Eastern Arc Mountains and Coastal Forests of Tanzania and Kenya ...

CEPF STRATEGYWithin the Eastern Arc Mountains and Coastal Forests, the CriticalEcosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) aims to improve knowledge andappreciation of biodiversity among the local populations and stimulatesupport for conservation. In conjunction with this, a commitment to scientificbest practices will improve biological knowledge in the region and showpractical applications of conservation science.The strategy is underpinned by conservation outcomes—targets against whichthe success of investments can be measured. These targets are defined at threelevels: species (extinctions avoided), sites (areas protected) and landscapes(biodiversity conservation corridors created).As a result, CEPF investment is focused on conserving the region’s 333globally threatened species, which are primarily found in 160 sites. Inaddition, key parts of the strategy focus on five select sites for maximumimpact (see strategic directions below). The strategy also includes a specialfocus on the linkages between people and biodiversity conservation.The five-year strategy, called an ecosystem profile and approved by the CEPFDonor Council in 2003, builds on the results of a number of studies andworkshops with diverse stakeholders. CEPF began awarding grants in thisregion in 2004 and, together with partners, is now actively managing andexpanding its investment portfolio.STRATEGIC FUNDING DIRECTIONSCEPF investments in the Eastern Arc Mountains and Coastal Forests areguided by five strategic directions and related investment priorities that wereagreed upon at a stakeholders meeting in March 2003. Each project must belinked to one of the strategic directions to be approved for funding:1. Increase the ability of local populations to benefit from and contributeto biodiversity conservation, especially in and around Lower Tana RiverForests; Taita Hills; East Usambaras/Tanga; Udzungwas; andJozani Forest2. Restore and increase connectivity among fragmented forest patches,especially in Lower Tana River Forests; Taita Hills; EastUsambaras/Tanga; and Udzungwas3. Improve biological knowledge (all 160 sites eligible)4. Establish a small grants program (all 160 sites eligible) that focuses onCritically Endangered species and small-scale efforts to increase connectivityof biologically important habitat patches5. Develop and support efforts for further fundraisingABOUT USCEPF is a joint initiative of ConservationInternational (CI), the Global EnvironmentFacility, the Government of Japan, the JohnD. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundationand the World Bank. CI acts as the administrativepartner.CEPF provides strategic assistance tonongovernmental organizations, communitygroups and other civil society partners tohelp safeguard biodiversity hotspots—thebiologically richest and most threatenedareas on Earth. A fundamental goal is toensure civil society is engaged in conservingthe hotspots.In the Eastern Arc Mountains and CoastalForests region, a coordination unit of fourorganizations guides CEPF investments andworks directly with stakeholders to ensure aneffective, efficient and coordinated approachto achieve the outcomes.The groups are the BirdLife International-Africa Secretariat, the International Centrefor Insect Physiology and Ecology, theTanzania Forest Conservation Group and theWWF East African Regional ProgrammeOffice. In Kenya, the BirdLife Partner isNature Kenya and in Tanzania, the WildlifeConservation Society of Tanzania.HOW TO LEARN MOREFor more information about CEPF, thestrategy for this region and how to apply forgrants, visit www.cepf.net.1919 M STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20036, USA. 1.202.912.1808 FAX 1.202.912.1045 Updated March 2005www.cepf.net