A process is established between the LLCTC’s environmental officer, the contact point in the community and the community committee through monthly visits that allow for exchange between the management committee and partners to ensure long-term sustainability, commitment and true partnership. These visits also help to address and solve needs and problems that may occur, as well for sharing experiences and cross-learning.
- LLCTC must be respected by the communities to be effective in their representation
- Financial and human resources to sustain the continuous process
- A solid partnership and trust between the communities and the liaising officer
The long-term (10 years) technical and advisory assistance provided by the NGO (TNC) and the proven partnership built with the LLCTC representing the communities and the collective chiefs of all communities was the key factor to enable this process. To consistently engage communities over time is essential and demands a lot of time and human resources. Once the feedback is negative as the community feels deserted and abandoned the need to re-invest to recover trust and cooperation is tremendous. High community expectations that may not be met, particularly relating to monetary benefits, need to be managed by clearly articulating what can be achieved, right from the start.