Volcanoes National Park Consolidates SMART | International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)

Following a series of staff trainings, a pilot phase and the development of an updated tool, Volcanoes National Park has committed to using the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART). The new SMART tool will not only aid data collection but also help transfer data from different patrol posts to a centralized post at the headquarters. IGCP and DFGF have been working together to update and develop a more efficient SMART tool that incorporates the use of the ranger-based monitoring (RBM) tool currently used by the park.

“The updated database is based on the current data sheets the park staff use in antipoaching, gorilla monitoring, and reporting on gorillas outside the park”, says Eustrate Uzabaho, IGCP Field Officer. “The new tool will go a long way in easing data collection and accurate fact-based reporting.” Eustrate adds.

According to Rwanda development board efforts to configure the tool at a centralized place at headquarters are underway. RDB is also optimistic that SMART will complement its goal of using digital systems in protected areas’ management to improve conservation in the park.

The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool aims at improving data collection methods from the usual paper based Global Positioning System (GPS) to an electronic method that will facilitate timely transfer and accuracy of monitoring data.