The new generation of watershed management

From projects to programmes

Most government or donor-funded watershed management programmes follow a clearly defined project logical framework specifying what is to be achieved and how. Objectives, outputs and activities are defined during the identification and formulation phase, and are normally based on limited information and superficial consultation with local stakeholders. Although project documents can be revised and amended, the general structure of the logical framework is maintained throughout the life of the project. Timing is also determined in advance, which puts managers under constant pressure to deliver.

This planning format is not compatible with the new approach to watershed management, which requires greater flexibility and long-term planning processes. Different temporal and spatial scales are to be considered, and some degree of uncertainty is to be accepted. Collaborative watershed management programmes should be long-term and planned progressively, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. Decision-making should be supported by a steady flow of sound information on both process performance and outcomes.

The relationships among such programmes, local institutions and civil society should be ones of subsidiarity, i.e., the programme should act only on those issues that local government, civil society or private actors cannot deal with themselves. Further differences between watershed management delivered under a project format and that facilitated through a subsidiary programme can be summarized as follows.