Talking Transformation is helping CEPF to prepare a “long-term vision” for the Tropical Andes Hotspot, which has benefitted from CEPF support since 2000.

In particular, the challenge is to work out how CEPF can build the capacities and funding streams of civil society organisations, from national NGOs to community groups, so that they can be effective agents of conservation, without depending on CEPF. Adaptability is critical, because the region will continue to change in predictable and unpredictable ways, because of climate change, pandemics, migration, social upheaval and other causes. Through analysis of reports and plans, interviews and virtual workshops, involving people from NGOs, indigenous people’s organisations, the business sector, governments, donors and CEPF itself, Talking Transformation has drafted a long-term vision and a strategy for getting there. This will be presented to CEPF’s board at the end of March 2021. This is one of the world’s most diverse and threatened biodiversity hotspots, and the role of CEPF as a steadfast supporter of civil society organisations is absolutely vital.