Following the advice and notification of the grant allocation from the Coordinating Unit, the Thailand-GEF/SGP has launched the implementation of the second operational phase. The GEF/SGP information has been disseminated to target communities throughout the country. In addition, upon requests, the National Coordinator and some members of NSC travelled to meet and discuss face-to-face with groups of NGOs/CBOs in the northeastern region , the most arid and poorest region of the country.

From mid-August to the end of September 1999, the programme has received over 20 concept papers from NGOs/CBOs active in the region. In the view of the National Coordinator, 20 papers, in essence, conform to the basic criteria of GEF/SGP. They generally articulate the problem at hand and identify opportunity for generating global benefits and so deserve further modification and development.

Apart from the participatory project planning assistance provided to each community at the very early stage, the stakeholder workshop is another useful mechanism for the modification and development of concept papers. The workshop provides existing and new guidelines to ensure the success of GEF/ SGP project implementation since it includes all past experiences, lessons learnt and state-of-the-art approach.Besides, the workshop will serve as an open forum for sectors undertaking environment projects.

An academic institute, the Rajabhat Institute has established throughout the country 36 centres for the development of capacity-building for grass root communities. Each centre provides important mechanism for collaboration with all concerned sectors and mobilizes resources essential for rural development work. Besides, the institute is an executing agency of the Community Empowerment for Response to Crisis Action Plan (CERCAP) under the support of United Nation Development Programme.

Activities to be carried out under project:

1. To devise the workshop modules that best suit the Thai context by perusing the Workshop Guidelines/materials provided earlier by GEF/SGP HQ and the results of the previous workshops convened at country-level in 1997-1998.The devised modules will be employed in the workshop processes.
2. To peruse the concept papers from proponents then classified according to GEF / SGP focal areas and types of activities.
3. To conduct the workshop by arranging appropriate venue and schedule.
4. To identify and recruit resources persons as required by workshop process
5. To facilitate the entire processes of the workshop

Project participants and/or beneficiaries:

1. NGOs and CBOs who submitted concept papers to GEF / SGP
2. Members of National Steering Committee
3. UNDP staff members
4. Other GEF staff member (UNEP and the World Bank)
5. Relevant government agencies
6. Other donors ,academics and reporters

Anticipated results of project:

After the workshop, the participants will have an insight about GEF / SGP . Given time to reflect on the lessons learnt and experience, every proponent will be able to prepare proposals most responsive to GEF / SGP. Moreover, the GEF / SGP will become widely known among other stakeholders as an effective financial mechanism and partner in addressing global environment.