IW:LEARN TDA/SAP Training Course Module 3: Developing the SAP

Section 8: National and Regional Consultation Processes

+ Where are we? National and Regional consultation Implementing strategies Setting strategic actions Drafting the SAP

+ In this Section you will learn about…. What is the purpose of the consultation process? Economic analysis of options and alternatives Political and social analysis of options and alternatives Advice from the field

+ What is the purpose of the consultation process? The previous steps in the SAP development process have focussed on selecting ideas and prioritising them These were purposely described as options or alternatives and not decisions - all countries involved in the process are at liberty to propose additional solutions or to discount those coming from the SAP development teams.

+ What is the purpose of the consultation process? This step involves each country reviewing the outputs of the strategic thinking process and conducting a thorough evaluation of the feasibility of the alternatives from a national perspective In particular, the countries should examine how feasible the options/alternatives are from an economic, political and social perspective

+ Economic analysis of options and alternatives The economic analysis of the options/alternatives should be based on objective information and widely used techniques However, its results should not be seen as constituting “the decision” – economic analysis provides only one form of input to the policymaker’s final decision

+ Three general approaches that can be used….

+ Example of good practice Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea (2008) Regional Economic Values and Cost/Benefit Analysis of SAP Actions pp 51 – 61

+ Political and social analysis of options and alternatives In parallel to the economic feasibility analysis, it is necessary to ensure social and political acceptability of each option This is necessary at both the regional and national levels

+ Why? At the regional level a given option might not be particularly attractive to a specific country But when weighed in against the complex political agenda that characterizes bilateral or multilateral relations, may constitute an important bargaining chip An understanding of regional relations is therefore important.

+ Why? At the national level, options may directly affect a specific sector or community, or may entail added responsibilities for certain government agencies Stakeholders that may be directly impacted by an option or that will play a role in its implementation will need to be consulted

+ Advice from the Field Is there a risk that the SAP will be perceived as a ‘wish list’ during the national/ regional consultation process? Make sure the focus is on priority issues and try not to present shopping lists. How will the project convince finance, planning and development ministries to invest? Prioritisation based on the economic valuation of environmental goods and services in particular can help convince these ministries, as they will see a return on their investment. How important is private sector/civil society commitment and acceptance for a given option? Without commitment, implementation will be difficult.

+ Advice from the Field Do key stakeholder representatives have a clear understanding of the TDA/SAP process and in particular, of the given options developed during the strategic thinking phase? Do they know what they are letting themselves in for? Do stakeholder groups understand the potential benefits and/or costs of a specific option? Some stakeholders will benefit, others will lose out. Again, without full understanding and agreement from the stakeholders, it will make SAP implementation more difficult. Are there misconceptions based on imprecise or fragmented information or previous negative experiences regarding a proposed option?

+ Advice from the Field Have all relevant stakeholders been identified? Perhaps a given option affects a specific interest group or isolated community that was not identified in during the project development phase. These would need to be contacted, and given means for providing inputs. What sectors are involved? Are there conflicting interests? Are there mechanisms to address them adequately? Should an inter-sectoral response/approach be negotiated within the SAP? Is there a good understanding of gender roles? Understanding gender roles during the analysis of options and alternatives will lead to improved buy-in and will help focus the SAP.

+ Whole Group Discussion What are the main challenges in ensuring an effective national consultation exercise in this region?