Workshop Partners

BACKGROUND

The UNDP GEF SGP in India is completing its second phase and therefore, it was felt that it was the appropriate moment to reflect on the programme and identify areas for strengthening in the coming phase. Subsequently, this consultation process involving various partners and stakeholders to the environment and development process was held. Partners and National Coordinators from the other South Asian countries also attended this programme which was held from 16th to 20th of January 2005. This opportunity was further strengthened with the consultation process held parallel to the international conference on Education and Sustainable Futures (ESF) consultations. The ESF marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade for Education for Sustainable Development.

This Regional Consultation was held at the Centre for Environment Education head office, Ahmedabad. The workshop was attended by 150 participants mainly from South Asia. The consultation had a stable population of about 70 to 80 people and a floating population which attended some of the SGP discussions according to their interest.

INAUGURATION

The Regional Consultations opened with a warm welcome address and acknowledgements by the Nations Coordinator SGP India. This was followed by an introduction to the GEF SGP by Kartikaya V Sarabhai, Director National Host Institute (NHI), Centre for Environmental Education (CEE) who presented an overview of India’s 150 projects, emphasising their strengths and possible areas of expansion.

An academic flavour and the relevance of research institutes in the SGP programme was expanded upon in the inaugural session through D K Bandhopadaya, Director IIFM Bhopal. This presentation highlighted the need for social and environmental progression along side raising economic standards to achieve sustained development.

The impact of SGP in the region was brought out through two discussions from the region. The first being the MGPO programme where Ayesha Khan, the director of the institute stressed the vital role of the SGP in promoting community based projects focused on sustainable development. Sujeewa Jasinghe from Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Nature Forum, further emphasised the importance of small, isolated model projects. In addition, he also stressed the need for both greater integration at the national and regional level and a stronger information sharing network to make a substantial difference.

This was followed by an awards ceremony where grassroots farmers were recognised for their work in innovative community mobilisation and participation. Three awards were presented, the first went to a women’s Self Help Group aided by Waynad Social Service Society (WSSS), operating a medicinal plant conservation project. The second went to grassroots workers for their work on water harvesting in the district of Alwar, with PHD RDF. The final award went to women working on a dairy development project through the NGO Iptada.

Jo Scheuer, UNDP congratulated the excellent work and way SGP has matured in India. He spoke on the needs to communicate insights gained from implementation experiences across the South Asia Region to achieve the MDGs. Reflected on his visit to SGP India projects in December 2004, he stated the need to incorporate the learnings of the other UNDP projects and learn from each other.

The Joint Secretary - Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, Sudhir Mittal concluded the inaugural session by highlighting the need for identifying and validating traditional knowledge in SGP projects. Secondly, he stressed the need for maximising the benefits from resources through the use of combining traditional knowledge and innovative technology. He also raised the concern for better management systems for conflict resolution, especially with regard to project benefit sharing. Finally he congratulated the team for a proactive way of working with NGOs in SGP.

PRESENTATIONS FROM THE REGION

Although Nepal is a small country, it ranks 25th on the global biodiversity index, it has 18% of its land under protected areas. Protecting these rich ecosystems is also reflected in project allocation, with 46 percent dedicated to biodiversity. However, the principal challenge for implementation success is the conflict between biodiversity conservation and sufficient livelihood options. This too is addressed in the SGP Nepal programme through a variety of projects such as the power and paper projects.

The SGP has been functioning in Pakistan since 1993 with the major focal areas including climate change, biodiversity and international waters. It has also been involved in working with the local community and developing strategic partnerships for the sustainability of undertaken projects. It has a number of partners of which include the Central, Provincial and Local Government departments, the private sector, the donor agencies, international agencies and academic institutes.

Sri Lanka is currently hosting 121 approved projects. Like Nepal the principle focal area is biodiversity amounting to 78% of the project allocation, climate change then makes up 15% and multi-focal 7%. The SGP is observing an increasing involvement of the private sector in Sri Lanka. SGP Sri Lanka is also looking to develop partnerships, both within the country and across the region in addition to capacity building.

Bhutan is rich in forest ecosystems with 70% of the total land area under dense forest. This is also reflected in SGP’s portfolio which primarily focused on biodiversity. An interesting project has been a combination of biodiversity and climate change in the Tsirang region. The introduction of biomass has dramatically decreased fuel consumption by 50% and also reduced indoor air pollution.

SGP THEMATIC AREAS

Biodiversity Conservation
A number of biodiversity concerns and SGP projects were discussed in the consultation programme. These were largely focused on two issues, those to decrease the pressure on existing biodiversity, largely forests; and others for the promotion and conservation of biodiversity.

Biodiversity conservation was reflected in presentations made on a variety of different concerns. The Chak Hao Poiretion rice is close to extinction because of increased cash crop cultivation and the high cost of the rice, therefore making it unaffordable. Through SGP support Self Help Groups have started to cultivate organic rice of this species.

The project on orchid cultivation came up largely from concerns of shifting cultivation and its impact on local orchid species. This SGP project therefore has been focusing on forest regeneration, encouraging of horticulture and development of hybrid orchids and practicing of more sustainable agriculture practices.

The medical plant project in Wayanad has aimed at awareness generation and capacity building in the conservation of medical plant biodiversity. This included the collection, documentation, and promotion of local health traditions.

One of the SGP project presented was on the preservation and promotion of Yam species which provide high quality of nourishment, especially to the local tribal population. Yam cultivation has of recent started to loose out to cash crops, increasing the pressure on wild yams found in forests. The focus of the project therefore is on promoting the cultivation of yam thereby reducing pressure on wild forest yams.

Of the presentation discussing fuel and fodder one aimed at strengthening women’s institutions for saving and credit, livelihood enhancement and facilitating access to education for female children. Most interventions were focused on improved fodder availability and reducing pressure on land and forest resources through the development of bio-gas plants. The other focused largely on biogas and the use of animal dung to develop both gas and slurry which is in turn turned into fuel pellets. This bio-fuel helps reduce local energy stress and pressures on forest lands.

There was also a brief discussion on biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism in a national park and biosphere reserve in Sikkim. This area has been under threat due to the increased tourism and pressure that it has brought to the local environment.

There was also a presentation on improving livelihoods through biodiversity through value addition and the development of market networks. Through the presentation and ensuing discussions a number of areas of value additions and the use of inexpensive, simple and easily available machines for adding value to harvested natural products were identified.

Climate Change

According to the IPSS projections temperature is expected to rise by 1.4 to 5.8 C and sea levels by 9 – 88 cms by 2100. The most vulnerable to this climate change would be those with the least resources, therefore disproportionately impacting developing countries and the poor, including India. In India therefore some of the areas for further action include the transport sector; vulnerability mapping; waste to energy conversion; R&D on methods to reduce emissions from agricultural residue burning; impact on glaciers and sensitive ecosystems ; and increased awareness on climate change.

The use of alternate fuels – bio fuels and its links with climate changed discussed were discussed. The discussions introduced Jatropha Curcas, a robust species grown in the rehabilitation of degraded lands. Technology is at present available to extract oil and vegetable fats from the seeds by the process of esterification or transesterifiation. Although there is a potential for using the pure form as a fuel source, at present this oil is blended at a ratio of 5% bio-fuel to 95% diesel for commercial utilisation. Using bio fuels, it is expected would help reduce pressure on fossil fuels and offering carbon trading potentials, an issue discussed in the Kyoto Protocol. Furthermore, as India’s demand for energy increase, alternates like bio-fuels would both help reduce the dependence on imported fossil fuels, and carbon dioxide emission.

International Waters

An issue that was highlighted during the discussions was the lack of projects focusing on International Waters in South Asia. In the consultation a number of benefits of healthy international waters like food supplies, biodiversity, livelihoods and climatic regulations were identified. Major threats to international waters listed were surface and groundwater pollution, over harvesting of fisheries, shoreline development leading to habitat loss, pollution and poor regulation.

Reflection on strategic partnerships in the region there was a discussion on the Hudiara Drain. This drain, originally a storm water drain used for supplying drinking and irrigation water, today is used for disposing untreated industrial, domestic and agricultural wastes and effluents. This has lead to high levels of pollution. While downstream Pakistan has already started to clean up the drain, addressing the pollution source in India is in the primary stages of development.

Persistent Organic Pollutants

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a grave issue of concern, equally important, although not so well documented are non organic toxins. These toxins are just as persistent and due to their synthetic structure often not assimilated easily by nature. Therefore, policies and strategies to create a strong management process and promote public awareness for making people aware of these synthetic toxins and finding ways to reduce their usage need to be formulated. It was also suggested that the responsibility should be spread over government, regulatory organisations and grass-root levels for managing these toxins. Equally, since pollutants are either episodic or chronic different management techniques need to be employed. Furthermore, there is a need to understand the links between energy and waste treatment, as a number of waste treatment systems fail to treat effluents before discharge due to lack of energy to operate the system. Since often there is a poor understanding of ecosystems among engineers and scientists, links between water systems and long distance transmission of pollutants are missed. The discussions also highlighted issues of the involvement of local communities in pollution abatement and awareness, concerns of downstream users and the need for financial mechanisms to manage pollution.

Land Degradation

The discussions on land degradation largely focused on watershed development and the development of degraded and waste lands, though mainly with a livelihood focus.

The activities of rehabilitating displaced villagers of the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary and provide them with a secure livelihood; one of the SGP projects has been largely on degraded land area. This included watershed activates to improve soil and water quality and the cultivation of medical plants and aromatic herbs. The activities, it is expected would both help improve the quality of land and also give a sustainable livelihood to the displaced population.

It another project it was demonstrated how small and marginal farmers, the landless and shepherds can work towards an improved livelihoods in drought prone Ryalaseema of Andhra Pradesh. This has been through the promotion of improved fodder bio-diversity and its cultivation on barren wastelands. Apart from the formation of committees of the local population to run the systems, number of watershed and land improvement activities had also been undertaken.

Another interesting discussion on Rajasthan reflected upon needs for incentives for managing of land quality. It was noted that land quality often depends upon ownership: the worst quality land belongs to the government, medium quality the panchayat, and the best quality is privately owned. Incentives to improve land quality could include as allocating rights to produce; especially fodder, on common lands; institutional strengthening for land up-gradation and improved agricultural extension; and possibly land tenure systems for improved land management. Equally, government functionaries at the lowest tiers and educational systems need to be geared towards identifying needs and supporting programme better.

NETWORKING CONCERNS FOR SGP

Networking was a much discussed issue during the Consultation process with discussions ranging on types of networks, their value addition and possible exchange of information through the networks.

The first discussion was on the significance of developing and implementing network strategies. Networking; is was felt, is imperative for successful expansion, however for networking success partners should trust one another. For success networks need well developed communication systems; institutionalisation of the network process; value addition to the members and the development of formal networks as opposed to informal ones.

Also discussed was the AIFWA, which links agriculture and women in India. Although women form a very large percent of the agricultural labour in rural India their role in agriculture is still largely unrecognised. The Association is focused on developing a forum for discussions and information sharing among women farmers. It also aims at two way dialogue where local action informs national level policies and national actions guide local level functioning, in harmony with one another.

There was an interesting presentation from ESD, Japan. ESD - J is an agglomeration of networks each working on different areas such as gender, environment and development, linking on areas of common interest. The information exchange is from hub to hub, and not individuals. It was felt that the SGP could be an interesting thematic network to link with. Furthermore, in the discussions it was realised that linking hub to hub would have the advantage of linking to networks that do not speak the common language of communication of the network.

OTHER DISCUSSIONS

A number of other interesting discussions also took place beyond the thematic areas of the project. These included that on the documentation of traditional knowledge, the role of women in panchayats, local self governance concerns and the sustainable management of eco-systems and natural resources.

The discussion on the documentation of traditional knowledge raised concerns of the commercial exploitation and patenting of the knowledge of local populations. It was highlighted that often knowledge holders do not understand the need or see the value of patenting knowledge because it is considered to belong to the community and not for individuals or personal profit. It was also emphasised that it was important to not only document traditional knowledge but also share information with the local population and information providers.

With the Government of India’s increasing emphasis on gender equity in various positions, women are beginning to participate in the existing democratic processes. While their abilities have often been doubted, there is growing evidence that women can be good as managers of natural resources, financial and saving systems. Furthermore, women’s’ needs and priorities differ from men and need to included in projects. Also support systems like crèches, transport, capacity building and training etc. need to be identified and developed to increase women’s participation.

The discussion on ecosystems and natural resources management a need for a socio-ecological view point was emphasised. Furthermore, it was also discussed that there is a need to expand upon the existing knowledge of society’s adaptation to different landscapes. It was also felt that policy and projects need to understand social adaptation and behaviour for encouraging community participation and guaranteeing sustainability of development activities.

The development of local resource centres in Rajasthan to both improve programme and project reach to the people and develop the capacities of the local functionaries and people was also discussed. These centres have also been successful at identify ways to reduce corruption and improving implementation through the existing system.

CONCLUSIONS

The workshop closed with the Indian National Steering Committee members namely Amba Jamir, Krishsamy, Sara Ahmed and PSR Rama Krishna looking forward to a rich third operational phase experience. Taking forward the declaration and the agreements and many future international collaborations and symposiums. Finally they thanked all participants, SGP National Coordinators and program staff for their indefatigable efforts in making the workshop a grand success.

In the conclusion section of the workshop a number of recommendations were recognised. These included issues on networking, documentation and information dissemination, up-scaling, collaborations with research and academic agencies and identifying funding agencies and projects.

NETWORKING

It was felt that while networking opportunities exist there would be a need to identify existing networks and possibly develop further networks to both expand the work of the SGP as well as sharing knowledge. Some of the areas for networking opportunities identified were:

• Networking of South Asia SGP partners through regional exchanges and e-networks
• Workshops for partnerships at the regional, national and local levels
• Exchange programmes for national coordinators and related staff within South Asia to increase understanding of regional issues and experiences
• Exposure visit for improved learning and orientation of the SGP project middle level workers
• Development of network with ESD – Japan
• Search for what works! Learn from ‘Leaders’ around you. Put those methods-and techniques to work. Focus on inspiring rather impressing.
• Help and guide team members, partners grow and the program/individual will receive respect in return
• Two of the partners have already (while this was going in print) organised mutual sharing and hearing expenses in organic farming and have showed the methodologies adopted for wider testing and quality assurance.

These concerns of networking and its value have been further reflected in the way networking among the partners started even while the consultations were going on. In fact, since the consultation process a large number of partners have been involved in exchange of ideas and information and developing alliances to further enhance the impact of their work.

Vast amounts of knowledge have been gained through the development and implementation of projects by the SGP. However, for gaining further from this knowledge there is a need to share both the best practices and other insights gained from SGP projects. In order to do this a few key areas for further action were identified and include:

• Enhanced documentation and filming of SGP projects with varying implementation success to identify areas for further improvement, learning and replication
• Improve database of impacts
• Develop a South Asia regional website with information on the SGP, the six focal areas and a brief of each project thematically segregated
• Put in place a website secretariat for supporting and updating of the India section at SGP office, Delhi
• Links to be established on knowledge management group at the UNDP country office, work a strategy to disseminate and share knowledge.

While most of the activities of the SGP are at a small scale as funding is targeted to small though important issues and activities the knowledge gained from these experiences needs to be shared and developed further. The group therefore felt that there is a need for:

• Identifying project methods and systems that could benefit from up-scaling
• Informing on the different technologies that have been experimented with through SGP to be made available through the network and website

Collaboration With Academic and Research Institutes

Through the SGP a number of meaningful interventions have been made to further enhance the activities of the programme it is important to include academic and research institutes as they would have the capacity for:

• Facilitation of NGOs, donor and financing organisations with required research and development capacities
• Collaborate on training needs of various partners

Identifying Funding Agencies and Projects

The group felt that while the SGP was playing an important role through its small and strategic funding. However, there is a need for both identifying other donors who could complement the activities of the SGP successes and also supporting new project development. Some issues identified included:

• Identify further governmental funding schemes and develop projects to access these
• Assistance with proposal construction for NGOs from CEE and relevant officials
• Identify and research availability of schemes and funds for the development of projects

Land Degradation Issues:

• Identify the drivers of Lad Degradation. i.e. indirect drivers (Humans and institution) and Direct drivers (land me patterns; special introduction of technologies). Then ensure ho effective links can be established.
• See how the stress on land from Biodiversity, CC; Air pollution, extreme events can be made more sustainable through response options.
• How institutional frame works within projects can be strengthened in multi-stakeholders (National State and District level governments; institutions and people’s bodies (Panchyats) within program).
• What sort of responses are required within projects i.e. technological; socio-economic; institutional and Ecosystem approaches. This needs to be worked with a “wider vision” than short term project based solutions,
• How the ‘Project Strategies’ are to be developed within projects i.e. involvement of people both in planning and decision making creation of kingship and affinity based social institutions as self help groups and people’s skill building too local ownerships through participation in decisions, roles and lost sharing.
• Cross cutting issues of quality: gender involvement and roles; links and local co-financing needs to be highlighted in the projects.
• Land Degradation directly focus on varying agro-ecological zones-better productivity in an agricultural economy leading to better land use-ultimately livelihoods.
• Leads to focus on the millennium Development Goals – through Communities.
• Enhance to scale-up, share experiences and build up sustainable Land use practices from the experience of UNDP GEF SGP. Enhance Community exposure visits.
• Creating knowledge management of practise through NGO’s and Community based organisations.
• Small innovations, people’s managed; low cost, simple technologies already making difference to people’s livelihoods through small Grants Program.
• Lets use the funds to bring people together, more so communities to possible lessons learnt on a wider Scale. Small projects would create Vision.
• We take action-based programs linking to policy and technologies. Bring the Agricultural Departments, Institutes, centres of excellence together within small initiatives.
• Create practices on the rational and sustainable and use. Integrate the Knowledge, practices for better management and not over exploitation of land and related resources of water.
• Soil Fertility, wind erosion, water mgc-water logging etc all need to be taken up soil retention.

Issues Regarding POPS Workshops with UNEP and GOI.

• Pon a strategy on how the industry, Government and relevant stakeholders can involved as partners with SGP in addressing POP issues identify projects which are implementable and share policy concerns in partnerships with industry, government and communities.
• Propose an action plan on nature of substitution alternatives/choices available; access to alternatives; adoption of these alternatives; technical preparedness on both sides for change; barriers in adoption and the lost effects on communities.
• Links can be established through a series of discussion with like-minded partners.
• Also special efforts to cross-share between countries and raising some local resources from other sources was envisaged.

Issue regarding Climate change

Need to look into the energy generation and efficiency projects in relation to

• Mitigation
• Vulnerability
• Adaptability of Green House Gases

Look into the industrial and social, Deomistic behaviours

• In projects focus should be built for scope and capacity of ‘negotiations’ with stakeholders on adoption of alternatives substitutes.
• Access of date and information should be built in the projects-emphasis on a better quality of date should be ensured as part of assessment.
• Again emphasis of projects should be to work with the concerned government time departments or ministries. Partners to make more proactive efforts to see the govt. Policy, guidelines on similar initiatives.
• In every project focussed analysis needs to be done in identifying the stakeholders, their interest and influence eg. Municipal Corporation; Research and Education institutions; Agricultural Institutions; Private Sector; Consumer Interest Groups and others.
• Proper Terms of Reference of involvement need to be seen with projects.

Biodiversity related issues

Projects need to focus on the following and special emphasis in “capacity assessments”
Build Capacities in the realm value added bio resources products through sustainable enterprise

• Managerial capacity of communities to like with departments.
• Understand how projects to focus on gaps and institutional isolation. What can be the enabling mechanisons
• How to enhance capacities to resolve conflicts between communities, governments and stakeholders.

Click here to view the concept paper that formed the basis for the workshop discussions...