Name of Ecoregion

Associate Cooperative Agreement Award No. AID-0AA-LA-12-00003 under Leader with Associates Cooperative Agreement EM-A-OO-09-00006-00

Conservation and Adaptation in Asia’s High Mountain Landscapes and Communities: Semi-annual Report October 1, 2016 – March 31, 2017

World Wildlife Fund

Date Submitted: April 17, 2017

Submitted by: World Wildlife Fund 1250 24th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20037

List of Acronyms Used

AHM Asia High Mountains Project AKRSP Aga Khan Rural Support Programme AKHSP Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan BBC British Broadcasting Corporation CCPP Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia CCSR Center for Climate Systems Research CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species DCC District Conservation Committee DHMS Department of Hydromet Services DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid DNPWC Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation DoFPs Department of Forest and Park Services ECOSS Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Sikkim GB Gilgit-Baltistan GEF Global Environment Facility GIS Geographic Information System GSLEP Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program Ha Hectare HCDO Hoper Conservation and Development Organization ICIMOD International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development INTERPOL International Criminal Police Organization IWRM Integrated Water Resource Management KCA Kangchenjunga Conservation Area KCAMC Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council KP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province KPFD Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department LDDD Livestock and Dairy Development Department LDF Local Development Fund LPA Local Protected Area LTDC Lachen Tourism Development Committee MNET Ministry of Nature, Environment, and Tourism MoAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forests MoEA Ministry of Economic Affairs MoH Ministry of Health MoWHS Ministry of Works and Human Settlement NECS National Environment Commission Secretariat NGO Non-governmental Organization NTNC National Trust for Nature Conservation PCOS Photography Club of Sikkim PHED Public Health and Engineering Department RMNP Royal Manas National Park SAEPF State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry SAWEN South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network SLCC Snow Leopard Conservation Committee SLT Snow Leopard Trust SMART Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tools TBD To Be Determined UNDP United Nations Development Program

US United States USA United States of America USAID United States Agency for International Development USD United States Dollar UWICE Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and the Environment VCC Village Conservation Committee VWG Village Wildlife Guard WCNP Wangchuck Centennial National Park WCS Wildlife Conservation Society WMD Watershed Management Division WWF World Wildlife Fund ZSL Zoological Society of London

Conservation and Adaptation in Asia’s High Mountain Landscapes and Communities

1. Program Goals and Objectives

The goals of the Asia High Mountains Project are to galvanize greater understanding and action at local, national, and regional levels across the snow leopard range states to conserve this iconic and endangered species, and to connect snow leopard conservation to a broader set of environmental, economic, and social issues with consequences for Asia’s future sustainable development, namely local livelihoods, water and food security, and climate change adaptation.

Short term objectives under this project include enhancing community participation in conservation, improving local natural resource management, conserving the snow leopard and its habitat in priority sites, improving enforcement of wildlife trade laws in snow leopard range areas, and facilitating discussions on snow leopard conservation and climate change among the range countries. Primary long term objectives under this project are to increase the resiliency of communities in snow leopard range areas to climate change impacts and to launch an alliance for protection of Asia’s high mountain landscapes.

The approach to achieving Asia High Mountains Project objectives is five-part and involves striving to 1) strengthen capacity of local natural resource management organizations, 2) increase community and ecosystem resiliency to climate change impacts, 3) enhance community engagement in conservation, 4) conserve the snow leopard and its habitat in priority demonstration sites in AHM Project countries and 5) provide support for the 12- nation GSLEP Program. Mid-way through AHM Project Year 5, excellent progress has been made in all five areas. Specific AHM Project objectives are as follows:

Objective 1: Promote climate-smart management of snow leopard habitat for sustainable development in Asia’s high mountain landscapes and communities

Sub-objective 1.1: Strengthen local natural resource institution’s governance and capacity.

Sub-objective 1.2: Increase community resiliency to climate change impacts.

Sub-objective 1.3: Enhance community engagement in conservation.

Sub-objective 1.4: Conserve the snow leopard and its habitat in priority sites.

Objective 2: Improve transnational collaboration on climate-smart snow leopard conservation in Asia’s high mountain landscapes and communities

Sub-objective 2.1: Building cooperation through the Climate Summit for a Living Himalayas and its regional “Framework of Cooperation” for protection of Asia’s high mountain landscapes and snow leopard conservation.

Sub-objective 2.2: Facilitate discussions on climate change and snow leopard conservation among the range countries.

Sub-objective 2.3: Update range-wide information on snow leopard trafficking and provide trafficking information to enforcement efforts at the national and regional network levels.

Sub-objective 2.4: Building momentum through a range-wide network for snow leopard conservation.

Sub-objective 2.5: Support implementation of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP).

2. Project Highlights October 1, 2016-March 31, 2017

During this reporting period, good progress continued to be made toward achieving WWF Asia High Mountains (AHM) Project and Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) goals and objectives. Some AHM Project highlights for this reporting period include:

• In Bhutan, 30 staff members (3 Women) of Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP) were trained on SMART (Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tools) Patrolling techniques for protected areas and development and management of a SMART Patrol database for WCNP. Through this process, it is anticipated that efforts to combat wildlife crime and other illegal activities in WCNP will be enhanced.

• In India, WWF completed the last three in a series of six snow leopard sign, camera trap, and prey species surveys conducted in North Sikkim between August and December 2016. These three surveys were conducted from September 30- December 10, 2016 along fixed transects and counted 85 Tibetan argali and 70 blue sheep while camera trapping seven snow leopard individuals.

• In the Kyrgyz Republic, WWF completed a draft integrated watershed management plan for the Chon Kyzyl Suu River basin. The plan sets forth a list of action for improving land use practices in the basin, particularly with respect to improving water quality. These include recommendations calling for improved management of pastures, forests, and agricultural lands in the basin.

• In Mongolia, WWF scaled up its successful AHM Year 4 wildlife trap collection campaign at Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain in Khovd Aimag (Province) to a province- wide campaign in Khovd. This involved training 58 rangers and volunteers to participate in this campaign, who then traveled by horse back in remote mountain areas of their home regions and collected 438 steel jaw traps set by locals to catch marmots and other wildlife, greatly reducing the large threat from traps to endangered snow leopards and other wild animals in Khovd.

• In Nepal, WWF and government partners made great progress in completing a draft climate-smart snow leopard landscape management plan for the Eastern Nepal Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) priority landscape, which stretches from Kangchenjunga in the east to Langtang National Park north of Kathmandu. During this reporting period an initial draft plan was completed and presented at two stakeholder workshops for comment. Feedback on the landscape management plan gathered at these workshops is currently being incorporated into the plan. It is anticipated that the plan and the process for developing it will serve as a model for replication by the other 11 GSLEP members states.

• In Pakistan, as one climate adaptation action to mitigate climate change impacts and increase ecosystem resilience in the Laspur Valley, WWF and the Chitral Forest Department distributed 20,000 saplings of local varieties of multi-purpose trees to mark the International Day of Forests. These trees were planted over the following week by students and adults on 13 ha of degraded land in populated areas of Laspur.

• In terms of regional activity highlights, the second Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) steering committee and landscape planning meetings were held from January 17-20, 2017 in Kathmandu, which were attended by representatives of all 12 GSLEP member states. At this event, progress on development of climate-smart snow leopard landscape management plans for GSLEP priority landscapes were presented while the GSLEP steering committee unanimously endorsed plans for holding a GSLEP summit in Bishkek in August 2017 that will be hosted by the president of Kyrgyzstan.

• A second regional highlight was the release of the TRAFFIC report titled “An Ounce of Prevention: Snow Leopard Crime Revisited.” This landmark reports compiles and analyzes snow leopard crime data collected from across the snow leopard’s range for the period from 2003-2016. This report will be instrumental in educating snow leopard range country wildlife crime officials about the extent of snow leopard crime in their home countries.

3. Project Activity Progress

3.1 Bhutan

1. Western WCNP Demonstration Site (Sephu and Nubi Geogs)

Activity Title: Sustainable Caterpillar Fungus Harvesting Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: UWICE, WCNP

From mid-May to mid-June 2017, UWICE will work with WCNP to conduct a sustainable caterpillar fungus harvesting campaign. In this regard, planning preparations to date have included a formation of joint UWICE-WCNP campaign team as well as beginning design of campaign brochures and information banners. Brochures will be distributed during a pre- harvest meeting with fungus collectors in Sephu while information banners will be displayed at base camp sites set up for fungus collectors. These materials will include information on the caterpillar fungus life cycle and optimum harvesting period, regulations concerning caterpillar fungus harvesting and sale, WCNP trash removal requirements, minimizing impact on alpine grasslands and shrublands, and identification and prevention of high altitude sickness. In this effort, UWICE and WCNP are working with local Sephu government officials responsible for issuing caterpillar fungus collection permits to hold a pre-season meeting that will require attendance by one member of each permit holding household to learn about ways to minimize their impact on fragile high altitude fungus collection areas.

2. Central WCNP Demonstration Site (Chokhor Geog)

Activity Title: International Snow Leopard Day Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WCNP

On October 24, 2016, WWF provided support to WCNP to hold a one-day International Snow Leopard Day celebration for students from 5 primary schools in the upper Chamkhar Chu Valley of Central WCNP, namely Zhabjithang Community, Kharsa, Zangthelpo, Dhur Community, and Kangram Primary Schools. This event raised the awareness of participating children and adults concerning the importance of protecting snow leopards, their prey, and habitat. The celebration featured presentations by WCNP park staff on the status of snow leopards in Bhutan and their ecological importance as well as children’s quiz and art competitions. Participating children and teachers were also given informational snow leopard posters. In total 350 people (132 Women) attended this event. In addition to school children, 218 adults attended, including 9 Buddhist monks, 16 teachers, 133 local villagers (including local snow leopard conservation committee (SLCC) members), and 60 staff of various

government institutions, including WCNP, UWICE, Bumthang Forest Department, and various village leaders.

Figure B1-Bhutan. WCNP International Snow Leopard Day Celebration banner, Zhabjitang Village, Choekhor Geog, Bumthang, October 24, 2016.

Figure B2-Bhutan. School children attending the WCNP International Snow Leopard Day Celebration, Zhabjitang Village, Choekhor Geog, Bumthang, October 24, 2016. 8

Activity Title: UWICE Research Preserve Hydro-meteorological Monitoring Project Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2 Implementing Partner: UWICE

In the winter of 2017, UWICE continued its planning effort for setting up a system for hydro- meteorological monitoring on its 1000 ha research preserve above Jakar, Bumthang. This included designating lead researchers; conducting a literature review on planning, functioning, and methods of existing ecosystem research preserves worldwide; selection of a high altitude (4100 m) site for installing a hydro-meteorological station as well as lower site for placing stream flow monitoring instruments; and starting a methodical record of snowfall events in the new research preserve. In addition, UWICE has researched various types of commercially available hydro-meteorological instruments and is in the process of selecting and purchasing appropriate instruments for their purposes.

3. Eastern WCNP Demonstration Site (Gangzur and Kurtoe Geogs)

Activity Title: Second Climate Smart Village - Planning Meeting Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: UWICE

In October 2016, UWICE began preparations for launching a second climate smart village in Nimshong Village, Gangzur Geog, Lhuntse Dzongkhag by holding two planning meetings. The first meeting was held on October 14, 2016 in Lhuntse Town and was attended by 7 sector heads (2 Women) from the Lhuntse Dzongkhag Departments of agriculture and livestock as well as the Health Department, Engineering Department, and a representative of the Gangzur Geog government. The main outcome of this meeting was the selection of Nimshong Village as the site for establishing the second climate smart village under the AHM Project. Nimshong is a farming village of 55 households in the buffer zone of Wangchuck Centennial National Park that has a severe shortage of clean drinking water and is largely dependent on increasingly unreliable seasonal rainfall for irrigating agricultural fields while also suffering severe annual crop damage by wildlife. On October 15, 2016, UWICE held a stakeholder consultation meeting in Nimshong Village that was attended by 27 villagers (15 Women). At this meeting, participants were informed about the AHM project and early successes of the climate smart village work in Shawa Village. Main outcomes of the meeting were agreement to participate in the climate smart village activity and delineation of local priorities for this activity which included improving the reliability of water supply for household use and irrigation and installing solar powered electric fences to stop crop loss to wildlife that are thriving in the nearby national park. Other activities planned included setting up biogas digesters to reduce local dependence on wood and imported cooking gas and the use of greenhouses to improve food and livelihood security.

Figure B3-Bhutan. Climate smart village stakeholder consultation, Nimshong Village, Gangzur Geog, Lhuntse Dzongkhag, October 15, 2016.

Activity Title: Second Climate Smart Village – Field Activities Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: UWICE

In October 2016, UWICE began climate smart village activities in Nimshong Village. Over the course of the autumn and winter progress has included erection of a 4.5 km long solar- powered electric fence with local contribution of labor and fence posts to benefit 7 households in the Amtsi area of Nimshong, start of installation of 4 community biogas digesters with activity co-financing from the Lhuntse Dzongkhag government, start of renovation of the village irrigation pipe and canal system benefitting 55 households, and start of installation of a 100 m long improved water pipe delivery and tap system for supplying the local Jangcholing Gompa and its 40 monks with clean drinking water. Rules were also established for community-managed maintenance of the village irrigation system that is now under renovation.

Activity Title: First Climate Smart Village - Update Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: UWICE

During this reporting period, residents of Shawa Village have reported that they did not lose any crops to wildlife damage in the agricultural areas of the village that have been enclosed

with AHM Project-supported solar-powered electric fencing. At the same time, villagers no longer have to guard their fields all night when crops are planted, providing them with extra time to spend to pursue other income generation activities, including off-farm activities, or to spend with family. Villagers also continue to use their AHM Project-donated greenhouse to expand their crop lines, particularly in winter, by growing chili peppers, tomatoes, beans, spinach, and cabbage, primarily for home consumption, reducing local farmers food bills and improving nutrition. UWICE is currently working with the Lhuntse Dzongkhag Agriculture Department to develop a short course on improved greenhouse management practices to improve greenhouse vegetable production at Shawa Village.

4. Bhutan: Cross-cutting Activities

Activity Title: Ranger SMART Patrolling Training Sub-objectives:1.1, 1.4 Implementing Partner: WCNP, RMNP

From March 21-26, 2017, Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP), in cooperation with a trainer from Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park, organized a SMART (Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tools) Patrol training at WCNP headquarters in Nasiphel Village, Bumthang for 30 WCNP staff members (3 Women). SMART Patrolling seeks to improve protected area patrolling effectiveness by improving patrol data collection, data compilation, and data analysis through the use of GPS, GIS, and Mobile Phone technologies as well as software specifically designed for processing and organizing patrol data collected. Topics covered during this training included use of SMART software to create a park patrol database, patrol design, data collection, date entry, report generation and intelligence gathering (see agenda, Annex 1). Ultimately, it the goal of the SMART patrolling system is to reduce illegal activities in protected areas and improve biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly by reducing poaching activities.

Figure B4-Bhutan. Rangers from Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP) participating in the WCNP SMART Patrol training, WCNP headquarters, Nasiphel Village, Chokhor Geog, Bumthang, March 23, 2017.

Activity Title: Bhutan National Water Seminar Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2 Implementing Partner: UWICE

During this reporting period, UWICE, in collaboration with Bhutan’s National Environment Commission Secretariat (NECS), has begun intensive planning for the second Bhutan National Water Seminar to be held from May 10-12, 2017 in Paro, Bhutan. These preparations have included reaching agreement on seminar objectives, agenda, and list of participating organizations. The theme of the seminar will be achievements of Bhutan’s 11th Five Year Plan with respect to the water sector as well as plans for implementing the 12th Five Year Plan with respect to water resources. Session topics will include: Water Governance and Policy; Snow and Glaciers; Water, Energy and Economy; Water and Livelihood; Water and Ecology; and Water and Climate. Key objectives of the seminar include identifying areas for inter-agency cooperation on water resources management and setting water resource research priorities. Proceedings of all seminar presentations will be compiled and distributed. Invited agencies as of this writing are summarized below in Table 1.

Table 1. Agencies and institutions invited to the Bhutan National Water Seminar. Expected Agency Participants 1 National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology, DHMS 2 2 Department of Hydropower and Power Systems, MoEA 1 3 Watershed Management Division, DoFPs, MoAF 1 4 Rural Water Supply, MoH 1 5 Urban Water Supply, MoWHS 1

6 National Environment Commission Secretariat 4 7 Department of Agriculture, Irrigation Section, MoAF 1 8 Public Health Engineering Department ( PHED), MoH 1 9 RSPN & Bhutan Water Partnership 1 10 National Research Centre for Riverine and Lake Fisheries, Haa 1 11 Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation 1 12 Bhutan Ecological Society, Thimphu 1 13 UWICE, DoFPS, MoAF 5 14 Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd. 1 15 Royal University of Bhutan (College of Science and Technology, 3 Sherubtse College, College of Natural Resources) 16 WWF Mahseer Research Project 5

Activity Title: Watershed Management Activities Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2 Implementing Partner: WMD

During this reporting period, WMD made further progress on planning of watershed management activities, such as farm road drainage improvements; controlling erosion from degraded lands using hedge rows, tree plantings, and other bio-engineering works; and improved water delivery systems. This included such activities as working with field partners to map out activity implementation time frames, identifying focal points for implementation of planned activities at various locations, and finding contractors to supply necessary activity services and materials. Activity implementation is now planned to begin in April.

3.2 India

1. Lachen, North Sikkim Demonstration Site

Activity Title: International Snow Leopard Day Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, Lachen Dzumsa, LTDC, Sikkim Forest Department

From October 22-23, 2016, WWF, in cooperation with the Lachen Dzumsa, the Lachen Tourism Development Committee (LTDC), and the Sikkim Forest Department, jointly organized an International Snow Leopard Day celebration for students and other community members at Lachen. The purpose of this event was to raise local awareness about snow leopard and wildlife conservation efforts in North Sikkim. On October 22nd, 54 People (22 Women) attended a snow leopard day program the Lachen Secondary School that featured presentations on the distribution of snow leopards, biodiversity, and key conservation challenges in North Sikkim; a photo exhibition; and a panel discussion about conservation in Sikkim. A short animated film on red Pandas was also shown. During his address, the Lachen Dzumsa Pipon (village council chairman) expressed his appreciation for WWF’s work on raising awareness of local biodiversity and conservation issues in North Sikkim.

For the second day of this event, on October 23rd, WWF led a field trip for 15 Lachen Secondary School students, teachers, and LTDC members (9 Women) to prime snow leopard habitat near in North Sikkim. During this visit, participants were taught to distinguish the sign of different animal species, such as pellets and tracks. Participants were also given an overview on how camera traps are used to photograph and study the behavior and distribution of elusive animals, such as the snow leopard. Participants also directly observed such local high altitude wildlife species as the Tibetan argali, Tibetan gazelle, blue sheep, ruddy shelduck, and Tibetan wild ass. The one-day excursion proved to be very motivational for Lachen youngsters who are now keen to learn more about their local wildlife and wildlife conservation efforts.

Figure I1-India. Students and teachers from Lachen participating in an International Snow Leopard Day field trip to look for wild ungulates and wildlife sign, North Sikkim, October 23, 2016.

Activity Title: Climate-smart Agriculture Training Sub-objectives: 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, DLR-Prerna

WWF, in cooperation with DLR Prerna, a Darjeeling-based agricultural NGO, organized a training on climate-smart agriculture in Thangu Village, North Sikkim on October 22, 2016. Eight participants (All Women) took part in the training which focused on improved methods for preparing manure-based organic fertilizer and cow urine-based pest repellant. A session was also held explaining the link between soil fertility healthy productive crops. As a follow- up to this training, in the spring of 2017 WWF will work closely with progressive farmers to examine the benefits of these techniques as adaptive measures to address local climate change impacts.

Figure I2-India. Improved organic fertilizer preparation training, Thangu Village, North Sikkim, October 22, 2016.

Activity Title: Climate Vulnerability Assessment Stakeholder Workshop Sub-objectives: 1.2 Implementing Partner: WWF

During this reporting period, WWF continued work on finalizing a climate vulnerability assessment for the AHM Project region of North Sikkim to help guide climate-smart

conservation and development planning in the Upper Teetsa River basin in the Lachen and Lachung areas. To this end, WWF organized a climate vulnerability assessment stakeholder workshop held in Gangtok on December 17, 2016. In total, 13 persons (6 Women) participated in this workshop, including community members from Lachen and Lachung Villages, WWF staff, and a range of local experts, such as a glaciologist as well as experts on wildlife, forests, and agriculture from the Sikkim State Forest, Animal Husbandry, and Science and Technology Departments. This stakeholders workshop followed WWF’s Flowing Forward methodology and examined the drivers of vulnerability in the local context, ranked the most vulnerable aspects of the local society and ecosystems, and proposed actions to reduce these vulnerabilities and enhance the local resilience to climate change impacts. Through this process participants identified adaptation options that they felt will enhance their preparedness and adaptive capacity for addressing climate change impacts on their lives as well as on vulnerable local ecosystems. This workshop built upon earlier climate change impact discussions with community members and local NGOs as well as upon a literature review conducted by WWF. The climate vulnerability assessment report for North Sikkim is currently being finalized and expected to be released in late spring 2017.

Figure I3-India. WWF Climate Vulnerability Assessment stakeholder workshop, Gangtok, Sikkim, December 17, 2016.

Activity Title: Climate Adaptation Training Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2 Implementing Partner: WWF, North Sikkim District Collector

On November 29, 2016, WWF, in cooperation with the North Sikkim District Collector, organized a meeting in Lachen for local government staff on mainstreaming climate adaptation concepts into district planning processes. In total 13 people (3 Women) from the state Horticulture, Food Security and Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Health Care Departments as well Lachen Dzumsa Pipons and staff of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra Farmer’s Science Institute participated. At this meeting, stakeholders were informed about WWF climate adaptation work being conducted in both Lachen and Lachung Villages, such as interventions on sustainable cordyceps harvesting, fuel wood-use reduction, and climate

smart agricultural practices. Opportunities for taking a collaborative approach to merging successes of this work with ongoing government development schemes was also discussed.

Activity Title: Ecotourism Training and Promotion Sub-objectives: 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, PCOS, ECOSS

From January 26-29, 2017 WWF arranged a 4-day visit to Lachen by four members (All Men) of the Photography Club of Sikkim (PCOS). The purpose of the PCOS visit was to develop ecotourism promotional materials for Lachen, including a photographic bird booklet, bird checklist, and brochure on Lachen ecotourism activities for distribution to visiting tourists and Gangtok-based tour operators. During their visit, PCOS members photographed the common birds in the Lachen area and identified three important birding watching routes around Lachen that will be included in the forthcoming brochure. In addition, 2 recently trained bird guides (Both Men) from Lachen village also participated and received valuable training on bird photography and setting up birdwatching routes. A bird booklet containing 50 photographs of common birds in the Lachen Valley and a brochure highlighting the various natural and cultural attractions of Lachen are currently being finalized in cooperation with the Ecotourism Society of Sikkim (ECOSS).

Figure I4-India. Members of the Photography Club of Sikkim (PCOS) scouting new birdwatching routes around Lachen, North Sikkim, October 27, 2016.

Activity Title: Snow Leopard Sign, Camera Trap, and Prey Species Survey Sub-objectives: 1.3, 1.4 Implementing Partner: WWF

During this reporting period, WWF completed the 4th, 5th, and 6th of a series of six snow leopard sign, camera trap, and prey species surveys conducted between August and December 2016 in North Sikkim. These surveys were conducted from September 30-October 4, October 27- November 5, and November 27-December 10, 2016, respectively. The surveys were conducted on fixed transects and results of prey species counts included 85 Tibetan argali and 70 blue sheep. Camera trapping during this period captured snow leopards in 5 of 19 locations were camera trap stations were set up, with seven different snow leopard individuals captured during the course of the 2016 survey. Notably, WWF biologists were assisted by 4 local citizen scientists (All Men) from Lachen Village who participated in these surveys and who are now promoting the importance of snow leopard conservation in their community.

2. India: Cross-cutting Activities

Activity Title: Zero Waste Training Sub-objectives: 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, Zero Waste Himalaya

From November 4-5, 2016, WWF, in cooperation with Zero Waste Himalaya, conducted a 2- day program at the State Institute of Rural Development, Jorethang, South Sikkim to introduce college students to the concepts and principles of zero waste and leading sustainable lifestyles. During this program, the students participated in sessions on zero waste principles for trash, food, and water use as well steps for reducing their carbon footprint. These principles were presented through a series of videos, power point presentations, group exercises, poster presentations and interactive discussions. At the end of the event, students presented action plans for taking forward the message of sustainable living at their own colleges, including by organizing zero waste exhibitions and cleanup campaigns. In total, 47 students (23 Women) from Mirik and North Point Colleges in Darjeeling and Sikkim Government College in Gangtok participated in this program.

Figure I5-India. Students participating in the classroom session of the Zero Waste Training Programme, Jorethang, South Sikkim, November 4-5, 2017.

Activity Title: National Park Wildlife Monitoring and Anti-poaching Patrol Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, Himal Rakshaks

From January 27-February 3, 2017, 5 people (All Men) from the WWF-trained Himal Rakshaks (Mountain Guardians) volunteer ranger group based in Yuksam conducted a wildlife monitoring survey and anti-poaching patrol in the Karji and Labdang areas of Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim, covering a total survey area of about 125 km². During the survey the Himal Rakshaks found sign from such species such as red panda, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan serow, barking deer, wild boar, among others. Participants also made a number of direct sightings of satyr tragopan and Himalayan monal. In terms of poaching activities, no evidence of trapping or illegal extraction of forest resources were recorded in the survey area. However, evidence of earlier illegal grazing activities in the Ranikhola, Khaling Khen, Gaykharka and Thonachok areas of the park were documented, indicating that illegal grazing activities still are still occurring in key wildlife areas of the Park, potentially disturbing or displacing wildlife at these locations. Information collected during this activity will be shared with the Sikkim State Forest Department at regular meetings between these two groups. A follow up patrol is planned for summer 2017.

3.3 Kyrgyz Republic

1. Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve Demonstration Site

Activity Title: LDF Annual Meetings Sub-objectives: 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF

In 2014, with USD 10,000 in seed money donated by WWF Netherlands, WWF established two local development funds (LDF) for Akshyrak and Engilchek Villages in the buffer zone of the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve. The purpose of these LDFs is to provide microfinancing loans for sustainable livelihood and development activities in these villages as an alternative to formerly rampant wildlife poaching activities. In Autumn 2016, WWF organized two LDF annual review meetings on October 10 in Akshyrak Village and on October 27 in Engilchek Village which were attended by 19 People (10 Women) and 20 people (15 Women), respectively. In addition to giving microloans, the LDFs promote poverty reduction, gender equality, wildlife protection, and climate change adaptation in these communities. At these meetings, participant reports highlighted the successes of enterprises started with microloans, including production of felt products and yak herding operations. On average LDF investments were doubled over the past year, providing benefits for 247 people (~125 Women) from 57 households. In Engilchek Village. In Engilchek Village, proceeds from LDF activities also resulted in USD 900 in funding to support the local village kindergarten.

Figure K1-Kyrgyz Republic. Participants of the local development fund (LDF) annual review meeting, Engilchek Village, October 27, 2017.

Figure K2-Kyrgyz Republic. Felt snow leopard carpet produced by an LDF funded enterprise in Akshyrak Village.

Activity Title: International Snow Leopard Day Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF

On October 23, 2016, the seventh "Land of the Snow Leopard Festival" was held in the Akshyrak Village to mark International Snow Leopard Day. 150 adults and children (87 Women) from Akshyrak, Engilchek, and Karakolka Villages in the buffer zone of the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve participated. The purpose of this event was to raise the awareness of residents of Issyk Kul Province and the Kyrgyz Republic as a whole about the importance of protecting the nation’s snow leopards and reviving traditional Kyrgyz respect towards nature, wildlife, and natural resources. This celebration featured a friendly competition between the three villages involving short ecological and snow leopard-themed skits, puppet theatre, folk songs, dancing, poetry, legends, and riddles.

Figure K3-Kyrgyz Republic. International Snow Leopard Day performance, Akshyrak Village, October 23, 2016.

Figure K4-Kyrgyz Republic. International Snow Leopard Day puppet theatre performance, Akshyrak Village, October 23, 2016.

Activity Title: Akshyrak Village Water Supply System Improvements Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, Swiss Red Cross

In November 2016, in an effort to improve water security at Akshyrak Village, renovation of the Akshyrak water supply system was perfomed with joint financing by the Swiss Red Cross (USD 5700) and WWF-Netherlands and the WWF AHM Project (Total USD 1350). Formerly water was delivered to the village by a roughly 1 km long pipe from a spring above the village to a single tap at the top of the village. However, this pipe froze for several months each winter forcing villagers to walk or drive up to 2 km to the source spring to collect water directly from the spring. In order to prevent freezing of the village water delivery system, the water delivery pipe was winterized by installing small electric heating coils to the pipe at locations prone to freezing which are connected to the village electricity grid and can be disconnected each spring when not needed. In addition, the water delivery system storage and pressure tank located above the village was repaired and insulated while four new taps were installed in each quadrant of the village to reduce amount of time spent by residents collecting water. In total, this improved water deliver system is benefitting 165 people (92 Women) from 33 households, who were also informed about the broader importance of water and biodiversity conservation in their home region.

Activity Title: Livestock Vaccination Campaign Sub-objectives: 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF

In December 2016, WWF supported vaccination of the 83 head Akshyrak Village demonstration yak herd against pasteurellosis as part of WWF’s ongoing effort to improve livelihoods security at Akshyrak in the face of a changing climate that may be leading to increased risk of livestock disease and to mitigate against loss of yaks to predation by snow leopards. In March 2017, WWF also provided support to vaccinate all 83 yaks against plague.

Activity Title: Snow Leopard Prey Species Survey Sub-objectives: 1.4

Implementing Partner: WWF, Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve, Issyk Kul Wildlife Manage Department

WWF, in cooperation with the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve and the Issyk Kul Wildlife Manage Department, conducted a joint wildlife survey of the Central Tian Shan Region of Issyk Kul Province from December 12-19, 2016. Areas covered by this survey included the Keyolu, Karakol Tor, Maliy Suu, Bolshoy Taldy Suu, Terekty, and Sary Jaz gorge areas of Aksuu District as well as the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve and its buffer zone. Counts of argali and Siberian ibex were made while sign of snow leopards and other wild predators were also recorded. Results of this survey will be included in the State Agency on Environmental Protection and Forest (SAEPF) Census Report which is compiled every five years.

Figure K5-Kyrgyz Republic. Members of the Central Tian Shan joint wildlife survey team in the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve, Issyk Kul Province, December 2016.

Activity Title: Snow Leopard Presence-Absence Survey Sub-objectives: 1.4 Implementing Partner: WWF, Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve

In Winter 2017, WWF, in cooperation with the staff of the Sarychat-Ertash reserve, conducted a GSLEP survey questionnaire on the presence or absence of snow leopards in various locations of the Central Tian Shan, including the Yshtyk, Bedel. Kaichi, Pikirtik, Sarybel, Karatay, Akshyrak and Uchkoshkon gorge areas. In total, 56 livestock herders, game management committee leaders, and government staff were interviewed about their experiences of snow leopard and snow leopard sign sightings, snow leopard conflict and presence of snow leopard prey species in their home areas. The survey also contained questions on local poaching activities. These survey questionnaires were then sent to the climate-smart snow leopard landscape management planning committee for the Kyrgyz Republic’s Central Tian Shan GSLEP priority landscape. This committee will compile the findings of the survey and use these findings to inform writing of the draft landscape management plan for the Central Tian Shan.

Activity Title: Central Tian Shan Ecotourism Route Planning Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve

In Winter 2017, WWF worked with Sarychat-Ertash reserve staff and local tour operators from Bishkek to develop a snow leopard-themed, 5-day driving and horseback tourist circuit of the Sarychat-Ertash reserve. It is anticipated that tourism will increase public awareness of the reserve and threats to its abundant alpine wildlife while also directly benefiting local residents through generation of alternative income by catering to tourists. Participating tour operators will begin promoting this circuit in the spring of 2017.

Figure K6-Kyrgyz Republic. Map of the planned Sarychat-Ertash tourist circuit.

Activity Title: Felt Handicraft Production Training Sub-objectives: 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, local women’s NGOs Akshyrak and Karakolka Uzdary.

From March 1-3, 2016, WWF supported a felt handicraft production training in Akshyrak Village for 15 Women from Akshyrak and neighboring Karakolka Villages. At this training women learned about new methods for felt craft production, use of natural dyes for coloring felt with natural colors, new craft designs, and how to draw images on felt. Participants also jointly designed a snow leopard image pattern for transferring to felt. At the end of the training, the participants received tool kits and materials needed for home production of felt products. Through this process, women are being empowered to diversify their incomes and improve their livelihood security, which is an important strategy to increase resilience and reduce vulnerability to traditional, highly climate-dependent livelihoods.

Figure K7-Kyrgyz Republic. Felt handicraft production training for women, March 1, 2017, Akshyrak Village.

2. Chon Kyzyl Suu Valley Demonstration Site

Activity Title: Chon Kyzyl Suu River Basin Integrated Watershed Management Plan Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2 Implementing Partner: WWF

During this reporting period, WWF completed a draft integrated watershed management plan for the Chon Kyzyl Suu River basin. The plan sets forth a list of action for improving land use practices in the basin, particularly with respect to improving water quality. These include recommendations for improving management of pastures, forests, and agricultural lands in the basin. As a follow-up, on February 20, 2017, WWF organized a seminar in Kyzyl Suu Village to present the draft plan to residents of the Chon Kyzyl Suu basin. In total 23 people (5 Women) representing local village governments in the Chon Kyzyl Suu River basin participated in this meeting and provided feedback on the plan. Plan implementation will begin in Spring 2017.

Figure K8-Kyrgyz Republic. Stakeholder workshop to discuss implementation of the Chon Kyzyl Suu River Basin Integrated Watershed Management Plan, Kyzyl Suu Village, February 20, 2017

Activity Title: Demonstration Greenhouse and Drip Irrigations System Sub-objectives: 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF

All necessary materials for the installation of a greenhouse and drip irrigation system for the Kyzyl Suu Village orphanage have been purchased and will be installed in spring after snow in the village melts off. Installation will also be accompanied by training for local residents to manage, maintain, and maximize the benefits derived from this climate adaptation and water security demonstration activity.

3. Kyrgyz Republic: Cross-cutting Activities

Activity Title: People’s Voice Ecology Handbook Sub-objectives: 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF

To mark International Snow Leopard Day, WWF released a Kyrgyz language handbook titled “People’s Voice Ecology” on October 23, 2016 in Akshyrak Village. This handbook features a collection of ecologically-themed Kyrgyz legends, folktales, songs, poems, proverbs, anecdotes, riddles, as well as ecological theater scripts written by the residents of Akshyrak, Engilchek, and Karakolka Villages in the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve buffer zone. These handbooks were distributed to teachers and other local leaders involved in conservation work around Sarychat-Ertash and will also be distributed elsewhere in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Figure K9-Kyrgyz Republic. Child performer holding up the “People’s Voice Ecology” handbook, Akshyrak Village, October 23, 2016

Activity Title: Indigenous Peoples Forum Sub-objectives: 1.3 Implementing Partner: Pamir, Tian Shan and Altai-Sayan Indigenous Peoples Forum

WWF and project partners from Akshyrak Village participated in an annual meeting of the Pamir, Tian Shan and Altai-Sayan Indigenous Peoples Forum held in Tamchy Village on the north shore of Lake Issyk Kul from October 24-26, 2016. At this meeting, WWF led a session titled “Cultural and Spiritual Aspects of Snow Leopard Mountain Ecosystem Conservation,” giving presentations on "Resolving Snow Leopard Conservation Problems through the Revival of Ethno-ecology and Participation of Local Communities," and on AHM Project work in the Kyrgyz Republic. Two short films on conservation work at the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve were shown while the leader of the Akshyrak Village women’s felt handicraft group also participated in an exhibition of traditional felt products from the Central Asia region. In total, 48 people (21 Women), primarily from the Russian Altai Republic, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, participated in this meeting.

Figure K10-Kyrgyz Republic. Participants of the International Forum of Indigenous Peoples of the Pamir, Tien Shan and Altai-Sayan held in Tamchy Village, Issyk Kul Province, October 25, 2016.

Activity Title: Environmental Journalism Seminar Sub-objectives: 1.3 Implementing Partner: UNDP

WWF participated in the UNDP Seminar on Environmental Journalism held in Bulan Sogottu Village, Issyk-Kul Province from November 9-13, 2016. The purpose of this seminar was to promote environmental journalism amongst Kyrgyz journalists. At this seminar, WWF participated as biodiversity experts, giving a presentation on the Kyrgy Republic’s responsibilities under the Convention on Biodiversity as well as on WWF’s experiences in promoting community participation in biodiversity conservation activities in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Activity Title: GSLEP Support Sub-objectives: 2.4, 2.5 Implementing Partner: WWF, SLT

During this project period, WWF continued to provide support for development of the climate-smart snow leopard landscape management plan for the Krygyz Republic’s Central Tian Shan GSLEP priority landscape. This support includes regular participation in a joint Kyrgyz government-NGO GSLEP landscape planning committee meetings in Bishkek, where WWF provides expertise on climate change impacts, climate adaptation, community conservation successes, rural pasture management and local governance in rural areas. Support also includes funding the AHM Regional Landscape Management Planning Coordinator to lead writing of the landscape management plan. In addition, WWF staff in Kyrgyzstan are also providing support for planning the August 2017 GSLEP presidential forum to be held in Bishkek.

4. Media Coverage of AHM Year 5 Activities in the Kyrgyz Republic

Local Development Fund Media Coverage – October 2016 https://www.wwf.ru/resources/news/article/14698 http://ekois.net/ustojchivoe-razvitie-mestnyh-soobshhestv-i-sohranenie-snezhnogo-barsa-v- tsentralnom-tyan-shane/?src=letter

International Snow Leopard Day Media Coverage – October 23, 2016 https://www.wwf.ru/resources/news/article/14660 http://ekois.net/festival-zemlya-snezhnogo-barsa-proshel-v-sele-akshyjrak-zheti-oguzskom- rajone-ysyk-kulskoj-oblasti-2/?src=letter http://www.turmush.kg/ru/news:1339802

Akshyrak Water System Improvement Media Coverage – November 2016 http://ekois.net/dostup-k-chistoj-pitevoj-vode-v-usloviyah-klimaticheskih-izmenenij-v- tsentralnom-tyan-shane/?src=letter https://www.wwf.ru/resources/news/article/14700

UNDP Seminar on Environmental Journalism Media Coverage - November 9-13, 2016 http://ekois.net/trening-po-ekologicheskoj-zhurnalistike/?src=letter

3.4 Mongolia

1. Central Altai Range Demonstration Site

Activity Title: Sair Mountain LPA Pasture Management Regulations Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF and Tolboo Soum Government

In October 2016, pasture management regulations developed jointly by WWF and the Sair Mountain Local Protected Area (LPA) committee were approved by the local Tolboo Soum government in Bayan Olgii Aimag. The goal of these regulations will be to improve rates of pasture rotation in the Sair Mountain LPA and to close four valleys on the mountain completely to livestock for the for the benefit of ibex, snow leopards, and other wildlife. To this end, in November 2016, WWF supported a workshop for local herders to inform them about the new pasture regulations and their purpose.

Figure M1-Mongolia. Sair Mountain Local Protected Area, Tolboo Soum, Bayan Olgii Aimag.

Activity Title: Support for the Khajingiin Nuruu Local Protected Area Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 Implementing Partner:

In January 2017, after 4-year long effort with WWF-AHM Project support, the Khajingiin Nuruu Mountain Local Protected Area (LPA) in Tsetseg Soum, Khovd Aimag, was formally established by the Khovd Aimag government. During this reporting period, WWF supported

a variety of activities at this new LPA. From October 21-23, 2016, WWF provided support to a team of 6 people (3 Women), consisting of 4 local herders, a soum ranger and a soum environment inspector, to collect salt from the nearby Tsetseg Lake salt flats and to distribute this salt on Khajingiin Nuruu Mountain to create important salt licks for the benefit of ibex and argali that form the prey base of the local snow leopard population. On November 16, 2016, WWF conducted a training in Khajinga Bag (village cluster) for volunteer rangers and other interested local herders. At this training, participants learned about the Mongolian Law on Fauna, including its hunting regulations and fines for illegal hunting, and were also taught about the purpose and various benefits of the new Khajingiin Nuruu Mountain Local Protected Area. WWF also provided support for local volunteer rangers and herders to erect Khajingiin Nuruu Local Protected Area boundary signs and an information sign board about the LPA in the Tsegtseg Soum Center.

Activity Title: Pasture Management Situation Analysis Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2 Implementing Partner: WWF, Environment and Security Center of Mongolia

On January 25, 2017, the NGO “Environment and Security Center of Mongolia” completed a Pasture Management Situation Analysis for snow leopard range areas of western Mongolia that was commissioned by WWF. Specifically, the report examined Chandmani, Mankhan, Darvi and Zereg Soums (counties) in the AHM Project area of Khovd Province and neighboring Khaliun, Sharga, Khukhmorit and Bayan-Uul Soums of Gobi-Altai Province. The main output of the analysis were recommendations for the study region on improving government pasture policy, developing pasture management practices based on pasture carrying capacity, developing alternative livelihood activities to livestock herding, and set up of livestock insurance schemes to reduce the economic impact of human-wildlife conflict on herders, in particular with respect to livestock predation by snow leopards. As a next step in improving pasture management in the study region, WWF will present findings of the report to local residents for feedback.

Activity Title: Khuisiin Gobi-Tsetseg Lake Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Plan Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2 Implementing Partner: WWF, Khovd State University

In December 2016, WWF, working in cooperation with Khovd State University and local communities completed the draft integrated water resources management (IWRM) plan for the Khuisiin Gobi-Tsetseg Lake Basin in the AHM project region of Khovd Aimag and submitted it to the Ministry of Nature, Environment, and Tourism (MNET) for review. This plan examines water sources, water quantity, water quality, water resource governance, grassland ecosystem management, and livelihoods in this arid basin and puts forth recommendations for improving watershed management. Once approved and implemented, 28,000 people in 5550 households will benefit from this IWRM plan which will improve sustainability of water use in this arid basin.

Activity Title: Wildlife Trap-ban implementation Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 Implementing Partner: WWF, Khovd Province Environment Department

To implement Mongolia’s 2016 national wildlife trap ban, WWF provided support to the Khovd Province Environment Department to launch a province-wide trap confiscation campaign with a stakeholder consultation meeting in Khovd City in July 2016. This meeting was attended by staff of the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism (MNET), the Khovd Province Environment Department, soum (county) level rangers and environmental inspectors from all 12 soums in Khovd Aimag, and by children from the Mankhan Soum school eco-clubs who conducted the first trap collection campaign in Khovd in 2015. Following the meeting, from August 3-October 5, 2016, 58 rangers and environmental inspectors (14 Women) traveled by horse in remote mountain areas with 25 children (14 Girls), who were all school eco-club members, to conduct environmental law enforcement inspections in all 12 of Khovd’s soums. In total, these inspection teams found 514 incidents of illegal activities, most involving illegal setting of steel jaw traps to catch wildlife. At this time, 438 traps were confiscated. Following this campaign, participating rangers and inspectors recommended that the trap confiscation inspections be conducted annually, since the 438 traps collected province-wide were estimated to be less than 10 percent of the total number of traps actually set out. Participants also recommended that a public awareness campaign be conducted, trapping be declared illegal, and that wildlife traps be placed on Mongolia’s list of items prohibited from import and manufacture.

Activity Title: Snow Leopard Proof Livestock Corral Sub-objectives: 1.3, 1.4 Implementing Partner: WWF

In its continuing effort to find methods for reducing human-snow leopard conflict in western Mongolia, in December 2016 WWF erected a second experimental chain link fence livestock corral to reduce snow leopard attacks that commonly occur on traditional stone corrals. Following the success of an earlier chain link fence corral erected at a high snow leopard conflict location at the AHM Baatar Khairkhan Mountain project site in AHM Project Year 4, WWF selected a second high snow leopard conflict site in the Maidarkhuu pasture area of Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain in Mankhan Soum, Khovd Aimag. At the Maidarkhuu site, WWF erected a chain link fence corral that can hold 1700 head of livestock that will benefit 9 people (4 women) from 2 herding households. This corral is initially being monitored for snow leopard movements by 4 camera traps placed around the corral. If this second fence corral also proves successful in halting livestock kills by snow leopards, WWF will work with local partners at appropriate snow leopard sites in western Mongolia to replicate the successes of this experiment.

Figure M2-Mongolia. Snow leopard proof chain link fence corral activity, Jargalant Mountain, Mankhan Soum, Khovd Aimag, December 2016.

Activity Title: Snow Leopard Monitoring Surveys Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 Implementing Partner: WWF

From October 20-30, 2016 and January 20-30, 2017, WWF supported 11 volunteer rangers (All Men) trained as citizen scientists to independently conduct snow leopard sign surveys and collect snow leopard scat for DNA analysis at AHM Project sites in their home areas of Bumbat Khairkhan, Darvi, and Jargalant Khairkhan Mountains. This involved walking sets of transects totaling 8-15 km in length at each site. All survey findings have been entered into WWF Mongolia’s Biosan ecological database for the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion which is building a long-term record of the presence of snow leopards and other wildlife in western Mongolia.

Figure M3-Mongolia. Volunteer rangers/citizen scientists being trained to conduct the October 20-30, 2016 and January 20-30, 2017 snow leopard sign surveys, Zereg Soum, Khovd Aimag, September 2016.

Activity Title: Snow Leopard Scat Laboratory DNA Analysis. Sub-objectives: Implementing Partner: WWF, Duquesne University

In December 2016, 39 carnivore scat samples collected by WWF biologists and volunteer rangers at Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain from July 30-August 13, 2016 and 41 scat samples collected at Bumbat Khairkhan, Baatar Khairkhan and Darvi Mountains from September 16- 19, 2016 were sent for laboratory DNA analysis to Duquesne University in the USA. Preliminary analysis for species type has determined that 49 of these 80 samples are from snow leopards. The lab is currently genotyping the 49 snow leopard samples to determine how many snow leopard individuals produced these samples as a complimentary method to camera trapping for estimating the population and distribution of snow leopards at these two project sites. Final results on the number of individuals the 49 scat samples represent are expected in summer 2017.

Figure M4-Mongolia. The wildlife genetics laboratory at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, where DNA analysis of snow leopard scat samples from AHM Project sites in western Mongolia are currently being analyzed.

3.5 Nepal

1. Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Demonstration Site

Activity Title: Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council (KCAMC) AHM Planning Meetings Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, KCAMC

In December 2016 and January 2017, WWF provided support to the KCAMC to hold two planning meetings at KCAMC headquarters in Taplejung. The first of these meetings was held from December 8-9, 2016 for the purpose of presenting the WWF AHM Year 5 workplan for Nepal to KCAMC members. The meeting started with a review of AHM Year 4 activities and focused on developing a plan of action for implementing AHM Year 5 activities, including water resource and pasture management activities. A total of 27 people (2 Women) participated in this meeting. The second meeting was held on January 29, 2017 and focused on activity budgeting. A total of 21 people (2 Women) participated in the one-day meeting which resulted in preparation of a finalized work plan and budget for implementing climate change adaptation, pasture management, community based tourism, and snow leopard research activities in the KCA.

Figure N1-Nepal. KCAMC AHM planning meeting, KCAMC headquarters, Taplejung, Nepal, January 29, 2017.

Activity Title: AHM Project Socio-economic Benefits Survey Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, KCAMC

In March 2016, WWF, in partnership with the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council (KCAMC) began a one-month socio-economic survey of the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area. The purpose of this survey is specifically to assess the economic benefits of the AHM Project in the KCA since 2012 and to use findings to inform future conservation planning in the region. Field work for the survey will be completed in April 2017 after which survey data will be compiled and processed and a report of findings prepared.

Activity Title: Collared Snow Leopard Monitoring Sub-objectives: 1.4 Implementing Partner: WWF, NTNC, DNPWC

During this reporting period, WWF and partners continued monitoring the female snow leopard collared in April 2016 in Yangma Village in the KCA. Notably, the snow leopard’s mobility showed a steep decline for over 10 days in mid-September 2016 near Topkegola and Thudam Villages in the western buffer zone of the KCA. In October 2016, a team of local citizen scientists visited these villages to investigate why, and learned that the snow leopard had killed a three-year-old yak belonging to a herder in Topkegola Village and had likely remained near the remote kill site for over a week to feed on the carcass. Currently, WWF and partners are organizing the final snow leopard collaring expedition allowed under their current research permit issued by the Government of Nepal. This expedition will be undertaken in the Khambachen Village area of the north-central KCA in April 2017.

2. Nepal: Cross-cutting Activities

Activity Title: International Snow Leopard Day Sub-objectives: 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, Sattya Media Arts Collective

On October 23, 2016, WWF held a participatory International Snow Leopard Day celebration in the courtyard of the Patan Museum on historic Patan Durbar Square in south Kathmandu. This event included speeches on the importance of snow leopard conservation and featured creation of a 4-panel hand-print portrait of a snow leopard supervised by artists from the Sattya Media Arts Collective, with handprints being contributed by participants of the event. In total, about 500 people (250 Women) attended this event. A short 1 minute video of the event is posted on Youtube at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaILTR7mV0o

Figure N2-Nepal. Participants making a hand-print snow leopard portrait at the International Snow Leopard Day celebration held at the Patan, south Kathmandu, October 23, 2016.

Figure N3-Nepal. Finished snow leopard portrait made at the International Snow Leopard Day celebration held in Patan, south Kathmandu, October 23, 2016.

Activity Title: GSLEP Landscape Management Plan Stakeholder Workshop Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.5 Implementing Partner: WWF, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC)

From March 6-8, 2017, WWF and DNPWC organized a stakeholder workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal, to discuss the draft climate-smart snow leopard landscape management plan being prepared for the Eastern Nepal GSLEP priority landscape, which stretches from from Langtang National Park north of Kathmandu to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in the northeast corner of Nepal. Participants of this workshop included staff of all protected areas and district forest offices that lie within the landscape, as well as staff members of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), Department of Forests, WWF, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Red Panda Network, and ICIMOD.

A WWF staff member presented the draft landscape management plan, highlighting how it was developed, including the use of climate projections, spatial analysis, and identification of information gaps – particularly with respect to climate change, hydrological data, and snow leopard spatial requirements. Participants then spent the following days providing input on the plan with respect to a variety of topics, including threat analysis, plan goals and logic framework, governance mechanisms, and multi-sector cooperation and data sharing (see agenda, Annex 2). Feedback provided by workshop participants was compiled and is currently being incorporated into the plan. In total of 40 people (6 Women) attended the first day of the workshop, while 26 people (4 Women) attend the second and third days of the workshop.

Figure N4-Nepal. Participants of the GSLEP Landscape Management Plan Stakeholder Workshop, Kathmandu, Nepal, March 6, 2017.

Activity Title: GSLEP Landscape Management Plan Local-level Stakeholder Workshop Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.5 Implementing Partner: WWF, DNPWC

As a follow-up to the March 6-8, 2017 GSLEP Landscape Management Plan Stakeholder Workshop in Kathmandu, WWF and DNPWC organized a local-level GSLEP stakeholder workshop on March 17, 2017 in Khandbari, Sankhuwasava District. This workshop specifically sought to inform community leaders from the Makalu-Barun National Park region about the GSLEP landscape management planning process for the Eastern Nepal GSLEP priority landscape and to receive their feedback on the plan and snow leopard conservation in their home region in general.

In total, 26 community leaders (1 Woman) participated in the workshop, providing valuable input from their home region on snow leopard presence, prey status, co-predator presence (especially wolves), status of human-wildlife conflict, status of human presence and disturbance, climate change impacts, infrastructure, poaching, eco-tourism, etc. (see agenda, Annex 3). Feedback provided was compiled and is currently being incorporated into the GSLEP landscape management plan for the Eastern Nepal GSLEP priority landscape.

Figure N5-Nepal. Participants of the GSLEP Landscape Management Plan Stakeholder Workshop for the Makal-Barun National Park region, Khandbari, Sankhuwasava District Nepal, March 17, 2017.

3.6 Pakistan

1. Hoper Valley, GB Demonstration Site

Activity Title: International Snow Leopard Day Radio Broadcast Sub-objectives: 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, Radio Pakistan Gilgit

In order to mark International Snow Leopard Day on October 23, 2016, WWF worked with the Gilgit office of Radio Pakistan to develop and broadcast a 45-minute snow leopard conservation awareness broadcast in Urdu as well as other local languages. Titled “Snow Leopards and Mountain Landscapes,” this program was broadcast on radio station FM-99 in Gilgit on the evening of October 22, 2016. Topics discussed during the broadcast included the ecological importance of the snow leopard, threats to the snow leopard, and the need for landscape-level conservation management planning in northern Pakistan to protect this endangered species.

Activity Title: International Mountain Day Sub-objectives: 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, AKRSP, AKHSP, ICIMOD, WCS

On December 11, 2016, WWF, in collaboration with the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Environmental Protection Agency, GB Forest and Wildlife Departments, Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP), the Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHSP), ICIMOD, WCS and various other local NGOs, co-organized an International Mountain Day celebration in Gilgit. During this event, speeches were given by the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan and other officials and experts that highlighted the importance of mountain cultures, mountain identity, and mountain resources. This event also featured skits on mountain themes performed by local students and an exhibition of local mountain products. In total, 150 people (50 Women) attended this event, including students, teachers, local business people, and government and NGO staff.

Figure P1-Pakistan. Exhibition of local mountain products, International Mountain Day celebration, Gilgit Town, Gilgit-Baltistan, December 11, 2016.

Activity Title: Semi-annual GB DCC-HCDO Conservation Activity Review Meeting Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, GB DCC, HCDO

WWF provided support to organize and hold a semi-annual conservation activity review meeting between the Hoper Conservation and Development Organization (HCDO) and the Gilgit-Baltistan District Conservation Committee (DCC) to discuss conservation issues and progress on implementing conservation activities in the Hoper Valley. This meeting was held on November 14, 2016 In Nagar, GB, where topics of discussion included human-wildlife conflict, predator-proof corrals, livestock insurance, as well as ongoing AHM Project- supported activities. In total, 40 People (5 Women) attended this meeting

Activity Title: Village Wildlife Guard Support Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.3, Implementing Partner: WWF, HCDO

During this reporting period, WWF continued to provide support for two village wildlife guards (VWG) in the Hoper Valley. This support included providing a monthly honorarium and informal training on an as-needed basis for these guards, who are responsible for monitoring prey and predator species populations in the Hoper Valley, particularly snow leopards and their prey. VWGs are also responsible for monitoring wildlife crime and reporting findings to local authorities, including wildlife poaching, illegal grazing, and illegal

woodcutting, as well as being responsible for promoting sound community stewardship of the Hoper Valleys’ natural resources in general.

Activity Title: Snow Leopard Monitoring Surveys Sub-objectives: 1.4 Implementing Partner: WWF

From December 3-9 in Bualtar and Shaltar Nullah, December 11-17 in Barpu, and December 14-19, 2016 in the Rash pasture areas of Hoper Valley, WWF worked with 18 citizen scientists (All Men) from Hoper to conduct snow leopard sign and prey species surveys. At this time, 4 camera traps were also set at various locations in the Hoper Valley that were retrieved in January 2017. One snow leopard image was captured in the Barpu Pasture area of Hoper as well as images of other local wildlife.

Figure P2-Pakistan. Nighttime snow leopard image, Barpu Pasture, near Nagar, Hoper Valley Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, January 20, 2017.

2. Laspur Valley, Chitral Distric, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Demonstration Site

Activity Title: Semi-annual Chitral DCC-VCC Conservation Activity Review Meeting Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, Chitral DCC, VCCs

On November 28, 2016, WWF provided support to hold a semi-annual DCC-VCC conservation activity review meeting between the Chitral District Conservation Committee (DCC) and the village conservation committee (VCC) in Sor Village, Laspur Valley, Chitral. Issues discussed included climate change adaptation and snow leopard conservation activity needs. At this time, community members informed the group about the increasing occurrence of wolf attacks on their livestock and the need to address this aspect of human-wildlife conflict in the area. WWF representatives agreed to further investigate the wolf issue in conjunction with a feral dog survey of the Laspur Valley planned for the third week of April, 2017. In total, 15 People (All Men) from the Laspur VCC and local villages participated in this meeting.

Figure P3-Pakistan. Participants of a semi-annual conservation activity review meeting for DCC and VCC members, Sor Village, Laspur Valley, Chitral District, KP, November 28, 2016.

Activity Title: Livestock Vaccination Campaign Sub-objectives: 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 Implementing Partner: WWF, Chitral District Livestock and Dairy Development Department

From February 26-28, 2017, WWF organized and provided support to the Chitral District Livestock and Dairy Development Department (LDDD) to hold a livestock vaccination campaign and community veterinary health resource persons training in the Laspur Valley.

At this time, 4000 sheep and goats were vaccinated against contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP), which has significant potential for transmission to wild ungulates in Chitral that snow leopards prey on. 650 animals were also vaccinated against foot and mouth disease in areas of Laspur prone to outbreaks of this disease. At the same time, the LDDD trained 6 community members (All Men) who were nominated by village conservation committees as community veterinary health resource persons who will also to help with future livestock vaccination campaigns. In addition, LDDD staff also provided de- worming tablets for 500 head of livestock and instruction on the identification of livestock suffering from worms and on administering of the de-worming tablets. The purpose of this campaign was to mitigate the loss of livestock to an increasing frequency of livestock disease outbreaks believed to be occurring as a result of climate change as well as to increase the survival rate of livestock to mitigate loss of livestock to snow leopards and other wild predators. In doing so, WWF is also raising awareness of conservation activities in Laspur and building support amongst locals for wildlife conservation activities. In total 1512 people (772 Women) from 216 households benefitted from this activity.

Figure P4-Pakistan. WWF supported livestock vaccination and campaign, Laspur Valley, Chitral District, KP, Feburary 26, 2017.

Activity Title: Forest Management Training Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, KP Forest Department

On March 16, 2017, WWF, in collaboration with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Forest Department, conducted a training on forest management and plantation techniques for KP forest staff and local communities of Laspur Valley This training was followed by a tree planting campaign in the Phargam Gol Watershed area of the Laspur Valley. This campaign

involved obtaining and transplanting cuttings from native species of fast-growing multi- purpose tree and shrubs and transplanting cuttings on degraded land to reduce erosion and flood hazards and improve watershed management in general. Support provided by WWF included instruction and guidance for the KP Forest Department staff and participating community members on carrying out this activity as well as its purpose. During this event, 300 tree cuttings were collected from existing trees in the area and transplanted on 0.5 ha of degraded land. In total 40 People (All Men) participated in this event.

Activity Title: Village Tree Planting and Trash Cleanup Sub-objectives: 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, Chitral District Forest Department

On March 21, 2017, WWF and the Chitral District Forest Department provided support to teachers and school nature clubs in Phargram and Balim Villages, Laspur Valley to mark International Day of Forests by conducting a village tree planting and trash cleanup event. These activities were accompanied by field walks led by an ecologist who helped increase students’ awareness of their natural surroundings and local environmental issues. In total 100 trees were planted by students while an additional 20,000 tree saplings provided by the Chitral District Forest Department were planted on 13 ha of land in subsequent days. In total 95 People (45 Women) participated in this event.

Activity Title: Snow Leopard Monitoring Surveys Sub-objectives: 1.4 Implementing Partner: WWF

On March 28, 2017, WWF launched a spring snow leopard sign, prey species, and camera trap monitoring survey in the Laspur Valley. During this survey, WWF will be working with and training citizen scientists from local communities in Laspur. Findings of the survey and DNA analysis of scats collected will be used for developing snow leopard distribution maps and planning snow leopard conservation initiatives, in particular for informing development of the climate-smart snow leopard landscape management plan for Pakistan’s Hindu Kush GSLEP priority landscape. Camera traps will be collected in May 2017 and images analyzed.

3. Pakistan: Cross-cutting Activities

Activity Title: World Wildlife Day Sub-objectives: 1.1, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, Rumboor Valley VCC, Chitral Gol National Park, Chitral Wildlife Department

On March 3, 2017, WWF, in cooperation with the Rumboor Valley Village Conservation Committee (VCC), Chitral Gol National Park, and the Chitral District Wildlife Department, organized a World Wildlife Day celebration in Rumboor Valley. In accordance with this year’s World Wildlife Day theme, “Listen to the Young Voices,” 55 people (14 Women) who were mostly local secondary school students accompanied by their teachers and members of the Rumboor Valley village conservation committee participated in this event. The celebration featured a student quiz competition on wildlife, nature, and natural resources in the Rumboor area which was followed by a nature awareness walk led by an ecologist and tree planting activity. In total, students and teachers planted 50 multi-purpose native trees on March 3rd, while another 2950 tree saplings were distributed to the village conservation committee in Rumboor for village tree planning activities in the days following this event.

Figure P5-Pakistan. Student tree planting event to mark World Wildlife Day, Rumboor Valley, Chitral District, March 3, 2017.

Activity Title: Fruit Tree Planting Activity Sub-objectives: 1.2, 1.3 Implementing Partner: WWF, Rumboor VCC

On March 17, 2017, WWF conducted a home orchard fruit tree planting campaign in the Rumboor Valley to improve food security and diversify livelihoods in the face of a changing climate as well as to improve watershed management in settled areas. During this activity, 24 participating households received 830 saplings of local varieties of cherry and apricot trees, the fruit of which has the advantage of travelling well and having good potential for being sold in local markets as a cash crop. This tree planting activity was accompanied by lessons on future marketing of locally produced fruit produce to improve livelihood security in the face of a changing climate.

Activity Title: Snow Leopard Monitoring Surveys Sub-objectives: 1.4 Implementing Partner: WWF

From March 5–10, 2017, WWF, with thee assistance of 3 local citizen scientists (All Men), conducted a snow leopard and wildlife monitoring survey of the Rumboor Valley. This consisted of conducting wildlife sign and prey species surveys along 14 transects in snow leopard habitat as well as setting up camera traps at four locations that will be retrieved in May 2017. Preliminary results indicate that wolves are the dominant predator species in the areas surveyed, with wolf scat and tracks found on almost every transect and one direct sighting of a wolf having been made. Other predator sign found included snow leopard, lynx, fox, and feral dog sign. Fourteen carcasses of Kashmir Markhor that were possibly killed by wolves were found in the survey area. One preliminary finding of interest was that local herders stated that the wolf population in in Chitral Gol Naitonal Park and its buffer zone in Rumboor has been increasing over the last 5 years, possibly leading to direct competition with snow leopards for wild prey.

Figure P6-Pakistan. Kashmir markhor kill in the Rumboor Valley near Chitral Gol National Park, March 2017. 46

3.7. AHM Year 5 Regional Activities

Activity Title: Snow Leopard Trade Report Sub-objectives: 2.3, 2.5 Implementing Partner: TRAFFIC

On October 21, 2016, in order to mark International Snow Leopard Day, TRAFFIC and WWF formally released the AHM-funded TRAFFIC snow leopard trade report titled “An Ounce of Prevention: Snow Leopard Crime Revisited.” This report provides a detailed compilation and analysis of snow leopard crime information from across the snow leopard’s range for the period from 2003-2016 that updates TRAFFIC’s 2003 report titled “Fading Footprints: The Killing and Trade of Snow Leopards.” The report also provides a set of key action-oriented recommendations to address snow leopard crime for presentation to snow leopard range country governments, communities in snow leopard range, conservation organizations, snow leopard experts, and international donors. Notably, the report also compares and contrasts trends in the illegal trade in snow leopard and tiger parts.

Release of the report was covered up by over 60 online new sites, including Paris Match Deutsche Welle, National Geographic, BBC, Christian Science Monitor, The Guardian, and Channel News Asia. Findings of the report were presented at the second GSLEP Steering Committee in Kathmandu on January 20, 2017, which was attended by ministerial representatives or their delegates from all 12 snow leopard range countries as well as at the second AHM Project learning and sharing meeting in Bangkok on February 20, 2017. Printed copies of the report have been distributed to representatives from all 12 Snow Leopard range countries, the SAWEN Secretariat, INTERPOL, CMS Secretariat, as well as to numerous snow leopard experts, academics, and conservation NGO workers. The report is available as a pdf file at the link below: http://www.traffic.org/home/2016/10/21/hundreds-of-snow-leopards-poached-each-year.html

Figure R1-TRAFFIC. Cover of the new TRAFFIC snow leopard crime report that was funded by the WWF AHM Project.

Activity Title: Mapping of Snow Leopard Habitat, Climate Impacts, and Future Scenarios Objectives: 2.2, 2.4, 2.5 Implementing Partner: WWF-US, Columbia University Center for Climate Systems Research

During this reporting period, the WWF-US Climate Adaptation team worked with consultants on geospatial analysis depicting snow leopard habitat, land degradation, human influence, hydrology, and climate change in four of the six GSLEP landscapes that overlap AHM field activities, namely in India, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Pakistan. This work included integrating climate change projection data developed by the Columbia University Center for Climate Systems Research (CCSR) for WWF AHM Project sites to project future climate change impacts in each landscape under different total global emissions scenarios. Notably, climate risk information is also currently being incorporated into the GSLEP landscape management

planning process for both Kyrgyzstan and Nepal. WWF staff are currently working particularly closely with Nepal’s landscape management planning drafting committee for the Eastern Nepal GSLEP priority landscape, providing regular consultations with relevant mapping and climate expertise and on-going review of plan chapters. Similarly, at the same time, the AHM Project is supporting a consultant who is helping guide development of the landscape management plan for the Central Tian Shan GSLEP priority landscape in the Kyrgyz Republic. Initial results of climate change analyses for AHM Project regions were presented at the second AHM Project Learning and Sharing Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, in February 2017. By late summer 2017, mapping work will be completed and summarized in a WWF publication as well as uploaded to the WWF ThirdPoleGeolab.org interactive mapping website.

Activity Title: GSLEP Management Planning and Stocktaking Workshop and Second GSLEP Steering Committee Meeting Sub-objectives: 2.2, 2.4, 2.5 Implementing Partner: SLT, WWF, GSLEP Secretariat, Government of Nepal

From January 17-20, 2017, SLT, WWF, the GSLEP Secretariat, and the Government of Nepal jointly organized the GSLEP Management Planning Stocktaking Workshop and Second GSLEP Steering Committee Meeting in Kathmandu Nepal following earlier cancellation of this event in Almaty, Kazakhstan in October 2016 (see agendas, Annexes 4 and 5). The GSLEP Management Planning Stocktaking Workshop was held from January 17- 18, and was attended by 72 People (15 Women). This workshop featured a review of the snow leopard landscape management planning process for GSLEP priority landscapes and a progress reports on landscape management plan development by representatives of all 12 GSLEP member states. At this workshop, the WWF-US Climate Change Adaptation team presented tools, approaches, and models for incorporating climate change considerations into management planning, including using the projections generated by the Columbia University CCSR for all six AHM landscapes. The opening of this event featured a speech by Nepal’s Minister of Forests and Soil conservation.

The Second GSLEP Steering Committee Meeting was held from January 19-20. January 19 was the arrival day for high-level participants and featured side meetings between various GSLEP partners, including a GSLEP donor side-meeting to discuss preparations for the planned August 2017 GSLEP presidential forum. January 20th featured statements by government delegations on their priorities for GSLEP implementation, a panel discussion on resource mobilization for GSLEP implementation, a discussion illegal trade in snow leopard parts, and a group discussion on next steps in planning the August 2017 GSLEP presidential forum to be held in Bishkek. Notably, the meeting opened with an inaugural speech by the Prime Minister of Nepal and resulted in the adoption of the GSLEP Kathmandu Resolution and agreement by all 12 GSLEP member states to participate in the August 2017 GSLEP presidential forum. The steering committee meeting inaugural session on January 20th was attended by ~300 People (75 Women), while working sessions were attend by ~80 People (~20 Women).

Figure R2-GSLEP. Inaugural session of the second GSLEP steering committee meeting, Kathmandu, Nepal, January 20, 2017.

Activity Title: GSLEP Landscape Management Planning Advice Documents Objectives: 2.4, 2.5 Implementing Partner: WWF, SLT

In January 2017, a team of experts from WWF and the Snow Leopard Trust completed a set of eight landscape management planning advice documents to guide GSLEP member states as they prepare climate-smart snow leopard landscape management plans for their respective GSLEP priority landscapes. These documents provide practical advice on such topics as strategic management planning, community and institutional participation in conservation, stakeholder analysis for landscape management planning; integrated management and governance of GSLEP landscapes, best practices for snow leopard conservation, incorporating climate change into landscape management planning, mapping to support landscape management planning, and climate-smart green economic development in snow leopard landscape management planning. These documents were presented at the GSLEP Management Planning and Stocktaking Workshop held in Kathmandu in January 2017 and are available from the GSLEP website at the following link: http://www.globalsnowleopard.org/our-work/a-toolkit-for-management-planning/

Figure R3-GSLEP. Contents of one of eight landscape management planning advice documents prepared to guide GSLEP member states on development of climate-smart snow leopard landscape management plans.

Activity Title: GSLEP Landscape Management Small Grants Objectives: 2.4, 2.5 Implementing Partner: SLT

During this reporting period three small grants were awarded for national committees preparing climate-smart snow leopard landscape management plans for their respective GSLEP priority landscapes, namely Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia. A fourth application from Pakistan is currently being reviewed. These grants are for USD 5000 each, with an initial USD 3300 paid immediately upon award and the final USD 1700 to be paid upon receipt of a completed draft landscape management plan from each national committee. Due to a lack of applications, extra funds remain from this program, USD 5000 of which were used to pay the January and February 2017 salaries for the GSLEP Secretariat director and fund-raising officer. Any small grant program funds remaining as of April 15, 2017 will be used to support the GSLEP presidential forum planned for August 2017 in Bishkek.

Activity Title: GSLEP Presidential Forum Planning Objectives: 2.4, 2.5 Implementing Partner: SLT, WWF, GSLEP Secretariat, UNDP, GEF

WWF, SLT, the GSLEP Secretariat, UNDP, and GEF are currently working together to organize a GSLEP presidential forum to be held in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan in August 2017. The purpose of this forum will be to review progress and highlights of the GSLEP process to date, garner high-level governmental support for GSLEP, and secure funding from international finance institutions for successful attainment of the GSLEP goal of securing 20 snow leopard landscapes by 2020. In general, the event will also promote sustainable, green development of mountain communities in snow leopard range areas and also raise international awareness of threats to snow leopards and their habitat, including from climate change.

Meeting planning thus far has included setting dates for the high-level portion of the forum (August 24-25, 2017); issuing of invitations from the Government of Kyrgyzstan to the governments of the other 11 snow leopard range states; and start of drawing up of nine thematic documents to guide conservation in snow leopard range states that will be presented and discussed at the forum, including on such topics as community participation in conservation, wildlife management, conservation capacity building, fundraising for conservation etc.

Activity Title: Asia High Mountains Project Second Learning and Sharing Meeting Objectives: 1 and 2 Implementing Partner: WWF

From February 20-22, 2017, the WWF Asia High Mountains Project held its second learning and sharing meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. This three-day meeting was attended by 19 WWF AHM Project Implementing Staff (7 Women) as well as one staff member from WWF Thailand, and one staff member of TRAFFIC’s Bangkok office (Both Men). The meeting provided a complete overview of the 5-year AHM Project, from the project’s original goals and objectives to its close-out reporting requirements, and included discussions of AHM-

funded snow leopard research, community conservation, climate adaptation work, and project communications as well as an introduction to the GSLEP landscape management planning process, an overview GSLEP Program achievements to date, and a discussion of how the work of AHM field offices can contribute to GSLEP implementation (see agenda, Annex 6).

Figure R4-WWF AHM. Participants of the second WWF Asia High Mountains Project learning and sharing meeting, Bangkok, Thailand, February 20-22, 2017.

Activity Title: AHM Baseline Survey Objectives: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 Implementing Partner: WWF and Consultants

In December 2016, the last two country reports for the AHM Project Baseline Survey were completed and submitted. All six reports are currently being compiled into a single document that will be released in spring 2017.

Reported Implementation Issues and Challenges

• The most notable challenge during this reporting period concerned holding the second GSLEP steering committee meeting. Originally planned for October 16-19, 2016 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, this meeting had to be cancelled at the last minute due to the absence of timely delivery of official visa invitation letters to the many GSLEP member state participants requiring these letters.

• A second challenge this reporting period is the ongoing effort to find sufficient funding partners for the GSLEP presidential summit planned for August 2017, although discussions with potential funding partners are ongoing.

Reported Measures and Adaptive Management Adaptive management efforts during this reporting period have included:

• The cancelled October 2016 GSLEP steering committee planned for Almaty Kazakhstan was quickly rescheduled for January 2017 in Kathmandu, Nepal, where issuing official visa invitation letters to the many GSLEP member state participants requiring these letters proved to be a rather quick and streamlined process. This meeting was successfully held in Nepal, where it was hosted with great enthusiasm on the part of Government of Nepal and included an inaugural address given by the Prime Minister of Nepal.

• WWF is currently working with the GSLEP Secretariat and the Kyrgyz State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry (SAEPF) to locate additional funding partners for the GSLEP presidential summit planned for August 2017. Notably, at a recent meeting of WWF Network conservation directors, it was proposed to have various network offices fund selected delegates from GLSEP member states to attend the summit.

Annex 1: Agenda of the WCNP Smart Patrolling Training, Nasiphel Village, Chokhor Geog, Bumthang Dzongkhag, March 21-26, 2017.

Training Agenda for SMART Software (Till SMART Connect) Wangchuck Centennial National Park from 21st to 26th March 2017 Day Time Module(s) 9 - 9:30 Introduction and Feedback of SMART Software based on field experiences 9:30- 10:30 Creation of Conservation Area (SMART Data store room) 10:30 - AM 10:45 Tea Break Day 10:45 - 1 11:15 Loading shapefiles of protected area and changing styles. 11:15-1:00 Map design. 1:00 - 2:00 Lunch Break PM 2:00 - 3:30 Adding agency & ranks, Employee list and station list. 3:30-5:00 Creation of patrol mandates, Patrol type and patrol teams 9 - 9:30 Creation of new patrols 9:30 - 10:30 Data modelling AM 10:30 - 10:45 Tea Break Day 10:45 - 2 1:00 Data modelling (continued) 1:00 - 2:00 Lunch Break 2:00 -3:00 Data Collection (Both CAT phone and GPS & Patrol book) PM 3:00 - 3:15 Tea Break 3:15 - 5:00 Data Entry (Patrol Book Data & importing from CAT) 9:00 - 9:30 Data Entry (continued) 9:30 - 10:30 Data Entry Group Work 10:30 - AM 10:45 Tea Break Day 10:45 - 3 1:00 Data Entry Group Work (continued) 1:00 - 2:00 Lunch Break 2:00 - 3:00 Data Entry Group Work (continued) PM 3:00 - 3:15 Tea Break 3:15 - 5:00 Report Generation 9:00 - 9:30 Report Generation (continued) 9:30 - 10:30 Cyber Tracker Exporting AM 10:30 - 10:45 Tea Break Day 10:45 - 4 1:00 Cyber Tracker Importing and backing up patrol data 1:00 - 2:00 Lunch Break 2:00 - 3:00 Export and import of Individual Incidents PM 3:00 - 3:15 Tea Break 3:15 - 5:00 Creation of Individual incidents Day 9:00 - 9:30 Patrol Planning AM 5 9:30 - Exporting patrolling plans to PDF and follow up action

10:30 10:30 - 10:45 Tea Break 10:45 - 1:00 Intelligence gathering 1:00 - 2:00 Lunch Break 2:00 - 3:00 Intelligence follow up and questions PM 3:00 - 3:15 Tea Break 3:15 - 5:00 SMART Connect 9:00 - 10:30 Creation of Alerts and assigning alert importance 10:30 - AM 10:45 Tea Break 10:45 - Day 1:00 Backing up the conservation area/ Database 6 1:00 - 2:00 Lunch Break 2:00 - 3:00 Upgrading databases with upgrade of SMART version PM 3:00 - 3:15 Tea Break 3:15 - 5:00 Course Review

Annex 2: Agenda of the Eastern Nepal GSLEP Conservation Landscape Management Plan Consultation Workshop, Kathmandu Nepal, March 6-8, 2017.

Eastern Nepal GSLEP Conservation Landscape Management Plan Consultation Workshop 6-8 March 2017, Kathmandu, Nepal

Workshop Agenda

Day 1 6 March 2017 08:30 Hi TEA and participant registration 9:00 Workshop Opening 1 hr Outline of the workshop objectives

Welcome message and introduction; invitation to chair and others to dais – Mr. Laxman Poudyal Welcome remarks – Mr. Gopal Prasad Bhattarai

10:00 A Status Report on the Eastern Conservation Landscape (ECL) Management Plan 1 hr 30 min Objective: To share information on GSLEP guidelines, and the baseline information on the Eastern Conservation Landscape

Presentation: Dr. Rinjan Shrestha Discussion: Moderated by Mr. Laxman Poudyal 11:30 Remarks by dignitaries and experts – Moderated by Mr. Laxman Poudyal 45 mins 12:15 Closing Remarks – Chair (Director General – DNPWC/DoF) 15 mins GROUP PHOTO SESSION 12:30 LUNCH 1 hr 13:30 Analyses of Conservation Threats in the ECL (Conventional threats) 1 hr 30 min Objective: To identify current and future conservation threats using Open Standards Approach

Introduction to the session – Mr Bijan Gurung (What is threat? How we are going to go about threat identification and ranking) Chair – To be decided by Mr. Laxman Poudyal during the event Moderators – Mr Bijan Gurung assisted by Ms Aarati Gurung Support to Moderators – Ms Ayshna Rajbhandary Rapporteurs – Ms Mamata Pokharel 15:00 BREAK 15 min 15:15 Analyses of Conservation Threats Continued.. (Climate-change centric) 1 hr. 30 min

16:45 Closing remarks - Mr Laxman Poudyal 15 min

Day 2 7 March 2017 08:30 Hi-Tea 30 min 09:00 Welcome; Recapitulation of Day 1; Introduction to the Day 30 min

Session moderated by: Mr. Laxman Poudyal Welcome by Chair: Chair TBD by Mr Laxman Poudyal Recapitulation of Day 1: Mr Bijan Gurung, assisted by Ms Aarati Gurung Introduction to the Day: Dr Rinjan Shrestha

9:30 Review of Management Plan Vision and Goals 30 mins Objective: To review management plan vision and goals

Chair/Co-Chair: TBD by Mr Laxman Poudyal Moderators – Mr Bijan Gurung, assisted by Ms Aarati Gurung Supporter to Moderators – Ms Ayshna Rajbhandary Rapporteurs – Ms Mamata Pokharel 10:00 Break 15 mins 10:15 Review of Management Plan Logical Framework 2 hrs, 15 mins Objective: To review management strategies, objectives, activities and monitoring indicators

12:30 LUNCH 1 hr 13:30 Review of Management Plan Logical Framework Continued.. 1 hr, 30 mins

15:00 BREAK 15 mins 15:15 Review of Management Plan Logical Framework Continued.. 1 hr, 30 mins

16:45 Closing – Chair 15 mins

Day 3 8 March 2017 08:30 Hi-Tea 30 min 09:00 Welcome; Recap; Introduction to the Day 30 min

Session moderated by: Mr. Laxman Poudyal Welcome by Chair: Chair TBD by Mr Laxman Poudyal Recapitulation of Day 2: Mr Bijan Gurung, assisted by Ms Aarati Gurung Introduction to the Day: Dr Rinjan Shrestha

09:30 Review of the Governance Mechanism 30 min Objective: To prepare a sound implementation mechanism

Chair/Co-Chair: TBD by Mr Laxman Poudyal Moderator – TBD by Mr Laxman Poudyal Rapporteurs – Ms Mamata Pokharel 10:00 BREAK 15 min 10:15 Framework for multi-sectorial cooperation, information sharing, and funding 2 hr 15 min mechanism Objective 1: To review stakeholder analyses and discuss a mechanism for multi-sectoral cooperation and information sharing

Objective 2: To identify relevant key business and industry groups (Private Sector) and discuss a mechanism for coordination

Objective 3: To explore potential funding sources with emphasis on sustainable funding mechanism

Chair/Co-Chair: TBD by Mr Laxman Poudyal Moderator – TBD by Mr Laxman Poudyal Rapporteurs – Ms Mamata Pokharel 12:30 LUNCH 1 hr 13:30 Framework for multi-sectorial cooperation, information sharing, and funding 45 min mechanism Continued..

14:45 Framework for multi-sectorial cooperation, information sharing, and funding 45 min mechanism Continued..

15:30 BREAK 15 min 15:45 Recapitulation of the workshop and next steps 30 min

Recapitulation of workshop: Mr Bijan Gurung, assisted by Ms Aarati Gurung; Next steps: Dr Rinjan Shrestha

16:15 Closing of the workshop 15 min

Closing remarks: TBD Way forward: TBD Vote of Thanks: TBD

Annex 3: Agenda of the Eastern Nepal GSLEP Conservation Landscape Management Plan Consultation Workshop for the Makalu Barun National Park Region, Khandbari, Sankhuwasava District, March 17, 2017.

Local Consultative Meeting at Makalu Barun National Park on Eastern Snow Leopard Conservation Landscape Management Plan March 17, 2017 (Chaitra 4, 2073) Draft agenda 8:00 – Breakfast 9:00 – Introduction to the meeting 9:15 – Overview of ECL Management Plan 10:00 – Group discussion on status of corridors Snow leopard presence (indirect signs, live sightings) Prey presence (indirect signs, live sightings) Co-predators presence (indirect signs, live sightings) Livestock depredation by wildlife Habitat status Human presence (settlements, villages etc) Human activities intensity Climate change observations – invasive species, habitat 12:30 – Lunch 13:30 – Identification of site specific issues: infrastructure, threats to snow leopard and other wildlife including feral dogs; retaliatory killing status; poaching status 14:30 – Opportunities for snow leopard conservation - Activities needed for snow leopard conservation 15:00 – Tea 15:15 – Identification of different local stakeholders 16:00 – Any other issues people would like to highlight 16:45 - Closing

Annex 4: Agenda of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) Management Planning Stocktaking Workshop, Kathmandu Nepal, January 17-18, 2017.

Annex 5: Agenda of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) Second Steering Committee Meeting, Kathmandu Nepal, January 19-20, 2017.

Programme for Inauguration of THE 2nd STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

GLOBAL SNOW LEOPARD AND ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION (GSLEP) PROGRAM

FRIDAY 20TH, JANUARY, 2017 (07 MAGH 2073) CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL SOALTEE, KATHMANDU

0830 Hours Arrival of the Country Delegates, Invited Guests and the Secretary, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation 0845 Hours Arrival of Hon. Minister Mr. Shankar Bhandari, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation; Arrival of Hon. Minister Mr. Deepak Bohara, Ministry of Supplies; & Arrival of Hon. State Minister Mr. Drigha Raj Bhat, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation 0900 Hours Arrival of Hon. Ministers of GSLEP member countries 0930 Hours Arrival of Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) 0940 Hours Chairing of the session • Chair of the Inaugural Programme - Hon. Minister Mr. Shankar Bhandari, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation • Chief Guest: Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal • Special Guest: Hon. Minister Mr. Deepak Bohara, Ministry of Supplies • Special Guest: Hon. State Minister Mr. Drigha Raj Bhat, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation • Special Guest: GSLEP Chair and Co-chair • Guest: the Secretary, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation 0945 Hours National Anthem of Nepal

0955 Hours Welcome speech by the Secretary, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation 1005 Hours Introduction and Highlights of GSLEP – GSLEP Secretariat 1015 Hours Inauguration of the Steering Committee Meeting by the Chief Guest, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) 1025 Hours Remarks by Hon. State Minister Mr. Drigha Raj Bhat, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation 1035 Hours Remarks by Conservation Partners of GSLEP 1045 Hours Deliberation by Hon. Minister and GSLEP Chair and co-chair 1115 Hours Special Address by Hon. Minister Mr. Deepak Bohara, Ministry of Supplies & the member of the GTI Council 1125 Hours Inaugural Address by Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal 1135 Hours Special Address by the Chair of the Inaugural Programme Hon. Minister Mr. Shankar Bhandari, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation 1145 Hours HIGH TEA

Annex 6: Agenda of the WWF Asia High Mountains Project Second Learning and Sharing Meeting

WWF Asia High Mountains Project Second Learning and Sharing Meeting

20-22 January 2017 Bangkok, Thailand

Sunday, 19 February – Participant Arrivals

Monday, 20 February – Snow Leopard and Wildlife Conservation Day Breakfast: 6:30-8:30 Hotel Restaurant 8:30 Welcome, Sign-ins, and News 9:00 Meeting Goals and End of Project Wrap-up/Reporting Discussion Session 1 Snow Leopard Research 9:30 Bhutan AHM Snow Leopard Research and Q/A 10:00 India AHM Snow Leopard Research and Q/A 10:30 Tea Break, Group Photo 11:00 Kyrgyzstan AHM Snow Leopard Research and Q/A 11:30 Mongolia Snow Leopard Research and Q/A 12:00 Nepal AHM Snow Leopard Research and Q/A 12:30 Lunch: 13:00 Hotel Restaurant 13:30 Pakistan AHM Snow Leopard Research and Q/A GUEST PRESENTATION: 14:00 Snow Leopard Trade: “An Ounce of Prevention” and Q/A Communications Opportunities Community Participation in Snow Leopard and Wildlife Conservation Session 2 Field and Education Activities 14:30 Bhutan AHM Community SL Conservation and Education and Q/A 15:00 India AHM Community SL Conservation and Education and Q/A 15:30 Tea Break 16:00 Kyrgyzstan AHM Community SL Conservation and Education and Q/A 16:30 Mongolia AHM Community SL Conservation and Education and Q/A 17:00 Nepal AHM Community SL Conservation and Education and Q/A 17:30 Pakistan AHM Community SL Conservation and Education and Q/A 18:00 Communications Opportunities and Wrap Up 19:00 Dinner: Group Thai Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Tuesday, 21 February – Climate Adaptation and Communications Day

Breakfast: 6:30-8:30 Hotel Restaurant 8:30 Meeting News, Session Intros Session 3 Climate Adaptation 9:00 Modelling Update 9:30 Bhutan AHM Climate Adaptation and Q/A 10:00 India AHM Climate Adaptation and Q/A 10:30 Tea Break 11:00 Kyrgyzstan AHM Climate Adaptation and Q/A 11:30 Mongolia AHM Climate Adaptation and Q/A 12:00 Nepal AHM Climate Adaptation and Q/A 12:30 Lunch: 13:00 Hotel Restaurant 13:30 Pakistan AHM Climate Adaptation and Q/A Communications Opportunities GUEST PRESENTATION: 14:00 Overview of the WWF Greater Mekong Regional Project Session 4 End-of Project Communications End of Project Technical Reports and Communication Documents 14:30 AHM Indicator Reporting 15:00 Measuring AHM Economic and Social Achievements 15:30 Tea Break GUEST PRESENTATION: W 16:00 orking with International Journalists Inventory of Communications Assets/ Brainstorming session on stories and 16:30 successes 17:00 Identification of Upcoming Communications Opportunities 17:30 More on Communications 18:00 Day’s Wrap Up and Preview of Tomorrow 19:00 Dinner TBD

Wednesday, 22 February – Landscape Management Planning and GSLEP Day

Breakfast: 6:30-8:30 Hotel Restaurant 8:30 Meeting News, Session Intros Session 5 Introduction to Landscape Management Planning 9:00 Introduction to Landscape Management Planning 9:30 Kyrgyzstan “Central Tian Shan” Landscape Management Plan 10:00 Nepal “Eastern Nepal” Landscape Management Plan 10:30 Tea Break 11:00 GSLEP Landscape Management Planning Advice Documents Country Group Work: Getting Started - Outline a Landscape Management Plan 11:30 for a GSLEP Priority Site Country Group Work: Getting Started - Outline a Landscape Management Plan 12:00 for a GSLEP Priority Site 12:30 Lunch: 13:00 Hotel Restaurant 13:30 Country Landscape Plan Presentations 14:00 Country Landscape Plan Presentations Communications Opportunities The GSLEP Process to date: Overview of the past, present, and future of Session 6 GSLEP 14:30 Past 15:00 Present 15:30 Tea Break 16:00 GSLEP Summit Planning How WWF country offices can support the GSLEP Process (more than just 16:30 International Snow Leopard Day) 17:00 Communications Opportunities, Reporting 17:30 Way Forward for WWF Snow Leopard Conservation and Funding 18:00 Help Session 19:00 Farewell Dinner: Hotel

Thursday, 23 February – Participant Departures