Strengthening Global Capacity to Sustain Transboundary Waters: The International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network (IW:LEARN), Operational Phase

The overall objective of this project is to improve the management of transboundary water systems by increasing the capacity to identify, disseminate and replicate best practices and lessons learned across the GEF IW projects. This objective will be achieved through a suite of learning exchanges, knowledge sharing activities, joint demonstration activities, and related capacity building Information Communication Technologies (ICT) activities among GEF supported IW projects and their partners. In pursuit of its global objective, IW:LEARN will improve GEF IW projects’ information base, replication efficiency, transparency, stakeholder ownership and sustainability of benefits through: A.Facilitation of access to information on transboundary water resources among GEF IW projects B.Structured learning among GEF IW projects and cooperating partners C.Biennial International Waters Conferences D.Testing innovative approaches to strengthen implementation of the IW portfolio E.Fostering partnerships to sustain benefits of IW:LEARN and associated technical support. The present proposal clearly builds on the results achieved during the experimental phase of IW LEARN, recently concluded, and incorporates the findings of its final indipendent evaluation. In view of the great interest raised by and successes of the experimental phase (implemented by UNDP), all three agencies have decided to jointly implement the the follow up project presently proposed.