REGIONAL OFFICE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (RAP), BANGKOK FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

Regional Quarterly Bulletin on Wildlife and National Parks Management

Vol. XLI: No. 3 2014

Featuring

Vol. XXVIII: No. 3 Contents

Conservation initiatives for coral reef ecosystem in Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh, India...... 1 A preliminary checklist of birds of Sati Karnali Community Forest, Kailali, Nepal...... 11 Components and status of incubation mounds of Megapode freycinet in Rumberpon Island, Inndonesia...... 15 Protecting bee colonies of Nandagudi and Ramagovindapura as a World Heritage Site in Karnataka, South India...... 21 An overview of the status and conservatin initiatives of red panda in Nepal...... 25

REGIONAL OFFICE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC FAO and RECOFTC strengthen forest tenure capacity in TIGERPAPER is a quarterly news bulletin Asia...... 1 dedicated to the exchange of information Roadmap for bioenergy technology...... 4 relating to wildlife and protected area Foresters gather to review the state of the world’s forests.... 6 management for the Asia-Pacific Region. Vietnamese farmers to get assist from FFF...... 7 Asia-Pacific Forestry Chips and Clips...... 8 ISSN 1014 - 2789 Strengthening the role of communities in climate change mitigation through participatory forest management Address. in Bhutan...... 11 Building understanding and capacities for good governance TIGERPAPER and legal compliance among forest enterprises, media and FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific government...... 12 Maliwan Mansion, Phra Atit Road Experts engineer solutions to landslide threats...... 13 Bangkok, 10200, Thailand Criteria and indicators to promote sustainable forest Tel: (662) 697-4000 management in policy and practice...... 14 E-mail: [email protected] XIV World Forestry Congress...... 15 Website: http://www.fao.org/asiapacific/ FAO Asia-Pacific Forestry Calendar...... 16 rap/nre/links/tiger-paper/en/

Editor: Janice Naewboonnien Advisor: P. Durst

TIGERPAPER is dependent upon your free and voluntary The opinions expressed by the contributions in the form of articles, news items, and announcements in contributing authors are not the field of wildlife and nature conservation in the region. In order to necessarily those of FAO. The better serve the n eeds of our readers please write to us and send in the designations employed and the information you have or let us know if there is any information that you presentation of the material in the need. We appreciate receiving your letters and make all efforts to TIGERPAPER do not imply the respond. expression of any opinion on the part Front cover: Sakuraeolis gujaratica, an endemic Ophisthobranch from the of FAO concerning the legal or Gulf of Kachchh (Photo: Courtesy of R.D. Kamboj) constitutional status of any country, Back cover: Acanthastrea hillae, a species of hard coral found in the Gulf of territority or sea area, or the Kachchh (Photo: Courtesy of R.D. Kamboj ) delimitation of frontiers.

Vol. 41: No. 3 2014

| | Conservation initiatives for coral reef ecosystem in Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh Kachchh of Gulf Park, National Marine in ecosystem reef coral for initiatives Conservation CONSERVATION INITIATIVES FOR CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEM IN MARINE NATIONAL PARK, GULF OF KACHCHH, GUJARAT, INDIA by R.D. Kamboj

Introduction (Balasubramanian and Ajmal Khan, 2001). Mangroves, coral reefs and seagrasses are three ujarat State is not only bestowed with the main ecosystems, which are considered as nature’s Glongest coastline in the country, it is also blessed natural sanctuary. In order to protect the marine with a remarkable diversity of marine ecosystems ecosystems, an area of 457.92 km2 was declared and habitats (Kamboj et al., 2014). The Gulf of as a Marine Sanctuary vide Govt. of Gujarat Kachchh (GoK), one of the three gulfs of the notifications in 1982. It was a historical step towards country, is home to a wide variety of marine flora the conservation of marine biodiversity and and fauna. The southern coast of the Gulf of resources in the country as India’s first Marine Kachchh harbors one of the northernmost coral Protected Area came into existence. Later on, an reefs of the world, home to a wide spectrum of additional area of 162.89 km2 was declared as marine fauna and flora, including a few endemic Marine National Park in 1982. According to various species (Jose, 1964; Apte et al., 2010). This region studies, much less diversity of corals has been has 42 islands with a rich biodiversity of corals and recorded in the Gulf of Kachchh with an area of their associated fauna and flora. It is a unique marine 352.50 km2 (Table 1). ecosystem offering the most challenging environment for protection and conservation of Coral reefs are highly productive and valuable coastal and marine biodiversity (ICMAM, 2002). ecosystems in the coastal zone, contributing to the

sustenance of the country through fisheries, tourism, | The Gulf of Kachchh is the northernmost reef region pharmaceuticals, etc. (Satyanarayana and in India where the distribution of biota is determined Ramakrishna, 2009). Coral reefs and their by factors such as an arid climate, large semi-diurnal associated organisms form a spectacular tidal amplitudes and negative water balance underwater view, which attracts tourists, as it

Table. 1. Coral coverage along Indian coastline Sr. No Major Coral Reef Area Area (Km2) No. of Coral species recorded

1. Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat 352.50 49

2. Gulf of Mannar 75.93 96

3. Lakshadweep Islands 933.70 114

4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 959.30 297

Total 2,321.43 345

Ref: Coral Atlas of Gujarat State, 2011

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| considered as an underwater paradise. Corals can algal cells, called zooxanthellae, within their tissue be divided into reef building (hermatypic) corals and these algae are the primary energy source and non-reef building (ahermatypic) corals. for the reef-building activities of hermatypic corals Hermatypic corals usually contain millions of tiny (Venkataraman and Satyanarayana, 2012).

Table 2. Areal extent of reefs of the Marine National Park in Gulf of Kachchh Sr. no Name of the Island Area (Km2)

1. Bural Chank 122.90

2. Dhani bet 51.00

3. Narara 43.00

4. Kalubhar 31.60

5. Munde-ka-bet 27.50

6. Paga 18.50

7. Ajad 16.70

8. Pirotan 12.90

9. Jindra 12.90

10. Goose Island 05.90

11. Jodiya 04.40 Conservation initiatives for coral reef ecosystem in Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh | 12. Changri 01.80

13. Bet Shankhondhar 01.80

14. Poshitra 01.20

15. Okha 00.40

Total 352.50

Source: Coastal zones of India, published by Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad, 2011.

The coral reef in Marine National Park (MNP) Mundeka reefs, Paga reef, Azad reef, Pirotan covers an area of about 352 km2 and is distributed Island, Jindra Island, Goose reef, Shankondhar, in 27 islands. The distribution of coral reef in Changri reef, Poshitra, Laku Point, Pashu reef, Marine National Park indicates that the Bural Mangunda, Boria reef, Dholiogugar, Lenga Marudi chank occupies the maximum area of 122.90 km2, and Man Marudi, Bhaidar Island, Mitha Chusna whereas Okha occupies the least area of 0.40 km2 Island, Khara Chusna Island and Savaj reef. (Table 2). The prominent areas of coral distribution Distribution of different species in each island is are Bural chank, Chakhadi and Dhani Islands, tabulated in Table 3. Narara, Sikka creek, Kalubar Island, Dedika and

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| | Conservation initiatives for coral reef ecosystem in Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh Kachchh of Gulf Park, National Marine in ecosystem reef coral for initiatives Conservation h 20. Bural reef, 21. Mitha C 9. Laku Point, 10. Poshitra, 11. Pag

| Table 3: Distribution of coral species in different Islands of Marine National Park Park National Marine of Islands different in species coral of Distribution 3: Table 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1113 14 12 15 16 17 182220 21 19 25 2624 23 27 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XX X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XX X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

u r ecies Islands Islands ecies p Pashu reef, 13. Mangunda, 14. Boria reef,15. Azad reef, 16. Dholiogugar,17. Lenga Marudi, 18.Man Marudi, 19. Bhaidar Island, 1. Pirotan Island, 2. Narara, 3. Sikka creek, 4. Goose reef, 5. Dedika, 6. Mundeka reefs, 7. Kalubar Island, 8. Jindr aIsland, JindrIsland, 8. Kalubar reefs, 7. Mundeka 6. Dedika, reef, 5. Goose4. Sikka creek,3. Narara, 2. Pirotan Island, 1. Islands Dhani 27. and Chakhadi Shankondhar, 26.25. reef,Chandri reef, 24. Savaj 23.Chusna Island,Khara 22. oral s oral columna oscinaraea monile oscinaraea ymphastrea serailia endrophyllia icranthus endrophyllia inuscula iploastrea heliopora canthastrea hillae humilis cropora arbattoia amico chinophyllia aspera favus avia maxima avia speciosa avia avites bestae C A A B C C C D m D m D E F F F F

33 Vol. 41: No. 3 2014 | Conservation initiatives for coral reef ecosystem in Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh | X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XX X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XX XX X X X X X X X X X X X X XX X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

r ontastrea ontipora danae ontipora explanta foliosa ontipora ontipora hispida ontipora ontipora turgescens ontipora venosa ycedium

oniastrea pectinata oniopora mino oniopora planulata oniopora ydnophora exesa onasteriata avites flexuosa flexuosa avites halicoraavites av ite com s plan ta eptastrea purpurea nnuligera tutchburyi lephantotus F F F G G G G s H L M a M M M M M m M M M e

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| | Conservation initiatives for coral reef ecosystem in Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh Kachchh of Gulf Park, National Marine in ecosystem reef coral for initiatives Conservation

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X | X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XX X X X X X X X X XX X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XX X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XX X X X X X X X X X X X

r Ref: Coral AtlasRef: Coral 2011 of Gujarat State, aracyanthus stokesi sinensis latygyra versipora lesiastrea olycyanthus verrilli orites compressa orites lichen lutea orites ssolida orite sammocoradigitata seudo side ra strea iderasteria iderasteria ymphyllia radians ymphyllia recta ubastrea aurea ubastrea faulkeneri urbinaria crate urbinaria peltata avignyana avignyana ayami ayami P P P P P P P P P P t S s S S T T T T

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| A perusal of Table 3 regarding distribution of coral Phylum Coelenterata: Jellyfish, sea anemones, species in MNP indicates that, out of 49 species, hard and soft corals and fire corals are the Favia favus and Montipora explanata are the members of this phylum. Animals of this group most abundantly distributed and occur in 24 are polymorphic in nature; some of them have free islands. Furthermore, Dendrophyllia micranthus living forms whereas others like corals and sea is the least recorded species occurring only in one anemones lead sedentary lives. They are found island. abundantly in coral reefs (Kamboj et al., 2014). All the modern reefs are the result of stony corals Geographic location which grow in tiers and create large calcareous structures – creating the reefs over thousands of The Marine National Park and Sanctuary (MNP years. A total of 49 species of hard corals (Table & S) is located between 20°15’ N to 23°40’ N 1) and 8 species of soft corals have been recorded latitudes and 68°20’ to 70°40’ E longitudes. It is from this region (Satyanarayana and Ramakrishna, listed as Category I by the International Union for 2009). The coral diversity of this region is the least Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The islands in compared with other Indian reef regions, but some this protected area range from only a few hectares of the species like Acanthastrea hillae (Fig. 1), to as large as about 6,000 hectares. It includes a Favia lacuna and Barbattoia amicorum reported variety of habitats viz., coral reefs, mangrove from this area are not found elsewhere in our forests, sandy beaches, mudflats, creeks, rocky country (Satyanarayana and Ramakrishna, 2009). coast, sea grass beds, wide intertidal areas, etc. The coral reefs are one of the most diverse This diversity of habitats caters to the needs of ecosystems on the earth and deliver a multitude thousands of flora and fauna and provides them of goods and services such as tourism, fisheries suitable shelter. and coastline protection, apart from invaluable ecological services such as carbon sequestration, Important fauna protection of the shore from erosion, etc.

The Marine National Park and Sanctuary (MNP & S) has vast extensions of coral reefs around 27

Conservation initiatives for coral reef ecosystem in Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh islands. The coral reefs are termed as an Oceanic | Oasis because of the nutrient-rich environment (Satyanarayana and Ramakrishna, 2009). The coral reefs are cryptic in nature and provide shelter to many flora and fauna. They are like natural history museums harboring varied forms of life in comparatively small areas. Reefs are the ideal places to learn about the interrelationship between animals and plants. A brief account of the fauna of MNP&S is given below.

Phylum Porifera: Sponges are one of the most ancient and simplest multicellular animals alive in our seas today. They are also among the most Fig. 1 Acanthastrea hillae, a species of hard beautiful of all marine creatures. About 25 species coral found in the Gulf of Kachchh of sponges have been recorded from this region (Wilson and Kitto, 2012). Sponges add a gamut of vibrant colors to the marine environments. They However, coral reefs are fragile ecosystems occur in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors because they are very sensitive to environmental such as pink, red, brown, blue, light blue, yellow, changes including fluctuations in water orange and others. temperature and sedimentation. They are under threat from climate change, ocean acidification, destructive fishing practices, harmful land use

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Vol. 41: No. 3 2014 | | practices and surface runoff of pesticides/fertilizers Phylum Echiura: This is a minor phylum with a Kachchh of Gulf Park, National Marine in ecosystem reef coral for initiatives Conservation from agricultural fields into the sea. rare and endemic species, Acanthobonellia pirotanensis, commonly known as Bonellia, found Phylum Arthropoda: Barnacles, lobsters, prawns, in MNP & S (Jose, 1964). This species was shrimps and crabs belong to this phylum. Among described from Pirotan Island of MNP & S, hence these, barnacles and crabs are the most abundant the name given. According to Jose (1964), this (Kamboj et al., 2014). About 30 different species species is of great interest due to its unique sex of crabs are found in this area. Crabs, lobsters determination phenomenon which is controlled by and prawns are commercially important marine the surrounding environment rather than genetic organisms. factors (Environmental Sex Determination). If the larvae of this animal come in contact with an adult Phylum Mollusca: Molluscs are one of the female during the developmental stage, they abundant organisms found in the reef environment. develop into an adult male, whereas the larvae They include shells, conches, octopuses, squids, developing away from adult female result in adult sea snails, cowries, oysters and limpets. Molluscs females. The hormones secreted by adult female are of high economic values as decorative and influence the larval development and govern sex food items. Cowries were historically used in determination. many parts of the world as a means of currency. This group of invertebrates is very well Conservation initiatives represented in the Marine National Park and Sanctuary by snails, mussels, oysters, shells, Since declaring the Marine National Park, certain octopus, chiton, sepia and limpets. More than 200 conservation measures for coral reefs have been species belonging to this phylum are recorded initiated which are discussed below. from shallow intertidal areas and deeper waters of this region. 1) Stoppage of coral mining After declaring the area as Marine National Park Recently, scientists of Bombay Natural History in 1980-82, the mining leases of coral reefs granted Society have reported 33 species of to M/s Dig vijay cement company Ltd., were

ophisthobranchs including one endemic species revoked in 1984 and the recovery of the coral reef | Sakuraeolis gujaratica (Fig. 2) from Marine started from that time. National Park and Sanctuary area. Of these 33 species, 21 are new records to Gujarat and 13 are 2) Coral translocation by the National Institute new records to the Indian coast (Apte et. al., of Oceanography (May/December 2004) 2010). The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in association with the Forest Department carried out the translocation of coral colonies from the jetty corridor and the subsea pipeline near Narara reef of MNP & S. About 326 live corals in the intertidal pipeline corridor area, 176 live corals in the intertidal jetty corridor and 1,879 live corals in the subtidal pipeline corridor were identified for translocation at three sites at Narara reef during May/December 2004. The intertidal corals mainly belonged to the genera Favia, Favites, Porites, Cyphastrea, Siderastrea, Leptastrea, Turbinaria, Goniastrea and Coscinaraea whereas, the subtidal corals were represented by 23 species belonging to genera, viz., Goniastrea, Favia, Favites, Platygyra, Goniopora, Fig. 2 Sakuraeolis gujaratica, an endemic Cyphastrea, Hydnophora, Siderastrea, Ophisthobranch from the Gulf of Kachchh Coscinaraea, Porites, Montipora, Leptastrea

77 Vol. 41: No. 3 2014 | and Turbinaria. Two reference sites, viz., Narara Following the event, during April 2013, a total of and Kalubhar were selected for monitoring corals 22 artificial reefs were deployed at Laku point under natural conditions. and Mithapur reef area. The program lasted for two days with participation and support from the The overall results indicated that the survival rate Gujarat Ecological Commission, the Zoological ranged from 70-98%, whereas the general health Survey of India, WTI, the Indian Navy and Coast and growth expansion was good at all the Guard, TCL, Eco-club volunteers and local monitoring sites throughout the study. The health fishermen. The participants were divided into two conditions of the translocated corals were teams: one team was involved in the coral rescue comparable to the status of the corals at the operation while other was involved in the Artificial reference site as indicated during subsequent Reef formation. The coral rescue team collected monitoring carried out periodically in the area. the damaged corals which were then placed on the artificial reefs, giving them a better chance of 3) Coral rescue program (2011-12) survival and regrowth. A total area of 110 cubic For the first time in India, the Gujarat Forest meters has been restored during the event. More Department initiated a coral rescue program in such activities are planned for the future. collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Tata Chemicals Ltd (TCL) at Mithapur reef. 5) Transplantation of Acropora humilis by the The team consisted of volunteers from WTI, TCL Wildlife Trust of India (March 2012) and the Forest Department. The main agenda of Fragments of Acropora humilis were collected the program was to rescue corals damaged due to from Agatti Island, Union Territory of natural and anthropogenic effects like fishing or Lakshadweep, and moved about 1,500 km for other activities. For this purpose, during low tide, reintroduction in Mithapur Reef and Poshitra Reef team members rescued upturned corals and placed of Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kachchh them in the right position in suitable places. There by the Gujarat Forest Department in collaboration were around 30 upturned and disturbed corals with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Tata which were rescued during this exercise. Chemicals Limited (TCL). The transplantation

Conservation initiatives for coral reef ecosystem in Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh Subsequently, three rescue programs between was carried out in March 2012 at two different | February to May 2011 and July 2012 were locations, i.e. Mithapur reef and Laku Island. conducted. This program helped to create awareness among the local people about coral Ten fragments of A. humilis were transplanted reefs. on two 1 m2 platforms at subtidal depths at Mithapur Reef and 8 fragments were transplanted 4) Artificial reef formation (2011 and 2013) at Laku Reef (Poshitra) at about 2 m depth in the Ten Artificial Reef Sites (ARS) were selected in subtidal area. The transplanted corals at Laku reef Mithapur, adjacent to different existing corals, survived for three months and the fragments at based on different parameters such as bottom Mithapur survived for six months after topography, current movement, wave action, depth transplantation (Subburaman et al., 2014). and so on. Limestone boulders weighing a minimum Continuous monitoring of water temperature of 5 kg were brought from a nearby quarry and revealed that the temperature increased gradually deployed in the selected AR sites with an average up to 31°C between June to July 2012, followed depth of about 1-2 meters to make sure they were by a gradual decrease from mid-July onwards, submerged even at low tide at Mithapur reef area. which resulted in the bleaching of transplanted During the monitoring survey, after a year (in April coral fragments. 2012), coral juveniles (Favia, Favites and Montipora) were observed at four sites. Regular 6) Transplantation of corals in Marine National surveys also revealed tentative coral spawning Park by the GEER foundation under the seasons. This activity was carried out by the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Gujarat Forest Department in collaboration with project (March 2012-13) the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL).

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Vol. 41: No. 3 2014 | Conservation initiatives for coral reef ecosystem in Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh Kachchh of Gulf Park, National Marine in ecosystem reef coral for initiatives Conservation During March 2012, under the ICZM project, the The Gujarat Forest Department in collaboration GEER Foundation transplanted 250 fragments of with Zoological Survey of India transplanted a 400 four native species, namely Favia speciosa, F. m2 area during March 2014 with 1,569 fragments favus, Porites lutea and P. compressa. The of local species namely Favia, Favites, Porites, fragments were collected from Bhaider Island (150 Siderastrea and Goniopora. The 400 m2 area fragments) and Laku Reef (100 fragments) of transplantation was done in the channel of Pirotan Poshitra area of Marine National Park (MNP). Island to develop the site as a coral park to These species were transplanted in seven frames promote tourism. in the tidal pools (intertidal area) on Narara Reef. The fragments have recorded radial growth and 8) Recruitment of corals on jetties and two fragments of Porites lutea showed artificial substrates extraordinary growth on the substrate. In addition, New recruitments of corals have been observed another 125 coral fragments belonging to four on the structures like jetty pillars (Fig. 3) and stone species viz. Favia speciosa, Favia favus, Porites pitching along the jetty approach roads in this area lutea and Porites compressa were transplanted (Dave and Kamboj, 2012). This is an indication during March 2013 from donor sites of Boria reef that with protection and appropriate substrates and to the recipient site at Narara reef. environment, the corals can also come up in the area naturally. This natural process needs to be 7) Coral transplantation by MNP-ZSI (March assisted and accelerated by providing suitable 2014) substrates to hasten the recovery of degraded

reefs of MNP & S. |

Fig. 3: a) Approach road to GSFC jetty. b) and c) Coral heads (indicated with arrows) on the boulders. d) Stichodactyla haddoni and Favia favus (indicated by arrows) developed on stone pitching.

9) Nature Education Camps the public, Nature and Environment Education Indiscriminate expansions of human population, Camps were started from 1982-83 and up to 2013- urbanization and industrialization have accelerated 14. A total of 1,837 camps have been organized the rate of erosion, destruction and degradation of and 101,427 students have been educated. These forest and wildlife leading to ecological imbalance. camps have been mainly organized on Narara With a view to generating awareness, imparting Bet, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary and Poshitra trainings and knowledge to arouse curiosity and (Bhadu). inculcate a love for wildlife and nature amongst

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| 10) Other activities Gujarat and 13 new records for India: The Forest Department organized many activities Part 1. Journal of the Bombay Natural under various schemes, many involving local History Society 107: 14-23. communities through eco-development, the ICZM Balasubramanian, T. & S. Ajmal Khan. 2001. project in mangrove plantations and protection of Coral Reefs of India – State of Art Report. mangroves, corals and other coastal resources. Envis Publication series, 4/2001: pp 104. Entry point activities for village development that 2011. Coastal zones of India. Published by are also beneficial for the surrounding ecosystem/ Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad. environment are being implemented in 58 villages. 2011. Coral Atlas of Gujarat State. Gujarat Ecological Commission, Gujarat, India. pp 96. A high level monitoring committee headed by the Dave, C.S. & Kamboj, R.D. 2012. Foreshore Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary, facilities – home to corals. Current Forests and Environment Department, Govt. of Science 102: 544-545. Gujarat for monitoring the compliance of ICMAM (Integrated Coastal and Marine Area conditions related to clearance from environmental, Management Project Directorate). 2002. CRZ, FCA, wildlife and pollution angles has been Geographical Information System of Gulf established. of Kachchh. 1-53. Jose K.V. 1964. The morphology of Apart from this, many other activities are being Acanthobonellia pirotanensis N. Sp., a carried out by MNP in relation to coral bonellid from the Gulf of Kutch, India. conservation through the ICZM project. Involving Journal of Morphology 115:53-68. local youths in eco-tourism, training in handicrafts Kamboj, R.D., Bhalodi, M.M. & D. Adhavan. as an alternate job option in order to reduce over- 2014. Identification manual for important fishing, educating fisher folk on the importance of marine biodiversity of Marine National marine biodiversity and its protection, sustainable Park, Gulf of Kachchh, Jamnagar. Gujarat fisheries, etc. have had a profound effect on Forest Department, India, 77 pp. creating awareness on marine life and its Nair, V.R. 2002. Status of flora and fauna of conservation. In order to secure the future of Gulf of Kachchh. National Institute of

Conservation initiatives for coral reef ecosystem in Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh marine biodiversity in MNP, a sewage treatment Oceanography report. Dona Paulo, Goa, p | plant of 70 Mld. capacity is being established under 157, http://drs.nio.org/drs/handle/2264/87 the ICZM project in Jamnagar city so that the Accessed on 25 September 2013. sewage of the city does not flow into the sea. Nayak, S.R., Pandeya, A., Gupta, M.C., Trivedi, C.R., Prasad, K.N. & S.A. Kadri. 1989. Acknowledgements Application of satellite data for monitoring degradation of tidal wetlands of Gulf of The author is thankful to Dr. C.N. Pandey, IFS., Kachchh, Western India. Act Astronautica, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests 20, pp171-178. (Wildlife), Gujarat State for providing Satyanarayana C. Ramakrishna. 2009. encouragement and guidance in pursuit of Handbook on hard corals of Gulf of writing technical papers from time to time. The Kachchh. Zoological Survey of India. 113 p. author also extends special thanks to Dr. D. Singh, H.S. 2003 Sea mammals in marine Adhavan for carefully going through the protected area in the Gulf of Kachchh, manuscript and rendering secretarial Gujarat State, India. Indian Journal of assistance. Marine Sciences 32: 258-262. Singh, H.S., Panday, C.N., Yennawar, P., Asari, References R.J., Patel, B.H., Tatu, K. & B.R. Raval. 2004. The Marine National Park and Sanctuary Apte, D., Bhave, V. & D. Parasharya. 2010. An in the Gulf of Kachchh - a comprehensive annotated and illustrated checklist of the study on biodiversity and management Opisthobranch fauna of Gulf of Kutch, issues. GEER Foundation, Gandhinagar 370 Gujarat, India with 21 new records for pp.

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Subburaman, S., Goutham, S., Raheem, A.C.N., and Sanctuary, Gujarat State. Tigerpaper Nepal Kailali, Forest, Community Karnali Sati of birds of checklist preliminary A Kaul, R., Kamboj, R.D., Trivedi, S. & B.C. 36: 26-31. Choudhury. 2014. Survival status of Wilson, J.J. and Kitto M.R. 2012. Marine experimental transportation and Sponge an evolving science – the need transplantation of Acropora corals from for comprehensive systematic inventory Lakshadweep to Gujarat, India. 7(3): 135- for peninsular India. Curr. Sci. 102(4): 545- 140. 546. Venkataraman, K. & Ch. Satyanarayana. 2012. Coral Identification manual. pp1-136. Author’s address: Chief Conservator of Published by the Director, Zool. Surv. India, Forests, Marine National Park, “Van Sankul”, Kolkata) Near Nagnath Gate, Jamnagar – 361001. Vyas, R. & J.N. Patel. 2009. Reptilian diversity Email: [email protected] in and around the Marine National Park

A PRELIMINARY CHECKLIST OF BIRDS OF SATI KARNALI COMMUNITY FOREST, KAILALI, FAR-WEST NEPAL by Santosh Bhattarai

Introduction Study area | epal’s birdlife is among the richest in Asia, The Sati Karnali Community Forest (SKCF), the Nparticularly considering the small size of the first registered community forest of Kailali district country (Baral and Inskipp, 2005). The varied in far-west, Nepal, was handed over to the local physiographic zones of Nepal have facilitated the community in 1994. SKCF has 260 ha of forests country to support a high biodiversity of fauna and (Fig. 1) and is being managed by 901 households flora (Basnet et al., 2005). This diversity of habitats of the Narayanpur and Dhansinghpur Village supports 871 bird species, 35 of them globally Development Committees (VDCs). The Karnali threatened (Thomson and Thapa, 2013). River, the longest river in Nepal, runs through the forest and hence divides the forest into two Community forestry in Nepal is one of the most separate blocks. Waterlogged conditions and floods successful programmes evolved through policy are common in the SKCF and therefore attracts restructuring and strengthening of the rules and several species of water birds to the forest area. regulations on local control over forest resources It lies in the terai of Nepal between the Himalayan (Acharya, 2002). Community-based forests have foothills and the Gangetic plains and is located at shown significant regrowth, and thus have become 28°27' N 81°05' E. It has tropical a climate and potential habitats for biodiversity studies in Nepal the temperature ranges from 15°C to 43°C with because most animal studies have been limited to an annual average of 23.7°C (Chowdhary and protected areas and very little concern has been Poudel, 2005; Bhattarai, 2012).The vegetation given to outside the protected areas (Baral, 2008). types include marshy grasslands and riverine forest Information on checklists of birds in Sati Karnali dominated by Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia catechu, Community Forest and adjoining other community Bombax ceiba Trewia nudiflora Ziziphus forests or in the region is not available. Therefore, jujuba, Murraya koinigii, Acacia rugata, this paper presents a preliminary checklist of birds Arundo donax, Albizia chinensis and Albizia of Sati Karnali Community Forest, Kailali, far- procera (Bhattarai, 2012). west, Nepal.

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Field methods like the Gangetic river dolphin (Platinista

| gangetica) in the Karnali River. The observations were carried out between February 2012 and March 2012. The birds were Conclusion observed with 10x42 Bushnell binoculars. Systematic records were compiled by walking on This forest is very important from a wildlife point existing trails in the early morning between 6:30 of view and could be a crucial corridor for animal hrs and 9:30 hrs and in the evening between 15:00 passage. This preliminary checklist of birds will hrs and 18:00 hrs. For water birds, some suitable be a baseline for assessing the status and vantage points were selected and all birds were distribution of several other taxa in the future. recorded and identified at species level. Further surveys and detailed studies in different Opportunistic observations encountered during the seasons of the year will bring additional results. study period were also incorporated in the The incorporation of wildlife management issues checklist. All birds either on the ground or in the in SKCF’s operational plan will be an initiative for water were identified using standard field guides participatory wildlife conservation. (Ali, S. 2012- 13th edition, Grimmet et al. 1999; Kazmierczak and Perlo, 2006). Acknowledgements

Results and discussion I am grateful to SKCF for providing logistical support and IDEA WILD, U.S.A. for providing A total of 69 species of birds belonging to 38 equipments. Help from Min Bahadur Thakulla, families were recorded (Table 1). Accipitridae and Devi Ram Bhandari, Ashish Shrestha and Sagar Columbidae comprised the most species (5 each). Bhattarai in the field was highly appreciated. Sati Karnali Community Forest is the first registered community forest in district Kailali and References is a well-recognized community forest of Nepal where rattans (Calamus tenuis) provide the main

A preliminary checklist of birds Sati Karnali Community Forest, Kailali, Nepal Acharya, K.P. 2002. Twenty-Four Years of

| source of income (Bhattarai, 2012). Once almost Community Forestry in Nepal. barren land, it has now has been re-vegetated International Forestry Review 4(2): 149-156 through the local people’s active participation in Ali, S. 2012. The Book of Indian Birds- forest conservation and management. This forest Thirteenth Edition. Bombay Natural History has now become a breeding site for many species Society. Oxford University Press. of birds and the river Karnali passes through the Baral, H.S. & C. Inskipp 2005. Impotant Bird forest as a wintering ground for various migratory Areas in Nepal: Key sites for birds. In addition, this forest is becoming a potential conservation. Bird Conservation Nepal and corridor for animal movement from Bardia National Bird Life International, Kathmandu and Park, Nepal to Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambridge. India and vice-versa. Baral. K., 2008. Herpetofauna and ethnoherpetology in Begnastal and Threats Rupatal Area. A research report submitted for the partial fulfillment of bachelor degree The SKCF mainly focuses on forest conservation in Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Institute of and management. Animal conservation issues are Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal. VIII + 43 pp. not incorporated in the SKCF’s operational plan. Basnet, Y.R. Tamang, B. & B. Gautam. 2005. Hence, it might have led to the illegal activities Bird diversity and their habitat status at like poaching and fishing with a variety of methods Rajarani Community Forest, Bhogteny, (gill nets, baited hook-line, poisoning). Unchecked Morang, Nepal. illegal fishing, stone quarrying and sand mining Bhattarai, S. 2012. Importance of Sati Karnali destroys the habitats of water birds and disturbs Community Forest, far-west, Nepal for the basking sites of gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), python (Python molurus bivittatus) turtles and the movement of other aquatic fauna conservation. A Project Report Submitted

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in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Maldives. Om Books, New Delhi-110002, Nepal Kailali, Forest, Community Karnali Sati of birds of checklist preliminary A degree of Bachelor of Science in forestry, India. H.N.B.G.U., Department of Forestry and Thomas, D. & I. Thapa. 2013. Nepalese Natural Resources, Srinagar, Garhwal, conservation - A look at local Uttarakhand, India. Pp- 38+ conservation groups in Nepal working to Chowdhary, C.L. & S.K. Poudel. 2005. protect the country’s biodiversity. Managing rattan as a common property: Danphe 22(1): 5-6. a case study of community rattan http://www.birdlifenepal.org/publication.php management in Nepal. Journal of Bamboo and Rattan, Vol.4, No.1, VSP 2005 Santosh Bhattarai- user, Sati Karnali Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C & T. Inskipp. 1999. Community Forest Users Group, Narayanpur- Pocket Guide to the Birds of Indian 8, Kailali, NEPAL. Present address- Department Subcontinent. Oxford University Press. of Wildlife Science, University of Kota, Kazmierczak, K. & B.V. Perlo. 2006. A Field Rajasthan-324005, INDIA Guide to the Birds of India, Sri Lanka, Email: [email protected] Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and the

Table-1: Checklist of Birds of Sati Karnali Community Forest, Kailali, Far-west, Nepal. S.N. Common Name Scientific name Family 1. Shikra Accipiter badius Accipitridae 2. Bank Myna Acridotheres Sturnidea ginginianus 3. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Sturnidea 4. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Alcedinidae 5. White breasted Waterhen Amaurornis Rallidae

phoenicurnis | 6. Paddy field Pipit Anthus rufulus Motacillidae 7. Large Egret Ardea purpurea Ardeidae 8. Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii Ardeidae 9. Spotted Owlet Athene brama Strigi dae 10. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Ardeidae 11. Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Cuculidae 12. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Alcedinidae 13. Rock pigeon Columbia livia Columbidae 14. Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis Turdinae 15. Indian Roller Coracias Coraciidae benghalensis 16. House Crow Corvus splendens Corvidae 17. Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta Corvidae vagabunda 18. White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Dicruridae 19. Black Drongo Dicrurus Dicruridae macrocercus 20. Greater Racket tailed Dicrurus paradiseus Dicruridae Drongo 21. Lesser Golden-backed Dinopium Picidae Woodpecker benghalense 22. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Ardeidae 23. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus Accipitridae 24. Asian Koel Eudynamys Cuculidae scolopacea

131313 Vol. 41: No. 3 2014 | 25. Red Jungle Fowl Gallus gallus Phasianidae 26. White rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis Accipitridae 27. White-throat ed Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Alcedinidae 28. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus Recurvirostridae himantopus 29. Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Laniidae 30. Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica Estrildidae 31. Scaly breasted Munia Lonchura ponchulat a Estrildidae 32. Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima Capitonidae haemacephala 33. Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis Meropidae 34. Black Kite Milvus migranus Accipitridae 35. White Wagtail Motacilla alba Motacillidae 36. Purple Sunbi rd Nectarinia asiatica Nectariniidae 37. Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris Bucerotidae 38. Eurasian golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Oriolidae 39. Common Tailor Bird Orthotomus sutorius Sylviinae 40. Great Tit Parus major Paridae 41. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Passerinae 42. Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus Phasianidae 43. Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus Accipitridae 44. Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger Phalacrocoracidae 45. Great Cormorant Phalocrocorax carbo Phalacrocoracidae 46. Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus Ploceinae 47. Grey breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii Sylviinae A preliminary checklist of birds Sati Karnali Community Forest, Kailali, Nepal 48. Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis Sylviinae | 49. Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa Threskiornithidae 50. Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula Psittacidae cynocephali 51. Rose ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri Psittacidae 52. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Pycnonotidae 53. Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus Pycnonotidae 54. Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata Turdinae 55. River Tern Sterna aurantia Laridae 56. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Columbidae 57. Eurasian Col lared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Columbidae 58. Laughing Dove Streptopelia Columbidae senegalensis 59. Red Collared Dove Streptopelia Columbidae tranquebarica 60. Asian Pied Starling Sturnus contra Sturnidea 61. Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum Sturnidea 62. Ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Anatidae 63. Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradise Monarchinae 64. Common Babbler Turdoides caudatus Timaliinae 65. Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus Timaliinae 66. Common Hoopoe Upupa epops Upupidae 67. River lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii Charadriidae 68. Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Charadriidae 69. Oriental White-eye Zosterops Zosteropidae palpebrosus

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| | Status of incubation mounds of Megapode freycinet in Rumberpon Island Island Rumberpon in freycinet Megapode of mounds incubation of Status COMPONENTS, GROUND TEMPERATURE AND STATUS OF INCUBATION MOUNDS OF Megapode freycinet GAIMARD IN RUMBERPON ISLAND, INDONESIA by Freddy Pattiselanno and Agustina Y.S. Arobaya

Introduction

egapodes are ground-living birds found in This paper discusses the nesting ground of Dusky MAustralia, New Guinea and surrounding Megapode from lowland forest and coastal sandy islands, eastern Indonesia and the Philippines. sites. In particular, it focuses on the components of Megapode eggs are fragile and require protection materials that compose the nest and the from both disturbance and the narrow range of conservation status of the nesting ground. This is environmental conditions throughout incubation. urgent for further evaluation in supporting the Jones and Birks (1992) described megapodes as megapode’s conservation program in Papua. a different kind of bird because they utilize environmental conditions more than their body Description of study site heat to incubate their eggs. Two different principal techniques are used by megapodes in Research was conducted in Rumberpon Island, incubating their eggs: 1) constructing an Manokwari (134°8’-134°15’E, 01°44’-01°75’S) on | incubation-mound of decomposing organic matter; about 18,000 ha of upland tract in the northern part or 2) burrowing into pre-existing heat sources such of Cenderawasih Bay (Figure 1). The mean annual as geothermal areas, beaches heated by solar rainfall is 2,648 mm, daily temperature is about 21.1- radiation or decomposing tree roots. 31.1°C and the humidity is 83 percent The site was dominated by coastal vegetation from various Nine of the 19 species of megapodes are families such as Areceae, Fabaceae, Combretaceae currently recognized (White and Bruce, 1986) and and Rhizoporaceae, whereas Verbanaceae, are threatened by habitat destruction, introduction Sapindaceae and Malvaceae are found from the of predators, and over-exploitation of their eggs. foothills up to the hills. Their eggs weigh about 15-20 percent of the female body weight. Megapode eggs are Methods considered a delicacy and they are highly valued for human consumption (Dwyer, 1981; Watling, A series of activities were conducted including 1983). Over-exploitation of megapode eggs has observation and measurement of some threatened some species or populations to critical characteristics around the nesting ground. In levels (Dekker and McGowan, 1995) addition, locals who are familiar with the bird were interviewed to gain information about the nesting Megapodius freycinet (Gaimard) known as ground location and condition. On each nesting Dusky Scrubfowl (Sujatnika et al., 1992) or ground, we carried out semi-structured interviews Dusky Megapode (Argeloo, 1997) is one of the with local people (including village chiefs and egg- megapodes found in Papua that is considered an collectors) in order to gather relevant information endemic bird of Indonesia. This species is to support our findings in the field. All questions distributed on North Mollucas, New Guinea and were open-ended, and were phrased to avoid simple its satellite islands (Rand and Gilliard, 1967; yes or no answers (see Buchart and Baker, 2000). Sujatnika et al., 1992). As described by Shannaz et al. (1992) the appearance of the megapode’s The fieldwork commenced with a comprehensive nest is unique and built from mounds. reconnaissance of the area with the aid of a map

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| of the covered area. A vegetation analysis was the nesting ground was assessed after Dekker carried out to assist in the nesting composition (1990) and Argeloo (1994). On the basis of analysis. The measured characteristics were information from the field and data gathered from height and diameter, material composition, the site, we defined the conservation status of temperature and humidity around the nest. Visual nesting grounds following criteria (Table 1) used observations were also carried out to assess the by Dekker (1990) and Argeloo (1994). nesting appearance. The conservation status of

Table 1: Criteria for assessment of conservation status of nesting ground (after Dekker, 1990 and Argeloo, 1994)

Status Criteria Abandoned No eggs currently laid in the nesting ground Severely threatened Only a few pairs make use of the ground and may be expected to abandon it within the near future Threatened Nesting ground is still used for egg-laying by a considerable population of megapodes, but is not considered safe for the future because of egg-collecting, adverse developments in the area or both Not yet threatened Nesting ground still intact and freely accessible to megapodes, with egg-collecting absent or at low level.

Results and discussions Status of incubation mounds Megapode freycinet in Rumberpon Island | Detailed descriptions based on visual observation samples of the material used in constructing the and material analyzed after collecting the random nest is presented in Table 2.

Table 2. Material composition of an incubation mound

Coas tal Site Remarks Lowland Forest Remarks Components Weight Percentage Components Weight Percentage (gram) (%) (gram) (%) Roots 0.28 0.11 Egg shell 6.08 1.52 Leafs 2.60 1.03 Leafs 8.29 2.07 Oyster 6.22 2.46 Stone 124.40 31.08 fragments Chopping 63.35 25.01 Chopping woods 77.81 19.44 woods Sand 180.81 71.39 Soil 183.71 45.89 Total 253.26 100.00 Total 400.29 100.00

Composition dominated by sand (180.81 grams) and the smallest part was roots (0.28 grams). This The difference between nesting components was composition indicated that all of the nesting according to what components were available at materials were available around the sites and the sites, for example sand and oyster fragments supported the birds in building their nest. Sand at the coastal site and egg shell and soil at the was the dominant material in composting the nest, forest area. The remaining materials were because it was easy to build a volcano-shaped relatively similar at both sites. The data showed nest from sand. Sand was also important to deliver that the composition of nesting material was alternative heat in hatching the eggs. Other (continued on p.17) 16 Vol. 41: No. 3 2014

(continued from p.16) | materials were found in small parts, but they also According to Collias and Collias (1984), in the Island Rumberpon in freycinet Megapode of mounds incubation of Status played an important role as heat sources through tropics however, the process of organic the decomposition process. decomposition is rapid and even small piles of moist leaves can produce some heat. Therefore, According to Petocz (1987), the megapode family experiencing the ability to harness heat from built their nest from a heap of sand and litter. decomposition, megapodes were able to exploit Argeloo (1997) reported that “the eggs are not other sources of environmental heat (Dwyer, incubated by body heat but through alternative 1981). heat sources like the sun, volcanic activity or heat produced by rotten materials like leafs and Mound’s location, height and diameter branches.” Jones, Dekker and Roselaar’s research (1995), cited by Rompas (1997) Three new nests were found during our survey, described that eggs were put in the sandy places approximately 60-100 meters far from the sea line. near the beach and they were not incubated by Nests were located on the surface, 1 meter above the birds. Many literatures described that leaf sea level. In the lowland forest, nests were located litter was used for mound’s material to produce about 20 m above sea level. According to Rand heat from the microbial decomposition (Crome and and Gilliard (1967) nesting mounds are frequently Brown, 1979; Seymour and Ackerman, 1980; Both found in low open vegetation within 150 feet of and Seymour, 1984). An alternative hypothesis the sea coast. Argeloo (1999) on the other hand proposed from different previous studies suggested found that mounds of the Dusky Megapode that mound-building developed from the habit of (Megapodius frycinet) were located from the covering eggs with leaves, possibly as protection coast up to 12-14 km inland at a height of 400-600

against predation (Jones and Birks, 1992). m. Detailed measurements of the observed | mounds are presented in Table 3. Dekker (1980) reports that materials composing the mound act as a media for delivering heat from At Tambun, the Macrocephalon maleo mounds the heat sources. For example, in Batu Putih, were approximately 40-150 cm in diameter Tangkoko-Batuangus Nature Reserve, (Dekker, 1988). According to Jones and Birks composition material of the mound was from a (1992), a minimum size diameter nest of the black volcanic gravel beach where the sun acts Australian brush turkey (Alectura lathami) was as heat source, while Tambun Dumoga-Bone was 2 m and 0.75 m high. dense with stony soil covered by secondary vegetation like Lantana camara.

Table 3. Measurement and microclimate condition of the observed mound (n=8)

Observed Aspect Coastal Site Lowland Forest Height (m) 1 2 Diameter (m) 5 5 Temperature (oC) 32-36 25-30 Relative Humidity (%) 70-87 70-85 Canopy surrounding < 75% 80-90%

According to Burnie (1992) generally bird’s nests protecting the eggs from predators due to its huge are formed in a dish shape. In contrast, a Dusky size (48x43 mm). Rand and Gilliard (1967) Megapode nest looks like a volcano shape. It is described that the nests are up to six feet in height assumed that the shape plays an important role in with flattened tips (some are at least fifteen feet keeping the nest temperature stable as required in diameter) and very broad bases (some reach at for incubating eggs. This shape is also useful in least thirty feet).

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| Ground temperature and relative humidity produced by rotting material like leaves and branches (Argeloo, 1997). Some adult species Our findings showed that ground temperature sometimes regulate the heat in the mounds by varied from 32° to 36°C. The results were more opening them or adding more covering. Dekker or less similar to the nesting ground of maleo at (1988) stated that mounds that were heated by Tambun (Dekker, 1988). That ground temperature sun had a higher temperature (34.1°-36.4°C) varied between 32.1° and 39.3°C as compared to hot springs + sun (31.2°-33.0°C), and measurements were taken from 20 to 50 cm below hot springs only (28.6°-33.1°C). the ground. Temperatures inside the pit ranged from 29.4°-31.0° at 20 cm; 30.9°-32.7° at 30 cm; Conservation status of the nesting ground 32.1°-34.3° at 40 cm and 33.8°-36.0° at 50 cm depth. Coastal nesting grounds have been more severely affected by habitat degradation than lowland forest It was also found that different heat sources nesting grounds because of the intensive fishing produce diverse ground temperatures among the activities to supply fish consumption for the maleo’s mounds. From different locations in North growing population in the area. Sites have been Sulawesi it was observed that eggs were not disturbed due to the increase of fishing activities incubated by body heat, but through alternative along the coast and more access of local heat sources like the sun, volcanic activity or heat communities to the site (Table 4).

Table 4. Number of coastal and lowland forest nesting grounds in each category of threat

Status of incubation mounds Megapode freycinet in Rumberpon Island | Unknown Abandoned Severely Threatened Not yet Total status threatened threatened Coastal 0 1(33.3) 2(66.6) 3 Lowland 0 1(20) 1(20) 1(20) 2(40) 5 forest Total 0 2 3 1 2 8 Data in parentheses represent the percentage of sites of known status

Habitat degradation is the greatest threat to the and villagers for family consumption. A similar megapodes. As the nesting sites become more situation has been experienced in the province of accessible, a large number of people utilize the North Sulawesi, where most of the nesting grounds areas around the site for fishing activities. At the were frequently visited by rattan collectors, who same time, certain areas have been converted into also looked for maleo eggs (Argeloo, 1994). settlements, which directly reduces the nesting grounds in both coastal and lowland forests. As Animals such as dogs and pigs were also cited by Dekker (1990), habitat degradation considered major threats to the nesting ground. In because of development was a major threat to particular, the presence of animals creates more the coastal nesting ground in Central and South disturbances to the nests. It was also found that Sulawesi. It was also recognized that the loss of wild animals like Varanus sp were major predators maleo nesting grounds was mainly due to on megapode eggs. Dekker and Wattel (1987) destruction of the sites for road building and other also reported the stealing of megapode eggs and developments (Baker and Butchart, 2000). chicks by dogs and monitor lizards (Varanus salvator). It was found that a significantly larger proportion of coastal nesting ground (66.6 percent) has been Trapping and snaring of megapodes at or adjacent severely threatened than lowland forest nesting to nesting grounds was commonly reported at ground (20 percent). At all sites, eggs are taken active sites. In reality, though habitat degradation either regularly or opportunistically by fishermen and uncontrolled egg-collecting are probably

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Vol. 41: No. 3 2014 | | having the greatest detrimental effect to the Crome, F.H.J. & H.E. Brown. 1979. Notes on Island Rumberpon in freycinet Megapode of mounds incubation of Status megapode populations, a combination of trapping the social organization and breeding of and snaring may have serious consequences for the Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius dwindling populations at the study sites (Baker and reinwardt. Emu 79: 111-119 Butchart, 2000). Dekker, R.W.R.J. & J. Wattel. 1987. Egg and image: new and traditional uses for the Conclusions maleo Maceocephalon maleo. In: Diamond, A.W. and F. Fillion (eds). The value of birds. The materials composing the meagpode’s mounds ICBP Technical Publication 6: 83-87 are varied in order to protect the eggs and at the Dekker, R.W.R.J. 1988. Notes on ground same time provide an alternative source of temperatures at nesting sites of the environmental heat. maleo Macrocephalon maleo (Megapodiidae). 1988. Emu 88: 124-127 The results of the measurements show that the Dekker, R.W.R.J. 1990. The distribution and size of the mounds are placed between the ranges status of nesting grounds of the Maleo of other megapode mound sizes. Macrocephalon maleo in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biology Conservation 31: 139- Ground temperature and humidity ranged between 150 32°-36°C; they are more or less similar to other Dekker, R.W.R.J. & T.G. Brom, 1992. Maleo megapode nesting ground conditions. eggs and the amount of yolk in relation to different incubation strategies in The nesting grounds are threatened by human megapodes. Austr. J. Zool. 38: 19-24 activities and animals. Dekker, R.W.R.J. & P.J.K. McGowan. 1995. Megapodes – an action plan for their | References conservation 1995-1999 . Gland. Dwyer, P.D. 1981. Two species of megapode Argeloo, M. 1994. The male Macrocephalon laying in the same mound. Emu 81: 173- maleo: new information on the 174 distribution and status of Sulawesi’s Heij, C.J. 1997. The Mollucan Megapode, endemic megapode. Bird Conservation Eulipoa wallacei, Biological Data, Man International 4: 383-393 and Bird, Conservation. Prosiding Seminar Argeloo, M. 1997. Megapodes: The Missing Nasional Pelestarian Burung dan Link between People and Conservation. Ekosistemnya Dalam Pembangunan Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pelestarian Berkelanjutan di Indonesia. Kerjasama PAU Burung dan Ekosistemnya Dalam Ilmu Hayat IPB dan Puslitbang Biologi LIPI, Pembangunan Berkelanjutan di Indonesia. 24 September 1997, Bogor. Kerjasama PAU Ilmu Hayat IPB dan Jones, D.N. & S. Birks. 1992. Megapodes: Puslitbang Biologi LIPI, 24 September 1997, Recent ideas on origins, adaptations and Bogor. reproduction. Tree Vol. 7(3): 88-91. Baker, G.C. & S.H.M. Butchart. 2000. Threats Jones, D.N., Dekker, R.W.R.J. & C.S. Roselaar. to the maleo Macrocephalon maleo and 1995. The Megapodes (Megapodiidae). recommendations for its conservation. Oxford. Oryx Vol. 34 (1): 255-261 Petocz, R.G. 1987. Konservasi Alam dan Both, D.T. & R.S. Seymour. 1984. Effects of Pembangunan di Irian Jaya. Pustaka adding water to Malleefowl mounds Graffiti Press, Jakarta during a drought. Emu 84: 116-118 Rand, A.L. & E.T. Gilliard. 1967. Handbook of Burnie, D. 1992. Burung. PT Bentara Antar New Guinea Birds. Weidenfield and Indonesia, Jakarta Nicholson, London. Collias, N.E. & E.C. Collias. 1984. Nest building Rompas, C.F.E. 1997. Morfologi Pola Protein and bird behavior. Princeton University dan Kariotip Megapoda Maluku Eulipoa Press. wallacei (Megapodiidae, Galliformes,

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| Aves). Prosiding Seminar Nasional Indonesia. Ministry of Agriculture Nature Pelestarian Burung dan Ekosistemnya Dalam Conservation and Fisheries, The Netherlands. Pembangunan Berkelanjutan di Indonesia. Watling, D. 1983. Sandbox incubator. Anim Kerjasama PAU Ilmu Hayat IPB dan Kingdom 53: 28-35 Puslitbang Biologi LIPI, 24 September 1997, White, C.M.N. & M.D. Bruce. 1986. The birds Bogor. of Wallacea. B.O.U Check-list 7. British Seymour, R.S. & R.A. Ackerman. 1980. Ornitologists’ Union, London. Adaptations to underground nesting in birds and reptiles. Amer. Zool 20: 437-447. Authors’ addresses: Freddy Pattiselanno, Shannaz, J., P. Jepson dan Rudyanto. 1992. Animal Science Laboratory, Universitas Negeri Burung-burung Terancam Punah di Papua Manokwari Jl. Gunung Salju Amban Indonesia. Kerjasama Departemen Manokwari 98314 West Papua Indonesia; Kehutanan dan Birdlife Internasional Agustina Y.S. Arobaya; Environment and Forest Sujatnika, P., Jepson, Suhartono, T.R. & M.J. Conservation Laboratory, Universitas Negeri Crosby dan A. Mardiastuti. 1995. Papua Manokwari Jl. Gunung Salju Amban Melestarikan Keanekaragaman Hayati Manokwari 98314 West Papua Indonesia. Status of incubation mounds Megapode freycinet in Rumberpon Island |

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| | ProtectingWorld a as Ramagovindapura and Nandagudi of colonies bee Site Heritage PROTECTING BEE COLONIES OF NANDAGUDI AND RAMAGOVINDAPURA AS A WORLD HERITAGE SITE IN KARNATAKA, SOUTH INDIA by Subhash B. Kandakoor, Chandrashekharaiah and A.K. Chakravarthy

Introduction

iodiversity is closely linked to ecological Reddy were the pioneer workers to initiate studies Bsecurity. Biodiversity and bio-resources are on bee colonies of Nandagudi. declining and are also threatened by human activities. Therefore, it is necessary to instil and Why it is deserving of WHS designation nurture conservation ethics in the community. The declaration of a Biodiversity Heritage Site reflects The bee-trees of Ramagovindapura are worthy the values and ethics in the society and protects of such designation because it reflects the the environment, thereby ensuring availability of importance of honeybees (primarily Rock Bees bio-resources for the present and future A. dorsata) to agriculture, horticulture, forest trees generations (UNESCO, 2011). and the local environment. Ramagovindapura most likely holds the highest concentration of A. dorsata The World Heritage convention defines natural nests in the world and will most likely fall victim heritage as “Natural features consisting of physical to urban sprawl if not protected by designating it and biological formations or groups of such as a World Heritage Site. This area (38 km north formations, which are of Outstanding Universal of city of Bangalore, 12°58’N 77°34’E) hosts a

Value from the aesthetic or scientific point of view, high concentration of nesting A. dorsata (2,000 | geological and physiological formations and colonies on 11 trees within a 5-7 km radius). precisely delineating areas which constitute the habitat of threatened species of animals and plants The villagers are well aware of the pollination of Outstanding Value from the point of view of efforts and benefits of honey bees in the area; science or conservation (UNESCO, 2011). they claim they can get five harvests per year and attribute this to the presence of the bees. The In this context, the banyan or peepal (Ficus village of Ramagovindapura is located in bengalensis and Ficus religiosa : Moraceae) Nandagudi township and is primarily an agricultural trees of Ramagovindapura have hosted hundreds zone, although there are several granite quarries of Asian rock bees Apis dorsata Fab (Apidae: in the vicinity. Some of the A. dorsata bees are Hymenoptera). An opportunity exists to set aside present at the location on a year-round basis, but and protect these valuable natural treasures as a the majority of the colonies migrate to parts World Heritage site as these bees have facilitated unknown during part of the year. A large majority increased crop yields of the area surrounding their of the bees begin to arrive in October of each habitat. But as long as the area remains year, and the population increases to thousands unprotected, there will be threats such as the new by late January. Honey is sometimes harvested in Integrated Township proposal in the Bangalore March and the bees depart by April, leaving a few Metropolitan Region which may threaten the area. colonies behind. With the view to conserving So to protect this area a recently formed populations of A. dorsata, the harvesting of honey organization, the “Indian Pollinator Initiative (IPI), was stopped after 2009. This has facilitated the has decided to pursue the nomination of this sustenance of bee colonies in the area, year- important area for recognition as a World Heritage around. Site (WHS). Dr. Stephen Peterson and M.S.

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Fig.1: Apis dorsata colonies on trees

Villagers in Ramagovindapura are well aware of per year spread in the defecation area per year the benefits of bee-pollination and the need to (Annamalai, 2012). If substantiated, this is a protect indigenous species of pollinators. A report significant source of free fertilizer, adding to the from Africa concludes that 20-30 colonies of A. organic desired for the area.

dorsata can deposit 800-1,200 kg of N2 fertilizer Protecting bee colonies of Nandagudi and Ramagovindapura as a World Heritage Site bee colonies of Nandagudi and Ramagovindapura as a World Protecting |

Fig.2 : Apis dorsata pollination

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Table 1: Number of bee colonies recorded during the last 15 years (1998-2012) and the income ProtectingWorld a as Ramagovindapura and Nandagudi of colonies bee Site Heritage generated through honey harvesting Number of A. dorsata Number of colonies Income generation Year bee colonies1 harvested2 (Rs.) 3

1998 252 70 12,000

1999 310 110 21,000

2000 370 150 32,000

2001 410 150 32,000

2002 432 170 34,000

2003 410 160 30,000

2004 442 165 32,000

2005 475 150 30,000

2006 566 160 34,000

2007 570 180 36,000

2008 625 200 38,000

2009 617 * * with a view to

conserving populations | 2010 630 * of A. dorsata, the harvesti ng of honey 2011 620 * has been stopped 2012 622 (Average number * of nests over 15 years = 424)

1Number of colonies counted in one tree only in the village of Ramagovindapura 2 Average number of colonies harvested from one tree over 11 years = 148 3 Average income for village (11 years) = Rs. 30,100 (Stephen Petersen and Muniswamyreddy Shankar Reddy, 2013)

Regeneration of water source the quantity. The people then put a total ban on all activities except utilizing water for drinking. (Sri Our ancestors in the ancient past located and A. N. Yellappa Reddy, former Environment identified sources of local quality drinking water Secretary, Government of Karnataka). bodies. These are called ‘kalyanis’ in the local Incidentally, kalyanis were the source of drinking language. People also built-up temples around water for bees, beetles, birds and other fauna and kalyanis to preserve the sacredness of the places, flora. Water bodies served as a niche for fishes, so that people did not indulge in activities that frogs and crabs and other aquatic life. Bees require would deteriorate the water quality and reduce and prefer quality water and accordingly to a study

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| consume 5-6 litres of water to produce a litre of Acknowledgements honey. Hydrologically, kalyanis are linked, forming a network. Currently, because of a lack of The authors are thankful to the authorities of kalyanis, people are drilling bore-wells and drawing the University of Agricultural Sciences, ground water and storing it in cemented blocks Bangalore for encouragement and help; to locally called thottis. This water is also being used villagers of Ramagovindapura and Sri A.N. for irrigation. This is how the groundwater is being Yellapa Reddy, Stephen Petersen and depleted without being recharged. According to Muniswamyreddy Shankar Reddy for Sri. A. N. Yellappa Reddy this is a matter of great stimulating interest in bee trees. concern. He says that every stretch of 10-20 km should have a kalyani, so he has drawn up a plan References to re-create/regenerate the network of water bodies with government help and participation Annamalai, M. 2012. Defecation behaviour of from villagers. This will go a long way toward insects. Presentation in partial fulfilment of sustaining the bee-trees and hives. Ph.D. at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Dr. M. Muthuraman Benefits (Chairman),Coimbatore,India, http:// . Enhanced fruit, seed and vegetable crop yields www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2007/april/ due to the pollination efforts of honeybees; yellowrain.htm. . Increased and free addition of valuable Bashkortostan Republic info 2007. Shulgan-Tash nitrogen fertilizer to cultivated ecosystems due National Nature Preserve, http:// to defecation-flights of honeybees; eng.bashkortostan450.ru/nature/natural- . The potential to operate an organic farming manuments/preserve_132.html community with close access to niche markets Economic times of India. 2012. Bangalore in Bangalore; among the top 10 preferred . The potential for agricultural tourism, home entrepreneurial locations, http:// stays and ecotourism; economictimes.indiatimes.com. 12 April 2012. Protecting bee colonies of Nandagudi and Ramagovindapura as a World Heritage Site bee colonies of Nandagudi and Ramagovindapura as a World Protecting

| . Sales of honey, wax and other bee products; Petersen, Stephen & Muniswamyreddy Shankar . Sales of value-added products; Reddy. 2013. Nominating the bee trees of . Preservation and continuation of agriculture Nandagudi/Ramagovindapura as a World lifestyles, values, social and cultural ethos; and Heritage Site. Paper presented in the . Local tour-guide services, sales of services International Conference on Insect Science, and local transportation. February 14 to 17, 2013, Bangalore. Pp. 6. UNESCO. 2011. Preparing World Heritage Conclusion Nominations (Second edition, 2011). Published in November 2011 by the United To date, the locals have been successful in warding Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural off metropolitan expansion, but as land values, Organisation. encouraged by speculators, skyrocket it becomes harder to resist the temptation of a one-time cash sale for immediate gain and perhaps with little Authors’ address for correspondence: regard for the security of future generations. So, Department of Entomology, UAS, GKVK, designation as a WHS will provide the necessary Bangalore-560065, Karnataka, Indi; protection so the area would be ecologically [email protected] protected for generations to come.

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| | Overview of the status and conservation initiatives of red panda in Nepal Nepal in panda red of initiatives conservation and status the of Overview AN OVERVIEW OF THE STATUS AND CONSERVATION INITIATIVES OF RED PANDA Ailurus fulgens (Cuvier, 1825) IN NEPAL by Damber Bista and Rajiv Paudel

Introduction The current work attempts to put information on he red panda is distributed from Nepal in the red panda status together from Nepal and the Twest through China, India, Bhutan and conservation initiatives taken so far herein. It is Myanmar (Ghose & Dutta, 2011). Its westernmost based on the review of available literature on red occurrence in Nepal is recorded in Mugu District panda research, monitoring, legislation and (82°E) (Sharma, 2008), western Nepal and the conservation to date along with the reflection of easternmost occurrence is in the Minshan the authors’ experience. mountains and upper Min Valley of Sichuwan Province, south-central China (104°E), with a Abundance and distribution narrow extent of north-south distribution from 25°N to 33°N (Ellerman & Morrison-Scott, 1966; In the global scenario, Nepal is home to Macdonald, 1984; Corbet and Hill, 1992; approximately 1.9 % of the total global population Chaudhary, 1997). In Nepal, only the nominate of the red panda estimated on the basis of a habitat sub-species Ailurus fulgens fulgens occurs. suitability index. The potential habitat inside the | protected areas covers about 38% of the total Red panda inhabits the eastern Himalayan potential red panda habitat, whereas the remaining temperate broadleaved forest with bamboo in the 62% of potential habitat lies in community- understory at an altitudinal range of 2,400-3,900 managed and national forest in the country where m (Pradhan et al. 2001; Yonzon and Hunter, 1991). their population and conservation status is not The estimated global population size of the red known in most of the areas (DNPWC/MoFSC/ panda on the basis of average density of one GoN, 2010). panda/4.4 km2 is 16,000- 20,000 within the total potential red panda habitat of 142,000 km2 in five The Population and Habitat Viability Assessment red panda range countries (Choudhury, 2001). (PHVA) Workshop on Red Panda Ailurus Recently IUCN (2011) has estimated the global fulgens in Nepal recognized 11 sub-populations population of red panda to be around 10,000. The of red panda with an estimated total population of red panda population in Nepal is about 314 around 317 individuals within the confirmed habitat individuals on the basis of a habitat suitability index of 592.39 km2 along with an estimated possible of 2.9 km2 ecological density within 912 km2 of population of 582 individuals within 3,244.52 km2 potential habitat (Yonzon et al., 1997). including another potential habitat of 2,652.13 km2 (Table 1). The presence of the species was also In Nepal, the red panda is a protected species but confirmed in 24 districts with potential habitats in their numbers are dwindling as intense human another 12 districts (PHVA, 2010). Recently, red pressure affects their habitat. Red pandas may be panda was also recorded from Kalikot district near extinction in Nepal with sparse populations found (Nabin Shahi, pers. comm., 2012), Khotang district in Langtang and Lambagar – Central Nepal (Yonzon (www.ekantipur.com, 2012), Jajarkot district et al., 1991). Despite being such an important species, (www.myrepublica.com, 2012) and Jumla district information on this animal from Nepal is scanty. In (Figure 1). However, it is yet to be confirmed by the case of red panda, the most pressing problem in scientific research. its conservation is insufficient information regarding its occurrence (Yonzon et al., 1997).

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Figure 1: Red panda distribution districts in Nepal

Based on anecdotal evidence, study reports, Sharma and Belant (2009) reported the presence sightings and signs, the presence of red panda has of red panda within 3,000 m to 3,600 m amsl in been confirmed in nine Protected Areas (PAs) of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR) and sighted Nepal: 1) Kanchanjungha Conservation Area four red pandas. Subedi and Thapa (2011) reported (RPN, 2010; Mahato and Karki, 2005; Mahato, the presence of four small isolated groups of red 2003; Yonzon, 1996); 2) Sagarmatha National Park panda with three groups bearing cubs inside the (Mahato, 2004); 3) Makalu Barun National Park DHR. They also analyzed the microhabitat and (Jackson, 1990); 4) Langtang National Park showed the higher abundance of red pandas in (Thapa, 2009; Karki, 2006; Karki and Tsuga dumosa, Rhododendron, Betula and Zendrzejenski, 2000; Fox et al., 1996; Yonzon et Arundinaria sp.-dominated habitat at altitudes al., 1991; Yonzon and Hunter, 1991a,b;Yonzon, between 3,200 m to 3,400 m in Dhorpatan Hunting 1989; Shrestha, 1988); 5) Rara National Park Reserve. Similarly, there are more than 11 red (Sharma, 2008); 6) Manaslu Conservation Area pandas in Rara National Park within an area of 31 (Chaudhary, 1992 cited in Yonzon, 1997); 7) km2 (Sharma, 2008). Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (Sharma & Belant, 2009; Subedi, 2009; 8) Sharma and Kandel, 2007); Langtang National Park (LNP) provides a very and 9) Annapurna Conservation Area (Shrestha suitable habitat for the red panda where an and Ale, 2001). Recently, its presence had also estimated 73 individuals comprising four different been recorded from Api Nampa Conservation populations were recorded within the suitable Area in the westernmost part of Nepal (DNPWC, habitat of 153.5 km2 (Yonzon, 1989). Later on 2011), although Mugu District was earlier recorded Yonzon et al. (1991) estimated the existence of as the westernmost region in Nepal (Sharma, 24 individuals of red pandas in Langtang National 2008). Park, which is so low that their survival is

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Vol. 41: No. 3 2014 | | Table 1: Population estimation of red panda in Nepal Nepal in panda red of initiatives conservation and status the of Overview S.N. Sub populations Area (km2) Population

Confirmed Possible Confirmed Possible

1 Annapurnna-Manaslu 4.18 84.23 2 20.15

2 Darchula -

3 Dhorpatan 89.05 434.92 43 104.05

4 Gaurishankar 45.17 114.15 22 27.31

5 Kanchanjungha 111.91 160.76 67 48.13

6 Khaptad 3.57 211.22 1 36.42

7 Langtang 47.83 125.7 23 30.07

8 Rara 55.63 1099.16 19 189.51

9 Sagarmatha 73.71 150.96 44 45.2

10 Sakhuwasabha East 101.88 119.01 61 35.63 | 11 Sakhuwasabha West 59.46 152.02 36 45.51

Total 592.39 2652.13 317 581.98

Source: PHVA, 2010

questionable within the suitable habitat of 68 km2 population with an estimated 100 individuals available there. Very small populations, ~20-50 red (Williams, 2006; Williams, 2004; Yonzon, 2001). pandas, have a high probability of extinction even The given population (exactly 106) within the without additional human-caused threats. The corridor is based on the crude density of one red majority of the current sub-populations fall in this panda/1.67 km2 for Singhalila National Park range. Even larger populations will become extinct (Pradhan et al., 1989). The population may range if human threats, such has hunting, predation by between 61 individuals (estimated on the basis of domestic dogs, habitat loss, fire, etc. are not ecological density of one red panda/2.9 km2 for urgently addressed (Walker and Molur, 2010). In Nepal given by Yonzon et al. [1997]) and 129 LNP, the red panda core habitat of 45 km2 is at (estimated on the basis of ecological density of high risk due to human pressure, primarily because one red panda/1.38 km2 for Illam district given by of grazing and firewood collection (Yonzon et al., Williams [2004]). RPN-Nepal (2010) has recorded 1991). red panda signs between elevations 2,530 and 3,790 m with the highest encounter frequency between The Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung (PIT) Corridor has 2,700 and 3,220 m in Sacred Himalayan been considered as an important habitat for the Landscape (SHL) and also revealed the higher red panda because it contains 178 km2 or ~ 20 % red panda abundance in the east compared to the of the total potential red panda habitat, which western part of the area. Ghimire and Bhatta supports approximately 25% of Nepal’s red panda (2010) reported that Choyatar Community Forest

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| in Jamuna VDC in Ilam District of eastern Nepal for the development and implementation of species is home to 15 red pandas. William (2004) has conservation action plans for keystone species like reported some 4 individuals from the community- red panda which emphasizes population surveys, managed and national forest of Jamuna and Mabu monitoring, protecting key habitats, and relocation VDCs of Ilam district in eastern Nepal and also and restoration of such species. The Constitution revealed the higher abundance of red panda in of Nepal (2007) has also made the provision of the 2,600 m – 3,000 m range. The area of Choyatar maintenance of 40% of forest in the country along Community Forest is only 1.5 km2 (DFO, 2012). with the protection of associated rare wildlife Therefore, that forest couldn’t harbor that much species. population even if the crude density (minimum) of one red panda/1.38 km2 for Illam district The red panda is designated as a vulnerable (William, 2004) is considered. Mahato et al. (2011) species (IUCN, 2011), protected in Nepal by the observed the highest encounter rate at 3,200 m in National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973, the same area, which is close to the recorded mean which prohibits its killing or capture dead or alive altitude of red panda occurrence in the adjoining and is an Appendix I species under the Convention Singhalila National Park in Darjeeling, West on International Trade in Endangered Species of Bengal, India (Pradhan et al., 2001). Williams et Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The NPWC Act, al. (2011) has also estimated 28 individuals of red 1973, has made the clear provision of complete panda from three VDCs namely Kalikhola, protection of protected wildlife of Nepal, including Surumkhim and Yamphudin VDCs of Taplejung red panda, under Section 10 of the Act. In Section district. The first two fall outside the PAs. 26 (2) of the Act there is a provision for fines up to Rupees 40,000-75,000 or jail for 1-10 years, or Conservation policy and initiatives both, to any person who kills or tries to kill red Overview of the status and conservation initiatives red panda in Nepal | pandas. Conservation of rare species like red panda has been emphasized in various conservation-related An effort for the conservation of red panda documents of Nepal. The National Conservation through the establishment of a conservation area Strategy (1988) has also clearly pointed out the inside Langtang National Park was initiated after need of preserving rare or endangered species the declaration of the Red Panda Conservation and their habitats. The Master Plan for Forestry Area by DNPWC in 1990 as per the Sector (1988) has made the provision of protection recommendation in the Langtang National Park of representative examples of ecosystems unique Management Plan, 1977. DNPWC/GoN has to Nepal, areas of special scientific, scenic, and formulated a red panda conservation action plan recreational or cultural values and maintenance for LNP and the buffer zone (2009-2013) for the of the ecological and environmental balance for systematic conservation of the species within the the sustained well being of the nation. The Plan demarcated area, which is presently under for the Conservation of Ecosystems and Genetic implementation. DNPWC/GoN is formulating a Resources (1988) has formulated the relevant red panda conservation action plan (pers. comm. policies on in situ and ex situ conservation of Prof. Shah, K.B., 2012). Its promulgation is biodiversity. The Nepal Environmental Policy and expected to be a milestone towards the Action Plan (1993) has emphasized the conservation initiative of this flagship species. preservation of endemic and endangered species and their habitats and the promotion of private Some initiatives have also been started outside the and public institutions for biological resources protected areas for the sake of conserving this inventory and conservation. The Nepal species and the Red Panda Network (RPN) has Biodiversity Strategy (2002) urges extensive been leading this effort since 2007 in Nepal. Since research and maintenance of the endangered and then RPN has been working in the PIT-Corridor indicator species, including red pandas and their of the Eastern Himalayan region of Nepal in the habitat. The strategy has recognized and field of red panda research and community-based formulated a mixture of strategies to safeguard monitoring through mobilizing Community Forest the rich and varied biological diversity as well as User Groups. A curriculum on red panda

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Vol. 41: No. 3 2014 | | conservation for the school level has been lack of awareness as major threats for the red Nepal in panda red of initiatives conservation and status the of Overview developed by RPN which is about to be panda in eastern Nepal. DNPWC/MoFSC/GoN, implemented in the local curriculum in Taplejung ( district. RPN has targeted to identify and monitor 2010) has also indicated that similar threats exist 533 km2 or 40% of the potential red panda habitat in LNP. In addition, it has also pointed towards in Nepal by the end of 2015. In addition, the Red the weak incentives for conservation initiatives and Panda Network-Nepal (RPN-Nepal) is also active accidental trapping and killing. Choudhary (2001) in the country with the same objectives. also noted the opportunistic and accidental catching of red panda in snares during the hunting of wild Conservation issues pig, deer, serow, goral, etc. However, hunting does not appear to be a serious threat for red panda. Yonzon and Hunter (1991) identified the presence Recently, six red pandas were recorded killed in of Chouri (yaks), their herders and dogs as major Nayakwada and Rokayagaon VDCs of Jajarkot detrimental factors to red pandas in LNP. They in the past five months. Out of the six, two of also revealed that 57% of total red panda them were trapped in nets and killed by the locals, mortalities were human-related. Yonzon et al. while poachers killed the other three. Children (1991) indicated firewood collection and cattle grazing cattle in the jungle killed another panda grazing as pressure inducing factors for red panda using catapults.(www.myrepublica.com, 2012) survival in the area. The authors have also recorded 10 deaths of red panda in the PIT-corridor within The legal trade in red panda stopped following nineteen months from March 2011 to September the listing of red panda in CITES Appendix I 2012. Out of the 10 deaths, 4 individuals were (TRAFFIC, 1991). However, illegal trapping and recorded as being killed due to attacks by dogs; trade are occasionally reported. Recently, in 2005, two by predation due to Martes flavigula; one red panda furs were confiscated from a Nepalese | death was speculated to be due to poaching; and tradesman in the Gola pass in the Kanchanjungha the causes of death of the other three individuals Conservation Area (Glatston and Geabauer, 2011). were undetermined. A very interesting fact was Other incidents that came to the attention of the that 5 of the individuals were recorded within 50 authors in 2010 are the confiscation of red panda m distance from the road to the Pathibhara Shrine. tails from a local hotel owner along the way to the Yonzon (1989) recorded that the red panda cub Pathibhara shrine in Taplejung district and three mortality rate was 83-86% and 67% in 1986 and persons were caught with three pelts of red panda 1987. The proximate causes of such high mortality in Kathmandu in two different cases were associated with the disturbances from (www.thehimalayantimes, 2012a & 2012b). human-related activities. Williams (2006) has stated that the creation of roads through Jamuna Oppitz (1980) had reported that shamans of the and Mabu VDCs in Ilam District may threaten Northern Magar tribe in the Dhaulagiri Region of the red panda and its habitat. Choudhury (2001) western Nepal and the Kami people there use the had also named road construction as a culprit for skin and fur of red panda in their ritual dress habitat loss and fragmentation. The major threats because they consider the red panda to be a to the red panda identified throughout SHL were: protective animal which guards the wearer against 1) loss of forest and ringal bamboo as a result of the attacks of aggressive spirits. However, the collection of timber, firewood, ringal bamboo and belief is not found to be practiced presently. other non-wood forest products; and 2) bamboo flowering (RPN-Nepal, 2010). In a report Conclusion submitted to the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation – Hong Kong, RPN (2010) has Red panda is an indicator species of areas with identified forest fires; rotational grazing; slash- mature Eastern Himalayan Broadleaf Forest. and-burn cultivation; timber and firewood Although legal trade and poaching of red panda collection; predation by dogs, eagles, yellow- has been stopped in Nepal there are still a number throated martens and leopards; natural dying of of threats like forest fires, grazing, timber and ringal bamboo species; drought; landslides; and firewood collection, predation, natural dying of

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| ringal bamboo species, drought, landslides and lack Cuvier, F. 1825. Histoire naturelle Des of awareness that remain vital issues. The legal Mamniferes avec.des Figures provisions made for the conservation of red panda Originales.calories, Desinees d’ Apris des seem to be sufficient; however, we have yet to Animaux Vicants, 2, pp.1-3. Peris. see any changes in the scenario after DNPWC/GoN. 2011. Api-Nampa implementing the provisions. To avoid extinction Conservation Area. Department of of red pandas in Nepal in the short- to mid-term National Park and Wildlife Conservation, future, it is vital to fully restore habitats between Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal. sub-populations and immediately address human- DNPWC/MoFSC/GoN, 2010. Red panda caused threats. The available information is not (Ailurus fulgens) Conservation Action sufficient; therefore, intensive research on Plan for Langtang National Park, Nepal. population dynamics, status and distribution, home Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and range size and resource requirements of wild red Soil Conservation, Department of National panda should be immediately initiated to obtain Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Langtang accurate data of this animal in Nepal. Furthermore, National Park. it is also necessary to change peoples’ attitudes Dorji, S., Varnes, K. & R. Rajaratnam. 2011. through new initiatives for awareness building and Habitat correlates of the Red Panda in conservation-friendly alternatives for the the temperate forests of Bhutan. Retrieved enhancement of their livelihood with high valued from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ incentives via eco-tourism and sustainable living articles/PMC3198399/. practices. Ellerman, J.R. & T.C.S. Morrison-Scott. 1966. Checklist of Palaearctic and Indian Acknowledgements Mammals, 1758-1946. 2nd edn. British Overview of the status and conservation initiatives red panda in Nepal

| Museum (Natural History), London. We are very grateful to the Red Panda Network Fox, J., Yonzon, P. & N. Podger. 1996. Mapping (RPN) for the support to write this paper. We conflicts between biodiversity and are also indebted to Mr. Dirk Kloss, Chief human needs in Langtang National Park, Executive Officer of RPN for his constant Nepal. Conservation Biology. 10(2): 562- encouragement to accomplish this work. 569. Thanks also go to Prof. Karan Bahadur Shah Ghimire, N., & S.D. Bhatta. (eds.) 2010. Red for his valuable comments and inputs in this Pandas from Choyatar. Headlines paper. Himalaya No. 138, December 08-14-2010. Ghose, D. & P.K. Dutta, 2011. Status and References distribution of Red Panda Ailurus fulgens fulgens in India, Red Panda biology and Catton, C. 1990. Pandas. Christopher Helm Ltd., conservation of the first Panda (Ed.) A.R. Bromley, Kent, UK. Glatston, pp. 393-408, Elsevier Inc. Choudhary, A.U. 2001. An overview of the Glatston, A.R. & A. Gebauer. 2011. People and status and conservation of the red panda Red Pandas: the Red Panda’s role in Ailurus fulgens in India, with reference economy and culture. Red Panda Biology to its global status. Oryx: 35:250-259. and Conservation of the First panda (Ed.) Choudhaury, A.U. 1977. Red panda Ailurus A.R. Glatston, pp. 11-25, Elsevier Inc. fulgens (F. Cuvier, 1825) in the north-east GoN. 1973. National Park and Wildlife with an important record from the Garo Conservation Act, 1973. Government of Hills. Journal of Bombay Natural History Nepal. Society 94: 145-147. GoN/MFSC. 1988. Master Plan for the Corbet, G.B. & J.E. Hill. 1992. The Mammals Forestry Sector Nepal: Forestry Sector of the Indo-malayan Region: A Policy. Kathmandu: GoN (Ministry of Forest Systematic Review. Oxford University and Soil Conservation). Press, Oxford.

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Vol. 41: No. 3 2014 | | GoN/MFSC. 1988. National Conservation Oppitz, M. 1980. Schamanen im Blinden Land. Nepal in panda red of initiatives conservation and status the of Overview Strategy. Government of Nepal/Ministry of Film, 2nd edition on DVD from 2008, Forest and Soil Conservation, GEF and Volkerkundemuseum der University, Zurich, UNDP.117p. Swithzerland, 1980. GoN/MFSC. 2002. Nepal Biodiversity PHVA. 2010. Report from wild population Strategy. Kathmandu: Government of Nepal/ group. Population Health and Viability Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation). Assessment of Red Panda in Nepal IUCN. 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened (Unpublished). Species. Version 2011.2. Pradhan, S., Saha, G.K. & J.A. Khan. 2001. . Downloaded on 03 Ecology of the Red Panda Ailurus fulgens April 2012. in the Singhalila National Park, Jackson, R. 1990. Threatened wildlife, crop Darjeeling, India. Biological damage and wildlife depredation and Conservation 98: 11-18. grazing in the Makalu-Barun National RPN. 2010. Baseline Survey of Red Panda Park and Conservation Area. The Makalu Distribution, Abundance, and Population Barun Conservation Project working Paper Status in the Eastern Himalaya of Nepal. publication series. Department of National A report submitted to Ocean Park park and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu, Conservation Foundation- Hong Kong Nepal and Woodlands Mountain Institute, (Unpublished). West Virginia, USA. RPN-Nepal. 2010. Study on ecology, behavior Karki, J.B. & J. Jendrzejewski. 2000. and conservation of Red Panda in the Biodiversity Conservation in Langtang Sacred Himalayan Landscape of Nepal. National Park. Department of National Park WWF-Nepal. and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal Sharma, H.P. 2008. Distribution and | and U.S. peace Crops, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, conservation status of Red Panda Nepal. (Ailurus fulgens) in Rara National Park, Karki, J.B. 1999. Report on study of red panda Nepal. Final Report. PTES, London. habitat at Cholangpati Area of Langtang Sharma, H.P. & R.N. Kandel. 2007. Red panda National Park. Department of National Park Ailurus fulgens in the Dhorpatan Hunting and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu, Reserve of Nepal: an assessment of Nepal. their conservation status. A Report to the Macdonald, D. (ed.) 1984. The Encyclopaedia People’s Trust for Endangered Species, UK. of Mammals. 2 Volumes. George Allen & Shrestha, M.K. 1988. Vegetation study of Red Unwin, London & Sydney. Panda habitat in Langtang National Park, Mahato, N.K. 2003. Status of Red Panda Central Nepal. Unpubl. M.S. Thesis, Ailurus fulgens (Cuvier, 1825) in the Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu. Kanchanjungha Conservation Area. B.Sc. Shrestha, R. & S.B. Ale. 2001. Species diversity project paper submitted to Institute of of Modikhola Watershed. King Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara. Mahendra Trust for Nature Con- Mahato, N.K. 2004. Baseline Survey of Red servation. Annapurna Conservation Area Panda Ailurus fulgens status in the Buffer Project, Pokhara, Nepal. 47 pp. Zone of Sagarmatha National Park. A Subedi, T.R. & A. Thapa. 2011. Habitat status report submitted to WWF Nepal Programme, and distribution of Red Panda (Ailurus Kathmandu, Nepal. fulgens) in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Mahato, N.K. & J.B. Karki. 2005. Distribution Nepal. Dahal, S. and S. Thapa (Eds.) 2011. and habitat assessment of Red Panda Proceedings of Second Seminar on Small (Ailurus fulgens) in Kanchanjungha Mammals Issues. Small Mammals Conservation Area with reference to Conservation and Research Foundation, New Riya Samba and Lama Khanak forest. The Baneshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal, pp.17-24. Nepal Journal of Forestry, Vol. XII, No. 3, TRAFFIC (IUCN/WWF). 1991. The smuggling 2005. of endangered wildlife across the Taiwan

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| Strait. TRAFFIC International, Cambridge, Yonzon, P.B. 1989. Ecology and conservation UK. of Red Panda in the Nepal Himalayas. William, B.H. 2004. The status of Red Panda Ph. D. Dissertation (Unpublished.). in Jamuna and Mabu village of Eastern University of Marine. USA. Nepal. Unpublished thesis M.Sc. The faculty Yonzon, P.B., Jones, R. & J. Fox. 1991. of the Department of Environmental Studies. Geographic Information Systems for San Jose State University. Assessing Habitat and Estimating Williams, B.H. 2006. Red Panda in Eastern Population of Red Pandas in Langtang Nepal: How does it fit into eco-regional National Park, Nepal. Ambio 20(7) 285- conservation of the Eastern Himalaya? 288..0, In: J.T. McCarthy (Eds.) Conservation Yonzon, P., Choudhaury, C. & B. Vaidya. 1977. Biology in Asia, Society of Conservation Status of the Red Panda in the Himalayan Biology and Resources Himalaya, Resources Nepal. Kathmandu. pp 21. Kathmandu, Nepal, pp. 236-251. http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/07/08/ Williams et al. 2011. Project Punde Kundo: national/red-pandas-sighted Community-based monitoring of a red http://e.myrepublica.com/component/ panda population in Eastern Nepal. Red flippingbook/book/941-republica-11- Panda Biology and Conservation of The july-2012/1-republica.html First Panda (Ed.) A.R. Glatston, pp. 393- http://thehimalayantimes.com/ 408, Elsevier Inc. fullNews.php?headline=Two+held+with+ Yonzon, P. & M.L. Hunter 1991a. Conservation panda+hide&NewsID=339439 a. of the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens). Biol. http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/ Conserva. 57(1991) 1-11. fullNews.php?headline=Wildlife+trader Overview of the status and conservation initiatives red panda in Nepal | Yonzon, P.B. 1996. Status of wildlife in the +caught+with+red+panda+hide&NewsID= Kanchanjungha Region: A Recon- 351513 b> naissance Study Report. Report Series no. 23, WWF Nepal Program, pp18. Author’s Address: Red Panda Network, P. O. Yonzon, P.B. & M.L. Hunter. 1991b. Cheese, Box 2785, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal, Tourist and Red Panda in the Nepal Email: [email protected]; Himalayas. Conservation Biology 5 [email protected] (2):196-202.

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Vol. 28: No. 3 2014

FAO AND RECOFTC STRENGTHEN FOREST TENURE CAPACITY IN ASIA

Prepared by Raymondo Caraan (RECOFTC), Yurdi Yasmi (Forest Policy Officer, FAO), Fred Kafeero (Forestry Officer, FAO), Wirya Kim (Junior Professional Officer, FAO)

A participant presenting his team’s analysis of forest tenure in Indonesia.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the Participants came from a wide range of United Nations (FAO) and RECOFTC – The organizations and were selected based on their Center for People and Forests trained 23 people roles in strengthening forest tenure systems in from governments, civil societies and academia their respective countries to maximize post- from seven countries on the principles and tools training success. needed for implementing FAO’s Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of About the training course Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security (VGGT). The The eight-day training course provided training of trainers course (ToT) was held 8-16 participants with an opportunity to unpack September 2014 and involved key actors who have issues related to tenure and governance at mandate and responsibility to strengthen tenure international, regional and country level. Using and governance in the following countries: the VGGT as starting point and building on the Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, dynamic contexts of each country the course Thailand and Vietnam. went deeper into principles, processes, tools and

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Participants interacted with the youth and women groups during the field excursion.

strategies to strengthen tenure and governance Why strengthen forest tenure? systems. It involved forest tenure analysis and assessment, participatory tenure appraisal, tenure Most countries in Asia are struggling to address governance assessment, development of action issues related to forest tenure. Inadequate plan at country level, etc. Throughout the process, regulatory frameworks and lack of institutional the course stimulated participants to identify capacity are among the major challenges. In recent challenges and opportunities based on their own decades, however, the role of forests in experience and how they will apply tools and contributing to the improvement of livelihoods and strategies at country level to enhance tenure and income of rural communities has received greater governance systems. attention. The systems of tenure define how people and communities gain access to land, Facilitated by experienced facilitators the process forests and other resources. Without strengthening of sharing among peers and coupled with the tenure and governance there is little hope for those introduction of new knowledge, tools and communities to benefit from forests in the long strategies enhanced the quality of learning, which term. was very much appreciated by participants. The training was highly participatory and interactive. During the training it was revealed that national The main goal was to enable a broad spectrum of laws were outdated and no longer suited for participants to support and facilitate the process responding to current realities. Moreover, of strengthening tenure and governance systems. workshop discussions pointed to conflicting and overlapping layers of the authorities governing As part of the training, participants were given forest tenure, further compounded by the the opportunity to interact with local communities complexities of forest tenure state laws and and apply the tenure assessment tools through the national policies. group exercise such as timeline and right mapping, resource mapping, problem analysis, stakeholder Policies are often skewed to favor large agro- analysis, etc. A fieldtrip was organized to Kao Rao industrial concessions, forest conservation or Thien Thong Community Forestry in Chi Nat protection disenfranchising local communities and Province of Thailand. displacing indigenous practices and customary land

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Participants facilitating local villagers to analyze local forest tenure situation.

rights. Moreover, even where forest tenure rights to strengthen tenure and governance in their have been granted to local villages, the governance respective countries. FAO and RECOFTC will of instituting reforms is very weak, and the support the implementation of the action plans and regulatory framework is complex, which hinders provide technical backstopping when required the success of tenure reform processes. About VGGT and the “Strengthening forest Off to a good start tenure systems and governance” training

Addressing the knowledge gap and building The Food and Agriculture Organization of the institutional skills of key actors such as United Nations (FAO), through an inclusive multi- government, CSO and academia on how to stakeholder process, developed the Voluntary implement the guidelines is crucial to ensure real Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of impacts at the national level. Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security (VGGT). “Before this training, I had no experience with The initiative is aimed at encouraging governments forest tenure systems in my country,” said to promote secure tenure rights and equitable participant Lwin Lwin Naing (Ecosystem access to land, fisheries and forests as a means Conservation and Community Development of eradicating hunger and poverty, supporting Initiative) of Myanmar. “Now, I have a real sustainable development and enhancing the understanding of forest governance and tenure environment. The guidelines were endorsed by systems, and I also learned how to facilitate the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in participatory tenure analysis.” 2012.

The training produced an initial assessment of the The training “Strengthening forest tenure systems status and progress of forest tenure and and governance” was a joint effort of FAO and governance, and most importantly, action plans and RECOFTC in Asia. in-country teams that will lead follow-up actions

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ROADMAP FOR BIOENERGY TECHNOLOGY

Prepared by Wirya Khim and Simmathiri Appanah

The expert workshop for the How2Guide for Session 3 provided participants the opportunity to Bioenergy: Biomass resources and bioenergy learn from experiences and lessons learnt through potential in Southeast Asia was jointly the implementation of bioenergy projects in organized 23-24 July 2014, in Bangkok, Thailand, Southeast Asia by the private sector and regional by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the banks (Asian Development Bank, Asia Biomass United Nations (FAO), International Energy Ltd., Felda Palm Industries, China National Energy Agency (IEA), and the International Renewable Research Center of Liquid Biofuels, and PT. Syres Energy Agency (IRENA). It is the second in a Indonesia). series of events providing inputs to the How2Guide for Bioenergy – a manual for policy Session 4 was dedicated to the discussions on the and decision makers for the development and sustainability of biomass and biofuels. implementation of bioenergy technology roadmaps that are tailored to national frameworks, Session 5 discussed bioenergy roadmap resources and capacities. The workshop was development – resource assessment and lessons conducted in collaboration with Thailand’s learned from case studies. There was an Ministry of Energy and with the support of opportunity to share experiences in relation to Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The biomass resource assessment and mapping and workshop was attended by 79 participants. barriers and opportunities for bioenergy development in the region. Opening session Session 6 focused on bioenergy roadmap Mr. Hiroyuki Konuma, Assistant Director-General development – drivers, barriers and policy action and Regional Representative, FAO Regional options. The session provided the opportunity to Office for Asia and the Pacific, welcomed the share experiences in relation to the development participants, expressed his appreciation to the of guidelines, methodologies and policy tools for collaborative partners, and pointed out that the supporting market uptake of bioenergy technology. How2Guide manual responds to the growing number of requests for assistance from emerging Session 7 split the participants into three groups and developing economies for the development to brainstorm ideas on the bioenergy roadmap of roadmaps that are tailored to national development. The discussions developed around frameworks, resources and capacities. the key phases of bioenergy roadmap process, including consideration of bioenergy project drivers Summary of the workshop sessions as well as barriers to technology deployment.

Session 1 started off with a panel discussion of Summary of conclusions the Introduction to the How2Guide for Bioenergy and global bioenergy technology potential. Information that is important and should be integrated in the roadmap included: baseline data Session 2 focused on the assessment of bioenergy and information concerning the status of biomass potential in ASEAN. The presentations by resources, status of current technology, current Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, research and initiatives, the existing challenges in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam provided the implementation, and most importantly the bioenergy development status in the region. assessment of feedstock availability (land use,

4 Vol. 28: No. 3 2014 FOREST NEWS current biomass use, supply cost, and local . lack of awareness of the benefits that can be distribution). derived from the project; . lack of incentives/financial support/limited It was noted that it is best to learn from the best budget for support services; practices in the region, which are already . competition from other sectors; and available. It was further suggested that it is . lack of awareness from public about biomass. important to identify the key stakeholders, priority biomass (residue and waste, forest product, crop, All of the participants confirmed that data accuracy/ non-food crop) and approach to expand the availability is a problem. There is a need to have biomass supply (intensification/extensification). It full access to data on biomass resources, field is crucial to state the goals of the roadmap clearly data/area, farmer directories and farm gate prices. concerning the impacts of drivers: Why bioenergy is needed? What type of bioenergy we are looking Although the groups highlighted that policy makers at? and financers are the key stakeholders, other key players to be included in the process of roadmap Also, milestones for monitoring the progress, both development include the private sector, NGOs, short-term and long-term, must be developed. Key research and development partners, technology risks and assumptions should be considered during providers, the energy sector, agriculture sector, the planning process. Definition of terminologies forestry sector, trade sector, environment sector, must be clearly defined to avoid confusion at local, farmers, investors, consumers, distributors and end national and regional levels. Finally, consideration users. must be given on how to access finance. To conclude the workshop, Dr. Prasert The level of detail needed for effective Sinsukprasert, Director of International Energy implementation and action includes: feasibility Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Energy, Thailand studies and stakeholder consultations, lessons highlighted the key messages as below: learned from other countries, specific bioenergy . There is a huge potential in the region for targets, enabling mechanisms/incentives, and bioenergy development (from many kinds of resource assessments (What has taken place feedstock). previously? How are they allocated?). . Sustainable bioenergy development is very crucial for the region, and all aspects must be Bioenergy resource assessments have been taken into account for policy development. undertaken by participating countries at different . There is a need to have meaningful participation from stakeholders. levels. Some countries have completed . There is a strong need for capacity building. comprehensive assessments while others have not . It is necessary to ensure stakeholder done so (for instance: Malaysia has undertaken cooperation. the assessment; Lao PDR and Indonesia have not . Overall commitment to sustainable bioenergy done so; Cambodia has done a scoping study; development is essential. Thailand completed a BEFS analysis in 2009). . Certification of biomass is important in order Areas of assessment/scoping studies included the to implement bioenergy development. identification of the level of technology required, policy support, market situation, and raw material/ For more information about the workshop visit feedstock availability and sustainability of supply. the following link: Impact assessments should be done based on http://www.fao.org/asiapacific/rap/home/ available data. meetings/list/detail/en/ ?meetings_id=1077&year=2014 Barriers to bioenergy development include: . lack of government support, no mandate; . lack of implementation guidelines; . lack of supportive policies and regulation; . limited links between financer and developer;

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FORESTERS GATHER TO REVIEW THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S FORESTS

The twenty-second session of the Committee on (PES) and forest financing, the Zero Illegal Forestry (COFO) was held 23-27 June 2014 in Deforestation Challenge, international agreements Rome. For the fourth time, COFO was held in on forests, the world’s forest genetic resources, conjunction with World Forest Week - a series of gender and forestry, the sustainable forest meetings and events sponsored by FAO and its management toolbox (SFM toolbox), voluntary partner organizations and institutions. The events guidelines on forest monitoring, the Forest and were well attended, with more than 600 registered Landscape Restoration Mechanism, and participants from 117 countries. cooperation between FAO and global technical committees. COFO 22 reviewed the state of the world’s forests, focusing on their socioeconomic benefits Formal COFO sessions were complemented by and related questions, including income and several events organized as part of World Forest employment; ownership and management rights; Week, which served to engage a wider spectrum wood energy and forest products in housing. In of participants than traditional plenary events with this context, it examined forest policy measures formal prepared interventions. World Forest Week that promote sustainable production and events included 53 seminars, technical sessions, consumption; access to resources, markets and panel discussions, focus group discussions, financing; equitable benefit sharing; and valuation information sessions, etc. of forest products and services. The new report State of the World Forests 2014 (SOFO 2014) Overall, COFO made 94 recommendations to was launched at COFO focusing on the socio- FAO. Among those recommendations, of economic benefits of forests. particular relevance for Asia and the Pacific, were the following: As the full range of forests’ contributions to . Build capacity to implement the Voluntary sustainable development are often not recognized Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of or properly valued, they are not always reflected Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the in the broader development agenda. COFO 22 Context of National Food Security. provided an opportunity for member countries to . Support countries in reviewing and revising consider ways of promoting forests’ contributions national forest programmes to address to global developmental objectives and ensuring people’s benefits from forests more explicitly that they feed into global negotiation processes. and directly in forest policies, programmes and These include the development of the Sustainable plans of action and to address efficiency of Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the post- production and waste reduction along value 2015 development agenda and the review of the chains. International Arrangement on Forests at the 11th . Support countries in strengthening tenure session of UNFF in 2015. The meeting also rights and governance processes, including discussed progress in implementing earlier through implementing the Voluntary Guidelines decisions and considered FAO’s programme on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of priorities for forestry in light of the Organization’s Land, Fisheries and Forests. new Strategic Framework. It specifically . Support countries in enhancing and aligning addressed work on climate change, REDD, boreal capacities of forest-related public forests and dryland forests. administrations to more effectively govern sustainable forest resource management and Other major COFO agenda topics featured use, and to adapt to changing conditions and discussions on payment for ecosystem services emerging challenges.

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. Support countries in establishing inclusive . Support countries in efforts and investments value chains of innovative and competitive in agroforestry and sustainably managed land forest products which bring benefits to local to contribute to increased productivity to communities. reduce pressure on forests. . Support countries in strengthening forest . Support countries in developing mechanisms industries, producer associations, and to improve data collection, monitoring and community-based forest organizations, in reporting related to the role of forests in food order to raise productivity and efficiency of security and nutrition, including the entire forestry sector, and thereby promote through future Forest Resources innovations and cross-sectoral planning (for Assessment (FRA) data collection. example agriculture, food security and . Support countries by strengthening capacity energy). and providing technical support for gender . Promote sub-regional, inter-organizational and mainstreaming and the collection of gender- public-private cooperation, for capturing better disaggregated data in the forest sector. comparative advantages in producing . Support country efforts to plan and implement innovative forest products and bioenergy. forest landscape restoration (FLR), through . Continue to work on strengthening the link activities of the FLR Mechanism in between forests and food security. collaboration with other global partnerships and . Continue to support the creation and initiatives, such as the Global Partnership for strengthening of forest-and-farm producer Forest Landscape Restoration (GPFLR), the organizations, including through the Forests International Model Forest Network, the and Farm Facility, in partnership with other Landscape for People, Food and Nutrition programmes. initiative and members of the Collaborative . Support countries in increasing understanding Partnership on Forests. and knowledge of how forests and trees can . Continue to support the regional forest address the Zero Hunger Challenge through communication networks, including through adopting more inclusive, cross-sectoral national providing coordination at global and regional policies. levels. . Support countries in promoting the vital contributions that forests and forest foods make in addressing hunger and malnutrition.

VIETNAMESE FARMERS TO GET ASSIST FROM FFF

The launching workshop for the Vietnam FFF organization and capacity of local people for forest program was convened 22 August 2014 in Hanoi. and farm community’s advocacy, livelihoods, and It was attended by more than 80 participants sustainable landscape management. The Facility representing government agencies, forest and is a partnership supported by FAO, the farmer-related associations (including Provincial International Institute for Environment and Farmers’ Unions), farmer groups, and Hanoi- Development (IIED) and the International Union based donors and international organizations. The for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). workshop was co-organized by FAO and the Vietnam Farmers’ Union. The Forest and Farm Facility funds partnership agreements and small grants with smallholders, The Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) promotes women, community and indigenous peoples’ cross-sectoral coordination and enhances the producer organizations and governments at local,

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national, regional and international levels. This processes/communication and information support builds, wherever possible, on existing sharing. initiatives and catalyzing promising processes at each level. Activities in support of producer organizations were initially launched in six countries, including FFF support is provided under three pillars: Nepal and Myanmar, in the Asia-Pacific region. 1. Strengthen smallholder, women, community Following an extensive screening process, it was and indigenous peoples’ producer decided to expand FFF support to Vietnam in mid- organizations for business/livelihoods and 2014. The FFF budget to support activities in policy engagement. Vietnam will be approximately US$500,000 to 2. Catalyze multi-sectoral stakeholder policy US$600,000 over three years, plus funds for small platforms with governments at local and grants, exchange visits, multi-stakeholder national levels. consultations and communications. 3. Link local voices and learning to the global arena through genuine participatory

ASIA-PACIFIC FORESTRY CHIPS AND CLIPS

TIMBER STRATEGIC RESERVE PLAN BIOCARBON FUND LAUNCHES $280 FINALIZED MILLION INITIATIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST LANDSCAPES In order to balance timber supply and demand and guarantee national timber security, China plans Three nations are funding a major new BioCarbon to establish, by 2020, strategic commercial timber Fund initiative to support forest landscapes. reserves of over 14 million hectares in 25 Norway, the United Kingdom and the United provinces including Guangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, States together committed $280 million as part of Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Inner Mongolia their efforts to slow climate change. Autonomous Region, Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang. The initiative will be managed by the BioCarbon Fund, a public-private program housed within the Of the 14 million hectares, 4.5 million will be new World Bank that mobilizes finance for activities plantations, 5 million will be improvement of that sequester or conserve carbon emissions in existing mature forests and a further 4.5 million forest and agriculture systems. hectares will require intensive management of young and maturing forest. The aim is to create a The new Initiative for Sustainble Forest base yielding an annual average volume of around Landscapes seeks to scale up land management 142 million cubic metres. practices across large landscapes, including improved livestock management, climate-smart Source: ITTO Tropical Timber Market Report agriculture, and sustainable forest management,

8 Vol. 28: No. 3 2014 FOREST NEWS with a focus on protecting forests and greening Last year the UN’s Food and Agriculture and securing supply chains. Organization said insects could supplement diets around the world as an environmentally-friendly It will engage a broader range of actors, including food source, as it urged Western consumers to the private sector, initially through a portfolio of get over their “disgust” of eating creepy-crawlies. four to six programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin An estimated two billion people — a third of the America. world’s population — are already eating insects because they “are delicious and nutritious,” FAO To be able to scale up climate-friendly land use said. practices, there’s a general agreement that the private sector must be on board. Companies can Insects most commonly consumed by humans are provice capital, innovation, operational resources, beetles (31 percent), caterpillars (18 percent) and and valuable technical expertise to accelerate the bees, wasps and ants (14 percent), followed by greening of supply chains. grasshoppers, locusts and crickets (13 percent), an FAO report said. Source: The World Bank Group Source – AFP

“BUGGY BALLS” TO HIT SHELVES AT DUTCH SUPERMARKET CHAIN CHINA TESTS OUTRIGHT LOGGING BAN IN STATE FORESTS The traditional shopping list of bread, milk, eggs and cheese is set to change in the Netherlands China has launched a trial ban on commercial with a major supermarket chain unveiling its first- logging in state-owned forests in the vast ever range of insect-based products. northeastern province of Heilongjiang bordering Russia, home to much of the country’s timber From November, customers at Jumbo stores in industry. Forestry experts have hailed the ban as two northern Dutch cities will be able to add “buggy a major step forward, predicting it will enable balls”, “buggy burgers” and “buggy crisps” to their timber supplies to recover and shift the industry’s shopping carts in a roll-out plan to put edible insect focus towards improved forestry management. products on shelves in 400 stores across the country by early next year. To make the ban stick, the central government has allocated 2.35bn yuan a year to cover forestry “Edible insects are not only healthy, but sustainable workers’ living costs between 2014 and 2020, and give the opportunity to do something about chinadialogue has learned from the State replenishing ailing food resources,” Jumbo Forestry Administration (SFA). If the trial ban is spokeswoman Laura Valks told AFP. successful, the policy may be extended throughout northeast China and Inner Mongolia. Although some insect-based foods are already commercially available at Dutch wholesalers, Heilongjiang’s forests stabilize the regional Jumbo is the first national supermarket chain to environment of northeast China, helping to secure stock shelves with products made from meal- the country’s grain supply as the northeast is an worms, buffalo worms and moth larvae, Valks said. important rice-growing region. Long-term Shoppers are to fork out between 5.95 euros depletion of these forests could put China’s so- ($7.49) and 6.79 euros per portion, she added. called “north-eastern granary” at risk if it continues. The products come in different flavors. For instance “buggy crisps” made from crispy fried Protecting the northeastern forests requires moth larvae will be available flavored with plain attention to how they are managed, so forest salt or paprika. ecosystems should be restored as soon as possible. Poor forest management in the past

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means that much wood in the Heilongjiang forests sustainably, but nearly 80 percent of developing has died off, and if the situation is not managed it countries have difficulty obtaining and using basic could cause disaster, Tang Shouzheng of the information about their forest resources. Chinese Academy of Sciences told chinadialogue. At the same time, deforestation and forest degradation - largely taking place in developing The ban will permit trees to recover from countries - are among the largest sources of carbon overlogging, strengthening the forests’ ability to emissions globally caused by humans. act as an ecological buffer zone, according to Zhang Yuxing, chief engineer at SFA’s planning “Many countries simply do not have a full picture institute. Another benefit of the ban is that it will of what is happening in their forests, and without increase the supply of available timber, restoring that knowledge it is hard to develop effective forest the forests’ status as strategic reserves, as more policies to combat deforestation and forest trees will reach maturity about 10 or 20 years after degradation or to advance national climate change felling stops, he says. strategies,” Eduardo Rojas-Briales, Assistant Director-General for Forestry, explained. Planting rare trees will increase the amount of valuable timber, such as Korean pine, camphor, “We hope that Open Foris will be a game changer, northeast China ash, and the Amur cork tree. as it is the first comprehensive open source tool that will not only guide the countries through the Source – chinadialogue whole process of data collection and analysis but will also encourage and facilitate open knowledge sharing in an innovative way. Increased FAO SETS STANDARDS TO IMPROVE transparency will help the policy makers obtain NATIONAL FOREST MONITORING the information they need to make informed SYSTEMS decisions,” he added.

FAO has launched free software tools that it hopes The new FAO tools also simplify the complex will improve the way many developing nations process of transforming raw data such as tree monitor the state of their forests to tackle measurements and satellite imagery into valuable deforestation and climate change. information in the form of interactive web pages with statistics, graphs, maps and reports. The tools are designed to assist countries through the entire lifecycle of a forest inventory - from In addition, the software includes built-in tools to assessment, design and field data collection to help countries meet international reporting analysis and reporting. The governments of requirements, for example in the context of Finland and Germany have supported the REDD+ activities related to reducing emissions development of the software called Open Foris. from deforestation and forest degradation and increasing the carbon stock in forests. Global knowledge sharing platform Source: FAO News Release 10 October 2014 Accurate information about forests is crucial for governments to manage their natural resources

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STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF COMMUNITIES IN CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION THROUGH PARTICIPATORY FOREST MANAGEMENT IN BHUTAN

The inception workshop for the TCP project officials and FAO (provided by the reporting “Strengthening the Role of Communities in Climate officer); Change Mitigation through Participatory Forest . Overview of the project, provided by the Management in Bhutan” (TCP/BHU/3501) was Project Coordinator; conducted 1 August 2014, at the offices of the . Presentation on project work plan and Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, in Thimphu. activities; The project is being implemented by the Social . Discussion on project work plan, activities Forestry and Extension Division of the and next steps; and Department of Forests and Park Services, in . Discussion on implementation mechanisms, collaboration with the Watershed Management reporting and backstopping arrangements. and Forest Resources Management Divisions. The workshop concluded the following: The TCP project agreement was approved and . Endorsed in principle the draft work plan for signed by FAO in February 2014 and by the the project; Royal Government of Bhutan in March 2014, but . Acknowledged the logic of selecting initiation of the project was delayed due to internal community forests in Haa, Samdrup considerations of implementation modalities Jongkhar, Samtse, and Tsirang Districts to within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests. engage with in implementing project activities, but urged selection of specific communities The project is expected to contribute to better to be made on the basis of clear and management of forest resources leading to transparent criteria; enhanced forest carbon stocks and sustainable . Approved the composition of the Project livelihoods. The anticipated project outcome is Steering Committee (to be headed by the to promote community forestry that effectively Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and contributes to climate change mitigation. Forests, and including representations from the Gross National Happiness Commission, The project has two expected outputs: FAO, and four units of the Department of . Output 1: 50 community forest managers and Forests and Parks Services; 25 Department of Forest and Park Services . Agreed to explore options for conducting an personnel trained in sustainable forest overland field trip to Nepal for dzong forestry management, REDD+, climate change and officers and community forestry leaders; participatory forest monitoring. . Stressed the importance of the project . Output 2: Community-level capacity on working in close collaboration with UN- REDD+/SFM built and community forest REDD and other relevant projects to management and monitoring plans developed maximize synergies and avoid duplication; for 10 community forest groups. . Highlighted the importance of monitoring and evaluation of project activities to ensure The inception workshop included: anticipated impacts are achieved; and . Remarks and perspectives on the project . Endorsed the proposed backstopping and from senior Royal Government of Bhutan reporting arrangements for the project.

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BUILDING UNDERSTANDING AND CAPACITIES FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE AMONG FOREST ENTERPRISES, MEDIA AND GOVERNMENT

Prepared by Bruno Cammaert, EU FAO FLEGT Programme Consultant

Vietnam’s timber sector exports are expected to CED and its partner, the Vietnam Chamber of face major challenges in fulfilling the requirements Commerce and Industry (VCCI), presented and of the Timber Legality Assurance System discussed the results of this assessment during a (TLAS), which is being developed as part of the one-day training event. Some 90 participants from Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) which media institutions, civil society, business Vietnam is currently negotiating with the EU. associations and the Vietnam Administration of While Vietnam and the EU are due to finalize Forestry (VNFOREST) provided inputs to a draft negotiations and sign the VPA at the end of the media and outreach plan which will be further year/beginning of 2015, many timber processing refined and rolled out by CED and VCCI. enterprises remain unaware of FLEGT-VPA and the ways it will affect their business operations. CED and VCCI also organized a training workshop for media representatives about FLEGT The Environmental NGO Center for Education in Hanoi. The workshop provided updates on the and Development (CED) is working to build the FLEGT-Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) capacity of business associations and media to process, its impacts on the timber processing engage in and provide information on the European industry in Vietnam and the FLEGT-VPA needs Union’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance assessment from Vietnamese timber processing and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan and related enterprises in five major hubs of timber processing issues. The project, which kicked off earlier this in Vietnam. Based on this, media representatives year, is being funded through the EU FAO FLEGT discussed a communication plan for FLEGT- Programme. related issues, working out how best to allocate resources. To date, CED has completed an assessment of the current understanding and practices related The EU-FAO FLEGT Programme is supporting to FLEGT as well as the corresponding similar private sector initiatives in Indonesia, the information and training needs of Small and Philippines and Malaysia. Additional FLEGT- Medium Forest Enterprises in Vietnam. The needs related support is provided to government assessment was conducted in six provinces/cities institutions and civil society organizations in in Vietnam (Quang Nam, Da Nang, Binh Dinh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Lao PDR, Nepal Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi) which and Myanmar and the programme is set to endorse are the major timber processing hubs in the a further 10 projects in the region (including country. A number of business associations and Cambodia) this year. media outlets were also evaluated with regard to their capacity to effectively communicate and provide FLEGT-related information to the sector.

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What is the EU FAO FLEGT Programme?

The EU FAO FLEGT Programme is a demand-driven Programme which provides grants of up to €100 000 to local stakeholder groups including government institutions, private sector organizations and civil society in timber-producing developing countries to help put the EU FLEGT Action Plan into practice. The FLEGT Action Plan was adopted by EU member states in 2003 to tackle illegal logging and help improved governance and legality in the forest sector. One of the main tools of the Action Plan is the negotiation and conclusion of Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs), bilateral accords between the European Union and timber-producing partner countries. VPAs are binding trade agreements that work to support measures and technologies that can distinguish between illegally and legally produced forest products and that strengthen forest governance altogether.

EXPERTS ENGINEER SOLUTIONS TO LANDSLIDE THREATS

The Third World Landslide Forum was convened side events, displays and exhibits, poster sessions, 3-6 June 2014, in Beijing, China. More than 1,000 and post-Forum field trips. individuals from 50+ countries participated. The Forum was organized by the International Many of the sessions were highly technical, with Consortium on Landslides (ICL) – which FAO is a strong research focus, considerable numbers of a member of – and the China Geological Survey, modeling experts, and heavy emphasis on with sponsorship by the Global Promotion engineering solutions to landslide threats. There Committee of the International Programme on were relatively few sessions or presentations on Landslides and the Ministry of Land and biological/vegetative interactions with landslides Resources of the People’s Republic of China. and very little on policy or human resiliency issues. The session organized by FAO helped to highlight The theme of the Forum was “Landslide Risk the importance of these aspects and the FAO/ Mitigation: Toward a Safer Geoenvironment.” The RAP publication and policy brief on “Forests and overall objective was to provide an information landslides” was appreciated in helping to give and academic exchange platform for landslide visibility to these issues. researchers and practitioners and to promote worldwide cooperation by sharing new theories, The “2014 Beijing Declaration” was drafted to technologies and methods in the fields of landslide highlight the key points of the Forum. The survey/investigation, monitoring, early warning, declaration emphasized the complex nature of prevention and emergency management. landslides, the risks landslides pose, and the expectations that climate change and human The Forum was opened by Wang Min, Ministry activities are increasing landslide risks. It also of Land and Resources, and Paolo Canuti, called for support of an initiative to further International Consortium on Landslides. The strengthen international networking and opening keynote address was provided by Irina partnerships in science and technology on Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO. landslides, and endorsed plans to organize an ICL- IPL Conference as part of the Third World The conference comprised plenary sessions, 24 Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction to take thematic technical sessions, 14 discussion sessions, place in Sendai, Japan, in March 2105.

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CRITERIA AND INDICATORS TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN POLICY AND PRACTICE

Prepared by Ewald Rametsteiner, Senior Forestry Officer, Forestry Department, FAO, Rome

Criteria and indicators (C&I) have emerged as a of the project is a broad agreement at technical powerful tool in promoting sustainable forest level amongst key bodies and C&I processes on management (SFM). Following the United Nations further elaborated and harmonized socio-economic Conference on Environment and Development and governance indicators of SFM, as well as a (UNCED) of Rio 1992, several regional criteria proposed common vision on the further promotion and indicators processes have developed criteria and use of forest indicators as tool for as key thematic areas of SFM and strengthening strengthening SFM and a joint understanding on a monitoring and reporting on indicators. At the roadmap for implementation by key partners. global level, the UN “Forest Instrument” and FAO’s global forest resources assessment use the The outputs will be: C&I framework to define SFM. Building on this 1. A proposed set of further developed and work, there is substantive scope to further harmonized indicators, strengthening key strengthen C&I and to further enhance application areas of C&I for SFM, in particular socio- of forest indicators in policy and in forest economic and governance indicators; management practice. 2. A proposed joint vision statement and a roadmap on the use of C&I for SFM; The project “Strengthening Criteria and Indicators 3. A report on the C&I use and needs of for SFM in Policy and Practice” has been designed stakeholders at global, regional and national to: a) further develop and harmonize indicators of levels; SFM in particular on socio-economic and 4. Three regional workshops (Latin America, governance aspects, and b) strenghten their use Africa and Asia) and a Global Forest Indicator as a tool in planning, decision making and in Forum at the World Forestry Congress 2015; monitoring and reporting in policy at national, and regional and global levels and in forest 5. A final summary project report. management practice. The project is being implemented by the Food and The two-year project (2014-2015) will undertake Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with national, regional and global consultations involving key global and regional C&I and forest–related governmental and non-governmental bodies and processes and initiatives (UNFF, ITTO, Montreal other stakeholders, reviewing C&I uses and Process, FOREST EUROPE, COMIFAC, discussing needs of stakeholders at different levels ACTO). (local, national, regional, global) and opportunities to strengthen their use. The project will identify This project is carried out with the financial support the feasibility of further indicator development and of the German Federal Ministry of Food, priority actions to strengthen applicability and use Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV). of criteria and indicators. The expected outcome

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

XIV WORLD FORESTRY CONGRESS “FORESTS AND PEOPLE: INVESTING IN A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE”

The XIV World Forestry Congress will be held in in a forum that will allow for constructive Durban, South Africa, 7 to 11 September 2015. and sometimes controversial debate, This is the first Congress to be held in Africa. exchange of experiences and views, and fostering of collaborative partnerships and The Congress will be the occasion for the world’s networks; forestry community to share their expertise and . provide a global showcase for the sector’s experience, and to project a new vision for the latest developments and innovations, using future in order to strengthen the role of forests multi-media learning platforms to illustrate and forestry in sustainable development. This XIV their practical applications and linkages; and Congress will be particularly timely with the . ensure a platform of voice for young people, expected adoption of the post-2015 Sustainable women and local communities. Development Goals. Theme About the Congress The central theme of the Congress is “Forests The World Forestry Congress is held and People: Investing in a Sustainable Future”. approximately once every six years. The first The aim is to show that investment in forestry is Congress was held in Rome, Italy, in 1926.The an investment in people and, in turn, an investment last Congress was held in 2009 in Buenos Aires, in sustainable development. The Congress will Argentina, and attracted about 7,000 participants. emphasize the role of forests in income generation, Responsibility for the organization and financing employment creation and equity and the vital links of each Congress lies with the host government, between forests and climate change, biodiversity with FAO playing an advisory role and providing conservation and sustainable water resources. It administrative and technical support. will explore the governance structures that best promote implementation of sustainable The Congress aims to bring together knowledge management of all types of forests. and experience to give guidance on the formulation There are six sub-themes of the Congress: and implementation of forest policy, and aims . Forests for socio-economic development and specifically to: food security; . identify, analyze and raise awareness of the . Building resilience with forests; major issues and propose new forms of . Integrating forests and other land uses; technical, scientific and policy actions; . Encouraging product innovation and . serve as a key venue in 2015 for the world’s sustainable trade; foresters – from decision-makers to local . Monitoring forests for better decision-making; practitioners as well as sectoral partners – and to share their knowledge and latest findings . Improving governance by building capacity.

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Participation are engaged in defining a vision and strategies for sustainable forest of forests and forestry. The Congress welcomes the participation of all countries, regions and sectors, whether they The call for abstract for technical papers, posters, belong to a government organization, NGO, private and videos is now open. Deadline for submissions company, scientific or professional body, or simply is 15 December 2014. have a personal interest in attending. The Congress programme will be professionally and More information about XIV World Forestry culturally rewarding, with a variety of sessions, Congress is available at: http://www.fao.org/ events and dialogues, to ensure that all participants forestry/wfc/en/ Contact: [email protected]

FAO ASIA-PACIFIC FORESTRY CALENDAR

2-5 December 2014. Regional Seminar-Workshop on Harmonizing Approaches in Risk Analysis and Management of Forest Invasive Species in Southeast Asia. Bogor, Indonesia. Contact: Patrick Durst, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; E- mail: [email protected]

17-19 December 2014. Workshop on Mainstreaming the Restoration of Degraded Forests into Forestry Strategic Plans. Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Contact: Patrick Durst, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; E-mail: [email protected]

January 2015. Regional Workshop on Drivers of Change Affecting forests in Mekong. Hanoi, Vietnam. Contact: Yurdi Yasmi, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; E-mail: [email protected]

February 2015. Forests and Climate Change after Lima: An Asia-Pacific Perspective. Contact: Patrick Durst, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; E-mail: [email protected]

February-April 2015. Regional Workshop on Strengthening Criteria and Indicators for SFM and their use in policy and practice. Venue to be announced. Contact: Patrick Durst, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; E-mail: [email protected]

March/April 2015. 8th Executive Forest Policy Course. Myanmar. Contact: Yurdi Yasmi, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; E-mail: [email protected]

7-11 September 2015. XIV World Forestry Congress. Durban, South Africa. Contact: Shigeto Ikeda, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; E-mail: [email protected]

FOREST NEWS is issued by the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific as part of TIGERPAPER. This issue of FOREST NEWS was compiled by Patrick B. Durst, Senior Forestry Officer, FAO/RAP.

16 FORESTRY PUBLICATIONS: FAO REGIONAL OFFICE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (RAP)

. East Asian forests and forestry to 2020 (RAP . Developing an Asia-Pacific strategy for forest Publication 2010/15) invasive species: The coconut beetle problem – . Forests beneath the grass: Proceedings of the bridging agriculture and forestry (RAP Publication regional workshop on advancing the application of 2007/02 assisted natural regeneration for effective low-cost . The role of coastal forests in the mitigation of forest restoration (RAP Publication 2010/11) tsunami impacts (RAP Publication 2007/01) . Forest policies, legislation and institutions in Asia . Taking stock: Assessing progress in developing and and the Pacific: Trends and emerging needs for implementing codes of practice for forest 2020 (RAP Publication 2010/10) harvesting in ASEAN member countries (RAP . Report of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission Publication 2006/10) Twenty-third session (RAP Publication 2010/09) . Asia-Pacific forests and forestry to 2020. Asia- . Helping forests take cover (RAP Publication 2005/ Pacific Forestry Sector Outlook Study II (RAP 13) Publication 2010/06) . Elephant care manual for mahouts and camp . Forest law enforcement and governance: Progress managers (RAP Publication 2005/10) in Asia and the Pacific (RAP Publication 2010/ . Forest certification in China: latest developments 05) and future strategies (RAP Publication 2005/08) . Forest insects as food: humans bite back. . Forests and floods – drowning in fiction or thriving Proceedings of a workshop on Asia-Pacific on facts? (RAP Publication 2005/03) resosurces and their potential for development . In search of excellence: exemplary forest (RAP Publication 2010/02) management in Asia and the Pacific (RAP . Strategies and financial mechanisms for Publication 2005/02) sustainable use and conservation of forests: . What does it take? The role of incentives in forest experiences from Latin America and Asia (RAP plantation development in Asia and the Pacific Publication 2009/21) (RAP Publication 2004/27) . Asia-Pacific Forestry Week: Forestry in a . Advancing assisted natural regeneration (ANR) in changing world (RAP Publication 2009/04) Asia and the Pacific (RAP Publication 2003/19) - . The future of forests: Proceedings of an 2nd edition international conference on the outlook for Asia- . Practical guidelines for the assessment, Pacific forests to 2020 (RAP Publication 2009/ monitoring and reporting on national level criteria 03) and indicators for sustainable forest management . Re-inventing forestry agencies. Experiences of in dry forests in Asia (RAP Publication: 2003/05) institutional restructuring in Asia and the Pacific . Applying reduced impact logging to advance (RAP Publication 2008/05) sustainable forest management (RAP Publication: . Forest faces. Hopes and regrets in Philippine 2002/14) forestry (RAP Publication 2008/04 . Trash or treasure? Logging and mill residues in . Reaching consensus. Multi-stakeholder Asia-Pacific (RAP Publication: 2001/16) processes in forestry: experiences from the Asia- . Regional training strategy: supporting the Pacific region (RAP Publication 2007/31) implementation of the Code of Practice for forest . Trees and shrubs of Maldives: An illustrated field harvesting in Asia-Pacific (RAP Publication: 2001/ guide (RAP Publication 2007/12) 15) . A cut for the poor: Proceedings of the . Forest out of bounds: impacts and effectiveness International Conference on Managing Forests for of logging bans in natural forests in Asia-Pacific: Poverty Reduction Capturing Opportunities in executive summary (RAP Publication: 2001/10) Forest Harvesting and Wood Processing for the . Trees commonly cultivated in Southeast Asia: an Benefit of the Poor (RAP Publication 2007/09) illustrated field guide - 2nd edition (RAP . Trees and shrubs of the Maldives (RAP Publication: 1999/13) Publication 2007/12) For copies please write to: Senior Forestry Officer for Asia and the Pacific, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand. Or visit the FAO website for an electronic version: http://www.fao.or.th/publications/publications.htm