Presentation on the experience of the Sixaola River Basin Project with achieving sustainability of project results. Presentation delivered by Alfonso Sanabria at the 2nd Regional Targeted Workshop for GEF IW Projects in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

1. THE SIXAOLA RIVER BASIN BINATIONAL
COMMISSION
COSTA RICA – PANAMA:
A TOOL FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY
FOR PROJECT RESULTS

2.  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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. EXECUTION FRAMEWORK
Costa Rica – Panamá Border
Cooperation Development Agreement
Sixaola River Basin Binational
Commission
MINAE
(Costa Rica)
ANAM
(Panamá)
Executing Unit
IDBIDB

6. Permanent Binational Border Commission.
La Amistad International Park Binational
Commission.
Protected Wetlands Binational Commission.
Sixaola Binational River Basin Commission.
BINATIONAL COMMISSIONS

7. 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

9.  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

10. Induction (vision, mission).
Training.
Follow-up.
STRENGTHENING PROCESS
(strategic alliance with IUCN)

11.  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