Strengthening the capacity of AVGAPs around Parc National de la Keran

During the 1990's political troubles in Togo the communities living around protected areas felt seriously neglected and got a dislike for the conservation principles. The negative consequences of this attitude was felt in all protected areas especially the National Parc de la Keran (PNK), in northern Togo. Aware of the situation, Togo recently developed important initiatives like the rehabilitation of protected areas. One of the activities under this (EU - funded) programme was a diagnostic study for the rehabilitation of PNK. Unfortunately, there were problems in the execution of this programme concerning the integration of the local communities in the management of their resources. This project by AGBO ZEGUE want to contribute for the reduction of anthropogenic pressure on the park. This will be done through the development of alternative means of communication; promotion of environmental initiatives, translation and diffusion of legislatives text; public awareness and organisation of an exchange visit to share experiences with other communities. The expected results are: increased awareness of populations in the management of their resources; increased capacity of the Associations Villageois de gestion des Aires Protégées (AVGAP) who participate efficientely in the park management and development of an exchange network and diffusion of environmental information.

The results of this project include the following: Park National of Oti-Karan biodiversity and its state is known, thereby allowing identification of appropriate measures and preparation of specific (micro-) project proposals; Increased awareness of populations in the management of their resources; Increased capacity of the Associations Villageois de gestion des Aires Protégées (AVGAP) who participate efficiently in the park management; Developed an exchange network and diffusion of environmental information; Increased involvement of the local communities in conservation activities and sustainable use of their natural resources through tree planting, monitoring of illegal activities in the park and its vicinities Funds are presently being sought for the implementation of the Park five year developments Programme.