MIARO Program
SEMI-ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats Associate Cooperative Agreement No. 687-A-00-04-00090-00
JANUARY 1, 2006 – JUNE 30, 2006
Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006
PROJECT SUMMARY
Project Name: MIARO
Project activity: Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats
Cooperative Agreement No.: 687-A-00-04-00090-00
Project period: May 17, 2004 – September 30, 2008
Implementing Organization: Conservation International – Madagascar in partnership with WCS, WWF and ANGAP
Reporting Period: January 1, 2006 – June 30, 2006
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ACRONYMS ______4 I. Introduction ______6 II. Project Activities ______7 ACTIVITIES LINKED WITH RESULT MODULES ______7 Result Module 1: Ecological linkages established and maintained ______7 Result Module 2: Management effectiveness for conservation areas improved ______22 Result Module 3: National Park Network Activities Implemented ______25 Result Module 4: Sustainable Financing Mechanisms Mobilized and Operational ______28 III. Problems and constraints encountered ______31 IV. Recommended solutions ______32 V. Discussions of objectives not achieved ______35 VI. Lessons learned ______36 VII. Achievements Table ______37 VIII. Planned activities for the next period ______47
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LIST OF ACRONYMS
AFD Agence Française de Développement ANGAP Association Nationale pour la Gestion des Aires Protégées AMCR Andasibe-Mantadia Corridor Restoration APC Aires de Patrimoines Communautaires ASR Analamazaotra Special Reserve BP/BPC Business Planning for Conservation CANFORET Cantonnement des Eaux & Forêts CARE Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere CAZ Corridor Analamazaotra Zahamena CDM Clean Development Mechanism CEG Collège d’Enseignement Général CELCO Cellule de Coordination PE3 CEP Commission Environnement – Pêche CI Conservation International CIMF Commission Mines CIREEF CIRconscription de l'Environnement et des Eaux et Forêts CMP Comité Multilocal de Planification CNTF Comité National Technique Forestier COAP Code des Aires Protégées COBA Communauté de Base COSAP Comité d’Orientation et de Support des Aires Protégées CR Commune Rurale CSAT Chef de Service d’Appui Technique CVECOT Chef Volet Ecotourisme DEAP Droit d’Entrée aux Aires Protégées DGA Directeur Général Adjoint DGE Directeur Générale de l’Environnement DGEF Direction Général des Eaux et Forêts DIR Direction Inter-Régionale (Regional Offices) DIREEF DIRection Régionale de l'Environnement et des Eaux et Forêts DOP Directeur des Opérations DP Directeur de Parc DPRH Direction pour la Protection des Ressources Halieutiques DRH Directeur des Ressources Humaines DVG/GVD Durban Vision Group DWCT Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Env/RD Environment /Rural Development EP3 Madagascar's Environmental Program Phase 3 EPP Ecole Primaire Public FTM Foibe Tao-tsaritanin’I Madagasikara FUNBIO Brazilian Biodiversity Fund GDA Global Development Alliance GDRN Gestion Durable des Ressources Naturelles GEF Global Environment Fund GIS Geographic Information System GOM Government HIPC Heavily Indebted Poor Country IEEG Indice d’Efficacité de Gestion IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources KfW Kreditinstalt fÜr Wiederaufbau MAE Ministère des Affaires Etrangères MAEP Ministère de l’Agriculture, de l’Elevage et de la Pêche MBG Missouri Botanical Garden MEM Ministère de l’Energie et des Mines MFPAB Madagascar Foundation of Protected Area and Biodiversity MINENVEF Ministère de l’Environnement et des Eaux et Forêts NGO Non-governmental organization NPA New Protected Areas NWPH Nature Wealth Power Health
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ONE Office National de l’Environnement PA Protected Area PAG Plan d’Aménagement et de Gestion PCD Plan Communal de Développement PDD Project Design Document PDS Président de la Délégation Spéciale PGC Plan de Gestion de la Conservation PNM Parcs Nationaux de Madagascar PGD Plan de Gestion de Developpement PGEE Plan de Gestion de l’Education Environnementale PGES Plan de Gestion de l’Environement et Social PGRM Programme de Gestion des Ressources Minìeres PLACAZ Plateforme du Corridor Ankeniheny Zahamena PNAM Parc National Analamazaotra Mantadia PNAM Parc National Andasibe Mantadia PNF Programme National Foncier PRD Plan Rural de Développement PRSP Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper PTA Plan de Travail Annuel PTT Plan de Travail Trimestriel REPC Réseau d’Educateurs Professionnels pour la Conservation RM Results Module SAC Administration Account Service SANREM Sustainable and Natural Resource Management SAPM Système des Aires Protégées de Madagascar SAGE Service d'Appui à la Gestion de l'Environnement SAS Service Appui Santé SAT Service Appui Technique SET Treasuring Service SFUM Station Forestière à Usage Multiple SO Strategic Objective STTA Short-term technical assistant TBD To be determined TDC Territoire de Développement et de Conservation TDY Temporary Duty TGRN Transfert de Gestion des Ressources Naturelles UG Unité de Gestion USAID United States Agency for International Development VECOT Volet Ecotourisme WB The World Bank WCPA World Commission for Protected Areas WCS Wildlife Conservation Society ZPC/CPZ Conservation Priority Zone
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I. INTRODUCTION
This report covers activities of the period from January 1 to June 30, 2006 for the USAID MIARO Program under the “Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats”, Leader Award No. LAG-A-00-99-00046-00.
Significant progress has been noted in the development of the Madagascar System of Protected Areas or SAPM concept whereby all conservation communities have agreed on the approach in this iterative learning process. Indeed, the legal framework has been set up and close to one million protected areas was created in 2005. The promoters of the concept have addressed the next stage or village consultation field activities. The EP3 joint supervision mission of January 2006 has helped bring together the visions between the various themes (SAPM, mines, PNF, reforestation, …) and have a more integrated approach to these different themes in a holistic dimension that is the management of natural resources based on the zoning process. At ground level, this new situation has taken some time to be internalized and adopted, and seems to take shape in the preparation of the consultations at commune level.
In parallel, we are working for the implementation of provisional protection of the second million hectares of forests expected during the second semester of 2006 with the integration of other sectors such as fishing in wet areas and the negotiation with the mining sector.
As for the development of management tools in protected areas, the training provided in 2005 to PNM-ANGAP has allowed almost all the parks to submit their conservation management plans reviewed according to the thematic plans. Indications about their uses to develop work plans are provided. 30 draft business plans have been submitted by the majority of the sites. During this first semester 2006, this process of PA management planning has been extended to SAPM at least for the first sites under provisional protection including CAZ, Makira and Anosy sites. Next semester, governance issues will be addressed more in depth with the different types of management.
Further to the suggestion to redirect the RM3 activities, which have not been validated yet, only those activities related to conservation and sensitization have been implemented. On-site activities have been somewhat discontinued, or even stopped. On the other hand, PNM-ANGAP has identified gaps in the financial management, particularly for RM3 USAID fund. This has resulted in resorting to external technical assistance for account recovery. As a result, the disbursements for ANGAP have been frozen.
For the funding mechanism of Madagascar protected areas, some progress has been perceived in the different foundations including Tany Meva which has developed its new strategic plan to finance PAs peripheral activities, the Fondation Malgache de la Biodiversité and Protected Areas which is preparing its financing manual while securing capital. Other mechanisms for fund raising have come up, including more access to the carbon marked, just like Makira and Mantadia for the World Bank Carbon Fund. Last, the proposals for GEF fund raising are being prepared and will be completed in the second semester.
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II. PROJECT ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES LINKED WITH RESULT MODULES
Result Module 1: Ecological linkages established and maintained
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 1.1. Promote the definition of policy and legal parameters for the establishment of new protected areas
Activities scheduled for the Result Module Objective consist in: § Refining the document "General orientations" and tools sent by IUCN experts based on the experiences at regional and local levels; § Clarifying the type of governance for the new protected areas and their classification in the IUCN categories; § Improving the perception of protected areas by key groups; § Setting up a provisional protection status for one million hectares of new protected areas in Madagascar a. Refine the document "General orientations" and tools sent by IUCN experts based on the experiences at regional and local levels The process of establishing the Protected Areas System is now active at regional level. Workshops have been organized in the various regions involved in the establishment of new protected areas such as: s Zahamena- Ankeniheny Corridor: Regions of Alaotra- Mangoro, Antsinanana, and Analanjirofo s Fandriana- Vondrozo Corridor: Regions of Haute Matsiatra, Vatovavy Fitovinany ; Ihorombe, Atsimo Atsinanana, and Amoron’i Mania s Bongolava : Region of Sofia s Andavakoera and Montagne des Français: Region of Diana s Mahavavy- Kinkony Complexe: Region of Boeni s Anjozorobe Angavo Couloir: Regions of Analamanga and Alaotra- Mangoro
After their latest visit to Madagascar, the IUCN experts have sent communication tools for the use of technical staff at provincial/regional level and for mayors too. These communication tools have been used during regional workshops and consultative meetings in districts and communes. As for the questionnaire to help make a choice of categories and types of appropriate governance of protected areas, up till now the new protected areas are still about to initiate public hearings in communes, villages and even hamlets, and the choice for categories and types of conservation will be made during these consultative meetings.
DOCUMENTS 4 « SYSTÈME D’AIRES PROTÉGÉES MALAGASY : ORIENTATIONS GÉNÉRALES SUR LES CATÉGORIES ET LES TYPES DE GOUVERNANCE » The IUCN experts have already sent their remarks and suggestions on the document and the SAPM committee is currently finalizing the document.
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4 MANUAL OF CREATION The ONE team has suggested that the Environmental Assessment has to be carried out in parallel with the process of new protected areas creation. A section on the Environmental Assessment has been therefore integrated in the manual of creation. The ONE team has suggested that a simplified environmental assessment report should be added to the creation initiative document. This report describes the environmental and social stakes as well as the potential impacts. The developer finances the environmental assessment and the report will be submitted to ONE for approval on the aspects regarding future, further study During the creation stage, the developer draws up an environmental and social management plan (PGES) which will include, in addition to the stakes and potential impacts specified with the stakeholders, the measures envisaged to prevent or reduce the importance of prospective impacts and the related action plan. The PGES will be assessed by ONE with the CTE in addition to an assessment by the public. An environmental and social guide will be prepared by ONE. Still regarding the manual of creation, the process on how to address legal mining plots should be integrated in the manual. b. Clarifying the type of governance for the new protected areas and their classification in the IUCN categories
Sustainable use of natural resources: One of the recommendations of the ER III supervision mission for the SAPM commission is to collect and make an inventory of the grassroots' expectations and concerns as to the issues of sustainable use, and record them in a working document. In collaboration with the regional GDRN (SAPM technical secretariats) and the promoters of the new protected areas, the SAPM committee has suggested the following activities to develop a framework document on sustainable use: s Collect the opinions of field actors and the different types of activities suggested in NAPs and compare them with the COAP; s Decide on the criteria and rules for sustainable use in conformity with the legislation in collaboration with lawyers and technicians; s Review the existing texts define what is meant by wild life, and propose amendments in collaboration with lawyers and the committee in charge of legal matters . A questionnaire on sustainable use of renewable natural resources has been developed by the SAPM Committee to collect the opinions of regional GDRN commissions (SAPM technical secretariats) and the promoters of the new protected areas. The SAPM Committee will next provide a synthesis and an analysis of the responses collected.
Type of governance for the new protected areas: four types of governance have been identified for Madagascar: s State-managed protected areas (at several levels or even managed by third parties) s Co-managed protected areas (participatory management by several stakeholders); s Privately-managed protected areas (managed by owners of the land and the natural resources); s Areas of community properties (managed by the local populations and communities – sedentary and mobile- directly concerned). Pursuant to their visits in Madagascar, the IUCN experts have made recommendations on the usefulness of conducting an inventory of APCs including the biological and cultural values that are important for the country. The SAPM Committee, in conjunction with the regional GDRN (SAPM technical secretariats) and the promoters of the new protected areas, is planning to make an inventory of the Community Property-based Areas first and then address the integration system and the formalization of these Community Property-based Areas.
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A document on the Community property-based areas: an action tool in Madagascar has been forwarded to the regional GDRN commissions (SAPM technical secretariats) and the promoters of the new protected areas. The document explains what is meant by Community Property-based Area and it will be the baseline for the inventory of potential community property-based areas. c. Setting up a provisional protection status for one million hectares of new protected areas in 2006 The SAPM legal framework has been approved by the Cabinet according to Decree N° 2005/848 of 13/12/05 on the creation of SAPM.
Have also been prepared ministerial orders bearing on provisional protection of areas currently governed by the forestry law and those eligible for protected areas (SFUM, forest stations with conservation prospect and others). The orders bearing on provisional protection of the following protected areas in the process of creation, forest corridor of Anjozorobe- Angavo, Makira, Lokia- Manambato, Iles Radama/Sahamalaza and Zahamena- Mantadia corridor, were signed by the Minister of the Environment, the Water and Forests last December 30th.
Regarding the new protected areas that will be created in 2006 in the wet areas, Lac Alaotra and Lac Kinkony, the order bearing on the provisional protection will have to be an interministerial order signed by the MINEVEF and the MAEP Ministers.
As for the new terrestrial protected areas to be created in 2006 and having problem with mining squares, the order for provisional protection will have to be an interministerial order signed by the MINENVEF Minister and the MEM Minister. d. Improving the perception of protected areas by key groups
Organize workshop at regional and local levels: There is plan to improve the key groups' perception of what is meant by protected areas and particularly in connection with economic issues and poverty reduction. Other workshops have been organized by key groups in the forest corridor of Bongolava, Mahavavy-Kinkony Complex, the five regions of the forest corridor of Fandriana- Vondrozo and Montagne des Français. Next second semester, the same workshop is going to be organized in Andavakoera, Manambolomaty Complex, and a few priority sites across Anosy Region.
Inform key groups and Commission GDRN (regional) on the advancement of SAPM implementation and share continuously the experiences: During the local and regional workshops, we took the opportunity to inform the GDRNs of the progress achieved in the creation of SAPM, e.g. Decree N° 2005/848 of 13/12/05 bearing on the creation of SAPM, the stages in the creation of new protected areas, and the recommendations of the EP III supervision mission.
Ecotourism activities : As for the mobilization of the Tourism Sector in the creation of the New Protected Areas, the assessment of tourism potentials and the economic and social perspectives of ecotourism has been completed respectively by Cabinet BIODEV for Mangoro Area (Axe l) and Alaotra Area (Axe II), and by Cabinet ATOUT Tourisme for Atsinanana Nord Area (AxeIII) and Atsinana Sud Area (Axe IV). The Assessment has been submitted to the development Committees comprising the ecotourism key sectors (namely representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment, the Water and Forests, The Regional Office for Tourism of Toamasina; the Regional Directorate of ANGAP, the Representative of the USAID Alliance, the representatives of grassroots communities, PlacAZ) to review and work for the Region
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Planning of ecotourism. It is worth noting that the formalization of these committees is scheduled in the planning.
Although the assessment reports are being finalized, CDEs have already started the regional planning. A joint prospecting mission is needed before the plan is finalized for the reports to be ground proved and for members to be upgraded in terms of the realities faced by ecotourism promoters. The prospecting mission will last for a week as from the second week of September up to the end of October; from then we will have the development component of infrastructure, the capacity building component and the mechanism for the grassroots communities' participation and the marketing part of each Ecotourism Regional Plan. MOUs and collaboration agreements may result according to the level of awareness of the stakeholders. CI takes up the responsibility of monitoring these actions and raising awareness of stakeholders in August and September.
Moreover, concerning the development and implementation of a concession policy, the unit in charge of the regulation of each CDE, including the representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the representatives of the Ministry of the Environment, Water and Forests, has been convened to a meeting to look into the legislation in force in matter of Tourism and Forest which governs the tourist activities and investments in the field of forestry, especially concerning the land tenure and forest regimes with a view to a zoning plan, and in matter of the Tourism Code with a view to the Management Plan for Mantadia-Zahamena Corridor. This meeting is scheduled for September 2007. Preliminary joint meeting initiated by CI are scheduled in August.
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 1.2. Identify and promote potential new protected areas in consultation with regional and local actors
The activities scheduled for this Sub Result Module include: § Identifying conservation targets in MIARO intervention areas; § Developing a common comprehension of the relationship between regional forest zoning and the prioritization processes; § Identifying conservation priorities for marine and coastal ecosystems and wetlands; § Working with planners with a view to adopting methodologies of conservation planning; § Drawing up and implementing an communication plan a. Identifying conservation targets in MIARO intervention areas Workshops have been organized to develop planning for those sites, which are located outside the zone of intervention of MIARO such as the forest corridor of Bongolava, and other sites such as Mahavavy- Kinkony and Montagne des Français to identify sensitive natural ecosystems, which are important for biodiversity conservation. In the second semester, planning workshops will be organized in the other priority sites in Anosy Region.
Page 10 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 b. Developing a common comprehension of the relationship between regional forest zoning and the prioritization processes During the preparation of the EP III supervision mission, the discussion was focused on this relation between forest zoning and the process of the creation of new protected areas. It has been noted that there is some compartmentalization of the Vision Durban Group and the Zoning Group.
A more holistic vision has been suggested in the management of the natural resources by integrating SAPM activities, forest zoning process, production of sustainable forestry, reforestation, management transfer, etc; in the land-use planning while taking account of the other sectors such as agriculture, tourism and mining. This should be achieved at different levels (national, regional, communal and local communities) The mission's recommendations were to: s Direct communication on land development/land use planning at regional level, land management s Update, formalize and disseminate the 2004 guide on forest zoning while clarifying the terminology. s Take account of the creation of two platforms (zoning group and sustainable management of natural resources committee) in the process of reforming the DGE and the DGEF. s Reactivate working groups with a view two having a better vision of sustainable use of natural resources through the zoning process (CNTF, TGRN) c. Prioritization activities with Taxonomic Working Group The activities of the Taxonomic Group are helping us in the choice of priority sites for the creation of NPAs and also highlight the contribution of each new protected area in biodiversity conservation.
The group has identified three activities: Ø In the short term (June 2006): Identifying the biodiversity value of the new protected areas created in 2005 and to be created by June 2006; Ø In the medium term (December 2006): Updating the map of SAPM potential sites since the ministerial order bearing on the suspension of mining license will be coming to an end in October 2006. The priority sites will have to be defined for 2007 and 2008; Ø In the long term (end of PE III): the analyses will have to be translated at regional level.
The work plan of the taxonomic group for 2006 has been developed; the group was working with Tom Allnutt in May 2006. : s Quantify the progress made by the Taxonomic Group in the identification of the conservation targets and gaps ; s Identify a series of intermediate conservation targets in the extension of the protected areas; s Integrate the treats and the habitat quality in the analyses with a view to identifying and prioritizing areas, which might optimize progress toward the objectives.
Outcomes of the workshop è Updating the maps on the distribution of the species in some taxonomic groups; è Conservation targets of those species identifies for each taxonomic group; è Priority sites for each taxonomic group established through MARXAN analysis è Take account of the threatened species only for the MARXAN analysis
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The next steps consist in: § Identifying the conservation gaps among the species in the current Protected Areas and the 2005- 2006 sites proposed by integrating the data on invertebrates and the results on plant prioritization; § Communicate the results of the previous analyses; § Conduct analyses of all the species (250 species), integrating different parameters (existence of the present Protected Areas and the 2005-2006 proposed sites; use of the conservation targets defined by the experts); § Make Multitaxa analyses § Integrate forest zoning data; § Modeling of threats and integrate them in the prioritization process; § Update the prioritization map governed by the Mining-Forest interministerial order about the sensitive areas and potential conservation sites d. Communication activities Support to Planning Multi-local Committee (CMP) The signing of the convention with the CMP has been completed. The CMP has been mandated to liaise with SAPM in the Fandriana Vondrozo Corridor.
In the frame of the creation of SAPM, the communication objectives consist in : s Making the messages known by all the entities in the society; s Fostering a better understanding of the SAPM notion and the stages and procedures for its establishment through the following questions ü What is SAPM? ü Why is it put in place? ü What are the advantages for the population? ü How do we have about to set it up and where? ü What are the entities affected? ü How to meet the needs of the local populations ? s Involve the target audience in the approach for the creation of the new protected areas.
In short, communication will serve to facilitate the process of materializing the establishment of the New Protected Areas: consultations and negotiations, delimitation, provisional protection order , attribution decree.
The communication strategy in this corridor is based on a study of the milieu: Ø In the western part of the corridor: Districts of Fianarantsoa II, Ambalavao, Ambohimahasoa (Haute Matsiatra Region), District of Ivohibe (Ihorombe Region), District of Ambositra (Amoron’i Mania Region), the press has been taken as communication medium, given that this area is 100% covered by rural radios, that the rural radio is considered as the preferred communication medium among the rural population and that the level of education is not too high. A session aimed at upgrading the journalists' information level has been organized after last year's training workshop for journalists; this was just before the information campaign. Ø In the East part of the corridor: Districts of Ikongo and Ifanadiana (Vatovavy Fitovinany Region), District of Vondrozo (Atsimo Atsinanana Region) where the population's level of education is poor and the area that the rural radios cannot reach, a population-based information campaign has been chosen, « JOURNEES DE COMMUNICATION ET DE PARTENARIAT» or Communication and partnership days, were organized in Ikongo Ifanirea. The authorities, COBAs, "chefs de quartier"
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and mayors have been invited. The objective was to create some 'word to mouth" effect regarding the reason for organizing the event and the event itself. Ø Communication tools have been and are being developed (film, posters, ...)
Journalists training i. National level Training for journalists working for the national media has been organized in partnership with EP3 communication committee with DGEF and CELCO as patrons. The workshop took place in April in Anjozorobe. The aim being to make journalists understand what SAPM is about, understand its place in the PRD and PCD of the regions and communes concerned, grasp the Government policy on the multiplication of the surface area of Protected Areas, … This is with a view to enabling journalists to convey accurate information and improve reports and articles. A report on Anjozorobe NPA was completed on this occasion. ii. Province of Toamasina For the province of Toamasina, a training of journalists on SAPM and the Corridor of Ankeniheny- Zahamena was organized in June. 22 journalists took part and have come up with some elements of communication strategy. A visit to Andasibe illustrated the training.
Communication campaign We made a follow-up of the communication campaign of Fikambanana Bongolava Maitso in the region of Port Bergé in a workshop in Mahajanga in March. For the record, this association has pledged for a communication campaign. The association members were provided with some training in basic communication skills and information about SAPM last year and have developed communication strategy. Its members then set out to different communes in January and February. Experience sharing has been one of the highlights of the debriefing, experiences, which could be shared with other regions.
Communication and information workshop A visit prior to the preparation of a communication and information workshop on the creation of Andavakoera-Andrafiamena NPA at the request of Roseda was conducted in Antsiranana in May. The workshop is scheduled before the end of the year knowing that this NPA is among those to be included in 2006 SAPM list.
Film production A film on Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor is in the process of development.
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 1.3. Establish new protected areas (5 zones outside USAID priority zones)
The activities of this Sub Result Module Objective consist in: § Developing "schema d'amenagement", plan d'amenagement” of 5 new protected areas outside of USAID priority zones § Identifying and building the capacities of managers for the establishment and management of protected areas; § Legalizing priority conservation areas. a. Develop "schema d'amenagement", plan d'amenagement” of 5 new protected areas outside of USAID priority zones
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Bongolava A working session on Bongolava was held in Mahajanga on 14 and 15 March 2006. The members of Fikambanana Bongolava Maitso, Antsohihy CIREFF, DIREEF Mahajanga, MIARO Tana team and Port Bergé CI Team attended the meeting.
During the two days, the FBM team reported on the information and communication campaign on SAPM in the 47 communes, which have some interest to draw out of the forest corridor of Bongolava.
Next, a presentation was made on the progress at national level and further information on SAPM was shared, followed by discussion on the next steps for the forest corridor of Bongolava, that is to say public hearings in the region and districts, the preparation of the "schema global d'aménagement", the dossier on the initiative of creation and the provisional protection order . At the end of the meeting, an action plan for March, April and May 2006 was drawn up.
Further to the working session in Mahajanga, 14 and 15 March 2006, missions to rural communes affected by the forest corridor of Bongolava were organized. The main objective of these missions is to consult and discuss with the leaders of the communes, mayors affected by the forest corridor of Bongolava regarding the provisional boundaries of the new protected area. It is to note that the forest corridor of Bongolava is part of the new protected areas to be established in 2006. b. Legalizing priority conservation areas Technical support has been given to the promoters of the new protected areas: Mahavavy- Kinkony Complex, Montagne des Français, for the consultations in the districts and communes, the preparation of the "schema global d'aménagement" and the drafting of the temporary protection order.
Ø Working sessions have been organized with :: Ø The directorate for fishery and lawyers to develop the draft order for the Mahavavy- Kinkony Complexe and Lac Alaotra ; Ø The team of the "Bureau de Cadastre Minier de Madagascar" and lawyers for the case of the new protected areas which have problems with mining squares.
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 1.4. Refine conservation priorities in USAID priority eco-regions
The activities in this Sub Result Module Objective consist in: § Identifying priority areas for biodiversity conservation; § Identifying a process of regional planning which will take account of the conservation aspect of biodiversity; § Integrating the outcomes of the prioritization work by the Durban Vision Group in the work of forest zoning to help make decisions and priorities intervention areas; § Identifying and building the capacity of responsible agencies for the establishment and management of new protected areas.
Page 14 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 a. Zahamena-Ankeniheny Corridor v WORKSHOP LAUNCHING THE CREATION OF THE NPA The Zahamena-Ankeniheny Corridor is already the object of a provisional protection Order and the Inter-regional Directorate for the Environment, Water and Forest has been appointed as Manager of the new protected area. Indeed, the creation of the new protected area has been achieved in consensus with representatives of the grassroots communities (simple citizens, traditional and administrative authorities, technicians at different levels, …), but it has to be acknowledged that half the neighboring population is not sufficiently informed and involved in the activities related to the creation of the new protected area. Now, it has to be admitted that without the adhesion and the participation of the neighboring population, the creation of a PA has little chance of success. Thus, and depending the principles of establishment of the SAPM, the continuation of the process requires the consultation at the basis, the development of management referential … to end up to the publication of the final statute. To mark the second stage of the process, the workshop for the launch of the creation of the Ankeniheny Zahamena Forest Corridor NPA was organized in Toamasina on 14 and 15 February 2006, on the basis of the following objectives:
The objectives set for the workshop are: s Report to the decision makers and actors in the province of Toamasina the stages achieved under the establishment of the System of the Protected Areas of Madagascar (SAPM), case of the Ankeniheny Zahamena Corridor; s Identify and schedule the next stages; s Exchange information and experiences on the creation of the new protected areas; s Identify global strategies for a better integration of the creation of the new protected area with the main development objectives in the Province of Toamasina.
The first stage of the process could not achieve a thorough analysis of the origin and the types of pressure currently exercised on the new protected area. Indeed, it is not only a matter of discussing the location of the limits of the new protected area. It is a necessary to analyze the constraints and the opportunities, which exist in the land, the communes and the region for each entity to be able to draw some benefits (real or potential), or at least does not lose in the process of the establishment of the NPA. The process should be accompanied with the analysis on the analysis of the land, the initiation of the forest zoning, of the analysis of the current governance of the forest/natural resources and a campaign of adequate communication that is comprehensible to the grassroots to be able to claim to integrate the local population in the next stages of the establishment of the NPA.
For the management tools, it has been agreed that the management and development plan will serve as a tool of reference for the future managers of the NPA. It should capture the main decisions giving priorities to conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. It would be a tool that will combine the presidential statement, the national objectives and the multi-level needs according to the productivity of the natural resources concerned.
The clarification of the issues related to the funding of activities regarding the process will be the basic condition for the success of the establishment of the NPA. Now, to decide, financial partners need a minimum of information on the activities and their estimated cost. Technicians (administration, technical and financial partners) in the Province of Toamasina have come up with the "budget" needed for the establishment of the new protected area. This budget is submitted to Environmental Programme III with a view to searching for funding before the initiatives taken at provincial level may be materialized in the form of a contribution to the achievement of the objectives of MINENVEF and conforms to the Durban statement.
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v WORKING SESSION FOR PLANNING THE DRAFT OF THE NPA DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN
On March 21st and 22nd , a working session for planning the draft of the development and management plan of the Zahamena-Ankeniheny Corridor took place in Toamasina. The expected results of this working session are the following
s Common vision on the integration of the New Protected Area in the context of the development of the 3 regions concerned; s Proposal of the content of the development and management plan; s Clear vision on the process to follow for the preparation of the PAG; s A work plan with the composition of the team, which will conduct the analyses, and the drafting of the document and a timeline for the development of the PAG.
At the end of the day, the content of the protected areas' development and management plan is clear to all participants. The PAG should be developed in a participatory manner and the local population consulted for them to own it. The content of the PAG will depend on this consultation. For the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor, these local hearings will be scheduled as from July in about 60 sites.
A work plan with the composition of the team who will conduct an analysis and will draft the document has been drawn up as well as a timeline for the creation of the development of the PAG. b. Fandriana- Marolambo Corridor For the Fandriana Vondrozo Corridor, sensitization sessions have been already conducted in the communes in 2005. They have already consulted about their proposal concerning the new protected area. In 2006, the Regions have been integrated in the process and workshops have been organized to the 5 Regions affected by the corridor to suggest the whole new protected area corridor.
A planning for the creation of the new protected area has been achieved in January 2006. v MEETING WITH THE 5 HEADS OF REGION A courtesy visit to the 5 heads of region has been made in order to now each head of region's opinion and in order to enhance the agreements in principle later. The courtesy visits have been made in February. v CONSULTATION WORKSHOPS IN EACH REGION These workshops have been organized with a view to: Ø Having the commitment of the stakeholders (Regions, Districts, and Communes) Ø Completing the development of the overall outline of the development of the corridor The regional workshops have started toward the end of February 2006 and ended at the end of March. It was during these regional workshops that participants decided to integrate the Zafimaniry forest and the forest block south of Fandriana in the Fandriana Vondrozo Corridor. The Fandriana-Vondrozo Corridor is part of the new protected areas to establish in 2006. c. Anosy Region A meeting was held on June 1st 2006 with a view to establish the new protected areas in Anosy Region. The objectives of the meeting were the following: § Confirming the common vision. The new protected areas established at the beginning of the year are "ad hoc". There are problems with the continuity between the forest blocks and the
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approaches to be used. All the sites identified as priority in the region of Anosy have ecological and socio-economic rationales. § Clarification about the progress made and identification of the gaps and challenges. A series of presentations on the status of the work in the new protected areas were made by CIREEFs, ANGAP, WWF and QMM. § Priority, actions planned, schedule and roles. During the preparation meeting with the Head of Region, he insisted on the identification of the priority actions to take. The drafting of the documents for the promotion o the protected areas and marketing is included in the priority actions.
18 priority sites were identified in the Anosy Region during the workshop organized with the mayors in June 2005. v Five new protected areas in the region have already had the provisional protection order è Ambatotsirongorongo è Ankodida è Nord Ifotaky è Mandena è Sainte Luce v Sites such as Petriky, Behara- Tranomaro, Sud Ouest Ifotaky have already had funding v Ekintso, Anadabolava including Vohitsomby do not have funding yet ; v Vohimena Massif (Tsitongambarika) : QMM is planning to create 2 connected large protected areas v. ANGAP Vision consists in ensuring the linkage with the other forest blocks around in order to avoid fragmentation and to ensure the Park visibility. ü To link the Park to the forest of Tsitongambarika; ü Maintain the corridor which links Parcel I and Parcel 2 of Andohahela; ü To link Parcel 2 with the priority conservation areas in the sub-region of Anosy (Ala Maiky) ü To link the Park to Midongy du Sud
The funding is not available for the establishment of the new protected areas quoted above, in the same way the key partners have not been identified yet. v Several sites proposed by the District of Betroka need to be ground checked
In conclusion, the overall vision for the creation of the new protected areas in the Anosy Region is clear. Now, the gaps need to be solved in matter of financial, human and material resources for some new protected areas.
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 1.5. Develop forest restoration functions and procedures in USAID priority eco-regions
This period is marked by the restoration work in Ambohilero and the contact with DGEF on the reactivation of restoration activities through a strategy and the establishment of a network of exchange between practitioners. Besides, Louise Holloway's mission on the biocarbon fund project had taken place in June 2006.
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Ambohilero site suffered a major disturbance after an industrial exploitation conducted by the Malaysian company, Latitude Timber. By order of the Ministry of the Environment, Water and Forests, the company has had to stop the exploitation and has had to make up for the troubles and to formulate recommendations on how to conduct the restoration. a. Strategy Concerning the strategy, a two-page note has been requested by the DGEF to describe the idea of the programme. The contact person for restoration in the DGEF will be presently appointed.
The Ambohilero situation synthesis of Pete Lorry from MBG on the 7 surveys recommended took place. Moreover, a meeting was held by the EP III Coordination Unit in the DGEF and the Directorate for the Valuing of Forest Resources (DVRF) in presence of USAID about the continuation of activities.
A joint field visit was organized on 14-17 September 2005 in order to see on site the development of the situation regarding the natural revegetalisation process, the transactionary work and the priority sites for emergency interventions, while taking account of the experts' recommendations. b. Multiplication of Field trip
MISSION TO DIDY (AMBATONDRAZAKA) A second visit to Didy (Ambatondrazaka) was organized on 14 – 17 March 2006. The objective was to make a first assessment of emergency work and assess the activities, which can be undertaken this 2006. It was also an opportunity to visit the achievements of Avotr'Ala Enterprise to make recommendations for the continuation of the work and to make an evaluation of the estimate of the work, prepare the planning of 2006 work plan integrating the transaction work and those to conduct with CIREEF while determining the implementing modalities.
CIREEF Ambatondrazaka, Conservation International-Miaro and WFF-Miaro took part in the second mission. Besides, the transaction agent, an officer from Enterprise Avotr'ala work transaction provider, and his director have accompanied the missionaries.
On the road leading to the heart of the forest, we have observed that in some places a significant recovery of the vegetation by pioneer species, particularly Solanum sp., Trema orientalis, Harongana madagascariensis and other non-identified species. These areas have to be left as they are and will be enhanced later. The principle is that where a passive restoration is being initiated, interventions have to be minimized.
Over some zones particularly the embankment downstream the main road, ditches and small gullies are very efficient. They may silt up the upstream area where there may be rice-fields. The seedlings planted by the transaction agent are estimated to be 7 000 up till now. For technical reasons, it has been decided to stop, the planting of the remaining14 000 seedlings and to add a compensatory work to provide a biomechanical protection on the sites requiring these works. It has been observed that some preparation work has to be undertaken before any attempts of artificial take- over in cleaned up areas. This decision is in coherence with the recommendations of the previous mission. The situation has somewhat evolved in terms of the descriptions of the last mission. In some places over the embankment area where a mixture of topsoil and mineral soil happened during the soil handling process, a profileration of pioneer species has been noted. We note the presence of Solanum
Page 18 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 auriculatum (« Sevabe »), Phytolacca dodecandra (« Voalobok’alika »), Harungana madagascariensis (« Harongana »), Trema orientalis (« Andrarezina », « Tsivakimbarartra »). v POORLY-KNOWN PIONEER SPECIES Other non-identified species are even noted on mineral soil in the middle of the road. It seems to us that it is sucker with deep roots, denuded after a cleaning off process. v SEEDLING PRODUCTION The Entreprise Avotr'Ala nursery was created 6 months ago, at the date of the mission. They have produced two types of plants: plants from the wildlings collected in forests and replanted then grown in nursery; and twenty four (24) species nursery-reproduced according to the same technique. Species such as the Palissandre (Dalbergia sp.), Zahana (Philartron madagascariensis) have been directly nursery-produced. v GROUND STABILISATION The team has noticed the potentiality of a herbaceous called "Rangaza" with a capacity of taking over the still crumbly mineral soil. This species is very important for a first stabilization of crumbly soils. It is to note that it does not grow everywhere. There where it can be found, beginning of stabilization of the slopes and small gullies are starting. With a slight intervention, we think that the species can be used to stabilize the ditches and gullies downstream the exploitation. It might also serve to stabilize steep-slope embankments and in places where the vegetation is not well established yet. This species would have the same potentialities as the vetiver (Vetivera zizanoids) very much used in soil conservation. Its advantage is that it is native of the area. v STOCKS OF FOREST TIMBER A significant quantity of timber is still in the forest. However, in view of the road state and the large dimension of the timber, it is not possible to transport them as they are. The team thinks that valuable timber, 'lalona", "zahana", and "hazomena" which are still recoverable, have to be squared and the worked products carried by men. Contrarily to what has been claimed, there is no palissandre in the stock of timber. A large portion is starting to rot, a decision has therefore to be made regarding what will happen to them before it is too late. v WORK TO COMPLETE AS A FOLLOW-UP TO THIS MISSION The team has decided to entrust the first stage of the bio-mechanic restoration work with Entreprise Avotr'Ala for the equivalent of the remaining work to carry out (work remaining for the service provider estimated at 100 men a day). To this end, an identification of the intervention areas and types of work to conduct has been achieved with the Entreprise employers. v LEARNING BY DOING Training on how to build banks on slopes, fascines on the gullies and operational grafts have been made to familiarize the authorities and workers who will put them into practice. i. Bank building Arrangement to put on averagely steep slopes. It consists in channel the impluvium through a main pipe in form of a mound from the road deck. 80 cm diameter banks arranged in a quincunx and placed at 4m from one another on an isohypse line and 2.5 m on the slope line has been built. The parts upstream the channel and banks are to be compacted so that they do not give way to erosion. In the downstream part of each bank, pioneer species ("harongana", "Andrarezina", etc.) are planted with a good dose of organic forest soil. Last, some mulch is put around each plant.
Page 19 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 ii. Fascine building This type of work is meant for steep slopes with the training of ditches and gullies. It consists in stabilizing the ditches and gullies through flexible weirs in fascine. They are built from downstream to the posts and branches. The number of fascines depends on the slope and the length of the gully. iii. Operational graft The type of arrangement consists in putting in place on a gentle slope, especially in the places where former deposits can be found. The idea is to regenerate the soil through grafting forest soil with vegetation and seeds of forest species. A 1m-diameter ring is drawn up, then the soil upstream is ploughed to get a plane surface slightly above the ground level so that the ring with the graft is just above the surface of the ground in place. The soil in the upstream part needs to be packed to protect it from erosion. The equidistance between the ring is 5m x 5m. v CONCLUSION OF THE MISSION A meeting with the Entreprise Avotr'Ala officer took place in Ambatondrazaka to agree on the continuation of the work. After consulting the Latitude Timber officer on the phone, it has been agreed that the Entreprise will implement bio-mechanic restoration work for a period equivalent of the remaining work. A month after the meeting, a field visit is planned to take delivery of the work and discuss the feasibility of a contract between Miaro and the Entreprise for the continuation of the work. Our field experience had shown that it would be difficult to carry out 100% of the he work done by HIMO. The local labor is expensive, as a consequence of the visit of the expatriate experts who have paid expensive porters who have worked for them. The salary claimed by the population is much higher than the rate determined by the project. It is to note that a mandate will be given to a consultancy firm to develop the 2007 action plan. The surveys advocated by the experts as the work progresses.
MISSION TO AMBOHILERO
A second field visits to Ambohilero to take delivery of the work of Entreprise Avotr'Ala. This visit coincides with the end of the contractor's mandate. Currently, a forestry agent is selling his products, which are in the forest of Ambohilero. The access to the forest has been possible to one part. The team has been able to drive up to Ambalapaiso instead of Antsevabe.
The team was made up of the Chef CIREEF of Ambatondrazaka and one of his agents in charge of monitoring the work, Conservation International –Miaro, of the representative of the transaction agent, of the company's site foreman and WWF-Miaro. The mission happened on 15-17 May 2006. v VISIT TO THE ACHIEVEMENTS This time, we visited the area exploited by the company. On the way in, along the main road to the camping site, we visited fascines and banks built by the company. In general, it has been a very good job and the instructions given during the training session and provided during the first visit on site have been followed. The rings around the operational grafting are all dry during our passage, and there are more herbaceous rather than genuine forest topsoil. It might be due to a misunderstanding by workers, for during the training, the topsoil available included a lot of herbaceous coverage. We will see if these rings include forest seeds, which will sprout out when the weather is wetter. We will have to see if these will be pioneer species, shadow species or semi-shadow species will sprout which may not resist.
It has been noticed that there are still several areas cleaned off on the steep slope along the shoulders, especially on the crests. The fascines and the weirs are properly built, but in certain places there is the problem of distance between the works, sometimes too wide sometimes too close. A problem of
Page 20 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 installation of diversion ducts has also been noted. To reduce the impluvium falling on the slopes with fascines and small weirs, well-dimensioned diversion ducts must be built. It means, the dimensions of the duct must be proportional to the quantity and speed of the water to divert. Some weirs are not sufficiently extended for the outlet to be located downstream the roads as in a transversal duct. It has also been noted that young seedlings downstream the banks have a low growing rate. The failure may be due to poor handling of the clod seedlings when they are planted or just because of the draught, which is currently prevailing. v TRAINING ON THE INSTALLATION OF STEEP SLOPE WEIRS Given that several steep slopes remain barren and are victim of erosion, workers have been trained on how to stake out the places where weirs will be built. The training has focused on an empirical method of setting the distance between two adjacent work. The weirs will have to follow contours, as opposed to small weirs, which are on a straight line. The height of the weirs and the materials to be used has been stressed. v PIONEER PLANTS We have identified the new pioneer plants apart from those we have mentioned in the last report. The first one is a medicinal plant to dress wounds; it is a large tree, which supports bare and cleaned off soils; its vernacular name is "Taolampotsy". The second one is a tree belonging to the Melastomataceae family. It can multiply by cuttings, it is hard wood whose vernacular name is "Tovonavitro".
These two species with those identified previously should be the subject of a botanical description and a behavioral monitoring scheme.
The herbaceous species called "Rangaza" keeps on fascinating us, as it fairs well during the dry season and works very well to retain the soils. Its seeding process stops during the dry season, but it resumes as soon as the wet period is back. We noted that the species were in full bloom, so this needs following up and a multiplication through seeds should be tried where the species does not grow spontaneously.
Page 21 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 v AMBOLOTSANGANA – AMBOHILERO NURSERY As is known, the company established a nursery in the forest. The wildlings, which are grown there, are divided into 4 beds. There are 11 500 plants including 850 wastes. These are in an acceptable condition, but we particularly note pioneer species such as Harongana in the bags. It is to note that there are still three places for occasional nursery well, sheltered on the side of the road. 2 900 seedlings are growing there
When we walked along the banks and traveled in the side roads, we have noted small "Malambovony" seedlings, a highly valued species for making implement handles and "Lanara" which is a species used in carpentry. v PLANTATION IN HAULING BANKS According to the experts' recommendations, it is not time yet to plant the main species. However, in view of the existence of these beds in the nursery, these seedlings have to be put in the soil. We have deemed it relevant to put them in the hauling banks located in the watershed. In those places, the cover starts to close with "Sevabe" and "Harongana" and the forest environment starts establishing. However, these plantations must be fertilized with the forest soil and mulch. v WOOD STOCK The forest wood stock is impressive, the problem is with large unhewn wood is hard for local lumberjacks to handle apart from the fact that they are already dry. The Chef CIREEF will launch a bid on the wood stored in the sawmill warehouse. He can do the same with the forest stock, but we are sceptical because of the accessibility and the difficulty that the handling of unhewn wood. v FOLLOW-UP TO THE WORK We have thought that there are still two types of urgent work to undertake in the forest. § Stabilizing slopes on the crests which are some kind of extra-width alongside the road § Planting seedlings which should be undertaken during the drizzling winter period in July-August
It is strategic to have the work done by the contractor as they have the qualified personnel on site. After discussing with the contractor, the latter expressed his interests in continuing the job. The details of the tasks to undertake will be specified. The Miaro Team establishes the task description.
Result Module 2: Management effectiveness for conservation areas improved
RM2.1 and 2.2 activities follow and build up on previous ones in support to ANGAP, led in 2004 and 2005, with the main objective to strengthen the protected areas’ individual management plans. After a wide consultation through a series of workshops and consultation with ANGAP Head Office, a final format for a single “Plan de Gestion”, common to all sites was finally agreed. We tested with success the suitability of this model for the case of the Ankeniheny – Zahamena Corridor and drew a number of important lessons. Subsequently, we worked with several Anosy Region actors to apply the methodology to new protected areas in this region. We have also drafted a guide to writing management plans, which can serve non-ANGAP sites, which not benefited from management planning training. The guide is approximately 80% completed. We tested a WCS-developed field monitoring system in Masoala National Park. PNM-ANGAP is interested in adopting it, at least in larger protected areas. We have also begun to develop self-training modules for conservation professionals. More than 30 modules covering 12 broad themes were proposed by PNM-ANGAP and the DGEF.
For RM2.3 activities, we have followed up the business planning trainings that were started in 2005 by providing improved and simplified excel spreadsheet tools for the financial calculations necessary in
Page 22 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 these plans. We also provided further training to all the ANGAP protected areas to strengthen the links between the management plans and the business plans. We have drafted guidelines for business plan writing for the non-ANGAP sites of the SAPM and developed the excel spreadsheet tools necessary to make the financial calculations for plans at these sites. The priority activities for the rest of the year are ensuring that these business plans that have been started for all the ANGAP sites are finished, and that the guide and software for other SAPM sites are finalized.
Many distinct activities were carried out: s Improvement and production of Management Plans; s Finalization of Management Plans format; s Development of a Manual for the elaboration of Management Plans; s Adaptation of ANGAP Planning process to SAPM; s Review of REPC professional modules s Biodiversity profiles for protected areas
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 2.1. Develop and/or refine conservation management plans and other thematic plans for protected areas AND 2.2. Improve and fully implement annual programmatic work plans for protected areas a. Improvement of Management Plans In the beginning of 2006, after the last workshops at the DIR level organized by MIARO, ANGAP decided to set the deadlines for finalizing the Management Plans at the end of June 2006. Miaro RM2 Team reviewed a number of revised Plans at the request of ANGAP Siège, and this review process is still ongoing. Members of the Team are reviewing the same Plans and will provide consolidated comments and recommendations to the Siège towards the end of this month. At this moment, three out of five DIRs (Mahajanga, Toamasina and Fianarantsoa) have provided final drafts of thematic plans for their protected areas. However, most of the protected areas in Toliary and Antsiranana have also provided their Plans or are at an advanced stage.
A major finding is that the level of quality of most of the reviewed Plans has significantly improved with the focus placed on a limited number of key aspects of the “synthetic” Plan. However, despite the numerous instructions given in the course of the training workshops, major flaws still exist especially in the selection of conservation targets, viability analysis, threats analysis, monitoring protocols, and selection of strategic objectives. With the number of comments and corrections that will be given to ANGAP, and the importance of having high quality Plan in each site, it is likely (and advisable) that the deadline set for the production of the final Plan will have to be postponed.
A specific request from protected areas in the South West to help finalize Management Plans for key protected areas in that region justified a trip to Toliary. The Management Plans for Kirindy Mite, Zombitse, and Tsimanampesotse were thoroughly reviewed with representatives of the sites, SAS and SAT of DIR-U, and ANGAP's Technical Advisor. We provided comments and helped correct these Plans, and trained SAS and SAT to the use of TNC’s Enhanced 5S Workbook. We also reviewed the Workbook data that was developed for the entire Mahafaly Plateau in preparation for the Extension’s Management Plan. The major comment on the Workbook was that the intended monitoring protocol for each conservation target was by far too detailed, which would render the actual monitoring too cumbersome and unpractical. It is believed that this input will allow the local team to produce excellent final Plans. b. Finalization of Management Plan format
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ANGAP made the wise decision to abandon the name “Plan Synthétique”, the provisional name chosen to label the short summarized Management Plan encompassing all aspects of each site’s activities, and opted to call it simply “Plan de Gestion”. We suggested adopting a single format that would be applicable to all sites in order to ensure uniformity and cohesion. A “Canevas” was proposed, discussed with ANGAP DOP and CCO, and adopted. The final draft, containing standard texts and definitions, is now available. ANGAP will send this model to all sites with precise instructions and a request to present their Management Plan in this format. A number of photographs will illustrate the document that would eventually become the natural complement to the sites’ Business Plan.
Under this final format, the Management Plan will meet various needs and purposes, as it will constitute a strong technical and strategic reference, a source of key information, and a marketing and fund raising tool. Contrary to the old PGC, PGEE, PGD, etc., it would therefore not only be useful to the local staff, but also to visitors, local and regional stakeholders, and donors.
The next steps will be to obtain from each site the final version of the Plans in this format, and to secure funding for the printing. This may still take several months. c. Development of a Manual for the elaboration of Management Plans In parallel with the adoption of this simplified Plan, MIARO RM2 has produced a first draft of simplified Manual and is ready for discussion with ANGAP. The objective of this document is to provide clear instructions on the elaboration of the Management Plan along the lines of the agreed format. It contains a summary of the technical explanations given during the workshops on various key aspects: characterization of the importance and uniqueness of the site, selection of conservation targets and their appropriate ecological attributes, viability and threats analysis, importance of the formulation of strategic objectives and the selection of the right indicators, adequate linkages between conservation objectives and thematic strategies, etc. In addition, it will include a simple software derived from the TNC 5S methodology that would help staff to quantify the ranks given to several aspects into scores that would be monitored for evaluation over time. d. Adaptation of ANGAP Planning process to SAPM After two previous workshops in Feb 2005 (biodiversity aspects) and Jan 2006 (organizational aspects), MIARO RM2, CI and DGEF organized a working session in Toamasina (20-21 March) to discuss the planning process for the conservation of the Corridor Ankeniheny-Zahamena. The agenda was prepared by MIARO and discussed with DGEF staff in Tana ; 30 participants were invited. Very fruitful discussions were held on most of the aspects of the development of a Management Plan for the CAZ.
The most relevant issue for RM2 was to test whether the planning process developed for ANGAP’s protected areas was adaptable to the situation of the CAZ. After working group sessions, a common vision for the objective of the CAZ Management Plan (or “Plan d’Aménagement et de Gestion” – PAG) was formulated, and modifications to the proposed model were recommended. The meeting ended with an agreement on the responsibilities and the agenda for the development of the PAG.
It is envisaged that RM2 will need to be further involved in supporting this process in various ways in the future. If this adapted model proves to be adequate for the planning of conservation of a large and complex area like the CAZ, it may well lead to a good framework for the planning of any other terrestrial SAPM.
DGEF stated that they would be the focal point for the organization and follow up of this process. MIARO RM2 Team felt that Eaux et Forêts did not express a clear intention to be the leader of the process and to drive it to its conclusion. The size of this task and the complexity of the situation seem
Page 24 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 to frighten many participants. A strong pressure and support will be needed in order to achieve this within the legal deadline. e. Review of REPC professional modules One of the needs identified by ANGAP in drawing up the 2006 workplan was support from Miaro to develop training materials for ANGAP staff, particularly those based at the parks and reserves. The REPC (Reseau des Educateurs et des Professionels de Conservation), a MacArthur foundation funded project being implemented by the American Museum of Natural History in partnership with CI, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and WCS, already has a similar objective and we have started collaborating with the REPC team to develop training materials which are targeted at protected areas managers (ANGAP, DGEF and others) . To date we have identified 39 themes for which modules need to be developed (list attached as appendix). Of these, 12 modules are relatively advanced and have been developed for use by teachers of academic courses. We have particularly focused on adapting these academic modules into a format that can be used both as the basis for formal training courses organized by ANGAP or DGEF senior staff, but also as modules that can be used for self-teaching. The modules will consist of PowerPoint presentations with explanatory notes, and a more detailed synthesis of the subject matter. We intend to print a limited version of each of these modules, which will be distributed to all of the protected areas of SAPM.
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 2.3. Develop an appropriate system of business plans and marketing programs for protected areas
The business plans for protected areas are linked to the management plans for each site because all the financial projections are based on the activities included in the management plans. The business plans cannot therefore be finished without the management plans. Nevertheless we updated the excel spreadsheets necessary for completion of the business plans to make them easier to use, and this should help accelerate the process of finishing the plans, once the exact activities for the next few years have been identified. We also improved the business plan template and redistributed it to all the sites. We have provided comments to the sites, which have given us draft business plans.
In addition to the business planning process with ANGAP, we have drafted a guide for writing business plans for other SAPM sites, and developed spreadsheets for the financial calculations needed in these plans. The method used for the ANGAP sites cannot be directly adapted to the rest of the SAPM as it is based on ANGAP’s PE3 products system. Given the difficulties that ANGAP gas had in trying to apply this system, it would not be appropriate to try and extend it to the rest of the SAPM at this stage.
Result Module 3: National Park Network Activities Implemented
Since January 2006, ANGAP team has been preparing and adapting 2006 Annual Work Plan in collaboration with MIARO Team. 2006 Annual Work Plan was submitted on May 18th 2006 for approval but we have not received a feedback yet. Therefore, the conditions for the implementation of the activities schedules have not been met yet.
As a reminder, for this period (2006) ANGAP would like to make sure that all the 2005 workshops meet the expected results,; this is the reason why capacity building and evaluation activities are scheduled and to keep on settling the issues met by the institution in 2005. These problems are the following: s Non harmonized EP 3 Vision among the ANGAP team ; s The roles of each management level are not fully played on a voluntary basis;
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s Poor equity capital of Angap and poor promotion of flagship sites for ecotourism; s The sites have not had systematic and proximity capacity building; s The conservation management plans (PGCs) are out-of-date and insufficient support to the sites in the network; s The tavy pressure is not documented by reliable data representative of reality, an indicator for EP 3; s Need for appreciation of spatial quality of the selected sites, a requirement before the med-term assessment.; s A mitigated impact on the population living around the network PAs has been observed; s Disparity in the presentation between ecotourism infrastructures and lack of ANGAP label; No ANGAP standard for road and direction signs and others. s For 3 high biological potential sites (Kalambatritra, Manombo and Betampona) , conservation is inappropriate for lack of funding.
So crosscutting activities and direct activities in some sites have been planned to sort out the problems mentioned above.
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 3.1 Reinforce the institutional, technical and financial capacity of ANGAP in protected areas management No activities were realized during the first semester 2006
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 3.2 Foster service oriented roles and functional linkages between national and regional offices, and between these and the park and reserves.
No activities were realized during the first semester 2006
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 3.3 Define and mobilize funding for the national park network and support services
3.3.2. Conduct conservation activities in selected parks Miaro supported conservation activities in selected parks and reserves during the first half of 2006. In accordance with the result-based approach, the following activities are clearly set PNM-ANGAP standards.
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THEME: SENSITISATION, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION a. Product 37: Sensitized School
Ø Site: Zahamena ( prevision for 2006 : 10 schools to sensitize) 5 schools including 4 EPPs (primary schools) in Mitanonoka, Ambatomasina, Ambodiamapaly and’Ambodimangavalo and 1 CEG (lower secondary school) in Ambohibe, have been sensitized in matter of Environmental Education during the awareness raising sessions. 1 652 students and 36 teachers attended the sessions. The sessions focused on three modules: Initiation to the notion of Protected Area, Initiation to environmental issues and Sensitization to the protection of Protected Area. b. Product 38: Sensitizing decision makers
Ø Site: Zahamena (Prevision for 2006: 9 advocacy sessions for decision makers) 3 advocacy sessions for decision makers have been organized during this first half-year. They were held in the commune of Ambodimangavalo, Ambohibe and in Ambatondrazaka. The sailing points during these sessions may be summed up as follows: · Strengthening the collaboration between Park managers, mayors and commune counselors in matter of conservation; · Achieving the objective of pressure reduction in the intervention area; and · Upgrading the level of vision of all authorities and the neighboring population in matter of PA conservation.
Ø Site: Andohahela (Prevision for 2006: 10 advocacy sessions for decision makers) 5 advocacy sessions have been completes including 3 sessions in Ambatoabo and 2 others in Manampanihy and one on Anakara haut. 19 decision makers are expected to take part to the sessions and they all came. At the end of the sessions the following resolutions were approved: · Organization of a joint mission to sensitize the population of each "quartier" before the fire season; · Census of the pasture areas and the name of each breeder to facilitate sensitization and follow- up by Mayors; · Reaction and implementation of communal DINAs and a monitoring committee for the enforcement of theses DINAs. c. Product 40: operational link-structure
Ø Site: Zahamena (Prevision for 2006: 7 structures created) 2 link-structures have been created during this first semester. For the first structure, members comprising 25 individuals come from the grouping of Ambanifotsy farmers. This structure, which for the time being has not been given a name, will serve as a pilot group for activities related to conservation and protection of the environment (reforestation activity, public events and others) The second structure is called MANEVA. The members are six women from the commune of Manakambahiny. Its main role consists in taking an active part during campaigns against bush fires, a pressure to control in this commune.
Page 27 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 d. Product 41: Villages sensitized
Ø Site: Zahamena (Prevision for 2006 : 25 villages sensitized) 11 villages have been sensitized during this first semester. These are the villages of Nonokambo, Andranomalaza, Andapa, Andilambe, Mahasoa, Antsahalemaka, Ambatomana, Menafotaka, Antenina, Amboditafonana and Ambinanindomboka. They have been selected as they are sources of. Pressure, particularly uncontrolled fires and clearing of natural forests. During the sessions, 1 023 men, 434 women and 196 young people have been sensitized.
Result Module 4: Sustainable Financing Mechanisms Mobilized and Operational
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 4.1. Expand and develop management capacity of Malagasy Environmental Trust Funds/Foundations
4.1.1 LONG-TERM SUPPORT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO TANY MEVA FOUNDATION FOR INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, STRATEGIC PLANNING, AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL MECHANISMS a. Continue board development process with completion of board operations manual and board orientation on operations This activity is now underway and will be a primary focus for 2006. This activity is driven by the need for new status and bylaws, as well as design of operational manuals. All of these are now in draft form and will be finalized once changes in the board are completed. Those potential changes include replacement of board members whose terms have ended ; increase of board members from nine to eleven ; and inclusion of greater professional diversity among board members. Once the new board is operational (expected date : August 2006), potential training options will be identified. b. Provide training to the new Finance Committee of the board on asset management - consultant to provide training This activity is described above and will need to be scheduled once a new board is in place and committees established during the second semester. In the interim, efforts are underway to explore mechanisms to swap hard currency for Ariary currently held by Tany Meva to create a hard currency endowment fund located offshore as a way to smooth fluctuations in value due to inflation and exchange rate losses. c. Provide support to implementation of communication strategy including funding for design and development of an improved website Tany Meva has completed the call for proposals and selected a firm. WCS has agreed with Tany Meva to move forward with the website and get advice from the contractor regarding how to better publicize Tany Meva’s programs. d. Assist in establishing Tany Meva's geographic priority focus employing GIS analysis. Help develop Tany Meva basic GIS capacity. Develop strategy based on decentralization process This process is now underway. Tany Meva has met with the WCS GIS team and it has been agreed to organize a broad GIS training program within the next two months. This training will mark a first step in building the capacity needed by Tany Meva to use GIS for planning purposes. Once that training is completed the WCS GIS team will assist Tany Meva in the application of the skills to help inform a strategic focus.
Page 28 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 e. Initiate programs in priority areas with a focus on identifying and developing sustainable financing mechanisms Already Tany Meva is working in northeastern Madagascar in coordination with WCS to develop interventions that will help lead to the long-term management and funding of Makira. These lessons and approaches can be applied to new areas of programmatic focus as Tany Meva defines its geographic priorities. Tany Meva is also working with CI to develop a long-term program to support reforestation efforts in Mantadia-Zahamena, via support from both CI and the World Bank Bio- Carbon Fund. This project provides important financial support for reforestation at a community level, which has already been identified as a strategic priority by Tany Meva.
In addition to the above issues, WCS will continue to engage with Tany Meva around important issues related to its overall restructuring and improvement in its operations and programmatic functions. WCS and Tany Meva have discussed ideas and options to restructure the Secretariat to improve both programmatic efficiency and operational effectiveness. These new structures will be reviewed and put into place as part of the overall restructuring plan under consideration in 2006. Again, any progress on these issues is likely after new board members take their place. Board training.
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 4.2. Build on efforts made and cooperate with other EP3 actors to strengthen potential sources of income for forest habitat conservation
4.2.1. TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO THE WORKING GROUP ON SUSTAINABLE FINANCING – DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE FINANCE FRAMEWORK FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INITIATIVES FOR FINANCING FOREST CONSERVATION IN A RANGE OF PROTECTED AREAS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIVITY
The MIARO team members continue with their coordinating/technical assistance role in support of the Comité pour le Développement des Instruments de Financement Durable, established within the Ministry of Environment. The team will meet as needed to respond to specific needs and requests from the Ministry and provide guidance. Meeting notes will be kept and distributed to all RM4 partners.
Under this activity, the main output will be the completion of a consultant study on sustainable financing mechanisms that the Government might adopt to help it meet EPIII targets. The consultant study has taken longer than expected and still lacks specificity. The MIARO team will need to continue the monitoring of the consultant progress and ensure that the results proposed reflect realistic opportunities.
4.2.2. UNDERTAKE BIODIVERSITY ECONOMIC ANALYSES AND ORGANIZE FORUMS TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF THE VALUE OF CONSERVATION IN MADAGASCAR
Two major activities have been initiated during this semester. First, WCS has identified a PhD student who will undertake his dissertation to quantify the ecosystem service values of the Atongil Bay area, including both Makira and Masoala. The University of Vermont student works under the ecosystem service valuation expert, Robert Constanza. He will begin his research in September 2006 and complete his study within one year. This study will provide valuable information that can presented to government, donors and a variety of stakeholders and provide an important valuation model that can be replicated throughout Madagascar.
Discussions have also begun on the development of a film targeted at decision makers, policy analysts and economists. The film will focus on Madagascar’s natural capital and the contribution that this capital makes to the country’s economic development – including the contribution made to poverty
Page 29 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 alleviation. The objective is to further the dialogue within the country of the important contribution that conservation makes to the economy and livelihoods.
4.2.3. DEVELOPMENT OF CARBON RELATED PROJECTS FOR FOREST RESTORATION AND FOREST CONSERVATION
Already Madagascar has two significant carbon projects underway. In 2006 the team will continue to implement those projects. By the end of June the team hopes to have a new agreement with the government to expand the sales of carbon from Makira by at least 200,000 tons over the next three years. This agreement and continued efforts by WCS and CI to sell that carbon will result in increased revenue flows to Makira.
The Government of Madagascar/ World Bank Bio-Carbon Fund project has been launched and implementation will be on going in 2006. Tany Meva will continue to play an important programmatic role in the implementation of this project.
SUB RESULTS MODULE: 4.3. Stimulate investment for biodiversity conservation
4.3.1. PROMOTE SITE- BASED FUNDING FOR AP PARTICULARLY WITH “NON-TRADITIONAL DONORS" (ZOOS AND ZOO CONSORTIA) LINKED WITH MARKETING STRATEGIES AND BUSINESS PLANS OF THE TWO CONSERVATION FUNDS AND THE PROTECTED AREAS
Work with Zoo Zurich continues. A not-for-profit organization, Friends of Masoala, has been created and has committed to raising an endowment for Masoala National Park. Fundraising efforts have just begun. Funds raised will be combined with direct support from Zoo Zurich from entries and sales from the exhibit. In May WCS submitted a concept paper to Zoo Zurich outlining various options for the creation of Masoala endowment. A meeting will be held in Zurich in early June to discuss various options for creating this endowment and, depending on the results, will result in a meeting to finalize a strategy in July. More definitive information on the Fund will be provided by the end of the year.
Site-based ecotourism continues to be an important and work continues on exploring how concessions can be employed to generate revenue for conservation. BAMEX has taken the lead to develop the legal framework for concessions and MIARO team members have participated in meetings with BAMEX, ANGAP and the legal consultants. Specific options for action will be determined once the next phase of the legal study is completed.
4.3.2. PROMOTE GREATER PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN CONSERVATION THROUGH DEBT AND EQUITY FINANCING FOR COMMERCIALLY VIABLE BIODIVERSITY BUSINESSES AND ENTERPRISES IN MADAGASCAR
A concession policy would establish procedures for participation of the private sector in managing tourism infrastructure, some of which may occur in protected areas. The policy would require private sector investment to develop that infrastructure, using debt or equity financing. A concession policy offers one of the prime mechanisms for involving the private sector in conservation investments.
In addition to ecotourism opportunities, some contacts have been developed with private sector businesses to explore expansion of fair trade products. Yale Business School students donated their time to develop a business plan for a US based company that exports fashion accessories. That study has led to meetings with suppliers in Madagascar and exploring supply chain issues for primary inputs such as raffia. These initial contacts may lead to specific projects related to planting and sustainable harvesting around protected areas, with the result that income to communities’ increases from this fair trade. Another fair trade option under study now includes green vanilla and meetings have been held
Page 30 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 with the private sector about development of this market. We continue to explore other products and possible investments through contacts with private sector groups.
III. PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS ENCOUNTERED
RESULT MODULE 1: ECOLOGICAL LINKAGES ESTABLISHED AND MAINTAINED
· The issue of coordination and approval of the creation of new protected areas issue by the DGEF team is still observed. · There is also the difference of progress in the achievements, on the one hand the programmes, which have very specific work plans to implement and, on the other, the DGEF that could not define their priorities. · The difference of viewpoint among stakeholders on the approach to adopt during the commune consultations in the Zahamena-Ankeniheny results in delaying the beginning of the work. · There is still insufficient communication between the SAPM committee and the GDRN (regional) and even with the other sectors such as the mining sector, the fishery sector. · We note insufficient collaboration between the SAPM Committee and the Mining/Forest Committee on the issues of mining squares inside protected areas. · In addition to mining problems, some new protected areas have problems with oil exploration. · The importance of integrating the process of creation new protected areas in the zoning process is often raised. This integration is not clearly defined up till now.
RESULT MODULE 2: MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS FOR CONSERVATION AREAS IMPROVED
For RM2.1 and RM2.2, The biggest single constraint has been the delay in producing management plans by the protected areas staff.
RESULT MODULE 3: NATIONAL PARK NETWORK ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED
Some remaining fund is available in the head office. It has not been used, as the 2006 Annual Work Plan has not been validated up till now. However, the staff of the Parks involved in the programme has only achieved the previous stages, which do not require any specific funds. Whereas the Parks of Zahamena and Andohahela have completed 100% of their activities, particularly for the sensitization theme, Environmental Education, though the work quality does not fully meet the instructions given by the product typology, and this, still because of the non-availability of the funds at field level.
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RESULT MODULE 4: SUSTAINABLE FINANCING MECHANISMS MOBILIZED AND OPERATIONAL
The MIARO team developed an ambitious program to develop sustainable financing mechanisms. In some ways, the progress has been phenomenal – for example, Madagascar may be the only country in Africa to have two significant carbon projects that finance land use change and forestry. The work in Madagascar will inform no only policy in Madagascar but also in other countries. However, in other areas there have been some delays as discussed below: a. RM4 Management In April 2006 WCS contracted a new RM4 coordinator and conservation finance specialist. Changes in personnel and significant time with no person in the position affected program implementation and resulted in implementation delays. WCS recognized these issues and identified a high quality candidate to fill the position and who is expected to remain throughout MIARO’s implementation. b. Tany Meva During this period Tany Meva suffered some board and management issues that have affected programmatic efficiency. In early 2006, the Executive Director indicated his desire to resign, but after several weeks of discussion he decided to remain in his position. The board has faced some issues that affect its ability to ensure effective organizational management. Changes in the board are expected in August. Those changes will include new members and the addition of two new board positions and these actions should result in more effective implementation and operations. c. Role of the private sector Although there is strong interest in including the private sector in conservation, the challenge exists to find businesses that are willing to invest in green businesses or willing to tie their investments to conservation priorities. However, over the past couple of years we have made contacts with businesses whose buyers in Europe and the US are concerned about sustainability and fair trade issues. This concern is driving some businesses to seek opportunities and some have begun a dialogue with MIARO partners. d. Effective understanding of the economic benefits for conservation The project has not effectively moved the dialogue about the economic benefits of conservation. The project has not identified and communicated the value of ecosystem services to the economy nor made an effective natural economy argument to the government. Current 2006 plans include launching a rigorous research project on ecosystem services values and their contribution to the economy in Masoala and Makira region. These data will provide needed ammunition for arguing in favor of greater recognition of the role that good conservation plays in the conservation’s economic development. Moreover targeting decisions makers with a film and a film launch will help place these issues within the reach of Madagascar’s decision makers at a regional and national level.
IV. RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS
RESULT MODULE 1: ECOLOGICAL LINKAGES ESTABLISHED AND MAINTAINED a. Durban Vision Group · The MinEnvEF will be informed of the activities and field priorities so that individuals from the Water and Forest Department at all levels are more involved · The leader of the SAPM Committee must absolutely be supported in permanence for the implementation of the action plan.
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· There is a need for building the capacity of the Water and Forest Department's staff to implement the process of creating the new protected areas. · A coordination meeting between JARIALA, MIARO and ERI is needed to synchronize the activities conducted by each on the one hand, but also to sort out the problems of relation with the Forest Administration and other field actors . · A meeting with all the stakeholders must be organized to determine the approach to adopt during the consultations in the communes. · Concerning the collaboration with the Mining/Forest committee, it is a priority for both departments (Mining and Forest) to sign a protocol of information and data exchange. · Working sessions between the SAPM Committee and CIMF will take place on a regular basis in order to b. Forest restoration The general recommendation would be to complete the urgent work in Ambohilero after the conclusions of the different missions conducted. Many species have not been identified yet, the collaboration with MBG and academics from the University is strongly recommended.
Moreover, it is important to establish a planning and monitor the activities in Ambohilero.
RESULT MODULE 2: MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS FOR CONSERVATION AREAS IMPROVED
No specific actions were addressed regarding the delay in producing management plans by the protected areas staff.
RESULT MODULE 3: NATIONAL PARK NETWORK ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED
At the time of reporting period, no solutions were defined to solve actual ANGAP problems, it is underway.
RESULT MODULE 4: SUSTAINABLE FINANCING MECHANISMS MOBILIZED AND OPERATIONAL a. Tany Meva To ensure programmatic and operational success Tany Meva will benefit from some restructuring. This will include new board members as well as new staff, both permanent and contract. However, given realities, the restructuring may not take place until the end of current board member terms. Once a new board begins working, Tany Meva will require approval of new status and bylaws, as well as revised operational, grant, finance and other manuals that establish an internal policy that is more efficient. Drafts of all these documents exist and will be in final draft form by the time the new board begins to operate. It is uncertain whether the Secretariat can move forward on any restructuring until the board is finally in place. Fortunately the financial management and accounting aspects of Tany Meva’s management are excellent. b. Madagascar Foundation for the Protected Areas and Biodiversity During 2006, WWF and CI will support the Madagascar Foundation for Protected Areas and Biodiversity’s work plan through technical assistance, fundraising and communication products and capacity building.
The Foundation continues to make progress in building its institutional capacity and securing donor commitments as illustrated by the following events during the first semester of 2006: § AFD Board Approval of EUR 2 million additional endowment contribution
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§ WWF signature of US$1 million in grant agreements followed by disbursement of WWF International grant (US$500,000) § KfW approval of EUR4.5 million endowment contribution § Disbursement of MGA1.1 from the Malagasy Government § First endowment contribution from private donor of US$1,000 § Selection of investment manager (JP Morgan Chase) to manage the Foundation’s capital in February 2006.
From January 30 to February 10, 2006, Melissa Moye, WWF-US Director for Sustainable Financing, completed a mission in Madagascar to provide technical assistance to MFPAB in preparation of the Terms of Reference and identification of consultants for the Foundation’s grant manual, strategic plan and fund-raising proposal for GEF. Terms of reference were developed and the recruitment process for a consultant with specific expertise in protected area fund grant-making is finalized: Allen Putney (consultant) should start his mission in August. The selection of a consultant who will develop the Foundation’s strategic plan is ongoing. c. Sustainable Financing at a National Level The identification of financing instruments that government might put in place has not occurred despite the existence of the Sustainable Financing Committee connected to the Ministry. Part of the problem is the limited capability of the consultant team to come up with both an effective analysis and realistic recommendations. The team will have to continue to help the committee obtain a workable product from that consulting work and via direct work with the committee. d. Valuation of Ecosystem Services With the problems of identifying adequate local research capability as well as the need to have a good replicative model, the decision was made to have a PhD student conduct the valuation study, working with WCS and local partners in Masoala and Makira. This study will be completed and results presented by September 2007 and provide a framework for other similar studies that might be carried out for the rest of the country, especially in areas where new protected areas are being created and where their value can be demonstrated to regional economic actors.
WWF is specifically working on the identification of payment for ecosystem services (PES) pilot sites within USAID priority areas. Esteban Brenes and Melissa Moye, WWF-US, visited Madagascar (January 30 – February 10, 2006) in order to start research for identification of potential PES pilot projects. Meetings were held with a number of partners, including CI, WCS, Agro-Action Allemande, the European Union and the Millennium Challenge Account Madagascar as well as WWF staff to conduct research on carbon projects, land tenure, ecosystem payment and livelihood issues in general. The Madagascar Foundation for Protected Areas and Biodiversity hosted a presentation and roundtable discussion on PES; representatives of the Foundation, ANGAP, CI, Tany Meva Foundation, SOMEAH, USAIF and WWF attended. WWF is developing terms of reference for studies on identification of potential payment for watershed services sites.
Page 34 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 e. Private Sector Involvement A good opportunity for greater private sector involvement in the financing of conservation and conservation-related activities is the creation of market linkages. This will involve identifying existing markets for established products, and possibly new products, in areas linked in some way to our conservation priorities. This has begun for raffia and vanilla and the team will need to identify other potential products and options. Ensuring the existence of markets so that we adequately address the demand side of the equation will be important.
Demand for tourism in Madagascar is growing, opening up an opportunity for working more directly with the private sector to ensure quality of product and the development of a well-conceived ecotourism product in Madagascar. The team will coordinate more closely with the National Tourism Office as part of its efforts to better define ecotourism as well as increase appropriate investment.
V. DISCUSSIONS OF OBJECTIVES NOT ACHIEVED
RESULT MODULE 1: ECOLOGICAL LINKAGES ESTABLISHED AND MAINTAINED
No problems are anticipated for any of the activities and objectives that were not achieved; some have simply been postponed due to time constraints. Reasons for delays have been discussed in earlier sections.
RESULT MODULE 2: MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS FOR CONSERVATION AREAS IMPROVED
No problems are anticipated for any of the activities and objectives that were not achieved; some have simply been postponed due to time constraints. Reasons for delays have been discussed in earlier sections.
RESULT MODULE 3: NATIONAL PARK NETWORK ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED
Most of objectives during that first semester were not achieved due to ANGAP management difficulties. These gaps will be addressed after measures taken linked to problems.
RESULT MODULE 4: SUSTAINABLE FINANCING MECHANISMS MOBILIZED AND OPERATIONAL
Result Module 4.1 One of our biggest challenges has been identifying a mechanism to convert Tany Meva local currency into a hard currency fund offshore. Discussions with Treasury indicated that the development of a swap arrangement of some kind with donors or other international institutions would be preferable, but progress has been slow. We have now raised this issue to a high priority. We need to achieve this prior to development of the Tany Meva investment strategy. This was flagged during a debriefing with USAID and partners in April 2006.
We have also not been successful in restructuring Tany Meva to make it more effective. More than an objective not achieved, it is one that is delayed. Although these delays can be explained, we hope that changes in the board as well as closer work with Tany Meva through the new RM4 Coordinator will move these issues forward.
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Result Module 4.2 Most of the activities are now on-track, albeit with some delays, although as mentioned earlier we have discarded our original idea of an annual symposium on ecosystem services.
WWF will continue to assist the GOM to assess other new instruments for forest habitat conservation. WWF is therefore considering the potential introduction of green taxes to finance the environmental sector in Madagascar, based on recommendations of the Comité pour le Développement des Instruments de Financement Durable de l’Environnement (through preliminary results of consultancy work undertaken by Someah). WWF will develop a work plan and terms of reference for work on green taxes.
Result Module 4.3 As with 4.2 above, activities are moving forward although they are delayed. We expect to report on more specific results at the end of this year.
VI. LESSONS LEARNED
During the “Global Symposium”organized by CI in June 2006, it was stated, “conserving Africa’s rich biodiversity requires an immediate effort to identify and map it, develop strengthened and extended protected areas network linked to developpement goals and sustainable financing mechanisms such as Trust Fund”
On specific issues, we have learned several important lessons during this first semester: § The work of developing and building the capacity of the environmental funds is essential and offers opportunities to explore new and innovative conservation financing approaches. And these approaches will be essential for support of a successful SAPM. To take advantage of these opportunities requires that a Fund board and secretariat share a common vision and are working toward creation of an efficient professional organization. This does not always occur and as a result program effectiveness suffers. The main lesson is that the development of professional capacity in an organization often requires a longer-than-anticipated investment of time and resources and must focus on building capacity across the institution. § The development of new and innovative financing activities, especially those related to involvement of the private sector will take significant time to develop. We have learned that our best approach will be to explore markets where there is existing demand and where we can link private sector investors to a source of supply related in some way to our conservation objectives. We expect to explore this strategy for the remainder of this year and, if successful, build on this approach throughout the period of MIARO project. § Only implementation delays were encountered in the beginning of the consultancy work for the Foundation’s the grant-making manual under R.M.4.1.2 due to an unforeseen problem for the consultant, which prevented him from coming in June.
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VII. ACHIEVEMENT TABLE
This part summarizes all activities related within the workplan 2006 submitted at the beginning of the year.
RESULT MODULE 1: ECOLOGICAL LINKAGES ESTABLISHED AND MAINTAINED Performance Annual target Actual 2006 Perspective 2006 Sub RM Activities Indicator 2006 (Semester 1) (Semester 2) 1.1 Promote the definition of Categories and Category and - Categories and types - Finalization of the policy and legal parameters for management options governance of at of governance of new document the establishment of new of new protected areas least 15 new protected areas are d’orientation and protected areas which form the protected areas not yet determined. distribution to - Tools for the “systeme d’aires determined determination of stakeholders at local, protégées” category and type of regional and national implemented governance of new level protected areas - A guidebook on available. gouvernance will be - A working day with produced the expert of IUCN, - Standard Grazia Borrini was /criteria/instruction organized on july. The of sustainable use will governance of the new protected areas be determined and particularly co- management was discussed in order that legal framework is refined for the types of governance and also a guidebook on governance will be produced Definitive “Decret de 1 million ha of new For 2006, 1 million The « arrêté de creation” for the protected areas have hectare of new protection “systeme d’aires definitive status protected areas will temporaire » for the 9 protégées de get the “arrête de new protected areas protection Madagascar” temporaire”: will be signed promulgated - 6 arrêtés ministeriels - 2 arrêtés interministeriels : MINENVEF, MEM, MAEP - 6 arrêtés interministeriels : MINENVEF, MEM Stakeholders at Regions, communes During the Information on provincial, regional consultations at the SAPM and “land use and local level well communal, districts, planning” will be informed on” Systeme and regional level: done in other priority Bongolava, Fandriana- d’Aires Protégées de Vondrozo Corridor, sites: ANOSY, Madagascar” and Mahavavy-Kinkony, DIANA and SAVA, “land use planning” Montagne des Manambolomaty, etc. Francais, Région de l’Anosy, participants were informed on Systeme d’Aires Protégées de Madagascar and land use planning
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1.2. Identify and promote Map of urgent At least 5 terrestrial Map of urgent Map of urgent potential new protected areas conservation priority sites, marine/ZH conservation priority conservation priority will in consultation with regional available and validated validated by be validated by and local actors by stakeholders stakeholders: stakeholders in Bongolava, Corridor Andavakoera, some (regional and local Fandriana- Vondrozo priority sites in Anosy level) Region Priority site list List of additional The taxonomic Map of priority sites (terrestrial, marine and sites available working group for conservation will freshwater) improved carries out analyses be updated by the for all Madagascar by to identify all the Taxonomic Working using appropriate areas and Group analytical tools for management planning and database regimes needed for of key biodiversity the conservation of biodiversity in Madagascar with Tom Allnutt: - Distribution data finalized and final list of datasets produced; - Distribution maps for threatened vertebrates reviewed by taxonomic experts and minimum “representation targets” specified. - Following the review, the taxonomic group used MARXAN to identify efficient sets of areas to meet the representation targets for each species.
Communication plans - “Relais en at regional and communication » in national level available place in 2 provinces and operational - « Schema de communication » elaborated for 4 provinces - “Schema et plan de communication” implemented for the priority ecoregions
Reportage conducted 3 films (Zahamena, for all new protected Anjozorobe, area created Makira) Elaborating and 1 blurb basis of updating of key communication on
messages System of protected areas updated
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Training and information for 3 training or different vectors of workshops in new communication on protected areas new protect areas system General awareness raising on new protected areas 1 poster creation conducted at 1 leaflet different levels (National, Regional and Local) 1.3. Establish new protected Biodiversity At least 5 terrestrial Biodiversity Biodiversity areas conservation priorities sites, marine/ZH conservation conservation priorities validated through the priorities validated validated through the process of through the process process of consultation with local of consultation in consultation in partners Bongolava Andavakoera, Manambolomaty, New protected areas At least 5 terrestrial One new protected outside USAID sites, marine/ZH area outside USAID priority ecoregions priority ecoregions created has temporary status: Bongolava Capacity needs for the management of new protected areas identified Guide for “new Guide implemented Guide for “new Guide for “new protected areas” protected areas protected areas creation and creation” will be creation” will be management finalized at the end distributed to elaborated and of August stakeholders at local, available regional and national level 1.4. Refine conservation Vision of biodiversity The vision of priorities in USAID priority conservation available biodiversity eco-regions and biodiversity conservation conservation priorities confirmed for validated through the Anosy Region and process of gaps and challenges consultation with local were identified partners
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Plan de gestion of “Plan de gestion” - Workshop: - Public consultation corridor elaborated elaborated and “lancement officiel at the communal and and implemented validated for 2 de la mise en place village level will begin corridors and 1 de nouvelle aire during the second region protégée dans le semester of 2006 for CAZ et planification Zahamena- des interventions » Ankeniheny corridor was held in Toamasina on February 14th et 15 th 2006 - CI and DGEF organized a working session in Toamasina (20-21 March) to discuss the planning process for the conservation of the Corridor Ankeniheny- Zahamena. New protected areas 1 corridor, 1 region New protected area in USAID priority in USAID priority ecoregions created ecoregions: Fandriana- Vondrozo corridor has temporary status Capacity needs for the 2 corridors, Anosy management of new region protected areas identified 1.5. Develop forest restoration Forest restoration 1 strategy refined functions and procedures in strategy established and adopted USAID priority eco-regions Action plans TBD 2 visits in developed in pilot Ambohilero. zones Development of action plan A network of forest 1 Workshop at the Census of the actors 1 restoration national level in forest restoration Workshop at the practitioners in Madagascar national level established Number of field 1 3 exchange between Exchange between Fandriana-Andasibe- 4 practitioner's Anjozorobe- Moramanga Ambohilero
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RESULT MODULE 2: MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS FOR CONSERVATION AREAS IMPROVED Performance Annual target Actual 2006 Perspective 2006 Sub RM Activities Indicator 2006 (Semester 1) (Semester 2) 2.1. Develop and/or refine Number of PAs with conservation management updated plans 48 22 48 plans and other thematic plans completed for protected areas. 2.2. Improve and fully Number of PAs with implement annual monitoring and 38 0 38 programmatic work plans for evaluation systems in protected areas place 2.3. Develop an appropriate Number of PAs with system of business plans and business plans 48 0 48 marketing programs for protected areas
RESULT MODULE 3: NATIONAL PARK NETWORK ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED Sub RM Activities Performance Annual target Actual 2006 Perspective 2006 Indicator 2006 (Semester 1) (Semester 2) 3.1. Reinforce the institutional, technical and financial capacity of ANGAP in protected areas management. 3.1.1. Implement financial Non significant 5 5 planning and management difference between system Plan Budget and financial report 3.1.2. Redefine staff terms of Number of staff term 1 1 reference based on result- of reference redefined based planning 3.1.4. Develop and implement Number of audit in 7 regular test audits of financial financial and technical and conservation performance matters perform 3.1.5 Setup and run EP3 Number of financial 2 2 general communication system and technical reports through ANGAP network that can be integrated in other EP3 partner reports 3.2. Foster service oriented roles and functional linkages between national and regional offices, and between these and the parks and reserves. 3.2.1. Training in-client Number of training in 1 oriented service provision client oriented service 3.2.2. Creation of marketing Number of workshop 3 3 committee to develop service of marketing oriented goals for each level of committee staff 3.2.3. Annual forum for Number of forum for 1 exchange between the exchange between the operational levels of the operational levels organization organized 3.2.4. Develop institution-wide Number of insertion - marketing and client-relations policy Number of booklet 1500 produced Elaboration du plan de circuit et brochure d’interprétation pour les 12 parcs prioritaires en écotourisme 3.2.5. Develop policies for Number of policies 1 1 relations with private sector for relations with private sector developed 3.3. Define and mobilize funding for national park network and support services. 3.3.1. Draw up funding Number of funding 3 3
Page 41 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 agreements based on agreements based on individual park needs individual park needs drew up 3.3.2. Conduct conservation activities in selected parks RANOMAFANA To permit a follow-up Length of paths 9 permanent and better improved surveillance of the species in the Park notably the forest dense humid sempervirente of bass and average altitude and bamboos forests, of the existing threatened species in the park as the Primates of which six species very threatened, the mammals of which 6 species very threatened, birds of which 7 species very threatened and the reptiles and amphibians of which a threatened species on the other hand. This circuit also serves to guide the tourists at the time of their visit. And finally, for a follow- up of the possible pressures that the tourists can perpetrate. A well circuit improved generates an increase of the returns useful to the perpetuation that contributes to the growth of the IEG Setting up of a follow-up Number of Impact 1 1 system to the level of the Site evaluation system to value the negative impacts of the Ecotourism in order to propose measures of attenuation. Example: Determination of the capacity of load of a tourist circuit Same objective that the one of Length of paths 28 the circuit arranged maintained Advocacy to decision-makers, Number of 10 10 which is to facilitate the communication for actions of conservation of the decision makers Park. Approach: presentation of all activities of the park, and the cases of experienced pressures on the Park notably the encroachment and the collection of bamboos; Sensitization of the Authorities concerning the protection of the environment and the importance of the park To reach sensitization of the Number of events 1 1 population which lives near organized the protected area in environmental matter.
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Example: Celebration of the World Day of the environment ANDASIBE MANTADIA After the identification of the Number of research 1 1 targets of conservation and the program indicators of follow-up of their viability, definition of the actions of research and establishment of the research program: Priorisation of targets for an applied research The Site of camping completes Number of camping 1 1 the offered services in addition site maintained to those offered by the ecoutouristic circuits . Example to allow the tourists to take a break and to satisfy their physiological needs. And finally, for a follow-up of the possible pressures that the tourists can perpetrate. A very kept camping site increases the returns in ecotourism that assures the financial perpetuation and also contribute to the growth of the IEG Advocacy to the main Number of 2 2 decision-makers. So they communication for facilitate the actions of decision makers conservation of the Park. Approach: presentation of all activities of the park, and the cases of experienced pressures on the Park; Sensitization of the Authorities concerning protection of the environment and the importance of the park Sensitization of the riparian Number of events 1 1 population in environmental organized matter, by the organization of events, ZAHAMENA After the identification of the Number of research 1 1 conservation targets, definition program of the action of research through the program of research: Priorisation of targets. To permit a follow-up Length of paths 5 permanent and better improved surveillance of the key elements of the Park notably the humid dense forests of low and middle altitude sheltering all species of lémuriens on the one hand, of the existing threatened species in the park as the Primates, the mammals, birds and the reptiles and
Page 43 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 amphibians of which most are threatened by hunt for the human consumption. This circuit also serves to guide the tourists during their visit. And finally, for a follow-up of the possible pressures that the tourists can perpetrate. A well improved circuit generates an increase of the returns useful to the perpetuation that contributes to the growth of the IEG. To facilitate the access at the Length of access road 3 Protected Area in order to maintained facilitate the control and surveillance of the pressures and the access of the tourists Developing and increasing of Number of training 1 the scientific knowledge and session for guides improvement of the services offered concerning tourism The Site of camping completes Number of camping 1 the offered services in addition site completed and to those offered by the operational ecotouristic circuits . Example to allow the supervisors and the tourists to take a break. A site of camping well improved increases the returns in ecotourism and assure the financial perpetuation. it contributes to the growth of the IEG To permit a follow-up Length of paths 10 permanent and better maintained surveillance of the habitats of the Park notably the forests dense humid of low and middle altitude and on the one hand, of the existing threatened species in the park as the Primates, the mammals, birds and the reptiles and amphibians. A very maintained circuit generates an increase of the returns useful to the perpetuation that contributes to the growth of the IEG. To facilitate the access at the Length of access road 14 14 Protected Area in order to maintained facilitate the control and surveillance of the pressures and the access of the tourists Same objective as camping site Number of camping 1 complete and operational site maintained
Advocacy to the main Number of 9 3 6 decision-makers. So they communication for facilitate the actions of decision maker
Page 44 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 conservation of the Park. Approach: presentation of all activities of the park, and the cases of experienced pressures on the Park; Sensitization of the Authorities concerning protection of the environment and the importance of the park. Example, in 2005, this activity consists to the sensitization to the struggle against the fires and also to establish a protocol of collaboration to reach the objectives fixed to the environmental programs notably the" state zero" and finally the adoption of effort to reduce the pressures in the zone of intervention. But also, for the explanation of the politics of management of the National Park and the creation of the COSAP and the system of management of development of the Peripheral Zone Sensitization of the riparian Number of events 1 1 population in environmental organized matter Initiation to the students of Number of school 10 5 5 the value and the importance sensitized of the protection of the park Creation of a group for the Number of relay 7 2 5 perpetuation of the organizations conservation of the Protected operational created Area Protected after the EP3
Initiation to the riparian Number of EE in 25 11 14 population of the value and villages realized the importance of the protection of the Park ANDOHAHELA To permit a permanent follow- Number of reception 1 up and better surveillance of and control posts the habitats of the Park realized
To facilitate the access at the Length of access road 28 Protected Area in order to improved facilitate the control and surveillance of the pressures and the access of the tourists
Same objective that the one Length of access road 51 mentioned in access road maintained improved Advocacy to the main Number of 10 5 5 decision-makers. So they communication for facilitate the actions of decision maker conservation of the Park. Approach: sensitization and
Page 45 Maintaining Biological Integrity of Critical Biodiversity Habitats SEMI ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2006 dialogue in order to fight against the different pressures perpetrated in the park; Sensitization of the Authorities in environmental matter Creation of committee for the Number of relay 1 1 perpetuation of the protection organizations of the Park after EP 3 operational created
COMMENTS: 2006 first semester has been marked by a readjustment of the activities under the 2006Annual Work Plan , further to the various recommendations by MIARO Team. As a result, most of the activities scheduled to be completed in the first semester have been left pending. Thus, the activities scheduled for the first semester will be spread out, according to their technical feasibility, in the course of the second semester.
RESULT MODULE 4: SUSTAINABLE FINANCING MECHANISMS MOBILIZED AND OPERATIONAL Sub RM Activities Performance Annual target Actual 2006 Perspective 2006 Indicator 2006 (Semester 1) (Semester 2) 4.1. Expand and develop Increased investments MBPATF: working Consultant for the Grant-making and management capacity of in and conservation documents elaboration of the fundraising manual for Malagasy Environmental Trust impacts of Tany Meva elaborated, MFPAB grant- MFPAB finalized Funds/Foundations and of the Madagascar fundraising manual identified Biodiversity and performed and will start work Protected Areas Trust in August Fund TM: further grants Draft of the Approval of the acquired, more « Règlement Réglement intérieurs et activities underway Intérieur and Manuel de Manuel de Financement financement » Support Tany Meva on finalized using GIS Strategic support of Tany Meva (Training, provide specific services) 4.2. Build on efforts made and Increased revenues for Three sustainable Continuation of Study of the evaluation cooperate with other EP3 forest habitat financing sales of Carbon of the ecosystem actors to mobilize potential conservation, from mechanisms in from Makira services, case of sources of income for forest diverse sources and place by the end of (preparation of the Masoala and Makira habitat conservation and for financing mechanisms the year (including documents with CI) the système des aires protégées Makira carbon (outside ANGAP parks) fund) 4.3. Stimulate investment for Increased private Two feasibility Business plan of the Develop partnership biodiversity conservation sector investment in studies/business opportunity of with private sectors environmental plans related to ecolodge in Nosy and identify optimal conservation conservation/ecoto Mangabe is finished options of the urism businesses with Haas Business conservation. completed School.
Developing fair Evaluation of the trade with two economic value of the products (vanilla ecotourism finalized and raffia), partners (Makira/Masoala and identified and sites Fort Dauphin) localized
The evaluation of the economic value of eco tourism is now in progress
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(methodology will finished end of June, with Yale Business School)
Notes Under RM4.2., WWF's perspective is to identify payment for ecosystem services pilot sites and to perform a feasibility study for introduction of green taxes to finance the environmental sector. For RM 4.1, most of the Tany Meva support will be launched in semester 2.
VIII. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR THE NEXT PERIOD
RESULT MODULE 1: ECOLOGICAL LINKAGES ESTABLISHED AND MAINTAINED
Following are the main planned activities for the next reporting period: è Support and mobilize different actors for the finalization and promulgation of the “arrêté de protection temporaire” of 8 new protected areas. è Finalize the document "General orientations" and tools sent by IUCN experts based on the experiences at regional and local levels. è Support the promoters during the process of creation and for the implementation of legal status for 2005 and 2006 sites è Organize workshop at regional and local levels è Produce and disseminate messages based on the result of cost/benefit analyses to key targeted audiences è Inform key groups and secretariats techniques (provincial and regional) on the advancement of SAPM implementation and share continuously the experiences è Organize planning workshop for each priority site and identify sensitive natural ecosystem which are important for biodiversity conservation (scientific workshop) è Produce map of sensitive areas for each priority site and proposed limits of new protected areas and ZPC è Identify information needs and support the collection of necessary information depending on their availability (biodiversity, habitat, SIG, MARXAN) è Consult with taxonomic expert to verify the biodiversity priority map è Produce forest cover change map between 2000 and 2005 è Insure that forest cover change map is distributed and well interpreted è Integrated priority sites within fire analyses and put in place system to communicate the information è Support regions outside USAID priority areas (Mikea, Makira, Mahafaly) in establishing their communication plans è Support USAID priority areas for the implementation of their communication plan è Development of database interaction tool to allow researcher data entry and training workshop for its use. Development of website to allow access to users remote access to data è Produce map with the results of scientific workshop, primary forest, "transfert de gestion", mining concession, legal logging concession, limits of communes è Support in developing "schema d'amenagement" è Assist organization of new protected areas management teams and provide appropriate information on the creation process è Participate to USAID Alliance meeting and share continuously information on the implementation of SAPM with implementers of USAID Ecoregional Planning and Agriculture/Trade contracts
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è Elaborate plan de gestion du corridor è Continue the consultation and negotiation at communal level (limit of new protected areas, ZPC, management objectives of new protected areas, zoning) è Elaborate the "schema d'amenagement", plan d'amenagement definitif with limit definitive è Conduct training needs assessment within DGEF (including DIREEF, CIREEF, CEF) et la Direction de la Pêche è Provide training modules in protected areas management è Census of restoration practitioners and organization of workshop to outline a forest restoration strategy and refine the strategy of forest restoration è Integrate forest restoration with the national reforestation strategy and policies è Collect and analyze ongoing project practices, to learn lesson for improving the strategy è Determine the potential area for forest restoration within the USAID priority area è Gather information and prepare report on seed sources for non-native plants for use in corridor restoration è Make a review and synthesis of tests carried out in Madagascar and in countries of similar conditions è Establish demonstration plots for the 6 restoration and rehabilitation project activities as a focus for training and research è Mobilize processes leading to clarification of land (and carbon) tenure and incentives for long-term investment in land on the part of rural populations è Organize a field visit exchange between practitioners and involving interested implementers
RESULT MODULE 2: MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS FOR CONSERVATION AREAS IMPROVED
Following are the main planned activities for the next reporting period: è Continue the quality review of the updated and improved Management Plans for ANGAP network protected areas. The RM2 team will provide comments on the contents of the plans, with particular attention to conservation targets, threats analysis, management strategic objectives and monitoring (ecological and threats monitoring). è Continue the support to actors involved in the creation of new protected areas in priority ecoregions (Ankeniheny – Zahamena and Fandriana Vondrozo corridors). This will include progress towards the management planning process through the adaptation of ANGAP planning process. (link to RM1) è Linked to above, support the SAPM in the elaboration of a practical guide for the management planning process. è Help regions that have high interests in creating (identifying and prioritizing) new protected areas. è Consolidate the work already started with ANGAP for establishing a ranger based monitoring scheme for key ANGAP sites. è Complete species databases and biodiversity profiles for all protected areas. è Complete all the ANGAP protected area business plans è Provision of key technical documents to all SAPM sites by creating and distributing a protected areas management resource CD.
RESULT MODULE 3: NATIONAL PARK NETWORK ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED
All the activities scheduled to be completed in the first and second semesters of 2006 will be implemented as soon as the 2006 Annual Work Plan is validated and after the accounting administration problems are sorted out and realistically spreading out during the second semester and according to the technical feasibility.
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RESULT MODULE 4: SUSTAINABLE FINANCING MECHANISMS MOBILIZED AND OPERATIONAL
Activities planned for the second semester 2006 are summarized as follow: è Focus on Tany Meva restructuring with the expectation of organizational changes completed by end of the year. è Try to create a mechanism for monetary exchange to build a hard currency endowment for Tany Meva è Complete the Tany Meva website and further develop communications plans è Undertake board training and development è Develop GIS training for Tany Meva and utilize GIS to help identify areas of focus for Tany Meva future investments. è Support activities and technical assistance for Madagascar Foundation for Protected Areas and Biodiversity. è Continue work with the Comité pour le Développement des Instruments de Financement Durable è Launch study economic valuation study of Masoala peninsula and Makira è Complete film about Madagascar’s natural capital è Share results of WWF-Care-IIED partnership on environmental services. è Continue to coordinate with the World Bank to support creation of a functioning carbon office. è Complete initial research for identification of payment for watershed ecosystem services (PES) pilot sites è Complete feasibility of introducing green taxes to finance conservation activities. è Provide administrative support to increase capacity to implement green taxes strategy. è Explore potential for funding conservation through French Debt Development Contract (C2D) and prepare proposal for allocation. è Provide technical assistance to Government of Madagascar and Madagascar foundations for advocacy and proposal preparation relative to Madagascar's PRSP and HIPC debt relief allocation. è Develop work plan and launch feasibility studies of introducing green taxes to finance conservation areas è Continue development of the Masoala and Zoo Zurich funding mechanisms, including development of a Masoala endowment. Work closely with Zoo Zurich and Friends of Masoala to develop this. è Analyze potential for new private sector financing sources to invest in environmental sector è Continue working with private sector contacts to create business opportunities around current conservation areas, focusing on natural products (e.g. fair trade raffia and green vanilla). è Provide technical input into the newly emerging concessions policy.
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