Community Conservation in Practice: A workshop for representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities
Before the 12th International Society of Ethnobiology Congress (www.tbgf.org/ice/), the Global Diversity Fund (GDF) and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) will co-sponsor a workshop on ‘Community Conservation in Practice' from 7 – 9 May 2010 in Tofino, British Columbia. Led by Eli Enns, Tla-o-qui-aht Nation Building Program (Canada) and Jamili Nais, Deputy Director, Sabah Parks (Malayisa), the workshop will explore international and national policies, contemporary concepts and exemplary case studies of community conservation. There will be a particular focus on governance, and the relationship between government protected areas, collaborative management and community conservation. In addition, we will learn about emergent designations such Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs), and Indigenous Conservation Territories (ICTs). We also intend to showcase the special role ethnoecology can play in community conservation projects.
Participants in the workshop will report on their discussions and experiences during a session at the ISE Congress on “Community Conservation in context: can designations embrace the diversity of global experiences?”
Please note that only indigenous peoples and local community members who are currently involved in conservation projects may apply. Those selected to attend may propose a colleague from an academic, non-government or government organization who can accompany them in the course. The workshop will be delivered in English, but time will be allowed for discussion and translation in other languages as needed.
Workshop participants must be members of the International Society of Ethnobiology and attend the ISE 12th Congress from 9 – 14 May 2010, also held in Tofino. The ISE has announced a limited number of travel bursaries (typically up to $2000 USD per participant) to offset direct expenses (transportation, hotel, meals, registration) for indigenous and local people who are members of the ISE and involved in ethnobiology at the community or grassroots level. Both new and renewing ISE members are eligible. For ISE membership information, please see http://ise.arts.ubc.ca/membership/. The deadline for applying for these bursaries is 16 October 2009.
With financial support from The Christensen Fund (TCF), GDF may award a limited number of bursaries to cover course fees, materials, accommodation and meals during the three days of the workshop. Candidates from focal regions of TCF and GDF will be given priority and are encouraged to apply. More information on the Global Diversity Fund and its focal regions – Mesoamerica, North Africa, Southeast Asia and Southern Africa – is available on www.globaldiversityfund.org . Consult www.christensenfund.org for an overview of The Christensen Fund, including its priority areas: Turkey, Iran and Central Asia; Northern Australia and Melanesia; Greater American Southwest and the African Rift Valley.
An on-line application form, instructions and additional workshop information will be available starting 16 October on the GDF Biocultural Diversity Learning Network website (www.globaldiversityfund.net). The application deadline is 1 December 2009 and successful candidates will be notified by 15 January 2010.
Enquiries may be directed to Erin Smith (erin@globaldiversityfund.org), GDF International Programmes Coordinator.
