LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE FIRST PHASE

1. The attainments of the operational component

During the first phase of the programme, four projects in ViÍt Nam (HÙ Chi Minh City), the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo), Senegal (Rufisque and ThiËs), were supported through transfers and exchanges of know-how and technologies coming respectively from India (Bombay), Colombia (Bogota), and Mali (Bamako).

The first phase allowed for the programme to be launched and the conditions for its success to be established.

In Hô Chi Minh City, Enda's newly established team was able to select a site for its intervention and to develop a trusting relationship with the authorities and local populations. This preparatory work should make the second phase much more operational.

In Santo Domingo, support to community groups brought about the launching of alternative solid waste management systems. A second phase of consolidation will be necessary to ensure the sustainability of actions undertaken and to plan for necessary extensions to strengthen the new systems.

In Thiès, the first phase also allowed for the selection of a site and the launching of the experimental production of compost and market garden produce. The second phase will be necessary to specify technical and organisational conditions required for this production.

The first phase of the programme, which lasted for 18 months, has already had significant results, including:
·the improvement of the sanitation in many poor districts, due to the establishment of alternative waste management schemes;
·the productive use of solid and liquid wastes in areas affected by the project;
·the strengthening of community-based organisations active in the urban environment;
·education and awareness to environmental problems;
·the establishment of a dialogue between municipal authorities and the private sector;
·the creation of many jobs in recycling;
·the implementation and experimentation of technological innovations adapted to the local context.

2. The attainments of the research-capitalization/dissemination-communication components

Implementation of an information exchange system, elaboration and dissemination of information products:

Seven focal points located in different places around the world were set up and equipped with computer technology allowing them to manage information with data bases and communicate using electronic mail.
Regional databases were created and continue to be developed with information on relevant experiences, resource persons and institutions, and bibliographies of relevant information (books, periodicals, videos..).
A series of films has been produced and were presented at the Habitat II Conference in Istanbul.

Objectives of the second phase of Preceup