by tsukhoe m. //garoes and beauty jiji on behalf of the team as a chief conservancy governance tool:...
TRANSCRIPT
By Tsukhoe M. //Garoes and Beauty Jiji
On Behalf of the Team
as a chief conservancy governance tool: The Doro !Nawas Case
“Constitution” -
Background
Located on Kunene region, NW of Khorixas Doro-!Nawas was gazetted during Dec. 1999
Covers an area of 4,073 square kilometers
About 430 members are registered
Issues and challenges that existed Intervention to amend the constitution
started on the request by the conservancy.
Conflict started between members, calling MET to intervene. To mediate the process - thus assist in identifying potential solutions. Root causes / issues: Resource use or sharing Boundary Joint venture lodge Relationships
Outcomes of Conflict Management Process
The process identify three key areas to be address to managed and monitor the conflict:
1. Financial accountability and monitoring
2. Gaps in constitution and constitutional awareness
3. Trainings and mentorship to built leadership and participation at committee and community level
Gaps in Constitution
Few highlights:
Conservancy management structure (executive committee used, but not in existence)
Financial management (signatory powers to couple)
AGM (procedures not clearly stipulated)
Incompatibility of constitution with Law and regulations on same aspects
The Process of Constitution Amendment
Preparatory Meetings at MET and Conservancy Office
Awareness and Gap Identification in areas – 5 day Synthesis of identified gaps Constitution Formulation Process – 7days Report production Draft Report Feedback and clarification of
proposals – 4 days Draft constitution and LAC input Presentation of Draft Constitution to CC by team
with lawyer – 1 day
Process Continued Finalization of constitution Translation of constitution Adoption of New Constitution by Members at
EAGM Finalise some of the Policies and Procedures Training for staff and CC on use of
constitution , policies and procedures. Members education and awareness on new
constitution and procedures.
Who was Involved?Team composed of the following: Conservancy Committee and Constitution Amendment
Subcommittee Conservancy Members TAs and RCs MET RISE WWF ICEMA Line Ministries Stakeholders
Products
Participatory Constitution Formulation User Guide
Reports on the processes Revised Constitution Draft Policies and Procedures Implementation plan to support the
constitution Revised Conservancy Organogram
Decision Making Structures
Decision Making Structures Membership
3 categories of membership Termination of membership Clear rights, decision making roles and responsibilities spelling out their
powers
Conservancy Committee 17 persons:
7 executive committee members 6 area reps 3 interest groups 1 Traditional Authority rep.
delegated and restricted powers
Traditional Authority’s Role Traditional leader Traditional authority
Internal Monitoring and Control by
Conservancy Members
Financial Management 2 Bank Accounts –
Operational and Investment
Signatories to be approved at GM and not blood related
Qualified bookkeeper to be employed
2 financial statements / year - 1 audited by independent auditors
Financial Management Monthly income and expenditure
report for members. Policy , Procedures and guidelines
developed Benefit Distribution Plan to be
approved at GM All members and vulnerable groups
including children and orphans to benefit
Meetings Annual General
Meeting Half Annual General
Meeting 2 General meetings Conservancy
Committee Meeting x 1/month
Executive Committee x 2 / month
Area meetings x at least 4 /year ( before every GM)
Conservancy Disciplinary CommitteeComposed of the
following: Tl as the chairperson Incumbent
conservancy chairperson
3 conservancy members elected at GM for 2 year term re-electable.
To hear and adjudicate matters and membership issues
Dispute Resolution
Lessons Learnt and Recommendations
Process can be costly – both in term of time and resources – long-term investment
Awareness building should be part of the constitutional drafting process – key foundation to usable constitution and hence empowerment
Area level consultations remains critical for inputs to the constitution drafting
Independent facilitation support is required – as committee sometimes may be intimidated by the process – e.g. constitutional committee
“No short cuts to membership participation”
IT’S A NEW DAY and A NEW SEASON for Doro !Nawas Conservancy
Thank You and
God Bless You ll!!!