louman

Research within a changing environment: 

Research within a changing environment The case of CATIE, Central America B Louman, G Galloway, R Villalobos, JJ Campos Arce, F Jiménez

Introduction: 

Introduction Latin America has shown great changes in the natural resources and environment sectors, Greater emphasis on plantations, especially for paper, pulp (South) and carbon sequestration More respect for the environment Recognition of wider range of values of forest ecosystems Greater recognition of rights and obligations of all stakeholders Greater political and economic integration (e.g. TLCs)

Introduction (2): 

Introduction (2) Deforestation and biodiversity loss continue and the use of natural resources does not contribute as expected to the alleviation of poverty Issues are complex and need continuous adaptation of natural resource policies and management CATIE changed its research and management approach, to meet these new challenges

What is CATIE?: 

What is CATIE? An autonomous research and education center with 13 member countries and an annual budget around 20 million US$ with over 450 staff, about 150 researchers Aims to contribute to rural poverty reduction by promoting competitive and sustainable agriculture and natural resources management, through higher education, research and technical cooperation

Slide5: 

Education Outreach Research Admin and finance Governing council of (env.) ministers Board of directors General directorate 5 thematic groups 5 thematic groups Agriculture and agroforestry Natural Resources and Environment Interdisciplinarity and adaptability National offices External evaluation: CATIE unique in the developing world: linking cutting edge science to farmers’ and decision makers’ reality Clients, partners and other stakeholders

Evolution of CATIE´s research : 

Evolution of CATIE´s research From reductionist research towards landscape level, multistakeholder and multi- inter- and trans-disciplinary research in five thematic groups Landscape approaches: ecosystem approach; adaptive co-management, watershed management, model forest networks, biological corridors, restoration of degraded landscapes Complementary approaches: production and value chains with emphasis on small and medium producers; support to formulation, implementation and monitoring of environmental policies

Slide7: 

Linking farm unit actions (wind breaks) to research on biological diversity at a landscape scale

Slide8: 

How does this work?

Focuencas watershed management project: 

Focuencas watershed management project Action Research Water quantity and quality Local governance Use of natural resources Regional dialogue on prevention of disasters and better use of natural resources

Slide10: 

Focuencas watershed management

Slide11: 

CATIE as a learning institute, accompanying different levels of decision-making

Tools for progress monitoring : 

Tools for progress monitoring Forest management Maya Biosphere Biological corridors Protected area management Effects of certification and payment for environmental services Enabling conditions for community forest management Progress in Model Forests Multiple research projects MSc students Monitoring Evaluation and control standards for monitoring progress Various MSc thesis Art. in reg. journal Technical documents Application standards Identification conditions that influence management

Slide13: 

Tools for progress monitoring

Final considerations: 

Final considerations CATIE is developing its niche to maintain itself in a more competitive environment with less resources, using its comparative advantages (integration, networks, staff, fundraising) Strengthens its programs and strategic areas Maintains informed on and adapt to national and regional strategies; strengthens integration thematic groups with projects in member countries Due to its increased complexity and transaction costs, needs leadership and commitment at all levels of the organization. Performance evaluation considers performance of groups and research impacts, not just publications.