The resultant Darwin project will enable community participation in the management and protection of a biodiverse Wildlife Sanctuary, approximately 55,000 hectares, contributing to sustainable development in Nigeria. This will encompass: Regular patrols by protection staff, half of whom are nominated directly from local communities, trained in Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) and elephant monitoring. Development of ecotourism and linked sustainable livelihoods benefiting the ecosystem and local communities. Our new partnership with ANI will be key in this process and establishing a CCF would develop options for sustainable livelihoods linked to ecotourism, existing livelihoods and other opportunities identified through the CCF. The CCF will provide a voice to Omo communities and the ability to develop their own sustainable livelihood projects alongside ANI and the wider conservation project/partners. If we are unable to identify a suitable Nigerian development NGO support the CCF, a possibility is identifying a UK based organisation with extensive experience of establishing community-based foundations and sustainable livelihood programmes.
