Background

COMPAS forms part of a broad movement aiming at a general reorientation of development approaches. Current approaches generally place a certain emphasis on sustainable use of local resources based on participatory approaches and indigenous knowledge. The movement to which COMPAS belongs draws special attention to the holistic nature of indigenous knowledge, as well as the cultural aspects of natural resource management.

COMPAS partners base their development activities on indigenous concepts and the worldviews of indigenous peoples, and seek collaboration with traditional leaders in efforts to improve livelihood systems. Activities mainly consist of action-based participatory research in the domains of agriculture, use of natural resources, and health. Activities and results are shared through regional and international workshops, books, and the COMPAS newsmagazine.

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CDE’s involvement

CDE is related to the COMPAS initiative through a backstopping mandate to support the creation of a COMPAS University Consortium and the elaboration of approaches and tools for training in the field of endogenous development. Within this mandate, CDE focuses on the support of COMPAS partners from Latin America (Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Guatemala, and Nicaragua). Activities are co-financed by the Directorate General of International Cooperation (DGIS) and CDE.

First outcomes of the cooperation between Latin American COMPAS members and CDE are documented in a series of papers and workshop reports.