US Department of Agriculture – Forest Service International Programs

US Department of Agriculture – Forest Service International Programs Technical Assistance Mission Global Solidarity Fund International Mozambique, Niassa and Sofala regions

In Support of Global Solidarity Fund International in fire and community forestry management on concessions in the Sofala and Niassa regions.

FINAL REPORT June 2006 Mission Dates: March 5-19, 2006

Bill Van Bruggen Scott Stewart Forest Fire Management Officer Forest Legacy Specialist USDA Forest Service USDA Forest Service Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Northeastern Area Station PO Box 640 11 Campus Drive Springerville, AZ 85938 Newtown Square, PA (928) 333-6318 (610) 557-4135 [email protected] [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Acronyms…………………………………………………………………………3

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………4

Trip Activities, Finding, and Recommendations………………………………………6

I. Maputo – Activities……………………………………………………………6

II.Sofala/LevasFlor– Activities, Findings and Recommendation……………..6 Recommendations: Community Forestry Recommendations: Fire Management

III.Niassa/Chikweti – Activities, Findings and Recommendations…………...8 Recommendations: Community Forestry Recommendations: Fire Management

IV. Maputo – Activities…………………………………………………………11

Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………...12

Recommendations for future USFS/IP Missions……………………………………..12

Appendices Appendix A: Scope of Work…………………………………………………….14 Appendix B: USFS Team Agenda……………………………………………….19 Appendix C: GSFI pre-trip fire management questions…………………………22 Appendix D: Weather Network Options …..……...…………………………….27

LIST OF ACRONYMS

GDA Global Development Alliance GPS Global Positioning System GSFI Global Solidarity Fund International FSC Forest Stewardship Council LCES Lookouts, Communication, Escape Routes, Safety Zones MCC Millennium Challenge Corporation MOU Memorandum of Understanding NFDRS National Fire Danger Rating System NIFC National Interagency Fire Center NGO Non-Governmental Organization NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group RAWS Remote Automatic Weather Station TCT TCT Dalmann Hardwood Furniture Company USAID United States Agency for International Development USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFS United States Forest Service USFS/IP United States Forest Service International Programs

INTRODUCTION

With a rich, 100-year history of practicing sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation, USDA Forest Service/IP seeks opportunities world-wide to provide forest management technical assistance on issues that affect us both globally and domestically. Through consultations with USAID Mozambique, the USFS identified a former USAID grantee, the Global Solidarity Fund International (GSFI), as a viable partner who is working in the forest sector. USDA Forest Service/IP seeks to contribute to capacity building and poverty reduction through improved forest management in Mozambique by providing technical assistance to GSFI in the areas of fire prevention and community forestry management.

GSFI, a private equity initiative taken by the Diocese of Vasteras, Church of Sweden, designs and invests in forest projects in the developing world which yield environmental, economic and social benefits. Like the USFS/IP, GSFI has identified Mozambique as a country with a high potential for poverty reduction through sustainable forest management. Although 50% of Mozambique’s population lives on less than $1.00 a day and there is widespread unemployment in rural areas, experience has shown that investments in the forest sector can rapidly create employment while managing the resource sustainably. A 16-year civil war ended in 1992, but was followed by major flooding in 2000 and 2001, then a severe drought in 2002. As a result of these hardships, poverty remains widespread. As GSFI supports profitable commercial ventures that increase the forest area under responsible management, and contribute to enhanced habitat for biodiversity, empowered communities and local capacity building, it recognizes this new era of peace and stability as opportunity to act in Mozambique. At present, GSFI (in collaboration with the Swedish development agency, Sida, and the Government of Mozambique) is implementing two forest management activities in Mozambique in the regions of Niassa and Sofala.

In Niassa, in Northern Mozambique, both fire management and community forestry management are priorities for GSFI. GSFI aims to reforest and responsibly manage 46,000 hectares of deforested and degenerated forest area in Niassa, as well as create 45,000 hectares of conservation area. A 30-year plan has been created, by which GSFI proposes the creation of eucalyptus, teak, and hardwood plantation forests. This will require $30 million of investment over ten years, of which GSFI has committed to providing $10 million, and has already raised $4 million of that. In addition to the proposed plantation forests, there is the existing 1,400 hectare Lichinga plantation pine forest, which GSFI manages, and which should be FSC certified early in 2006. The sawmill at the Lichinga plantation pine forest is a source of local employment, and model for what can be achieved on a grander scale via the larger proposed plantation forests.

4 FSC certification of the natural forest in order to provide FSC certified forest products to both the domestic and international market, provide local employment, provide social development, and achieve sustainability in the forest industry here. The opportunity to achieve all of these goals hinges on establishing strategic approaches / techniques to fire suppression and management in the region, as uncontrolled wildfire presents the largest obstacle to success.

The activities below served as the main objectives of this first USFS mission in Mozambique. Our hope is to build upon the work of this first mission in order to expand our involvement in Mozambique through partnership with GSFI, USAID/GDA, USAID/Mozambique, and/or the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Activities • Fire Management needs identified by GSFI include guidance from a USFS fire expert to examine the current ecological impact of fire in both the plantation forests of Niassa and the natural forests of Sofala. The USFS fire expert instructed GSFI employees on fire suppression and management techniques as well as assisted GSFI employees with strategic approaches to prevent and suppress fire (such as identifying necessary equipment that may be required to suppress fire outbreaks) and training needs. The USFS fire expert assisted GSFI and their local partners develop fire management strategies for each concession. • Community Forestry Management needs necessitated the participation of a USFS community forest management expert who is also knowledgeable about agricultural landscape management. This expert was called upon to perform tasks which fall under 3 main categories: 1. Working with GSFI employees on how to utilize Mozambique’s new land law to promote community ownership or access to forest resources or land for reforestation. The new land law, which provides for community ownership of forest resources, lacks application decrees and any work done by USFS and GSFI could serve as a pilot and contribute to the development of these regulations. 2. Assisting Wouter Doulee, an employee of the Diocese of Niassa, in fine-tuning a proposal to be submitted to various donors for additional funding for community forest projects. An early version of the proposal was rejected by one donor for conceptual problems, and the USFS expert will collaborate with the GSFI consultant to strengthen the proposal so that it is solidly grounded in with both good natural resources management practices and the local context. 3. Making field visits, and exploring further opportunities for economic and social development through active involvement and investment of communities in natural resources management. Specific possibilities for communities to benefit from non-timber forest products include sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products (fruits and nuts can serve as important sources of protein for undernourished populations living in these areas) and reforestation. It is also important to evaluate further opportunities for employing improved forestry and agricultural methods in these areas, such as identifying management techniques that are both more productive and less labor-intensive than what is currently employed.

TRIP ACTIVITIES, FINDINGS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

I. MAPUTO

Maputo – Monday, March 6 Inbriefing with US AID officials and US Embassy.

ACTIVITIES:

The USFS team inbriefed with US AID officials in Maputo in the morning. Christine DeVoest, Tim Born, and Jose Martins were in attendance at this meeting and shared work they were sponsoring in Mozambique specific to the USFS mission. Christine shared that there are many stakeholder opportunities in both Niassa and Sofala provinces. Jose Martins shared that there is some effort in Niassa to explore ecotourism opportunities, especially around Lake Niassa.

In the afternoon the USFS team inbriefed with John Wysham, economic liaison for the US Embassy. The US Embassy supports economic development, commerce expansion, and job creation in Mozambique.

II. SOFALA/LEVASFLOR

Sofala: Tuesday, March 7 – Friday, March 10. Toured the Catapú concession and the LevasFlor concession.

ACTIVITIES:

On Tuesday morning, the USFS team met in Beira with James White, a principal in TCT Florestais LTD, a family owned wood products/forestry business. TCT has recently contracted with GSFI to manage the LevasFlor concession. Previously LevasFlor was managed by an on the ground manager hired by GSFI. This manager resigned and a decision was made to work with TCT who had on the ground experience. Currently the concession is focusing on harvest and production. To date, there has not been much focus on the community forestry aspects of the project.

The team was able to spend only a portion of one day on site at LevasFlor. The team flew into Beira shortly after a cyclone had struck Sofala. The bridge was out at Savane impeding ingress to LevasFlor. The team met with James White, Manager of the Catapú commercial concession, who also has responsibility for on the ground management of LevasFlor. The team and James White decided to go the long way around to LevasFlor and to visit Catapú enroute.

TCT has been operating since 1996 and the team was able to discuss lessons learned by the concession during this time. This background information was useful during discussions with James Murray, LevasFlor concession manager.

TCT currently consists of the Catapú concession, a furniture manufacturing facility in Beira, and two furniture outlets, one in Beira and one in Maputo. James White has responsibility for forest management and primary conversion of wood harvested. In Beira, Gramme White has responsibility for managing the furniture plant.

About 80 employees are working in the furniture factory. At Catapú, TCT employs 160 workers. At Catapú TCT provides on-site housing for employees and school education for children of employees on site. The company has five different department heads that report to James White, the project manager the Catapú concession.

In addition to the value added furniture enterprise TCT also produces prefabricated wall panels and other construction elements and are producing prefabricated structures. TCT is marketing these with some success.

In Beira, TCT uses a converted tobacco kiln to dry wood. It is not what would be expected of a commercial enterprise in the USA, but it is appropriate technology for the area and the products. The watchword of the enterprise is simplicity. They endeavor to operate the concession and production plant in a way that accepts the difficulties of production in Mozambique. That is to say they rely on technology and methods which require limited resources and training to operate efficiently.

On Wednesday, the team toured the Catapú concession, sawmill, and guest lodge area.

On Thursday, the team toured the LevasFlor concession.

The LevasFlor concession located in Sofala controls some 45,000 has of natural forest. The concession takes the form of a Mozambique registered company that is jointly owned by the Church of Sweden and the local Anglican Diocese of Lebombo. The fee paid to the Government for the concession is based upon a per cubic meter harvested basis. The concession has currently harvested approximately 100 cubic meters.

The dominant timber species on this concession is Mesasa (Brachystegia spiciformis). The rotation of the forest stand in this miombo woodland is about 60-70 years. Discussion with managers reveals that there is a lack of information on reproduction of the species harvested. There is currently no post harvest treatment. There is a hope that is will coppice but there is no evidence of this. Mesasa is regarded as a pioneer species and as such there is an untested expectation that there will be sufficient natural reproduction.

The LevasFlor concession is undergoing third party certification and it appears that there are some questions which must be answered if the forest is to be truly managed in a sustainable fashion. There have been over 130 plant species identified at LevasFlor.

The Mesasa species does have a local market, as well as a history of international trade, but still faces challenges. The species has interlocked grain, which results in difficult

7 machining. As interlocked grain can result in tearout during planeing, this characteristic can limit the marketability of Mesasa. Also of note, the species requires a long and challenging kiln schedule to prepare the timber for use in furniture or for export. The species dries slowly, and degradation problems in drying include checking and warping.

The LevasFlor concession is well capitalized and appears to have sufficient equipment to meet its production goals.

FINDINGS

Community Forestry- In an effort to stimulate the economy, the Government of Mozambique is supportive of issuing concessions (leases) for company or organization proposals. All land in Mozambique is held by the Government which, through various mechanisms, grants usufruct title. Some two-thirds of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture. Many of these agricultural producers have not gone through the process to formalize land claims. Nevertheless, the Government is committed to protecting the rights of smallholders.

LevasFlor is a commercial enterprise but along with its internal charge to make a profit, LevasFlor is charged to improve the lives of the communities associated with it, and to make a profit in a way that does not adversely impact these communities. LevasFlor has therefore set the following social development goals: job creation, creation of education opportunities, and improved health care.

The current thinking on how to work with the communities is preliminary. At present, there is not a formal plan on how the concession will address its social development goals. There was a discussion of how timber is made available to communities at a discount, how they plan to give assistance in beekeeping, and how access to firewood is a benefit.

The managers stated that the concession and the communities consult with each other: The communities identify what they would like to occur, and the concession negotiates with the community members until an arrangement that is agreeable to all is reached. They are exploring an incentivised system to address poaching and fires. There are beginning to be reports on where illegal activities are happening and who is involved.

Fire Management Fire season generally is between August and December. Some of the fire problems the people of Sofala are experiencing are caused by locals smoking out hollow trees to chase away honey bees. TCT has mitigated some of this problem by constructing artificial hive structures that they are providing to locals for honey production. Additionally, burning

8 to clear agricultural fields is a common practice as is using fire to flush game. Many escaped fires result from these activities.

TCT uses both existing access roads and a system of secondary constructed roads and trails during fire suppression. TCT often uses these roads as both primary and secondary fire lines to burn out using an indirect attack suppression tactic. A similar model of mitigating fire danger and suppressing fire is planned for LevasFlor. The company also plans on constructing lookout towers at both Catapú and LevasFlor. These will be used to spot fires and poachers and will be staffed 24 hours. Fire education messages must be embraced by the regula (village mayor); otherwise most villagers will not accept the messages.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Community Forestry Initial consultations with communities have occurred. At least one project in the form of a corn milling machine has been undertaken. LevasFlor, in consultation with the communities, should clarify the expectations that each have of the other. To the extent possible, LevasFlor should work with the associated communities to ensure that the communities at large benefit from their presence.

If direct delivery of services/extension does not fit the needs or desires of the communities, LevasFlor may be in a position to serve as an agent for the communities to ensure they have access to the expertise they require. Focus should be on activities which do not require the presence of LevasFlor. That is to say, the focus should be on activities which will benefit the communities and which will outlive the tenure of the concession. The ambition should be to be a good neighbor and avoid the development of what might appear to be a patronage system.

Fire Management TCT should consider purchasing a slip-on pump unit that could be mounted on a truck for water usage during fire suppression efforts or purchase of a fireplow dozer with a blade and some water capacity for suppression.

TCT may want to contract with a fire suppression company, such as those established in South Africa, to provide fire suppression services as well as some fuels management activities such as prescribed burning. This may be more cost-effective than TCT establishing their own trained workforce and securing the necessary equipment.

TCT has been hosting researchers to provide the company with additional recommendations on the forests. Fire research should also be included in this effort to determine the appropriate fire return cycle and how to mimic this with prescribed burning and other fuels treatments.

9 A collective effort between the Government and the forest products companies should be focused on fire prevention education. One recommendation is to develop a unique Mozambique fire prevention symbol, much like Smokey Bear in the US. This symbol should be endearing and easily recognizable by the general population. They should be able to instantly associate this symbol with fire prevention.

III. NIASSA/CHIKWETI - FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Niassa: Saturday, March 11 – Thursday, March 16. Toured the Chikweti concession

ACTIVITIES

Chikweti Forests of Niassa is quite different from LevasFlor in that the focus is on plantation forestry, and the forest estate to be planted will be much more geographically dispersed. The fee structure paid to the Government for the concession also differs from LevasFlor. The fee Chikweti must pay is based upon a per acre basis. There is also a greater population directly related to the lands contemplated for inclusion within this concession. The total acreage contemplated is 91,000 hectares. 45,000 will be managed as protected areas. The remaining acreage is largely unforested land which will be planted as plantations.

At the time of this detail, the Government had not officially granted the concession. However, the governor of the province had granted 1000 hectares to Chikweti based upon authority he has to grant small parcels of land outside of central Government authority. Chikweti has planted 1000 hectares, and plans to plant two thousand hectares annually once the concession is formalized.

On Saturday the team toured the mill in Lichinga, the nursery, and several plantations of pine and eucalyptus with Nico Strydom, project manager for Chikweti. The following points were noted: --The sawmill can produce lumber down to 2 X 2 boards. All products are currently sold locally. --Many women are employed at both the sawmill and nursery. Nico provided Bill with some expectations for the week in terms of fire training. Bill navigated with Nico on his computer to find the NIFC and NWCG websites, which are very helpful websites that provide access and links to numerous training references, fire weather references, and other useful guides. The addresses for these websites are: http://www.nwcg.gov/ and http://www.nifc.gov/

On Sunday, the team spent the day with the Bishop of the Northern Mozambique Anglican Church, Rev. Mark Van Koevering. The Anglican Church is the in-country partner with GSFI. Mark spent the day providing the team with information on local customs and traditions. Those residents that rely on subsistence farming will typically farm a plot of land (machamba) for about five years. Each year they burn it off. After about five years, the machamba has lost its fertility, and the farmer will move on to a new

10 piece of ground, removing all the trees, and converting the land to crop production. Removal of forests for charcoal production is another major issue. Charcoal production is often related to land clearing for agriculture.

It is possible that in some contexts, shifting agriculture could be viewed as sustainable. In a situation where there is a small population that has access to a large land base, and conflicting demands for resources do not exist, this land use strategy can adequately support a population, though perhaps not at maximum potential efficiency. This, however, is not the situation that exists in Niassa, particularly around Lichinga, where a growing population is rapidly depleting the resources that exist on a limited amount of land.

Monday through Wednesday the team split efforts: Scott joined up with Wouter Delee, an employee of the local Anglican diocese, to assist with the completion of a grant proposal to the Global Development Alliance (USAID). An important component of this activity was meeting with local stakeholders to determine their needs and interests in working with a community forestry project associated with Chikweti. Bill joined up with Janne and Donny, two Chikweti employees. Bill was given an overview of the future concessions and vegetation conditions so that he could make recommendations on fire management staffing, equipment, and fuel treatments. On Wednesday, Bill conducted fire training for about 30 Chikweti employees. Translation from English was done in both Portuguese and Yao, a local language. Bill provided a basic S-190 fire behavior class, discussing the three primary elements of fuel, weather, and topography that influence fire behavior. He also briefly outlined LCES (firefighting safety acronym) principles to the students. Students were rewarded for asking questions by receiving Smokey Bear materials such as pins, buttons, and pencils.

FINDINGS

Community Forestry The Government’s interest in concessions is twofold: first, to increase investment and commercial activity in the country, and second, to increase employment. The most direct benefit, from which the local population is already profiting, is direct employment. Some 330 persons are employed by Chikweti. Twenty percent of these employees are women. It is the policy of Chikweti to give preference to using local labor. The stated goal is a minimum of 40% of the labor force to be from local communities. Chikweti has made it a priority to link its activities with local and regional development in a way to improve people’s abilities to secure basic needs.

Some two-thirds of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture. Many of these agricultural producers have not gone through the process to formalize land claims. Nevertheless, the Government is committed to protecting the rights of smallholders. An interesting situation in Mozambique, which is not unique to this country, is the issue of

11 land tenure. Rights of individual access to land exist in tandem with community claims to land. These claims to land are overlaid by the State’s official ownership of land, and now the concessionaire’s claim.

As mentioned, there is a system to recognize land claims but it is not fully utilized by small holders. The system as it now exists can result in multiple claimants to the land. The land could be used by a local community but the Government can then grant the lands to anyone it chooses. Chikweti was well aware of the problem that could arise if they did not work in a cooperative fashion with the landowners who are already on the land which they propose for the concession.

At the time of the visit, the concession had not been officially granted. Though the concession had not been formally granted, there had been consultations with associated communities to identify lands where the plantations would be located. The management plan for Chikweti includes among its purposes, to develop and manage good relationships with stakeholders. This may include all partners in the company, applicable local Governmental institutions and current users of land, i.e. small farmers. Community consultation and involvement is essential to the success of Chikweti.

The total plantation area is widely distributed. This creates management challenges and increases the communities of interest which also creates challenges for the managers of the concession. In an effort to address community concerns, Chikweti proposes holding meetings annually with community representatives.

The area around Lichinga is undergoing a bit of a building boom. This is positive for Chikweti in that there is a ready demand locally for the lumber that can be produced. A potential challenge to consider, however, is that an increase in population can sometimes bring resource related conflicts. Chikweti must move forward, mindful of the present situation and the challenges that may accompany the current building boom.

Of primary importance to the communities is the issue of food security. Many small holders already face difficulties in ensuring that they have sufficient food available throughout the year. An increase in population could result in a situation where not enough food could be produced locally to meet demands. To meet the existing and projected demand, greater output from land under cultivation must be achieved. If the population increases and there is not sufficient employment, migrants will presumably look to the land. This could result in conflicts with the existing population, and could possibly even lead to conflicts with forestry concessions.

The Anglican Diocese of Niassa Province has been the lead development actor in this region for the last 14 years, and is committed to supporting local communities of all faiths to improve their standards of living. Currently, the church runs such programs as literacy and numeracy courses, HIV / AIDS education, and orphan care programs for the entire population of the province, the majority of which is Muslim. One of the principal delivery mechanisms for outreach is through literacy groups. The Diocese runs 20 local

12 voluntary adult literacy study circles in rural areas with a total of 500 attendees, of which 70% are women. Seventy percent of the total number of participants are Muslims.

The importance of thes literacy groups as related to community forestry is that in them, there exists an organized means to work with small, motivated community groups, who have the capacity to be instrumental in disseminating knowledge to the larger population. This helps address a common challenge encountered in community forest projects: determining how to reach the on-the-ground actors in a way that is meaningful. As stated, outreach is already underway via the literacy groups, and can be ramped up by the concessions when funding hopefully becomes available through the GDA and / or other grant programs. Chikweti has committed to working with communities to improve their livelihoods outside of the direct employment offered to associated communities.

The Diocese has been conducting outreach to formulate a community forest program. Associations and communities have been contacted in an effort to identify their priorities. As might be expected, the concerns are primarily related to food production and security. Community members are interested in access to fertilizers to assist in increased production, as well as in fruit trees, clean water and general sanitation. Communities have also expressed interest in projects with longer time horizons. No agroforestry systems were observed in use during the teams visit in Niassa. The potential for use of agroforestry systems should be investigated.

One community expressed interest in planting and managing pine and eucalyptus forest. Perhaps they are taking a cue from Chikweti and the perception that there is money to be made through this endeavor. Perhaps the motivation is a perceived threat that access to forested lands will be lost due to commercial endeavors. A third possibility is that this interest stems from the increasing distance from the community that members must travel to secure wood needs. What may have been viewed in the past as an unnecessary activity is now seen as an important activity.

Fire Management Fires are generated from numerous traditional activities including honey collection (smoking out bees in tree hollows), shifting cultivation (burning cornfields), hunting (improving visibility for game retrieval), cooking fires, charcoal production, and other traditional/spiritual reasons. Most of the slash generated from harvesting activities is removed by local wood-gatherers. Most families maintain a continual cooking fire 24/7. Chikweti has two pump units of 750 liters each with about 100 foot hardline. Handtools consist of grass beaters, hoes, and backpack pumps. Nursery personnel make up most of the firefighting resource. Chikweti has two-way radios with one repeater on a hilltop outside of Lichinga. They have been granted permission to erect a lookout tower and are considering establishing a weather station (Example in Appendix D). In native forests, it is reported that the fire return cycle is about 400 years.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Community Forestry

13 For the purposes of this mission report, we will define community forestry as the exploitation of forest resources in a way that ensures that local people benefit. Having worked in a consultative manner to identify lands for planting, the groundwork for successful community collaboration has been laid. The Diocese has a history of non- sectarian outreach and support and is well regarded by communities. In speaking with local people, it is clear that community members associate strong linkages between the community outreach work conducted by the Diocese and the creation of jobs and deliverance of services by Chikweti.

While the Government maintains that the land is for the use of Chikweti, in a very real way it belongs to the people who draw their life from the land. This is precisely the reason for which Chikweti supports the community development activities outlined in the GDA proposal. Regardless of the outcome of the GDA grant application, Chikweti should undertake delivery of community forestry extension. A participatory approach, in collaboration with the diocese, should be undertaken to formulate appropriate support.

As noted, perhaps the most obvious benefit from Chikweti is the direct employment of the local population. However, there are other benefits, which will accompany Chikweti’s success, such as improved roads. The presence of large commercial endeavors can attract businesses that support them, which in turn create additional employment. There are additional benefits to locals in that there is ready access to building materials.

There appears to be an understanding of the importance of business, investment, and infrastructure by the Government (national and state) and community leaders in addition to those who are now employed.

Chikweti acknowledges the importance of community consultation, and documents relating to the concession and discussions with those related to the concession, support this assertion. Community support is essential for the long-term success of Chikweti.

In contemplating community forestry activities and how to deliver services the focus should be on clear benefits to the community. The ultimate goal should be activities which will enhance livelihoods.

Fire Management Given the current simple communication system, remoteness of properties, and the high incidence of human starts from traditional and cultural activities, a fire detection and suppression system of lookout towers with communication capability (radio/cellphone); vehicles with water (patrol unit with small water capacity (250 l), engine with 750 l, watertender); remote water tanks for vehicle resupply and fire supply caches with tools, hose, and other hardware; and a trained multi-functional crew seems to be the most sensible and affordable way to initiate a fire management program. If Chikweti-managed properties continue to increase in size, additional fire organization will be needed.

14 A cost analysis should be considered to compare an internal Chikweti fire organization to contracting for these services from private companies such as those that operate in South Africa. South Africa apparently has done this with some degree of success on their private timberlands. Companies form a logical geographic fire cooperative district and contract with private fire suppression companies to perform the work during the fire season with each company contributing their proportionate share of the expense. This may also work for fuels treatment work.

A cooperative district could also employ their own employees as an alternative to contracting. This is likely more cost-efficient than each concession holder maintaining their own workforce.

In an effort to mitigate the damage of seasonal fires, fuelbreaks of at least 10 meters width should be constructed around new plantations with additional mowing of 10-20 m strips next to the fuelbreak to lower vertical fuel structure, particularly on the east side where the prevailing winds blow. This effort will greatly reduce the risk of fires spotting into the plantation. In harvest units, test plots should be established to compare reforestation in non-burning vs burning plots following harvesting. A program of prescribed burning and natural fire should be investigated.

Area Hectares Mgmt Resources

Lichinga 1100 Plantation Current 1000 28 year plantation 2 x 750 l slip-on Sawmill pump units with Nursery 2 x 1 ton Toyota Pickups. 2000 liter tank with pump on flat bed truck 10 backpack pumps 15 grassbeaters Trained firefighting crew at nursery of about 30 workers Small water reservoir near nursery

Needed Larger watertender with 5000 gallon capacity Lookout tower Additional radios for patrol units.

15 Guards/prevention employees that can both educate local residents and patrol. Maniamba 16000 planned New plantation 2 x 10,000 liter water of teak at about storage tanks. 2000 Ha/year Guards/prevention employees with a patrol truck, pump, and water that can both educate local residents and patrol. Fire supply cache Trained local on-call hand crew.

Milange 5000 planned New plantation of teak Train multifunctional nursery crew. Guards/employees with a patrol truck, pump, and water that can both educate local residents and patrol. Fire supply cache Trained local on-call hand crew. 2 x 10,000 liter water storage tanks.

Gurue 15000 planned New plantation Trained local on-call of teak hand crew. 2 x 10,000 liter water storage tanks. Fire supply cache Guards/employees with a patrol truck, pump, and water that can both educate local residents and patrol.

Other general recommendations include eventually staffing a fire/fuels management position. The responsibilities of this position would provide training, plan and execute controlled burns, and supervise overall fire suppression operations. An employee exchange in a more complex fire program, such as a National Forest in the USA during a

16 fire season would benefit Chikweti greatly in terms of employee professionalism and competencies.

A visit by a two-three person standing fire prevention team from the USA might be useful. These organized teams could assist Chikweti with developing a fire prevention plan that would provide for ideas, suggestions, education, and other recommendations to reduce the incidence of unwanted fires and improve local population interest in preserving forests. Use of the literacy groups that the diocese is involved with may be one way of promoting fire education.

Another tool that may be considered if a weather station is established is the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS). This daily adjective rating of fire danger may be replicated in some fashion to alert employees and help determine if the company wants to put fire crews on standby in certain locations, etc. It can also be used to alert the public, much like we do in the US with “red flag conditions”, which is usually determined by a minimum threshold of wind speed and humidity. Fire danger alerts to the public could be posted along roadways and near villages.

Procurement of heavier equipment like bulldozers that are equipped with fireplows will be helpful in heavier fuel load areas such as plantations to confine fires to smaller sizes.

Continued research should be done in the native forest areas to determine how fire fits into the natural ecological processes: how, when, and at what intervals. Perhaps the concession companies could host a graduate student to conduct this research.

IV. MAPUTO

Maputo – Friday, March 17 Debriefing with US AID officials, Technoserve, US Embassy, Chikweti attorney.

ACTIVTIES

Scott debriefed with USAID officials. The discussion focused on USAID’s interest in partially funding a community forestry project associated with Chikweti. (This project will be outlined in the GDA proposal, which is currently being drafted.) USAID initially expressed reserved interest, indicating that their budget is tight, and there is currently no opportunity to extend funding. The discussion was relayed to the IP Africa Program staff who will consider USAID’s comments in finalizing the GDA project proposal.

Bill joined up with William Telfer, attorney for Chikweti, and visited Eurico da Cruz, an official with the Ministry of Agriculture. Mr. da Cruz stated the Government promotes involvement of the local regulas, use of different mediums to promote fire education, and utilization of contract fire suppression services in the right situations.

17 Following those two meetings, Bill and Scott rejoined to visit Juma Juma, an official with Technoserve. Technoserve is an organization that provides support for industry. One of Technoserve’s main goals is to empower industries that add the most value from forest products, as is the case with TCT.

Later in the afternoon the team debriefed with John Wysham from the US Embassy and William Telfer from Chikweti.

CONCLUSIONS

GSFI has ambitious plans for reforesting areas in Mozambique and improving the lives of the local population. The role of the USFS/IP can be useful in future missions to improving the success of the goals of GSFI. Community participation is invaluable in wildfire and community forestry management in Mozambique. Clear communication between all cooperators is strongly encouraged for the realization of these recommendations.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE USFS/IP MISSIONS

1) Continued efforts to coordinate forestry activities by USFS/IP in Mozambique. Local individuals and organizations seemed very receptive to many of the team’s recommendations and thoughts. 2) Consider deployment of a standing US interagency wildland fire prevention team to provide more specific recommendations and development of a fire prevention and education plan. 3) Consider hosting a LevasFlor and/or Chikweti employee by a Forest Service unit in the United States. The employee(s) could work on a National Forest and rotate through a number of short details on different crew modules, including engines, handcrews, helitack, etc. as well as rotating through a burning/prescribed burn program to observe practices in the US. 4) Consider sending a team of fuels management experts to assess current practices in plantations and native forests to provide recommendations on post-harvest and maintenance treatments with burning/mechanical efforts and development of a prescribed burn/fire use (natural fire) program in the native forests. These experts may also be able to assist with weather station establishment and interpretation. 5) It may be useful to send a USFS nursery professional to consult with Chikweti managers. The nursery currently is operating well, and is in fact expanding. There are, however, difficulties faced by the nursery, and there may be a benefit in having additional input, such as in the area of mychorrizal associations in pine species. 6) There is a high level of expertise in agroforestry throughout Africa. It could be beneficial to have professionals and small holders with expertise visit the concession-associated communities. The USFS has expertise to offer in this regard, which can be drawn from the National Agroforestry Center.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

In closing, we would like to thank TCT, the Ministry of Agriculture of Mozambique, the Diocese of Niassa, US AID, Technoserve, the US Embassy, Chikweti Forests, and LevasFlor. We would also like to thank the people of Mozambique for their friendliness, hospitality, and cooperation. Without this spirit of cooperation our mission would have been difficult, if not impossible.

Finally, we would like to thank the following individuals for their contribution to the mission.

Christine DeVoest Nico Strydom Tim Born Donny (Chikweti) Jose Martins Janne (Chikweti) John Wysham Wouter Doulee James Anthony (Ant) White Rev. Mark Van Koevering Graeme White William Telfer Pat White Eurico da Cruz James Murray Juma Juma Margaret Rainey

Appendix A: Scope of Work

Scope of Work USDA Forest Service Technical Assistance to Global Solidarity Fund International In the Niassa and Sofala Regions of Mozambique: Fire and Community Forestry Management

Background and Objectives

With a rich, 100-year history of practicing sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation, USDA Forest Service/IP seeks opportunities world-wide to provide forest management technical assistance on issues that affect us both globally and domestically. Through consultations with USAID Mozambique, we identified a former USAID grantee, the Global Solidarity Fund International (GSFI), as a viable partner who is working in the forest sector. USDA Forest Service/IP seeks to contribute to capacity building and poverty reduction through improved forest management in Mozambique by providing technical assistance to GSFI in the areas of fire prevention and community forestry management.

20 Government of Mozambique) is implementing two forest management activities in Mozambique in the regions of Niassa and Sofala.

In Niassa, in Northern Mozambique, both fire management and community forestry management are priorities for GSFI. GSFI aims to reforest and responsibly manage 46,000 hectares of deforested and degenerated forest area in Niassa, as well as create 45,000 hectares of conservation area. A 30-year plan has been created, by which GSFI proposes the creation of eucalyptus, teak, and hardwood plantation forests. This will require $30 million of investment over ten years, of which GSFI has committed to providing $10 million, and has already raised $4 million of that. In addition to the proposed plantation forests, there is the existing 1,400 hectare Lichinga plantation pine forest, which GSFI manages, and which should be FSC certified early in 2006. The sawmill at the Lichinga plantation pine forest is a source of local employment. It may serve as a model for what can be achieved on a grander scale via the larger proposed plantation forests.

In Sofala, fire management is the main concern. A commercial company, LevasFlor Lda, has been established, and granted a 50,000 hectare concession of natural forest, 5% of which will be set aside as conservation areas. The main goals at this point are to obtain FSC certification of the natural forest in order to provide FSC certified forest products to both the domestic and international market, provide local employment, provide social development, and achieve sustainability in the forest industry here. The opportunity to achieve all of these goals hinges on establishing strategic approaches / techniques to fire suppression and management in the region, as uncontrolled wildfire presents the largest obstacle to success.

The above are objectives intended to be accomplished during the course of this first USFS mission in Mozambique. Our hope is to expand our work in Mozambique through partnership with GSFI, USAID/GDA, USAID/Mozambique, and/or the Millennium Challenge Corporation. The work of this first mission will serve as the preliminary steps towards achieving these ends.

21 4. Working with GSFI employees on how to utilize Mozambique’s new land law to promote community ownership or access to forest resources or land for reforestation. The new land law, which provides for community ownership of forest resources, lacks application decrees and any work done by USFS and GSFI could serve as a pilot and contribute to the development of these regulations. 5. Assisting Wouter Delee, an employee of the Diocese of Niassa, in fine-tuning a proposal to be submitted to various donors for additional funding for community forest projects. An early version of the proposal was rejected by one donor for conceptual problems, and the USFS expert will collaborate with the GSFI consultant to strengthen the proposal so that it is solidly grounded in with both good natural resources management practices and the local context. 6. Making field visits, and exploring further opportunities for economic and social development through active involvement and investment of communities in natural resources management. Specific possibilities for communities to benefit from non-timber forest products include sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products (fruits and nuts can serve as important sources of protein for undernourished populations living in these areas) and reforestation. It is also important to evaluate further opportunities for employing improved forestry and agricultural methods in these areas, such as identifying management techniques that are both more productive and less labor-intensive than what is currently employed.

Tasks #1: Recruitment, selection, preparation, and mobilization of a USFS technical assistance team: • USFS/IP will recruit a specialist experienced in fire suppression and management, with specific knowledge of ecological landscapes that are similar to those of Niassa and Sofala. • USFS/IP will recruit a community forestry expert who is also knowledgeable about agricultural landscape management.

#2: The USFS fire and community forestry management experts chosen for this detail should help USFS/IP and GSFI develop a survey for GSFI employees and local partners. The survey will be completed before the USFS experts arrive in Mozambique and will facilitate technical assistance by providing some information about existing knowledge and practices. USFS experts will review and analyze completed surveys before arrival in country if possible.

#3: The USFS team is expected to share pre-existing fire suppression / management and community forestry management manuals with GSFI employees in Mozambique. As they see fit, GSFI will be responsible for translating the documents from English into Portuguese (and/or even the predominant local language, Yao.) The USFS team will provide as many useful English documents as possible to the GSFI team no later than one month after the USFS experts’ return to the USA.

22 #4: A two-person USFS team (one fire management expert and one community forestry management expert) will travel to Mozambique for a 2-3 week mission sometime between late January and February of 2006. This team will be met by GSFI representatives, who will accompany them in making field visits to the Niassa and Sofala regions, where the team will be able to meet locals employed by GSFI, and evaluate their current forestry knowledge and practices. See “activities” section for more info on in-country tasks.

#5: In-country logistical support, for which GSFI will be responsible: • Inform local Government and church officials of team’s arrival and the purpose of their engagement in the region. • Arrange for meetings with appropriate GSFI employees and key Government and church officials. • Arrange and pay for in-country ground transportation; arrange for in-country air transportation, as needed, to be paid for by USFS. • Arrange for necessary lodging accommodations/reservations and advise USFS how they can pay for this. • Arrange for a translator to accompany the USFS team during the mission.

#6: While in Mozambique, the USFS team should meet with relevant Government officials from both Mozambique & US, in addition to performing the specific tasks outlined for the fire and community forestry management experts.

#7: If time permits, the USFS team of experts will engage in a data collection process before their departure from Mozambique, in order to evaluate the impact of the work of this detail. To that end, the team will help design some indicators or measures of current conditions in order to detect differences over time in fire and community forestry management.

Deliverables Before leaving Mozambique, the USFS fire expert is expected to provide initial recommendations about fire suppression and management in both Niassa and Sofala. Similarly, the USFS community forestry management expert is expected to make initial recommendations regarding community forestry management in Niassa. These initial recommendations should be made during formal debriefings, with GSFI, GOM, USG, and other stakeholders present if possible. Upon return to the US, the USFS team is expected to compile a written report for distribution to USFS/IP and GSFI detailing activities, findings, and recommendations during the mission. This report will include but not be limited to: • An assessment of fire suppression and management techniques in the Niassa and Sofala regions, as well as technical recommendations for improved fire management in the future. • A discussion of Mozambique’s new land law, as it relates to GSFI. • A review of the collaboration with the GSFI Consultant on the proposal for additional funding for community forest management activities.

23 • Recommendations for economic and social development arising from non- timber forest products. • A discussion of future possibilities for further USFS/GSFI collaboration on fire and community forestry management issues, as well as other areas. This task should be completed within a one-month period after the team returns to the USA. GSFI will be responsible for translating the report into Portuguese for GSFI partners in Mozambique.

Timing: This 2-3 week mission is expected to occur sometime within the 6-week window of Jan 15-Feb 28, 2006. Funding: All non-salary costs incurred during this detail will be covered by USFS/IP, with the exception of in-country transport, which is to be covered by GSFI.

24 Appendix B: USFS Team Agenda

DATE/DAY TIME ACTIVITY SITE REMARKS

Sunday South Arrival of USFS team Maputo Check in to 5th March African Holiday Inn Airlines 5:00 PM Monday 11:00 AM Met with USAID officials Maputo Contact person 6th March Christine 1:00 PM Met with US Embassy deVoest Economy and Commerce Contact person John Wysham Monday 7:00 PM Fly out of Maputo to Beira Beira Check in to 6th March 9:00 PM Arrive in Beira Hotel Tivoli

Tuesday 10:00 AM Met with James Anthony Beira Met at Tivoli 7th March White, (Ant) principal Hotel shareholder of TCT and manager of LevasFlor 11:30 AM concession. Toured Met with Graeme White, furniture mill. 1:00 PM managing director of TCT. 6:00 PM Drove out to Catupú with Ant Arrived at Catupú guest lodge

Wednesday All day Toured the Catupú /TCT Katupu 8th March concession area with Ant and the sawmill.

Thursday All day Met with James Murray, LevasFlor Contact Person 9th March manager of the LevasFlor James Murray operation. Toured mill operation and visited Brachystegia forest. Friday 7:00 AM Left Katupu for Beira with Ant Beira 10th March and Pat White. Friday 3:30 PM Flew from Beira to Lichinga Lichinga Contact Person 10th March 6:30 PM Arrived in Lichinga Nico Strydom 7:30 PM Ate dinner with Chikweti personnel including Nico Strydom, Wouter Delee, and Dani, new production person Saturday 8:30 AM Toured the Chikweti mill, Lichinga 11th March All day nursery, and plantations with Nico and Dani. Sunday 7:00 AM Spent day with Bishop, Lichinga Contact Person 12th March All day representing the local partner Mark Van

25 in Chikweti. Attended Koevering, traditional church service in Bishop of local village and visited Lake Niassa Niassa. Diocese. Monday Whole day Bill spent day with Janne and Lichinga 13th March Dani touring new plantation areas around Lichinga. Scott hooked up with Wouter to attend several community meetings Tuesday Bill spent day with Dani and Lichinga 14th March Whole day developed initial fire staffing and management recommendations for Chikweti concession areas. Scott assisted Wouter with written GDA grant proposal Tuesday Evening Bishop of Niassa hosted us for Lichinga 14th March dinner with his wife, daughter, and employee of the diocese. Wednesday 8:00 AM Bill instructed S-190, Beginning Lichinga 15th March Fire Behavior to about 25 Diocese Chikweti employees translated building in both Portuguese and Yao. Scott continued working on finishing GDA proposal with Wouter at hotel. Thursday 8:30 AM Debriefed with Bishop, Dani, Lichinga 16th March and Wouter on trip 11:40 AM observations 5:00 PM Fly from Lichinga to Maputo Maputo Arrive in Maputo Firday 10:00 AM Bill went with William Telfer, Maputo Contact Person 17th March attorney for Chikweti, to visit William Telfer Mozambique Agriculture ministry official for forestry, Eurico da Cruz. Scott met with US AID officials and debriefed on trip and discussed GDA proposal. 12:00 PM Bill and Scott visited with Director Juma Technoserve, providing Juma technical support to industries such as forest products companies 3:00 PM Scott/Bill met with John Wysham at Holiday Inn to debrief. 5:00 PM Scott/Bill met with William Telfer, business attorney for Chikweti to debrief.

26 Sunday 2:00 PM Arrived at airport to fly to Maputo 19th March Johannesburg together, then separately on to home locations.

27 Appendix C Mozambique/GSFI fire management questions Ecology 1) What is the normal fire return interval for the miombo forest? 2) Are there any wildlife or other natural resources issues that may be affected from the utilization of fire as a management tool or that need to be considered when suppressing unwanted fires? 3) Is fire accepted by locals as a tool to maintain healthy forests? 4) Is desirable natural fire stand-replacing, understory, or something in between (i.e., pockets of trees and other vegetation, mosaic burn pattern)? 5) How much slash is left after timber harvesting and how is this treated? Fire Prevention 6) Are there current fire prevention efforts underway? 7) What medium is most available/successful in communicating fire prevention messages? 8) How do fires start? Human, lightning, arson, cultural, accidental, etc? Do neighbors to the concessions start any fires and how cooperative are they? 9) Who would be the likely target audiences for prevention messages (Schoolchildren, homeowners, etc) ? 10) How much success has Chikweti had with their village cooperation on fire management?

Fire management

11) Is there any current fire management plan? If so, is it integrated into any land management plans for the concessions? 12) Are there any local weather stations that would monitor temperatures, relative humidity, fuel moistures, etc, that would indicate severity of potential fire conditions? 13) Is there opportunity to establish portable tanks and reservoirs in strategic pre- determined locations on the concessions?

Safety/Training

14) Is there any kind of current fire training program? 15) Is there any kind of certifications for for individual’s fire qualifications (i.e. heavy equipment operator, fire manager, fire patrol, fire lookout, etc.)? 16) Are their full-time fire personnel or is it a collateral duty with other tasks? 17) Do firefighters have safety procedures or protocols established and are they understood uniformly by everyone responding to a fire? 18) What impact does fire suppression funding have on the local economy? Are locals hired to help out on an emergency basis? Do all the firefighters get compensated monetarily? 19) How is the communication system, either phone or radio, between firefighters? 20) Are the forest guards also used for fire patrols?

28 Appendix D: Weather Network Options

An automated weather-monitoring network will require the purchase of RAWS (Remote Automatic Weather Stations) at approximately $15,000 US dollars each. These systems will transmit data hourly to the satellite. The data is down linked at a receive ground station and disseminated. Dissemination will go onto the internet for user access, archived into an historical database and possibly into an agency database. This information should be accessible to district levels to format for fire danger rating.

Permanent RAWS Station

Sensors need to be calibrated for accuracy according to the manufacturer specifications, usually attended to at least once a year. Sensor compliments should consist of the following for fire weather and danger rating.

Precipitation gauge (tipping bucket) Wind Speed Sensor Wind Direction Sensor Air Temperature Sensor Fuel Moisture/Fuel Temperature Sensor Relative Humidity Solar Radiation Sensor (Pyranometer)

29 Site locations for RAWS require an open area free from canopy and obstruction. The systems are battery powered and solar charged and must be located to receive maximum sunlight to the solar panel throughout the day. The Data Collection Platform (DCP) can be programmed to measure the required 10-minute average winds and peak winds at the 20-foot level for each hour. It can also be accessed on site with the use of a laptop for manually downloading the weather information that has been stored in the buffer. A copy of our NFDRS Standards for meteorological monitoring can be downloaded from the USFS RAWS web page on the internet @ www.fs.fed.us/raws/.

Portable RAWS systems can also be incorporated into your RAWS network. These units also collect, store and forward data to a computer system at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise via the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES). The information is automatically forwarded to the Weather Information Management System (WIMS) and the Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC).

Portable RAWS Station Portable RAWS incorporate both satellite and voice telemetry. The station can be accessed via handheld radio to receive current weather conditions with a voice output. These Systems are available from several manufacturers such as Forest Technology Systems (pictured), Vaisala (pg. 1) and Campbell Scientific at anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000. US dollars each depending upon sensor compliments.