Promote the CCCA model to engage communities in conservation and to develop sustainable livelihoods

The demonstration of the CCCA model in pilot communities could show the Myanmar government what impact can be made if communities are involved in conservation actions and if benefits are provided for these actions. Supported by CEPF, GEI and four local NGO partners expanded the project communities to 27, conserving two more critical ecosystems: Inle Lake and Moeyingyi Wetlands. The total area conserved by the communities increased to almost 17,000 hectares. There was also an increase in participating households, from 4,565 to 21,615 people.

Good relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as central and local governments, local communities and local NGOs enabled the success of this building block.

The projects showed positive engagement with communities. Even though some communities lacked motivation and there were difficulties in communicating with them, the implementing NGOs exerted much effort to discuss projects with local people and to show that they respected community needs and willingness. However, the projects have had less success in engaging government agencies and companies. As important stakeholders, they were not identified through the initial stakeholder analysis process and did not share the same level of understanding of the CCCA projects with NGOs and communities. Their engagement and participation need to be considered in future projects.