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Working group on evaluation and synthesis of information on tree cover to balance productivity and biodiversity in agricultural landscapes along the Mesoamerican biological corridor

Final Report Summary - CORRIDOR (Working group on evaluation and synthesis of information on tree cover to balance productivity and biodiversity in agricultural landscapes ...)

The main objectives of CORRIDOR were achieved in the project period. These were to co-ordinate activity and build capacity to develop a research strategy for defining thresholds for tree cover in agricultural landscapes along the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor (MBC). Specifically the support action aimed to:
- Synthesise existing information on levels of tree cover in pasture- and coffee-dominated landscapes and their impacts on agricultural production and biodiversity from Mexico to Colombia along the MBC.
- Establish common protocols for collection, storage and interpretation of data on dispersed tree cover within agricultural landscapes amongst the countries comprising the MBC and their relationship to biodiversity and farm productivity.
- Develop a strategic regional plan for research and associated development measures to define thresholds of tree cover that balance ecosystem services and agricultural productivity for different landscape contexts along the MBC.

The work of the project involved bringing together existing information collected by various research groups working with trees in agricultural systems in the region and collation and synthesis of this information to produce a regional research and development strategy. Delegates from key research groups formed two core working groups to collate information on tree cover on pastures and coffee, respectively, and their impacts on biodiversity and productivity. The collated information was discussed and refined at regional workshops on trees on pasture and trees in coffee plantations, respectively, with participation of key players from countries in the Mesoamerican region. Protocols for collecting and interpreting data on tree cover, biodiversity and productivity on pastures and in coffee were developed at the workshops and key gaps in knowledge identified.

The work that was performed during the project was divided into five work packages.

Work package 1: Regional workshop on trees on pastures
The objectives of this work package were:
i) to synthesise existing information on levels of tree cover in pasture and their impacts on farm productivity and biodiversity along the proposed Mesoamerican Biological Corridor (MBC);
ii) to establish common protocols for collection, storage and interpretation of data on dispersed tree cover within pastoral landscapes amongst the countries comprising the proposed MBC and their relationship to biodiversity and farm productivity.

Work package 2: Regional workshop on trees in coffee plantations
The objectives of this work package were:
i) to synthesise existing information on levels of tree cover in coffee plantations and their impacts on farm productivity and biodiversity along the proposed MBC;
ii) to establish common protocols for collection, storage and interpretation of data on dispersed tree cover within coffee plantations amongst the countries comprising the proposed MBC and their relationship to biodiversity and productivity.

Work package 3: Synthesis workshop
The objectives of this work package were:
i) to synthesise information on tree cover in the agricultural matrix (on pastures and in coffee plantations) in the Mesoamerican region;
ii) to formulate a regional research and development strategy to define thresholds for tree cover in the agricultural matrix along the MBC.

Work package 4: Dissemination
The objective of this work package was to disseminate project information.

Work package 5: Project coordination and management
The objective of this work package was to ensure smooth running of the project.

Management of the project was straightforward as there were only two contractors. Sub-contractors were hired and delivered review material on time for workshops as required. Participation at workshops was full and appropriate to the purpose of the project.