sections as follows: • Definition and Scope of ASGM • UNEP Mandate • Issues and Concerns on ASGM • Rationale should address the What, Why, and How’s of ASGM in a given country

4. STEP 1: Coordinating Mechanism • Advisory Group members to add qualification of members with national or regional presence, if none need to establish 2nd level threshold • Consultations must be emphasized withfrom Step 1 to Step 4) • Add a section on the need for a consultation process • Add Local Government in the list • Some issues in the Section not fully applicable to all countries, may need adjustment

5. SECTION 2: Introduction and Background • Introduction and Background is redundant just use one heading, either background or introduction

6. STEP 2: Data Gathering • In stressing the need for an accurate baseline data, also include or suggest a timeframe to conduct this. • If there is discussion on legal, there also needs to be a discussion on the political element surrounding the issue • In cases where there is a gap in the information, proposals for conducting additional studies may need to be placed in the section on Implementation Strategy • Suggest steps in cases on how to bridge information gaps.

7. STEP 3: Setting Goals and Objectives • Clarify timeline envisioned by theGuidance Document • Provide a different paradigm, e.g. SWOT analysis, instead of SMART to provide countries flexibility on how to formulate Goals and Objectives

8. STEP 4: Implementation • Outreach Plan – Guidance should emphasize that a more detailed Outreach Plan will need to be achieved. However, what the NSP can provide are priorities but more detailed Outreach Plan would be needed. • Include suggestion for regional or sub-region IEC work groups to be formed

9. STEP 5: Evaluation Mechanism • Evaluation Section should close the loop - also include monitoring of the implementation of the Plan • Include Regional Working advisory group to conduct the evaluation in the implementation Project. Participating NSP Project countries to be members (purpose to recommend continuing improvement, to check proper implementation). • Cross-audit would be useful in the Guidance, membership will involve NSP Project Countries in the region to ensure balance.

10. ANNEX III: List of Resources • Need to add additional resources from other stakeholders as well.