Regional Executing Agency

Organization of American States Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment - OSDE/OAS

The Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment  is the principal technical arm of the OAS General Secretariat for responding to the needs of the member states on matters of sustainability and environmental preservation within an economic development context. Technical issues addressed by the OSDE include transboundary management of water resources, reduction of vulnerability to natural hazards, public participation in decision-making, climate change'/sea-level rise, coastal zone management, renewable energy planning and biodiversity.

The OSDE/OAS is the regional executing agency. It is responsible for the technical supervision and coordination of the Project, and the administration of the GEF funds.

To fulfill its obligations, the OSDE/OAS has appointed a General Coordinator at the GS/OAS Headquarters, in Washington, D.C., who is responsible for the day to day supervision and coordination of the Project. The Chief for the Geographic Area II (Latin America) oversees all the activities.

Overall, the OSDE/OAS is responsible for making sure that the requirements and technical specifications of the Projects are followed.

The OSDE/OAS is responsible for:

1. Ensuring that the set forth objective are met.

2. Guiding, supervise and coordinate the activities of the Technical Coordinators of Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

3. Enforcing the agreements reached by the Steering Committee.

4. Administering the GEF funds. Authorize the allocation and disbursement of funds in the countries.

5. Contracting and guide the Technical Coordinators and Consultants.

6. Revising and approve progress reports prepared by the Technical Coordinators, and Consultants who report directly to the OSDE.

7. Preparing operational and financial progress reports for submission to UNEP and the governments of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, upon their request.

8. Assisting the Technical Units with the preparation of programs and background documentation for meetings of the Steering Committee.

9. Assisting the Technical Units with the preparation of documents, particularly the SAP and GEF Project Brief.