Environmental management practices must be based on a clear understanding of the underlying environmental systems and their boundaries, and the primary concerns which affect these systems. The use of the EM tools in this document involves careful consideration of the project related impacts associated with the critical environmental and social matters identified here and in the SAM. ENSAP is preparing investment projects with potentially significant spatial (trans-boundary) and temporal impacts, without, however, commensurate authority and mandate to institute and enforce trans-boundary environmental policies to minimize and/or avoid adverse impacts on the physical, social and biological environment.

The development of this document was conducted through two interlinked processes. The first was a process of review and analysis of various documents and guidelines concerning EM tools, procedures, and institutions that were considered to be potentially applicable to the EN region, and relevant to ENTRO’s mandate in particular. This included a review of documents from national environmental authorities, river basin organizations and other intergovernmental organizations, financial institution guidelines, and a number of other documents obtained from Nile-SEC, ENTRO, and NTEAP. 

The second process was that of consultation with members of ENTRO and other authorities and experts in each country, to ensure transparency and inclusiveness of the EMG development process, and incorporate stakeholder input. A series of meetings were held in all three EN countries over the course of the study, during which experts in environmental management and representatives from ENSAP EMG Final Report various related government sectors were invited to discuss the EMG. Important questions regarding issues such as trans-boundary environmental concerns and national sovereignty, proposed institutional setups, and enforcement of environmental practices were addressed, and the input from those consulted has been incorporated into this document.