Spring 2004

Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program Spring 2004

Alumni Newsletter

Urban Environment Issue

College of Natural Resources * University of California, Berkeley Letter from Robin Marsh, Co-Director Beahrs ELP

• Solid Waste, Mexico • GIS, Bangladesh • Forests, Russia • PPP, Ukraine • Urban Environmt, India • Law, Bangladesh • LA 21, South Africa • News from St. Petersburg (Regional ELP Center)

Greetings to ELPers! I am just back from a fascinating trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. David Zilberman Apologizes for the delay in publication—we and Bill Sonnenschein (Haas School Leadership will do better next time. expert) went too, and my husband joined for a few days as well. We were invited by Svetlana Chernikova and Stan Tkachenko

including a "replication ELP course", targeted short courses for specific groups, and, eventually, a MSc program with Berkeley in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development. At the end we signed a formal "Letter of Intent" with the Vice-Rector for Research, which falls under the umbrella of a wider Letter of Cooperation between our Chancellor Berdahl (UC Berkeley) and the Rector at St. Petersburg. Now is the hard work of proposal writing, raising funds, and carrying out the first course in summer of 2005. So, we are very happy to be launching this Regional or "Satellite" Center to serve the needs of NW Russia and (Continued on page 4)

Letter from David Zilberman, Co-Director Beahrs ELP

Inside this Issue Feature Articles

(ELP 2003) of St. Petersburg St. University, to work with colleagues from 11 faculties to set up the Regional Environmental Leadership Center for Russia and the CIS Countries, based at St. Petersburg St. University (founded in 1703 by Peter the Great!). It was wonderful that Svetlana and Stan were able to interest professors and researchers from a wide range of disciplines to be interested in this endeavor and to think creatively about curriculum, teaching methods, and case studies relevant for the region. In fact, it was the first time ever that this type of interdisciplinary effort has happened at the University. We gave presentations, discussed the "where, whom, what and how" of the Center,

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SGI: Madagascar

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SGI: India

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SGI: China

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Regional Page: South Asia

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Regional Page: North Africa/Middle East

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Regional Page: Americas

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Alumni Updates

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Sometimes I must admit that I am becoming an “old timer,” especially when I think about environmental economics and policy. When I came to Berkeley in 1973 and began working on water quality, animal waste, and similar topics, the U.S. EPA was a newly established agency that was formed to protect human health and the environment. The Journal of Environmental Economics and Management (JEEM) had not yet been established (it was founded in 1979), and Berkeley had not yet offered

formal classes on environmental economics. However, there were inspiring and encouraging achievements in resource management. Professor Richard Norgaard was teaching a resource economics class (Fisheries, Forestry, and Energy), and Andy Gutierrez and Uri Regev began their pioneering work on IPM and Biological Control. At that time I knew of two types of environmentalists—activists who were fighting for new environmental regulations and laws, and lawyers in government

who were writing and implementing these laws. Back then, saving the environment was a new concern that had not yet been embrace d by the mainstream. However, for many, it was a mission (Continued on page 4)

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B E A H RS E N V IR ON M E NT A L L E A DE RS H IP PR OG RAM

V OLU ME 3 , I SSUE 2

In this issue, we hear from 7 fabulous alumni on aspects of their work related to the urban environment. The summer issue will profile Biodiversity, Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry. Looking forward to your submissions on these topics.

Feature Article

Importance of Environmental Education to the Solution of the Solid Waste Problem in Big Cities - Contribution of the “Universidad Iberoamericana, Ciudad de México” Dulce María Ramos (ELP ’03) Mexico City –the second most populated city of the world – is home to about 20 million people who represent approximately 20% of the total population of the country. The metropolitan area of the city is the economic, social and political heart of the country. It includes the Federal District and 34 counties from neighbor states. Like any other megalopolis of the world, Mexico City faces a big number of environmental problems that reduce the quality of life of its inhabitants including air pollution, water supply issues, and solid waste generation. In the last few months the waste generation problem has received special attention because the only municipal solid waste landfill of the city – “Bordo Poniente” – is approaching the end of its life. The rapid population growth experienced by the city in the last century along with the change in the consumer patterns and urban economic activities have created a Mexico City large solid waste disposal problem. New life styles adopted in the last decades have brought changes in waste composition. In the 50’s solid waste was

mainly organic; today more than 40% of the solid waste produced by the city is derived from petroleum. At present, the daily waste production in the Federal District reaches 13,000 tons. This means that every resident produces approximately 1.5 kg of solid waste every day. The quantity and composition of the household waste depends on population and consumer habits.

higher costs due to the transportation of waste. On April 2003 the new Waste Law for the Federal District was published. This law states that businesses, industries and homes are obligated to classify solid waste into organic and inorganic waste. This law should have entered into effect in January 2004; however, its institution has been postponed until October 2004 due to lack of required infrastructure and necessary divulgation.

The most evident environmeal efIn response to the solid waste probfect due to the inadequate waste lem in the city and recognition of management is the the relevance of visual damage in environmental cities and natural education in the This means that every urban and rural landpromoting behavresident produces scapes, but the most ior change, the approximately 1.5 kg of serious environ“Universidad solid waste every day. mental effects are Iberoamericana” soil and water polluEnvironmental tion as well as landProgram started in fill gas emissions. These emissions 1997 to develop new environmental are a product of the disintegration friendly practices and social participrocess of the organic waste. pation an integrated solid waste Many emissions are toxic and exmanagement program. The proplosive. Greenhouse gases that gram’s main objective is to inform contribute to global clistudents about the solid waste mate change are also problem in the city and to promote emitted. recycling. This would result in the reduction of the solid waste generMexico City faces a big ated by the University. challenge due to the lack of available disIn order to achieve its objectives the posal spaces. The govEnvironmental Program carries out ernment has started a publicity campaigns to endorse the number of measures to habit change and encourage the address this problem, separation of paper, plastic, alumiincluding identification of alternative num and printer cartridges to be sites to build a new landfill(s) in the recycled. These campaigns inteneighbor states. However, this opgrate communication, social martion involves political conflicts and (Continued on page 3)



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Feature Article

Collaborative GIS platform – A Tool for Dhaka City Management Md. Tarik-ul-Islam (ELP ’03) Bangladesh has experienced an unprecedented upsurge of urbanization. The growth of of the capital city Dhaka has been phenomenal during the past decades. With population around 12 million, the city is now a thriving industrial and commercial center besides being the administrative capital of the country. According to a United Nations report, Dhaka will be the fifth largest metropolis in the world with a population of 19.3 million by 2015. The city has a rather complex administrative structure with a number of different agencies and metropolitan authorities with overlapping responsibilities. Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has flagged the need for a stronger coordination among the various agencies in order to improve the condition of the city. For example, the vital functions of area planning, development, and permission for building construction were assigned to RAJUK (Capital Development Authority). Similarly, the responsibilities of providing drinking water, drainage, and sewage were given to WASA (Water Supply Authority). While the creation of specialized agencies to cope with the increasing demand for services

might have some justification, proper coordination has now become an urgent need in order to administer these services that are critical in shaping the city life in Dhaka. The demand for urban coordination calls for a new way that can benefit all the actors to operate optimally and complementarily. GIS technology offers exciting potential to meet this urban challenge by playing a crucial role in a comprehensive decision making process. A GIS platform with up-to-date city information, including utility services, landuse patterns, transport network, household consumption and supply etc. can initiate collaborations among various agencies by catering information services required for their planning and operation. A collaborative GIS Dhaka, Bangladesh can contribute substantially in minimizing the sufferings of city people by establishing an operational synergy among the utility agencies and thereby shortening the period of roadside

construction and excavation. A study untaken on Dhaka City revealed that the existing information maintained by various institutions are still rudimentary and cannot be readily used by the GIS community. The study also included preparation of a complete set of GIS based urban information for a very small part of Dhaka City and the exercise concluded that the geographic relationship among the various utility infrastructure has a great deal of operational significance. It came up as an outcome of the study that, a collaborative GIS platform has tremendous potential not only for coordinated and efficient operation of urban basic services, but also enhancing revenue collection as well as bringing accountability and transparency in urban management. As an outcome of the study, Dhaka City Corporation has embarked upon a gigantic programme on creation of GIS based detailed urban information which will lay the foundation towards establishing a collaborative GIS platform involving all stakeholders for a better city life in the future.

Environmental education to the solution of the solid waste, cont. (Continued from page 2)

keting, environmental education and public participation elements. In the past seven years, the Program has both reduced the total solid waste in need of disposal and increased the amount of recycled material. The Program also has experienced a domino effect because it has been reproduced in

other institutions. Nevertheless the Recycling Program faces important challenges such as maintaining permanent campaigns that are necessary because of the constant mobility of the student population. Motivating students is also a hard job; it remains a challenge to create innovative and creative communication strategies with the participation of specialists in different fields.

We believe that the environmental education has to be present in all academic levels and that it is specially relevant in higher education as our students will be soon the next decision makers and heads of new families. [email protected] Environmental Program, Universidad Iberoamericana

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Robin, cont. (Continued from page 1)

bordering CIS and Baltic nations. We also have a proposal circulating concerning the Regional ELP Center for Southeast Asia and Oceania. We hope our friends and colleagues at SEARCA in the Philippines are able to make a success of this proposed Center (Gil, Agnes and Vicki - ELP 2001, Nyhria - ELP 2002 and Dulce - ELP 2003). Berkeley is ready to collaborate! On my way back from Russia, I was able to stop by Paris and visit Alison Clayson (ELP 2003), which was terrific. We visited offices at UNESCO - Man and the Biosphere, UN Water, etc., and also the American University in Paris which is newly establishing a MSc in International Relations, Conflict Management and Solidarity. They hope Berkeley will collaborate in teaching. So many interesting possibilities! Leslie, David and I are working hard

reviewing applications for summer of 2004 -you will soon be joined by a great group of environmental professionals, including new countries like Afghanistan, Jordan and Sweden. Funding is always a major issue. We're hoping that in 2004 we will establish an Advisory Board to put the ELP on a sustainable financial footing. Dick Beahrs has generously agreed to lead this effort. We are also supporting seven new SGI projects in 2004 - alums from Madagascar, South Africa, Rwanda, Mexico, Republic of Georgia, Russia and Cameroon. You will be learning about their diverse projects and partners over the coming year. That's all for now. Next newsletter we will include brilliant pictures from summer 2004. Remember to send in your news and reunions with fellow alums. Warm regards, Robin

David, cont. (Continued from page 1)

and a calling, and legitimizing environmental consideration in planning and resource management was an urgent priority. Today things are different. There is growing public demand to clean environment, and it is a legitimate policy concern in most countries. Of course, there is still much work that needs to done and good environmental causes worth fighting for. However, today environmental management is a normal career, and many corporations want to be viewed as “green.” I have experienced the transition of the environment to become a mainstream issue working on water. In 1991 I studied the impacts of the pro-

posed “Central Valley Protection Act” that recognized environmental use of water to be a “beneficial use” and established funds to purchase water for environmental protection. This one act introduced a new challenge — effective management of water for environmental quality and amenities. In many situations the main challenge to environmentalist is management of the environment. It is less exciting than a political struggle and may take longer, as it requires new skills, commitment to research, and acquiring new knowledge. Future importantly, Regional ELP Center, St. Petersburg More it requires building a cadre of professionals with the savvy and dedication to pursue better solutions and make environmental conduct part of the daily ac-

David, cont. tivities of companies and individuals. This new emphasis on environmental management raises the value of education of environmental professionals. The ELP is an element of a new environmental education effort that can generate the leaders of tomorrow. These future leaders need a foundation in science and the knowledge and skills of economic and personal management. They need to understand and view the environment within a more general policy perspective and should recognize the differences between what is desirable and what is feasible. Nevertheless, a three-week program is limited in what it can achieve— emphasizing the urgency in designing a professional Master’s program that makes sense, particularly since the environmental sector is expanding and firms, governments, and NGOS need professionals in this field. I am afraid that it will take us some (Continued on page 12)



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Feature Article

Forests are going to be Restored all over Russia Natalia Belova (ELP ‘03) 18 February, with the seminar "We plant trees together with children", an All-Russian movement "Restore our forest" started in our country. The movement is to unite those who grow new forests and green areas, as well as those who want to join the work. Both organizations and individuals can take part in it. At the moment there are ten coordinating centers of the Movement in different regions of Russia: in Moscow, Veliky Novgorod, Arkhangelsk, Cheboksary, Novosibirsk, Tomsk, Irkutsk, Vladivostok, YuzhnoSakhalinsk. In these centers participants can get any methodological assistance they need (how to plant and take care of trees, where to get saplings etc.) or to meet other participants in their region. The movement has its own Internet site, which anyone can use: http:// planting.forest.ru The seminar was organized for the heads of forestry schools and people who work at regional centers. Specialists from the International Social-Ecological Union (SEU-int) are going to speak there about main problems in the Russian forest sector and about involving children in work on forest conservation. Representatives of Greenpeace Russia are going to share their experience in organization of tree nurseries in rural schools of Central Russia. The participants are also going to

be informed how to protect forest from various threats, including fires and diseases. Representatives of forestry schools should be interested in the information about wood and forest as a cultural value, presented by members of the SEU-int. This information will help them with their educational work with children. THE OAKS OF EURASIA - WHERE THE EUROPEAN OAKS ARE Europe's temperate oak forest belt, although in a rather fragmented condition, abuts the taiga from the south and stretches from the westerns edge of Europe (northern Portugal and Spain) to the Ural mountains.

has shrunk several times over as a result of human activity, generally due to the introduction of agriculture on previously forested lands. In all of Europe, only ten million hectares of oak forest remain in the Temperate Zone. At the present moment, the existence of sizeable tracts (around 100,000 hectares) is known in Chuvashy (the former warping oak groves), in the Tul'skaya and Kaluzhskaya oblasts, and in the Belovezhskaya forest on the border of BelÁrus and Poland. The current condition of a significant portion of oak forests in the Temperate Zone of Europe is considered critical, showing a tendency toward its eventual worsening. The pace and depth of the degradation of these systems is fully comparable to that which is observed in the tropical rain forests.

In the past The largest decade, nonamounts of oak governmental forest in the TemThe idea of the program is to involve environmental perate Zone are as many people as possible from all organizations found in Russia parts of society; to make them feel that introduced ma(3.7 million hecoak grove restoration is their achieve- jor initiatives to tares), in France ment and that forest belongs to all of save boreal (2.1 million hecthem; and that they should share the forests, achievtares), in Ukraine responsibility of caring for it. ing consider(1.7 million hecable results. tares), in Germany Europe's forests, however, consist (900,000 hectares), in Denmark of both taiga and the broadleaf for(500,000 hectares), and in Croatia ests of the Temperate Zone, which (300,000 hectares). are widely spread in Russia. The Oak forests are the richest ecosystems in the temperate zone; OAK TIMBER TRADE once Oak forest were one of the In contrast to boreal forests, timbermajor forests in Europe. ing in the oak forests of the emperate Zone of Europe is conducted on THE OAK FORESTS ARE DEa far smaller scale and is decentralCLINING AT THE SAME SPEED ized, which creates problems for AS TROPICAL FORESTS! controlling the timbering. Given the Since the beginning of history, the high value of oak lumber, these facarea of European broadleaf forests with the predominance of the oak

(Continued on page 7)

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Feature Article

Solving Urban Environmental Problems in the Ukraine Oleksandr Byelyakov (ELP '01) The legacy of centralized economic planning, with its energy and resource intensive production technologies, has left the Ukraine, along with many CIS countries, with serious environmental problems. Responsibility for providing environment-related services and addressing many local environmental issues has been recently largely devolved to Ukraine’s recently established 448 self-governing local bodies. These self-governing bodies include large cities with populations in the millions, as well as medium sized cities and small municipalities. Providing assistance for the environmental problems solving is one of the goals of the UNDP Urban Environmental Governance Program in Ukraine. Although the national and regional level state administrations still retain important responsibilities regarding issues of environment, the municipalities, with their elected mayors, are the front line for local environmental action. It is the municipalities that now must respond to citizens’ complaints and requests for environmental information, generate the capital resources for upgrading or replacing decrepit systems, establish and successfully implement systems of consumer tariff structures to cover operating costs for urban services, rewrite and pass municipal environmentally-related legislation and policies, and develop effective systems and processes of participatory planning and action involving local NGOs, businesses, and communities. Meeting the challenges posed by economic transition, new governance responsibilities, and international environmental covenants re-

quires local governmental and private institutions to develop a new approach for environmental governance. The previous system used an inflexible, topdown, command-driven approach to environmental policy. Governance needs to be consultative and participatory in order to: 1) address the full range of policy considerations, 2) promote strategic problemsolving agendas, 3) increase public awareness and mobilization activities, and 4) promote public/private sector cooperation within a competitive and transparent context. Municipalities and the other local organizations in Ukraine have little previous experience with such types of governance. Urban Environmental Governance Project The Urban Environmental Governance Project was designed as a part of the UNDP Urban Environmental Governance (UEG) Program with the Association of Ukrainian Municipalities as the

participation in the project through a competitive process. The project provides the following types of specific assistance to the selected municipalities, local NGOs, communities, and environmentally oriented businesses in the participating localities: *Developing capacity of publicprivate partnership (PPP) of selected municipality to design and implement local environmental action plan. *Preparation of Guidelines pertaining to the development of local environmental action plans and specific actions within the context of local economic development plans, using PPP approach. *Creation of Web-facility "Partnership for Urban Environmental Governance", functioning as Internet platform for dialogue between interested municipalities, enterprises, NGOs, donors, investment companies and international organizations. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) are one of the most attractive tools being used to help address the urban environmental crisis. PPP are an effective means of establishing cooperation between public and private actors and to bundle financial resources, know-how and expertise to address these urban environmental needs. PPPs offer alternatives to full privatization, combining the advantages of both the public and the private sector. Their use is based on the recognition that both the public and private sectors can benefit by pooling their resources to improve the delivery of basic services to all citizens. This

Although the national and regional level state administrations still retain important responsibilities regarding issues of environment, the municipalities, with their elected mayors, are the front line for local environmental action.

executing agent. The UEG Programme consists of three main components: policy and institutional framework; development of public private partnerships (PPP) to solve urban environmental problems; public awareness and environmental education. Our project in the Ukraine falls into the second component of the UEG Program. The cities of Rivne and Ivano-Frankivsk were selected for




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Forests in Russia, cont. (Continued from page 5)

tors create a premise for the development of small-scale but active illegal cutting in such countries as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Recent years have witnessed a decline in interest toward oaks in comparison to beeches in the forestry plans of Central and Western Europe. The beech is much more stable in conditions of "new damage," and is also easy to cultivate. In Russia, the oak is one of the most valuable varieties, seeing as the beech does not grow there naturally. The situation in the forest sector of the country, however, does not contribute to the continuation of the complex work of restoring oak forests.

ACTIONS TAKEN Even at the present starting stage there are a significant number of

people interested in oak forest restoration activities. Oak trees are being planted by activists in the Moscow, Tatarstan, Novgorod and Vladimir regions. We are actively searching for different partners to spread the program to all regions in Russia and abroad as well as to assist activists with information and planting materials. The idea of the program is to involve as many people as possible from all parts of society; to make them feel that oak grove restoration is their achievement and that forest belongs to all of them; and that they should share the responsibility of caring for it.

BEAHRS ELP ALUMNI REUNION: Kazim Niaz (ELP ’03) & Bob Murtland (ELP ‘01) In January when I was coming for my course on Conflict Resolution and Peace processes, we (the alums) were engaged in our cyber discussion. I mentioned, just by the way, to Robin that I will be in Derry for the next 12 weeks at the University of Ulster. Soon I received a mail from her that I must meet Robert Murtland, a fellow ELP alum. Derry is small and far off place and believe me I was not expecting to meet someone from BEAHRS ELP here, but such has become the strength of our network, amazing!

Bob was in Derry for a few days as he was on his way to Sri lanka for a consultancy, but we quickly coordinated a meeting. Bob picked me and a couple of other friends up and we went for dinner and then his house. It was a great meeting.

Bob has worked for about six years in Pakistan and most of that time was spent in Peshawar----- my home town. At times I had the feel-

ing that he knew more about Peshawar than me and vice versa. His home was full of things from all around the world but mostly from Peshawar, and I felt I had come to a small Peshawar in the middle of Derry. We talked about common issues like problems of forestry and agriculture in Pakistan. He has worked very closely with the Plan-

ning and Development Department and particularly with my predecessor. We also talked about common friends and promised to meet again in Peshawar soon. Bob gave me a ride in his historical jeep that has traveled to India, Srilanka, Pakistan and Africa. It is a pity that we didn’t have time for more meetings as being a pukhtoon I really wanted to reciprocate his hospitality.

Thanks Robin for providing me the opportunity to meet with someone who knows his work, who knows my region and who is a wonderful human being.

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Environmental Problems in the Ukraine, cont. (Continued from page 6)

approach helps municipal authorities, private sector, nongovernmental organizations and local communities to choose the approach that best fits their local needs, drawing from the lessons learned in partnership arrangements around the world. Examples from the Ukraine – Rivne & Ivano-Frankivsk As project aims at the integration of sustainable development principles in planning and decision-making on the local level, a series of awareness-raising workshop and special training courses were conducted in Rivne for local communities and for each target group (youth groups, women, media and local authorities). These meetings helped to define their roles and mechanisms for participatory decision-making process. Participants of trainings and seminars acquired new knowledge and systematization of knowledge they already had regarding PPP, opportunities, and mechanisms of institualization. It is very important that municipality representatives understood advantages provided through PPP for solving city problems. Private sector representatives learned much about new opportunities of mutually beneficial partnership generally and in the city specifically. The project also provided assistance in development of Terms of Reference and supported holding of series of seminars for children, volunteers, committees of parents and schools directors on community mobilization and city sustainable development strategy preparation.

The second pilot city – Ivano"Galychyna". After result of bidding Frankivsk – already had a city deprocess, the best private compavelopment strategic plan nies will be selected to implement (developed in 1999). At the prelimithe PET-bottle recycling program. nary meeting, the community deOne company will be contracted for cided to perform an analysis solid domestic waste separation and of the state of the plan implerecycling of glass and cardboard, and mentation and to study major the other will recycle separated PETobstacles encountered on bottles. Contracts will be developed the implementation way and with both companies. All this procupdate the plan in accoress is conducted in accordance dance with sustainable dewith transparency principles (one of velopment principles. Since the main project priorities). The Ivano-Frankivsk is intended next important structural project to be a tourist center of Prycomponent includes preparation carpattia, the city community and publishing the draft manual for together with local authoria local sustainable development ties came to an agreement strategy formulation “Local sustainthat one of pending city able development planning”. problems is the problem of domestic wastes management. Establishment of efficient partnerThe city community considers that ships between local authorities, in order to solve community and priThe Ivano-Frankivsk the problem it is vate sector in Ukraine necessary to has reached the new community considers that establish a syslevel. This was in order to solve the tem for solid doachieved by the willproblem it is necessary to mestic waste ingness of the municiestablish a system for solid separation. This palities to actively idea was supcollaborate in this domestic waste separation. ported by private direction and contribbusiness, which can provide availute their funds to the projects impleable equipment for recycling of mentation. More details about the PET-bottles. Announcement for project are available online: http:// solid domestic waste separation ueg.undp.org.ua (please select and PET-bottles recycling was anEnglish version). nounced in the local newspaper



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Feature Article

JunctionSocial – Reaching out the to Urban Environment Archana Patkar (ELP ‘03) I have been busy post Berkeley, with ongoing commitments, new work and building up our small company JunctionSocial apart from enjoying our 7 ½ year old twins who are still very much in the age of innocence and therefore quite adorable. Work is varied both geographically and sectorally – keeping us all continually on our toes and constantly learning. Given our rich network and fantastic body of experience, it would be great to collaborate with other alums working on urban environmental issues. Below I’ve provided a quick update on the work of my organization JunctionSocial with a focus on issues relevant to the urban environment. On behalf of JunctionSocial, I am leading a global evaluation of adolescent girls’ health and development outcomes with a view to learning lessons and furthering the overall agenda on adolescence. We are focused on 16 countries in West Africa, the Middle East, Mongolia, Russia and Bangladesh. The focus areas are quality, efficacy and organizational issues linked to interagency collaboration (UNICEF- NY, UNFPA–NY and WHO Geneva), advocacy and technical support. This assignment is drawing to a close with an internal sharing meeting scheduled for mid-May in NY with senior programme staff from the 3 agencies followed by a presentation of the lessons learned at the Global Health Council in Washington DC in June 2004. We are also developing a strategy

of social development support for spanning the entire country. The DFID’s water, sanitation and hychallenge is to create a flexible degiene portfolio in Bangladesh (DFID sign that is responsive to the diveris the UK Government’s department sity and regional and intra-state working to promote disparities across the country. The sustainable develdraft already runs to 61 pages!! I opment and elimipersonally was charged with the nate world poverty). additional task of highlighting the This is a large and environmental health determinants fairly strategic portthat are the underlying causes of folio – including infant and maternal mortality and DFID funding to morbidity in many cases. This was UNICEF and the extremely interesting and is closely Government of linked to my Change Management Bangladesh – to Contract for ELP. implement one of the world’s largest The above is a sample current work hygiene promotion – apart from which research continand sanitation proues to be a personal passion espegrammes based on cially where it can be linked to a a demand driven approach. The sorely neglected area of advocacy. project will be managed by My own current area of interest is WaterAid in Bangladesh and implethe whole issue of menstrual hymented through an array of NGOs giene on which policy makers, pracworking mainly in the difficult and titioners and even donors have hard to reach areas of Bangladesh. been silent right through. While A component of the project includes highlighting the needs for latrines – a strategy for pooling research and which has become a high priority in finances around the arsenic issues; the run up to the MDGs and post mitigation strategies will be coordiJohannesburg, the entire discourse nated by the Bangladesh policy unit is silent on the need to ensure that charged with facilities for women coordination, and girls are appropriGiven our rich network and regulation and ate and sensitively fantastic body of facilitation of designed. In South experience, it would be sanitation, water Asia, given that the great to collaborate with supply (including majority of the populaarsenic issues) tion is still unable to other alums working on and hygiene afford even low-cost urban environmental issues. issues for the sanitary napkins, mensector as a whole. Under this construal management issues are tract we provide ongoing support mainly about the lack of spaces and (electronic and through visits) on all water to wash and dry napkins, parpoverty, social development and ticularly given the socio-cultural tagender, hygiene promotion and boos against public consciousness communication aspects of the portor articulation of the issue. One folio. very effective way of ensuring this is addressed is negotiating this in Another current project is the deinitial project design and later in sign of the equity component of the engineering designs. However Government of India’s Reproductive given how little has been done Health Programme (Phase 2). This around this issue – JunctionSocial is a centrally managed programme (Continued on page 12)

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Feature Article

Urban Environmental Issues: Any Legal Recourse? Aleya Ferdousi & Rizwana (ELP ‘03) Staff Lawyer, BELA According to the Statistical Yearbook of Bangladesh, 2001, Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh has a population of about 6.9 million in a land area of 590 sq. mile (1528 sq. km). In Bangladesh, the percentage of urban population is 20.1 while that of rural 79.9. Due to concentration of development and economic activities in the Capital, the rural population, faced with calamities and unemployment, is increasingly moving towards the cities. Unofficial sources claim that the population of Dhaka is much higher than 6.9 million and that it would be no less than 10 million. According to available statistics, 60 percent of the total City population lives in the slum areas.

decisions has become such accepted facts that for most part, even the authorities do not base their decisions on laws! In addition to the unplanned concrete growth of the City, its environment is also faced with pollution of various forms. The major environmental problems that are confronting the city dwellers include pollution of air, noise, water; scarcity of environmental services including garbage disposal, water, drainage, sanitation, health care, recreational facilities and so on. If one compares the real life picture of Dhaka with the applicable laws in hand, it become obvious that:

•

The laws on urban planning and protection address most of the enviIn 1999, the World Bank listed ronmental issues; Dhaka, a city of millions, as one of • The laws are hardly implethe world’s top polluted City that mented/enforced; contaminated its air beyond all ac• The long-term practice of not ceptable limits. The environment of implementing the laws has encourthe City is affected by several facaged certain bad practices that hintors of which includes unplanned der planned urban growth; development, non-implementation • While the authorities plead ambiof laws and plans, lack of coguity of legal arrangement ordination in implementing the legal Bangladesh Environmental amongst the provisions, there is hardly Lawyers Association (BELA) – service proany attempt to rectify the is a society of lawyers active in viding agenlegal inadequacies. the field of environment for cies, amestablishing a sound ecological biguous instiOur organization – Bangorder using legal mechanism as tutional arladesh Environmental a tool. rangements Lawyers Association and so on. (BELA) – is a society of lawyers The laws on urban planning are not active in the field of environment for frequently used documents and establishing a sound ecological orhardly provide the dwellers any efder using legal mechanism as a fective legal relief. Over the years, tool. It has already created a reputhe gap between the laws and the tation for obtaining a number of im-

portant decisions in cases affecting the interest of the greater public. Judicial recognition of the need of a sound environment was first made in the writ petition filed by the organization. A group of academies researcher and practicing lawyers and environmental activists established the BELA in 1992. We are a nonpolitical and nonprofit organization, which believes that country's lawyers can contribute significantly in implementing and instituting a sustainable ecological order with equity as the underlying principle.



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Feature Article

Local Agenda 21 Initiatives in Changing Urban Environments Muthoni Ngotho (ELP ‘03) Local Agenda 21(LA 21) refers to local initiatives geared towards realizing the goal of Agenda 21. Agenda 21 is the global action plan for the environment and development ensuing from the Earth Summit in Rio, 1992. South Africa’s experience with apartheid history and the subsequent democratization process over the past ten years are unique. Experiences ensuing from these events, their interaction with global process provide vital lessons. Countries emerging from war, differential development as well as effects of uncompromising globalization processes can learn from South Africa. The country’s legal, policy and institutional provisions allude to the principles of sustainable development, the dominant discourse globally in the decade. South Africa’s cities not only have to deal with the challenges of the past, rapid urbanization but also strive to achieve sustainable development. Massive development such as shopping malls, industries, infrastructure, housing projects and decay in some areas are evident in these cities. Influx of population from rural areas in the new dispensation has resulted in creation of informal settlements and increased stress on existing resources in the cities. This complicates the already complex urban environments, the ability of local governments to plan and provide for the populace. Social and economic priorities seem to take precedence over environ-

mental considerations despite existences of Integrated Development Plans (IDP). IDPs are the statutory plans for all local municipalities in the country. IDPs are formulated according to provisions of Agenda 21 and are geared towards sustainable development at the local level. South Africa has a national Campaign Local Agenda 21 initiative. Synergy between LA21 initiatives, this and other statutory plans is critical to address challenges in urban environments to alleviate duplication of efforts and possible resource waste.

ments, the local Chambers of Business, Non-governmental and community organization. To date, the city is still having challenges relating to development of an environmental policy, domestic and industrial waste management, environmental education, training, information access and dissemination among other critical environmental components. However, there are pockets of success in air quality improvement and management of the cities landfill site. Many factors influence this performance. In contrast, the Local Agenda 21 in Durban a city 80 Km South East of Pietermaritzburg is a globally acclaimed initiative. The initiative has evolved bringing about environmental improvement in the metropolitan. This and other experiences in cities around the world provide an impetus to my study.

Pietermaritzburg is a major and capital city, an “aspiring metropolitan”, in Kwa-Zulu Natal province of Assessment of the local initiative’s South Africa. Recent legal, policy progression from conceptualization and institutional changes at the nathroughout its imtional and local level plementation will continue to influence provide vital lesthe social, political, What has worked, what have sons. What has economic and envinot worked and why? What worked, what ronmental aspects have not worked issues need improvement for of the city. Studies and why? What and field based the future? issues need imcourses with stuprovement for the dents and partners future? Analysis at the Centre for of tangible outputs and timely Environment and Development, achievement of targets, resource University of Kwa- Zulu Natal, availability and environmental imPietermaritzburg have identified a provement attributable to involvevoid in the environmental dimension ment in the initiative is critical. The in the local and other IDPs. The process utilized and factors influLocal Agenda 21 initiative in Pieterencing achievement of these outmaritzburg is recognized in the IDP put/ outcomes and their continuity is as one initiative to assist the mucritical. The synergy between the nicipality is addressing its environparticipating organizations and the mental issues. The initiative has LA 21 initiative is vital in the feedbeen in existence for the past six back mechanism that contributes years. It has been acting as a multitowards improving the environment sector group bringing together ac(Continued on page 12) tors from local government depart-


(Continued from page 4)

time to build the UC Berkeley Master’s degree program in environmental science (MES) or natural resource management (MNR), but easily envisioned. Individuals holding degrees that are equivalent to an MBA will be trained to work for environmental and resource agencies and NGOs and natural resource and life science companies. Such programs will provide individuals with the right knowledge, experiences, and contacts to make them effective professionals and eventually leaders. Solving environmental issues now requires combining passion with knowledge, both in natural and social and managerial sciences, and these program will aim to provide it.


on specific topics. We may have classes on biodiversity, water quality, air pollution, global environmental issues, the urban environment, environment and development, etc. The key in each of the workshops will be in-depth projects that will require individual initiative and group cooperation and feedback. The classes provide a structure and common base of knowledge, but the training should emphasize large individual projects and provide opportunities for internships and research assistantship. A good Master’s program should also include active seminar series and options for international exchange. It should be integrated with other units within the campus, having a core staff and large number of joint faculty. Its exact details depend on the skills and interests of the faculty, and educational programs should be allowed to change as they grow and evolve. I am throwing out some basic ideas here, and I look forward to some feedback.

What about the specifics of such programs? I am guided by my biases and the experience I hopefully gained from the ELP in presenting a short skeleton of a program here. I envision three main sequences of classes. The first sequence is in decision and policy sciences. It should include a class on quantitative decision theory; a class on environmental policy; and a class on communication, leadership, I am throwing out some and conflict resobasic ideas here, and I look lutions. These forward to some feedback. classes will combine lectures, technical exercises, and case studies. The second sequence will be on the basics of science— classes on the fundamentals of physical, biological, and ecological sciences that are relevant to environmental and resource management. I cannot say much about topics that I am not very familiar with, except to point out these classes will be used to complement the knowledge that students already have. They will provide the necessary tools and inform students about the basic concepts. The third sequence will include workshops

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(Continued from page 11)

in the city. This assessment, active involvement, and perspectives of actors are envisaged to enable the researcher to identify elements of a future mechanism pertinent to the situation in the city. Some questions for consideration based on this article would be: What are the causes of environmental urban stress? Some school of thoughts point out poverty in the context of Africa, others blame poor planning, while others point to corruption resulting into lack of enforcement of policies and incentives to pollution. Some suggestions have been provided in UN documents that Urban Environment can be effectively governed through sound and appropriate human settlement technology, research, training and the dissemination of information on environmentally sound human settlements planning and management. Input, critique and pertinent literature to my study are welcome from all ELP alumni.

JunctionSocial, cont. (Continued from page 9)

is currently collating case studies and experiences, information about cheap disposal technologies etc which will be circulated within the sector in the region. Additionally DFID is now considering the use of menstrual management as a meta indicator for progress towards the MDGs.

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To Russia with Hope (OK, maybe a silly title!) Bill Sonnenschein I went to St. Petersburg, Russia, with great hopes. I return home with greater hopes. Robin, David, and I went to Russia at the end of March to explore the potential of creating a regional program for environmental leadership at St. Petersburg State University, in conjunction with our Berkeley program. Stanislav Tkachenko and Svetlana Chernikova organized a meeting with various university faculties to discuss this matter. I left Russia very impressed, with a strong belief that this program has an excellent chance to succeed. The St. Petersburg faculties’ sense of collaboration impressed me the

most. We went to a variety of meetings as well as the primary one, and in every meeting, people talked about the need for working together, both to get the program moving ahead, and to assure the best in environmental leadership. Most had not collaborated with other faculties in such a grand way before, yet all seemed quite willing to work together, and with us, to create the program. By the end of our meetings, we had developed a letter of intent for our two universities to collaborate. The faculty’s enthusiasm for leadership education particularly gratified me. The people I talked with placed high value in leadership communication skills. They under-

stood that environmental leaders can develop these skills to help them lead their organizations, affect policy, and work with a wide variety of other interested parties. I don’t believe we would have accomplished all we did if Svetlana hadn’t done such an incredible job organizing our visit. Everything worked smoothly, from going to meetings to attending lunches (all those fabulous appetizers!) to seeing sites. We never had a dull moment. I left Russia happy I’d gone, and hoping I’d return soon to work further on this program.

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BEAHRS ELP ALUMNI REUNION: Liza Morales (ELP ‘01) & Robin Marsh Robin Marsh arrived in Manhattan on Friday, 6 February - a typical rainy and damp February night. But over a warm dinner and chilled drinks, it turned out to be a delightful evening to catch up on what has been happening with the ELP and especially its alumni. Busy as ever, Robin had just completed conducting training at Brown University, Rhode Island. I eagerly listened to Berkeley updates, together with my husband, Peter Bartelmus, who was especially interested as he is also in the environment/economics field. As for myself, I am now with the UN Department of Political Af-

fairs and the focus of my work is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the substance of my work has devi-

ated from issues of the Summer of 2002 at Berkeley, that training has certainly broadened my approach to my work, as the issue of the environment and human security is tightly linked. I continue to closely follow environmental issues, especially climate change. I hope you (ELP person) contact me when you are in the New York area for a nice chat and get-together. Reach me by email: .

BEAHRS ELP ALUMNI REUNION: Alison Clayson (ELP ‘03) & Robin Marsh At the very end of March, Robin and Alison McKelvey Clayson had a 3-day get-together in Paris. Robin arrived in balmy Paris wrapped in woolies and boots on her way home from a cold and snowy Saint Petersburg. The boots fit right in with current fashion trends in this part of the world, although the skirt was perhaps a wee bit long to be really trendy, and the boots a bit too short. There were appointments at UNESCO to meet with people in the Man and Biosphere(MAB) program and then a fullfledged French luncheon (wine, cheese and desert, but "hold the cheese") with a Dean from the American University of Paris (AUP) who is helping to set up a new MA program in international affairs together with the Institut Catholique of France. Despite its rather misleading name, the Institut is in fact France's oldest private university,

so it is fitting that Old Europe and newer American institutions should work together to foster peaceful resolution of conflict, a main component of the proposed new program. Robin was keen to offer University of California and ELP experience in building collaborative processes. After lunch we had a tour of the AUP campus, which is really just buildings scattered here and there in a very chic (thank god for those boots!) corner of the 7eme arrondissement, within sight of both the Eiffel Tower and Napoleon's tomb. The walk was punctuated with window shopping ("how can there be so many attractive boutiques"), discussions of French politics and francoAmerican cultural differences (Vive la difference!) and frantic efforts to use a French telephone card to call

home -- so Robin could let Peter and the girls know how hard she was working. We spoke loud American English but nobody threw tomatoes or gallic insults, so FrancoAmerican relations are not so bad as the press reports. That evening, a very different kind of gastronomy was offered when Jim Clayson served up his worldfamous (vegan) pasta with pesto sauce in the warm intimacy of the Clayson kitchen. Lots of wine, no cheese. Despite Robin's being part of a huge university and Jim's teaching at a tiny one (AUP has a student body of 900), they discovered many things in common. Robin's last day took her to the local market, along the Seine River to the Rodin Museum, past more of those fashionable boutiques, and over the bridge to the Virgin Megastore to buy CDs of goldie oldie French cabaret singers to take home to Peter. She confessed that Peter's the family francophile, not her, but I could tell that the City of Lights had brushed her shoulders with stardust and she will be back.

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We are thrilled with the progress of this year’s SGI recipients and...Congratulations to this year’s SGI winners (see last page)! In this issue we hear from alums in Madagascar, India & China.

SGI: Monitoring Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Madagascar: Ampatsy Forest as a Case Study Olga Ramaromanana ([email protected]) & Catherine Corson ([email protected]) Madagascar’s rapid loss of forest land and accompanying environmental impacts, such as the drying up of water sources, are resulting in the disappearance of the country’s unique biodiversity at an alarming rate. If the rate of forest loss characterized by the past twenty years continues, most of the country’s forests will disappear before the year 2020. In the eastern rainforest corridor, low-yield shifting cultivation, or tavy, has been blamed for largescale erosion and forest loss. Recently introduced state and donorsponsored programs to decentralize natural resource management to rural communities, Gestion Contractualisée des Forêts (GCF) and Gestion Locale Sécurisée (Gelose), aim to reduce tavy through establishing and guaranteeing relative local land tenure. In most cases, they include an initial transfer of resource manageUndoubtedly, one of ment for three the more significant years, with a pooutcomes of the tential renewal for grant has been the an additional ten cross-disciplinary years (and continintellectual debate ual renewals thereadvanced via email after), should the and in person. community successfully manage the resources. Yet, to date, limited evaluation of the programs has taken place. With funding from the Beahrs Environmental Leadership Small Grants Initiative (SGI) 2003 funding, Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program Alumnus, Olga Ramaromanana, and Berkeley collaborators, Dr. Adina Merenlender, Asso-

community to monitor its own progress by establishing and testing a community self-evaluation program.

ciate Cooperative Extension Specialist and Adjunct Associate Professor, Division of Ecosystem Management, ESPM, and Catherine Corson, PhD Student, Division of Society and Environment, ESPM, have collaborated on the design and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation system for GCFs using a case study in the Ampatsy community, located in the central corridor of Fianarantsoa in the eastern rainforest. The project explores how socio-economic and biological information can be used to both identify critical components of successful community resource management and prioritize conservation areas where investment will have the most impact. SGI funds supported enhanced data collection and analysis process, the identification of robust socioeconomic and biological indicators, and the development of a predictive model for successful community-based conservation. In addition to socio-economic surveys, aerial photos and satellite imageries were used to develop maps of regional land-use and land management. Finally, the project aims to empower the

The grant provided a wonderful opportunity to build on the complementary strengths of the Berkeley collaborators and Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program Alumnus, Olga Ramaromanana. Undoubtedly, one of the more significant outcomes of the grant has been the cross-disciplinary intellectual debate advanced via email and in person. The ongoing discussion brought together complementary perspectives on monitoring CBNRM programs and challenged the partners to reflect on how best to design appropriate evaluation methods for communities, nongovernmental organizations, donors, and government partners. In the fall of 2003, Catherine and Olga visited the Ampatsy forest community, accompanied by field staff from the forest service and the Landscape Development Interventions program, to talk with community members about the implementation of a community monitoring program. To get to the Ampatsy community from the city of Fiana(Continued on page 16)



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SGI: Exploring the Potential Use of Non-Edible Seed Oil M. Gopakumar (ELP ‘01) My SGI project is a mixed bag at the moment - some successes, some failures. Along the way I guess I have picked up a PhD in Project Management! Our project is to explore the potential use of non-edible seed oil of an endemic tree called Pongamia Pinnata as fuel in stationary engines. This seed oil is meant to replace diesel; diesel, in addition to being non-renewable, is decidedly more polluting. We have made considerable progress in promoting the concept. Currently, we have three irrigation engines working as demonstration pumpsets, using the seed oil. In addition to using the seed oil, one of the engines (the first of its kind) works on bio-gas (out of dung) and pongamia. Our tests show that about 1.1 litres of Pongamia seed oil (filtered) substitute for 1 litre of diesel.

considerable drop in the water table and lead to many farmers not using their pumpsets (fueled by the seed oil) at all. This is a major setback, and one can only pray that the monsoon clouds that come in JuneJuly will remember their old pathways! The drought resulted in the project not gaining as much visibility within the farming community that it might have had the going been good. Farmers at the moment are simply not interested enough. I hope that this phase will pass when the rains do come.

I view the SGI grant as the beginning of our project, and not really as a project in itself. We will expand the nursery to include other useful endemic plants, a list of which will shortly be available (to those interested) on our website www.nityata.org and are committed to creating a larger awareness plan to be impleSources of seed Pongamia Pinnata mented over the oil come primarnext couple of ily from two sources. We worked years. The progress we have made closely with a local NGO to install a so far shows that pongamia oil has seed oil-expelling unit in the area; a terrific future in rural India in genthe addition of erating local emThe progress we have made so far this unit was quite ployment in the a bonus to our lean season and shows that pongamia oil has a terrific project! We have in converting the future in rural India in generating local a nursery of ponvillage into a employment in the lean season and in gamia plants as source of surplus converting the village into a source of well under our energy rather surplus energy rather than simply care. Recently, than simply anwe supervised other energy another energy consumer. the planting of consumer. around 800 pongamia seeds, bringing the total in the nursery to around 2000 plants. However, there has been a drought in the project area that caused a

Madagascar, cont. (Continued from page 15)

rantsoa, one follows a dirt road that winds about two and a half hours through the countryside. At various points, the road passes over rice paddies by way of small bridges, constructed of logs and earth. Much to our dismay, we discovered that our land rover was just slightly over the weight capacity of one of these small bridges (see attached photograph). Luckily, the vehicle didn’t fall through, but only cracked one of the logs. Still, Olga and Catherine opted to walk over the bridges after that! The Ampatsy community meeting was very successful--focusing on how the GCF was working for the community and how to initiate a self-monitoring program. To our relief, at the end of the meeting, several villagers were recruited to help repair the bridge, and our return trip proved uneventful! We highly recommend both the Beahrs Environmental Leadership and SGI programs. By partnering academics and field practionners, SGI builds the long-term crossdisciplinary partnerships and innovation needed to develop effective solutions to development challenges. Such partnerships open up great research opportunities for graduate students and faculty alike, and we highly encourage others to participate in the initiative!

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SGI: Establishing a Biodiversity Group in Guizhou Province, Southwest China Ren Xiaodong (ELP ‘01) & Chris Aldridge

Under the SGI, the Community-based Conservation & Development Research Center (CCDRC) of Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, will facilitate a pioneering Guizhou Biodiversity Group (GBG) for the province of Guizhou. (SGI partners pictured. Ren Xiaodong, Director, CCDRC (top); Huang Mingjie, Director, International Cooperation Center for Environmental Protection, Guiyang (middle); and Yang Congming, Community Forestry Adviser, Secretariat of Provincial Governor, Guizhou (bottom)). China is recognized as one of the most important countries for biodiversity conservation. A significant proportion of state-protected species are found in Guizhou, including the Guizhou Golden Monkey; Blacknecked Crane and the primeval fern tree Alsophila spinulosa.

Many farmers view exploitation of natural resources as the simplest solution to poverty. Soil erosion in Guizhou affects 42% of provincial land. It is China’s poorest province attaining a per capita GDP of around $1200. Within the NNRs, in Guizhou, income may be as little as 25% of the adjacent county average. This pattern extends to LNRs. Given the complex nature of local socio-economic conditions, poverty poses the single greatest threat to the sustainable use of natural resources and biodiversity. Around half of Guizhou’s Nature Reserves have received PRA and community-based conservation training; the 7 National Reserves are at the forefront of PRA. The Biodiversity Group will be a major catalyst, forum and clearing house for facilitating stakeholders to protect biodiversity, indigenous knowledge and tradition (picture right– Miaio girls in ceremonial dress),

Guizhou is a relatively isolated, agricultural province that supports a huge rural population of farmers (80%), many of whom are from minority groups. 73% of the province’s land is based on carbonate karst, China is recognized as which is not conducive to agricultural. one of the most important (Below, Maolan karst countries for biodiversity forest NNR). conservation.

strengthening links among the NRs in Guizhou, building a platform for sharing experience on community based con-

servation, and gaining the information and knowledge for biodiversity protection from outside. The GBG will engage in constant review of alternatives with a wider range of overseas systems and a wider range of stakeholders and longterm obligations to them, and will employ established skills in capacity building and support. Education in schools about biodiversity appears to be limited and may yet need formalization and latent or hidden talent needs to be identified in colleges and universities. All activities will combine to benefit biodiversity for the global community beyond Guizhou province and China.

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Regional pages are compiled by the steering committee members and alums from the region. Great job to the South Asia, North Africa/Middle East and Americas in this issues - looking forward to regional pages from Oceania, Russia & CIS & Southeast Asia in the summer issues.

Regional Page South Asia URBAN WASTEWATER: LIVELIHOOD, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Sushil Saigal (ELP ‘03) Winrock International India has started a collaborative project with International Water Management Institute (IWMI) to study the use of urban wastewater in agriculture. Wastewater has high potential for reuse in agriculture and provides an opportunity for increasing food and environmental security by avoiding direct pollution of rivers and surface water; conserving significant proportion of river basin waters, and disposing of municipal wastewater in a low-cost, sanitary way. However, wastewater for irrigation poses a number of health and environmental risks at various levels.

This project will contribute to existing knowledge on urban wastewater use for agriculture in India by: (i) undertaking primary research on current practices, cost/benefits of wastewater use in agriculture vis-àvis social, economic, health and environmental parameters, through indepth case studies in four locations; (ii) identifying best practices for mitigation of negative impacts; (iii) assessing replicability of potential cost-effective technologies, and (iv) carrying out nationwide assessments of the extent and significance of wastewater use. The project will sensitize stakeholders at different levels Though wasteabout the negawater use in tive impacts of Though wastewater use in agriculture is an agriculture is an urban wastewaage-old practice, there is lack of systematic age-old practer use in agriinformation on the subject, particularly on tice, there is culture and issues such as farmer’s needs and lack of systempossible mitigapreferences and health and environmental atic information tion strategies risks. on the subject, with the purparticularly on pose of helping issues such as water users, farmer’s needs and preferences development organizations, governand health and environmental risks. ments and research organizations

make sound investments in water for agricultural development. The project runs from January to December 2004, and is focusing on peri-urban and rural areas around the cities of New Delhi (Yamuna river basin), Ahmedabad (Sabarmati river basin), Kanpur (Ganga river basin) and Kolkata (Kolkata Wetlands).



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Regional Page North Africa/ Middle East TOWARDS IMPROVING AIR QUALITY IN NORTHERN AFRICA – EGYPT LEADS THE WAY Ahmed Hassan (ELP ‘03) Urban air pollution has plagued led the way in Northern Africa and North Africa for decades. Control of have begun to reduce pollution and air pollution, especially in urban emissions. More liberal trade policenters, is a major cies and the increased environmental probproduction of more affordlem in North African able vehicles have helped countries – particuin the gradual replacelarly in Egypt, Algement of highly polluting, ria, Libya and Moolder vehicles. Egypt has rocco. Egypt passed built an underground one the world's metro system that has toughest environmade a considerable conmental laws in 1994, tribution to reducing surat a time when huge face mass public transit public sector factothus reducing emissions ries were pumping from vehicles. Also Mosmoke into Cairo’s rocco and Tuniair and fumes from sia have included the 1.2 million autoelectrified railmobiles, pollution from industrial ways in their transportation sites and sand blown in from the infrastructures. Another Western Desert made sure there target that was of higher was a permanent brownish haze priority is the reduction of over the capital city. Cairo's daily air the sulfur content of fuels. quality remains a constant health Egypt also introduced the concern. The city has about onefirst national unleaded fuel third of Egypt's population and 60% policy in Africa as a part of of the nation's industry. It is estia comprehensive program mated that problems stemming to improve air quality from air pollution cost Egypt $13 throughout Egypt. Curbillion over the lifetime of Cairo's 12 rently, 85%of the country’s fuel supmillion residents. The World Health ply has been converted. Also, the Organization has reported that the conversion of industrial enterprises air pollution in downtown Cairo is to natural gas has been financed. 10 to 100 times above the level Solar water-heating in remote tourconsidered safe. Levels of susist areas have promoted commerpended particulate matter and lead cialization of solar water heating pollution in Cairo are perhaps the technology in the residential sector highest in the world. in Egypt as well It is estimated that air as in Tunisia. pollution in Cairo Natural gas in It is estimated that causes up to 25,000 Egypt and Moproblems stemming from additional deaths per rocco has acair pollution cost Egypt $13 year. The Egyptian quired great imbillion over the lifetime of government has portance in recent Cairo's 12 million residents. come under pressure years. Other proto address the city's jects under prepaair pollution, which ration include soranks among the worst in the world. lar, wind, and waste-to-energy proIn the past ten years, air pollution jects in Algeria, Egypt and Morocco. abatement initiatives in Egypt have

But perhaps the greatest and biggest nation-wide project for addressing air pollution in Africa has been Egypt’s Cairo Air Improvement Project (CAIP), a seven-year, $63 million effort financed by the USAID, and is one of the largest development air pollution projects ever funded. The project was set up in 1997 and tasked mainly with the conversion of public transport engines into LPG- powered engines, discontinuing use of lead pollutants, and curbing dust-generated pollution of the air and relocating polluting industries particularly foundries outside the cities. The CAIP also monitors the effectiveness of pollution abatement schemes through 36 monitoring stations in operation around Greater Cairo. The network enables the government to measure the success of its pollution-control initiatives. With lead, for example, you need to monitor for at least one year to see if you meet the permissible standard. The air-monitoring network is just one aspect of CAIP's strategy, which also involves programs to reduce pollution, not just track it. That includes an economic instrument component, an institutional strengthening component, a compressed national gas component, lead smelter component, vehicle emission testing, air quality monitoring and analysis and public awareness component. Two very interesting aspects of the project are its Vehicle Emission Testing, (Continued on page 20)

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Regional Page Americas Solid Residuals in Mexico: A Brief Comment By Mireille Linares (ELP ‘03) In 1996 the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) was formed. For the first time, the federal government announced that environmental concerns would be considered as a national security issue. On this basis, the federal government proposed two phases of a new environmental vision – they are called "For a Clean Mexico" and "For the Forest and the Water". At the same time, environmental change in Mexico was occurring at the local level. In Mexico City, a highly active sector of the local government (of the Federal District) began proposing relevant new laws and some reforms. Some laws/reforms have been approved by both local legislative chambers; others may be in the future. The local government took the leadership over the Federal legislature when it published two laws: The Law of Waters of the Federal District and the Law of Solid ReFor the first time, the federal government announced that environmental concerns would be considered as a national security issue. siduals of the Federal District. These laws define new obligations as part of the integral strategy to control solid residuals. Additionally, the Normalization Program of 2003 addresses emissions and transfer of pollutants; prevention and control of atmosphere emissions; and re-

siduals. Experts have been simultaneously exploring the possible application of environmental economic instruments in our country, led by recent declarations of the SEMARNAT that point for the establishment of environmental taxes (as it happens in other OECD member states). It is important to reflect on how Mexico might improve its solid residuals problem. Nowadays, the introduction of any tax on solid residual waste may require social behavior modification. I agree with the idea that research may lead to creative treatment and recycling

policies. Waste recycling and behavior modification will need to be promoted in order to achieve the abatement of pollution activities.

Air Quality North Africa, cont. (Continued from page 19)

Tune-Up and Certification component. This aspect aims to reduce harmful vehicle emissions from the 120,000 vehicles on Cairo's roads, and its nation-wide program is to promote the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel in motor vehicles. CNG addresses the severe air quality concerns as it emits about 85 percent fewer harmful pollutants than gasoline. In addition, using natural gas as a transportation fuel would provide a new customer segment for Egypt's increasingly extensive reserves of natural gas. Recognizing the seriousness of air pollution, the Egyptian government has embarked on an air pollution abatement program that isn’t just a bunch of acronyms, but is actually a viable model for other North African nations to follow.



Stephanie Hodge

rity and Defense Policy. I cover, for example, EU civilian police missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In practice, what I do, is prepare for, attend to and report about the weekly meetings of the EU Committee for Civilian Crisis Management, together with representatives from 14 other EU Member States, 10 Acceding Countries, and the EU Commission. (so rather far from environment...)

[email protected]

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institutions have been successful in helping small farmers to compete in global markets and to minimize associated risks. The research report will be presented at a seminar held in the Resource Management in Asian-

Tuong-Vi Pham (Vi Pham) (ELP ‘01) [email protected]

I am consulting and in Feb 2004 I reviewed the Albania Environmental Programme at UNDP. I am currently getting ready to give a paper on Knowledge Management and building community of practices for a conference in Damascus between April 4-7 (www.syrenviro.com,www.syroil.co m). I am writing a sustainable ecotoursim project proposal for my brother who has built an ecotourism lodge in Canada for funding to make it a energy efficiency demonstration site for the tourism industry in rural Newfoundland (http:// naac.50megs.com/photo.html and www.valhalla-lodge.com). I am also still running and preparing for the Canadian Olympic Marathon Trials in Ottawa on May 31, 2004.

Mari Linnapuomi [email protected] I am posted for the period 1 February - 1 August 2004 in the Permanent Representation of Finland to the European Union in Brussels. I work on civilian crisis management which is one civilian element of the rapidly developing European Secu-

I have recently joined the Resource Management Group in the AsiaPacific Program (RMAP), Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National University, as a Visiting Fellow for three months. Away from my university in Hanoi, Vietnam, to be in the university in Australia is quite exciting for me, as I can meet, discuss and learn with and from lots of other academics who are working in similar fields around the Asian-Pacific Region. My duties here include working on writing a paper that is based on the SGI proposal gained supported from ELP last year. A big thanks to the Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program, Small Grant Initiative, the University of California at Berkeley (supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation) for giving me the opportunity! The paper is jointly written by Robin Marsh and I; we are analyzing local resource management strategies in select ethnic groups of northern Vietnam (such as the Nung and the San Chi) affected by globalization. The analysis focuses on the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of land use transition from subsistence mixed cropping to litchi fruit production for export to China. It examines whether various types of support from informal and formal

Pacific Program (RMAP) of the Australian National University on April 29, 2004. The information will be shared among academics, whose expertise and interests are in the broader region. It will be published in the RMAP Program Working Paper Series with a view to publication in a refereed international academic journal I look forward to receiving news from other ELP “family” members. If anyone is just happens to be here in Canberra, Australia, please drop in on my office and say hello or join me with bicycle riding! Canberra is great for this activity.

Noel N. Verdote [email protected] I'm doing independent consulting and as you may already know one of the projects I'm working on is the Philippine Efficient Lighting Market Transformation Project (PELMATP). The said project is currently with GEF for final approval (supposedly by May). As soon as we hear from GEF we will finalize the Project Doc).


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Sobona Mtisi [email protected] Greetings from Manchester! I am currently reading for a Phd in International Development Policy and Management, at the University of Manchester. I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing, but I hope the ideas and training that I got from Berkeley will come in handy, not mentioning the great people that I met and continue to meet. That's all from me (for now!).

Tetra - Biro Perencanaan, Evaluasi dan Laporan )(ELP ’03) [email protected] I’ve included some pictures of my most current visit to a remote, poor and underdeveloped village in The Province of Jambi, in Sumatra on the island of Indonesia. The visit is related to the Adaptive Collaborative Management (ACM) Program of CIFOR (Center for International Research). ACM Program is a multi-stakeholder process that focuses on developing local people’s capacity in managing forest resources for the sake of sustainable forest resource and people's welfare. Please visit CIFOR website (www.cifor.cgiar.org/) for further information on ACM program. At present, I am one of the steering


committee members (out of 4) of the program.

Letter From Kyra Dear Everyone, Putting together the newsletter brought back many fond memories! As always, it’s wonderful & inspiring to hear from you. While editing the articles, I became curious if anyone is working on indoor air pollution in urban or rural settings – there is not much mention of this important issue in this issue. My laboratory group is developing a low cost particulate monitor. It’s been undergoing trials in Guatemala for a year and we are always interested in sharing our technology with others. Please email if interested. Also, contact me if I can help connect you with graduate students partners here at UCB. Come visit soon! Take good care,

Kyra PS. That’s my grandpa!

Letter from Leslie Dear ELP Alums, Time draws close for the 2004 course, and I’ve been emailing busily across the world to the selected participants. Since 9-11 the big concern is about visas. While US State Department policies are becoming more consistent, at the same time the process of getting the visas are requiring more lead time --- which is leading to more sleepless nights wondering who will make it and who will not! We also find funding more difficult this year, but we know we are not alone in this; it is true across the spectrum of organizations. Nevertheless, a good group of colleagues-to-be is forming and will be here sooner than we realize!


Our move to a new CSRD /Beahrs ELP office in Giannini Hall, one of the nice older buildings on Campus, has given us a little more “visibility”, since we are at ground level, right under the College of Natural Resources Dean’s Office, and we feel more in contact with the rest of the Department. Our new office now has room for a small conference table and a growing library of reference materials on all phases of natural resources management and sustainable development. Artwork by Robin’s mother (and Roxy, too, I should add!), and my father, as well as beautiful traditional craft objects from around the world decorate the walls and shelves. Out my window is a venerable olive tree, the universal symbol of peace. Our neighbor is Carl Wilmsen, Program Coordinator of Community Forestry Research Fellowship Program, whom some of you remember from the trip to Hayfork in 2001. At last I have had time to address the long-overdue reworking of the Beahrs ELP web site, and have plans for some good changes. There will be lots more visuals, so keep those photos coming! The new version of the web site will probably be finished after the 2004 course, toward the end of the summer. It has been so gratifying and inspiring to read about your projects, collaborations, and successes, often in the face of tough challenges. Thank you all for keeping in touch. We, too, face a tough road ahead of us as we head toward the November elections. After the summer course is over, I will have more personal time to devote to the campaign to defeat the forces currently at work in Washington. My mother, now 87, is still involved with the NGO “Women for Peace”, and I will be helping her and her group with their campaign efforts. (Maybe we should ask the UN to send some election observers …..hmmm.) Aloha to you all, Leslie



...Memories...

PAGE 23

The Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) links stateof-the-art environmental and natural resource science and policy at the University of California, Berkeley, with environmental professionals around the world. It is the leading international program within the Center for Sustainable Resource Development of the College of Natural Resources.

4 Giannini Hall, University of California Berkeley, CA 94720-3100

Phone: 510.643.4200 Fax: 510.643.4483 or 510.642.4612 E-mail: [email protected] http://cnr.berkeley.edu/BeahrsELP http://cnr.berkeley.edu/csrd

The core component of the Beahrs ELP is an interdisciplinary summer certificate course in Sustainable Environmental Management. Participants in the summer course:

• • • • Your business tag line here.

Develop an interdisciplinary understanding of key environmental topics; Explore alternative policies, technologies and institutions that promote sustainable environmental management; Strengthen conflict management and leadership skills; and Experience cross-cultural and cross-sectoral learning from peers around the world.

Course participants continue their learning and peer relations through the Beahrs ELP Berkeley Alumni Network, with an active website, newsletter, and various exchange opportunities.

Congratulations to the SGI 2004 Recipients! We received outstanding applications this year for the SGI RFP. Thanks to all who applied. Below are the projects titles of this year’s recipients. Feel free to contact alums for more details. • • • • • • •

Building a Russian Node of the Ecological Footprint Network Svetlana Chernikova & Natalia Belova Develop a Small-Scale Prototype for a Solar-Powered Refrigerator for Poor Fishing Communities Alejandro Guevara & Teresita Amezcua Small River Biological Monitoring for School Students Eka Otarashvili Monitoring Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Madagascar: Ampatsy Forest as a Case Study Olga Ramaromanana Farmer-Leaders’ Empowerment Project to Promote Green Environment Rehabilitation and Conservation James Rubakisibo Leadership Lessons for Best Practice in Estuary-Based Enterprise Development Nhlanhla Sihlophe, Muthoni Ngotho, & Mpumelelo Ncwadi Development of Marketing Strategy of High-Value Indigenous Fruit Trees and Medicinal Plants from the Congo Basin

Spring 2004 - Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program

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