Project Implementation

The Regional CBNRM Project was designed in 3 phases, implemented as follows:
  • Inception phase: 2003 – 2005
  • Implementation phase: 2007 – 2009
  • Consolidation phase: 2010 - 2013
The Project takes a highly targeted and focused approach to developing region-wide CBNRM capacity and credibility by working with agreed-upon focal national institutions and constituents to systematically share, transfer and further develop and adapt appropriate knowledge, skills, and “Best CBNRM Practices”. The underpinning strategy of the Project is that all interventions funded must have a multiplier impact at the country or regional level through working with targeted institutions or constituents that have the capacity to generate a multiplier impact.

At regional level
... the project aims to develop knowledge, skills and the capacity for natural resource management within umbrella organisations of producer communities and supporting agencies, and within governmental and non-governmental agencies.

At the national level
... the project supports country level CBNRM fora within Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe; and maintains linkages with the CBNRM process in South Africa for the purpose of sharing information and experiences.

At community level
... the project provides support to organisations and institutions that provide services to community-based organizations, support to institutions that train CBNRM implementers, and organisations that give a voice to local communities at national and regional levels.

Project Outputs

Output 1: Regional Forum for sharing best practices, information and carrying peer reviews made operational and establishment/strengthening of Peer Review Fora supported at national level.

Output 2: Appropriate CBNRM training supported in formal and non-formal institutions.

Output 3: Strategic institutional capacity building of focal organisations involved in CBNRM in the public, private sectors, civil society and community levels implemented in the partner countries

Output 4: Policy and legislation support provided at country level to promote and improve implementation of CBNRM with linkage to regional sectoral policies and transboundary initiatives

Output 5: Strategic Interventions (HIV/AIDS, crosscutting, emerging and gender issues, etc.)

Output 6: Programme Management and Coordination (including communications and fundraising)

Organisations and Roles in Project Implementation

/ ©: WWF SARPO
Illustration of the regional project implementation mechanism as viewed by the Regional CBNRM Forum in 2005. A range of member organisations make up the National CBNRM Fora, which send representatives to the Regional CBNRM Forum as well as may have experts or resource persons that will be part of the regional thematic Working Groups under establishment. (Note: Due to the complexity of the implementation mechanism and the multiple interactions between the institutions and organisations not all linkages are shown in the figure)
© WWF SARPO
Project Management Unit (PMU)
  • WWF Project staff responsible for coordination, fundraising and technical backstopping.
Country Coordination Organisations
  • Financial management and technical supervision at national level through agreement with PMU.
Focal Institutions
  • Enhance CBNRM implementation through policy change, lobbying and support to communities and CBOs.
Partner organizations
  • Technical support as required by PMU in response to partners and stakeholders.
Regional thematic Working Groups
  • Identify pertinent issues in selected thematic areas, deliberate, research and document best practices for dissemination at regional and national level
  • Provide technical expertise across the region
  • Provide progress updates and reports to the Regional and National CBNRM Fora
National CBNRM Fora
  • Harmonising roles and responsibilities of CBNRM stakeholders
  • Ensuring effective delivery of services by CBNRM support agencies
  • Documenting and facilitating sharing of lessons and best practices from implementation of CBNRM
  • Reviewing and monitoring CBNRM activities countrywide and producing CBNRM status reports
  • Facilitating regional exchanges, regional collaboration and peer reviews
  • Promoting policy advocacy and capacity building
  • Reviewing and synthesising various experiences, and recommending the way forward for CBNRM policy and practice
  • Facilitating dialogue amongst CBNRM stakeholders, including local and international NGOs, CBOs, communities, the private sector, government ministries/agencies, and donors
  • Consolidating CBNRM activities in the country
  • Responding and supporting new developments in the country such as land reform programme, which has significant implications for natural resources management
Regional Forum Steering Committee
  • Review and approve proposals by National Fora for use of block funds
  • Approve any regional level activities carried out with project funding by country coordinating partner organisations, and receive and review progress reports on these activities.
Regional CBNRM Forum
  • Provide a platform for networking, sharing of ideas, exchange programmes
  • Build on regionality and regional funding power
  • Represent a regional voice that is stronger than single national voices particularly in lobbying and advocacy
  • Harmonising and standardising programmes, policies, activities and regulations
  • Having a regional identity i.e. marketing a regional approach to the rest of the world or promoting a ‘regional’ concept of collaboration based on CBNRM.

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