STRENGTHENING MONITORING, INSTITUTIONS AND MANAGEMENT PLANNING TO ENSURE THE IMPACT OF THE LAC TELE COMMUNITY RESERVE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Funds under this award are to be used to ensure the integrity of the Lac Tele Community Reserve (LTCR) and its long-term protection by reducing illegal killing and trafficking of wildlife and building long-lasting stewardship of wildlife by the local communities. The LTCR is currently the only community reserve in the Republic of Congo.

Its flooded forests harbor the highest recorded densities of western lowland gorillas as well as important populations of wetland birds. This project will foster greater community participation in the management of the protected area.

Activities include 1) completing the management plan and business plan for the LTCR; 2) improving the operational efficiency and strengthening the workforce capacity of the LTCR; 3) conducting terrestrial and aquatic surveys as well as an annual wetland bird census; and 4) developing and implementing a long-term, community-driven fisheries and hunting governance and monitoring system.