The training sessions targetted community members and CSOs, and aimed to provide the basis for them to be able to develop and propose project ideas effectively.
As the objective was for collaborative protection and management of the protected landscape, the management plan for the Buna River protected area was the first topic, for a shared understanding of the plan and local management objectives.
Secondly, the focus was on threats to the natural values - which helped participants understand what they could focus efforts on to have the most positive impact.
An upcoming grant program was then introduced, and a session held on how to develop project ideas and apply for grants that aligned with the call. Some key environmental issues in the area, plus key activities in the management plan were highlighted.
1. Funding for training program
2. Understanding of the position and existing knowledge, plus knowledge gaps of the target audience
3. People who want to be involved through community action
4. An existing endorsed management plan to ensure alignment of community actions with those undertaken by responsibilities
The grant program was run twice, and the first time there was no introductory training. The second call had preparatory workshops, where we guided the topics and helped projects ensure alignment with the management plan actions. The quality of the applications was much higher in the second call.