PROSPECTUS


TRAINING COURSE ON The TDA/SAP approach in the GEF international Waters Programme




COURSE PROSPECTUS

































INTRODUCTION, AIMS, AUDIENCE, DELIVEY, TIMESCALE AND COSTS









Introduction

The production of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) followed by a Strategic Programme of Action (SAP) is a requirement for most OP8 and OP9 projects proposed for financing in the GEF IW Focal Area.


A TDA is an objective, non-negotiated assessment using best available verified scientific information to examine the state of the environment and the root causes for its degradation. The analysis is carried out in a cross sectoral manner, focusing on transboundary issues without ignoring national concerns and priorities. It provides the factual basis for the formulation of a SAP, which embodies specific actions (policy, legal, institutional reforms or investments) that can be adopted nationally, usually within a harmonized multinational context, to address the major priority transboundary concern(s), and over the longer term restore or protect a specific body of water or transboundary ecosystem.


In 2001, the GEF commissioned a comprehensive programme study for its Operation Programmes 8 and 9. The Programme Study found that the emphasis on undertaking a science-based TDA prior to the design of a SAP was appropriate for projects in these Operational Programs. In addition, the Programme Study found that there were a variety of ways in which a TDA could be conducted. Some were more resource-intensive than others, but usually offered advantages in providing greater insight and specificity, thereby providing an improved information base for the formulation of the SAP. However, it also concluded that there needed to be more GEF guidance regarding the nature of TDAs and the manner in which they lead to, and are distinct from, the development of SAPs.


A further exhaustive programme study was commissioned by the GEF in 2005 which found that although the TDA/SAP process was gradually improving, there were still projects that failed to distinguish between global and local benefits (a fundamental tenet of the GEF). Furthermore many did mot identify social or economic root causes of transboundary problems and failed to identify or incorporate stakeholders.



TDA/SAP training course

As a consequence of this, the GEF, together with its implementing agencies (UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank), have developed a set of more formal guidelines to assist with the preparation of a TDA and formulation of a SAP.


In conjunction with this formalised GEF IW TDA/SAP “best practice” approach, a training course was funded by GEF/UNDP under the UN/TRAIN-SEA-COAST Programme and developed by the Marine and Coastal Policy Research Group based at the University of Plymouth, UK.


The complete training course consists of 6 modules that cover the entire TDA/SAP process. These are:







Module 1:

Overview of the TDA/SAP Process

Module 2:

The Project Development Phase and Planning the TDA/SAP

Module 3:

Joint fact finding 1: Identification and prioritisation of transboundary issues and the determination of environmental and socio-economic effects

Module 4:

Joint fact finding 2: Causal chain and governance analysis, integration of the TDA and submission for final approval

Module 5:

Formulating the SAP: Development of a long-term vision, preparing and assessing the acceptability of the options, setting targets and drafting the action programmes

Module 6:

Governance analysis and stakeholder involvement



Training course aims

The aim of the training course is to build a core of human resources and strengthen the capabilities of individuals and institutions involved in GEF IW projects, as a means for a more effective implementation of the strategy and procedures set up by GEF IW authorities at both the local and regional levels. In short, it will help provide the necessary skills, information and approaches required to develop a TDA/SAP.



Target audience

The target audience is wide and includes:




Course materials and delivery

The course materials have been designed to be delivered at GEF IW project sites and can be customised according to how advanced a GEF project is on the TDA/SAP process.


The approach is flexible. The course can be delivered by an international instructor to the key members of a project (or projects) or, alternatively, it can be used to ‘train the trainers’; i.e. the course is delivered to a number of regional experts who in turn deliver the course within the region.



The recommended number of participants for the training course is 15 to 20. Although groups of more than 20 can be catered for, it is not advised.


The course provides an excellent opportunity to gather project personnel together, and to begin or continue the establishment of a national or regional cooperative framework.


The material can be provided on CDROM or downloaded from the IW:LEARN website (www.iwlearn.net). Each module contains:




Timescale

The course requires a minimum of 5 days attendance, although it is unlikely that all modules will need to be delivered at one time. The Trainees will be required to carry out some preliminary reading prior to the start of the course.


Module 2 (The Project Development Phase and Planning the TDA/SAP) can be delivered as a separate ‘Mini-Course’ over a 2 day period. The target audience for this is more specialized and would include prospective Facilitators, Project Managers and other relevant individuals.



Case study material

An important feature of the training course is that it is not prescriptive. In order to achieve this goal the course draws on 7 real case studies, based on existing TDA/SAP project proposals, to highlight good practice.


Case Study 1: Dnipro River Basin TDA/SAP

Case Study 2: Caspian Sea TDA/SAP

Case Study 3: South China Sea TDA/SAP

Case Study 4: Mediterranean Sea TDA/SAP

Case Study 5: Lake Tanganyika TDA/SAP

Case Study 6: Benguela Current TDA/SAP

Case Study 7: Bermejo River TDA/SAP



Course delivery costs

For details on the costs of delivery, please contact mbloxham@plymouth.ac.uk.


Training course on the TDA/SAP approach in the GEF

International Waters Programme Page 4 of 4