Accelerate Learning Through Peer Networks and Exchanges

Learning exchanges and other events that expose local community members and conservation professionals to one another and to tangible examples of conservation successes and failures are powerful tools that provide both immediate and long-term benefits. Well-designed and executed exchanges accelerate learning and provide participants with experiences that have diverse, profound, and lasting effects on people and conservation programs.

“To reduce pressure on reef fish populations, a well-intentioned government official considered importing goats as an alternate source of protein. After visiting Hawaiʻi where he saw the devastating impacts non-native goats have on island ecosystems, he immediately abandoned the plan.”

— Manuel Mejia, Pacific

Peer learning networks are especially powerful tools to accelerate learning, sharing, and action at all scales, and they facilitate continuity for long-term conservation. For examples of the many ways networks are used, see Scaling Up: Networks Amplify Impact and the three case studies. A partial list of effective peer learning networks serving the Pacific is also provided Helpful Resources,

**Provide Practical Tools and Training**

**Accelerate Learning Through Peer Networks**