24.  The policy study work of the Council, including Task Forces and Special Study Projects, shall serve as the basis for the Council’s advisory function. The mandates of the policy studies will be defined according to the objectives and tasks of the Council. Decisions to establish policy studies, including Task Forces and Special Study Projects, should be based on careful assessment and coordination according to the Rules of Procedure of the Council.

25.  In order to meet the needs of phase Ⅳ, the Secretariat should further enhance its capacity to carry out relevant tasks, such as: identifying and selecting themes for the annual Council Meeting; coordinating activities of policy study work; organizing relevant assessment meetings; preparing for the establishment of new Task Forces and Special Policy Studies; assessing the accomplishments of policy study work; monitoring the effectiveness of the Council’s recommendations etc.  The Secretariat will work with the support and assistance of the Council’s Chief Advisors on scientific issues.

26.  In order to ensure the effectiveness of research and demonstrations, the establishment of any policy study program should be based on careful assessment, and is contingent on the availability of appropriate expertise and sufficient funding support.  Topics will be selected that will clearly benefit from a combination of international and Chinese expertise and experience.

27.  Policy study projects, including Task Force and Special Policy Study, shall each be co-chaired by one Chinese and one international expert. The members of the study team shall include both Chinese and international experts. 

28.  A policy study project should have clear objectives, tasks, a work plan and work schedule.  It should submit annual reports to the Council at the Annual General Meeting.

IV. Support and Service System

29.  The Secretariat of the Council will be established based on support from the State Environmental Protection Administration of China. Its responsibility is to provide operational support for the Council’s activities.

30.  The Chinese Government will continue to ensure effective arrangements at the working level to encourage full and active participation and support from relevant government departments, research institutions and non-governmental organizations.

31.  The State Environmental Protection Administration will be responsible for inter-ministerial coordination and for supporting the activities of the Council.    

32.  The Council will set up support offices or designate liaison persons in the primary donor’s country to assist and take part in the work of the Secretariat, and to provide support and assistance in the international cooperation activities of the Council when necessary.

33.  The Secretariat should carry out relevant activities to disseminate the research results of the Council to the public, so as to extend the influence of the Council and to encourage active public participation.

V. Financial Arrangements

34.  Financial assistance from Chinese and international sources will be pledged for the activities of CCICED (Phase Ⅳ).

35.  The Council should continuously ensure that its activities are properly related to other international activities in the fields of environment and development, scientific research and investment, so that extensive contacts will be established, and more international support will be mobilized to meet the needs of the Council and its policy studies.

36.  The Council should work actively to obtain contributions and support from private foundations, multilateral financial institutions and other donors. Additional contributions from public and private sources and wider participation will be sought in support of specific activities and necessary studies as required.

The Council welcomes interested international organizations – such as scientific, technical, academic, financial and business organizations – to assist in China’s efforts to achieve economic development in harmony with the protection of the environment, and to make special efforts to support the work of the Council.