Below are descriptions of selected, past research projects developed and led by Tara DePorte. For more information about projects, consulting availability, or volunteering to assist a project, please email TaraDePorte@gmail.com or call +1(646)932-4283 with the specifics of your request.
Women’s Grassroots Academy: A Preparation for the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-15), 2007
As Founder and Director, work included the creation and facilitation of a two-day training for women in grassroots environmental movements around the world. Mobilized numerous first-time participants from developing countries to participate in international environmental policy development. Engaged local youth in international dialogue and aid to grassroots women. Mobilized participants in the CSD to become more aware of how to negotiate the process/event through the efficient use the time and funding restrictions of grassroots women by coupling training modules with international conferences.
Young Women’s Sustainability and Leadership Training,2006-2007
As Founder and Director, work included the development of a 9-month training for NYC-based, young women to lead research, data compilation, and develop key materials to aid international grassroots women with participation in the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-15). Topics included Water and Sanitation, Energy and Air Pollution, Climate, Industrial Development and Environmental Policy.
Best Practices in Water and Sanitation
, 2006
As a consultant to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and working under Roberto Lenton of the UN Water and Sanitation Task Force, research responsibilities included research and evaluation of local-level approached to international water and sanitation programs. Responsibilities also included coverage of the 2006 World Water Forum (Mexico City) sessions and development of “best practices” recommendations for official UNDP publication.
Environmental Survey Markets and Local Governments, 2004-2005
As a consultant to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and working with their Environmental Economics Program for Latin America and the Caribbean, work included research and published writing on Environmental Service Markets, particularly pertaining to water resources: Water Resource Allocation, Indigenous Knowledge, Best Practice Management, and Natural Resources and Development.
Responsibilities also included research into LAC local governance initiatives and outcomes, revision of technical papers, and web development.
Water Allocation and Management in Latin America, 2005
As a consultant for the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy at Columbia University, work included research into water allocation and management strategies in Latin America, particularly Brazil. Work was part of interdisciplinary project among many research institutes in the state of Ceará, Brazil.
Master’s Thesis: Water in the Semi-Arid: Participatory Water Management in the Brazilian Northeast, Columbia University, 2005
A research initiative into arguments and observations from literature, research, and fieldwork concerning water management of the Brazilian Semi-Arid. It examines a sampling of management approaches, institutional development strategies, and policy development surrounding the water sector in a region plagued with water conflicts. The aim of this paper is to identify the role of the water committee within participatory water resource management in the Northeast of Brazil as well as their key successes and failures.
Honor’s Undergraduate Thesis: Redefining Water Quality Issues in Rural Haiti, University of Virginia, 2001
Collaborated with the Haitian Center for Development and Human Resources (CDRH), Fonkozé (rural micro-lending bank), APF (Peasant Association of Fondwa), and a Cuban/Haitian Sustainable Agriculture Initiative. Research included a diversity of local and national issues pertaining to water quality and ecological restoration. Responsibilities included water and soil analysis testing, water-source mapping, the coordination of discussion groups with local political authorities and rural workers, and leading a discussion and presentation concerning water contamination and disease as a part of the CDRH Disaster Prevention Seminar.
