About Megan Lopez
I was introduced to Belize through my Master's fieldwork, where I partnered with Ya'axche Conservation Trust to examine human-wildlife conflict occurring between smallholder cattle farmers and jaguars in the country's rural south. I became fascinated with the field of human-wildlife conflict as it sits at the nexus of species/landscape conservation and local livelihoods.
Background
- Bachelor of Arts: International Politics, History
- Master of Science: Conservation Leadership
- Previously worked for U.S. National Park Service as an interpretive park ranger in one of the most beautiful places, Glacier National Park (MT); interest in sustainable development led to four years spent at the World Bank (DC); and now I'm going on my second year working in development for a community conservation organization based in Punta Gorda, Toledo District, Belize
Which category below best describes the type of organisation you currently work for/or run?
Areas of expertise
Would you be willing to be approached and share your lessons learned in your area(s) of expertise with our community?
Recent Conversations
Hello WildHub Hive,
I'm hoping this is the right place to ask my questions (if not, please let me know!)
I'm working with a newly established conservation NGO in Belize that has been entrusted to co-manage a protected area with the Government of Belize. The protected area is new to this NGO and has been lacking active management for many years.
The NGO is eager to develop the following guiding documents:
1) Surveillance and enforcement plan
2) Data collection protocol
3) Community Outreach plan
I've searched google high and low for general outlines or templates for these plans and didn't have much luck. I know alot of the information within these documents is context-specific to the country/region, but I'm hoping some of you might have an idea as to what a basic template would be for these.
I'm also wondering if the NGO would hire a consultant to develop and finalize these documents, how would the NGO gauge how much to budget for consultant fees. How do you figure this out?
I would be so grateful for any/all comments or advice - please feel free to respond here or to my email - lopezme07@gmail.com
All the best, Megan