CEPA-Latin America

Co-Chairs: Rodrigo Reis; Diana Parra.

Advisor: Simon Marshall

Overarching purpose(s):

Build relationships and connect networks (capacity building) among research and practitioner groups engaged in PA and the environment in LA countries.

Aims:

1. Facilitate and guide research collaborations among LA countries, as well as identify data sharing opportunities

2. Act as a resource and dissemination channel for ’best practices’ in PA and environment research, including research design, measures, methods, and analysis.

3. Nurture student engagement in CEPA-LA to build capacity for  future leaders in PA/environment research

Tangible objectives that can be accomplished in a 12 month period.

1. Create a web-based platform for potential and existing members to learn about CEPA-LA, build or establish contacts with other members, and provide a forum for information exchange.

2. Conduct a simple audit of groups doing PA and environment research in LA and present these data in the form of a ’country-by-research focus’ matrix. This will act as a snapshot of who is doing what  and where, and will help us to actively recruit new members from underrepresented countries.

3. Determine the primary language for CEPA-LA to be used in telephone and online correspondence

4. Develop a member list and call schedule for information exchange.

5. Once 1-4 developed, send out a formal invite to join CEPA-LA, together with an online survey to help populate the audit.

6. Organize a presentation of CEPA-LA to be delivered at ICPAH in Sydney, 2012.