ENVIRONMENT IN HUMANITARIAN ACTION (EHA)
TRAINING
Module 9:
Cross-Sectoral
Collaboration and
Knowledge Sharing
Name of Facilitator:
Venue:
Date:
Module Outline
01 02 03 04
Introduction to Interactive Methods for Case studies
cross-sectoral tools and effective and best
collaboration simulations knowledge practices
sharing and
collaboration
01 Module Learning
Outcomes
By the end of this module, you should be
able to:
Understand foundational concepts of environmental considerations in humanitarian
action.
Integrate key humanitarian standards and principles into environmental
considerations.
Articulate the importance of environmental sustainability in humanitarian
contexts.
Identify and access resources and tools offered by the OCHA/UNEP Joint
Environment Unit to enhance environmental integration.
Apply insights from case studies and best practices to improve the environmental
sustainability of humanitarian operations.
02 Session 1: Introduction to
cross-sectoral collaboration
• Collaboration across sectors leads to more comprehensive,
sustainable solutions in humanitarian contexts.
• Cross-sectoral collaboration involves cooperation between
humanitarian, development, and environmental sectors to
address complex crises, pooling resources, sharing expertise,
Introductio and coordinating efforts for effective and resilient interventions.
n • Environmental mainstreaming ensures environmental
considerations are integrated across all stages of humanitarian
action, improving sustainability and resilience.
• Challenges in cross-sectoral collaboration include systemic,
operational, and contextual issues like differing priorities,
funding mechanisms, and communication barriers.
Benefits of Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
Shared Expertise:
Resource Pooling: Enhanced Comprehensive
Leveraging knowledge
Combining resources Efficiency: Solutions:
across sectors for
for enhanced capacity Streamlining Addressing
innovative solutions
(e.g., joint funding for operations to multiple
(e.g., collaboration for
humanitarian- reduce dimensions of
sustainable WASH
environmental redundancy. crises through
programs).
projects). joint strategies.
Improved
Increased Strengthened
Resilience:
Innovation: Advocacy:
Building
Encouraging Amplifying
community
creative advocacy
resilience by
problem- through joint
tackling root
solving. campaigns.
causes of
vulnerability.
Challenges in Cross-Sectoral Collaboration:
Systemic Challenges
Differing Principles: Differing Priorities:
• Sectors like humanitarian, • Sectors often have different primary
environmental, and development goals, leading to conflicts and
may operate with different core compromises.
principles, such as neutrality, • Solution: Develop a common
climate justice, or sustainability. understanding of goals and find
• Solution: Create shared overlapping objectives. Regular
frameworks that respect each dialogue can help align priorities.
sector’s principles while identifying • Example: Establishing frameworks
common goals. for inter-sectoral communication
• Example: Balancing humanitarian between humanitarian and
urgency with long-term environmental actors.
environmental goals in refugee
camp planning.
Challenges in Cross-Sectoral Collaboration:
Systemic Challenges
Institutional Inertia: Funding Mechanisms:
• Resistance to change within • Securing funding that aligns with
organizations can impede cross- the objectives of multiple sectors
sectoral collaboration. can be difficult due to different
• Solution: Foster a culture of priorities and funding cycles.
collaboration through leadership • Solution: Design integrated funding
commitment and change proposals highlighting mutual
management strategies. benefits. Engage donors who
• Example: Implementing change support multi-sectoral approaches.
management strategies to promote • Example: Joint proposals for
collaboration across humanitarian environmental and humanitarian
and environmental organizations. donors to fund sustainable
interventions.
Challenges in Cross-Sectoral Collaboration:
Systemic Challenges
Accountability and Governance:
• Establishing clear accountability and governance structures across
sectors is complex, especially when multiple stakeholders are involved.
• Solution: Develop multi-stakeholder governance frameworks to
promote transparency and shared accountability.
• Example: Creating governance frameworks involving governments, UN
agencies, and other stakeholders.
Challenges in Cross-Sectoral Collaboration:
Operational Challenges
Coordination Complexity:
Managing logistics across • Communication Barriers:
sectors requires robust ⚬ Differences in
coordination mechanisms.
terminology, goals, and
procedures can hinder
effective communication.
Solution: Establish clear • Solution:
roles and responsibilities and ⚬ Standardize
use coordination platforms. communication protocols
and provide cross-sector
training.
• Example:
Example: Joint operational
plans ensuring aligned
⚬ Joint workshops to align
activities and timelines. sectoral terminology and
goals.
Challenges in Cross-Sectoral Collaboration:
Capacity and Training:
Different sectors may lack the skills to collaborate effectively.
⚬Solution: Implement cross-sectoral training programs and provide capacity-building resources.
⚬Example: Joint training for humanitarian, environmental, and development professionals.
Operational Constraints in Fragile Contexts:
Security risks and weak governance complicate collaboration.
⚬Solution: Adapt strategies for specific contexts and develop contingency plans.
⚬Example: Tailoring collaboration approaches to conflict zones with a focus on security and access.
Communication Barriers:
Differences in terminology, goals, and procedures can hinder effective communication.
⚬Solution: Standardize communication protocols and provide cross-sector training.
⚬Example: Joint workshops to align sectoral terminology and goals.
Cultural and Political Sensitivities:
Local dynamics can impact collaboration, particularly in politically or culturally sensitive areas.
⚬Solution: Engage local stakeholders early and conduct cultural/political assessments.
⚬Example: Designing culturally sensitive interventions that gain support from local communities.
Cross-Cluster Collaboration for Environmental
Mainstreaming
Joint Needs Assessment:
Integrating environmental criteria in multi-cluster assessments (e.g., Shelter, WASH,
Health).
Integrated Project Design:
Developing projects that address environmental concerns across clusters (e.g., water-
saving technologies).
Shared Resources and Expertise:
Pooling resources across clusters for environmental solutions.
Collaborative Implementation:
Coordinating cross-cluster projects for integrated solutions (e.g., waste management).
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Jointly tracking the environmental impact of interventions.
Policy Development and Advocacy:
Promoting environmental sustainability in humanitarian policies.
Capacity Building:
Cross-sector training on environmental mainstreaming.
Session 2: Methods for
03 effective knowledge
sharing and
collaboration
Introduction
Effective knowledge sharing enhances the capacity of
organizations to address environmental issues in
humanitarian contexts.
Platforms and tools can facilitate the dissemination of
best practices and lessons learned.
Collaboration across sectors ensures that diverse
expertise and resources are leveraged to develop
comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
Methods for Effective Knowledge Sharing
Building partnerships: Formal and informal collaboration enhances resource pooling and
expertise sharing.
Example: Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between organizations for joint initiatives.
Knowledge dissemination platforms: Tools for sharing information, best practices, and
innovative solutions.
Example: Platforms like ReliefWeb, EHAN, ADAPT, ALNAP, and webinars.
Training and workshops: Events for capacity building and promoting best practices.
Example: Training platforms like RedR UK, DisasterReady, UNDRR.
Research and publications: Sharing evidence-based reports and insights for decision-
making.
Example: Peer-reviewed journals, white papers, and case studies.
Community of practice: Networks for continuous learning and peer support.
Example: Professional networks, online forums.
Mentorship programs: Knowledge transfer through experienced professionals mentoring
others.
Example: Formal mentorship schemes within and across organizations.
Methods for Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
Integrated Planning: Joint planning sessions to align strategies across sectors.
Example: Multi-sectoral planning workshops.
Cross-Sectoral Committees: Committees with representatives from different sectors for
coordinated action.
Example: Environmental committees in humanitarian organizations.
Joint Funding Mechanisms: Pooling resources from different sectors to increase financial capacity.
Example: Joint grant applications or pooled funding proposals.
Collaborative Implementation: Coordinating project implementation across sectors for efficiency.
Example: Integrated project teams for environmental and humanitarian interventions.
Shared monitoring and evaluation (M&E): Developing joint M&E frameworks to track impact.
Example: Joint progress reports and environmental impact assessments.
Regular coordination meetings: Regular meetings to discuss challenges and maintain
collaboration.
Example: Monthly inter-agency working group meetings.
Policy development and advocacy: Jointly advocating for environmental and cross-sectoral
policies.
Example: Co-authored policy briefs and advocacy campaigns.
Entry Points for Collaboration and Knowledge
Sharing
Needs assessments: Including environmental criteria in assessments.
⚬Example: Adding environmental impact questions to surveys.
Project design and planning: Co-designing projects from the initial stages.
⚬Example: Jointly planned projects with environmental and humanitarian experts.
Implementation phases: Coordinating field activities across sectors.
⚬Example: Scheduling joint missions and sharing resources.
Monitoring and evaluation: Developing shared frameworks and indicators.
⚬Example: Collaborative impact assessments.
Policy development: Creating policies that require cross-sector collaboration.
⚬Example: Drafting environmental policies with input from various sectors.
Funding proposals: Including collaboration requirements in grant applications.
⚬Example: Donor requirements for integrated project proposals.
Training and capacity building: Offering joint training and workshops.
⚬Example: Workshops with different sector professionals.
Knowledge management systems: Repositories for sharing knowledge and best practices.
⚬Example: Online platforms for sharing case studies.
Advisory boards and committees: Boards with cross-sector representation.
⚬Example: Advisory committees with environmental and humanitarian experts.
Enablers for Effective Collaboration
Strong leadership commitment: Leadership advocating for integrated
approaches.
Example: Senior management support for cross-sector initiatives.
Stakeholder engagement: Including all relevant stakeholders in planning and
decision-making.
Example: Participatory planning with community members and sector
representatives.
Adequate funding and resources: Ensuring sufficient resources for
collaboration.
Example: Budgets allocated for joint projects.
Enablers for Effective Collaboration
Capacity building: Training staff to collaborate and share
knowledge effectively.
Example: Workshops on cross-sectoral collaboration.
Effective communication: Clear communication channels to
ensure efficiency.
Example: Regular meetings and updates between sector
representatives.
Technology and innovation: Leveraging technology for better
collaboration.
Example: Collaborative platforms and software for shared
projects.
04 Session 3: Interactive tools
and simulations
• AFTERSHOCK game simulates the complexities of interagency cooperation during a
humanitarian crisis, with a strong focus on environmental challenges.
• Interactive simulations provide participants with hands-on experiences to practice
decision-making and problem-solving in realistic crisis scenarios, incorporating
environmental considerations.
• These tools emphasize the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, showing how
Introducti environmental factors impact humanitarian action and decision-making processes.
• Using simulations helps participants gain a deeper understanding of the
on consequences of their decisions, especially in relation to resource management,
environmental sustainability, and effective crisis response.
• Simulations and role-playing activities foster real-time interaction and help
participants navigate the complexities of humanitarian action while addressing
environmental impacts.
• These exercises serve as practical training for humanitarian professionals, preparing
them to manage environmental risks and incorporate sustainable practices into their
operations.
AFTERSHOCK Game
• Objective: Simulate interagency
cooperation and decision-making in a
humanitarian crisis, integrating
environmental considerations.
• How it works: Participants assume
different roles and collaborate to manage
resources, respond to emergencies, and
solve environmental challenges.
⚬ Refer to the instructions in the game
package
• Time: 90 minutes to 2 hours.
• Facilitator & Participants: A game master
guides the session, and participants
engage in decision-making.
• Outcomes: Enhanced understanding of
resource management, collaboration, and
decision-making, with a focus on
environmental sustainability.
Alternative Tools and Simulations
Role-playing activities: Scenario-based exercises:
• Objective: Develop negotiation, • Objective: Simulate evolving, multi-
communication, and crisis sectoral humanitarian scenarios with
management skills while addressing an environmental focus.
environmental impacts. • Execution: Participants work on
• Execution: Participants assume real-time challenges, making
various roles, interact, and negotiate decisions that integrate
to resolve crisis situations. environmental considerations.
• Outcomes: Enhanced collaboration • Outcomes: Improved problem-
and negotiation skills, with a focus solving, adaptive thinking, and
on environmental sustainability. cross-cluster coordination.
Alternative Tools and Simulations
Field exercises: Simulation software (e.g.,
• Objective: Apply theoretical Simul8):
knowledge in a real-world setting, • Objective: Analyze participant
considering environmental impacts. decisions in virtual crisis scenarios
• Execution: Mock drills and scenarios with environmental data integration.
in controlled environments allow • Execution: Participants make
participants to practice disaster decisions using the software and
response. observe feedback on their impact.
• Outcomes: Practical experience in • Outcomes: Detailed insights into
disaster response, improved decision impacts, improved strategic
readiness, and application of planning, and better integration of
environmental best practices. environmental data.
Alternative Tools and Simulations
Virtual simulations:
• Objective: Simulate real-world humanitarian scenarios in a virtual
environment, focusing on environmental integration.
• Execution: Participants interact with a virtual scenario, making
decisions in real-time.
• Outcomes: Enhanced decision-making skills, collaboration, and
understanding of environmental impacts in a virtual, risk-free
environment.
05 Session 4: Case studies and
best practices
• Cross-sectoral collaboration
addresses complex environmental
challenges in humanitarian
settings.
• Partnerships between humanitarian
organizations, environmental
agencies, and local governments
promote shared resources and
expertise.
• Real-world case studies
demonstrate how collaboration
leads to sustainable practices and
enhanced resilience.
• Collaborative efforts help address
immediate humanitarian needs
while promoting long-term
environmental sustainability.
Source: JEU
• Context: Addressing the environmental impacts of
Joint Initiative on packaging waste in humanitarian operations.
Sustainable • Collaboration: 23 humanitarian actors, including
Humanitarian UN agencies, NGOs, and donors.
Assistance • Outcome: Developed strategies for reducing
Packaging Waste packaging waste, promoted recycling practices, and
Management created tools, guidelines, and webinars to share
knowledge and experiences.
• Context: Humanitarian response to environmental
UNEP/OCHA emergencies.
Joint • Collaboration: UNEP's technical expertise +
Environment OCHA's humanitarian network.
• Outcome: Over 200 missions mobilized, provided
Unit (JEU) independent environmental advice, improved
environmental sustainability in humanitarian
operations.
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
(Energy and Environment
Technical Working Group)
• Context: Managing
environmental impacts in
Rohingya refugee camps.
• Collaboration: UN agencies,
NGOs, Bangladesh government.
• Outcome: Implemented
reforestation, sustainable
construction, waste
management programs, and
introduced LPG fuel to reduce
environmental damage and
enhance resilience.
Source:
InterAction
Humanitarian
Environment Network
• Context: Integrating
environmental approaches into
humanitarian operations.
• Collaboration: Groupe URD,
ACTED, Action contre la Faim,
CARE, Médecins du Monde,
and other partners.
• Outcome: Measured
environmental impacts,
promoted sustainable
practices, and aimed to halve
emissions by 2030.
Source: Groupe URD
Global Shelter Cluster
Environment Community
of Practice (GSC ECoP)
• Context: Environmentally
responsible rebuilding post-
disaster.
• Collaboration: WWF,
UNHCR, IFRC, DG-ECHO,
USAID-BHA.
• Outcome: Provided
technical support, policy
advice, and tools for
climate-informed
humanitarian responses.
Source: Global Shelter Cluster
Source: Logistics Cluster
• Context: Reducing environmental impacts in
WREC Project humanitarian logistics.
(Environmental • Collaboration: Global Logistics Cluster with Danish
Sustainability Refugee Council, IFRC, Save the Children, and WFP.
in • Outcome: Implemented circular economy principles
Humanitarian in logistics, focusing on sustainable procurement,
Logistics) waste management, and transportation.
Source: UNDP/UNFCCC
• Context: Advocating for loss and damage finance
for communities affected by climate change.
Joint Call for • Collaboration: 200+ humanitarian, climate, and
Action on Loss development organizations led by CAN-I and ICVA.
and Damage • Outcome: Established the Loss and Damage Fund at
Fund COP27, focusing on supporting vulnerable
communities with climate-induced challenges.
Source: IUCN
• Context: Addressing environmental impacts and
UNHCR and human-wildlife conflicts in refugee camps in Cox’s
IUCN Bazar, Bangladesh.
Partnership on • Collaboration: UNHCR and IUCN.
• Outcome: Reduced human-wildlife conflicts,
Nature-based promoted reforestation, and environmental
Solutions restoration, expanded globally through an MoU.
Key Takeaways
Cross-sectoral collaboration between humanitarian, development, and environmental sectors enhances crisis response sustainability and
resilience.
Benefits include resource pooling, shared expertise, enhanced efficiency, innovation, and better decision-making.
Challenges include differing principles, funding mechanisms, communication barriers, and coordination complexity.
Cross-cluster collaboration effectively mainstreams environmental considerations through joint assessments, project design, and shared
resources.
Effective knowledge sharing strategies include partnerships, knowledge platforms, training, and mentorship programs.
Entry points and enablers for collaboration include needs assessments, project design, strong leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
Interactive tools like the AFTERSHOCK game simulate crisis scenarios, improving decision-making and environmental integration skills.
Case studies highlight successful collaboration leading to innovative solutions and improved resilience in humanitarian contexts.
Applying cross-sectoral collaboration ensures environmental sustainability is prioritized in humanitarian responses.
Reflection on collaboration and knowledge sharing helps enhance environmental sustainability in diverse humanitarian contexts.
Thank you
Any
Questions?