Description

Explore phase 1 was established in September 2020 to develop the research capacity of universities in Southeast Asia on forest landscape governance. The current project is part of Explore phase 2 and builds on Phase 1.

The work in Phase 1 has garnered a great deal of attention, as demonstrated by the 53 eligible submissions to the call for concept notes, and the 280 or so individuals that have joined the Explore community of practice. Additionally, a large number of researchers from the region and around the world that have put themselves forward to support the program.

Phase 1 also demonstrated the scale of the work that needs to be done. This is apparent not only in the findings from the capacity development needs assessment (CDNA) and gender analysis, but also in the issues raised in the concept notes submitted, as well as requests for support from Network members.

Phase 2 includes the implementation of various research projects across the region, with support provided to the implementing research teams, including in supporting informed decision making at the landscape level, as well as aiding policy makers at national and international levels. The second phase will continue to scale up the capacity development program and the Community of Practice to strengthen the quality of research on forest landscape governance in Southeast Asia. Finally, Explore also seeks to address the barriers to female researchers developing their careers, this includes through providing scholarships, as well as grants for universities and research institutions to work to remove the identified barriers.

CIFOR-ICRAF continues to bring its research and analysis expertise to strengthen the Explore network and support the effective implementation of the Explore Program.