Evaluation of the global implementation of the UNIDO-UNEP National Cleaner Production Centres (NCPC) Programme

Since 1994 UNIDO and UNEP cooperate in a Programme to establish National Cleaner Production Centres (NCPCs) in developing and transition countries. An evaluation was conducted in 2007 when the Programme covered 37 countries. The programme evaluation was based on three information sources: a review of Programme strategy and management; self-evaluation by NCPC directors; and independent reviews of 18 NCPCs. It was found that NCPCs had been successful in putting Cleaner Production (CP) on the agenda of business and government, training of professional staff, implementation of low and intermediate technology options in assisted companies and policy change in some countries. An overall assessment was made on six assessment criteria: relevance; effectiveness; efficiency; sustainability; capacity development; and ownership. Limitations in articulation and implementation of the Programme strategy, the complexity of inter-agency cooperation and diversity among Programme countries globally, had a somewhat negative impact on the programme assessment, which was regardless on average satisfactory. It was concluded that the Programme had great potential, as relevance of CP was rising, due to worsening industrial pollution, resource scarcity, globalisation and resulting market pressure. The challenge remained to adapt to the changing interests and diversifying demands from governments and private sector globally.