The Caribbean region is suffering from problems associated with loss of traditional trade preferences and from threats to its economic potential from over-development and inadequate regulation of natural resources, particularly coastal resources and forestry. While a reasonable standard of living is achieved by many people in the region, there are some countries where a low standard of living is widespread and pockets of poverty do exist. Some of the poorest people are dependent on natural resources for their subsistence, employment and income.

This project aims to demonstrate and promote the uptake of natural resource management methods which are consistent with sustainable resource use, poverty elimination and improved governance.

Without the project it is likely that the following adverse consequences would arise:

* Many rural communities across the Caribbean living in poverty and being reliant on natural resources, would endure increasing levels of hardship as those resources are depleted in the face of the inadequacy of existing management regimes.

* The lack of skills, methods and examples available to those who are implementing participatory natural resource management regimes could lead to their failure and the ultimate discrediting of the underlying concepts (as well as those implementing institutions).

* the opportunities to identify improved forms of governance for the region would be lost, if the lessons from participatory natural resource management were not disseminated. There is a demand, in all sectors, for increased popular participation in all institutions and processes, and the analysis of recent experiences in natural resource management would be timely and relevant.

* Key stakeholders, such as civil society, would not have their position in society strengthened, leading to the marginalisation and alienation of people whose interests are represented by non-governmental and community based organisations. In many respects, the region is in a critical phase of its development, and choices made in the next few years will be determine the shape of social structures.

The use of participatory and collaborative natural resource management systems involving poor resource users, increased and supported in selected countries in the Caribbean.

• The capacity of CANARI to research, promote and support participatory and collaborative natural resource management in the region enhanced.
• Options for, and benefits of participatory and collaborative approaches to a range of natural resource management problems identified, validated and promoted.
• The capacity of selected formal and community-based institutions in the region to participate in the design and implementation of effective and equitable natural resource management strategies improved.