CAFEC LANDSCAPE 9: MARINGA-LOPORI-WAMBA FOREST …

CAFEC LANDSCAPE 9: MARINGA-LOPORI-WAMBA FOREST LANDSCAPE

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO CAFEC ANNUAL REPORT: OCTOBER 1, 2014 –September 30,

2015

Project/Sub-Project No.

Central African Forest Ecosystems Conservation – CAFEC

Agreement Cooperative Agreement No. AID-660-A-13-00009

Activity Title Maringa-Lopori-Wamba Forest Landscape Program/LS 9

Reporting Period October 1, 2014 – September 31, 2015

Date submitted October 23, 2015

Report completed

and submitted by

Hugues Adeloui Akpona, Chief of Party and

Landscape Director ([email protected])

Organization African Wildlife Foundation

Alternate contact Jimmiel Mandima, Director Program Design and Partner Relations

Organization and contact

African Wildlife Foundation; E-mail: [email protected]

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

A- Protected Areas

During the current phase of the Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) program, AWF is working to improve the management of the existing Lomako Yokokala Faunal Reserve (RFLY) and the Iyondji Community Bonobo Reserve (ICBR) that were created under CARPE I and II respectively, while also working to establish a third protected area (PA) in the northern section of MLW landscape, tentatively titled Yala Protected Area. In this regard, from October 2014 to September 2015, the AWF led consortium implemented the following activities towards achievement of these goals.

mailto:[email protected]

USAID/CAFEC ANNUAL REPORT: LANDSCAPE 9/MLW

AGREEMENT NO: AID-660-A-13-00009 OCTOBER 1, 2014 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 (FY15)

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I. To accomplish the objective of improving the management of the

two current protected areas, RFLY and ICBR, the following activities were implemented during FY 15:

1. Capacity building, technical and financial support to manage

the reserves: AWF collaborated with and supported the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN, the Congolese Wildlife Authority) to enhance the capacity to improve and solidify their ability to effectively and efficiently manage the reserves as per their mandate.

ICBR – Building on the earlier recruitment and training of 24 new ecoguards to manage the ICBR, AWF continued to work with ICCN and communities to strengthen the protected area management capacity in FY15. Implementation of the Performance Based Management model was rolled out and ecoguards trained in the use and applications of SMART-CyberTracker tools. This was complemented continued refresher trainings on counter-poaching techniques. An example of this is a ranger refresher course that was conducted for 24 ecoguards drawn from Iyondji reserve that focused on tactics to reinforce counter-poaching, combat techniques, solar panels maintenance, phone maintenance and first aid. Additionally, AWF conducted a consultative process that culminated in a final workshop to define hunting regulations in a hunting area covering 27 km² (6671.85 acres) to balance the needs of communities and conservation in the ICBR. A MOU is signed between ICCN and communities accordingly. Bonobo habituation data were collected during the year and show an improvement in distance, duration and frequency of observation. To equip the ecoguards teams for patrols, 28 complete uniforms (uniforms, boots, barrets), 4 GPS, a motorbike and a laptop were provided.

RFLY – In this site, AWF implemented activities that focused on strengthening anti-poaching and environmental monitoring capacity of reserve



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authorities. Practical refresher trainings for eco-guards included effective utilization of CyberTracker for data

collection, environmental monitoring, and anti-poaching patrols were conducted. During the first quarter of FY15, a ranger refresher course was organized to 42 ecoguards in Lomako with reference to reinforce counter-poaching tactics, combat techniques, solar panels maintenance, phonie maintenance and first aid A refresher course for a select 5 member team of ICCN staff in Lomako on SMART data analysis, reporting and integration into the management of Protected Areas was offered, and the skills were used to continued efforts to physically demarcate the boundaries of the reserve resulting in 65% delimitation being achieved. Two COCOSI meetings were organized on-site which brought together all stakeholders to reinforce the management structure for better impacts. To enhance law enforcement the ecoguards received outboard engines, a satellite phone, an inverter, solar panels, GPS, backpacks, boots, batteries to allow effective information collection and transfer between the three sections of the reserve. To complement ground patrols, several camera traps were laid out at strategic points including at two bais (forest clearings) and these captured images of elephants, Congo peacock and other species. Those data were used to guide a pioneering tour group of 5 pax from BirdQuest who managed to locate and photograph a female Congo

peafowl in Lomako Forest, doubling the number of times people have seen this bird in the wild and came back with first hand photographs of this species. Bonobo habituation data were collected during the year and show an improvement in distance, duration and frequency of observation.



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Photo 1. Congo Peafowl at Lomako Forest

© Mark van Beirs, September 2015

2. Antipoaching and law enforcement: During FY 15, AWF concentrated efforts on finalizing and testing an antipoaching strategy in, around and outside Protected Areas and worked on law enforcement issues. Informed by ecological surveys conducted in prior years, AWF worked with ICCN in both PAs to strategically reorganize patrols and provide support (rations, equipment) to amplify the impact.

AWF continued with the implementation of the new anti-poaching strategy. In this regard, eight local scouts deployed in areas surrounding the RFLY with forests concessions Trans-M in the south and SIFORCO K2 and K7 in the north east corner completed their surveys (Fig.1). The scouts found elephant tracks that ranged between three and six months in the Trans-M macrozone. In the north, scouts found active elephant activity close to the reserve (Fig.1). No additional elephant carcasses were detected.



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Figure 1. Distribution of elephant and bonobo activities in the Maringa Lopori Wamba landscape.

RFLY: As part of the anti-poaching strategy, AWF works with ICCN to test scout-based anti-poaching monitoring in Bogandanga territory around the RFLY. Four scouts were identified and trained to observe and collect biotic, abiotic and human data which is ongoing. As part of implementing the use of SMART-CyberTracker tools, 119 patrols using the PDA were deployed covering a distance of 4175, 01 km and 3039 indices of presence of 25 species were recorded. In terms of law enforcement, 20 eco-guards, 9 of whom are qualified judicial police officers, were trained on wildlife crime, the understanding of the new conservation law, the different types of offenses on wildlife, the procedure of prosecution and on “procès verbal” elaboration. A total of 24 hunters/poachers were



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arrested and 2 escaped, 7 were sensitized and released, and 15 were punished and released.

ICBR: AWF works with ICCN to refine patrol deployment planning in the reserve. As part of the anti-poaching strategy, AWF facilitated operations of the provincial platform “COCOEQUATEUR” created during the first fiscal year to reinforce ICCN authority for PA management and law enforcement. The platform is led by the Provincial minister of environment who visited Iyondji in January 2014. Twenty-three eco-guards, 8 of whom are qualified judicial police officers, were trained on wildlife crime, on the understanding of the new conservation law, the different types of offenses on wildlife, the procedure of prosecution and on “procès verbal” elaboration. A total of 36 patrols were organized during 271 days in Iyondji reserve covering 1246 kilometers and this resulted in the arrest of 27 hunters/poachers of which 26 were sensitized and 1 prosecuted.

At national level, AWF continued with its “stop the trafficking” efforts under the Urgent Response Fund, with a training workshop for 34 magistrates, prosecutors, judges and 26 police, customs, army officers in Kinshasa and Mbandaka. AWF used the workshops to raise awareness of the seriousness of wildlife crime, build the capacity of participants on the legal procedures for processing and monitoring infringements on wildlife, strengthen understanding of the international conventions related to wildlife and clarify the working relationships between different arms of law enforcement. To support the two PAs, 32 judges (including 3 women and 29 men) were trained in Mbandaka and Boende on relevant laws and deterrent sentencing of wildlife crime in order to curtail escalating trafficking of wildlife products. In parallel to these training efforts, 10 surveys across 17 markets were organized and led to the discovery of a commercial market of protected species such as the bonobo and elephant (organs, ivory, etc.). Three (3) ivory traffickers



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were arrested in Kinshasa and 52 kg of ivory seized and entrusted to the ICCN. More than 1,200 bulletins

on wildlife crime issues were distributed to stakeholders including 500 environmental codes on Wildlife and Biodiversity, 1150 posters, 1040 guides and 1040 copies of the journal on nature conservation’s law. Seventeen journalists were trained in Kinshasa and in the landscape (2 in Kinshasa and 15 in the field). It is estimated that more than 151 522 people from the general public were informed on the poaching and smuggling of protected species through the Juristrale Facebook page and those of other groups and networks partner.

3. Improvement of participation of stakeholders in protected

area management: The AWF-led consortium organized many meetings to improve the participation among local MLW stakeholders in the management of protected areas.

To reinforce ICCN in Iyondji, the provincial platform “COCOEQUATEUR” held a meeting on site to raise awareness and mitigate existing conflicts.

Under the supervision of AWF and ICCN, REFADD raised awareness in 9 “groupements” surrounding Iyondji reserve on the management of natural resources in support to the PA management, drawing participation from 515 people of which 300were women. REFADD further conducted training for 80 people including 55 women focused on communicating the role of communities in conservation and the importance of preserving Iyondji reserve.

II. Toward achieving the objective of establishing a new and third

protected area, Yala (tentative name), activities included:

Socioeconomic assessment and survey to better understand the social and economic context of the proposed Yala PA area.

Stakeholders were engaged through a workshop with communities to discuss results from the ecological and socioeconomic assessment and seek their Free, Prior, Informed



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Consent (FPIC) regarding the proposed Yala Protected Area. Agreement for the creation of the PA was obtained and the next

steps requested by communities is to conduct detailed village level mapping and share results with them. Based on the mapping outcome, each village will determine the part of their forest they want to commit to be part of the new PA.

B- CBNRM and ERZ

In the period under review, the AWF-led consortium successfully implemented several activities in this macro-zone and the achievements and results for each activity are outlined below: I. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation

(REDD+) Program The MLW forest landscape REDD+ program seeks to secure and link the community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) areas between RFLY and the Luo Scientific Reserve, contributing to the ecological integrity of the landscape. As part that process,

The landscape team raised awareness on climate change issues and the REDD+ mechanism among key stakeholders at provincial, district and local level (including local authorities, civil society and communities).

At the provincial level, a training workshop was heldin Mbandaka for

government authorities and national NGOs involved either in the National REDD policy or field activities in the landscape. With support from experts from National REDD Coordination, Ministry of Environment (DIAF) and civil society (CRON), participants were trained on various issues of climate change in the context of the Congo Basin and on the national REDD process. This two day workshop notably led to formal engagement of local NGOs to support the implementation of the project by putting in place a consultation platform. Similarly, for the District level engagement, a Workshop was held in Boende with authorities and others relevant stakeholders on the same issues. The territory level (Djolu and Befale) and Sector level (Mompono, Lingomo, Bokondo) were served with two workshops each. Given that the listed territories and sectors are attached with the project are (i.e. CBRNM CADJOBE), the landscape team involved stakeholders before embarking on any important step in the



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implementation of field activities. This included seeking support for the plot sampling exercises and the launch of the formal FPIC process.

Conduct FPIC process (CADJOBE CBNRM, REDD+ project area) In FY15, the landscape team started a formal FPIC process which should lead to the full approval of the program by communities and signing of agreements. The FPIC process is being conducted following the CCBA standards requirements and in accordance with the DRC national social and environment safeguards. To conform to those requirements, the FPIC process requires a detailed and rigorous scope of work and specific activities that start by articulating the basic information on the program. By the end of FY15, the team had completed this detailed entry level step successfully reaching out to communities and sharing the background program information to support their understanding and prepare ground for negotiation on environmental issues and socio-economic benefits.

Plot sampling (CADJOBE CBNRM, REDD+ project area) During the first semester of FY15, a team of 12 local people (3 women , 9 men) was recruited and trained to sample the project area for carbon accounting and future MRV purposes. With expert support from Wildlife Works Carbon, the team successfully set up 100 plot which is equivalent to 50% of the total number of plots targeted to complete the sampling.

Model of natural resource governance in the landscape For this activity, the landscape team conducted a situation analysis of the Natural Resource Governance (NRG) bodies in the landscape and designed a draft framework of governance document to serve as a basis for developing a model of local governance for the MLW CADJOBE REDD+ project. This is focused on local governance structures and grievance and conflict resolution mechanisms which are compulsory parts of the FPIC process. The proposed structures and mechanism including their management take into account some traditional aspect to fit in the context and facilitate community buy in as well. It also takes into account the overall DRC context and accepted standards in this field. The elaboration of the document was followed by a consultative process with communities and traditional authorities and inputs received helped to finalize the document. The model proposed will be tested in the field for more consistency during the full implementation phase. While this document was developed for the REDD+ project, it is an important framework that can be replicated



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in similar contexts, and in particular, with implementation of the Community forest concessions under the new decree.

II. Sustainable Agriculture AWF and its partner IITA provides support to 150 associations of 1497 active members (885 men and 612 women) who continue participated in agricultural intensification interventions at the action sites in the landscape.

150 associations actively participated in agricultural intensification interventions at the action sites in the landscape. Of the 150 active associations, 91 were based in Djolu and 59 were located in Befale. From the total population of 1,497 active members, 885 were men while 612 were women. 94.6% of farmers were active members of farmers’ associations.

602 farmers were trained in agricultural intensification interventions, composed of384 men and 218 women. Training in group management, treatment and storage of seeds, commercialization of agricultural products, seed multiplication, and processing of agricultural produce and health and nutrition were provided for 170, 125, 100, 107, and 50 farmers respectively. An overwhelming majority of farmers cited significant benefits accrued from the trainings received.

There were 11 cassava and 6 rice PVS varieties under evaluation in the landscape. In addition, 3 Maize and Groundnut varieties together with 6 cowpea and 7 Soybean varieties are equally undergoing adaptive field trials in the landscape.

43 PVS trials were established during the fiscal year 2014/2015 to analyse and select top-performing varieties to be propagated

in the landscape. The field trials spanned a total area of 2 hectares comprising of 157 participating associations.

The improved variety Obama presented the highest fresh tuberous root yield of 39.1 t/ha at 12 Months After Planting (MAP) followed by Nsansi (36.1 t/ha), Mv 2007/102 (32.3 t/ha), and Zizila (30.4 t/ha) during the same period. In addition to its high yield potential, Obama equally exhibited one of the highest harvest indices (0.64) at 12 MAP. The local variety Nkoyiyondji had a significantly lower yield of 16.4 t/ha and a harvest index of 0.34 compared with the improved varieties.



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The cassava varieties Obama, Nsansi, Butamu and Mayombe were the most preferred varieties while the local cultivars

Mbandaka and NkoyiyondjI were least preferred by farmers in terms of f selection criteria including yield, tuber shape and size, ease of processing, taste, early maturity, pest and disease resistance.

109 cassava production/multiplication fields were established to multiply improved cassava varieties selected by farmers for dissemination in the landscape.

A total of 372,700 meters of improved cassava planting materials were distributed to 799 farmers (382 women and 417 men) to plant individual fields. Maize accounted for the highest amount of food grain (4,328 kg) distributed to 502 farmers (196 women and 306 men) followed by Rice (2,973 kg) and Groundnuts (795 kg) that were distributed to 500 (178 women and 322 men), and 480 (160 women and 320 Men) farmers respectively.

For further improvement of agricultural intensification activities and achievements, an assessment of farmers’ perceptions was conducted in FY15. Lessons learnt are the following:

The most significant benefits accrued by farmer organizations were the ability to get access to improved seeds (88.7%) followed by the technical assistance of extension officers (63.2%) and improving group spirit (45.3%). Access to information was also a factor that 41.1% of households considered significant while others (31.7%) identified access to market as a key advantage.

The inability of some members to fulfil their commitments (35%),

reluctance to share farm equipment (29.6%), and idleness (24.2%) were the three most frequently cited problems encountered in farmer associations.

Trend analysis revealed major positive developments and some signs of stagnation regarding the impacts of sustainable agriculture interventions on the livelihoods of households and the community.

In order to improve yields, farmers requested for improved vegetables such as tomato, onion, eggplant, pepper, cabbage, okra, carrot, celery, watermelon (fruit) amaranth, and spinach. In



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addition, farmers were optimistic about the prospects of integrating termite materials and forest litter to improve on the

fertility of their gardens. Farmers cited major positive developments of the quid-pro-quo

on their wellbeing and that of the community at large while others opted for the contrary and preferred working in the primary forests. Farmers frequently cited the provision of equipment and tools for agricultural work and stressed the need to improve the organisation of marketing activities as well as the installation of additional processing centers.

AWF and its partners - IITA and REFADD - trained 75 women in sustainable farming and livestock rearing techniques. They were provided 300 Kg of improved cowpea, soybean and peanut, 82 subjects of improved breeds of chickens (including 72 females and 10 roosters) and 250 incubating eggs of ducks. The direct consequence observed in the field is the accessibility and the availability of animal and vegetable protein and increased incomes of members of the organizations relay through the sale of products.

III. Land Use Management Plans AWF with the support of UMD has continued to provide support for participatory mapping and GPS/GIS data collection for micro-zoning in the CAFEC REDD+/CADJOBE site in eastern MLW Landscape. In FY15, 33 new villages and Localités within the Groupements Mbotolongo, Bokumbo, Balanga, and Likonda signed MOUs with the CAFEC project and participatory mapping activities with these villages commenced. From this, approximately 222 hectares (ha) of land was delimited for non-permanent forest (agricultural) zoning (Fig.2). The total human population of these villages is approximately 32,895 inhabitants.



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Figure 2. Locations of non-permanent forest (agricultural) forest micro-zones

completed in the CADJOBE project area. New zones delimited in FY15 are shown in red; all other non-permanent (agricultural) forest micro-zones (shown in black hatching) were completed prior to FY15.

IV. Access to Market

During FY15, the river barge, which is a component of the CAFEC program begun in previous phases of CARPE, continued to facilitate the transportation of communities’ goods and products to down-river, non-MLW markets. The barge transported approximately 600 tons of farm products (cassava, maize, rice, palm oil, coffee and rubber) from the MLW landscape to be sold in Kinshasa markets. A second trip is on course since August 21, 2015 with roughly 600 tons of cargo coming to the landscape.

To further enhance the value of products of the landscape and connect them to the market, AWF has identified traders and producers, and established the value chain for coffee. In addition, an assessment of capacity building needs and improved



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agroforestry practices was made as a prerequisite for the proper valuation of this potential through the boat project.

V. Women empowerment AWF through its partner REFADD conducted various awareness campaigns, training workshops and focus group discussions which resulted in the sensitization and training of 595 people, including 355 women on Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) in female leadership and group dynamics. Five women relay organizations were organized and structured at Lifanga, Ilima (in the Territory Befale) and Lingomo, Engungu and Iyondji (in the Territory Djolu). As a result, 150 women grouped in 5 women's relay organizations are now operational, practicing and disseminating agro-pastoral activities compatible with CBNRM and participate in forums and platform decision on Conservation and development of their land. In order to reinforce and promote women leadership and improve their quality of life, AWF and REFADD selected 32 women involved in bushmeat trade and provided them with alternative support activities that include literacy classes and a soap production microenterprise. By the end of FY15, an operational pilot literacy center was set up and operational in Djolu. Thirty women are enrolled and follow the harmonized training program adapted by following two levels: a first level corresponding to the elementary school level and a second level corresponding to the primary level. The curriculum includes family planning concepts and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources. Consequently, women from the Center who could not read or write, or count or calculate, now master the alphabet in Lingala and

French and are able to compose Lingala simple sentences and syllables in French and to count from 1 to 100 and solve simple arithmetic addition and subtraction calculations. On the other hand, a total of 30 women members of the soap production unit were trained and their capacities in group dynamics, management of collective units and having savings and rebates were strengthened. From April to September 2015, the 32 women have made around $ 7,940 of income for a profit of $2,382.



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2. PROGRESS TOWARDS NATIONAL REDD+ STRATEGIES/ACTION PLANS (7

PILLARS OF DRC`S NATIONAL REDD+ STRATEGY)

From October 2014 to September 2015, AWF implemented various

activities to address pillars of the DRC REDD+ strategic framework

listed below:

Pillar: Agriculture During the year, the landscape consortium addressed this pillar through continuous assistance to farmers’ association by providing technical advice and short term training in PVS and seed multiplication (see details in the section II: Sustainable agriculture). New agricultural areas were mapped and new qui pro quo were signed with communities especially in the CADJOBE REDD+ Project area (refer to details in the section III). To improve on the sustainable agriculture approach in the landscape, perceptions of farmers were assessed on training, practices and the Quid Pro Quo agreements signed. Useful orientations and recommendations were provided (See details in Lessons Learnt section). In addition, AWF continued its effort to link the landscape to markets using the shipping project (Details in the section IV).

Pillar: Land Management and Planning The AWF led-consortium continued its active role in monitoring forest conversion and impacts on forest habitats and biodiversity in the landscape, the development of models for spatial prioritization, assisting with methods and co-management of spatial data collection for participatory mapping and micro-zoning activities, leading and providing oversight to OSFAC for increased AWF GIS/GPS capacity, and collaborating with Wildlife Works for remote sensing-based contributions for the REDD+ activities; providing GIS and spatial modeling support; co-manage spatial data pertaining to participatory mapping and zoning activities; and update macro-and micro-zone maps. From this, approximately 222 hectares (ha) of land was delimited for non-permanent forest (agricultural) zoning . In collaboration with the National steering committee for zoning and with the cofounding of USFS, AWF conducted 3 workshops to



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vulgarize the national guide of microzoning in Kinshasa, Mbandaka and Djolu.

Pillar: Governance The consortium raised awareness on climate change issues and REDD+ mechanism among key stakeholders at provincial, district and local level (including local authorities, civil society and communities). The FPIC process was conducted in CADJOBE REDD+ project area along with drafting of a conflict resolution mechanism. Additionally, some relay organizations were put in place in CADJOBE and benefit from the assistance of REFADD to improve their structuration. AWF designed a draft of governance framework document specifically meant to serve as a model for local governance for the MLW CADJOBE REDD+ project. Pillar: Forests Plot sampling and FPIC processes conducted in CADJOBE Redd area combined with awareness raised on law enforcement, PA management, species conservation and improvement of non-permanent forest mapping contribute to the mitigation of negative impacts of deforestation. Pillar: Land Tenure AWF expanded the participatory mapping process in the CBNRM area CADJOBE and collaborated with communities to validate the micro-zone boundaries. Additionally, AWF started with the demarcation of the ICBR especially in two villages through discussions with local communities, and in RFLY, the demarcation by using sign posts.

Pillar: Demography Earlier in FY14, AWF tested information sharing to address the high rate of population growth and the limited adoption of family planning practices. This family planning awareness and adoption campaign is expected to significantly contribute to moderating the impact of demographic conditions on conservation outcomes. During the FY15, AWF continued with sharing information on family planning using local radios, focus groups and workshops. Approximately 12 000 people received information on family planning in the landscape.



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3. EXPLANATION OF DEVIATION FROM APPROVED FY15 BENCHMARKS

Based on data collection and monitoring and evaluation procedures,

few significant differences were observed between planned and achieved benchmarks. Due to the increasing costs and complexity of travelling to the landscape following the Ebola outbreak and the cancellation of Aviation sans Frontier flights to Djolu, AWF and consortium partners reconsidered the implementation strategy by prioritizing activities. These factors created some delays in activity implementation, including the organization of the landscape steering committee, establishment of value chain for coffee and cacao, support to agricultural concessions, exploration of perennial crops, and land use plan elaboration for CBNRM areas CADJOBE and Corridor. Other activities were finalized more quickly, including the inventory of agricultural concessions on which the value chain and business plan establishment depend, socio-economic survey on farmers’ views of the importance of current interventions, workshops on leadership, gender, empowering of women the and process of creating the new Yala Reserve (preliminary biodiversity surveys, socio-economic survey, meetings with stakeholders, restitution of biodiversity, and socio-economic surveys of communities). It is important to notice that, due to political issues, the process of creating of a new Protected Area in Yala was delayed so the awareness and sensitizations are going to continue during FY16. Some activities such as value chain for coffee and Cacao were delayed because after discussions with experts in coffee it was agreed to conduct a technical and scientific assessment of the plantations’ viability prior to valorization.

4. EXPLANATION OF VARIATION FROM APPROVED WORKPLAN

The approved work plan served as the basis for implementation in the field without any significant change in activities and implementation methods.

5. MANAGEMENT CHANGES, PARTNERING ARRANGEMENTS AND BUDGET

ALLOCATIONS

A few staff movements and role changes took place during the year under review including the following:



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Mr Antoine Tabu Senga took over as the new landscape leader based in the Djolu office, Equateur Province, effective April 1, 2015 to replace Mr. Akpona Adeloui Hugues who was earlier promoted to take over as the Chief of Party for the AWF-led CAFEC consortium..

6. LINKS TO OTHER USG AGENCIES

United States Forest Service (USFS) As has been the case in previous years and phases of CARPE, AWF maintained a collaborative relationship with the USFS, with engagement on land use planning activities, principally micro-zoning, occurring.

7. LESSONS LEARNED

Documented below, AWF presents key lessons learned from implementing program activities during the FY 15:

Connecting provincial authorities to the MLW landscape reality increased their engagement and support for activities in the field. The two visits of COCOEQUATEUR members in Lomako, Djolu and Iyondji showed that regional level authorities are totally disconnected to the realities at local level and cannot efficiently support them especially in the case of remote areas like MLW landscape. Connecting local and regional levels showed a better leadership of authorities at the province level and a better engagement of all stakeholders in the field. The COCOEQUATEUR platform plays a good role for mediation for both the regional and local levels.

Motivating ecoguards through providing rations connected to the PBM as a measure to assure that the work is done resulted in improved patrol effectiveness in the field;

The combination and leveraging of several tools (e.g., film screenings on wildlife, posters, soccer tournaments, informational stands) to raise public awareness on key topics

(e.g. anti-poaching and/or the bush meat trade) and engaging target constituencies (e.g. youth, students, men and women, hunters) was an approach that captured the attention of stakeholders and produced positive impacts; this lesson will be



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integrated into the AWF-led consortium awareness campaign activities going forward.

Local perception of the impact of quid-pro-quos agreements: A study was conducted to assess the current status of the quid-pro-quo. Local community members interviewed cited a variety of impacts on their wellbeing and that of the community such as a reduction of farm walking distance as the major impact of the quid-pro-quo in their communities. That in turn enabled smallholders to closely monitor and maintain their fields with minimal travelling efforts. The acquisition of high yielding pest and disease resistant varieties as well as more productive fallows were also mentioned. Group discussions equally focused on the aspects of the quid-pro-quo that participants would consider changing. In responding to this issue, group participants frequently cited the provision of equipment and tools for agricultural work. They also stressed the need to improve the organization of marketing activities as well as the installation of additional processing centres. While some participants wanted their priority crops to be considered, others, however, were content with the current status of the quid-pro-quo and recommended no change of activities.

An assessment of needs of farmers was done to improve interventions towards sustainable agriculture and revealed a necessity for more interventions in the following domains: treatment and multiplication of seeds, seed multiplication, group management, health and nutrition as well as processing and marketing. Additionally introduction of improved vegetable varieties is required.

8. SUCCESS STORY

Conservation efforts have paid: Captured elephant on candid camera: In AWF’s Congo landscape in northern DRC, forest elephants are rarely—if ever—seen directly, though they leave behind plenty of signs of their presence. While the total size of the elephant



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population is presently unknown, it is believed to be small, partly as a result of rampant poaching during and after the civil war (1996-2000),

when illegal arms were in abundance. The landscape team is now conducting regular surveys in the landscape, starting with the Lomako-Yokokala Faunal Reserve (RFLY), to determine elephant abundance, distribution, family structure, etc. In March, the team carried out a dung survey in RFLY, the results of which suggest elephants in this protected area number 105 (95% CI: 65-145) individuals. More recently in October, the team set out several camera traps at two bais (forest clearings) in RFLY. Just a few days ago a sampling of some of the photos from the traps were received. This is an effective indicator of success of more than 10 years of investment in the sustainable management of the reserve. Reward the commitment to conservation: Ilima, an example to

follow

It goes without saying that emphasizing the link between education and conservation is not a fruitless endeavor. The desired outcome is a community which consciously chooses to look after its forest as a heritage for its children, its children’s children, and its children’s children’s children, who will all benefit from these efforts in turn. In a less than perfect world where there exists, sadly, the issue of wildlife crime and a multi-billion dollar illegal wildlife trade impacting elephants, bonobos and other Congo species, it’s a relief to know that such an outcome really can happen! Education is a powerful social investment that can disrupt the cycle of poverty and environmental degradation not only in Ilima, but also at the national level."

The inauguration of the Ilima Conservation Primary School, a new innovative structure designed to raise awareness about the positive impact of conservation and the benefits of quality education in the community, speaks volumes. Funded largely by The Nancy and Charles Wall Family Foundation, in addition to the World Bank the

school is located in a place that fills an area between intact forest and agricultural areas, reinforcing the importance of land and natural resources. The new Ilima school was officially handed over to the education ministry, and officials commended the community for its commitment to conservation. It gave a good example to all



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stakeholders at all levels about how conservation can contribute to development.

Farmers’ adoption of sustainable agriculture activities in the landscape Group discussions were conducted on knowledge gaps and the implementation of sustainable agricultural activities in the landscape. By activity breakdown, there were major differences between the types of interventions and related trainings received. 88 (about 75.2 %) of associations were engaged in conducting PVS trials whereas just 26 (about 22.2%) have received PVS training. Besides, 115 (about 98.3%) of associations were actively engaged in seed multiplication and processing activities whereas 64 (about 54.7%) and 50 (about 42.7%) have actually received training on seed multiplication and processing respectively. Defying Stereotypes about Women in Conservation Iyondji Community Bonobo Reserve (ICBR), created under CARPE II, had 24 new eco-guards trained last October [2014] as part of the African Wildlife Foundation’s USAID-funded support to the reserve’s management structure. And, Pacha Lotango, a young female recruit from within the landscape, graduated top of that class. In November, whilst leading a 9-man patrol on a 6-day mission in the north block of the reserve, Pacha was ambushed by an entire village responding to a cry for help by one of its members under custody for illegally hunting in the area.Pacha's patrol was setting up camp for the night, and were again combing the surrounding to make sure there wasn't another human presence. When the villagers attacked, the unit was a bit spread out. Pacha immediately ordered her men not to retaliate (eco-guards have mandate to arrest, make use of their firearms, and even pursue offenders as far as 50 kilometers outside of a protected area) yet unfortunately suffered a blow to the head during the clash and was rendered unconscious for half a day. “My right eye received a shock and I lost consciousness,” she told in French, with a faraway stare, now standing beside a reddish-brown outer AWF office wall made of adobe in Djolu town several months after the incident. Stones, branches, machetes, bows-and-arrows, and the odd gun were used against her patrol by the villagers that day.

http://www.awf.org/blog/new-eyes-and-ears-iyondji-bonobo-reserve



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“I awoke at our base.” As a result of her injury, Pacha was first evacuated to Djolu town, a half-day’s ride away, and then to Kinshasa

for appropriate treatment. The amazing part of this story is that, following her own request to the Head Warden, Pacha returned to the field in late June 2015! She is, without a doubt, a perfect example of strong women in conservation whom AWF highlighted in connection with the recent 25th AU Summit in South Africa! Indeed, Pacha Lotango could easily feature in a glossy magazine, the kind that lobbies and waiting rooms lavish on customers and clients in fancy hotels and high-rise office buildings; or she could valiantly head up a sales department in a male-dominated Congo service industry, positively conveying naturally expected corporate values, such as integrity, caring, teamwork, commitment, and responsibility to a T. And yet, for reasons that no doubt eludes many a mind, the path she chose—not long after receiving her Bachelor's Degree in commerce from a business institute in Kisangani—takes her to the often unwelcoming, unpredictable outdoors, dressed in green khakis, heavy army boots and carrying a 20-30 pounds rucksack on her back for hours at a time. Pacha is exceptional –a pioneer humbly enacting positive change and demonstrating incredible courage. Can you imagine facing a strange man with a 12-gauge hunting rifle (their favorite weapon) deep in a dark forest? Women (and girls) in the DRC face multiple disadvantages such as access to education (especially secondary and above). DRC figures

from the United Nations Human Development Reports show that only 10 percent of women aged 25-and-above have at least some secondary education, and that 13 percent of women typically give birth to a first child between ages 15 and 19. Ensuring women have access to a variety of jobs and can become self-reliant is not only a hallmark of AWF’s community work, but also one of multiple policies under CARPE for the advancement of gender equity and women’s empowerment.

https://www.awf.org/blog/conservation-africa-monstrous-challenge

https://www.awf.org/blog/closing-literacy-gap-girls



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9. COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH

In FY15, AWF was quite successful in communicating the AWF-led

CAFEC consortium’s program. AWF utilized both digital and print mediums in the organization’s outreach efforts. Examples of these outreach activities are listed, below: AWF BLOGS

More Than a School Building (01/12/2015) http://www.awf.org/blog/more-school-building Through River and Rain (01/23/2015) http://www.awf.org/blog/through-river-and-rain-en-route-congo-landscape Beyond Bonobos (03/18/2015) http://www.awf.org/blog/beyond-bonobos A New Source of Hope in Ilima (03/20/2015) http://www.awf.org/blog/new-source-hope-ilima Boots Made for Walking (03/25/2015) http://www.awf.org/blog/boots-made-walking Ilima, an Example to Follow (03/26/2015) http://www.awf.org/blog/ilima-example-follow Women Pioneering Socioeconomic Transformation (06/08/2015) https://www.awf.org/blog/women-pioneering-socioeconomic-transformation OTHER AWF PUBLICATIONS Bimonthly newsletter for consortium 03/30/2015 Congo Landscape News Issue 03 African Wildlife Foundation’s African landscape 2015.ISSUE 1 Print These articles highlight AWF’s commitment to serving communities, advocating against wildlife crime, and working with others in conservation:

Channel Date Title Link

ACP August 21, 2015

L’agroforesterie : une réponse à l’utilisation des ressources forestières par les communautés de Djolu

http://acpcongo.com/acp/lagroforesterie-une-reponse-a-lutilisation-des-ressources-forestieres-par-les-communautes-de-djolu/

http://www.awf.org/blog/more-school-building

http://www.awf.org/blog/through-river-and-rain-en-route-congo-landscape

http://www.awf.org/blog/through-river-and-rain-en-route-congo-landscape

http://www.awf.org/blog/beyond-bonobos

http://www.awf.org/blog/new-source-hope-ilima

http://www.awf.org/blog/boots-made-walking

http://www.awf.org/blog/ilima-example-follow

https://www.awf.org/blog/women-pioneering-socioeconomic-transformation

https://www.awf.org/blog/women-pioneering-socioeconomic-transformation



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ACP July 14, 2015

Des progrès réalisés par AWF dans la conservation des forêts du bassin du Congo

No.3405

InfoEnvironnement

July 3, 2015

CocoEquateur, nouveau cadre de concertation pour la gestion durable des aires protégées

No. 320

ACP April 21, 2015

RDC / Environnement : un appui de l’AWF aux acteurs de conservation des aires protégées à l’Equateur

http://acpcongo.com/acp/rdcenvironnement-un-appui-de-lawf-aux-acteurs-de-conservation-des-aires-protegees-a-lequateur/

La Tempête des Tropiques

March 3, 2015

Cri d’alarme pour stopper l’extermination des espèces emblématiques dans le monde

No. 5098

ACP February 05, 2015

Le MB Moise rentre de l’équateur chargé de 400 tonnes de marchandises

http://acpcongo.com/acp/le-mb-moise-rentre-de-lequateur-charge-de-400-tonnes-de-marchandises/

NATIONAL MEDIA

Channel Date Title Link

Radio okapi March 4, 2015

Journée de la vie sauvage: «La faune et la flore ne sont pas des ressources inépuisables»

http://radiookapi.net/environnement/2015/03/04/journee-de-la-vie-sauvage-la-faune-la-flore-ne-sont-pas-des-ressources-inepuisables/

Radio okapi March 2, 2015

Comment protéger les espèces animales et végétales en RDC ?

http://radiookapi.net/regions/national/2015/03/02/comment-proteger-les-especes-animales-vegetales-en-rdc/#more-203441

Radio okapi February 13, 2015

African Wildlife

http://radiookapi.net/regions/national/2015/02/13/african-wildlife-foundation-la-preservation-de-la-faune/#more-




http://radiookapi.net/regions/national/2015/02/13/african-wildlife-foundation-la-preservation-de-la-faune/#more-202024




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Foundation et la préservation de la faune

202024

Radio Okapi February 09, 2015

Comment réduire la dépendance aux ressources forestières

http://radiookapi.net/regions/national/2015/02/09/comment-reduire-la-dependance-aux-ressources-forestieres/#more-201674

Info-Environnement

February 5, 2015

Hugues Adeloui A. a présenté à la presse ses perspectives

Info-Environnement No. 317

ACP February 05, 2015

Le MB Moise rentre de l’équateur chargé de 400 tonnes de marchandises

http://acpcongo.com/acp/le-mb-moise-rentre-de-lequateur-charge-de-400-tonnes-de-marchandises/

NETWORKING

Support and participation in Green Team Clean-Up activity in celebration of World

Environment Day June 5. (Green Teams are groups of student volunteers from different

institutions of higher education in Kinshasa. Their mission is to conduct activities related

to sustainable environmental management, such as raising awareness).


Documents

CAFEC LANDSCAPE 9: MARINGA-LOPORI-WAMBA FOREST …