BJ-GEF Nat Parks Cnsv & Mgmt SIL (FY00)

The overall objective of the Program is to ensure the sustainable management of and conservation of regionally and globally important biodiversity, and globally fragile ecosystems in northern Benin, while improving the living conditions of local communtities through the establishment of effective co-management schemes. This objective is pursued through eight intermediate operational objectives, as described below.i) Develop the technical and managerial capacity of the local population , the Wildlife Reserves Management Center (CENAGREF), and other partners in protected area and wildlife management.(ii) Promote and support the participation of local populations in wildlife and park management and benefits sharing.(iii) Support community-based rural development activities in areas surrounding national parks and wildlife management areas, in order to improve the quality of life, and reduce the pressure on protected areas.(iv) Develop sustainable systems of natural resource management.(v) Improve the flow of information and support education on biodiversity conservation at both local and national levels.(vi) Develop ecological monitoring systems and support research related to wildlife and biodiversity management.(vii) Improve basic infrastructure within parks.(viii) Help create an international trust fund intended to finance future wildlife management and biodiversity conservation operations.