Guidelines nr. 4: Guidelines on the Integration of Environment and Climate Change in Development Cooperation

This guide has been prepared by the Natural Resources unit of the Directorate for Quality Support of EuropeAid, with the support of external consultants working under the environmental advisory services and in collaboration with DG DE V, DG RELE X and DG EN V. It has drawn upon consultations with EC staff in Headquarters and Delegations and with environment focal persons from EU Members States’ development agencies, and has benefited from the discussions and contributions received

These guidelines define a comprehensive reference framework for integrating the environment and climate change into the different stages of the cycle of operations for EC development cooperation covering the three aid delivery approaches. They are intended for EC staff and their partners and replace the Environmental Integration Handbook for EC Development Cooperation (2007 edition). The guidelines were revised in 2011 to integrate more elements on Climate Change. They are presented in 6 chapters: Chapters 1-2 provide an introduction and the rationale and main concepts along with the policy framework. Chapters 3-6 focus on programming and aid delivery modalities and illustrate the use of the tools, methods and environmental integration entry points. The Annexes contain sector fiches, screening questionnaires and model terms of reference for Country Environmental Profiles and environmental assessments including Environmental Impact Assessments and Strategic Environmental Assessments.