Collaborative Management Partnerships for Protected Areas:  Virtual Training on Introduction to Establishing Effective CMPs 

The GWP provided introductory training on the tools and principles for establishing and strengthening CMPs in PAs. The training was targeted to government officials, PA authorities, and partners from NGOs, civil society, private sector, and communities interested in CMPs along any stage of the CMP process. 

Topics covered in the training, which attracted 140 participants across two sessions at different time zones, included: 

1. The value of CMPs and how to identify, screen, prepare, and establish them.  

1. Overview of the CMP Toolkit and how to use its guidance, tools, and reference materials. 

1. Successful CMP case studies in Africa that demonstrate various models and their benefits and challenges. 

Key Takeaways 

• In Africa, at least 15 governments have established 40 co-management and delegated CMPs with 13 NGOs, covering approximately 11.5 percent of Africa’s PA estate. 

• An analysis of these 40 CMPs shows they have successfully attracted investments that enhanced biodiversity conservation, created local jobs, generated revenues, and stimulated green development.

• Each of the three primary CMP models used in Africa and discussed in the Toolkit – bilateral, integrated, and delegated - have their strengths, weaknesses, and risks. Government and private partners should carefully consider these differences to determine the most appropriate model for the selected PA.

• Despite the demonstrated ecological, economic, and social benefits of CMPs, there has been a relatively slow update of CMPs for several reasons, including government reluctance to engage partners in PA management. Raising awareness of the government’s role in a CMP can help clarify misconceptions. The Toolkit provides additional advice on mitigating challenges.

• The preparation and establishment of a CMP should be rigorous and follow transparent bidding and contracting processes. The Toolkit provides resources to support these processes.

• Participants were interested in receiving further technical support on CMPs. Additional topics of interest included learning more about community engagement in CMPs and how to build capacity of local partners and communities to become stronger CMP partners.