Many web sites concerned with decentralization appear to focus on its legal and socioeconomic aspects, with little or no particular reference to mountain regions. The sites presented below were selected to give a brief idea of the range of approaches to decentralization, with some reference to mountain regions.
Decentralization Net of World Bank
www.worldbank.org/publicsector/decentralization/ This web site provides a broad overview of the many different types of decentralization in various countries and within individual countries and sectors. Distinguishing among different types of decentralization facilitates discussion of design and impact. For example, the type of decentralization selected within a country will depend on its design—which in turn depends on the political structure and administrative issues of that country.
Participatory District Development Program (PDDP)
www.pddp.org.np/ PDDP seeks to empower people to take increasingly greater control over their own development and to enhance their capacities to mobilize and channel the resources required for poverty alleviation. PDDP works simultaneously at the local and central levels to achieve its twin objectives.
Local governance program (LGP) by UNDP, Nepal
www.lgp.org.np/about/index.html LGP was conceived in late 1996 after the successful efforts of the ongoing Participatory District Development Program (PDDP) in 20 districts of Nepal. LGP has been implemented since December 1996, with technical and financial assistance from UNDP. The Ministry of Local Development (MLD) is the implementing agency and the National Planning Commission (NPC) is a cooperating agency. It was initiated to support government efforts to achieve better local governance, better management of local development, and have a greater impact on poverty alleviation.
UNDP Decentralization Program in Kyrgyzstan
dppiu.elcat.kg/First_page_eng.htm A number of steps have been taken in the Kyrgyz Republic, through the constitution, presidential decrees and government regulations, to further decentralization and local self-governance. This is particularly evident through the approval of policies and initial laws to facilitate such actions. In 1996, a new institution of local governance was established: the aiyl okmotu. This is the executive-administrative body of the aiyl (village), accountable to the aiyl keneshes (village level elected authority). This step was intended to increase the roles and responsibilities of local self-government.
Popular Participation in Bolivia: Does the law “Participación Popular” secure participation of the rural Bolivian population?
CDR Working Paper 99.6, October 1999, by Vibeke Andersson www.cdr.dk/working_papers/wp-99-6.htm This working paper explores the issues concerned with popular knowledge about the law and efforts to implement it.
