RUFUNSA GMA PARTICIPATES IN THE SAGE ASSESSMENT.
RUFUNSA GMA PARTICIPATES IN THE SAGE ASSESMENT.
Previously Posted on 5/08/2021
Rufunsa Game Management Area (GMA) is one of the six project operation areas, Rufunsa GMA like others has recorded positive impacts from the governance assessments including the Site-In Level and action planning. The SAGE process was a new experience for the GMA actors, which brought their interaction to another level. The process was an excellent opportunity of mutual respect, sharing common and uncommon challenges and brainstorming on the next actions. This resulted into an action plan that has ownership and actors are enthusiastic to implement particularly in the areas of governance in conservation, benefit-sharing, human wildlife conflict and gender integration into GMAs operations.
Rufunsa SAGE assessment participants listening to the presentation of the review of the SAGE Process before the Action Planning.
During the SAGE assessment the group spent a lot of time on outlining the various challenges the GMA has had for a long time, reason being there is little integration and coordination towards conservation by different stakeholders and having shared experiences for most actors particularly community members was that it is possible to sit down with all actors to discuss the challenges facing the GMA and to find local feasible solutions to the challenges.
(Photo by Madam Cecilia Banda Project Officer).
The GMA has also seen several/frequent stakeholder meetings so that all actors contribute while respecting views and concerns of all actors, lastly the are so enthusiastic about the governance knowledge and they look forward to receiving support in terms of trainings in lobby and advocacy, fairer law enforcement applications and better benefit sharing mechanisms.
Among the significant lessons learnt were the importance of stakeholder involvement and collaboration in natural resources conservation; for example, with regards to law enforcement the scouts have to be part of awareness creating teams to enhance fair law application, and the holding of open public meetings to before and after revenue sharing to encourage accountability.
The GMA has also seen several/frequent stakeholder meetings so that all actors contribute while respecting views and concerns of all actors, lastly the are so enthusiastic about the governance knowledge and they look forward to receiving support in terms of trainings in lobby and advocacy, fairer law enforcement applications and better benefit sharing mechanisms.
Among the significant lessons learnt were the importance of stakeholder involvement and collaboration in natural resources conservation; for example, with regards to law enforcement the scouts have to be part of awareness creating teams to enhance fair law application, and the holding of open public meetings to before and after revenue sharing to encourage accountability.