The seminar “Intercambio de experiencias de proyectos productivos en comunidades indígenas y afrocolombianas” took place in Bogotá, the  22^nd and 23^rd of October. The seminar was developed under the Nuffic financed project “Formación en gestión ambiental y cadenas productivas sostenibles” which is implemented by SENA (National Training Service – Colombia) and Tropenbos International. The seminar had as objective the exchange of experiences and processes that indigenous and afro-colombian communities have developed in relation to productive projects.

Around 80 people attended the seminar. The participants included SENA staff, from Bogotá and the different centers in the country, staff from 26 related organizations and TBI Colombia. The activities during the event included presentations, panel discussions, poster presentations and workshops. During the presentations experiences and lessons learnt on projects with local communities where shared. From the workshops important prerequisites and recommendations for successful projects with local communities where withdrawn.

Some important remarks mentioned during the seminar of particular relevance for projects with local communities are: there should be a proper problem articulation; their should be recognition and respect for the local context and its diversity; activities adapted to local circumstances should be developed rather than using blue-prints; a small and realistic set-up; long-standing relationships and alliances should be sought; and capacity building should be given.

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