Country packages

The aim is to establish practices, rules and/or standards to reduce risks to the environment, human and animal health in trade in wild animals and wild animal products in selected partner countries in global biodiversity hotspot regions. Among other things, risk assessments, the design of educational measures in different formats (digital and non-digital campaigns, training courses, etc.) and the scientific monitoring of the implementation of good practices (e.g. impact assessments) are to be promoted. The Alliance brings the relevant actors together across sectors and use concrete findings to formulate adapted regulations or or supports the institutionalization of relevant practices.

Existing political and GIZ structures, as well as other local partner organizations in the selected partner country.

Depending on the initial situation in the partner countries, you have to start at different levels. In some cases working together at the political level is possible, in other places it is more effective to implement the goals via a partner organization that already has experience on site and a network of local actors.

Working Groups

The International Alliance currently has 3 Working Groups, which are led by the members themselves and receive support from the Alliance Secretariat. Each Working Group is led by 1-2 chairs and the group meets every 6-8 weeks to ensure a continous work process.

We currently have the following Working Groups:

 

- Science Policy Interface (chair: Sue Liebermann, WCS)

Considering our core understanding of wildlife we want to infuse this understanding, based on scientific evidence, into international political processes.

 

- Transformative System Change: The Big Picture (chair: Alex D. Greenwood, IZW Berlin; Barabara Maas, NABU)

There are underlying fundamental obstacles to achieving the Alliances objectives and goals. Identifying and addressing these is the focus of this Working Group. 

 

- Evaluation/Effective Interventions (chair: Craig Stephen, One Health Consultant)

The aim is to gather good practices on effective interventions from Alliance members to enable learning and knowledge exchange across sectors and regions. 

The success of the working group depends on whether clear goals have been formulated, how committed and well- organized the chair is, how motivated the group members are and whether there is a continuous workflow.

Since most members already have very demanding full-time jobs, the time capacity of individual members may change over time. It can be challenging to ensure a good workflow and working atmosphere. Appreciation and understanding are of great importance in order to enable further collaboration.

Governmental Consultation Facility

The goal of the Consultation Facility is to provide context-specific multidisciplinary consultancy services from Alliance experts to governments/governmental institutions in countries with a high risk of novel diseases of zoonotic origin to prevent spill-over infections.

The expertise of more than 180+ member organisations and individual experts in the Alliance will be used to put together those interdiscplinary teams.

The Consultation Facility specializes on medium-term, primary preventive and context-specific government advisory services with concrete results in the context of health risks in wildlife trade and consumption along the entire contact and trade chain.

Effective and sustainable counseling requires thorough policy analysis/screening to identify suitable governments.

Existing political action or other political regulations regarding the intersection of wildlife and human health for example, are particulary helpful at the beginning of the consultation.

The facility was launched in December 2023. For this reason, the lessons learned will only be communicated in the course of 2024.

Human-Elephant Conflict mitigation through soft barriers protecting crop fields

In May 2023, the Elephants Alive (EA) team embarked on an Human-Elephant Conflict barrier implementation mission to the Namaacha Valley in Southern Mozambique. EA and Mozambique Wildlife Allience (MWA), as well as delegates from Save The Elephants (Kenya) and PAMS Foundation (Tanzania), came together in an inspirational cooperation exercise to implement a 4-way mitigation soft barrier to protect three crop fields. The fields had been identified through field research and GPS tracking data, as high-risk for elephant crop-raiding. One side of the fence was built by hanging beehives. As the hives start to become occupied with wild swarms, we will keep training local farmers on how to keep hives and colonies healthy, by assessing the frame structures and checking if the bees have enough pollen to produce honey. This knowledge will allow the farmers to increase both their crop production, protect crops from hungry elephants and supplement their income from honey sales. The second side of the fence was made up of metal strip fencing, the noise and sight of which has been proven to deter elephants from breaking into farmers’ fields. We set up the third side of the fence with chilli rags. The fourth side of the soft barrier fence was comprised of flashing lights, a technique successfully used in Botswana.

  • Each mitigation method is applied and maintained properly.
  • Following comprehensive beekeeping training and set-up of a monitoring system, the beehive fence will be maintained. 
  • Bee colonies have enough available resources to prevent colonies absconding from hives. 
  • Keen interest from the community. This was facilitated by the previous success of the Rapid Response Units in deterring elephant crop raiding.
  • Access to resources to maintain the soft barriers
  • Monitoring of elephant crop raiding incidents through field reports & GPS data

All barriers held up well despite two collared elephants coming close within the first month. On the 15th and 16th of June a bachelor herd broke in at the unoccupied beehives. They broke out at the chilli rags, as they had not been refreshed as taught. We have been communicating with the chief, who now sees the importance of the chilli rag refreshing routine. He has since collected more chilli and engine oil for reapplication. We have instructed that the smelly elephant repellent is hung at regular intervals of the beehive fences. The community has reported that the elephants avoid the flashing lights so on our next trip we will put flashing lights at regular intervals until the summer brings a greater occupancy of hives. Transport between the plots and supplies storage room is challenging. The straight-line distance is 5km but no vehicles are available. On our next trip, a watch tower will be erected closer to the plots, the base of which will be made into a storeroom. The responsible staff member from Mozambique Wildlife Alliance has now also acquired a driver’s licence so he can ferry supplies as the need arises.

Apalancamiento de fondos para alternativas productivas sostenibles compatibles con la conservación (3)

En complemento al TDC, cumpliendo los Lineamientos de Sostenibilidad Financiera con apoyo de ANECAP y DRIS se apalancó proyectos de: fondos climáticos, cooperación Internacional, fondos concursables y alianzas con privados. Se inició con la promoción de la cadena de valor sostenible de cacao.

  • Las comunidades tenían parcelas instaladas de cacao convencional, aunque les faltaba mejorar sus prácticas
  • Existían árboles silvestres de cacao nativo “eshpe” en la RCY y las comunidades nativas
  • El gobierno local fomentaba el uso excesivo de agroquímicos para lograr altos volúmenes de cacao. Ante esto, hubo disposición de los Yánesha para (en ecosistemas secundarios comunales) cultivar cacao sin deforestación y con prácticas ambientalmente responsables mediante un paquete técnico validado con la Mesa técnica de cacao del distrito de Palcazu.
  • Se creó la empresa social KO´WEN POETSATH, conformada por las comunidades y el ECA AMARCY para mejorar los precios en mercados especiales y disminuir la intermediación en beneficio de las comunidades.
  • Se tienen tres tipos de cacao: CCN51, el cacao aromático (criollo) identificado en 2019 y se descubrió el cacao nativo “eshpe” (que ganó el 2019, el XIII concurso nacional de cacao de calidad reconocido en el evento del Salón del Chocolate).
  • Se busca una producción de alta calidad, actualmente el cacao nativo y convencional (grano y derivados) tienen la marca “Aliados por la conservación” otorgada por SERNANP para productos asociados a ANP y se promueve un reconocimiento de producción cero deforestación (monitoreado por el PNCBMCC). Esto permitirá el acceso a mercados que reconocen mejoras técnicas en la cosecha y postcosecha y por lo tanto los precios de venta.
  • A futuro se continuará las mejoras en la producción y otros requisitos para acceder a certificaciones de comercio justo y orgánico, con el fin de reconocer la conservación de los boques y la biodiversidad.
Construcción de la institucionalidad coordinada para la vigilancia integral de las amenazas a la Reserva Comunal Yanesha (2)

Con el liderazgo de la cogestión SERNANP-ECA AMARCY, se ha construido una estrategia integral de vigilancia de la RCY, su zona de amortiguamiento y su paisaje asociado, elaborando herramientas unificadas en coordinación con todas las instituciones responsables y promotoras de la vigilancia comunal.

  • Liderazgo del ECA AMARCY para elaborar la propuesta de vigilancia integral de la RCY, su zona de amortiguamiento y su paisaje asociado.
  • Apoyo técnico de ANECAP para la formulación de las propuestas de herramientas y procedimientos unificados de vigilancia comunal.
  • Disponibilidad de las instituciones promotoras de la vigilancia comunal al interior de la RCY (SERNANP) y fuera de la RCY en territorios comunales y la zona de amortiguamiento y paisaje asociado (PNCBMCC y el Servicio Nacional Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre - SERFOR)
  • Se elaboró un protocolo de vigilancia unificado utilizando los elementos solicitados por SERNANP, el PNCBMCC y SERFOR.
  • Como parte de la unificación de procedimientos, los vigilantes comunales capacitados por SERNANP- ECA AMARCY para la vigilancia dentro de la RCY deberían ser reconocidos también por el PNCBMCC y SERFOR para vigilar sus territorios comunales.
  • Las capacitaciones en vigilancia comunal de la cogestión SERNANP-AMARCY, PNCBMCC y SERFOR son canalizadas a través de la cogestión, para los vigilantes de las 10 comunidades del ECA AMARCY y vigilantes de anexos colonos.
  • Para implementar la estrategia integral de vigilancia, se elabora un Plan operativo anual que la cogestión ajusta al inicio de cada año y reporta su cumplimiento a las comunidades al finalizar el año.
  • Se aporta a tres NDC del Perú: a) Las TDC del PNCBMCC abarcan 17,866.00 ha conservadas; b) Patrimonio del Perú a través del Contrato de administración entre SERNANP y ECA AMARCY aporta con 34,000 ha conservadas c) Revalorización de saberes ancestrales medida de ANECAP-SERNANP para Reservas Comunales.
3. Action planning based on the outcome of the SAGE assessment

Development of an action plan after the SAGE process was very crucial as it ensured that recommendations provided in the SAGE process were addressed in a systematic and targeted manner whereby key stakeholders who participated in the SAGE process were also engaged in the action planning process hence, they drew the roadmap for implementation of those recommendations.

 

In addition, recommendations which came out of the SAGE process informed Honeyguide on areas of priority in designing WMA governance capacity building programs.

 

The overall successful preparation of an action plan after the SAGE process required the following;

  • A clear understanding of the assessment findings and recommendations provided
  • Clear goals and objectives to be achieved
  • Strong leadership and coordination with key stakeholders
  • Adequate resources
  • Willingness and commitment from all key stakeholders.

Overall success of the action planning phase based on the outcome of SAGE process provided an opportunity to learn important lessons related to;

  • Keen selection and active engagement of key stakeholders in the planning process
  • Thorough understanding of the local context
  • Effective prioritization and goal setting by all key stakeholders
  • Inclusiveness of all key stakeholders in adequate resource mobilization

These lessons learned can be used as a good source of information to future development planning and programming organs of the WMA and can help to ensure that development interventions are effective, inclusive, and sustainable over the long term.

Decision-making based on Community Engagement

CHICOP closely collaborates with representatives from neighboring communities, facilitated through regular village meetings and the establishment of an MPA advisory committee. The park actively engages with the local communities to gather their feedback and incorporate it into the planning and decision-making processes for adaptive management planning and implementation. A recurring 10-year management plan provides the bedrock for the Chumbe project (now in its 3rd iteration). Feedback to planning is collected through in-person interviews and meetings, ensuring open and transparent communication channels with the local communities. Moreover, by providing extensive employment opportunities for the local communities (both on the island, and through supporting a range of off-island enterprises that contribute to island operations, such as sustainable agricultural products, organic soap production and the like), Chumbe fosters mutual benefits, sustainable livelihoods, and ensures strong representation of local community considerations in all aspects of management.

  • Collecting opinions through regular meetings with the villagers and engaging in discussion with local authorities, such as the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries and the Department of Forestry, is a key factor for success in ensuring the protection of the island’s biodiversity.
  • The privately managed governance model adopted by the island brought significant advantages in management without generating conflicts of interest among different stakeholders or changes in priorities by the government.

The successful conservation of Chumbe Island would not be possible without the active involvement, engagement, and support of local communities. The direct contribution and willingness to participate are critical factors for success. It is important to foster an open and inclusive environment where different voices can be heard, and mutual understanding can be built. By actively engaging with and listening to the local communities, a strong sense of ownership and collaboration can be fostered, leading to more effective and equitable conservation efforts

Environment Education based on an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) approach

Education played a crucial role in the successful protection of the marine protected area (MPA). Prior to its designation as an MPA (which is 100% no-take zone), the park was a free fishing zone. To increase awareness about the closure of the site in the 1990s, and help local people understand the importance of conservation and its benefits, CHICOP implemented an extensive outreach program and established an Environmental Education (EE) program by providing hands-on environmental education experiences for local school children, teachers, community members and government officials, that has continued to date.

  • Income from eco-tourism has been a primary funding source for the EE program
  • Educational programs have allowed local communities, students and international students to gain practical experiences
  • The Head Ranger, a former Zanzibari fisher, has been leading the education program for fishing communities
  • The active participation of Conservation and Education team in EE program
  • Practical insights and knowledge in nature conservation are shared, providing fishing communities with firsthand learning opportunities

Education is vital for long-lasting conservation efforts. Changing people's mindset is crucial, and continuous environmental education is necessary. A one-day workshop, however, is not sufficient, and environmental education should be consistently provided. Even with ongoing education, it does not guarantee a 100% change in behaviour, as there may be still fishers engaging in illegal fishing activities. In the case of Chumbe, there is a mechanism in place to address such illegal activities through collaboration with government authorities and law enforcement agencies.

 

It is recommended to not only maintain regular education programs but also establish proper mechanisms to manage potential poaching activities. Additionally, to sustain these activities, it is advisable to explore alternative financing options rather than relying solely on external financial resources, considering the possibility of unforeseen situations such as the recurrence of a pandemic like Covid-19. While BIOPAMA Rapid Response Grant supported CHICOP, long-term sustainability requires careful consideration of uncertainties.

 

Partnership Collaboration, Action Planning and monitoring progress:

A stakeholders workshop was conducted to share assessment results, address questions from the 2nd workshop, and discuss an action plan for mitigating identified negative impacts. Actions, activities, and timelines were discussed for each impact.

 

Based on the collected data, TT successfully engaged donors in funding projects aligned with reducing the negative impacts.

 

To mitigate the Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) negative impact, TT has constructed a 33km Elephant exclusion Fence and 8 additional 10% fences,  reducing HWC by over 80%.

 

To address the lack of water, TT provided 110 dam liners, each with a capacity of 56,000 L, resulting in the harvesting of over 6 million litres of surface run-off water.

 

In support of schools, TT is offering scholarships to 9 students and has constructed and equipped a Science and computer laboratory in a local secondary school.

 

To overcome information barriers, TT established a BULK SMS platform and grievances log to facilitate communication on key issues, ongoing projects, and address grievances between TT and communities.

 

TT is currently developing a SAPA review scheduled for July 2023 to assess the impact and change in perceptions resulting from the implemented interventions in communities.

 

 

 

 

The Tsavo Trust management was very supportive throughout the entire process.

Tsavo Trust contracted experienced consultants who conducted the SAPA process professionally within the set timelines 

The good relationship between Tsavo Trust, Communities and Key Stakeholders made the process a success

Timely availing of project funds from BIOPAMA

During the SAPA process final phase, TT learnt that bringing a wider network of stakeholders had varying benefits. Ensuring there was representation from County Government, like-minded NGOs, Kenya Wildlife Services and Community helped reduce the pressures on TT to deliver and address all the negative impacts identified during the evaluation. All partners who were part of the SAPA process now have a clear picture of the work that TT does and the needs of the Kamungi members.