Community-based eco business planning as a means to secure biodiversity assets and

maintain ecological infrastructure

Introduction – Key Points

Targets – support civil society for innovative approaches for conservation and building resilience, (improve land use, improve enabling environment to improve conservation management, support ecosystem functioning)

Poverty in a rich environment – wealth of the Lubombo (biodiversity, culture, landscapes etc.)

Need for sound business planning to attract investment The landscape approach provides the appropriate basis for the

business model, local and regional, e.g. linking communities strengthens social and natural capital and business opportunities

Defined area, markets, assets, resources

Introduction 2

Economies of scale, local – global ‘Corporate CBO’ (Shewula provides model for expansion)

Communities need engagement through long term comprehensive and flexible program approach.

Ad hoc, short term projects high risk, not a sound business model!

Valuation and ownership through a structured and well defined process leads to biodiversity conservation and maintenance of ecological infrastructure at landscape scale

Introduction 3

Visioning, validation and funding through partnerships (SNTC, TFCA, KHF, GIZ, Netherlands, SEF, etc)

Doubled original project funding ($270,000) with potential for much more – basic business model attracting investment

Partnerships increasing creativity and capacity, expanding ‘buy in’ and positive dynamics

The “X” Factor

Eco Lubombo Program

• Implementation program of the Lubombo Conservancy (SNTC, Community, Private Sector) Create a more sustainable and compelling

conservation and tourism product by capitalizing on local and regional assets and resources at the Lubombo landscape scale

Ecosystem and landscape approach integrated into business planning at local and regional level

Eco Lubombo Program: Regional Approach

Build on existing initiatives, e.g. Lubombo TFCA, global forests and landscapes restoration initiatives etc.

integration into TFCA structures and strategies (IDP)

Development of regional partnerships and networks

Identify key elements for regional business strategy (e.g Eco Trails - Usuthu crossing)

Original Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative (LSDI) has validity

Eco Lubombo Program Local Approach

• Identify, assess and manage assets and resources at community landscape level Integrated and knowledge based participatory

planning process defined based on principles of sustainability, e.g. conservation by the community, not for or with the community

Detailed mapping, assessment and valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services

Operational manual for Community EBP

Eco Business Planning

Valuation of assets and resources at regional level creates context for regional business strategy and local level business plans

Identify assets and resources at community level and consolidate into local business plan in context of regional strategy

Both approaches strengthen and reinforce each other

Lubombo Eco Trails Initiative

• Result of regional analysis of tourism and conservation assets (including market and stakeholder analysis)

• Strategic outline: Consolidate regional (TFCA) product through route and trail linkages Diversified product to meet market needs Community based with strong private sector and government support Clear investment framework Phased approach Specialist validation

Lubombo Eco Trails Initiative Community Strategy

Ownership structure based on successful Shewula Mountain Camp (100% community owned and managed). Won UN “Equator Prize”

Enhanced sustainability through economies of scale for community development “Corporate Structure CBO” LEEF (product development, marketing, training etc)

Chain of community Eco Lodges and campsites in three countries capitalizing on 3 cultures, diverse landscapes within small strategically located area.

Next phase ELP Implementation - LEEF

• Lubombo Environment and Enterprise Forum (TFCA wide, community focused, refine work program for Eco Lubombo)

Partners

Planning

Structures

Funding

Pilot Community Initiative: Mhlumeni

• Surrounded by the Mlawula Nature Reserve

• Poor, no sources of income on community land

• Difficult relations with surrounding conservation areas

• Community EBP designed to develop full appreciation and understanding of biodiversity assets, ecosystem services and ecological infrastructure

• Ecotourism initiative integrated into regional strategy (Eco Trails)

Community Based Eco Business Plans 1

• Mhlumeni Community Pilot has validated the EBP approach

• GIZ evaluation over 12 days “best practice”

• Conservation and tourism activities initiated, including construction of Eco Lodge

• Critical in leveraging and increasing support

Community Based Eco Business Plans 2

First step is the most important – need sound foundation for all future activities

Stakeholder analysis, understand local dynamics Community must be cohesive and unified with

appropriate governance structures Clarity of objectives, benefits and commitments:

community ownership Selection of community moderators to guide process

with community

Community Eco Business Plans 3 Key informants represent different stakeholders

GPS Mapping – what, where, why, how much (use local guides)

Biodiversity and other resource assessments

Develop in-depth knowledge of importance of ecosystem services, biodiversity and ecological infrastructure

Preliminary land use zonation, including landscape features, recreational zones

Community Eco Business Planning 4

Training and entrepreneurship capacity building Negotiated process for investments (e.g. ecolodge) Investigation of potential for diverse sustainable

livelihoods Business plan integrates management of ecosystem

services, maintenance of ecological infrastructure and biodiversity conservation into investment framework