Toit: 082 852 6466 Maputo, mozambique July 31 st to August 2 nd 2012.

Toit: 082 852 6466

Maputo, mozambiqueJuly 31st to August 2nd 2012

Projects at local level Country level impact GEF impact with CSO’s Benefits of community participation GEF Secretariat: Advice and way forward

Possess specific skills, experience, and knowledge Lobbying Bring numerous stakeholders together - create linkages

among communities, CSOs and governments Encourage cooperation and improve understanding and

dialogue between local and national levels Enhance country ownership Ensure that the needs of affected communities are

adequately met Improve project design, implementation and evaluation, and Help to strengthen the capacities of civil society groups Mobilises and leverages additional resources

‘Competition’ between NGOs for funding, knowledge kept secret rather than sharing resources (Gigabite Gardeners, Project Rhino KZN = effective pooling resources).

Fear – funders want to see results and success, of government or other powerful operators, also fear of losing culture to West, process vs projects, timelines

Cultural and language barriers – as a result of living in an ever shrinking world,

Multiple participants (stakeholders) may mean each hold different goals, values or interests (the scientist vs the induna)

Can influence policy by demonstrating success at local level

CSO’s can build models & sell them to government, private sector and donor communities

Document interventions to develop best practice Evaluation is difficult

Timing and communications issues, esp internet Focal Points for local CSO’s

Build the network and submit 1 large proposal with location specific projects

Better communication between local civil society groups - lead to increased awareness of other work done in the area and possible partnerships.

Conduct research on focal area strategies. Public participation – inform public of pressing issues relating to focal

area strategies to encourage interested and affected parties to get involved.

Use of cutting-edge technologies (and appropriate). Engaging more with local communities and implementing

grassroots development projects. Not only focus on short-term change but sustainable long-term

change. Trust and commitment are very important – recognise and accept

differences, negotiation and realisation that this can be an asset.

Partnerships Brings CSO’s together in programme

oversight and decision making Think Global and act Local

Small grants but together make a big impact Platform

Fast & effective mechanism to access $ Capacity building and funding assistance

development inherent in funding Ability to mobilise resources

Ownership Accountability Collective responsibility Social harmony Self reliance

Leadership development Ethics and values

CSO’s need to get involved at government planning level Become a small part of a big programme

Get to know your regional focal point Plan and network at a local level

GEF provides incremental costs Use as a leverage methodology

Starting point is the strategy of GEF GEF does not provide for building of capacity of CSO,

its mandate is global impact CSO’s must mobilise other donors to leverage