Capacity Building

Student platform in Ghana

The student platform has been running since 2003 and has offered young graduates the opportunity to apply their knowledge in solving social problems in the forestry sector, while enhancing their inter-cultural and other practical competencies. In 2006, the student platform provided insight in micro-credit schemes, rural livelihoods and participatory management, all themes which are considered important for sustainable forest management and poverty reduction.

For more information, please contact: tropenbos@idngh.com

Transfer knowledge in Suriname

TBI Suriname seeks to play an important supportive role by developing strategies for effective institutional and personal support to key forest sector agencies. TBI Suriname focused on the development of capacity of young but relatively inexperienced professionals already active in the sector, with a view of supporting their capacities and skills. In this ‘Transfer of Knowledge’ project, organised in partnership with the Timber Industry Association and jointly funded with WWF-Guyana, experienced professionals pass on their knowledge and skills to those who are just starting. In this programme, 34 people have participated in a series of courses and assignments covering issues ranging from forest management to public presentation. The courses proved to be quite selective, with 19 students graduating and 6 completing the project by writing and presenting a (research) paper. With this initial group of 6, the project started its second phase, in which mentor-mentee tandems are proposed to prepare first and second degree research proposals. Supporting courses are also scheduled of which the first, a one-week training on Geographical Information Systems was completed in December.

For more information, please contact: ptltropenbossuriname@yahoo.com.