• Data, information, knowledge storage system – Database, database management system, user interface

• Information extraction – Systematic database searches, information filtering, knowledge reintroduction

• Knowledge synthesis – Capturing tacit knowledge, engaging international expertise

• Knowledge dissemination – Producing policy guidance, mobilizing learning networks, targeted marketing

• Knowledge application – Mobilizing knowledge to action (wisdom!)

Capabilities

The platform is broadly divided into 3 integrated components;

1. a relational database for document, data, map, photo, video, and spatial information -- combined with a powerful database management system to locate and extract the information;

2. a suite of learning and communication tools to both facilitate live interaction between users and capture and save imparted tacit knowledge back into the system, and;

3. a user-friendly web portal that requires no programming or special IT skills to use, but more importantly, to run and manage.

Capabilities

Real-time integration (from uploads) and extraction (from retrievals) of information (documents, data, spatial mapping) through a web-accessed database where users can:

• Easily enter documents, data or map and attribute information

• Quickly query, report and summarize progress and outcomes

Feasibility to manage hundreds of thousands of documents/pieces of information

Database

Geoinformatics (non GIS reliant)

Learning Network

Web interface

Applications

Various stages of application of the KIM-UNU platform for other bodies of information are underway:

IW:Science KMS implementation for all GEF International Waters programmes

HydroSanitas KMS implementation for safe water provisioning in rural, remote and marginalised communities

Integration with the UN-Water Activity Information System KMS implementation between the 30 UN-Water member institutions for all water issues

The Lake Victoria Basin Commission KMS implementation between Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda & Burundi

“Knowledge from Land” KMS implementation of institutions concerned with global desertification

The original IW:Science platform has already been re-applied by the GEF Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel to investigate GEF intervention in global hypoxia hot spots for large marine ecosystem areas globally

Common Technology

UNU-INWEH Integrated Database and Learning Network Technology Platform

Enhancing the use of Science in GEF International

Waters projects to improve project results

IW:Science Broad Project Objective

The Global Environment Facility has advanced over $7 billion for over 200 projects in International Waters

IW:Science is tasked with extracting, analysing and disseminating the important science lessons from that investment.

To enhance - through knowledge integration and information-sharing tools - the use of science in the GEF International Waters focal area to strengthen:

priority setting

knowledge sharing

results-based, adaptive management

GEF - Corporate Needs for the Project

Experiential learning from IW projects needs to be converted to a “transferable” synthesis, benefiting ongoing and new projects

GEF needs to ensure that IW projects are based on contemporary science (not 15-20 year old science)

GEF needs to identify the gaps in existing water science pertinent to IW projects, and help address them

Results based management for the IW portfolio needs to be based on contemporary/cutting edge science

Strategic prioritizing for GEF-5 needs to be based on a scientific assessment

User Needs for the Project

IW Projects need to be better informed about contemporary science, as well as identify project-relevant research needs

Synthesis through a broader scientific community needs to drive solutions for IW projects, help identify appropriate technologies and practices and facilitate adaptive management

Developing countries need to ensure their capacity to develop and sustain their scientific know-how related to IW projects

Based on a scientific gap assessment of the IW projects, the portfolio needs to identify ideas for targeted research

Science-policy links and bridges need to be enabled – particularly based on a broader scientific synthesis

IW:Science Project Components

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1. Database and Database Management System

The ability to access information, and to access the information in an integrated manner - NOT just a storage function.

2. Synthesis and Learning Network

To extend and reinforce learning via synthesis of information, dissemination of knowledge and re-insertion into the knowledge base.

GEF IW Science Project

WG 1

River Basins

WG 2

Lake Systems

WG 3

Groundwater

WG 4

Coastal Zone

WG 5

LME & Open

Ocean

Scientific Synthesis Group

Co-Chairs Co-Chairs Co-Chairs Co-Chairs Co-Chairs

Project Coordination Unit

GEF IW Project Portfolio

Steering Committee

Database

Homepage – log in here

Common Synopsis Template

(1 per project)

Group A Group C Group B

Forum I Forum II

Forum IIa

Group A subgrou

p

Group workin

g docume

nt

Crossover

subgroup

Group workin

g docume

nt

Group workin

g docume

nt

Group workin

g docume

nt

Project Project Project Project Project

Learning Project

Info Pages

IW:Science Summary and Info

Upcoming Events /

News

Request username

/ password

contacts

Map interface World map; country

borders, satellite imagery, cities

Polygons of project area boundaries and

click/drag search option for projects/project

documents

River/Lake Basin /Aquifer/LME

boundaries

Document upload

capability

Technical Working

Meeting of the 5

Working Groups

Macao, 25-28 January

2010

Overview: KM Design at UNU-INWEH

Data, information, knowledge storage system Database, database management system, user interface, QA

Information extraction Systematic database searches, information filtering, reintroduce

Knowledge synthesis Capturing tacit knowledge, engage international expertise.

capturing generic findings, knowledge feedback

Knowledge dissemination Producing policy recommendations, mobilize learning networks,

education and training

http://projects.inweh.unu.edu/inweh/

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A Synthesis Report “Science Policy Bridges over Troubled Waters” was produced from the Synthesis reports

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A number of recommendations derived from the reports were summarized in the Synthesis Report, including:

• Focus attention on the quality and content of science in GEF projects

• Incorporate a Scientific Evidence Panel in all projects

• Gap analysis should be used to identify science gaps during project proposal stages

• GEF should develop a process for long-term evaluation

• Storage and dissemination of the scientific data from projects should be used to make data more accessible

• A compendium of best practices should be maintained

Produced a series of recommendations

Project Impacts

Improved utilization of science-based outputs of GEF IW projects to:

Identify program gaps and prioritize future GEF interventions

Strengthen the scientific underpinning for IW Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA)

Catalyze the building of research capacity within the GEF IW family

Strengthen results-based, adaptive management

Improve science-to-management linkages

Policy Applications

Network of GEF and non-GEF scientists to be maintained into IW:LEARN third phase – US $4 million project learning project during 2011-2013

Science advisory bodies; to be incorporated during Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (inter-country project design stage), and for continual involvement of the scientific community both during and beyond the project.

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