Regional Smart Patrol Training for Tiger Conservation—Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park, Nepal

As part of the Global Tiger Initiative’s Global Support Program on Capacity Building, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), the World Bank Institute (WBI), Nepal’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, the National Trust for Nature Conservation, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and other partner organizations are pleased to announce the Regional Smart Patrol Training for Tiger Conservation. This batch of training will be hosted in Kathmandu and Chitwan National Park, Nepal from January 29– February 13, 2012, and is primarily targeted for South Asian participants, China, and Russia. The course is designed to enhance the capabilities of protected area management teams of senior management level (director, deputy), technical staff level (coordinator, ranger, or field patrol team lead), and NGO specialists. The focus of the course is to scale up on-site trainings, implement smart patrolling systems, and strengthen institutional capacity in Tiger Range Countries (TRC) to support the achievement of the National Tiger Recovery Priorities (NTRPs). The participants will also get opportunities to learn best management practices in Nepal including the well established exemplary model of community based conservation.

Specific objectives of the course include (1) An introduction to modern systematic patrolling technologies and strategies, tools and tactics for their successful implementation; (2) Enhanced proficiency of trainers in smart patrolling to effectively train frontline staff (i.e. rangers and guards), and (3) Broaden the network of practitioners to exchange best park management and wildlife law enforcement practices.Participants will also learn best practices on community based conservation, human-tiger conflict, eco-tourism, grassland management practice and challenges of invasive species; population monitoring and research, tracking management effectiveness, and eco-tourism management.

This program is open to Protected Area Management Teams (PAMT) from a Priority List of Protected Areas that were nominated by tiger range countries (TRC). Teams of four persons may be comprised of protected area management personnel and non-governmental organization staff (three PA staff and one NGO specialist) working closely with these protected areas to implement Smart Patrol systems. Thematic training will focus on basic and advanced aspects of smart patrolling, particularly MIST and best practices relevant to tiger conservation, and necessary institutional arrangements. The World Bank Institute (WBI) together with the Smithsonian Institution, and other partners to the GTI will provide participants with a platform for support over the next year for the successful implementation of their smart patrol initiatives.Together with SCBI, DNPWC, NTNC, WWF and WBI, instructors will provide specialized leadership training for the management teams to build institutional support for smart patrolling; strategic communication and outreach skills; tactics for building multi-stakeholder support from donors, partners, general public, and local communities; and an introduction to the rapid results approach to help selected PAMT’s jumpstart implementation and build momentum for their initiatives.

Instruction, course materials, travel, accommodations and meals will be covered by the host organizations.

Priority List of Protected Areas

• Bangladesh: Sunderbans Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhutan: Royal Manas National Park
• China: Hunchun Nature Reserve
• India: Dudwha Tiger Reserve, Manas Tiger Reserve
• Nepal: Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Parsa Wildlife Reserve
• Russia: Sikhote Alinsky Biosphere Reserve (SABZ)

Participant Selection Criteria:

Teams of four persons from each protected area from the Priority List will be selected, with three members from protected area management staff including a patrol team leader, and one member from NGO supporting the recommended protected area. Selected participants should work out their own approval process for participating in the training.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must demonstrate they meet the following criteria:

1. Applicants from TRC governments must hold the following positions to be considered:
   • Protected Area Manager *only participates in the first week of the course so that they can return to their duties in their PA*
   • Deputy Protected Area Manager/ Database Manager/Coordinator
   • Ranger/ Field Patrol Team Leader
2. Applicants must be working in one of the protected areas of the Priority List recommended by the Smithsonian’s Tiger Conservation Partnership in close consultation with tiger range countries and partner organizations
3. Applicants will submit a one page project description for making progress in the implementation of SMART Patrol Systems in their respective Protected Areas, over the next twelve months.
4. Applicants from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) must be actively engaged in the proposed adoption of SMART Patrol Systems in these protected areas
5. Applicants from NGOs must have the necessary skills and commitment to help find resources to support the protected area management team in localization of the training and implementing smart patrolling
6. Applicants must have a passport currently valid through June 2012 and the ability to travel to Nepal for this course. If a visa is needed each participant must secure their own visa. Participants will receive some compensation for out of pocket expenses incurred for visa and local travel.
7. Applicants must have the ability to communicate in English (oral and written) – to understand the training
8. Applicants must commit to attend the full duration of the course
9. Applicants must have periodic access to a computer and the Internet and have a working knowledge of basic GIS/ office computer software, such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. They must bring at least one laptop per team to the training to remain with the team throughout the entire course.

The following materials must be received by December 12, 2011

• Completed application form
• Email the following materials to SCBItiger@si.edu:

  —Updated resume/curriculum vitae (include training experience)

  —One letter of endorsement (scanned on organizational letterhead) from supervisor describing applicant’s qualifications, granting permission for applicant to take part in the course and supporting applicant to conduct training for frontline staff within one year after completion of the course.

Applicants will be emailed confirmation after complete application materials have been received and evaluated by the selection committee. They will be notified by mid December regarding their application status.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Ana Tinsler at SCBItiger@si.edu

Conservation Training Opportunities Application Form