1. IW:LEARN
TDA/SAP
Training Course
Module 3: Developing the SAP

2. Section 6: Prioritising New Ideas,
Opportunities and Solutions

3. +
Where are we?
Defining the
Vision
Setting
goals or
status
statements
Identifying
options or
alternatives
Brainstorming
Innovative
ideas

4. +
In this Section you will learn about….
 The importance of alternatives
 Process for prioritising options or alternatives

5. +
The Importance of Alternatives
There are usually several different ways of
resolving transboundary environmental
problems and achieving global benefits
In formulating the SAP, all choices available to
politicians must be documented
A particular solution should not be pre-
selected but there will need to be some form
of prioritisation

6. +
….is key to brainstorming
and an integral part of
any strategic planning
process
Often limited available
resources
Helps to identify which
innovative ideas or
opportunities should be
considered further
Prioritisation….

7. +

8. +
Option 1: Construction of tertiary
treatment plants as part of a more
comprehensive sewage treatment
and disposal strategy
Choice of strategies for
reducing the input of
nutrients from sewage to
aquatic systems
Option 2: Enhancement of the
natural capacity of the system to
remove nutrients through the
restoration or creation of wetlands

9. +
How to choose?
 The choice depends on the balance between costs and
benefits.
 The balance depends on factors that vary from place to
place (local economics, investment costs and the costs
of operation and maintenance).
 It is also highly influenced by culture and worldviews:
highly technological solutions are favoured in some
societies whereas others prefer ‘green’ approaches.
 Both options must be explained to the policymakers. No
particular ‘lobby’ can be allowed to insist on its own
approach.

10. + Process for prioritising options or
alternatives
Step 1: Identification
of innovative ideas
and opportunities
that target the
leverage points and
meet the identified
vision and goals
Step 2: Identifying
Options or
Alternatives:
Selection of ideas,
opportunities or
solutions that best
meet the needs and
realities of the region

11. + Step 2: Identifying Options or
Alternatives
 The purpose of this step is to identify the ideas,
opportunities or solutions that best meet the
needs and realities of the region
 The outcome will be an table of prioritised
alternative ideas, opportunities or solutions that
will provide the basis for more detailed in-
country consultations and discussions on
options or alternatives

12. +
Criteria
Reference to the cause identified in the causal chain
Reference to specific leverage points
Stakeholders involved
Legal, institutional or policy reforms required
Approximate cost
Anticipated outputs
Time required for implementation
Indicators of success
Relative priority, high, medium, or low
Uncertainties

13. +
Group Exercise
In groups of 5:
 Review the ideas, opportunities or solutions and
determine:
 Approximate cost
 Benefit
 Time required for implementation
 Assign a priority (high, medium, low) for each
idea, opportunity or solution
Timing: 40 minutes