Developing Regional and National User Networks

In August last year, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) began an effort to reach out and engage decision makers in a number of countries and regions around the world. By reaching out directly to stakeholders in countries and regions the MA seeks to share its work and expertise at different scales, promote multisectoral dialogue, bring the assessment closer to regional and national priorities and concerns, and support the work of the international conventions it serves. With the support of various partners that act as facilitators, the MA is engaging in an ongoing interaction with government officials, civil society and indigenous organizations, universities, business associations and others in a number of countries. These contacts began with a series of 25 videoconferences and discussions in Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Peru), Africa (Burkina Faso, Egypt, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal and Tanzania), Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) and South and East Asia (India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines). The conferences were the starting point for a number of processes that are bringing the MA closer to the concerns and public agendas in almost all of these countries and regions. These initial contacts were followed by further discussions with Ministries, NGOs, universities and other actors in each country.

© 2005 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment