Dear Abdenour,

I think you're already on the right track since you say that you and your team are curently documenting the area. In my view, such a thorough scientific assessment should always constitute the first step - not only for the purpose of pure science, but also to have solid evidence to present to relevant local auhthorities which, I suppose, will have the final say in deciding on whether a proposed protected area will actually be created or not. I'll advise to not only conduct species counts etc., but to really look at a broad range of biodiversity indicators. Personally, I'd also go for carrying out at least a basic geographic and enviromental survey of the area - especially with a view towards highlighting ecological interactions not only WITHIN the conservation area itself, but also between that particular space and the surrounding areas - regardless of whether they are urbanized or whether other land uses are in place there. You may, for instance, identify key "ecosystems services" the area you envision to protect may provide for the surrounding areas. This should provide you with solid arguments for protection which you can later present to the relevant auhthorities. Often, it is also key to have support from civil society such as grasroot initiatives, environmental NGOs etc. If the administrative process turns out to be more arduous than expected, they may provide crucial lobbying activities for your objectives. Just my two cents worth... Hope it provides you with some inspiration or ideas for how you are going to proceed :-)

Good luck!

Julius

Hi Abdenour Kheloufi

If you check the link below you'll IUCN's list of guidelines for different protected areas including PPAs (Privately protected area):

https://www.iucn.org/theme/protected-areas/resources/iucn-wcpa-best-practice-guidelines-protected-area-managers-series

But otherwise, just like Julius said, the first step should be to get to know this future protected area. What are the key feature? Is there a particularly threatened ecosystem you're trying to protect?

Then define the boundaries by interacting with the locals, and even perhaps set a buffer area to avoid conflict. Set the governance. After this you might want to know make it fit into categories, develop a network for monitoring, gain financial support etc.

And all along the way, insist, more than necessary, on communication. It is crucial for the different protagonists, especially the locals.

In other words, somehow, you will take some land away from several users, for the greater good I'm sure. If these users do not understand why, it will make your life a lot harder.

Dear Abdenour and Gregoire,

I just wanted to emphasize the importance of the point Gregoire just made regarding support from the local community. It really is crucial. As Gregoire says, if people living in the wider area of the protected site do not feel that they also benefit from this nature conservation effort, they will simply not support it and may even act against it. So, yeah, communication with and involvement of people living on/near the site is key! In that dimension, Gregoire's related point of a "buffer zone" is very worthwhile considering, too. With larger protected areas, you'll often find a core zone that is excluded from human interference alltogether (except for park services/ranger etc. activities) and - sometimes several - layers of zones radiating outwards with different degrees of human interference allowed - some of them may effectively function as "buffer zones". So that's a very good idea to keep in mind (depending on how large your area is).

Good luck & all the best again!

Julius

Julius Riese Grégoire Moutardier Dear Colleagues, Thank you for your contributions.

I am trying to make the best work plan.

Waiting for other contributions.

Thanks