Fieldwork with partners

Collection and integration of existing data is not only important in the identification of gaps in existing information and knowledge but also avoids repetition and duplication during execution of the proposed study. In general the available data (animal, livestock and human population censuses, biodiversity, vegetation and soil maps, aerial photos, etc.), are scattered in different institutions and national archives in the form of paper reports, excel sheets, GIS, and in graphical presentations. This makes it difficult to access the data, preventing them from being used to assist in interpretation on the status of biodiversity and livelihoods In addition to existing data, gaps will be filled by collecting new data for the four other science WPs (WP2-5). WP1 will help to provide baseline data for WPs 2-5 which will then be used to establish patterns and trends in the social, economic and ecological components in the Greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem and use it for advising on the best options in mitigating the impact of drivers of change on biodiversity for enhanced ecosystem services.