Inception workshop IBES project

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved a USD 5 million allocation from the GEF Trust Fund for the Biodiversity focal area project under GEF-8, titled “Strengthening Governance and Community-Based Management of Inland Fisheries to Support Sustainable Use of Biodiversity and Building Resilience of Economic Systems (IBES).” The main goal of the IBES project is to develop a holistic and ecosystem-based inland fisheries management model in three WPPNRI inland water areas in Java, Kalimantan, and Sumatra—aiming to conserve biodiversity, improve governance, restore key habitats, and promote food security and livelihoods. The IBES project will employ strategies, including (i) strengthening the enabling environment through harmonized policies and multi-stakeholder participatory platforms; (ii) restoring and maintaining critical freshwater habitats, controlling invasive species, and improving fishing practices; (iii) supporting innovation and inclusive business models for nature-positive small-scale fisheries enterprises; and (iv) establishing a knowledge hub and monitoring system to track biodiversity outcomes and inform adaptive management.
This inception workshop marks the start of the PPG stage. The primary objectives of the inception workshop include:

• Inform key stakeholders of the PPG phase’s objectives, timelines, and deliverables, and confirm the type of support expected and required.
• Solicit stakeholder input and suggestions on the draft Theory of Change (ToC), the preliminary results framework, proposed project sites, and implementation arrangements to ensure the project’s relevance and timeliness.
• Identify the preliminary information and key data sources needed for the full project document, and confirm stakeholder support for accessing them.
• Confirm stakeholder support and commitment to the project, particularly from implementing partners and co-financiers.
• Build synergies and ensure complementarity with co-financing activities and parallel investments.