Water

Many of the principles highlighted in the e-paper such as more meaningful participatory processes, benefit sharing and improving governance need to be considered right from the beginning of the planning cycle. There is however, no single blueprint approach to planning and the process has to adapt to realities on the ground.

The components and stages of the project cycle vary from agency to agency, but generally follow a pattern similar to the 6 main phases of ADB's project cycle as shown in the figure below.

The following table maps out how some of the principles and planning tools described in the e-paper can fit within the planning and project cycle of development institutions such as ADB.

ADB Planning Cycle	Principles	Processes / Tools
Policy development/ sector analysis	Policy options Policy framework for participation Policy framework for compensation and benefit sharing Policy on environmental flows	Strategic planning options assessment Strategic environmental assessment Cumulative impact assessment Participatory processes Life cycle and multi-criteria analysis
Country Strategy and Program (concept clearance)	Targeting poverty reduction	Assessing project options including improving existing systems Participatory processes - gaining acceptance
Project preparatory technical assistance / project appraisal		Assessing project options Stakeholder involvement Designing benefit-sharing mechanisms Determining environmental flows Enhancing project sustainability Compliance mechanisms
Project implementation and operation		Stakeholder involvement Compliance mechanisms

Back Why did ADB commission the e-paper?	Next II. Assessing options