Research and Training

We strive to involve local people in conservation research activities in a bid to ensure participation, benefit sharing, hands on training as a way of minimizing and diverting the high pressure of locals from hunting endangered wildlife and unsustainable exploitation of other forest resources.

Wildlife Monitoring (camera trapping, long term line transects)

Wildlife monitoring involves the use of techniques such as camera trapping and line transects to gather data on wildlife populations. These methods provide valuable insights into population sizes, densities, and distributions of wildlife. We use standard protocols as well as community based wildlife monitoring approaches for wildlife data collection.

                Camera trapping project in Korup National Park

We use camera traps to study a range of species, including elephants and primates.

Wildlife Acoustic Recording Unit (ARUs) Studies

Acoustic sensors can detect various sounds, including gunshots, elephant vocalizations, providing insights into poaching activity and elephant behavior. 

Setting up acoustic sensor

Acoustic sensors can be integrated with other technologies, such as camera traps, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of elephant behavior and poaching activity.

Primates Research

Research on primates is essential for understanding their role in ecosystems and for developing effective conservation strategies. Studies have shown that primates are often among the most affected species by habitat loss and hunting.

Preuss's monkey

Our primates research involves the study of primate behavior, ecology, and conservation.

General Biodiversity Research

General biodiversity research involves the study of the variety of species and ecosystems in a given area. This research is crucial for understanding the complex interactions between species and their environments. Studies have shown that biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem function and providing ecosystem services. 

Chimpanzee Captured on Camera Trap in Korup National Park

Biodiversity research informs conservation efforts and helps to identify areas that require protection.

Human Wildlife Conflict Mitigation

Human-wildlife conflict occurs when humans and wildlife compete for resources or when wildlife threatens human safety. Effective mitigation of human-wildlife conflict requires a deep understanding of the underlying causes of conflict and the development of context-specific solutions.

Financial Donation to Elephant Attack Victim

Mitigation strategies, such as compensation schemes for crop damage and human incidents, have been implemented to reduce conflict. 

Community Involvement in Eco-tourism Ventures

Eco-tourism can also raise awareness about the importance of conservation and promote the value of wildlife. Community involvement in eco-tourism ventures can provide economic benefits for local communities and promote conservation.

Boat Trip Through River Ndian Mangroves 

Eco-tourism can also raise awareness about the importance of conservation and promote the value of wildlife.

Socio-economic Studies (hunters & household surveys)

Socio-economic studies involve the analysis of the social and economic factors that influence human behavior and decision-making. Studies have shown that socio-economic factors, such as poverty and inequality, can drive hunting and habitat destruction.

Administrating Questionnaires in Community Household  

Understanding the socio-economic drivers of environmental degradation is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.

GPS and GIS Training for Members

This training equips members with the skills to utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies for spatial data collection, analysis, and mapping, crucial for conservation efforts. This includes using GPS devices to record locations, and using GIS software to analyze spatial data for resource management, monitoring, and planning.

Training on GPS Handling 

Training in Conservation Leadership

Conservation leadership training is essential for individuals working in the conservation sector, as it equips them with the necessary skills to effectively manage conservation projects and lead teams.

Problem Tree Analysis 

Skills Taught in Our Conservation Leadership Trainings

Conservation leadership training programs teach a range of skills, including:

• Project management: Participants learn how to manage conservation projects from start to finish, including setting goals, developing plans, and evaluating outcomes.
• Leadership: Participants learn how to lead teams and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve conservation goals.
• Communication: Participants learn how to effectively communicate with stakeholders, including local communities, governments, and other organizations.
• Systems thinking: Participants learn how to analyze complex conservation issues and develop solutions that take into account the broader social and environmental context.

Benefits of Our Conservation Leadership Trainings

Our conservation leadership trainings have numerous benefits for individuals and the organization. Some of the of the benefits include:

• Improved project management skills: Participants learn how to effectively manage conservation projects, which can lead to better outcomes and greater impact.
• Enhanced leadership skills: Participants learn how to lead teams and collaborate with stakeholders, which can lead to more effective conservation efforts.
• Increased confidence: Participants gain confidence in their ability to manage conservation projects and lead teams, which can lead to greater career advancement opportunities.

Training on Participatory Community-Based Research Methods

Our Participatory Community-Based Research (PCBR) is a collaborative approach to research that involves community members during all phases of the research process. It recognizes the unique strengths that each member of the research team brings. PCBR is a means for community planning and organizing to address local issues and social needs that center individuals and communities directly impacted.

Trainees (community members and park eco-guards) during a biomonitoring training in Mt. Cameroon National Park

This approach emphasizes direct engagement of local priorities and perspectives.

Anti Poaching Patrol Evaluation and Design

Anti-poaching patrols are a common strategy for protecting wildlife and reducing poaching incidents. The effectiveness of these patrols can vary depending on various factors, including the intensity of the patrols, the specific location, and the other conservation measures in place.

                                Setting up Acoustic Device Before Field Deployment 

Acoustic monitoring is emerging as a valuable tool in the fight against poaching, offering a non-invasive and cost-effective method for detecting and analyzing illegal activities within protected areas. This technology utilizes acoustic sensors to record sounds in the environment, which are then analyzed to identify events such as gunshots, vehicle noises, and human voices, providing crucial data for anti-poaching efforts.

Student Field Schools

Our Field schools offer invaluable hands-on experience for anthropology, conservation biology, zoology, ecology and social science students, providing opportunities to learn field methods and gain practical skills in various. These programs typically involve working under the supervision of faculty members at research sites, both domestically and internationally. 

Field School with Students from Georg-August University Göttingen, Germany.

Over the years, we have had students from various universities including  University of Dschang, Cameroon,  James Madison University, USA, Georg-August University Göttingen, Germany.

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Surveys 

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are product other than timber that are naturally produced in forests and can be harvested for human use without cutting down trees. These products play a significant role in the livelihoods of people worldwide, especially in rural areas of developing countries. NTFPs include a wide variety of items, such as food (nuts, berries, mushrooms), medicinal plants, oils, perfumes, and construction materials.

Our surveys often involve collecting data on the types of NTFPs harvested, the quantities sold, the income generated, and the challenges faced by harvesters and traders.

Community REDD+ and Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Initiatives

Community REDD+ and PES initiatives aim to incentivize forest conservation and reduce deforestation, often through conditional payments to land managers or communities. The core principle is to make forests more economically valuable standing than when cut down, thereby exceeding the opportunity cost of avoided deforestation.

Dimensions of how REDD+ could impact forest-dependent communities.

REDD+ initiatives have the potential to benefit communities by providing financial incentives for forest conservation and promoting sustainable forest management. However, the success of these initiatives depends on addressing challenges related to land tenure, benefit sharing, community participation, and local context. As a focal Point for REDD+, KRCS acts as a crucial link between local communities and the broader REDD+ project or initiative. We facilitate community participation, ensures the fair distribution of benefits, and helps to address potential conflicts.