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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