Side meeting on community participation in protection areas

In preparation for the Fifth World Congress on Parks, taking place in Durban (South Africa) in September 2003, the network of indigenous and peasants organisations in Central America, CICAFOC, is organising an event. In a two days meeting, before the Central American Congress on Protected Areas, that is taking place in Managua Nicaragua in March 2003, indigenous and peasants groups will have their own meeting. The objective is to prepare a common position on the following themes: protected areas and community participation; rural communities in areas near protected areas; biological corridors and community experiences; and rural communities, protected areas and international policies. Financial support will be used to enable 30 participants to stay another two days in Managua, transport, and to distribute the outcomes of the congress.

A meeting was held in Managua, Nicaragua, on 8-9 March 2003, with 57 participants from local organisations in the Central American region. Case studies were presented and discussed, on local groups working to improve agriculture and standard of living of the rural population, while at the same time playing a role in protection of forests. A full report is available. The final declaration of the meeting will be used as input for the Parks Congress, in September 2003 in Durban, South Africa.