FY 2015 ANNUAL REPORT: Promoting Tanzania’s Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (PROTECT) Activity

AID-621-TO-15-00004 with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project's objective is to address the dynamics in Tanzania that threaten biodiversity conservation and inhibit private sector-led tourism growth. PROTECT's interventions aim to support and strengthen capacity for conservation, reduce threats to biodiversity, and promote rural development and employment diversification. The project focuses on four main technical areas: Policy, Research and Advocacy; Institutional Strengthening; Nature-based Economic Strengthening and Diversification; and Combat Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking. Under Policy, Research and Advocacy, PROTECT worked with the Wildlife Division and Authorized Association Consortium (AAC) to conduct a review of the current Wildlife Management Area Regulations. The project also identified and began working with a consultant to evaluate current revenue collection systems under Institutional Strengthening. In July 2015, PROTECT commenced the implementation of its work plan, which included conducting an informal survey to establish the main constraints to private sector investment under Nature-based Economic Strengthening and Diversification. The project also conducted a rapid assessment of the transnational supply chain of ivory in Tanzania under Combat Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking. PROTECT convened a series of meetings with airport and port officials and the Wildlife Division to discuss the issue. The project operational start-up proved to be a challenge, but by July 2015, IRG had obtained its Tax ID Number and business license. By August 2015, the project had secured and furnished its permanent office space and had opened its bank account. PROTECT received USAID approval of its Grants Manual and awarded its first grant to AAC in August 2015. The project prepared a Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Plan and developed its Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) plan, which was submitted to USAID for review. During the reporting period, PROTECT held a consultation meeting with external stakeholders to seek their input on the work plan activities. Approximately 30 people were in attendance at this meeting. The project also launched its official launch at Treetops Lodges, located within Randilen WMA in the Arusha region, which was attended by officials from the US State Department, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, USAID, and other stakeholders. The project's progress was hindered by staff turnover, including the Chief of Party, and identifying qualified staff. However, by the end of the reporting period, the project was nearly "right staffed" with both leadership and subject-matter experts. The project's work plan was approved by USAID in July 2015, and the project commenced the implementation of its work plan in July 2015. The PROTECT Activity has made significant progress in its first six months, laying the operational groundwork for a successful project and introducing the project to external stakeholders. The project has identified key stakeholders, mapped out programmatic priorities, and commenced the implementation of its work plan. The project's interventions aim to support and strengthen capacity for conservation, reduce threats to biodiversity, and promote rural development and employment diversification.