EFFECTIVENESS OF TRANSBOUNDARY COLLABORATIVE CONSERVATION IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARKS

Abstract

The general aim was to assess the effectiveness of transboundary collaboration in the
contiguously adjoining protected areas of Virunga massive. The specific objectives were, a)
to identify the role of different stakeholders in the management of transboundary
collaboration, b) to assess the level of collaboration between the three authorities and
governments, c) to assess the participation of local communities in planning and
management of the natural resources, and d) to establish the effectiveness of the approach in
managing natural resources. The study employed both the primary and the secondary data
sources. The questionnaires were used to collect data from officers and the discussion with
relevant officials was conducted. A total 90 local community members were interviewed from
the three countries. The secondary data were collected from management of Mgahinga
National Park, Parc Nationaux des Volcano of Rwanda, Parc National des Virunga IGCP
staff and crossection of protected areas stakeholders and government institutions of the three
countries. The Results indicated that regarding the collaborative management between the
three authorities, it was found out that information exchange and joint patrol were the major
activities. By 2003, in Uganda poaching had reduced to 1 case and the wire snare to 54
which accounted for 2.3% and 8.8% respectively from the 23.3% and 19.6% in 1997.
However the figures in Rwanda reduce slightly due to the security situation. It was also
discovered that the local communities of DR. Congo and Rwanda were highly involved in
planning of conservation activities that the case with Uganda.