Regional Smart Patrol Training for Tiger Conservation— Thailand

Due to the flooding in Thailand the Regional Smart Patrol Training for Tiger Conservation has been rescheduled for January 6-22, 2012.

Regional Smart Patrol for Tiger Conservation

As part of the Global Tiger Initiative’s Capacity Building Program, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, the World Bank Group, Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and other partner organizations are pleased to announce the launch of a new course, Regional Smart Patrol Training for Tiger Conservation. The first batch of training, targeted at Southeast Asian countries, will be held in Bangkok and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand from January 9 to 24, 2012. The second batch targeting primarily South Asia participants will be announced soon. This course is designed to enhance the capabilities of protected area management teams of senior management (director, deputy level), technical staff (deputy level or ranger as coordinator, and 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).

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)
3. Broaden the network of practitioners to exchange best park management and wildlife law enforcement practices.

This program is open to Protected Area Management Teams from a Priority List of Protected Areas. Teams of four persons may be comprised of protected area management personnel and non-governmental organizations’ staff (3 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, DNP and WCS, WBI instructors will provide specialized leadership training for the management teams, for building institutional support for smart patrolling, strategic communication and outreach, skills and 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 PAMTs 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

• Cambodia: Mondulkiri Protected Forest
• Indonesia: Kerinci Seblat National Park
• Lao PDR: Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area
• Malayasia: Taman Negara National Park
• Myanmmar: Hukaung Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
• Thailand: Mae Wong National Park, Umpang Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaeng Krachang National Park
• Vietnam: Yok Don National Park

Course Requirements

Teams of four persons from each protected area of the Priority List will be selected, including two members from protected area management staff, one member from NGO supporting this protected area, and a patrol staff. Selected participants should work out their own approval process for participating in the training. To be eligible for this program, participants must demonstrate they meet the following criteria:

Participants from TRC governments must hold the following positions to be considered:
• Protected Area Manager
• Deputy Protected Area Manager/ Database Manager/CoordinatoRanger/ Field Patrol Team Leader
• Participants must be working in one of the protected area of the Priority List recommended by the Smithsonian’s Tiger Conservation Partnership in close consultation with tiger range countries and partner organizations
• Participants 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.
• Participants from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) must be actively engaged in the proposed adoption of SMART Patrol Systems in these protected areas
• Participants 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
• Must have a passport currently valid through May 2012 and the ability to travel to Thailand for this course
• Ability to communicate in English (oral and written) – to understand the training
• Must commit to attend the full duration of the course
• Have periodical 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. Must bring at least one laptop per team to the training to remain with the team throughout the entire course.

The Following Application Materials Must be Received by October 24, 2011

Completed online application form at SCBI's Tiger Conservation Partnership course.

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 aftercompletion of the course.

Applicants will be emailed confirmation after complete application materials have been received and evaluated by the selection committee. Participants will be notified by late October regarding their application status. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Ana Tinsler at SCBItiger@si.edu

Partnering Organizations

• Smithsonian Institution
• Global Tiger Initiative
• World Bank
• Thailand Department of National Parks, Plant and Wildlife
• Wildlife Conservation Society
• Other NGOs