Activity B3: Inter-Project Stakeholder Exchange Missions

EA/PAL: IW:LEARN PCU

OTHER PARTNERS: INBO-TWINBASIN, GEF STAP, IUCN, UNESCO-IHP and IOC

DESCRIPTION

• Coordinate inter-project exchanges between GEF IW projects and partners
• This activity builds upon lessons from the 2003 pilot. Objectives include:
• • Exchanging project experience and expertise at the operational level between projects with similar goals, objectives and activities;
  • Mutually increasing capacity for more effective protection of shared resources and sustainable management of transboundary water systems;
  • Documenting and disseminating recommendations and lessons gleaned from the exchanges across participating GEF IW projects.
• The activity brings together project managers, scientists and technical experts, non-governmental organization leaders, and policy makers for exchanges of project experiences and lessons learned during multi-week “learning missions.” The exchanges enable participating institutions to share experience and learn from each other in practical ways through collaborative face-to-face interactions over two to six week periods. To date, a number of projects and their partners (e.g., BCLME, GCLME, HCLME, PEMSEA, PERSGA, IUCN (Mekong and Tanganyika), Globallast, DeltAmerica? (IWRN)) have already requested notification and consideration for exchanges in 2004. Even though the pilot phase necessarily had a short notification period, tight application deadlines, and limited publicity, the interest was widespread and vigorous.

OUTPUTS

5-7 multi-week staff/stakeholder exchanges between pairs of 10-14 projects, at least half of which are new (or pipeline) projects, at a rate of 1-4 exchanges per year for 4 years, through 2008

PROGRESS TO DATE

Year	Goals/Outputs	Status/Notes
1	1-4 multi-week inter-project exchanges	none in year 1
2	1-4 multi-week inter-project exchanges	3 (11 projects) completed - 1. Project Communications @ Danube 2. Nutrient Pollution Reduction @ Moldova 3. Coastal Zone and Tourism Management @ PERSGA
3	1-4 multi-week inter-project exchanges	2 (5 projects) completed - Groundwater Management Study Tour @ USGS, Web 2.0 Technologies & Communities of Practice @ UNDP-Bratislava
4	1-4 multi-week inter-project exchanges	2 (3 projects) completed - Targeted Workshop (1/2): Stakeholder Engagement, TDA/SAP Process 4 planned:  Targeted Workshop(2/2): IWRM/Sustainable Financing, Wetland Restoration and Management, River Basin Commission Formation, LME Twinning

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Application for Stakeholder Exchange
IW:LEARN Mission Report File

PREVIOUS EXCHANGES/OUTPUTS

Large Marine Ecosystem Governance (22 March - 01 April 2009)

Participants & Projects Involved

Humboldt Current Large Marine Ecosystem: Hector Soldi, Marcelo Nilo, Alberto Garcia and Jorge Castillo

Host Institution

Benguela Current Commission

Other Funding Partners

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

The HCLME region extends between 5o and 40 o degrees south Latitude with a high biodiversity and important fisheries managed by two countries, Chile and Peru. A need has been identified to implement an integrated management system through a coordinated framework for the sustainable use of the living marine resources of this LME. 

The HCLME project PIF has just been approved by the GEF and therefore over the coming months Chile and Peru will  be working together to develop a project strategy that will deliver a coordinated and integrated way to implement a comprehensive (ecosystem-based) approach to manage this ecosystem in a sustainable way.

The HCLME Project requests this exchange with the Benguela Current LME to benefit from the experience of this recently implemented project. 

The following are the reasons for this request:
1. The Benguela Current LME project has recently concluded the first phase of the TDA-SAP process and there are important lessons that can be useful to the Humboldt Current LME project as it defines its project strategy.
2. Both projects have similarities since they are located in two of the most important upwelling regions of the world.
3. Both ecosystems are complex and have a highly variable environment that transcends national boundaries and there are important declining fish stocks at stake.
4. The experience of the Benguela Current LME project from the institutional point of view in terms of assessing and managing transboundary issues can be of outmost importance to the Humboldt Current LME project.
5. The experience regarding the design and implementation of a governance structure to manage the resources shared by various countries in a common ocean region would be of great importance in the development of the Humboldt Current LME project and SAP process.

Learning Objectives

To share the experiences (good and bad) of the Benguela Current LME project with the National Coordinating Units of the HCLME in order to enable them to apply them in the design, formulation and development of the project strategy and eventual SAP implementation. .

Specifically the HCLME team would benefit from lessons and practices in the following issues:

•    Problems and challenges with SAP implementation
•    Experiences regarding the role of stakeholders in the project and strategies for effective involvement  
•    Strategies to develop high – level government commitments for  successful project implementation and in particular with the SAP process
•    Experience on specific cases of successes and failures that resulted from the implementation of the BCLME that can be useful to the HCLME.
•    The design and working experience of the present multinational governance system for the management and follow-up of the BCLME.
•    A follow up on the financial aspects of the initiative beyond the GEF funding cycle   

Outputs/Outcomes

•    Enhanced capacity amongst technical level officials of the National Coordinating Units (NCUs) of the two countries of the HCLME to contribute to the successful design and formulation of the GEF project and to implementation of the project objectives
•    To identify best practices within the BCLME that can be applied to the HCLME.
•    To identify individuals and institutions with far-reaching experience in the execution of the BCLME that can provide assistance and support to the HCLME along its implementation process.
•    Identify possible technical cooperation areas between both Projects.
•    Document the experience of the governance system in place for the BCLME as a case study for future design the HCLME.
•    Documented specific success and failure stories that can provide learning experiences on implementing the HCLME.

SAP Implementation and Nutrient Reduction (23-27 March)

Participants & Projects Involved

La Plata River Basin project (UNDP-GEF): Andres Carsen, Hugo Eguila

Host Institution

International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, Regional Enivronment Center, IBRD-GEF Hungary Nutrient Reduction Project

Other Funding Partners

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

The Río de la Plata and its Maritime Front (RPMF) constitute a transitional water system whose resources are shared between the Argentine Republic and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. At a global level it is a unique system, as one of the leading fluvial and river-marine systems in the world, connecting the Río de la Plata Basin (the second largest basin in South America and fourth largest worldwide) to the Atlantic Ocean. It is an integral part of the Patagonian Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) of the south-western continental shelf of South America, and contains globally significant biodiversity. The Río de la Plata is among the richest, most singular and endangered natural areas in the planet.

The FREPLATA  Project is a bi-national initiative that has culminated in the endorsement of a Strategic Action Program (SAP) by a comprehensive range of 37 key stakeholders including 9 ministries, the navy, coast guards, provincial and local authorities, and private sector representatives. This constitutes the broadest SAP endorsement in UNDP’s IW history and is a significant achievement for the GEF IW portfolio. FREPLATA is a pioneering initiative in the region and has generated a huge body of integrated information suitable for an ecosystem approach to sustainable management. It has built capacities across a range of sectors, and enhanced regional cooperation both in public and private spheres to unprecedented levels.  The aim of the project is to contribute to the long term goal of mitigating the degradation of the transboundary environmental resources of the Río de la Plata and its Maritime Front and enhancing the sustainable use of these resources by the inhabitants of the region.

The FREPLATA project requests this exchange to learn from the experiences of the Danube  Regional (ICDPR)

Learning Objectives

To enhance the understanding of the SAP implementation process among key agencies of Argentina and Uruguay.

Specifically to:
•    strategically implement FREPLATA SAP and on the ground actions,
•    acknowledge the need and development of a strategy to ensure broad based stakeholder participation during SAP implementation,
•    develop a strategy to reinforce high-level government commitments toward SAP implementation,
•    develop follow-up projects in SAP implementation.

Outputs/Outcomes

•    A program for continued technical cooperation between ICDPR and FREPLATA project including possible technical assistance for the FREPLATA SAP implementation process.
•    A program for continued technical cooperation between institutions involved with Danube project and the Administrative Commission of the Río de la Plata (CARP), Bi-national Technical Commission for the Maritime Front (CMFM) and national institutions of Argentina and Uruguay.
•    A report submitted to the governments, UNDP, other GEF projects of Argentina and Uruguay, and IW-Learn documenting outputs and benefits of the technical cooperation.
•    Updates on the website of the FREPLATA Project.
•    Initial steps towards the development of a sustainable means of cooperation between FREPLATA and Danube Project aimed at supporting FREPLATA SAP implementation, and ensure stakeholders involvement.

Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation Workshop (2-5 March 2009)

Exchange Website: http://www.iwlearn.net/abt_iwlearn/pns/learning/climate-change-adaptation-exchange/mainstreaming-climate-change-adaptation-learning-exchange/

Participants & Projects Involved (IWL Share: 50% of first two targeted workshops, leveraged six more)

Participants include the following GEF IW projects and partners:
• Okavango River basin
• Lake Tanganyika (Regional, Burundi, DRC)
• Lake Tanganyika (Tanzania)
• Lake Tanganyika (Zambia)
• Orange-Senque River basin
• Pangani River basin
• Botswana IWRM

Host Institution

UNDP Pretoria

Other Funding Partners

InWEnt

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

Learning Objectives

The workshop is aimed at assisting project managers and executive secretaries of regional commissions
1) to come up with concrete ways to incorporate climate change considerations into the strategic planning of the transboundary water resources management (Strategic Action Programme and/or IWRM planning processes) and
2) to develop indicators that help measuring the adaptation benefits to be realized through the project implementation

Outputs/Outcomes

· Enhanced capacity amongst both project managers and executive secretaries of the invited basins to meaningfully prepare for and manage the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation considerations.
· Experiences and best practices shared/exchanged re: climate change adaptation processes/practices
· A clear and concise strategy to mainstream climate change into the strategic planning processes promoted by GEF projects, namely, TDA/SAP processes and IWRM planning processes
· A set of indicators agreed that track the progress of mainstreaming climate change adaptation into strategic planning both at the project/basin level as well as at the portfolio/regional level.
· Revised project logframe, which includes a set of indicators that measure the progress in adaptation capacity building targets, to be tabled at the next project steering committee meeting for approval. To enhance the understanding of and enable strategic planning for mainstreaming climate change adaptation.
· A compendium of useful resource material
· A report submitted to the governments, UNDP and IW:LEARN documenting outputs and benefits of the technical cooperation
· A joint presentation at the 5th Biennial GEF International Waters Conference as well as at the SADC River Basin Dialogue on the outcomes of this learning exchange.
· An agreed plan for continuous learning and information exchange mechanisms among the participants to further advance their knowledge and experience in mainstreaming climate change adaptation into strategic planning of the transboundary water resources management.

Targeted Workshop on Integrated Management of Shared Lake Basins (16-18 July)

Exchange Website: www.watersee.net

Participants & Projects Involved (IWL Share: 50% of first two targeted workshops, leveraged six more)

Participants included stakeholders of three transboundary lakes in the Western Balkans - Prespa, Ohrid and Shkodra/Skadar, including in particular the active GEF projects that exist on the first and latter of those lakes.

Host Institution

FYR Macedonian Ministry for Environment and Physical Planning

Other Funding Partners

Global Water Partnership-Mediterranean (GWP-Med) and the Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO/ECSDE) in cooperation with the GEF/UNDP "Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Prespa Lakes Basin of Albania, FYR-Macedonia and Greece" project

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

The exchange of practical experience and knowledge between managers and decision-makers as well as stakeholders in the different shared bodies has been limited. The need to address this challenge has been made also obvious in the activities organized within the Petersberg Phase II / Athens Declaration Process.

Based on this, a series of targeted capacity building workshops will focus on experiences and methodologies for addressing specific issues of transboundary water resource management. They are expected to leverage the varying levels of practical knowledge in the area, facilitiating the cross-fertilization between stakeholders of the different shared basins as well as introduce knowledge and experience from outside the region.

The aim is to enhance the practical capacity of stakeholders on specific issues of integrated management of their shared water bodies.

Learning Objectives

1. To get familiar with the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approaches, concept and tools as well as with the Ecosystems Approach as an integral part of the IWRM approach.
2. To understand the need for integration of water resources management and spatial planning.
3. To be informed about the legal frameworks and tools for water resources management at international and EU levels.

Outputs/Outcomes

1. Targeted Workshop Report
2. All Presentations and Background Materials at the Transboundary Waters Information Exchange Network for SE Europe

Inter-Basin Cooperation, Commission Support and TDA-SAP (13-20 July)

Participants & Projects Involved

Orange-Senqu River Basin Project:
Okavango River Basin Project
The ORASECOM delegation will include:
•    Three participants from each of the four riparian countries (mostly ORASECOM Council members but may include members of the ORASECOM Technical Task Team)
•    Two participants from ORASECOM Secretariat
TOTAL 14

Host Institution

International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, Danube Commission, Austrian, Hungarian and Serbian Governments

Other Funding Partners

GTZ (primary funder)

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

The Orange-Senqu River originates in the Lesotho Highlands some 3,300m above sea level where the average annual precipitation can exceed 1,800 mm, with a corresponding average annual potential evaporation of 1,100 mm. The river stretches 2,300 km from the source to its mouth (Alexander Bay/Oranjemund) on the South Africa/ Namibia border, where the average annual precipitation drops to below 50 mm, while the average annual potential evaporation rises to over 3,000 mm. The Orange River basin is the most developed river basin in southern Africa, with a total catchment area in the order of 1,000,000 km2, of which almost 600,000 km2 lies within the Republic of South Africa with the remainder in Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia. The effective catchment area is difficult to determine, since it includes many pan areas and also several large ephemeral tributaries, such as the Molopo and Nossob in Botswana and Namibia, which have not contributed to flows in the main river in living memory. The principal anthropogenic threats to the integrity of the basin include: over-extraction of water leading to water scarcity; land degradation, diminishing the water retention capacity of soils; pollution; climate change, expected to lead to greater environmental variability in future (e.g. dislocations in spatial and temporal rainfall patterns); and, loss of biodiversity and introduced invasive species.  Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) was established in 2000 as an advisory body to the four riparian member states to achieve the sustainable development of the Orange-Senqe River basin.

Upon the request from ORASECOM made in 2004, UNDP has been assisting the four riparian countries to secure the GEF resources to ensure the global environmental benefits will be accrued from the basin-wide planning processes through the TDA/SAP approach.  The countries are about to conclude the preparatory phase and has received the GEF Council approval for the full-sized project (USD6.3 million for 4 years).  Preliminary TDA has been endorsed by ORASECOM in April 2008.  Project document will be appraised in June 2008 before it is submitted to GEF Secretariat for CEO endorsement. 

The ORASECOM and the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) jointly request IW:LEARN for its financial support to make a learning, networking and exchange of information possible.  A visit of ORASECOM delegation to the ICPDR and the Danube basin is targeted towards knowledge transfer from the Danube’s experience to ORASECOM and strengthening of the institutional capacity of the ORASECOM, especially on its coordination capacity necessary to oversee the implementation of the multi-donor funded ORASECOM Environment and Water Resources Management Programme (ORASECOM Programme).  The timing is opportune as most of activities under the ORASECOM Programme are starting up in 2008.  The first elaborated, integrated work plan for the ORASECOM Programme is about to be finalized by ORASECOM Secretariat for review by ORASECOM Council. 

Learning Objectives

To enhance the understanding of the TDA/SAP process and the multi-donor coordination process among both policy and technical level personnel of the ORASECOM.  Specifically to:
• strategically design the TDA so it informs the SAP formulation process
• develop national capacity among the relevant agencies through the project
• appreciate the necessity for and develop a strategy to ensure broad based stakeholder participation
• develop a strategy to ensure high-level government commitments toward SAP formulation
• develop follow-on projects in SAP implementation

Outputs/Outcomes

• Enhanced capacity amongst both policy and technical level officials of the ORASECOM delegates from the four riparian countries to meaningfully manage and contribute towards the project objectives
• A possible program for continued cooperation between ORASECOM and ICPDR targeting the institutional capacity strengthening essential for, inter alia, the TDA/SAP development process.
• A report submitted to the governments, UNDP, FAO and IW:LEARN documenting outputs and benefits of the technical cooperation

Wetland Restoration and Management (21-23 May 2008)

Participants & Projects Involved (IWL Share: 100%)

Bulgaria Wetland Restoration Project: Tzvetanka Dimitrova, Mihail Mihailov, Stoyan Michov, Veselin Koev, Daniela Karakasheva, Jordan Kutzarov, Anna Georgieva (World Bank), Alexander Zinke (Consultant to project)

Host Institution

Danube River National Park (also a side visit to the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River)

Other Funding Partners

World Bank

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

The Danube River National Park, which consists of wetlands as well as our two project sites – Persina Nature Park and Kalimok-Brushlen Protected Site is designated as a Ramsar site, and one of great importance for the improvement of the Danube River water quality. The global environmental objective of the Bulgarian Wetlands Restoration and Pollution Reduction project is to demonstrate and provide for replication of reduction of  transboundary nutrient loads and other agricultural pollution flowing into the Danube River and Black Sea basins while at the same time conserving key target threatened species in the two protected sites through: (i) wetlands restoration and protected areas management programs, and (ii) support for stakeholders to adopt environmentally-friendly economic activities in the two project areas.

The Danube Auen National Park, lying between Vienna and Bratislava, covers an area of nearly 10,000 hectares along a 36 kilometers stretch of the Danube. It is one of the last large undeveloped wetlands in Central Europe and encompasses an enormous variety of wildlife habitats; the River Danube, canals and tributaries, marshy pools, gravel banks, wetlands, forests and meadows. The Danube National Park is with great importance for improvement of Danube water quality and biodiversity conservation. The Danube National Park Directorate staff is well experienced in wetlands management, and in cooperation with different stakeholders. The park is open to visitors as well as is free for walking and cycling.  There are guided tours, boat excursions, bicycle tours, coach rides and adventure weeks.

The Bulgarian experts will have the opportunity to learn more for all aspects of the wetlands management, environmental monitoring, stakeholder involvement and public participation. They will have the chance to meet the staff of ICPDR Secretariat in Vienna.

Learning Objectives

The specific objectives of the exchange are as follows:

• Learn about the Danube national park status, operation and floodplain restoration needs;
• Learn about the 3 different restoration concepts implemented between 1996 and 2007 and experiences gained;
• Visit of the sites by foot and boat;
• Learn about the tourism development in the wetlands;
• Make a comparison with the situation in Bulgaria, meeting with particular stakeholders;
• Establish cooperation and networking.

Outputs/Outcomes

1.    The capacity of the Persina Nature Park Durectorate’s and Kalimok-Brushlen Protected Site Association’s staff strengthened and the skill for development and management of international projects improved.
2.    Mr. Michov will use the gained experience for the practical development of operational guidance for operation and maintenance of the restored areas.
3.    Mrs. Dimitrova and Mr. Michailov will use the information for the development of other wetlands restoration projects within the Danube River Basin, which will benefit the improvement of the Danube River Water quality and biodiversity conservation.
4.    Ms. Karakasheva will use the experience gained for the improvement of the PNP newsletter and operation of the Visitor Center.    
5. The production of an IW:LEARN Experience Note covering the topic of Wetland Restoration and the Bulgaria project experience.
6. Individual learning objectives and final mission reports for each participant submitted one week after the completion of the exchange.

Understanding the TDA/SAP Process (3-12 May 2008)

Participants & Projects Involved (IWL Share: 67.5%, a bit less of BRazil ANA is included)

Carlos Andrade (Okavango River-Angola), Stefan de Wet (Okavango River-Namibia), Paulo Emilio Mendes (Okavango River-Angola), Tracy Molefi (Okavango-Botswana), Kalaote Kalaote (Okavango-Botswana), Laura Namene (Okavango River-Namibia), Manuel Quintino (Okavango River - FAO), Chaminda Rajapakse (Okavango River - FAO), Portia Segomelo (psegomelo@gov.bw), Joaquim Tavares (Okavango River-Angola)

Host Institution

Brazil National Water Agency (ANA) - Carlos Motta Nunes

Other Funding Partners

EPSMO Project

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

The Okavango River Basin (ORB) remains one of the least human impacted basins on the African continent. Mounting socio-economic pressures in the riparian countries; Angola, Botswana and Namibia, threaten to change its present character. The Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission therefore successfully solicited GEF IW funds and is now initiating the TDA/SAP process through the Environmental Protection and Sustainable Management of the Okavango (EPSMO) Project.
The EPSMO Project requests this exchange to network and benefit from experiential learning with the Agência Nacional de Águas in Brazil. This activity is especially targeted towards developing the functional capacity of the National Coordinating Units.
The following points highlight reasons for this request:
1. this project is one of the first GEF-IW project in any of the three Okavango riparian countries whereas ANA has successfully executed a number of GEF projects and therefore can provide valuable insight
2. The Pantanal and Upper Paraguay River Basin for which a TDA/SAP was developed by a GEF project executed by ANA has strikingly similar ecosystem characteristics to the Okavango River Basin
3. Some of the projects executed by ANA, such as the GEF project for the São Francisco River Basin and its Coastal Zone, have exceptional levels of public participation providing valuable learning opportunities for the Okavango.
4. Angola, contributing more than 95% of the water to the Okavango and just emerging from decades of war, has requested assistance with capacity building. This exchange with a relevant agency in a Lusophone state will allow Angola and the ANA to initiate continued cooperation that will benefit the project into the future.
5. A strong sense of ownership among the three states bodes well for the success of the project but there has been some lack of clarity on the role of the governments’ vis-à-vis the implementing and executing agencies. Cooperation with GEF projects implemented/executed by government agencies would help further clarify issues

Learning Objectives

To enhance the understanding of the TDA/SAP process among the technical level personnel of the National Coordinating Units. Specifically to:

• strategically design the TDA so it informs the SAP formulation process
• develop national capacity among the relevant agencies through the project
• appreciate the necessity for and develop a strategy to ensure broad based stakeholder participation
• develop a strategy to ensure high-level government commitments toward SAP formulation
• develop follow-on projects in SAP implementation

Outputs/Outcomes

• Enhanced capacity amongst technical level officials of the National Coordinating Units (NCUs) of the three riparian countries to meaningfully manage and contribute towards the project objectives
• A program for continued technical cooperation between ANA and the Project including possible technical assistance for the ongoing TDA and SAP processes.
• A program for continued technical cooperation between Agência Nacional de Águas in Brazil and Direcção Nacional de Águas in Angola
• A report submitted to the governments, UNDP, FAO and IW-Learn documenting outputs and benefits of the technical cooperation
• Updates on the website of the Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) website
• Documented specific experiences and learning on implementing GEF IW projects in post-conflict settings
• Initial steps towards the development of a Lusophone network of GEF IW project stakeholders

Targeted Workshop on Stakeholder Engagement (25-28 March 2007)

Exchange Website: www.watersee.net

Participants & Projects Involved (IWL Share: 50% of first two targeted workshops, leveraged six more)

Participants included stakeholders of three transboundary lakes in the Western Balkans - Prespa, Ohrid and Shkodra/Skadar, including in particular the active GEF projects that exist on the first and latter of those lakes.

Host Institution

Montenegro Ministry of Tourism and Environment with facilitation and adminsitration via the Global Water Partnership - Mediterranean Office

Other Funding Partners

European Commission (via the Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture, and Sustainable Development), UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

The exchange of practical experience and knowledge between managers and decision-makers as well as stakeholders in the different shared bodies has been limited. The need to address this challenge has been made also obvious in the activities organized within the Petersberg Phase II / Athens Declaration Process.

Based on this, a series of targeted capacity building workshops will focus on experiences and methodologies for addressing specific issues of transboundary water resource management. They are expected to leverage the varying levels of practical knowledge in the area, facilitiating the cross-fertilization between stakeholders of the different shared basins as well as introduce knowledge and experience from outside the region.

The aim is to enhance the practical capacity of stakeholders on specific issues of integrated management of their shared water bodies.

Learning Objectives

1. To understand the conceptual framework for public participation in shared water
resources management at different levels: international, national, and local
2. To be informed about the legal frameworks for public participation at international level
3. To get familiar with the various involvement strategies and tools that may be used in the
different steps within a stakeholders involvement process
4. To learn the steps of a stakeholders involvement process*
5. To identify ways of integrating the different tools and techniques into IWRM at national
and transboundary level
6. To learn how to prepare a stakeholders involvement plan
7. To identify peers in region who can work with in addressing issues of TWRM in the future
8. To appreciate the importance of public participation and its benefits to the IWRM and to
their work.

Outputs/Outcomes

1. Report from the Targeted Workshop
2. All Presentations and Background Materials at the Transboundary Waters Information Exchange Network for SE Europe

Web 2.0 Technologies & Communities of Practice (22-23 August 2007)

Exchange Website: europeandcis.undp.org/WaterWiki/IT4KM

Participants & Projects Involved

Rean van der Merwe (D-List Benguela)

Host Institution

UN Development Programme: Bratislava Regional Centre (UNDP-BRC)

Other Funding Partners

UNDP-BRC

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

Stemming immediately from informal networking at the 4th Biennial International Waters Conference, this stakeholder exchange offers new promise of developing guidance for GEF International Waters projects (and associated partners and stakeholders) on utilization of a new generation of information technology to manage information and disseminate knowledge. As recently as last year, the IW:LEARN steering committee grappled with challenges faced by the project regarding online structured learning. The intent of this exchange will be in part to address the apparent lack of interest in IW project stakeholders in traditional IT solutions like online discussion forums.

The D-List Benguela GEF IW project has enjoyed considerable success deploying innovative solutions for their stakeholders. This exchange will be in part to introduce D-List’s considerable experience and background to other related stakeholders and produce some basic guidance for other projects attempting to improve their knowledge management, including IW:LEARN itself. As host, the UNDP Regional Office in Bratislava excels in the field of knowledge management, having deployed its own innovative solutions like WaterWiki and the Water Knowledge Fair. As a regional center they are also central to the execution of a few GEF projects and in a key position to disseminate the exchange’s outputs. IW:LEARN itself will also play a role in the exchange and its findings.

Learning Objectives

• To exchange experiences (at concept level) on existing platforms and approaches to information technology for knowledge management
• To discuss (potential) use and application of Wikis and other “Web 2.0 technology” for knowledge management, community of practice facilitation, on-line collaboration/communities, etc.
• To discuss opportunities and constraints in view of linking/integration of different tools and/or platforms (amongst each other and with “conventional” (e.g. UN(DP) or other project websites)

Outputs/Outcomes

• An understanding of the various discussed platforms and IT-solutions in view of:

(a) the underlying concept (audience(s), aim, basic approach, etc.)
(b) the specific functionalities (services, elements/modules, “exploring mechanisms”, etc. etc.) and
(c) Strengths (potentials) and Weaknesses (constraints) of various approaches 

• New ideas and concrete recommendations for

(a) improvement of existing (WaterWiki, IW:LEARN, DLIST) and/or
(b) creation of new (UNDP, UNSSC-Wiki, ..) platforms for CoP-management, KM, on-line collaboration, etc.
(c) possibly using and integrating different tools and approaches

• Maybe: An approach/concept for linking or integration of various platforms aiming at (dynamic) exchange of knowledge
• Experience Note: Fostering Online Communities of Practice - DList-Benguela
  

Groundwater Learning Exchange and Study Tour (16-26 April 2007)

Exchange Website: www.iwlearn.net/groundwater

Participants & Projects Involved (IWL Share: approximately 44%)

Guarani Aquifer: Luiz Amore (project), Jorge Santa Cruz, Roberto Montes (project), Juan Jose Ledesma (Uruguay), Miguel Angel Giraut (Argentina), Elena Benitez (Paraguay), Julio Thadeu Kettelhut (Brazil)
Iullemeden Aquifer: Abdelkader Dodo (Sahara and Sahel Observatory)
NW Sahara Aquifer: Djamel Latrech (Sahara and Sahel Observatory)
Nubian Aquifer (in absentia, participation via the web): Lotfi A. Madi Farag (Libya), Al Mahdi Megrbi (Libya), Ahmed R Khater (Egypt), Sameh Afifi (Egypt), Ismail Musa Mohamed (Chad), Min. Abakar Ramadan Souleymane (Chad)

Host Institution

Ingrid Verstraeten & Colleagues, US Geological Survey (USGS)

Other Funding Partners

Pradeep Aggarwal, Andy Garner - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

• The Guarani Aquifer System requested this exchange to network & benefit from experiential learning with US groundwater management staff and institutions, and with other GEF groundwater projects.
• The exchange provides opportunities for GEF IW groundwater project staff and national coordinators to network & exchange practical experience with cognate staff in the USGS – and with other GEF groundwater project participants
• IAEA will work with USGS to develop a targeted training component of the exchange to address priority learning needs identified by participating projects in depth through workshops and field visits
• Site visits to the USGS headquarters and 2 major field offices will include opportunities for hands-on interactions with state-level aquifer managers
• Guarani Aquifer System will invite USGS-IAEA and projects participating in this exchange to a Guarani regional seminar in 2007, affording an opportunity to follow up, strengthen networking among GEF groundwater projects, and evaluate impacts of the exchange.

Learning Objectives

The objectives of this exchange are to improve management of transboundary aquifers in three general areas:

• Provide overview of technical aspects of water resources in support of management decisions--tools, technology, monitoring networks, characterization, geo-databases, GIS) and aquifer development (recharge, permits, uses)
• Provide overview of managerial aspects of (ground)water in order to ensure a sustainable water supply through discussion about several aquifers in differing climatic and hydrogeological settings--groundwater management models across governing boundaries, water management indicators, institutional arrangements, legal framework, permits, water uses and tradeoffs, policy directions…;
• Provide an overview of public participation options-- advocacy and citizenship building strategies, user groups and stakeholder participation in water management and aquifer development.

Outputs/Outcomes

• Summary Article
• Mission Reports: Abdelkader Dodo & Djamel Latrech, Luiz Amore, Miguel Giraut, Julio Kettelhut and Juan Jose Ledesma
  

Coastal Zone and Tourism Management (4-6 December 2006)

Participants & Projects Involved

Ruth “Wanjiku” Kiambo (Western Indian Ocean-LaB), Jocelyn Rakotomalala (Western Indian Ocean-LaB), Sunny Ukweh (Guinea Current LME), Stephen Utre (Coastal Tourism)

Host Institution

The Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environment (PERSGA) in partnership with the GEF Project DLIST- Benguela ‘Distance Learning and Information Sharing Tool’ (http://www.dlist-benguela.org) and UNEP-ROWA (http://www.unep.org.bh).

Other Funding Partners

UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

PERSGA aims to develop a regional framework for the protection of the environment and the  sustainable development of coastal and marine resources in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Region. In order to achieve this aim, PERSGA is working continuously to strengthen the Region’s capacity in adoption and implantation of integrated coastal zone management plans (ICZM). Tourism in the coastal areas has become a major sector of international economy. As the scale of tourism grows, the recourse use threatens to become unsustainable. Hence, rapidly growing tourism can create pressures on management and can lead to a situation where formerly sustainable tourism becomes unsustainable. Tourisms is often a major beneficiary of effective management of natural resources and processes of ICZM.

Learning Objectives

The purpose of the training is to improve the capacity of environmentalists, NGO’s and individuals, tourism stakeholders in how to plan coastal tourism so it is sustainable, and is a financing option a long term coastal management process. More specifically, the course will discuss:

• Tourism and sustainability;
• Tourism as a means of creating development, employment and economic value in coastal and marine environments;
• Financing options, including user fees, concessions, fees and licenses, to meet the cost of protecting environmental services;
• In-Kind support of management;
• Global programs and financing options

Outputs/Outcomes

• Mission Reports: Sunny, Jocelyn
• Workshop Report
  

Nutrient Pollution Reduction (3-6 October 2006)

Exchange Website: http://www.iwlearn.net/abt_iwlearn/pns/partner/nutrientfiles/moldovaconference

Participants & Projects Involved (IWL Share: approximately 60%)

Supported projects: Oumer Ould Aly (Niger River), Kurt Roos (East Asia Livestock), Adrian Ross (Partnership for East Asian Seas)
Other projects in attendance: Turkey, Romania Agricultural Pollution Control Projects, Bulgaria Wetlands, Serbia Danube Enterprise Pollution Reduction, Georgia Agriculture, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and the Danube River Regonal

Host Institution

Alexandru Jolondvischi and Silvia Pana-Carp, Moldova Agricultural Pollution Control Project

Other Funding Partners

Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, R. Moldova, Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Bank (IBRD)

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

The purpose of the conference was to examine methodologies to measure results and project potential catalytic effects of nutrient reduction activities. Furthermore, conference organizers intended for the conference to explore how nutrient reduction indicators can be scaled-up from the project level to the national, regional and basin-wide levels. Finally, a more tacit purpose included gathering stakeholders of the UNDP and World Bank’s Danube / Black Sea Strategic Partnership’s GEF project portfolio to share experiences and innovative practices.

Outputs/Outcomes

• The conference aimed to deliver a set of recommendations on the types of indicators which can be utilized to measure results of the Partnership’s attempt to reduce the impact of nutrient pollution, in particular on the Danube River and Black Sea. [Meeting Report] [Presentations, etc.]
  
• Improved networking, coordination and experience sharing among the stakeholders of the Black Sea - Danube strategic partnership.

Project Communications (19-20 January 2006)

Participants & Projects Involved (IWL co-finance: 40%, but actually less than that as all projects self-funded)

Black Sea: Yegor Volovik
Caspian Sea: Hamid Ghaffarzadeh, Melina Seyfollahzadeh, Ardalan Sotudeh
Kura-Aras River: Mary Matthews
REC: Magda Toth Nagy
Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: Khulood Tubaishat
South Pacific Regional Environmental Program: Ritia Bakineti (Kiribati), Deyna Marsh (Cook Islands), Steve Menzies (SPREP), Leah Nimoho (Vanuatu)
UNDP: Vladimir Mamaev, Juerg Staudenmann

Host Institution

Danube Regional Project (hosted by International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR))
Jasmine Bachman (ICPDR), Paul Csagoly (project), Kari Eik (project), Tony Hare (consultant), Sylvia Koch (project)

Introduction, Purpose: Why an Exchange

Around the globe many International Waters Projects are attempting to influence human behaviour in order to protect shared natural resources. These projects are attempting to:

• raise public awareness of resource management problems;
• promote public participation in decision-making, and;
• minimize the harmful impacts of specific human behaviours.

Communications can provide effective tools to:

• promote voluntary behaviour change within target audiences and;
• help build public support for the introduction of new rules and regulations to protect shared resources.

Unfortunately there is often there is a poor understanding of how communications activities can help to achieve realistic and measurable outcomes, whether it is a change in awareness, attitudes, behaviours, or a change in specific environmental indicators.

Despite these common objectives and barriers there are currently no clear guidelines, resources, or tools to help communications practitioners in IW projects to improve the effectiveness of their communications programmes and activities.

The purpose of this proposal is to find a cost-effective way to bring together existing examples of best-practice and case studies to show how communications activities can be used to:

• raise awareness of how our projects are attempting to address key environmental and resource management issues;
• promote greater public ownership of these problems and their solutions;
• promote voluntary behaviour change and/or public support for the adoption of new rules and regulations where this is required
• achieve measurable changes in awareness, attitudes, behaviours and environmental indicators.

The purpose of the proposed stakeholder exchange is to bring together a core group of communications practitioners with a vested interest in improving the effectiveness of their own project communications programmes.

Learning Objectives

The objective of this proposal is to develop a web-based Resource Kit that will provide planning tools and case-studies to assist communications practitioners in all IW projects to improve the effectiveness of their:

• Communications Strategies
• Audience Research Programmes
• Media and Public Outreach Programmes
• Social Marketing (Behaviour Change & Advocacy) Campaigns
• Monitoring & Evaluation Programmes

Outputs/Outcomes

• Communications Planning Guide (download), Link to editable "living version"
• Link to site for Vienna Communication Workshop hosted by UNDP-RBEC Bratislava's WaterWiki
• Mission Reports: Steve Menzies, Ritia Bakineti, Deyna Marsh and Leah Nimoho

Pilot Phase

• South Pacific Regional Environmental Program > Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem
• Danube River (Danube Environmental Forum) > Mediterranean Sea (Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development)

• • detailed report from the exchange including description of the new ideas and lessons learned

  • a short article about the output of the exchange

• Rio de la Plata (FREPLATA) > San Juan River (PROCUENCA)
• South Pacific Regional Environmental Program > Regional Programme on Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)
• Lake Peipsi (CTC) > Danube River
• Regional Programme on Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) > Chesapeake Bay
• Lake Chad Basin (LCBC) > Lake Peipsi (Chudskoye Project)

LINKS