FINAL REPORT - TECHNICAL CAFEC LANDSCAPE 9: MARINGA-LOPORI-WAMBA FOREST LANDSCAPE

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO CAFEC FINAL REPORT: OCTOBER 1, 2013 – SEPTEMBER 29, 2018

Project Lead

Cléo MASHINI MWATHA, Acting Chief of Party African Wildlife Foundation

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo Phone: +243 818111199; E-mail: cmashini@awf.org

Point of Contact

Charly FACHEUX, Vice President West and central Africa African Wildlife Foundation Washington, Nairobi, Kenya

Phone: +1 202 939 3333; E-mail: cfacheux@awf.org

January 4, 2019

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Table of Contents

0. Acronyms ………………………………………………………………………… 2 1. Introductory part ………………………………………………………………….. 3 1.1. Introduction ………………………………………………………………….. 3 1.2. Description of MLW landscape and macro-zones …………………………... 3 1.3. MLW landscape consortium partners ………………………………………. 4 2. Significant results and accomplishments ………………………………………… 5 2.1. Significant results ……………………………………………………………. 5 2.2. Significant accomplishments ………………………………………………... 9 3. Progress towards national REDD+ strategies/action plans ……………………… 17 4. Explanation of deviation from approved project benchmarks ………………….. 19 5. Explanation of variation from approved work plan…………………………… 20 6. Links to other USG agencies …………………………………………………….. 20 7. Lessons learned ………………………………………………………………….. 21 8. Recommandations ………………………………………………………………. 22 9. Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………… 23 Annex 1. Success stories Annex 2. Communication and outreach

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Acronyms AWF African Wildlife Foundation CAFEC Central Africa Forest Ecosystems Conservation CARPE Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment CBNRM Community Based Natural Resource Management CBOs Community Based Organizations CCBA Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance CdC Cadre de Concertation DO Development Objective DRC Democratic Republic of Congo FLUP Forest and Land Use Platform FPIC Free, Prior, Informed Consent FTI Forest Transparency Initiative GIS Geographic Information System JURISTRALE Juristes pour le renforcement et l’application de la loi dans le secteur

de l’environnement ICBR Iyondji Community Bonobo Reserve ICCN Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature IEE Initial Environmental Examination IITA International Institute of Tropical Agriculture IR Intermediate Result LPNPC Local, Provincial, National Planning Committee LUP Land Use Plan LSC Landscape Steering Committee MLW Maringa-Lopori-Wamba MRV Measuring, Reporting, and Verification NGO Non-Governmental Organization OSFAC Observatoire Satellital des Forets d’Afrique Centrale PA Protected Area RDCS Regional Development Cooperation Strategy REDD+ Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation REFADD Réseau Femmes Africaines pour le Développement Durable RFLY Lomako Yokokala Faunal Reserve SMART Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool UMD University of Maryland USAID United States Agency for International Development VCS Verified Carbon Standard WWC Wildlife Works Carbon WRI World Resources Institute

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1. INTRODUCTORY PART

1.1. Introduction

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), on behalf of its consortium partners, is pleased to submit this final report to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CAPRE) on work conducted in Landscape 9, the Maringa-Lopori-Wamba (MLW) landscape, located in the Equateur Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This final report is inclusive of activities performed and results achieved under CARPE III, which occurred from October 1, 2013 to September 29, 2018. During this reporting period, AWF received a total of US$14,652,202. AWF’s proposed CAFEC program emphasizes collaboration with MLW communities, community-based organizations (CBOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government agencies to achieve USAID’s Development Objective (DO) of “maintaining the ecological integrity of the humid forest ecosystem of the Congo Basin.” The AWF-led consortium successfully completed the agreed upon benchmarks and accomplished the objectives, thereby contributing to the overall effort to conserve and protect the Congo Basin’s wildlife and forest resources. 1.2. Description of MLW Landscape and Macro-Zones With the launch of the CARPE program, USAID committed to the international initiative of conserving the Congo Basin, the world’s second largest tropical rainforest ecosystem. By dedicating a significant amount of resources to this effort, USAID demonstrated the leadership and timeliness required to protect key areas of the Congo Basin’s threatened biodiversity and forest resources. Since its launch, CARPE has assembled a large network of international conservation NGOs and federal agencies to implement conservation programs in selected landscapes within the Congo Basin. CARPE’s objective is to reduce the rate of deforestation, forest degradation and loss of biodiversity through increased local, regional and national natural resource management capacity. With the launch of the CAFEC project, USAID remains focused on the “Development Objective” (DO) as listed in the USAID/CARPE Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) 2012-2020, which is directed at maintaining the ecological integrity of the humid forest ecosystem of the Congo Basin. To achieve the DO, CAFEC focused on the execution of the first two Intermediate Results (IR) of CARPE’s RDCS: IR1) Target forest landscapes sustainably managed; and IR2) Biodiversity threats in targeted forest landscapes mitigated. USAID selected eight Congo Basin landscapes in which to invest to achieve the goal of CAFEC; MLW is one of these selected landscapes. MLW is located in the Equateur Province of the DRC and encompasses 74,500 km2 of lowland rain and swamp forest. The landscape has a population of more than 800,000 people. The communities of MLW rely on the landscape’s natural resources to satisfy basic livelihood needs, including food, fuel, medicine, income and shelter. The ecological value of the MLW landscape contributes to the global significance of the Congo Basin forest ecosystem as a critical carbon sink and biodiversity area. This forest ecosystem is home to diverse, rare, and endemic species, including the endangered bonobo, forest elephant, golden cat, giant pangolin, Congo peacock, and many other rare primates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and over 600 known tree species. This area of the DRC is one of the poorest and least developed regions in

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the country. Heavily dependent on forest resources, communities have demonstrated a strong desire to be included as partners in the development of improved natural resource management by actively engaging AWF through dialogue, participation in development activities, and formation of CBOs. All of AWF’s programs include community integration, and CAFEC activities will work to ensure communities’ ability to sustain programs in the future. 1.3. MLW Landscape Consortium Partners The organizations listed below formed the AWF-led MLW consortium during CARPE III:

- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA): IITA is leading research institution

focused on leveraging improved agriculture techniques and mechanisms to overcome hunger, malnutrition and poverty. IITA assisted communities by training farmers on how to increase crop diversification, improve agricultural techniques, and enhance soil fertility;

- Juristrale: Juristrale is a DRC-based non-governmental organization (NGO) that works to build the capacity of local, regional, and national judicial and law-enforcement agencies. As a member of the consortium, Juristrale worked with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights to strengthen the knowledge-base and enforcement capacity of wildlife protection measures;

- Observatoire Satellital des Forêts d’Afrique Centrale (OSFAC): OSFAC is a DRC-based NGO that uses satellite imagery data to observe environmental change and inform conservation interventions in the Congo Basin. OSFAC worked with the University of Maryland providing analysis and field-based assistance regarding remote sensing data;

- Reseau des Femmes Africaines pour le Developpement Durable (REFADD): REFADD is a Congo Basin NGO focused on the equal integration of women in the decision-making process regarding natural resource use, management, and benefit sharing. REFADD worked to institutionalize gender participation around socio-economic and environmental conservation issues;

- University of Maryland, Department of Geographical Sciences (UMD): UMD’s Geographical Sciences department is a renowned leader in the provision of spatial analysis and participatory mapping data directed at solving global socio-economic and environmental challenges. UMD was the lead consortium member related to the collection and dissemination of satellite imagery data used to inform program design and impact;

- Wildlife Works Carbon, LLC will implement, manage, and secure validation of a REDD+ project, and build measuring, reporting, and verification (MRV) capacity among MLW communities;

- World Resources Institute will link practical field-based experience with national policy development.

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2. SIGNIFICANT RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS We will begin by giving the main results achieved in order to give an overall view of the implementation of the project. Subsequently, we will present, by key result, some flagship activities for illustrative purposes. 2.1. Significant Results During CARPE III, AWF worked in partnership with the MLW consortium members listed above and local, provincial, and national government agencies and institutions to implement environmental conservation measures that reduced the rate of forest degradation and loss of biodiversity. The following results by AWF and MLW consortium members, demonstrate significant progress toward achieving USAID’s Intermediate Result (IR) 1: Target forest landscapes sustainably managed and IR 2: Biodiversity threats in targeted forest landscapes mitigated.

Expected Result: Strengthened capacity for land use planning and implementation of land use management plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

Actual Result: Community Forests Concessions with management rules and principles defined. With support from UMD and OSFAC, AWF provided support for participatory mapping and GPS / GIS data collection for micro zoning at the REDD + / CADJOBE site in the East of the MLW landscape.

- From 2013 to 2018, 117 out of 124 villages participated in the process, representing 95% of village participation.

- To facilitate the land use plan AWF has set up Local Development and Conservation Committees (CLDCs) as a governance framework in the Lingomo and Djolu sectors with 168 committees in 12 clusters.

- At the village, group, sector, provincial and national levels, microzoning is valued

by supporting communities in the development of 7 CFCLs in the landscape. In 4 out of 7 CFCLs, we conducted a multi-resource inventory, developed their simple management plans and put in place governance structures.

- 374,183 hectares of permanent forest mapped maintained and secured from illegal

activities. 68050 hectares of land demarcated as non-permanent forest area (agriculture).

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Expected Result: Economic incentives for adoption of land management best practices reinforced and expanded in targeted areas.

Actual Result: Farmers association around CADJOBE continue applying sustainable agriculture practices. The following achievements were observed for the five past years:

- 354 farmers’ associations with 4525 members were active while directly taking part in activities of the Soil program. The number of households who received IITA’s intervention indirectly is estimated at 5487, matching an evaluated population with 63099 inhabitants;

- Thirty-nine improved varieties were introduced into the MLW landscape, with usually six management practices. There was training for 2071 members of active associations [1070 men (52%) and 1001 women (48%)] on various field aspects;

- Four food crops, cassava, maize, rice, and groundnut, were identified as strategic crops for the subsistence of the majority of the population.

- Two grain legume crops, e.g., cowpea and soybean (rich in protein), were introduced to improve nutrition in the diet;

- Three improved and high yielding cassava varieties (Obama, Nsansi, and Zizila) have been adopted and are widely cultivated. Two maize varieties (Kasai and Mus), two rice varieties (IRAT 112 and IRAT 216), and two groundnut varieties (JL12 and Sivi) are planted by farmers.

- Access to markets reactivated after the handover of the original MB Moise Boat. Over the 5 years, the boat made 6 voyages instead of 5. 1794110 kg of agricultural products brought back from the landscape for 6, which represents 258,872 $ of income. The quantity of manufactured goods brought back to the landscape is 468,485 kg. The amount injected into the landscape through trade is $ 173,317. All the quantity of agricultural products was transported in the project area has influenced sustainable agriculture and significantly reduced the pressure on the forest.

- Communities especially women empowered and increase their income: AWF has assisted these women in the creation and the official recognition of a structure called "Centre for empowerment of women and environmental Education" (CAFEE in acronym) with a representation in Djolu, Bongandanga and Basankusu and a Coordinating Committee represented by women from these development centers (incubators).

- AWF has invested in technical training activities and microfinance support to women's incubators of Basankusu, Bongandanga and Djolu, with unique objective to contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources through the promotion of women's entrepreneurship for the empowerment of professional women. This activity has enabled to reach the following results: 150 women

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benefited training on microfinance management. In the same approach, 60 women have received the microcredit for the first phase.

- AWF has developed literacy training for the benefit of 55 women at Lingomo and Iyondji village with an overarching objective to contribute to the promotion of women's participation in decision-making and improvement exercising of her leadership in the landscape.

- In addition, REFADD's Literacy Program has enhanced the skills of 120 women in writing, math and reading. These women leaders are no longer complexed with their illiterate state. They now represent others in decision-making meetings. They are confident in themselves and can participate in investigations organized in the MLW and can encourage their daughters to go to school and get started in IGAs. For example, 7 soap production and marketing units with 100 women were set up to empower women. 22% of the profits generated are allocated to the welfare of households. An average of 19,000 soaps manufactured each quarter generating to women about $ 10,500 or about 304,000 soaps produced in 4 years generating $ 168,000.

Expected Result: MRV capacity of local stakeholders strengthened. Actual Result: The selection of the Project Area (s) for the Djolu REDD + Project was completed in July 2014 and approved by the project partners. In 2015, AWF has updated the CADJOBE REDD + project area (4407883 ha) and the accounting area of (278045 ha). AWF also supported the conduct of sampling biomass estimation plots (40% of the target). In addition, several provincial and district technical training workshops were organized. With the support of the United States Forestry Service (USFS), AWF trained 88 local facilitators on the National Micro zoning Guide. AWF also conducted the CLIP process in the REDD + project area. But based on technical constraints, and partner issue, the mitigation aspect of the REDD was

Expected Result: Strengthened capacity for biodiversity conservation planning and implementation.

Actual Result: AWF provided support to ICCN in planning and implementation in conservation of biodiversity. This was particularly focused on:

- AWF has successfully demonstrated efforts to improve the management of the existing 1167.500 acres (2884955 hectares) of Lomako and Iyondji Protected Areas;

- Under the technical and financial support of AWF, capacity building of ICCN staffs

and other stakeholders have been carried out, on the use of SMART Conservation Software; Focusing on SMART operational cycle (data collection, analysis, reporting and adaptive management based on evidences from the field).

- RFLY has been equipped with anti-poaching and ecological monitoring equipment, tallying with the surveillance plan of the protected area. These different supports in

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the management of the RFLY have permit an increase in the rate and effectiveness of patrol coverage, increase in patrol effort, destruction of 90% of poaching camps and decrease of threats on wildlife.

- With the technical support of Juristrale on law enforcement aspects, more than 150

stakeholders were trained on wildlife crime (60 Magistrates, 40 ICCN staffs and 50 from other administrations). Juristrale published 20 newsletters on different topics; more than 50 programs were broadcasted on radio, targeting more than 175,000 people in the landscape. On law enforcement implementation, 17 illegal bushmeat market and network involving more than 50 people were identified and investigated, leading to the arrest of 40, prosecution of 15 and one case sentenced.

- With the work done, Iyondji and Lomako Protected Areas management effectiveness improved. This includes the development of a management plan and a monitoring plan for each of the two sites as well as the regular organization of Coordination Committee's Site meetings (CoCoSi). AWF also strengthened ICCN's capacity to use IMET, LAB, setting up eight-step Counter-Poaching Model for both RFLY and ICBR and use Camera Trapping.

Expected Result: Economic incentives for adoption of biodiversity conservation best practices reinforced and expanded in targeted areas.

Actual Result: In the framework of counter-part funding AWF worked closely with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Chimelong Group, in partnership with ICCN, Congolese Tourism Minister, to develop a strategy to boost tourism activity in MLW landscape. The following were achieved:

- An ecotourism plan was elaborated, with its seven pillars showing the huge potential of MLW. Projections show that this plan can progressively generate benefit from 12,168$ (during the first year) to 77,190$ each years as from the second year;

- Community-based organization called “Maman Bonobo” was granted, to allow their members to run income generative activities related to tourism, such as restauration, lodging, forest guides and porters, etc.;

- Tour Operators were identified and a contract that will be used in the future with

them drafted; - The habituation of 3 groups of Bonobo of more than 30 individuals, at a close range

of 5 meters, since the Bonobo are the key species of the tourism activity in MLW. This AWF economic incentive programme provided solution to two important challenges, such as: 1) Help local communities to draw strategies not based on natural resources consumption, to improve their income and reduce poverty. 2) To develop a mechanism for sustainable funding, to support management of the protected area.

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2.2. Significant ACCOMPLISHMENTS The following illustrate the key results with some activities that have had an impact in the field. The few selected activities have permitted to achieve the results below. Key Result 1. Strengthened capacity for land use planning and implementation of land use management plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from deforestation and forest degradation Community Forests concessions (CFCL) AWF assisted local communities in the process of acquiring forest concessions. This was achieved through official assignment by the governor provincial order for two forest blocks, 53897 hectares in the territory of Befale and 111131 hectares in the territory of Ikela respectively: the Decree-Law No. 014/018 and Ministerial Order No. 025/CAB/MIN/ECN-DD/CJ/00/RBM/2016 of February 09, 2016. These two blocks represent seven forest concessions, belonging to the local communities of Lotulo, Ilima, Bolima and Lomako-Efeke-Feke (situated in the Groupement of Likunduamba, Secteur of Duale, Befale territory) and of the local communities of Yalokembe, Yongoli and Yaseka (Mpangu Groupement, Loile sector, Ikela territory). Multi-resource inventory of at least 4 CFCL A multi-resource inventory makes the state of specific biodiversity of a given area. As part of the project, a multi-resource inventory was carried out in the Likuduamba community zone. Which consisted of an inventory of the non-timber forest products that are collected in the area, and another inventory on flora and finally on terrestrial fauna. This multi-resource inventory is of paramount importance in the community development process. It gives an idea of the resources available and used, as well as local management modes. This facilitates management and planning guidelines to reduce negative impacts and allowing those resources to continue to exist. Assess and improve reforestation initiatives With the deforestation drivers identified in the area, i.e. slash and burn agriculture, the production of wood energy to address these threats AWF has advocated agroforestry as a solution to the problem. Agroforestry plantations were implemented in the territories of Basankusu, Djolu and Bongandanga between 2016 and 2017. As a result of our field study, we found that the various plantations implemented in the territories of Basankusu, Djolu and Bongandanga recorded a survival rate (performance appraisal) of 81%. The territory indicators of Basankusu, Bongandanga and Djolu record the respective survival rates of 83%, 49%, 75%. In Basankusu, a local CBO was created to focus on agroforestry (NOREF). This CBO composed of 10 structures has reforested a total of 146 hectares with a loss rate estimated at 17 percent. The tree species and crops to integrate should address the identified deforestation drivers and have a sustainable economic or social importance to ensure food security and the diversification of farmers ' income sources.

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In terms of appropriation of the basic principles of agroforestry transmitted to the structures in the project area, AWF started by addressing the deforestation threats in the project area and subsequently proposed alternatives to the slash and burn agriculture and the manufacture of charcoal (wood energy) practiced in the Basankusu area. These interventions were based on the sharing of local experiences, the promotion of traditional practices and the introduction of good agroforestry practices. With regard to the local perception and preference of the types of tree species to be reforested and crops to be integrated, it emerged that the basic diet of the populations of Basankusu, Bongandanga and Djolu is based on starches (yam, cassava and banana), vegetables (cassava leaves, amaranth), raw consumed fruits (avocado, safou) and beverages (palm wine). The nutritional value of some species, including Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae) and Ricinodendron heudelotii (Euphorbiaceae) known locally as Methaniki, allowed populations to cover their energy and vitamin needs. Management and Using Plan Land AWF has initiated analysis studies related to forest cover change of more than 117 villages of Cadjobe microzone. In order to achieve Using Plan Land goal, all stakeholders were involved and then signed the protocol of agreement covering approximately 805 km2 of non-permanent forests (rural development zone) and 3741.83 km2 permanent forests. During the period, the activity has enabled to identify and figure out the multiple major factors of permanent micro-zoned forest in Cadjobe micro-zone. It was initiated an individual interview and inquiries in the villages which enabled AWF to cover 233 households. The survey results indicated several direct and indirect pressure indicators including demographic pressure, land tenure, slash and burn agriculture (agriculture is no longer used in medium especially 10% to 20 % for products transformation of direct consumption against 90% to 80% undergo the transformation into alcohol for sell), artisanal loggin at Nkole et Nkokolombo groupement; wood energy. Additionally, it found out that Cadjobe forest macrozone account more than 10 active encampments installed since more than 4 decades.

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The table provides the data collected from participative mapping in Cadjobe micronizing.

Groupement Agricultural area(ha)

Permanent forest area(ha)

Human population

Surface of agricultural area per population

Training on GPS using

Number of village microzoned

NKOLE 5102 21548 13520 0,37 4 3/5

LINGOMO 5423 33079 1483 3,65 4 5/7

YOLOTA 1187,5 72650 26219 0,04 4 13/15

NKOKOLOMBO 7971,3 19725 5940 1,34 49 7/7

BOKUMBO 10116,3 38769 15035 0,67 70 10/10

BALANGA 4088,1 3929 4183 0,97 40 7/7

LIKONDA 10951,1 19023 7737 1,41 132 32/33

LIKUNDUAMBA 2925 40390 403,9 7,24 2 3/3

BOMUANKOY 5465 44070 5633 0,97 2 10/12

LIKONGO 10330,31 75000 9717 1,06 78 13/13

MOMA 817,3 6000 1072 0,76 18 3/3

BOKUMBELOKOLE

1119,8 - 1612 1,58 30 5/6

EKANLAKOY 2553,8 - 3594 0,71 36 6/10

Total 68050,51 374183 96148,9 20,77 469 117/124

Source : GIS- Office/ AWF

Thus 68,050,51hectares of non-permanent zone are affected to agricultural activities; 374,183 constituted area of permanent forests untouched, delimited and mapped; 469 guidance’s from 117 villages cover by macro zoning benefited capacity building on GPS using, participative mapping, reading maps on satellite image as well as collecting field data. As part of the micro zoning, AWF worked in the southeast part of RFLY to delimit the cantonment in rural development areas or areas assigned to field activities by Kitawalistes and local communities. As a result, digitization (maps) has revealed the existence of slash-and-burn activities. Agricultural areas reach an average radius of 3 km. Local communities have also been found to engage in illegal activities such as making local canoes, snares' hunting, etc. Other key results have been noted as the modification of behaviors of the local populations as regards the agricultural practices (introduction of new agricultural techniques). They have abandoned unsustainable practices of natural resource management. They observe agroforestry (increase in forest cover estimated at 59.5%). They have a good knowledge of fully protected animal species and hunting grounds. They have reduced their bush meat consumption and the poaching rate has decreased.

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Key Result 2 Economic incentives for adoption of land management best practices reinforced and expanded in targeted areas Farmers association around CADJOBE continue applying sustainable agriculture practices Through the work of AWF and IITA, farmers’ association around CADJOBE continue to apply sustainable agriculture practices. The following were achieved during the five past years):

- 354 farmers’ associations with 4525 members were active while directly taking part in activities of the Soil program. The number of households who received IITA’s intervention indirectly is estimated to 5487, matching an evaluated population with 63099 inhabitants;

- Thirty-nine improved varieties were introduced into the MLW landscape, with usually six management practices. There was training for 2071 members of active associations [1070 men (52%) and 1001 women (48%)] on various field aspects;

- Four food crops, cassava, maize, rice, and groundnut, were identified as strategic crops for the subsistence of the majority of the population.

- Two grain legume crops, e.g., cowpea and soybean (rich in protein), were introduced to improve nutrition in the diet;

- Three improved and high yielding cassava varieties (Obama, Nsansi, and Zizila) have been adopted and are widely cultivated. Two maize varieties (Kasai and Mus), two rice varieties (IRAT 112 and IRAT 216), and two groundnut varieties (JL12 and Sivi) are planted by farmers.

With the results of the above activities, communities have been able to have enough agricultural produce for their livelihood (food security) as well as for marketing (income generation). These benefits and the time invested have contributed to reduce dependence on bushmeat, poaching and any pressure on forests. Access to markets reactivated after the handover of the original MB Moïse Boat In order to revitalize and organize the market access system in zone to facilitate cohesion between peasant’s producers associations, traders and ship-owners associations, AWF proceeded by identifying the number of traders in different sites. As the results, 14 producer associations are created in landscape development zone; 278 traders identified around the development poles; 8 relays warehouse management committees refurbished and had beneficiated training on warehouse management as well as market information system with a view of enabling the producers get information access and sell the local products. Through this work, AWF has facilitated farmers' access to markets to take advantage of the economic opportunities offered by agriculture. Indeed, with the various products from agriculture, the local populations were able to bring them to urban centers for marketing. This has allowed local communities to put less pressure on natural resources and to have

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more money to improve their living conditions. In the end, this access to the market has been able to demonstrate, despite the isolation of the site, that agricultural trade is profitable and that communities and other partners (traders, ship-owners, etc.) can benefit from it. Technical support to microfinance and women’s incubator During the performance period, AWF was invested in technical training activities and microfinance support to women's incubators of Basankusu, Bongandanga and Djolu, with unique objective to contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources through the promotion of women's entrepreneurship for the empowerment of professional women. This activity has enabled to reach the following results: 150 women benefited training on microfinance management; it means 50 women at Basankusu, 50 women at Bongandanga and 50 women at Djolu. In the same approach, 60 women have received the microcredit for the first phase, either 20 women in Bansankusu, 20 women in Bongandanga and 20 women in Djolu. In fact, the activity developed in the MLW landscape helped women involved in illegal activity of bushmeat to find out an income-generating activity (IGA) through the incubator project implemented in the landscape. In the same approach, the local authorities were sensitized and involved for implementation of activity in the field. Moreover, AWF has developed literacy training for the benefit of 55 women at Lingomo and Iyondji village with an overarching objective to contribute to the promotion of women's participation in decision-making and improvement exercising of her leadership in the landscape. Through the activity 30 women in Lingomo and 25 women in Iyondji benefited from the training, which allowed them to acquire the basic knowledge on calculation, writing and reading. It should also be noted that through these grants, AWF has ensured the transfer of knowledge and technology necessary to ensure sustainable economic activities in the landscape. This has the added benefits of empowering women to ensure gender equality, but also environmental conservation, as women bushmeat sellers are now engaged in more lucrative activities that can contribute to the development of households and hence of the landscape. Key Result 3. MRV capacity of local stakeholders strengthened The landscape team raised awareness on climate change issues and the REDD+ mechanism among key stakeholders at provincial, district and local level (including local authorities, civil society and communities). At the provincial level, a training workshop was held for government authorities and national NGOs involved either in the National REDD policy or field activities in the landscape. With support from experts from National REDD Coordination, Ministry of Environment (DIAF) and civil society (CRON), participants were trained on various issues of climate change in the context of the Congo Basin and on the national REDD process. This notably led to formal engagement of local NGOs to support the implementation of the project by putting in place a consultation platform. Similarly, for the District level engagement, a Workshop was held in Boende with authorities and others relevant

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stakeholders on the same issues. The territory level (Djolu and Befale) and Sector level (Mompono, Lingomo, Bokondo) were served with two workshops each. Given that the listed territories and sectors are attached with the project are (i.e. CBRNM CADJOBE), the landscape team involved stakeholders before embarking on any important step in the implementation of field activities. This included seeking support for the plot sampling exercises and the launch of the formal FPIC process. Conduct FPIC process (CADJOBE CBNRM, REDD+ project area) In FY15, the landscape team started a formal FPIC process which should lead to the full approval of the program by communities and signing of agreements. The FPIC process is being conducted following the CCBA standards requirements and in accordance with the DRC national social and environment safeguards. To conform to those requirements, the FPIC process requires a detailed and rigorous scope of work and specific activities that start by articulating the basic information on the program. By the end of FY15, the team had completed this detailed entry-level step successfully reaching out to communities and sharing the background program information to support their understanding and prepare ground for negotiation on environmental issues and socio-economic benefits. Model of natural resource governance in the landscape For this activity, the landscape team conducted a situation analysis of the Natural Resource Governance (NRG) bodies in the landscape and designed a draft framework of governance document to serve as a basis for developing a model of local governance for the MLW CADJOBE REDD+ project. This is focused on local governance structures and grievance and conflict resolution mechanisms, which are compulsory parts of the FPIC process. The proposed structures and mechanism including their management take into account some traditional aspect to fit in the context and facilitate community buy in as well. It also takes into account the overall DRC context and accepted standards in this field. The elaboration of the document was followed by a consultative process with communities and traditional authorities and inputs received helped to finalize the document. While this document was developed for the REDD+ project, it is an important framework that can be replicated in similar contexts, and in particular, with implementation of the Community forest concessions under the new decree. Key Result 4. Strengthened capacity for biodiversity conservation planning and implementation AWF has successfully demonstrated efforts to improve the management of the existing 1,167,500 acres of Lomako and Iyondji Protected Areas in close partnership with the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN). As part of capacity building for management of protected areas within Maringa-Lopori-Wamba landscape (Iyondji Bonobos Communal Reserve (RCBI) and the Lomako-Yokokala Wildlife Reserve (RFLY) respectively managed by Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature, African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), along with its technical partner in the field, have carried out the training activities as well as recycling of ecoguards and other stakeholders concerned on

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using the combined SMART software at the CyberTracker. This activity has mainly been implemented in both sites, which enabled to reach out an average participation of 60 ecoguards per day, either an average of 45 ecoguards per day at the RFLY site, and 15 ecoguards per day at the RCBI site. The training session focused on assessment of ecoguards related to knowledge of using SMART/CyberTrcaker tool and other discipline concerned including forestry navigation, mapping and data collection tools. Additionally, the training activity contributed to build technical capacities of ecoguards in collection and data analysis through SMART/CyberTracker software, setting CyberTracker App into Runbo, export data base from Runbo and import patrol data from SMART software, downloading Runbo data to SMART software, sending patrol data through Internet. It may be worth mentioning that the SMART knowledge was found low at Lomako and lower at Iyondji. Inasmuch as the training was pertinent the ecoguards and potential focal points had expressed the wish to watch training carry on in the coming days.

As part of its strategic support to ICCN with a view of strengthening the management effectiveness of two protected areas, AWF proceeded to the inauguration of two administrative buildings at Ekotombolo (RFLY) and Iyondji (RCBI). The solemn activity of Iyondji administrative building has experimented a remarkable presence of ICCN agents, local customary and administrative authorities, civil society, local communities and members of local NGO of Djolu territory. Iyondji and Lomako Protected Areas management effectiveness improved IMET assessment A considerable effort has been made in the evaluation of the management effectiveness of the two protected areas (RFLY and RCBI) through the IMET. The IMET evaluation carried out in MLW’s PAs helped specify the conservation status of the main priorities within each site, as well as highlight areas of strength and weakness for use in future management decisions. The combination of the six factors shown above represents the management effectiveness for RFLY and ICBR, which is 50.7% and 53.3%, respectively. To improve the management of the two PAs, IMET proposes options and activities to be integrated into the management plan under revision and in the next annual operational plan. Camera Trapping Complete the biomonitoring data by using camera traps in Lomako The faunal inventories of 2015 had undergone two phases, namely a wildlife inventory itself and a laying of camera traps to have an idea of the specific abundance of the Lomako-Yokokala Faunal Reserve (RFLY). As part of the AWF-CAFEC/USAID work plan for the year 2018, a set of camera traps was planned to confirm the presence of certain species of animal that are difficult to inventory directly and to confirm the results obtained from the camera traps that was installed in 2015. A sampling was done in the southwest part of the

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reserve where the presence of elephants was noticed and in the Bonobos’ habituation area (around Iyema). In terms of results, the following similar animal species obtained in 2015 were captured by the camera traps : the Cephalophus Callipygus, the C. Silvicultor, the C. dorsalis, the C. natalensis, the Tragelaphus Spekei, the Philongrave monticola, the Potamochoerus porcus, the Guttera Pucherani, the congenital afropavo, the pan paniscus, the Atherurus africanus, the Cricetomys Gambianus, The Binotata Nandinia, the Crossarchus obscurus, the Caracal aurata, the owl Owl and the Oryctérope (Orycteropus afer). In terms of innovations compared to the 2015 results, the camera traps were able to capture the Leopard (Panthera Pardus), the giant Pangolin (Smutsia gigantea), and the water chevrotain (Hyemoschus aquaticus). Complete the biomonitoring data by using camera traps in Iyondji The survey combining recces and transects was done in Iyondji in May 2016 and the key results revealed that the northern part is a hotspot of bonobos while human activities dominated the rest of the reserve. Thus, this survey did not give satisfaction according to the aims defined, that is why to complete the biomonitoring data, we decided to set camera traps. This activity goes in the purpose of improving the management effectiveness of this reserve. In 2016, Dr Tetsuya Sakamaki did the same study with 20 camera traps according to a sampling plan of 2 km x 2 km grids (Sakamaki et al., 2016). The general aim of this survey is to complete the data on the ecological status of the reserve in order to improve its management. Overall, 31 camera-traps were deployed in the northern part of the reserve. The cameras ran 296 trap-days (the sum of the number of days that each camera remained active). 30,434 photos have been taken, besides the redundant photos from Cuddeback Digital. Of these, 404 photos have captured animal species what represent 0.77% of photos with animal species. In this survey, the camera traps captured the following species: Atilax paludinosus, Panthera pardus, Uromanis tetradactyla, Potamochoerus porcus, Philantomba monticola, Cephalophus nigrifrons, Cephalophus sylvicultor, Cephalophus callipygus, Cephalophus dorsalis, Crycetomys emini, Elephantulus sp and Guttera gumifera. Enforcement of the application of wildlife laws strengthened Remarquable progress have been noted in field of law enforcement and anti-poaching in the MLW landscape. With the expertise of his partner Juristrale, AWF has developed several activities and achieved expected results. Follow-up of court cases shows that: From the 15 cases followed up, 6 are ongoing (RMP 3920 / PRO 81 / KAB, RMP 3681 / PRO 84 / KAM, RMP 3342 / PRO 90 / MUK), PV 07 / ICCN / RFLY / DEL.3 / BIA / 2017 cases), 8 were sentenced by payment of fine by the prosecuted persons, and one sentenced 2 years of prison. Only one case was sentenced by prison, due to lack of personnel in legal department. This case is historic, since it is the first poacher arrested in RFLY and

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prosecuted (sentenced on May 24th, 2016 by Peace Court of Boende). The others 8 case sentenced by fine can be considered as a success for conservation, since fine is a legal method to sanction a law defaulter. Under follow up of court cases, population was sensitized on wildlife crime and it served as a deterrent on poaching activities and wildlife trafficking, contributing to significant reduction of these illegal activities in the landscape, and improving conservation of environment and natural resources. Key Result 5. Economic incentives for adoption of biodiversity conservation best practices reinforced and expanded in targeted areas As part of the matching funds, AWF mobilized Chimelong Group and UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) funds in partnership with ICCN and the Ministry of Tourism to develop a tourism development plan in MLW. From this partnership, a tourism plan has been developed. This one, with its 7 pillars, highlights the strong tourism potential of MLW. This can gradually generate increasing profits ranging from $ 12,168 (first year) to $ 77,190 per year from the tenth year. As part of this strategy, two test tourism expeditions were organized, as well as two workshops at the national (Kinshasa) and provincial (Boende) levels with key stakeholders. In addition, thanks to these UNWTO funds, a grant was granted to the local association "Maman Bonobos" to make the minor investments necessary to provide goods and services to tourists visiting bonobos (provision of meals, accommodation, basic organization of local excursions, etc.). AWF also identified tourism operators and drafted partnership agreements to boost tourism in the RFLY. In addition, AWF continues to habituate Bonobos for tourism in the RFLY. The bonobo is considered to be MLW's flagship tourism product. This AWF Economic Incentive Program addresses two critical issues: 1) helping local communities develop strategies to increase income levels and reduce poverty in ways that do not depend on natural resources’ consumption; and 2) develop a mechanism to secure funds that support the operating costs of PAs .

3. PROGRESS TOWARDS NATIONAL REDD+ STRATEGIES/ACTION PLANS (7 PILLARS OF DRC`S NATIONAL REDD+ STRATEGY) From October 2013 to September 2018, AWF implemented various activities to address relevant pillars of the DRC REDD+ strategic framework listed below:

Pillar: Agriculture The landscape consortium addressed this pillar through continuous assistance to farmers’ association by providing technical advice and short term training in PVS and seed multiplication. New agricultural areas were mapped and new qui pro quo were signed with communities especially in the CADJOBE REDD+ Project area. To improve on the sustainable agriculture approach in the landscape, perceptions of farmers were assessed on

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training, practices and the Quid Pro Quo agreements signed. Useful orientations and recommendations were provided. In addition, several other trainings have been organized on intensification of agriculture. The seed multiplication fields were initiated in the landscape on 32.4 ha. Improved crop varieties were positively identified on 62% of fields where trials were tested. Most of the field-identified crops include the local variety of cassava (86%), the improved cassava varieties Nsansi and Obama respectively at 57.5% and 12.7%. Field trials revealed that the new varieties of cassava introduced had a high yield of 41.9 t / ha and 38.9 t / ha, respectively; significantly exceeding local varieties of cassava with an average yield of 18.5t / ha. In addition, AWF continued its effort to link the landscape to markets using the shipping project. The objective of this pillar is to reduce the negative impacts of agriculture on forests and to contribute to food security and economic growth. Pillar: Land Management and Planning The AWF led-consortium continued its active role in monitoring forest conversion and impacts on forest habitats and biodiversity in the landscape, the development of models for spatial prioritization, assisting with methods and co-management of spatial data collection for participatory mapping and micro-zoning activities, leading and providing oversight to OSFAC for increased AWF GIS/GPS capacity for remote sensing-based contributions for the REDD+ activities; providing GIS and spatial modeling support; co-manage spatial data pertaining to participatory mapping and zoning activities; and update macro-and micro-zone maps. In collaboration with the National steering committee for zoning and with the cofounding of USFS, AWF conducted 3 workshops to vulgarize the national guide of microzoning in Kinshasa, Mbandaka and Djolu. Land use planning is critical to achieving sustainable conservation and economic impacts. The MLW landscape contains vast tracks of primary forest that are threatened due to deforestation and degradation resulting from the expansion of agricultural activities needed to feed a growing population. Pillar: Governance The consortium raised awareness on climate change issues and REDD+ mechanism among key stakeholders at provincial, district and local level (including local authorities, civil society and communities). The FPIC process was conducted in CADJOBE REDD+ project area along with drafting of a conflict resolution mechanism. Additionally, some relay organizations were put in place in CADJOBE and benefit from the assistance of REFADD to improve their structuration. AWF designed a draft of governance framework document specifically meant to serve as a model for local governance for the MLW CADJOBE REDD+ project. In addition, to facilitate transparency and community participation in forest management, 168 local development and conservation committees have been established in 12 clusters and are working to strengthen the capacity of farmer associations.

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This pillar aims at ensuring good governance of the REDD+ process necessary for its effective implementation in a transparent, responsible, pragmatic, sustainable and equitable manner, inclusive of all stakeholders. To facilitate transparency, accountability, AWF engaged structures on the ground. Pillar: Forests Plot sampling and FPIC processes conducted in CADJOBE REDD area combined with awareness raised on law enforcement with the support of Juristrale, PA management, species conservation and improvement of non-permanent forest mapping contribute to the mitigation of negative impacts of deforestation. AWF also conducted a survey of drivers of deforestation and implemented a reforestation program with Basankusu communities in the landscape. To mitigate the impact of deforestation, forest degradation, and the subsequent contribution these conditions have on climate change, AWF and partners engaged 3 communities and results in 7 CFCLs. Pillar: Land Tenure AWF expanded the participatory mapping process in the CBNRM area CADJOBE and collaborated with communities to validate the micro-zone boundaries. Additionally, AWF facilitated, in a participatory way, the materialization of the limits of RFLY and RCBI. Within the DRC, land tenure rights are a highly contentious and legally tenuous issue for women and minorities. AWF expanded the participatory mapping process in the CBNRM areas and CADJOBE REDD+ area, and collaborated with communities to validate the micro-zone boundaries. Pillar: Demography

This pillar is aimed at working towards (1) controlling rapid population growth to reduce pressure on forest ecosystems and (2) having access to information and family planning services in the whole territory. On the later, access to information on family planning was improved and there are positive effects but it will be necessary to conduct an ex-post evaluation to provide the evidence base.

4. EXPLANATION OF DEVIATION FROM APPROVED PROJECT BENCHMARKS Based on data collection and monitoring and evaluation procedures, few significant differences were observed between planned and achieved benchmarks. Due to the increasing costs and complexity of travelling to the landscape following the Ebola outbreak and the cancellation of Aviation sans Frontier flights to Djolu (2015-2016), AWF and consortium partners reconsidered the implementation strategy by prioritizing activities. These factors created some delays in activity implementation, including establishment of value chain for

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coffee and cacao, support to agricultural concessions, exploration of perennial crops, and land use plan elaboration for CBNRM areas CADJOBE and Corridor. Other activities were finalized more quickly, including the inventory of agricultural concessions on which the value chain and business plan establishment depend. In 2016, in relation to the data collected and the monitoring and evaluation procedures, minimal differences were observed between the planning and the results achieved. With the false warning of a probable outbreak of haemorrhagic fever in the landscape in February, some activities such as the finalization of microzoning and bio-monitoring in the RCBI have been delayed. Also, the planned bio-monitoring for the Kokolopori-Luo-Iyondji complex was only done in Iyondji because the managers of the other two protected areas did not agree to this joint enumeration. The activity “Engage private sector operators that transit the Maringa, Lopori, Lulonga and Bolombo rivers to ferry agriculture products and other goods to Basankusu, Mbandaka and Kinshasa " has not been carried out. This activity was planned for the period from May to July 2018. However, it could not be carried out following a case of force majeure due to the Ebola virus in the zone since mid-May 2018. Indeed, contacts had already been initiated with shipowners (ELAN) and the TMB Mbandaka Bank to facilitate the granting of micro-credits. However, because of the presence of this virus in Mbandaka, we could not go there again, nor the shipowners to transport from Mbandaka to the MLW. NB: It was not until 25 July that UNICEF relayed information on the end of the virus in the DRC (https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/ebola-outbreak-ends-democratic-republic-congo/34577). It should also be mentioned that AWF could not sell the boat Moise as suggested in his plan. The sales process was launched at the end of 2017, but failed. The selected firm could not honor its commitments as a result of economic constraints. Thus AWF solicited from USAID in its closeout plan the property of the boat for its future activities in MLW.

5. EXPLANATION OF VARIATION FROM APPROVED WORKPLAN The approved work plan served as basis for implementation in the field without any change in activities and implementation methods.

6. LINKS TO OTHER USG AGENCIES United States Forest Service (USFS) As has been the case in previous years and phases of CARPE, AWF maintained a collaborative relationship with the USFS, with engagement on land use planning activities, principally micro-zoning, occurring USFWS AWF received funding from USFWS for work in Bili Uele.

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7. LESSONS LEARNED Documented below, AWF presents key lessons learned from implementing program activities:

- Facilitating field-based, in-person meetings between provincial and political authorities and MLW landscape actors increased the former’s level of engagement and meaningful support of personnel and activities and helped mitigate conflicts.

- Motivating ecoguards through providing rations connected to the Performance Based Management as a measure to assure that the work is done resulted in improved patrol effectiveness in the field;

- The combination and leveraging of several tools (e.g., film screenings on wildlife, posters, soccer tournaments, informational stands) to raise public awareness on key topics (e.g. anti-poaching and/or the bush meat trade) and engaging target constituencies (e.g. youth, students, men and women, hunters) was an approach that captured the attention of stakeholders and produced positive impacts; this lesson will be integrated into the AWF-led consortium awareness campaign activities going forward.

- Local perception of the impact of quid-pro-quos agreements: A study was conducted to assess the status of the quid-pro-quo. Local community members interviewed cited a variety of impacts on their wellbeing and that of the community such as a reduction of farm walking distance as the major impact of the quid-pro-quo in their communities. That in turn enabled smallholders to closely monitor and maintain their fields with minimal travelling efforts. The acquisition of high yielding pest and disease resistant varieties as well as more productive fallows were also mentioned. Group discussions equally focused on the aspects of the quid-pro-quo that participants would consider changing. In responding to this issue, group participants frequently cited the provision of equipment and tools for agricultural work. They also stressed the need to improve the organization of marketing activities as well as the installation of additional processing centres. While some participants wanted their priority crops to be considered, others, however, were content with the current status of the quid-pro-quo and recommended no change of activities.

- An assessment of needs of farmers was done to improve interventions towards

sustainable agriculture and revealed a necessity for more interventions in the following domains: treatment and multiplication of seeds, seed multiplication, group management, health and nutrition as well as processing and marketing. Additionally introduction of improved vegetable varieties is required.

- The community-based approach to supporting livelihood initiatives in the landscape

appears to offer less engagement from community members than individual or small group initiatives.

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- The involvement of local communities in the fight against wildlife crime has achieved many results. Indeed, the communities provided informants and investigators who contributed to the success of the actions carried out.

- Literate women are no longer complexed; they are invited to the various decision-

making meetings on the management of natural resources. They are no longer appearing; they intervene and contribute to the debates.

8. RECOMMANDATIONS Below, AWF provides some key recommendations, which stem from lessons learned as a result of the organization’s work during CARPE III in the MLW landscape:

Continue and complete the micro-zoning exercise in all of the Decentralized Territorial Entities (Befale and Djolu) so that the achievements serve as a basis for the national territory land use planning and as a model for the local development plan.

Put in place the mechanism of implementation of the Management Plan for the CFCLs developed in the landscape, to continue with rules development and principles of community management for the permanent and non-permanent micro-zoned initiated under CARPE III.

Capitalize the achievements of sustainable agriculture, by using storage infrastructures and incubators set up in the landscape as resource and dissemination centers of new technologies for landscape development

Continue to strengthen the protection of the Lomako and Iyondji Reserves by taking into account the bonuses of rangers, equipment and patrol rations;

Contribute to the creation of a community protected area between the two Reserves of Lomako and Iyondji for the sustainability of bonobo genes and facilitating the movement of other species in Maringa-Lopori-Wamba;

Continue strengthening law enforcement and judicial follow-up to reduce illegal activities and prevent crimes against wildlife;

Strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies in terms of training and exchange of experiences with counterparts in other sites, drafting of decrees, equipment and travel facilitation (hearings fairgrounds, transfer of poachers and traffickers, support for the movement of magistrates, etc.) to guarantee justice;

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Contribute to the living standards of the residents around protected areas by creating small businesses and income-generating activities;

Contribute to the finalization of the bonobos’ habituation in the Lomako-Yokokala Faunal Reserve;

Contribute to the wildlife inventories of the protected areas of the Maringa-Lopori-Wamba landscape.

Facilitate the development of landscape tourism as an alternative activity and to mobilize financial resources to support conservation work and reduce community poverty;

Implement the ecotourism plan developed and enlist private tourism professionals in the work in the landscape.

9. CONCLUSION From the beginning to the end of CARPE III, AWF and MLW consortium partners have achieved considerable and demonstrable success on many programmatic fronts in the MLW landscape. This work, made possible by USAID funding, has strengthened the management capacity of two PAs located in the MLW, developed rules and management principles for Community Forests Concessions, preserved and secured around 374100 hectares of permanent forests, to develop various strategies in and around the landscape in harmony with conservation objectives, to bring farmers' associations around CADJOBE to apply sustainable farming practices, to facilitate access to communities to market and business development, empower communities (especially women), strengthen law enforcement and crack down on wildlife crime. The various successes above have been achieved by overcoming certain difficulties that have impacted the work by making it more complex as well as the implementation of certain activities. Among these, we can notably note the territorial division since July 11, 2015 which had an impact on the ease of implementation of the project (several provinces and administrations involving several authorizations and opinions before the implementation of certain activities). Also the two epidemics of Ebola haemorrhagic fever (2016 and 2018) in the project intervention provinces with the risk that this may reach the landscape and have the effect of delaying certain activities (the case of the finalization of microzoning and bio monitoring in the RCBI), but also to remove others (Private sector operators that transit the Maringa, Lopori, Lulonga and Bolombo rivers to fish farming products and other goods to Basankusu, Mbandaka and Kinshasa). Finally, there is also the hard collaboration with Wildlife Works Carbon, a member of the consortium whose contract was terminated, which resulted in some weaknesses in the implementation of some REDD + aspects of this project.

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Despite the difficulties noted above, the gains and achievements of this project have allowed the MLW landscape and its inhabitants to be in better ecological and socio-economic conditions than at the beginning of CARPE III. However, it needs to be noted that further efforts are needed to strengthen the ecological integrity and institutional capacity of the MLW landscape and the organizations that work there. Hence the wording of the recommendations in point 9 of this report. Also, AWF and its partners intend to submit a new proposal to USAID as part of its recent call for projects to continue the work in the MLW and sustain the successes achieved in previous CARPE phases.