GEF-Assisted Integrated Ecosystem Management Project In The Trans-

Boundary Areas Between Nigeria and Niger Republic

Background

Nigeria and Niger have a common environmental challenges of drought and desertification as well as depleting water resources. The trans-boundary area is:semi-arid characterized by continuous land and water resources degradation and

Drained by four shared rivers, namely Maggia-Lamido, Goulbi Maradi, EI Fadama and Komadougou-Yobe

Transboundary map> 4 Ecosystems

The IEM ProjectA GEF-Assisted and an expression of the

political will by the 2 countries to sustainably manage transboundary natural resources

The project aims at:Establishing integrated approach to land and water

managementaddressing the problems of land degradationDeveloping/harmonizing joint policies on trans-boundary

land and water management;Establish a sound database and monitoring systems to

facilitate policy-making in relation to management of cross-border resources;

Develop improved marketing facilities and opportunities to encourage diversification of livelihoods

EXPECTED OUTPUTAmongst others include:

Enhanced cooperation between Niger and Nigeria for sustainable management of the natural resources in their transboundary areas

Operational legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms

Improved coordination and cooperation among the local stakeholders in the catchment areas

Increase the incomes of targeted households in the 24 pilot areas

Rehabilitation of degraded land

Project ImplementationProject Duration:- 8 yrs in 2 phases of 4yrs

eachPhase I :- July 2006 - June 2010

STRENGTHENING OF LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS FOR COLLABORATION AND PILOT DEMONSTRATIONS OF IEM

Achievementsdurable institutional arrangement for project

implementationthree baseline studies as a prelude to field activitiesSensitization of participating states and

communitiesConsultations and dialogue with participating States

and their respective IEM host communities for mobilization of additional financial resources

Development of 12 Community Based Natural Resources Management Plans (CBNRMPs) for IEM implementation in the field→→→ PILOT DEMONSTRATIONS OF IEM IN 7 COMMUNITIES (Tallam=Borno, Mainikiboa=Yobe, Dangwanki=Jigawa, Yadai=Kano, Nakaye=Katsina, Maddattai=Katsina and Tajaye=Sokoto)

Evaluation of 1st Phase by UNEP/GEFFINDINGSsignificant contribution to creating awareness

and enabling conditions for more effective mgt of TR

institutional and legal frameworks- (the Bilateral Agreement)

strengthening the capacity of NNJC24 pilot demonstration sites including the

CBNRMPs, 11 under implementation, 7 in Nigeria & 5 in Niger

Evaluation CtdSet the stage for full impl. In Phase IIDemonstrate operationalizing the IEM

concept is possible and can contribute to sustainable management of shared transboundary resources

A monitoring system as per the M&E plan, and its functioning is rated moderately satisfactory

RATINGThe TE Team evaluates the project performance

Satisfactory, “establishing sustainable conditions for integrated ecosystem management for improvement in the livelihoods of the local communities and preservation of globally significant ecosystems in the transboundary catchments between Nigeria and Niger.” as expected, and making it more than likely that most of the project goals and objectives will be achieved by the end of phase 2, capitalizing on the investments and lessons gained to date

Challengesslow process of attracting co-financing from

development partnersSlow response by beneficiary State and Local

GovernmentsSerious challenges in participation in some

beneficiary communities water table is very lowinadequate rainfall

Way Forward

• Mobilization new, additional and predictable financial resources

• Strengthening environmental awareness programmes

• Ensuring the continuation of the IEM Project beyond the 2nd phase

• Putting in place a regional Trust Fund to provides resources for regional programmes on land and water resources management

• Ensuring full participation of local communities to promote sustenance and ownership

Way Forward (Cont.)Promoting the implementation of MOUs

signed with the private sector

IEM HASE II

FOCUS >>>> Impl. of cooperative and participatory management strategies for sharing natural resources to improve ecosystem functioning and rural livelihoods

CURRENT SITUATION:-Extended Transition → Changes in GEF policyCommencement-Hopefully before end of

2012→ GEF Council Approval November 2012Attention given to Transboundary issues in

the revised ECOWAS-SRAP

IEM PHASE IIMinimal activities @ national level to

maintain structure before start of IEM Phase II

FGN counterpart approved in 2012 appropriation

Linkage to Great Green Wall Programme for leverage

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION