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ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Central Programs TITLE AND NUMBER: Improved protection and more sustainable use of natural resources, principally forests, biodiversity, coastal and freshwater ecosystems, and agricultural lands, 934-001; IR1.3 Environmental education and communication strategies, methods, and tools systematically applied in USAID-assisted countries STATUS: Continuing PLANNED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $1,800,000 DA PROPOSED FY 2002 OBLIGATIONS AND FUNDING SOURCE: $1,390,000 DA INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1999; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2008 Summary: USAID helps strengthen national and local agencies, organizations and community groups to deliver environmental education and communication (EE&C) programs. Well done programs generally increase popular support and needed changes in behaviors, practices and attitudes relating to environmental issues. The program applies EE&C strategies, methods and tools to increase the reach and impact of USAID environment objectives and programs. Global's Center for Environment (the Center) works closely with counterparts to increase local capacity to design and deliver environmental education and communication programs, and draw on lessons learned from around the world to better reach target audiences. Technical assistance focuses on social marketing methodologies and extensive use of popular media, participatory approaches, and formal education to build public support for environmental programs and policies. Elements include detailed assessment of problems and target audiences; development of intervention-based communication and education concepts, messages and strategies; pre-testing and revision of intervention elements; demonstration and delivery; and monitoring, evaluation and program revision. Local communities become more aware of the benefits and value of their natural resources and more skillful at communicating their own agendas and concerns. Institutional strengthening of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) improves their ability to implement environmental programs. Host country governments evolve effective communication and education approaches, highlighting natural resource policies and improve their ability and willingness to hear local interest groups. Both developed and developing countries benefit as natural resources are sustainably managed in ways which contribute to economic growth. Key Results: USAID seeks to produce effective, two-way communication strategies and programs. The Center looks to government agencies and NGOs over the long-term to expand that capacity. Another primary result is to develop the capacity and willingness of organizations to dialogue with all interest groups. Performance and Prospects: Host-country organizations have received assistance to implement national and regional media campaigns on water resource management in Central America and the Middle East; strengthened a governmental water communications unit in Egypt; produced video letters to communicate the environmental concerns of coastal communities to elected officials in Tanzania; conducted national environmental awards programs for journalists in El Salvador; produced interpretive materials for national parks in Nicaragua; trained extension agents in effective community outreach techniques in Nepal and Central and South America; and developed environmental curriculums for public schools accompanied by training for teachers in Egypt, Nepal, Mali, and other countries. In FY 2000, the Center trained 1,250 service providers in the development and use of EE&C strategies, methods, and tools. In Tanzania, the program trained a broad cross-section of people and captured the imagination of top-level leaders. Based on a trend analysis of success to date, the Center's program will serve at least 50 agencies, institutions and NGOs in countries where EE&C strategies, methods and tools have been applied systematically in environment-related programs. As individuals, communities and governments gain increased awareness and knowledge of the value of the environment from USAID-supported activities, they will more effectively and sustainably manage the environment upon which their health and prosperity depend. In FY 2002, the Center will continue to provide assistance to field missions as well as to focus on synthesis and dissemination of lessons learned over the past seven years. It will continue to strengthen the foundation established in Mexico, Tanzania, Panama, Egypt and Bolivia while expanding operations in partnership with other U.S. government agencies. The Center will continue to explore new and innovative methods of utilizing strategic environmental communications to assist in accomplishment of environmental objectives crucial to economic development. Possible Adjustments to Plans: Additional or revised performance measures may be required on a new activity that became operational in FY 2000. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: The principal contractor is The Academy for Educational Development. A group was also provided to fill in FY 2000 under a program jointly funded by the LAC Bureau and several missions. Selected Performance Measures: Indicator FY97 (Actual) FY98 (Actual) FY99 (Actual) FY00 (Actual) FY01 (Plan) FY02 (Plan) Indicator 1: Number of agencies, institutions, and NGOs where environmental, education, and communication (EE&C) strategies, methods, and tools have been tested and applied systematically in environment-related programs. 24 36 49 56 98 148 Indicator 2: Number of service providers receiving guided practice and training in the development and use of EE&C strategies, methods, and tools. 2,916 3,728 2,523 1,250 3,100 4,000 Indicator 3: Number of trainees and service providers reporting changes in knowledge, skills and attitudes toward EE&C in key countries. Baseline 1,362 816 950 4,000 4,000 Indicator 4: Index measuring quality and effect of participation amongst stakeholders in policy interventions. Baseline 3.8 4.4 4.5 4.0 4.0 Indicator Information Indicator Level (S)or(IR) Unit of Measure Source Indicator Description Indicator 1: IR Metric tons (MT) Contractor reports This indicator is the only cumulative indicator in the results framework and reflects the number of agencies, institutions, and NGOs that have systematically (using the approach outlined in the overview) applied EE&C strategies, methods, and tools as an integral part of an environmental program. Examples include national media campaigns, community mobilization programs; school based EE programs, and EE&C strategy development. Indicator 2: IR Number Contractor reports This indicator reflects the degree of outreach to agency, ministry, non-governmental, community, and grassroots organization staff participants receiving training and guided practice in EE&C as a direct result of interventions in the field. This indicator also includes journalists trained in environmental issues under specific interventions. Key countries indicate a long-term funding commitment for EE&C programming and delivery. Indicator 3: IR Number of retailers trained Contractor reports This indicator measures the number of trainees who report changes in knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards EE&C resulting from training and guided practice activity. Indicator 4: IR Metric tons (MT) Contractor reports. Index - The index here is made up of 13 different elements that experts in participation have suggested are critical to achieving good participation. It virtually never happens that all of these elements are present. However, the more elements present and the more prominent each of them is, the higher the level of participation. These ratings are done at the time of the participatory event and over time if participatory techniques improve, the index should increase by fractions of a point. Some of the elements tend to be limited depending on cultural or political norms so that a score of five is not possible.   :  :  :  :  :  :  :  :  :  :  What's New : FOIA Requests : Privacy Policy : Email This Page : Plug-ins : FAQs : Help Desk : Contact Us : Site Map Last Updated on: May 29, 2002