If conservation is to be successful and sustainable, it needs to be driven by local stakeholders. Helping local people develop the expertise they need is at the heart of Fauna & Flora International’s work.
We work with individuals and institutions to give them the knowledge, skills and tools to effectively carry out conservation. Our approach has always been through partnership - a mutually-beneficial relationship with a common purpose, in which each partner brings something to the table.
The support we provide is entirely context-specific; we aim to understand the current capacities and what is needed before intervening. Our support is long-term and we see ourselves in a mentoring role, working side-by-side with local people and organisations.
Building institutional capacity
FFI often enters into long-term partnerships with local or national groups, such as government agencies, national NGOs, and communities. We typically support them by creating better management systems and resources, and have even helped to create new national conservation institutions where none existed previously.
Developing the capacity of individuals
Improving the knowledge and skills of staff is a vital component of institutional capacity building. FFI runs vocational training classes for national personnel, provides learning materials, and supports individuals to take part in workshops and conferences. We also occasionally sponsor outstanding conservationists to obtain higher qualifications.
Making funding available for locally-driven projects
FFI works with in-country organisations to develop successful fundraising strategies, including proposals to major donors. We also disseminate small grants to encourage and enable other people to develop conservation and sustainable use initiatives.
Sharing information and lessons learned
FFI is well-placed to help local conservationists network and disseminate their results through international publications and conferences. This also enhances the effectiveness of FFI by exposing our staff to new conservation techniques and approaches.
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