Population, Health, and Environment: Workshop Descriptions

Using Participatory Demographic Methods and Tools for Environmental Management and Planning

This workshop provides training in participatory methods and population-environment linkages to local partners working on environmental projects. The workshop’s training methodology brings together demographic and conservation management tools and explores how these tools may be combined to bring added value to project planning and implementation.

Participants use skills learned in field exercises in local communities. This workshop leads to improved project planning, implementation, and support for integrating population concerns into environmental projects. Past workshops have been held in Madagascar, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Communicating Environmental Research to Policymakers: Exploring Population, Health and Environment Linkages

Researchers, program managers, and others responsible for formulating and implementing environmental programs will learn how to maximize policymakers' and planners' use of project and research results that illustrate the interaction of PHE variables. Participants develop a policy-level communication strategy and action plan; design a media strategy; and develop short policy documents and presentations, among other outputs. Past workshops have been held in Central America and the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, East Africa, and Madagascar.

Developing Training Programs for Communities and Organizations on Population, Health and Environment Connections: Training Assessment and Design

This workshop helps PHE specialists design and implement appropriate and effective training programs for organizations and local communities. Through a series of hands-on exercises, participants are introduced to a multi-step training methodology. Participants conduct site visits to local communities to carry out a training needs assessment and to design a training program. The overall goal and objectives of the participants’ training program are presented to the workshop facilitators, and participants conduct a demonstration training session on which they receive feedback. Past workshops have been held in the Philippines.

Coalition Building for Integrating Population, Health and Environment Issues

Integrating PHE activities, projects, or programs can be difficult and complex. To realize greater success in PHE integration, some organizations have formed successful coalitions to share information and work together to achieve common goals. This workshop introduces field activists, researchers, and program staff members to the requirements for forming and maintaining such coalitions. It also conveys the basic principles of the most effective alliances and helps participants develop action plans for coalition activities. Past workshops have been held in Mexico and the Philippines.

Designing Integrated Population, Health and Environment Projects

This workshop provides PHE specialists with strategic approaches to design, monitor, and evaluate policy relevant PHE projects. Participants learn about the fundamentals of demography, natural resource management, and environmental health. They also learn about methods for developing integrated indicators, mechanisms to determine organizational readiness for doing PHE integration, guidelines on conducting and designing research projects on PHE integration, and techniques for conflict resolution and negotiation. Participants tailor their outputs to a variety of audiences, including colleagues, funders, and policymakers. Past workshops have involved representatives from Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, the Philippines, Nepal, Cambodia, and Guatemala.

Contact: Richard Skolnik, 202-483-1100.