Douala (Cameroon): From February 23 to 24, 2015, the regional workshop for the validation of PIFs (Project Identification Form) from Cameroon, Congo and Gabon was held in preparation for submission of said forms to the Board of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The submissions would be developed based on achievements garnered by the TRIDOM project as recommended by the July 2014 Extraordinary Session of the COMIFAC Council of Ministers and the last TRIDOM project workshop which took place in December 2014.
The key workshop attracted more than 25 delegates. Attendees included members of the Regional Steering Committee and partner organizations, namely: IUCN, WWF, ZSL, IMO, UNESCO, UNDP, and APN. The meeting unfolded around five main items: Presentation of the project intervention area; Presentation of the PIFs of Cameroon and Congo and of Gabon's concept note; Discussions and validation of PIFs and concept note; Presentation of the implementation framework and steps forward.
Following fruitful discussions on the agenda items, the participants validated the PIFs and concept notes for submission to the GEF Board. At the close of the workshop they equally made resolutions regarding some pressing issues debated during the workshop, including:

 
 
• The Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (TBR). It was recommended that the three States sharing the tri-national i.e. Cameroon, Congo, Gabon should seize the opportunity afforded by the periodic review of their respective sites to register the large mammal migration corridors and High Conservation Value Areas within their territories with UNESCO for their sites to feature on the landscape’s TBR list. UNESCO support was requested to assist the TRIDOM States Parties in achieving TBR status.

 
• Arrested poachers. These could be repatriated to their countries of origin after complying with sanctions provided by the applicable laws of the respective countries. The OIM will help integrate them in their country of origin.

 
• The PIFs. The PIFs of Congo and Cameroon and Gabon's concept note were validated by participants, subject to incorporation of comments and amendments made or to be made. The countries’ PIFs should carry a component devoted to transboundary activities.

 
• The implementation and regional coordination unit. It was agreed that the GEF’s operational focal points in the three countries would consult with each other and formulate proposals regarding this facility in consultation with the two implementing agencies (World Bank and UNDP). The consultation will come up proposals on funding mechanisms for the RCU. At the institutional level, COMIFAC will be responsible for anchoring the transboundary component.

 
• Project title and schedule. The participants adopted the project title "Integrated biodiversity conservation in the Cameroon-Gabon-Congo Tri-National " (CIB-CCG).

Picture: Touko Tchoko Merline

For further information, please download the final communiqué and attendance list below: