Before this survey, there was no accurate scientific data available about the extension of seagrass beds in northern Palk Bay. The preparation started in 2010, and the actual survey started in 2013 and was published in 2018. We had to come across issues related to funding, logistics, and how to build technical knowledge within our organization. Due to poor water quality, it was difficult to map the seagrass beds using satellite imagery. So, OMCAR built a survey boat (a modified fishing boat), developed skills in GIS and acoustic methods, and scuba equipment from 2010 to 2013. With the funding from NRDMS, DST, Government of India – OMCAR started to conduct the acoustic survey in shallow nearshore waters in northern Palk Bay for proposing the site as a conservation reserve.  This was the first such attempt to survey the seagrass beds using acoustic technology in India. The final reports were submitted to Government and also published in 2018. This baseline survey revealed the distribution of seagrass beds in the ‘dugong conservation reserve’ up to 35,000 hectares of northern Palk Bay, so 500 square kilometers area in and around this seagrass bed has been selected to be declared as a” Dugong Conservation Reserve” based on this research by Government. 

Wildlife disease surveillance in bats, rodents and non-human primates, was conducted in key interfaces where wildlife was most likely to interact (directly or indirectly) with livestock or humans. In Bolivia, key interfaces between wildlife and domestic animals and people included subsistence hunting by indigenous communities, captive wildlife settings (rescue centers and sanctuaries), peri-domestic settings (in and around human dwellings or fields), wildlife trade, extractive industries and livestock production areas. Additionally, wildlife disease surveillance was conducted in remote protected areas for comparison purposes, as well as during zoonotic disease outbreaks in people. By targeting healthy free-ranging wildlife and stressed or sick wildlife, we aimed to increase the possibilities of detecting known and novel viruses likely to impact human health and affect wildlife conservation.

Key stakeholders (including government personnel from public health, veterinary and biodiversity services; wildlife rescue centers staff; field veterinarians; biologists; laboratory technicians; and inhabitants of indigenous communities), were trained to survey for zoonotic disease spillover risk using the USAID PREDICT surveillance protocols. Training covered diverse topics including biosafety and PPE use, animal capture, sampling methods for various species of animals, data collection, sample packing and shipment, emergency preparedness, early warning systems, and safe laboratory operations. Woven into all training on surveillance tools was the emphasis on clear communication channels. All stakeholders were made aware of the specific agencies and individuals to liaise with regarding wildlife disease risk, so that the appropriate parties can be notified in a timely and effective manner.

This building block involved facilitating dialogues between previously siloed actors: government agencies, research, local people, etc. When the gaps between sectors are addressed before solution implementation, diverse voices and opinions can be considered and the solutions developed are often more readily implemented and accepted.  

The main threats to the park emanate from the combination of a lack of a true buffer zone and widespread poverty surrounding the park. VNP’s Community Partnership Programme has therefore identified priorities as mitigating crop damage caused by wild animals and establishing new livelihoods for communities. 862 community members organized in cooperatives are involved in park conservation activities and tourism. 262 porters benefit as temporary staff, who earn between $12 to $25 per day to carry visitors' belongings during gorilla viewing and hiking.

As a means of reducing forest resources dependence, we have provided alternative income generating activities, through the establishment of fuel wood plantations and fuel efficient stove adoption, support for developing bamboo propagation and processing outside the park, and support for rainwater harvesting systems. We also developed alternative agriculture options such as identifying crops that are economically viable but not targeted by wildlife crop-raiding.

In 2007, a 1-meter-high stone buffalo wall was completed that spans the entire 76km border of VNPto reduce crop damage by wild animals by Rwanda Development board. We encourage the local community to constantly maintain it.

The Tourism Revenue Sharing (TRS) program was introduced by the Rwanda Development Board with the aim to share a percentage of the total tourism park revenues with the communities living around.

The TRS is one of the most progressive and successful community programmes. The goal of revenue sharing is to reduce illegal activities in the park and improve the living conditions of the communities by providing alternatives to park resources and compensation to farmers for the loss of productivity due to wildlife crop raiding. Between 2005 and 2010, $536,665 went to community projects through the revenue sharing programme. In May 2017, revenue sharing was increased from 5% to 10% of gross tourism revenues earned by our Rwanda Development board.

The main focus of spending has been on infrastructure such as schools, water tanks, health centres and sanitation. 

Red Rocks Initiative took the opportunity of the TSR funding to establish Community cooperatives. We embarked on intensive training and skilling on making a lot of art and handicraft products, depicting rich diverse Rwanda Culture, Agro-business, Youth Talent. At the end, even those who used to poach understand the benefits of tourism.

Sensitisation of the local and indigenous population is a key element in preventing major outbreaks of epidemics such as Ebola, anthrax or respiratory diseases. The direct and extended target group of the project includes staff of the primate habituation programme and their families, tourist guides, ecoguards, researchers, project staff, tourists and indirectly the local population.

Human Health Care - Conservation and ecotourism staff and their families receive an annual health check-up and vaccinations. In addition, access to health care for the general population was strengthened through cheaper or free health care in health stations and hospitals. A mobile unit was also set up to provide initial health care in remote locations.

Awareness raising - Radio programmes about zoonotic and infectious diseases have been designed to reach a broader audience. To target the indigenous population, an educational film was produced in local languages, and an indigenous youth organisation developed interactive theater plays to sensitize communities about infectious diseases and preventive measures.

Training - Health staff from 13 health stations in Dzanga-Sangha were trained through simulations to appropriately react in case of (epidemic) disease outbreaks.

Through a fully functioning integrated health monitoring system for people, habitat and habituated apes and other wildlife, an early warning system was created. The aim is to detect prevalent diseases early and prevent its spreading within wildlife or human population through improved collaboration with public health and civil society actors. The Health monitoring system comprises:

Health condition of habituated gorillas are monitored daily. The Primate Habituation Programme was started by WWF back in 1997 and is one of the main pillars of the conservation work in Dzanga-Sangha ever since. Habituation has started in Campo Ma'an since 4 years. 

A variety of methods are used to investigate the spread of zoonotic pathogens in the natural habitat, such as collecting monthly faecal and urine samples from the gorillas and, less frequently, from mangabeys, collecting vectors such as carrion flies, and regularly taking swab and necropsy samples from carcasses. These are then analysed in the field laboratory.

Conservation and ecotourism employees and their families receive annual health checkups and vaccinations, and are closely monitored in suspected cases.

Local researchers are the most important actors in the implementation of this project. 

The project involved experienced researchers and professors based in 8 universities which were organized in 6 regional teams in the North, Northeast, Central, East, South, and Deep South. 

Although they come from various disciplines, most of their research interests are focused on development, at the local, provincial, and regional levels. They have insights on local problems, social capital and close connections with different stakeholders in the region. They came into this project with expertise covering some issues within the localization and implementation of the SDGs, and curiosity to learn more and utilize the Global Goals for promoting their local agenda.

The SMN was launched in September 2020, to offer trained Social Mediation the opportunity to have an accessible forum through which to exchange experience, raise concerns and ask for advice from more experienced Social Mediators. Moreover, based on their local experience, they can provide feedback for future opportunities and take initiatives in the context of the existing Social Mediators’ Network, to maximise sustainability, self-learning, empowerment and inclusion. The SMN uses a horizontal structure so that any member can take their own initiatives and present them to the group. Logistical support for the Network is offered by ICLAIM.