Institutional support to Réseau CREF in 2009

The project, a continuation of two earlier phases, is geared at supporting the functioning of the CREF Network secretariat in order to allow it to dedicate quality time to facilitating the work of the members and creating the maximum of synergy possible. The institutional support provided in 2008 has created substantial leverage funding (mainly from RFF Norway) which was earmarked for the field-based activities with the members (geared at “synergie territoriale” in 6 territories in North Kivu). The current phase has as lead objective: To enhance to management capacity and the capacity to undertake effective field based actions of its members, within the framework of community based, and territorial and inter- territorial strategies for sustainable resource management. Specific objectives: To consolidate a culture of transparent management of funds amongst CREF members and the associated forest communities, Strengthen the CREF network's capacity in lobbying, forest governance and environmental data gathering (assisted by GW), To assure the well functioning of the administrative, financial and technical functioning of the CREF network. Main expected outcomes: 65% of the members assisted by the CREF secretariat are implementing good and transparent governance when executing their projects, At least two new partnership agreements are signed with either public or private actors in order to consolidate and expand the activities of the network, Visibility of CREF network is strengthened due to the field based interventions.