NGO facilitates stakeholder dialogue, builds capacity and trust
The long-term presence and commitment of the Wildlife Conservation Society in the Mbe Mountains has been crucial for conservation success. CAMM lacks capacity and funding so WCS facilitated regular CAMM meetings and promoted necessary dialogue required between the nine communities. The presence of an independent NGO helped broker trust between the communities and to develop a common vision. A draft management plan has been produced and CAMM received support to work with the Boki Local Government to develop community bylaws for the Mbe Mountains. WCS has also helped to build the capacity of CAMM, mentoring them to develop their own funding proposals and with report writing and financial management. WCS is also assisting CAMM with the construction of a new headquarters.
Long term presence and commitment of an NGO.
Long term funding required.
Transparency and mutual respect develops trust between the NGO and local communities.
Patience and long-term approach required for capacity building of CAMM.
Initially there was a great deal of mistrust by the nine communities towards WCS that took many years to overcome and still requires constant effort.
Support from external elites and politicians was useful in solving local community issues or disputes between communities.
Local government is more effective on the ground than state government institutions.
Social media is an effective tool for dialogue and awareness raising.