Memorandum of Understanding Between SNV (Netherlands Development Organisation)/Montenegro and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management on mutual cooperation

I Background information
SNV (Netherlands development organization)/Montenegro has as goal to assist Montenegro in establishing good local governance facilitating sustainable poverty alleviation and easing Montenegros efforts in the process of integration in the EU. Corresponding with this goal, SNV offers products and services to local development actors that sustain institutional growth and organizational strength, and that are willing to play a role in building bridges between citizens, civil society organizations, private actors and local government authorities. Gender mainstreaming is a principle of work in all SNVs advisory services.


Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management is conducting administration and management works related to: current and development policy in agriculture; protection, utilization and advancement of agricultural land; plant production (crop farming, fruit growing, vine growing and plant protection); cattle breeding (production, breeding, protection and growing of all sorts of cattle); development of beekeeping; still waters and sea fishing; rural development; use of contemporary techniques and technologies in agriculture; crediting of production and development; balance of basic agricultural product; agro industry; management, protection, development and economic utilization of forests, forest land and forest products; management, protection and utilization of game, hunting and hunting ground management; plant protection from herbal diseases and pests; water and water courses regulation; regime of water usage and water supply; protection from harmful waters influences; water pollution protection; water resources usage; economic relations and commercial organizations in these areas; administrative supervision in areas for which this Ministry is established as well as other activities delegated to Ministrys mandate.


This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes the basic principles and areas of cooperation between SNV and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management in order to generate a synergy between the Ministry and SNV, and increase the efficiency of both organizations.


II Principles of cooperation
This MoU is based on the following principles:

The willingness to work together for the same objectives.
The belief that good local governance includes the participation of local government, civil society and private sector actors.
The use of a participatory approach that includes the equity of men and women, especially regarding decision making processes.
A proper circulation of all relevant information between all involved, for betterment of the work.
A mutual respect of differences in opinion in certain matters, and confidence in each others good will.
The acceptance of strategic alliances and activities that the parties involved in this MoU may engage in, other than the one subject of this MoU.
Shared responsibility for the cooperation laid down in this MoU of SNV and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.
The understanding that SNV and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management are seeking mutual benefit through the cooperation laid down in this MoU.
The willingness of the parties involved in this MoU to perform the duties mentioned herein with the highest standards of professional competence and ethical integrity.

III Areas of cooperation
The cooperation will concern the following field(s) of interests:
National Forest Policy.

IV The aim and objectives of the cooperation
Through the cooperation and coordination in the above mentioned activity areas, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and SNV expect to increase their capacities to reach their objectives. More specifically, this MoU has the objective(s) to:

1. Assist the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management in drafting a National Forest Policy.
2. The National Forest Policy will support the Forest Law and the sustainable management of forests of Montenegro, its habitats, flora and fauna.

The degree to which these objectives will be reached can be judged from the following indicators:
1. The making of the National Forest Policy is based on a participatory approach, involving all major stakeholders and their viewpoints.
2. The ownership, initiative and major involvement rests with the MAFWM
3. The Private forest sector, which holds about one third of the countrys forest area, is institutionalized and actively contributing to the National Forest Policy
4. A first draft (NFP) is completed by the end of 2006
5. The National Forest Policy is adapted by the Ministry.
6. The National Forest Policy forms the basis of the revised Forest Law.

V Monitoring & Evaluation
As and when necessary, either party involved in this MoU can request a meeting to discuss issues, evaluate the progress so far attained and explore options for a continued partnership.

All parties involved in this MoU shall hold 4-monthly monitoring meetings, in which developments in relation to the work plan are discussed.

An evaluation shall be conducted at the end of the present term, or at the end of the calendar year, to assess the achievement regarding the main objectives of this MoU and the contribution made by each party involved in this.

VI Term of validity of this MoU
This MoU is valid from the day it is signed till end of 2007.

VII Resolution of disputes
Any dispute which might arise concerning the interpretation and/or implementation of the present MoU will be settled in a friendly way and in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

VIII Modification of the contract
The present MoU will not be subject to change, unless all concerned parties consider this desirable, due to changed circumstances. Such modifications will be subject to an annex of this contract, signed by all parties involved.

IX Signature
Thus agreed and signed in four copies (2 in English, 2 in Montenegrin, with the understanding that the English version is the official one), at Podgorica, on April 27, 2006.