FEEDBACK FROM SASUSG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
2009 has come and gone, and with it has come to an end the provision of the Norwegian funding that we have been so lucky to have had to support us over the past three or so years. 2010 is now upon us and with it a new way of approaching our work as SASUSG – much of it will from now on be centrered around the work and efforts of individual members or cohorts of members collaborating and finding synergy across programmes and relating this to SASUSG.
The Exco met in December 2009 to finalise the work that was planned for the final era of Norwegian support, and plan for the future. We now merely await the compilation of the Final Report by IUCN South Africa as the Secretariat of SASUSG, and once completed this will be made available to all members.
The Exco is now busy seeking support to hold an AGM in 2010 and to enable basic administrative activities to be carried out. It is also exploring options to engage with donors, the private sector, governments and communities in ongoing programmes and projects as a regional organisation. As a foundation or such exploration it is attempting to integrate the good work already done by our various working groups on climate change and crisis, governance, protected area management, tourism etc. To date Exco has engaged with WWF EASARPO relating to the possible continuation of its regional CBNRM Programme and collaboration on its activities relating to governance, enterprise development, performance monitoring; collaboration on potential community transfrontier activities between southern African countries; engaging with the private sector to enhance PA management and tourism operations etc.
The new year has started out at a hectic pace for many of the Exco members (as we are sure it has for most other members) and the outcomes from the December planning meeting will be made available shortly to all members. In the meantime we would encourage you all to contact us with any possible ideas of where you might tink SASUSG could engage with ongoing sustainable use related activities in the region (including east Africa) and allow us to see how SASUSG may add value to other programmes.
Warm regards from Exco.






