Lebialem Highlands Initiative

Lebialem Highlands Initiative

General Background Assessment

Introduction

The Lebialem Highlands is located on the mountainous northeastern part of South West Region. It is bordered to the East by West Region, South and South West by the Banyang – Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary (BMWS) and North by Momo Division in the North West Region. The area ranges from 180m to about 2510m above sea level. It is situated between latitudes 5^o11” and 5^o 45” and longitudes 9^o50” and 10^o 00”. This landscape is located in a zone with a humid tropical climate. The average rainfall is about 3,500mm, (Gartlan, 1989) with the peak in August. It has a distinct dry (November to February) and rainy (March to October) season. The daily temperatures vary between 20°c and 35°c, with the peak in March. Lebialem Highlands are part of Western Cameroon region situated within the Cameroon-Nigeria cross-border forests and known to be extra-ordinary diverse with a high degree of endemism (Davis et al, 1994). It has been observed that the cross-border area is floristically diverse when compared to other forests in the Guineo-Congolian region (Terry et al, 2003).The Highlands’ dense, lush rainforests have been blessed by four flagship species, three of them primates: the Critically Endangered Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilladeilhi) of which less than 300 remain in the wild; the Endangered Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee (Pan Troglodytes ellioti), the most threatened of chimp subspecies likely numbering fewer than 6,000 individuals; the drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus); as well as the Vulnerable African forest elephant (Loxodonta Acyclotis). This area contains 84 % of known African primates, 68 % of known African passerine birds and 66 % of known African butterflies (Groombridge and Jenkins, 2000). This area has been classified by WWF as a biodiversity hotspot and one of the Global 200.The Lebialem Highlands is ranked among the first five most biologically diverse conservation sites in Cameroon in terms of number globally threatened biodiversity species as well as the number of endemics found here given its combined tropical rainforest, piedmont, montane and savanna-type vegetations (Nkembi, 2006).

Landscape species diversity

This particular hotspot is home to many primates, and a number of endemic species and subspecies other than the Cross River Gorilla (this includes, Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, Preuss’s gibbon, forest elephants, forest buffalo, duiker, 26 endemic birds). Several parts of the Cross River region have been designated by Birdlife International as important bird areas, and USAID’s Central African Regional Program for the Environment has named it a landscape of High Conservation Priority (EruDeF, 2009).

Ornithological inventories showed that the THWS and its peripheral zone host about 328 bird species recorded; 8 threatened, 17 restricted, 24 afro-montane, 6 birds of savannah and a large number of Guinea–Congolian species. Research survey also showed that Lebialem highlands host enormous species of amphibians most of which are global threatened according to the IUCN Red List.

Landscape threatened species

Common name	*Scientific name*	IUCN Category
Cross River Gorilla	Gorrila gorilla deihli	Critically endangered (CR)
Nigerian-Cameroon Chimpanzee	Pan troglodytes ellioti	Endangered (EN)
Preuss’s Monkey	Cercopithecus preussi	Endangered (EN)
Drill	Mandrillus leucophaeus	Endangered(EN)
African Forest Elephant	Loxodonta africana cyclotis	Vulnerable (VU)
Giant pangolin	Smutsia gigantean	Vulnerable (VU)
White-bellied pangolin	Phataginus tricuspis	Vulnerable (VU)
leopard	Panthera pardus	Vulnerable(VU)
Dwarf galago	Galago demidovi	Near threatened (NR)
Wild Cat	Felis sylverstris	Vulnerable (VU)
Threatened Birds Species
Bannerman’s turaco	Turaco bannermani	Endangered(EN)
Banded wattle-eye	Platysteira laticincta	Endangered (EN)
Bannerman’s weaver	Ploceus bannermani	Vulnerable(VU)
Green Breasted Bush shrike	Malacontus cruentus	Vulnerable(VU)
Grey-necked Picathartes	Picathartes oreas	Vulnerable(VU)
Cameroon montane greenbul	Andropadus montanus	Near Threatened(NT)
Threatened Amphibians
Cameroon slippery frog	Conraua robusta	Vulnerable(VU)
Goliath frog	Conraua goliath	Endangered(EN)
Hairy frog	Trichobatrachus robustus	Vulnerable(VU)
Highland long-fingered frog	Cardioglossa venusta	Endangered (EN)
Bamboutos Small-tongue Toad,	Werneria bambutensis Amiet	Critically endangered
Wolterstorff Toad,	Wolterstorffina mirei Perret	Endangered(EN)
Central Night Frog,	Astylosternus ranoides Amiet	Endangered (EN)
Mt Oku Long-fingered frog	Cardioglossa oreas Amiet,	Endangered(EN)
Mt Bamboutos egg frog	Leptodactylodon axillaxis	Critically endangered(CR)
Threatened Plant Species
Argocoffeopsis fossimondi (Tchiengue & Cheek)	Rubiaceae	Critically endangered (CR)
Impatiens letouzeyi Grey-Wilson	Balsaminaceae	Endangered (EN)
Heckeldora ledermannii	Meliaceae	Endangered (EN)
Leptonychia kemerunensis	Sterculiaceae	Endangered (EN)
Schefflera hierniana Harms	Araliaceae	Endangered (EN)
Begonia preussii Warb	Begoniaceae	Vulnerable(VU)
Plectranthus punctatus	Labiatae	Vulnerable (VU)
Prunus	Prunus africana	Endangered (EN)

Key Threats and Challenge to Conservation over the Landscape

Four major threats to biodiversity conservation were registered within the Lebialem highland namely (1) Forest conversion to farmland (the most single biggest threat to habitat conservation). The rapidly increasing human population poses serious threats to the existing land area for conservation. This needs to be tackled immediately and urgently; (2) Corridor fragmentation is another key conservation threat as it could lead to the local extinction of these globally threatened species in their isolated habitats (Oates et al. 2003). (3)Poaching and hunting of wildlife. (4) Suppressed and marginalized local economy. This is of very serious concern and the principal driver behind rampant and rapid forest conversion to farms and poaching given that they earn less than 1USD per day.

Root causes of biodiversity decline

Increasing Human Encroachment

This target area is populated by many humans who have encroached on territory such as clearing forests for timber and to create fields for agriculture and livestock. Much of the habitat areas that probably harbored gorillas in the past has been lost to agriculture or, through burning by pastoralists, converted to grasslands resulting to habitat loss for the rare apes. Upgraded roads in the gorillas’ range also contribute to habitat loss and fragmentation, as they open up new areas for settlement and cultivation, and act as barriers to wildlife migration. The increasing human pressure on the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Tofala-Mone corridor, Banyang Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, Santchou Wildlife Reserve proposed Njaowi Fotabong III-Essoh Attah Wildlife Sanctuary and Mt Bamboutos is resulting from the fact that the central and local government agencies are willing and supportive but not able to provide support in terms of effective law enforcement and inadequate social and economic development interventions. The direct consequence is a continuous biodiversity and habitat loss. Degradation of habitat areas has led to lack of nesting trees and fruit bearing trees mostly used by the Great Apes and the vulnerability of other threatened wildlife species.

Inadequate and poor governance across the landscape

Poor governance and lack of active involvement of the relevant Government Departments and authorities aggravates the issues of poor protection and conservation of flora and fauna. Efficient law enforcement around these five conservation areas – the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, the Banyang Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, the Santchou game reserve, the proposed Njaowi Fotabong III -Essoh Attah Wildlife Sanctuary and Tofala-Mone corridor – is often hampered by a lack of logistical support, lack of ranger infrastructures, and adequate training. The fact that Mt Bamboutos is not having a protection status expose the area to immense pressure from local people due absence of conservation governance. Complete absence of coordinated landscape approach.

Lack of initiatives to sensitize the local communities on conservation

Limited conservation awareness and few alternative sources of income, in turn drive the wildlife trade, resulting in a serious threat to great ape and other threatened species in the area. Also, there are hardly any coordinated efforts and engagement of multiple stakeholders taken up by the local NGOs, CBOs, and CSOs to bridge the information gaps.

Inadequate support of livelihood opportunities

The inadequate livelihood opportunities significantly augment dependency of the communities on forest such as hunting, poaching and logging activities. Excessive collection of Non-Timber-Forest-Produces by the communities in the target regions often disturbs the habitat of the Cross River Gorillas.

Lack of skill and expertise of Rangers and Eco-guards

The Rangers and Eco-guards considerably lack the skill and expertise to ensure effective surveillance and monitoring of the illegal activities in the target Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary. To make the situation worse, the poachers and hunters takes the advantage of poor bio-monitoring by the rangers and eco-guards and expedite rampant poaching.

Inability to integrated gender activities into conservation

The involvement of female into the participatory management of protected area is vital, this is so because women are always left behind when it comes to conservation activities or local economic development activities in these areas. Men, Women and youth in this area strongly depend on the natural resources for survival; this implies leaving out one will be costly for effective conservation in the area.

Pressure on biodiversity due Anglophone crisis

Since the outbreak of the civil war in the Anglophone parts of Cameroon many people in rural areas have been forced to be displaced into the forests. In the case of the Lebialem Highlands most of the population is being displaced into the forest where accessibility is difficult. Surveys showed the internally displaced people are greatly affecting the natural resources at their localities. This is because they solely depend in these natural resources for their livelihoods.

Related Conventions for Conservation of Natural Resources

The sustainable use of natural resources in general, forest and wildlife resources in particular have been the priority of government since independence. As a result, Cameroon is a signatory to relevant international, regional and sub-regional conventions and treaties, with a clear legal and institutional framework to guide the use of these resources. The Lebialem Highlands conservation conception in line with Cameroon government to promote the conservation of threatened biodiversity and ecosystem.

The Convention on Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (Alger, 1968);

This Convention was entered into by the Heads of State and Government of Independent African States, undertaking individual and joint action for the conservation, utilization and development of natural resources (soil, water, flora and fauna) by establishing and maintaining their rational utilization for the present and future welfare of mankind.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 1973), CITES represents a cooperative effort between countries to prevent loss of species resulting from international wildlife trade. It works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls. Significantly, not one species protected by the Convention has become extinct because of trade since its implementation. The Text of the Convention which originated from a 1963 IUCN resolution was agreed by governments in 1973 and entered into force in 1975. CITES now counts over 150 member states and protects, in varying degrees, over 30,000 species.

The Convention on the Conservation of Biological Diversity (1992);

The three main goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from utilization of genetic resources. In a marked shift from previous agreements, the CBD calls for a much more holistic approach to biodiversity, by recognizing its ecosystem, species and genetic levels. The CBD was one of the major outcomes of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development – termed the “Earth Summit” – in Rio de Janeiro. The Convention has 186 Parties, with the notable exception of the United States.

D).The Yaoundé Declaration on Central African Forest Ecosystems Conservation (1999);

The Central African Forest Commission (COMIFAC) is the principal political and technical forum for guidance, coordination, harmonization and decision-making in the conservation and sustainable management of forest and savannah ecosystems in Central Africa. Created in 1999 by the Yaoundé Declaration, COMIFAC is composed of the Forestry Ministers of its 10 member countries and has an executive secretariat (ES) based in Yaoundé, Cameroon. COMIFAC is recognized as primary coordinator for partner activities of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP), a type II voluntary partnership whose primary aim is to enhance natural resource management and improve the standard of living in the Congo Basin.

The Treaty on Conservation of Central African Forest Ecosystems (COMIFAC, Brazzaville, 2005);

The COMIFAC Convergence Plan, last revised in 2005, has the vision of sustainable and joint management by Central African States of their forest resources for the wellbeing of their people, the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of the global environment. COMIFAC, 2005, resulted in its current Convergence Plan. The 2005 summit also resulted in COMIFAC becoming a treaty based organization, transforming COMIFAC into a legal entity empowered with full responsibility to coordinate all conservation initiatives in the Congo Basin. The treaty also provides a strong legal framework for negotiating with bilateral and multilateral funding agencies to establish long-term funding mechanisms for these initiatives.

Assessment of Current and Previous Conservation Projects in the Lebialem Highlands

The landscape is located in a mountainous and undulating environment which makes accessibility quite difficult in the area. There have been four key projects after the creation of the first conservation complex in the landscape. These projects include the Creation and management of the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, the creation and management of the Njoawi Fotabong III Essoh- Ettah Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mt. Bamboutus conservation initiative and the creation and management of the Tofala –Mone corridor.

Protected Areas’ creation and management Projects

The Management of Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

THWS was created 2014 with an area 8087ha.The conservation service placed under the responsibility of the Conservator divided the sanctuary into 5 conservation sectors (Bechati, Folepi-Banti,Besali-Nkong-Bangang,Egumbo-Bamumbu,Fossungu-Fossimockmbi-Fossimondi) and two clusters (Wabane and Alou). The partition aims at not only ensuring the reinforcement of surveillance patrol and other field activities but also to ease cooperation with the local communities.

Sensitization of the local communities on the 1994 Forestry Law, as well as the formation and functioning of Village Forest Management Committees (VFMCs) was put in place. Nine (09) out of the eleven (11) support zone villages have VFMCs created and a number of sensitization meetings were organized. The sanctuary service organizes regular patrols to control illegal activities in and around the sanctuary. Patrol is carried out monthly with the collaboration of government eco-guards with the technical support of ERuDeF. ERuDeF has recruited 6 community rangers who collect field monthly bio-monitoring data and participate in the mixed patrols with government eco-guards. This has tremendously curbed down threats in the sanctuary. Since 2009 to 2016 conservation education in schools and communities in Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary carried out by ERuDeF has greatly changed the attitudes and perception of local people for sustainable exploitation of natural resources. This was through wildlife and nature art workshop; planting of trees in schools and water catchment; organize teachers training workshop; support school infrastructural development and scholarship programme for needy students; follow up radio program and distribute Green Vision newspapers in communities.

A total number of 13 communities and 41 schools were visited for EE in Tofala during which 21 EE lessons were delivered with an average of 7 EE lessons per year. Over 20 000 peoples and 1000 students were educated. Over 35 local postcards where produced. Nature Arts and Craft Workshop was organized in Mmouckmbie and Wabane in 2013 and 2015 respectively with about 40 participants. More than 100 paintings were produced on boards and others on paper. Rainforest expedition was successfully carried out in Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary in 2016 with 5 students on the great apes in the wild; Threat facing wildlife as a result of man’s activities in their habitats were studies. Chimpanzees’ signs constituted the most abundant Great Apes sign in the area. In school forestry project many activities were implemented from 2004 to 2016. More than 25 tree nurseries were created and over 5000 tree seedlings planted within school premises and water catchments. More than 20 school gardens were equally created with trees integrated in the gardens. Since 2009, more than 300 needy students have benefited while advancing the conservation agenda of the organization.

Students and teachers are now having access to school library where they can borrow text books and use for a while before returning them back to the library. As a result of text books donated to 21 primary schools.

Text books were donated to both primary and secondary schools in Tofala, 15 primary schools in 2014 and 10 secondary schools in 2015 benefited from books donation in Tofala. As part of school infrastructural development, three toilets were constructed in primary schools in both Wabane and Alou conservation clusters in Tofala. Six rooms toilet were constructed at GS Egumbo in 2013, GS Mouckbie in 2015 and GS Banti respectively.

Livelihoods provision was one of main activity in the THWS. This is to reduce over dependency on natural resources by the local communities. ERuDeF has successfully established cottages industry on soap production on the Tofala Mone project to support development of economic opportunities, the income of 2000 farmers have increased from 2 to 5 through the promotion of sustainable exploitation and equitable benefit sharing of 10000kg echinops roots to Lewoh village .ERuDeF provided good grinding mills to Tofala women association to boost efficiency in palm oil productivity and cassava processing around the Tofala Mone Corridor. Also more than 1500 women were trained on local soap and starch production and each has set up their business.

The Creation and Management of the Proposed Njaowi Fotabong III Essoh- Attah Wildlife Sanctuary

The Proposed Njaowi Fotabong III Essoh- Ettah Wildlife Sanctuary which also a strong hold of Cross River Gorillas and Nigeria Cameroon Chimpanzees when created will secure an area of 4200ha.The creation will be completed in 2021 when its management plan will be developed and validated. The proposed Njoagwi-Fotabong III-Essoh Attah Wildlife Sanctuary is noted for its exceptional fauna and flora species richness. It harbors the critically endangered Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilladiehli), Nigeria Cameroon chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti), drills (Mandrillusleucophaeus), the African forest elephant (Loxodontaafricanacyclotis), and other large and threatened mammals that are exposed to various threats. Thus, field observations show that all protected areas (Takamanda National Park and the Banyang Mbo and Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary) located in the landscape in which the proposed Njoagwi-Fotabong III-Essoh Attah Wildlife Sanctuary is found are connected by a network of wildlife migrate on corridors that pass through the community forests and forest management units that are peripheral to it. The average number of chimpanzees is 170 and 7 Gorillas

This migratory flow concerns several species including elephants, gorillas, Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee and many others. If this migratory flow is continuous for a good part of the above-mentioned landscape, in the southern zone, then animals will move to two opposite directions to reach spaces considered as receptacles. The movement of wildlife has already been disturbed by the rupture of the flow towards the Santchou Wildlife Reserve due to anthropogenic pressures and various encroachments observed in this protected area. Moreover, any disruption or intensification of human activities in this space (future sanctuary) could lead to an increase in the straying of animals and more particularly elephants. This factor is likely to accelerate human-wildlife conflicts and their harmful consequences on neighboring communities.

Since 2018 effort were launched by ERuDeF to create the proposed Njoagwi-Fotabong III-Essoh Attah Wildlife Sanctuary to safeguard the Cross River Gorilla and Nigeria-Cameroon and other globally threatened Red List species. The creation process which has been funded by the Rainforest Trust US and facilitated by ERuDeF is in its final phase awaiting the transmission of the file from the Ministry of forestry to the Prime minister for signature creating the proposed sanctuary. Creating the Sanctuary will be a great achievement but developing the management implementation plan and supporting the protection and conservation of these threatened species through implementing of the management of plans shall be a great accomplishment to ERuDeF and the Conservation Society at large

Map of proposed Njaowi Fotabong III Essoh- Attah Wildlife Sanctuary

Upgrading the Santchou Wildlife Reserve into a National Park

The Santchou Wildlife Reserve is located at latitude 10^o00’ North and longitude 5⁰ 12 East. Altitudes within the Reserve vary from 800-1400m above sea level and close to 3/4 of the wildlife Reserve is made up of faulted escarpment which forms part of the Bamileké plateau that progresses towards Bafang from past tectonic activities, including part of the Santchou depression from the same tectonic activities. The main objective of the creation of this reserve in 1947 was to protect/conserve the dwarf elephants and dwarf buffaloes which are now speculated to be extinct because of human pressures and interferences. A variety of endemic bird species of over 161 species that are currently present within the reserve had suffered less threat from human presence. The reserve is also a home for a variety of monkeys and other fauna amongst which are: Gabon Viper, Python, African forest elephant, buffaloes, sitatunga, bush pigs, porcupines, monitor lizard which are currently being threatened. According to Birdlife International (2015), the vegetation of the Santchou Wildlife Reserve is a mixture of Sterculiaceae and Ulmaceae, dominated by semi-deciduous forest, shrubby savanna, sub-montane forest, periodically inundated swamp-forest and grassland.

The populations of several wildlife species within protected areas in Cameroon are fast declining due to anthropogenic interferences (poaching, encroaching farmlands, deforestation, bush fires and grazing related activities) or better still to the migration of species linked to visual effects of humans or intruders and habitat destruction. The Santchou Wildlife Reserve is said to be one amongst the two Important Birds and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Cameroon where the Guinea–Congo Forests biome species, Phyllanthus atripennis prevails. As such, continuous update information on the status of the populations of these species and their habitat is essential to design effective conservation strategies within protected areas. Upgrading the Wildlife reserve into National Park will push for more conservation efforts from the site of government of Cameroon to the management of the Proposed Park. The reserve is endowed with so much biodiversity richness and supporting conservation required national and international support.

In creating the Park, The forest reserve next to the southern part of the Santchou wildlife Reserve will be integrated into the wildlife reserve during the development of the technical note leading to creation and management of the proposed Santchou National Park

**Map of Santchou Wildlife Reserve and Metchie-Ngoum forest Reserve**

Corridor Conservation Projects

Tofala- Mone Corridor

Tofala- Mone corridor (30000 ha) is conservation hotspot between the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mone Forest Reserve. From 2010 to present through the bio-monitoring research, over 150 chimpanzees, about 15-20 gorillas, unknown population of buffaloes, Drills, Water chevrotain and other endangered species of fauna and flora have been recorded in this rainforest corridor. The Tofala-Mone corridor serves as a genetic corridor, linking the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary (THWS) and the Mone Forest Reserve. In particular, it connects the Cross River gorillas of THWS to those of the Takamanda National Park through the Mone Forest Reserve. From 2008 through 2012, ERuDeF has conducted regular annual biodiversity surveys in this corridor that led to it being proposed as a wildlife genetic corridor in 2010.Four community forests have been created and the conservation and management of this corridor require the close collaboration local communities adjacent to forests.

Fifteen communities live within this forest corridor and depend on it for about 90% of their survival as confirmed by ERuDeF socio-economic surveys 2017. Based on the importance of this rainforest block, the local communities applied to the state of Cameroon through ERuDeF to help them conserve this rich rainforest through the creation of a series of community forests. The creation of 4 community forests and update of the management plan of the FMU11002 has resulted in the protection of over 45,000ha of pristine forest between the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mone Forest Reserve. This will contribute towards the long term protection of the over 630,000 ha in the Lebialem Highlands Complex. During the first phase of the project there were concurrent projects for local economic development, cottage industries were set up within the corridor to reduced over dependence on the natural resources

Banyang-Mbo-proposed Njaowi Fotabong III-Essoh Attah-Sanctchou Corridor

The Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1996, with the upgrading of the former Council Forest Reserve. It was the first Wildlife Sanctuary to be created in Cameroon with an area of 66200ha, and indeed the first protected area to be gazette in ten years, resulting directly from revisions made to the Forestry Law in 1994(WCS, 2003).Wildlife biodiversity survey results showed that the sanctuary is rich in mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects(WCS,2002). A previous study in this area indicates the presence of a rich array of some 250 mammals of which 18 are primate species. 849 bird species, 140 reptile species, 190 amphibians and more than 8,460 plant species of which about 150 are endemic and a multiplicity of unidentified insects (WCMC 1994; Birdlife International 2005; Bessong, 1995). The threatened mammals species include Drill (Papio leucophaeus), Preuss’s guenon (Cercopithecus preussi) Allen’s Galago (Galago alleni) and Dwarf Galago (Galago demidovi), Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), Buffalo (Syncerus nanus, African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), Derby Eland, Hippopotamus. Several of these are sold as pets within the Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary .This is done contrary to the fact that the Drill, Preussi guenon, Chimpanzee, Potto, Leopard, Galago, giant Pangolin green Tauraco and the Grey Parrot are prohibited by Cameroon 1994 Forestry Law.

The Santchou Wildlife Reserve is located at latitude 10^o00’ North and longitude 5⁰ 12 East. The Santchou Wildlife Reserve over considerable distance is bordered by other national PAs, wildlife reserves and national parks. To the west and northwest, it is bordered by the Banyang Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, to the south west by the Bakossi Mountains Wildlife Reserve and to the South West by the Bakossi National Park. Altitudes within the Reserve vary from 800-1400m above sea level. Close to ¾ of the wildlife reserve is made up of faulted escarpment which forms part of the Bamileké plateau that progresses towards Bafang from past tectonic activities, including part of the Santchou depression from the same tectonic activities. The main objective of the creation of this reserve in 1947 was to protect/conserve the dwarf elephants and dwarf buffaloes which are now speculated to be extinct because of human pressures and interferences, and a variety of endemic bird species of over 161 species that are currently present within the reserve and had suffered less threat from human presence. The reserve is also a home for a variety of monkeys and other fauna amongst which are: Gabon Viper, Python, sitatunga, bush pigs, porcupines, monitor lizard which are currently being threatened. According to Birdlife International (2015), the vegetation of the Santchou Wildlife Reserve is a mixture of Sterculiaceae and Ulmaceae, dominated semi-deciduous forest, shrubby savanna, sub-montane forest, periodically inundated swamp-forest and grassland. The populations of several endangered species within protected areas in Cameroon are fast declining due to anthropogenic interferences (poaching, encroaching farmlands, deforestation, bush fires and grazing related activities) or better still to the migration of species linked to visual effects of humans or intruders and habitat destruction. The Santchou Wildlife Reserve is said to be one amongst the two Important Birds and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Cameroon where the Guinea–Congo Forests biome species, Phyllanthus atripennis prevails. The populations of several endangered species within protected areas in Cameroon are fast declining due to anthropogenic interferences (poaching, encroaching farmlands, deforestation, bush fires and grazing related activities) or better still to the migration of species linked to visual effects of humans or intruders and habitat destruction. As such, continuous update information on the status of the populations of these species and their habitat is essential to design effective conservation strategies within protected areas. The resulting network of commercial hunters and markets is closely linked to the country’s dependence on primary export products including agriculture and timber which has led to land clearing and road construction without relieving poverty. This has given easy access to the unsustainable exploitation of some wildlife resources often leading to biodiversity loss

**Banyang-Mbo Njaowi Fotabong III-Essoh Attah-Sanctchou Corridor**

Project Conceptualisation and Rationale

The efforts to conserve the Lebialem Highlands started way back in 2003, ERuDeF launched it initiative to create the first conservation complex in this area.The complex was to enhance the effective protection of the subspecies of gorillas and chimpanzees, which are the Cross River Gorillas and and Nigeria- Cameroon Chimpanzees. With the discovery of these species and other threatened wildlife in the area ,a number of conservation projects have been undertaken through ceation of protected areas .These efforts have created a network of protected areas over the landscape and wildlife species are constantly moving over long distances within forest habitats. The creation and management of conservation corridors between protected areas will facilitate genetic connectivity and wildlife migration in the area. Corridor creation between Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mone Forest Reserve will improve the conservation of Cross River Gorilla between the Pas, also to those of the Takamanda National Park ,the creation of the Banyang Mbo-NFEAWS-Santchou Corridor will facilitate the protection and conservation of the Great Apes populations and other threatened wildlife species, the African Forest Elephant. The managemet of these protected areas required the full involvement of local communities adjacent to them. Projects are designed to involve all the key stakeholders in a colloborative managemnt approach with main conservation activities such as; creating and managing protected areas, building the capacities of local people, promoting alternative livelihoods, restoring degraded areas(buffer zones), supporting sustainable finance development and mainstreaming gender into conseravtion.

The project rational is based on the fact that Cross River Gorilla and Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee are Critically Endangered and Endangered respectively sub species found mainly in pockets within the Cameroon-Nigeria forest areas. These are under immense pressure from Human activities. Though more than half of the estimated population is found in protected areas, the management of these protected areas as well as areas outside still require a concerted effort from all stakeholders for the survival of these species.The entire Cross River Gorilla population is thought to be less 300 individuals fragmented across 12 to 14 hilly enclaves along the Nigeria–Cameroon border (Nicholas et al.2010).The Nigeria–Cameroon Chimpanzee is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is considered the most threatened of all chimpanzee subspecies, numbering possibly as few as 3500 animals in the wild (Morgan et al., 2011) Hunting of Cross River Gorilla and Nigeria Cameroon Chimpanzees has fallen considerably over the last decade partly because of increased conservation outreach and the presence of researchers (Oates et al. 2007).Nevertheless, efforts to protect remaining populations are constrained by intensive bush-meat hunting, and the main drivers of deforestation and forest degradation being forest conversion for agriculture large scale, industrial as well as slash and burn farming, fuel wood harvesting and illegal logging. Without effective management strategies, the continuing expansion of human activities in these areas will lead to further fragmentation of the remaining great ape habitats, preventing migration between sites. The creation of protected areas, conservation corridors and promoting its management will secure an area of 130, 000ha and conserves more than 50 species of cross river gorilla and 200 Nigeria- Cameroon Chimpanzees, and number of threatened species, Africa Forest Elephant, drills and other threatened plant species.

Landscape Conservation Overall Goal

Conservation of the threatened biodiversity and ecosystem in the Lebialem Highlands

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to consolidate the management of Great Apes population in the Lebialem Highlands. (Tofala Wildlife Sanctuary, Njoagwi- Fotabong III-Essoh-Attah Wildlife Sanctuary, Santchou Wildlife Reserve, Tofala-Mone Corridor, and Banyang-Mbo-NFEAWS-Santchou Corridor).

Objectives:

To consolidate the conservation of Great Apes population in the Lebialem Highlands.
To support local economic development
To promote ecosystem restoration
To support sustainable finance development.
To promote effective landscape governance in the Lebialem Highlands
To promote applied conservation research across the landscape
To mainstream gender into conservation and development in the Lebialem Highlands

Project Target Areas

The Lebialem Highlands have Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, proposed Njoagwi- Fotabong III-Essoh-Attah Wildlife Sanctuary, Santchou Wildlife Reserve, Mt Bamboutos, Tofala-Mone Corridor, Banyang-Mbo-Njaowi Fotabong III-Essoh Attah Wildlife Sanctuary -Santchou Corridor as earmarked projects to be complete within a period of 5years. These projects when implemented will secure total land area of 130,000ha for effective conservation. The Lebialem Highlands is part of the Bakossi-Banyang Mbo-Lebialem Technical Operational Unit (TOU). The Technical Operations Units (TOUs) have been institutionalized by the government of Cameroon through MINFOF (Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife) to facilitate the harmonization of the actions of the different actors and also to enhance a holistic approach in the management of Protected Areas (PAs) within the landscape. The Cross River gorilla’s small total remaining population size, its fragmentation across a large complex landscape and continuing threats to its survival from habitat destruction and hunting have resulted in its status as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Collectively, Lebialem Highlands (Tofala-Mone Corridor, Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Njoagwi- Fotabong III-Essoh-Attah Wildlife Sanctuary, and Banyang Mbo-Sanchou Corridor and Mt Bamboutos) in western Cameroon host over 40 Cross River gorillas, 1000 Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee, over 200 African forest elephants, over 200 types of birds, Drills, Preuss monkeys and a host of other globally threatened species that include amphibians (Goliath Frog) and flora. Tofala-Mone Corridor(45,000 ha) remains amongst the most deserved linkages to be created for the movement of Cross River Gorilla, Nigeria -Cameroon chimpanzee and the African forest elephant from the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary to Mone community forest Reserve .This also create a linkage to those from the Takamnda National Park. Njoagwi-Fotabong III-Essoh-Ettah Wildlife Sanctuary with an area of 42000ha habours also the Critically Endangered Cross River Gorilla and the Endangered Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzees, the management implementation plan will be developed taken into consideration the socio- economic activities of the local communities around the sanctuary and in collaboration with the sanctuary management board service. The Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary (8087ha) management and business plan has included all necessary aspects to properly manage the Sanctuary, therefore, it implementation plan has the key objectives which are the integration local communities in most activities and most projects are geared toward wildlife conservation and beneficiary to local inhabitants. The Banyang Mbo- Santchou corridor will itself facilitate the conservation of wildlife species most especially the Vulnerable African Forest Elephant between the two protected areas by providing a functional linkage for genetic connectivity and wildlife movement from either Banyang Mbo to Santchou Wildlife Reserve and Njoagwi- Fotabong III-Essoh-Attah Wildlife Sanctuary or vice visa. ERuDeF has started desktop research and is current mobilization resources to work with the government of Cameroon to upgrade the Santchou Wildlife Reserve into National Park. The Mietchete Forest Reserve will be integrated as part of the park.

Activities

Objective. To consolidate the conservation of Great Apes population in the Lebialem Highlands

Task: Support the management implementation plan of Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

Task:Support law enforcement

Activities

Conduct training of eco-guards and community guides on law enforcement, patrol and surveillance
Create and strengthened 5 Village Forest Management Committee (VFMC)
Equip and support VFMCs in management of the forest
Training of VFMCs Members on their role in the protection and management of biodiversity in the area
Construction of office and 2 rangers station around the THWS
Conduct monthly patrols with Eco-guards and local Rangers

Task: Support education for sustainable development

Activities

Training of Teacher on Environmental Education
Create and Strengthen environmental clubs
Support the development of basic school infrastructures (benches and books)
Support scholarship scheme for needy students
Carry outfield expedition with students
Participate in local radio and TV programs
Production and distribution of environmental postal education and sensitization materials

Support continues research and bio-monitoring on fauna

Identification and recruitment of field assistant and community field guides
Training of field assistants and community field guides
Conduct monthly forest surveillance
Conduct biological research to determine the population and distribution of large mammals, amphibians and birds in the area
Conduct surveys on habitat characterization of THWS

Conduct flora research

Activities

Train fields guides on plant research
Conduct research and produce a data base of plant species.
Carry out research and produce distribution maps for areas with favorable apes used plants
Identify threatened plants species in the areas

Task:Support ecotourism development

Identification of cultural and ecotourism sites
Elaborate and promotion of a functioning ecotourism plan
Support local development and valorization of ecotourism
Construct, equip and assure the functioning, maintain and equip the reception centre
Construct and equip ecolodge
Identify and train tourist guides
Construct a miradors

Task : Support the creation and management of the proposed Njoagwi- Fotabong III-Essoh-Attah Wildlife Sanctuary

Task: Complete the creation of the proposed Njoagwi-Fotabong III-Essoh Ettah Wildlife Sanctuary.

Activities

Follow up for the signature creating the Sanctuary by the Prime Minister.

Task:Support the management of the Sanctuary proposed Njoagwi- Fotabong III-Essoh-Attah Wildlife Sanctuary

Task: Develop and validate the management and business plan

Activities:

Carry out additional biological surveys in view of the preparation of the management plan
Carry out additional biological surveys in view of the preparation of the management plan
Carry out additional eco-touristic survey
Follow up the organization of the Technical Committee and task force by the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife that will be charge with the review and elaboration of the management plan
Organize meeting to validate all survey report by the Technical Committee
Hiring of a Consultant for the preparation of Management Plan and Business Plan
Preparation of Management and Business Plan
Organize Second Technical Committee meeting and First Task for meeting
Carry out micro-zoning survey
Carry out village to village validation
Organize 3rd Technical Committee meeting and 2nd taskforce meeting
Carry out subdivisional validation
Carry out Divisonal validation meeting
Organize 4th Technical Committee meeting and 3rd taskforce meeting
Organize Regional Validation meeting
Organize 5th Technical Committee meeting and 4th taskforce meeting
Organize National Validation meeting
Organize 5th Taskforce meeting for final update of the document and submission to MINFOF Yaounde
Follow up signature of Management Plan by the Prime Minister

Task: Support law enforcement

Activities

Conduct training of eco-guards and community guide on law enforcement and patrol and surveillance method and used of tools, data entry and reporting
Create and strengthened 5 Village Forest Management Committee (VFMC)
Equip and support VFMCs in management of the forest
Training of VFMCs Members on their role in the protection and management of biodiversity in the area
Construction of office and 2 rangers station around the proposed Sanctuary

Task: Support continues research and bio-monitoring

Activities

Identification and recruitment of field assistant and community field guides
Training of field assistance and community field guides.
Conduct monthly forest surveillance
Conduct biological research to determine the population and distribution of large mammals, amphibians, birds, and plants in the area
Conduct surveys on habitat characterization of the Njoagwi- Fotabong III-Essoh-Attah Wildlife Sanctuary

Task : Promote education for sustainable development

Activities

Training of Teacher on Environmental Education
Create and Strengthen environmental clubs
Support the development of basic school infrastructures (benches and books)
Support scholarship scheme for needy students
Carry outfield expedition with students
Participate in local radio and TV programs
Production and distribution of environmental postal education and sensitization materials

Task: Support ecotourism development

Activities

Identification of cultural and ecotourism sites
Elaborate and promotion of a functioning ecotourism plan
Support local development and valorization of ecotourism
Construct, equip and assures the functioning, maintain and equip the reception centre
Construct and equip ecolodge
Identify and train tourism guides
Construct a miradors

Task:To upgrade and support the management implementation of the Santchou Wildlife Reserve

Task :Production of the technical note

Activities

Project induction workshop
Conduct biological surveys for the development of a technical note
Conduct socioeconomic survey for the production of a technical note
Prepare the Technical Note
Submission of Technical Note to the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife
Follow up the publication of a Public Notice by the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife
Collection and distribution of Public Notice

Task:Decree creating the proposed Santchou National Park

Activities

Carry out village to village sensitization
Carry out sensitization of Administrative Authorities
Carry out sensitization of Traditional Authorities and Elites
Carryout Divisional Commission meeting
Compilation and submission of file to the Prime Minister
Follow up the signature of the Prime Minister
Final Signature of the Prime Minister
Launching the creation of the Santchou National Park

Task:Production of Management and Business Plans

Activities

Carry out additional biological surveys in view of the preparation of the management plan
Carry out additional socio-economic survey
Carry out additional eco-touristic survey
Follow up the organization of the Technical Committee and task force by the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife that will be charge with the review and elaboration of the management plan
Organize meeting to validate all survey report by the Technical Committee
Hiring of a Consultant for the preparation of Management Plan and Business Plan
Preparation of Management and Business Plan
Organize Second Technical Committee meeting and First Task for meeting
Carry out micro-zoning survey
Carry out village to village validation
Organize 3rd Technical Committee meeting and 2nd taskforce meeting
Carry out subdivisional validation
Carry out Divisonal validation meeting
Organize 4th Technical Committee meeting and 3rd taskforce meeting
Organize Regional Validation meeting
Organize 5th Technical Committee meeting and 4th taskforce meeting
Organize National Validation meeting
Organize 5th Taskforce meeting for final update of the document and submission to MINFOF Yaounde
Follow up signature of Management Plan by the Prime Minister

Task:Support the Management of the Proposed Santchou National Park.

Task:Support law enforcement

Activities

Support monthly patrols and forest surveillance
Reorganization and strengthen of Village Forest Management Committee
Equip and support VFMCs in management of the forest
Recruit and train local field guide
.Purchase of patrol equipment

Task: Support continues Research and Biomonitoring

Activities

Identification and recruitment of field assistant and community field guides
Training of field assistance and community field guides.
Conduct monthly forest surveillance
Conduct biological research to determine the population and distribution of large mammals, amphibians, birds, and plants in the area
Conduct surveys on habitat characterization of the SNP

Task:Education for Sustainable Development

Activities

Training of teacher on environmental education
Create and strengthen environmental clubs
Support the development of basic school infrastructures (benches and books)
Support scholarship scheme for needy students
Carry outfield expedition with students
Participate in local radio and TV programs
Production and distribution of environmental postal education and sensitization materials

Task1.4.4.4.Support ecotourism development

Activities

Identification of cultural and ecotourism sites
Elaborate and promotion of a functioning ecotourism plan
Support local development and valorization of ecotourism
Construct, equip and assure the functioning, maintain and equip the reception centre
Construct and equip ecolodge
Identify and train tourist guides
Construct a miradors

Task:Creation of the Mt Bamboutos Wildlife Reserve

Task:Production of the technical note

Activities

Conduct project induction workshop
Conduct biological surveys for the development of a technical note
Conduct socioeconomic survey for the production of a technical note
Prepare the Technical Note
Submission of Technical Note to the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife
Follow up the publication of a Public Notice by the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife
Collection and distribution of Public Notice

Task1.5.2. Decree creating the proposed Mt Bamboutos Wildlife Reserve

Activities

Carry out village to village sensitization
Carry out sensitization of Administrative Authorities
Carry out sensitization of Traditional Authorities and Elites
Carryout Divisional Commission meeting
Compilation and submission of file to the Prime Minister
Follow up the signature of the Prime Minister
Final Signature of the Prime Minister
Launching the creation of Mt Bamboutos Wildlife Reserve

Task:Support the management of the Tofala-Mone corridor

Task:To complete the creation of four community forests safeguarding 15397ha by developing simple management plans

Conduct socio-economic and environmental surveys
Delineation of the boundaries of the four community forests
Creation of internal boundaries and blocking of the four community forests
Conduct multi-resource inventory
Hire a consultant for preparing of the simple management plans
Prepare four draft simple management plans for four community forests
Hold 8 workshops (Two per community forest) with the local community members to prepare and validate the first 5-year simple management plans for the four community forests
Hold 8 workshops (two per community forest) to validate the four Simple Management Plans at the Divisional Level
Hold 8 workshops (two per community forest) to validate the Simple Management Plans at the Regional level
Hold 4 workshops for the preparation and signing of four final management Agreements
Follow up the approval of the four simple management plans and final management agreement by the minister of Forestry and Wildlife

Task:To promote community based monitoring of great apes population in the corridor through the engagement of local rangers, VFMCs, eco-guards and community forest management institutions

Activities:

Participatory identification and sensitization of relevant stakeholders
Create and reorganized community based conservation institutions
Identification training needs of community based conservation institutions and eco-guards
Prepare training modules on the identified training needs
Organise 4 training workshops for community forest management institutions(48 persons) and 10 for VFMCS (80 persons) on law enforcement , patrol, surveillance , data entry , reporting, wildlife and forest monitoring tools such as Camera traps, GPS, Cyber trackers and Compass
Equip and support VFMCs with data sheets, rain coats ,rain boats, GPS, Compass, Sleeping mats, Cyber trackers, Camera, Tents ,Camera traps
Conduct monthly monitoring, patrols and forest surveillance along the corridor

Task: To continue the development of cottage industries (apiculture, forest base products value chain, palm kennel processing and livestock farming) while promoting conservation education and vocational training in the corridor

Task: Promote conservation education and vocational training

Activities:

Hold village to village conservation sensitization and education meetings in target communities
Identify and prioritize vocational trade needs for youths and women
Support the training of at least 100 community members (70% women and 30%men) on five priorities vocational trade needs
Support the trained community members with startup equipment
Creation of 10 Environmental Clubs in 10 schools around the Tofala -Mone
Carry out schools environmental education sessions in at least 10 schools
Carry out 3 rain forest expedition with students
Production of environmental education materials for dissemination in schools (12 editions of Green Vision News Paper, news articles, 300 posters, short films )
Carry out monthly radio and quarterly TV environmental related issues to sensitize the public
.Purchase of communication materials (computers, recorders, cameras, etc)
Conduct impact survey of beneficiaries and estimate human pressure on conservation habitat

Task: Setting up of the cottage industries

Hold village to village sensitization meetings in target communities on cottage industries
Identify hunters, poachers and farmers and train them on apiculture, forest based products value chain, palm kernel processing and livestock farming
Reorganize the Kendem Palm Oil cooperative and storage facilities
Signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with members of the cooperative and village heads
Develop business and marketing plans for apiculture, forest products value chain and livestock farming
Support 150 community members with 1500 bee hives
Support 200 community members with 400 piglets
Develop the market information system
Set up palm kernel processing unit
Set up forest based products processing units (bush mango and njangsa processing)
Conduct impact survey of beneficiaries and estimate human pressure on conservation habitat

Task:To establish effective community forest monitoring using Global Forest Watch App as a Tool and remote sensing to obtain informed decisions on deforestation and illegal hunting of wildlife and habitats destruction

Purchase of smart phones and installs the Forest Watcher App
Training of ERuDeF staff on the use of Forest Watcher App, production of maps using QGIS and GPS
Training of Forest Management Institutions on the use of GPS and forest watcher app installed in smart phones
Conduct remote sensing in the target area
Conduct participatory mapping exercise to collect and display local knowledge about bio-vegetation cover, current and historical land use on the 3D model
Develop a community led forest monitoring protocol using GFW as a tool
.Conduct locally informed and GFW guided forest surveys to collect and validate deforestation and forest degradation data in the community and state forests
Transfer of field data unto the P3D Model and digitize into QGIS
Presentation of results to relevant stakeholders for decision making

Task:Creation and management of the Banyang Mbo-Proposed NFEAWS-Santchou corridor

Task:Production of a Technical note

Activities

Survey and Characterization of the corridor
Conduct training of Research Assistants and field guides on survey methods and tools
Carry out ecological monitoring to determine population distribution and movement patterns of wildlife within the corridor
Map out the corridor, distribution pattern and movement of wildlife
Production of survey report

Task:Creation of 3 community forests

Activities

Sensitization of community members
Conduct multi resource inventory in the 3 community forest
Mapping of 3 community forest area boundaries
Carry out 3 consultation meetings
Compilation of file and submission at the Divisional Level
Follow up signature of files at the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife Yaounde

Task:To complete the creation of three community forests by developing three simple management plans

Activities:

Conduct socio-Economic and environmental surveys
Delineation of the boundaries of the four community forests
Creation of internal boundaries and blocking of the four community forests
Conduct multi-resource inventory
Hire a consultant for preparing of the simple management plans
Prepare four draft simple management plans for four community forests
Hold 8 workshops (Two per community forest) with the local community members to prepare and validate the first 5-year simple management plans for the four community forests
Hold 8 workshops (two per community forest) to validate the four Simple Management Plans at the Divisional Level
Hold 8 workshops (two per community forest) to validate the Simple Management Plans at the Regional level
Hold 4 workshops for the preparation and signing of four final management Agreements
Follow up the approval of the four simple management plans and final management agreement by the minister of Forestry and Wildlife

Task:To promote community based monitoring of great apes population in the corridor through the engagement of local rangers, VFMCs, eco-guards and community forest management institutions

Activities:

Participatory identification and sensitization of relevant stakeholders
Create and reorganized community based conservation institutions
Identification training needs of community based conservation institutions and eco-guards
Prepare training modules on the identified training needs
Organise 4 training workshops for community forest management institutions(48 persons) and 10 for VFMCS (80 persons) on law enforcement , patrol, surveillance , data entry , reporting , wildlife and forest monitoring tools such as Camera traps, GPS , Cyber trackers and Compass
Conduct monthly monitoring, patrols and forest surveillance along the corridor

Task: To promote the development of cottage industries (apiculture, forest base products value chain, palm kennel processing and livestock farming) while promoting conservation education and vocational training in the corridor

Task: Promote conservation education and vocational training

Activities:

Hold village to village conservation sensitization and education meetings in target communities
Identify and prioritize vocational trade needs for youths and women
Support the training of at least 100 community members (70% women and 30%men) on five priorities vocational trade needs
Support the trained community members with startup equipment
Creation of 10 Environmental Clubs in 10 schools around the Tofala -Mone
Carry out schools environmental education sessions in at least 10 schools
Carry out 3 rain forest expedition with students
Production of environmental education materials for dissemination in schools (12 editions of Green Vision News Paper, news articles, 300 posters, short films )
Carry out monthly radio and quarterly TV environmental related issues to sensitize the public
Purchase of communication materials (computers, recorders, cameras, etc)
Conduct impact survey of beneficiaries and estimate human pressure on conservation habitats

Task1:To establish effective community forest monitoring using Global Forest Watch as a Tool and remote sensing to obtain informed decisions on deforestation and illegal hunting of wildlife and habitats destruction

Purchase of smart phones and installs the Forest Watcher App
Training of ERuDeF staff on the use of Forest Watcher App, production of maps using QGIS and GPS
Training of Forest Management Institutions on the use of GPS and forest watcher app installed in smart phones
Conduct remote sensing in the target area
Conduct participatory mapping exercise to collect and display local knowledge about bio-vegetation cover, current and historical land use on the 3D model
Develop a community led forest monitoring protocol using GFW as a tool
Conduct locally informed and GFW guided forest surveys to collect and validate deforestation and forest degradation data in the community and state forests
Transfer of field data unto the P3D Model and digitize into QGIS
Presentation of results to relevant stakeholders for decision making

Objective To support local economic development in the landscape

Task:Promote livestock production

Activities:

Participatory identification village associations
Organize training workshop on piggery production
Purchase of piggery and distribution
Setting up production stations
Monitoring and sharing amongst members

Task: Promotion of a sustainable apiculture practices

Activities:

Mobilization of village on apiculture training
Organize training workshop on apiculture
Provision of hives construction materials
Transform honey to finish products

Task:Valorisation of non timber forest products

Activities:

Organise a meeting for mobilization of village NTFPs collectors in to group
Elaborate and implement guidelines for NTFP harvesting
Training on sustainable NTFP exploitation and transformation
Promote Agroforestry and domestication of NTFPs
Provide preservation materials and later storage in cooperative building

Task:Creation and support cooperative enterprises

Activities:

Sensitization of community members
Mobilisation of community into groups of common interest
Developed article of association for the formation of cooperatives
Training and capacity building of Cooperative members
Formation of executive board members for the smooth running of the cooperative
Formation of cooperative
Follow up the legalization of the cooperative
Training on the management of the cooperative
Development of business and financial plan of cooperative
Support the implementation of the business plan

Objective:To promote ecosystem restoration through forest gardening

Task: Set up the Lebialem Highlands forestry centre

Activities:

Participatory identification degraded areas
Create training center for youth
Creation and training of nursery management committees
Identification and training of nursery Assistants
Collection and Purchase nursery seeds
Follow up and management of nurseries
Transplanting of seedlings to degraded areas
Establish a seed banks for improved nurseries
Monitoring of transplanted seedlings

Objective:To promote sustainable conservation finance Development

Task :Develop a microfinance cooperative

Activities:

Mobilization and sensitization
Development of article of association and legalization
Training and capacity building of members
Legalisation of cooperatives
Capitilisation of the finance cooperatives
Follow up and monitoring
Task :Develop a forest protection fund

Activities:

Mobilization and sensitization
.Development of article of association and legalization of Forest Protection Fund (FoProF)
Training and capacity on the management of FoProF
Follow up monitoring of FoProF
Cappitilisation of the conservation foundation

Objective :To promote effective landscape governance in the Lebialem Highlands

Task :Creation of the Lebialem Highlands conservation platform for sustainable Development (CSO, Private sector, companies, INGOs, Government)

Activities:

Identification of stakeholders
Workshop for the creation of the forum
Legalization of the forum
Coordination and functioning of the stakeholder forum

Task:Promote conservation activities with the platform

Organise participatory workshop with the different stakeholders
Carry out capacity building on key governance issues
Organize periodic meetings for information flow
Conduct assessment of protected areas management
Develop simple governance plan to help local authorities in the conservation activities in the landscape
Conduct participatory monitoring and evaluation programmes

Objective: To promote applied research of fauna and flora

Task: Promotion of fauna and flora research in schools

Activities:

Train selected students on research methods
Support post graduate students research focused on biodiversity through financial funding
Support good quantity and quality research data

Task: Capitalize the projects conducted in the Lebialem Highlands since 2003 through publications and peer reviewed papers.

Activities:

Create a data bank on past and present unpublished researches on the Lebialem Highlands
Hiring a research assistant for publications
Produce and submit draft of the publications
Follow up for publication

Objective :To Support gender mainstreaming into conservation for sustainable development in the Lebialem Highlands

Task:Mainstreaming gender into conservation activities.

Activities:

Organize inception workshops with the population
Mobilized and sensitized women and youths on ecosystem management and biodiversity restoration
Conduct assessment of crisis related gender issues
Carry out gender analysis, advocacy into sectorial planning
Carry out rehabilitation after the crisis
Training on soap production amongst internally displaced Placed people in the area
Carried out field survey to develop a gender action plan for the Lebialem Highlands Initiative through the identification of Key Enabling factors that contributes to women’s inclusion at the community and institutional level
Donation of recovery funds to internally displaced Placed to commence soap production business

Task: Support sustainable management of human population

Activities:

Training of women on reproductive health
.Support girl students with hygiene and sanitation materials

Methods

Objectives:To consolidate the conservation of Great Apes population in the Lebialem Highlands. For the creation of National park, wildlife sanctuary and Reserve, sensitization meetings will be organized envolving government officials, traditional authorities, local community members and civil society organizations in the target area. Socio-economic and wildlife survey reports will be exploited to produced the draft technical note for protected area creation that will be validated by the Regional Delegate of Forestry And Wildlife of the South West Region. Meeting reports and technical note will will latter be transmitted to the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife be the regional delegate the same ministry. The minister of Forestry And Wildlife will use the technical note and consultative meeting reports to prepare and sign the ‘’Public Notice’’. The Public Notice will hence be distributed and pasted across all the villages involve in the project. This will then be followed by village to village sensitization meeting on public notice. The Divisional Commission on the creation of the new protected area will be organized after which all gazettement documents will be sent to the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife and continues follow-up through hierarchy for final signature by the Prime Minister. The creation process will therefore end with the collection and launching the creation of the National Park.

During the development of the Management plan, additional surveys will be conducted in view of the preparation of the management plan. Review and conduct desktop audit of available reports on the proposed National Park which will be validated by the Task force. After the validation, the technical committee prepares the final road map for the development and validation of the management plan. The management and business plan are produce with the help of a consultant. There after validation of the management at the village level, sub divisional level, divisional level, regional level and national level. After each level of validation, the technical and task force meeting is organized to deliberate on the resolutions of each meeting and proposed way forward. After which, the final Management plan and Business plan are signed by the Prime Minister. There will also be physical demarcation of the new Park boundary involving all local communities.

The management of protected area will involve conducting monthly patrols and forest surveillance, concerted conservation programmes such as environment education in schools and the public, research and bio-monitoring and ecotourism development.

The creation of corridor requires the series of community forest. In creating community forest require multi-resource inventory. Map out the corridor, distribution pattern and movement of wildlife, survey and Characterization of the corridor. Carry out 3 consultation meetings and mapping of 3 community forest area boundaries. Finally the file will be Compiled and submitted at the Divisional Level for signature

Objective:To support local economic development

The local people around Pas are the main beneficiaries; a socio-economic survey will be conducted in adjacent villages to PAs. Identify the priority needs of the people. Apiculture, animal farming, valorization of NTFPS and setting up of cooperatives. This will involve sensitizing and organizing training workshops for different groups and people in the communities. Provide and set up production centers through participatory approaches.

Objectives: To promote ecosystem restoration of degraded areas

The management team will participatory identify degraded areas with the local communities. This will involve visit to buffer zones and agricultural lands. A forestry center will be set up for production of different species of trees .Tree planting will be during favorable seasons with selected plants of economic importance.

Objective:To support sustainable finance development

The support of sustainable finance will involve the creation of the Lebialem Highlands conservation fund. Cooperatives enterprises will be set up

Objective: To promote effective landscape governance in the Lebialem Highlands

There will involve series of meetings organized to Identify of stakeholders (CSO, Private sector, companies, INGOs, Government).Workshops will be organized to create a working platform. There will be capacity building on key governance issues. The platform will be legalized through a series of meeting

Objective: To promote applied conservation research across the landscape

Applied research will involve number of selected institutions, students with interest in conservation of wildlife and forestry will be supported through technical and financial research assistant. The publication of articles from past projects will be done through the gathering of data and assembling for publication. Publication will be done on credible conservation journals

To mainstream gender into conservation and development in the Lebialem Highlands

This will involve the integration female youth and adult into conservation activities. Sensitization meetings will be organized whereby many youths will be selected for training. Girls and women affected during the crisis will be empowered through sensitization and training. Capacity building meetings and workshops will be organized for the integration of youth into sectorial planning. Training workshop will be organized to trained women on soap production

Project expected Outputs/outcomes

Objective: To consolidate the conservation of Great Apes population in the Lebialem Highlands

Task:Support the management implementation plan of Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary

Outputs:

Ten eco-guards and nine local rangers trained and effective supporting law enforcement in the THWS
More than 30 than teachers trained and 50 environmental clubs created and revived to promote schools conservation education. Ten million people reached out through environmental educational TV and radio talk show programmes.
Biological data, movement pattern and maps of wildlife distribution documented for proper management.
Eco-tourism facilities developed to boost the conservation activities of the sanctuary

Task: Creation and the management implementation plan of NFEAWS

A management plan produced to collaboratively manage the NFEAWS
At least 10 eco-guards and 9 local rangers trained and effective supporting law enforcement in the NFEAWS
More than 30 than teachers trained and 50 environmental clubs created and revived to promote schools conservation education. Ten million people reached out through environmental educational TVs and radios talk show programmes.
Biological data, movement pattern and maps of wildlife distribution documented for proper management.
A centralized and accessible data created
Eco-tourism facilities developed to boost the conservation activities of the sanctuary

Task: To upgrade and support the management implementation of the Santchou Wildlife Reserve

A total surface area of more than 9,000ha secured for conservation of threatened species through the creation of a National Park
A management implementation plan produced for the effective management of the park
Biological data of wildlife, movement pattern and maps of African Forest Elephant distribution documented for proper management
More than 30 than teachers trained and 50 environmental clubs created and revived to promote schools conservation education. Ten thousand people reached out through environmental educational TVs and radios talk show programmes.

Task: Creation of Mt Bamboutos Wildlife Reserve

Mt Bamboutos Wildlife Reserve created and effective management

Task: Support the management of the Tofala-Mone corridor (4 Community forests)

Atleast 128 community conservation institutions gain knowledge on law enforcement, patrol, surveillance, data entry, reporting, wildlife and forest monitoring tools such as Camera traps,GPS,Cyber trackers and Compass and are effectively involved in the management of the corridor.
The reliance and pressure on biological resources and ecosystem services reduces through income generation, new employment opportunities for youths trappers and others who involved in forest habitat destructions and species extinction
.The long term biodiversity management of the Tofala-Mone East corridor improved through bio-monitoring and forest surveillance. The eco-guard, local rangers and community conservation institutions gain knowledge and adapt to the GFW app forest monitoring tool

Task: Creation and management of the Banyang Mbo-proposed NFEAWS- Santchou corridor

The Banyang Mbo-proposed NFEAWS- Santchou corridor created and effectively managed
Atleast 142 community conservation institutions gain knowledge on law enforcement, patrol, surveillance, data entry, reporting, wildlife and forest monitoring tools such as Camera traps, GPS, Cyber trackers and Compass and are effectively involved in the management of the corridor.
The reliance and pressure on biological resources and ecosystem services reduces through income generation, new employment opportunities for youths trappers and others who involved in forest habitat destructions and species extinction
The long term biodiversity management of the Tofala-Mone East corridor improved through bio-monitoring and forest surveillance. The eco-guard, local rangers and community conservation institutions gain knowledge and adapt to the GFW app forest monitoring tool

Objective: To promote local economic development

More than 50 communities provided with livestock production and apiculture to over 15000 people
Market value chain provided to more than 1000 women
Set up more 4 cooperatives across the landscape

Objective: To promote ecosystem restoration through forest gardens

Two forestry center established for development of nurseries.
More than ten thousands trees transplanted each year
The Lebialem forestry centre strengthened and upscale
Atleast 20 community members and youth trained on forest gardens per year
Buffer zones and agricultural areas well managed through trees planting of economically improved trees

Objective: To promote sustainable Finance development around conservation areas

A microfinance cooperative developed and functioning
At least more than 1500 community trained on the functioning of microfinance cooperatives
Atleast 78% people income increased by the functioning ProFoF

Objective : To promote effective landscape governance in the Lebialem Highlands

The relevant stakeholders integrated into conservation activities around protected area
Protected areas assessment reports produced to foster effective conservation
A coalition of protected areas management set up with all stakeholders

Objective: To promote applied research across the landscape

Five conservation scientific articles produced to boost the conservation efforts over landscape

Objective: To Support Gender mainstreaming into conservation for sustainable development in the Lebialem Highlands

70% of youth sensitized on conservation of wildlife and protection of fragile ecosystems
More than 20% of female youth and women trained on soap production

Logical framework for the Lebialem Highlands

Objectives	Tasks	Expected outcomes	Indicator	Mean of verification	Timeline
1.To consolidate the conservation of Great Apes population in the Lebialem Highlands	Task1.1.0.Complete the validation and signing for the approval of management plan of the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary(THWS)	Management and business plan validated	Management and business plan	Signature of Prime Minister, the Decree validating the management and business plans
Task1.1.1.Support law enforcement in the THWS	Monthly patrols conducted and wildlife protected	Reports	Data collection sheetsreports and pictures
Task 1.1.2. Support education for sustainable development in the THWS	education 10,000 People sensitized and awareness raised on conservation education More than 30 environmental clubs created and students empowered	Report	Training manuals,Attendance sheets,Pictures and reports
Task1.1.3. Support continues research and bio-monitoring on fauna in the THWS	Fauna research conducted and documented	Reports,	Data collection sheets reports and pictures
Task1.1.4.Conduct flora research in the THWS	Flora research conducted in the sanctuary and documented	Reports,	Data collection sheets, reports and pictures
Task1.1.5.Support ecotourism development in the THWS	Eco-tourism developed	Documentation	ReportsDeveloped sites and infrastructures
Task 1.2.1. Develop and validate the management and business plan of the Njaowi Fotabong III Essoh – Attah Wildlife Sanctuary (NFEAWS)	Management developed and validated	Management and business plan	Signature of Minister of Forestry and wildlife
Task1.2.2.Support law enforcement in the NFEAWS	Monthly patrols conducted and wildlife protected	Reports,	Data collection sheets, reports and pictures
Task1.2.3. Support ecotourism in the NFEAWS	Eco-tourism developed	Developed sites and infrastructures	Reports,Developed sites and infrastructures
Task1.2.4. Support continues research and bio-monitoring on fauna in the in the NFEAWS	Fauna research conducted and documented	Reports,	Data collection sheets, reports and pictures
Task1.2.5. Support flora research in the NFEAWS	Flora research conducted in the sanctuary and documented	Reports,	Data collection sheets reports and pictures
Task1.3.4. Support education for sustainable development in the NFEAWS	education 10,000 People sensitized and awareness raised on conservation education More than 30 environmental clubs created and students empowered	Reports,	Training manuals,Attendance sheets,Pictures and reports
Task1.3.5.Support ecotourism development in the NFEAWS	Eco-tourism developed	Infrastructures and developed sites	Infrastructuresand developed sites
Task1.4.1.Production of the technical note for the creation of proposed Santchou National Park	Technical Note produced	Technical Note	Technical note
Task 1.4.2. Decree creating the proposed Santchou National Park	Santchou National Park Created	Creation of the park by the Prime Ministerial Decree	Prime Ministerial Decree creating the Park
Task 1.4.3.Production of Management and business Plans	Management plan produced and validated for effected management	Management and Business plans	Validated Management and Business plans
Task1.4.4.4.Support law enforcement	10 community guides are recruited and trained Monthly patrol carried	Reports	Training Manuals,Training manuals,Attendance sheets,Pictures and reports
Task1.4.4.6. Support continues Research and Bio-monitoring	Comprehensive Research and Bio-monitoring conducted	Reports	Data collection sheets, reports and pictures
Task 1.4.4.7.Education for sustainable development	50 teachers trained on conservation education 10,000 People sensitized and awareness raised on conservation education More than 30 environmental clubs created and students empowered	Reports	Training manuals,Attendance sheets,Pictures and reports
Task1.4.4. 5.Support ecotourism development	Eco-tourism developed	Infrastructures and sites developed	Infrastructuressites developed,Reports
Task1.5.1.Creation of Mt Bamboutos Wildlife Reserve	Mt Bamboutos Wildlife Reserve created	Decree creating the Wildlife Reserve	Prime ministerial decree
Task1.6.1.To complete the creation of four community forests safeguarding 15397ha by developing simple management plans	4 Simple management plans validated	Simple management plans
Task1.6.2.To promote community based monitoring of great apes population in the corridor through the engagement of local rangers, VFMCs, eco-guards and community forest management institutions	Great apes movement and ecology documented	Reports	Data collected,ReportsGreat apes maps produced
Task1.6.3.To continue the development of cottage industries (apiculture, forest base products value chain, palm kennel processing and livestock farming) while promoting conservation education and vocational training in the corridor	500 people trained supported with apiculture, forest base products value chain, palm kennel processing and livestock farming	Reports	PicturesReportsTraining manualsFunctioning sites
Task1.6.4. Promote conservation education and vocational training	Women trained and empowered with different trades of work More than 20 schools environmental clubs created and revived and functioning	Reports	Training manualReports PicturesAttendance sheetsVideos
Task1.6 5.Establish effective community forest monitoring using Global Forest Watch App as a Tool and remote sensing to obtain informed decisions on deforestation and illegal hunting of wildlife and habitats destruction	Land cover changes produced Anthropogenic activities documented for effective management	Reports	Maps,data base
Task 1.6.1.Production of a Technical note of the Banyang- Mbo- NFEAWS-Santchou corridor	Technical note produced	Technical note	Technical note
Task 1.6.2. Creation of 3 community forest in the gaps identified	3 community forests created by a Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife	Signature of the minister of Forestry and wildlife	Signature of Minister of Forestry and wildlife
Task1.6.3.To complete the creation of the three community forests safeguarding corridor by developing simple management plans	3 Simple Management plan validated	Simple management plans	Signature of Minister of Forestry and wildlife
Task1.6.4.To promote community based monitoring of great apes population in the corridor through the engagement of local rangers, VFMCs, eco-guards and community forest management institutions	Great apes movement and ecology monitored	Reports	Maps,Data base
2. To support local economic development	Task2.1.Promote livestock production	More than 200 community members trained and practicing animal farming	Reports	Pictures,Production stations,Training manuals,Attendance sheets
Task2.2. Promotion of a sustainable apiculture practices	More than 200 people trained on apiculture	Reports	Training manuals,Attendance sheetsPictures,
Task2.3.Valorisation of non timber forest products	Value chained market established for NTFPs	Reports	PicturesProcessing station
Task2.4.Creation and support cooperative enterprises	3 cooperatives enterprises established	Reports	Legalized agreement
3.To promote ecosystem restoration	Task3.1. Restore degraded areas	2000 ha of land restored in the Lebialem Highlands	Reports	Nurseries stationsPicture of restored areas
4..To promote sustainable conservation finance Development	Task 4.1. Develop a microfinance cooperative	2 micro finance cooperatives established	Reports	Legalized final agreement
Task 4.2. Develop a forest protection fund	A Forest Protection Fund established and strengthened	Reports	Final agreement
5. To promote effective landscape governance in the Lebialem Highlands	Task 5.1.Creation of the Lebialem highlands conservation platform for sustainable Development	Stakeholders forum created and functioning		Attendance sheetsMeeting minutesPlatform created signature
Task1.5.Promote conservation activities with the platform	Conservation Policies developed and promoted	Reports	Policies documentMeeting minutesReport
6.To promote applied research across the landscape	Task6.1 Promotion of fauna and flora research in schools	Students promoted in conservation education	Reports	Research reportsResearch protocol
Task6.1. . To capitalize the projects conducted in the Lebialem Highlands since 2003 through publications and peer reviewed papers.	Data and reports gathered and articles produced	Reports	Copies of articles publishedData documented
7.To Support gender mainstreaming into conservation for sustainable development in the Lebialem Highlands	Task7.1. Mainstreaming gender into conservation activities	NTFP are sustainably collected, transformed and marketed. 100 women gain support in petty business. Youths, girls and women sensitised and promoted into sectorial planning	Reports	Pictures and reports of NTFPS valorizedPictures of women and report of their petty businessSectorial planning meetings minutes and attendance sheets
Task7.2.Support sustainable management of human population		Reports	Pictures and reports on women hygienes

Project Governance/Implementation Team

This programme is run and implemented under seven thematic objectives which include;a)To consolidate the conservation of Great Apes population in the Lebialem Highland; b). To support local economic development c) To promote ecosystem restoration ,d) To support sustainable finance development; e) To promote effective landscape governance in the Lebialem Highlands;f) To promote applied conservation research across the landscape and g) To mainstream gender into conservation and development in the Lebialem Highlands. Apart from allocating staff to directly implement the aforementioned objectives the project require technical funding support to run projects this is why the following positions (Strategy and international adviser, Chief International Adviser and United Kingdom Manager) are key for continuous execution of the programme. A communication officer is required for the dissemination of the project results and widening its activities.

Table2. Staff role in project implementation

Project implementation team
Position	Function
Strategy and international adviser	Develop the strategic plan for the landscape
Chief International Adviser	Network, provide technical assistance and widen conservation important of the Lebialem Highlands to international partners
United Kingdom Manager	Identify funders and provide technical support
National Manager	Coordinate the country activities and spearhead projects at Regional and National level.
Landscape Manager	Oversees the running and implementation of the project and report directly to the partners and National Manager
Project coordinator	Oversee the implementation of big projects and report directly to the Landscape management
Development fundraising officer	Oversee the quality implementation of the project and develop new methods of execution
Accountant and budget officer	Account and budget for project activities
Forestry officer	Implement the creation of community forest and facilitate in other forestry areas
Livelihood officer	Execute livelihood projects in communities in the landscape
Agricultural officer	Implement restoration projects through setting of nurseries and trees planting
Bio-monitoring and Research officer	Spearhead all research and bio-monitoring in the landscape
Consultant	Hire on contract bases to facilitate other technical activities deem necessary
Project monitoring and evaluation expert	Evaluate and monitor projects from the start to the end
Project communication officer	Advance the conservation programme and raise awareness through TV and Radio talk shows
Project driver	Project driver for the entire landscape

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