{"xson":[{ "/iati-activities/iati-activity": [ { "/activity-date": [ { "/narrative": [ { "": "The Conserving the Greater Virunga (CGV) project, is a programme funded by the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands through its Embassy of Kigali (EKN). This four year programe started on the 1st December 2020.", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "@iso-date": "2020-12-01", "@type": "2" }, { "/narrative": [ { "": "The Conserving the Greater Virunga (CGV) project, implemented from December 2020 to December 2024, was the second phase of support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kigali (EKN) to the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC). This programe has closed on 31 December 2024. The initiative aimed to promote sustainable conservation across the ecologically rich yet politically fragile Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL), which spans protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda. It was financed through a cooperation agreement between GVTC and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation through EKN. The CGV project supported GVTC’s mandate to enhance transboundary collaboration in biodiversity conservation, tourism, and natural resource governance, aligned with the 2015 GVTC Treaty. This effort was grounded on a broader peacebuilding and conflict resolution strategy, recognising conservation as a unifying platform in a geopolitically sensitive region. The CGV project ran for four years (2020–2024), with the overall objective of “Sustainable Conservation of the GVL through transboundary collaboration between DRC, Rwanda and Uganda.” The intermediary objectives were: Coordinate and promote the conservation of biodiversity in the GVL; Promote collaboration and coordination of Natural resource-based socio-economic development in the GVL; and Create conditions for sustainable transboundary collaboration on conservation and tourism. Despite significant challenges, the CGV project strengthened GVTC governance by operationalising GVTC’s Regional Technical Committees, increased visibility through media and participation in international events and improved conservation tools through developing and deploying the Virunga Viewer, a real-time satellite forest monitoring system, supporting regional gorilla censuses, and revitalized the Annual Conservation Status Report (ACSR), which laid groundwork for joint monitoring and reporting. It also contributed to conflict resolution by successfully addressing transboundary human-wildlife conflict in areas like Bugeshi through collaborative technical interventions. The CGV project significantly advanced transboundary collaboration by bringing together technical stakeholders across the three countries for joint planning and shared conversation that helped institutionalise coordination. Engagement with local governments, civil society, and the private sector was also strengthened. The CGV project contributed to building trust among actors, showcased GVTC as a facilitator, and empowered local institutions, laying a foundation for a more integrated and collaborative conservation approach. Despite these achievements, the CGV project was implemented in a volatile operating environment marked by political tensions and armed conflict, particularly in eastern DRC, which disrupted cross-border coordination and delayed ratification of the GVTC Treaty, hindering harmonisation of tourism and conservation legislations and formal collaboration structures. GVTC navigated these challenges by prioritising technical cooperation over political processes during periods of tension In conclusion, the CGV project made a substantive contribution to conservation, peacebuilding, and institutional development in one of Africa’s most complex ecosystems. It has laid a resilient foundation for sustained transboundary collaboration, while equipping GVTC and its partners with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to safeguard the Greater Virunga Landscape for future generations.", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "@iso-date": "2024-12-31", "@type": "4" } ], "/activity-scope@code": "2", "/activity-status@code": "4", "/budget": [ { "/period-end@iso-date": "2024-12-31", "/period-start@iso-date": "2024-01-01", "/value": 736568, "/value@currency": "EUR", "/value@value-date": "2024-01-01", "@status": "2", "@type": "1" } ], "/collaboration-type@code": "2", "/contact-info": [ { "/department/narrative": [ { "": "Administration", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "/email": [ { "": "es@greatervirunga.org" } ], "/job-title/narrative": [ { "": "Executive Secretary", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "/mailing-address": [ { "/narrative": [ { "": "Kigali City - Gasabo District – Remera Sector- Gishushu\n KG 9 Av #1A RDB Building\nP.O. Box 6626 Kigali-Rwanda", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ] } ], "/organisation/narrative": [ { "": "Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC)", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "/person-name/narrative": [ { "": "Dr. Andrew Ggunga Seguya", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "/telephone": [ { "": "+250788319555" } ], "/website": [ { "": "https://greatervirunga.org/" } ], "@type": "1" } ], "/default-aid-type": [ { "@code": "B021", "@vocabulary": "1" } ], "/default-finance-type@code": "2", "/default-flow-type@code": "10", "/default-tied-status@code": "5", "/description": [ { "/narrative": [ { "": "In November 2020, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) formalised a cooperation arrangement. This partnership, supported through the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kigali, funds the \"Conserving the Greater Virunga Landscape (CGV)\" project. The overarching objective of the CGV project is to ensure the sustainable conservation of the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL) through transboundary collaboration between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Three key intermediary objectives drive the project: 1. Intermediary Objective 1: Coordinate and promote the conservation of biodiversity in the GVL. 2. Intermediary Objective 2: Foster collaboration and coordination of natural resource-based socio-economic development in the GVL. 3. Intermediary Objective 3: Establish conditions for sustainable transboundary collaboration on conservation and tourism. As the four-year project is ending in December 2024, GVTC has prioritised activities this final year to ensure the organisation's sustainability. Key activities planned include coordinating meetings with protected area (PA) staff, establishing a climate change monitoring framework for the GVL (with a focus on forest monitoring), developing GVL as a unified destination brand across all partner states (in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat), and enhancing local communities' capacity in tourism business development. Additionally, efforts to promote collaboration and coordination include fast-tracking and lobbying partner states for the ratification of the GVTC Treaty and conducting a country-level stakeholder meeting in Rwanda. To stimulate GVTC's sustainability, branding initiatives, publicising accomplishments, participating in key regional symposiums, workshops, and world conservation events, publishing articles and data on GVL, and securing new funding sources were identified as crucial activities. Further, the project is focused on coordinating preparations for the 2024/2025 gorilla census, developing the Transboundary Strategic Plan (TSP), supporting gender mainstreaming in conservation, holding statutory meetings such as the GVTC Management Board, Council of Ministers, Regional Technical Committees (RTCs), and regional stakeholders’ forums, and building the capacity of GVTC staff to fulfil the organisation’s mandate. This mid-year report has been prepared to document and demonstrate the progress made in implementing the planned activities. It outlines the project context in light of the evolving political landscape in the region, updates the risk assessment, details the implemented activities, and provides an overview of the annual implementation status.\n\nThe Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL) is a globally significant ecological region spanning parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda. It comprises a network of seven national parks, one wildlife reserve, and the surrounding community areas. The protected areas include Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda; Virunga National Park and Sarambwe Wildlife Reserve in the DRC; and Mgahinga Gorilla, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, Rwenzori Mountains, and Semuliki National Parks in Uganda.\nDespite its extraordinary biodiversity and ecological value, the GVL is a region affected by recurring insecurity, particularly due to the presence of armed groups in Eastern DRC, with occasional spillovers into western Uganda. The area is home to numerous rare and endangered species, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, African elephants, lions, and hippopotami. Three of its protected areas—Virunga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth and Volcanoes National Parks are designated UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserves, and Lakes George and Edward are Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance.\nBeyond its ecological importance, the GVL is rich in natural resources, including oil and minerals, particularly in parts of the DRC and Uganda. These resources, while economically valuable, also contribute to regional instability, often fueling armed conflict and complicating conservation efforts. At the start of the CGV2 project, there was relatively improved access to much of the landscape, including areas of the Eastern DRC that had previously been highly insecure. This enabled GVTC to mobilise the three partner states to collaborate more effectively on conservation and tourism.\nThe CGV2 project was designed within this complex context to reinforce the coordination and collaboration mechanisms outlined in the GVTC Treaty. However, as the project drew towards closure, the situation deteriorated rapidly with the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, particularly in Eastern DRC. This resurgence led to increased insecurity and political tensions that significantly impacted the functioning of transboundary collaboration.\nCoordination efforts at both the technical and political levels were disrupted. Wildlife authorities and field teams faced serious challenges in conducting joint operations due to threats to their safety and limited cross-border mobility. The fragile security situation further intensified issues such as poaching, wildlife trafficking, and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources—issues that require strong, coordinated responses, which became more difficult amid growing mistrust and political divisions among partner states.\nDuring this period, GVTC worked to maintain collaboration at the technical level, keeping conservation professionals in all three countries engaged while continuing to provide updates and briefings to political stakeholders. However, political differences between partner states created additional hurdles, with some high-level conservation leaders becoming more cautious and politically restrained, which threatened the momentum of collaboration.\nDespite these significant challenges, the CGV2 project achieved its primary objectives, reinforcing transboundary collaboration in conservation. EKN funded the project under a Cooperation Arrangement between the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands and GVTC. It was aligned with EKN’s broader peacebuilding and conflict resolution strategy for the region. As such, the project played a meaningful role in contributing to regional stability by fostering conversation, joint action, and sustained collaboration in one of Africa’s most ecologically and politically complex landscapes.\n\nThe overall objective is the Sustainable Conservation of the GVL through transboundary collaboration between DRC, Rwanda and Uganda. The intermediary objectives were: Coordinate and promote the conservation of biodiversity in the GVL; Promote collaboration and coordination of Natural resource-based socio-economic development in the GVL; and Create conditions for sustainable transboundary collaboration on conservation and tourism. These objectives were to be achieved through a set of outcomes in the intermediate and long-term during the project period. Table 1 below presents the CGV Program logic, showing the objectives with the corresponding outcomes \n\nOverall objective: \nSustainable Conservation of the GVL through transboundary collaboration between DRC, Rwanda and Uganda \n\nIntermediary Objectives:\n\n1: Promote Collaboration and Coordination of conservation biodiversity within the GVL \n2: Promote collaboration and coordination of Natural resource-based socio-economic development in the GVL \n3: Create conditions for sustainable transboundary collaboration on conservation and tourism \n\nOutcomes:\n\n1.1: Coordinated protection and management of PAs in the GVL\n1.2: Safety and security of wildlife and people in the GVL is enhanced\n2.1: Greater Virunga tourism is increased and diversified\n2.2. Coordinated reduction and mitigation of Natural Resource-based conflict in GVL \n3.1: GVL Transboundary Collaboration Governance strengthened\n3.2: Information on the GVL collected, collated and disseminated\n3.3: Sustainable funding for transboundary collaboration on conservation and tourism is secured", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "@type": "2" }, { "/narrative": [ { "": "The overall objective of the CGV programme is “Sustainable conservation of the Greater Virunga Landscape, through transboundary collaboration between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda”. The overall objective is derived from the mandate of GVTC as given in the Treaty and reflects the GVTC Vision “The Greater Virunga Landscape sustainably conserved” and Mission “Enhancing sustainable conservation of the Protected Areas in Greater Virunga Landscape through improved Transboundary collaboration” as described in the Transboundary Strategic Plan (TSP) 2018-2023.\n\nThe “Conserving Greater Virunga (CGV)” Project, also referred to as CGV2, was launched in December 2020 as a follow-on initiative to the earlier support provided by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kigali (EKN). Building on the achievements of the first phase, CGV2 was designed to support the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) over a four-year period, ending in December 2024. GVTC was established to enhance collaboration and coordination among state and non-state actors for the sustainable conservation of the transboundary protected areas within the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL). This unique ecosystem spans the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda. The formal establishment of GVTC was marked by the signing of the 2015 Treaty on Wildlife Conservation and Tourism Development by the three partner states.\nThrough a cooperation arrangement with the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, the CGV2 project was implemented to strengthen collaboration among the partner states for the effective and sustainable management of the GVL’s protected areas. From the beginning of the project, GVTC provided semi-annual project updates and annual narrative progress reports, as stipulated in the agreement.\nThis final narrative report provides a comprehensive overview of the activities carried out by GVTC using EKN funding, the key outcomes and outputs achieved, and the measures taken to ensure the sustainability of the project’s impacts. It also outlines GVTC’s exit strategy as the project concludes.", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "@type": "1" } ], "/document-link": [ { "/category": [ { "@code": "A08" } ], "/document-date@iso-date": "2025-04-30", "/language": [ { "@code": "EN" } ], "/title/narrative": [ { "": "GVTC Final Project Report for Conserving Greater Virunga-Submitted to EKN 30042025", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "@format": "TEXT/HTML", "@url": "https://publisher.iatistandard.org/activity/6059" } ], "/iati-identifier": "RW-RRA-103197639-RW-RRA-103197639-4000004257", "/location": [ { "/activity-description/narrative": [ { "": "The overall objective is the Sustainable Conservation of the GVL through transboundary collaboration between DRC, Rwanda and Uganda. The intermediary objectives were: Coordinate and promote the conservation of biodiversity in the GVL; Promote collaboration and coordination of Natural resource-based socio-economic development in the GVL; and Create conditions for sustainable transboundary collaboration on conservation and tourism.", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "/administrative": [ { "@code": "RW", "@vocabulary": "G2" } ], "/description/narrative": [ { "": "The overall objective is the Sustainable Conservation of the GVL through transboundary collaboration between DRC, Rwanda and Uganda. The intermediary objectives were: Coordinate and promote the conservation of biodiversity in the GVL; Promote collaboration and coordination of Natural resource-based socio-economic development in the GVL; and Create conditions for sustainable transboundary collaboration on conservation and tourism.", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "/exactness@code": "1", "/feature-designation@code": "BLDO", "/location-class@code": "3", "/location-id": [ { "@code": "KG9 Av #1A", "@vocabulary": "G2" } ], "/location-reach@code": "1", "/name/narrative": [ { "": "Conserving Greater Virunga is the Programme which was implemented in the three GVTC Parner States: Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Uganda", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "/point/pos": "-1.954959 30.101829", "/point@srsName": "WGS 84", "@ref": "40000004257" } ], "/other-identifier": [ { "/owner-org/narrative": [ { "": "The Conserving the Greater Virunga (CGV) project, implemented from December 2020 to December 2024, was the second phase of support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kigali (EKN) to the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC). The initiative aimed to promote sustainable conservation across the ecologically rich yet politically fragile Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL), which spans protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda. It was financed through a cooperation agreement between GVTC and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation through EKN.\nThe CGV project supported GVTC’s mandate to enhance transboundary collaboration in biodiversity conservation, tourism, and natural resource governance, aligned with the 2015 GVTC Treaty. This effort was grounded on a broader peacebuilding and conflict resolution strategy, recognising conservation as a unifying platform in a geopolitically sensitive region. The CGV project ran for four years (2020–2024), with the overall objective of “Sustainable Conservation of the GVL through transboundary collaboration between DRC, Rwanda and Uganda.” The intermediary objectives were: Coordinate and promote the conservation of biodiversity in the GVL; Promote collaboration and coordination of Natural resource-based socio-economic development in the GVL; and Create conditions for sustainable transboundary collaboration on conservation and tourism. \nDespite significant challenges, the CGV project strengthened GVTC governance by operationalising GVTC’s Regional Technical Committees, increased visibility through media and participation in international events and improved conservation tools through developing and deploying the Virunga Viewer, a real-time satellite forest monitoring system, supporting regional gorilla censuses, and revitalized the Annual Conservation Status Report (ACSR), which laid groundwork for joint monitoring and reporting. It also contributed to conflict resolution by successfully addressing transboundary human-wildlife conflict in areas like Bugeshi through collaborative technical interventions.\nThe CGV project significantly advanced transboundary collaboration by bringing together technical stakeholders across the three countries for joint planning and shared conversation that helped institutionalise coordination. Engagement with local governments, civil society, and the private sector was also strengthened. The CGV project contributed to building trust among actors, showcased GVTC as a facilitator, and empowered local institutions, laying a foundation for a more integrated and collaborative conservation approach.\nDespite these achievements, the CGV project was implemented in a volatile operating environment marked by political tensions and armed conflict, particularly in eastern DRC, which disrupted cross-border coordination and delayed ratification of the GVTC Treaty, hindering harmonisation of tourism and conservation legislations and formal collaboration structures. GVTC navigated these challenges by prioritising technical cooperation over political processes during periods of tension \nIn conclusion, the CGV project made a substantive contribution to conservation, peacebuilding, and institutional development in one of Africa’s most complex ecosystems. It has laid a resilient foundation for sustained transboundary collaboration, while equipping GVTC and its partners with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to safeguard the Greater Virunga Landscape for future generations.", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "/owner-org@ref": "4000004257", "@ref": "RW-RRA-103197639", "@type": "A3" } ], "/participating-org": [ { "/narrative": [ { "": "Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Rwanda in Kigali", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "@activity-id": "XM-DAC-4000004257", "@crs-channel-code": "11000", "@ref": "XI-PB-0000", "@role": "1", "@type": "10" }, { "/narrative": [ { "": "Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC)", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "@activity-id": "XM-DAC-4000004257", "@crs-channel-code": "12000", "@ref": "103197639", "@role": "4", "@type": "90" } ], "/policy-marker": [ { "@code": "2", "@significance": "3", "@vocabulary": "1" }, { "@code": "5", "@significance": "3", "@vocabulary": "1" } ], "/recipient-country": [ { "/narrative": [ { "": "GVTC is an Intergovernmental Organization established by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Uganda governed by a Treaty signed in 2015, whose purpose is to establish a Transboundary Collaboration Framework for programs and activities on wildlife conservation and tourism development in the Greater Virunga Landscape among the Partner States. This Landscape comprises a total of 7 national parks and 1 wildlife reserve, namely: Volcanoes NP in Rwanda; Virunga NP & Sarambwe Wildlife Reserve in DRC and Mgahinga Gorilla NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi NP, Rwenzori Mountain NP, and Semliki NP in Uganda. The GVL is globally recognized as a biodiversity hotspot and habitat for rare and endangered wildlife species, such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, African Elephants, Lions, hippopotamus extra with three World Heritage Sites (the Virunga NP, Rwenzori Mountains, and Bwindi NP), two Man & Biosphere Reserves (MAB, namely the Queen Elizabeth NP and Volcanoes NP), as well as RAMSAR sites (Lakes Georges and Edward). GVTC then operates equally in the three partner states, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Uganda.", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "@code": "RW", "@percentage": 33.3 }, { "/narrative": [ { "": "GVTC then operates equally in the three partner states, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Uganda.", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "@code": "CD", "@percentage": 33.3 }, { "/narrative": [ { "": "GVTC then operates equally in the three partner states, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Uganda.", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "@code": "UG", "@percentage": 33.4 } ], "/reporting-org/narrative": [ { "": "Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "/reporting-org@ref": "RW-RRA-103197639", "/reporting-org@secondary-reporter": 0, "/reporting-org@type": "15", "/result": [ { "/description/narrative": [ { "": "Outcome 1.1: Coordinated Protection and Management of Protected Areas (PAs) in the GVL\nThe project deepened cooperation among the Protected Area Authorities (PAAs) of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), leading to stronger joint planning and response mechanisms across borders. Chief Wardens and law enforcement teams engaged in multiple forums to align park management priorities with transboundary issues. Although full legal harmonisation was delayed due to pending treaty ratification, foundational work, including situational analyses and comparative reviews, created momentum toward future alignment.\nA critical milestone was the enhanced coordination on combating illegal wildlife trade, particularly through a collaboration with TRAFFIC International and the creation of a legal and prosecution network across the three partner states. These efforts are expected to culminate in stronger regional intelligence sharing and lay the groundwork for a transboundary wildlife crime response framework. Moreover, the introduction of the SarSentry radar-based forest monitoring system and the Virunga Web Viewer platform enabled real-time detection of forest disturbances, empowering PAAs with timely data for decision-making. These technologies significantly enhanced landscape-level monitoring and enforcement capacity.\ncollaboration with TRAFFIC International and the creation of a legal and prosecution network across the three partner states. These efforts are expected to culminate in stronger regional intelligence sharing and lay the groundwork for a transboundary wildlife crime response framework. Moreover, the introduction of the SarSentry radar-based forest monitoring system and the Virunga Web Viewer platform enabled real-time detection of forest disturbances, empowering PAAs with timely data for decision-making. These technologies significantly enhanced landscape-level monitoring and enforcement capacity.\n\nOutcome 1.2: Safety and Security of Wildlife and People in the GVL is Enhanced\nWhile insecurity and political tensions remained major constraints, the project successfully facilitated engagement among local security, political, and conservation actors within their national jurisdictions. Forums held in Uganda and the DRC created opportunities to raise awareness of GVTC’s role and encourage cross-sectoral dialogue on wildlife and human safety. These will be leveraged at the regional level when the security conditions are conducive.\nDespite challenges, engagement with local civil society organisations was notably strengthened. Civil society organisations in insecure transboundary zones, such as CACOPI and CEPED in eastern DRC, provide information on safety and security for conservation. These partnerships provided critical intelligence on illegal activities and helped extend conservation presence to areas otherwise inaccessible to state actors. This monitoring not only improved situational awareness but also fostered local ownership of conservation goals.\n\nOutcome 2.1: Greater Virunga Tourism is Increased and Diversified\nThe project introduced innovative tools to diversify and digitalise tourism services, particularly through a pilot digital platform connecting tourists with local guides, porters, and craft sellers. This platform is expected to address a major visibility gap for community-based tourism actors and is poised to enhance their participation in the tourism economy.\nAdditionally, the review of the Gorilla Tourism Revenue Sharing MoU, though not finalised, revived dialogue among partner states on equitable benefit sharing. The community tourism strategy developed under the project offers a clear roadmap for capacity enhancement, promoting inclusive economic growth rooted in conservation. Strategic media campaigns and the involvement of regional journalists in documenting GVL’s attractions further elevated the landscape’s tourism profile.\n\nOutcome 2.2: Coordinated Reduction and Mitigation of Natural Resource-Based Conflict in the GVL\nThe CGV project played a proactive role in mitigating cross-border human-wildlife conflict. One key success was the resolution of conflict in Bugeshi, where GVTC coordinated the rehabilitation of a broken electric fence to prevent wildlife incursion from Virunga National Park (DRC) into Rwandan farmlands. The peaceful and technical resolution of this issue not only restored community confidence but also reinforced GVTC’s position as a neutral and effective mediator in transboundary disputes.\nIn parallel, the project documented lessons in gender mainstreaming across PAs and initiated targeted mentoring for staff in Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. These actions laid a foundation for more inclusive management practices and informed future benefit-sharing interventions.\n\nOutcome 3.1: GVL Transboundary Collaboration Governance Strengthened\nThe project significantly strengthened institutional governance by supporting the operations of GVTC’s secretariat, Regional Technical Committees, and Board. Despite the Treaty’s ratification delays, the groundwork was laid through stakeholder sensitisation meetings at the provincial and district levels in all three countries. These engagements helped build political goodwill and positioned GVTC as a trusted facilitator in the region.\nInstitutionally, GVTC enhanced its internal capacity through the revision and development of key management manuals, including those for finance, procurement, human resources, IT, and risk management, ensuring more effective and accountable operations.\n\nOutcome 3.2: Information on the GVL Collected, Collated and Disseminated\nThe CGV project established GVTC as a central hub for data sharing and joint research. Key initiatives included the coordination of the upcoming transboundary gorilla and savanna mammal censuses and the revitalisation of the Technical Working Group to produce the 2024 ACSR. These collaborative efforts contributed to a more cohesive and evidence-based conservation strategy.\nFurthermore, GVTC maintained an active and regularly updated website featuring articles, policy insights, and news on conservation achievements. Although the GeoNode platform was temporarily discontinued due to hosting costs, lessons from its implementation have informed ongoing efforts to find more sustainable digital infrastructure solutions.\n\nOutcome 3.3: Sustainable Funding for Transboundary Collaboration on Conservation and Tourism is Secured\nWith the winding up of the CGV Project funding from the EKN, the project prioritised resource mobilisation and successfully secured new funding from diverse sources. Notable achievements include grants from the EU Delegation in Kigali, the Pandemic Fund (World Bank), and the UK Biodiversity Challenge Fund. GVTC strengthened relationships with key donors and partners, including WWF and is looking towards the East African Community (EAC). Additionally, a draft fundraising strategy was developed to guide future efforts. These financial inroads have created new lifelines for advancing transboundary conservation beyond the current project cycle and position GVTC for long-term sustainability.", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "/indicator": [ { "/description/narrative": [ { "": "The CGV project improved transboundary collaboration between partner states by bringing together technical experts regularly, providing opportunities to harness coordination, which contributed to the Sustainable conservation of the Greater Virunga Landscape. The example of a joint gorilla census activity involving technical staff from all the PAS illuminates this collaboration. The CGV project also fostered stronger ties between GVTC and non-state actors. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with key NGOs operating in the GVL have helped institutionalise multi-stakeholder coordination. This network of partners continues to contribute to holistic landscape conservation efforts, extending the impact of the CGV project beyond governmental structures.", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "/period": [ { "/period-end@iso-date": "2024-12-31", "/period-start@iso-date": "2020-12-01" } ], "/title/narrative": [ { "": "Indicators of outcome", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "@aggregation-status": 1, "@ascending": 1, "@measure": "5" } ], "/reference": [ { "@code": "4000004257", "@vocabulary": "99", "@vocabulary-uri": "https://greatervirunga.org/" } ], "/title/narrative": [ { "": "Outcome for the Conserving the Greater Virunga Programme", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "@aggregation-status": 1, "@type": "2" }, { "/description/narrative": [ { "": "Output 1.1.1: Conservation legislation is harmonised and aligned\n\nOutput 1.1.2: PA management plans in the GVL are harmonized\n\nOutput 1.1.3: Coordinated action against illegal wildlife trade\n\nOutput 1.1.5: Coordinated preparedness and mitigation of disasters in the GVL\n\nOutput 1.2.1: Cross-border coordination and collaboration of relevant security stakeholders in cases of security issues within transboundary PAs enhanced\n\nOutput 2.1.1: GVL is marketed as a brand in all Partner States\n\nOutput 2.1.2: Tourism rules and regulations are harmonised across the GVL\n\nOutput 2.1.3: Cross-border tourism is facilitated within the GVL\n\n2.2: Coordinated Reduction and mitigation of natural resources-based conflicts\n\nOutput 2.2.2: Natural Resources benefit sharing and Gender mainstreaming\n\nOutput 3.1.1: GVTC Treaty is ratified\n\nOutput 3.1.2: GVTC is globally visible, known and respected\n\nOutput 3.2.1: GVTC functions as clearing house for data and information on GVL\n\nOutput 3.2.2: Interactive web platform of GVTC functions as primary source of information about the GVL\n\nOutput 3.3.1: (New) sources of funding are secured\n\nThe project's overall objective, as earlier stated, is “Sustainable conservation of the Greater Virunga Landscape through transboundary collaboration between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda”. The intermediary objectives were: Promote collaboration and coordination of conservation biodiversity within the GVL, promote collaboration and coordination of Natural resource-based socio-economic development in the GVL and create conditions for sustainable transboundary collaboration on conservation and tourism. This report section presents evidence of how the objectives were achieved. The CGV project's impact lies in its contribution to transboundary conservation through stakeholder engagement. \nThe overall objective is measured based on three Indicators: Trends of the status of key species on IUCN red list (gorilla, elephant, hippos), Trends in the area under conservation, Number of cases of identified conflicts that have been effectively either transformed or resolved through transboundary coordination dialogues or other collaborative mechanisms and Percentage of change in reduction of incidences of poaching and trafficking (wildlife crime) realized through transboundary collaboration and coordination efforts. \nThe trends of the status of key species, which are expected to increase, will be measured during the upcoming gorilla and large mammals census, which GVTC is spearheading in the landscape. The Virunga Viewer shows that the area under conservation has been maintained, although there are forest disturbances, especially on the DRC side, the cause of which could not be ascertained due to insecurity. Ground truthing to establish whether it is encroachment or exploitation has been difficult. In the other parts of the landscape, the area is under conservation with minimal disturbances, except for an increase in illegal activities in the areas where Volcanoes National Park borders with Virunga National Park, again due to insecurity. \nIn the previous phase of the CGV project, GVTC resolved natural resource-based conflicts, such as the boundary dispute between Sarambwe wildlife reserve and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and in Bugeshi in Rwanda, with Virunga National Park arising from the human-wildlife conflict. Since then, GVTC has been revered as a mediator, and there has never been any resurgence of conflict, which can be attributed to the CGV project that made GVTC present in the landscape. Reports from PAS indicate that incidences of poaching and trafficking (wildlife crime) are still high in transboundary points, such as in Bugeshi, and others. The insecurity and counterproductive political rhetoric in the region have hindered transboundary collaboration and coordination efforts for curbing poaching and trafficking.\nThe CGV project improved transboundary collaboration between partner states by bringing together technical experts regularly, providing opportunities to harness coordination, which contributed to the Sustainable conservation of the Greater Virunga Landscape. The example of a joint gorilla census activity involving technical staff from all the PAS illuminates this collaboration. The CGV project also fostered stronger ties between GVTC and non-state actors. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with key NGOs operating in the GVL have helped institutionalise multi-stakeholder coordination. This network of partners continues to contribute to holistic landscape conservation efforts, extending the impact of the CGV project beyond governmental structures. \nIn conclusion, the CGV project has made tangible contributions to sustainable conservation in the Greater Virunga Landscape by strengthening transboundary collaboration, conflict resolution, and coordination mechanisms. Building on previous phases, it has solidified GVTC’s role as a key facilitator in regional conservation efforts. While challenges such as insecurity and wildlife crime persist, the CGV project has laid the groundwork for long-term solutions through institutional partnerships, technical collaboration, and a growing culture of trust and dialogue among technical experts as a key stakeholder.", "@xml:lang": "EN" } ], "/indicator": [ { "/period": [ { "/period-end@iso-date": "2024-12-31", "/period-start@iso-date": "2020-12-01" } ], "/title/narrative": [ { "": "The project's overall objective, as earlier stated, is “Sustainable conservation of the Greater Virunga Landscape through transboundary collaboration between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda”. The intermediary objectives were: Promote collaboration and coordination of conservation biodiversity within the GVL, promote collaboration and coordination of Natural resource-based socio-economic development in the GVL and create conditions for sustainable transboundary collaboration on conservation and tourism. This report section presents evidence of how the objectives were achieved. The CGV project's impact lies in its contribution to transboundary conservation through stakeholder engagement. \nThe overall objective is measured based on three Indicators: Trends of the status of key species on IUCN red list (gorilla, elephant, hippos), Trends in the area under conservation, Number of cases of identified conflicts that have been effectively either transformed or resolved through transboundary coordination dialogues or other collaborative mechanisms and Percentage of change in reduction of incidences of poaching and trafficking (wildlife crime) realized through transboundary collaboration and coordination efforts. \nThe trends of the status of key species, which are expected to increase, will be measured during the upcoming gorilla and large mammals census, which GVTC is spearheading in the landscape. The Virunga Viewer shows that the area under conservation has been maintained, although there are forest disturbances, especially on the DRC side, the cause of which could not be ascertained due to insecurity. Ground truthing to establish whether it is encroachment or exploitation has been difficult. In the other parts of the landscape, the area is under conservation with minimal disturbances, except for an increase in illegal activities in the areas where Volcanoes National Park borders with Virunga National Park, again due to insecurity. \nIn the previous phase of the CGV project, GVTC resolved natural resource-based conflicts, such as the boundary dispute between Sarambwe wildlife reserve and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and in Bugeshi in Rwanda, with Virunga National Park arising from the human-wildlife conflict. Since then, GVTC has been revered as a mediator, and there has never been any resurgence of conflict, which can be attributed to the CGV project that made GVTC present in the landscape. Reports from PAS indicate that incidences of poaching and trafficking (wildlife crime) are still high in transboundary points, such as in Bugeshi, and others. The insecurity and counterproductive political rhetoric in the region have hindered transboundary collaboration and coordination efforts for curbing poaching and trafficking.\nThe CGV project improved transboundary collaboration between partner states by bringing together technical experts regularly, providing opportunities to harness coordination, which contributed to the Sustainable conservation of the Greater Virunga Landscape. The example of a joint gorilla census activity involving technical staff from all the PAS illuminates this collaboration. The CGV project also fostered stronger ties between GVTC and non-state actors. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with key NGOs operating in the GVL have helped institutionalise multi-stakeholder coordination. This network of partners continues to contribute to holistic landscape conservation efforts, extending the impact of the CGV project beyond governmental structures. \nIn conclusion, the CGV project has made tangible contributions to sustainable conservation in the Greater Virunga Landscape by strengthening transboundary collaboration, conflict resolution, and coordination mechanisms. Building on previous phases, it has solidified GVTC’s role as a key facilitator in regional conservation efforts. 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