Strengthening LEM approaches and building capacity to improve the effectiveness of protection of Gabons National Parks and Wonga Wongu Presidential Reserve

The purpose of this project is to support conservation efforts in the 13 national parks of Gabon, the Wonga Wongu Presidential Reserve and their buffer zones by producing better planned, executed and monitored law enforcement and protection activities.

The project is intended to conserve Gabons elephant populations and other wildlife in Gabons protected area network by addressing the impacts of poaching driven by a rising demand for ivory and facilitated by infrastructure development and opening up of the forests by extractive industries.

Specific activities include: (1) testing and demonstrating the full use of LEM tools and adaptive management approaches at a pilot site; (2) testing innovative technologies and tools in a pilot site to collect field data, enhance intelligence gathering, and speed up transfer of information to park managers; (3) identifying capacity needs for two target groups amongst park managers and ecoguards, and providing adequate training programs; (4) improving GIS and LEM data management and reporting of LE information, (5) assisting ANPN park managers in developing LE strategies in national parks, and (6) continuing to support the national LEM program.