CONSERVATION, LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FOR RESILIENCE, CONFLICT MITIGATION, AND IMPROVED LIVELIHOODS IN THE BOMA-BADINGILO LANDSCAPE SOUTH SUDAN

The project aimed to ensure effective conservation of key wildlife species and habitat, improve security and mitigate conflicts, enhance sustainable and resilient livelihoods for local communities, and build partnerships with other programs and initiatives. The project was implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) under a cooperative agreement with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project's geographical focus was the Boma-Badingilo Landscape in South Sudan, which covers 95,000 km² of largely intact habitat and is among the most outstanding biodiversity areas in the country. Component One of the project focused on increasing capacity, plans, and systems in place to sustainably manage land and natural resources and mitigate resource-based conflict. WCS provided technical support to and on-the-job training for the park authorities in Boma and Badingilo National Parks. The newly appointed Chief Park Warden of Badingilo National Park initiated the redeployment of rangers to key locations, and WCS is working with him to redeploy rangers at Lafon. Component Two aimed to establish effective, participatory, and broadly supported wildlife conservation and protected area management in place. WCS conducted community conservation-security partnership meetings in Bala and Itti with local stakeholders. A conflict mitigation workshop training for WCS partner CSOs and staff was conducted, and the CSOs are drafting conflict mitigation plans for implementation in the Boma-Badingilo Landscape. Component Three focused on community resilience and improved livelihoods. WCS conducted a refresher training in Grants Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation for the four WCS Livelihoods Small Grants Program sub-grantee CSOs and selected WCS staff. CEPO conducted a livelihoods training in sustainable fishing and marketing, and PDCO conducted a livelihoods training in conservation gardening and poultry rearing. Component Four aimed to establish partnerships for natural resources management and community resilience in the Boma-Badingilo Landscape. WCS engaged with Internews and the Food Security and Livelihood Cluster to explore opportunities for partnerships and collaboration. The Boma-Badingilo Landscape Program was formally launched in Nyat – Boma National Park, receiving substantial media coverage. Quantitative results achieved in Quarter 3 of FY19 include: - 4,050,000 hectares of biologically significant areas under improved natural resource management - 474 direct beneficiaries with improved economic benefits derived from sustainable natural resource management and/or biodiversity conservation - 400 people trained in sustainable natural resources management and/or biodiversity conservation - 45 rangers trained in improved conservation law enforcement practices - 1 community member trained in improved conservation law enforcement practices - 1 court case related to conservation law enforcement - 1 other law enforcement actor trained in improved conservation law enforcement practices The project's achievements in Quarter 3 of FY19 demonstrate progress towards its goal of ensuring effective conservation of key wildlife species and habitat, improving security and mitigating conflicts, enhancing sustainable and resilient livelihoods for local communities, and building partnerships with other programs and initiatives.