Comments on Improving NSP Guidance Document Cambodia and the Philippines

Overall Structure 1. Title to be made more clear: NSP for Mercury Reduction 2. Additional Annexes – Sample Form Budget, Format for Questionnaire 3. Consistency of terms, ie. National Strategic Plan on ASGM 4. Usefulness of having a section spelling out definitions or acronyms.

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

STEP 1: Coordinating Mechanism - Advisory Group members to add qualification of members with national or regional presence, if none need to establish 2 nd level threshold - Consultations must be emphasized with from 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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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