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Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

Baraderes-Cayemite Managed Natural Resources Protected Area

The BIOPAMA AC Objectives addressed

To facilitate a METT assessment within the Baraderes/Cayemite MPA, comparing the results from the 2019 METT assessment report, to evaluate the changes that have occurred within the 3 years. Our goals also include generating interest, input, and involvement among stakeholders and civil society groups, to assist with developing a plan of action that will benefit the marine ecosystem and the local population. This will be used to effectively manage and monitor the Baraderes/Cayemite MPA with ANAP.

Priority need addressed

The priority needs are to further assess the Baraderes-Cayemite MPA as there was a previous METT assessment in 2017, which was a baseline assessment. That 2019 METT assessment report concluded that there were major challenges in managing this MPA and that these assessments should be conducted every year to monitor progress and provide guidance to improve the management of this protected area. Like the other protected areas of Haiti, the Baraderes-Cayemite MPA is quite young and requires very effective interventions that enable the implementation of an adequate management system to deal with the multiple threats facing the biodiversity of the system.

Project activities

We will develop a 2021-22 work plan that adheres to the specific goals and criteria required of the METT assessment. We will utilize the same questionnaire that was administered during the previous 2019 METT assessment report that includes 30 questions with an associated score to measure progress. We will also include an area for notes and comments associated with each question to elaborate on the rationale for the evaluation, the sources used and the steps to be taken to improve management. In addition, we will put a greater emphasis on the threats and issues facing the endangered megafauna that inhabit the Baraderes/Cayemite MPA and the need for outreach/marine education, and our surveys will incorporate those areas of concern. We will identify key sites within the Baraderes/Cayemite MPA to conduct workshops where we can distribute these surveys to representatives of stakeholders and local civil society groups. We will conduct 3 (5-day) workshops with the key stakeholders to gather data and information. The participants will include on-site NGOs, protected area-related agency members (ANAP), community organizations in the area, fishing

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

By conducting the METT assessment within the Baraderes/Cayemite MPA, we will address the needs of the local communities and the long-term protection of the MPA with them as the primary stewards and beneficiaries. This will lead to positive benefits of better management of the park on the fisheries, coastal ecosystems, and livelihoods. By evaluating the needs of the people, we will increase knowledge and capacity in monitoring, protecting, and coastal resources; reduce unsustainable fishing practices. This will better protect the cultural and natural heritage, cave, beach, islet, endemic species, mangroves, on the protected area of greatest biological value in Haiti and promote the resilience of communities in the coastal area and watersheds to climate change. This will strengthen the technical capacity of stakeholders and develop and implement a management plan that includes allocating a budget for the complex are all other priorities chosen for better management of the park, fishing practices to ensure sustainable seafood, and job security for community members.

Download the project infofiche.

Implementing organisations

Fondation Haiti Ocean Project

Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

Portland Bight Protected Area

The BIOPAMA AC Objectives addressed

The objective of this project is to use the METT-4 process to identify priority actions for the PBPA using an adaptive management approach that assesses the threats and the effectiveness of previous management actions quantitatively, through data analysis and seeks to identify and address potential and actual risks.

Priority need addressed

The Portland Bight Protected Area is managed on behalf of the Government of Jamaica by the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation, which leads a coalition of other government agencies that have various responsibilities within the area. The management plans for the PBPA was developed using participatory processes, but it is needs to be updated as it covered the period 2013-18.

The Government of Jamaica also requires protected areas to carry out annual METT assessments but there is no specific mechanism to link METT assessments to management and operations plans. METT assessments are carried by multi-agency teams but are based on qualitative rather than quantitative assessments. METT assessments for the PBPA as a whole were carried out as follows: in 2015, 2018 but no METT was done in 2020.

The new METT-4 methodology provides an approach that could incorporate monitoring data in an adaptive management framework. The recent development of the METT-4 process, provides an important opportunity to bridge the gap between the METT, adaptive management and the updating of management plans. The requirement to use quantitative data offers the opportunity to enhance the METT approach and implement the adaptive management process. 

Large amounts of monitoring data have been collected for the PBPA by the various management partners but these data have not been collated, stored in an accessible format, analysed or applied. This project will provide a very important opportunity to gather and analyse the data and for the agencies to work collaboratively to develop practical and measurable management recommendations that can be incorporated in new management plans. The approach developed through this project will establish the procedures to be applied in the future.

The METT-4 would support the preparation of new management plans and the streamlining of the monitoring programme. It would be packaged into an attractive and readable “State of the PBPA 1998-2021 Report” which would be used to promote our work, to support operations planning and to leverage funding.

Project activities

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

The project will greatly enhance the conservation of the PBPA, through supporting adaptive management and conservation planning. The collation and analysis of data from multiple sources will improve and adapt the METT process for the PBPA. This will ensure that the METT4 assessment for 2022 will include a better reflection of the work that has been done and the  actions needed to improve conservation programmes. The process of obtaining and collating data will strengthen partnerships. It will allow C-CAM to identify gaps in monitoring programmes and to make recommendations and seek funding to ensure that monitoring efforts are targeted towards the most significant adaptive management targets. The results of the METT will inform a revised PBPA management plan, which is being developed under another project. The State of the Portland Bight Environment Report will showcase the work of C-CAM and its partners in the PBPA. This will increase engagement of stakeholders and will support project development and funding.

Download the project infofiche.

Implementing organisations

Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation

Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

• Aripo Savannas Strict Nature Reserve, Long Stretch Reserve

• Matura National Park, St. David Reserve and Eastern Extension Matura

• Nariva Swamp Managed Resource Protected Area

The BIOPAMA AC Objectives addressed

Small Technical Grant for Assessment for improved protected areas management and governance (STGA)

Priority need addressed

To identify or update result-oriented priority actions for improved protected and conserved areas management and governance, through new or updated quantified management and governance assessments and their associated enhancement plans.

Project activities

Consultants will, for each protected area:

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

The project’s implementation will facilitate the establishment of a framework for a quantitative assessment of the status of the three (3) Environmentally Sensitive Areas, with the aim of improving their management. Outputs from the METT-4 assessments will focus different state bodies and other stakeholders on priority management actions and help develop opportunities for inter-agency cooperation to achieve management goals.

Download the project infofiche.

Implementing organisations

EMA – Environmental Management Authority

Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

• Wallings Nature Reserve

The BIOPAMA AC Objectives addressed

Small Technical Grant for Assessment for improved protected areas management and governance (STGA)

Priority need addressed

Enhancing protected area management

Project activities

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

The METT tool will assist the team to better manage the reserve. There will be better collaboration between Wallings Nature Reserve and key stakeholders and government agencies and the creation of a priority action plan for the next five years for the activities to be implemented by the management team at Wallings Nature Reserve.

Download the project infofiche.

Implementing organisations

Wallings Nature Reserve

Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

•Miguel Domingo Fuerte Natural Monument

•Parque Nacional Sierra Martín García

•Parque Nacional Francis Caamaño

•Parque Nacional Anacaona

•Refugio de Vida Silvestre Laguna Cabral

•Monumento Natural Pico Diego de Ocampo

•Reserva Científica Salcedoa

•Reserva Científica Quita Espuela

•Reserva Científica Guaconejo

The BIOPAMA AC Objectives addressed

Enhance the management and governance of priority areas by addressing existing limitations (supporting new PAME/PAGE assessment tools, strengthening on-site infrastructure/equipment for patrolling, poaching control, developing capacity of staff).

Priority need addressed

We are looking to obtain an analysis based on this STGA that clearly and objectively provides the priorities for action to improve the management and governance of these protected areas, and the performance of current management mechanisms. We will identify the priorities to maintain management effectiveness in the medium and long term and determine opportunities for improvement, such as strengthening the relationship with the communities and promoting the sustainable use of resources. We will also analyse the potential environmental and social risks for the implementation of the actions. This analysis will also serve as input for: i) updating or preparing management plans for these protected areas, as appropriate; ii) inclusion of stakeholders in management committees; iii) highlighting the importance of proper management and achieving commitments with decision-makers: iv) obtaining inputs and identifying priority activities for fundraising; v) promote actions with the REDD + Program.

Project activities

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

The updated METT Assessments will help determine priorities for action that will be used to improve the management and governance of protected areas and the performance of current management mechanisms. This analysis will also serve as input for: i) updating or preparing management plans for these protected areas, as appropriate; ii) inclusion of stakeholders in management committees; iii) highlighting the importance of proper management and achieving commitments with decision-makers: iv) obtaining inputs and identifying priority activities for fundraising; v) promote actions with the REDD + Program. 

Download the project infofiche.

Implementing organisations

SOH Organización

Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

Rugezi Burera Ruhondo Ramsar Site, Wetland of International Importance; 109095

Diagnostic tool used

R-METT (Ramsar Site Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool)

The BIOPAMA AC objective(s) addressed

Priority need addressed

The project will address the following priority needs:
• To enhance the role of local communities in the protection of Rugezi Marsh and its iconic Grey Crowned Cranes, with the ultimate goal of building their sense of ownership so that they can play a greater role in managing the marsh, ensuring its sustainable use , and protecting biodiversity and,
• To improve the protection of Rugezi Marsh and law enforcement so that illegal activities are reduced, and the Grey Crowned Crane population is able to recover.

Project activities

This project will implement a range of activities to address conservation problems, while engaging and involving community members in the management and protection of the Marsh. RWCA will recruit and train additional Community Rangers at Rugezi Marsh to carry out patrols, report illegal activities, educate community members and monitor populations of Grey Crowned Cranes and breeding activities. Community campaigns and other educational events will be organised to raise awareness among community members about key conservation messages. The team of Marsh Rangers also increase awareness by educating community members during their patrols. The project will involve community members in conservation actions including the restoration of two islands within the Marsh planting 6 000 indigenous trees. There will be opportunities for paid work for community members to plant the trees. RWCA believes in the idea of ‘growing trees’ rather than just ‘planting trees’ so communities will also be involved in follow up activities. Additional activities will work to strengthen law enforcement through workshops with local leaders, joint patrol exercises with stakeholders, organising meetings of the Inter Agency Committee for Illegal Wildlife Trafficking and a workshop for police and other agencies introducing the new wildlife law in Rwanda.

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

Rugezi Marsh is a Ramsar protected site of international importance and this project will bring about a number of key changes to improve its management and protection. Engaging and involving communities in the management of the Marsh will increase its protection in a sustainable way. As RWCA strengthens its team of Community Marsh Rangers, this will reduce the number of illegal activities t hat take place around the Marsh. Education is key to engaging communities and changing attitudes towards conservation issues. As the project raises awareness, communities will show increased knowledge of conservation issues which will increase their collaboration and involvement in the management of the Marsh. Additionally, increased protection will come from the strengthening of law enforcement efforts which will also reduce the risk of illegal trade of Grey Crowned Cranes. Information gathered about Rugezi Marsh will be shared with international stakeholders and databases which will help to improve and develop management plans. Overall, as a result of the holistic approach that targets the problem from many angles, the result will be an increase in biodiversity and an increase in the population of Grey Crowned Cranes at Rugezi Marsh which will be a good indicator of the health of the ecosystem.

Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

Miguel Domingo Fuerte Natural Monument, Parque Nacional Sierra Martín García, Parque Nacional Francis Caamaño, Parque Nacional Anacaona, Refugio de Vida Silvestre Laguna Cabral, Monumento Natural Pico Diego de Ocampo, Reserva Científica Salcedoa, Reserva Científica Quita Espuela and Reserva Científica Guaconejo.

The BIOPAMA AC Objectives addressed

Enhance the management and governance of priority areas by addressing existing limitations (supporting new PAME/PAGE assessment tools, strengthening on-site infrastructure/equipment for patrolling, poaching control, developing capacity of staff).

Priority need addressed

We are looking to obtain an analysis based on this STGA that clearly and objectively provides the priorities for action to improve the management and governance of these protected areas, and the performance of current management mechanisms. We will identify the priorities to maintain management effectiveness in the medium and long term and determine opportunities for improvement, such as strengthening the relationship with the communities and promoting the sustainable use of resources. We will also analyse the potential environmental and social risks for the implementation of the actions. This analysis will also serve as input for: i) updating or preparing management plans for these protected areas, as appropriate; ii) inclusion of stakeholders in management committees; iii) highlighting the importance of proper management and achieving commitments with decision-makers: iv) obtaining inputs and identifying priority activities for fundraising; v) promote actions with the REDD + Program.This project will strengthen Iwokrama’s monitoring and enforcement capacity while supporting community livelihoods through business development training. Additionally, the project will focus on enhancing community youth capacity through educational activities and equipment support as well as increasing awareness of natural resource legislation for relevant agencies and  North Rupununi communities.

Project activities

The project will focus on updating the METT for the mentioned protected areas, identify priority actions, conduct interviews with stakeholders and facilitate an assessment of other activities.

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

The updated METT Assessments will help determine priorities for action that will be used to improve the management and governance of protected areas and the performance of current management mechanisms. This analysis will also serve as input for: i) updating or preparing management plans for these protected areas, as appropriate; ii) inclusion of stakeholders in management committees; iii) highlighting the importance of proper management and achieving commitments with decision-makers: iv) obtaining inputs and identifying priority activities for fundraising; v) promote actions with the REDD + Program.

Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

Udzungwa Mountains National Park (UMNP), Tanzania

The BIOPAMA AC Objectives addressed

To maintain livelihoods and/or enhanced resilience of local communities to major shocks caused by COVID pandemic, whilst effectively contributing to protected areas management. 

Priority need addressed

Livelihoods of local communities

Project activities

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

The implementation of the project will bring a lot of change not only to the Udzungwa Mountains National Park but also to the local community at large. Through this project the number of tourists in the Park will significantly increase since the nature trails and drive routes in the Park will be easily accessible, poaching and other illegal activities in the Park will be reduced due to increased number of patrols that will be conducted by the Park Rangers, also the awareness of the local community concerning the importance of biodiversity conservation at the Park will be increased.  Based on the aforementioned change expected to be seen in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park the project will also contribute to the improvement of livelihoods and resilience of local communities through various conservation activities that will require the involvement community members such as management of drive routes and nature trails.

Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

Baraderes-Cayemite Managed Natural Resources Protected Area 

The BIOPAMA AC Objectives addressed

Enhance the management and governance of priority areas

Priority need addressed

There is a critical need to sensitize the communities within the Baraderes/Cayemite Marine Protected Area (MPA) on the importance of preserving their natural resources, restoring, and better managing critical habitats, encouraging the sustainable use of the natural resources, and exploring other income-generating opportunities that will support the lives and well-being of Haitians impacted by COVID-19 long term. The proposed interventions to be carried out will be monitored and measured collectively by stakeholders to show positive conservation impacts to people and nature. If these issues are not tackled in the immediate future, there will be irreparable damage and lasting negative impacts on biodiversity in the area. 

Project activities

The project will first aim to increase marine education and awareness and local capacity by conducting seminars and trainings in the fishing communities. Trainings will focus on the importance of protecting the ocean and coastal resources, marine life including endangered marine species, the benefits these resources provide, and mangrove restoration and management. We will distribute fishing closed season calendars and brochures which describe conservation rules and regulations for the MPA. 

The project’s efforts will support improved management of the MPA and it natural resources by training locals in data collection, effective management measures including proper handling of critical species, marine habitat, and species protection, and sustainable fishing practices. 

Local fishers will be trained in boat outings to various sites where they will be part of a monitoring network of high-priority species (marine mammals, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays). This network provides opportunities for fishers to assist with the documentation of areas where fishing-related activities are causing the most harm to these species. We will work with the government to ensure our efforts align with the government’s goal to better manage and protect marine biodiversity and to sensitize beneficiaries and local decision-makers on natural resources management and governance reinforcement. 

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

The overarching goal is to increase knowledge relating to marine megafauna ecology and conservation issues throughout communities to address and establish realistic management regulations and provide data for policymakers and future management, thus helping to reduce pressure on local populations. Our goal is to protect and restore mangroves, which have immense value to local communities while developing a solid community resilience plan. This will not only create opportunities for the community members to learn and be engaged but also for them to feel a sense of ownership, to encourage and promote long-term continuity and preservation of the gains from this project. We would set up an ongoing program involving marine education/outreach activities so community members of all ages and fishers are trained and engaged in conservation work to ensure positive impacts are lasting. 

Through these conservation initiatives, we will acquire valuable data and information and document any lessons learned. Completion of these activities will provide a clear understanding and overview as to how to effectively manage this area, and how to derive sustainable, biological, social, and economic benefits from this renewable aquatic resource. These activities will include the importance of community engagement to ensure effective and long-lasting conservation impacts. 

Download the project infofiche.

Implementing organisations

Initiative pour L’Environnement Intégré en Haiti 

Fondation Haiti Ocean Project 

Protected and conserved area(s) concerned

Baraderes-Cayemite Managed Natural Resources Protected Area 

The BIOPAMA AC Objectives addressed

Enhance the management and governance of priority areas

Priority need addressed

There is a critical need to sensitize the communities within the Baraderes/Cayemite Marine Protected Area (MPA) on the importance of preserving their natural resources, restoring, and better managing critical habitats, encouraging the sustainable use of the natural resources, and exploring other income-generating opportunities that will support the lives and well-being of Haitians impacted by COVID-19 long term. The proposed interventions to be carried out will be monitored and measured collectively by stakeholders to show positive conservation impacts to people and nature. If these issues are not tackled in the immediate future, there will be irreparable damage and lasting negative impacts on biodiversity in the area. 

Project activities

The project will first aim to increase marine education and awareness and local capacity by conducting seminars and trainings in the fishing communities. Trainings will focus on the importance of protecting the ocean and coastal resources, marine life including endangered marine species, the benefits these resources provide, and mangrove restoration and management. We will distribute fishing closed season calendars and brochures which describe conservation rules and regulations for the MPA. 

The project’s efforts will support improved management of the MPA and it natural resources by training locals in data collection, effective management measures including proper handling of critical species, marine habitat, and species protection, and sustainable fishing practices. 

Local fishers will be trained in boat outings to various sites where they will be part of a monitoring network of high-priority species (marine mammals, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays). This network provides opportunities for fishers to assist with the documentation of areas where fishing-related activities are causing the most harm to these species. We will work with the government to ensure our efforts align with the government’s goal to better manage and protect marine biodiversity and to sensitize beneficiaries and local decision-makers on natural resources management and governance reinforcement. 

The change the project implementation will bring for the protected area(s)

The overarching goal is to increase knowledge relating to marine megafauna ecology and conservation issues throughout communities to address and establish realistic management regulations and provide data for policymakers and future management, thus helping to reduce pressure on local populations. Our goal is to protect and restore mangroves, which have immense value to local communities while developing a solid community resilience plan. This will not only create opportunities for the community members to learn and be engaged but also for them to feel a sense of ownership, to encourage and promote long-term continuity and preservation of the gains from this project. We would set up an ongoing program involving marine education/outreach activities so community members of all ages and fishers are trained and engaged in conservation work to ensure positive impacts are lasting. 

Through these conservation initiatives, we will acquire valuable data and information and document any lessons learned. Completion of these activities will provide a clear understanding and overview as to how to effectively manage this area, and how to derive sustainable, biological, social, and economic benefits from this renewable aquatic resource. These activities will include the importance of community engagement to ensure effective and long-lasting conservation impacts. 

Download the project infofiche.

Implementing organisations

Initiative pour L’Environnement Intégré en Haiti 

Fondation Haiti Ocean Project 

Photo credits: © Eladio Fernandez