Transboundary exchange workshops and training for rangers
To raise capacity within the protected areas and foster exchange, a series of area specific capacity development initiatives are carried out. As such rangers participate in training workshops concerning integrated fire management within transboundary protected areas. The Fire Brigade Commissaries from communities near the protected area are invited to participate in order to learn about the issue from an international perspective, raise their awareness and ensure their active participation in solving and mitigating threats of forest fires. A biological monitoring workshop to standardize the record keeping of wildlife and species specific threats is also carried out. Additionally, exchanges of experience in joint patrols to detect illegal activities and exchange information on observations of wildlife are conducted.
Through these workshops and training, park rangers must feel that they are part of the solution in order to reduce threats (poaching, fires, enhance wildlife distribution knowledge, etc) in the area. . An incentive can be the increase in knowledge about a specific topic. It is also crucial to encourage a teamwork perspective to strengthen a collaborative ambiance.
A clear understanding of the training needs, especially those that can reduce threats at the transboundary level, are crucial for the success and enhanced conservation action. When there is involvement from the federal (politically higher) level in the preparation and execution of these workshops, it seems there is an increase in not only ranger´s but also in local communities` participation.