Mapping the use of ecosystem services in a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in Congo Brazzaville

Belgium
Ecology
DOI: 10.18258/11533
$974
Raised of $952 Goal
102%
Funded on 8/22/18
Successfully Funded
  • $974
    pledged
  • 102%
    funded
  • Funded
    on 8/22/18

About This Project

The Dimonika Biosphere Reserve (Congo-Brazzaville) provides a unique array of habitats to species like the Western Lowland Gorilla due to its mix of ocean and mountain traits. Being highly populated, the area is in desperate need of a custom conservation policy. By mapping the use of ecosystem services, we will provide exploratory socio-ecological data which would open up the area for further research and adapt the current management so conservation and sustainable development meet.

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What is the context of this research?

Man & Biosphere (MAB) Reserves are facing many management challenges, especially in Africa. By collecting data on the state and trends of ecosystem services in the Dimonika MAB Reserve in Congo-Brazzaville, we aim at a better integration of social and ecological objectives which will benefit the local communities and foster the conservation of afromontane tropical biodiversity. We will use a TESSA-inspired Nominal Group Technique as a rapid ecosystem services assessment tool to map stakeholders’ perceptions and preferences regarding ecosystem services management in Dimonika. This will allow us to apply a social-ecological perspective to the area in a systematic and scientifically verifiable way.

What is the significance of this project?

Very little information is available about this area as hardly any research has been done so far. By providing exploratory data about the socio-ecological situation of the Dimonika Biosphere Reserve (DBR), it will be possible to evaluate the current management and suggest tailor-made strategies for a more sustainable development and conservation of this region. Raising awareness of the local stakeholders and policy makers about the economic value of the biodiversity and ecosystem services would enable a better protection of the DBR and its resources for future generations. This will also enhance the protection of the several unique habitats, fostering highly endangered species like the Western Lowland Gorilla.

What are the goals of the project?

Our goal is to get an overview of what ecosystem services the Dimonika Biosphere Reserve (DBR) provides, how the services are managed, and who the stakeholders are that depend on these services. We will use three complementary methods. Using a Q methodology and a TESSA-tool inspired Nominal Group Technique local stakeholders will be interviewed. The Delphi technique will be used to approach expert stakeholders who are linked to the DBR. From the gathered data we will compose an adapted management strategic plan for the policy makers to consider. As a cherry on the cake, we plan to publish in a peer-reviewed journal which may open up doors for further research and protection of the region.

Budget

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Local Transport

We will be in need of transport to and within the local communities located in the Biosphere Reserve to gather participants for the interview and workshops.

Local Translators

The two of us speak French, which is the official national language. But some local communities will only be able to express themselves in one of the other two national languages, Kituba and Lingala, for which we'll need local translators.

Food and Water

Simple meals and water for all field workers and participants, as a 'thank you' for their participation.

Crowdfunding Fees

The platform charges a 8% platform fee plus a 3-5% payment processing fee.

Endorsed by

Considering the lack of scientific studies on the Dimonika MAB and global the need for studies integrating management and governance in assessment of biodiversity conservation, this project is an exemplary attempt. The researchers are clearly motivated and completely backed by their former experiences in ecology and biodiversity studies.
Thibault and Frieda will certainly lead this ambitious project to a good end because of their great enthusiasm and sense commitment. Besides this, they have the necessary realism and down-to-earthness to conduct this important exploratory research in this understudied area.
Focusing on undestudied areas has a key role in Conservation strategies. Congo Brazzaville is a paradise for biodiversity and we, as scientists, cannot accept that this area is not studied and protected enough. I personally knew Frida and Thibaut and I highly appreciated their commitment to the project and, in general, their value as motivated students. I am sure that they will do a great job there! Best luck to you guys!
I support this project and believe it will open possibilities for futher essential research in both social and ecological aspects of biodiversity conservation and management in the Dimonika Biosphere Reserve in Congo-Brazzaville. Both Thibaut and Frieda are motivated, passionate and capable students who will definetly invest all their energy to complete this project successfully. I wish them the best of luck!
I have had the chance to get to know Frieda & Thibaut as three dedicated, smart and committed students, as an assistant professor and postdoc researcher. Their project would provide a much-needed boost for research in the Dimonika biodiversity hotspot, and would allow to anchor local communities' perceptions and knowledge solidly into the understanding and management of the area. It's a pleasure and a great opportunity to be able to work with them on this project, which follows a methodology and 'philosophy' that has been endorsed by UNESCO.

Project Timeline

We will complete our field work in Congo-Brazzaville in six weeks. In this time, we will do two rounds of the Delphi method with experts in Pointe-Noire. We will apply the Q methodology and TESSA-tool inspired Nominal Group Technique (NGT) with locals in the Dimonika Reserve. We aim for a frequence of 1-2 Q sessions a day for four weeks, and a total of 10-15 different stakeholders gatherings for the NGT. We calculate two extra weeks for any delays.

Jul 23, 2018

Project Launched

Aug 01, 2018

Travel from Brussels (Belgium) to Pointe-Noire (Congo-Brazzaville)

Aug 02, 2018

Project launched

Aug 10, 2018

First round of Delphi finished in Pointe-Noire (PNR)

Aug 12, 2018

Start Q and TESSA with locals in Dimonika Biosphere Reserve

Meet the Team

Thibaut Vandervelden
Thibaut Vandervelden
Msc Student

Affiliates

Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
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Frieda Van Roy
Frieda Van Roy
Msc Student

Affiliates

Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
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Team Bio

First and foremost, we would like to thank you for taking the time and effort to read more about our project. It is an honor to know you are interested in our masterthesis.

Secondly, this project is unique by bringing together two young scientists who already worked together for almost five years, which has shaped our bond. By knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, we could say that we are a well-adapted team to tackle emerging problems.

Thibaut Vandervelden

Hi everyone! I'm Thibaut, a biology master student from the Free University of Brussels (VUB) and one of the team members who's planning to go to the Dimonika Biosphere Reserve in Congo-Brazzaville.
Probably you all wonder 'why you?', 'why this project?'

Well, I would say that I am an anti-fragile person, by which I mean that I thrive in circumstances that not always go as planned, I adapt and try to work the current situation. I could say that I gain experience from these kind of events, and don't we all need that? Furthermore I regard myself as a valuable asset to this team because of the theoretical knowledge acquired during my study period at the VUB about social-ecological systems, forests and agroforestry systems and social and cultural transition strategies for sustainable development. So, I am really thrilled to put all these insights into practice in this new and exciting environment.

For almost five years we have been swamped in books, papers, lectures... You name it. But, this project finally provides us with the opportunity to put our theoretical knowledge into action. My main goal is to actually make a positive impact for the local communities and raise awareness among our scientific peers about the current state of our study site.

Frieda Van Roy

In my leisure time I try to surround myself as much as possible with nature. This was already the case when I was a child. You could always find me outside, while others were focused on computers and social media. From a young age, I was fascinated by nature and this fascination has continued to grow. For me, nature is resplendent with beautiful fauna and flora that are a source of inspiration for us and reveals the wonders of evolution. They are not only indispensable to keep nature in balance, but also our well-being.

Now as a young adult, I extend my passion in my studies. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of Brussels (2017). Now I’m completing my Master of Science degree in Ecology and Biodiversity with a focus on Human Ecology. I also gained experience in tropical fieldwork through a specialized herpetology trip in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Through exploring and learning more about conservation and sustainable development, I continue to develop a strong desire to work in the field and to be aware of the local context and the needs of differing stakeholders. When trying to protect a landscape or region, it is important to work with the locals, to understand and address their different viewpoints and respect their indigenous rights.

Additional Information

The photo of the western lowland gorilla is available under the creative commons license: http://goo.gl/Cqf4yb


Project Backers

  • 23Backers
  • 102%Funded
  • $974Total Donations
  • $34.78Average Donation
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