PD 189/03 Rev.1 (I) 

Support Project for the Updating of Training in Forest Management and Forest Concession Management in Central African Forestry Schools

Gabon

The project aimed to support the training institutions of the RIFFEAC region by improving the training programme for forest management in forest concessions.

Project activities lead to the following outputs:

  • A reference training programme in forest management and in the management of forest concessions in all forest training institutions;
  • Updated curricula in forest management; and
  • Trainers master and implement the appropriate pedagogic methods for training in forest management.


Implementing agency  

IUCN – World Conservation Union – Bureau Régional pour l’Afrique Centrale, Yaoundé
Budget  

Total: USD 176'980

Swiss contribution: USD 20'000
Planned duration   27 months
Starting date   December 2003
Status   completed
Topics    
Contact   jgasana(a)intercooperation.ch

 

Final report

ITTO 2006: Final report, 2p.

Mbolo M. 2005: Completion Report, ITTO, 13p.

 

Progress report

November 2006

The implementing agency has submitted the final audited financial statements on the use of project funds in accordance with the project agreement. Tangible outputs of the project, project progress reports, 3 technical reports and the completion report have also been submitted to the ITTO Secretariat. In November 2006, the relevant ITTO Committees reported this project as completed.

November 2004

The implementation of the project started in December 2003 with the first disbursement of funds. A facilitator for the project was engaged by the Executing Agency. Activities related to output 1 are ongoing and include: (i) the evaluation of training needs in the field of forest management, (ii) the validation of identified training needs and (iii) the development of forest management training program. Activity (i) has been fully implemented: three forest concessions were selected in Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo. Two national consultants per country were selected and visited the sites to make a detailed description of duties and activities and the skills required to fulfill these tasks. Prior to field activities, the methodology for data collection was refined and harmonized. Activity (ii) has also been fully implemented as a workshop to validate the training needs identified was held in Gabon on 12-13 July 2004. Activity (iii) has been initiated with the preparation of a workshop during which the forest management training program will be developed. Activities related to outputs 2 and 3 are ongoing.
A Steering Committee meeting took place in Cameroon on 6 August 2004 and observed that the project is generally well implemented, although it suffered from delays in implementation, mainly due to long procedures to work with forest concessionaires for the analysis of training needs; the absence of the project facilitator who went to Germany for three months to complete his PHD degree; and the long procedure for the selection and engagement of consultants. The Executing Agency has requested an extension of the duration of the project until end 2005 with no additional funding, in order to complete the remaining project activities. The project is expected to be completed by end 2005.