The NGASP process takes the following form:

The process is developed on a national level with a greater focus on strategic outputs, discussed and agreed upon at an NGASP workshop which involves all stakeholders (governmental and non-governmental) to debate, discuss and agree on national strategies for great ape conservation and agree principles for monitoring the implementation of the projects.

Since each range state has its own particular challenges, the NGASP process is adapted accordingly.

The process follows the following format though it is not a rigid step-by-step guide;

1. Identification of Range Sates

A consultation and literature review undertaken to identify states with populations of great apes.

2. Contacts by UNEP

Letters to government ministers in each identified range state sent by the UNEP’s Executive Director, explaining the goals of GRASP and inviting the government to nominate a GRASP Focal Point who would liase between the government and UNEP.

3. Review of Work Undertaken

Undertaken during Consultation with Stakeholders, the review focuses on work already undertaken (workshops etc.) to avoid any duplication of work.

4. Consultation with Stakeholders

Contact made with relevant stakeholders working within the range states in order to inform them of the role and goals of GRASP.

5. Visits by UNEP Representative

A series of range state visits undertaken in order to reinforce the relationship between UNEP/GRASP and range state governments and stakeholders or to encourage the active participation of governments where a GRASP Focal Point has yet to be nominated.

6. Liaison with Range State Governments and Stakeholders

Reinforced by the Range State visit by GRASP to facilitate dialogue between all stakeholders and to encourage the implementation of the GRASP process.

7. Nomination of Focal Point

If the range state government has not yet nominated a Range State Focal Point, it is foreseen that such an individual would be identified at this juncture. The Range State Focal Point is a range state government official who will ensure that the work, findings and projects become part on a government national plan for great ape conservation.

8. Formation of Focal Point committee

The Focal Point Committee is a mechanism that ensures a consistent and committed body that pursues the goals of GRASP within each range state, and equally ensures that the Focal Point has access to the skills required to undertake the responsibilities of the focal point.

9. Consultative Meetings with Range State Governments and Stakeholders

A programme of consultation with stakeholders and governments in order to ensure commitment from governments and NGOs to GRASP and to develop/amass the information and research required for the NGASP Workshop.

10. NGASP Workshop

A workshop involving all stakeholders (governmental and non-governmental) to debate, discuss and agree on national strategies for great ape conservation and agree principles for monitoring the implementation of the projects. (See Annex 1 for further details).

11. Appointment of NGASP Working Groups

Undertaken at the NGASP Workshops, the NGASP Working Groups will oversee and monitor the implementation of the strategies agreed at the workshops.

12. Publication of NGASP Recommendations

The NGASP Workshop action plan will be published for review and a further version will form the basis of range state government conservation policy.

13. Monitoring and Evaluation of Projects

Supported by the GRASP partnership the NGASP Working Groups will monitor the progress of the NGASP recommended projects and will undertake an evaluation of their performance prior to the next NGASP.

14. Consultative Meetings/information gathering

Consultation with all stakeholders will continue to inform the next round of NGASPs

15. NGASP Workshop

Based on the ‘lessons learnt’ from previous NGASP Workshop.