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Mónica Sanz, Ph.D.-cand

Maarten Siebel, Rhodante Ahlers, JoyeetaGupta, Pieter van der Zaag,

UNESCO-IHE5th Scientific Meeting, Lodz Oct 13-16 2010

The case of the micro-tanneries from

Villapinzón- Colombia: A paradigm shift on

the recovery of the Bogotá River

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Introduction

MSEs (1-49 employees)

•In developing countries

Engine of the opportunities for development (UNIDO, 2005)

In Colombia despite 99,4 % of enterprises-

interests put aside

Vulnerable (disadvantaged)

•In the water domain

Collective impact on the water bodies is

substantial- 70% industrial pollution (Frondel et al., 2005)

Often clear what but not how

Informal sector: Policy instruments bypass MSEs

Stakeholder participation ineffective

Mainly end-of-pipe approach

1.Introduction2.Key concept3.T, M & A4. Results5.Concluding Remarks

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LOCATION

67 potential end-of-pipe solutions

Law-suits against – sole strategy

4000 jobs

Social exclusion

Clandestine industrial activity

Forced closures

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Aim, hypothesis and

objective

To improve the effectiveness of stakeholder

participation through a participative systematic

approach based on mutual learning on CP

implementation

Aim

Hypothesis

Objective

1.Introduction2.Key concept3.T, M & A4. Results5.Concluding Remarks

To contribute to governance of the river water management

A systematic participative approach for CP implementationworks for MSEs that seem to have no chance of solvingtheir environmental conflicts through the formal institutions

A need for developing knowledge

and change : Action research

Challenges

To recognize complexity

Interaction of multiple forces at local, regional and

national levels

Multidisciplinary focus

A systematic approach that assures the MSEs

interests’ respect- social inclusion

Need to find out how to deal with big groups

The researcher digging into deeper causes /

describing symptoms- frequency of appearance of

the problems

Need to introduce prevention concepts

Need to integrate theories and methodologies5

1.Introduction2.Key concept3.T, M & A4.Results5.Concluding Remarks

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Theory & Methods

1.Introduction2.Key concept3.T, M & A4. Results5.Concluding Remarks

Integrative

Negotiation

Managed learning

processesConflict

Resolution

High degree systematic

approach

Systematic

ApproachInterests

Big groups

AI OST

Trial & Error Change Agent

Inclusive

process

Observations

Facilitator

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Principle Theory

(1) People support initiatives that they help create

Participation(Holman, 2004)

(2) On big groups as targets common grounds/respecting individuals

Conflict resolution(Holman, 2004)

(3) Complex negotiations interests / not on positions

Negotiation(Raiffa, 2002; Fisher, 1991)

(4) Know a system - change it Managed learning (action research) (Lewin, 1946)

(5) Best learning process: trial and error

Managed learning (action research) (Schein, 1997)

Principles1.Introduction2.Key concept3.T, M & A4. Results5.Concluding Remarks

Cycles of Action Research

Figure 1. Cycles of action research for vulnerable communities (Sanz, 2010)

Observe

Reflect

Observe

Reflect

PlanAct

1.Introduction2.Key concept3.T, M & A4. Results5.Concluding Remarks

Systematic Social Inclusion

Process on CP

PreparationBuilding

relationship

Redefintion of

the problem

Common

grounds INT-

ALLAgreements

Implementation

Follow-up

Stakeholderanalysis

BATNAInitial definitionProblemNaturerelationshipsPossible allies

Help???

Trust buildingSharing information

Initial big meetingBig group methods

Initialdiagnosis

Psychological safety

ConsensusVisioningStrategy

Negotiations

Options buildingBig group methods

Commitments Small committeesFocusing on issues

Monitoring

1.Introduction2.Key concept3.T, M & A4. Results5.Concluding Remarks

• To guide a process aiming at solving the

impact from the tanneries on the Bogotá

river while supporting a social inclusion

approach

• Empowerment :Internal strengthening and

building strategic alliances supporting 5

main issues

• Strengthening the association

• Legalizing tanners

• Working inter-related land issues

• Implementing CP project

• Searching competitiveness

1.Introduction2.Key concept3.T, M & A4. Results5.Concluding Remarks

Results

Aiming at Activities Results

Strengthening the

association

(Improving

negotiating power-

Improving outcomes-

Behavioural change)

Initial 3 steps

Broadcasting on Media

Building powerful alliances

Trust building

Reliable information

Positive leader

Support to CP-

Consensus on PD

Negative leaders fade

away

Better public image

Legalizing tanners

and recognition from

Authority

Influencing the Court Order

Getting approval from CAR

(Support from Senator; CCB)

Legal appeal to switch fines for

work

Motivating Ministry towards the

approach on CR

CP is mandadatory

From 120, 86 tanneries

legalized (water permits)

Appeal accepted at the

regional court (New path

is open)

New policy on CR to be

worked

Working inter-related

land issues

Bringing the debate to the

Governor- Office of the

Presidency (Senator, Ministry)

and Public Prosecutor- Mayor

Properties rights

recognized

River bank is defined

Industrial area defined11

1.Introduction2.Key concept3.T, M & A4. Results5.Concluding Remarks

ResultsAiming at Activities Results

Implementing CP-

recognition from CAR

Building support from

Academia

Defining sound technical

solutions on discharges

and solid waste

SWITCH-UNAL

CAR co-finances

Tanners knowledgeable

12 tanneries reduce: 71%

on Chromium, 72% on

Sulfur, 48% on BOD5, and

75% on TSS on the liquid

discharges to the river and

saved 70% on water use

Demos on CP / composting

Monitoring tool

Proposal to new CP

policy

Competitiveness Workshops for quality

improvements

Integration into the

leather chain

Building access to credits

Support COLCIENCIAS-

UNAL

Agreement to be signed

between actors on the

leather chain

Tanners learning to sell

products through

asssociative strategies12

1.Introduction2.Key concept3.T, M & A4. Results5.Concluding Remarks

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Concluding remarks

1. MSEs –knowledgeable- eager to participate if

identity respected & process transparent

2. Helping integration into the legal system : an

everybody’s responsibility to sustainable

tanneries- Power game

3. The Change Agent: focus on a holistic approach

and resist the normal tendency to discard

topics/ INDEPENDENCY

4. Engaging the political actors should not be seen

as an obstacle

5. A multidisciplinary support from academia is

essential (Conflict, CP, Associativity)

1.Introduction2.Key concept3.T, M & A4. Results5.Concluding Remarks

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