Above: On the first day participants developed and presented maps of their communities. Originally, the goals of the 5 day workshop were to provide Shipibo leaders with capacity in participatory learning and action methods (PLA), participatory mapping, and direct links with resource organizations which would provide villagers a solid foundation to initiate their own development initiatives in the region. The first 2 days of the workshop were an introduction to the Village Earth approach, expectations of the participants and the Village Earth team, and PLA methods – skills and tools used to mobilize communities around resources, local knowledge, and opportunities. The workshop started with a preliminary mapping exercise where participants presented maps of their communities and discussed relevant issues. We also facilitated a Strategic Planning session for each of the five communities present, including Visions and Obstacles, which provided them the basic skills to engage in their own action-based planning process when they return to their communities. This was very successful because the five communities together began to think regionally about their common vision for the future, as well as shared frustrations. Below: One participant explains his community map while fellow participants film his presentation.
GSLL 1514 – Challenges and Opportunities of Utilizing Traditional Knowledge in Climate Adaptation
This class will explore key concepts of resilience, vulnerability, adaptive capacity and social capital in the context of community exposure to climate change. We will engage in critical analysis of tools and methods for building resilience to climate change and will look at several case studies from around the world.