COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Enterprise Development
Improving the management of wildlife and natural resources is directly linked
to creating new alternative for how people might earn a living through sustainable management of natural resources. Raising the returns on natural capital gives
rural communities a stake in sustainable resource management. Generating revenues
which make giving up destructive practices worthwhile, makes conservation in each household's financial interest.
FOC supports communities in planning their own development and enterprise
priorities, creating a local sense of enthusiasm and ownership. Current projects
include building on traditional skills in beadwork and leather, and managing beehives
to earn income from the sale of honey, a traditional foodstuff.
Capacity Building
The sustainable use of natural resources and successful conservation management
are dependent on defining the rights and structures communities need to establish
to be able to make sensible decisions about their resources and how they are used,
and how benefits are to be distributed. FOC understands that with management
training and ongoing support for these structures, the decision-making processes
that take place will lead to management practices consistent with conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
