Q&A: Why the PCLG website is the place to be for poverty and conservation issues

Almost 10 years after the website of the Poverty and Conservation Learning Group (PCLG) – an international network coordinated by IIED – was inaugurated to promote dialogue and foster learning on the links between biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction, it was relaunched in spring 2014 with an improved look and updated content.

09 October 2014
Images for biodiversity, conservation and poverty reduction (Photos: Ricky Martin, Douglas Shiel, Tim Cronin)

Images for biodiversity, conservation and poverty reduction (Photos: Copyright Ricky Martin, Douglas Shiel, Tim Cronin)

Alessandra Giuliani, one of the people behind the PCLG website, discusses the website, its recent makeover, why you should visit it, and other ways you can engage with the PCLG.

What is the PCLG site all about?

The PCLG website is the information portal of the Poverty and Conservation Learning Group. At the heart of the website are three databases, two of which – an organisation and an initiatives database – provide information on who works on poverty and conservation issues, where they work and what projects they work on. A further bibliographic database brings together almost 2,000 titles (including peer reviewed and grey literature) focusing specifically on the links between poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation.

Besides these databases, the PCLG website contains up-to-date news stories, blogs, events and much more in the field of poverty and conservation. Finally, the website provides information on the work done by the IIED-based PCLG secretariat and by the national PCLG chapters in Uganda and Cameroon, including information on events, projects, publications and so on.

How did the idea of revamping the site come about?

Since the website was first launched in 2005, the amount of information available has vastly grown, and so have the needs of the website's users. For example, internet access has markedly improved in developing countries over the past 10 years, and previous limitations on bandwidth – which had shaped choices for the original site – have been overcome. For these reasons, we felt this was the right time to improve the content and look of the site and bring it more in line with similar sites.

What's new about the site?

First of all, it looks nicer! We have maintained a simple and clean look, but made more use of pictures and adopted the new official PCLG colour palette throughout. Secondly, the content on the site has been reworked into a more accessible and informative style. Finally, we have improved how the content is organised so the site is easier to navigate.

Who is the site for?

The PCLG website is meant to be a one-stop-shop for anyone working on poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation issues. We expect the primary audience to be members of the non-profit sector (conservation and development NGOs), national and international conservation and development agencies, researchers and students, although we host information that will be of interest to policymakers as well as donors. And recent statistics tell us people visit the PCLG website from all over the world.

Can I follow via social media?

Besides revamping the PCLG site, during the past year we have worked hard to expand and strengthen our online media presence. You can now follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, where we provide daily news from the field of poverty and conservation, and offer people a chance to engage in current debates.

What about newsletters?

We produce two e-bulletins: PCLG News, which provides monthly round-ups of the work of the PCLG and its members, plus general updates on poverty-conservation issues, and PCLG Journal Digest, which keeps readers up to date on journal articles relating to biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation as they are published. Here is how you can subscribe.

Can I contribute my material to the site?

We are always looking for more material on poverty-conservation issues to include on the PCLG website. This could be information on projects, recent publications, new resources, blogs, news stories and so on. Please contact Alessandra Giuliani ([email protected]) if you have material you would like to share.

Can I join the Poverty and Conservation Learning Group?

Anyone with an interest in poverty-conservation issues is welcome to become a member of the PCLG. As a member, you will be able to take advantage of our resources and contribute to our work.

Joining is easy, free of charge, and guarantees you will always be in the loop when it comes to conservation and poverty issues. For more information, visit our Join us page.

Who is behind the site?

The PCLG website is managed by IIED's biodiversity team with technical support from IIED's communications team.