evaluation of the study visit - Mekong River Commission

MRC Study Visit to the Danube River Basin 2012
applied in the Lower Mekong Basin and (v) to highlight added values for the MRC. Timely before the
evaluation was undertaken the Study Visit participants received an outline of questions to prepare
for the evaluation. Therefore, the evaluation consisted of three parts:
1) Timely circulation of an outline of questions to the Study Visit participants for evaluation
preparation (Annex 6).
2) Answering of questions in four working groups (Annex 6). Each group – consisting of five MRC
delegates – answered the same four specific questions in written way for a following joint
discussion. Available time to answer was one hour.
3) Joint discussion taking into account all learning points with a particular focus on added values
for the BDP and MRC.
The following four questions have been dealt with and answered in the four working groups (also see
Annex 6):
1) Briefly describe the key aims of the EU Water Framework Directive.
2) Briefly describe (i) the key content of the Danube River Basin Management Plans, (ii) what are its
agreed Significant Water Management Issues and (iii) its basin-wide role.
3) Briefly describe the (i) structure of the ICPDR and (ii) list 3 cooperation key issues between the
contracting parties of the ICPDR?
4) Briefly describe what are the key learning points of this Danube Study Visit for you?
Could some river basin management issues/approaches be applied in the LMB? Which ones?
5.1.2 Summary of Evaluation and Learning Points
In general, the results of the evaluation and therefore the added learning values of the Study Visit
can be rated as very positive. The participants expressed satisfaction with the components and
outcomes of the Study Visit to the DRB. The comprehensive answers of the evaluation questions as
well as the high-class and fruitful evaluation discussion confirmed the eager learning ambition and
positive spirit demonstrated by the participants during the entire Study Visit.
The evaluated outcomes of the Working Groups clearly showed that the participants of the Study
Visit gained a very good knowledge and understanding of the international cooperation in the
Danube River Basin, the significant issues of river basin management as well as the institutional
structure and context of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River. Interlinkages
between the two basins were well reflected regarding similarities and differences but also
regarding possible cross-cutting implementation issues for future exchange and/or further screening
for BDP/MRC implementation adaptation.
In summary the following key learning points have been highlighted as essential by the Study Visit
participants and are seen as important for BDP/MRC consideration. Additional details are provided in
the chapter sections below:
� Decentralised structure of the ICPDR;
� Institutional and organisational management in the DRB via the ICPDR and its effectiveness;
� Effective operation of the ICPDR Expert Groups within the decentralised ICPDR structure;
� Ownership, cooperation ambition and spirit of the ICPDR contracting parties;
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