Three regional focal point organisations

In order to ensure that the regional focal point organisations (RFPO) have adequate resources to fulfil their roles as pivotal links in an interregional network of operational research structures, the project supports a number of activities aimed at strengthening the capacities of regional research structures to attract and support forest-related research initiatives.

Central Africa: Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale, Gabon

• Representative to the Steering Committee:
  Dr Alfred Ngomanda, Director, IRET  

• Focal Point Person: Dr Donald Midoko Iponga

Guiana Shield: Iwokrama International Center, Guyana

• Representative to the Steering Committee:
  Dane Gobin, CEO, IIC  

• Focal Point Person: Vanessa Benn

Pacific region: Forest Research Institute, Papua New Guinea

• Representative to the Steering Committee:
  Prof. Simon Saulei, Director, PNGFRI  

• Focal Point Person: Forova Oavika

In particular, support is provided to strengthen the capacities of the three RFPOs to develop and implement transregional research programmes.

The project provides essential resources that the research structures need in order for them to become dynamic and operational structures capable of attracting motivated researchers and providing them with the environment in which viable research activities can be conducted. Through the RFPOs and the guidance of the Steering Committee’s Scientific Advisory Group to set up criteria and mechanisms, the project also provides support for developing and promoting scientifically sound research proposals, mobilises seed funds to initiate priority common research themes and provides mentoring of ongoing research activities.

The project also funds the costs of essential equipment and operational costs necessary to strengthen and consolidate the networks linking the research organisations of the 3 regions. These include essential computer and communications equipment and recurrent costs for the regional coordinators appointed by the RFPOs.