Stephen Teeuwen
Senior Advisor Environmental and Social Assessment
The NCEA has been in cooperation under an MOU with the Ministry of Environment of Niger since 2018. In Niger our counterpart is the Bureau Nigerien d’Evaluation Environnementale (BNEE).
In 2026, this MOU has been renewed with a new multiannual plan. Work will focus on promoting Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) with sectoral ministries as well as capacity development in general. In addition, the coaching of the SEA for the Vallée du Niger programme (implemented by RVO) will continue until end of 2027.
Under the previous MOU, the NCEA supported the BNEE in updating their environmental assessment legislation, supporting capacity development, and creating guidance on climate change and ESIA. Since 2021, a large dossier has been the coaching for the SEA of the Vallée du Niger programme. Activities include providing technical input on reports, facilitating high-level meetings of governmental stakeholders and ensuring that SEA can improve good governance, participation and transparency in the strategic decision-making process.
NCEA partners from ten different French-speaking countries exchanged experiences around SEA and collaborative governance.
Strategic Environmental Assessment: How much space to claim on the dance floor? Reflections based on 13 cases in West-Africa.