Aerial view of a road through the Amazon forest in Ecuador. Photo credit: Dr. Morley ReadInfrastructure investments in the Amazon can support economic and social development, and bring services to remote populations. However, if poorly planned, they can also result in irreversible, destructive change to the environment and ecosystem services on which communities depend, and lead to inefficient use of economic resources.

Some of the enthusiastic participants in the workshopIn Indonesia, human and development activities have a significant impact on marine ecosystems and the health of fisheries - one of the most important industries in the country. Economic solutions to these issues are often overlooked, though can be among the most effective. To address this, CSF-Indonesia is seeking to empower policy makers in the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) with specific economic tools and knowledge to support them in formulating policies to conserve and sustainably manage marine resources.

SENACE course participants Photo credit: Verónica Villarreal Serpa, SENACE

Participants working on a group exercise at a previous CSF training in Indonesia. Photo credit: Niki Gribi

CSF Analyst José Carlos Rubio helping a participant with the cost-benefit analysis exercise. Photo credit: Niki Gribi

Course graduates Marco Bustamente (2014), Sara Mateo (2013), Sofia Vargas (2015), Maria Pia Diaz (2015), and Dora Samaneigo (2014) enjoying the alumni gathering in Lima. Photo credit: Niki Gribi

This article was originally written by SPDA / ActualidadAmbiental.pe A tourist at the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve. Photo credit: Annie EscobedoConservation Strategy Fund (CSF) presented a study on the economic impact of tourism within the Natural Protected Areas (ANP) of the National System of Natural Protected Areas by the State (SINANPE).

A rural area near São Paulo, Brazil. Photo credit: Filipe Frazão

Yaguas National Park, Peru. Photo credit: Frank S. Cardoza

CSF staff traveled to Monterey in December to lead a three-day training for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). This short course focused on marine fisheries, and is the third course we have led for the Department. Participants included 17 CDFW staff from the marine region, and one researcher from the California Sea Grant program and UC Santa Cruz. We were able to reach participants in field offices across California using remote access technology and our online workspace. Professor Steven Hackett presenting at the course. Photo credit: Niki Gribi