Since 2000, the COMPACT programme has been working with communities living in the vicinity of eight World Heritage Sites in Africa, Asia, Meso-America and the Caribbean. Through extensive on-the-ground experience and a participatory methodology that integrates an evidence-based approach, COMPACT has rigorously tested the claim that communitybased initiatives can signifi cantly increase the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation in globally signifi cant protected areas while alsoimproving local livelihoods.