This programme will contribute to the protection of the biological diversity of the Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve, including the World Heritage Site (officially on the list of Sites in Danger since 1992). The proposed programme will rely on integrated ecosystem management through participatory approaches according to the philosophy of a biosphere reserve in which conservation of globally important biodiversity, and landscape-level sustainable use of natural resources and sustainable development are harmonised. The programme will enhance mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation into local and national level sustainable development planning. The programme will also contribute to the development of a national system of protected areas. The programme consists of (I) support to the protection of three core reserve areas in the Nimba Mountains which cover a range of ecosystem types from high-altitude savannahs to montane, mid-altitude and lowland rainforest formations plus their associated aquatic environments, (II) improving agricultural intensification and revenues in the buffer zone and transition area of the Reserve (lateritic savannah, lowland rainforest, secondary bush, agricultural land), (III) promoting culturally appropriate animal husbandry and sustainable management and use of wild fauna in the buffer zone and transition area, (IV) improving local health and hygiene conditions, by promoting complementarity between 'modern' and traditional medicines, and sustainable use and management of traditional medicinal plants in the buffer zone and transition area, and (V) strengthening the management authority for the Biosphere Reserve - CEGEN - as well as inter-institutional co-ordination & planning mechanisms for CEGEN and national partners including sectoral line agencies, rural development groupings, development organisations and programmes, and the proposed iron ore mining operation.