The 29th session of the Board of Directors of the Sangha Tri-national Trust Fund was held on 22 and 23 November 2022 in Congo Brazzaville. The bi-annual gathering saw the participation of about 30 people (members of the Board of Directors, FTNS staff, Technical Assistance, as well as the managers of the TNS parks) in order to evaluate the activities of the year 2022 and to plan those for 2023. Specifically, the main objectives were to review the status of implementation of activities in 2022, to review the 2023 annual work programmes and budgets of the protected areas and to assess the status of the investment portfolio in the context of an unfavourable international economic climate.
Nearly CFAF 3 billion for the parks in 2023
Despite the difficult global economic situation, FTNS did not refrain from its mission to support the 3 TNS parks. Following the evaluation of the Annual Technical Plans (ATPs) submitted by the site managers, the Board approved the provision of the sum of 4,000,000 Euros or XAF 2,638,986,680 to the three parks. This funding will ensure the basic needs for their operation as well as the completion of several ongoing projects (the Bomassa School, the Lobéké eco-guards camp, etc.).
Exploring other investment alternatives!
Another important aspect discussed was the evaluation of the financial performance of FTNS capital in 2022 following a presentation by Perennium (FTNS’s Investment Advisor). Against the backdrop of a less than reassuring global economy, the Directors mandated the Investment Committee to examine alternative investment options for FTNS capital and to make proposals for better portfolio performance management.
The Board of Directors is the decision-making body of FTNS. It is made up of eleven members, namely: representatives of the three TNS states, representatives of the donors, the representative of the COMIFAC Executive Secretariat, representatives of non-governmental organizations working in the TNS, and representatives of civil society. Board meeting are held on a rotating basis, twice a year, in the three TNS countries.