1. Establishment of an operational committee with representatives of the Indigenous population, local authorities and other important stakeholders for joint project management

In the project areas, the project launched an operational committee responsible for selecting local support measures (e.g., infrastructure and capacity development), based on mutually agreed criteria, such as women’s participation, interest in the measure and its chances of being sustainable. 

This body included two representatives (at least one a woman) from each of the five territorial councils as well as representatives from the municipalities (two), departments of forestry and agriculture (two), local NGOs (two), a university (one), the World Food Programme (one) and the implementing organisation, GIZ (four). Meeting regularly every three months, the committee handles joint project management, including annual planning, project monitoring, and dealing with risks and conflicts.

A major demand was expressed for stronger participation mechanisms and increased efforts to improve local livelihoods, which meant that there was already support for the establishment of an operational committee. 

GIZ has been active in the region for more than 15 years and thus has very good relations at the local level, which facilitate access to important information and information carriers. The cooperation by a consortium of an international Consulting and international NGO present in the area was another positive factor. 

 

  • Governance should be a core element of every EbA project, if it is to follow best practices for justice-based EbA (i.e., strengthening the rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly women, in decision-making and in preventing or moderating conflicts). Very important in this respect is the awareness building in national institutions to adapt their norms and procedures to the needs of indigenous communities.

 

  • Early involvement of the local population in project conception together with the use of local experts and knowledge are crucial for gaining acceptance of the EbA approach. Moreover, in the appraisal process of new projects, it is essential for the local population to be properly informed and heard, so that it can adequately advocate and prioritize demands and needs.