This document outlines considerations and action points for expanding the Agoro-Agu Landscape Platform in Uganda. It discusses reviewing the platform's objectives, memorandum of principles, and governance structure to be more inclusive of stakeholders in the expanded landscape. The key governance structures proposed are a general assembly, steering committee, and district multi-stakeholder technical committees. Their roles and compositions are outlined. The document also discusses planning a meeting to approve the new memorandum and elect the steering committee, as well as strengthening the role of the platform secretariat.

1. Session 4: Discussions for agreement on the specific
details for the expansion of Agoro Agu Platform: key
Considerations for Reflection moving forward!
Presented during the District Level Stakeholders Meeting for Agoro-Agu
Landscape Platform Expansion
4th June 2019
Dr. Joshua Zake (PhD), Executive Director, Environmental Alert
C/O The Uganda Forest Working Group Secretariat
P.O. Box11259 Kampala, Uganda, Tel: 0414510215; Website:
http://www.envalert.org Email: ed@envalert.org or joszake@gmail.com
Personal website: http://ug.linkedin.com/pub/joshua-zake/23/45/181

2. Outline of the presentation
1) Background and context
2) Platform’s objectives deliberations & actions points in lieu of expansion
3) Platform’s Memorandum/Guiding Principles deliberations and action points in lieu of
expansion
4) Platform’s Governance structure and membership deliberations and actions points
in lieu of expansion
5) Terms of References for the different Platform Governance Structures
6) Planning for the Joint Inter-District Multi-Stakeholders meeting and 1st General
Assembly to approve the Memorandum of Principles and members of the Governance
structures for the Expanded Platform.
7) About Environmental Alert

3. 1) Background and context
The establishment of the expanded Platform forAgoro-Agu landscape is timely given the
current emerging issues:
a) Unregulated charcoal burning coupled with rudimentary technologies -- advancing
environmental degradation
b) National plans based on the landscape and catchment approaches. Thus, the National
Development Plan III; Central Forest Reserve and Landscape Management plans; Water management
zones catchment management plan; National Refugee response Plan; Strategy for exporting of Sheanut
and related standards; …
c) Road infrastructure development that has opened up the landscapes natural resources
d) Illegal harvesting of shea nut better trees and afuzelia;
e) Trans-boundary issues (e.g. illegal trade in forest and wildlife products) between Uganda-Sudan
boarder;
f) Land-use change;

4. 1) Background and context
g) Wildfires – unregulated bush burning
h) Unregulated/weakly regulated mining
i) Weak institutional (National Forestry Authority, District Forest Services, ) capacity to effectively deliver
on their mandates;
j) Low budget allocations to the sector especially the District Forest Services
k) High Influx of refugees and related hosting of settlements negatively impacting on Environment
and Natural resources management in the landscape
l) Unregulated bush burning
m) Encroachment into the forest reserve through illegal agricultural activities by neighboring
communities, prisons, mainly growing of barley, hospitals
n) The landscape has a huge potential for tourism and Revenue Generation, which must be
harnessed and developed

5. 1) Background and context
m) The structured and coordinated CSOs lobbying and advocacy engagements (e.g. through the
Environment and Natural Resources CSO Network, Uganda Forest Working Group and the National
Renewable Energy CSO network) collaboration at landscape levels to influence policy implementation at
national, landscape and local level. Thus, there is need for the following:
 Develop and implement common vision for development, conservation and improved livelihoods
within the landscape;
 Structured lobbying and advocacy with alternative policy and practice recommendations in different
spaces (i.e. Technical Planning Committees, District Councils; District Environment
Committee; Annual Joint sector reviews; Parliamentary Committees; Development Partners; … ) to
influence decision making
 Promoting Good Governance for Environment and Natural Resources Management in the
landscape;
 Development and implementation of the Agoro-Agu Landscape Platform Engagement Plan.

6. 2) Platform’s objectives deliberations & actions
points in lieu of expansion
Current Objectives of the platform
a. To mobilize individuals, institutions and CSOs engaged in the forestry sector to support
the implementation of the national forestry policy and national forestry plan;
b. To advocate for promotion, compliance and accountability of government with respect to
its policy commitments and private sector activities;
c. To ensure that individuals, institutions and CSOs engaged in forestry sector
progressively develop capacity in policy analysis, advocacy and independent monitoring;
d. To ensure that the implementation of the forestry policy and forest plan remains pro-poor
focused and enhances sustainable use and productivity of the Uganda’s forest estate.

7. 2) Platform’s objectives deliberations & actions
points in lieu of expansion
The objectives should be reviewed to address the following:
a) Promoting the landscape approach of addressing critical issues in Agoro-Agu landscape based
on a common understanding by stakeholders and;
b) Building consensus and agreement on the various inter-linkages within the landscape to
guide strategic interventions that enhance positive change in livelihoods and the landsacpe
ecosystem integrity
c) To engage more stakeholders and cover wider issues that reflect the inter-linkages within the
landscape.
d) Strengthening coordination among key stakeholders in the landscape

8. 2) Platform’s objectives deliberations & actions
points in lieu of expansion
Key actions in lieu of the expansion of the platform
There is need to review and agree on the following for integration in the Memorandum of
Principles for the expanded platform:
i) The vision and mission of the Platform – thus, what is the dream to be achieved
ii) The Goal of the Platform
iii) The specific objectives of the Platform
iv) The core values of the Platform
NB: The Agoro-Agu Central Forest Reserves and Landscape Management Plans and
several other plans developed at landscape level are a key reference as reflections on
above is being done to avoid contradictions!

9. 3) Platform’s Memorandum/Guiding Principles
deliberations and action points in lieu of
expansion
Key consideration in the guiding
principles for the expanded platform
a. Volunteerism in service
b. Transparency and accountability;
c. Rights based approaches
d. Inclusiveness – thus involvement of all
stakeholders within the Agoro-Agu
landscape;
e. Non-political;
f. Non-discriminatory;
g. Avoid all forms of discrimination;
h. …..??
Key actions in lieu of the expansion of
the platform
i) Integration of the principles in the
Memorandum of Principles for the
Platform;
ii) Application/Operationalization of the
principles in the daily operations and
engagements of the Platform

10. 4) Platform’s Governance structure and
membership deliberations and actions points in
lieu of expansion
Key considerations in the Governance structure and
membership in lieu of expansion of the Platform
a) Members of the Platform
b) Members Platform General Assembly
c) Platform Steering committee
d) Platform Secretariat/Coordination Unit
e) Host Institution for the Secretariat
f) District Multi-stakeholder Technical Team
NB: Linkages with the national and sub-regional CSO
platforms – i.e. Uganda Forest Working Group and
the Environment and Natural Resources CSO
Network
Key actions in lieu of the
expansion of the platform
i) Need agree on the composition of
Governance structures (General
Assembly, Steering committee & District
Multi-stakeholder Technical Team) on
their roles/functions and responsibilities;
ii) Election of members and
operationalization of these structures
iii) Need review the Memorandum of
principles to address/integrate the
emerging issues

11. Suggested Governance structures of Expanded
Agoro-Agu Landscape Platform

12. Members of the Platform
Terms of Reference of the Members of the Platform
a) Membership is at institutional level and represented by selected staff of the institution;
b) Members/Membership organizations must be credible i.e. transparent and accountable;
c) Membership organizations work on a voluntary basis;
d) Membership organizations must be willing to partner and collaborate for the success of the coalition.
Membership is open to the following Stakeholders in the Landscape:
Local Government Technical Representatives – CAOs/DNROs; International NGOs; CSOs – Local,
Platform, sub-regional and national; CBOs; National Forestry Authority; Uganda Wildlife Authority;
Cultural Institutions; Religious Institutions; Individuals; Private sector; Directorate of Environment Affairs
– Ministry of Water and Environment C/o Upper Nile Water Management Zone; Indigenous Peoples ….
Action Required:
a) Need to reflect on the any other stakeholders in the landscape that should be members of the
Platform;
b) Need to reflect and agree on membership categories (i.e. Full members, Associate Members, …) for
inclusion in the memorandum of principles for the platform

13. Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee and
General Assembly deliberations and actions points
in lieu of expansion
Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee of Expanded platform
a. Support recruitment of the Platform Coordinator
b. Regular monitoring and supervision of the host institution for effective implementation of
the Platform activities in the landscape
c. Represent the platform in strategic engagements/ forums at landscape, sub-regional and
national levels
d. Support the host organization to document best practices
e. Mobilise resources to implement agreed actions/activities

14. Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee and
General Assembly deliberations and actions points
in lieu of expansion
Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee of Expanded platform
Mobilise resources to implement agreed actions/activities
f. Provide guidelines on mode of operation for partners on engagements for Platform
members;
g. To implement the General Assembly Resolutions
h. Prepare and present annual and/or periodic programmatic and financial reports for
presentation to the General Assembly;
i. Ensure the proper utilization of the finances and other resources of the platform;
j. The Steering Committee shall be responsible for admitting members and if any application is
rejected the applicant will be given reasons for the rejection.

15. Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee and
General Assembly deliberations and actions points in
lieu of expansion
Suggested composition of the Steering Committee of Expanded platform
Total numbers of members is 13
--District Chief Administrative Officers – (4), thus 1 from each district (Lamwo, Agago, Kitugum & Padar)
--National forestry Authority (1)
--Uganda Wildlife Authority (1)
-- Directorate of Environment Affairs – Ministry of Water and Environment C/o Upper Nile Water
Management Zone (1)
--CSOs actively operating in the platform (2)
--Forest adjacent community representative (1)
--National Park adjacent community (1)
--Uganda Forestry Working Group Node for Northern Uganda (1)
--Secretary - Host Institution – one of the CSOs in the landscape from one of the districts (1)
NB:
a) The members of the committee serve for 2 years term and can be re-elected for 1 term based on satisfactory
performance;
b) Any other representative of a key stakeholder in the landscape can be co-opted depending on the issues being
discussed.

16. Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee and
General Assembly deliberations and actions points
in lieu of expansion
Terms of Reference of General Assembly of Expanded platform
i) Elect the members of the Steering Committee for the elective positions (e.g. Chairperson, CSOs
actively operating in the landscape, Forest adjacent community representative, Host Institution for the
Platform);
ii) Approval of the elected steering committee;
iii) Provide strategic guidance and direction for the platforms undertakings and activities;
iv) Consider, adopt and approve reports of the Platform;
v) Consider and approve the programme of the work of the platform presented to it by the Steering
Committee;
vi) Consider and approve the audit and other financial reports of the platform;
vii) The General Assembly shall meet at least once a year and it shall be lawful to hold extra-ordinary
meetings with the minimum attendance of at least fifty one percent (51%) of the members.
viii) ….

17. Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee and
General Assembly deliberations and actions points
in lieu of expansion
Suggested composition of the General Assembly of Expanded platform
Key categories for members of the General Assembly:
A) Local Government Technical Representatives – CAOs
B) International NGOs
C) CSOs – Local, Platform, sub-regional and national
D) CBOs
E) National Forestry Authority
F) Uganda Wildlife Authority
G) Cultural Institutions
H) Religious Institutions
I) Individuals
J) Private sector

18. Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee and
General Assembly deliberations and actions points
in lieu of expansion
Terms of Reference of the District Multi-stakeholder Technical Committee
a. Regular monitoring and supervision of the host institution for effective implementation of
the Platform activities in the district
b. Represent the platform in strategic engagements/ forums
c. Work with the host organization to document best practices
d. Mobilise resources to implement agreed actions/activities
e. Mobilise others stakeholders to join the Platform and participating in joint advocacy
initiatives at district and landscape levels
f. Organize sharing and learning events in collaboration with the stakeholders within in the
district and village levels
g. Prepare and present annual and/or periodic programmatic and financial reports for
presentation to Steering Committee through the Secretariat;
h. Participate in lobbying and advocacy on policy formulation and implementation processes
within each district.
……. ??

19. Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee and
General Assembly deliberations and actions points
in lieu of expansion
Suggested composition of the District Multi-stakeholder Technical Committee
Total numbers of members is 7
--District Natural resources officers – (1), thus 1 from each district (i.e. Lamwo, Agago, Kitugum and Padar)
- EX-Official
--National forestry Authority (1) - EX-Official
--Uganda Wildlife Authority (1) - EX-Official
--CSOs actively operating in the platform (1)
--Forest adjacent community representative (1)
--Uganda Forestry Working Group Node for Northern Uganda (1)
--Secretary - Host Institution – one of the CSOs in the landscape from one of the districts -- EX-Official (1)
--Cultural Institution (1)
NB:
a) The members of the committee serve for 2 years term and can be re-elected for 1 term based on
satisfactory performance;
b) Any other representative of a key stakeholder in the landscape can be co-opted depending on the
issues being discussed.

20. Terms of Reference of the Platform
Secretariat/Coordination Unit
a. Regular reporting (both
b. Organize regular Planning meetings –annual/bi-annual
c. Organize regular members meetings/forum - Quarterly
d. Regular Information sharing/exchange among stakeholders
e. Targeted technical knowledge/skills enhancement for members – based on a needs assessment
f. Effective coordination between the Platform structures (i.e. Members, Steering Committee, District
Multi-stakeholder Technical Committee, General Assembly, …)
g. Advance resources mobilization (through collaboration/strategic partnership) for implementation of
undertakings of the platform
h. Coordinate targeted issue-based Lobbying and advocacy engagements to advance environment
and natural resources governance at landscape, district and national level
i. Advance vertical and horizontal linkages (local issues to national processes and vice-versa
j. Member servicing – profiling/registration
….
NB: The Platform Secretariat will be hosted at a selected Host Institution i.e. a CSO actively operating
in the Landscape – selected/approved by the General Assembly. .

21. Efficacy and Terms of Reference of the Secretariat
deliberations and actions points in lieu of
expansion
a. The steering Committee shall, on behalf of the
General Assembly, enter into an host institutional
agreement with the designated Host Institution
setting out terms, conditions, rights and obligations
with respect to the services to be provided by the
Host Institution as follow:
b. Provide office space and other associated facilities
for the coordinator of the Platform;
c. Receiving and managing funds in accordance with
acceptable financial management principles and
upon such directions and guidance as may be
provided by the Steering Committee;
d. Supervise the Platform Coordinator based on the
Host Institution Agreement;
e. Managing any funds of the Platform separately from
those of the Host Institution e.g. opening up a
separate bank account for such finances;
f. ……
Key competences of the Host Institution
i) Must be a credible Institution
ii) Has capacity to convene other
stakeholders;
iii) Has built trust among the stakeholders
and partners;
…
Key issues for action
i) Given that the mandate of the Secretariat
grows with the expansion of the platform,
there is need to strengthen the institutional
capacity of the Platform Secretariat i.e.
Human resources, logistical costs;
…

22. 6) Planning for the Joint Inter-District Multi-Stakeholders
meeting and 1st General Assembly to approve the
Memorandum of Principles and members of the
Governance structures for the Expanded Platform.
i) The Joint Inter-District Multi-stakeholder Meeting will be organized to validate draft
Memorandum of Principles and structures of the Expanded Platform.
It will involve active participation of the following stakeholders: Local Government Technical
Representatives – CAOs/DNROs; International NGOs; CSOs – Local, Platform, sub-regional
and national; CBOs; National Forestry Authority; Uganda Wildlife Authority; Cultural
Institutions; Religious Institutions; Individuals; Private sector; Directorate of Environment Affairs
– Ministry of Water and Environment C/o Upper Nile Water Management Zone …
ii) Engagements (consultations and meetings) in each district to elect members of the
District Multi-stakeholder Technical Committee
iii) Organizing the 1st General Assembly for the Platform to approve the Memorandum of
Principles, elect members on elective positions of the Platform Steering Committee, approve
the Platform Steering Committee and Engagement Plan for the Platform

23. 7. About Environmental Alert
Environmental Alert was founded in 1988 and is officially
registered Non Government Organization with board. Thus, in
2018 – EA made 30 years of contribution to food security and
sustainable environment and natural resources
management in Uganda.
Environmental Alert is a 1st prize winner of the Energy globe
award for environmental sustainability- 2005 under the
category, earth.
Environmental Alert is a member of the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and a Member of The IUCN
National Committee for Uganda.
Environmental Alert envisions, ‘Resilient and dignified
communities, managing their environment and natural
resources sustainably.’
Environmental Alert’s mission is to, ‘Contribute to improved
livelihoods of vulnerable communities by Enhancing
agricultural productivity and sustainable natural resources
management.
Further information about EnvironmentalAlert is available at:
http://envalert.org/ Thank you for listening. For God and my County.
Environmental Alert hosts Secretariat for
following networks:
a) The Network for Civil Society
Organizations in Environment &
Natural Resources Sector (ENR-CSO
Network) http://enr-cso.org/ ;
b) Uganda Forestry Working Group
http://ufwg.envalert.org/;
c) The Standards Development Group;
and
d) Promoting Local Innovation in
ecologically oriented agriculture and
natural resources management
(PROLINNOVA-Uganda Network)
http://www.prolinnova.net/uganda.
e) Renewable Energy CSO Network on
Renewable Energy.