The preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity is a pressing global issue, with many regions around the world seeking innovative strategies to combat habitat loss, species extinction, and environmental degradation. In Sub-Saharan Africa, which harbors 13% of the world’s biodiversity and approximately 20% of the planet’s forests, the stakes are particularly high. Recognizing the vital importance of protected areas in safeguarding these invaluable resources, several African nations have adopted new management models aimed at overcoming longstanding challenges and achieving lasting conservation outcomes.
One promising approach involves the establishment of collaborative management partnerships (CMPs), where the governance of protected areas is shared between national governments and international or national non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These partnerships are unique not only in their scale but also in their longevity, with some spanning decades and covering extensive territories. In a landmark study conducted by an international team of researchers, led by INRAE and involving Le Havre University, the efficacy of this model was examined across 127 partnerships covering almost 1 million square kilometers—nearly twice the size of France. Their findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveal the significant environmental benefits these partnerships can yield, including a striking 55% average reduction in deforestation within the protected areas, and up to 66% in the most vulnerable zones.
The historical context of Africa’s protected areas highlights both their promise and challenges. The continent’s first protected area, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was established nearly a century ago, in 1925. Since then, thousands of parks and reserves have been created, forming a vital network for biodiversity conservation. However, many of these areas have faced persistent difficulties, including insufficient funding, inadequate management capabilities, and weak institutional governance. These barriers have often hindered their ability to protect wildlife and habitats effectively.
CMPs have emerged as a response to these challenges, blending public oversight with the specialized expertise and financial resources of NGOs. These partnerships differ fundamentally from traditional models of NGO involvement, which typically center on short-term projects lasting two to five years. In contrast, CMPs involve commitments of 25 to 40 years, enabling a comprehensive and sustained approach to conservation. The long-term nature of these agreements is essential for addressing the deep-seated and systemic issues that have historically plagued protected areas.
One of the most critical benefits of CMPs lies in their ability to secure substantial and sustained funding. This financial stability allows for the implementation of robust conservation initiatives, including the recruitment and training of park staff and rangers. Additionally, infrastructure development within and around parks plays a crucial role in improving the lives of local communities, reducing their dependence on park resources, and fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. For example, CMPs have enabled the construction of power stations near the Garamba and Virunga Parks, as well as roads and tourism infrastructure, which not only support conservation goals but also enhance local economic opportunities.
The study conducted by INRAE and its collaborators analyzed the impact of CMPs by assessing rates of tree cover loss, a critical indicator of deforestation, before and after the partnerships were established. The results demonstrate the remarkable effectiveness of CMPs in reducing deforestation across the board. The impact is even more pronounced in areas under high anthropogenic pressure—regions where human activity poses a significant threat to ecosystems. Here, CMPs have achieved deforestation reductions of up to 66%, highlighting their potential as a transformative tool for conservation.
While these findings underscore the success of CMPs in curbing deforestation, they also point to the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation. The duration of CMPs necessitates robust mechanisms to track their impact over time, ensuring that the partnerships remain effective and adaptive to changing circumstances. Additionally, future research should explore the social and economic dimensions of CMPs, particularly their effects on the well-being of communities living near protected areas. Addressing questions such as whether improved environmental conditions translate to tangible benefits for local populations is essential for the long-term sustainability and legitimacy of these initiatives.
Beyond the ecological gains, CMPs also embody a shift in the philosophy of conservation, emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity, and shared responsibility. By bringing together governments, NGOs, and local stakeholders, these partnerships create a framework for integrating diverse perspectives and expertise. This collaborative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of conservation efforts but also fosters a sense of shared ownership and accountability. Such inclusivity is particularly vital in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where local communities often play a central role in the stewardship of natural resources.
However, the success of CMPs is not without challenges. The reliance on long-term partnerships requires a stable political and institutional environment, which can be difficult to guarantee in regions prone to conflict, economic instability, or governance issues. Additionally, while NGOs bring valuable expertise and resources to the table, their involvement must be balanced with the sovereignty and priorities of the host governments. Striking this balance is key to ensuring that CMPs serve the interests of both conservation and local development.
The study’s findings have implications not only for Africa but also for global conservation strategies. In an era of escalating environmental threats, innovative models like CMPs offer a blueprint for addressing complex challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes. By demonstrating the potential of collaborative approaches to reduce deforestation, protect biodiversity, and improve ecosystem resilience, the African experience provides valuable lessons for other regions grappling with similar issues.
Reference: Sébastien Desbureaux et al, Collaborative management partnerships strongly decreased deforestation in the most at-risk protected areas in Africa since 2000, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2411348121