2023
Identity Manual - Inclusion criteria
THE USE OF THE TERMS AND CONCEPTS OF CELEBRATION of the Day of Protected and Conserved Areas in Latin America and the Caribbean, around October 17, corresponds then, to the effort of this initiative.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The management team of the Celebration of Protected and Preserved Areas LAC and its extended team, do not assume any institutional or legal commitment, in the event of any type of non-compliance or eventuality during the activities carried out by third parties, recommending at all times the contracting of insurance applicable, compliance with health and safety measures or local recommendations. Also codes of respect and inclusion published in our spaces.
In our logo we integrate ICONS of our region. The bird that embraces us is a "Rosy Spoonbill" (Platalea ajaja) from the LAC wetlands. It also includes the Andes mountains that cross our continent from north to south, a mestizo face adorned with jungle and forest leaves, protected by the waves of the Caribbean, Pacific or Atlantic Sea. The accompanying text refers to the initiative and to October 17, Day of Protected and Conserved Areas LAC.
We have LOGO options in Spanish, Portuguese and English, in various colors.
ILLUSTRATORS: PAULA SOCOLOSKY and JAVIER ARANEDA GIOVANETTI
VALUES
Democratic and Participatory Governance
We promote more inclusive, transparent, and co-responsible decision-making processes, acknowledging power imbalances, institutional constraints, and the diversity of local contexts. We foster spaces for dialogue and coordination that strengthen legitimacy and trust, moving gradually and contextually toward more collaborative forms of governance.
Inclusion with a territorial and rights-based approach
We recognize the diversity of identities, cultures, generations, and life trajectories present in Latin America and the Caribbean. We promote the meaningful participation of Indigenous peoples, local communities, youth, women, and other historically underrepresented groups, strengthening their leadership and their influence in processes related to conservation.
We do not view inclusion as symbolic representation, but rather as the recognition of rights, knowledge, and differentiated responsibilities.
Territorial leadership and legitimacy
We value and prioritize the central role of those who inhabit, manage, and care for the territories. We recognize that the sustainability of conservation depends on leadership rooted in the local community, vibrant networks, and processes built upon territorial experience.
Shared Responsibility and Strategic Alliances
We foster collaborative relationships based on mutual respect, coherence, and shared benefits. We prioritize viable, context-specific alliances that strengthen territorial processes, avoiding extractive or purely instrumental approaches.
Adaptive Management and Collective Learning
We embrace adaptive management as a guiding principle. We review approaches and expectations based on experience, available evidence, and the changing conditions of the regional and global context. We promote the exchange of learning as the foundation for continuous improvement.
Relevant information and transparency
We promote the generation and use of relevant, accessible, verified, contextualized, and consent-based information that strengthens decision-making, accountability, and local-regional-global advocacy.
Care Protocol: Ethical Foundation
In a context where rights are being eroded and territorial conflicts are on the rise in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the APyC Celebration has adopted a Care Protocol that is mandatory for all its phases.
What is the Care Protocol?
It is a framework of principles and operational rules designed to guarantee the physical, digital, and political integrity of the individuals and communities involved in the initiative. Care is not a formality; it is the heart of the conservation process.
How to implement it? (Step-by-step guide for Ambassadors)
Mandatory Risk Assessment: Before registering a celebration, the ambassador must complete the Stakeholder Form, identifying threats such as the criminalization of defenders or territorial violence.
Strengthened Consent (CLPI):
Nothing is published without the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent of local actors. The community must understand how their data will be used and have the right to withdraw their information at any time.
Visibility vs. Security Protocol:
High Risk: Public exposure and the use of names or exact locations are not permitted. Participation is maintained in a low-profile or strategically invisible manner.
Medium Risk: Visibility is selective, and messages must be reviewed and approved by the community before dissemination.
No Instrumentalization:
No territory or person will be exposed to meet communication or marketing goals if this compromises their well-being.
Team Care (Operational Realism):
We recognize the diversity of capabilities and time constraints. We do not demand a permanent presence to avoid burning out local leadership.
Inclusive Celebrations:
The design must demonstrate that barriers that have historically excluded women from the governance of protected areas have been identified and removed. Some examples include:
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Scheduling: Set meeting or activity times that do not interfere with caregiving responsibilities or domestic work schedules (e.g., avoid evening or very early morning times).
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Childcare Spaces: Provide a safe, well-ventilated space with staff responsible for caring for children during the event, allowing mothers to participate fully.
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Logistical Support: Ensure safe transportation to and from communities, especially in rural areas where travel can pose a safety or cost barrier for women.
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Food and Well-being: Ensure that food logistics do not fall exclusively as “unpaid work” on women in the community during the event.
How to verify?
Some options are:
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Attendance lists: Mandatorily broken down by gender and age.
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Minutes of Agreements: Documenting the proposals from women and youth that were effectively incorporated into the design.
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Care Records: Documentation of whether schedules were adjusted or care support was provided during the activity.
Key Message: “The APyC Celebration makes decisions based on risk. We prioritize safety and territorial legitimacy over immediate impact.”
From the "La Celebración" team, we believe it is essential that the people, organizations, companies and governments that join can adapt and appropriate the initiative.
We offer free ILLUSTRATIONS for flyers and supports linked to to integrate, created by the Illustrator Paula Socolovsky @la_s0c0