International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

5.13 - Form SAP development team and hire consultants

The SAP Development Team is a broadly representative body of experts and stakeholders that will participate in the key development steps for the SAP. The SAP Development Team should contain key members of the TDA Development Team to ensure continuity within the overall TDA/SAP process – in fact it is very likely that the first steps in the SAP development will be solely undertaken by the TDA Development team.

As with the TDA Development Team, broad representation does not mean selection of the best academic scientific experts. It is important to ensure that the SAP Development Team is representative of all key stakeholders. Experts for the SAP Development Team can come from a range of organisations, including:

  • Key ministries or government departments
  • Government agencies
  • Corporate entities
  • Trade organisations
  • NGOs
  • Academia and research organisations
  • Regional Commissions

The make up of the Development Team should be as interdisciplinary as possible. It should include a good mix of natural scientists, social scientists, economists, legal experts and policy experts. It is important that the SAP Development Team is well represented by all the above groups. In particular, the Team will need good economists, policy, and legal experts – these specialists are likely to play key roles in the SAP development. If additional expertise is required, the Development Team and the Project Manager should recommend it.

In general the SAP Development Team will number between 10 and 20 participants (depending on the number of participating countries, the complexity of the project and the budget available), although not all team members will be active at any one time.