Call for Proposals: Awareness Campaign on Chemicals and Waste Management (Montenegro)

Deadline: 20-Aug-24

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is currently implementing the project “Strengthening Synergy among the Basel, Stockholm, Rotterdam, and Minamata Conventions” with the primary goal of linking the aforementioned conventions at the national level and enhancing collaboration between institutions, the health sector, civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the domain of chemicals and waste management.

The Awareness Campaign on Chemicals and Waste is a crucial initiative aimed at educating the general public about the adverse effects of chemicals on the environment and human health, as well as promoting proper waste management practices to mitigate negative impacts. This project task is aligned with the National Implementation Plan of the Minamata Convention, focusing on engaging Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in educating, informing, and mobilizing the public on these significant issues.

Purpose

• The purpose of this Call for Proposals is to solicit innovative and effective project ideas aimed at enhancing public knowledge and engagement regarding the safe management of chemicals and waste. This initiative seeks to educate diverse populations about the risks and safe practices related to chemicals and waste, promote protective measures for waste operators.
• The proposals should focus especially on those groups at higher risk and increased vulnerability of being affected by harmful chemicals and waste management practices, and foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the scientific community.
• Additionally, it aims to raise awareness among businesses about their legal responsibilities concerning chemical and waste legislation, ensuring compliance and sustainable practices.
• The call also focuses on developing targeted campaigns that address the specific needs of populations at higher risk and increased vulnerability and encourage the development of new, creative approaches for effectively communicating and managing chemical and waste safety information.

Objectives

• The objective of the assignment is to engage a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in developing and implementing an awareness campaign on chemicals and waste. Specifically, the assignment aims to:
  • Raise awareness about the detrimental effects of chemicals on the environment and human health.
  • Promote proper waste management practices to alleviate environmental pollution.
  • Inform groups at higher risk and increased vulnerability of being affected by harmful chemicals and waste management practices, scientific and business communities, as well as the general public about the risks associated with chemicals and waste, along with preventive measures.
  • Enhance the knowledge and interest of NGOs in matters pertaining to chemicals and waste management.
• The NGO can engage an official partner organization to collaborate on the project. The partner can be another NGO, academic institution, media or related organization. The partner organization should complement the NGO’s efforts by contributing additional expertise, resources, and networks to ensure the effective implementation of the awareness campaign.
• Ultimately, the goal is to contribute to the creation of a sustainable and safe environment for all citizens through education, awareness-raising, and advocacy efforts led by the NGO.

Scope

• Interested NGOs should submit a project proposal that should include activities to address the awareness needs of the different target groups in Montenegro – general public, waste operators, at-risk groups, national authorities, relevant businesses etc. In delivering these activities, cooperation and engagement with local NGOs, institutions, and other relevant stakeholders are encouraged. Proposals envisioning and leveraging wider partnerships will be considered an asset.
• Proposals should include a specific component focusing on raising awareness among populations at higher risk and increased vulnerability to harmful chemicals and waste, including the possible protective measures.
• Additionally, proposals should feature at least one component on raising awareness to improve the awareness of specific businesses about the legal obligations arising out of relevant chemicals and wastes legislation. This should improve businesses’ understanding of their potential exposure to harmful chemicals, such as:
  • exposure of farmers to the POPs in unintentional combustion in agriculture,
  • exposure of waste operators (collectors, importers and exporters of wastes) to the POPs and other harmful chemicals from wastes (such as in disposed electronic equipment),
  • exposure of construction workers to harmful chemicals from building materials and construction wastes etc.
• Project proposals must include plans for creating and distributing communication materials (brochures and leaflets) related to harmful chemicals and waste containing harmful chemicals, proper management and disposal of hazardous waste, exposure and risk from unintentional produced POPs generated from uncontrolled open burnings of the municipal waste in suburban area.

Principles

• The proposed activities have to be based on and clearly reflect the following principles:
  • Alignment with International Conventions
    • Proposals should demonstrate a clear understanding and adherence to the objectives and requirements of the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm, and Minamata Conventions.
    • The projects should align with and support the implementation of National Implementation Plans (NIPs) developed under these conventions.
  • Sustainability and Impact
    • Proposals should outline how the campaign will lead to long term and sustainable changes in behavior and policies regarding chemicals and waste management.
    • Clear, measurable outcomes and indicators for success should be defined, showing how the campaign will reduce hazardous chemicals and waste impacts.
  • Stakeholder Engagement
    • Projects must demonstrate an inclusive approach, engaging various stakeholders, with the focus on the at-risk populations and groups.
    • The proposal should include elements of capacity building for stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the project outcomes.
  • Innovation and Replicability
    • Use of innovative methods and tools for raising awareness on managing chemicals and waste are encouraged.
  • Gender and Social Inclusion
    • The proposals should consider the different ways in which men and women might be affected by harmful chemicals and waste management practices and ensuring equitable access to resources and information.
    • Proposals should incorporate gender-responsive approaches and ensure that both men and women are equally engaged and benefited by the project.
    • Attention must be given to marginalized and at-risk groups, ensuring their inclusion in awareness campaigns and capacity-building activities.
  • Cost-effectiveness
    • The project budget should be realistic and demonstrate cost-effectiveness in achieving the desired outcomes.
    • Where possible, proposals should aim to leverage co-funding or in-kind contributions to maximize the impact of the funds provided.
  • Communication and Outreach
    • A comprehensive communication strategy should be part of the proposal, detailing how the campaign will reach and engage target audiences.
    • Innovative use of media and technology to disseminate information and raise awareness.

Funding Information

• Through this CfP, one (1) project will be funded, in the total amount of up to 20.000 EUR.
• Upon approval, UNDP can require budget revision of granted project, if deemed necessary vis-à-vis relevance and efficiency of costs.

Duration

• Project proposals should include 3-month timeframe, in the period from September to November 2024.

Activities

• Project proposals must include the following activities such as:
  • Organizing Roundtable Discussions:
    • Conducting at least three roundtable discussions, focusing on topics such as harmful chemicals, proper waste management, and risks associated with Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) exposure.
    • Organizing info corners/street actions focusing on informing on harmful chemicals and proper waste management.
  • Preparation and Distribution of Informational Materials:
    • Developing brochures, leaflets, posters, creating stickers and other promo materials addressing harmful chemicals, proper waste management, and risks of POPs exposure.
    • Distributing these materials through NGOs channels and in collaboration with other organizations.
  • Awareness Campaigns for Marginalized and At-Risk Groups and Waste Handlers:
    • Designing and implementing tailored campaigns targeting marginalized and at-risk groups on aforementioned topics.
    • Conducting awareness campaigns highlighting potential protective measures for waste handlers.
  • Information Exchange Events with Students:
    • Organizing events aimed at facilitating information exchange to enhance understanding of an integrated approach to safe chemicals and waste management.
    • Preparation of Gender-Responsive Informational Materials:
    • Developing and disseminating informational materials that address the different ways in which men and women might be affected by harmful chemicals and waste management practices, ensuring equitable access to resources and information for both genders.

Target Groups/Beneficiaries

• The project proposal should target several key groups to improve the safe management of chemicals and waste. Raising awareness campaigns will focus on groups at higher risk of being affected by harmful chemicals and waste management practices, particularly those where risks and access to resources are exacerbated by socio-economic inequalities and geographical factors, as well as the community organizations and NGOs that support them.
• Additionally, a particular campaign will address protective measures for waste operators, especially those at higher risk of being affected by harmful chemicals and waste management practices. An information-sharing event will be organized for the scientific community, including students and academic institutions, to promote an integrative and synergistic approach, while improving public awareness. Furthermore, a campaign will aim to raise awareness among specific businesses, particularly those handling chemicals and waste, about their legal obligations under relevant legislation.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for the assessment of project proposal, the lead applicant has to comply with all of the following criteria, otherwise they will not be considered for funding:
  • To be registered as NGO in Montenegro for at least 5 years
  • To be focused on environmental issues (as defined in legal documents regulating NGO registration)
  • To have specialized knowledge, expertise and track record of working in the area of environment protection, waste and chemicals and other related topics for at least 5 years
  • Their activities, including public announcements and appearances, are fully in accordance with the principles of non-discrimination and full respect for human rights
• Partner organization must comply with all of the following criteria:
  • To be registered in Montenegro for at least 2 years as an entity working on the environmental issues.
  • To have specialized knowledge, expertise and track record of working in the area of environment protection, waste and chemicals and other related topics.
  • Their activities, including public announcements and appearances, are fully in accordance with the principles of non-discrimination and full respect for human rights.

For more information, visit UNDP.