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Review of the embassy's development assistance portfolio: Climate change and environment climate proofing and greening of the portfolio

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PREAMBLE

The Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi (the Embassy) has requested the assistance from Norad to undertake a Review of the Embassy's portfolio to identify possible ways and means of addressing/integrating appropriate climate change and environmental concerns in existing programs and projects supported by Norway. The Review was commissioned in response to the increased priority given to climate change and environment in Norwegian development cooperation policy. This Review is intended to contribute to "climate proofing" and a "greening" of the Embassy's portfolio. After request from the Embassy, the Review Team also engaged in discussions on the Embassy's draft strategy for Indo-Norwegian Collaboration on Energy, Climate Change and Environment, and provided input to the Embassy's efforts to reduce the environmental and climate change footprints of the Embassy's operation.

The Embassy has been mandated by the Norwegian Government to promote cooperation with India on environment, energy and climate change at the government level, between institutions, and business-to-business. The overall goal of these efforts can be said to be dual: to have real impact in supporting low carbon solutions for economic development in India/ assist India meeting the challenge of climate change, and at the same time contribute to reaching Norwegian national targets.

The Review Team was comprised of Hans Olav Ibrekk and Mari Sofie Furu, both Norad staff. The Team undertook a visit to New Delhi 2 - 6 March 2009. The review is based on desk studies, review of relevant literature and discussions with Embassy officials and counterparts in India. The Team appreciates the assistance and hospitality given by the Embassy. The Embassy submitted comments on the report to Norad 15. May 2009. Based on the received comments and suggestions the Review Team prepared the final report.

The Review Team has provided its independent recommendations and this does not indicate any commitment on behalf of the Embassy to provide additional funding. Based on the review the Embassy is expected to prepare a follow-up plan based on the annual business planning cycle.