Programmes of Work
All ARCOS activities and programmes are implemented through a strategic framework. The current Strategic Plan 2006-2010 is structured in four Programmes of Work:
- Environmental Monitoring
Knowledge on biodiversity status and natural resources in the Albertine Rift enhanced and disseminated - Training, Capacity Building and Networking
Skills and capacity of local organisations in the Albertine Rift developed and collaborative efforts enhanced - Awareness Raising and Promoting Best Practices
Public awareness on sustainable use of fragile natural resources of Albertine Rift enhanced - Conservation Policy, Planning and Delivery
Field action, conservation planning and policy work for conservation of key biodiversity features in the Albertine Rift enhanced
Focal Programme Areas
ARCOS Programmes and activities are categorized into four broad focal programme areas with focus on 4 themes linked by four cross-cutting programmes of work:
- Albertine Rift Montane Forest Ecosystems
The Albertine Rift Montane Forests are globally important for biodiversity conservation, they play an important role in local and regional climate regulation and anti-erosion control as well as providing various resources to local communities. However, Albertine Rift montane forests are faced with several threats as a result of high population pressure and vulnerable and susceptible to exploitation, accelerated soil erosion, landslides and rapid loss of habitat and genetic diversity. From its creation in 1995, ARCOS has concentrated its efforts in Albertine Rift Montane Forests with link to other mountain forests ecosystems in Africa. - Albertine Rift Freshwater Ecosystems
The Albertine Rift harbors a complex of freshwater ecosystems grouped in four different freshwater ecoregions: Lake Albert, Western part of Lake Victoria system, Eastern Congo Highlands and Lake Tanganyika system. The Albertine Rift Lakes are home to an extraordinary number of endemic species are important for people’s livelihoods. However, threats such as eutrophication, degradation of catchment area and siltation, and pollution, all leading to declining fish populations, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity. ARCOS compiles information on freshwater status and threats for awareness raising to guide decision making and promote Integrated River Basin Management involving governments, civil society and different. - Environmental Threats (including Climate Change)
In addition to increasing human pressure and development needs, climate change is one of the factors affecting the afromontane regions and the Albertine Rift in particular. Climate change can affect social, cultural, economic life as well as water resources, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, human settlements, ecological systems and even human health. Changes in the snowfall pattern have been observed in mountain and highland systems, notably the Rwenzori of DRC. ARCOS plans to work with various institutions to advocate for better mainstreaming the environment in the development agenda, and to establish and facilitate a regional mechanism for assessing the impacts of climate change in the Albertine Rift, strengthening local NGOs/CBOs and government institutions and promoting awareness and policy change in order to promote adaptability to climate change impact in the region. - Poverty, Environment and Ecosystem Services
The Albertine Rift region has limited mechanisms to facilitate effective participation of local community and civil society organisations in natural resource governance and decision making. As a result, the needs of the poor and their livelihoods are not well integrated in local and national development plans. ARCOS aims to support local community and civil society organisations to participate in district and national planning processes. This will build on a better understanding of poverty-environment linkages, awareness-rising, information and experience exchange, advocating for pro-poor policies to access to natural resource whilst promoting its sustainability and development alternatives for poor communities.
