 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Development Framework
REESFI subscribed with the global strategy on sustainable development ratified by majority of UN member-countries in the UN Conference on the Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil in 1991 popularly known as Agenda 21. Its core concept lies in the development of empowered communities that are capable of utilizing their own scarce resources, and responsible enough to conserve and manage these resources for the welfare of future generations.
Relatively, there are five (5) basic developmental elements to be considered in the process of developing the community; partnerships development, economic development, natural resource development, grass root people development, and gender and culture development.
Partnerships development involves the collaboration of different sectors and agencies that may provide complementary support to the beneficiaries. This will be composed of NGO, CIs, women, NGAs, LGUs, and other stakeholders may be identified along the process. These stakeholders are established institutions who have their unique stakes (services, resources, policies) and commitment for the community or project beneficiaries. This would be a nurturing and enabling support mechanism of the grassroot people who need to access their services.
Grassroot people development involves the establishment of a strong, responsible, and capable people organizations or communities forming a good values system, culture, and embracing development ideologies/perspective that are consistent to their aspiration, for a quality life in a peaceful and united community.
Natural resource development means ensuring the capability of the natural resources to provide for the future will not be impaired. This entails the capability of the people to preserve the resource areas and balancing its productivity and sustainability.
Economic development involves the conversion of critical resources (human, natural, physical, financial) into investments; investments into goods and services; goods and services are marketed into income and benefits; and income and benefits back into resources for distribution to the beneficiaries.
Gender and cultural development defines that while gender is the component of people development, it should be integrated to other elements. This will address the involvement of the marginalized sectors of the community especially women. It will adopt the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Framework. Sustainability is ensured if project gains will be integrated to the culture and practices of different sectors.
Finally, the empowered and responsible community institutions should have their initiatives to participate and collaborate with the developmental institutions to avail the services needed; access and control of resources and economic activities; maximize and regenerate the capability of natural resources to produce. This illustrated as the following:
