9F0036 Africa general: Support to the African Elephant Specialist Group



Project Summary:

This project helps IUCN's Species Survival Commission (SSC) African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) to maintain an effective network of elephant specialists who can offer sound technical and scientific advice based on an understanding of the complex political issues involved. The network provides IUCN and WWF with up­to­date information on the status, population trends, and conservation needs of the elephant in Africa.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 100
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

When the former African Elephant and Rhino Specialist Group was split into two separate groups, WWF decided to continue supporting the elephant group because of the complexity of the issues involved. This project enables IUCN's Species Survival Commission (SSC) African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) to maintain a network of elephant specialists who can offer advice that is technically and scientifically sound, and which takes account of the complex political issues involved. It is also envisaged that this network will provide IUCN and WWF with up­to­date information on the status, population trends and conservation needs of the elephant in Africa.

Project Objectives:

1. To provide support for the IUCN/SSC AfESG in order to maintain an effective network of elephant specialists, including representatives of African governments.

2. To provide up­to­date information on the status, population trends, and conservation needs of the African elephant.

9F0036.1: Support to the African Elephant Specialist Group (Sep. 82 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

At the 1991 African Elephant and Rhino Specialist Group meeting in Botswana it was decided that the group should be split into two - the African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) and the African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG) - and that a new post of Programme/Executive Officer be created for the AfESG to run the group's administrative activities. When Holly Dublin of the WWF Eastern Africa Regional Programme Office (EARPO) became co­chair of the AfESG, it was decided that two rooms in the EARPO be set aside for the new AfESG office. These were allocated in mid­1992. An AfESG Programme Officer started work in January 1993.

Activity Objectives:

1. To provide and improve technical information and advice on the conservation of Africa's elephants to the following clients: African government management agencies; non­governmental conservation organizations (including both international and African­based organizations); intergovernmental organizations and governments outside Africa. Specific effort will be made to target outputs which meet the needs of different clients and strengthen their capacity for long­term conservation of elephants.

2. To promote and catalyse conservation activities on behalf of Africa's elephants, to be carried out by the clients mentioned above.

3. To hold AfESG meetings in order to collect updates on African elephant numbers, distribution, and status and to discuss issues relating to elephant conservation and management, such as human/elephant conflict and trade issues.

4. To publish "Pachyderm" twice a year.

Major targets for FY1998 and beyond:

1. To hold another meeting of the AfESG in 1997/98 to review elephant status and distribution, assess progress in research and management, and discus progress with prioritizing issues related to the conservation and management of the African elephant.

Activity Methods:

Institutional Support and Development; Policy Development; Research and Monitoring; Species Management.

Activity Species:

African elephant (Loxodonta africana); Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis); White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum).

9F0038 Africa general: WWF Regional Office for Eastern Africa

Project Summary:

This project aims to support the continuing process of decentralizing the WWF Africa Programme by ensuring that resources are available in East Africa at a local level.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 100

Project Background:

WWF implements a wide range of conservation activities throughout eastern Africa. Before these are approved and funded they are carefully screened. The criteria used includes conservation merit, benefit to local communities, cost effectiveness and probability of success. Once a project has been approved, there is a need for ongoing project support so as to ensure it is running smoothly and meeting its objectives. The WWF Eastern Africa Regional Programme Office (EARPO) aims to provide local programme support in the east African countries of Kenya, Eritrea, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, and eastern Zaire. The aim is to assist WWF's conservation work in eastern Africa by providing support at local level. The project is part of the continued decentralization of WWF's Africa Programme.

Project Objectives:

1. To assist WWF conservation activities throughout eastern Africa by providing project support and evaluation at local level.

9F0038.1: WWF Regional Office for Eastern Africa (Jan. 83 - Jun. 00)

Activity Background:

The EARPO is responsible for the conception and preparation of project proposals with special emphasis on the justification for projects and project design and implementation. EARPO staff provide practical support in ensuring the supply and delivery of materials and equipment, as well as providing technical advice. Regular field visits are undertaken to ensure that a project is running smoothly and that the objectives are being met. Advice is also provided on the need for additional follow­up projects to achieve the conservation objectives. A prime role is to disseminate WWF press and publicity material both within the region and abroad, and to receive official visitors including NOs and donor groups.

Activity Objectives:

1. To serve as the principal focus within eastern Africa for the WWF Network and to support all WWF field activities in the region.

2. To represent WWF within the region at international meetings, as well as in the media and by individual presentations.

3. To continue managing projects throughout the region, including Zaire.

4. To represent WWF interests with local governments, multilateral and bilateral donors, and other NGOs operating in the region.

5. To continue visits to the projects, participation in meetings and project evaluations, as well as administrative and/or financial management support.

Major targets for FY1998 and beyond:

1. To successfully evaluate this project.

2. To progressively review the Subregional Strategic Plan in operation.

3. To monitor and evaluate the plan implemented.

4. To secure funding for the programme.

Activity Methods:

Community Conservation; Policy Development; Programme / Project Development; Programme / Project Evaluation.

9F0052 Africa general: Fund for Conservation Endeavour

Project Summary:

The Fund for Conservation Endeavour was established in 1987. It was created to supply small grants to African individuals for conservation work, including research, within East Africa and to help universities, government departments and local non­governmental organizations in their efforts to upgrade staff conservation skills. It also helps to establish field research programmes in African institutions and gives assistance in building a local support network for conservation movements in East Africa.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 100
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

The Fund for Conservation Endeavour (FCE) was established in 1987 to provide small grants to individual Africans for priority conservation work, including field research, within East Africa. The fund, supported by WWF and other conservation organizations, also helps universities, government departments, and local NGOs in their efforts to upgrade staff conservation skills. It also helps to establish field research programmes in African institutions, as well as building a local support network for conservation movements in East Africa. The fund is administered by the WWF Eastern Africa Regional Programme Office in Nairobi.

Project Objectives:

1. To provide small grants to individual Africans for field research projects in a priority conservation field.

2. To help government departments, universities, and local NGOs in their efforts to upgrade staff conservation skills.

3. To develop field research programmes in African institutions.

4. To establish a local support network for conservation movements in East Africa.

9F0052.1: Fund for Conservation Endeavour (Apr. 87 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

The six partners who originally formed the consortium of the FCE with WWF are no longer participating in this project. WWF EARPO will therefore draw up new terms and conditions for the awards under this project.

Activity Objectives:

1. To develop criteria and procedures for awarding support.

2. To coordinate the distribution of application forms, collate responses and, in collaboration with the WWF Representative, decide upon the amounts to be awarded and to whom.

3. To manage and, where necessary, supervise supported activities.

4. To network with the original FCE members, including potential supporters of the programme.

5. To prepare progress and financial reports.

Major targets for FY1998 and beyond:

WWF EARPO has developed a programme (9F0097) to support indigenous NGOs, community-based organizations and initiatives from individuals. Should EARPO be successful in raising funds for the programme, this project, together with other smaller ones managed by EARPO, will be incorporated (form part of) 9F0097.

Activity Methods:

Education; Training.

9F0052.2: Solar Connect ­ Uganda (Jul. 95 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

Uganda, like most other developing countries, relies heavily on fuel-wood for domestic, industrial and commercial energy supplies. According to the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources, 98% of all trees cut down in Uganda are used for fuel-wood, and only 2% are used as building poles and sawn planks. Of the 98%, 77% are used for household cooking, while the rest goes towards the supply of commercial and industrial energy requirements such as curing of bricks, fish, and tobacco. The rate of wood consumption for fuel alone exceeds the sustainable yield production; a situation that would cause total depletion of Uganda's forests by the year 2058.

Faced with the threat in forest depletion, both government and non­governmental organizations have taken up the challenge of searching for solutions to this problem. One such NGO is Solar Connect which initiated a programme in 1989 to introduce Ugandans to the use of solar energy for cooking as an alternative to the use of fuel-wood. Using materials mainly obtained locally in Uganda, the group developed a simple device, the solar cooker, which uses the sun's rays to operate. With gradual modification of the initial models, the group has now adopted two basic models that are easily assembled using locally available materials and conforming to social norms. These two types of cooker, the box and the parabolic, have been tested and continue to be tested for acceptability in various districts in Uganda.

WWF EARPO is not involved in the management of this project. WWF-Switzerland supplied the project with a vehicle for use in carrying out the activities described. WWF EARPO's role is to monitor use of the vehicle to ensure it is used for the purpose for which it was provided, and to report back to WWF­Switzerland on progress made by the project. In addition to monitoring use of the vehicle, EARPO staff will also visit Solar Connect offices and centres in Uganda to give advise on issues related to the implementation of project activities. Whenever opportunities arise, such visits will be combined with visits to other projects supervised by EARPO in Uganda. This will ensure proper monitoring and evaluation of the Solar Connect activities, as well as providing an opportunity for networking this project's activities with other WWF programme activities in Uganda (e.g. Wildlife Clubs of Uganda, areas around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Rwenzori Mountains, etc.) and the region as a whole. Depending on the outcome of this project activity, WWF EARPO may develop a proposal to expand its support to this project, covering similar initiatives in other countries in the region.

Activity Objectives:

1. To promote the use of solar cookers in Uganda as a viable and environment­friendly alternative to fuel-wood and other conventional sources of energy.

2. To purchase a vehicle for use by Solar Connect staff in their day­to­day activities, to facilitate the group in the promotion of the following activities: (a) to carry out demonstrations and workshops on the use of solar cookers in selected towns and up-country districts within Uganda; to produce and distribute solar cookers in selected centres, and distribute them more widely to other areas in Uganda and occasionally outside Uganda; to participate in identified trade fairs in Uganda and the East African region so as to publicize the cookers and create an awareness on alternative sources of energy for cooking and drying of farm products.

4. To enhance awareness of solar cooker advantages in the target towns and districts, measured by the number of visits to demonstration centres, the number of press articles in the newspapers, and the number of solar cookers produced, distributed, and/or sold to the public in the target towns and districts.

Major targets for FY1998 and beyond:

1. To enhance awareness on the usefulness of solar cookers.

2. To increase the number of people/institutions using solar cookers in Uganda.

3. To expand the project to cover the rest of the countries in the eastern Africa region.

Activity Methods:

Natural Resource Economics.

9F0055 Africa general: East African Professional Development Programme

Project Summary:

In response to the many job applications received by WWF from Africans interested in conservation work in East Africa, WWF has established a system of internships to provide on­the­job training and performance evaluation before making an offer of long­term employment. The East African Development Programme is also designed to fulfil WWF's commitment to provide training under the terms of the International Agreement made with the government of Kenya.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 100
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

The WWF East African Regional Office (EARPO) in Nairobi receives many job applications from Africans, often well qualified, who are interested in conservation work. In response WWF established the East African Professional Development Programme, which uses the concept of internship to provide on­the­job training and performance evaluation before making an offer of long­term employment. The idea is to give the intern an opportunity to develop job skills whilst at the same time giving the organization a chance to evaluate the individual's potential contribution before making a long­term commitment. The International Agreement between WWF and the government of Kenya includes a training component, and this project is partly designed to fulfil these obligations. The programme provides interns with insights into the problems affecting their country's natural resources and provides a regional and international focus. Interns are given the opportunity to meet conservationists from other countries, as well as regional government personnel. They are encouraged to travel as widely as possible within the region in order to familiarize themselves with field projects and meet local government officials.

Project Objectives:

1. To increase African involvement in the WWF Africa Programme.

2. To identify potential candidates for full­time office or field positions.

9F0055.1: East African Professional Development Programme (Aug. 88 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

The intern's duties, subject to qualifications and experience and the needs of the EARPO, will include responsibility for a specific aspect of EARPO work, such as project development, press and publicity or education programmes. He/she will be under the direct supervision of the Regional Projects Manager.

Activity Objectives:

1. To provide on­the­job training for qualified individuals interested in a career in the conservation of wildlife and natural resources.

2. To assist EARPO staff in Nairobi with their increasing workload, with specific focus on information, public relations and publicity.

Activity Methods:

Training.

9F0062 Africa general: African Elephant Conservation Fund

Project Summary:

This project involves the establishment of a discretionary fund through which emergency funds can be provided for activities relating to the conservation of the African elephant. The aim is to respond speedily and effectively to emergency situations without having to go through the normal channels of project approval. Funding is approved by the head of WWF's Africa Programme in conjunction with the Senior Conservation Advisor for Species and Protected Areas in the Africa/Madagascar Programme.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 100
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

The African elephant, the largest land mammal on earth, rapidly declined in number in the 1970s and 1980s. This decline was the result of land­use conflict between elephants and humans and an accelerating demand for ivory, much of its obtained illegally. The elephant has already disappeared from many parts of the continent, particularly in West and Eastern Africa and other areas of political instability. The African elephant is not only an evocative symbol on the African continent, but is seen as a "flagship" species for Africa, attracting strong public support for conservation activities. It has important economic value, traditionally as a source of ivory, and more recently as a key species of singular importance to both non­consumptive (tourist) and consumptive (trophy hunting) use programmes. The elephant also plays a vital role in the structuring of habitats and can have significant impacts on biodiversity at all levels.

Project Objectives:

1. To establish a discretionary mechanism through which funds can be accessed and provided rapidly for activities relating to the conservation of the African elephant.

9F0062.1: African Elephant Conservation Fund (Aug. 89 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

There are currently no programmed activities as this is intended to be a "quick response" mechanism for priority requests from the field. It is anticipated that requests will be submitted against available funds.

Activity Objectives:

1. To respond swiftly and effectively to any priority needs in the field.

Major targets for FY1998 and beyond:

1. To continue close liaison with IUCN/SSC's African Elephant Specialist Group's priority setting process to help set priorities for WWF's input to the conservation of Africa's elephants.

2. To be able to fund and implement priority actions for the conservation of Africa's elephants.

Activity Biomes:

Tropical Dry Forest; Tropical Grasslands and Savannas; Tropical Moist Forest; Tropical Woodland.

Activity Methods:

Research and Monitoring; Species Management.

Activity Species:

African elephant (Loxodonta africana); Forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis).

9F0065 Africa general: Small Grants Fund for Africa

Project Summary:

This project provides small grants to support conservation projects in the Africa and Madagascar region. Special focus is placed on non­governmental organizations (NGOs) which are developing innovative environmental research and other activities. Most NGOs lack funding and WWF can play a key role in their development through financial assistance.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 20
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 20
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 20
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 20
Treaties & Legislation 20
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

WWF's ability and willingness to provide catalytic support to valuable small­scale conservation initiatives has always been widely regarded as one of its strengths. Screening of small project applications will be done by the Africa Programme team at WWF International and, where appropriate, in coordination with the Programme Office concerned.

Project Objectives:

1. To provide small grants to conservationists and projects in Africa and Madagascar with little or no bureaucracy or delay.

9F0065.1: Small Grants Fund for Africa (Jul. 90 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

The activities financed by the fund are diverse, but are intended to be catalytic. Grants will often be awarded for scientific research or for applied conservation research. However, they may also be used for seminars, conferences, or other important events where input from WWF would be of direct benefit to the implementation of the mission of the organization concerned.

Activity Objectives:

1. To provide funds to support capacity building and conservation related activities.

Activity Methods:

Programme / Project Development.

9F0070 Africa general: TRAFFIC East / Southern Africa

Project Summary:

View Map

This project provides funding for a consolidated Trade Records Analysis on Flora and Fauna in Commerce (TRAFFIC) programme for 18 East and Southern African countries, with a regional coordinating office based in Lilongwe, Malawi, and sub­offices in Tanzania, South Africa, and Kenya. The aim is to establish a network to monitor wildlife, forestry, and fisheries trade and sustainable use issues throughout the region and to assist governments with the implementation of Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species in the Wild (CITES) and other international or regional wildlife trade or law enforcement agreements.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 15
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 45
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 40
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

Following a European Commission-funded feasibility study, carried out in 1988 and updated in 1991, the TRAFFIC Committee, which oversees the operations and development of the TRAFFIC Network, endorsed the need for a TRAFFIC programme in East and Southern Africa. Commencing in 1991, TRAFFIC now operates with the support of relevant government authorities in the region, and has acquired official status in Malawi for a regional office with a full package of immunities and privileges. The aim of the TRAFFIC programme is: (a) to monitor and report on trade or other forms of utilization of animals and plants and their derivatives; (b) to identify areas of trade which may be detrimental to individual species; and (c) to assist African governments to more effectively implement CITES and national wildlife trade controls.

Project Objectives:

1. To establish a network for monitoring the wildlife trade in East and Southern Africa.

2. To assist African governments with CITES implementation and related issues.

3. To support law enforcement agencies in the effort to curb illegal trade in wildlife.

4. To ensure that wildlife trade is conducted legally and on a sustainable basis.

9F0070.1: TRAFFIC East / Southern Africa (Sep. 91 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa has been in existence since October 1991 and has a regional office in Malawi, with national representative offices in Dar­es­Salaam (Tanzania), Johannesburg (South Africa), and Nairobi (Kenya). The programme covers 18 East and Southern African countries.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Coral Reefs; Desert; Littoral Zones; Open Oceans and Seas; Temperate Dry Deciduous Forest; Temperate Grasslands and Savannas; Temperate Woodland; Tropical Dry Forest; Tropical Woodland; Urban Zones.

Activity Methods:

Information Systems; Institutional Support and Development; Lobbying; Policy Development; Research and Monitoring; Species Management; Treaties; Wildlife Trade Monitoring.

Activity Species:

African elephant (Loxodonta africana); Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis); Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus); Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes); Crowned crane (Balearica pavonina); Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus); Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius); Leopard (Panthera pardus); Lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor); Lion (Panthera leo); Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus); Ostrich (Struthio camelus); White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum).

9F0070.2: TRAFFIC Bush Meat Trade Study in E/S Africa (EU funded) (Sep. 91 - Dec. 97)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Major targets for FY1998 and beyond:

1. To gain a comprehensive understanding of bush meat trade dynamics in seven eastern and southern African countries. Achieving this objective will help to fill one of the greatest information voids in the understanding of wildlife activities in the region.

Activity Methods:

Policy Development; Research and Monitoring.

9F0071 Africa general: Project and Programme Development for Africa

Project Summary:

One of the principal tasks of this project is to develop new projects, or new approaches within existing projects, for the Africa/Madagascar Programme. This will require thorough analysis of existing conditions and practices, potential, and future needs of projects. Emphasis is placed on developing projects that fulfil WWF's Mission, and on evolving sustainable technical and financial strategies.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 100

Project Background:

Adequate project development is a major prerequisite to attaining conservation goals and project/programme effectiveness. Project development ensures that objectives are clearly stated, activities and outputs are clearly defined, and that inputs such as costs and manpower are correctly assessed and quantified. Project development is not only essential for new activities but also for projects under way that need continuing or reorienting following evaluation.

Project Objectives:

1. To carry out pre­mission screening, analysis and development of appropriate on­going projects, proposals and concepts.

2. To identify and develop new projects based on demand from Programme Offices and other sources.

3. To conduct on­site analysis and technical development of specific projects.

4. To ensure continuous technical support to selected projects following their initiation or re­design.

5. To encourage and support the use of logical framework planning systems and to provide training where necessary.

6. To provide training in design, monitoring, and evaluation systems and processes where necessary.

7. To develop collaborative relations with other governmental or non­governmental organizations.

9F0071.3: Support for Project and Programme Development (Jul. 96 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

Inadequate project development has been a persistent fundamental problem in conservation programmes. Project documents are often specific and clear as to the physical and financial inputs, personnel, activities and expected physical results. But thorough assessment of the overall objectives, the target groups and the external factors which determine success or failure are often lacking. This fact is one of the most important lessons learned in WWF's experience in its conservation programme. Deficiencies in planning and design are usually reflected in inadequate monitoring systems. During implementation there is often too much emphasis on physical results, and too little on policy issues and the effects of the project. As a result, projects often develop in unintended directions and fail to respond to the needs of the intended beneficiaries. In recognizing these factors, the Africa and Madagascar Programme is setting aside funding to specifically help in the development of projects and programmes. Projects will be developed with more emphasis on monitoring, analysis, and evaluation during their lifetime. There is ample evidence to show that a modest investment in improved project planning and development usually pays off in terms of better projects and direct savings.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Methods:

Programme / Project Development.

9F0079 Africa general: Protected Areas Conservation Strategy (PARCS) Phase I and II

Project Summary:

The PARCS project is an effort to improve the protection of Africa's biodiversity by expanding the capacity of relevant natural resource management authorities to effectively manage their protected area systems; by increasing the number of trained natural resource managers; and by improving the capacity of natural resource management authorities and institutions to train their staff.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 100
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

Africa's system of national parks and protected areas constitutes one of the most important safeguards of the continent's extraordinarily rich biological diversity. Protected area managers, the decision­makers in the field, play a critical role in the overall functioning of protected areas (PAs). However, recent assessments of training have focused on non­managerial staff in PAs (e.g. rangers). One of the main conclusions of an assessment carried out in 1987 (Child and Sefu), which examined the needs and priorities for training in wildlife management and utilization in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region, was that outside assistance should be focused on middle or upper (or professional) level training. Particular emphasis should be placed on equipping the warden grade to undertake wide­ranging responsibilities, including command, control and professional development of lower level field staff.

In light of these recommendations, the primary target group for the Protected Areas Conservation Strategy (PARCS) assessment is protected area managers in the field. The training needs assessment, completed in PARCS Phase I, was developed to fill the data gap on training needs, priorities, constraints, and opportunities for PA managers. The PARCS assessment departs from earlier studies in a number of ways. First, it embraces a participatory approach in that the assessment allows PA managers to: (i) determine the skills required for the job of protected area manager; (ii) assess their own skill levels; and (iii) help identify where training is presently being obtained in the required skills. Second, the assessment identifies specific, targeted training needs and then examines some opportunities to match these needs. Finally, the assessment covers the bulk of southern, eastern, and central Africa. It provides data which are comparable across regions, thus facilitating the cross­fertilization of ideas and initiatives and allowing for the development of regional solutions. The Phase I assessment was done in three regions, with WWF responsible for southern Africa, WCS for central Africa, and AWF for eastern Africa. The Biodiversity Support Programme funded and coordinated the effort.

The information gathered in Phase I of PARCS provided the basis for Phase II, which includes developing pilot training programmes and processes in each region. These pilot efforts will test models, approaches, programme structures, and teaching methodologies.

Project Objectives:

1. To expand the capacity of relevant natural resource management authorities to effectively manage their protected area systems.

2. To increase the number of well­trained natural resource managers.

3. To improve the capacity of natural resource management authorities and institutions to appropriately train their staff.

9F0079.2: Protected Areas Conservation Strategy (PARCS) ­ Phase II (Jul. 94 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

1. To establish a pilot programme in each of the three regions with the aim of implementing recommendations from the Phase I assessment.

Activity Biomes:

Tropical Dry Forest.

9F0079.3: Protected Areas Conservation Strategy (PARCS) PHASE III (Mar. 92 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

This is a project which has potential for being implemented in other countries in southern African besides Malawi. There will be concerted efforts to fundraise for it, particularly from the major donors in the region. If funds become available, a new project proposal will be developed.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

9F0083 Africa general: African Professional Development Programme

Project Summary:

The African Professional Development programme continues to provide training to African professionals in the field of natural resource management.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 100
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

There is an increased loss of Africa and Madagascar biological diversity. Africa cannot continue to ignore the proper management of its natural resources. The natural resource base is the engine of social and economic development in the region. A change of attitude within governments toward natural resources is critical in order for Africa to reverse the trend of a decaying environment. Solutions for change have for many years come from outside the region. WWF believes that African-based solutions are required. However, WWF recognizes that there is an acute lack of sufficiently trained Africans to handle the complex problems contributing to the increased loss of biological diversity. WWF is committed to providing adequate resources in order to build African capacity in the region. Hence, capacity building is not only a priority for WWF but a prerequisite for addressing the focal problem of increased loss of biological diversity.

The African Professional Development Programme will be Africa­wide. It is anticipated that funding decisions will be based on a competitive proposal­based selection process, undertaken several times a year.

WWF recognizes that there have been and continues to be numerous social, gender, and economic inequities in the management of African natural resources. One major objective of the African Professional Development Programme is to help address some of these inequities. For example, the programme aims to strengthen the leadership role of women and empower rural people so they may have greater control of their natural resources. The African Professional Development Programme will therefore give higher priority to supporting professional training for women and rural people.

Project Objectives:

Main objective:

1. To develop a strong natural resource management profession in Africa which will be able to address Africa's complex natural resource management needs into the 21st century.

Specific objectives:

2. To help train a strong cadre of professional natural resource managers within governments, NGOs, and community-based programmes.

3. To support the continued professional development of Africans in their careers in natural resource management, in part to encourage them to remain in the natural resource management field.

4. To help strengthen the capacity of African institutions to train effective natural resource managers through curriculum and materials development and equipment procurement.

9F0083.1: African Professional Development Programme (Jul. 93 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Urban Zones.

Activity Methods:

Training.

9F0084 Africa general: African Rhino Conservation Fund

Project Summary:

Rhino populations in Africa continue to decline, despite efforts to alter the situation. Indications are that traditional methods of halting the decline of the species (notably anti­poaching operations and trade bans) have not been effective. The aim of this project is to link up the various projects WWF has initiated to conserve rhino populations so that WWF support is better focused and more effective. This will be achieved through identification of funds for rhino projects in the various range states of the black and white rhino; answering questions critical to long­term conservation of the species; quick action in the field where the need is greatest to protect endangered populations; and providing institutional support to range state managers.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 100 Species 100
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

Hunting for trophies and clearing areas for settlement and cultivation have eliminated both black and white rhinos throughout much of their range. Populations have declined even further as tens of thousands of rhinos have been killed in this century alone to supply horns to markets in Yemen and the Far East. Hunting to supply foreign markets continues to this day, despite hunting bans, national anti­poaching efforts, and international trade prohibitions. While loss of habitat has been an important factor in the decline in rhino populations throughout Africa, loss through illegal trade in horns has clearly been the most significant factor. The result is that black rhino populations fell from an estimated 65,000 in 1970 to 3,800 in 1987, with fewer than 2,500 remaining in 1995. Southern white rhinos on the other hand have increased in number, particularly in South Africa, to over 7,000 in 1996. As a result of South Africa's conservation success with the species, they were downlisted to Appendix II at the CITES Conference of the Parties in the United States in 1994. The last remaining population of northern white rhinos, in Garamba National Park in Zaire, now numbers less than 30 animals and is considered to be highly threatened.

Project Objectives:

1. To develop a coordinated programme to address the conservation needs of black and white rhinos in Africa.

9F0084.1: African Rhino Conservation Fund (Jun. 93 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

Rhino populations on the African continent continue their rapid decline. This is primarily due to the trade in rhino horns in Yemen and the Far East. As a result, rhino populations are now isolated, fragmented, and highly vulnerable to poaching and human encroachment and the resulting habitat change. This activity involves the establishment of a discretionary fund to be used in the event of emergencies, such as translocations, dehorning, anti­poaching, etc.

Activity Objectives:

1. To establish a CHF200,000 Rhino Conservation Fund through which donated funds can be provided rapidly for activities relating to rhino conservation.

Major targets for FY1998 and beyond:

1. To continue close liaison with IUCN/SSC's African Rhino Specialist Group's Action Planning process to help set priorities for the conservation of Africa's two rhino species.

2. To be able to fund and implement priority actions for the conservation of Africa's two rhino species.

Activity Biomes:

Tropical Grasslands and Savannas; Tropical Woodland.

Activity Methods:

Institutional Support and Development; Programme / Project Development; Species Management.

Activity Species:

Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis); White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum).

9F0086 Africa general: Support for Regional Forest Officer

Project Summary:

This project supports the Regional Forest Officer in his activities to plan and develop a realistic forest conservation programme for Africa/Madagascar. The aim is to put into practice the forest conservation programme policy guidelines by ensuring full integration of the regional forest strategies.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 100Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 10
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 20
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 50
Treaties & Legislation 20
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

Forests are an integral component of a stable global environment. They support a large portion of the planet's biodiversity, help combat global warming by acting as carbon sinks, and provide humankind with an abundant supply of natural resources which fulfil our needs for food, shelter, and recreation. Unfortunately, both the quality and quantity of global forests have reduced dramatically in the past century. The natural habitat of most of Africa's land area, and much of the wetland, is forest. As a result, the conservation and sustainable management of forests play a fundamental role in meeting many of WWF's goals, as well as being basic to WWF's Mission of achieving the conservation of nature and ecological processes.

Traditionally, forest conservation has occupied a significant place in WWF's conservation initiatives. Since 1972 WWF has undertaken many projects that relate to the conservation and sustainable management of particular forest areas and species. In 1982 alone, an estimated 42% of WWF's annual budget was spent on projects in tropical moist forests and tropical seasonal woodlands and grasslands. The trend is continuing. However, WWF needs to keep pace with the rapidly evolving situations. Forested areas in Africa are being altered by changing land use in different ways and in different areas. Moreover, there is now international concern that focuses on forest conservation in Africa. This has created an entirely reasonable demand on WWF to have integrated policies and programmes for forest conservation, and to make public statements and provide information and assist/advise governments in Africa. To meet these demands, it is necessary that WWF engages the services of a mature professional with working experience related to the conservation and management of African forests. WWF is promoting forest utilization which conforms with natural processes, where ecological and economic risks are reduced to a minimum. WWF also understands that sustainable forest management is a major basis for economic sustainability, and has therefore been at the forefront in promoting sustainable utilization and the reduction in consumption of forest resources in Africa.

Project Objectives:

1. To plan and develop forest projects aimed at putting into practice the forest conservation programme policy guidelines; this can be achieved by ensuring that regional forest strategies are fully integrated into the conservation programme.

2. To influence African governments and international/private organizations in their tropical forest activities.

3. To coordinate WWF forest conservation activities in the region, with assistance from WWF Country/Regional Representatives and Country Forests Officers.

4. To consolidate the integration of forest policies into the region's conservation programme.

5. To contribute to the sustainable management of forest resources in Africa through the process of certification.

6. To strengthen WWF's forestry expertise in Africa.

9F0086.1: Support for Regional Forest Officer (Jul. 94 - Jun. 04)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Tropical Moist Forest; Tropical Dry Forest.

Activity Methods:

Community Conservation; Forest Management; Institutional Support and Development; Lobbying; Protected Area Establishment; Protected Area Management.

9F0089 Africa general: Programme Officer, Species & Protected Areas

Project Summary:

This project provides an outposted regional programme position to advise on species conservation issues, identify priority needs for the conservation of biodviersity through the conservation of species, habitats and protected areas, and to improve policy integration on species and protected areas issues between the field and the WWF Network. The position also provides technical advice in the area of consumptive and non-consumptive use, and community participation initiatives in the management of species and areas in the African context.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 20
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 40
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 25
Treaties & Legislation 15
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

The position of Senior Conservation Advisor, Species and Protected Areas was created in recognition of the need for (a) closer technical supervision of project design and evaluation on special issues in the realm of species and protected areas in Africa, and (b) a better linkage between the Africa field programme and policy formulation within the WWF Network. The Programme Officer acts as a technical bridge between WWF's activities/initiatives in the specified areas and the Director of the Africa/Madagascar Programme. The position is also designed specifically to provide more cohesion to WWF's programme activities and policies in the area of species of special concern, such as rhinos and elephants.

Project Objectives:

1. To provide technical supervision and input to specified projects.

2. To chair the WWF African Rhino Working Group (ARWG).

3. To liaise with relevant players and programmes within WWF, IUCN, and TRAFFIC.

4. To liaise with African governments on issues pertaining to species and protected area policies.

5. To help develop policy with regard to species, protected areas, consumptive and non-consumptive use, and community-based approaches to the management of species and protected areas.

6. To develop projects/programmes in specified fields.

9F0089.1: Programme Officer, Species & Protected Areas (Jul. 94 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

The Senior Conservation Advisor is charged with providing technical assistance and supervision to the Africa and Madagascar field programme on protected areas and species issues. In addition, the position facilitates linkages between the field programme, WWF International, and the NOs on policy issues pertaining to African species and protected areas. The Programme Office is also tasked with identifying challenges and opportunities for WWF intervention and with bringing attention to priority issues and conservation threats within the subregion.

Activity Objectives:

1. To chair the WWF ARWG.

2. To develop/prioritize WWF's approach to rhino conservation.

3. To liaise with relevant players within the NOs and other NGOs.

4. To liaise with African range state governments on issues pertaining to species and protected area policies.

5. To provide technical assistance to specified projects.

6. To develop the project and programme.

7. To provide technical input to the prioritization of key conservation issues for species and protected areas.

8. To provide technical input on issues related to sustainable use and community participation intiatives, particularly those with reference to species of special concern and protected areas, in their broadest definition.

Major targets for FY1998 and beyond:

1. To implement, coordinate, and supervise projects relating to species conservation and protected areas initiatives.

2. To advise on and identify threats to the conservation status of species and habitats.

3. To propose approaches for WWF programme and policy development in the realms of species conservation and protected areas.

4. To develop and strengthen the linkages between field­based activities and policy initiatives within the WWF Network.

5. To develop and strengthen linkages and understanding between WWF, African government authorities, and other non­governmental organizations on issues of mutual concern.

6. To help bridge the gap between theoretical conservation biology and its practical implementation in the field, principally identifying the challenges and opportunities for the conservation of species and WWF's focal biomes.

7. To ensure that project development is based on sound scientific information and that adequate monitoring and evaluation criteria are identified and incorporated.

8. To facilitate the transfer of information from the field to the appropriate players in the WWF Network.

Activity Methods:

Programme / Project Development; Programme / Project Evaluation; Species Management; Protected Areas Management.

9F0090 Africa general: Africa & Madagascar Communications Network

Project Summary:

The aim of this project is to build up a strong network of WWF communicators in Africa and to stress the importance of Africa/Madagascar's natural environment upon its people, making them aware of its benefits.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 100
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

During WWF's restructuring years (1989­1990) the organization identified a need for more project­related information. Both fundraisers and communicators at WWF's funding National Organizations (NOs) in the North wanted more information on how WWF's money was being spent in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In response to this, the first Africa Communications Officer was hired at WWF International in January 1991, after which Africa­related communications materials (articles on field projects, video features, photographs, country and media profiles, as well as audio­visual coverage of African projects) helped to raise WWF Network and supporter awareness in Africa. The Africa Communications Officer also handled information requests on WWF's Africa programme from WWF NOs and the media. However, WWF's African media flow was primarily from South to North. Information was exclusively tailored for WWF's funding NOs in the North. Articles and other communications products were geared more to a northern audience and for northern tastes, and there was little media focus or support given to WWF offices in Africa, although they were encouraged to use whatever material was already available.

Since then, WWF International's communications services have developed considerably in breadth and scope. It has become increasingly clear that WWF's field offices need help in developing media awareness of conservation activities in their respective countries. Also, WWF's goal of decentralization placed priority on hiring African press officers in WWF's country and regional offices. In recent years six African Communications Officers have been hired, in Zambia, Cameroon, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, who report on WWF's activities in their respective regions and answer media requests. It is now WWF International's goal to help develop and improve the ability and expertise of the communications officers to communicate environmental WWF information within their own countries and to the world at large. In order to do this, the responsibilities of the WWF International African Communications Officer (based in Nigeria) have been expanded to include the development of a WWF African communications network, the provision of training and institutional support for WWF Africa Offices, and up­to­date project information to WWF International's Communication Services Division, the Africa Field Programme, and the broader WWF Network. This project is designed as an integral part of the Africa/Madagascar Strategic Plan and complements WWF's goals in the "Global Priorities to the Year 2000" document.

Project Objectives:

1. To build up a strong network of WWF communicators in Africa that will become an integral and active part of a WWF Network­wide communications effort, to help maintain the quality of Africa's and Madagascar's natural environment for the benefit of its people.

2. To strengthen WWF's programme reporting and help provide faster feedback on conservation activities to WWF NOs and other donors.

3. To increase public awareness of WWF and its conservation activities in Africa, and to position WWF as a credible source of environmental information.

4. To raise awareness of African environmental issues through the creative use of radio, television, and the press media.

5. To use WWF's environmental message as an important factor in changing the attitudes and behaviour of Africans towards their environment, and to encourage them to stop the degradation of their environment.

6. To increase international media coverage of WWF's Africa Programme.

9F0090.1: Africa & Madagascar Communications Network (Jul. 94 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Urban Zones.

9F0098 Africa general: Marine Programme Development

Project Summary:

The purpose of WWF's marine programme in the Africa & Madagascar region is to conserve selected critical marine and coastal areas and species, and maintain their productivity in a way that sustains local livelihoods and national economies in the long term. This project provides funds for development of strategic initiatives to this end. Activities will be described as they come on line.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 5
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 10
Oceans and Coasts 100 Protected Areas 25
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 20
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 25
Treaties & Legislation 15
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

In March 1995 a framework for the goals and objectives of a ten­year Marine and Coastal Strategy for the region was adopted by the Africa & Madagascar Subcommittee.

In order to ensure that this programmatic vision could begin implementation immediately, the Subcommittee set aside CHF100,000 for marine and coastal conservation. WWF's long­term, core marine and coastal conservation programme for the region presently consists of six priority representative or model projects: Mafia Island (Tanzania), Bazaruto Archipelago (Mozambique), Banc d'Arguin (Mauritania), Gamba Reserves Complex (Gabon), Mapelane (South Africa), and Kiunga Reserve (Kenya). Additional core, representative projects could be developed in the following countries, in order of priority: Madagascar, Seychelles, Eritrea, and Cameroon. This will depend on the process of priority setting within the country and subregional strategies. At the discretion of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, a long­term project could also be developed for the Niger Delta. In addition to the long­term core projects, short­term interventions will be recommended each year. Seed funding to develop marine projects in the Africa & Madagascar region has been provided by WWF-Netherlands.

Project Objectives:

Main objective:

1. To conserve selected critical marine and coastal areas and species, and maintain their productivity in a way that sustains local livelihoods and national economies in the long term. Five broad objectives have been defined in pursuit of this goal.

Broad objectives:

2. To carry out community­based resource management/conservation successfully in WWF's core projects.

3. To conserve selected ecosystems and species of special concern (coral reefs, sea­grass beds, mangroves, mudflats, lagoons, estuaries, islands, upwelling areas; Mediterranean monk seal, marine turtles, dugong, manatee, cetaceans, coelacanth, sharks, southern bluefin tuna).

4. To enhance public and government support for marine conservation (marine environmental education; international campaign to stop dynamite fishing).

5. To promote development and implementation of policies and legislation (desktop study of African fisheries policies; data collected by TRAFFIC on key marine resources; lobby for appropriate pricing of commercial fish stocks).

6. To design and manage WWF's marine programme for Africa & Madagascar (capacity enhanced; priorities fine­tuned with local input; efficient system of project monitoring, supervision, and reporting; strong ties with communications network; systematic evaluations; iterative planning).

9F0098.1: Marine Programme Development (Jul. 95 - Jun. 05)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Open Oceans and Seas.

9F0099 Africa general: Freshwater Programme Development

Project Summary:

The purpose of WWF's freshwater ecosystem programme in the Africa & Madagascar region is to conserve selected critical freshwater areas and species, and maintain their productivity in a way that sustains local livelihoods and national economies in the long term. This project provides funds for development of strategic initiatives to this end. Activities will be described as they come on line.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 15
Freshwater Ecosystems 100 EE & Capacity Building 15
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 25
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 10
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 25
Treaties & Legislation 10
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

In March 1995 the Africa & Madagascar Subcommittee recommended that freshwater conservation be given higher priority within the programme, and requested that a WWF strategy for the conservation of freshwater ecosystems in Africa & Madagascar be developed. In order to give impetus to this programmatic vision, the Subcommittee set aside CHF100,000 for wetland conservation. WWF-Netherlands has provided seed funds to promote the conservation of freshwater ecosystems once strategic priorities are defined.

Project Objectives:

1. To develop priorities and guidelines to guide WWF investments in the conservation of freshwater ecosystems in the Africa & Madagascar region.

9F0099.1: Desk Study on the Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystems (Nov. 95 - Feb. 98)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

9F0100 Africa general: Sea Turtle Conservation Programme

Project Summary:

View Map

This project provides support for formulating a regional sea turtle strategy and for training senior marine turtle researchers and managers in the western Indian Ocean region.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 50
Oceans and Coasts 100 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 50
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

The sea is a special environment where linkages established by currents, species migrations, and passive larval dispersions can extend up to thousands of kilometres. Consequently, marine conservation issues need to be addressed at the regional level. The Western Indian Ocean Threatened Marine Species Initiative will emphasize the formulation of action plans and related training programmes. Initial efforts under this initiative will focus on marine turtles. Of the five species of sea turtle that occur in the region, four are listed as endangered by IUCN: green turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Erytmochelys imbricata), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea); the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is listed as vulnerable. All are exposed to tremendous mortality, due to hunting, egg harvesting, incidental deaths in fishing gear, and loss of nesting habitat. This project is an important element of the WWF Strategy for Marine and Coastal Conservation in the Africa & Madagascar region.

Project Objectives:

1. To promote the development and implementation of a regional strategy for marine turtle conservation in the western Indian Ocean.

9F0100.2: Production of a Manual of Sea Turtle Management and Conservation Techniques (Sep. 95 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

The marine turtle strategy for the western Indian Ocean, drafted in Sodwana Bay, South Africa in November 1995, identifies the standardization of research techniques as a major regional priority. Standardized techniques encourage the collection of comparable data, enable researchers to share results within regions, and foster the development of coordinated international efforts. The IUCN/SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSG) is preparing a manual of "Management and Research Techniques for the Conservation of Sea Turtles" for use around the world. The manual will be divided into seven major sections: (i) Overview, (ii) Taxonomy and Species Identification, (iii) Population and Habitat Assessment, (iv) Data Collection and Methods, (v) Reducing Threats, (vi) Husbandry and Veterinary Care, and (vii) Legislation and Law Enforcement. Each chapter will provide a context and relevance for the hands-on work described in the book. The goal of the manual is to present a balanced overview of each topic, with text can that stand alone for the average reader who may have virtually no access to peer­reviewed journals.

Work is well under way, with individual chapters being written by scientists and experts from more than 15 countries and edited by three leading researchers, Dr Karen Eckert, Dr Karen Bjorndal, and Dr Alberto Abreu Grobois. The manual will be published in English, Spanish, and French, with the English version being available in October 1996.

Activity Objectives:

1. To provide state­of­the­art information on research for the conservation and management of sea turtles, and to standardize techniques, promote appropriate methodology, and facilitate international cooperation and collaboration in the western Indian Ocean.

2. To develop a distribution list and encourage and promote local workshops on standard conservation and management techniques. IUCN, through its East African Regional Office and the Marine Turtle Specialist Group will work with WWF to achieve this.

3. To distribute the manual in the western Indian Ocean region so as to build capacity and encourage the development of coordinated programmes to conserve and manage migratory populations of sea turtles, thereby ensuring that activities in one area do not undermine programmes in another.

9F0100.3: Turtle Excluder Device Technology Transfer in the Western Indian Ocean (Sep. 95 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

The need to reduce incidental sea turtle mortality from shrimp fishing is identified as a regional priority in the marine turtle strategy for the western Indian Ocean. Shrimp fisheries are expanding rapidly in the region and incidental sea turtle mortality needs to be minimized by the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), net inserts which allow sea turtles to escape from shrimp nets. Failure to reduce sea turtle mortality in shrimp fisheries now will undermine current and future conservation activities in the western Indian Ocean. Kenya is the region's leading advocate for TED technology and conservationists there have expressed interest in assisting efforts to promote TEDs in Kenya and throughout the Indian Ocean. In 1995 Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) drafted TED legislation for vessels operating in its waters, based on US regulations, and expects to have these regulations adopted in 1996. As the prospects for successful TED implementation are dependent on appropriate early use, US assistance in TED technology transfer is urgently needed. In 1995, conservationists in Kenya and Eritrea officially requested US government assistance in promoting TED technology transfer to ensure that shrimpers use TEDs properly. Representatives from other countries in the region have also expressed considerable interest in TEDs. The US National Marine Fisheries Service has provided TED videos, informational materials, and a sample TED to Kenya, but to date the agency has not acquired travel funds to send a TED technology transfer team to East Africa.

Activity Objectives:

1. To hold TED technology workshops to ensure that shrimpers in the western Indian Ocean have positive initial experiences with TEDs, and employ them properly.

2. To organize TED technology workshops in Kenya in order to provide fishermen, conservation representatives, and policy-makers with information and expertise in the appropriate use of TEDs. If possible, representatives from Eritrea, Tanzania, and Mozambique should attend the Kenyan workshops.

3. To enable gear specialists to work directly with fishermen on board their vessels to demonstrate ways in which to use TEDs and to make gear adjustments.

9F0100.4: Western Indian Ocean Turtle Strategy (Sep. 95 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

Following the Sodwana Bay Sea Turtle Workshop in South Africa in November 1995, organized by IUCN and funded by UNEP and the Bonn Convention, the country representatives who attended the workshop developed and endorsed a Western Indian Ocean Sea Turtle Strategy. One of the elements of the strategy necessitates the coordination of tagging activities in the western Indian Ocean, and to this end the South African representative, Dr George R. Hughes, was requested to coordinate the activities of the group for the foreseeable future. This involves the buying and distribution of tags and tagging equipment for the various country programmes. So far the following countries have responded to a request for detailed information on their tag and tagging tool requirements: Eritrea, Kenya, Tanzania, Comoros, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Madagascar. Seychelles and Reunion have indicated that they will use their own tags, as will South Africa.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

9F0100.5: Capacity Building for Sea Turtle Conservation in the western Indian Ocean (Sep. 95 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

Participants at the workshop on sea turtles at Sodwana Bay, South Africa, in November 1995, identified the need for further training as one important area for follow­up. IUCN, through its Eastern Africa Regional Programme Office and Marine Turtle Specialist Group, has managed to arrange the attendance of three participants from the region (one in 1995, two in 1996) to the Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation held annually in the USA. This symposium provides an extremely valuable forum for the exchange of current and highly practical methods for sea turtle conservation and management. It is unique in this respect and is credited with playing a major role in development of Kenya's active sea turtle conservation programme. The participants return fired with enthusiasm to develop their national programmes, with increased self confidence in their ability to achieve this, and with a host of good contacts in the turtle conservation field. Despite the clear benefits of participation in the symposium, the effort required to raise funds and coordinate these visits is an extremely costly undertaking for IUCN that cannot be sustained. For this reason, IUCN is seeking two grants per year (totalling US$9,000) to support the attendance annually of two nationals from the western Indian Ocean region at the symposium.

Activity Objectives:

1. To contribute to the building of capacity for sea turtle conservation in the western Indian Ocean by supporting the participation by two nationals of the western Indian Ocean region in the Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation held each year at Hilton Head Island, USA.

2. To identify and support, through IUCN's East Africa Regional Office in collaboration with the Western Indian Ocean Sea Turtle Steering Committee, two nationals of the western Indian Ocean region in attending the symposium each year, and, whilst in the US, arrange visits to the Centre for Marine Conservation and other agencies in Washington DC, in order to facilitate networking and fundraising for individual programmes.

3. To train two nationals of the western Indian Ocean region in sea turtle research and conservation methods, expose them to other national and regional sea turtle programmes, and introduce them to a range of new global sea turtle conservation practitioners.

9F0101 Africa general: Africa and Madagascar Programme Contingency Fund

Project Summary:

This project provides a contingency fund for funds unspent against the WWF Financial Year 1996 allocation.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 100 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 100

Project Background:

Creation of a contingency fund for funds unspent against the FY96 allocation.

Project Objectives:

1. To fund conservation initiatives within the Africa and Madagascar Programme area.

9F0101.1: Africa and Madagascar Programme Contingency Fund (May. 96 - Jun. 00)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objective.

Activity Methods:

Programme / Project Development.

9F0701 Africa general: Capacity Building for Community­Based Natural Resource Management

Project Summary:

This project seeks to build the capacity of WWF project teams, including project collaborators, in the area of community­based natural resource management approaches. The project provides technical assistance, training, and information to WWF project teams and supports various means of facilitating exchanges among projects.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 100
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

WWF has learned through its field experience that conservation efforts are rarely successful unless the needs of local communities are fully understood and factored into project design and implementation activities. Healthy ecosystems and biological diversity cannot be maintained unless the quality of life of people who depend on resources for their livelihoods is improved. Likewise, attempts to improve people's quality of life without conserving natural resources and the health of ecosystems will lead to degradation of the very resources on which economic and social improvement is based. In order to balance longer-term conservation objectives with shorter-term development objectives, new and promising approaches to conservation, called community­based natural resource management, have emerged over the past several years in several African countries. WWF is collaborating with and supporting African governmental agencies and NGOs in many of these initiatives.

The former Wildlands and Human Needs Programme (now called the Social Science and Economics Program) has provided technical assistance and training to WWF Africa programme and field projects since 1990. The focus of these capacity building efforts has in the past been southern Africa. Southern Africa subregional training workshops were held in September 1991 and February 1993, while a Central/East Africa (including Madagascar) workshop was held in February 1994. Technical assistance has been provided primarily to the "Support to ADMADE Project, Zambia", the "Rwenzori Mountains Conservation and Development Project, Uganda", and the "Lake Malawi National Park Project, Malawi". Information on capacity building for community-based natural resource management is shared with many projects on a request basis.

In 1993 this project absorbed activities previously implemented under project 9F0075. The focus of this project continues to be capacity building in community-based natural resource management. Various approaches are applied, including holding workshops.

Project Objectives:

Main objective:

1. To conserve biological diversity and promote effective natural resource management while improving the quality of life for area residents.

Specific objectives:

1. To provide technical assistance to WWF projects in project design, monitoring and evaluation, and training in community-based natural resource management approaches.

2. To support exchange of ideas among projects by supporting study tours, internships, and workshops.

3. To produce training materials for use by project teams.

4. To disseminate informational materials on community-based natural resource management approaches.

9F0701.1: Capacity Building for Community­based Natural Resource Management (Jul. 93 - Jun. 96)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Biomes:

Tropical Dry Forest.

9F0702 Africa general: USDA Sustainable Tropical Forest Management

Project Summary:

In response to the need to halt short­sighted forest exploitation, the WWF West and Central Africa programme works to promote sustainable tropical forest management alternatives that support the economic needs of local peoples and maintain the forest resource base. The USDA-supported Community-Based Natural Forest Management programme is consistent with the West and Central Africa approach in that it is intended to promote sustainable tropical forest management alternatives that support the economic needs of local peoples and maintain the forest resource base.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 100Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 50
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 50
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

The USDA Community-Based Natural Forest Management (CBNFM) programme started in the WWF Latin America programme and was subsequently expanded to include Africa and Asia. The programme in Latin America has been geared towards strengthening and formalizing its already existent forestry network through workshops, information exchange, technical assistance, and training. Currently, the West and Central Africa Programme has a forestry project base in Congo, Central African Republic, Gabon, and Cameroon which deal largely with protected area and species management, as well as linking conservation with human needs and global threats. The community and forestry­based foci of the USDA CBNFM programme are thus consistent with current Africa programme priorities and project activities, and provide an opportunity for the West and Central Africa Programme to make a natural progression into developing a broader-based West and Central African community-based forestry programme. Because a forestry network comparable to that in Latin America does not yet exist in West and Central Africa, the West and Central Africa Programme is focusing on identifying and assessing projects which will constitute the network, and providing technical assistance to some of those projects. Some of these activities will be carried out in collaboration with WWF International efforts in forestry networking.

Project Objectives:

Main objective:

1. To protect biodiversity through an exchange of information among projects that demonstrate sustainable use of forest resources.

Specific objectives:

2. To provide a forum for people working in the field of community­based natural forest management to exchange information; learn from each other's successes and failures; think through certain issues together (with different points of view); identify training needs; identify technical assistance needs; and develop a network for continued information sharing through Central and West Africa.

3. To provide or facilitate technical assistance on an ad hoc basis to different projects in the network.

4. To facilitate technical exchanges throughout the network to allow for more cross­fertilization of ideas.

9F0702.1: Proposed Management Projects and Technical Assistance (Jul. 94 - Jun. 96)

Activity Background:

This activity sets out to improve the protection of biodiversity through information exchange among NGOs focused on community forest management.

Activity Objectives:

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1. To conduct desk and field assessments of community-based natural forest management (CBNFM) projects in Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire; contacts to be followed up with requests for concrete suggestions for training and information sharing.

2. To conduct an in­depth assessment of CBNFM projects in Cameroon and to carry out a comparative analysis of community forestry projects versus logging.

3. To continue identification of projects to take part in the network.

4. To provide technical assistance on the economics of logging provided to the Dzanga­Sangha project in CAR.

5. To co­sponsor a workshop with the WWF International Forest Action Network for African NGOs working in forest conservation.

Activity Biomes:

Tropical Moist Forest.

(Concept) 9F0082 Africa general: African Rhino Specialist Group Operating Budget

Project Summary:

This project will provide support to the African Rhino Specialist Group of IUCN's Species Survival Commission which requires an operating budget to undertake activities aimed at the long­term conservation of Africa's rhinos.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 100 Species 100
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

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The African Rhino Specialist Group (ARSG) is one of the specialist groups operating under IUCN's Species Survival Commission. ARSG's mission is to promote the long­term conservation of Africa's rhinos and, where necessary, the recovery of their populations to viable levels.

The black rhinoceros has declined from 65,000 in 1970 to about 3,450 today, and there are fewer than 10 populations greater than 100 animals. Fairly large and potentially viable populations survive in South Africa (771 animals), Namibia (479), Kenya (398), and Zimbabwe (500), although most are split into fairly small groups and only the first three countries have experienced increases in recent years. The remaining 15 range states with the exception of Tanzania (185) all have populations of less than 100 rhinos; in many cases less than 10 individuals. The northern white rhinoceros is restricted in the wild to one population of 30 animals in Garamba National Park, Zaire, where intensive management has been applied over the last decade. This population is increasing, but the subspecies remains highly endangered. The southern white rhinoceros continues to increase, largely due to sound conservation management within South Africa, where about 90% of the overall population occurs. Numbers are estimated to have increased from about 4,600 in 1987 to 5,200 today.

The continued promotion of rhino conservation on the African continent is justified on the grounds of the continued decline of the black rhinoceros and the extremely critical status of the northern white rhinoceros. IUCN depends to a large extent on the voluntary participation of a wide variety of experts for the operation of Specialist Groups. Funds are normally provided for annual meetings, but other expenses, such as the operating requirements of the ARSG, and funds for specific projects are not covered. ARSG meetings will concentrate on debate and discussion on generic issues and problems, but the development of detailed strategies, action plans and technical guidelines will mainly be handled externally through other meetings and workshops. The effectiveness of specialist groups, such as ARSG and the Southern African Rhino Management Group, is often limited by the time members are able to invest in activities out of committee or workshop. Minor research investigations become extended and major delays are experienced in compiling strategic documents such as action plans and technical guidelines. The result is that many innovative ideas and strategies are not implemented in a timely fashion. Funds for travel, consultancies, and workshops required to overcome some of these difficulties will be provided by this project.

Project Objectives:

1. To provide and improve technical information and advise on the conservation of Africa's rhinos to government range state management agencies, non­governmental conservation organizations, including both international and Africa­based organizations, intergovernmental organizations, and non­range state organizations.

2. To promote and catalyse conservation activities on behalf of Africa's rhinos, to be carried out by the clients listed in objective one.

9F0082.1: African Rhino Specialist Group Operating Budget (Feb. 93 - Jun. 99)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Methods:

Institutional Support and Development; Species Management.

Activity Species:

Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis).

(Concept) 9F0092 Africa general: Limitation of Fisheries Bycatch and Direct Killing of Cetaceans in W. Africa

Project Summary:

The IUCN/SSC Cetacean Specialist Group is seeking funding for continuation of a project in response to the killing of 3,000­5,000 dolphins per year by the tropical tuna fishery off West Africa. Mortality of cetaceans in these fisheries is largely unmonitored and is undoubtedly a major threat. Coastal species such as harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and Atlantic humpback dolphin (Souza teuszii) are of particular concern.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 100 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 100
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

There is growing evidence of significant bycatches of small cetaceans (dolphins and porpoises) in both large­scale foreign fisheries and small­scale domestic fisheries operating off many West African countries, from Morocco to Gabon. With overexploitation and reduced yields from fisheries in many parts of the world, distant water fleets from Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and the EU are looking for new fishing grounds and are moving into sea areas off Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, and Togo.

In addition the UN moratorium on high seas drift­nets, which came into effect in 1993, has caused some drift­netting fleets, which have particularly high rates of bycatch, to move into the EEZs of countries that continue to allow use of this method. Smaller-scale domestic and artisanal fisheries also use methods with a high rate of bycatch, including cetaceans. Encircling gill­nets are widely used (e.g. in Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ghana) and drift­nets are important in Ghana and Nigeria. A new drift­net fishery for tuna, swordfish and sharks has been established off Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana in the last 10 years and "regularly" catches dolphins (source: Northridge, "Drift­net fisheries and their impact on non-target species", FAO, 1990). The species involved include common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, spotted dolphin, spinner dolphin, rough­toothed dolphin, Atlantic hump­backed dolphin, and pygmy sperm whale. A review of coastal fisheries, both artisanal and industrial, in all of West Africa is badly needed. A field guide to the marine mammals of West Africa has been prepared but needs to be translated and distributed to West African centres which investigate sightings, strandings, and catches.

Project Objectives:

1. To set up data collection programmes.

2. To train local fisheries biologists.

3. To provide reports to governments where problems occur, with recommendations for management and the establishment of long­term research and monitoring programmes.

9F0092.1: Investigation of Fisheries by Catch and Direct Killing of Cetaceans (Oct. 96 - Jun. 98)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Methods:

Species Management.

(Concept) 9F0096 Africa general: Human/Elephant Conflict - Assessing the Problems and Prospects

Project Summary:

Using existing information and data sets, this project will identify areas of existing or potential conflict between people and elephants in Africa. Once identified, these areas will be prioiritized for further conservation action, including the identification of key areas where there is potential for conflict resolution and field projects. The project would also compile and consolidate information from across Africa and provide a synthesis of lessons learned to date.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 0
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 0 Species 50
Non-Biome Specific 100 Sustainable Resource Use 50
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

The past few years have witnessed a definite upsurge in the reported incidence of conflict between humans and elephants throughout the range of the African elephant. In the 1970s, conservationists focused their attention on trying to reduce the poaching of elephants by humans. Today, many governments are faced instead with the issue of loss of human life and property to elephants. Over 80% of Africa's elephants now live outside protected areas. With an ever­expanding human population, the interface between people and elephants has increased to the extent where there is growing competition between elephants and people over their shared but limited resource - land. This is a conflict which is destined to continue. Different reasons, besides human demographic trends, have been put forward to explain the apparent increase in human­elephant conflict. Recent public outcry about elephant damage in several countries may, in some way, be linked to the politicization of the issue and the pressure for accountability on the part of African governments. Some observers believe that the increase in human­elephant conflict is the indirect result of the decline in elephant poaching, concomitant with the international ban on ivory trade and a sudden increase in anti­poaching budgets, in the early 1990s. Elephants have moved back into areas which had previously been rendered dangerous by poaching, and which have since been occupied by humans.

Whatever the reasons, the problem of conflict and its impact on the long­term conservation of the African elephant must be faced. It is doubtful that elephants will ever recover to historical levels, even with effective controls on all forms of illegal offtake. In reality, elephants will be increasingly limited to protected areas where their numbers will grow and where in turn they will create new problems, caused by their confinement to limited habitats. In order to confront the problems, lasting solutions must be found that enable people to realize their own needs and conserve their resources while allowing the survival of elephants and preserving the integrity of ecosystems. There is a need to coordinate efforts across the continent for the long­term conservation of the African elephant. This proposal puts forward the objectives of such an approach.

Project Objectives:

1. To identify existing and potential areas of human­elephant interface in all the range states.

2. To categorise areas identified in (1) as those with (a) existing human­elephant conflict and (b) potential human­elephant conflict.

3. To prioritise the areas in (2) and (a) those which can no longer viably support elephant populations and (b) those in which elephants and humans might co­exist provided solutions to conflicts are found and implemented.

4. To compile and consolidate existing information from individual researchers, governments, and the IUCN/SSC African Elephant Specialist Group and produce a document on the lessons learned to date.

5. To identify critical sites for the initiation of field projects to study and recommend solutions to elephant-human conflicts.

9F0096.1: Human/Elephant Conflict - Assessing the Problems and Prospects (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

1. A central database will be developed (in collaboration with the African Elephant Database project) containing elephant population data, human population data, and land­use data in the African elephant range states.

2. To use the database to categorize areas of existing and potential conflict, and priority and non­priority conservation areas.

3. To select key areas in the four regions of the African elephant's range - Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa - to conduct pilot trials of conflict mitigation techniques. The chosen sites will vary geographically and will reflect different types of conflict situations.

4. To evaluate the effectiveness of the trials and make recommendations for wide­scale application.

5. To formulate, in collaboration with range state governments, national elephant management plans for elephant ranges within and outside protected areas, with precise policies for elephant conservation in non­priority and priority areas/populations previously defined. Resources will be targeted for the long­term implementation of the conservation plans.

Activity Species:

African elephant (Loxodonta africana).

(Concept) 9F0097 Africa general: Support to East African Non­Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Project Summary:

This project will provide support to local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and CBOs in the region to build their capacity to undertake environmental conservation activities, especially those that promote conservation of WWF's global priority biomes (forests, freshwater, and oceans and coasts). Particular attention will be given to environmental education and awareness capacity building.
Priority Biomes % Strategies %
Forests 0Consumption & Pollution 0
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 EE & Capacity Building 100
Oceans and Coasts 0 Protected Areas 0
Non-Priority Biomes 100 Species 0
Non-Biome Specific 0 Sustainable Resource Use 0
Treaties & Legislation 0
Non-Priority Strategies 0

Project Background:

After many years of experience working in the East Africa region, WWF appreciates that environmental conservation is best achieved through the involvement of local peoples. Attempts to reach local communities are usually delayed by lengthy bureaucracies that international conservation NGOs have to undergo if government organizations are involved. A number of indigenous NGOs and CBOs have been established in the recent past. These groups have direct contact with local communities but lack both human and material resources to promote environmental conservation. WWF therefore wishes, through its Eastern Africa Regional Programme Office and this project, to strengthen the capacity of these NGOs and CBOs to influence local communities towards environmental conservation.

Project Objectives:

1. To strengthen local NGOs and CBOs through staff training.

2. To build capacity of local NGOs and CBOs through provision of equipment.

3. To use intervention funds to assist those NGOs and CBOs that are not fully established.

9F0097.1: Support to East African Non­Governmental Organizations (NGOs) (Jan. 96 - Dec. 98)

Activity Background:

See Project Background.

Activity Objectives:

See Project Objectives.

Activity Methods:

Education.