exchange forum

Apart from the two-tier coordination structure, an exchange forum (EF) shares experiences, provides advice, comments on and appreciates the innovative approaches adopted by the project partners. The forum in its role of 'think-tank' enables the capitalisation of experiences and best practices contributing to learning and capacity building of all its participants.

PSMU takes on the role of coordination and convenes the exchange forum. This is done in close collaboration with the NGO partners on a bi annual rotational basis. Although no fixed structure is defined for this forum in terms of participants and operations, it is important to build continuity into the set up and functioning. NGO-anchored exchange forums at district level are also encouraged.

Actors/participants include:

• VDS members
• Resource persons in the field of NRM
• Government staff
• NGO staff
• PSMU staff
• Staff of other NRM projects

The exchange forum shares innovative concepts and ideas related to NRM and livelihoods, provides guidance and advice (technical, methodological, institutional etc.) to the project, and provides critique/comments about the new approaches and concepts developed by the project partners/resource organisations.