Box 4: Suggestions for implementing an effective Rwanda Environment Information Network (REIN) Planning stage • •

Introduce the EIN concept eg AEIN programme of UNEP and others. Draw up a work plan to establish a REIN.

• Carry out an assessment to establish the status of environmental information management in Rwanda.

Pilot activities •

•

• •

Hold a national workshop to present the findings of the above assessment, gain consensus and agree on the REIN work plan, implementation structure and select pilot institutional and local nodes, and agree on memoranda of understanding.

Start-up activities such as establishment of working groups to develop network tools on data standards, training or indicator development.

Implement pilot capacity building activities – equipment purchase and staff development. Execute pilot activities around an agreed network product.

Implementation •

Test and fine tune the tools and mechanisms to facilitate data collection and exchange and interoperability of systems.

• Collaboration with development partners and neighbouring countries for learning, expertise or financial support. •

Participate in national, regional and international environmental information activities.

Up-scaling the network activities • • • • •

Evaluate pilot phase and based on findings address key challenges and design an implementation strategy for the future. Increase number of participating institutions at national and sub-national level. Hold regular network meetings for purposes of continuous dialogue between members. Implement an outreach strategy to enhance public awareness of the REIN.

Produce regular products such as SOE reports, thematic maps, data catalogues and databases.

Maintaining relevance into the future • Carry out regular market research to understand the users’ and producers’ information requirements and needs and ensure cur- rency of the REIN approach.

• Work towards financial sustainability through the national budget.

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