Darwin Initiative: 5th Report
Chapter 3
Evaluation of recently completed projects
Final Reports
Each year, between 20-35 Darwin Initiative projects are completed and reviewed. Desk reviews of Final Reports aim to assess the extent to which these projects are realising Darwin objectives measured according to the Darwin criteria.
Over the last year a total of 25 Final Reports were received, on which 23 reviews were carried out. The remaining two reports were not reviewed: one very brief report of a short project; and one project report with insufficient information that was not presented according to reporting requirements (a revised report has been requested). Summary sheets for recently completed reports can be found in Annex 5.
The reporting guidelines were revised in April 2001 to ensure that the most important information was reported. The new reporting criteria against which project documents are reviewed includes: summary and background; scientific and technical assessment, impact; outputs; expenditure; operation and partnerships; monitoring, evaluation and learning; identity; leverage; sustainability and legacy; and value for money. Although previous Final Report formats have been generally in line with Darwin Initiative defined criteria, the Annual Monitoring Form did not require information that would demonstrate the quality of the project. In addition, ECTF (through the Rio+10 Report and the Monitoring & Evaluation contract) have looked more closely at monitoring and evaluation strategies within the projects, and the contribution of projects to different CBD Articles.
Quality of reports
Many final reports received this year have been comprehensive and clearly presented, providing most or all of the information requested. However, there is a marked difference in quality of those reports using the old format, ranging from 4 page scripts that resemble completed questionnaires to very comprehensive documents with a large amount of background information. Reporting is an important part of the project process but one that involves staff time that is already stretched by project commitments. The aim of the new reporting guidelines is to more clearly define reporting requirements to ensure that documents present a concise account with the necessary information only.
About 30% of final reports were presented according to the new guidelines over the last year as the change came too late for many of projects. Reports are generally clear and concise, of around 20 pages in length, with appended tables of outputs, summary of publicly accessible publications, and information on contribution to different CBD Articles.
A recent introduction is the requirement that projects are designed and implemented according to a Logical Framework and report against this. Although this does not affect the recently completed projects it will promote more transparent reporting in the future.
Assessment of project contribution to Darwin Initiative objectives
The following section provides an assessment of the extent to which recently completed projects contribute to Darwin Initiative objectives under five standard output measures:
- Contribution to local CBD - the enhanced capacity of the recipient country to meet its obligations under the Convention by developing and promoting measures for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, as specified in CBD Articles.
- Scientific and Technical Content - the quality and quantity of scientific / technical research, training and capacity building as well as the processes adopted to measure project progress and success against planned objectives.
- Impact - effect of the project on the host country including outcomes, outputs and partnerships established.
- Lasting Legacy - what the project leaves behind in the partner country including longer-term effects and leverage.
- Value for Money - the achievements of the project set against the amount of funding provided. This is not necessarily a measure of quantity as it includes small but difficult achievements or institutional developments and changes that will extend and develop the work.
Assisting host countries to meet commitments under CBD
As with the main objective of the Darwin Initiative, projects are required to demonstrate their achievements in terms of assisting countries to meet their obligations under the CBD. Generally, projects reviewed over the last year scored highly for their contribution in terms of outputs and outcomes. Over 80% reported that they had achieved all their objectives (or would have done so six months after the project completion date) and many exceeded their expected outputs. Nevertheless, actual contribution will also depend on uptake, and the effectiveness of these interventions which will rely on local commitment and structures developed by Darwin projects to promote longer-term impact.
A number of respondents to the survey carried out for the Rio+10 Report highlighted that there may have been insufficient mention of specific CBD Articles within the Darwin Initiative Application Forms, and that there is a need for more emphasis on practical steps to ensure CBD compliance. Recommendations were also made by ECTF last year for measures to more closely tie the Darwin Initiative aims to those of the CBD, and to promote the development of indicators to measure the success of a project's achievements in fulfilling its overall purpose. This will be addressed in Phase II.
All projects completed during the last year aimed to assist host countries to meet their commitments to the CBD. Twelve projects were primarily concerned with capacity building, seven focused on training and/or environmental education, and six projects concentrated on activities to improve the information base in host countries. As with previous years, most projects addressed issues described under a range of CBD Articles and all included some element of training and capacity building.
Scientific and Technical Content
The high quality of the scientific and technical content of Darwin Initiative projects has always been one of the strengths of the programme and the last year proved to be no exception. Many projects were commended for the quality and commitment of UK staff to the work and ECTF reviewers were often impressed by the large amount of work that had been achieved with a relatively low budget and short time scale.
Final reports are required to provide sufficient information on project content to enable reviewers to make a fair judgement of scientific and technical quality of the projects. Supplementary information in the form of published outputs such as scientific papers, training manuals etc. is often vital for this process. The new reporting guidelines stress the importance of this. Of the 25 completed projects, nineteen produced fair to very good reports, two were very brief reports and not reviewed, and in four cases reviewers commented that the reports contained insufficient information to assess the quality of the work. Generally, development of scientific/technical skills and training/environmental education were highly practical activities and in many cases encouraged trainees to train others, thereby reinforcing their understanding of the process and involving a larger number of students in the project.
Impact
There is no doubt that overall, the number and quality of project outputs is high and that many projects have established effective longer-term partnerships within the host country and sometimes internationally. What is less clear is the effect of these outputs and outcomes. The Rio+10 Report recommended that 'indicators of project impact should be developed which relate to the improved state of biodiversity conservation in host countries' . Unless a project has considered and developed effective indicators of achievements, particularly at the output to purpose level, they cannot demonstrate the quality or extent of project impact in the host country. Demonstrating achievements is not merely an accountability requirement but is an important tool for planning and tuning activities to local conditions during the project process. Many projects (and funders) struggle with the problem of developing indicators, particularly those that give an indication of qualitative change. The Darwin Website could provide information to assist project staff with this task and, more importantly, the Darwin Clubroom could provide a forum for debate and exchange of ideas on this issue.
Lasting Legacy
Many capacity building projects scored highly for their potential to trigger real conservation action. These were not always the projects with the greatest number of outputs but those where particular skills had been requested by host countries, often to fulfil an identified task such as the development of management plans (e.g. projects 162/04/161; 162/06/020). As such, measures for sustainability are often more apparent than they are for projects focussing on better understanding or documentation of biodiversity components.
A number of recently completed Darwin projects focused on (i) improving the information base, e.g. 162/07/078 aimed to update the information on threatened flora of Galapagos; and (ii) low-profile taxonomic groups, e.g. 162/06/054 aimed to assess the conservation status of fungi associated with rare and endangered plants of Kenya. Darwin support for such projects is crucial, as despite providing important baseline information for biodiversity conservation or augmenting other initiatives, they are unlikely to receive support elsewhere. Although the host country may not be in a position to continue the work immediately, outputs such as published papers and management plans are often of considerable interest to the international scientific community who may support the work in the longer term.
Collaboration and partnerships range was generally good, with most projects establishing new partnerships between organisations in the host countries. Perhaps not surprisingly, the majority of new partnerships involve the scientific community through research institutions and the involvement of government departments. There are fewer examples of establishing or strengthening long-term linkages involving NGO's or the private sector. Project 162/08/186 is a good example of NGO cooperation strengthening the impact and lasting legacy of the project.
Value for Money
Recently completed projects were rated as reasonable to excellent value for money, with many projects scoring highly. Some projects produced a significant number of additional outputs, for example project 162/06/081 produced 22 additional outputs including published papers, training, and videos. A few were not able to deliver important outputs such as management plans but, in most cases, these are likely to be developed as a consequence of the project. One significant factor contributing to this high rating is the amount of additional time and effort donated by UK project staff to ensure skills are established and entrenched in local practice.
A number of projects involved local or international students or volunteers, thereby increasing the educational impact of the work and reducing costs. Others reported that they had secured additional funding that would either extend the scope of the work undertaken by the Darwin project during its lifetime (e.g. projects 162/06/065; 162/07/078) or enable local partners to continue and build on Darwin project achievements after project completion. Project 162/07/147, for example, has attracted considerable funding to support the designation of a Biosphere Reserve.
Achievements, lessons and good practice
This section is a synthesis of achievements and observations from recently completed projects based on comments by ECTF advisers and project staff. Projects are classified into three thematic types based on the five principal areas of Darwin funding:
- Training and Environmental Education
- Institutional Capacity Building (including implementation of conservation and management initiatives and work to implement the CBD)
- Improving the information base (with or without a training component) to enable a better understanding or documentation of biodiversity components
This categorisation reflects the main activity(ies) of the project but does not account for the range or relative impact of activities (for example, most projects involve some training and capacity building). Observations may relate to specific types of projects or have more general relevance.
Training and Environmental Education Projects
7 projects were completed within this category:
- Biodiversity Management Training (162/04/104)
- The Darwin Technical Handbook for Botanic Gardens (162/05/090)
- Training Darwin Scholars - MSc in Ecosystems Analysis & Governance (162/05/126)
- Conserving India's Biodiversity - NGO training and projects with local communities (162/06/017)
- Establishment of four Darwin Publishing Units (162/06/175)
- Training in Polish Botanic Gardens (162/07/083)
- Insect Biodiversity - Taxonomic Capacity Building in Guyana (162/07/091)
The main outputs from these projects are listed in Table 1. Although many projects completed during the year included a training or educational component, this was the primary objective for seven projects. Training was generally of high standard, and often included efforts by project staff to develop local resources by donating equipment, books and training material (e.g. 162/07/091). The scale of these projects varied considerably, covering 1 - 3 years with Darwin contributions of £10,000 - 120,000; although funding does not always reflect the degree of impact of the project. For example, project 162/05/090 was a small project that developed a very useful Handbook for Botanic Gardens which is likely to be used in many developing countries in the long-term (see following Good Practice Example below).
Good Practice Example: Sharing ExperienceThe Darwin Technical Handbook for Botanic Gardens (162/05/090) Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) has established an extremely effective international network of botanic gardens around the world. Through this network BGCI are aware that the literature concerning practical aspects of garden management and collection maintenance is extremely dispersed and often inappropriate and difficult to access, particularly for institutions in developing countries. In response to the many requests for information, BGCI drew on its expertise to produced a Technical Handbook. The Manual was written in collaboration with 87 people from 22 countries and brings together the current knowledge on the theory and practice of managing botanic gardens. The contribution from so many different individuals and groups was considered essential to ensure the Manual would reflect good practice and be useful and relevant to as many botanic gardens as possible. This is an excellent publication that is currently available in French, Spanish and English and has been distributed to over 500 botanic gardens worldwide. |
Many of the projects recognised the added value to their work of drawing on expertise within existing networks and fostering new partnerships. The BGCI project (162/05/090) is an example of this, but points out the difficulty of asking colleagues who are not directly involved in the project to commit time and resources to assisting their partner organisation. Although new partnerships are often formed on the basis of mutual benefits they can provide, budgeting for their initial input may be necessary.
A number of reports indicate that some of the staff who have received training through a Darwin Initiative project have returned to the host country and promptly left the organisation for a more senior post elsewhere. Whereas a new post will often enable effective use of this new knowledge, the initial Darwin partner organisation may have benefited little or lost a valuable member of staff. As the partner organisation is generally responsible for selecting candidates for the training it is important that this potential problem is discussed with the partner at the onset of the project. A decision to train a number of key people in the organisation whose duty it is to train others can help to address this problem. For example, training of sixty NGO's took place during a Darwin project in India (162/06/017) by training trainers and developing a training package.
The combination of training in the UK with a follow-up year in the home country has been adopted by a small number of projects, including DICE project 162/04/104. This provides project staff with the opportunity to assist trainees to become confident in the use of new skills and to promote structures in the host organisation which ensure that these skills will continue and develop. However, it is clear from reports that in practice, such a follow-up year can involve considerable problems, e.g. staff with newly acquired skills and status are more likely to move to different employment. A carefully structured programme for the second year that is agreed by all parties and in place at the start of the project may help to reduce such problems.
Two of the recently completed projects focused on training for staff of botanic gardens. These, together with a similar project 'Education and training materials for South African botanic gardens' (project 162/07/099 - reported on in the Fourth Darwin Initiative Annual Report), appear to have been very successful. Although all three projects were concerned about establishing partnerships and disseminating information produced by the project, none of their completion reports indicate an awareness or communication with the other Darwin projects. This is a cause for concern as such co-operation could reduce the possibility of unnecessary replication of work, help resolve similar problems, and bring added value to the projects.
Table 1: Main Outputs from Training and Environmental Education Projects
|
Project |
Outputs |
|
Biodiversity Management Training (162/04/104) |
9 Darwin Initiative Fellows completed MSc in Conservation Biology at DICE; the follow-up year within host countries was partially achieved. All 9 DI Fellows are now working for conservation organisations in their home countries. |
|
The Darwin Technical Handbook for Botanic Gardens (162/05/090) |
Handbook (English, French, Spanish) - 2,000 copies of the English version sent to over 500 botanic gardens in over 100 countries. 500 copies of the Spanish and French version of the Handbook sent to 120 botanic gardens in 40 countries.Version of the Manual in Portuguese and Korean also produced and distributed. |
|
Training Darwin Scholars - MSc in Ecosystems Analysis & Governance (162/05/126) |
10 MSc students from developing and CEE countries graduated in Conservation and Sustainable Use of Resources from the Warwick University (EAMG). 10 dissertations produced. |
|
Conserving India's Biodiversity - NGO training and projects with local communities (162/06/017) |
10 NGOs (at least 1 from each of the States of NE India) attended a Biodiversity Training Course. Each trained NGO undertook a mini biodiversity project and training workshop with local communities generating additional outputs (e.g. herbariums, habitat management plans). A biodiversity manual for NGOs produced for the North-East and adapted to use in other regions by local CEE cells. - training delivered to 5 other regions - 50 NGOs. A 100+ pages Train the Trainers Manual produced. A short booklet on biodiversity produced for local community leaders in the North-East. |
|
Establishment of four Darwin Publishing Units (162/06/175) |
Establishment of Darwin Publishing Units at four organisations in the host countries: CURE - Malawi; AGENDA Tanzania; Uganda Wildlife Society; and the Wildlife & Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia. Production of a range of publications on conservation of biological diversity including newsletters, leaflets, posters. |
|
Training in Polish Botanic Gardens (162/07/083) |
24 people trained in environmental education techniques from 21 institutions; establishment of a Polish botanic garden environmental education network; press released and TV broadcast on the workshop. |
|
Insect Biodiversity - Taxonomic Capacity Building in Guyana (162/07/091) |
3 undergraduates trained. 20 professional trained on short courses. Training material produced. 1 species reference collection enhanced. Press releases, TV and radio broadcasts, articles, dissemination network enhanced. |
Institutional Capacity Building Projects
During the year, 12 projects were completed within this category:
- A Biodiversity Action Plan for Santiago (162/04/161)
- Biodiversity surveying and information management, Laguna San Rafael National Park (162/05/153)
- Conserving Vietnam's biodiversity through improved water quality assessment & monitoring (162/06/014)
- Egyptian sea turtle project (162/06/020)
- Marine benthic biodiversity in China (162/06/023)
- Marine benthic invertebrate study in coastal waters of Ecuador (162/06/029)
- Bogs of Tomsk Province: Inventory, assessment and Biodiversity Action Plan (162/06/ 081)
- Revision of the Galapagos Marine Management Plan (162/06/174)
- The role of fruit bats in maintaining biodiversity in Madagascar (162/07/027)
- Ecology and conservation of the endemic St Helena wirebird (162/07/117)
- Marine habitat mapping development in San Andres Archipelago (162/07/147)
- Access to genetic resources and benefit sharing in the Pacific Islands region (162/08/186)
Table 2 lists the main outputs from these projects. One of the key factors relating to the high quality training of many of these projects is the combination of considerable scientific competence with a focus on hands-on methods of learning. Most training and capacity building within projects was through practical experience where possible, often working from field-level investigation to various methods of recording data to evaluation and publication of findings. This process approach to learning is not the norm in many developing countries and is often met with considerable enthusiasm and consequently very positive results.
The involvement of host country partners in the process of project monitoring and evaluation was raised in the Fourth Darwin Initiative Annual Report. A similar recommendation was made by the Tomsk Province project (162/06/081) in their final report which suggests that "[host country] partners are provided with copies of the report formats needed by Darwin (or amended as appropriate), and required to provide their own version to UK partners - preferably a couple of weeks before the deadline. That way, everyone is clear 'up front' about what is required, and the full onus of reporting does not fall on the UK partner. This is also helpful for everyone in making sure the project is kept on track, and to identify any problems as they arise."
Effective capacity building within the host country will require an assessment at the start of the project of training needs and availability of resources within the host organisation. A number of Project Leaders were concerned that the eagerness of host countries to attract Darwin projects and the requirement that they demonstrate a commitment of resources can encourage host organisations to be over-ambitious. A number of project leaders have commented on the importance of discussions with local partners to establishing realistic goals.
It is clear from the evaluation of Darwin projects that UK organisations put considerable effort into careful planning and execution of activities. A number of Project Leaders highlighted the value of establishing a formal Memorandum of Understanding with the host organisation at the start of the project and ensuring that targets were realistic.
Good Practice Example: Establishing a Memorandum of Understanding at project outsetConserving Vietnam's biodiversity through improved water quality assessment and monitoring (162/06/014) Excellent collaboration between the UK and the National University, Vietnam, Hanoi (NUV) was achieved during this project. Project management involved the formalisation of the commitments of each organisation at the outset in a Memorandum of Understanding. A signed copy of this Memorandum was attached to the final report. This is a good example of a successful and well administer project that achieved a great deal. The clear understanding of relative responsibilities and potential benefits at the start of the project clearly contributed to this. Such an agreement established at the proposal stage would clearly strengthen any application for funding. |
Reports from most projects completed during 2001 commented on the strength of the partnerships established during the project. Where possible projects made efforts to form new links between organisations within the country to promote the work after project completion.
Good Practice Example: Close collaboration between a number partner organisationsThe role of fruit bats in maintaining biodiversity in Madagascar (162/07/027) One of the strengths of many Darwin Initiative projects is the close collaboration of UK and host organisations and the development of new partnerships. This project featured particularly close collaboration between project personnel and host country institutions, NGOs and individuals, and established formal recognition of these relationships that strengthened the project and the longer-term impact of the work. All of these collaborations have involved active participation of the various organisations in the work of the project, with attendance at workshops held by the project, and assistance with the field work of the project. This has fostered considerable understanding of the objectives and findings of the project, and will ensure that the enduring impact of the project will be significant. |
A number of capacity building projects also clearly recognised the potential problem of losing Darwin trained staff from the partner organisation after project completion and the value of training sufficient numbers of staff to ensure that there was a 'cascade effect' to protect the organisation from losing newly acquired skills (e.g. project 162/07/147). Others, such as project 162/04/161, targeted key individuals with influence in government departments or large NGOs, who, although they may later move to different organisation, were immediately in a position to incorporate new skills into management decisions that could have a significant impact in the country.
Table 2: Main Outputs of Capacity Building Projects
|
Project |
Main Outputs |
|
A Biodiversity Action Plan for Santiago (162/04/161) |
1 Chilean ecologist/planner and 2 Chilean park/open space managers trained in UK; draft Biodiversity Action Plan for Santiago produced and currently under discussion; survey methodology for Santiago produced; database of ecological information & important sites of Santiago; 5 conference/symposium papers presented. |
|
Biodiversity surveying and information management Laguna San Rafael National Park (162/05/153) |
Baseline survey of priority components of biodiversity in the park recorded; 3 workshops (2 on information management training, 1 on dissemination & lessons learnt); long-term monitoring systems in place for a set of projects; 340 young people from around the world involved in fieldwork; 5 CONAF rangers involved in mammal research and received training; ; 8 CONAF rangers + 2 admin. staff trained in plant & insect monitoring techniques; Successful application for 4 years EC funding to develop a sustainable management strategy in LSRNP and 4 other protected areas building on the Darwin project work; 5+ papers published in scientific journals. 41+ other publications. |
|
Conserving Vietnam's Biodiversity through improved water quality assessment & monitoring (162/06/014) |
Over 35 BSc and MSc dissertations produced; over 600 children involved in school projects; 38 teachers received training at 3 sites; Training in 5 different locations in Vietnam; 500 copies of education manuals published and distributed; water quality now a curriculum 'theme' for schoolchildren throughout Vietnam; 2 identification keys; a database and species collection established; 100+ individuals from higher education, national parks, National Environmental Agency, schools and education authorities involved; books and equipment donated; dissemination of materials to 8 countries in Asia; |
|
Egyptian Sea Turtle Project (162/06/020) |
Short courses for 50-100 fisherman, fish wholesalers & retailers, and military representatives; 4 turtle rangers trained in UK and Egypt; 30 members of the Egyptian Turtle Conservation Society trained as volunteer assistants; 4-day international workshop (approx. 50 participants); New Egyptian society for the conservation of sea turtles established; Newsletter; 10-20 sites identified for protection by legislation; Recommendations on protected sites delivered to Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA); scientific papers published. |
|
Marine Benthic Biodiversity in China (162/06/023) |
Standard techniques for collection and handling of samples developed and adapted; 3 Darwin Scholars trained in UK and Ecuador; 6 Ecuadorian student researchers trained; guidebook on techniques & methods for identification of benthic marine invertebrates published; 2 papers in preparation for scientific journals; 6 other papers ; database of all specimen material collected; species reference collection at University of Guayaquil; 4 workshops; 4 newsletters; specialist marine 'Darwin Unit' established. |
|
Marine Benthic Invertebrate Study in Coastal Waters of Ecuador (162/06/029) |
2 Darwin Fellows received PhD degrees, 31 university staff and students trained and Darwin library established at the Ocean University of Qingdao; research conducted on human impact on coastal habitats, and evaluation of techniques for rapid assessment of biodiversity; scientific publications and local publicity. |
|
Bogs of Tomsk Province: Inventory, Assessment and Biodiversity Action Plan (162/06/ 081) |
4 Russian scientists and 4 researchers trained in Tomsk; 3 members of the Tomsk team also trained in UK; project initiation workshop (14 local participants); database on the wetlands of Tomsk established; habitat Statement and Action Plan produced; Ratification of the Biodiversity Action Plan by Tomsk Province Administration - with 5 large wetland areas in Tomsk Province submitted for designation as Ramsar sites; 2 of the Russian participants have been appointed to the Inter-Regional Commission on the Great Vasyugan Bog, reputedly the largest wetland. |
|
Revision of the Galapagos Marine Management Plan (162/06/174) |
GIS database established; Draft Biodiversity Management Plan produced; 2 senior Ecuadorian CDRS personnel trained in GIS in UK for 1 month with follow-up at CDRS; 5 research assistants trained in quantitative biological survey techniques alongside UK team and CDRS senior staff; Spectrophotometer donated and training provided; diving guide of benthic marine organisms produced; at least 1 scientific paper submitted for publication; Conference presentations and national/local press releases and radio broadcasts in Ecuador and UK. |
|
The role of fruit bats in maintaining biodiversity in Madagascar (162/07/027) |
100+ plant species identified as food species; 10 regions surveyed for bat roosts; promotion through meetings and materials with villagers, GO and NGO personnel, radio interviews, TV, bat protection society, workshops and articles; National Action Plan produced; 12 Malagasy biologists from the University of Antananarivo trained; additional 23 post-graduates trained; Many other staff and students received training. |
|
Ecology and Conservation of the Endemic St Helena Wirebird (162/07/115) |
5 ECS staff trained in field skills; 1 database produced of all available wirebird data; Draft management plan produced; 1 paper published (4 in draft); 6 UK seminars; 8 St. Helena radio broadcasts. |
|
Marine Habitat Mapping Development in San Andres Archipelago (162/07/147) |
Capacity built within the CORALINA institute to interpret remote sensing and sonar scanning data, and conduct habitat mapping using dive survey and GPS methods; database of marine habitats in the San Andres archipelago enhanced; 4 scientific papers in press or draft; 2 Darwin Fellows trained; 80+ staff in host country trained by Darwin-trained CORALINA staff; database established; 4 management plans completed. |
|
Access to genetic resources and benefit sharing in the Pacific Islands region (162/08/186) |
5 day regional workshop and 2 national workshops; Draft regional guidelines on access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing (ABS); 2 national draft ABS frameworks developed and discussed at workshops; 4 national, 3 local and 1 UK press release, 2 national TV announcements; informal network of people working on ABS issues. |
Improving the information base
An improved information base was a significant component of six projects completed during the year. Most of these projects also included a strong element of capacity building, training and research. Table 3 shows the main outputs of these projects.
- Computer software systems for botanic gardens of Former Soviet Union (162/05/091)
- Automating insect identification for inventorying Costa Rican biodiversity (162/06/050)
- Conservation of endangered plants and their associated fungi in Kenya (162/06/054)
- 4-Volume Fieldguide to Herpetofauna of SE Asia (162/06/065)
- Biodiversity of butterflies in tropical rainforests of Sabah (162/07/040)
- Threatened flora of the Galapagos (162/07/078)
A number of projects each year assist host countries develop computer information systems. Although many of these projects have been very successful, such as project 162/05/091, it is not always clear from the final reports if the training establishes the use of these systems within the wider context of biodiversity databases in the host country or region. For example, does training in the use of a particular piece of software for information management discuss other software available for similar or related issues? How does the computer information system fit with other information systems, such as permanent collections?
In a number of cases, projects have highlighted the potential problem of ensuring appropriate people receive training for computer software. Often it is not the senior members of staff that manage the computer information systems but it is these staff or directors who attend the course. It is obviously important that the appropriate person receives hands-on training. This problem often can be resolved, if recognised early, through negotiation with the local partner.
The issue of UK staff spending a considerable amount of unscheduled project time trying to secure additional funds has been raised in many project final reports. By recognising training in fund-raising as an important part of the project and making provision for this in project plans and budgets, it may be possible to reduce project leader's unbudgeted tasks and therefore help to avoid over-commitment of the project.
Good Practice Example: Developing fund-raising skillsThreatened Flora of Galapagos (162/07/078) The Galapagos Conservation Trust, and the UK the project leader, like many Darwin Initiative projects, put considerable effort into raising additional funds. During the project period, staff training included not only field and laboratory research, but also focussed on improving the capacity of staff of the local partner to raise further funding. In particular, the Project Co-ordinator and the senior plant ecologist working on the project under the guidance of the Project Leader, have both shown aptitude in writing project proposals and report, and are expected to play an increasing role in fund-raising in the future. |
One of the projects noted the importance of retaining some flexibility within the project structure so that important opportunities that are presented can be utilized and help to achieve the projects aims. Darwin Initiative applicants are required to clearly define the structure of their project, include annual work-plans and complete a Logical Framework. However, these are tools for defining the basic outline of project action. They are not rigid, and can and should be modified if necessary, although if significant changes are required these should first be discussed with the Secretariat. The Secretariat endeavours to maintain a flexible approach to projects.
Table 3: Main Project Outputs for Projects Improving the Information Base
|
Project |
Main Outputs |
|
Computer software systems for botanic gardens of Former Soviet Union (162/05/091) |
A coordination & monitoring centre established linking 50 botanic gardens www.bgci.org.ru ; support service established; new software and key texts in Russian produced for managing biodiversity collections; over 300 people trained in information systems and biodiversity documentation; 3 model computer system set up in FSU organisations; 75 Institutions received computer software. |
|
Automating Insect Identification for Inventorying Costa Rican Biodiversity (162/06/050) |
Digital Automated Identification of Insects (DAISY) developed and installed at the Universidad de Costa Rica and the Natural History Museum, UK. |
|
Conservation of endangered plants and their associated fungi in Kenya (162/06/054) |
6 training courses trained a total of 81 staff; training material; description of 22 new species and 2 new genera of fungi; manual on identification/recognition of fungal species; 8 publications; database of fungal species; reference collection of +1000 specimens; seminars; equipment donated (including 4 computers, microscope, cabinets, books, CD-ROM).; internet site www.cabi.org/bioscience/darwin |
|
4-Volume Fieldguide to Herpetofauna of SE Asia (162/06/065) |
Fieldguide to Herpetofauna of SE Asia (4 Volumes, in draft?) ; research and publications on the phylogeny on Asian pit viper species; other publications in preparation (at time of reporting to DI); presentations at local conferences and meetings. |
|
Biodiversity of butterflies in tropical rainforests of Sabah (162/07/040) |
4 students received MSc qualifications; 2 butterfly collections established; 2 workshops; 6 seminars, 1 published paper, others in preparation (at time of reporting); Education Pack; 3 Databases established; website www.dur.ac.uk/Ecology/darwin.htm |
|
Threatened Flora of the Galapagos (162/07/078) |
Data on abundance and distribution of endemic plants collated; 87 permanent sample plots established; Database developed; 13 undergraduates trained plus 4 people received training on short courses; flora check-list (draft); revised vegetation monitoring manual (draft);Herbarium refurbished; 4 published papers; 14 other publications; 2 species reference collections enhanced; conferences, meetings, press articles, TV and radio interviews. |
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