Overview

In 2011, a consultation paper was prepared during the initial phase of the IW:LEARN Full Sized Project titled "Strengthening IW Portfolio Delivery and Impact”. The consultation paper aimed to review the current best practice approach and training course and provide a critical analysis of their strengths and weaknesses prior to the revision of the TDA/SAP methodology and training course.

The findings of the paper indicated that although the existing TDA/SAP approach has its limitations, it was simple and easy to understand and relatively straightforward to apply. It also stated that although there were areas of the methodology that required substantial changes, the overall approach was sound and would make a good platform for a revised methodology that was fit for practice and met the requirements of GEF, the Agencies and IW projects. It was also proposed that the revised TDA/SAP Methodology would be drafted into a single substantive handbook or manual, which would describe all stages of the TDA/SAP process in detail.

Purpose of the TDA/SAP Manual

This online manual, developed during the current IW:LEARN Full Sized Project titled "Strengthening IW Portfolio Delivery and Impact”, presents a stepwise method for undertaking the GEF TDA/SAP approach. It is aimed at:

• New project staff (e.g. Project Management Unit staff)
• Those tasked with developing the TDA and the subsequent SAP
• Key stakeholders, including:
  • Implementing and executing agency staff
  • Government officials and civil society representatives – including those who may have to implement the SAP

It trys to be ‘non-prescriptive’ - there is no ‘standard’ approach to the TDA/SAP process: each water system and each IW Project is unique and the resultant TDA and SAP will also be unique. However, the manual provides a simple stepwise approach that many projects have followed over the last 10 years and includes references and links to best practices and experiences from a wealth of completed and on-going projects.

The manual has been developed with input from many sources: experienced project managers, international experts, common requests from existing GEF IW project staff, requests and recommendations from Implementing Agencies (IAs), Executing Agencies (EAs) and the GEF Secretariat. As such, it tries to address the many demands placed on such a guide from such a wide range of potential end-users.

It is hoped that this manual and associated training materials are: fit for purpose; simple to understand and use; stepwise in their delivery; global in their applicability; flexible in use; relevant to both scientists, stakeholders and policy makers; and ultimately produce good outcomes for international water systems.

Structure of the Manual

The GEF TDA/SAP Manual is laid out in five sections:

Section 1: Welcome to the TDA/SAP Manual

The Section you are now reading.

Section 2:  An Introduction to the TDA/SAP Process

This Section presents an introduction to International Waters and the TDA/SAP process. It describes what International Waters are and why are they important, and why the GEF is interested in them. It then outlines the TDA/SAP process as a tool for IW management, presents a brief history of the TDA/SAP process, gives examples of TDA/SAP processes in action and finally describes the current GEF approved version of the TDA/SAP process.

Section 3: How to Develop a TDA

This Section delves deeper into the TDA process. It presents a ‘How to’ Guide for TDA development – a simple, non prescriptive stepwise approach that many projects have followed over the last 10 years, including references and links to best practices and experiences from a wealth of completed and on-going projects.

Section 4: How to Develop a SAP

This Section delves deeper into the SAP process. It presents a similar ‘How to’ Guide for SAP development – a simple, non prescriptive stepwise approach that many projects have followed over the last 10 years, including references and links to best practices and experiences from a wealth of completed and on-going projects.

Section 5: Planning the TDA/SAP Process

This Section focuses in on planning the TDA/SAP process. In particular, it looks at the key steps in managing the TDA and the SAP and meeting/workshop design to ensure the TDA and the SAP processes are as collaborative as possible.