ECF’s Financial Participatory Approach (FPA) is a methodology which uses direct financial grants for mobilizing local populations to take charge of their own development. It is designed to generate autonomous development strategies which are constructive, inclusive and very participatory at family, community and regional levels.
Facilitated by local NGOs all across the Western Lesser Caucasus Corridor, storytelling competitions help describe the relationship between locals and the key wild animal species selected to best represent the landscapes and embody ecosystems in need of protection/management. This is followed by activities aimed to simultaneously improve animal habitats and human livelihoods, inparallel with habitat suitability models. The FPA process helps develop a positive, trust-based relationship between ECF and locals.
Participation in an FPA leads towards the development of ECF’s long-term conservation contract (Conservation Agreement) and encourages locals to become decision makers and stewards of natural resources while fostering a sense of pride/protection for key wildlife species. FPAs also address underlying land tenure/land-use issues that represent drivers of conservation problems (i.e. poaching, unsustainable/illegal resource use).
- Availability of local NGOs with experience and capacity to facilitate community-based processes
- Support of the local authorities and other institutions through regional working groups
- Establishing a connection between traditional customs, communication patterns, decision making, and modern methodology while nurturing existing cultural and traditional values
- Implementation of financial incentives with no strings attached
- Providing on-demand capacity building and trainings to respond to emerging needs of local communities
- Unconditional financial incentives attract initial interest in the project and later generat community pride, satisfaction and motivation after incentives are used to better the community.
- The methodology of FPAs requires adjustment to the purpose and objectives of each project.
- The implementation of small community-managed projects is key in determining which communities are engaged and competent to enter longer term cooperation.
- Incorporating traditional knowledge with modern models and strategies creates a fusion of science-based and community-based contributions.
- Land tenure issues are identified early and allow ECF to assess project viability.
- Introduction of basic civil society structures through the creation of village committees, self-coordinated regional working groups, regular monitoring of projects and annual meetings.