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Training Program for Conservation Professionals and Community Conservation Leaders

The project supports the development of a professional on-the-job training program for protected area managers at all levels to ensure that all the existing, and future, managers have the requisite skills to apply proven conservation approaches and techniques that support community co-management of natural areas.

  • 0,000

    conservation professional and community leaders will directly receive training

  • Where
    Antananarivo, Madagascar
  • Focus area
    Biodiversity
  • Duration
    2024 - 2025
  • Economy
    DKK 3.05 million
Prime partner: FAPBM - The Madagascar Protected Areas and Biodiversity Fund

Background

Madagascar's protected areas (PAs) network began in 1927, expanding significantly by the late 1980s. In 1991, the National Environmental Action Plan introduced ANGAP (now Madagascar National Parks, MNP) to manage these areas. The 2003 Durban Vision aimed to triple PA coverage, resulting in 123 sites by 2016, covering 7.6 million hectares.

Despite this growth, challenges like community participation, ecological sustainability, and financial stability persist. The Foundation for the Protected Areas and Biodiversity of Madagascar (FAPBM), established in 2005, has invested $140 million to support over 60 PAs.

This project provides an on-the-job training program for PA managers at all levels, focusing on practical and theoretical learning. Using existing infrastructure, particularly in the Menabe region, this initiative aims to enhance management skills, supporting sustainable co-management of Madagascar's natural areas.

The project

The conservation managers and leaders training program will address competency needs of conservation professionals and community leaders managing Madagascar's diverse PAs and community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) areas. Key aspects of the project include:

  1. Competency-Based Training: Tailored for senior PA managers and their teams to manage careers, site-based teams, and PA networks.
  2. Certification: Courses certified by the Ministry of Technical Education and Professional Training (METFP).
  3. Strategic Development:
    • Utilize existing programs and global expertise.
    • Implement a training-of-trainers program to disseminate training across Madagascar.
    • Develop a school-based environmental education program.
    • Establish an "Accelerator Fund" within FAPBM for program administration and attracting additional donor funds.

Project Outcomes

The primary goal of this project is to ensure that managers of Madagascar’s protected areas and community conservation areas possess the necessary competencies to maintain biodiversity and essential ecosystem services.

By the end of 2024...

... a comprehensive competency development program for community conservation leaders and junior and senior protected area managers will be available.

By the end of 2026...

... through long-term partnerships and targeted fundraising, FAPBM will secure resources to sustain the program.

These outcomes will lead to enhanced management of protected areas and community-managed natural sites, contributing to reduced deforestation and increased forest restoration. Additionally, the project will strengthen the Madagascar Coalition for Protected Areas, promoting collaborative management and resource mobilization for effective conservation efforts.