USAID Tuhifadhi Maliasili Activity Monthly Report - August 2021

The activity began in 2021 with the goal of improving the connectivity of wildlife corridors and enhancing the capacity of public and private stakeholders to manage natural resources. The activity is focused on three main objectives: building institutional capacities of both public and private stakeholders, increasing private sector engagement in biodiversity conservation and natural resources management, and improving the policy, regulatory, and enabling environment for biodiversity conservation and natural resources management. Under Objective One, the activity team proposed ten activities for Fiscal Year 2022, including assessment of data management systems for government institutions, support for the implementation of the Human Wildlife Conflict management strategy, and capacity building training for local government authorities. The team also proposed seven activities under Objective Two, including conservation value chain analysis in six priority corridors, support for community conservation enterprises, and assessment of traditional and non-traditional funding sources. The activity team also worked on improving the policy, regulatory, and enabling environment for biodiversity conservation and natural resources management. Eleven activities were proposed for Fiscal Year 2022, including establishment and operationalization of corridor working groups, support for the development of a comprehensive national wildlife conservation strategy, and support for research and monitoring of wildlife and forest trade in the Zanzibar archipelago. In addition to these objectives, the activity team also worked on cross-cutting issues, including external communications and monitoring and evaluation. The team developed a communications strategy and started preparations for the launch of the activity, including coordination with the Contracting Officer's Representative and development of publicity materials. The activity team also developed a situation model and overall Result Chain and general Theory of Change for USAID Tuhifadhi Maliasili using the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation framework and Miradi software. The Results Chains were submitted to USAID for review and approval on August 17, 2021. The M&E unit also developed the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan, taking into consideration USAID's updated guidance. The activity team conducted a Conservation Value Chain Analysis (CVCA) in the selected areas of connectivity, using various approaches such as a literature review and online meetings with stakeholders and partners. The team also finalized the Scope of Work (SOW) for the consultant to support the National level and individual corridor Political Economy Analyses (PEAs). The team embarked on desktop research for the biodiversity assessment of the six target areas of connectivity, using available information on the internet and consultations/interviews with key informants/people who are working on the ground in those areas. The draft report for internal review before submission to USAID is expected to be completed in the coming month. The activity team is planning to work with Ms. Eva Matsiko from Uganda who did the PEA for the Landscape Conservation of Western Tanzania project (LCWT) in Kigoma.