Assessment of a Regional Community and Conservation Collaborative: The AP3C

Abstract

The Albemarle-Pamlico region of North Carolina has a unique environmental and social history with vast natural resources. In 2006, several conservation and community groups formed the Albemarle-Pamlico Conservation and Communities Collaborative (AP3C) to protect the region’s natural resources while providing economic opportunities. Since its formation, the group has struggled to create an organizational structure and many members are dissatisfied with its lack of progress. Using individual interviews, this report identifies strengths of the group and region the AP3C can use to achieve its vision, challenges the group must address, and a common vision of the Albemarle-Pamlico region and of the AP3C. From this information, I identified three strategic questions for the steering committee to undertake: 1. What is the AP3C’s mission? 2. Who should be on the Steering Committee? 3. How can the AP3C market itself to potential participants, stakeholders, and members? I recommend using a consensus-based approach to answer these questions.