The MMNR is fortunate to have a number of
long-running, independent research projects, which
have made substantial contributions to the existing
knowledge of the area’s ecology. However, although the
potential contribution of external researchers to MMNR
conservation and management remains high,
some research programmes and students that have worked
in the area have not in the past provided managers
with reports of their findings, or have not provided
the information in a concise and easily digestible form. On
the other hand, researchers have had difficulty in
getting the necessary permissions to begin work in the
Reserve and, to date, there has been no formal procedure
for processing and approving applications for
researchers wishing to work in the MMNR, which has led to
wasted time and resources, and forced some researchers
to delay work or pursue options
elsewhere.
As a first step towards rectifying this situation,
and ensuring that the management and administration of
external research activities in the MMNR is improved, MMNR
management will develop and publish MMNR Research Protocol and Application Guidelines
(potentially based on the national KWS guidelines) that
set out the steps that need to be completed in order
to conduct research within the MMNR, and the
obligations of researchers that are granted permission, with
particular focus on the appropriate reporting of
information and findings to management. For example, it has
been proposed that researchers provide managers with
either an annual 2-page summary (including, if
appropriate, a section highlighting any implications for
management) in the case of long-term projects, or at their
completion in the case of shorter-term studies.
Once developed, the protocol and guidelines will be
made available from MMNR management, the Mara
Research Station, and ideally on the
Internet.
