In an exciting new learning opportunity for conservation in Africa, the TBA ran its first course on project management and evaluation from 25 – 30 May 2015. Sixteen conservation managers from Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe attended the course which took place in Mbeya in Tanzania.
The TBA specifically designed the course for the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) for managers who are responsible for the conservation of biodiversity in the Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot.
All course participants have received grants from the CEPF – a fund which unites global leaders committed to enabling nongovernmental and private sector organisations to help protect vital ecosystems.
The course also offered a valuable networking opportunity for sharing experiences and best practices in conserving the hotspot’s unique natural resources that are so critical for societal well-being in the the region.
Participants learned that securing funding for projects is just the beginning. Managers need a broad range of skills to maximize their impact on conservation and communicate their successes to a wide audience.
The course was part of capacity building activities targeting civil society organisations under TBA’s CEPF-funded project ‘Systematic Evaluation of CEPF and Capacity Development of CEPF Grantees’.
Under the project, we will deliver a further two courses plus ten learning exchanges to foster knowledge transfer. The TBA will also provide follow-up support and encourage networking so that the managers can continue to develop their skills.