To gear up for the implementation of the GEF OP5 program and to strategize on the development of quality proposals, a brainstorming Workshop of the Regional Coordinators of CEE was organized from 21-23 March 2012 at Hyderabad. An overview of outcomes/outputs linked to indicators was discussed to give a feel of thematic-area-wise approach under OP5. A variety of resource persons addressed the participants and touched base with the new approaches towards linkages of SHGs and various financial institutions and on the project-avenues relating to agro-biodiversity. An exposure was given to link new technologies for developing climate change proposals. The Chairman, State Biodiversity Board, Andhra Pradesh and an official of the National Biodiversity Authority, India explained the participants on the scope of joint proposals for co-funding from NBA and SBBs. The former GEF Focal Point at MoEF, Mr. Shailendra Joshi briefed them as to how the GEF proposals can be linked with broad range of partners to expand the scope and the size of projects.   

The details were provided, through a 30 slides-point presentations, as to how the OP5 operational modalities are different from OP4 and how to deal with reporting procedures of different donors, like GEF, UNDP, Satoyama Initiative, MoEF, etc., and to submit outcome based reports, in future. An exercise was also done as to what to look at while developing a new proposal and how to do the 'incremental benefit analysis' and the GEF Environment Benefit calculations by the NC India with the team. Many examples were clarified.

A visit to the COP11 site was also arranged by the State Biodiversity Authority for the participants to understand the expected logistics, the scope and the size of the event and their consequent involvement in the Event.

The Workshop ended up with a new vigor and vision for the participants and set the mood to get ready for the new phase of funding.