PCLG: a history of the learning group

IIED received funding from the Ford Foundation to establish PCLG - the Poverty and Conservation Learning Group – to promote organisational learning on the nature, extent and implications of linkages between biodiversity conservation and poverty.

PCLG publishes a number of discussion papers including ‘Towards an integrated system for measuring the social impact of protected areas’.

PCLG introduces a work theme on great ape conservation and livelihoods with support from the Arcus Foundation.

PCLG co-organises a learning event in London: ‘Linking biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction: what, why and how?’

PCLG facilitates a learning event in Masindi: ‘Linking great apes conservation and poverty reduction: learning from experience and identifying new opportunities’.

Two national chapters of PCLG are established in Cameroon and Uganda to bring together conservation and development practitioners at the national level.

PCLG co-facilitates a learning event with Bond Development and Environment Group: ‘Poverty Alleviation that Works: Informing conservation practice from development experience’.

PCLG publishes ‘Biodiversity and poverty: ten frequently asked questions – ten policy implications’.

PCLG co-organises a learning event: ‘Conservation and land grabbing: part of the problem or part of the solution?”

PCLG co-facilitates a workshop at the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Jeju: ‘Linking conservation and poverty, landscapes and livelihoods: what have we learnt so far?’

PCLG captures case study summaries on financial mechanisms for addressing human wildlife conflict in Kenya, Namibia and Nepal.

PCLG organises a learning event in Indonesia: ‘Africa-Asia ape conservation and poverty alleviation learning exchange’.

PCLG publishes ‘Biodiversity, ecosystem services and poverty alleviation: what constitutes good evidence’.

The DRC Poverty and Conservation Learning Group is established, bringing together DRC conservation and development practitioners to share their experiences.

The PCLG national chapters in Cameroon, DRC and Uganda define their own agendas related to great ape conservation and development and are involved in research, communication and advocacy activities. The national groups work through a membership structure and foster collaboration between conservation and development organisations in the respective countries.

In 2017, IIED undertakes a review of work by Uganda-PCLG: ‘Influencing policy change in Uganda: an impact evaluation of the Uganda Poverty and Conservation Learning Group’s work’.

PCLG updates its name to the People and Conservation Group to reflect the broadening of its thematic focus from poverty and conservation to people and conservation.

PCLG leads a pilot of a small grants initiative funding five successful grantees in Cameroon, DRC and Uganda. These are:

1. Dialogue on COVID-19 challenges and great ape conservation, Cameroon, Foundation for Inclusive Education
2. Indigenous Assembly on Conservation and Human Rights in Cameroon, Okani
3. Enhancing local community engagement in great ape conservation during COVID-19 period in Cameroon, Association for Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Development
4. Protecting Virunga National Park through Community Learning and Sustainability DRC, Virunga Amani Tours
5. People for Gorillas in COVID-19 Times program in Uganda, African Initiative on Food Security and Environment.

PCLG launches a small grants initiative seeking to get money to where it matters to support locally led action. Applicants are able to apply for up to US$7,500 to support people and great ape conservation in three great ape range states: Cameroon, DRC and Uganda.