This programme was launched in 1999 in conjunction with Centre for Applied Social Sciences (CASS), University of Zimbabwe to facilitate the communication of ideas and activities to other agencies, to stimulate debate, and to promote the concept of group-based systems of resource management as a viable alternative to individual freehold-based systems. Annual regional workshops were held and grants were made available for writing, research and networking visits between countries. Information was disseminated via a website, an e-mail discussion forum and a newsletter. Webster Whande was the co-ordinator of the PLAAS components of the programme during its first phase and he participated in the proceedings of the World Parks Congress held in South Africa in 2003. A book and a statement on protected areas were disseminated at the congress. The programme was co-funded by the Ford Foundation and the International Development Research Centre of Canada.