Garoua (EFG) since the end of July 2024, for a six (6) month period of specialization. Theoretical lessons alternate with field trips (Lagdo, Garoua Zoological garden, Tchéboa, etc.) and practical work in protected areas. After 2 months of theoretical courses at EFG, twenty-three (23) ERAIFT students from eight (08) African countries will go on a field trip to the Benue Biosphere Reserve (Cameroon) from October 11 to 31, 2024. The main objective of this field trip is to enable GAP/GRB learners to link theory to practice through a good understanding of the realities of the field in a protected area.

This protected area was created in 1932 as the Bénoué Wildlife Reserve and classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1980. It is surrounded by zones of hunting interest, co-managed hunting zones and transition zones. Since its creation, this protected area has seen the displacement of certain populations, and poaching, gold panning and transhumance pressures threaten its integrity. This site is a real field of experience for the twenty-three (23) ERAIFT students. They have received their individual field equipment (Photo 1).

Photo 1: learners in field uniform unload and check individual field equipment

The main stakeholders in this field mission are conservation NGOs, civil society organizations, local elected officials, conservation service managers, etc. Teaching activities will focus on working groups, household surveys, interviews with key players, wildlife inventories, use of drones, camera traps and navigation tools.

This sub-regional mobility was supported by AGRINATURA through funding from the European Union. We sincerely thank these two institutions for their ongoing support for the training of protected area managers. We also thank the Ministry of Forests and Fauna and the conservation services of this protected area.