TIA Study Group, Hosei U., Tokyo Use of Information Management and Public Participation by GEF IW Projects Dann Sklarew, Ph.D. Director/Chief Technical Advisor GEF IW:LEARN

Global Environment Facility Global funding support for worldwide environmental issues since 1992 Earth Summit Implemented by UNDP, UNEP & World Bank, with many partners International Waters (IW) focal area supports shared aquifers, river basins, lakes, and marine ecosystems

IW Focal Area Approach Goal: Assist countries in making changes so the waterbody and its multi-country basin can sustainably support human activities. Focus: “Seriously threatened waterbodies” and “most imminent transboundary threats” to ecosystems Priority: Changes in sectoral policies and activities Financing: Countries’ collaboration to identify priority concerns, baseline and additional actions needed; then (potentially) their commitment to realize additional actions

GEF IW Projects’ Methods Conduct Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) –Transboundary strategic environmental assessment of priority concerns and underlying human factors Develop and Pursue Strategic Action Program (SAP) –Legal framework, adaptive management regime and actions for each country to address priority concerns Invest in sound science and adaptive management –Via technical assistance, capacity building, demonstrations

Key Steps in TDA-SAP Process 1.Development of the project idea 2.Joint fact-finding 3.Preparing the SAP 4.Implementing the SAP

Information Management TDA is founded upon solid technical information about water, sociological and ecological processes, status and trends SAP monitoring and evaluation, indicators of success measured via (info) indicators A process of successive approximation

Public Participation Identify and consult with stakeholder groups Conduct stakeholder analysis and develop Stakeholder Involvement Plan (SIP) Hold stakeholder meeting to review TDA Involve stakeholders (as appropriate and feasible) in preparing SAP

Principles of Stakeholder Involvement Earth Summit: 1.Information access 2.Inclusion in decision-making 3.Course of redress GEF: 1.Stakeholder identification 2.Info. dissemination 3.Consultation …and ideally participation in implementation, monitoring and evaluation (e.g., advisory committees, grants)

Who are stakeholders? In theory: Anyone who impacted by decision or able to prevent decisive action from occurring. In practice: Those with “vested interest” in either the issue &/or their relationship with those making the decision(s).

Where to go for help?

GEF IW:LEARN Project Goal: Strengthen Transboundary Waters Management (TWM) via structured learning and information sharing among stakeholders Focus: GEF IW projects Priorities: Peer-to-peer learning of lessons, innovation transfer, stakeholder involvement, positive impacts and post-project sustainability

IW:LEARN Activities

For more information Please visit… –GEF IW:LEARN Web Site –GEF International Waters Or contact IW:LEARN Tel: +1 (202) Ochen cpaceba!