1. CATIE: Strategies to increase the impact of forestry and agroforestry research Dr. Glenn Galloway Director Education Program Dean of the Graduate School CATIE August 2005 Brisbane, Australia IUFRO WORLD CONGRESS 2005 Regional Research Organizations Meeting

2. Topics covered A glance at CATIE Strategies to increase the impact of forestry and agroforestry research Final comments

3. CATIE and its work in forestry and agroforestry research Regional center with 13 member countries, established in 1942 (first IICA then CATIE) Studies on tropical forests commenced soon after Work in agroforestry, tropical forest management and forest plantations increased dramatically in the early ´80s A number of strategies and approaches to improve the effectiveness of its research initiatives will be discussed

4. Regular Members 1- Belize 2- Bolivia 3- Colombia 4- Costa Rica 5- Dominican Republic 6- El Salvador 7- Guatemala 8- Honduras 9- Mexico 10- Nicaragua 11- Panama 12- Paraguay 13- Venezuela 14- IICA 2003 2004

5. Collaborative research (networking) Early initiatives were carried out with national forest services in Central America Counterpart relationships favored the participation of national technical staff in the adoption of research methodologies and results Relationships were expanded to include a wide host of organizations, including small and medium producers, community and indigenous groups

6. Has favored the gradual standardization of research and operational methodologies Skilled scientists can provide technical and methodological support to a host of countries and organizations through networking and collaborative research Obvious role of regional centers Collaborative research (networking)

7. Creation of thematic groups “Thematic Groups” address specific, priority areas of research. Examples in forestry and agroforestry: Forests, Protected Areas and Biodiversity Socio-economics of Environmental Goods and Services Global Change Center for Competitiveness of Eco-Enterprises Integrated Watershed Management Livestock and Environmental Management (including silvopastoral systems)

8. Thematic groups Other examples: Coffee: Quality, Profitability and Diversification Management and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources Modernization and Competitiveness of Latin American Cacao Plantations A team of specialist is formed within each thematic group

9. Thematic groups Each TG responsible for developing a program; research, outreach and higher education Cooperation is encouraged among TG to foster innovation and interdisciplinary research Results to date: encouraging overall

10. Integration of research, outreach and higher education Integration a major strength of CATIE Oldest graduate program in tropical agriculture and management natural resources and environment in LA Students carry-out much of CATIE´s research with support from scientific staff and academics from other centers in and outside the Region Since 1996, CATIE has implemented a doctoral program with joint degree options with U. of Idaho and U. of Wales

11. Important role of thesis research CATIE implements a considerable number of research and TA projects in the Region in collaboration with a wide host of partners Frequent opportunities for thesis research on biophysical, social, economic and technological aspects Results feedback into the project and other initiatives in the Region (strategic research) Thesis research also enriches the graduate program

12. Important role of thesis research Provides opportunities for cooperation with external academic-researchers 2 year period, over 100 external professors served on CATIE academic committees Enriching in both directions Some projects earmark funds to return results to local actors

13. Research in operational management areas (OMA) Strategic considerations in R&D initiatives: Build on ongoing processes Have the flexibility to adapt to local social, cultural and institutional realities Forge strong links between operational activities and research Collaborate with other institutions with similar interests and objectives (networking, for example)

14. Research in operational management areas (OMA) In OMA direct collaboration with local communities and producer groups is pursued: Requires a multidisciplinary approach Productive cooperation with multiple stakeholders fosters the creation of a “school of thought”, (for example, in the diversified management of tropical forests)

15. Model Forest Initiative (IDRC) CATIE now serves as Regional Headquarters for the MFI Reventazon Watershed of Costa Rica is a recent addition (CATIE is located in this watershed) MFI takes the OMA concept to a broader context

16. CATIE as a hub for international research organizations Organizations with out-posted staff (CIRAD and Purdue, for example) Joint doctoral programs (U. of Wales; U. of Idaho) Cooperation with CIFOR, the World Bank and others in a number of innovative research initiatives Future: perhaps IUFRO´s Latin American Headquarters Enhances capacity to contribute to research needs in the Region

17. Diffusion and dissemination of research results Perennial challenge to most research programs Often deficient utilization of research results CATIE: field days, TA, training materials, textbooks, CATIE periodicals (Recursos Naturales y Ambiente and Agroforestería en las Américas), policy briefs and regional library services Annual National Forestry and Agroforestry Research Workshops (´90s) in six countries

18. The challenge of research continuity Our partners have often provided continuity when CATIE funding has terminated, but… …some excellent researchers have had to leave CATIE for lack of funding

19. Important role of endowed chairs for research continuity Ecology of Tropical Forests and Diversified Management of Tropical Forests Facilitate the formation of permanent, experienced groups to develop research and development projects – long-term research Permit the creation and maintenance of a wide network of associates

20. Final comments An organization like CATIE needs to be a learning organization… …with the willingness and capacity to change and adapt Much research CATIE does now is quite different from that carried out in the not too distant past

21. Thank you As a regional center, CATIE must be prepared to respond to new research priorities that fall within its mandate, in conjunction with our within its mandate, in conjunction with our national and international partners national and international partners