Five of the CBO members of APAMO have women involved at the decision-making level of their organizations as they include at least 2 women on their Board of Directors. One the Community Baboon Sanctuary Women's Group is comprised of all women and the Rio Blanco Mayan Association is comprised of only men however, have a young female Coordinator that works closely with the Board. This long-term governance framework improvement strategy will continue to enhance these women participation in the management of the protected areas through the training that will be provided but more significantly by actively participating in every decision making in the management of this project and management of their respective protected area. The needs of women involved in the protected areas will be strongly considered in the implementation of business plans especially in the development of ecotourism activities. For example, at the MBNP, the Mayan women's group is being consulted directly and their needs incorporated into plans. Currently, a small group sells their tourist product at the field station within the Park. The lessons learned and best practices will be adopted at RBNP where there is also an active indigenous women's group and in any other park where applicable.

This project aims at building the capacity of members of APAMO, an umbrella organization, who manage protected areas.

This project is complementing the APAMO PACT Partnership grant supporting the organization?s long-term development strategy that includes improved governance strategies and a comprehensive capacity building program. Therefore, it is intended that through the monitoring of the project?s implementation, lessons learned and best practices in the processes and methodologies used will be recorded. These along with the general achievements of the project will be disseminated among APAMO?s network and to the general public through photo stories and updates/highlights. It is expected that this communication will be incorporated as part of APAMO ACRC wider communications and marketing activities including through social media.

This project is intended to contribute to the partnership with PACT to strengthen APAMO institutional capacity by supporting its ACRC through its Conservation Investment Strategy.

This project will continue to provide youths with more employment opportunities in protected areas management and eco-tourism that is being promoted with all members of APAMO. Two of the main outputs from this project is a business plan developed for a CBO and an APAMO tourism package. A torch run by Police Cadets was undertaken by the MBNP, this and similar activities will be replicated at other parks.