The Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) is an independent technical and research organisation, which analyses and promotes the participatory management of natural resources in the islands of the Caribbean. For more than twenty years, the Institute has developed a thorough knowledge of issues related to participatory management. The results of its research and analysis in this field have been disseminated throughout the Caribbean region through publications, technical assistance and training.

Areas of Focus
At the core of the Institute’s philosophy and vision is that the participation of all parties concerned with natural resources and their use is essential for development that is equitable and sustainable. CANARI’s programme, which spans the entire insular Caribbean, comprises three main elements - research, analysis and advocacy on the methods and institutions required for participatory management. Themes include approaches to protected area management; capacity building for participatory management; collaborative natural resource monitoring; and, locating livelihood strategies in natural resource management.

Capacity Building and Technical Assistance for Participatory Management
CANARI actively stimulates and supports local, national, and regional initiatives that foster stakeholder participation in resource management. One of the ways in which this has been done is through technical assistance, which includes advice on programme design and implementation and an associated small grant scheme. More than forty initiatives throughout the Caribbean have received technical assistance and support from the Institute.

Sharing Lessons from Research and Analysis
An important element of CANARI's work is sharing the lessons of its research and analysis and those of other organisations involved in participatory resource management. This is done through the documentation of experiences and through training and technical support to government agencies, NGOs and community organisations. The Institute offers a range of workshops and seminars annually and will provide specialised training and technical services on request. The Institute's reports and publications are available to its partners, collaborators, students, and the general public.

Resources and Facilities
CANARI has five technical staff and four support staff. The Institute has its main office in Trinidad and Tobago, where its catalogued library collection is housed. CANARI maintains a project office in St. Lucia, where it has modest laboratory facilities. The Institute’s programme is implemented with financial support from a range of national, regional and international agencies.