Project News

Cover of the Extension Guidebook – Japanese Version

In June 2009, our Project created an “Extension Guidebook (First Edition)-Spanish Version” as a tool for promoting participatory watershed management (watershed conservation). (It can be downloaded from here: “Extension Guidebook (First Edition”)

We have now made a Japanese version to encourage an even wider exchange of information among interested parties. (The Japanese version can be downloaded from here: “Extension Guidebook (First Edition)”)

Taking into account ANAM’s (Panama’s National Environmental Authority) policy to develop watershed management projects nationwide, this Guidebook was developed with the basic objective that it be “useful (applicable) in other watersheds in Panama.” The Guidebook is structured to assist persons in charge of participatory watershed management (watershed conservation) projects to plan the activities that would be necessary for their project, from its inception onward in a consecutive manner. Each chapter in the Guidebook is composed of basic sections including “Objectives and Procedural Outline”, “Methodology”, “Inputs Needed”, and “Pending Issues for Future Revision of Guidebook.” For the convenience of readers, lists of related manuals and educational material that are available inside and outside of Panama are included in the Annex.

Some of the sections in the first edition were still lacking in information or required further technical research. These have been developed more fully during the course of the Project and the result of these experiences will be included in the second edition, which is currently being prepared.

(Mr. Isao SAKAI, Chief Advisor / Rural Development)