The broad framework for the implementation of the project as reflected in the Project Implementation Plan (PIP) is in the following three stages:

The initial stage is to be dominated by the recruitment of Project Coordinating Unit key personnel and establishment of the major professional support teams. The priority appointments were to include:

The administration team, including the Project Coordinator, Procurement Manager, Project Accountant and Administrative Secretary;

• The Biodiversity Specialist/Ecologist.
   
• The Social Ecologist/Sociologist.
   
• The Conservation Planner.
   
• The GIS Specialist

The first stage was to take approximately six months of the project (February 2003 to July 2003). This milestone has to a large extent been attained by the project.

The second stage was to be dominated by consultations with stakeholders, information and planning process. This was to take 1 to 2 years of the project. Again, this target has been achieved and the project implementation is so far generally ahead of schedule. It is, however, worth-noting that planning is a continuous and adaptive process.

The third stage is to see the implementation of major conservation management programmes and construction of facilities. The stage will mainly take place towards the end of 2004.