Environment Impact Evaluation

Under Priority Axis 2, €85.5m was invested in nine projects to facilitate the recovery of selected protected habitats and priority species, to develop cross-border capacity for the monitoring and management of marine protected areas and species, to improve the water quality in shared transitional waters, and to improve freshwater quality in cross-border river basins. 

Key Facts

  • €85.5m total funding awarded
  • 9 projects
  • 5,048ha of habitats supported to attain better conservation status
  • 32 Conservation Action Plans
  • 10,000 people benefitting from improved wastewater
  • 1 sewage network/wastewater treatment project

Based on figures at the time of the evaluation and subject to verification.

Cogent Management Consulting LLP was commissioned to undertake a longitudinal impact evaluation of Priority Axis 2 – Environment to assess the effectiveness and impact of the investment, informing the remainder of the Programme and future programming periods, including PEACEPLUS. 

Across three cycles of research, the Evaluation Team conducted desk-based research analysing performance monitoring data, policy documents, and engaged with project stakeholders. The evaluation assessed the impact of the interventions at three stages of implementation, reporting in 2019, 2020 and 2022. All three reports and executive summaries can be accessed below. 

The final impact evaluation in 2022 considers did the projects achieve what they set out to achieve and the difference this has made. The report outlines the challenges faced by the projects including the effects of COVID-19 that affected project delivery and resulted in extensions to project end dates, as well as potential legacy impacts and best practice and learning. Recommendations for future projects and evaluations are also made.

"Whilst the full outcomes and impacts of the actions of the programme may only be observable in the medium-to-long term, the projects offer significant potential to protect and restore protected marine and terrestrial habitats and priority species and improve water quality in transitional waters and cross-border river basins." Evaluation Team, Cogent Management Consulting

Previous reports:

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