THE SIXAOLA RIVER BASIN BINATIONAL COMMISSION

COSTA RICA – PANAMA: A TOOL FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY

FOR PROJECT RESULTS

In 1991 the governments of Costa Rica and Panama subscribed the Cooperation Agreement for the sustainable development of the border territories of both countries, which include the Sixaola River Basin.

Between 2003-2004 a Participatory Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Sixaola River Basin is formulated.

As a result of the strategy, the Project “Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Sixaola River Basin” is formulated through a highly participatory process which included most relevant actors.

In 2008 the Project is approved by both Governments and supported by GEF/IDB.

2009, The Binational Sixaola River Basin Commission is appointed.

BACKGROUND

SIXAOLA BINATIONAL PROJECT

To contribute to the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity, water, and soil resources, through the creation of an enabling environment for the integrated and cross-cutting management of the Binational Sixaola River Basin.

COMPONENTS

1. Strengthening of Institutional frame-works and technical and operational capacities.

2. Promotion of sustainable production practices.

3. Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

EXECUTION FRAMEWORK

Costa Rica – Panamá Border Cooperation Development

Agreement

Sixaola River Basin Binational Commission

MINAE(Costa Rica)

ANAM(Panamá)

Executing UnitIDBIDB

Permanent Binational Border Commission.

La Amistad International Park Binational

Commission.

Protected Wetlands Binational Commission.

Sixaola Binational River Basin Commission.

BINATIONAL COMMISSIONS

21 members:

Excecutive Secretaries of the “Costa Rica-Panama Border Cooperation Development Agreement” (2).

Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Health (6). National Emergency Commissions (SINAPROC/CNE) (2). IDB Regional Sustainable Development Programs (2). Municipal Governments (2). Civil Society Representatives (6). Coordinator of the Sixaola Binational Project (1).

SIXAOLA RIVER BASIN BINATIONAL COMMISSION

INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS ARE APPOINTED BY THEIR MINISTERS.

INDIGENOUS GOVERNMENTS APPOINT THEIR OWN REPRESENTATIVES (REPRESENTATION ROTATES).

BORDER COMMUNITIES WATER SUPPL Y SYSTEM ADMINISTRATORS ALSO ROTATE THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.

LOCAL UNIONS OF BANANA PRODUCERS APPOINT THEIR OWN REPRESENTATIVES.

HOW ARE MEMBERS APPOINTED

Induction (vision, mission).

Training.

Follow-up.

STRENGTHENING PROCESS(strategic alliance with IUCN)

Binational multisectoral coordination of national and regional government institutions and other relevant actors.

Strategic alliances like IUCN

On going cross-training process.

SWOT and Routing Slip.

Forum for experts in relevant aspects for the protection and development of the binational basin.

Dicussion and approval of project operational plans and their own set of rules and regulations.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SIXAOLA RIVER BASIN BINATIONAL COMMISSION