Publication Name

On the learning outcomes and experiences so far:

“Work wise I am learning new skills. Personally I am

exploring a totally new world and new culture.” (Ber-

nardas)

“I have learnt a lot about time management and… new

skills from the team I am working with – e.g. new pro-

gramming language techniques, how to produce eB-

ooks, and working with Adobe Illustrator to produce

graphics.” (Joel)

“I have already gained valuable skills in both pro-

ject design and developing of maps in GIS environ-

ment.” (Neto)

“The participation with the Zambezi Atlas and AEO-

3 based on research has improved my research and

writing skills.” (Prossy)

“Using my work experience and skills, I’m able to pro-

vide support to GRID’s work. I am learning new ways

of doing things in terms of project/programme man-

agement.” (Sahon)

“I am very much engaged…with...UNEP and to an

extent also with GRID. My work with NEMA...has re-

mained on a one-project basis…[and] has not made

me integrated in the workplace and therefore not met

my expectations” (Rannveig)

Most significant experience or learning outcome to

date:

“Being on the ground with regards to the projects I

am working on. It is a very big difference to feel and

understand what the project is really about, what

local people are doing and how things are actually

done.” (Bernardas)

“The importance of proper time management.” (Joel)

“The knowledge gained in using the GIS server to

share environmental information.” (Neto)

“Being exposed and working with multicultural soci-

ety far from home.” (Prossy)

“Learning how ICT contributes to facilitate and

improve the overall management (projects staff,

resources, projects/programme) and to increase

the impacts of activities/initiatives undertaken.”

(Sahon)

“...understanding, through participation in various

projects and through meeting with a number of rep-

resentatives of the Norwegian donor/aid commu-

nity, how Norwegian aid in Uganda and East Africa

works.” (Rannveig)

On the usefulness of the exchange in future professional

work, for the participant and for the home organisation:

“I think the experience will be priceless… because I

am working directly… in the fields I am planning to

work in the future.” (Bernardas)

“Definitely the experience will be very useful. I am

learning new techniques and skills that I am looking

forward to implement at my home organization. The

ideas I am learning will give me broader understand-

ing of how to make better use of the vast technologies

available, and this will enhance my productivity and the

way my home organization functions as well.” (Joel)

“Skills in GIS and use of Geo server network will help

in active participation of the home organization in

sharing and accessing shape file data with other EIN

partners.” (Neto)

“The knowledge gained will help me to better sup-

port my home organisation with development of new

projects and exploring new areas such as green econ-

omy.” (Sahon)

“Absolutely. My professional interest is environmen-

tal resource management in Africa. As such, a chance

to work with NEMA and DEWA in this FK exchange

has been perfect.” (Rannveig)

9.2 Eastern Europe,

Caucasus and

Central Asia (EECCA)

In EECCA GRID-Arendal continues to build on long-stand-

ing interactions with a range of countries and the in-depth

understanding of the region acquired by staff and key part-

ners over the past two decades. The primary rationale for

GRID-Arendal’s engagement continues to be its contribu-

tion to strengthening the capacity of national institutions

in environmental information management, with the aim

of making reliable, accurate and up-to-date information

easily accessible to a broad range of stakeholders in the

region and beyond.

Aquatic environments, transboundary water resources

in particular, remain a rallying point for GRID-Arendal’s

efforts in the region. These strategic resources have the

potential for triggering regional conflict and confidence-

building measures and diplomacy are vital in the search

for peaceful frameworks for collaborative resource man-

agement. GRID-Arendal, acting as a regional facilitator

in collaboration with others such as Zoï Environment

Network (see box), applies a range of communication

tools and strategies to help build regional cooperation