International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

Process for developing thematic or synthesis reports

Steps in the process

There are 2 key steps in the in this process:

Step 1: Identification of the key areas for reporting and appropriate national experts to develop the reports

Step 2: Report development and review

Step 1: Identification of the key areas for reporting and national experts to develop the reports

The Project Manager and the TDA Development team will need to identify the key areas for reporting, based on the prioritised  transboundary problems, their impacts and causes. In addition, they will also need to identify suitable candidates to develop each report. Candidates could be members of the Development Team or recommended by the Development Team. Terms of Reference (ToR) for each Report will need to de developed and it is recommended that each ToR and report use a similar structure.

Step 2: Report development and review

It is critical that the national experts recruited to draft the thematic reports regularly report back during the report development phase. In addition, it is important to host aThematic Report Workshop to enable the TDA development team to:

  • Review and comment on the draft thematic reports presented by the national experts
  • Make suggestions for improvement
  • Accept the reports as concrete inputs to the next phase of the TDA development, if appropriate.

Advice from the Field

Do not underestimate the time needed to develop thematic reports It is likely that they will use up more time than is imagined. The National experts will work at different speeds - some will complete the task in the allotted time. Others won’t.

Expertise Ensure you have examined all possible avenues to identify national experts. Getting the right people is critical.

ToRs Ensure the ToRs are well defined and fit for purpose. This will make the process easier to manage.