On the Ground Issue 16; March-April-2012

Contributors Azra Abdul-Cader | Anna Giovannini | M. Saleem| Madhushala Senaratne | Sunera Edirusriya

Inside this issue: secures funding from UN-REDD | In Focus: The Eastern Development Plan | Inaugural event of the Women’s Forum

‘On the Ground’ is a bi- monthly newsletter produced by: Communications Unit UNDP Sri Lanka, 202-204, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, 7, Sri Lanka. Tel: +94-11-2580691 (367) [email protected] How can we build the future we want? www.undp.lk Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/UNDPSriLanka Be a part of the Rio+20 Sustainable Development Dialogues on Follow us on www.riodialogues.org Issue 16; March-April-2012

Supporting recovery of resettled communities in Sri Lanka secures funding for national programme for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degra- dation

On March 28, 2012, Sri Lanka secured Rich in biodiversity, unique ecosys- The REDD preparedness strategy will USD 4 million in critical funding from tems and bearing historic significan- help Sri Lanka set up forest monito- the United Nations Collaborative ini- ce, Sri Lanka’s forests can make vital ring systems, introduce awareness tiative for Reducing Emissions from contributions towards mitigating the programmes to prevent forest degra- Deforestation and forest Degrada- effects of climate change. They are dation and deforestation and setting tion (UN-REDD). This funding would critical for soil conservation and flood up of systems to distribute benefits Preschool- one of the constructions of the JRP II Project enable Sri Lanka to implement its control, while their dual role as car- among forest communities. national programme aimed at redu- bon sinks and sources of greenhouse cing emissions from deforestation gases is also significant. Thus there Elaborating on the significance of Signing of the Individual Permanent Housing Hand- and forest degradation (REDD+) with was an urgent need ensure the con- endorsement of Sri Lanka’s UN-REDD over certificates by the beneficiaries the active involvement of local stake- servation, sustainable management National Programme, Mr. Anura Sa- holders, including indigenous people and enhancement of forest carbon thurusinghe, REDD+ National Coor- and other forest-dependent commu- stocks. dinator for Sri Lanka’s Forest De- The Jaffna Rehabilitation Project in brief: nities. partment stated that this signals a After over 20 years of displacement moted alternative income generation Work on Sri Lanka’s REDD Prepared- new life for the country’s forestry sec- and following resettlement, 26 April activities and infrastructure reconstruc- UNDP’s JRP II Project was implemented in UN-REDD is a support programme led ness Strategy commenced in Sept- tor. “Sri Lanka will be able to receive 2012 marked a memorable day for the tion, while improving social integration selected villages in 4 Divisional Secretari- by the United Nations Development ember 2009, with the final proposal immediate benefits from implemen- at Divisions of Tellipalai, , people of Vasanthapuram in Tellipalai and living standards. The new houses Karainagar and Vadamaradchi East. Programme (UNDP), the Food and being submitted to the UN-REDD Po- ting its REDD+ policy programme. Divisional Secretariat Division in Jaffna would be crucial in uplifting the lives of Agriculture Organization (FAO) and licy Board in February this year. This will help build capacity among District, when housing and community the people of Vasanthapuram, ensuring Benefits of the US$850,000 Project include: the United Nations Environment Pro- all stakeholders, including the state infrastructure was handed-over to the economic sustenance and better living gramme (UNEP) that seeks to assist The proposal came following a se- sector, private sector and NGOs, while community. conditions. Restoration of the traditional and non- developing countries to prepare and ries of consultations and stakeholder the introduction of advanced techno- traditional livelihoods of 218 individuals. implement their national REDD+ stra- workshops conducted in 2011 with logy will also be immensely benefi- This village was a beneficiary of UNDP’s Speaking on behalf of the Ambassador tegies. With this endorsement from the participation of UNDP, FAO and cial,” he explained. Jaffna Rehabilitation Project II (JRP II). of Norway, Hilde Haraldstad, Ms. Tors- Improved livelihood opportu- UN-REDD, Sri Lanka joins 15 other sta- UNEP together with the Ministry of Funded by the Government of Norway, kenaes stated, “The Ambassador came nities for 23 families through tes who are already receiving support. Environment. the project has supported the restora- here in 2011 to lay the foundation for the construction of agro wells. tion of permanent housing, livelihoods, the community centre, which we open community infrastructure, and capaci- today. It is a pleasure to see the com- Multi-purpose cooperative soci- ty development of Community Based pleted houses being taken over for use ety sales outlets which will benefit Organisations (CBOs) since December by the people of Vasanthapuram, who 700 families from 6 villages in Ilavalai 2010. have been through such difficult times. North West Grama Niladhari Division. We are pleased to see that the rehabi- Multi-purpose halls which will pro- The handing-over event was graced by litation and reconstruction process has vide socio-economic services to 700 Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of been fast tracked. We hope that this A climate change adaptation pro- families in Vasanthapuram; 260 fami- Traditional Industries and Small Enter- support is a step in a positive direction ject which aimed to improve the lies in Eluthumadduval North; and prise Development, Ms. Marte Torske- ensuring speedy recovery for the whole productivity of salf-affected paddy 56 families in Karainagar South West. naes, First Secretary of the Norwegian community in this village.” lands was recognized at UNDP’s Re- Embassy, Ms. Emelda Sukumar, District Construction of 50 permanent hous- gional Bureau for Asia and the Paci- Secretary/Government Agent of Jaffna, Also expressing her thoughts, Ms. Ra- es, including toilets, benefitting 228 fic (RBAP) Excellence Awards 2012, Ms. Razina Bilgrami, Deputy Country zina Bilgrami, Deputy Country Director resettled people in Vasanthapuram, held in March this year in New Delhi, Director (Programme), UNDP and Mr. S. (Programme) of UNDP, stated, “Our aim by meeting their basic needs of shel- when it was placed third in the ‘Cli- Sugirthan, Chairman of the Vali-North was to provide a comprehensive packa- ter and improving their quality of life, mate Change’ category. The project Pradeshiya Sabha. Other local and de- ge of socio-economic recovery support sense of security, privacy and dignity. was implemented by UNDP and the centralized government officials and to the war-affected communities in Jaff- Disater Management Centre jointly representatives from the Norwegian na, such as Vasanthapuram. But, UNDP’s Capacity building and infrastructure with the Rice Research & Develop- Embassy, UNDP and CBOs who were role was not limited to the provision of components have improved the func- ment Institute (RRDI) and the Natio- closely involved in planning and imple- inputs and infrastructure. Rather, what tioning of Community Based Organi- nal Federation for Conservation of mentation of the project, also attended. we wished to achieve was by providing zations (CBOs), helping them better Traditional Seeds and Agricultural these, ensure the communities are able manage community activities; 37 CBO Resources (NFCTSAR - a local NGO). JRP II was a community-driven project to benefit in the long term”. members have been trained on vari- Read more about the project here: that revived traditional livelihoods, pro- ous aspects of CBO operations to date. http://www.undp.lk/SubNewsUpda- tes/Pages/Detail.aspx?ItemID=127

1 On the Ground On the Ground 2 Issue 16; March-April-2012 In focus

Wide consultations were held at both the national and provincial level in preparing the Eastern Development Plan. Experts with knowledge and experience in the local economy and development of the province worked with specialists from the six major development sectors, while se- nior officials from the provincial council contributed as a working committee. Fre- quent meetings were also held with the advisory committee, consisting of repre- sentatives from the Government, senior officials from the Ministries, secretaries of the Eastern Provincial Council and former development managers.

The engagement of the provincial admi- nistration, sector specialists and experts from within the province itself was signi- ficant. While it ensured local ownership of the plan, it also helped strengthen the knowledge and capacities of the sector Wide consultations were held at both the national and provincial level in preparing the Eastern representatives, provincial council mem- Development Plan. This is one of the many such consultations. bers and local officials who were engaged in its process. The officials are now better aware of the needs of the people of their province, and have improved knowledge At one of the many consultations held during the preparatory process The Eastern Provincial Council: of policy development, planning proces- ses and governance structures. With the community consulted throughout the Finding strength from the UNDP-supported preparatory stage, it contributed towards an increase in trust between the people Eastern Development Plan and the public officials as well. The results are evident now. For example, When the Eastern Provincial Council “What we have here is our five year tional goal, the Eastern Development “there is a clear improvement in the Pro- was re-established in 2008, after a lapse plan. This is what we need support for,” Plan was identified as a good model for vincial Council Annual Plan as opposed to of 20 years, its newly elected members says V. Mahendrarajah, Deputy Chief communicating the needs and challen- how it was done four years ago. It is more were faced with a multitude of challen- Secretary – Planning of the Eastern Pro- ges of a region at the district and natio- results-oriented now,” says Mr. Mahendra- ges. Key among them was the lack of a vincial Council. nal level. rajah. concrete plan for development of this once conflict-affected province. Four Developed in line with the Mahinda The Eastern Development Plan consists Of the success of the plan, he adds, “Many years on, however, members of the Pro- Chinthana 10 year Development Fra- of eight volumes. These include the large donors saw this as an official do- vincial Council have found strength in mework, this is the first such provincial Main Document, which details the de- cument, and expressed interest. Donors the UNDP-supported Eastern Develop- development plan in Sri Lanka. It is ai- velopment objectives of the province have begun designing small-scale pro- ment Plan 2012-2016. med at supplementing the objectives over the next five years, the pipeline of jects to suit our development needs. The of meeting an 8% annual growth rate projects for implementation, and sector plan is also easily accessible and is availa- Prepared with technical and financial in Gross Domestic Product, which is analysis documents on six major deve- ble on our website.” Volume I and II of the Eastern Development Plan 2012-2016. The Eastern Development support from UNDP’s Local Governance envisaged in the Mahinda Chinthana. lopment areas, namely, agricultural de- Plan can be found here: http://www.ep.gov.lk/ppsindex.asp Project (LoGoPro), the Eastern Develo- To achieve this objective, sector-wide velopment, housing and infrastructure With a concrete plan to guide their deve- pment Plan is expected to significantly growth rates were prepared by the development, industrial development, lopment and improved institutional and increase investments into the province Department of National Planning, and human development, provincial go- individual capacities, the Eastern Provin- in the coming years. Having come into as such these targets were accom- vernance and service delivery and en- cial Council is now confident that they can operation last year, the plan serves as a modated into the Development Plan. vironment and disaster management. deliver better services to the public. basis for development partners to iden- Although the Government had pre- tify the needs, priorities and challenges viously proposed the development of of the people of Eastern Province. district level plans to achieve the na-

3 On the Ground On the Ground 4 Issue 16; March-April-2012 Event

Ampara District Women’s Forum to lead the way in empowering women

Empowering the women of Ampara Established in February this year, The inaugural event of the Amapara Dis- through enterprise development and the Ampara District Women’s Forum trict Women’s Forum highlighted the the- by increased awareness on issues pre- brings together members of women me of this year’s International Women’s valent in their district, such as domes- societies who were recently registe- Day, “Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futu- tic violence, will be key priorities of red under the Women’s Bureau of Sri res”, as well as the United Nations theme, the newly established Ampara District Lanka in the District of Ampara under “Empower Rural Women - End Hunger Women’s Forum. These priorities were one umbrella, with the facilitation of and Poverty”. The respective Divisional highlighted when the inaugural event UNDP. The District Women’s Forum will Women’s Forums also exhibited their The public takes a closer look at some of the products on display by Members of the Navithanveli Divisional Forum display some of of the Forum was held on April 5, 2012. play a lead role in conducting and ini- products during this event, while 20 wo- members of the Divisional Women’s Forums their products tiating activities to develop the skills, men who have made extraordinary con- Operating under the Ampara District capacity and confidence of the women tributions to their Divisions and District Secretariat, and supported by UNDP, of Ampara. It builds on the successes were recognized and honoured. the Ampara District Women’s Forum of the Women’s Leadership Develop- will play a lead role in strengthening ment Project (WLDP), implemented A workshop, jointly organized by the Vo- the ability of women to contribute by UNDP’s Transition Recovery Pro- cational Training Authority, National Ap- towards the social and economic deve- gramme (TRP) with funding support prentice and Industrial Training Autho- lopment of Ampara District. The Forum provided by UNDP, which sought to rity (NAITA) and the District Chamber of will also play a significant role in increa- increase women’s participation in de- Commerce on “How to connect girls with sing women’s participation in decision- cision-making in Ampara through tra- different vocational education opportu- making in a district where female par- ining, networking and advocacy and nities,” was also held. The colourful event ticipation in local governance remains seed-support. also featured drama performances by low. three Divisional Woman’s Forums, which Elaborating on the initiatives of the portrayed the role and position of the Speaking on the significance of the District Women’s Forum Ms. G. A. Is- woman of the past, the present, and the Ampara District Women’s Forum and mail, President of the Forum, explai- future. the urgent need to recognize the role ned, “Of the 20 Divisional Women’s Fo- of women in development, Mr. Neil De rum that are part of the District Forum, Members of the Damana Divisional Women’s Forum work on cloth Divisional Women’s Forum members perform a scene portraying the Alwis, District Secretary/Government seven are not functioning at present. banners which carry messages relating to the challenges faced by challenges faced by young girls during the inaugural event of the Ampara Agent of Ampara, stated, “If we em- Therefore, one of key tasks include ta- The Women’s Leadership Develo- the women in this division District Women’s Forum power women, we can bring an end to king steps to strengthen and recons- pment Project (WLDP) was recog- poverty and hunger. Women have the truct these Forums. Further, domestic nized and acknowledged at the ability to bring about changes within violence and poverty are some of the Regional Cluster Meeting held in their communities. By strengthening key challenges we face in our district, New Delhi in March 2012, when their skills and abilities, we can help and addressing these will be among UNDP Sri Lanka received the first In our last issue, we asked what this picture meant, and how it relates to our work. build stronger communities.” Reitera- our top priorities.” prize under the Gender Category ting the Government’s commitment to at the RBAP Excellence Awards Below is the story submitted by UNDP Kilinochchi: Two children busy at play at a multi-purpose building constructed with support support the District Women’s Forum, he A number of women in the district 2012. Read more about the pro- from UNDP added, “The Ampara District Women’s are currently engaged in small busi- ject here: http://www.undp.lk/ Much of the livelihood and community infrastructure, including the multi- Forum clearly demonstrates the bene- nesses. Therefore, recognizing these SubNewsUpdates/Pages/Detail. purpose building in Indupuram in Kilinochchi District was damaged during fits of a strong relationship and part- businesses, encouraging local produc- aspx?ItemID=126 the war. The lack of a common space for community events, meetings, training nership. My hope is that in the future, tion, and identifying markets will be programmes and other activities was identified as a priority for this village, Ampara District will be home to the crucial in order to empower these wo- strongest women-based forums and men. Furthermore, the Ampara District and as such UNDP took steps to provide these services to the people. organizations in the country. We, the Women’s Forum will also play a lead Government and the UNDP can help role in raising awareness on pressing Today, the multi-purpose building provides a host of benefits to the people, you achieve this.” issues, such as early marriage and do- including a space to conduct training programmes for youth and mobile eye mestic violence. clinics. Moreover, a section of the multi-purpose building is also being used for preschool activities, and here, we see two of the children, busy at play.

5 On the Ground On the Ground 6