Tayna Gorilla Reserve: aims and work   Contents:            Objectives and mission          Methods and strategies used for conservation          Strong points / major assets/ opportunities; weak points / obstacles            Successful outcome       Our work: objectives and mission The general objective of the Tayna Gorilla Reserve is to introduce the notions of conservation in the people’s mind and make them aware of the importance of nature for the generations to come. Specific objectives: Protection of our rare and endangered species especially the that of the eastern lowland gorillas by monitoring development of the necessary infrastructure for Conservation of existing ecosystems Involvement of local communities in conservation Promotion of socio-economic development of the region Making the reserve become a natural laboratory Enhancement of eco-tourism The communities’ development RGT is not only interested in the fauna and the flora  but also cares for human beings who are the  principal actors for conservation. That is how the staff has decided to initiate development activities around the reserve in order to contribute to the people’s social and economic well-being. These activities are done to compensation for the people’s efforts and sacrifices; giving their land for the reserve and to divert their attention to the reserve. Education and Awareness The coordination staff tries to promote conservation awareness to the local populations through awareness campaigns, showing them the importance of environment in all aspects of life and the advantage of the reserve in their area. Scientific development The Tayna Gorilla Reserve supports different actions focused on scientific development of the project, other areas in the great lakes. It has given scholarship to 15 students of ISEC at Kirumba for the staff and technicians skilled education in the project.. The advanced training takes place in Kampala / Uganda, the scientific research center of Karisoke / Ruhengeri in Rwanda, a convention to train and specialize the  RGT’s workers has been signed by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Census The Tayna Gorilla Reserve has conducted a larger scientific census of flora and fauna species found in the reserve, and must be protected. The last step of this work was finished in April 2002. The results obtained are marvellous. They include the discovery and identification of several rare species, birds and big mammals. These results are going to be published. Eco-tourism   In the future, the Tayna project will open other rewarding ways making the area known to other countries for eco-tourism. Beside rare and impressing species as well as the general beauty of the landscape beauty, there are landmarks like waterfalls (Bilate), caves (Kabwekandonga) and saline waters. Ecotourism shall contribute to the project self-financing and encourage local support for conservation projects. Realizations according to the plan A plan for 3 years (2002 - 2003 - 2004) has been initiated, starting in January 2002. Some of the work judged urgent has been done by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The limits of the reserve The begining of census works of species in the reserve Training staff of coworkers Different installations and construction of infrastuctures Scientific census of fauna and flora.   Methods and strategies used for conservation Our aim is “conservation by humans for humans” with the local population getting interested and involved in conservation, partly for the own benefit (see community page). Restrictive measures are avoided; instead we rely on conviction and self-control. An armed forest guard with the role of police does not exist at the Tayna Gorilla Reserve. This task is taken over by so-called guides. A possible advantage of this method is that the populations are directly concerned with taking care of their environment.   A possible disadvantage is that the law is not enforced to reduce the poaching or habitat destruction. Activities for the community and ecosystem health activities Work at the Tayna Gorilla reserve includes activities which directly improve the conditions of life for the people such as rehabilitation of schools,. construction of some medical structures Development project related to community work: the Bingi orphanage; see community page. Our scientific development project: Establishment of a centre for the conservationists and biologists of Tayna (TCCB, Tayna Center for Conservation Biology)   Strong points / major assets / opportunities Partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, the principal partner involved in this project and providing unrestricted support (see cooperation). Acceptance, participation, involvement of the local populations in the project. Competent, experienced RGT personnel with high technical skills, united by different longterm groups and their readiness and the love for their profession. The official acceptance of the Reserve and its limits at the national level and, including the support of the local politico-administrative authorities. The partnership of the Tayna Gorilla Reserve and ICCN (Institut Congolais de Conservation de la nature) the state institution in charge of national parks management. Successful experience with the new method of community-based conservation in this first phase of the project. Problems (weak points / obstacles) Certain obstacles are due to the political problems and the today’s insecurity situation in our country. These stop some important project activities to be fulfilled (such as ecotourism). Problems of food and transport material to the reserve in the due time as there is no suitable transport means. The roads are bumpy and the bridges in poor condition. Insufficient material and equipment at the reserve Support needed   Successful outcome The RGT success relies to: Complete census undertaken in 2001 (± 450 gorillas and many other species in TAYNA) Monitoring and patrol in the reserve; Bush meat discouraged; Ecosystem and community health projects; Creation of the “Tayna Center for Conservation Biology” higher school; Support to widows and orphanage projects around the RGT; Reopening 40 km road; Assistance project to educate children; However a delay is still known in the following sectors: Logistics and Development of necessary infrastructure