Stability and steady economic and social growth depend upon structures of good governance including transparent and accountable state institutions as well as an actively engaged civil society. IRG supports reform-minded governments and those meeting the challenges of transition by working both at the national and local level. 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, 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:

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 analyzed 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)

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

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 (and the safety) of reusing treated wastewater, and provides graduate-level training opportunities abroad. Egypt: Livelihood and Income from the Environment (LIFE) Integrated Water Resources Management Project

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