The Green Connection was formed in 2006. A group of like-minded professionals came together  to form the Green Connection - making sustainable development happen.

Individual members work extensively in fields such as Community Development, Land Reform, Training, Materials Development, Research Financial Management etc.

The History outlined below provides a perspective of the depth and breadth of the skills and experiences of the Green Connection and includes work done in cooperation with other joint ventures, as well as that carried out as individuals in their past lives.

International:

Analysis and strategic planning for regional intergovernmental organisation in the East Africa region, Secretariat for East African Coastal Area Management (SEACAM) 2000

South Africa:

Design and Production of a handbook - "Partnerships for healthy Rivers" - City of Cape Town, WESSA: WC, current
Interviews with stakeholders including civil society, government and business
Editing and writing of text
Layout and design of handbook
Facilitating workshop with stakeholders

Coordination of Environmental Rights Book - WESSA: WC, current
Coordination of project
Liaison with writers
Editing and rewriting to ensure text accessible
Design of book
Liaising with illustrators, layout artists

Support to SWH pilot project for low income households - City of Cape Town and Agama Energy, 2005 - 2006.
Preparation of proposal and budget
Liaison with city and other players
Coordination of public participation process
Coordination of awareness materials
Facilitation of capacity building workshop

Support to Water Verification Process for Jan Dissels river - NBL partnership and Dept of Water Affairs and Forestry, 2005- 2006
Consultative process with interested and affected water users, including potential water users
Validation and verification of existing lawful water use

Production of Land reform strategy West Coast Region - NBL partnership and West Coast District Council, 2005.
Analysis of environmental opportunities and constraints in the region
Integration of sustainable development into Land Reform Strategy
Design and Facilitation of stakeholder engagement process

Provision of Support Services to the Olifants/Doorn WMA - NBL partnership and Dept of Water Affairs and Forestry, 2004-08.
Investigation into water-use activities in the Olifants River,
support to emerging farmers and ad hoc support to DWAF.

Analysis of Public Participation in Environmental Governance - collaboration with EEU, University of Cape Town, 2004.
Reviewed best practice in public participation internationally and locally
Analysed case studies
Put forward recommendatory framework to improve process

Support to Nuclear Energy Costs the Earth Campaign - Earthlife Africa, Cape Town, 2003, 2004.
Project Management of campaign activities including financial oversight and project proposal development.
Mentoring of two interns - trainee campaigners
Production of media statements, media liaison including print, radio and tv.
Coordination of capacity building course
Implement legal strategy together with legal representatives

Development of Conflict Resolution Guidelines for Dept of Water Affairs and Forestry) - Environmental Evaluation Unit, University of Cape Town, 2003
Drafted conflict resolution guidelines for Water resource managers in Government, drawing on relevant international and national experiences

Capacity building programme for coastal communities - Environmental Evaluation Unit, University of Cape Town 2001-03
Developed materials for Co-management of coastal and fisheries resources 2001/2. Facilitated community workshops, presenting co-management capacity building to coastal communities
Facilitated capacity building course for fishing community reps, focusing on organisational development, eg meeting procedure, role of committee, conflict resolution

Facilitation of the Environmental Justice Networking Forum (EJNF) National Conference - EJNF, Nov 2002
Preparation and facilitation of conference
Compilation of proceedings and report for NEC

Preparation of input for World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) - Wildlife and Environment Society, 2002.
Preparation of position paper and associated media
Coordination of advocacy programme to gain national and international support for Sustainable development proposals
Coordinated WESSA activities for duration of summit
Chaired civil society biodiversity commission during WSSD

Principal Environmental Management Adviser - Limpopo Province Department of Agriculture and Environment 2000-02
Capacity building programme and strategic advice for Limpopo Province members of legislature.
Needs Analysis and Environmental Management Advice for Limpopo Province Government - focus on capacity building for departmental officials

Reports/publications:

McDaid E. and Kruger L, "Funnelling Public Participation towards more effective environmental decision-making in EIAs". IAIA-SA conference 2004

McDaid E., " NGO concerns about the EIA process ". IAIA newsletter January 2002

Hauck, M, Hector, R. 2002. Waves of change: coastal and fisheries co-management in South Africa. UCT Press. Chapter: Fishing for Access: Toward abalone and rock lobster co-management in the Hangklip-Kleinmond area., Hauck, M., Hector, R.

McDaid E., EEU, PLAAS, "Co-management of Coastal and Fisheries Resources" - Awareness raising and Capacity Building programme materials. Environmental Evaluation Unit, UCT 2001

McDaid E., "Sustainable Development and the Environmental Impact Assessment Process: The Fair Process" - for WESSA:WC. IAIA-SA conference Partnerships for the new century 2000

McDaid E., "Approaches to Sustainable Energy - Cape Town". United Nations Habitat II conference proceedings, 1996

Presentations: