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The central aim of the programme is to foster the development and adoption of policies that support increased participation and collaboration in managing natural resources. The starting point is research and analysis, in order to understand the institutional arrangements, skills, technologies, support mechanisms, and processes of policy formulation and reform required for the adoption of participatory approaches. The knowledge gained from this analysis is used to promote policies, through a systematic process of advocacy. The programme of the Institute is structured in such a way that the links between its three elements, namely applied research, analysis, and advocacy, are reinforced. Mechanisms for doing this include a structure that encourages programme integration, and activities that cut across the three programme elements.
For each programme period, specific objectives and questions are identified and coherent work plans developed, detailing the focus and range of activities to be carried out during the period. The following structure is used in the preparation of programmes and workplans.
Applied Research
The goal of CANARI's applied research is to generate new knowledge on the interventions required for optimal participation and benefits to stakeholders and on the effectiveness of participation in managing the use of natural resources.
Analysis
This programme element uses the results of CANARI's applied research, as well as the experience of other experiments in participatory and collaborative resource management from the region, as the basis for the development of technical (methods), institutional and policy guidelines. The activities within this component depend largely on comparative studies that test policies, institutional arrangements and skills in different situations and conditions.
An important mechanism employed by CANARI to analyse and critique the findings of its work is through the convening of seminars and focus group meetings. These meetings often target specific sectors (e.g. tourism or forestry professionals) or seek to gather together a group of people with specific expertise or shared interest.
Advocacy
The term "advocacy" is used here in a very broad sense, to include all actions that build a foundation for the acceptance and use of participation and collaboration in the management of natural resources. Based on the research and analysis activities described above, some of the mechanisms which form the core of CANARI's advocacy work include the following:
Documentation and information sharing: The Institute strives to be an important repository of information on the issues and fields on which it works. It systematically builds its extensive library collection and documents its own work as well as selected experiences of relevant institutions in the region, with a view to sharing lessons from the field. Documentation and information sharing occur at several levels, from the technical to the popular, to ensure that relevant information is effectively communicated to a range of audiences.
Click here for a link to CANARI's publications.
Training: The Institute conducts training activities and prepares training materials informed by its research and past experiences, in order to transfer the skills needed to implement participatory and collaborative processes. Research activities help to identify those areas in which training is most needed by CANARI's audiences. The results of training activities also help to inform the Institute's research programme.
Click here for information about upcoming training activities.
Technical support: Technical support encompasses the range of other mechanisms for transferring skills and techniques for participatory resource management. Activities include the provision of advice and assistance on project design and implementation.
Conferences: The Institute convenes conferences to share the findings of its work of regional and national concern related to participatory resource management. It also participates in such forums hosted by other organisations both within and outside the region.
Networking: Through formal and informal mechanisms, CANARI brings together organisations from across the region for the purposes of information sharing and collaboration.
Target Audiences: CANARI's primary target audiences are: