f- t_ - f-
I
KOilIARII{ETI GATCHMENIT COFISERV ON ARtsA g,oLoII@N rsL $
TAOJECT NMIEPAN"AT.ION EO
Sonlh Fscilfe Bio'rlivenf,ty Gsncervnfrm HlgFmEQ
t
--
.l
_l KOIITARIDIDT CATCIXhIENT CONSERVATIOI\I AREA PROJECT
I I
Tffi, SOIXTH PAEIFIC BTOIII\TERSITY CONS,ERVATKIN PROGTAI}|1}IE FRO.IECTP-REPARATIONDO-EUIIENT
I
Repwt Prqpffid for tbe lrfidqtry ofFsrtgts, Bnvhoninemt and eoncsrvstio With tec.tnical assistance from the South Pacific Biodiversity Conserrration Programe and The Nature Conserv:ancy
March 1995
i
I
T TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECTJTIVE SIJMMARY
PART 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the project 1.2 The project preparation document
PART 2: TIIE EXISTING SITUATION
2.1 Physical features 2.2 Biological features 2.3 Cultnml and community fertures 2.4 Economic considerations 2.5 Infrastructure 2.6 Relevant institutions 2.7 Environment and development policy context
PART 3: RATIONALE AND PROJECT DESIGN
3.1 Rationrle 3.2 Selection of area 3.3 Potentials and constraints 3.4 Project design
PART 4: THE PROJECT
4.1 Project objectives 4.2 Key participants 4.3 Project components 4.4 Phasing and workphn 4.5 Project linancing and administration 4.6 Proj ect organisation, managenent and co-ordination 4.7 Legal fiamework 4.t Monitoring and evaluation 4.9 fpining
PART 5: PROJECT IMPACTS
5.1 Project benefits 5.2 Social impacts 5.3 Risks 5.4 Future options and issues
REFERENCES .AIYNE)(ES
I LogcalX'amework for the Komerindi Cetchment Conservation Area Proiect tr Proposed Outline of Management Plan m Job Description : KCCA Project Manager
LIST OF F"IGTJRES
figure 1 Locationlvlap Figure 2 KCCA Map Figure 3 The KCCA Assessed Against SPBCP Selection Crit€ria x.igure 4 WorkplanMatrix Figure 5 SunrmaryofProjecFunding Figure 6 TrainingNeeds : Indicative Srrrrrmary
I t I ACROIYYMS
ADB Asian Development Bank CA Conssvation Area CAP Conssrvation Area hoject CASO Conservation Area Support Officer CLO Commrnity Liaison Officer ECD Environment & Conserryation Division (srG) EIA Environmental Impact Assessment GDP Gross Domestic Product GEF GlobalEnvironment Facility KCCACC Komarindi Catchment Conservation Area Co-ordinating Cornmittee KCCA Komarindi Catchment Conservation Area KCCAP Komarindi Catchment Conservation Area hoject MFEC Ministry of Forests, Environment & Conservation (sIG) NEMS National Environmental Management Strategy NGO Non-government Organisation PPD Project Preparation Document SBD Solomon Island Dollar SIG Solomon Islands Government SIDT Solomon Islands Development Trust (NGO) SINURP Solomon Islands National Union, Reconciliation and Progressive Party (SIG) SPBCP South Pacific Biodiversity Conservation Programme SPREP South Pacific Regional Environment Programme TMAG Technical and Management Advisory Group TNC The Natue Consenrancy (NGO) I I I I
I
I iii
I EXECUTTVE STJMMARY
Introduction and Bachground
The Komarindi Catchment Conservation Area Project (KCCAP) is a community based project designed to facilitate the long term sustainable management of the Komarindi Catchment Conservation Area (KCCA) and its resources. Its aim is to work with the local landowning communities to develop appropriate plans and approaches to long term management which integrate their objectives for social and economic development with the conservation of the environment and its biodiversity. It is based on community recognition of the biodiversity of the KCCA as the critical resouce base for future generations.
The area's biodiversity has long been recognised as a national priority for conservation. It has also been seen as having 6a imFortant potential for a new commtmity based approach to conservation. The Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) of the Ministry of Forests, Environment and Conservation (MFEC) is the lead agency for the project. It has liaised closely with the South Pacific Biodiversity Conservation Programme (SPBCP) - a regional programme of assistance managed by the South Pacific Regional Environment Prograrrnre (SPREP) and funded via the United Nations Development Programme ([JNDP) by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and AUSAid, in developing the project as one of the SPBCP regional projects.
The project was initially designed in conjunction with lhe proposed Komarindi Hydroelectric Power Project. While this project is still anticipated, its planning has been subject to a complex series of delays and defermeils, and the KCCAP has progressed independently, although with the potential for the future integration of the hydroelectric scheme.
In essence the KCCAP is a "process oriented" project. Its fundamental premise is that community understanding of, commitment to, and central involvement in the project is essential for its long term sustainability. The emphasis is firstly on facilitating the establishment of an appropriate community based management structure, and secondly the development of participatory planning and management of the KCCAP. The project seeks to ensure the maximum level of corununity involvement in both its design and implementation as possible. As the project progresses, and in particular, as levels of training and experience grow within the communities, the overall responsibility for project management will progressively pass to the communities themselves.
The Existing Situation
The Komarindi Catchment Conservation Area (KCCA) covers an approximate area of 19,300ha located in the central highlands of the western end of Guadalcanal Island, the largest island in the Solomons Soup (Figure l). The project area is within 8-l0km of the south-west coast and approximately 4-6km from Honiara on the north-east coast. The area centres on the Komarindi River catchment, but also includes the catchments of the Charahi Rivern the Ohe Stream and White River (Figure 2). Together with other tributaries, the Komarindi flows into the Lungga River which flows northwards across the Guadalcanal plain. It has been proposed that the KCCA also include part of the Honiara karst area west and south west of the White River village (Konggulai). The final boundary of the KCCA will depend on on-going consultation with landowners, and ecological surveyo however the boundaries currently reflect the original focus on catchment protection, and, apart from the access corridor from White River Village, constitute catchment boundaries.
The Solomon Islands are recognised as having biodiversity unique on a global scale, and as being regionally most significant. The island group as a whole has been identified as a sepirate biogeographic province within the South Pacific area. Both the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforests of the Solomon Islands are acknowledged to be highly diverse and abundant. It is believed that for bird species, not even in the Galapagos Islands is the phenomenon of speciation and population variation between islands as cornmon. The level of endemism is high compared to other Pacific island countries:
. 44o/o of land bird species and 38% of avian sub'species are considered to be endemic. . approxfunately 30% of reptile species are endemic . 38o/o of amphibian species are endemic . it is likely that around 50% of mammal species are endemic. the limited biological information available on the Komarindi catchment and adjoining Lungga Plateau indicates that this area is representative of the diversity which characterises the rainforest environment of the Solomon Islands and that it provides habitat for some of the Solomon Islands'rare and endangered species.
The significance of the KCCA is underlined by the threats to its resources and overall biodiversity that are treginning to be faced, such as an increasing presstre for loggmg. The potential of the project itself is, however. noteworthy for the interest that the landowning communities have in sustainable conservation menagement of the resources of the area over the long term" The communities have recopnised the importance of the KCCA to them. and their long term dependence on its resources. At the same time they are aware of their own pressing development needs. They have indicated their considerable interest in the project's assistance with their own long term sustainable management of their resources.
The Project
Within the overall scope of the SPBCP aims and objectives, the specific aim of the KCCAP is:
To consertte the KCCA in perpetaity as a basis for sustainable development and the maintenance of biodivenity in the catchment with the participation of landowner communities. To achieve this airq the specific objectives of the project are:
1. To protect and conserve the native fauna and flora, habitats and the essential ecological proce,sses that maintain them.
2. To protect and conserve the cultural, historical and archaeological values of the KCCA.
3. To provide an effective and participatory process for establishing acceptable and appropiate managernent planning for the KCCA which meets the needs of both landovwters and the consentation of biodiversitv.
4. To establish effective and appropriate project management aftangements (including both guideltnes and structures) vthich will ultimately operate at the local community level.
5. To provide opportunities for appropriate sustainable traditional uses of the resources of the KCCA.
6. To provide appropriate opportunities for sensitive ecotouism development.
7. To provide oppottunities for sensitive, compatible and sustainable development activtties.
8. To maintain the catchment in a suitable condition to sustain a potable water supply for Honiara.
The project is designed around activities that are targeted at achieving these odectives. The activities are in turn grouped into a series of nine tasks which form the basis ofthe five year indicative work plan and budget. The project workplan couprises three main phases. Phase I is the preliminary or preparatory phase and will culminate in the establishment of the principal community based decision-making body for the project. Phase 2 is concerned with the major project design and planning tasks, and phase 3 is that of projsct irnplementation. The nine principal project tasks are:
I. Information, awareness and edilcation orosramme
This programme is on-going throughout the life of the project, and has already begu with the involvement of landowners in early project design. The programme will be flexible in order to deal with key target groups identified by the Management Plan and in relation to specific activities. While its principal eryhasis to date has been from the lead agency to the landowners and focused on the benefrts of sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity, the programme is a two-way one, with project staff learning of the needs and aspirations of landowners, ild their customary knowledge of the area and its resources. As an early exarnplen the landowners have indicated their desire to see the conservation of cultual and traditional sites and values as an essential part of the prograflme. This on-going, two-way process is essential if the project is to succeed. At later stages of the programme, information, awareness and education targeted at outsiders (such as eco-tourists, other govemment agencies, schools, researchers) will be necessary activities. It is also desirable that the programme includes the preparation of information materials on the project for use elsewhere in the Solomon Islands to assist other similar projects.
Activities under this task can be grouped into two: Phase l, and Phases 2 and 3 together:
Phase I activities are centred on the participatory approach to project desigrq and the gaining of consent and commitment by landowners to establishing a process along SPBCP lines to manage the KCCA. The output sought is the interest of all landowning groups in the project, and their commitment to establishing a formal projea decision-making body to design the project proper. This is being achieved by a series of meetings and workshops. The final workshops for Phase I have as their objective the establishment of the decision-making body and the setting of its first meeting date.
Phase 2 and 3 activities will in large part be determined by the decision-making body and the work prografirme it approves, but in conjunction with the on-going community communication programme identified as part of Task 2, thue will need to be a constant low-level input of information and awareness work, as well as related to specific activities such as development of sustainable traditional uses and eco-tourism- - A newsletter in local language or pidgin is also proposed, as an important part of this prograrnme will be to keep people informed of progress, and reminded of the objectives. It is anticipated that as the project progresses and its management becomes lssalised, other appropriate activities will be included in the programne.
2. Establishins and implemenfins a nrocess of formal proiec't discussion and decision-makins
The key feature of an SPBCP projea is that it is to be procas oriented. The project is to be genuinely participatory, both in design and implementation. Tasks 2 and 3 together are designed to set up the process that will drive the KCCA project. Task 2 concerns the establishment of the formal project body for discussion and decision- making, at this stage of project development €ntitled the Komarindi Catchmat Conservation Area Co-ordinating Committee (KCCACC). Task 3 concerns the establishment of the project management structure and procedures which will service the KCCACC and physically manage the project.
It is important that the establishment of the KCCACC is a genuinely participatory process. While it is likely that in the long term this body will be supersedd by a legal entity which at this stage is referred to as the KCCA Authority, it is important that the KCCACC has appropriate representation from all stakeholders, particularly the landowners. Membership of the Committee must reflect the fact that the land is all under customary ownership - landowners must be reassured that they retain ownership of their lands, and that they should have ownership in the project. During preliminary project design, menrbership of the KCCACC was proposed and was subject to some minor consultation. The KCCACC will no doubt consider, and perhaps refine, membership in light of its own reflections on the matter.
The establishment of the KCCACC is a Phase I task. It arises out of the community consultation progranme, and will be the specific focus of nryo workshops, the first of which has as its objeaive to gain approval for proceeding with Phase 2 by means of such a committee. The second workshop is planned to focus specifically on the composition and terms of reference for the KCACC. Agteement on these matters and the setting of the date for the first meeting of the KCCACC will mark the conclusion ofPhase l.
Task 2 also has Phase 2 and Phase 3 components. During Phase 2 and 3 the KCCACC will require servicing by projea staff, and will be making directions and decisions requiring action. It will also be considering and perhaps planning towards legal status for the KCCA and itself.
The KCCACC will be supported by a progranxne of community communication. It is not considered enough that the KCCACC members be the sole points of communication between project management and stakeholders, particularly in respect of the landowning community.
Implementation of this programme will be principally undertaken by the technical assistance agencies and the Conservation Area Support Officer (CASO). It is proposed that three Community Liaison Officers be appointed as wage workers on an "as and when" basis, one for each landowner group, to assist the CASO with community consultation. Eventually the CASO will be employed with the KCCA Authority.
Given the matrilineal structure of the landowning communities, and the important role played bywomen in managing resources, there willbe strong involvement of women in the KCCA process, including KCCACC representation.
In the long term it is likely to prove desirable for the KCCACC to establish a strong legislative basis for the project. Under these circumstances the KCCACC will need to be legally based, in which case it may need to be replaced (in name at least) by a KCCA Authority. An important activity within this Task will be to investigate legislative mechanisms by which to provide long term protection for the KCCA and its management stnrcture.
3. Establishment of an appropriale manapement structure
A basic premise of all SPBCP projeas is that project management will vest as soon as is practicable with the local community. This will largely depend on the degree of local managemetrt expertise available. For the KCCA, as with most SPBCP projects, projed management at the outset rests with the lead agency (Director of Environment and Conservation and CASO) with the assistance of TNC. The three phases of the project largely define the activities under this Task:
Phase I Project management, including the extra report writing tasks (Concept Document and PPD) and the implementation of the series of community meetings and workshops leading up to, and including, the establishment of the KCCACC, is the responsibility of the MFEC as the lead agency, via the CASO. This arrangement will continue until the KCCACC has been established and met to consider this issue. As the project proceeds, and particularly after the Management Plan has bean completed, there will be an increasing workload in managing the implementation of activities on the ground.
Phase 2 and 3 will depend on the deliberations of the KCCACC, but essentially project management will service the Committee by providing it with information and agenda items, and give efflect to its decisions. Projed management will also be responsible for the on-going community communication programme. Agendas for early KCCACC meetings will be largely dependent on circumstances closer to meeting dates and the wishes of KCCACC members, but there are a number of important matters requiring the Committee's earliest attention. These include:
. Confirmation of membership and role of the KCCACC. . Confirmation and endorsement of the PPD. . Delineation of the KCCA (and specifically whether the Lungga Plateau is in or out). . Project management arrangements (appointment of a project manag€r (?), agreement on a management strategy which localises management, associated management training programme). . Management Plan formulation process. . Early progress with income generating projects, and particularly eco-tourism- . Financial alangements (establishment of a Landowners' Trust?).
An important aspect of project management is to have one person in charge. Whether or not a project numager is appointed in addition to the CASO, or the CASO is formally acknowledged in the position, a KCCA project manager is critical to the achievement of the KCCA. The project rumager will assist the KCCACC with the planning and implementation of the project.
The project manager will be responsible for the overall care, control and management of the KCCA on behalf of the KCCA Authority and, ultimately, the Landowners Trust. The projea ilnnager will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of a management plan for the KCCA, supervising stafi managing the budget of the Authority, liaising with the landowners and the Trust, liaising with other authorities, ensuring that project administration and reporting functions are caried out, and generally maintaining the efficient operation of the CA.
4. Delineation of KCCA boundaries
It is important that early in the planning process the KCCACC determines whether the Lungga Plateau is in or out of the KCCA. The Lungga Plateau has physical features that suit it well to eco-tourism, and in combination with the fact that the raffirest in this area is the most easily accessible, it is necessary to know before planning begins whether this area is part of the eco-tourism product, as well as in order to incorporate into the planning the special needs of a protected water catchment area. This will be an early Phase 2 task.
5. Preparation of the Manapement Plan
This is perhaps the most important activity of the project, and most certainly its most important output. There is little point in a process that does not deliver a plan for the protection of biodiversity and the sustainable development of resowces. The purpose of the project is to come to some consensus on activities to be carried out in the KCCA. While such a plan will, by necessity, change over time, none-the-less it is inrportant that it be written down and formthe basis of daily management. By the very nature of the KCCA project, the Management Plan will be the subject of a widely inclusive process of consuhation.
The Management Plan will not only outline management objectives and practices for the KCCA in order to protect biodiversity, cultural and traditional values and practices, it will also identi$ current priorities for sustainable development for the local communities. An important community objective in this regard relates to erryloyment oppofiunities. Most of the long term employment opportunities for local communities which could arise from the implementation of the KCCA will require training of one form or another. A training plan will be prepared as part of the Management Plan and closely linked to the feasibility studies for eco-tourism and other sustainable development opportunities. Training will concentrate on practical "on the job" in- country programmes. In time higher education scholarships may be required for potential KCCA managers.
Monitoring is also an important part of KCCA management. While this will be as simple as possible, it is necessary to determine the effect on key biodiversity and socio- economic perameters in order to ensure both the degree of success and sustainability of the project. The Management Plan will include the details of a project monitoring proglarune.
6. Estsblishment of sustainahle tradifional activities
An iryortant task for the KCCACC is to identiff and prioritise opportunities for sustainable techniques for traditional uses and practices both within and outside the KCCA. This Phase 2 activtty may well in practice be implemented in conjunction with Task 8.
Both community communication prograrnmes and the KCCACC will generate a list of opportunities, some of which have already been briefly considered in community liaison to date. The KCCACC will consider and prioritise the list of opportunities. Priority options will then be assessed as to their feasibility and appropriateness within the project. Feasibility studies will be likely to require outside expertise. Studies will also identify training needs, and possible sources of expertise and funding.
In conjunction with Task 8 activities, there is a need for feasibility studies to carry out a socio-economic survey to acquire base data against which approved and implemented projects can be monitored. As identified in section 2 of the PPD, very little data exists on the current socio-economic context of the local communities. Monitoring of such perameters will be important to gauge the effect of the project generally. While monitoring will need to be simple and draw on local resources, a good understanding of existing conditions is important at the outset.
The fmal stage of Task 6 is to manngs the inrplementation of aprproved projects. This places particular emphasis on the planning stage, in order to ensure that projects are implemented in the right sequence of events.
7. Establishment of eco-tourism
Eco-tourism has already been identified as an income generating activity for the KCCA, furthermore there is an expectation among stakeholders that eco-tourism will occur soon.
A feasibility study is proposed early in Phase 2. This will need to be done relatively comprehensively and is likely to need the input of at least some outsiders with relevant expertise. 11 is important, however, to develop an ecotourism product that is unique and of a design and scale that is manageable by the local communities. It is also imFortant that, while implementation should begin as soon as possible, all the necessary planning and training should be carried out in the right sequence. t anguage and guide training of locals is one activity which will be able to be initiated eady in the process, as are the carrying out of ecological survey work, and the recording of species traditionally used by the landowners. These will be undertaken as a base for biological monitoring, and as part of the eco-tourism feasibility study to assist with the design of interpretation programmes for tourists respectively. The study will also recommend a workplan which identifies the sequence of activities needing to be followed in order to set up an appropriate eco-tourism enterprise.
Implementation of the eco-tourism project is a separate and significant activity that is likely to begin during Phase 2, although major on the ground construction will not begin until Phase 3. This will rely on adequate work being undertaken in the planning stage to ensure that work is done in the right sequence.
8. Establishment of sustainable develooment activities
Opportunities for sustainable development have already been discussed with landowners on a relatively casual basis. As full a list of current possible opportunities as possible will first be identified and prioritised by the KCCACC. This will occur early in Phase 2. Feasibility studies will then be canied out on those priority activities. As with all project planning. feasibility studies will be participatory in approach but are also likely to require the input of outside expertise. Care will be taken to ensure that developments are appropnate and that implementation plans are realistic. Studies will identrfr training and resource needs as well as possible sources of technical and financial resources. Activities approved by the KCCACC will then be implemented as part of Phase 3 of the project. Addition to, and review of, new opportunities will be to be an inportatrt on-going project task.
9. Establishment of sumev and monitorins prowummes
Surveys and monitoring prograrnmes are iryortant components of the project. The two are considered together because it is considered that survey work must be targeted to management needs. This PPD therefore identifies socio-economic, historical cultural site, and biological surveys in the context of key project tasks, and principally connected to the design of monitoring programmes. The need for a basic socio- economic flrvey to assist in the design of a sunple programme of socio-economic monitoring is identified within Task 6 (establishment of sustainable traditional uses). Other activities will also have socio-economic impacts and share the imperative for a socio-economic survey early in their development process. Eco-towism shares with oth€r sustainable development activities the need for monitoring to ensure that the level and types of activities being undertaken are biologically sustainable. Task 7 (establisbnet of eco-tourism) thus provides for the carrying out of a biological survey as a basis for both the provision of base data for monitoring and to assist with the design of tourist interpretation materials.
There is a scarcity of both biological information and socio-economic data on the KCCA. More work is needed to determine base data, including the identification of key indicators, before realistic monitoring can be undertaken.
It is critical for the project to monitor its effects against biological and socio-economic indicators. If the Lungga Plateau is included in the KCCA then a separate monitoring prognunme should be carried out to ensure on-going protection of the water supply and its catchment. It is important that monitoring be siryle and easily carried out, with as much local participation as possible.
Sumnary
The KCCAP is an important project, not just for the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development of tle immediate area and its communities, but also in a national and regional context. It is believed that with the assistance of the SPBCP and other aid donors such as NZ ODA, there is a considerable potential for success.
Project planning has included logframe analysis which is dealt with in firrther detail in the body of the PPD, as well as the preparation of an indicative 5 year work plan and budget projection. The SPBCP programme requires that tlese projections be assessed and refined on an annual basis, and that firrther flexibility is provided for and managed by the quarterly acquittal and disbursement of project funds.
I
T l0 I PART I: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the project
In 1988/89 a feasibility studywas carried out for a small hydroelectric scheme in the Komarindi catchment, a part of the Lungga River catchment, near Honiata, the national capital of the Solomon Islands. The proposed Komarindi Hyclroelectric Power Project would consist of a "run-of -the-river" hydroelectric scheme capable of producing 8MW of power on the Komarindi river, located in the central highlands of the island of Guadalcanal. The power generated would be used in and around Honiara, which is experiencing a growing demand for electricity.
The feasibility rsport emphasised that in order to sustain the life of the hydroelectric project, the catchment must be protected against loggrng and development to maintain the natural condition of the catchment and thus ensure the highest quality of river flow. It was recommended, therefore, that a CA be developed together with the hydroelectric scheme. The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) then requested assistance from the SPREP, which in 1991, prepared a Concept Plan for an integrated conservation and ecotourism scheme in conjunction with the hydroelectric project. SIG accepted the concept plan in principle and sought more details on its implementation- SPREP then brougbt together a small planning team to provide further details for SIG about the management of the CA so that negotiations with landowners could be pusud.
The SPREP Planning Te?m, following further evaluation, recon-firmed that the Komarindi catcbment area, an outstanding naflral area of untouched rainforest close to Honiara, should be protected for its conservation and tourism values. The parallel development of a Conservation Area Project (CAP) and the hydroelectric scheme would provide an exceptional opportunity for SIG to irylement a locally-managed, integrated conservation and development project to achieve economic and social benefits for the local landown€rs and the wider community, as well as conserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of a representative part of both Guadalcanal and the Solomon Islands. The MFEC is the lead agency at this stage of the projea and is being assisted by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and SPBCP.
As a result of the Planning Team work, the SPBCP, considered the concept document and approved the KCCAP to be a projecl within its regional programme.
Since the SPBCP decision" the KCCAP has had to adjust to changed circumstances, the principal change being that the hydroelectric scheme has struck flrnding difEculties and has been put on hold. The initial project concept was based around infrastructure for the hydroelectric scheme to support ecotourism in the area. With fte stalling of the hydroelectric project and the absence of infrastructure associated with it, the original project concept was revised and a new Concept hoposal was sent to SPBCP in January 1995. Consultations have established that both the landowners and the government remain interested in pursuing a CAP in the Komarindi catchment area with or without the hydroelectric component. Negotiations are proceeding for an SIG lease over the proposed hydroelectric catchment area to prepare for such a development.
l1 The MFEC, assisted by TNC, has now comm€nced community consultation with customary landowners of the Komarindi area about the possibility of working with them on the project. fnitid meetings have highlightd some of the difficult issues facing these cornmunities, particulafly the pressure on their limited resotuces with needs for a cash income and a growing population. The CAP aims to help the communities plan and manage their resources bstter and work towards environmentally sustainable and appropriate development. Community responses have been positive.
1.2 Project Preprration Document (PPD)
In February 1994 the SPBCP Tecbnical Management and Advisory Group (TMAG) approved the further development of the KCCAP into a fuU PPD. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed benveen SPREP and the SIG on 14 September 1994 allowing interim funding of project rnputs. Since this time consultation with landowners has continued, and the hydro project has been defened.
This report is the PPD for the KCCA. Its principal objective is to summarise the relevant existing information (both on resources and processes), to date in the work towards the establishment of the KCCAP, and present a comprehensive projea plan for bringing about the long term consenration of the biodiversity of the KCCA.
The central philosophy of the KCCAP is the integral involvement and support of indigenous landowners to project design, management and implementation. In the Solomon Islands 88% of all tand and marine areas is held under customary or traditional ownership. Apart ftom any moral arguments, the existence of customary ownership requires, for pragmatic reasons, that the full support and participation of local communities must occur if any conservation management regime is to be successful in the long term-
Consistent with SPBCP philosophy, project management for the KCCAP will progressively move towards the local community and the landowners as the training component of the project builds project management skills at this level.
The PPD will describe the project, its physical and socio-economic context, and its various compon€nts, identiff appropriate management, administrative and financing arrangements, and outline a 5 year work plan and budget. This will then form the basis for the commitment of firnds, and implementation of project activities. While considerable effort is taken to identi$ the key aspects of the KCCAP, it must be recognised that the project described in this PPD is not fixed, rather its purpose is to establish tle outline for a process approach to a long term project. The process ilse[, and its pafiicipants, will determine the detail of the work progrRmme and its outputs. The PPD has been prepared by the MFEC with the assistance of SPBCP and TNC staff. It is, however, a local document that is locally produced and locally owned.
t2 PART 2: Tm E)flSTING SITUATION
No coryrehensive surveln - phpical, ecological or socio-economic - have been carried out within the KCCA or for its landowning communities. This Part of the PPD surnilurises the known information from a number of disparate sources. More detailed ecological and socio-economic surveys will be incorporated into the implementation and monitoring stages of the project.
2.1 Physical features
2.1.1 Location- boundary. area and access
The KCCA covers an approximate area of 19,300ha located in the central highlands of the western end of Guadalcanal Island, the largest island in the Solomons group (Figure l). The project area is within 8-l0km of the south-west coast and approximately 4-6km from Honiara on the north-east coast. The area cenfres on the Komarindi River catchment. but also includes the catchments of the Charahi fuver, the Ohe Stream and White River (Figure 2). Together with othsr tributaries, the Komarindi flows into the Lungga River which flows northwards across the Guadalcanal plain. It has been proposed by the Phase II project team that the KCCA also include part of the Honiara karst area west and south west of the White River village (Konggulai). The final boundary of the KCCA will depend on on-going consultation with landowners, ecological survey. This may be changed in the \ ffid future if the catchment lease to SIG for the hvdroelectric scheme eventuates.
I The boundaries of the KCCA currently ,rfl.r, the original focus on catchment protection, and, apart from the access corridor from White River Village, constitute catchment boundaries. I The area does not contain any roads, allhough there is a surveyed road route into the proposed hydro scheme site from the closest road end at White River. A number of I foot tracks exist within the KCCA, including a portion of the Cross Island Foot Track which is well used by the landowners to link the two geographically separate communities on the north-east and south-west coasts, and a network of tracks leading I up to the Komarindi Catchment from White River, largely used for hunting and the gathering of other forest resources.
2.1.2 Topography
The topography of the KCCA is generally steeply incised uplands, with localised areas of flatter land in the river valleys. There are three major topographic units in the KCCA. The catchment headwaters are contained in the Lunnga Basin and reach altitudes of up to 874m above sea level. At a lower elevation of some 600m is the Lungga Plateau coryrising a complex sequence of steeply dissected karstic ridges and blind valleys. Between the Lunnga Plateau and the road end at White Rivsr is the proposed acc€ss corridor which lies in the foothills. Its lower end, at White River, has an elevation of approximately l00m-
l3 .rlc E IA H (a )= l o (, it z E ulz g€E 3 G 3 sEF N c =Eo ) ! Ic, st = s,$ f. ilEr z B o T'c (tr a J c t! o o E o cI E U U, z q) trt -cP rF o g CL o (g 4F I :l= F , 'F= = z f I ql ,&9 75 j 3U f I U l 3. o J. I' I.G/ LT\ TJ . I J 4 J a - t 9rn u - F- 69 I= U3 f o tt, i= !o z " Figure 2: The Komarindi Catchment Conservation Area
I t I
I
I l6
I 3 On the whole the topography is described as steep, with the maximum altitude being reached within 20km of the coast.
2.13 Geolory and soils
The area comprises 3 main geological types: reef limestone and calcareous sediments near the coast; older recrystallised reef limestone which forms karst landscapes in the lower foothills; and a thick sequence of siltstone and sandstone with minor interbedded basaltic and coral reef limestones in the Lungga Basin, grading up to volcanic tuffs and bneccias on the Lungga Plateau.
Soils of the Lungga Plateau and Ohe River valley are deep, freely draining clays and loams. On the limestone ridges, the soils are shallow to deep freely draining clays. Soils are generally poorly developed on the sandstones and siltstones and are thus of no economic significance other than to support the existing rainforest.
The lowlands on the northern and southern edges of the KCCA however, have fertile soils.
In the hot, wet climate of the Solomon Islands, weathering and leaching of soil minerals on stable sites have led to the formation of soils low in silica and high in residual oxides of iron, aluminium, titaniuq and sometimes chromium- A notable feature of all but a few of the soils is the lack of macrofauna. Earthworms, millipedes, centipedes, and other large invertebrates found in forest soils elsewhere, appear in the Solomons to be confined to rotting logs, moss, under bark, in accumulations of organic debris at the base of epiphytic plants, and most commonly between the leaf bases of Pandanaceae.
There are no economic geological resources of any note in the area, apart from the potential to utilise limestones and basalts for aggregates. The geology that has led to gold bearing deposits elsewhere on Guadalcanal is absent.
2.1.4 Water resources
There are two tlpes of water resource in the area. To the south-west is a comprehensive surface drainage system consisting of the Komarindi and Charahi Rivers and the Ohe stream. In the north-east is the surface draining White River catchment. Between the two is the Lungga karst area, with groundwater systems predominaliag over surface systenr. The Honiara urban area's water supply comes from groundwater originating in this area. Maintenance of its quality is an important management o$ective.
Water quality in both areas is very high due to the undisturbed nature of the catchments and the lack of permanent habitation. During heavy rainfall, however, the steep topography leads to suspended and bed load sdiments being carried downstream, although this has not been quantified.
Surface water resources consist entirely of streams and rivers. The KCCA is too steep to sup,port lakes or wetlands. Tpical catchment behavioru, measured at the
t7 Komarindi/Charahi junction, is for flows generally to range between 5 and 12 cubic metres/second (cumecs) and with freshes above 12 cumecs occurring weekly on average, but more frequently in the wet season. The mean flow is assessed at L2.5 cumecs. During the dry season low flows can last for 7-2 months at a time, with a recorded maximum period of 4.5 months of less than 12 cumecs.
2.1.5 Climate
The climate of the KCCA has not been specifically monitored, tle nearest weather recording station being in Honiara at sea level, however generalisations can be made. Guadalcanal. Mng at a latitude of 9 degrees 30 seconds south, has a generally hot, wet, and humid tropical climate with little variation in the mean montlly teryerafirre. This is ameliorated somewhat by trade winds during the day and cool night+ime breezes off the aesafains.
As with most islands of the tropical South Pacific, there tends to be trvo distinct seasons. From April to Novembero when the south-east trade winds blow and the high tenain in the centre of Guadalcanal exerts a rain shadow effect over the KCCA there is a "d4/" season. For the remaining months of the year (from November to April) there is a "wet" season when north-easterlies bning tropical downpours, squalls and thunderstorms. Tpically, about 65Vo of the 2l00mm mean annual rainfall is experienced during these months. The wet season is also the cyclone sea$on. Tropical cyclones can bring very high winds and large amounts of rainfall in short periods. In 1986 Cyclone Namu caused considerable damage to Guadalcanal, bringing over l500mm of rainfall over three days to the KCCA.
Except for cyclonic disturbances, most rainfall events are of short duration and of moderate-to-heavy intensity. Rainfall averages around 3,500mm/year for the Solomons. This can, however vary greatly according to weather patterns - especially tropical cyclones - and topography. Local variations can be well in excess of this figure. Rainfalls in the wet season are generally more widespread in their aerial extent and may persist for several days in succession. Dry season rainfalls are highly variable in both intensity and aerial distribution. Over 50mm an hour can fall at Honiara, with daily rainfall occasionally reaching over 200mm. The higher elevations of the KCCA can be expected to produce higher figures.
Temperatures at sea level range from 26-33 degrees Celsius during the day, with nigbt time terryeratures being in the order of 3-5 degrees Celsius lower. This temperature range is a few degrees cooler at the higher elevations ofthe KCCA.
Humidity variation averages between 60 and 90%.
Evaporation, as measured by an open pan in Honiara, averages about Smdday or lS2mm/month. Mean monthly evaporation varies from a seasonal low of l05mm up to 2l5mm in the high sunshine months of the dry season.
l8 2.2 Biologicalfeatures
The Solomon Islands are recognised as a separate biogeographic province within the area of the South Pacific covered by the South Pacific Qqmmission according to Dahl (1980). The limited biological information available on the Komarindi catchment and adjoining Lungga Plateau indicates that this area is representative of the diversity which characterises the rainforest environment of the Solomon Islands and that it provides habitat for some of the Solomon Islands'rare and endangered species.
2.2.1 Terrestrial flora
The entire Komarindi Catchment is covered in lowland to mid-mountain prinary tropical rainforest typical of Solomon Islands rainforest, which has remained largely undisturbed by humans. It is currently unpopulated. There are areas of secondary rainforest in the lowlands closer to the northern coast resulting from earlier human occupation (over 50 years ago), and cyclones.
Only a very limited amount of survey work has besn done in the area, and consequently scientific knowledge of the flora is sketchy. It is known that the catchment provides habitat for some of the Solomon Islands' rare and endangered species and that further investigation would undoubtedly lead to the identification of new plant species, particularly in the high forest canopy of the main ridges which appear to have been unaffected by Cyclone Namu. Coryared with te.lresuial fauna there is a low level of plant endemism, but by international standards plant endemism is still very high. There are no endemic families recorded, but 3 endemic genera are recognised. At the species level, endemism app€ars highly variable between families.
The predominantly virgm rainforest is characterised by big leafed, buttressed trees with tall woody climbers. The height of the canopy is irregular, being between 30 and 40 metres, with emergents commonly reaching 45 metres. Subcanopy species are diverse and include cycads, palms, pandanus, lianas, eprphytes and herbs. There is a particularly large variety of pandanus species, including some from the mid and high elevation raffirests that are quite rare. At least 33 species of palms have been recorded in the Solomon Islands. Heliconia species are also of particular botanical interest.
The British Land Resources Division assessed the project area in 1974 arrd described three main forest types:
. Tall large crowned forest with an unbroken canopy occurring on ridges and plateau areas.
. Mid height to tall medium crowned close canopyhill forest.
. Mid height to tall forest showing signs of recent disturbance with scattered old growth.
Dennis (1990) made a detailed study of the flora of the catchment area in the immediate vicinity of the hydro scheme. He confirmed that the area contained a wide
l9 t range of forest types, relating to soil type as well as topography, with volcanic soils supporting a richer vegetation. The effects of Cyclone Namu are still visible with secondary gowth dominated by bamboo and shrubs clothing areas where mature trees w€re toppled.
Dominant tree species in the valleys include Pometia pinnata, large individuals of AJbizzia sp. and Vitex cofassus. On the ridges Callophyllum has been identified as but one of several large tree genera being common.
Ground cover has been noted as being extremely diverse as well as most proliEc, particularly in epiphytic fens, aeroids, orchids, pandanus and palms. At least one specie of pandanus occurring within the catchment is considered rare.
There has been, however, no assessment of rare or endangered plant species in the Solomon Islands. There has likewise been no assessment of the irrfracts of introduced plants, some of which have spread aggressively following disturbance of natural forest.
The economic potential of KCCA forests for logging is considered to be low due to the combination of a low density of millable hardwood, plus the difficulty of access and steep topography (Tonkin and Taylor 1993).
2.2.2 Terrestrial fauna
The fauna of the tropical rainforests of the Solomon Islands is rich and varied and is of international importance. Diamond (1976) suggests that for bird species, not even in the Galapagos Islands is the phenomenon of speciation and population variation between islands as common. The level of endemism is relatively high compared to other Pacific island countries, although not as high 3s Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. According to Dahl (1980) 72 or 44Yo of land bird species are endemic, as are 62 or 38Yo of avian subspecies. Approximately 30Yo of the 77 rqtldre species and 38% of the 18 amphibian species are endemic. While the taxonomy and level of endemism in mammals is less well understood, it would appeiu that around 50% of species are endemic.
2.2.2.1 Mammals
Leary (1991) suggests that the mammalian population of the Solomon Islands is one of the most diverse and endemic to be found on oceanic islands anyvhere on earth. There are 52 species of native mammals, predominantly fllng foxes (26), insectivorous bats (1 8), and rats (8). The status of at least 24 of the 52 species of native mammals is not secure. 3 species of giant rats, 13 species of flyng foxes, and 4 species of insectivorous bat are vulnerable or endangered. 3 species of giant rats and one specie of flying fox are either extinct or close to extinction. Most are either known" or considered likely, to occur within the KCCA.
The consultants undertaking investigations for the hydroelectric project observed insectivorous bats, tube-nosed bats, nectivorous bats, blossom bats, bare-backed fruit bats, flying foxes, the marsupial cuscus (Phalanger orientalis), and a large rat thought to be the rare giant tree rat (Tonkin and Taylor 1993).
20 2.2.2.2 Birds
The diversity of birds, the best studied fauna, is high coryared to other island goups. ln a study by Mayr ( I 978), I 72 species of birds were identified in the Solomon Islands compared with 60 species in Vanuatu, 68 in New Caledonra, 67 in Fiji and Tonga combined, 57 in Micronesia, and 35 in the two Samoas. Only l8%o of the Solomon Islands'bird species are identical to birds living elsewhere.
The degree of speciation of Solomon Islands birds is internationally recopised and widely used as exaryles of evolution in textbooks (especially the white eye Zosterops).
The International Council for Bird Freservation checklist of globally endangoed birds (Collar and Andrew 1988) identifies l8 Solomons Islands species as being of "tlreatened" stafus, with a further 3 species included in the checklist of "near- tbreatened". Subsequent workers have proposed at least a firther 9 species to the "threatened" checklist on the basis that some species have been assumed to be extinct without adequate ffirmation on which to make such an aszumption. Of these 9 species, 5 are not even mentioned in the IUCN Red Data Book.
Several of these "endangered or extinct" bird species are likely to fmd favourable habitat within the KCCA. One, Woodford's rail W was sighted during the hydropower investigations.
Bird species observed by consultants during planning for the hydroelectric project (Tonkin and Taylor 1993) included:
. birds close to rivers, such as kingfishersn herons, ducks, sandpipers, wagtails, swiftlets, cormorants; . forest birds including those normally seen at higher elevations, such as papuan mJrna$, Ducorps cockatoo, hornbills, parrots (including Eclectus sp.), robins, rufous fantails, and Woodford's rail; . additional bird species observed in the Lungga Plateau area included yellow-b,ibbed lories@,4speciesofpigeon,flycatchers'goshawks,greybirds' concals, boobook owls, golden whistlers, and several species of unidentified smaller birds;
2.2.2.3 Reptiles
The next best studied fauna is the reptiles. Thsre is a greater diversity of reptiles in the Solomon Islands than elsewhere in the Pacific islands. There are 3 known endemic reptile g€nera and 25 endemic species. At least 5 species appear to be endangered or possibly extinct. It is not known whether reptile species are well or poorly represented in the KCC,\ however the presence of the extremely rare, v€nomous Solomon krait (Lowridgelaps elapoides) has been noted in the KCCA.
During investigations for the hydroelectric project consultants observed that reptiles were generally scarce but a number of geckoes and skinks were seen. Several snakes
2l I were observed in the Lungga Plateau area, including the Solomon krait (Tonkin and Taylor 1993).
2.2.2.4 Amphibians l7 species of indigenous frogs are listed for the Solomon Islands, which is the greatest diversity of any Pacific island goup. There are 3 endemic genera. Virtually nothing is known of the ecology or status of most of the frog species, including their representation in the KCCA.
During investigations for the hydroelectric project, consultants observed 4 species of frog which were plentiful in the Komarindi and 7 species common in the Lungga Plateau (Tonkin and Taylor 1993)
2.2.2.5 Invertebrates
Even less is known about invertebnates in the Solomon Islands. Perhaps more so than with most Pacific islands, there is a vast and colourful anay. Some groups are notable, such as the butterflies, which are often very beautifirl and spectacular, including the very large birdwing butterflies such as the Queen Victoria birdwing butterfly which has been recorded in the KCCA. It is believed that there are about 130 species of butterflies in the Solomon Islands, of which 35 are endemic. The sword-tail butterflies Graphium meeki and Graphium mendana, and the swallow-tail butterfly Papilio toboroi are considered to be rare.
During hydroelectric project investigations several species of butterfly were observed in the Lungga Plateau area including the Queen Victoria birdwing (Tonkin and Taylor le93).
2.2.2.6 lntroduced species
There are a number of introduced faunal species which pose problems for indigenous wildlife, notably wild pigs, dogs and cats, as well as cane toads @ufo_uqa4tu$, black rats (RattuS_Ettug), brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), and the house mouse (Mtg musculus). The precise ecological effects of these exotic species have not been researched, but together they are thought to be responsible, at least in part, for the decline in the endemic giant bush rats.
In addition there are other introduced species thought to be lsss damaging to indigenous flora and fauna. These include pre-historic introductions of the spiny rat Galtussxutans) and the marsupial cuscus or "kandora" (Phdanger orientdis), as well as later introduction of two species of geckos (GeblEa_!0udlata and Hemidactylus frenatus) and a species of blind snake (namphotyptttogs bramin4. There appear to be orly 2 species of introduced birds with wild breeding populations: the Indian myna (esldalhercqlssis), and domestic fowls (Gallug sp.). Consultants for Tonkin and Taylor investigating the hydroelectric project observed feral pigs, feral cats, Polynesian rats and cane toads in the KCCA (Tonkin and Taylor 1993).
22 ln common with other Pacific islands there are also a number of species of introduced flora, however no assessments have been made of the variety of these, their extent, or their ecological effects.
2.2.3 Aquatic fauna
Little is known about freshwater fauna, although a study was made for the Komarindi hydro scheme by Donovan (1990). Common organisms found included insect larvae, snails, crayfuh, spotted flagtarl, grunter, silver grunter, short tailed pipe fuh, giant long finned eel, and freshwater moray. Despite numerous large waterfalls downstream" middle reaches of river contained signfficant numbers of fuh, with density of individuals at one site reaching 30-40 per sqwre metre.
The snails, crustaceans, ild fish are a valuable protein source for the locals who collect, spear, and line fish for them.
2.3 Cultural and community features
2.3.1 Land Tenure and land use patterns
More than 85% of land in Solomon Islands is under customary ownership. In Guadalcanal, land is inherited througb matrilineal ties. Under this system territories or estates are owned by groups of related clans. Tlpically, where significant areas of forests are owned, the rights to use resources are shared among the owning slans. Blocks of land may be dividd out to subclans or even to families to use. In such a situation the sub-clan or family only hold use rights to that block of land, tley do not own it. The way in which land boundaries are marked varies with the tenain; clan- owned territories are marked by rivers, streams or the ridges of hills. Territories subdivided into sub-clan a.reas iue typically marked with stones, stands of bamboo and sacred sites, while fanily blocks may be marked by special trees.
Traditionally, villages were moved periodically in order to be closer to newly cleared gardens, to be removed from bad spiritual influences, or because of natural disasters. Nowadays various factors such as building of churches and houses, water tanks or water supply systerns, and perennial cash crops, encourage villages to be permanmtly located. This tends to increase the pressure on accessible land suitable for food cropping, and competing demands for the use of the best land for cash crops or food crops may arise.
The KCCA communities, like most village-based Solomon Islanders, practise sbifting cultivation to grow a variety of root crops and bananas, fruits and vegetables. Protein sources are usually hunted or gathered from tle general forest area or fished from rivers, streams and the sea. Although a lot of the village people today prefer store- bought foods zuch as rice, baked goods, and tinned meat and fish, in numy cases they do not have enough cash to buy food for every meal. The people therefore still depend on their gardens, forests and aquatic resources for almost all of their foo{ building materials. custom medicine and other needs.
23 2.3.2 History and settlement
The KCCA is the customary land of the Kakau and Lakuili Tribes of Guadalcanal. This has been formaily determined by the Acquisition Officer, Laury P Palmer, appointed by the Commi55isner of Lands (Pa}ner 1993) as the first part of acquisition proceedings related to the hydro power project.
According to local "custom stories" the Kakau and Lakuili tribes originated from Mt. Vatupochau area in the eastern central highlands of Guadalcanal. As hunters and gatherers they shifted westwards until they settled in the Komarindi area during pre- historic times, thus claiming ownership to that area. Over the years occupation extended to 104 settlements in the Komarindi in the vicinity of rivers and streams, the sites of all of which, as well as associated tambus, are still known. The last settlement was at Mbokina, part ofthe Mbetikama river.
It was not until 1905, with the influence of the Catholic Church mission, that they began their exodus from the mountains down to the coastal areas. The people re- settled at sites where they are today to be close to mission stations at Tangarare on the SW coast and the other at Visale, and later at Tanaghai, on the northem coast. Migration to the coast wa$ also driven by a desire to be close to governm€nt senrices. By 1956 the last of the settlemsnts had been abandoned as the people moved down to the coast.
The group which re-settled on the northern coast have, over the years, developed 3 close communities: Veraboli, Kakabona and Konggulai. They are separated by only a few kilometres from each other. Although they are geographically separated from the Kusumba community, on the SW side, they are closely inter-related and maintain close ties with each other. A bush track across the island, which trav€rses the C,\ traditionally provides a link between the communities. The locals can easily walk this track in a day, although modem transport methods of truck and powered canoe provide quicker cornmunication nowadays.
As primary landowners, consultations have been held to date exclusively with these communities.
2.3.3 Cultural sites
Apart from the significant biological and economic value of the area, the KCCA also has cultwal and historic importance for the landowning communities. It contains a nurrber of iryortant places connected with their beliefs and tradition. There are old village sites and 'tambu" sites of burial grounds, sacrifice shrines, and places where spirits of dead ancestors are believed to dwell. Some of these sites were identified in a resource mapping exercise at the Veramboli workshop in September 1994. A preliminary survey was carried out by Guadalcanal Province's Cultural Centre which revealed at least 104 old village sites. A more detailed survey needs to be done to properly map and document these sites, from which a management rule can be formulated. This can be carried out in conjunction with the National Museum and Guadalcanal Frovince Cultural Centre.
24 2.3.4 Population
The sizes of the commrmities and their populations vary. Each community usually consists of one rnin village with a number of associated hamlets. Kusumba has 15 hamlets, Veramboli has 10, Kakabona has 9, and Konggulai has 2. The number of households in each village/hamlet range from 2 to 15. resulting in about 5 to 90 people per village/hamlet. According to the 1986 national census the populations of Kusumban Veramboli, Kakabona and Konggulai were in the order of 300, 200, 400 and 60 respectively (Statistics Office 1986). With the country's generally high birth rate of 3.5% per annuq it is expected that the present population will have increased by about 1.5 times since the census. Participatory community consultative surveln seeking information on population, resource use patterns and other socio-economic parameters will be conducted in Phase 2 of the KCCAP. Among other things, these will allow more accurate assessment of community populations
2.3.5 Social structure. dynamics and organisation
Members of the comnunities belong to either of the J slans - Kakau or Lakuili. The clans have different totems which represents the members and to which the people traditionally offered sacrifices. The totem for Kakau and Lakuili tribes are the hawk and the eagle respectively. Clans may be divided into subclans which are represented by different totems.
Membership of a clan is through matrilineal ties, which is the same for land inheritance as land is owned by the whole clan. Nowadays, due to inter-marriage with outside clans (maniage within one's own clan is taboo), there is more complex clan conrposition within the communities.
The basic unit of social organisation in the communities is the family. Although lineage is matrilineal, paternal family ties are also very strong because of the exrended fanily system. Despite the importance of women in lineage and land inheritance, only men have the traditional leadership role. Traditional ways are still practised, however modern ways and western lifestyles are already impaaing on the communities. Participants at the Veramboli workshop felt that social issues such as alcohol consumptiono crime and town lifestyle generally, owing to their proximity to town, were seen as diminishing the overall well-being of the community.
Communities have traditional leaders or chiefs who hold the most prominent rank in the traditional social hierarchy. The number of chiefs per community varies. In Kusumba most hamlets have their own chief, totaling around l0 altogether. Together the chiefs of each village/hamlet form a body of chiefs for the community headed by a paramount chief. In Veramboli there are only 4 chiefs for the whole community who have equal authority.
As is t1'pical of Melanesian societies, chiefs are chosen by the people on the grounds of merit, that is, according to their local custom knowledge, wisdom in decision-making, relationship with the people, and their quality of leadership. Their term of leadership usually lasts their lifetime or until they decide to step down
25 The KCCA communities are members of the Catholic Church. Each community has a chapel, usually centred in the main village. The Church has a strong and vital role in the life of the communities, with mflny of the village celebnations and qpecial events focused around it. A lot of the daily activities revolve around the morning and evening "lotu" service. Sundays are observed as Sabbath rest day.
2.3.6 Women's'roles
The role of women in Melanesian societies is primarily as carers of the family. This includes gardening, gathering of firewood, collecting of bush and river food, cooking, marketing and looking after the house and family. Traditionally women were not allowed to make decisions or even have their views heard. With the changing times, womeri are now allowed at village meetings and are also able to speak. The KCCA project aims to involve women in the planning, decision-making and irylementation processes as much as possible.
2.4 Economicconsiderations
The growth in economic activity in the Solomon Islands has failed to keep pace with population growth and real income per head of population has fallen significantly in recent times. The agricultural sector continues to make the largest (but declining) contribution to GDP of around 36%, with fuhing and forestry contributing I l%, and manufacturing 4% (NEMS 1993). ln parallel to this, the rate of increase in iryorts continues to outstrip that of exports (in 1990 the overall balance of payments was in deficit by almost SBD$168 million), fueling an accumulated external dett of some SBD$44 million.
Most exports are natural resources with little value-added processing and include copra, palm oil, cocoa, timber and fish. Almost all manufactwed items are irnportd, with machinery equipment, fuel and lubricants accounting for alnost 50% of iryorts. Imported food items accounted for another l5%.
The conntry is heavily dependent on foreign aid - 25% of GDP in 1990 (SBD$188 million). Wbile traditionally the United Kingdom has been the main source of aid, many bilateraf regional and UN agencies are now contributing.
As with rumy Pacific island states, the Solomon Islands' economic activity is strongly inJluenced by the subsistence sector. Subsistence activities contribute approximately 37o/o of GDP according to the Komarindi Hydroelectric Power Project draft EIA (Tonkin and Taylor 1993).
The NEMS report identifies the integration of environmental considerations in economic development as being an urgent need. Not only is there an imperative to increase economic growth, the economic activity undertaken now, more than ever, needs to be both viable, ffid able to be sustained without harming other social, environmental and economic activities and requirements. The NEMS proposes some I comprehensive institutional and legislative efianges, including the introduction of integrated mechanisms for the generation of economic and environmental policy, and I 26 the enactment of legislation at a national and provincial level to ensure that policies can be carried out within a consistent and enforceable legal framework.
Economic activity in the KCCA is currently limited to meeting the subsistence needs of neigbbouring communities The area contains abundant wild food resources, both in the forest and in the rivers, as well as plants used for building materials and medicines. It is perhaps most frequently visited for hunting (pigs) and fuhing (freshwater snails, eels and spotted flaglail;, but there is also incidental collection of various resources while fiavsling along the walking trail from the north to south coasts, linking the two communities.
There is talk of logging areas neighbouing the KCCA' with recent pressure from companies seeking concessions in these areas. In some cases these areas of interest intrude into the KCCA, especially in the Lungga Plateau area. While the commrmities are considering logging as an option elsewhere, they are not at this stage considering it for the KCCA. They are also interested in looking at alternatives, focusing on sustainable economic enterprises and better planning for the use of all of their resources. The local community is thus interested in the KCCA project as a model for their other lands.
The original Komarindi concept identified eco-tourism as a desirable sustainable activity based on the special natural features of the area and the proximity to Honiara. This remains an important focus of the project and, along with other potential income generating enterprises, will be explored in communityworkshops.
Agriculture is the major economic activity of the landowning communities, although much of it is subsistence. Nearly everyone in the commtrnities are dependent on agriculture for both food and incomeo from plantations and gardens ahnost entirely outside the KCCA. The main cash crops are coconut and cocoa which are sold to buyers in town. Cocoa b€ans fetch a fair price for farmers for the relatively easy labour involved. Copra, on the other hand, has a low price compared to the time and effort taken to produce it. The absence or lack of basic ffiastructure like roads, transportation and buyrng centres in the communities, especially in the Kusumba area which is geographically remote from town, is a major disadvantage to the local economy.
The 3 communities on the northern coast are more involvd with tle cash economy because of their proximity to town. Families grow root crops (cassava, sweet potato, yam, taro etc.), fruits (coconut, melons, cucumber, pineapple, mango, pomelo, carambola, guava, soursop, lychee, lemon, etc.), vegetables (cabbages, tomato, capsicum" beans, egg plant, shallotn etc.) and others (e.g. banana, peanut, sugar ffine, betel nut), and sell them regularly at any of the 3 town markets or at tlre roadside near their village. Other market produce is collected from the bush, forest, rivers and streams, such as "motu" (baking) leaves, ngali-nut, fuelwood, sago palm leaves, ornamental plants (orchids), mushroom" wat€r cress, land crabs, coconut crabs, live birds etc.
Many of the cash crops are also grown for subsistence purposes. tn addition pouhry, pig rearing, honey production and butterfly ranching are important subsistence I 27 I economic activities. There are also individuals in the communities who own village shops that sell basics like kerosene, rice, tinned food, sugar, tea, tobacco and miscellaneous items_
A 'Village Resources Strvey'' for Guadalcanal was conducted 1984-85 by the Statistics Office, however, the information is out of date and ,therefore, not very helpful. This type of information needs to be updated. A socio-economic survey is planned for Phase 2 of the project to provide baseline ffirmation for planning purposes and for subsequent socio-economic monitoring of impacts of the project.
2.5 Infrastructune
2.5.1 Community overview
The KCCA is located about midway between the northern and soutlern coasts of Guadalcanal, l0-20km from each side, without anyphysical ffiastructure. The closest development is the White River water pump station situated near Konggulai Village on the outside edge of the access route into the CA. Here, a tar-sealed road allows vehicular access from town to the water pump station, which draws water from the White River spring, and which provides part of Honiara's water supply. This point is also the extent of electricity that drives the water pury. Because of its very close proximity to the water pump station, Konggulai has piped water supply and an easy access to electricityo however, it lacks sanitation, communication, health or education facilities. These have to be obtained from town or on the town fringe.
The other landowning communities lack major physical infrastructure. Kusumba has a community-owned primary school that accorrnodates arourd 100 pupils from the area, however, it has no water supply. sanitation, electricity, communication, road or health facilities. The nearest health clinic is at Tangarare, an horus walk to the coast, run by the Catholic mission. There is also a provincial secondary school and a radio wireless at Tangarare that regularly links them with Honiara. A tractor track goes some way through the comrnunity used by an old tractor from Tangarare, the only one in that area
Veramboli also lacks any major road, water supply, sanitation, electricity, communication, health or education facilities. A foot track through the community allows 4WD vehicle access as far as the entrance to the community. The people use health care facilities in Honiara township and schools on the town fringe. For settlements further into the bush this may involve a couple of hours travel time.
Kakabona is relatively closer to town than any of the other communities, being located just outside the town boundary. A lot more of the people from this community are involved with town life than the others. While there is much more ready vehicle access, there is still only minimal infrastructure. Some households nearer the coastline, the town boundary and within 50m of the tar-sealed town road have piped water supply and "slab" toilets. Otherwise there are no electricity, communication, health, or education facilities inside the community. The people use clinics and schools either in town or on the town fringe.
28 2.5.2 Road and track access
There are no formed roads within the KCCA. The only road access reaches the White River boundary of the proposed area. Tracks used for hunting access exist, bottr from the White River acsess and the irnFortant cross island walking track that links the two landowning communities. Most tracks would not be recognisable as such by outsiders.
Road and track infrastructure in the areas inhabited by the landowning communitiesn while being outside the KCCA is none-the-less significant to the daily lives of the prinary stakeholders. Generally this infrastructrne is of a poor standard.
2.5.3 Water supply and sanitation
As there is no habitation within the KCCA, this is not immediately an issue. It is an immediate issue, however, for the landowning communities where they currently reside. Very few neighbourhoods have piped water supply, and the quality of spring and stream water relied upon varies. $imilarly, few households have access to anything but the most rudimentary sanitation facilities. The prevailing toilet facility is "open pits" or the bush. Solid waste disposal is generally managed by piling on one spot to degrade.
The communities themselves consider their level of water supply and sanitation to be unsatisfactory and theywant the Province's help to improve them.
2.5.4 Health and health care
The status of the landowning communities in terms of health and heafth services has not been specifically assessed, although some basic information is available on basic health senrices. There is a clinic stafu by a nurse's aid at Tengarare Provincial Secondary School which is used by Kusumba people. Residents of the Kakabona- Veramboli area use health care services in Honiara township. For settlements firrther into the bush this may involve up to two hours travel time.
Some health data is available for Guadalcanal as a whole. The 1989 National Nutrition Survey found that for Guadalcanal only l6olo of women between 15 and 49 consumed one or more "balanced" meals per day coryard to the national average of 23%. Ttre percentage of "undenveight" and "stunted" children in Guadalcanal were 26% and 23Vo respectively, again slightly worse than the national av€rages of 23% and2l%.
Participants at the Veramboli workshop felt that in general the health of the commrmity was worse today than ever, particularly due to the ever-increasing consurytion of shop-bought foods. Social issues such as alcohol consumption and cultural change were also seen as reducing the overall well-being of the community.
29 2.5.5 Education
Kusumba has a primary school" constructed after the 1984-5 Village Resources Survey. Residents of the lfukabona-Veramboli area use schools on the town fringe. For settlements fi.uther into the bush this is not convenient and, as with their access to healttr services, may involve up to two hours ffavel time for students each way.
The education status of these specific communities has not been studied in any detarl, however, the 1986 census for Guadalcanal as a whole showed 49.3% of the population with primary education" 6.6% with secondary education and 43.Io/o with no formal education at all.
2.6 Relevantinstitutions
2.6.1 Within community
Within each community are institutions and organisations that are essential and/or relevant for the KCCAP to work with. Firstly, there are the traditional leaders or chiefs who together comprise the decision-rnaking body. On int€rnal rnatt€rs the chief or chiefs make decisions. Usually they will ftst consult and discuss matters with their counterparts or other appropriate groups in the community before reaching a decision, however, on many occasions they make decisions on ttreir own which are rarely questioned.
The Chwch is the main institution within the communities which brings the people together and binds them, it is also the base for other major community organisations, including youth, women's' and welfare organisations. Other institutions include various village committees such as the school cornmittee, health committee and chtrch committee that have a delegated responsibility from the chiefs to look after specific aspects of village life, and organisations such as youth groups and mothers' union that mostly do charitable work in the communities.
2.6.2 Beyond community
There are a number of institutions located outside the communities that are aheady involved with or wilt be relevant for the KCCAP to work with. Thev include: r Area Council . Guadalcanal Provincial Government o MFEC o TNC o Ministry of Lands & Housing r Tourist Authority . National Museum
30 2.7 Environment and development policy context
2.7.1 National policy context
The prmcipal national environment and development policy is the Solomons Islands National Environnent Management Strategy (NEMS 1993). The preceding Solomon Islands "State of the Environment" Report (l.e:rry 1992) had already identffied the loss of biodiversity as one of the major ecological threats facing the country. As a consequence, the Solomon Islands NEMS establishes as its 6th objective: "to protect areas of high ecological, wilderness and culflnal value". However the NEMS proposes l0 environmental objectives for environmental and sustainable development priorities until the end of the decade. Of these, at least 7 are directly relevant to the KCCA:
. integrating environmental considerations in economic development; . improving environmental awareness and education; . strenglhening the resource database; o protecting areas of higtr ecological, wilderness and culttual value; . land resource managem€nt (excluding forestry); . sustainable use offorest resources; and . ensuring that exploitation of non-living resources is environmentally safe.
Indeed, in recognition of the fact tbat the KCCA project meets all relevant NEMS policy criteria, NEMS project profile 6.1 .4 specffically provides for the development of the KCCAP as a model of a conservation area with full landowner participation, while project profile 6.1.1 recognises the need for development of a conservation areas system appropriate for the country.
One of the highest priority issues higtrlighted in the NEMS is the need for comprehensive environmental legislation. The MFEC is working on an Environment Bill, currmtly at the review stage, which incorporates sections on the conservation of biodiversity. The MFEC has also drafted a policy paper on cons€rvation areas in the Solomon Islands to be presented to Cabinet.
2.7.2 Provincial policy context
There is also a provincial policy framework of relevance to the KCCAP. As part of the NEMS development process, provincial environmental reviews were carried out. The Guadalcanal review identified 16 priority strategy areas. Of relevance are:
. provincial awareness workshops; customary landowuer forestry awaretress and traditional knowledge programme; . documentation oftraditional knowledge and management systems; . strengthening the resource database to enable better managemsnt and planning of resources, in particular...ecological survey of terrestrial vertebrate fauna...; r prornote efficient forms of traditional agro-forestry practice; e proftoto better awareness of soil conservation and soil erosion probleur.s; . insect farming and establishment of Insect Trading Authority; and . feasibility study of farming other species of wildlife. I 3l I PART 3: RATIONALE AI{D PROJECT DESIGN
3.1 Rationale
The KCCAP was chosen as an SPBCP project because of a combination of environmental and social factors. Not only does the proposed CA contain notably higb levels of biodiversity, but the area is also owned and utilised by communities with a commitment to conseryation. an interest in restoring and further developing their traditional resource management practices and a clear interest in participating in the KCCAP. In additioq it was felt that the area was diverse and large enough to meet SPBCP criteria wbile being cohesive enough to physically menage, and achievable in terms of landowners and users. The area has also for some time been identified by the Solomon Islands Governmetrt and its agencies as being a priority for consenration, and is both directly and indirectly threatened by development proposals which, it is believed, can be managed for the best overall national and community benefit in the coilext of community management as envisaged by an SPBCP project.
As outlined in section l.l, the original impetus for the KCCAP arose from a proposed hydropower scheme which is now deferred and hence not part of the project proposal. The catchments of the hydro scheme and its access corridor origina[y defmed the project area. The SPREP Planning Tearn, however, in its report (SPREP 1993b) considered the possibility of deferral or cancellation of the hydropower project, and included a viable stand-alone KCCA project proposal. In addition the Planning Team suggested modifications to the proposed KCCA boundaries to include other high value areas adjacent to the original catchments. Subsequent project design, upon which on- going community consultation has been based, has followed on from the work of the Planning Team- The area as propiosed has met with general agreement, however there is still a need to define the boundary in respect of the proposed Lungga Plateau extension.
The KCCAP as proposed does not ignore the possibility of an eventual hydroelectric scheme. Indeed at the time of finalising the PPD, negotiations were underway for the formal leasing of the greater part of the Komarindi catchment to the SIG for the pulposes of protecting Honiara's water source and the future development of the hydroelectric scheme. The KCCAP does, however, provide a process and a framework which will, it is hoped, better integrate such development in the area with community wishes and interests, and in ways that are environmentally sustainable in the long term.
3.2 Selection of the area
The SPBCP provides criteria to assist in the identification of suitable CAs. Figure 3 assesses the KCCA against these criteria. Note that the criteria are listed in two categories the first being essential criteria, and the second optional with at least one being required to be met.
32 Figure 3: The KCCA assessed against SPBCP selection criteria
Criteria KCCA features Cateporv l: Essential
l. Presence of regionally or nationally Presently existing ffirmation indicates sierrifisanl ecosystems of global that the area is likely to be representative conservation concern and large enough to of a wide range of rainforest types in the maintain ecolo gical viability. Solomon Islands and contains a high degree of diversity and endemism by Pacific standards. With an area in excess of 19,300ha the KCCA is large enough to be viable. There are no other areas of protected rainforest currently in the Solomons.
2. Must be achievable and exhibit a high Landowners and other key parties to the degree of commitment by land owners projects have indicated support for the and other parties. development of the KCCA. With the deferral of the hydroprojed, d parties have reconfirmed their desire to proceed with the CAP on its own.
3. Area to be large and corylex enougb The area is large (19,300ha) and, being to include a wide range of interactions defined by catchment boundaries, is between people and natural resources. composed of natural units including their full range of ecological interactions. The area also includes local landowner subsistence activities, distria cornmunity interests (Honiara water suPPlY), provincial interests (possible hydropower development), as well as national and regional interests (protection of biodiversity, ecotoruism). The KCCAP meets a range of both national and provincial environment and development policies.
33 I Figure 3 (Cont.)
Cdqory 2: I or more
4. Area should contain higb biodiversity and KCCA contains a wide range of rainforest types ecological complexity. which in tum support some of tle highest diversity, speciation and endemism in the reglon
5. Important for the survival of ende,mic species, KCCA is only area of Solomons Islands or those that are rare or threate'ned. nationallv. rainforest being considered for protection- Many regionally or globally. ende,nic species of both flora and farma occur within it and a number are knonm to be rare or close to extinction (including some 27 qpecies of bfuds, 3 species ofgiant rats, 13 species offlying fox, 4 species of insectivorous bat, 5 species of reptiles, 2 species ofbuuerfly).
6. Area threatened by destruction, degradation or tngging companies are seeking concessions in conversion. adjacent areas and recently have sou$t acc€ss to some of the areas in the KCCA. Nationally loggng is a major aaivity. Development pressures both nationally and for the landouming communities are severe.
3.3 Potentials and constraints
3.3.1 Overview
The KCCA project has been designed in accordance with the guiding philosophy of the SPBCP which in turn reflects the current thinking in South Pacific conservation area initiatives in the 1990s (Reti 1995). Particular emphasis has therefore been placed on the dependence of customary landowners on their environment and its resources for their subsistence.
The KCCAP seeks to involve landowners and other stakeholders from the outset in a process-oriented project, which aims to maximise their ownership of, ssmmit6saf fs, and integral participation in, a planned approach for the sustainable use of the resources of the KCCA based on ttre conservation of the area's unique biodiversity. Particular emphasis has been given to partnership arrangements from project initiation and design, to project managg6snl and implementation, in order to ensure close co- operation between national and provincial gove.rnments, local communities, NGOs and other interested parties. The long term goal is for project menagement to progressively shift from the lead agency to the local community and stakeholders This process approach has dictated that, while local landowning commrmities in particular have been consulted with to date, some of the projea details prepared for I PPD purposes are by necessity largely indicative, or are suggested extensions of principles which have been discussed in general terms only, and are proposed to help I
I 34 focus on-going discussion. The very nature of the process precludes such detail being predicated at the outset - final arrangements may vary considerably.
As with any process-oriented project involving Pacific island customary authorities and communities, the KCCA PPD recognises the need for an approach which maximises the direct and short term benefits to landowners within the overall consenration objective. This will uecessitate a range of strategies including carefully designed education and information programmes, and identification and assistance with the establishment of appropriate inoome generating activities.
3.3.2 Opportunities and constraints
The KCCAP presents both a range of opportrurities and a range of possible constraints. These are sumrudsed below. Project design as laid out in this PPD has been undertaken with the objective of maximising the opportunities, while as far as is possible taking the risks into account. A logframe analysis was undertaken to assist in this and is presented in tabular form as Annex I.
3.3.2.1 Opportunities
The project offers a number of significant opportunities. Principal among these is the opportunity for establishing effective long term conservation of biodiversrty in partnership with the sustainable development of the land owning communities. The interest ofthe landowners in the approach proposed in this PPD, and their commitment to the process at the outset, is most encouraging. Other more specific opportunities include:
The project presents a good oppornrnity for the development of a process based, participatory approach to achieve the twin objectives of sustainable development and the conservation of bological diversity. The project may prove a useful model for wider application, both in the Solomons and elsewhere in the Pacific. The landowners are keen to see how the project can assist their land and resotrrce management on land outside the KCCA - there is, therefore, a ready opportunity for the project to provide immediate wider benefrts.
The KCCA offers much in the way of ecotourism and other opportunities for developing sustainable income generating activities. The development of these opportunities will be critical to the overall success of the project.
The biological value of the KCCA is uery high nationally, regionally and globally. This project offers a good opportunity for its protection and long term conservation.
While the proposed hydropower scheme has been deferred, it may yet eventuate. Such a project has been shown to link well into the KCCA project, and its resurrection would provide firrther oppornrnities for the landowners and othsr stakeholders and add to the potential for success of the KCCA.
35 . The future lease of the greater Komarindi catcbment to SIG for the purposes of water source protection and hydropower scheme would strengthen the working partnership between the government and landowners in tle management of the KCCA.
3.3.2.2 Constraints
There are a number of constraints identifiable at the outset of the KCCA project. Perhaps the bnoadest and most significant of all is the challenge faced by the lead agsncy and project staff at the outset in setting up a truly participatory process, managing it successfully (to the overall satisfaction of stakeholders), and being able to either provide or access tle management skills and resoruces necessary to achieve the project objectives. In addition there are a number of other possible constraints:
. Maintaining the commitment of stakeholders, particularly landowners, in the early stages of the project and before income generating activities can be established. The pressures on landowners to earn revenue from their lands and resources is intense.
The relatively limited understanding by landowners of modern approaches to, and objectives for, sustainable development places considerable importance on the community education and consultation pro gramme-
The lack of experience by both stakeholders and lead agency in operating a participatory process such as this may increase the risk of difficulties or failure.
Absence ofresource data makes appropriate management planning difficult.
While much preparatory work has been done on integrating the proposed hydropower scheme into the KCCA project, if the scheme resurfaces under different circumstances, its imfrlementation may pose threats to the KCCA project if not managed appropriately by government agencies.
The future lease of the greater Komarindi catchment to the SIG may sacrifice all the use rights of the landowners if the involvement of the communities are not taken into account in the terms and schedules of the lease. This may jeopardize local community participation in the project, and also place more or absolute control on SIG to make decisions on the management of the catchment area, which may have adverse irrFacts on the KCCAP.
The limited resources - particularly of staff - in the lead agency and principal support agencies such as TNC, could limit their effectiveness in carrying the project forward, and particularly in meeting the expectations of landowners for frequent meetings, information, and action on the ground. SPBCP report writing I requirements, especially the preparation of this PPD, have already stressed the process to date by distracting projea staff from the vital community consultation process. The lack of adequate computing, printing, and other key office I equipment, as well as the conplete absence of any vehicle attached to the ECD, let alone the project, also ssrve to considerably challenge the commitment and I 36 undoubted abilities of projea staff to carry out the project on top of their other statutory work.
t I
I 37
I 3.4 Project design
3.4.1 Tenets
The project has been based on a number of fundamental tenets, which are that:
o the local landowning communities should ultimately be the prime managers of the Komarindi CA and its resources,
o these communities should be the prmcipal beneficiaries of conservation and sustainable development activities,
o the menagement and irylementation of the project will be an interactive process which will evolve with time and the gaining of local experience.
. as a result of the fact that it will be a participatory process, it is expectd that the management of the environment and the development of sustainable activities will take time. However, it is recognised that tangible benefits must be quickly developed in order to maintain community interest in environmental conservation.
o the lead agency wilt provide advice and assistance to enable the local community achieve its environmental management and sustainable development objectives.
3.4.2 Methodology
The planning, managemsnf and irylemortationprocess has been designed according to the following aprproach:
o the active participation of local communities in planning and management of their own environment through community education and participatory planning, the establishm€nt of a Komarindi Catchment Conservation Area Coordinating Committee (KCCACC) and the taining of KCCACC members and other community members in resource and project m?nagement techniques which appropriately complement local traditional practices,
. definition of the overall ecological condition of the Komarindi CA and the identification ofboth critical values and potential development opportunities,
o the identification of community values, concenm and objectives and the prioritisation of these, by participatory techniques,
I . bringing together environmental and community values and priorities in a series of locally-based discussions and workshops,
I o adoption of a process for investigating potential sustainable development activities based on the socio-economic and ecological potential of the area,
I
38 o the formulation of an overall CA marragemexf plan, md the dwelopment of resource management guidelines based on an appropriate mix of Westem and traditional practices,
o the establishment of an appropriate institutional franework to facilitate community decision-making,
o the review of legislative provisions to investigate whether conservation efforts ned to be legally safeguarded and to ensnre tbat there are no legal iryeAiments to local decision-making,
r the establishm€,nt of a participatory s)4stem of project monitoring and the carrying out of periodic evaluations to determine whether objectives re being achieved.
I I
I 39
I PART 4: TIIE PROJECT
4.1 Project objectives
4.1.1 SPBCP aim and objectives
The SPBCP is a five year endeavotr to identifii, establish, and initially manage a series of large, diverse "conservation areas" sgalaining as nurny ecologically iryortant features of biodiversity as possible. The SPBCP is frrnded by the GEF and is executed bythe SPREP.
The overall aim of the SPBCP is to facilitate efforts by the local communities and governments to preserve the biological diversity of the South Pacific for the benefit of the peoples of the region and the world, for now and the future.
The guiding objective of the SPBCP is to develop strategies for the consemation of biodivenig by means of the sustainoble use of biological resources hy the people of the South Paciftc
Its more specific objectives are to:
I. Facilitate establishment of conserryation areas that protect biodiversity, demonstrate ecologically sustainable development through management by local communities, NGOs and government agencies.
2. Protect threatened and/or endangered tenestrial and marine species in the PaciJic region.
3. Identify new areas importantfor conservation of biodiversity.
4. Improve regional awyeness of the importance and means of consewing bio logical diversity.
5. Improve capacities in, and unrking relationships betvreen, different sectors and agencies contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.
4.1.2 KCCAP aim and objectives
While the SPBCP aims and objectives clearly encompass tle overall purpose of the KCCAP, the specific aim ofthis project is:
To conseme the KCCA in perpetuity as a basis for sus'tainable development snd the maintenance of biodivenity in the catchment with the porticipation of landowner I communities I I 40 I To achieve this aino, the specific objectives of the project are:
I. To protect and conserve the native fauna and Jlora, habitats and the essential ecological processes that maintain them.
2. To protect and conserte the cultural, historical and archaeological values of the KCCA.
3. To provide an effective and participatory process for establishing acceptable and appropriate management planning for the KCCA which meets the needs of both landowners and the consentation of biodiversity.
4. To establish effective and appropriate project management affangements (including both guideltnes and structures) which will ultimately operate at the local community larcl.
5. To provide opporfrtnities for appropiate sustainable traditional uses of the resources of the KCCA.
6. To provide appropiate opporunities for sensitive ecotouism development.
7. To provide opportunities for sensitive, compatible and sustainable dev elopment ac tiviti es.
8. To maintain the catchment in a suitable conditian to sustain a potable unter supp ly for Honiara.
4.2 Key participants
The key parttcipants in the process of planning, establishing and implementing the KCCA are proposed as members of the KCCACC which will, in the long term, be replaced by a legally constituted KCCA Authority. Core membership has been proposed as including:
appropriate re,presentation from each of the two landowner groups (Lakuili and Kakau tribes) and communities;
a representative of the Guadalcanal Provincial Goveinment;
o & ropr€sentative of the ECD ofthe MFEC;
I r d r€Pr€sentative of the Ministry of lands. I In addition, TNC, other local NGOs (especially including women's groups), and other I relevant governm€nt agencies (including the Tourist Authority,) are iryortant participants in the process, and as ex officio members of the KCCACC.
I I 4l have been subject to some level of stakeholder consultation. They do, howevetr, serve to demonstrate that all majsl aqpects of the project have been considered at the outset and taken into account in overall project design.
The following 8 subsections consider each objective in turn and list proposed activities for each ofthe three phases of the project.
4.3.1 Objective I
To protect and conseme the native flora ond fauna, habitats and the essential ecological proces,ses that muintoin them.
This is the overall biodiversity objective for the projea. In large part this objective will be met by the combination of all objectives and their activities being carried out.
Specific activities include :
Activily 1.1Input to the on-going programme of education and infurmation (Phases I, 2 and 3). This activity is one that is already underway as a basis to community consultation. While its focus will change as the stakeholders, and particularly the landowners, become more familiar with the detail of the project and the sisrificance of this objective, it is important that throughout the life of the project, both information/education programmes for stakeholders and outsiders (e.g. eco-tourists) incorporate clear messages about the importance of conserving biodiversity to the projea and all its activities.
Activity l.2lnclusion of policies and activities reflecting the conservation of biodtversity into project planning and subsequent implementation of plans (Phases 2 and 3). Project staffinput to the planning and design stage of the project will ensure that this objective is adequately stressed and properly reflected in the Management Plan (Phase 2) and its operation (Phase 3).
Activity 1.3 Designing an effective system of on-going biological monitoing (Phase 2). This aaivity wilt ensure that both sufficient base data for, and an appropriate prograflrme of;, on-going biological monitoring is put in place so that the effects of the project and/or othsr activities on the biodiversity of the area can be assessd. The monitoring proposed will b€ carried out simply and effectively, involving people from the local communities as much as possible. This will involve a training coryonent - both for the local community and projea staff. Discussion will be required to determine key indicator species, as well as the most effective ways for local commrnity input. This will be particularly iryortant in respect of monitoring and controlling the legal and illegal capfures for the live bird and reptiles trade thought to occur within the I area. Activity I.4Initiation of on-going biological monitoring (Phase 3). I
I
I
43 The ECD of the MFEC, TNC and SPREP should also be considered as technical assistance agencies to the project and the work of the Committee.
The precise membership of the KCCACC will be decided by the early consultative process of the project and refined or confirmed by the first meeting of the KCCACC itself.
4.3 Project components
The KCCAP has already passed through relatively comprehensive planning stages, although at that time the project was centred on the proposed Komarindi hydroelectric power scheme. That work rezulted in the preparation of documents known as the Concept Plan (SPREP l99l) and Phase II (SPREP 1993b) reports respectively. However, as the current project has had to be redesigned without the hydropower scheme, project planning has followed the SPBCP framework, meaning that the currently concluding phase of work is considered to be the final part of Phase l, or project identiJication stage. The PPD has been prepared prior to the end of Phase I in order to met SPBCP time frames. As is discussed below, this has caused some difficulties, but it has none-the-less been possible to meet the basic requirements of the PPD under these circumstances.
This section outlines the project components for both the current Phase I and following Phases 2 and 3 of the project:
. The first phase of the KCCA project has a focus on community consultation and will be completed by the establishment of the KCCACC.
. Phase 2 is concerned with project design and will involve extensive commtrnity consultation and planning leading up to the development of a Management Plan for the KCCA. Planning will include the design and establishment of an appropriate management structure and strategy, feasibility studies for income-generating I projects, and the formulation of training plans and monitoring strategies. I . Phase 3 is the irylementation stage of the KCCA projecl. Annex I summarises the project and its coryon€nts in a logical framework format.
I The approach taken in this PPD is to identi! the activities considered appropriate at this early stage to achieve the projea objectives listed above. Activities are numbered accordingly. It must be stressed, however, that the PPD is being drafted for SPBCP purposes prior to the establishment of the KCCACC. This means that project components which will occur after the establishment of the KCCACC still need to be discussed in detait and agreed to, by the Committee. The project cannot establish itself as a consultative and community-owned process, yet have the lead agency predicate outputs in any detail before the process has considered them. These components have ttrerefore been outlined in general tenns only, and must largely be considered as being lead agency proposals to the KCCACC, even though most aspects
42 4.3.2 Objective 2
To protect and conserve the cultural" historical and archaeological values of the KCCA
This is a particularly important objective for the landowners. The activities proposd here largely parallel those proposed for objective l.
Ac'tivity 2.1Input to the on-going programme of e&tcation and information (Phases I, 2 and -il. This is partly an awileness raising and educational activity that is already underway. While its focus will change as the stakeholders, and particularly the landowners, become more familiar with the detail of the project, it is important that throughout the life of the project, both information/education programmes for stakehold€rs and outsiders (e.g. eco-toruists) incorporate clear messages about the significance of the conservation of traditional values and practices to the project and all its activities.
Activity 2.2 Suntey of histoical, cultural, and archaeological sites and other values (Phase 2) 104 abandoned village sites and 'tambu" sites are known to landowners in the area. The landowners are keen that these be mapped and recorded and taken into account in project planning. The survey will be carried out in conjunction with the National Museum and the Guadalcanal Province Cultural Centre.
Aaivity 2.3 Inclusion of policies and actittities reflecting the conservation of cultural, historical and archaeological values into project planning and subsequent implementation of plans (Phases 2 and 3). This activity reflects ftg high priority afforded this objeaive in the project. hoject staff and landowners' input to the planning and design stage of the project will ensure that this objective is adequately stressed and properly reflected in the Management Plan and its operation.
Aaivity 2.4 Designing an effective system of on-going socio-economic monitoing (Phase 2). This activity will ensure that both sufficient base data for, and an appropriate programme of, on-going socio-economic monitoring is put in place so tbat the effects of the project and/or other activities on the local communities can be assessed. The monitoring proposed should be carried out simply and effectively, involving people from the local communities as much as possible. This will involve a training coryon€nt - both for the local community and project staff. I Activity 2.5Initiation of on-going socio-economic monitoing (Phase 3). 4.3.3 Objective 3 I To provide an elfective and participatory process for establishing acceptable and appropriate management planning for the KCCA which I meets the needs of both landownerr and the conservation of biodiversity. Aaivity 3.1Establishment and maintenance of an on-going progromme of I communication betv,een project management and all levels of the community (Phases 1, 2 and 3). This programme is currently underway, but its nature will change
44 throughout the project. In Phase 2 it will relate to the KCCACC, in Phase 3 it will be part of the localisation of project management. It is irnportant that this proglamme of communication be with all levels of the communities and not just via the KCCACC
Aaivity 3.2 Establishment of an appropriate structureforformal discussion and dec ision-making fo r th e Managem ent P lan i nvo lving repres entation from all stakeholders pior to the establishment of the KCCACC (Phase r. This will occru under the direction of the lead agency and will involve the appointment of a CASO (who will become the person reqponsible for undertaking this activity) and community liaison officers (CLOs). The CASO will establish communication and dialogue with the key stakeholders and facilitate discussions beweenthem- The CLOs will be appointed as wage workers on an "as and when" basis to assist the CASO. This activitywill culminate in the establishment of the KCCACC.
The KCCACC will constitute the principal6sghanis6 for guiding the development of the KCCA. It will have as its focus the preparation of, and agreement to, the Manags6enl Plan and its eventual mnnagement by the Komarindi landowners. It will be an active working semmittss, and its membership and frequency of meetings should reflect this approach. In the long term the Committee will be replaced by a legally constituted KCCA Authority.
Membership of the Committee is recommended in section4.6.2. It should be chaired by a landowner representative (or the CASO in the interim).
Aaivity 3.3 Establishment and operation of a formal stntcture and process for discassion and decision-making for the project involving the KCCACC (Phases 2 and 3). This will be the first task of the newly formed Co-ordinating Committee. It is critical to the project that discussion and decision-making meets the needs and expectations of stakeholders. The lead agsncy will put proposals considered at the early stages of the project to the Committee. The final design and operation of the KCCACC will be a matter for stakeholders to determine.
Activity 3.4 Establishment of an appropriate process for the formulation of strategies for the management of the resources of the KCCA (Phase 2/. This activity will result in the acceptance of the KCCA Management Plan by the KCCACC. As well as providing the planning framework for all activities within the KCCA, the Management Plan will inctude strategies and plans for assessing the feasibility of income generating projects, as well as 6nining and monitoring plans. Actual planning work will be carried out by project staffassisted by the technical advisers to the project (SPBCP and TNC) and in consultation with stakeholders. Annex tr suggests an outline of the content of the Management Plan.
Activity 3.5lmplementation of the Management Plan (Phase 3). I
I
I 45 4.3.4 Objective 4
To establish effective and appropriate project management arrangements (including both guidelines and structures) which will ultinately operate at the local commnnity level
Aaivity 4.1Establishment of appropiate structures, procedures, and resources for efective project management and administration prior to the formation of the KCCACC (Phase I). Until the KCCACC is established, the lead agency will b€ responsible for project management. This activity will include the early appointment of a CASO and CLOs to undertake the community liaison and consultation work. The CASO will be centrally involved in project management and administration, particularly the preparation of the PPD, as well as quarterly reporting and financial management.
Activi$ 4.2 Establishment and operation of appropiate structures, procedures and resources for effective project management and administration by the KCCACC (Phases 2 and 3). In Phase 2 the KCCACC will need to agree to a project management strategy which will progressively move responsibility from the lead agency to the community, and which is appropriate to the Cornmittee. This strategy will need to include a training component. Proposals which have been developed by the lead agency after varying degrees of discussion wilh other stakeholders at the early stages of the project will be proposed for consideration by the KCCACC. These include the creation of a Landowners Trust, and appointment of a project manager.
Ac-tivity 4.S lmplementation and operation of agreed manqgement structure (Phases 2 and i).
Ac'tivity4.4Management of onlhe-ground activities (Phase 3). As plans and activities are approved for implemantation by the KCCACC (e.g. tracking, shelter construction) it will be the task of project management to see them carried out. Management activities will continue to include undertaking the on-going management and administration procedures required by SPBCP and other donors.
4.3.5 Objective 5
To provide opportunities for appropriate sustainable traditional uses of the resources of the KCCA.
Ac'tivity S.lldentification and pioritisation of opportunities (Phase 2). As the project process proceeds, it is likely that a number of traditional practices of the landowners, both within and outside the KCCA may benefit from the application of sustainable development techniques, either to make them more viable, or to increase the level of activity without negative impact on biodiversity and other uses and values of the resources within the area. The various partners in the project may be able to themselves contribute to developing such projects, or identif, other sources of expertise and/or resources. Those oppornrnities interesting to the KCCACC will be clearly identified and prioritised during the design and planning stage of the project. Eco-tourism has already been identified and given special emphasis in the KCCAP,
46 other opportunities have been tentatively proposed in the consultation process to date. These include: surveying and recording useful plants, documenting traditional environmental knowledge - particularly sustainable practices.
Ac'tivity 5.2 Design and carry out feasibility studies (Phases 2 and 3). For those opportunities identified and prioritised by the KCCACC, assessments need to be made as to the appropriateness of proposed projects (including the identification of training and otler resource needs), and project planning undertaken. It is possible that some activities may be sought early in the life of the project, others will arise as and when issues become apparent, or as other priorities permit. Studies will need to identi$ appropriate monitoring progranmes and provide base data so that the project management can assess 1fos irnpacts of activities-
Activity 5.3Implementation af projects (Phase 3).
4.3.6 Objective 6
To p rovide app ropriate oppo nu niti es fo r sensifive eco-to u rism darcIopm ent
Eco-tourism is a specific income generating activity which has already featured significantly in consultations with landowners to date. It has, accordingly, been given a s€pamte project objective.
Aaivity 6.1 Design and implementation of afeasibility study (Phase 2). Under tle guidance ofthe KCCACC, it is necessary to undertake a feasibility study of the eco- tourism potential of the KCCA. It is important to get planning right from the outset so as to ensrue both a successful operation, and to meet the expectations of landowners. The study will need to consider both supply and demand sides of the tourism product, as well as to identiS particular features on which to base tourism, and the strategy for carrying it out. The study will be participatory in nature, but is likely to require, at least in part, some outside expertise. It needs to identi$ the immediate priorities for development, and be staged in its approach in order to allow for an early start to development. The study will also identif key parameters for monitoring the effects of tourisrn, and establish or provide base line data. It will also identrfy training needs and priorities, and possible sources of technical expertise and fimding. kad agency staff will prepare the terms of reference for the study, operating to the KCCACC.
Activity 6.2 Implementation of the eco-tourism project (Phase 3). After the results of the feasibitty study have been received and decisions taken by the KCCACC, implementation can proceed. This projea in particular will require effective and efficient projea management, as there are likely to be a number of participants and related activities. There maybe multiple flmding agencies.
47 4.3.7 Objestive 7
To provide opportanities for sensitive, compatible ond sustuinoble d ev e lop m e nt ac'tiv iti es
Aaivity T.l ldentify opportunities (Phase 2). A number of poturtial sustainable income generating developments have already been discussed in the community consultation phase of the project, including: butterfly ranching, medicinal pharmacology, nut harvesting, and sustainable agricuhrnal techniques and enterprises on community lands outside the KCCA. As the project process proceeds, it is likely that more will be suggested. The various partners in the project may be able to themselves contribute to developing such projects, or identiff other soruces of expertise and/or resources. Those opportunities most interesting to the KCCACC will be clearly identified and prioritised duing the design and planning stage of the projea.
Ac'tivily 7.2 Design and carry outfeasibility studies (Phases 2 and 3/. For those opportunities identified and prioritised by the KCCACC, assessments will be made as to the appropriateness of proposed projeas (including the identification of training and other resource needs), and project planning undertaken. It is possible that some activities may be sought early in the life of the project, others will arise as and when issues become apparent, or as other priorities permit. Studies will propose appropriate monitoring programmes and establish base line data so that project managemeot can assess the effects of such activities.
Aaivity T.3Implementation of desired sustainable development activities (Phase 3).
4.3.8 Objective 8
To maintain the catchment in a suitable condition to sustain a potable water supply for lloniara.
Aaivity E.I Delineation of KCCA boundaies (Phase 2). It is not yet clear whether the Lungga Plateau will be included in the project area. This is the catchment area for a portion of Honiara's water supply and landowners'intentions for the area will be critical to the inclusion of objective 8. The area also offers particularly good prospects for eco-tourism because of its proximity to road access, and the natrue of the rainforest covering the area. The delineation of the boundaries of the KCCA generally is also an important issue whichwill be addressed early in the work programme ofthe KCCACC. Presentation of information on values of the area will be co-ordinated by the lead agency.
Activity 8.2Input to the Management Plan (Phase 2). lf the Lungga Plateau is to be included in the KCCA, then the particular values associated with protection of a water supply need to be clearly reflected in the Management Plan. This will be a particular priority for lead agency staffduring the design and planning phase of the project.
Activity 8.3 Design and implementation of monitoring programme (Phases 2 and 3). A programme of monitoring will need to be specially devised and irylemented for the
48 Lungga watershed if the alea is to be included in the KCCA This wil need to involve Honiara authorities as well as project management and landowners.
4.4 Phesing and workplan
The actffies identified in section 4.3 relate directly to the eight project objectives. This approach has been taken to ensure that overall projea design is stnrctued to achieve these key ofiectives. In this format some activities identified $epardtely unds different odectives are in fact parts of a single task. This section therefore goups activfies into tasks and presents them as a workplan for the 5 year planning period of the PPD. The tasks are identified below and then presented in matrix format as Figrre 4.
49 Figure 4: Indicative Five Year Work Plan for the KCCAP
50 1995 1996 1997 199E 1999 fasks and Activities I 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 L Communitv Liaison and Particioation Communitv meeti nss (fl,l wsl/v eg,rl Workshoos (x1 * /coasUvear) .l.ii1 lnformation publications - fact sheets (fr.lvrl lii.iil:l " lnformation publications - newsletter (fl.lvr\ ' Studv tour - local ill::l Studv tour - reoional ::t:::;::i ' I
Z. Decision-Making Process * Establish KCCACC
* tit:.:t:.:tl fiiirl rlll ;i'::lll .ll Reqular meetinos ::::::::::l !r:::l KCCACC EiX II t. Proiect Manaqement * Concept document * PPD mmpletion and aoorovals ii:i::: "-Iil :i]: ' On-ooino manaoement f. Delineation of KCCA Boundaries 'KCCACC decision
5. Management Planning " Comm u n itv consultation/oarticioation * Draftino * Production of final plan * KCCACC approval i. SustainableTraditional Uses * Prioritised list * Feasibilitv studies ' Pilotsltrials & imolementiation
7. Eco-tourism Development * Feasibilitv studv
' PibUtrhl and implementation i i:,1
B. Sustainable Develooment Activities ' Prioritised list * Feasibilitv studies * Pilots/trials & implementation l. Survevs and Monitorinq * Biolooical survev * Socio-ecpnomic survev " Traditional sites survev * Monitorino Droqramme desion * lmolementation
10. Training " CASO workshoos " Suryev/monitorinq * Eco-tour ouidino * Communitv education * Proiect manaoement * Business manaqement * Enterprise manaqement * Environmental mediation/negotiation * Resource management 4.4.1 Task I : Information awareness and education proerramme
This programme is on-going throughout the life of the project, and has aheady begun with the involvement of landowners in early project design. The prograrnme will be flexible in order to deal with key target groups identified by the Management Plan and in relation to specific activities. While its principal emphasis to date has been from the lead agency to the landowners and focused on the benefits of sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity, the programme is a two-way one, with project staff learning of the needs and aspirations of landowners, ild their customary lnowledge of the area and its resources. As an early example, the landowners have indicated their desire to see the conservation of cultural and traditional sites and values as an essenttal part of the programme. This on-going, two-wayprocess is essential if the project is to succeed. At later stages of the programme, ffirmation, awareness and education targeted at outsiders (such as eco-tourists, other government agencies, schools and researchers) will be necessary activities. It is also desirable that the programne includes the preparation of information rr,aterials on the projea for use elsewhere in the Solomon Islands to assist other similar projects.
The programme will be co-ordinated by the lead agency via the CASO with periodic assistance from the CLOs, and drawing on the technical assistance agencies, particularly TNC and the SPBCP.
Activities under this 6tg can be grouped into two: Phase l, and Phases 2 and 3 together:
Phase I activities are centred on the participatory approach to project design, and the gaining of consent and commitment by landowners to establishing a process along SPBCP lines to manage the KCCA. The output sought is the interest of all landowning groups in the project, and their commitment to establishing the KCCACC to design the project proper. This is being achieved by a series of meetings (3) and workshops (3). The final workshops for Phase I have as their objective the desifing of the KCCACC and the setting of its first meeting date.
Phase 2 and 3 activities will in large part be determined by the KCCACC and the work programme it approves, but in conjunction with the on-going community communication programme identified as part of Task 2, there will need to be a constant low-level input of information and awareness work, as well as related to specific activities such as development of sustainable traditional uses and eco-tourism. A newsletter in local language or pidgin is also proposed, as an important part of this programme will be to keep people informed of progress, and reminded of the objectives. It is anticipated that as the project progresses and its management becomes localised, other appropriate activities will be included in the progriunme.
4.4.2 Task 2 : Establishing and implementing a process of formal project discussion and decision-making
The key feature of an SPBCP project is that it is to be process oriented. The projec't is to be genuinely participatory both in design and implementation. Tasks 2 and 3 together are designed to set up the process that will drive the KCCA project. While
5l task 3 concems the establishment of the project managemert structure and procedures which will service the KCCACC and physically rurnage the project, task 2 has as its focus the design and establishment of the formal project body for discussion and decision-making.
The design of the formal decision-making body for the projea is critical if it is to be a genuinely participatory process. During the imFortant design and planning phase this body will be the KCCACC. It is likely that in the long term this body will be superseded by a legal entity which at this stage is referred to as the KCCA Authority. 11 ls important that the KCCACC has appropriate representation from all stakeholders, particularly the landowners. Membership of the Committee must reflect the faa that the land is a[ under customary ownership - landowners must be reassured that they retain ownership of their lands, and that they should have ownership in the project. Early in the project design stage membership of the KCCACC was proposed and was subject to some minor consultation (see section 4.2 above). This suggestion may be considered indicative - the KCCACC will no doubt consider. and in all liklihood refine. membership in light of its own reflections on the rnatter.
The establishment of the KCCACC is a Phase I task. It arises out of the community consuhation programme, and will be the specific focus of two workshops, the first of which has as its objective to gain approval for proceeding with Phase 2 by means of such a committee. The second workshop is plamed to focus specifically on the composition and terms of reference for the KCCACC. Agreement on these matters and the setting of the date for the first meeting of the KCCACC will mark the conclusion of Phase l.
Task 2 also has Phase 2 and Phase 3 components. During Phase 2 and 3 the KCCACC will require servicing by project stafi and will be making directions and decisions requiring action. It will also be considering and perhaps planning towards legal status for the KCCA and itself.
The KCCACC will be supported by a prograrnme of community communication. It is not considered enough that the KCCACC members be the sole points of communication between project management and stakeholders, particularly in respect of the landowning community.
Implementation of this programme will be principally undertaken by the technical assistance agencies and the CASO. It is proposed that three Community Liaison Officers be appointed as wage workers on an "as and when" basis, one for each landowner Soup, to assist the CASO with community consultation. Eventually the CASO will be employed with the KCCA Authority.
Given the matrilineal structure of the landowning communities, and the important role played bywomen in managing resources, there will be strong involvement of women in the KCCA process, including KCCACC membership.
In the long term it is likely to prove desirable for the KCCACC to establish a strong legislative basis for the project. Under these circumstances the KCCACC will need to be legally based, in which case it may need to be replaced (in name at least) by a
52 KCCA Authority. 41 important aaivity within this Task will be to investigate legislative mechanisms by which to provide long term protection for the KCCA and its management structure.
4.4.3 Task 3 : Establishment of an appropriate management structure
A basic premise of all SPBCP projeas is that project management will vest as soon as is practicable with the local community. This will largely depend on the degree of local management expertise available. For the KCCA, as with most SPBCP projects, project management at the outset rests with the lead agency (Direclor of Environment and Conserrration and CASO) with the assistance of TNC.
The three phases of the project largely defme the activities under this Task:
Phase I Project management, including the extra report writing tasks (Concept Document and PPD) and the implementation of the series of community meetings and workshops leading up to, and including, the establishment of the KCCACC, is the responsibility of the MFEC as the lead agency, via the CASO. This arrangement will continue until the KCCACC has been established and met to consider this issue. As the project proceeds, and particularly after the Management Plan has been coryleted, there will be an increasing workload in managing the implementation of activities on the ground.
Phase 2 and 3 will depend on the deliberations of the KCCACC, but essentially project management will service the Committee by providing it with information and agenda items, and grve effect to its decisions. Projesf managernent will also be responsible for the on-going community communication programme. Agendas for early KCCACC meetings will be largely dependent on circumstances closer to meeting dates and the wishes of KCCACC members, but there are a number of important mattsrs requiring the Committee's earliest attention. These include:
. Confirmation of membership and role of the KCCACC. . Confirmation and endorsement of the PPD. . Delineation of the KCCA (and specffically whether the Lungga is in or out). . Project management arrangements (appointment of a project manager (?), agreement on a nunagement strategy which localises management, associated management training programme). . Management Plan formulation process. . Early progress with income g€nerating projects, and particularly eco-tourism- . Financial arrangements (establishment of a Landownsrs'Trust?).
An important aspect of projeA management is to have one person in charge. Whether or not a project manager is appointed in addition to the CASO, or the CASO is formally acknowledged in the position, a KCCA projea m4nager is critical to the achievement of the KCCA. The project man4gsr will assist the KCCACC with the planning and implementation of the project. hoposed terms of reference are attached as Annex III.
53 The project manager will be responsible for the overall care, control and management of the KCCA on behalf of the KCCA Authority and, ultimately, the Landowners Trust. The project manager wil be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of a managemsnt plan for the KCCA, supervising stafl rnanaging the budget of the Authority, liaising with the landowners and the Trust, liaising with other authorities, ensuring that project administration and reporting functions are ca:ried out, and generally psialaining the efficient operation of the CA.
4.4.4 Task 4 : Delineation of KCCA boundaries
It is iryortant that early in the planning process the KCCACC determines whether the Lungga Plateau is in or out of the KCCA. The Lrmgga has physical features that suit it well to eco-tourism, and in combination with the fact that the rainforest in this area is the most easily accessible, it is necessary to know before planning begins whether this area is part of the eco-toruism product, as well as in order to incorporate into the planning the special needs of a protected water catchment area. The final KCCA boundary may be changed by the future lease of the greater Komarindi catchmert to SIG.
This will be an early Phase 2 aaivity.
4.4.5 Task 5 : Preparation of the Management Plan
This is perhaps the most iryortant activity of the project, and most certainly its most important output. There is little point in a process that does not deliver a plan for the protection of biodiversity and the sustainable development of resources. The purpose of the projea is to come to some consensus on activities to be canied out in the KCCA. While such a plan wi[ by necessity, change over time, none-the-less it is inrportant that it be written down and form the basis of daily management. By the very nature of the KCCA project, the Management Plan will be the subject of a widely inclusive process of consultation.
One aspect of CA planning has already been raised by landoramos - they want their traditional, cultural, and historic sites in the area recorded and mappd, so that they can be managed as theyjudge to be appropriate.
The Management Plan will not only outline management objectives and practices for the KCCA in order to protect biodiversity, cultural and traditional values and practices, it will also identi$ sustainable development opportunities for the local communities. An important community objective in this regard relates to eryloynent opportunities. Most of the long term employment opportunities for local communities which could arise from the implementation of the KCCA will require training of one form or another. A training plan will be prepared as part of the Management Plan and closely linked to the feasibility studies for eco-tourism and other sustainable developmsnt opportunities. Training will concentrate on practical "on the job" in-country programmes. In time higher education scholarships may be required for potential KCCA managers.
54 Monitoring is also aa important part of KCCA management. While this will be as simple as possible, it is necessary to determine the effect on key biodiversity and socio- economic perameters in order to ersure the sustainability of the project. The Management Plan will include the details of a project monitoring programme.
With the future lease of the catchment to SIG it is anticipated that the Management Plan will be drawn up with very close consultation and collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Housing.
Annex II outlines the proposed content of the KCCA mansgsmenl plan.
4.4.6 Task 6 . Establishment of sustainable traditional activities
An irnportant task for the KCCACC is to ident$ and prioritise opportunities for sustainable techniques for traditional uses and practices both within and outside the KCCA. This Phase 2 activity maywell in practice be implemented in conjunction with Task 8.
Both community communication prograrxnes and the KCCACC will generate a list of opportunities, some of which have already been b'riefly considered in community liaison to date. The KCCACC will consider and prioritise the list of opportunities. Priority options will thm be assessed as to their feasibility and appropriateness within the project. Feasibility studies will be likely to require outside expertise. Studies will also identifr training needs, and possible sources of expertise and funding.
In conjunction with Task 8 activities, there is a need for feasibility studies to cary out a socio-economic survey to acquire base data against which approved and implemented projects can be monitored. As identified in section 2 of the PPD, very little data exists on the current socio-economic context of the local communities. Monitoring of such perameters will be itnportant to gauge the effect of the project generally. While monitoring will need to b€ simple and draw on local resources, a good understanding of existing conditions is important at the outset.
The final stage of Task 6 is to manage the implementation of approved projects. This places particular emphasis on the planning stage, in order to ensure that projects are implemented in the right sequence of events.
4.4.7 Task 7 : Establishment of eco-tourism
Eco-tourism has aheady been identified as an income generating activity for the KCCA, furthermore there is an expectation among stakeholders that eco-tor.rism will occur soon.
A feasibility study is proposed early in Phase 2. As outlined in 4.3.6 above, this will need to be done relatively comprehensively and is likely to need the input of at least some outsiders with relevant expertise. It is important, however, to develop an ecotourism product that is unique and of a design and scale that is manageable by the local communities. It is also imFortant that, while implementation should begin as soon as possible, all the necessary planning and training should be carried out in the
55 right sequence. Language and guide trnining of locals is one activity which will be able to be initiated early in the process, as are the carrying out of ecological survey work, and the recording of species traditionally used by the landowners. These will be undertaken as a base for biological monitoring, and as part of the eco-tor.rism feasibility study to assist with the design of interpretation programmes for tourists respectively. The study will also recommend a workplan which identifies the sequence of activities needing to be followed in order to set up an appropriate eco-tourism enterprise.
Implementation of the eco-tourism project is a separate and signfficant activity tbat is likely to begin during Phase 2, although major on the ground construction will not begin until Phase 3. This will rely on adequate work being undertaken in the planning stage to ensure that work is done in the right sequence.
4.4.8 Task 8 : Establishment of sustainable development activities
As noted under Task 6, these two tasks could well be carried out simuhaneously, as their stages are the same. Opportunities for sustainable development have already been discussed with landowners on a relatively casual basis. As full a list of current possible opportunities will fust be identified and prioritised by the KCCACC. This will occur early in Phase 2.
Feasibility studies will then be carried out on those priority activities. As with all project planning, feasibility studies will be participatory in approach but are also likely to require the input of outside expertise. Care will be taken to ensue that developments are appropriate and that implementation plans are realistic. Studies wil identiff fisining and resource needs as well as possible sources of technical and financial resources.
Activities approved by the KCCACC will then be implemented as part of Phase 3 of the project. Addition to, and review of, new opportunities will be likely to be an on- going project task.
4.4.9 Task 9 : Establishment of survey and monitoring programmes
Surveys and monitoring programmes are important coryonents of the project. The two are considered together because it is considered that survey work must be targeted to management needs. This PPD therefore identifies socio-economic, historical cultural site, and biological surveys in the context of key project tasks, and pnncipally connected to the desrgn of monitoring programmes. The need for a basic socio- economic survey to assist in the design of a simple prograillme of socio-economic monitoring is identified within Task 6 (establisbrnent of sustainable traditional uses). Other activities will also have socio-economic impacts and share the imperative for a socio-economic suwey early in their development process. Eco-tourism shares with other sustainable development activities the need for monitoring to snsure that the level and types of activities being undertaken are biologically sustainable. Task 7 (establishment of eco-tourism) thus provides for the carrying out of a biological survey as a basis for both the provision of base data for monitoring and to assist with the design of tourist interpretation materials. The desire of landowners to have historical"
56 cultural and archaeological sites recorded and mepped is considered in the context of the preparation of the Management Plan.
As section 2 of this PPD reveals, there is a scarcity of both biological ffirmation and socio-economic data on the KCCA. More work is needed to determine base data, including the identification of key indicators, before realistic monitoring can be undsrtaken. Beyond the level of survey needed to gain this information, locals and even eco-tourists themselves may be able to contribute to data collection. Such opportmities should be identified and outlined as part of the initial survey progranmes.
As noted above, it is critical for the projea to monitor its effects against biological and socio-economic indicators. If the Lt'ngga Plateau is included in the KCCA then a separate monitoring prograrnme should be caried out to ensure on-going protection of the water supply and its catchment. It is important that monitoring be siryle and easily carried out, with as much local participation as possible.
Criteria for establishing these programmes will come from the sr.uvey and planning work outlind above. The design of monitoring needs together to cov€r the possible effects of the overall project and will be separately dealt with in the CAP.
Monitoring programmes will be designed duing Phase 2 work, and initiated as soon as activities are implemented.
4.5 Project financing and administration
Indicative costs of the workplan have been developed. These can be expected to change as the process of consultation progresses during Phase 2. The projea costings are suilnarisd in Figrue 5.
57 Figure 5: Summary of project funding
58 nl ll!
I ll' I "llNJ{I E lll c _lr rt9l r t Ntol 3 4 t lslE D. "lltl l*l' otolFlel o , *-iNt9l E I tl lE tl I "ll' tl N tslolRtEl ts I llE 'll n tl l- ll' otolFlOl o 8 N-lsl o l! 3 llE "ll q tl l' oi@l a lL tstol F g I tsl6l ! IE E ! IE 'll ttr tl |' -lol o I- F Nt{lot6l etrtq ; IE "lltl l' ll" ol@l N N R Ir FjEI o tc llE 'll C l= rlolII 1l otol o lo N_l!l tq 3l ata llE "ll "l l" ll" N F RIHI 31 eIE IE 'l td 1 Floll l' lL otol o 8 qlsl o IE llr 'll t tl lo ll= Dl@l N lo tst@l N to I l9 I ltE u l' 1I FlOl o Ir PI 5 o 5l IE 1l t I IL ot@l N c t€ Ntol N I 3 8 € Nj0l f E )-l 5 o lq ! "] tl l- rlol tl ot6l o Ntql I IE ! e ll l* tl olol N FIEI r '-l I FlOlll ot@l o Ntsl I '-ll tttl l_t 9l@ R] NlnNt@ + 'l 1 q otolrlnl o N.lsl s BE 'ltl I tl Plol rl I xlel I I 5 5 t G 5 a 5 1l 1IB]E I \l ! il a ct ! f N-l c rtvtt G 315l I -l _|:] l "l 1 ll^ o-l aI tl F I rl rl"l a "lo.lotol ot JI :JI )I Jtul ! 6tdll o1 T pl i H !l ! Dtdll ! TrlUJlrt&l tri LI T I LI'LI ml a trl V, V. 'tl n BI DIU'I TI q c tl e { c i ,l a l€l! l"l N (C I c E il tol 5 ! ol IEIE tcl a o o a o ! o ! c 6 ol E EISIE a i t H a 6 a o 6 ol ! t5l c ts a ! t q : ! t E >l E lil ol E I t a a T c td o ! s o ! SlEl! t ol 4 a o E ;J 6t ol ; r c ! I cl EIEI I I u n ! I e I I I o E o :l bl : I c a FI E , FIEI EI I d q 8t El o ( E o g -t cl 'l a 0 ! f,t ! E et El I Dtl E E tl r tt >! a a o I (l Dt c' I h ! E s I a sl I I E )l rlurl 4.6 Project organisation, management and co-ordination
4.6.1 General
The objective of this section is to outline the management structures considered by all parties at the outset to be appropriate as the basis of discussion and negotiation. They have been developed by the earlier Phase I process, particularly by the SPREP Planning Team (SPREP 1993b) and have been the subject of preliminary discussion by the parties to the projea process. As consultation develops via the KCCACC, and the process becomes established and more familiar to all participants, these may well change.
The following, therefore, is indicative only. It is emphasisd that the final choice of land use controls and management prescriptions will be derived from more detailed discussion withthe landowners and through the formulation of a landowner-sanctioned Management Plan, which will also address key management issues such as policy, legislation, administration, regulation and enforcement.
4. 6.2 Project management arrangements
The following numagement proposals were made by the SPREP Planning Team (SPREP 1993b). They are important conc€pts that need to be brought forward into the formal process under the KCCACC. It has been suggested that: r A Landowners Trust should be formed to: - represent the interests of the landowners on any corporate entities formed in relation to income generating activities, and in particular to the hydro-elecrric development, should it proceed in the future; - invest finances on the landowners'behalf,
. A Komarindi Catchment Conservation Area Authority should be formed to act as the body with overall management responsibility for the KCCA and established in law. The Authority should consist of: - appropriate representation from each of the two landowner groups (Lakuili and Kakau tribes); - a representative of the Komarindi Landowners Trust; - a representative of tle Guadalcanal Provincial Government; - a representative ofthe Environment and Conservation Division of the MFEC; - other appropriate bodies (e.g. Ministry of Lands & Housing).
. All the dividends from the KCCA Authoritv should accrue to the Landowners Trust.
. In the interin, until the formation of the KCCA Authority, a KCCA Co-ordinating Committee should be established to focus on tle establishment of the KCCA and its eventual management by landowners.
59 . Serious consideration should be grven to placing the KCCACC, and ultimately the KCCA Authority, under the responsibility of the Landowners Trust once it is formed.
. ln order to properly manage the project, a full time KCCA Manager should be appointed as soon as the decision is made to proceed with the project.
4.6.3 Land management proposals
Early consultation for the project suggested division of the KCCA into two management zones. These proposals are outlined below and carried forward by the PPD for the consideration of the KCCACC and the management planning process. Given the catchment and water supply frrnctions of large areas of the KCCA, however, the following two zones follow a clear logic which was developed in the SPREP Planning Team Report (SPREP 1993b).
The achievement of the objectives of the KCCAP will depend on effective menagement of the area's resources. Compatible and appropriate uses which are possible will be clearly identified in the Management Plan. Appropriats management controls, acceptable to the landowners, will be developed as a central part of the project planning process. For the purposes of the PPD, a range of possible land uses aud management controls are identified to provide a guide for the parties at this early stage ofthe process.
4.6.3.1 Catchment zone
This has been proposed for the catchments of the Komarindi and Chahari Rivers and the Ohe Stream- Originally these catchments were identified in conjunction with the proposed hydroelectric power scheme. Even without the schemen however, the catchment values are important. Given that the hydro scheme may yet prove feasible, it is considglsd imFortant to not compromise its possible future operation within the KCCA. Uses of this zone therefore centre on catchment protection. Only a few other uses, including low-keyvisitor access are recommended.
. saggested prohibited uses (upstream of the Chohari and Komarindi confluence): - all forms of logging - all mining - road construction - agricultrue - construction of permanent buildings.
. suggested re$rtded rses (downstreom of the Chahsrt and Komarindi confluence): - tourism lodge - other "appropriate" traditional, low iryact tourist shelters - road construction to proposed hydro powtr station site - construction of walking tracks and possibly helicoper landing pads - hunting and other natural resource harvesting - traditional foot access and recreation
60 - education and research.
Note that all suggested restricted resource uses should be controlld according to the direction of the Management Plan, and therefore, according to the wishes of the landowners and other parties.
4.6.3.2 Access conservation zone
This zone constitutes the area of the KCCA which extends from the road end at White River to the confluence of the Chahari and Komarindi Rivers. It includetmost of the Honiara Ifurst area which is part of the catchment for the present Honiara water supply, and surrounds both the existing foot track and the proposed hydro access road into the KCCA. Apart from protection of the catchment for Honiara's water supply, this zone is proposed for access to, and management of sustainable activities.
. suggested prohihited uses: - all forms of logeing - all mining - all agricuhure o pnoposed restricted uses: - road construction - permanent structures (KCCA management and tourism purposes) - tracks and helicopter landing pads - acc€ss and recreation - hunting and other natural resource harvesting - education and research.
4.7 Legal framework
There are a number of existing statutes which offer a range of possible mechanisms for 6aialaining the integrity of the KCCA in perpetuity. Achieving such a status would have the significant benefit of requiring all parties, including the government, to abide by the terms of the plnnagement Plan, and to give the KCCA Authority formal status in respect of the land. These include:
. Wild Birds Protection Act (1914) . National Parks Act (1954) o Forest and Timber Act (1969 as amended), and . Guadalcanal Province Wildlife Management Area Ordinance (1990)
There are no provisions trnder the Water Supply Act (1981) for declaration of protected catchments.
While no existing statute is considered to be ideal for the purpose of such a project as the KCCAP, the Guadalcanal hovince Wildlifs Management Ordinance (1990) is considered to be the most appropriate existing legislation for the long term protection of areas of customary land. The Ordinance provides a procedure for the Provincial
6l Executive to declare, by regulatioru a Wildlife Management Area, providing that certain conditions are met, including the consent of landowners. Landowner rules will be gazetted as Regulations by the Provincial Executive. This provision would leave the KCCA in the ownership and control of the present customary authorities, although it is targeted to the protection of habitat for listed species rather than the more wide- ranging concept of the KCCAP.
There are also two proposed pieces of legislation of potential significance, the Protected Areas Bill and the Environment Bill, currently nnder consideration. Depmding on their progress, there may prove to be othero and perhaps more appropriate, legal mechanisms available to assist in the long term protection of the KCCA.
Assessment of the range of legal mechanisms is a component of the projea management strategy identified as part of Task 2.
4.t Monitoring and evaluation
The importance of regular monitoring and the utilisation of the results for on-going project evaluation has already been discussed. This PPD has adopted the principle of monitoring as a community based activity wherever possible, and has acknowledged its sienificance by identiffing the process of desiening and irylementing regular monitoring progranmes as one of the 9 -ajor project tasks (Task 9 - see subsection 4.4.9 above).
4.9 Training
Project design has also identified training as a significant project activity. Most of the 9 key project Tasks contain a training component. It is proposed that the Management Plan will identrfr and update training needs and thus build them into the workplan in a prioritised and co-ordinated fashion.
Preliminary consultations and project work have aheady identified the following training needs. They are presented in tabular form according to the SPBCP guidelines, however, it must be reitsated that these can only be viewed as indicative at this stage. The final KCCA training strategy will arise from the deliberations of the KCCACC and ths management planning process. Other training needs are likely to be activity- specific and arise from feasibility studies on particular income generating activities.
62 Figure 6: KCCA training needs - indicative summary
Course requirement Trainees Approx. Approx timing number
PRA training CASO 4th quarter I t994 CASO workshops CASO 4th quarter I annuallv Survey and monitoring Project staff and selected 3rd quarter l0 trainine communitv members 1995 Eco-tour guide training Selected community 4th quarter 8 members and toru I 995 operators Communitv education Project staff lst quarter 5 1996 Project management Project staff and selected 2nd quarter 5 trainine communitv members 1996 Business management Project staff and selected Dependent Dependent lsining community members as on on proposed by feasibility feasibility feasibility studies studies studies. Enterprise management Selected community Dependent Dependent 6aining (specffic to members as proposed by on on particular income feasibility studies. feasibility feasibility generating activities) studies and studies. financine ,l Environmental mediation Project staffand KCCACC "l and negotiation skills members trainins Resource management Project staff and selected ? ? training communitv members
63 PART 5: PROJECT IMPACTS
5.1 Project benefits
The KCCA is an outstanding natural area of untouched rainforest, close to Honiara, which should be protected for its conservation and tourism values, and for the economic and social benefit of local landowners and the wider community. It offers a high potential for supporting long term sustainable development, wbile maintaining protection for valuable biodiversity. ln particular the KCCA would benefit landowners by: o providing steady dividends fiom sustainable economic development opportunities, particularly related to nature tourisrn, but potentially also hyclroelectric resource development in the futue; . long term training and employrnent opportunities, including the areas of conservation area management, tourism and secondary industries; o protection of the catchments, ensuring protection of traditional activities, cultural sites and requirements in perpetuity; o conserving a representative sample of the unique biodiversity of the Guadalcanal uplands iasluding a number ofrare, threatened and endangered species; o providing long term opportunities to study, understand and sustainably utilise endemic biolo gical resoruces; . providing a visible demonstration of the concern of landowners to preserve their traditional and cultural links to their lands and forests for futue generations and presenting a viable model for other landowning Solomon Islanders; and o providing important educational oppornrnities to local landowning, Guadalcanal" and wider national communities.
5.2 Social impacts
. control over and assistance with a planned future . ability to integrate desired level of culturaVtraditional element into future development path . maintenance/developmenVprotection of culturally/traditionally significant sites . assistance to plan future economic development . increased exposure to outside/non-traditional aaivities and influences o changes in activities and income . chenges in decision-making structures(?)
5.3 Risks
. lack of resources for adequate projeA management at the outset . slow economic returns may erode landowner interest and the long term viability of the project . ability for landowners to maintain long term control (e.g.: vs. go!,t.) if projea is successful - i.e. politics
64 . faihre to meet the challenge to adequately incorporate any future revival of interest in the hydro project. o faihre to meet the challenge to adequately incorporate the futrne lease of the greater Komarindi catchment to the SIG.
5.4 X'uture options and issues
. Provision of an ap'propriate legNative mechanism. o Long term ability to manage the KCCA according to the provisions of tle management plan, administrative and management mechanisms. . Providing for possible future inclusion of hydro scheme, aad making it work in such an eventuality. r Providing for the future lease of the greater Komarindi catchment to the SIG and naking it work in line with KCCAP nims and objectives. . Maintaining momentum - passing on the local community connitment to funre generations. . lncorporating appropriate new activities as they arise while maintaining protection of biodiversity and meeting other environmental olieoives.
65 RETERENCES Boer, B. (1992) Solomon Islands Review of Environmental Lqn,. Strengthening Environment Management Capabilities in Pacific Island Develonins Countries. SPREP. Apia 1993. Collar, N. J. & Andrew, Birds to watch : the ICBP world check-list of threatened P^ (1e88) birds. ICBP technisal publication no. 8. Carnbridge, United Kinsdom. Dahl, A. L. (1980) Regional ecosystems nnvey af the South Pacific area. Technical paper No. 179. South Pacific f,smmission, Noumea. Dennis, G. F. C. Terrestrial flora. Report to Tonkin and Taylor (undated) International (aoorox. I 990). Diamond, J. M. (1976) A proposed.forest reserve system qnd conservation strategt for the Solomon Islands. Unpublished report for the Solomon Islands Government. Donovan, (undated) Komarindi hydropower project assessment of impact on aquatic fauna. Report to Tonkin and Taylor International (aoorox. 1990). Leary, T. (1991) A review of terrestrial wildlife trade originating from the Solomon Islands. In press (to be published in the Australian Zooloqist). Leary, T. (1993) State of the Ewironment Report, Solomon Islands. SPREP, Aoia 1992. Maw. (1978) Birds of the south-west Pacific. Charles E Tuttle. Ministry of Natural Forests of Solomon Islands, vol. 2, Cntadalcarnl & Central Resources & AIDAB Province. Report by Solomon Islands National Forest (lee4) Resources Inventory Project (SOLFRIP). ACIL Australia fty Ltd., IFERM fty Ltd, ERSIS Australia fty Ltd., Honiara Januarv 1994. Palmer, L. P. (1993) Komarindi hydropower project acquisition report. Unpublished report to the Commissioner of Lands. Reti,I. (1995) Conservation priorities for marine biodiversity in the south Pact/ic region. Paper to the Pacific Science Congress, Honolulu. Hawaii 1995. SPREP, March 1995. SPREP (reer) Komarirdi catchment area wildlife sfitctuary : a concept plan for an integrated hydro-electric darclopment scheme and consertsation resen)e for the Komarindi River catchment area and access corridor, Guadalcanal Province. Solomon Islonds. SPREP, Noumea, April 1991. SPREP (l9e3a) Solomon Islands rntional environmental management strategt. SPREP, Apia, 1993. SPREP (lee3b) Komarindi catchment conservation qrea Phase II: a report to the Solomons Islands Governmenf. Guadalcanal" Solomon Islands. January 1993. SPREP/KCCA Phase II proiect team. Statistics Office (1985) Village Resources Survey 1984 - 85, vol. IV, Guadalcmal Province. Unpublished survey data by SIG Statisfics Office, Honiara 1984 - 85.
66 Tonkin and Taylor I Komarindi hydroelectric power project draft EIA. r993 for the Asian ment Bank. Mav 1993.
67 AIIhIEXES
Annex I: Logical Framework for Komarindi Catchment Conservation Area Project
Objectives Indicators of Means of Assumptions and Achievements Verification Constraints
Overall KCCA Aim
To conserye the l. Stable or l. Regular 1. On-going KCCA for its inmeasing monitoring of commitmelt of all biodiversity & populations of indicator species. parties to the CAP. sustainable fauna and flora development as an indicator species. 2. Regular social 2. Maintenance in SIG model. assessments and the long term of 2. Improved discussions with the overriding economic and landowners and objective to social indicators other key conserye biological for landowning stakeholders. diversity. community &. other key 3. Successful stakeholders. implementation of at least some income generating activities early in the proiect.
Broad Pro To protect and l. Stable or 1. Regular l, Commitment to coilierve fauna, increasing monitoring of key the CAP by flora, habitat and populations of key indicator specieso stakeholders. ecological indicator species. and community proc€sses. feedback. 2. Adequate 2. Satisfaction of management ability stakeholders. to irylement and monitor.
68 To protect and l. Sites and values l. A Management l. Ability of conserve the identffied, recorded Plan which landowners to cultural, and and protected in adequately identr$ and have historic sites and the Management provides protection recorded all sites values of the Plan- and conservation and values. KCCA. of cultural and 2. Satisfaction of historic sites and 2. Effectiveness of the landowners in values. the process to the project's accurately assess protection of their 2. Positive and manage sites and values. feedback from community wishes. landowners via the KCCACC and 3. Effectiveness of community liaison project programme. management in working in with communitv wishes. To provide an 1. Satisfaction of l. Positive l. Willingness of effective and stakeholders feedback from stakeholders to participatory (particularly the regular liaison and participate process for landowners) in the meetings of the positively and be establishing participatory KCCA Co- committed to the acceptable and process and their ordinating process and its appropriate commitment to its Committee or objectives. mapagement outputs. Authority. planning and 2. Ability of implementation for 2. Implementation 2. Monitoring project the KCCA which of a widely results showing management to run meets the needs of supported CAP. successful an effective and both landowners implementation of positive process. and the 3. SPBCP and compliance conservation of approval of CAP. with the cAP. 3. Ability of lead biodiversity. agency and staffto 3. Positive SPBCP adequately m4nage feedback. the oroiect.
69 To establish both l. Stakeholder 1. Positive l. Commitment of eflective and satisfaction with feedback from stakeholders to appropriate project the management stakeholders via CAP and management arrangements. regular liaison and management flTangements Co-ordinating amangementS. which will 2. Effective Committee or ultimately operate managem€nt of Authority 2. Ability of at the local planning process meetings. project personnel community level. and CAP to manage the implementation. 2. Consistent project effectively progress with and efficiently 3. Effective local project according success of training management to work plans and programmes. achieved. budgets - positive results from 3. Availability of monitoring adequate extemal programme. support and funding for 3. Local activities. management achieved according to plan. To provide for l. CAP consensus L CAP acceptable l. Ability of appropriate, provides for to both KCCA process to sustainable appropriate stakeholders and work with traditional uses of landowner SPBCP. landowners to the resources of activities. identr$ acceptable thE KCCA. 2. Implementation practices early in 2. Satisfaction of sustainable, the project. with, and on-going traditional resource commitment to, the use practices in 2. Commitment to KCCA by areas identifid in and ownership of landowners. the CAP. the process by landowners. 3. Relevance and 3. Landowner effectiveness of feedback at regular 3. Ability of training and info liaison sessions. projea programmes for management to run landowners on effective training sustainable and community resource use awareness practices. Droqraflrmes.
70 To provide 1. Establishment l. Regular l. Adequate appropnate of eco-tourism monitoring of both feasibility study opportunities for activities that meet biological and and planning sensitive Management socio-economic undertaken. tourism Planning criteria. indicators. development 2. Positive 2. Satisfaction of 2. Landowner and recommendations landowners and wider community from feasibility other stakeholders feedback from on- study. at nature and going community results of eco- liaison programme. 3. Effective tourism activities. project management, ild availability of adequate resources to initiate the eco- tourism ffiasffucttrre development.
4. Commitment and ability of landowners long term to consistently manage the eco- tourism activities. To provide for l. Increased 1. Positive results l. Stakeholder sensitive, economrc actrvfty. from regular social acceptance of compatible and monitoring and levels of sustainable 2. Establishment liaison. development likely development. of income- and timefiames. generating 2. Stable or activities which increased 2^ On-going support populations of key landowner biodiversity. indicator species commitment to from regular CAP and project biological objectives in face monitoring. of earning potential of marginal or non- sustainable income generating activities.
7l To maintain the l. Maintain or L Positive results l. Catchment quality of the iryrove the quality from regular \ilater practices outside Honiara wat€r of water supplied quality monitoring. the KCCA may supply originating to groundwat€r carui€ lower water ftom the KCCA. systems usod for 2. Consumer quality md Honiara water perception of value negatively iryact supply. of KCCA to on KCCA. Honiara water zupply. 2. Eco-tourist sewage disposal is canied out effeaively and not allowed to contaminate eroundwat€r.
'12 i.. Annex II: Proposed Outline of Management Plan
Part A: Background
. Location . Description of the KCCA (values, location etc.) . The purpose of the KCCA rumagement structure and its legal status. A basis for management . The stafus and role of the traditional landowners, tle role md firnction of the KCCA management structrue, and the role of government . Description of the Plan preparation process, including the public participation process.
Part B: Objectives of Management
Part C: Operational Matters (Not in order)
. Stafftraining and development . Landowner training and development . Access management . Site management requirements (e.9. exotic species control, garbage and sewage disposal, water supplies, erosion conrol etc.) . Visitor management including facilities, health standards and safety rnanagcment . Contingancyplanning (e.g. cyclones) . Special management areas (e.g. tambu sites, iryortant wildlife and vegetation sites) . KCCA architecfural design standards and signrs . Liaison with other authorities . Operational organisation including the link with the e.g. tourism agency, marketing arrangements . Procedures for carrying out works within the KCCA . Traditional owner rights and responsibilities, and mechanisms for the distribution of rev€nue and benefits arising from the KCCA . Visitor information . Education . Responsibilities, and traditional landowners dispute resolution mechanisms . A schedule of works to be completed for the KCCA . Research . Administration" including by-laws and regulations . Cultural site management . Wildlite management . Project reporting requirements . Monitoringprogrammes
(Derivedfrom Appendix I KCCA Concept Plon Repon)
IJ Annex III: Job Description : KCCA Project Manager
Position Description
The Manager KCCA is responsible for the overall care, control and management of the KCCA on behalf of the KCCA Authority and ultimately, the Landowners Trust. The position id responsible for the introduction and maintenance of sound, ecologically based management practices which will conserve the integrity of the KCCA. The position is responsible for:
. overseeing the development and implementation of a management plan for the KCCA; o supervising staff; o rumaging the budget of the Authority; . liaising with the landowners and the Trust; . liaising with other authorities; and r gen€rolly maintaining the efficient operation of the CA.
Essential Requirements
. Graduate qualifications in natural resource management or equivalent; . experience in protected area management; . mediation and negotiating skills or abilities; . experience in the developmant of potcy; . experience with the provision of visitor facilities; . ability to communicate effectively (orally and written); . experience with the management of budgets; . ability to work with traditional landowners; . human resource management skills; . drivers licence and experience with 4WD vehicles; . abilit/ to work effectively in an unsupervised environment.
Desinble Qualifications
. Knowledge and experience of the culture and heritage of the South Pacific and in particular the Solomon Islands; r understanding of and expertise in, rainforest ecology; e experience in the management of karst landforms; . business management experience, particularly in relation to the management of tourism ventures; . experience in the management of concessions and leasing; . ability to supervise staft . willinF,ess to work in remote areas; . ability to work to tight deadlines; t o exp€rience with the environmental management of construction activities. .
(Adaptedfrom Appendk lhb KCCA Phose II Report)
74