Stability and steady economic growth depend upon structures of good governance, including transparent and accountable state institutions, as well as an actively engaged civil society. International Resources Group supports reform-minded governments and those meeting the challenges of transition by working both at the national and local levels. Through a variety of approaches, and with government assistance, IRG helps to empower local communities and elected officials. This includes promoting greater citizen participation in government, decentralizing institutions, strengthening the capacity of non-governmental actors, and increasing the ability of government representatives and governance structures to efficiently and effectively meet the needs of constituents.

Capabilities:

• Community and Civil Society Development
• Government/ Administrative Capacity Building
• Democratic Decentralization
• Transparency and Accountability

Select projects include:

Decentralizing India's Energy Efficiency Programs
This IRG project’s strongest focus is on decentralizing programs and building the capacity of municipal governments to improve energy efficiency, particularly in the implementation of the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC). IRG develops energy conservation action plans for state governments, provides technical assistance to municipal projects aimed at improving energy efficiency in street lighting and water pumping facilities, supports the establishment region centers for energy efficiency study through grants and technical assistance, and supports small and medium enterprises by preparing studies and developing implementation models. To support these decentralization efforts IRG has conducted nearly 50 training programs and workshops, training 2,244 individuals, of which 21% were women. India: Energy Conservation and Commercialization Project (ECO III)

Building Municipal Capacity to Regularize Land Property
IRG worked to build the capacity of four Afghanistan municipalities Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif, Kunduz, and Taloqan to improve unplanned settlements and integrate them into each municipality’s planning and development process. In support of the land titling teams, IRG built the capabilities of municipality staff to formalize land use options that procure the best welfare and economic opportunities for the population, particularly in informal settlements. The Kabul Informal Settlement Forum (KISF) was established to serve as a coordination body among the agencies operating in Kabul’s informal settlements. IRG also helped formalize unplanned areas by reorganizing spatial layout of target communities, establishing linkages with area development plans, and upgrading property rights. Afghanistan: Rule of Law Aspects of Land Titling and Economic Restructuring

Decentralizing Decision Making to Increase Capacity
Through decentralization of water management decision-making and increased participation of rural water users, the LIFE project builds capacity through technical assistance, training, commodities, and small grant resources. The project supports the establishment of well-functioning branch canal water user associations and integrated water management districts. The project assesses training for irrigation equipment maintenance, develops approaches for local management of wastewater and solid waste, demonstrates the economic benefits of reusing treated wastewater, and provides graduate-level training opportunities abroad. Egypt: Livelihood and Income from the Environment (LIFE) Integrated Water Resources Management Project

Targeting Protected Areas for Community Co-Management Opportunities
IRG is developing a working model of co-management that will be feasible and replicable for government and community interests while meeting economic development and conservation needs. In tandem, IRG is implementing a public awareness campaign that informs public opinion about the importance of biodiversity conservation, outdoor recreation and ecotourism, vital environmental services, and the rationale for a co-management approach. IRG is examining the immediate needs and means for enhancing the capacity of the Forest Department and local officials to ensure the integrity of the targeted protected areas. Bangladesh: Co-Management of Tropical Resources

Developing Opportunities to Encourage Stakeholder Participation
The Municipal Disaster Mitigation Program aimed to reduce the loss of life, livelihood, and property resulting from natural disasters. IRG assisted in strengthening the capacity of municipalities to prepare for and mitigate natural disasters through participatory planning. Municipal emergency operations committees were established in 30 target locales that ensured balanced representation among women, vulnerable groups, and other stakeholders. Training workshops were coordinated that promoted participatory planning in community development, with a special focus on disaster preparedness. El Salvador: Municipal Disaster Mitigation

Supporting Efforts to Rebuild in Post-Conflict Areas
IRG supported USAID in oversight of Iraq's local governance project which strengthened and promoted the following vital components of rebuilding effective governance: local government institutions and service delivery; local and district councils; independent media; civil society; community engagement and outreach; and decentralization. Iraq: Implementation of Emergency Relief and Short-Term Rehabilitation Response

Creating Tools for Developing Participatory Natural Resources Management
To further sustainable natural resource management for Indonesia's forests, protected areas, and coastlines, IRG helped to clarify stakeholder roles and responsibilities, develop broad-based, articulate local constituencies, and rationalize the local planning process. IRG supported the making of more informed policy and planning decisions that resulted in a move toward democratic, participatory natural resource management. These efforts have laid the groundwork for a variety of tools such as resource valuation, conservation finance techniques, collaborative management, and participation with partners at local and governmental levels. Indonesia: Natural Resources Management Program (II and III)