Integrated Watershed Management and Rural Development in the Riparian Countries of the Lower Mekong Basin

Enhancing the Capacities of Young Professionals and Development Organisations in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam

Beginning in September 2005

Environment, Natural Resources and Food

InWEnt - Capacity Building International, Germany, designs an international long-term training opportunity for young professionals from the riparian countries of the Lower Mekong Basin. This programme aims to enhance the competencies of young professionals in the areas of integrated watershed management, rural development and organisational change.

The International Capacity Building Programme will be prepared and imple-mented in partnership with the Mekong River Commission Secretariat (MRCS), National Mekong Committees, National Line Agencies, including governmental as well as non-governmental organisations and other key actors in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Additionally, partnering universities, training institutions and river commis-sions in Southeast Asia and Europe will be closely involved.

Background

The water catchments of the Lower Mekong Basin encompass an area of approximately 666,000 square kilometers. This area is divided among the countries Lao PDR (35 %), Cambodia (27 %), Thailand (28 %) and Vietnam (10 %). More than 60 million people inhabit the watersheds of the Mekong river, from which 65 % make their living directly through the utilisation of land, water and related resources. In add-ition, the region is the source of food sup-ply for approximately 300 million people.

Integrated Watershed Management and Rural Development

In many parts of the Mekong watersheds, the utilisation of natural resources does not comply with the principles of eco-logical sustainability, economic efficiency and social equity. That leads to severe land erosion, declining water quality and an increasing risk of natural disasters.

In the short term, this negatively effects irrigation systems, local fish populations, and the food supply for an ever increas-ing population. In the long term, the over-exploitation of natural resources under-mines the livelihood of the inhabitants in the region, where severe poverty already is a widespread phenomenon.

Objectives

The International Capacity Building Pro-gramme is designed to contribute to the vision of the Mekong River Commission (MRC):

“An economically prosperous, socially just and environmentally sound Mekong River Basin”

Qualified people, innovative institutions and a sound political framework are con-

sidered to be key factors in meeting the objectives for the development of the Lower Mekong River Basin today and in the future.

Hence, the International Capacity Build-ing Programme focuses on three inter-related levels:■ Overall enabling policy level:

comprising national legal frameworks and relevant trans-boundary conven-tions, international agendas and legis-lative arrangements

■ Organisational level: supporting institutional development, leadership as well as management capacities and internal change pro-cesses, improving client-orientation and public participation

■ Individual level: enhancing the technical, managerial, social and methodological competen-cies of young professionals, specialists and executives.

in the Riparian Countries of the Lower Mekong Basin

The International Capacity Building Pro-gramme covers four major areas.

a) Watershed Management and other Natural Resources Management

■ Environmental management (water, land, biological resources, etc.)

■ Integrated River Basin Planning and Management (policies, strategies, tools and techniques, etc.)

■ Flood management and mitigation (water utilisation, flood control, etc.)

b) Integrated Rural Development ■ Rural development (regional develop-

ment planning, investment promotion, income generation, provision of public services, food security, etc.)

■ Public participation (involving key stakeholders in planning, implementing and evaluating local activities, conflict resolution, etc.)

■ Gender aspects (addressing the specific needs of women, minority groups, etc.)

c) Managing Rural Organisations■ Organisational development (vision and

mission, leadership style and manage-ment of rural organisations, etc.)

■ Client orientation (improving the impact of rural service systems with regard to financing, extension, marketing, income generation, etc.)

■ Change management (experiences, concepts, actors, tools and techniques for diagnosing rural organisations and for implementing change processes)

d) An international and trans-boundary perspective

■ Trans-boundary policies (harmonisation of legal framework for and experiences in international co-operation, etc.)

■ International organisations (policies, agendas and mechanics for implement-ing guidelines of the European Union and other international agencies, etc.)

■ Conflict prevention (strategies and methods for overcoming local, national and trans-boundary conflicts in relation to natural resource management, etc.)

Key topics

a) Kick-off workshop Point of departure will be a national kick-off workshop to be held tentatively by the end of September 2005 in the three major countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam. These workshops will provide a first orientation on the overall objectives of the International Capacity Building Programme, core topics, training method-ologies, sequence of activities, application procedures, institutional commitment, and partners in the execution of the pro-gramme in Europe.

b) Preparatory workshopsIn October 2005, before travelling to Europe, several brief preparatory work-shops will be organised to■ Share the progress made in preparing

a real-life “Learning Project Proposal” ■ Obtain a basic orientation on key

topics of the international programme like natural resource management, rural development, management skills, organisational change.

■ Gain a first overview on the potential fields of learning in collaboration with key institutions and river commissions in Europe, and

■ Start with basic German language training.

c) Travel from Southeast Asia to GermanyParticipants will leave their country of origin for Europe at the end of October 2005. The international air tickets will be provided by InWEnt through its Regional Office in Hanoi.

d) Language training in GermanyFrom 1 November 2005 to 28 February 2006 participants will undergo an intensive German language training. It will be held at a specialised institution in Germany.

The most important trans-boundary river commissions in Europe have their head-quarters in German speaking countries: International Commission for the Protec-tion of the Rhine (ICPR) in Koblenz, Ger-many, and International Commission for the Protection of the River Danube (ICPDR) in Vienna, Austria. Therefore, the German language training is considered to be essential for the success of the interna-tional programme.

e) Technical workshopsFrom March to October 2006 onwards, a sequence of Technical Training will be conducted. These activities will be im-plemented in close co-operation with

Sequence of Activities

universities of applied sciences or special-ised training institutions in Germany or neigh-bouring European countries.

f) Internship Participants will have extended oppor-tunities to work side-by-side with their colleagues from European river commis-sions, national member institutions or organisations involved in promoting rural development. The selection of the sites for the internships will depend on the kind of learning projects participants are working on. All in all, participants will spend up to four months for internship with rural institutions in Europe.

g) Management Training I, II and IIIDuring their stay in Germany, especially shortly before returning to their home countries, participants will take part in an intensive management training. This training will encompass topics such as management skills, teamwork, communi-cation, leadership, tools and techniques for improving organisational perform-ance, strategic planning, client orienta-tion, and change management.

h) “Learning Project” – implementationAfter returning to the Mekong countries,

participants are expected to implement their “Learning Project” which they have elaborated on behalf of their superiors for their institution. It is expected that the adaptation and implementation of the “Learning Project” will take several months if not years.

i) Coaching during implementationThe back-to-office situation is considered to be the most critical phase of the inter-national programme. Participants will have access to different sources of support for implementing their “Learning Projects”.

This support consists of ■ Commitment made by superiors of

participants■ Technical advice through the Mekong

River Commission or its member institutions

■ Exchange of experiences through peer groups, e-learning and alumni-working groups

■ National and regional refresher work-shops and exposure tours in the Mekong region

■ Coaching on-the-job provided by the organisers of the international programme

Sequence of Activities

Timetable (tentatively)

Time Period Duration Activities Venue

August to October 2005

3 months Announcement to key institutions, recruitment and selection of participants, preparatory phase in the country of origin

Mekong Riparian Countries

In Germany

01 Nov. 2005 to 28 February 2006

4 months German Language Training Germany, InWEnt

01 March to 23 April 2006

8 weeks Technical Training (Block A):Principles of Integrated Watershed Management and Rural Development

InWEnt, Tech-nical Training Institute

24 April to 30 April 2006

1 week Management Training I: Essential Tools & Technique for Managers

InWEnt

01 May to 30 June 2006

2 months Internship (First Part):Project work with key institutions in charge of integrated watershed management, rural development, rural services, etc.

Rhine or Danube River Basin institutions

01 July to 23 July 2006

3 weeks Technical Training (Block B): Concepts, strategies and methods for natural resource management, rural development and organisational change

InWEnt, Technical Training Institute

24 July to 31 July 2006

1 week Management Training II: Organisational Management

InWEnt

01 August to 30 September 2006

2 months Internship (Second Part):Project work with institutions in charge of integrated watershed management, rural development, rural services, etc.

Rhine or Danube River Basin institutions

01 October to 15 October 2006

2 weeks Technical Training (Block C): Reviewing the Learning Project Proposals: Strategies, tools and techniques for improving the performance of rural organisations

InWEnt, Technical Training Institute

16 to 30 October

2 weeks Management Training III:Designing Organisational Change Processes

InWEnt

In the country of origin

From November 2006 to April 2007

6 months Follow-up workshops:Technical support for implementing the Learning Projects

Country of Origin

After April 2007 Open Networking: Strengthening regional networks for natural resource management and rural development

Mekong Riparian countries

Point of departure of the International Capacity Building Programme will be a Learning Project Proposal.

Each candidate for this international pro-gramme will prepare on behalf of his or her employing institution a sound descrip-

tion of a concrete proposal for improving integrated watershed management, rural development or organisational perform-ance. The Logical Framework Approach may serve as guideline for presenting the proposal.

During the entire International Capacity Building Programme, each participant is expected to gain additional knowledge, skills and attitude, which are essential for implementing successfully a concrete improvement back-home.

Learning Project

Vietnam

InWEnt Regional Office

Mr. Pham Tien Dung

6th floor, Hanoi Towers

49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem

Ha Noi

Phone: (+84 - 4) 936 19 74 / 5 ext 212

Fax: (+84 - 4) 936 29 48

Mail: dung-inwent@hn.vnn.vn

Cambodia

Embassy of the Federal

Republic of Germany

Mr. Bernd Hahndorf

No 76 – 78, Street 214

Phnom Penh

Phone: (855 - 23) 21 63 81

InWEnt Programme Coordinator

Mr. War Samnang

No 5, Street 310

Phnom Penh

Phone: (855 - 23) 726 344

Fax: (855 - 23) 726 345

Mail:

pro.coordinator@online.com.kh

Lao PDR

Embassy of the Federal

Republic of Germany

Ms. Esther Weiss

26 Sokpalouang Rd., Vientiane

Phone: (856 -21) 31 21 10

GTZ-Office (InWEnt)

Ms. Somchay

120 Nong Bone Rd., Unit 6 Ban Naxay

District Saysettha, Vientiane

Phone: (856 -21) 41 45 63 or 45 24 70

MRC / GTZ, MRC Secretariat

Ms. Pamouane Phetthany

184 Fa Ngoum Road, Vientiane

Phone: (856 -20) 581 98 69 (mobile)

(856 -21) 26 32 63 - 40 76 (office)

Mail: pamouane@mrcmekong.org

Young professionals who want to join the International Capacity Building Programme are kindly requested to submit their application to the German Embassy or to the InWEnt Office in

a) Relevant group of professionalsThis International Capacity Building Pro-gramme will be relevant to young profes-sionals and specialists from ■ Mekong River Commission

Secretariat (MRCS)■ National Mekong Committees (NMC)

in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam■ MRC – related line agencies in the

riparian countries■ Universities, training institutions,

education and research centres■ Key organisations of the private

sector and civil society■ Bilateral and international projects.

b) Formal requirementsThe minimum requirements are:■ Young professionals between 25 to

35 years of age■ With a Bachelor’s, Master Degree

or equivalent in Regional Planning, Agriculture, Forestry, Water Re- sources Management, Environment Technology, etc.

■ At least 3 years of experience with a National Mekong Committee or governmental line agency or other promoting organisation.

■ Good working knowledge of English, both written and spoken.

Application Process

■ Demonstrated interest in working on Mekong-related issues.

Special consideration and priority of this project will be given to qualified female professionals.

c) ApplicationThe official 12-pages form “Application for a Government Scholarship Covering Profes-sional Training” can be obtained through ■ InWEnt Regional Office in Hanoi, ■ InWEnt Programme Coordinator in

Phnom Penh and Vientiane, ■ Embassies of the Federal Republic of

Germany in Phnom Penh, Vientiane and Hanoi.

d) Procedure for selecting participantsTo facilitate and to speed up the applica-tion procedure, all applicants are kindly requested to send their CV (maximum two pages) as soon as possible, latest 06 Sep-tember, to: Detlef.Prehn@inwent.org. Please, send a copy of the CV to ■ Mr. War Samnang for applicants

from Cambodia Mail: pro.coordinator@online.com.kh

■ Ms. Pamouane Phetthany for appli-cants from Laos Mail: pamouane@mrcmekong.org

Scholarship

Admitted participants will receive a scholarship of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. The scholar-ship covers international (return ticket) and other training related travel expenses, tuition fees, board and lodging in Germany, a small daily allowance, health, accident and personal liability insurance.

Certification

All participants who have completed the a) Preparatory Phase from September to

October 2005, b) Training Phase in Europe from Novem-

ber 2005 to October 2006, and c) Transfer Phase immediately after re-

turning to their country of origin will receive an official “Qualified Certificate”.

Additionally, InWEnt is exploring the pos-sibility of combining the long-term Inter-national Capacity Building Programme with a Master of Science Degree. InWEnt will support participants in obtaining internationally recognised credit points while attending the international pro-gramme in Germany.

■ Mr. Pham Tien Dung for applicants from Vietnam Mail: dung-inwent@hn.vnn.vn

The CV has to contain: name, date of birth, personal address, name of uni-versity and academic degree, complete address of the employing organisation, present position and brief description of the professional experience. As soon as the applicants have submitted their CV to Mr. Detlef Prehn and to the InWEnt contact person in their home country, they will be informed on the exact time and place for the interview.

In mid-September 2005, applicants will be interviewed by all partners involved in the implementation of the International Capacity Building Programme (InWEnt, ZAV - Germany, MRC, NMC, GTZ, DED, etc.). The interviews will take place tentatively in Vientiane on 13 and 14 September, in Phnom Penh on 15 and 16 September, and in Hanoi on 19 and 20 September.

Scholarship

ZAV, the Central Placement Office, is the International Personnel Agency of the German Federal Employment Office.

ZAV contributes to the sucess of public funded training programmes for special-ised and executive personnel from de- veloping countries as well as from the Central and Eastern European States.

ZAV takes part in the selection of parti-cipants. ZAV is in charge of the health check of applicants. ZAV defines in co-operation with InWEnt and participants the learning objectives for the internship. ZAV is permanently at the participants‘ and employers‘ disposal for advice and reference.

Zentralstelle für Arbeitsvermittlung (ZAV) Mr. Ralf CzadzeckTeam 216Villemombler Straße 7653123 Bonn, GermanyPhone: (+49 - 228) 713 - 10 76Fax: (+49 - 228) 713 - 270E-mail: ralf.czadzeck@arbeitsagentur.dewww.arbeitsagentur.de

InWEnt – Capacity Building International, Germany – is engaged in human resource and organisational development in inter-national co-operation. Its shareholders are the German government, the German federal states and private sector entities.

InWEnt enables people to initiate and shape sustainable development in their nations, economies and civil societies by conducting high-ranking policy dialogue events, practice-oriented training as well as intercultural learning experiences.

Main clients include the German Govern-ment and Federal States, the European Union, multilateral bodies of the United Nations, as well as private foundations and companies.

With offices in more than 35 locations in Germany and abroad, InWEnt‘s 900 staff members cater to the requests of more than 55,000 participants every year.

ZAV – InWEnt

The InWEnt Department for the Environ-ment, Natural Resources and Food con-sists of three Divisions which complement each other: Rural Development, Food and Consumer Protection located in Feldafing on Lake Starnberg (Bavaria), Natural Resources and Biodiversity situated in Leipzig-Zschortau (Saxony) and Environ-ment, Energy and Water placed in Berlin.

Nine key areas form the centerpiece of our professional expertise:■ Development management■ Energy and climate protection

■ Natural resources■ Environment■ Global water resources■ Rural development■ Food and consumer protection■ EU enlargement and EU convergence■ Disaster prevention and management

We target developing and transition countries and aim at three interlinked levels:■ Individuals: Enhancing the technical,

social and methodological competen-cies of professionals and executives.

■ Organisations: Improving the internal performance and client-orientation or organisations in the public and private sector.

■ System: Designing conducive condi-tions for sustainable ecological, eco-nomic and social development through dialogue, consultancy and networking.

We draw on international and regional networks, partner organisations and trainers to design, implement and evalu-ate our activities for capacity building.

Resp

onsi

ble:

Lüd

er C

amm

ann

– De

sign

: ww

w. E

YES-

OPE

N. d

e –

Phot

os: L

üder

Cam

man

n –

Feld

afing

200

5

InWEnt – Internationale Weiterbildung und Entwicklung gGmbH Capacity Building International, GermanyDivision Rural Development, Food and Consumer Protection in FeldafingMr. Lüder Cammann, Senior Project ManagerWielinger Strasse 52 82340 Feldafing, Germany

For any further information, please contact: Phone: (+49 - 8157) 938 -102 Fax: (+49 - 8157) 938 -777E-mail: lueder.cammann@inwent.org www.inwent.org

InWEnt – Capacity Building International, Germany

Quality is a continuing commitment to us. Our Quality Management is based on DIN EN ISO 9001: 2000.