The EcoSanRes Programme is a global, SIDA-financed sustainable sanitation program.  It’s mission is to develop and promote pro-poor sustainable sanitation on the ground through capacity development and knowledge management.

The central deliverable for the Phase II (2006-2010) of the ESR Program is to develop capacity in the national or regional nodes and in the countries or regions for implementation of sustainable sanitation.  This is done through knowledge development, institutional capacity building, communications and networking to increase awareness and development of policies.

ESRII Knowledge Nodes

Capacity is being built through the development of ten regional nodes throughout the developing world (Central America and the Caribbean; South America; West Africa; East Africa; South Africa; North Africa and the Middle East; Eastern Europe, China and Central Asia; South Asia; South East Asia; and East Asia) focusing on training, policy development and implementation.

The Knowledge Node:

• Is an established, well-functioning institution active within the water, sanitation, agricultural, and/or solid waste sectors;

• Has transparent monitoring systems established, both for finances and achieved results;
• Has co-financing of the collaboration with ESR
• Has previous experience in regional networking, including stakeholder involvement;
• Has demonstrated capability in the management of human resources; and
• Shall not be the sanitation implementing entity, but will work closely with them.

The Knowledge Center/Node will serve for the

• Analysis of policies and sector trends;
• Documentation and sharing of best practice;
• Facilitating platforms of dialogue;
• Awareness raising;
• Networking;
• Capacity development and training, etc (depending on needs assessment).

Key Tasks of the Philippine Node

1. Centralize and disseminate information gathered from partners and non-partners
2. Pool and match needs, resources, and expertise of members and non-members
3. Serve as secretariat support for events on national sustainable sanitation

CAPS was tasked by SEI to act as the central node for the Philippines, whose main responsibility is to serve as secretariat and fund administrator.