IW:LEARNTDA/SAP Training Course

Module 3: Developing the SAP

Section 6: Prioritising New Ideas, Opportunities and Solutions

+Where are we?

Defining the Vision

Setting goals or status

statements

Identifying options or

alternatives

Brainstorming Innovative

ideas

+In this Section you will learn about….

The importance of alternatives

Process for prioritising options or alternatives

+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

+

….is key to brainstormingand an integral part ofany strategic planning

process

Often limited available resources

Helps to identify which innovative ideas or

opportunities should be considered further

Prioritisation….

+

+

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

+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.

+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

+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

+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

+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