Using an Environmental Economics Perspective to Influence Policies in Latin America and the Caribbean

This project will provide funding to the Latin American and Caribbean Environmental Economics Network (LACEEP) to build capacity in environmental and resource economics in the region, including collaborations with think tanks, to influence policy with evidence. Impact, influence, results LACEEP develops researchers' skills and knowledge in the area of environmental economics, with a focus on conducting research that influences policy-making. From its inception in 2005 to 2014, LACEEP has contributed to 94 research projects from 15 different countries, trained 535 researchers and policymakers (48% of them women), and established a growing network of researchers. Collaboration on climate change The need for economic evidence to inform policies is growing, particularly in the area of climate change. However, Latin American capacity in environmental economics is weak in both the public and private sectors. In response, LACEEP will go beyond capacity building, using a combination of proven approaches and new strategies. The network will fund 13 innovative research projects and capacity-building measures. Some of the grants will target mature scholars. The project will forge new collaborations, including partnerships with prestigious think tanks in the region, such as those supported by IDRC. Together, researchers will produce robust evidence to inform climate change and natural management policies. The project is expected to improve policymakers' and emerging researchers' abilities to assess economic issues related to climate change and other environmental topics. The work will also allow LACEEP to significantly expand its sphere of influence through more rigorous evidence.