Cascade model for capacity-building ensures extensive learning on REDD+
Cascade model of REDD+ capacity building has been used successfully in Myanmar, contributing to the project reaching a large number of stakeholders at national, sub-national and community level. Using cascade model of capacity building, starting with a national level ToT program in Myanmar, the REDD+ capacity development at sub-national level was led by three (out of 19) national level ToT alumni, at community level by eight (out of 19) alumni from sub-national training, grassroots awareness raising by six (out of 60) alumni from community level training programs. Thus, a total of 17 training alumni (out of 98) were engaged in facilitating REDD+ capacity building at different levels. Moreover, 10 of these facilitators were women, of which seven belonged to Naga ethnic groups, thus contributing to mainstream gender and promote full and effective participation of local stakeholders in REDD+ knowledge development process.
Further, such a comprehensive approach of REDD+ capacity development also contributed in achieving both the Outcomes of the project. By developing a cadre of local resource persons, the cascade model of REDD+ capacity development has contributed to build a greater understanding on concept of climate change and REDD+ among grassroots stakeholders, both vertically, and horizontally, and thus enabling them to respond to future needs of REDD+ capacity building in their communities. Secondly, by developing the participation and facilitation skills of core team of project partner organization, their knowledge on grassroots issues with regards to REDD+ and confidence level to independently facilitate capacity development has improved significantly, as shared by team leader of WCS, responsible for WCS-RECOFTC Grassroots project partnership below.
Feedback from WCS on cascade model of REDD+ capacity building in Naga hill region in northern Myanmar
"Through the Grassroots project, capacity of WCS core team has improved significantly. Earlier, WCS field staff were familiar mostly with education programs related to biodiversity conservation, but with support from the Grassroots project, the field staff of WCS have significantly improved their facilitation and community mobilisation skills. They now feel more confident in delivering community level training programs on climate change and REDD+ by themselves in their project areas in Naga hill region"
- U Saw Htun, Deputy Country Program Director, WCS Myanmar Country Program