Expanding the opportunities of the Mangystau region in achieving sustainable development and socio-economic modernization MPTF OFFICE ANNUAL PROGRAMME NARRATIVE PROGRESS REPORT REPORTING PERIOD: 1 JANUARY – 31 DECEMBER 2015 Country, Locality(s), Priority Area(s) / Strategic Programme Title & Project Number Results • Programme Title: “Expanding the opportunities Kazakhstan, Mangystau region of the Mangystau region in achieving sustainable Priority area/ strategic results development and socio-economic • Reduction of inequities and disparities in social modernization” well-being for the vulnerable populations, • Programme Number: increase of employment, improving key health • MPTF Office Project Reference Number: indicators • Enhancement of the capacities of local government to plan for diversified and balanced local economic growth and expansion of income generation opportunities and local self- governance development • Formation and use of sustainable development practices in response to the current problems caused by climate change, natural and man-made aspects of development Participating Organization(s) Implementing Partners UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, • The Ministry of National Economy of the UN Women, and WHO Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of Mangystau Region Programme/Project Cost (US$) Programme Duration Total approved budget as per project document: Overall Duration $8,259,333 30 months JP Contribution Agency Contribution: UNDP ($700,000); UNICEF ($306,500); WHO Start Date ($250,000); UNHCR ($90,000); UNFPA ($70,000); 8 July 2014 UN WOMEN $40,000; UNESCO ($33,000) Government Contribution: $6,769,833 Original End Date 31 December 2016 Other Contributions (donors): Current End date 31 December 2016 TOTAL: $8,259,333 Programme Assessment/Review/Mid-Term Eval. Report Submitted By Assessment/Review o Name: Norimasa Shimomura Yes No o Title: UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Mid-Term Evaluation Report Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Yes No o Participating Organization (Lead): UNDP o Email address: [email protected] Page 1 of 69 CONTENTS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................... 4 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................................................... 5 NARRATIVE REPORTING ON RESULTS ......................................................................................................... 6 Objective 1: By the end of 2016, inequities and disparities in social well-being for the vulnerable populations are reduced, employment is increased, key health indicators are improved ............................... 6 Objective 2: By the end of 2016, the capacities of local government to plan for diversified and balanced local economic growth are enhanced and income generation opportunities are expanded and local self-governance developed ................................................................................................................................... 22 Objective 3: By the end of 2016, sustainable development practices in response to the current problems caused by climate change, natural and man-made aspects of development, including energy efficiency in the housing sector and sustainable environmental management are established and used ............. 28 INDICATOR BASED PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT ................................................................................. 34 SPECIFIC STORIES ............................................................................................................................................ 52 ANNEX 1. BUSINESS PROJECTS SUPPORTED WITHIN THE JOINT PROGRAMME ............................. 55 ANNEX 2. THE LIST OF ACTIVITIES IN 5 DISTRICTS OF MANGYSTAU REGION ............................... 57 Page 2 of 69 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS JP – Joint Programme CEDAW – Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women CMC – Community Multimedia Centres IWRM – Integrated Water Resources Management CRM – Climate Risk Management DRR-– Disaster Risk Reduction EVAW – Ending violence against women FOE – Freedom of Expression FOI – Freedom of Information IFAS - International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea ICH - Intangible Cultural Heritage ICTs – Information and Communication Technologies IHD – Intangible Cultural Heritage LED - A light-emitting diode LLP – Limited liability partnership MCO – Multi-Country Office MIL – Media and Information Literacy MOHSD – Ministry of Health and Social Development NCD – non-communicable diseases NGO – Non-government organizations RP – Responsible Party SME – Small and micro enterprises PF – Public fund UNDP – the United Nations Development Programme UNESCO - the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture UNFPA – the United Nations Population Fund UNICEF - the United Nations Children’s Fund UNHCR - the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UN Women - The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women WHO – World Health Organization Page 3 of 69 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In September 2015 at the UN Summit, the Member States of the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2016-2030 at its core that aim to end extreme poverty, promote equity and opportunity for all, and protect the planet, in close partnership among the nations. Kazakhstan presents a unique case of development in Eastern Europe and the CIS region. It has reached at least half of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and even set more ambitious MDG+. The country is an example of a forward-looking state, which is proved by its national strategies and sectoral programmes, its achievements and the roles it has played in the global arena. Yet the regional disparities continue to be a challenge for Kazakhstan. In light of economic slowdown, the regional development in Kazakhstan is becoming even more important as the country moves towards sustainable and regionally balanced growth. At his latest address to the people of Kazakhstan “Kazakhstan in the Global Reality: Growth, Reforms and Development” in November, 2015 the President Nazarbayev urged for a need to revisit the expenses for the regional development programmes, in order to combat the inefficient use of budget funds. This local development programme was developed at the request of the Government of Kazakhstan to address widening social and regional disparities using the Mangystau oblast as a pilot. The programme brings the best UN can offer in economic, social and environmental sectors such as ensuring equitable access to public goods and services; piloting innovative approaches in health and social services provision; strengthening self-governance, and application of sustainable environmental practices. The present report outlines what has been accomplished and learned and what challenges have been encountered in 2015. This Consolidated Annual Narrative Report on activities implemented under the Joint Programme covers the period from 1 January to 31 December 2015. This report is in fulfilment of the reporting requirements set out in the Standard Administrative Arrangement (SAA) concluded between the Administrative Agent (UNDP MPTF Office) and the Donor. In line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Report is consolidated based on information and data submitted by Participating Organizations. The report provides a comprehensive overview of achievements and challenges associated with the Joint Programme, enabling to make strategic decisions and correction measures where required. The UN agencies’ work as one front and in close collaboration with the regional authorities and civil society, complementing each other’s expertise are moving towards the Joint Programme’s targets has resulted in notable changes. More children, elderly, PWDs, oralmans, stateless persons receive better social and other services with less people, including children, living under the subsistence level. The process of obtaining the required documents for persons with undetermined nationality was simplified ensuring their adaptation. There are increased opportunities for patients to voice their concerns over health care, engage with health providers and participate in their own well-being. The specific actions have been taken to preserve heritage of the region and a significant number of economic opportunities have been created by applying innovative technologies for green energy and economy. Innovative thinking and gender mainstreaming have created new economic opportunities and improved access to information has created novel opportunities to engage and participate in governance, increasing full inclusion into society for many vulnerable people in Mangystau. The capacity building on local self-government has ensured more opportunities for rural development, better compliance to the legislation and introduction of innovations in remote rural areas. This rural development is also reflected in the improvement of the Ginni coefficient that reflects income disparities. Inclusive projects supported by UN have ensured new jobs for local people including for PWD. Irrigation activities of more than 10 thousand hectares of desert lands have created better economic