July 2008 1

Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE)

Central Africa Forest Ecosystems Conservation (CAFEC) Garamba Chinko Protected Areas Project

Annual Performance Report Reporting Period – October 1st 2016 to September 30th 2017

Submission Date: MMMM DD, YYYY Agreement Number: [insert number] Activity Start Date and End Date: MMMM DD, YYYY to MMMM DD, YYYY AOR Name: [insert name] Submitted by: [insert name], Chief of Party

[Name of Prime Implementing Partner] [Insert address] Tel: [insert number] Email: [insert email]

[Insert partner and/or project logo here]

CENTRAL AFRICA REGIONAL OPERATING UNIT (CAROU)

Submission Date: October 31st, 2017 Agreement Number: AID-605-A-16-00002 Activity Start Date and End Date: October 1st, 2016 to September 30th, 2021 AOR Name: Chris Schaan Submitted by: Joseph Martin, Chief of Party

African Parks Network Centurion bldg., The Oval Office Park Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa

Tel: +27 11 465 0050 Email: josephm@african-parks.org

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1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW/SUMMARY

Program Name: Central Africa Forest Ecosystems Conservation (CAFEC) Garamba Chinko Protected Areas Project

Activity Start Date and End Date:

October 1st, 2016 to September 20th, 2021

Name of Prime Implementing Partner:

African Parks Network

[Contract/Agreement] Number: AID-605-A-16-00002

Name of Subcontractors/Sub-awardees:

Garamba National Park and Chinko Protected Area

Major Counterpart Organizations

Geographic Coverage (landscape, province(s) and countries)

Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic

Reporting Period: October 1st, 2016 to September 30th, 2017

Acronyms and Abbreviations APN African Parks Network ATM Automated Teller Machine BFR Basic Field Ranger CAR Central African Republic CCC Committee for Community

Conservation CPA Chinko Project Area CRCA Community Resilience in

Central Africa CRS Catholic Relief Services DRC Democratic Republic of

Congo EDF European Development

Fund EWN Early Warning Network FACA Forces armées de la

République centrafricaine FARDC Forces armées de la

République démocratique du Congo

FOB Forward Operation Base GNP Garamba National Park HWC Human-wildlife conflict IC Invisible Children ICCN Congolese Institute for the

Conservation of Nature IDP Internally Displaced Person LE Law Enforcement LRA Lord’s Resistance Army OP Observation Post PIKE Proportion of Illegally Killed

Elephants PMP Performance Management

Plan PJO Police Judiciary Officer SECC Secure, Empowered,

Connected Communities USG United States Government

1.1 Program Description/Introduction

The Garamba-Chinko Protected Areas project focuses on Intermediate Result 2 of the CARPE RDCS, and specifically on Sub-Intermediate Result 2.1; Strengthened capacity for biodiversity conservation planning and implementation. It is aimed that by 2021, a higher standard of park management and reduction of threats to wildlife is achieved in Garamba National Park and Chinko Project Area, successfully restoring and conserving key wildlife species in each complex, and establishing a foothold for governance, security and stability for surrounding communities and the wider DRC-CAR-South Sudan trans-boundary landscape. Three key sub-purposes’ will contribute to the achievement of this goal; i) improvement of the security of the protected areas, ii) strengthened management capacity for the protected areas and iii) development of partnerships and consistency for conservation.

2. ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS

2.1 Overall progress

Chinko Project Area Over the course of Year 1, a core area of more than 2,000 square kilometers was successfully secured, and Chinko is now on track to expand this coverage to 3,000 square kilometers by the end of 2017. The zone is now free from encroachment by cattle herders, and poaching, too, has been kept at an absolute minimum since the project started. As a result, clear signs of change in wildlife behavior have been observed within the CPA, and Chinko is expected to continue serving as one of the last remaining wildlife sanctuaries in CAR, particularly in light of increased conflict countrywide – and therefore increased likelihood of poaching. During the covered period, Chinko also became a refuge for human populations due to conflict-driven displacement around the protected area. A total of around 280 IDPs, mainly Peul, sought protection in Chinko following an attack on Nzako in April. As a result, staff have had to reallocate resources to ensure that food, shelter and healthcare is provided in timely fashion to the IDPs. This has put further strain on Chinko’s operations, because available resources have had to be redirected in order to cater for IDPs, and also because it has become increasingly difficult to get supplies into Chinko. Staff are now working with UN and humanitarian agencies to facilitate relocation of the IDPs to a more secure and permanent site, but progress has been incremental at best due to the prevailing state of conflict and devastation. In June, another attack on the village of Bakouma displaced a further 2,000 people. Chinko responded by helping rebuild 300 houses that were destroyed during the attack, and African Parks launched an Emergency appeal to raise the necessary humanitarian funds. Sadly, Chinko also lost twenty employees during Year 1; three were killed in a helicopter crash, including the two most senior staff in the Law Enforcement Department; one lost his life due to a drug overdose; another was killed in an attack by local anti-Balaka militia on Bakouma; and the remainder were killed by armed groups while on leave. However, with a view to ensuring sustained capacity for biodiversity management, Chinko rapidly filled a number of key positions, including a new Head Financial Officer and Special Projects Manager who took up post in April; a new Community Development Manager who arrived at the end of May; and a Logistics Manager and Law Enforcement Manager who were recruited in the summer. However, ranger

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recruitment had to be delayed due to rebel activity around the Chinko area, which makes recruitment potentially risky. Overall, though some delays have occurred, Chinko successfully executed most activities foreseen in Year 1. As one of the largest purveyors of employment in this conflict-wracked region, Chinko represents a rare beacon of hope for human and wildlife populations alike, and will likely to continue being one of the only catalysts for stability and development for the foreseeable future. Garamba National Park Several key objectives were achieved during Semester 2 of the Agreement that had significant implications on the project’s evolution. A total of 25 new ranger houses were constructed with USAID funds, an aerial survey of the Park was conducted (final report still under review), a total of 39 elephants were fitted with satellite tracking collars, new ranger equipment was shipped to the Park (and has been deployed to over 200 Law Enforcement personnel) and over 9,000 people benefitted from Garamba’s healthcare services. On the 11th April, Garamba tragically lost two men (one Garamba ranger and one FARDC soldier seconded to the Park) in an armed contact with presumed Sudanese elephant poachers. A significant uptick in LRA activity was also noted in the region during the second semester (in comparison to Semester 1), as illustrated by an armed contact between GNP rangers and LRA rebels that occurred in June in the Gangala na Bodio hunting area, leaving people wounded on both sides. In total 10 armed contacts occurred during Year 1 between GNP ranger teams and armed poachers/groups. April and May again proved to be high poaching months, with 57% of the carcasses found during the year shot in these two months. In general, however, the gains made have resulted in a significant decrease in poaching incidents over the past year, compared to previous years. Through two Basic Field Ranger courses, the total Law Enforcement team has grown to over 250 strong (admin, static posts and rangers). 150 of these men are regular patrolling rangers and Mamba teams. Ranger equipment and kits have been improved where possible, however certain items such as more durable uniforms and ration preparation material is still being researched. A number of key managerial roles were filled during Year 1, such as the Chief Financial Controller, CoP/Kinshasa Liaison, Periphery Manager as well as EU Monitoring & Evaluation manager. Logistic difficulties continued to hinder operations, and much effort was put into road maintenance and airstrip clearing and construction. Two bridges were constructed over the Dungu and Garamba rivers (funded by the Kibali Gold Mine), which have ensured that all vehicles can be based out of Nagero HQ year-round – enabling better fleet management, maintenance and reaction time. An aspect that has had far reaching operational effect is the rejuvenation of the gathering, analysis, and dissemination of security information. Professional development and mentoring of the information gathering department commenced towards the end of Semester 2, which has provided the capacity to underpin this important facet of anti-poaching. The aim was, and still is, to produce organic capability and there is clarity in the operational picture and data base, which has an immediate impact on the operational tasking of the patrols, reducing nugatory effort and adding a predictive element to influence poaching habits.

2.2 Implementation and Results

a. Biodiversity Conservation and Combating Wildlife Trafficking

(1) Summary of key results.

Chinko

Selected Indicators (Standard/Custom)

Current year

Annual Target Actual Result

Actual as Percentage of Annual Target

On Target Y/N

# incidents of hunting for hides/fur per year 40-50 killed per year

7 -86% (using 50 as baseline)

Y

# incidents of bush meat poaching per year 40-50 cases of bush meat poaching

- 300kg of bush meat confiscated in August. - 58 bush meat confiscated on other occasions

86% N

# foreign cattle herding camps within core protection area

0 cattle grazing in core protection area, limited in larger Chinko Area

0 in core protection area

100% Y

# days herdsmen remain in Chinko core protection area

0 0 in core protection area 12 days in the larger Chinko area

100% Y

Garamba

Selected Indicators (Standard/Custom)

Current year

Annual Target (2017) Actual Result

Actual as Percentage of Annual

Target

On Target Y/N

Number of people that apply improved conservation law enforcement practices

160 Rangers + Mambas (96

Regular

150 Rangers + Mambas (104

Regular

94% Y

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rangers + 64 Mamba)

Rangers + 46 Mambas)

Number roads and airstrips completed as per work plan

95 km road graded; 450 km of road

cleared manually.

Total of 545 km and 5

airstrips

243 km road graded; 522 km of road

cleared manually.

Total of 765 km and 5

airstrips

140% Y

Area and % of Garamba NP & surrounding hunting blocks where conservation personnel undertake regular activities and have year-round access

80 % Park 20% HAs

75% Park (about

3,800km2) 25% HAs (approx.

2,500km2)

93% Y

Number of human activity / poaching incidents detected per square km

0.14 0.08 (15,146 km and 1,190

incidents)

175% Y

Number of elephants in Garamba Complex

1100+ 1,191 100% Y

Number of giraffe in Garamba Complex 40 47 117% Y

Number of students visiting Garamba 500 150 30% N

Number of community members exposed to Environmental education and sensitization

12,000 2,526 21% N

(2) Narrative (Descriptions of strategies and interventions that helped achieve these results, according to CAFEC/EMAPS strategies and include what was planned versus what was actually achieved).

Sub Purpose 1.1: Security of protected areas improved

By 2021, wildlife and communities are more secure in the Garamba and Chinko complexes, as demonstrated by fewer incidents of attacks by armed groups compared to 2010-2015 averages in defined zones, and by greater territorial control and rule of law established in protected area complexes through information, logistics, and Law Enforcement (LE) efforts.

Outcome 1.1.1: Rangers recruited, trained and equipped. By the end of the project, rangers in the Garamba and Chinko complexes are sufficiently supported, equipped and trained to effectively counter threats to wildlife security. Activity 1.1.1.1: Recruit and train sufficient number of Garamba rangers

During Year 1, GNP increased the Ranger and Mamba force from just over 100 individuals to 150 (this does not include Rangers that man the static posts, Nagero station security points or admin staff). The further training and mentoring of the pre-existing and new Rangers aimed to increase

their confidence and proficiency in the field. The success of the LE strategy is dependent on every member being able to perform as required without holding back the unit due to lack of fitness or equipment. Therefore, training and mentoring are seen as an ongoing process under constant supervision and mentorship outside of formal training programs. In January 2017, GNP leadership introduced an Operations and Training Cycle to better manage the ranger component as a capability, with periods of training, operations and rest evenly matched.

BFR Training

Two 10-week BFR courses were run between August 2016 (before this reporting period) and early January 2017. A group of 16 new recruits had their passing out parade in the first week of Year 1 and in January 2017 an additional 41 rangers completed their Basic Field Ranger training (BFR). This training was conducted by the Endangered Species Protection Agency, and was not covered by USAID.

The delay of the third BFR training was due to two main reasons: 1) a delay in housing construction for the rangers and 2) need to bring existing rangers up to a higher level, before integration of newly, better trained rangers into the unit. The third BFR training has thus been scheduled for March-early June 2018, with the hope that a total of 40 rangers will pass this BFR, taking the total number of rangers and Mamba teams to 192 (as per 2018 target).

Mamba Training

Of the 45 individuals who commenced training in September 2016, a total of 31 rangers passed the Mamba selection and training (finalized in November). This raised the total number of Mamba team members to 56; however, the team has since decreased from 56 to 46 due to people moving to the training wing, being medically downgraded with long-term injuries and posting to Gangala Station.

Nagero Security Guards

After the second BFR training, approximately 20 candidates, who did not pass the BFR but showed potential, went on to complete training as Security Guards for the Nagero Head Quarters. Included in this group were five women. This has taken the total current number to 49. This number of security agents is higher than what was originally budgeted for on USAID, and Garamba is requesting to maintain this number of agents and use funding from the FARDC budget line to cover the excess over the coming 4 years.

Refresher and Specific Training

The Training Centre, mentored Training Wing, and the Operations and Training Cycle have produced significant gains in overall capability and effectiveness. One feature is the ability to produce immediate training solutions to challenges identified in the field. This agile response improves operational performance, remedies misunderstandings, and ultimately maintains a cutting-edge advantage. Refresher training is an ongoing process, with specific courses done at certain periods of time. In total:

- 44 rangers went through Leadership Training - 14 rangers went through Medical Aid Training - 15 rangers completed an advanced tracking course

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- 17 drivers did a para-military course (risk mitigation when driving teams in the field)

The following training courses are planned during Year 2, over and above the 3rd BFR course already mentioned:

- Section Commander Courses – 4 week courses that will run from October to mid-December 2017

- Medical Course – 2 week courses that will run during January 2018 - Mamba Training – 2 week courses during January and February 2018

Activity 1.1.1.2: Recruit and train sufficient number of Chinko rangers

During Year 1, Chinko trained 17 additional rangers, which graduated the Basic Field Ranger (BFR) course in December 2016, bringing the total ranger force to 64. Advanced training of the current rangers is foreseen at the end of 2017. This will entail primarily refresher and leadership training as well as firearms training. Before moving forward with the training, however, an exemption will need to be obtained from the UN Sanctions Committee on CAR.

In June 2017, an armed group attacked the village of Bakouma, causing displacement of the local population. Some of the rangers, originating from Bakouma, went to their villages to be with their families and subsequently 11 rangers did not return to work and were unaccounted for. Their contracts have been terminated. This brings the ranger force back to 53. Due to the level of insecurity in eastern CAR and the presence of different armed groups, we have postponed the recruitment of new rangers as it is potentially risky to recruit in the current climate. We will not be recruiting new rangers in Year 2 due to the security situation, but we are looking in to the possibility of deploying eco-guards from the Ministry of Water and Forest (Eaux et Forêts) to protect Chinko HQ, its infrastructure and personnel. New ranger recruitment is foreseen for Year 3.

Activity 1.1.1.3: Equip Garamba rangers with necessary uniforms, equipment, and rations to conduct anti-poaching patrols.

A total of 57 rangers were issued with a complete set of new kits (16 rangers in October and 41 rangers early January) during Semester 1. In addition, 32 security guards were issued with full security uniforms in January. In Semester 2, an additional 100 rangers were issued with backpacks and 75 rangers with chest pouches. During Year 1, rangers commenced using smartphones with satellite image maps for easier navigation. Charger packs were purchased with USAID funds during Year 1 for charging these phones in the field.

The equipment purchased arrived throughout Year 1, with the bulk arriving towards the end of Year 1 and beginning of Year 2. Tests were done on a new type of uniform from South Africa (custom-made for African Parks). However, this did not prove as durable as required, and alternatives are now being investigated. Tests were completed on the bivvys and mosquito nets, and a product known as Snugpack was chosen (a light weight, simple to mount one-man tent). Due to the need for more frequent purchases of equipment on a yearly basis, as a result of the very difficult patrolling environment, costs for equipment have been spread over the 5-year period.

In light of the anticipated rise in equipment importation and to ensure the timely, cost-efficient and donor-compliant procurement of goods, a dedicated Procurement Manager will be recruited (funding dependent) to manage the purchase and importation of goods. This person would not be funded by USAID.

Rations

In 2016, a dietician visited Garamba to evaluate the current rations used by the rangers. As a result, new no-fire rations with high-energy ratings and lower weight, had aimed to be issued to all field patrols by end 2016/early 2017. Due to major delays with the transport container from South Africa (as a result of Congolese Importation License administration), the rations were only dispatched to teams start September 2017. These rations will not be fully ‘no-fire’ until GNP can find durable, affordable and effective stoves that can withstand the incredibly harsh and difficult conditions in the Park; they will however greatly reduce the cooking time (75% less time required). In future, the Park will source these dry rations from Uganda due to the major delays and high costs experienced with South Africa.

Activity 1.1.1.4: Equip Chinko rangers with necessary uniforms and equipment to conduct anti-poaching patrols.

New DeLormes, Thuraya phones and camouflage tarps have been purchased to cater for the upcoming rainy season. Additional uniforms and ranger equipment have been acquired, and replacement of general equipment has taken place for the current ranger force. Given that this type of equipment qualifies as military material, an UN exemption needs to be obtained beforehand, which in the current security context, could make delays in procurement likely to occur.

Activity 1.1.1.5: Support system for ranger families in Garamba and Chinko

Chinko Project Area The basic principles of the support system have been identified, but the staff committee and the communication to Rangers and their families has not been completed yet. Chinko is also planning to create a Fallen Rangers Fund to support families of deceased rangers. A Community Development Manager and Finance & HR Manager have been recruited in May who have been tasked to implement this activity. The task did not move forward with the speed needed in Year 1 due to the level of insecurity surrounding Chinko and the complexities of the identification process in the current context. The new Community Development Manager will make a priority of conducting preliminary research in Year 2, with a view to full implementation of this activity in Year 3.

Garamba National Park Sadly, in April 2017, an armed contact between a GNP patrol and elephant poachers resulted in the death of one GNP ranger and one FARDC soldier seconded to the Park. The Committee responsible for managing the widows fund are managing the insurance payout to the GNP rangers widow (a total of 6 times the rangers’ annual salary). In addition, the committee are continuing to monitor the construction of four houses for widows from GNP rangers killed in previous years.

Outcome 1.1.2: Chinko zoned and zoning regulations enforced. In 2017, through a combined

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negotiated and enforced process with pastoralists and other communities using the area, Chinko will work toward securing a 3,000 km2 core area and keeping it free of cattle, mining and other forms of lands use detrimental to conservation, and with limited access by poachers. By the end of 2018, it is expected that this protection will be expanded to 4,000km2 of prioritized protection zones. The gradual expansion of the core area is happening through the following process: Activity 1.1.2.1: Facilitate local governance in Chinko

In an effort to re-establish law enforcement, Chinko has been working in close collaboration with local governance institutions (including the Gendarmerie, Police, FACA, traditional tribal leaders, transhumance leaders) and surrounding communities. During Year 1, local authorities paid regular visits to Chinko and were given regular reports on Chinko’s various activities. Meetings with regional officials have also been ongoing, mostly in Bakouma and Bangassou. In particular, relations with Law Enforcement officials have been strengthened, which was important to facilitate the transfer of arrested poachers.

Chinko’s community program also engaged regularly with leaders of the local herders, holding regular meetings to sensitize them about the borders of the Chinko Project Area. Increased insecurity, however, has complicated and delayed work in the local communities, so the refurbishment of local government institutions has not taken place. This task is on for the new community program manager and it will take time for it to get started pending amelioration of the security situation.

Activity 1.1.2.2: Chinko transhumance strategy

During Year 1, building on a large meeting held in August 2016 with pastoralist leaders from neighboring communities, Chinko organized regular follow-up meetings with transhumance herders. Chinko has employed a former cattle herder and local Mbororo to work on the community program. He is moving in remote areas and reaching out to groups of cattle herders as they approach the Chinko Area. He then tells them about the mandate of Chinko and explains the borders of the area. As illustrated in the map below, the strategy has clearly started to pay dividends, as compared with last year, cattle herders have largely stayed out of the protected area.

The Community department team has also drawn up a communications strategy, improved the leaflets to be distributed and initial consultations took place in Bangui with the staff of Invisible Children. Overall, a 90% reduction of human impact can be seen in Chinko’s core area since 2012. Building on these efforts Chinko is planning to bring in a Transhumance Expert during Year 2 to conduct further consultations with herders, communities and relevant local leaders, to work on the actual formulation of the transhumance strategy to identify the necessary legal process for land demarcation. A final strategy is expected before the end of Year 2 and implementation will then take place during consecutive years. This activity is coordinated by the Community Manager and the Special Projects Manager.

Activity 1.1.2.3: Demarcate Chinko boundaries

Through the creation of clear governmental legislation on allowed and disallowed grazing areas for pastoralist communities (see Activity 1.1.2.2), transhumance populations were sensitized during bi-annual meetings on legal boundaries and grazing corridors. More than 5,000 signs were mounted on trees along the northern boundary road, which is where the majority of the cattle herds are coming from. Large signs were also put up in Bakouma, Yalinga and other villages to provide information about the boundaries of the Chinko area. As part of wider efforts to ensure that herders follow designated transhumance corridors, Chinko aircraft also regularly dropped leaflets in areas where cattle were spotted.

Outcome 1.1.3: Regional early warning system that integrates both community and wildlife security information developed. By 2018, and in a manner consistent with “do no harm” principles, a regional early warning system, in collaboration with counter-LRA programs in the area, and an informant network that integrates both community and wildlife security information, improves community security in the Garamba and Chinko landscape. Activity 1.1.3.1: Create a secure information analysis room, manned by an information officer, for the Garamba Complex.

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Garamba has created a secure information room adjacent to the operations room. This department has been staffed and expansion and capacity building has been ongoing over the course of Year 1. The construction of this building was not funded by USAID.

Two information officers have been trained. One officer manages the Nagero HF radio, recording all information from call-ins, as well as passing on security-related information pertinent to communities’ safety. The second officer is responsible for information analysis.

The hotline is functional and is manned by the HF radio operator. The information room is kitted out with computers and a printer.

Activity 1.1.3.2: Develop collaboration with local counter-LRA early warning programs in Garamba and Chinko

Chinko Project Area Chinko hosted a 3-day visit from a team of Catholic Relief Service (CRS) employees that are implementing the SECC Early Warning Network in CAR. Discussions are still ongoing about how to incorporate Chinko directly into the HF network. The Community Development Manager has participated in meetings with CRS representatives to hear more about their initiatives in eastern CAR.

Chinko participated in a regional meeting in Arua (Uganda) hosted by Invisible Children (IC) to discuss the expansion of their Early Warning Network to include reporting on poaching incidents and armed groups’ activities in the Chinko region. The Special Projects Manager has attended meetings with IC representatives in order to establish a timeline for activities and cooperation in 2018. A site visit by IC personnel to train the Chinko operators has been planned several times, but never materialized due to complicated logistics and busy schedules for both organizations. The visit is foreseen in Year 2 and will be coordinated by the Community Development Manager.

Garamba National Park Garamba is linked in to the two early warning networks operating within the region (CRS and IC) with an HF radio based in the Information room. Calls are followed daily and all relevant information is stored in a database and reported on internally. Any information pertaining to community safety is shared with the Early Warning Networks, after having been approved by the Parks senior management.

Weekly security meetings are held in Dungu and Faradje between the Park, MONUSCO, FARDC and IC regarding the security situation within the region. Transport costs for these meetings were not covered by USAID.

In May, members of the Park’s Community Conservation team did “Conservation and Security” training sessions with IC’s HF radio operators and community members. This training took place at the annual meetings of IC’s two Community Defection Committees (CDC) in DRC. Representatives of the Chiefdoms, the FARDC, the Territorial Police as well as local authorities also attended these sessions. Sensitization on poaching threats was done and potential indicators discussed, that could inform illegal wildlife crime and poaching mitigation efforts.

Incidents Reported by Invisible Children (IC): IC reported a total of 19 incidents during Semester 2 of Year 1; a sharp increase from the two incidents reported in Semester 1. This takes the total

number of incidents reported on by IC within the Garamba Complex (Park, Hunting Reserves and roads/villages bordering the protected area) to 21 for Year 1 (Oct 2016 – Sep 2017).

Of the 19 incidents reported in Semester 2 of Year 1, 18 were reported as having been carried out by the LRA, although verification ratings were low on some of these reports. Seven occurred in the Azande block/border including abductions and looting between May and September. The remaining 12 incidents occurred in the Gangala na Bodio Hunting Reserve – again mainly looting, abductions as well as rape – particularly on illegal mines.

- Total number of attacks in immediate periphery reported by IC during 2015: 68 - Total number of attacks in immediate periphery reported by IC during 2016: 19 - Total number of attacks in immediate periphery reported by IC during 2017 (Jan-Sep):

18 Incidents Reported by Catholic Relief Services (CRS): A total of 22 attacks were reported by CRS over Semester 2 of Year 1. These incident reports correlated with those reported by IC, and included looting and abduction mainly in the Azande and Gangala na Bodio hunting blocks; a sharp increase from the absence of incidents reported in Semester 1 of Year 1. This takes the total number of incidents reported on by CRS within the Garamba Complex (Park, Hunting Reserves and roads/villages bordering the protected area) to 22 for Year 1 (Oct 2016 – Sep 2017). Source: LRA Crisis Tracker, SECC/IC email newsletters and HF radio call-ins.

Activity 1.1.3.3: Develop an informant network in both Garamba and Chinko with a trained information team

Chinko Project Area Informal contacts are providing information to the Chinko control room, but formal training and procedures are not yet established. Increased insecurity in south eastern CAR and unavailability of phone network coverage has made this activity more complicated than anticipated. Recent fighting has also forced some informants away from their home villages.

Garamba National Park The Garamba team has been trained and currently employs seven investigators. Numerous additional sources of information, including casual sources of information (who are not employed, but regularly provide information), solid contacts in the UN and other international organizations and steady granular information coming from Invisible Children/CRS, also feed into the department. A good working relationship exists between GNP and MONUSCO.

Two intelligence mentors are conducting ongoing training on information gathering and management of informant networks. These mentors are based full time in the Information department and will be in the Park from Sept 2017 until June 2018. This training focuses on risk mitigation and is being carried out following the highest standards of security. This activity is not funded by USAID.

Activity 1.1.3.4: Develop a network of observation posts within Garamba

All of the current Observation Posts (OPs) that double up as repeaters were upgraded as Forward Operating Bases, with improvements made to logistical networks linking them as well as storage and living conditions.

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Bagunda: A Carport and storage container was installed. Corrugated iron roofs were put on the sleeping quarters of the Post, and a water collection mechanism was put in place. Improvements were made to the repeater room and the airstrip was maintained.

Bamangwa: A fixed wing airstrip was cleared and graded next to the Observation Post, a kitchen and further sleeping quarters were constructed and a barbed wire fence was installed around the OP for improved security. Improvements were made to the repeater room.

Bawesi: Built an Observation Tower and changed all roofs to corrugated iron. A rain-water collection mechanism put in place. Improvements were made to the repeater room and an airstrip was cleared and graded.

It was decided that instead of building new OPs during end Year 1 and early Year 2, that two of the existing ones would rather be moved to more suitable locations, based on a better understanding of the current threats and needs. In addition, the Park will be looking at constructing two more OPs in the periphery, which would double up as Vehicle Check Points, to tackle the Illegal Wildlife Trade along main roads. This Activity in Year 1 was not funded by USAID.

Outcome 1.1.4: Road access within Garamba National and hunting zones improved. By 2021, control of 100% of Garamba National Park is regained, as well as at least 50-70% of the surrounding Azande, Mondo Missa, and Gangala na Bodio hunting blocks, as demonstrated by year-round access and activities undertaken by conservation personnel. (This outcome is largely being funded by the European Union) Activity 1.1.4.1: Road and airstrip construction, refurbishment and upgrading to improve access to the park and areas within the hunting blocks that form part of the core elephant area.

In Year 1, a total of 383 km of road was slashed, 139 km of road was manually opened and 246 km of roads were graded. Garamba was able to grade more than expected due to year-round grading being possible; repairs that were done in 2016 ensured that the machine was in good working order, and rain showers had significant dry periods in between to allow for the soil to be in an optimum condition for grading. The tractors with slashers did not work as well as expected, due to the very rough terrain. This resulted in numerous breaks to the slasher chains. It was rather decided to continue with manual labor teams to do the slashing, instead of a tractor and slasher, as was originally planned. This activity was not funded by USAID.

Garamba re-graded an additional five airstrips during Year 1 and carried out maintenance on the existing three airstrips at Bagunda, Nagero and Gangala na Bodio Station. Maintenance work on one of these airstrips was funded by USAID.

Year-round access over the Garamba and Dungu Rivers, through the two bridges that were funded by the Kibali Gold Mine, has improved patrol deployment efficiency and vehicle maintenance schedules, due to all assets now being based out of Nagero year-round.

Activity 1.1.4.2: Road construction, refurbishment and upgrading to improve access to the Chinko protected area

The Mbari river crossing has been completed, and the renovation of the road is ongoing and on track for timely completion. Chinko is awaiting the results of the scoping exercise to be conducted by GEMS/CADMUS in order to commence road construction.

Sub-purpose 1.2: Capacity for protected area management strengthened.

By 2021, populations of key wildlife species are stable or increasing in the Garamba and Chinko complexes, compared to 2015 estimates, and greater conservation capacity exists for their sustainable management, as demonstrated by decreasing threats, improvements in park management and infrastructure, and effective coordination with the authorities and agencies that interact in each complex.

Outcome 1.2.1: Effective coordination established with local government and stakeholders in Garamba and Chinko. By 2018 and throughout the period of the Cooperative Agreement, appropriate coordination mechanisms are established and maintained with the local authorities and agencies and other stakeholders with interest in the Garamba and Chinko complexes, including counter-LRA actors with a presence in surrounding communities. Activity 1.2.1.1: Coordinate with local government and civilian agencies/committees in Garamba and Chinko

Chinko Project Area Chinko’s team of transhumance liaison members have held regular meetings with transhumance leaders and groups of cattle herders that approach the Chinko Area. The Chinko Management have also been having regular meetings with local officials in Bangassou and Bakouma. Due to security constraints, regular visits into the neighboring communities have not taken place regularly. The relevant ministers have been invited to Chinko but, due to scheduling conflicts, this activity has been delayed. A visit by the Ministry of Wildlife, Defense and Interior is now foreseen in mid-November 2017.

Chinko has held several meetings with the MINUSCA leadership in Bangui to discuss the security situation in eastern Central African Republic. These meetings happen on a regular basis and will become more frequent in Year 2 in order to learn more about CAR’s Security Sector Reform progress.

Garamba National Park During Semester 1, security meetings were held each month, normally in Dungu. The local authorities, MONUSCO, and FARDC Dungu Ops attended the meetings. Relations with the above stakeholders were maintained or improved as a result of these meetings. During Semester 2, these meetings commenced being conducted on a weekly basis, to ensure that the security situation of the region was examined on a more regular basis. Invisible Children (IC) were also involved in these meetings. Weekly email updates on specific security threats and indicators are also shared in between the park and each stakeholder (after being screened by senior park management first). The LE Team is responsible for briefing stakeholders on the current security situation during these meetings.

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In December 2016, as a follow up to one of the monthly security meetings, face-to-face talks were arranged with the local nomadic pastoralists on the western boundary of the Park, to discuss the peaceful moving of these nomads 60 km further west of the Park and its elephant population.

Permanent Dialogue Committee meetings, with GNP Community Department taking the lead, were initiated to essentially replace the Garamba Management Committee for Community Conservation (CGCC) meetings that were held in the past. These meetings focus on the three chiefdoms. The prime focus and objective of the Permanent Dialogue Committee meetings is to ensure constant transparency and collaboration with the surrounding community leaders, to ensure a constituency for conservation in the region.

CCC (Committee for Community Conservation) units within the villages surrounding Garamba have been developed in Year 1 and implementation meetings continue with the committees (see also Activity 1.3.1.1). These units represent the voice of the population at Groupement level, and ensure that clear line of communication between the park and individual villages/village committees is present.

Outcome 1.2.2: Necessary infrastructure developed to support park operations in Garamba and Chinko. By 2021, the necessary infrastructure has been developed to support park operations in priority areas of Garamba and Chinko. Activity 1.2.2.1: Infrastructure development in Garamba

All planned infrastructure projects were completed, aside from certain work needed on the LE training center (mosquito netting). Of the 65 houses planned for Year 1, 25 of these were funded by USAID and these were all constructed during the Semester 2, and the ranger’s families are currently occupying them. The remaining 40 houses are still under construction as a result of funding constraints due to World Bank funding being extremely delayed. These should be completed by end November 2017. A control post had been planned in Year 1, and an ERF was completed, however this post will now only be built in Year 2.

A training center for the LE department was constructed, which includes sleeping quarters, kitchens, ablutions, obstacle courses and class rooms, to ensure recruits doing basic field ranger training and rangers doing refresher training can train in comfort throughout the rain season. Mosquito screen walls on the sleep quarters will be constructed in Year 2 (funding dependent).

The current VHF radio network consists of four repeaters, which all double up as observation posts. In September 2017, the Bawesi Repeater was struck by lightning and has been replaced. It is planned to add an additional repeater in Year 2, however the location of this is still under discussion – the planned position had been in Azande, however the Park Management feel that the logistics and security that would be needed to protect it would render it impractical and an alternative site is being researched.

As a result of the increase in LE capacity, as well as area of operation (including the greater Garamba Complex), two new Land cruiser pick-up vehicles were purchased in the second semester of Year 1, to assist with deployment of these teams throughout the park, as well as following the security work in the periphery of the park. These vehicles had not been planned for Year 1. This was communicated to USAID at time of purchase, and accepted.

Activity 1.2.2.2: Infrastructure development in Chinko

One management house is nearing completion and is expected to be complete by the end of October and ready for interior furnishing. Another two houses are partially completed, and are expected to be ready for furnishing by the end of 2017. However, work has been delayed due to the lack of building materials, which cannot be transported to the park due to the security situation.

Work on ranger bases and associated airstrips initially foreseen in Year 1 has not commenced as Chinko is awaiting approval from USAID (pending completion of CADMUS’ scoping exercise). The Workshop complex enclosed with a perimeter wall is close to completion. If materials can be sourced by November, Chinko will remain on track for the overall construction process as bricks and other building materials are produced on site. Work is ongoing regarding existing roads (200km annually) but opening up of new roads is also on hold pending completion of the scoping exercise.

Outcome 1.2.3: Financial and personnel management capacity strengthened in Garamba and Chinko. By 2021 and throughout the period of the Cooperative Agreement, greater financial and personnel management capacity is developed, as demonstrated by improvements in management systems, administrative processes, and skillsets of national staff in the Garamba and Chinko complexes. Activity 1.2.3.1: Development of financial management and systems in Garamba

With the increase in budgetary requirements as a result of peripheral development, and an increase in LE capacity, the financial department has been restructured to accommodate these changes. A Chief Financial Controller was recruited to oversee both the peripheral development and the park. The department responsibilities have been split into three core sub-departments; HR, Accounts and Financial Control.

Inflow, is currently already used to manage fuel, spare parts and infrastructure goods. Over Year 2, under the guidance of the new Financial Controller who has experience using Inflow, the management of vehicle spare-parts and infrastructure goods will be fine-tuned and ameliorated, with detailed pricing included. Only once these three departments are 100% managed through Inflow, will it be rolled out to Rations by year-end.

Work continued on the internal HR Policy being developed by the new HR manager and Chief Financial Controller. A consultant, with experience in NGO HR management and Tourism, also spent 4 months in the Park assisting with the development of this document (consultant partially covered by USAID – see also Activity 1.2.3.4 and 1.3.2.2). The new policy aims to be implemented in Year 2.

Activity 1.2.3.2: Restructuration of the Garamba Management Unit

In the early part of the second semester in Year 1, the Garamba Complex organogram was restructured. The General Manager (GM) is still the overarching position and works with an assistant Manager (ICCN-appointed). The GM is supported by four heads of departments: 1) The Park Operations Manager, responsible for aspects related to the management of the Park; 2) the Sustainable Development Manager (commenced April 2017), responsible for the sustainable

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development strategy in the Greater Garamba Complex and buffer zones; 3) the Chief Financial Controller (commenced Dec 2016), responsible for all financial and administrative aspects of the Complex; and 4) the LE Manager, responsible for all security related aspects in the Complex. An LE consultant will be based in Garamba for two years mentoring the LE manager. This position is funded by USAID.

A Monitoring and Evaluation Manager is responsible for the design and implementation of the M&E system for the European Union (commenced April 2017). In addition, a new Human Resources manager as well as a Kinshasa Liaison (who is also the acting CoP for this Activity) were recruited in Year 1. The CoP is partially funded by USAID.

Activity 1.2.3.3: Development of financial and management systems in Chinko

A new Chief Financial Officer with several years of international experience has been recruited to strengthen the administrative capacity of Chinko’s Management team, and new financial management software has been put in place. The new logistics manager has implemented the necessary control systems for stock management and is training the local staff to use it efficiently.

Activity 1.2.3.4: Training for local management teams in Garamba

Focus has been put on capacity building during Year 1, with division managers from Garamba going on training to other parks as well as in-house training. In Year 1 Garamba hosted team members from the Chinko and Zakouma LE and our LE Manager spent several months in Zakouma for experience transfer across parks. This was not funded by USAID.

In Year 1 the USAID CoP, Chief Financial Controller and Assistant Financial Controller (Congolese national) underwent USAID procedures training in Kenya, Rwanda and Senegal respectively. The consultant that spent four months in the Park (March to June 2017) to assist with HR and Tourism did in-house training with the newly recruited HR manager. Six of the Finance and Admin personnel went through an advanced online Excel course, which they completed in July 2017.

Activity 1.2.3.5: Training of Police Judiciary Officers in Garamba In December 2016, 18 candidates from the LE department completed a week-long training to become Police Judiciary Officers.

Activity 1.2.3.5: Training for local management teams in Chinko

The Assistant Law Enforcement Manager went on a 3-weeks’ training to Garamba National Park to learn from their Law Enforcement team. A Central African financial controller went on a training course to Garamba National Park to learn from their finance department team. Local staff in Chinko are receiving regular training in English, by a Central African teacher on-site and other training such as hygiene, conservation, etc., has been implemented. The expat staff receives training in French and Sango where necessary. However, the community development program has been delayed due to security constraints. Over the next semester, a qualified trainer will be recruited to carry out the training in a more participative and efficient way.

Outcome 1.2.4: Status of key wildlife species and threats to their conservation monitored, and

data used to inform annual work plans. By 2021 and throughout the period of the Cooperative Agreement, the status of key wildlife species and their threats are monitored on an appropriate schedule according to the species concerned; these data inform activities included in annual work plans.

Activity 1.2.4.1: Monitoring of threats to key species in Garamba and Chinko

Chinko Project Area The monitoring of threats to wildlife species is being done through continued Law Enforcement monitoring. Routine foot and vehicle patrols have been conducted during Year 1, amounting to approximately 30.000 km/annum. The local research team has maintained the camera traps and carried out regular line transects. However, the research department has been working with a limited capacity since June 2017 due to security constraints.

The Law Enforcement Department is responsible for monitoring threats to key species, which is ongoing year-round. All information is collected and transferred to the Control Room via VHF radio/Delorme. The Assistant Law Enforcement Manager and Special Projects Manager also ensure the data input and storage done in an efficient manner. The information is shared with the staff on a daily basis and surveillance flights are based on the data gathered the day before.

In May and June, our research team and veterinarian Peter Morkel collared nine eastern giant elands, four roan antelope and three Lewlel’s hartebeest. They are monitored on a daily basis and their movements are followed up in Chinko’s control room, checking for any irregularities.

Garamba National Park All LE Information continued to be gathered, with a Google Spreadsheet collecting all incident data being called in to the Control Room via VHF radio/Delorme trackers. Situational Reports are compiled and shared with senior management on a daily basis, following the 18h00 briefing sessions. In Semester 2, a total of 38 elephant carcasses with signs of poaching were found, with a total of 40 carcasses (both poached and natural deaths) found. This gives a PIKE of 95% for Semester 2. The total number of elephant carcasses with signs of poaching for Year 1 was 56. Garamba has noticed a significant drop in poaching over the past year, however April and May remain high poaching months; 57% of the poached carcasses found were found in these two months (this is an ideal time for poachers as the rains have started, but rivers are not yet in flood). The increase in patrol coverage during Semester 2 is attributed to the new rangers that were recruited as well as a higher number of FARDC seconded to the Park. No giraffe carcasses were found during the 6-months period (see table below for more detail).

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Table 1: LE-related indicators for Garamba

Map 2: Foot patrols in Garamba 1 October 2016 – 30 September 2017

Activity 1.2.4.2: Monitoring of prosecuted arrested persons in Garamba

The total number of arrested persons for Semester 2 of Year 1 was 11. These included cases of illegal mining, fishing and poaching as well as being in possession of firearms. Legal follow up was improved from Semester 1, with a total of 6 cases being convicted within this time period – 2 of these convictions were from arrests done in Semester 1 of Year 1. Total convicted cases for Year 1 was therefore 8.

The Police Judiciary Officers team has improved the follow up of arrests with the Park’s lawyer, however the systems still need improvement and Prison Days are still not being monitored due to complicated logistics and regulations as well as the necessary systems not yet being in place. Many of the arrests in Garamba involve firearms; the arrests need to be brought before the Military Court. These judges are not as widely spread in this region, so it normally means one coming in from Isiro and doing a tour of the Dungu/Faradje/Watsa areas every couple of months, which creates significant delays. Close collaboration between local prosecutors and the GNP Judiciary Police Officers is vital to ensure close follow up and monitoring of all cases.

Data storage, Verbal Process classification and arms and ammunition data-bases have been improved although work is still needed on this in Year 2, as there are still minor discrepancies between reports. The PJO Office will manage all of this information going forward, ensuring that it is in a centralized location for any reporting needs. Depending on funding, GNP would like to recruit a Jurist in Year 2 to assist the Judiciary Police Officers in arrest monitoring and follow up.

Activity 1.2.4.3: Addressing human-wildlife conflict in Garamba and Chinko

Chinko Project Area The community development program has faced delays because of increased insecurity and the fact that there was no manager to lead the program. Thus, meetings have not been happening on a regular basis. A new Manager was recruited to bring the program back on track and this activity will be given priority in Year 2.

In Year 2 an external consultant will be recruited to conduct preliminary research into developing an efficient land use plan. The Community Development Manager will work closely with this consultant in order to develop the necessary sensitization activities with regards to human-wildlife conflict.

Garamba National Park The LE team has been responsible for reacting to specific problematic incidents of HWC in Year 1, however no monitoring system of alerts or incidents was put in place. The Community Development team in coordination with the Research and Monitoring department will ensure that these monitoring systems are put in place for Year 2.

In Year 2, it is planned to gather the necessary information from the Land Use Plan survey, which would advise the specific needs of different areas, as well as highlight high-risk zones, with their associated problematic species (chimpanzee, hippo, elephant, lion, etc.). Improved and more efficient sensitization will thus be done from next year.

Activity 1.2.4.4: Elephant collaring in Garamba and Chinko

Chinko Project Area

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Planning for elephant collaring is foreseen in Year 2. The actual collaring will take place between 2019 and 2021. Garamba National Park Garamba generally ensures that around 40 elephants are collared with satellite tracking collars at any one time. These collars are both satellite and VHF enabled, ensuring real time monitoring from headquarters, as well as direct signal monitoring from the plane using VHF capability. In April, a total of 39 elephants were collared (of the 40 collars purchased one collar was malfunctioning and was thus not fitted). All collars were fitted by helicopter and a small team, aside from 4 animals that were done near to the station to enable staff, community representatives, authorities and donors to take part. At the time of this report, GNP had 47 functioning elephant collars on animals. This activity was not funded by USAID.

An additional 10+ elephants will be collared in Semester 1 of Year 2 if funding allows. Collars only have a life span of 2-3 years (due to battery life) and thus need to be replaced every year or two.

Activity 1.2.4.5: Giraffe monitoring in Garamba

During Year 1, individual giraffes were documented and identified according to the spot patterns of their coat. There are currently 47 known giraffes in the Park and Gangala na Bodio HA. A student, who did their Masters on the Kordofan giraffe of Garamba, was instrumental in the gathering of this information and set up of the database.

Specific flights are done on a monthly basis for giraffe monitoring, particularly over areas where known individuals have not been seen for several weeks. The percentage of the 47 known giraffes that were observed on a monthly basis, increased from an average of around 35-40% observed on a monthly basis to nearly 60% observed on a monthly basis. Four new individuals were recorded in Semester 2, while several individuals that were not seen for several years, were removed – resulting in the total number not changing much.

Activity 1.2.4.6: Lion surveys in Garamba and Chinko

Chinko Project Area Following the lion surveys conducted in March-April, a lion density of about 0,37 lions per 100km2 was calculated, which translates as approximately 8 lions in the core area (2,222km2), and a medium of 47 lions in the savannah habitat of the Chinko Conservation Area (12,620km2). Results indicated that lions seem to stay outside or at the edge of the actively managed Core Area, and thereby closer to cattle herds. Garamba National Park In Garamba, the lion survey that was commenced in Year 1 had to be aborted due to LRA security threats and will thus be completed in February 2018 (Year 2). By doing this in February we hope to not have security issues, as the main rise in poaching and incursions has been observed to augment significantly in April.

Activity 1.2.4.7: Aerial surveys conducted in Garamba and Chinko

Chinko Project Area

A test aerial survey has taken place with the assistance of the research team and will be an active part of wildlife counting in Year 2. Aerial monitoring and surveillance flights in Chinko remain one of the key surveillance mechanisms, due to the CPA’s size and terrain. Daily surveillance flights are conducted with annual flight hours at around 1,200 on aerial surveillance alone.

Garamba National Park An aerial survey was conducted in Semester 2 of Year 1. Preliminary results of key species numbers have been shared, however the final report is still being reviewed and finalised. Numbers in general show an increasing or constant trend in comparison with previous years – which is expected in a protected area where there has been a sharp declining trend over the past 10 years. Populations will need several years to stabilize before growth is observed. Elephant numbers have decreased quite significantly down to 1191, however this result was in line with what was anticipated in light of high number of carcasses found over the past 3 years, since the previous survey.

Garamba plans to do its next survey in 2019.

Activity 1.2.4.8: Chimpanzee surveys in Garamba and Chinko

Chinko Project Area This activity is planned in Year 2. Garamba National Park Chimpanzee nests (total of 8) were observed for the first time in the centre of the Park (north of the Garamba river). No individuals were observed.

Monthly monitoring missions were conducted to Mondo Missa starting in May. A total of three missions were conducted to Gbere, with on average 53 nests seen. A further two missions were conducted to Buru where on average 13 nests were observed. Chimpanzees were also heard on two occasions in Gbere. In Year 2, as well as monitoring of chimpanzees in Mondo Missa, a reconnaissance mission will be conducted in the Azande HA and Blocks 13 and 17 in the Park (where the nests were seen in August), to determine feasibility of conducting chimpanzee surveys in these areas as well.

This activity is not being funded by USAID.

Activity 1.2.4.9: Key species collaring in Chinko

Between May 22nd and June 24th, 9 eastern giant eland, 4 roan antelope and 3 Lelwel hartebeest were immobilized and collared. Collars (GPS/satellite + VHF) were attached, tissue samples were taken and other information and measurements were collected.

Sub-purpose 1.3: Partnerships and constituency for conservation developed.

By 2021, a foothold for governance, security and stability is established for the communities surrounding Garamba and Chinko, as well as the wider trans-boundary landscape, via the Cooperative Agreement’s support for development and partnerships, including constituency

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building, community relationships, tourism and other activities that generate revenue for park operations.

Outcome 1.3.1: Awareness and economic incentives for conservation developed for Garamba and Chinko. By 2021, a constituency for conservation exists for the Garamba and Chinko complexes, built among traditional chiefdoms, local government, villages, pastoralist communities, and other key stakeholders, as demonstrated by evidence of local support for conservation versus competing land uses and a decreasing trend for affiliation with armed groups. Activity 1.3.1.1: Alternative income generation for local communities in Chinko and Garamba

Chinko Project Area Procurement from local communities, especially Bangassou and Bakouma, is ongoing. Due to the level of insecurity in the region, supply routes were often blocked causing delays in delivery. Chinko staff continues to procure from the local communities when possible but have had to revert to delivery by air when necessary. The community department has drawn up a work plan to implement income-generating activities such as poultry breeding, saponification, farming, etc. Security conditions permitting, these activities will be implemented in Year 2. The main focus will be put on women’s projects, as they are the driving force in the household.

In 2018, we will also start to look into the possibility of honey farming. The community development manager, in collaboration with the park manager, has been doing preliminary research to get this activity started.

Garamba National Park Two small-scale agricultural initiatives were supported in the Park’s periphery during Semester 1; a goat farm and a chicken coop, with regular monitoring done on project progress. In September 2017, contracts for an additional two micro-projects were signed between the Park and two local associations: a year-long goat farming project with Fonds de Promotion Rurale (FOPRORU) in Budu, and a 3-month fish farming project with Organisation pour la Protection de l’Environnement et le Développement (OPED) in the Faradje area. These projects are not funded by USAID.

Literacy courses were not commenced in Nagero during Year 1 as had been planned, due to a very new Community Development team, which have been occupied with preparing for the Greater Garamba Development feasibility studies and Land Use Plan. The department aims to develop this activity in Year 2, and is currently looking at cost estimates. A particular focus will be put on women – especially young, unmarried women with children.

Towards the end of Semester 1, discussions commenced with the local Association OPED on implementing improved and more environmentally friendly wood stoves in communities surrounding the Park. This is a pilot project and depending on success, will be replicated in as many communities as feasible. The initial test phase will involve 200 families from 5 different villages – in particular in areas where wood harvesting is being carried out at high levels. The criteria for selection/ benefits will be women who own restaurants, ranger’s wives and families, local women authorities and poorest families. This activity is not funded by USAID.

Activity 1.3.1.2: Environmental education in local schools in Garamba and Chinko

Chinko Project Area The community development program has struggled to carry out this activity due to increased insecurity in the region, and because there was no manager to lead the program. Therefore, meetings have not been happening on a regular basis. A new manager was recruited to bring the program back on track, pending amelioration of the security situation in the region.

Garamba National Park Due to a very new Community Development team, the overall Environmental Education strategy is being designed for implementation in Year 2. Included in the design of this Strategy is a revision on data collection and monitoring.

A total of 1,367 community members (including adults and students) benefitted from environmental education and awareness activities during Semester 2. Targets for this activity were largely overestimated in the Performance Management Plan (due to inaccurate base data from preceding years) and will thus be updated for the coming four years. The Park had aimed to increase the number of Nature Clubs to 15, however only 10 were in place by end of Year 1; these clubs were not as active as planned, which will be improved in Year 2. Information is still being collected on areas with highest need for an increase in Environmental Education and these results will be incorporated into the new Environmental Education program.

Visits to the Park were lower than expected (150 students visited GNP during Year 1 instead of the 500 targeted) due to high vehicle needs for LE, lack of accommodation options for school groups and the department being very focused on preparation of the feasibility studies for the various periphery projects under the 11th European Development Fund project. In addition, the target had been over-ambitious considering the lack of human resources as well as the season during which school group visits are possible in Garamba being relatively short (school year and very high grass levels in the wet season). Funding has been secured for the construction of Camp Dungu in Year 2 (see also Activity 1.3.1.3), and one of the old LE transport trucks has been converted to a seated vehicle for school groups. This will enable an increase in visits to the Park during Year 2. In Year 2, focus will also be put on celebrating the internationally recognized environmental days (around 4 or 5 during the year) in various villages in the Periphery.

Activity 1.3.1.3: Development of low cost facility for national visitors in Garamba

This activity is planned for Year 2 and the facility is planned to be constructed towards the end of 2018.

Activity 1.3.1.4 Construction of Community and Training center in Chinko

This activity is planned for Year 2, and pending completion of a scoping exercise slated to be carried out by GEMS/CADMUS in late 2017, construction is expected to begin in early 2018.

Activity 1.3.1.5 Development of mobile clinics in the Garamba complex

Although the initial target for mobile clinics had been one per month, the Healthcare department found this to be too disruptive to the functioning of the Nagero hospital and logistics were challenging, as many of the mobile clinic sites are very remote. It was thus decided to conduct six per annum (approximately one every 2 months, depending on security situation and location). During Semester 2, a total of 842 people were treated by mobile clinics

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(conducted in April, August and September). Gender disaggregation was not reported for the clinic in April, however a total of 390 women were treated at the clinics conducted in August and September. This takes the total for Year 1 who benefited from Mobile Clinics to 1,723 people.

The Nagero hospital treated a total of 4,336 patients during Semester 2 of Year 1; 44% of these were women and 36% were children under 5 years. The hospital treated, in total, 8,409 people during Year 1.

Outcome 1.3.2: Tourism and other revenue-generating activities developed in Garamba. By 2021, tourism and other revenue-generating activities help offset the costs of park management in Garamba, as demonstrated by an increasing number of revenue streams and a greater net contribution to the annual budget for park operations, and an increased contribution of tourism revenues to local communities. USAID support not envisioned for this outcome. Activity 1.3.2.2: Infrastructure for tourism in Garamba

A consultant spent a total of 4 months in Garamba assisting with basic training and room upgrades in the lodge (see also Activity 1.2.3.1 and Activity 1.2.3.4). The time spent on tourism development by the Consultant was not covered by USAID. It had been anticipated that a stronger drive towards marketing of the lodge to local NGOs and organizations would be conducted, however this was not achieved. One of the key reasons being that the lodge is proving to be a vital housing component for short-term consultants and employees working in the Park for a year or two, and tourism was thus not first priority. The rapid growth of Garamba has meant that personnel numbers have often risen faster than housing becomes available.

The Lodge did not make any profit over Year 1, despite a target income of $48,000 for the year. The new Chief Financial Controller has re-assessed the actual running costs of the lodge (including costs that had not previously been taken into consideration such as security, logistics etc.), and without a major drive in marketing, it will not make a profit. This change in target will be reflected in the revised PMP for the coming 4 years. The Park does not envisage Tourism being a priority for at least the next year due to the need for consultant housing, and ongoing security concerns.

GNP aims to open several new game drive routes near the Nagero Station to not only facilitate tourism in the future, but also Environmental Education visits.

Outcome 1.3.3: Partnership opportunities are developed with key stakeholders in Garamba, Chinko and the surrounding region. By 2021 and throughout the period of the Cooperative Agreement, partnership opportunities are developed with key stakeholders in the Garamba and Chinko complexes, as well as the wider DRC-CAR-South Sudan trans-boundary landscape. Activity 1.3.3.1: Development of collaboration at a broader Central African landscape level

African Parks, in collaboration with Invisible Children, hosted a Civil Society Workshop in Arua between the 15th and 18th November. The aim of the workshop was to Enhance Cross-Border Community Protection Mechanisms to Improve Human and Wildlife Security in the Greater Garamba Area. Participants from projects and NGOs in CAR, DRC and South Sudan were present (including members from both Chinko and Garamba). Due to the pending CRCA grant, none of the outcomes from this meeting have yet been implemented.

Chinko Project Area Informal information sharing is ongoing, but needs to be more structured.

Garamba National Park Real time reporting has not yet been implemented, pending several larger projects that would enable more thorough collaboration in the future. A visit to Bili by GNP management is planned at some point in Year 2.

2.3 STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT

Chinko Project Area Chinko Project is working closely together with national institutions such as the Ministry of Wildlife, the Ministry of Defense and the national army FACA (Forces Armées Centrafricaines). Four officials from the two ministries are permanently deployed to the Chinko Project Area and report directly to their respective ministries. Chinko Project is required to submit regular reports to the Ministry of Wildlife and the Ministry of Defense, as part of the management agreement with the Central African government. The seconded officials function both as a check and a balance, but they also provide valuable training and advice to Chinko staff about culture, traditions, and legal requirements, for example related to permissions for firearms or training of ranger recruits. The armory in Chinko is jointly managed by a Chinko staff and a soldier from the national army, to ensure trust and a direct involvement of national government officials.

Chinko hosted a 3-day visit from a team Catholic Relief Service (CRS) employees that are part of implementing the SECC Early Warning Network in CAR. Due to the ongoing insecurity in the east of the country however, CRS has closed its field offices in the east and there is no clarity on future activities yet. Chinko’s Community Development Manager remains in close contact with them about regular activity updates.

Furthermore, Chinko participated in the above-metioned regional meeting in Arua (Uganda) to discuss the expansion of IC’s Early Warning Network to include reporting on poaching incidents and armed groups activities in the Chinko region. Chinko will collaborate closely in the initial research phase and project implementation starting in Year 2.

Garamba National Park African Parks have managed Garamba in partnership with the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) since 2005 through a Public Private Partnership. The most recent agreement was signed in January 2016. The State (ICCN) is responsible for the legislation and policy, while African Parks is responsible for the management and implementation of all activities in the Park as well as within its broader mandated area of operation.

The Park continued to work closely with local and regional authorities, including the Regional Governor based in Isiro, the three Chiefdoms surrounding the Park (Wando, Logo Ogambi, Mondo Missa) the local Administrators, the FARDC Dungu Ops, the Regional Police and Justice Authorities.

The European Union has been significantly involved through the implementation of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) project – commenced late 2016. This project will be implemented over the next four years, until 2021, and will be placing a significant focus on socio-economic development in the broader Garamba Complex. In addition, the EU has also

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shown strong support for regional cooperation and integration across the Central African landscape through promoting a nexus between “Conservation, Development and Security”.

The Kibali Goldmine (managed by Randgold), who operate to the south of the protected area, has been instrumental in assisting with 2 bridges construction in the Park as well as funding the elephant collars that were fitted in April. Their contribution towards improved logistical access in the Park as well as operational support is extremely valuable and continues to play a major role in day-to-day management. The Park considers KG as a key stakeholder in the region and as an important private donor for the Park over the coming years.

Invisible Children (IC) continued to be involved in Regional Security briefings, held weekly in Dungu between the Park, IC, the FARDC Dungu Ops and MONUSCO. Further collaboration is planned during the coming years (Early Warning Networks, Environmental Education, etc.)

MONUSCO has had a contingent based at Nagero HQ for the entire Year 1 period, and regular meetings are held between the Park and their Dungu/Faradje offices.

2.4 Implementation Challenges, Risks and Opportunities

Chinko Project Area Chinko Project is operating in eastern Central African Republic, where different armed groups are active and vying for power. Due to the departure of the US and Ugandan troops in the east of the country, a security vacuum has been created that different armed groups are now exploiting. It is a region where lawlessness thrives and Chinko is a neutral beacon of stability in eastern CAR. Since early 2017 Chinko has been providing assistance in the form of shelter and food supplies to approximately 280 IDPs who fled the violence in Nzako. Subsequently Chinko staff has reallocated some of its food stock to cater for the IDPs and new calculations had to be done in order to have enough rations for Chinko’s staff. Logistics and procurement remain a key challenge and for Chinko due to the uncertain security situation around the reserve. Food and material supplies continue to be sourced in Bakouma and Bangassou if the security situation allows but Chinko has had to depend more on air charter in recent months for its procurement. In order to sustainably manage the Chinko Project Area, Chinko is exploring the option to develop a broader strategy and framework to bring peace and prosperity to the communities surrounding the Chinko Project Area. An expert will be brought in in 2018 to do preliminary feasibility studies for implementation in 2019. A big focus will be put on Community Development, a transhumance strategy and land use planning in order to regulate the cattle and grazing areas. Garamba National Park Regional insecurity remains a key challenge and noteworthy risk for operations in the Garamba Complex. Although in general LRA activity declined during Semester 2 in the broader Central African landscape, a significant rise in activity was noticed in Garamba’s periphery and the group was responsible for most armed group activity, carrying out a series of abductions and attacks around the Park. In addition, the increasingly deteriorating situation in South Sudan has resulted in a notable influx of refugees to northeastern DRC. There is currently one principal camp

located within the Park’s periphery (Meri, near the town of Aba), accommodating just over 25,000 people in total. These refugee sites are reportedly experiencing difficulties in providing emergency food supplies as well as accommodation, causing an important humanitarian challenge. This could, in the future, pose a considerable security threat and poaching risk to the Park. Through the 11th EDF project, the Garamba Complex sees a significant opportunity in poverty alleviation and socio-economic empowerment. During the course of the 2018, a series of feasibility studies will be undertaken to determine potential agricultural, agro-forestry, livestock and hydro-electrical opportunities. This investment is not viable though, without improved regional security. Through the support of the USG for Law Enforcement in the Garamba Complex, the gains made through improved security will not only benefit wildlife populations and reduce poaching activity in the complex, but also set the stage for the socio-economic developments planned under the 11th EDF.

2.5 PMP Update

Chinko Project Area Based on experience gained in Year 1, several Activity indicators will have to be updated for Year 2. The key reason for these changes is the ongoing security situation which has delayed several activities. For example, with regards to establishing a support system for ranger families in Chinko (Activity 1.1.1.5.), we have found that this task did not move forward with the needed speed in Year 1 due to the level of insecurity and the complexities of the beneficiary identification process. This activity will be fully implemented in Year 3 after preliminary research in Year 2.

Garamba National Park Several Outcome indicators and targets will be adapted and updated for Year 2, based on experience gained from Year 1. The notable changes will include targets and indicators for:

Outcome 1.3.2: Tourism in Garamba - It was anticipated that a stronger drive towards marketing of the lodge to local NGOs and organizations would be possible, resulting in an increased profit/income from the Tourism department. This was however not achieved and will likely not be possible until at least Year 3, and future targets will be adjusted accordingly. (See Activity 1.3.2.2.) Outcome 1.3.1: Awareness and economic incentives for conservation developed for Garamba – Targets specified were over-estimated for this outcome, especially for the initial two to three years of the Project. Certain indicators will be adjusted to reflect a more realistic measure of the activity’s success. Data collection for community related activities and arrest and prosecution requires significant improvement during Year 2 to ensure no discrepancies or data gaps. In house training will be done with community facilitators on the new monitoring and evaluation forms that have been developed and which will be implemented. Stress will be put on gender disaggregation, which has historically not been measured in GNP, and is therefore a new concept to the team. Support will also be given to the relatively new Police Judiciary Officer team to ensure that all arrests data, as well as confiscated firearms and ammunition are first

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centrally treated through the PJO teams, before the reports are shared with the LE team and Control Room. All data collection for reports will be done directly with the PJO’s. Please see the Updated PMP for relevant changes.

3. INTEGRATION OF CROSSCUTTING ISSUES Please summarize how each of these has been addressed. USAID’s guidance on reporting on each issue is included here.

3.1 Gender Equality and Women Empowerment

All project efforts within the Garamba-Chinko Conservation Area seek to take into account gender inequality issues. Unfortunately, throughout Central Africa, there is a significant women empowerment imbalance that is ingrained in the culture of the people. Garamba and Chinko try to make a significant contribution to equality by (a) applying a recruitment strategy that not only offers no distinction against women, but preferably employs women if of similar qualification, (b) offer women friendly work environment, (c) ensure that any community outreach measures as well as direct incomes benefit men and women equally (i.e. in employees households, procurement of goods etc.) and (d) ensure that all committees developed either within the park management unit (e.g. management of ranger life insurance) or within the community development program (CCCs) promote seats for women.

Chinko Project Area Chinko has taken active steps to reduce the gender gap on site. Three new female staff members have been recruited: Community Manager, Research Apprentice, and Special Projects Manager who, amongst other things, will be tasked with developing a gender policy specifically for Chinko.

In the future, Chinko aims to develop gender-specific activities at Chinko HQ. Given the current security situation in the communities around the reserve, women’s activities will be held by bringing women to Chinko HQ for literacy classes, embroidery classes, etc.

Garamba National Park Over the past year, the following activities were the key implementing mechanisms that addressed gender equality.

Environmental Health Sensitization: awareness activities for the prevention and treatment of malaria in the Nagero Station and Nagero village. These activities targeted the entire population, but a specific focus was put on the health of pregnant women and newborns.

Nagero Hospital/Healthcare services: nursing staff applies DRC’s national public health policy. Maternal health and family planning information and care is provided to all patients, with focus put on women and children – particularly for Mobile Clinics.

Staff recruitment: equal opportunities are given to all candidates, and there is a clear willingness to promote women’s employment. In the station, men are generally employed as Rangers and Infrastructure/Logistics staff, however women are always encouraged in these positions and the

Park currently employs eight women rangers/security guards, 3 women in Infrastructure/Logistics and 36 women who work in Admin and Finance, Cleaning team and Lodge. Women make up a total of 11% of the total permanent workforce.

In the future, the Park aims to encourage activities offered to the spouses of the staff – who are mostly women, by reviving the literacy program in Nagero (to be offered to both men and women, with focus on young unmarried women with children) and through developing activities that are easily accessible to them and contribute to developing their empowerment (literacy, vegetable gardening, small-scale animal husbandry, etc.)

The Park is encouraging and supporting the development of community-based income-generating activities equally for men and women, but is focusing on activities that could benefit women in particular: the improved woodstoves project targets particularly women, who are responsible for cooking at home and who often run restaurant businesses.

3.2 Science, Technology and Innovation impacts

Chinko Project Area Chinko continues to improve its technology techniques that are available for its conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Due to the remoteness of Chinko, we have been experiencing difficulties with the internet connection and we are looking into ways to improve our connectivity. In Year 1, 9 Lord Derby eland, 4 roan antelopes and 3 Lewlel’s hartebeest were collared. The information gathered from the collars has been an important asset to acquire information about movement and behavior on a daily basis. Garamba National Park Technology has become an important component of Garamba’s reflections on how to improve moving forward. While 20th century techniques of anti-poaching are reliable, they are too much on a par with the techniques that poachers use to evade rangers. 21st century technologies are slowly breaking into the conservation world and many are still in prototype or beta phases. The information-gathering department in Garamba has been experimenting with this as a bit of a laboratory for new technologies. One such technology is a pod-camera for planes, including processing of images for photogrammetry. Another is the development of GIS for both uses in direct Situational Awareness, as well as in the analysis that leads to intelligence. A GIS technician will potentially be recruited next year to assist with the development of this technology. This activity is still very much in the developmental phase, and like all new initiatives, requires funding, which it does not have at present. With adequate resources, it would enable it to move from a beta version to an affordable tool used in surveillance, photogrammetry and mapping. The GIS system is already up and running, and is beginning to incorporate real time data into the Central Control Room. Key to the functionality of all STI-focused initiatives is high Internet bandwidth. GNP is currently assessing the current VSAT links, to determine whether more suitable options are available. Elephant collars have been used in Garamba for over 6 years with great success, to both provide improved scientific knowledge of their seasonal movements and patterns (mainly for the

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Research and Monitoring department) but also to inform the Law Enforcement team in patrol placement, planning and overall strategy development. The collars thus function as an integrative STI-initiative between the Research and LE teams, and close follow up is done between the two departments, including daily, weekly and monthly data transfer and internal reporting. The supplier that has been used to date will be changed, due to certain collars having malfunctioned over the past year, and battery life not being as optimal as expected. A new supplier will be used for the collars to be deployed in early 2018, and a comparison done between both suppliers to determine the optimum product.

4. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES Chinko Project Area Chinko has had quite a high expat turnover in the previous year. One of the main reasons has been the remoteness of the site as well as the difficult working circumstances due to the high level of insecurity. Logistics and procurement in particular has been a key challenge in that sense. A second reason is the fact that the level of education in Central African Republic and specifically in the east of the country is very low. A great deal of training has to be done and this poses big challenges. This year, however, a number of new managers were recruited to strengthen the management team. A new Financial Controller with several years of experience was recruited in early April to strengthen the administrative capacity of Chinko’s management team. A new Special Projects Manager was recruited at the end of April and a Community Manager was recruited and joined the team mid-May to bring the community development department back on track. A Logistics Manager was brought on board at the end of July and a new Law Enforcement Manager took up his position early August.

Overall IT problems have been experienced in Year 1. Internet connectivity has been problematic in Chinko as well as in Chinko’s Bangui office. A technician has been brought in to explore the different options for improved connectivity, as, certainly in Chinko, a fast connection is needed for rapid response and communication efforts. In Year 2, Chinko will look into different VSAT options to improve overall connectivity.

Garamba National Park

Reliable and fast Internet has been problematic over the course of Year 1, and as previously mentioned, alternative VSAT providers/options are being investigated. IT in general must be evaluated on site (including optimization, policy implementation and server utilization). Depending on availability of funding, a technician will be brought into GNP in the first semester of Year 2 to give a professional overview of the current situation on site as well as recommendations for improvement.

Payment of staff continues to be problematic in terms of the high volumes of cash needed. Discussions were commenced with the local banks from Doko, regarding the possibility of an ATM facility at Nagero, however this has not advanced. Options of mobile banking will be explored during Year 2.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE Chinko Project Area During the covered period, Chinko completed an Environmental Review Form (ERF) and Environmental Review Report (ERR) to commence work on small-scale construction activities, including building of management accommodation, which is currently under review by USAID. Pending completion of an Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Chinko will begin construction of Forward Operating Bases and adjacent landing strips in Year 2, as well as the Community Center. Road maintenance on Chinko’s existing road infrastructure network is ongoing. Garamba National Park A total of three projects were undertaken during Year 1 in Garamba. An environmental review was conducted prior to commencing each of the projects, a report was finalized for each project and an Environmental Review Form (ERF) sent to USAID Kinshasa. The ERFs for all three projects were approved, signed and sent back to GNP on the 13th April 2017. An ERF was completed for a Control Post which had been planned for Year 1, however this will now be constructed during Year 2.

Activity 1: Maintenance work on Nagero landing strip. The landing strip was constructed over 20 years ago and needs continuous maintenance in order to be compliant to international standards. Maintenance work will be conducted over the five-year project period, and will mainly be carried out by manual laborers slashing the field and its approaches. Certain cavities will be filled out by tractor and front-end loader, while the grader will ensure proper leveling of the airstrip. Continuous erosion control will be ensured by grass being planted on any area worked on by machinery. Careful execution ensured no adverse impacts to the environment.

The following mitigation actions were implemented during and after the projects’ completion:

1. Any area filled out or graded was replanted with grass in order to ensure erosion control. The earth used for filling out the airfield with is taken from an area where its removal does not adversely impact the environment.

2. As the airfield is located on a level but elevated area, with minimal slopes, risk for rain water from filled out or graded areas to run into streams are seen as minimal. The closest open waterway is over 600 meters away from the airstrip and an elevated area in between the airfield and the plain on its northern approach ensures no water runs that way.

3. Continued monitoring is being done to ensure that grazing areas and animal pathways do not extend towards the airfield in the future. If this happens, a fence may be needed to ensure safety, however this is not currently a significant risk.

Activity 2: Construction of 25 small Ranger houses. These houses were constructed at Nagero station (outside of the National Park); following an environmentally friendly design and did not negatively impact the protected area or any sensitive environment. No ablutions were necessary as the construction site was within the perimeter of Nagero headquarters and established environmentally friendly ablutions were already available.

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The following mitigation actions were taken during and after the projects’ completion:

1. Building and concrete mixing were contained in a specific area. Heavy-duty plastic tarps were used to work upon, in order to ensure no spilling affected the ground.

2. Post construction, plastic tarps were removed and area scrutinized in order to ensure no spill was left over. Grass was replanted where disturbed or uprooted to ensure good ground cover was regained.

6. LESSON LEARNED Chinko Project Area The Assistant LE manager in Chinko went for a 3-weeks training and exchange visit to Garamba Park to work alongside their LE team. This was an important learning experience and he brought back valuable lessons about patrol organization and general management of large numbers of rangers. Chinko’s ranger force is planned to expand gradually over the coming five years, providing a good opportunity to learn from Garamba, which is further ahead in this similar process. The importance of ongoing refresher training by instructors with international experience and constant discipline enforcement, were highlighted among the major lessons learned. The Assistant Financial Controller went for training to Garamba National Park in order to learn from the Finance team there. This training is ongoing and he will learn the necessary skills to raise the Central African team in Chinko to a higher level. The level of education in Central African Republic is very low and Chinko puts great emphasis on the development of local capacity. At the end of 2017 another key Central African staff member will be sent to Zakouma National Park to gain the necessary experience in external communications and diplomacy. With the arrival of the new Community Development Manager in May 2017, steps have been taken to get the community program back on track. The level of insecurity in nearby villages have not enabled her to go out into the communities but measures have been taken to allow the department to phase the different activities and to work with the local Chinko staff. Numerous trainings are ongoing (health, hygiene, problem-solving, conservation, etc.) and are starting to be successful. The same trainings will be conducted at local community level once security improves. Garamba National Park Rations: During the course of Year 1, the importance of benefit distribution in terms of local supply was highlighted. The Garamba Complex straddles three different Chiefdoms and the sourcing of goods (such as rations and building material) is, to as large an extent as possible, done in the surrounding communities instead of towns further away such as Aru/Arua. The importance of distributing resourcing equally across all communities and chiefdoms was learned. Equal benefit distribution results in an even distribution of income for surrounding communities and thus builds a common constituency for conservation. Health Mobile Clinics: The mobile clinics had initially planned to charge communities cost price

for the medication that is supplied on the clinic missions. Several missions were conducted to areas with high levels of poverty and GNP soon realized that communities barely have access to markets and basic services. Even when they do, they have virtually no income to make use of these services. It was thus decided with the Community Development and Healthcare teams to provide all medication free of charge; this of course had budgetary implications, hence the request to transfer certain costs from Environmental Education on to Mobile Clinics. Going forward, the Mobile clinic teams will also improve communications with health officials in the health sector within target areas, and work more closely with healthcare volunteers (Relais Communautaires) that are based in each village, to ensure that ample warning is given to the population before missions are conducted. This information cannot be given too far in advance due to security reasons, however this lack of coordination has been a weakness of the missions to date, and through better coordination with the systems already in place in the periphery (basic clinics and volunteers), this can be improved. Mobile Clinic reports are sent to the healthcare facilities/representatives from the areas visited by the Mobile Clinic. Road maintenance: The GNP road network was in poor condition as a result of major technical issues with the grader during 2015 and 2016. As a result of the road conditions and overgrown tracks, the vehicles were in poor condition and resulting maintenance costs were high. A key aspect to improved roads and vehicle condition is improved visibility. Numerous mechanical slashing methods were tested, however as previously mentioned, the rough terrain rendered these systems problematics. With the implementation of a manual slashing system, the problem has been solved and over 80% of GNP’s roads are now accessible for 12 months of the year. Two manual labor teams, which have been engaged from local communities, slash and maintain all roads on a biennial basis in the park. This activity creates work for local communities, and is more sustainable than previously tested solutions.

7. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT SEMESTER INCLUDING UPCOMING EVENTS

Chinko Project Area

Going into the 2017-2018 dry season, we are confident a 3000km2 core zone will be secured and poachers will be kept out of the core zone. The buffer zone has been kept free of poachers also and we are working towards maintaining this status. However, the security situation in eastern Central African Republic remains a concern and the recruitment of new rangers has been put on hold. A reassessment will be made for Year 3 with regards to ranger recruitment but training with Chinko’s current rangers remains slated for Year 2.

Chinko’s main focus in 2018 will be on maintaining a level of security that allows for continued operations in the best circumstances. At the moment, it is not possible for Chinko’s community development team to travel inside the communities surrounding the CPA. In order to minimize the delays in the community department’s foreseen activities, in Year 2 Chinko will start to bring people from neighboring communities to Chinko HQ for training sessions on topics like health, hygiene, honey making, embroidery, etc., and focus will be put on gender equality and women empowerment.

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In 2018 Chinko’s priority will be put on developing a strategy and framework to bring stability and security to the populations surrounding the Chinko Project Area (CPA). A sound land use plan and an efficient transhumance strategy will be formulated through extensive research in order to actively support stability-promotion activities. Collaboration with stakeholders and NGOs on the national as well as on the regional level will be developed in order to consolidate a roadmap for stability and sustainability.

The Environmental Impact Assessment is underway in order to start the construction of a community center, 2 airstrips with adjacent forward operation bases (FOBs). By the end of 2017, 3 higher management houses will have been completed and Chinko will take advantage of the dry season to do road maintenance as well as continue the construction of 3 more higher management houses. The construction of the hospital will start near the end of Year 2.

Due to security constraints, Chinko’s research department has had to limit its conservation activities. Monitoring of key wildlife species is ongoing through daily ULM surveillance flights and an annual aerial survey will be conducted.

Garamba National Park

Key activities for the coming semester include:

Activity 1.1.1.1: A third Basic Field Ranger training course to be conducted with approximately 30-40 rangers passing, taking total number of Rangers and Mamba teams to just under 200. This activity will not funded by USAID.

Activity 1.2.2.1: In Year 2, due to the gains made in the Information department and need for a broader and more regional approach, a new command and control center, able to direct and control operations across the Garamba Complex will be constructed. Design and size has been optimized for a growing organization and structure. Previous building will be converted into the Law Enforcement administrative building, thus freeing up office space for the growing Community Development department.

Activity 1.2.2.1: A 12-ton truck and Front End Loader will be purchased.

Activity 1.2.4.4: An additional 10-15 elephants will be collared in the Park in January/February. This activity is not funded by USAID.

Activity 1.2.4.6: A carnivore survey will be carried out in February.

Activity 1.3.3.1: Implement more efficient and environmentally friendly wood stoves in at least 200 homes (pilot project). If this is successful it will be duplicated throughout the periphery. This will be done in collaboration with a local NGO and will not be funded by USAID.

Events

- The tentative date for the next African Parks Congo Board Meeting will be mid-March 2018.

- Elephant collaring will be done in January/February 2018. - A potential US Department of Defense mission will be conducted to GNP in December

- A meeting is planned in Bangui on the 30 November, which will provide an opportunity for the CoP to meet and discuss the CRCA grant with Invisible Children.

8. HOW IMPLEMENTING PARTNER HAS ADDRESSED FINDINGS OF THE MIDTERM EVALUATION AND USAID COMMENTS FROM THE LAST REPORT

Efforts have been made to ensure that the annual report follows a more narrative style, as per USAID feedback on the first semi-annual report.

9. LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY Chinko Project Area Amid heightened insecurity, Chinko has managed to implement many of the planned activities and keep the core zone free of cattle herders and poachers. Over the next few years, Chinko is confident that a core zone of 5,000km2 will be secured by 2021, and that it will have created an efficiently functioning Law Enforcement Department with the necessary number of trained rangers. Daily surveillance flights will continue to be conducted and meet the desired targets for key wildlife species by 2021.

Chinko’s hope in the long term is for a framework to be created that will allow for greater stability in the region surrounding the Chinko Project Area. This will not only benefit communities, but also help constituencies for conservation. A well-regulated implementation of a land use plan as well as transhumance plan will be beneficial to the communities and will improve the security situation.

Garamba National Park Impacts are maintained through the continuity of African Parks Congo through the Public Private Partnership signed between African Parks Congo and the Congolese Government. African Parks takes on the long-term management of protected areas, and ensures their viability and self-sustainability for the future. Construction work undertaken on this grant will be maintained throughout the duration of the project to ensure longevity; vehicles purchased during the project will be maintained as per the AP Standard Operating Procedures to ensure maximum usage; professional development of national staff will be promoted wherever possible to ensure long term management capacity, especially with women; sustainable income from tourism as well as other conservation driven income generating practices in the periphery will ensure longevity of GNP through continued funding of the project; fundraising and donor relations will continue to ensure that both the institutional and private sector continues to support the Park. Over the coming years improved coordination and dialogue with local communities will be a priority. The aim is to create conditions conducive to the establishment of relations of trust and mutual respect between the Garamba Complex and the riverine communities, which are

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favorable to the definition of a common vision and objectives in terms of sustainable development, security and the preservation of biodiversity.

10. ANNEXES

10.1 Press releases, news articles, podcasts

- “New Earth Observation Technology benefits African Parks’ Anti-poaching efforts in Garamba National Park”, African Parks Press Release

- “DRC’s Garamba National Park: The last giraffes of the Congo”, Mongabay.com, 9 May 2017.

- “Governance of natural resources ‘crucial to stability and prosperity’”, European Commission - International Cooperation and Development Newsroom, 15 June 2017.

- “Les derniers jours des girafes du Congo”, Le Monde, 11 June 2017.

- “An African ranger’s message to Hong Kong’s ivory traders: Stop this now, “preferably today”, Quartz, 6 June 2017.

- “Hong Kong role in wildlife smuggling in spotlight as African rangers beg for ivory ban”, Reuters, 6 June 2017.

- “73 kilograms of Giant Pangolin scales seized by rangers in Democratic Republic of Congo”, African Parks Press Release, 17 February 2017.

10.2 Success Stories (attached)