Current Projects
Africa, Forest Governance Learning Group, 2005-2009, International Institute for Environment and Development/European Commission.
Forestry can contribute to the eradication of poverty and sustainability, but only with good forest governance. As a key founding member of the Forest Governance Learning Group (FGLG) LTS continues to focus its efforts on improving national forest programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa (Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda), linking forestry's contribution in poverty reduction strategies, tackling the effects on livelihoods of illegal logging and corruption in forestry, and ensuring sustainability and equity in forest privatisation and decentralisation. LTS has contributed to the FGLG process through overseeing new policy research conducted on illegal/corrupt forestry and poor people, facilitation of learning between countries promoted in two regions - West and Southern Africa, and developing specific practical governance guidance materials and tools
Africa, Grant Management Services for International Development Fund, 2007 - 2009, Scottish Executive.
LTS provides technical and management services to the Scottish Executive to support the implementation and assessment of their International Development Fund (IDF). Managed by LTS, the IDF provides £3 million in grants annually for Scottish civil society organisations to work with agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa in the sectors of health, education and civic governance. Since the IDF was set-up in 2005, 58 individual projects have been awarded over £7.7 million. Of that total 35 projects based in Malawi have been awarded over £5.25 million. The latest round of IDF funding covered 24 projects in Malawi, Swaziland, Ethiopia, Namibia, and the areas affected by the Tsunami and the Asian Earthquake.
Africa, Linking National Forest Programme to Poverty Reduction Strategies, 2005- 2008, Food and Agriculture Organisation.
The multi-country study attempts to determine the extent to which national forest programmes (NFPs) and other sectoral processes in selected countries (Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi, Mali, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia) are linked to the development and implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies (PRSs) or similar national frameworks. It identifies best practices, challenges and opportunities with regard to establishing effective linkages, drawing on lessons learned from current NFPs and from other sectors such as agriculture, energy, health and education. Based on findings, ways will be proposed to enhance the presence and influence of forestry in wider planning instruments with a view to strengthening financial, institutional and policy support for forest-based poverty alleviation. LTS was contracted to elaborate the design and is now leading on the implementation of the study. A regional event with all 10 countries participating to share experiences and outline priorities took place in Kenya in November 2007.
Asia, Capacity Building Programme for Stakeholder Participation in National Forest Programmes, 2006-2008, Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Gradually and in different countries of the world experiences are being gained in using participatory processes in national forest programmes (NFP). A community of practice on "enhancing stakeholders participation in NFPs" has been established by FAO in 2002 to bring together experts to share views, experiences, lessons learned and information on recent developments, to build or strengthen partnerships, to harmonise relevant approaches and to make them available to NFP actors world-wide. In 2005, LTS was selected to draft guidelines founded on global best practice. Although participatory approaches have been well developed and documented for local use in villages there is yet to be sufficient materials developed with clear principles and practical guidelines on methods and skills for how to make national forest policy processes more participatory. Since 2006, we are now delivering a capacity building programme to motivate and assist facilitators / mentors who are linked to NFPs in 6 different Asian countries to make these processes more participatory. Lessons from these Asian pilot countries are expected to be harnessed for application of materials and capacity building services in other countries.
Bhutan, Medicinal Plants Project Phase II, 2004-2008, European Commission.
The project aims to conserve medicinal plant resources in high altitude areas of Bhutan; improve the incomes, employment opportunities and livelihoods of rural communities in high altitude areas; strengthen the organisation, management and cost-effectiveness of the medicinal plants industry; and enhance the availability of high quality medicinal plant products and traditional medicines for both the internal and external markets. LTS is responsible for overall project management and administration including the recruitment and administration of staff and provision of all technical support relating to the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants, the preparation of business plans and launching of commercial operations, and provide inputs in horticulture, legal aspects in biodiversity, community forestry, commercial realism, medicinal expertise, botanical expertise, TRIPS, protection of traditional knowledge and NTFPs. LTS will draw upon its broad network of Edinburgh Centre for Tropical Forests (ECTF) partners for technical assistance.
China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Market Development of Bamboo and Rattan Products with Potential, 2005-2008, Common Funds for Commodities.
The project is administered by the International Network on Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), and aims to improve the quality, durability and market opportunities and resource-base of bamboo-based commodities and their sustainable development in least developed countries. The project requires the development and introduction of rehabilitation and certification systems for bamboo and rattan resources; provision of design improvement of the bamboo and rattan commodities meeting medium and high quality standards of the developed western markets; and ensuring the dissemination of the new technology through training and networking. Project interventions are community-specific and aim to improve quality of life for the rural poor, through their active involvement and improved commercialisation. LTS is the Supervisory Body providing guidance on best practice re project implementation, management and technical issues to ensure effective project impacts.
East Africa, The 'WATERMARK' - Developing Accredited Standards for Sustainable Water use, East Africa, 2007 - 2008.
LTS, working with NGO's and partners in the private sector is leading the design and development of an international standard for sustainable water resource use. This product-based accreditation scheme aims to harness the growing power of ethical consumerism and Corporate Social Responsibility to drive sustainable water resource use. LTS involvement includes research and development, networking and assembling project partners and in the future the piloting of the scheme in East Africa. As part of this process, LTS is providing strategic support and guidance in the launch of Water Witness International, a new international NGO dedicated to improved performance and accountability in water resource management.
Ghana, Protected Areas Development Programme: Phase II , 2006 - 2009, European Commission.
The prime objective of the Protected Areas Development Programme (Phase II) is to enhance the conservation of biodiversity heritage designated Globally Significant Biodiversity Area. The PADP II will consolidate and extend the on- and off-reserve achievements of its predecessor (PADP I), in particular securing long-term management prospects for the focal protected areas. This second phase is primarily an institutional strengthening intervention, with emphasis on building the capacity of existing local institutions and personnel, and enhancing the effectiveness of existing infrastructure. The approach involves the project playing a catalytic role to enable the Wildlife Division and other sectoral stakeholders to build sustainable management capacity, rather than simply providing a vehicle for implementing activities. LTS is responsible for overall project management and administration including the recruitment and administration of staff, and provision of all technical support.
Ghana, Research and Advocacy Programme, 2004-2008 UK Department for International Development.
LTS is currently providing programme management services under the Ghana Research and Advocacy Programme (GRAP) - a pooled donor funding mechanism for supporting the institutional development of Research and Advocacy Organisations (RAOs) in Ghana. GRAP offers multi-annual grants to a group of the most established RAOs, selected on a competitive basis. The purpose of GRAP is to enhance the capacity of RAOs to carry out evidence-based research on economic, social, political and security issues, and to make an autonomous contribution to the policy process through dissemination of research, advocacy and coalition building (see application form). LTS manages the grant application procedure and brokerage of Partnership and Institutional Grant Arrangements, monitoring and assessment of RAO compliance with grant provisions, and audit services.
Kenya, Forestry Transaction Advisor, 2007-2009, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Bank.
The USAID-funded Forest Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Strengthening (FORREMS) Programme is a six-year initiative (2003-2008) that strengthens government natural resource management institutions, assists local community groups in improving forest and environmental management, aids the rehabilitation of degraded rangelands and improves rural livelihoods with sustainable nature-based enterprises. Together with the World Bank-funded Natural Resources Management Project, FORREMS has worked with the Forest Department (FD) and Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) in improving the enabling framework for sustainable forest management by advancing reforms in Forest Act, draft Forest Policy and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) - a state corporation that will replace the FD in 2007. The Forestry Transaction Advisor acts as the Principal Advisor to the Permanent Secretary, De-Linking Committee, Forest Reform Secretariat and Board on the transition of FD to the KFS. In this regard, the advisor brings to KFS expertise public sector reform such as strategic planning, corporate governance, organisational structuring, budget and finance, human resources management, recruitment and performance contracting.
Kenya and Tanzania, Review of Microfinance Initiatives in Protected Area and Environmental Contexts in East Africa, 2007, World Wildlife Fund and CARE International.
As part of a multi-county lesson learning exercise LTS was contracted to review six microfinance schemes that have been established over the last eight years in the context of protected areas and ecosystem conservation projects with the objective of assessing their performance against environmental, social and financial criteria. LTS identified the need for and designed a review of selected savings and loan schemes that have been established in the context of protected area or natural resource management projects. LTS worked in partnership with WWF and CARE Tanzania to secure the funding and personnel to carry out the review. Using participatory social approaches to evaluate schemes, LTS led the field review of six project sites. LTS examined the short and long-term financial viability of the schemes, their environmental sustainability and socio-cultural acceptability. The results and lessons were compiled analysed and presented for consideration by the LTS, WWF and CARE partnership.
Malawi, Improved Forest Management for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme, 2006-2009, European Commission.
This national-level sector programme contributes towards improving decentralised forestry governance through building capacity of district-level service delivery, and promoting multi-stakeholder involvement in the management of forest areas. The programme has 5 Result Areas with concomitant activities with a broad remit to improve governance of the forestry sector. The programme objective is "to improve the livelihoods of forest dependent communities through improved sustainable collaborative management of forests both in forest reserves and customary land." In achieving this objective, The programme is explicit about being people-centred in its approach to sustainable development through recognising their needs, priorities and desired outcomes. In collaboration with the Department of Forestry of the Malawi Ministry of Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs, LTS International is providing the international technical expertise, the management of the technical expertise and backstopping of the project.
Montserrat, A study for the establishment of a multiple use marine park, 2007-2008, Montserrat Tourist Board.
LTS has been contracted to take a lead in this study. Specific tasks include reviewing the relevant documents, convening a stakeholders workshop to provide local technical input and ensure stakeholder support. Determine, in consultation with major stakeholders and the wider community, the location and extent of the site or sites for establishment of a sustainable, multiple use marine protected area. LTS will also conduct a survey to identify the boundaries, zones, potential boundary marker sites, potential dive sites, and generalised surveys to record species richness and diversity within the area of the proposed Marine Protected Area; this will provide a proposed monitoring methodology, tested at one or two sites. LTS staff will also prepare a comprehensive sustainable multiple-use marine park management plan for use by the Government of Montserrat, which accommodates within appropriate management regimes a broad spectrum of human activities compatible with the primary goal of a marine protected area.
St Helena, Access Project - Environmental Assessment and Management Support Consultancy, 2006-2008, UK Department for International Development
The volcanic island of St Helena rises from the South Atlantic Ocean some 1,200 miles from the coast of Africa. The development of an airport is being considered. Following feasibility studies, the DFID recruited LTS in association with Fabuer Mansuell to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposals and produce an Environmental Assessment Report. In addition, we are now preparing an Environmental Management Plan and Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan in advance of the appointment of a Design, Build and Operate contractor. These documents will inform the tendering process for the operator and provide a basis for the design, construction and operation of the airport in manner that ensures that the highest possible standards of environmental management are met. Furthermore, LTS is supporting the government undertake a functional analysis of current institutional arrangements and assist them with the identification and drafting of appropriate environmental regulations to strengthen environmental management practice on the Island.
Southern Africa, Regional Climate Change Programme, 2007-2008, UK Department for International Development.
Climate change is arguably one of the major and far reaching of the devastating issues that southern Africans increasingly experience - its effect on natural resources and poor communities that depend on them is already evident. DFID is supporting adaptation efforts in the Southern African region focusing on the achievement and sustainability of three of the Millennium Development Goals - food security, water and health. Together with our regional partner OneWorld, LTS is conducting a 5-country feasibility study to clarify the role DFID should play to help southern Africa respond to the challenge of climate change. LTS is identifying key risks and vulnerabilities in the region as well as thoroughly reviewing the anticipated impacts climate change and determining at what resolution biophysical information is needed to inform a) a robust regional programme and b) allow for effective monitoring of climate change progress and effectiveness of responses. The analysis of the existing policy and regulatory framework and the scientific, institutional and lobbying capacity is also being undertaken.
Tanzania, Serengeti-North Luangwa Ecosystem Project, 2006-2007, Frankfurt Zoological Society
The Serengeti-North Luangwa Ecosystem Management Project is a 5-year integrated conservation, development and landscape management initiative being jointly implemented by Frankfurt Zoological Society, with co-financing from the European Commission. Project activities focus on the practical application of the Approach's five operational guidelines: establishing inter-sectoral ecosystem cooperation mechanisms; improving understanding of ecosystem processes and functions; decentralising management to local institutions; improving benefits and incentives for local stakeholders; and introducing adaptive management systems. LTS is providing process support to the project in terms of technical direction, strategic and operational planning, and monitoring and evaluation. The action will help strengthen policy and practice that builds a central role for local communities in ecosystem management and, ultimately, will help ensure that key African ecosystems provide lasting conservation and livelihood benefits.
Worldwide, Best Practice Guidelines - Sacred Natural Sites: Guidelines for Protected Area Managers, 2007 - 2008, IUCN-UNESCO
The IUCN Best Practice Protected Area Management Guidelines are recognised at the definitive work on protected area management, offering advice based on syntheses of worldwide experience by a team of international experts, and subject to a rigorous peer review. LTS is now the lead editor and is providing management services to the drafting of IUCN-UNESCO Best Practice Guidelines - Sacred Natural Sites: Guidelines for Protected Area Managers. This includes reviewing tasks of all editors, developing a work-plan, liaising with World Congress on Protected Areas Best Practice Series editor and the IUCN publications unit. Support the facilitation of a consultation process with key stakeholders, especially indigenous custodians of sacred sites. It also includes a literature review and the development of case studies for inclusion in the guidelines. The final product is a print ready text with the inclusion of graphic materials. The role also includes the raising of supplementary funds for the guidelines.
Worldwide, Darwin Initiative Monitoring and Evaluation / Management of Applications Process, 2003-2009, UK Department for Environmental Affairs
On behalf of the Edinburgh Centre for Tropical Forests, LTS is implementing the Monitoring and Evaluation and Management of the Applications Process for the Darwin Initiative for the UK Department for Food and Rural Affairs. The Darwin Initiative was launched at the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992. The Initiative funds £5-7 million worth of projects per annum carried out by UK institutions in developing countries, Overseas Territories of the United Kingdom and countries whose economies are in transition. Successful projects are collaborative - involving local institutions and/or communities, promote and demonstrate sustainable use to contribute to poverty reduction, leave a lasting legacy and act as a catalyst for action. Building on from a successful Phase I, LTS now provides the overall technical and managerial inputs for the monitoring and evaluation project on behalf of ECTF and the Darwin Secretariat of Defra.
