GEF-Assisted Integrated Ecosystem Management Project In The Trans- Boundary Areas Between Nigeria and Niger Republic

Background Nigeria and Niger have a common environmental challenges of drought and desertification as well as depleting water resources. The trans-boundary area is: semi-arid characterized by continuous land and water resources degradation and Drained by four shared rivers, namely Maggia-Lamido, Goulbi Maradi, EI Fadama and Komadougou-Yobe

Transboundary map> 4 Ecosystems

The IEM Project A GEF-Assisted and an expression of the political will by the 2 countries to sustainably manage transboundary natural resources The project aims at: Establishing integrated approach to land and water management addressing the problems of land degradation Developing/harmonizing joint policies on trans-boundary land and water management; Establish a sound database and monitoring systems to facilitate policy-making in relation to management of cross-border resources; Develop improved marketing facilities and opportunities to encourage diversification of livelihoods

EXPECTED OUTPUT Amongst others include: Enhanced cooperation between Niger and Nigeria for sustainable management of the natural resources in their transboundary areas Operational legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms Improved coordination and cooperation among the local stakeholders in the catchment areas Increase the incomes of targeted households in the 24 pilot areas Rehabilitation of degraded land

Project Implementation Project Duration:- 8 yrs in 2 phases of 4yrs each Phase I :- July June 2010 STRENGTHENING OF LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS FOR COLLABORATION AND PILOT DEMONSTRATIONS OF IEM

Achievements durable institutional arrangement for project implementation three baseline studies as a prelude to field activities Sensitization of participating states and communities Consultations and dialogue with participating States and their respective IEM host communities for mobilization of additional financial resources Development of 12 Community Based Natural Resources Management Plans (CBNRMPs) for IEM implementation in the field→→→ PILOT DEMONSTRATIONS OF IEM IN 7 COMMUNITIES (Tallam=Borno, Mainikiboa=Yobe, Dangwanki=Jigawa, Yadai=Kano, Nakaye=Katsina, Maddattai=Katsina and Tajaye=Sokoto)

Evaluation of 1 st Phase by UNEP/GEF FINDINGS  significant contribution to creating awareness and enabling conditions for more effective mgt of TR  institutional and legal frameworks- (the Bilateral Agreement)  strengthening the capacity of NNJC  24 pilot demonstration sites including the CBNRMPs, 11 under implementation, 7 in Nigeria & 5 in Niger

Evaluation Ctd  Set the stage for full impl. In Phase II  Demonstrate operationalizing the IEM concept is possible and can contribute to sustainable management of shared transboundary resources  A monitoring system as per the M&E plan, and its functioning is rated moderately satisfactory

RATING The TE Team evaluates the project performance Satisfactory, “establishing sustainable conditions for integrated ecosystem management for improvement in the livelihoods of the local communities and preservation of globally significant ecosystems in the transboundary catchments between Nigeria and Niger.” as expected, and making it more than likely that most of the project goals and objectives will be achieved by the end of phase 2, capitalizing on the investments and lessons gained to date

Challenges slow process of attracting co-financing from development partners Slow response by beneficiary State and Local Governments Serious challenges in participation in some beneficiary communities water table is very low inadequate rainfall

Way Forward Mobilization new, additional and predictable financial resources Strengthening environmental awareness programmes Ensuring the continuation of the IEM Project beyond the 2nd phase Putting in place a regional Trust Fund to provides resources for regional programmes on land and water resources management Ensuring full participation of local communities to promote sustenance and ownership

Way Forward (Cont.) Promoting the implementation of MOUs signed with the private sector

IEM HASE II FOCUS >>>> Impl. of cooperative and participatory management strategies for sharing natural resources to improve ecosystem functioning and rural livelihoods CURRENT SITUATION:-  Extended Transition → Changes in GEF policy  Commencement-Hopefully before end of 2012 → GEF Council Approval November 2012  Attention given to Transboundary issues in the revised ECOWAS-SRAP

IEM PHASE II  Minimal national level to maintain structure before start of IEM Phase II  FGN counterpart approved in 2012 appropriation  Linkage to Great Green Wall Programme for leverage

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