Diplôme d'Université sur le Renforcement des Compétences en Gestion des Aires Protégées

Presentation

The creation of protected areas in Sub-Saharan Africa began at the start of the last century and continued until the end of the 1950s. Concurrently, social, territorial, and agro-climatic changes have contributed to the progressive loss of biodiversity and the encroachment of certain protected areas, as is often the case in West Africa.

The demographic explosion, demand for resources, and increase in livestock have had severe consequences on environmental resources, both inside and outside protected areas. The search for new agricultural land has led to the progressive displacement of populations towards natural areas, further destabilizing the existing balance. This results in both ecological and economic losses, as resources are exploited without sustainability.

This crisis situation and the resulting changes require new orientations in environmental matters, including ecological, social, and political aspects. However, these changes are not always accompanied by a strengthening of the capacities of protected area managers. The fight against illegal and/or unsustainable exploitation of natural resources requires knowledge of the resource, understanding of its functioning mechanism, monitoring, and also understanding of the actors involved in its use.

Objectives

The strengthening of competencies in "Protected Area Management" is a priority for the development and conservation of parks and reserves in West Africa. The objective of this training is to provide protected area managers (and their partners) with the necessary tools and technical and scientific skills to improve their management methods and ensure sustainable action.

At the end of this training, participants will have acquired skills in protected area management, enabling them to implement adapted planning for the sustainable management of environmental resources. Their skills in ecological monitoring, conflict resolution between humans and wildlife, and local mediation and consultation will be strengthened. Their knowledge of general tools (conventions, environmental law, management instruments, standards, etc.) will also be improved, making them more operational in proposing and implementing conservation policies.

Content of the Training

The training is structured into modules that combine theoretical courses and a field trip to apply the various tools acquired. This field trip specifically targets the learning of ecological monitoring techniques, inventories, anti-poaching measures, diagnosis of conflict situations, and identification of actors involved in conflicts and the establishment of consultation frameworks. The marine environment will be particularly focused on in this edition of the DU.

The program covers the following points:

• Policies and management issues of protected areas
• Evaluation and planning of protected area management
• Ecology of tropical ecosystems and notions of conservation biology, particularly marine
• Participatory approaches and biodiversity management
• Ecological monitoring, fauna inventory techniques, and GIS notions
• Field trip and data processing
• Environmental law and sustainable development in Africa
• Environmental and natural resource economics

Target Audience

This continuing education program is intended for protected area managers from the public, parapublic, and private sectors in West Africa only. It is also aimed at executives from NGOs or associations working in the field of environment and management of renewable natural resources.

Candidates must have professional experience and a level of bac+3 or equivalent.

Organization

The training takes place in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) and is entirely in French. The training will be evaluated and, in case of success, will lead to the obtention of a University Diploma (DU) in "Protected Area Management", awarded by the Université Senghor.

The training will be supervised by an expert trainer with solid experience in protected areas in Africa and training. The trainer will be supported by the PACO team, which also has extensive experience in the management and issues related to protected areas.

Cost

The training is partially covered by the organizers (funded by the MAVA Foundation). This coverage includes training fees, accommodation, food, transportation (under conditions), an allowance for small expenses, and insurance for the entire duration of the training. Candidates must assume other eventual costs. Scholarships for students who have obtained their own funding will also be integrated into the promotion and are encouraged to seek the necessary funding estimated at 3500€ per student.

Application and Selection of Candidates

Candidates will be selected based on their application dossier, which must be completed online. All required sections must be carefully completed by the candidates.

After validation of the first part of the questionnaire, candidates are also asked to attach a photograph (JPG or PDF format) and an authorization from their employer (PDF format) online.

The deadline for applications is December 15, 2018.

Senghor University in Alexandria

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Overview:

Senghor University is an international university focused on French language and development. It offers various programs and services across multiple campuses, including one in Alexandria, Egypt. The university emphasizes practical skills, industry connections, and real-world experience for its students.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university promotes a vibrant and inclusive community for its students. It offers various student activities, sports, and fitness options. The campus experience is designed to provide a supportive and professional environment for learning and development.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Practical Skills and Industry Connections:

The university focuses on providing students with practical skills and opportunities to build a network of industry contacts.

Real-World Experience:

Students have the chance to gain real-world experience through internships and other practical learning opportunities.

Supportive and Professional Environment:

The university provides a supportive and professional environment for students to learn and grow.

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Academic Programs:

The provided context does not offer specific details about the academic programs offered at the Alexandria campus. However, it mentions that the university offers 134 degree programs across various disciplines.

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Other:

The university has a strong focus on Francophonie and its operators, including the OIF, AUF, TV5 Monde, and the Université de la Francophone. It also has a dedicated alumni association, the Association internationale des diplômés de l’Université Senghor (Aidus), which aims to maintain the Senghor spirit and foster a professional network for development in Africa.