What is a community of practice?

A community of practice (CoP) is a network made up of individuals and organizations that share common concerns or interest in a particular topic. The common definition for a CoP is a group of participants (community) with a commonality of interest and practice (focus), who come together to address a specific challenge, and further each others’ goals and objectives in a specific topic area (shared practice). CoPs respond to professional needs and are results oriented. They can serve to develop and evolve knowledge, as well as create innovative ideas.

Community of practice in ecohealth (CoPEH)

Canada enjoys a growing capacity in Ecohealth methodologies. Researchers and practitioners have expressed a need to provide a venue for collaboration. The creation of a CoP focusing on the Ecohealth approach (CoPEH) allows individuals to share their experiences and knowledge, avoid duplication, as well as to further develop their skills and knowledge.

For more information on Communities of Practice you can consult the International Development Research Center (IDRC) web site or the web site of other CoPEH:

• CoPEH – TLAC : A Community of Practice in Ecohealth – Toxics in Latin America and the Caribbean
• CoPEH – MENA : Community of Practice for Ecohealth in the Middle East and North Africa Region
• COPES – AOC : Approche Écosystème et Santé Humaine en Afrique de l’ouest et du centre