Since 1996, the Ecohealth program has supported a portfolio of over 100 projects in Latin America and Caribbean (LAC), Asia, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA). With the growing numbers of researchers and practitioners working to promote the understanding of the linkages between health and environment using Ecohealth approaches, these stakeholders expressed a desire for opportunities to foster networking and knowledge exchange among themselves and others. The Ecohealth Program is working to further develop and strengthen this growing network by facilitating the design and operationalisation of a cluster of regional communities of practice (CoP).

What is a CoP?

A community of practice (CoP) is a network made up of individuals and organizations that share common concerns or an interest in a particular topic or challenge, and who further each others’ goals and objectives in that specific topic area. CoPs respond to professional demand and are results oriented. They can serve to develop and evolve knowledge, as well as develop innovative ideas.

Among the many important roles a CoP can play, and one in which Ecohealth is particularly interested, is contributing to the expansion of communication channels from bi-lateral (IDRC-Partner) to horizontal (partner-partner) modalities. This means both North-South communication/partnerships and South-South communication/partnerships. For Ecohealth, CoPs can foster mechanisms to deliver key services to its membership, such as training, dissemination, small grants, exchanges, and access to human resources databases.

Community of Practice in Ecohealth (CoPEH)

With a growing capacity in ecohealth methodologies, researchers and practitioners expressed a need for a venue for collaboration. The creation of a CoP focusing on the ecohealth approach (CoPEH) allows individuals to share their experiences and knowledge, avoid duplication, and further develop their skills and knowledge.

Through a consultative process, the Ecohealth program explored the level of interest and considered different modalities that could be used in consolidating a CoPEH. The consultation targeted three main groups; research partners from the South and from Canada, funding agencies and international organizations. During the International Forum on Ecosystem Approaches to Human Health, May 18-23, 2003, the findings from the consultative process were presented to a broader audience who reiterated the need for consolidating knowledge exchange through such networks.

Following the consultation, IDRC’s Ecohealth program has facilitated the creation of CoPEHs in three different regions: Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the Middle East and North Africa (MENA); and Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Because of regional differences and capacities, the focus and approach for initiating the CoPEH in each region are unique while still maintaining the common identity of the EcoHealth framework.

The objectives of CoPEH include:

•To build excellence in ecohealth research by developing and testing strategies for capacity building that deepen researchers and stakeholders' understanding of concepts; develop knowledge and skills in research methodologies; and provide experience in the design and implementation of interventions that respond to local level demand;

•To facilitate communications and networking within the regions on ecohealth research by supporting individual and group learning, and the exchange of information and knowledge through multiple dynamic formats (including web sites, electronic forums, brokering individual and inter-institutional relationships, and national, regional and international workshops and meetings); and

•To link ecohealth research to policy and practice by building capacity of scientists and practitioners in designing and carrying out policy-relevant research on human health and the environment, and developing and testing strategies that effectively target and engage decision-makers and stakeholders at multiple scales based on project and program.