Sub-Global Assessment Network

Objectives of the SGA Network

The Sub-Global Assessment Network seeks to create a common platform for practitioners (individuals and organizations) involved in ecosystem assessments at the sub-global levels (regional, sub-regional, national, sub-national) with the intention of:

1. Building capacity to undertake and use assessments. This will be achieved by:

◊  Offering opportunities for training in specific tools and approaches related to ecosystem assessments (e.g. training workshops on valuation, scenarios, mainstreaming etc.);

◊ Capturing, synthesizing and disseminating examples of best practices and lessons learnt in undertaking ecosystem assessments;

◊ Developing e-learning tools which are of interest to ecosystem assessment practitioners;

◊ Encouraging and supporting ongoing exchanges between and amongst SGAs, either through virtual or face-to-face means (e.g. sharing of expertise);

 ◊ Establishing and maintaining a website devoted to the SGA Network which will allow access to relevant materials and information; 

◊  Linking SGAs to the scientific community and to relevant information and data sources which are useful for undertaking ecosystem assessment work.

and

2. Supporting relevant global processes such as IPBES and MEA frameworks / conventions through achievement of the objective listed above.

Who does the network cater to?

Any one or combination of the following:

◊ SGAs that were a part of the original Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) and which continue to be active in some aspect of their work (e.g. through follow-up activities or an extension project etc.).

 ◊ Initiatives using specialized assessment approaches within the context of some decision-making framework (e.g. economic valuation)

◊ Projects which seek to develop or refine tools and approaches for undertaking ecosystem assessment work.