12 August 2013: The Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) in collaboration with the Commission des Forets d’Afrique Centrale (COMIFAC) announced the results of a study on trans-boundary protected areas in the Congo Basin funded by the Government of Germany.

The study notes the success of trans-boundary protected areas in the Congo Basin, which allow for the design and implementation of large-scale conservation efforts. The study also points out the relationship of trans-boundary protected areas and the The Yaoundé Declaration on Forests, in addition to the role of the international instruments, like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in fostering trans-boundary cooperation.

The study calls for the development of a flexible guide on the establishment of trans-boundary protected areas, the continued development and strengthening of protected area plans, the identification of resource needs to implement protected area plans, an expansion of national budget contributions to trans-boundary protected areas, an enhancement of trust funds and private sector engagement for protected area financing, and greater capacity and autonomy among protected area management institutions. [CBFP Press Release]