National Protected Area Strategic Management Plan 2017-2031.

This National Protected Area Strategic Management Plan (NPASMP) 2017-2031 is a sectoral policy document at the national level. The Goals of the Policy are: 1. Maintain and enhance the ecological and cultural values of protected areas; 2. Promote participatory community engagement and support for conservation management; 3. Develop innovative approaches to conservation and development, including opportunities for sustainable ecotourism and financing mechanisms; 4. Provide accurate, timely and relevant information for effective management of protected areas; 5. Strengthen protected area management effectiveness and working partnerships with government agencies, local authorities, conservation NGOs, and development partners.
The Policy contributes to making agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable. Four Strategic Objectives (SOs)are designed to comply with the provisions proposed for the new Environment and Natural Resources Code. SO1 is: Prioritize and Strengthen Conservation. Priorities have been identified, including: Secure protected area boundaries, zones and management plans; Invest in law enforcement and threat reduction; Promote biodiversity conservation and restoration; Expand international cooperation. SO2 is: Enhance Sustainable Management. Priorities under SO2 include: Harmonize development activities with protected area management objectives; Connect the Protected Area system. The SO4 of the Policy is set up as: Strengthen Institutional Capacity and Collaboration. Priorities under SO4 include: Ensure adequate staff with appropriate capacity and resources; Enhance collaboration for research, planning and policy development.
The Policy seeks to contribute to rural poverty reduction. The SO3 is se up as: Expand Community Participation and Benefits. Priorities under SO3 include: Increase local participation in PA management; Establish and support collaborative management mechanisms; Expand livelihood opportunities. Providing opportunities for direct and meaningful participation by both men and women in sustainable use initiatives in protected areas will reduce pressures on natural resources and offer increased livelihood alternatives for local communities.
The Policy contributes to enabling more inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems by developing opportunities that can replace unsustainable uses of natural resources, therefore local communities are more likely to collaborate in efforts to monitor and safeguard protected area resources. This will include promoting new technologies for enhanced agricultural yields; facilitating small business development and access to microcredit schemes; etc.