ATPS ENVIRONMENTAL

POLICY2018

ATPS ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 2018

African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)The Chancery, 8th Floor, Valley Road
P. O. Box 10081-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: executivedirector@atpsnet.org
Phone No: +254-202714092

Date: February, 2018

Introduction and Rationale
The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) is a trans-disciplinary network of researchers,
policymakers, private sector actors, and civil society dedicated to promoting the generation,dissemination, and application of science, technology, and innovation (STI) for African development,
environmental sustainability, and global inclusion. ATPS collaborates with like-minded institutions toprovide platforms for innovative policy research, supporting African governments and STI institutions inbuilding the necessary knowledge conditions, infrastructures, policies, and incentives for the effective
valorization and commercialization of scientific and indigenous knowledge into new technologies andinnovations for sustainable development.
Given the increasing environmental challenges faced by the African continent, including climate change,
biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, it is imperative for ATPS to adopt a comprehensive
Environmental Policy. This policy underscores ATPS’s commitment to integrating environmental
sustainability into all aspects of its activities, ensuring that STI initiatives contribute positively to ecologicalpreservation and climate resilience. By embedding environmental considerations into its operations andcollaborations, ATPS aims to support sustainable development goals and foster a greener, more resilient
Africa.
Key Terms
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): A process used to evaluate the environmental effects
of a proposed project or development, considering both the positive and negative impacts, andproposing measures to mitigate adverse effects.

Sustainable Practices: Actions and approaches that meet the needs of the present withoutcompromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, focusing on resource
efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental conservation.

Green Technologies: Innovations and technologies that have a reduced environmental impact,
contributing to sustainability by minimizing pollution, reducing waste, and conserving naturalresources.

Mitigation Strategies: Measures implemented to reduce, minimize, or eliminate the adverse
environmental impacts of a project or activity.

Stakeholders: Individuals or groups with an interest or concern in the activities and outcomes ofATPS, including researchers, policymakers, private sector actors, civil society, and localcommunities.

Baseline Studies: Initial assessments conducted to gather data on the current state of theenvironment, serving as a reference point for evaluating the impacts of proposed activities.

1

Goals and Objectives
Goals
1. Integrate Environmental Sustainability into STI: Ensure that all science, technology, andinnovation activities within ATPS and its partners prioritize environmental sustainability.
2. Foster Green Innovation: Promote the development and commercialization of environmentally
sustainable technologies and innovations.
3. Enhance Stakeholder Capacity: Build the capacity of stakeholders to address environmental
challenges through education, training, and knowledge sharing.
4. Support Sustainable Policy Development: Provide evidence-based policy recommendations tointegrate sustainable practices into STI policies and strategies.
5. Facilitate Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships among diverse stakeholders
to collectively address environmental challenges.
6. Raise Environmental Awareness: Increase awareness and understanding of environmental
sustainability within the STI community and beyond.
Objectives
1. Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments: Implement comprehensive EIAs for all projects toidentify and mitigate potential negative environmental impacts.
2. Implement Sustainable Practices: Promote and adopt sustainable practices in all research,development, and innovation activities.
3. Develop Training Programs: Create and deliver training programs focused on environmental
sustainability for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders.
4. Organize Knowledge-Sharing Events: Host workshops, seminars, and conferences to facilitate theexchange of knowledge and best practices on environmental sustainability.
5. Provide Policy Recommendations: Generate and disseminate actionable policy
recommendations to support the formulation and implementation of environmentallysustainable policies.
6. Support Green Technologies: Advocate for and provide support for the development andcommercialization of green technologies, including securing funding and technical assistance.
7. Engage Stakeholders: Actively involve stakeholders in environmental sustainability efforts,
ensuring their input and concerns are considered.
8. Monitor and Evaluate Environmental Impact: Develop performance indicators and conduct
regular audits to measure the environmental impact of STI activities, ensuring compliance withsustainability goals.

2Policy Framework
Environmental Integration in STI Activities
Environmental Impact Assessments:
Pre-Project Assessments: Conduct thorough EIAs before the initiation of any project toidentify potential negative environmental impacts.

Scoping: Define the scope and key environmental issues to be assessed, including airquality, water resources, soil integrity, biodiversity, and human health.

Baseline Studies: Perform baseline environmental studies to gather data on the currentstate of the environment.

Impact Analysis: Analyze the potential environmental impacts of proposed activities,
including both direct and indirect effects.

Mitigation Strategies: Develop strategies to mitigate identified negative impacts,
ensuring that any adverse effects are minimized or eliminated.

Public Participation: Engage local communities and stakeholders in the EIA process toincorporate their input and concerns.

Reporting: Prepare comprehensive EIA reports detailing findings, mitigation measures,and monitoring plans.

Review and Approval: Submit EIA reports to relevant regulatory bodies for review andapproval before project commencement.

Monitoring and Compliance: Implement continuous environmental monitoring programs
to ensure compliance with EIA recommendations and regulatory requirements.

Post-Project Audits: Conduct post-project environmental audits to assess theeffectiveness of mitigation measures and overall environmental performance.

Sustainable Practices: Implement and promote sustainable practices in research, development,
and innovation activities, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and resource conservation.

Green Procurement: Prioritize the procurement of environmentally friendly products andservices.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
Training Programs: Develop and offer training programs on environmental sustainability forresearchers, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Workshops and Conferences: Organize and participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences
to share knowledge and best practices on sustainability.

3

Publications and Resources: Create and disseminate educational materials, research findings, andcase studies on environmental issues and sustainable practices.

Policy Development and Advocacy
Research and Data Collection: Conduct research to generate data and evidence that support
sustainable policy development.

Policy Recommendations: Provide actionable policy recommendations to governments andinstitutions to promote environmentally sustainable practices.



Advocacy Campaigns: Lead and support advocacy campaigns to raise awareness and promote
environmental sustainability in STI.

Innovation and Commercialization
Support for Green Technologies: Offer support, including funding and technical assistance, forthe development and commercialization of green technologies.

Incentives for Sustainability: Advocate for incentives and funding opportunities for projects andstartups focused on environmental sustainability.

Intellectual Property Support: Assist innovators in securing intellectual property rights forenvironmentally sustainable technologies.

Collaboration and Partnerships


Network Building: Facilitate the creation of networks and partnerships among stakeholders toaddress environmental challenges.

Collaborative Projects: Support and participate in collaborative projects that promote
environmental sustainability.

Global Engagement: Engage with international organizations and networks to share knowledge,resources, and best practices.

Monitoring and Evaluation
Performance Indicators: Develop and implement indicators to measure the environmental
impact of STI activities.

Regular Audits: Conduct regular environmental audits of projects and initiatives to ensurecompliance with sustainability goals.

Annual Reporting: Publish annual reports on the progress and impact of ATPS's environmental
sustainability efforts.

4Implementation Strategy


Leadership and Governance: Establish a dedicated Environmental Sustainability Committee
within ATPS to oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of this policy.

Resource Allocation: Secure funding and allocate necessary resources to support environmental
sustainability initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engage stakeholders at all levels to ensure broad-basedsupport and participation in sustainability efforts.

Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update the policy to reflect new knowledge,
technologies, and best practices in environmental sustainability.

Conclusion
The ATPS Environmental Policy represents our commitment to integrating environmental sustainability
into all aspects of our work. By fostering collaboration, enhancing knowledge, supporting policy
development, and promoting innovative solutions, ATPS will play a pivotal role in addressing
environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development across Africa.

5African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)Contact Executive Director:
executivedirector@atpsnet.org
8th Floor Chancery Building,Valley Road
P. O. Box 10081-00100, Nairobi
Tel: +254 (020) 2714092
www.atpsnet.org

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ANDINNOVATION FOR AFRICAN
DEVELOPMENT