Exchange programmes - IUCN

success (or failure) of a project they have funded. This may increase the chances of
obtaining future funding from this source.
The partners should also review the need for any future exchanges. If the programme
was a success, then perhaps new partners could be brought into the project, or the project
could be expanded and new funding and funding agencies could be sought. If the
programme was not a success, new plans, involving new partners perhaps, could be
developed after reviewing the apparent reasons for failure. If communication between
the partners ends immediately after the exchange, then it is likely that no future
relationships will develop.
3.2 A strategy for exchange programmes in East Asia
The scope and need to develop exchange programmes in the East Asia region is
considerable. But there is no single prescription for making this happen. Instead a
strategy is required, which needs to be followed at the level of the individual protected
area, the national and sub-national protected areas system, and region-wide.
The strategy is in four parts:
1. Create a favourable climate for exchanges
2. Develop innovative exchange programmes at site, system and region levels
3. Support this with information etc.
4. Secure the funding
Creating a favourable climate
The evidence in this report suggests that a vital ingredient for success is a management
and policy climate that favours exchanges. This needs to be created at the local, national,
and regional levels within East Asia.
Local (site) level
It is appreciated that the authority and resources given to protected area managers will
vary a great deal. In some countries it may be possible to act only at the system level. But
where powers are delegated to the site level, protected area managers should be
encouraged to see exchanges as a potential part of staff development and as an innovative
way to tackle problems that the protected area faces. Ideally site managers
should be allowed some scope to develop a limited number of small-scale, local
exchange programmes. The sums of money required can be quite modest, especially if
exchanges are short, local and combined with other previously scheduled events such as
periodic meetings or workshops. Where managers are responsible for drawing up staff
training programmes, they should consider exchanges as part of staff development. It
may also be possible to encourage exchanges through the management plan for the
protected areas in question.
National (system) level
Recommendations for protected area exchanges in East Asia
More commonly in many parts of East Asia, the authority to initiate exchanges will be
held by system managers (e.g. heads of parks agencies). They are well placed to help
55