Outreach
Outreach aims to generate a positive flow of benefits from BMNP – including information, ideas, education opportunities, the facilitation of development initiatives and, where possible, revenue. The BMNP’s strategy for outreach is built effective partnerships that enhance dialogue and participatory management, strengthen the global image of BMNP and facilitate livelihood development. The Outreach Programme in the BMNP GMP outlines the strategy to increase dialogue and the mutual flow of information between the park and relevant stakeholders by creating structures for dialogue at different levels. These include the formation of a Management Board, to oversee policy and BMNP management (including GMP implementation) and a Regional Steering Committee, which will include community representatives, to have input regionally and coordinate with other governmental and non-governmental actors in the area. These groups will create a sense of involvement and ownership in BMNP operations. Beyond this, the Outreach Programme will use other opportunities to engage local, national and international stakeholders. These will include listing BMNP as a World Heritage Site, using diverse media to increase awareness as well as strengthening and coordinating current environmental education programmes. A key feature of this programme is facilitating livelihood development through partnerships, whilst reducing costs for park-resident and park-adjacent communities. This tackles one of the main concerns raised during all stakeholder consultations.