UCLG Position Paper v_2 (eng)
22/12/09
18:13
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A Compilation of Case Studies
in helping to translate the local demands of the indigenous communities in the micro-regions to the municipal reality of Herent, leading to a better understanding of their needs. This strong understanding and relationship between the partners has helped the micro-regions develop a new form of self-governance that is based on the indigenous cultural identity and proposes an all-inclusive alternative to the existing (more Western inspired) forms of governance.
One of the innovative features of the technical assistance provided by Adici is the creation of a training commission that has travelled from community to community in order to strengthen the communities’ organisation. This form of rural and decentralized training (instead of organizing the trainings in one central urban location) in administrative and governance matters, has strengthened the indigenous communities in a way that respected their cultural identity and overcame barriers to access to training.
The Q’eqchi’ are using the existing legal framework to present these new alternatives to the government. While Herent is now focusing on two micro-regions directly, the link with Cobán is ongoing. The coordinators of the microregions act as the communication channel between the inhabitants of the micro-regions and the central municipality of Cobán. Despite these efforts though, the micro-regions continue to struggle to have their needs addressed by the larger municipality. Their first and most important claim to the Cobán municipality is to return a percentage of municipal tax revenue to the micro-regions so that they can decide where to allocate resources associated with their self-defined development priorities.
Conclusion While the governance structure is quite complex and relatively new in its set-up, the local communities of the Q’eqchi’ are now clearly represented in the micro-regions, which enables them to have a voice in the central municipality. Capacity building and social mobilisation of these citizens via the community mayors, the coordination team and the community councils is vital for the sustainable development of the area. It is also crucial for the building of self-esteem and dignity of the Q’eqchi’ and their recognition. These objectives are centre-stage within the partnership between Herent and the two micro-regions, making it an excellent example of how local ownership can lead to a people’s centred approach and to a process of real progress, step by step.
The fundamental understanding of the cultural context by Herent and the claim of the indigenous reality has proven very helpful in enabling the micro-regions to access the development funds provided by both the federal Belgian and regional Flemish government for this international municipal partnership. Within this context, programmes regarding local economic development and the strengthening of administrative capacities have been developed to support Nimlaha’kok.
Ultimately, Nimlaha’kok and Nimlasa’chal are seeking a sustainable and future oriented policy for environment and social-economic development, and are leading the way towards greater self-governance in the Guatemalan context. In doing so, they are setting an example for other indigenous regions in the country.
Finally, in its collaboration with the two micro-regions of Nimlaha’kok and Nimlasa’chal, Herent has worked closely with a local NGO, Adici. Due to the problems of distance and lack of infrastructure, Herent needs to communicate on a daily basis with Adici, which acts as an interface with the micro-regions. Adici has an excellent knowledge of the area and its communities and has acquired expertise in capacity building, environmental policy and local economy. In former projects, Adici has also proved to be a very loyal and good partner, both to the micro-regions and the municipality of Herent. It is very clear that the final responsibility of the collaboration lies with Herent and the two micro-regions. The tasks confined to Adici are described in details in a covenant between at the one hand, Herent and the micro-regions and at the other hand between Adici and the two micro-regions.
For more information, please contact VVSG, betty.dewachter@vvsg.be
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