B7-6201/97-08/VIII/FOR "Community Conservation Programme" by African Conservation Centre

Objective : To encourage community participation of both men and women in biodiversity conservation by facilitating the return of economic benefits to them.

Beneficiaries : Local communities living in co-existence with wildlife. The programme will also target about 80 local leaders and members of the local Government, policy makers, conservationists and development NGOs.

Results : Acquired skills and experiences in carrying out a sound conservation-based development

Activities : Provide specialised training, informal stakeholder workshops and informal meetings based on the needs of different communities. Workshops will address broader subjects of ecotourism, options for conservation-based development, leadership and the role of communities and other stakeholders in conservation activities. Promote exchange visits during which communities can share the experiences made in the development process. Hold specific training programmes using experts from the private and non-governmental organisation (NGO) sectors. Promote informal grassroots meetings under the operations budget of the programme.

Coordination : All relevant EC and Member States’ projects and programmes will be consulted and informed.