IMET and SAPA assessments are community-based, participatory processes that require the involvement of local communities to ensure the quality of the assessment. To this end, prior to the start of the evaluation workshops and meetings, we worked with the site managers to identify all the stakeholders likely to hold information essential to the evaluation. All these stakeholders were informed from the outset of the planned action, of the various evaluation phases, the objectives pursued and expected results, and finally of the future use to be made of the results obtained. This information and involvement stage ensured that the local communities were fully on board and participated effectively in all stages of the evaluation.

The guide was printed and distributed in pdf version online and in physical version, both free of charge, during public restitutions and meetings with partners identified during the interviews (block 1).

It was also used as the basis for training courses in seed harvesting and seedling production for ecological restoration, for people who had shown a willingness to take action. Training courses were therefore offered in existing community nurseries experiencing difficulties, and in vocational training institutes such as agricultural high schools or adult training centers.

Organized over one or two days, these training courses enabled participants to discover existing outlets in ecological restoration (harvesters, producers, planters, those responsible for ecological monitoring), as well as to acquire theoretical and technical knowledge through hands-on workshops. Participants learned how to recognize the plant species around them, observe fruiting, collect and store correctly, draw up follow-up sheets, start production (semi, transplanting, cultivation), and set up a plantation.

An excellent communication plan/network with different stakeholders was initiated across different levels. From the inception of the project, the community and other stakeholders were constantly capacitated on how the project is going. A relay of relevant vulture conservation and policy issues was achieved to the target stakeholders within the communities and KAZA TFCA.

Among the solutions identified, the data sheet guide was a priority tool, to bring together all the knowledge in a popularized, easy-to-use work that could be accessed by all. It was therefore necessary to collect all species data, images of each phenological stage and production data. It was also necessary to select a suitable range of species.

This guide was developed in collaboration with the tribal beneficiaries. Through workshops, participants contributed their user perspective on a first version of the product. These workshops provided an opportunity to discuss the format (modular binder), design (font and colors) and paper, as well as the content (vernacular names, choice of species, specific needs).

The final version was then circulated to the technical experts for review and validation before being sent to print.

The achieved results relied heavily on the collaboration and cooperation partnerships among various stakeholders, including government agencies, conservation organizations, scientists, and local communities. Collaboration with the Ministries/Government departments was key in sensitizing the communities on issues around human-wildlife conflict and suggested environmentally friendly ways to mitigate the conflict. The scientists were there to collect information related to wildlife poisoning and give feedback to the government ministries. The communities were the key stakeholder since they are the sole custodians of the environment.

Our team has identified the importance of accurate data collection, regular monitoring and oversight of data is done by the science and research adviser and Chief Operations officer to ensure accurate data is uploaded to the database. Population management and scientific decisions concerning the rhino population in the country are guided by the data collected during monitoring conducted by our patrol teams. Data based inputs are used to define the carrying capacity for wild-life based tourism and to plan and manage conservation and development activities.

The management of the Kisite Mpunguti MPA is mandated to the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute. It was therefore critical to have buy-in from the managers of these institutions in the implementation of project activities including WIO-COMPAS. This ensured the endorsement of the WIO-COMPAS programme and its subsequent recognition for career development.

For this reason, the two institutions were included in the process from inception to completion. This ensured the MPA staff that this venture would add value, at individual levels, to their careers, and not just to the MPA management. This was crucial, as the WIO-COMPAS assessment preparation process is quite daunting, and a motivating factor is necessary to ensure their participation.

Communities and local stakeholders living adjacent to the protected areas were not aware of the importance of vultures. The capacity building involved raising awareness among communities on the value of vultures, the threats they face and their need for conservation. Repeated face-to-face formal meetings, informal meetings, and engaging the community in each step enabled the achievement of the results.

Communication played a key role in the success of this project. KWCA held a number of virtual meetings from the planning stages to the assessment stage. The choice for virtual meetings was necessitated by the covid-19 pandemic and the associated government measures to control its spread including  country lock down thereby disrupting mobility and physical meetings. Some of the virtual calls included planning meetings, inception meeting with the conservancy members to enhance a shared understanding of the project scope and manage stakeholder expectation. Virtual meetings were also held to create awareness of SAGE to the key stakeholders, and to also collaboratively map out the conservancy stakeholders.

The lead consultant, with support from the assistant facilitators, spearheaded the translation of the SAGE principles and questions to the local language for wider uptake especially by the stakeholders who were only proficient in the local language.

Issues of poisoning are sometimes sensitive and people might be reluctant to share much-needed information. To gain their trust, the implementer approached the local government authority and signed a Memorandum of Understanding which enables us to work in the area. Another engagement meeting was done with the local leadership (chiefs, headman) to discuss our intention in the area as a conservation organization. These steps increased our transparency as an honest organization. Building on these strong relations and trust with local communities is essential to ensure that they share such information.