Strengthening the Network of Training Centers for Protected Area Management through Demonstration of a Tested Approach

Protected areas remain the critical foundation of biodiversity conservation, and as such, they will continue to be supported as a major thrust of GEF-3. This project aims to strengthen the sustainability of protected area management through building capacity and disseminating best practices which is consistent with Strategic Pillar I: "Catalyzing Sustainability of Protected Areas" and Pillar IV: "Generation and Dissemination of Best Practices for Addressing Current and Emerging Biodiversity Issues". The goal of the project "Strengthening the network of training centers for protected areas management through demonstration of a tested approach" (SNTC) is to improve biodiversity conservation in Northern Eurasia by strengthening the network of training centres for biodiversity conservation in protected areas and adjacent lands. The training centers will serve as catalysts for more effective management of the large protected area (PA) networks in this region. March 11, 2005: The project has been substantially revised and refocused based on the comments made earlier by the GEFSEC. The revised project goal is to improve biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods through a better management of protected areas in Northern Eurasia. The project will do so by (1) seeking stronger political support for PA in the region through awareness raising, strengthening of legal PA framework; and 1) improve PA management through the use of modern management tools, including economic and financial tools benefiting both the environment and poor local communities living in or around the PAs.