The Environmental Advisory Team (EAT) provides high level and independent advisory, planning and review functions to the program and assists the program owners AusAID and MOFCOM in setting the strategic direction for the ACEDP. The EAT comprises core members, a Quality Assurance Advisor, and eminent experts as required.

The main function of core members is to provide high-level scientific/technical policy and programming advice, guidance and support to the ACEDP to ensure the strategic focus and objectives of the ACEDP remain appropriate and selected activities contribute to the agreed program objectives. The number of core members is at the discretion of the two governments.

The function of the Quality Assurance Advisor (QAA) is to monitor the processes employed by the ACEDP and the EAT. Working similar to a process engineer, the QAA guarantees that ACEDP management systems and operational procedures are optimised while at the same time flexible enough to accommodate changing policy priorities by the two governments.

The EAT exercises its governance function through independent advice on strategic direction, optimisation of management processes and appraisal of activities submitted for funding.