1. Goal

As facilitators, the goal is to provide participants with opportunities to plan, develop and implement a Local Economic Recovery (LER) strategy based on Community Focused Re-integration (CFR)

2. Sustainable Development and Asset Based Community Development

The Brundtland definition states: Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The 1992 Declaration of Rio on Environment and Development recognizes Sustainable Development is maintained when there is a balance between:

a. Protection of the environment,

b. Economic growth,

c. Social development.

Capacity Building utilizes outside assistance to increase existing capacity. Capacity Development, the recommended approach, seeks to utilize the characteristics, skills and abilities of the local community.

As a process, Asset Based Community Development:

a. Draws on the strengths and successes of a community’s shared history as the starting point for change,

b. Recognizes the importance of formal and informal social relationships,

c. Is a community driven approach that incorporates the methods of local participation,

d. Supports Sustainable Economic Development.

The project plan recognizes the important role the existing political and economic situation, and local culture, tradition and beliefs will play in successful implementation. It is based on Asset Based Community Development, using Participatory Planning Tools to recognize and build on available resources.

3. Local Economic Recovery (LER)

The International Labor Organization (ILO) defines Local Economic Recover as, “a local-level approach to promote and implement post-crisis recovery of affected employment and economic activities, and to reintegrate the socio-economically affected populations. It applies participatory territorial planning methodologies and instruments, and builds on local assets and opportunities.”

According to the ILO, “the expected outputs of the planning exercise are comprehensive territorial strategies and local or sectional plans for the revival of local economies. Such strategies and plans may entail a wide range of interventions, including vocational training, reconstruction of key infrastructure, and support to businesses and value chains through training, microfinance and other services:”.

4. Community Focused Re-integration

Community Focused Re-integration (CFR) is a flexible, participatory approach that includes all segments of the population (children, women, youth, men) be they existing members of the community, excombatants and their families, refugees and internally displaced person.

The process of re-integration and reconciliation avoids favoritism and gives no person or group special status or treatment.