Global Environment Facility International Waters: Learning Exchange and Resource Network Program

23 Aug Global Environment Facility International Waters: Learning Exchange and Resource Network Program

Three partnerships have been formed between International RiverFoundation alumni members and Global Environment Facility International Waters: Learning Exchange and Resource Network (GEF IW:LEARN) partners.

The International RiverFoundation sent requests for expressions of interest in May for IRF Alumni to participate in a Twinning exchange with partners from the GEF IW:LEARN program.

The GEF is a global partnership among 183 countries, international institutions, NGOs and the private sector to address global environmental issues, while supporting national sustainable development initiatives. GEF IW:LEARN offers stakeholders in GEF IW, the opportunity to request support for learning exchanges across GEF projects and regions. The purpose of the program is to enhance adaptation and replication of practical experience in transboundary water resource management.

We received a positive response from our Alumni to participate in the exchange and have so far secured the following three partnerships:

·        Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority (Australia) will partner with the Dneister River Basin (Moldova/Ukraine);

• Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (Philippines) will partner with the Titicaca – Desaguadero – Poopó – Dalar de Coipasa transboundary system (TDPS) (Bolivia/Peru); and
• San Antonio River Authority (USA) will partner with the Mano River Ecosystem Conservation and International Water Resources Management (IWRM) Project (Sierra Leone).

We will introduce the partners over the next month and will conduct workshops during the International Riversymposium, where they will meet face to face and develop their individual twinning plans. The exchange program will be undertaken over 18 months and will involve site exchange visits and ongoing virtual dialogue and mentoring.