Protected Areas and Wildlife

DOI-ITAP collaborates with other countries to better manage protected areas, wildlife, and cultural heritage sites. Below are some selected examples of DOI-ITAP's recent programs!

RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Western Indian Ocean Marine Biodiversity Assessments (Regional - East Africa)

The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is home to over 2,200 marine species, making it one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world.

DOI-ITAP is helping to protect marine biodiversity in the Western Indian Ocean through a research partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society. This research partnership will help identify the region’s “biodiversity hotspots” and improve coordination between WIO policymakers.

Check out this YouTube video to learn more about the project: https://youtu.be/BOuOlH8W4eM?si=iquSamqmacTvLZCd(link is external)

Conserving Protected Areas in Southeast Asia

DOI-ITAP and the U.S. Agency for International Development are partnering with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Centre for Biodiversity to foster regional cooperation on climate change by strengthening the management of ASEAN protected areas. The U.S.-ASEAN Alliance for Protected Area Conservation project promotes nature-based solutions and climate mitigation through capacity-building and technical assistance for the ASEAN Heritage Parks program—a network of national parks and nature reserves with outstanding wilderness and biodiversity values that represent a complete spectrum of ecosystems found in the ASEAN region.

The project provides partner countries with the U.S. Government’s best expertise in natural and cultural resource management, to advance mutual development objectives that expand biodiversity conservation, reverse deforestation, and accelerate climate mitigation.

DOI-ITAP Factsheet: U.S.-ASEAN Alliance for Protected Area Conservation

Protecting Asian Wetlands and Migratory Bird Corridors (Regional - East Asia)

DOI-ITAP is supporting the Regional Flyway Initiative – an ambitious effort to conserve 50+ wetlands across the East Asian-Australasian Flyway – a migratory bird corridor stretching from the Arctic Circle to New Zealand.

At the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Initiative 11th Meeting of Partners, DOI-ITAP technical experts presented strategies to better protect wetlands and migratory bird habitats along the Flyway.

In June 2023, DOI-ITAP co-hosted a technical training workshop in the Philippines in partnership with BirdLife International, the East Asian – Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), and the Asian Development Bank on conservation of critical migratory bird habitat and ecosystem services/wetland restoration.

This project is funded in partnership with USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia.

PREVIOUS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Land Use Mapping in Two Continents

Trained government ministries in West Africa and Southeast Asia on Landsat GIS software to help monitor land use changes that contribute to climate change, environmental degradation, and protected area management.

Primary Partner: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)/E3 and United Nations/Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Protecting Archaeological Sites in Guatemala

Supported security measures, visitor education, and scientific research in select archaeological sites to advance science, improve tourism experience, and prevent looting.

Primary Partner: Congressional Direct Apportionment via USAID/Guatemala

New Environmental Code in Cambodia

Advised the Cambodian Government on a new national environmental code that includes protected areas and fisheries and wildlife, and other sectors.

Primary Partner: USAID/ Regional Development Mission Asia (RDMA)

Biodiversity Assessment for Papua New Guinea

Assessed the country's biodiversity, through desk reviews and field work, highlighting threats and noting critical conservation strategies to reduce such threats and enhance conservation of the nation's natural heritage.

Primary Partner: USAID/Pacific Islands

Women Leaders Forum (WLF) in Southeast Asia

Helped establish the WLF as an ongoing platform to build the capacity of women from throughout the Coral Triangle countries, particularly at the community level, to assume leadership roles to sustainably manage the area's coastal and marine resources.

Primary Partner: USAID/RDMA

Mitigating Infrastructure Impacts to Wildlife in the Mekong

Mitigated threats to imperiled species of fish and other aquatic organisms stemming from the construction of dams on the Mekong River. Provided training and technical assistance on fish migration, fish genetics, and fish passage to the Government of Laos.