History, Goals & Objectives
History: This conservation training initiative emerged from a pilot program in 2012-2014 offered by the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) training program. Based on lessons-learned from this pilot effort and an opportunity for collaborative development of new training programs offered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service a team of advisors from the pilot training developed a proposal for the Conservation Leadership in the Caribbean (CLiC) in May 2014 to support an initial two-year training effort for 2014-2016. The program met with such success that the partnership has agreed to continue to support a second cohort of fellows for 2016-2018. The Board of Directors develops the training for the first six months and then implements the training over an 18-month period.
Vision: Healthy, functional marine and terrestrial Caribbean ecosystems enabling ecologically and economically sustainable development to meet both human and wildlife needs.
Goal: An established, sustainable Caribbean leadership-training program enabling effective regional networking and action to achieve sustainable conservation.
Objectives Cohort II (2017-2018)
Objectives Cohort I (2015-2016):
o By October 2016, 20 trained emerging Caribbean conservation leaders who have planned and implemented five distinct conservation projects to address direct or indirect threats to identified conservation targets and who are capable of leading development of new conservation initiatives. [ RESULT: 17 trained leaders completed the fellowship successfully]
o By October 2016, each team project measures and reports on objectives for change on the ground toward biodiversity conservation goals and threat reduction as identified in project management plans. [RESULT: Five projects successfully implemented (and continuing beyond the fellowship) with measured progress on the ground toward threat reduction, increased action, and biodiversity conservation].
o By October 2016, an established information-sharing and project development network exists and is composed of at least 50 individuals including emerging conservation leaders, professionals, and community leaders as well as 12 organizations and academic institutions communicating effectively, sharing information broadly and developing new initiatives supported by a targeted internet/social media site [e.g. Facebook Group, Twitter, Website/Blog]. [RESULT: Well over 50 individuals have participated in the CLiC network that has engaged over a dozen organizations - including new projects and further academic training for alumni - with an active Facebook community sharing information].
o By October 2016, a set of committed partners who identify necessary training and financial resources, mechanisms and long-term management for the training program. [RESULT: CLiC Partners USFWS, IFAW, St. George's University and WINDREF agreed to continue the partnership and work toward growing this fellowship program for longer-term sustainability].
Vision: Healthy, functional marine and terrestrial Caribbean ecosystems enabling ecologically and economically sustainable development to meet both human and wildlife needs.
Goal: An established, sustainable Caribbean leadership-training program enabling effective regional networking and action to achieve sustainable conservation.
Objectives Cohort II (2017-2018)
- By October 2018, 20 trained and certified emerging Caribbean conservation leaders who have planned and implemented five distinct conservation projects to address direct or indirect threats to identified conservation targets and who are capable of leading the development of new conservation initiatives.
- By October 2018, each team project measures and reports on objectives for change on the ground toward biodiversity conservation goals and threat reduction as identified in project management plans.
- By October 2018, team projects (5) integrate shared interdisciplinary goals collaborating with key sectors of society, for example, economic development, public health and sustainability into their proposals.
- By October 2018, 14 supervisors (of fellows) have participated in training and/or project design and implementation and committed to continued engagement with the CLiC fellowship program.
- By October 2018, CLiC’s information-sharing and project development network is composed of at least 75 individuals including emerging conservation leaders, professionals, and community leaders as well as 15 organizations and academic institutions communicating effectively, sharing information broadly and developing new initiatives supported by a targeted internet/social media site [e.g. Facebook Group, Twitter, website/blog, LinkedIn].
- By October 2018, an established CLiC alumni panel that continues to support and champion the CLiC model.
- By October 2018, a committed partnership including academia, and public and private sectors supporting long-term financing, management and sustainability of CLiC.
Objectives Cohort I (2015-2016):
o By October 2016, 20 trained emerging Caribbean conservation leaders who have planned and implemented five distinct conservation projects to address direct or indirect threats to identified conservation targets and who are capable of leading development of new conservation initiatives. [ RESULT: 17 trained leaders completed the fellowship successfully]
o By October 2016, each team project measures and reports on objectives for change on the ground toward biodiversity conservation goals and threat reduction as identified in project management plans. [RESULT: Five projects successfully implemented (and continuing beyond the fellowship) with measured progress on the ground toward threat reduction, increased action, and biodiversity conservation].
o By October 2016, an established information-sharing and project development network exists and is composed of at least 50 individuals including emerging conservation leaders, professionals, and community leaders as well as 12 organizations and academic institutions communicating effectively, sharing information broadly and developing new initiatives supported by a targeted internet/social media site [e.g. Facebook Group, Twitter, Website/Blog]. [RESULT: Well over 50 individuals have participated in the CLiC network that has engaged over a dozen organizations - including new projects and further academic training for alumni - with an active Facebook community sharing information].
o By October 2016, a set of committed partners who identify necessary training and financial resources, mechanisms and long-term management for the training program. [RESULT: CLiC Partners USFWS, IFAW, St. George's University and WINDREF agreed to continue the partnership and work toward growing this fellowship program for longer-term sustainability].