Nfps For All: Introductory training module

Introduction

The introductory Training Module or ITM is designed to support a start-up workshop for countries initiating a nfp process or willing to improve an on-going one. The workshop focuses on the nfp concept and the guiding principles of nfps and places the nfp process into the wider context of the international forest dialogue and its recommendations. The workshop provides this kind of information drawing on the origins of the nfp concept and its position within the overall discussion on sustainable development.

The proposed workshop structure and the materials presented here should be seen as highly flexible and adaptable to a specific country's conditions. The workshop should be country-led and should follow the nfp principles of being participatory and integrating sectors and stakeholders outside forestry.

Beside providing information on the nfp concept and principles, however, the workshop also serves to motivate stakeholders to actively participate in the nfp process, to contribute to the development of a country’s nfp and to build commitment to its implementation. To achieve motivation and commitment, it has to create an atmosphere of openness for mutual learning, transparency and social interaction among the different stakeholders, representating various (societal) interests. Therefore, the ITM has to provide both, information on nfp concept and contents and to build coherence and commitment for the process.

Hence the ITM has two objectives:

1. to create awareness on the nfp concept, its principles and elements, and
2. to stimulate participation and bring about the existing potential of stakeholders.

Outline workshop content and materials

Part 1: Setting the scene

By the end of this part of the workshop participants should:

1. have a global understanding of the nfp concepts, principles and elements
2. be aware of the relevance of the nfp and in particular, its principles for the country's forest policy process
3. have been able to contribute to the agenda setting of relevant issues to be tackled under the nfp process

The following key sections should be considered for inclusion:

• It is suggested that the technical meeting be opened by a presentation on the country's current and past forest policy developments. If possible this presentation is given by the head of the forestry department or ministry. A well structured overview presentation sets the tune of the workshop and provides an indication of the kind of discussions that can be expected. Furthermore, the following discussion provides some stakeholders, such as civil society organisations and private sector, to raise their concerns or at least to put issues on the agenda for further discussion.
• A presentation on the international forest dialogue gives some background information on the nfp origins and clarifies some of its characteristics. This presentation would preferably be given by the official who is responsible for representing the country at the various international forums. That way some more country specific information can be added to the generic information in the powerpoint.

  international dialogue (487 kb)

• The programme can continue with an overview of the national forest programme concepts. This is a crucial part of the workshop as it should be both informative on the generic content and raise the participants' interest as it's relevance for the country is illustrated. This presentation should be presented in a dialogue form and at several points in the presentation some issues are raised to encourage participants to reflect and engage in applying the concepts to their own situation.

  nfp concepts and principles (2.1 mb)

• Following time can be adjusted to the specific country situation and requirements. Prior to the workshop, the organisers need to decide on the most relevant and suitable programme. The following options may be included:
  • Briefings on current activities, implemented by civil society organisations as part of the partnership programme. Naturally only those activities of relevance for the nfp process in the country should be included.
  • Presentations and discussions on recent surveys or inquiries on the linkages between forests and poverty reduction strategies. This can clarify the important cross sectoral issues to be taken into account in the nfp process.

    poverty reduction strategies and the nfp (1.79 mb)

  • A more detailed presentation on the IPF/IFF proposals for action and a ( group) discussion on their use and relevance for the country.
  • A case presentation on nfp experiences in the region could be included to further discuss the nfp concepts and its implications.
  • Draw on the lessons learned so far and see how this compares to the country process so far

Part 2: Nfp principles applied to the country situation

The aim of the second part is to internalise the nfp principles by assessing them against the ongoing policy process in the country. By the end of this part of the workshop participants should:

1. be able to relate the nfp principles to their own country context and the current policy process
2. understand the organisational and institutional requirements for a nfp to succeed in their own country
3. have identified areas/ issues requiring action/ follow-up

The session should begin with a short reflection on the previous session. Rather than to make it a dull recap, the idea is for the facilitator to invite participants to share some of the highlights of the previous session. Asking such questions like: "what was a highlight in the last session that you will remember and what made it so relevant for you?" depending on the group of participants, the facilitator can also decide to invite one or two people to present a short reflection.

Participants will work in sub groups during the better part of this session. To introduce the group work a short presentation on the nfp principles can refresh the thinking. This can be done using the same presentation or using a more detailed presentation on nfp principles. Three groups are to work with the clusters of nfp principles and one group is to address the nfp elements.

Part 3: The way forward....

The third part of the workshop aims to bring together the various outcomes of group and plenary discussions and formulate concrete actions for follow-up. The workshop participants are asked to commit themselves to take the lead in selected actions and where necessary the NFP Facility partnership programme can offer technical and financial assistance to make these activities effective. By the end of this part the participants have:

1. an overview of the workshop conclusions and agreed follow-up steps to take the nfp further
2. committed themselves or their organisations to engage is relevant follow-up initiatives
3. received detailed information on the nfp facility and its country partnership programme in general and specific arrangement in the country

This third and last session of the workshop aims to capitalise on the results of the discussions so far. With the deepened understanding on the nfp concept and it's place in the national development process, we can prioritise the issues a country nfp should focus on. With the results of the analysis on the application of principles in the specific country context we can rethink the steps to be undertaken and ensure their quality by applying the developed indicators for success.

This is also the moment to capitalise on the commitment of stakeholders to take initiatives and carry the process further. The traditional thinking of leaving the initiative to government is to be questioned and the best way to do this is often by planning follow-up steps in very practical and concrete manners. Setting clear priorities is another way, as it helps us to focus on what we consider really important. The workshop is closed after a brief workshop evaluation and a recap of the major conclusions and recommendations.