Value local expertise and build on existing structures
When REPC-MD started developing the Standards, we created a small ad hoc committee made up of Malagasy experts to launch the reflections. We progressively broadened our discussions by making several presentations and meetings at different platforms to promote and refine this new approach. In Madagascar, the Ministry has a directorate in charge of PAs so we worked closely with this structure as well as a multi-sector platform on PAs called Commission SAPM (commission of the system of protected areas of Madagascar) that regularly discusses advancements of PA creation and management.
REPC-MD’s long experience in partnership and collaboration between conservation actors (see building block #1) has greatly supported the identification of the institutions and structures to work with. • Our ad hoc committee was composed of people from various backgrounds (academics and professional world) but who are already knowledgeable in the conservation world. They helped us promote the concept of the competency approach.
Valuing local expertise and existing structures does not close doors to other initiatives or to creativity. Our competency standards had its roots in the one developed in the Asian region, and our certification program is inspired by WIOMSA work on certification in East Africa. At some point, discussions were about creating a new structure at the ministry called Secretary for Certification that is going to implement the performance recognition system as part of the PA management effectiveness process since the existing structure is not adequate. Unfortunately, we were not able to move forward to implementing, since the decision needs to be taken at higher level (Minister’s level).