annex 11.1: logical framework matrix

Objectives / Indicator / Means of Verification / Assumptions
Development GOAL:
Globally important biodiversity of the Andean Paramo maintained. /
  • Conservation status of a selected group of biodiverse landscapes (Polylepis scrub, mires, cushion bogs) in Paramo improved over baseline.
/
  • Assessment of Polylepis scrub, mires and cushion bogs in a selected series of sites at start and end of project

IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVES / (Objective to Goal)
Environmental goods and services in a network of critical Paramo sites conserved.
Replication of project objectives and best lessons in other (not covered by this project) Paramo sites at Andean level /
  • At the end of the project, the area without direct human impact has stabilized or is larger as compared to baseline, in all of the project intervention sites.
  • At the end of the project, activities of low negative or positive impact on biodiversity are in execution in human intervened areas in at least two-thirds of the project intervention sites.
  • At the end of the project, lessons from the project on Paramo management, policy development, capacity building or information management, with help of external stakeholders and financial resources have been adopted in at least one other site per country.
/
  • Conservation status maps (land use & biodiversity) of Paramo sites at start and end of project.
  • GEF & UNEP commissioned reviews
  • Progress reports of implementation of management plans at project sites and others.
/
  • Local social and economic conditions do not change dramatically.
  • Local political conditions do not change dramatically.
  • Sustained stakeholder interest and organization
  • Financial resources are made available for Paramo conservation on mid and long term

OUTCOMES / (Outcome to obj.)
Outcome 1
1. Adequate conservation friendly practices for productive activities, zoning and conservation strategies implemented at nine Paramo sites
Outputs
1.1Participative Management plans defined and under implementation
1.2Formal conservation agreements initiated in all countries
1.3Sustainable management practices in use by local stakeholders /
  1. A participative management plan agreed by local stakeholders in all project intervention sites, three years after the start of the project.
  2. At the end of the project, formal conservation agreements have initiated in at least half of the project intervention sites and in at least one site per country.
  3. At the end of the project, at least 20% of all production units (farms) of all project intervention sites are applying novel sustainable management practices.
  4. At the end of the project, at least 85% of all production units (farms) that apply novel sustainable management practices, have received a positive contribution (monetary and in-kind income, time savings; increased food security)
/
  • Report on implementation of PMP
  • Land use maps (year one, year three and end of project) of each site.
  • Statements of conservation agreements
  • Surveys among local stakeholders directed to their productive activities in year one, year three and end of project.
  • Monitoring of direct and indirect contributions to household income in each project site by means of a participatory early warning systemhousehold surveys..
/
  • Sustained support from farmer communities for the execution of management plan.
  • Governments support enabling environment.

Objectives / Indicator / Means of Verification / Assumptions
Outcome 2
2. Key conservation and sustainable use supporting policies are accepted at different governmental levels and by non governmental groups
Outputs
2.1Local policy instruments agreed and implemented
2.2Policy implementation initiatives conducted at national level
2.3International plan of action accepted
2.4Codes of conduct functioning in two productive sectors /
  1. At each of the project intervention sites, policy instruments (economic, legislative, regulative) that assure the implementation of management plans have been agreed upon and implemented by local and regional stakeholders, three years after the start of the project.
  2. At the end of the project, in each of the four countries, at least two initiatives to implement participatory identified key policies to support conservation and sustainable use of Paramo are being conducted.
  3. At the end of the project, an international plan of action for Paramo has been accepted by the Andean Community and by the four countries´ environmental authorities.
  4. Codes of conduct for relevant sectors established and functioning in at least two sectors (agriculture plus one more).
/
  • Documentation on policy instruments at different levels (government decisions, external evaluation, etc.).
  • Description of initiatives at national level to implement key policies
  • Decision of CAN on plan of action for Paramo
  • Survey of use of reference text with codes of conduct for relevant sectors.
/
  • Political commitment of participating countries and of CAN is assured.
  • Sustained intersectoral coordination

Outcome3
3. Increased technical capacity of Paramo inhabitants, field technicians and local governmental and non-governmental organizations for Paramo conservation
Outputs
3.1Management capacities for three target groups of key Paramo stakeholders improved
3.2Exchange of experiences between local stakeholder groups implemented
3.3Stakeholders apply taught management practices in productive activities /
  1. A representative set of members of the three main target groups of the training program have increased their capacity to sustainably manage Paramo by at least 50% (scorecard value) after participation in basic training program.
  2. During the execution of the project, at least half of the participants in basic capacity programs have visited other Paramo areas and farmer communities to interchange experiences at Andean level.
  3. Identified experiences in Paramo management with positive environmental impact have been included or strengthened in daily practice of at least half of the participants in basic capacity programs during the project.
/
  • Pre and post evaluation of participants in capacity building programs with a tailor made scorecard.
  • Reports on visits to other areas by participants in training program
  • Target groups survey (start, mid term and end of project) about the application of evaluated experiences.
/
  • Target groups of training program continue to be related to Paramo management at the sites.

Objectives / Indicator / Means of Verification / Assumptions
Outcome 4
4. Increased awareness and information about the importance of the Paramo ecosystem among key decision makers and the rural and urban population related to Paramo
Outputs
4.1Paramo ecosystem related subjects included in curricula of relevant education centers
4.2Improved knowledge of Paramo ecology and management in key stakeholders
4.3Key decision makers adequately informed on Paramo issues
4.4Paramo Information Mechanism is fully connected to Clearing House Mechanisms in the Andean countries /
  1. At the end of the project, at least 27 education centers, related to the project intervention sites have included formal and non-formal education projects and activities on the Paramo ecosystem.
  2. At the end of the project, a representative set of rural and urban population related to Paramo has increased their knowledge of Paramo ecology and management by at least 50% (scorecard value).
  3. Selected groups of key decision makers have been provided with information responding to their identified demands during the project.
  4. At the end of the project, the Paramo Information Mechanism is fully connected to Clearing House Mechanisms in the Andean countries.
/
  • Pre and post evaluation of participants in environmental education programs (scorecard)
  • Target groups survey (start, mid term and end of project) about use of information.
  • Survey of use of Paramo Information Mechanism at mid term and end of project.
  • Monthly count of hits on website
  • Collaboration protocol between PIM and CHM in each country
/
  • Government and NGO’s support for and participation in environmental education projects.
  • Increased awareness results in better decisions taken.

Outcome 5
5. A replication strategy of the project agreed, including its mechanism for implementation
Outputs
5.1Best lessons, sites and stakeholders identified and implementation timetable for replication finalized /
  1. An institutional alliance consisting of executing agencies and local stakeholders of the project and external stakeholders, have adopted a commonly designed strategy consisting of (1) lessons identified, (2) a list of potential sites and stakeholders, and (3) an execution timetable for replication.
/
  • Minutes of meetings of institutional alliances.
  • Interinstitutional agreements on replication strategy.
/
  • External stakeholders are successful in generating financial support for their activities.
  • Agencies and institutions whose actions can potentially affect Paramo biodiversity assimilate lessons from project.

Activities / Means / Costs (PRELIMINARY) / (from Activities to Outcome)
1.1. Inter-Sectoral Implementation Units, including local stakeholders, develop participatory management plans.
1.2. Fill knowledge gaps to support the decision making of land use activities in management plans.
1.3. Execute projects for the protection of well-conserved areas and the recuperation of degraded areas
1.4. Execute projects that guarantee and enhance income to the local inhabitants of project sites by sustainable production. / 2,30 mln $
1,41 mln $
3,32 mln $
2,15 mln $ /
  • Land owners (farmer communities) collaborate with implementation of PMP during project execution.

2.1. Develop and implement a policy, legislative and regulatory framework at different governmental levels, to support the implementation of management plans at all project intervention sites.
2.2. Develop and promote policy instruments (economical, legislative, regulative) that assure the implementation of management plans.
2.3. Develop and negotiate an Action Plan for the conservation of Paramo at Andean level, within the framework of Decision 523.
2.4. Within national institutional platforms, identify key policies to support conservation and sustainable use of Paramo and conduct initiatives for their implementation.
2.5. Develop and promote codes of conduct for relevant sectors (agriculture, tourism, mining, public works, etc.). / 0,68 mln $
0,59 mln $
0,29 mln $
0,68 mln $
0,24 mln $ /
  • Political will at local level
  • Effectiveness of inter-sectoral coordination
  • Countries accept CAN decisions.
  • Effectiveness of inter-sectoral coordination.

3.1. With participation of key actors, develop and execute a training program directed towards the main and complementary target groups of the project, in fundamental aspects of Paramo management, which includes ancestral, traditional and local knowledge, and participatory action research techniques.
3.2. Execute a program for identification, compilation and interchange of experiences at local, national and Andean level. / 1,254 mln $
0,49 mln $ /
  • Participants of main target groups comply with minimum education level
  • Local groups are willing to share traditional knowledge.

4.1. Develop and execute a formal environmental education program directed at students and teachers of the educational institutions of Paramo areas.
4.2. Develop and execute a non-formal environmental education program dedicated to local stakeholders in Paramo areas.
4.3. Execute a public awareness campaign about the conservation and sustainable use of Paramo.
4.4. Collect and analyze adequate information to support decision making in Paramo.
4.5. Create and administrate a Paramo Information Mechanism at Andean level / 1,08 mln $
0,28 mln $
0,40 mln $
0,87 mln $
0,57 mln $ /
  • Collaboration of communication media.
  • Institutions that possess information on Paramo are willing to share.
  • CHM are operational in each country

5.1. Create and operate an institutional alliance consisting of executing agencies, local stakeholders of the project and external stakeholders (governmental and non governmental).
5.2. Identify lessons, potential sites, stakeholders and a timetable for execution of replication.
5.3. Support the implementation of replication activities in other sites with other stakeholders / 1,69 mln $
1,07 mln $
2,37 mln $ /
  • Agencies and institutions whose actions can potentially affect Paramo are willing to participate in alliance.

ANNEX 11.2: INCREMENTAL COST ANALYSIS

1. National Development Objectives

All four participating countries (Colombia, Ecuador, Perú and Venezuela) have ratified the CBD. They are also members of the Andean Community (CAN) which has set forth Decision 523 (D523) “Regional Biodiversity Strategy for the Tropical Andean Countries” as an officially binding resolution. D523 draws from the national strategy documents of all Andean Countries thus identifying Paramo as a priority trans-boundary ecosystem requiring regional cooperation on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use initiatives. For further information on respective national agendas on biodiversity please refer to section 1.2. CountryOwnership.

2. Scope of análisis

The scope of analysis of the baseline scenario and the GEF alternative covers the timeframe of the full-scale project (6 years). Geographically, the scope of the analysis comprises the boundaries of the Andean Paramo ecosystem covering parts of (N to S) Venezuela’s, Colombia’s, Ecuador’s and Northern Peru’s mountain systems, as described in section 1.3 Biodiversity Significance.

3. Baseline

Paramo development issues occupy an important place in all four country’s baseline agendas, receiving funding from local, national and even sub-regional budgets as well as NGO’s and international organizations. These activities will continue irrespective of GEF financing. A summary of the initiatives that are complementary to the project’s objectives and activities follows:

3.1 Sustainable management of the Paramo and its areas of influence

A vast number of initiatives including regional action plans, research activities, and poverty alleviation programs, among others, contribute to the improvement of local livelihoods and natural resource management in the Paramo areas of the four participating countries. Venezuela has the largest number of initiatives, while Colombia ranks the highest in terms of actual resource allocation. Each of the project countries invest significant resources in activities related to agricultural development, gender issues, and livelihood enhancement programs for local stakeholders, among other related issues. The total estimated baseline investment in Paramo areas in the four participating countries amounts to US$ 4,949,822. While constituting a notable contribution to the project’s objectives, these plans will, however, generally work in an isolated manner and often have narrow sectoral approaches. Furthermore, even though some address environmental issues, these are primarily geared towards poverty alleviation and food security, thereby lacking the necessary integration and approach to render globally significant benefits.

3.2 Policy development and advocacy

The baseline investment in issues contributing to the project’s objectives in this area is comprised of national initiatives that include water laws, legislation to establish a Paramo biosphere reserve, financial and tax incentive schemes to promote Paramo conservation, promotion of inter-sectoral coordination for biodiversity conservation, national policies and instruments for Paramo biodiversity management, biodiversity related laws for fragile ecosystems, decentralization and local government strengthening programs, environmental law projects for indigenous groups, ecologic/economic zoning studies as well as sub-regional initiatives dealing with agrobiodiversity and bio-commerce, to name but a few. The baseline expenditure estimated for policy and legislation related issues in Paramo, amounts to US$ 2,826,425. Even though this represents a considerable investment, these efforts are not sufficient to overcome weak inter-sectoral policy coordination, disarticulation of local, regional and national planning and the lack of policies and policy instruments as well as the lack of an effective conservation strategy and international cooperation for border crossing ecosystems and international watersheds. Thus these issues still constitute legislative barriers impeding proper Paramo management with an integral ecosystem approach.

3.3 Training and capacity building

The estimated baseline expenditures for capacity building related activities in the Paramo areas of the four participating countries amount to US$ 2,776,230. These include principally community strengthening programs and issues dealing with productive activities and natural resources management at a local level. They do not however sufficiently address aspects of ecosystem management with a comprehensive view for Paramo resources management, or capacity building to support decision-making at national or institutional level.

3.4 Information and communication

Baseline activities considered under this subject include education programs in broad environmental issues, vegetation, water and wildlife conservation, as well as applied principles to promote improved livelihoods for Paramo inhabitants. A number of research activities related to natural resources in general, biodiversity and water quality also contribute to project objectives. The total estimated expenditures for these baseline activities amount to US$ 3,041,043. Even though they address very specific issues and contribute to natural resource as well as biodiversity conservation, they lack the necessary inputs to adequately promote education of key stakeholders including local, national and regional players in Paramo conservation issues with an integrated ecosystem perspective. Furthermore, there is insufficient adequate information to support decision making in Paramo and the existing information is not properly disseminated to reach key decision makers. In combination with low public awareness about the importance of conserving this marginalized ecosystem, this precludes commensurate action for proper conservation of Paramo resources including biodiversity.

3.5 Replication

Estimated baseline expenditures amounting to US$ 1,890,000 have been identified under this subject, including isolated efforts in water resources management, environmental research and specific evaluation studies. However an initiative to systematically identify and record lessons learned and best practices and a replication strategy as such to achieve a multiplication effect of the impact of successful Paramo conservation initiatives is lacking.

4. GEF Alternative:

The proposed GEF Alternative will complement ongoing baseline activities and will leverage co-financing to achieve project objectives. Project outcomes under the GEF Alternative comprise the following:

4.1 Adequate conservation friendly practices for productive activities, zoning and conservation strategies implemented at nine Paramo sites

The project will design and implement Participatory Management Plans (PMP) for Paramo conservation and sustainable land use in nine PIS, to include zoning, protection, managing and restoration of key Paramo sites and contamination control mechanisms. Within these plans, strengthened local stakolders’ alliances will implement and oversee sustainable production projects drawing from a catalogue of approved low impact income generating activities such as conservation and natural sustainable resource management projects, projects for improving living conditions and social organization strengthening projects. The project will contribute to protecting natural resources in key areas and restoring ecosystem functions and biodiversity in degraded areas of the Paramo ecosystem, thereby also strengthening the natural base of income generation for Paramo inhabitants. These activities complement the existing baseline activities and are required to achieve global benefits.