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Regional Coral Reef CSI Training Workshops |
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Introduction and Ethos
 The Coral Reef CSI training programme is a unique four-day field-based training workshop taught in, around, and adjacent to, the near shore coral reef waters at each location. The workshops involve a series of lectures and demonstrations related to the relatively new field of coral reef forensic investigations, along with hands-on field crime scene investigations guided by international professionals in wildlife enforcement, coral reef ecology, and marine natural resource investigation.
The intensive training programme draws upon the 290-page Coral Reef CSI Toolkit. Participants are given the opportunity to practice techniques and equipment use in a series of land based exercises prior to in-water impact scenarios. Role-play within a mock CSI team is also used as a tool to develop participant’s awareness and skills relating to each stage of the investigation process. Building on this, participants will also take part in a mock prosecution trial, conducted under courtroom conditions, to provide first hand experience, and develop understanding of the common shortfalls of natural resource evidence collection and presentation processes.
 The workshops gather participants from a wide field of expertise including academics, resource managers, Litigators, enforcement officers and others. Key observers may also be invited to the workshops to raise the profile of the need and importance of practical and applied training in investigation and enforcement methodologies.
For more information on the format of the regional workshops please download the information sheets.
Workshop Information Sheet
Workshop Format Schematic.pdf
Regional Training Workshops
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A pilot workshop, the first of its type, was conducted in Cozumel, Mexico in October 2006, with support from the National Commission for Natural Protected Areas (CONANP). The workshop brought together 32 participants and instructors from 28 organisations across the globe.
The pilot workshop was a learning experience for both the participants and the instructors involved, facilitating the exchange of lessons and experiences, and the development of critical skills for application in the field, alongside the fine tuning of the workshop structure, training aids and impact scenario design.
One participant provided the following summary of his experiences of the workshop.
My Experience of the Coral Reef CSI Pilot Workshop – Jeremy Linneman
Following the pilot workshop interest has been demonstrated by a number of participants in conducting regional or national level training workshop in their home countries with the intention to establish fully trained and equipped coral reef CSI teams that can act as a first level response to impact events on coral reefs. The Coral Reef CSI Project team are working with the relevant governments and stakeholders to develop these opportunities.
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