1. THE SIXAOLA RIVER BASIN BINATIONAL COMMISSION COSTA RICA – PANAMA:
A TOOL FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY
FOR PROJECT RESULTS

2. BACKGROUND
In 1991 the governments of Costa Rica and Panama subscribed the Cooperation Agreement for the sustainable development of the border territories of both countries, which include the Sixaola River Basin.
Between a Participatory Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Sixaola River Basin is formulated.
As a result of the strategy, the Project “Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Sixaola River Basin” is formulated through a highly participatory process which included most relevant actors.
In 2008 the Project is approved by both Governments and supported by GEF/IDB.
2009, The Binational Sixaola River Basin Commission is appointed.

3. SIXAOLA BINATIONAL PROJECT
General Objective:
To contribute to the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity, water, and soil resources, through the creation of an enabling environment for the integrated and cross-cutting management of the Binational Sixaola River Basin.

4. Promotion of sustainable production practices.
COMPONENTS
Strengthening of Institutional frame-works and technical and operational capacities.
Promotion of sustainable production practices.
Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

5. EXECUTION FRAMEWORK Executing Unit
Costa Rica – Panamá Border Cooperation Development Agreement
Sixaola River Basin Binational Commission
MINAE
(Costa Rica)
Executing Unit
IDB
ANAM
(Panamá)

6. BINATIONAL COMMISSIONS
Permanent Binational Border Commission.
La Amistad International Park Binational Commission.
Protected Wetlands Binational Commission.
Sixaola Binational River Basin Commission.

7. BINATIONAL COMMISSION
SIXAOLA RIVER BASIN
BINATIONAL COMMISSION
21 members:
Excecutive Secretaries of the “Costa Rica-Panama Border Cooperation Development Agreement” (2).
Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Health (6).
National Emergency Commissions (SINAPROC/CNE) (2).
IDB Regional Sustainable Development Programs (2).
Municipal Governments (2).
Civil Society Representatives (6).
Coordinator of the Sixaola Binational Project (1).

9. HOW ARE MEMBERS APPOINTED
INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS ARE APPOINTED BY THEIR MINISTERS.
INDIGENOUS GOVERNMENTS APPOINT THEIR OWN REPRESENTATIVES (REPRESENTATION ROTATES).
BORDER COMMUNITIES WATER SUPPL Y SYSTEM ADMINISTRATORS ALSO ROTATE THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.
LOCAL UNIONS OF BANANA PRODUCERS APPOINT THEIR OWN REPRESENTATIVES.

10. STRENGTHENING PROCESS (strategic alliance with IUCN)
Induction (vision, mission).
Training.
Follow-up.

11. ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SIXAOLA RIVER BASIN BINATIONAL COMMISSION
Binational multisectoral coordination of national and regional government institutions and other relevant actors.
Strategic alliances like IUCN
On going cross-training process.
SWOT and Routing Slip.
Forum for experts in relevant aspects for the protection and development of the binational basin.
Dicussion and approval of project operational plans and their own set of rules and regulations.