Impact
Forest Leaders for Integrated Landcape Management
Strengthening Landscape Leadership Across Latin America
Region
Latin America
Year
2024-2026
Status
Completed
GOAL
To strengthen local landscape leadership across Latin America by helping Model Forest leaders build the skills, relationships, tools, and resources needed to move shared priorities into action.
PARTNERS
International Model Forest Network; Latin American Model Forest Network; Natural Resources Canada; 1000 Landscapes for 1 Billion People; Model Forest leaders and partners across 15 landscapes in 10 different countries
About the Project
In collaboration with the International Model Forest Network and the Latin American Model Forest Network, EcoAg supported a regional leadership program for Model Forest leaders across Latin America.
The program combined training, peer exchange, applied research, learning modules, and catalytic funding to help leaders strengthen collaboration, improve governance, explore landscape finance, and advance locally led action in their territories.
The work was organized around four connected tasks: training and community of practice, seed grants, learning modules and research.
OUTPUTS: 18 online sessions, two in-person workshops, regional Community of Practice, 5 learning modules, seed grants across 15 Model Forests, 200 local activities, more than 4200 people reached, five research fellowships, peer exchange, and knowledge products
Training and Community of Practice
EcoAg delivered 18 online learning sessions and two in-person workshops focused on Integrated Landscape Management, Integrated Landscape Finance, stakeholder engagement, collaborative governance, shared visioning, and action planning. EcoAg also facilitated a regional Community of Practice to support peer learning and continued collaboration across the network.
Seed Grants
EcoAg managed a seed grant program that helped 15 Model Forests move from learning into action. The grants supported over 200 in-person activities involving more than 4200 people through community dialogues, youth engagement, women’s leadership, restoration, local learning, and governance-strengthening activities.
Learning Modules
EcoAg supported the development of five learning modules on key topics relevant to Integrated Landscape Management: Gender Approaches to Integrated Landscape Management, Communication Strategies for Integrated Landscape Management, Fire Governance, Public Policy, and Conflict Management.
The modules connected core concepts with practical tools and guidance that participants could apply in their own landscapes. They also created resources that could continue to support learning across the wider Model Forest network.
Research
EcoAg supported five research fellows working across Latin America. Their research explored governance, youth engagement, gender inclusion, climate resilience, women’s leadership, participatory governance, and leadership transitions in Model Forests.
Impact
The program strengthened the ability of Model Forest leaders to coordinate action, engage stakeholders, and advance landscape priorities in their own territories.
By combining training, peer learning, seed grants, modules, and research, the initiative connected knowledge with implementation. It showed that landscape finance is not only about large investments. It is also about preparing the ground for action through trusted local leadership, inclusive decision-making, and practical first steps.
AREAS OF IMPACT: Integrated Landscape Management, Integrated Landscape Finance, forest landscape resilience, collaborative governance, catalytic funding, peer learning, youth leadership, women’s leadership, research, and knowledge sharing
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