Seventh meeting of the south pacific heads of forestry
Forest conservation and community development project Yunnan Province, China
FAO serial publications of potential interest to Asia-Pacific foresters
Training for trainers workshop in agroforestry for Atoll environments
International seminar on ecotourism for forest conservation and community development
Meeting of ministers of forestry for continental Southeast Asia
New publications available from the FAO/RAP forestry section
The seventh annual meeting of the South Pacific Heads of Forestry (HOP) was convened from 23-28 September 1996, in Port Vila, Vanuatu, under the auspices of the FAO coordinated South Pacific Forestry Development Programme (SPFDP). The 58 participants included Heads of Forestry (or their representatives) from 13 South Pacific countries, and individuals from other forestry related institutions, donor organizations, and NGOs. In light of the anticipated end of the SPFDP at the end of 1996, the theme of the meeting was "Setting the Baseline for Future Forests and Trees Activities."
The meeting was organized into the following sessions: "Resource Use/Harvesting/Development, " " Biodiversity Conservation, Research Needs and Capacity," "Extension/Awareness Needs and Capacity," "Priority Activities Identified in Country Papers," "Coordination," and "Future Initiatives. "
Among the recommendations of the meeting are the following:
Resource/Use/Harvesting/Development
· Efforts to regulate logging and manage the forests on a sustainable basis should be strengthened by enhancing the capacity of Pacific island countries to develop and implement their National
Codes of Logging Practice and other sustainable management measures.
· A regional core group of trainers in atoll agroforestry and extension should be developed which could train extension workers in their respective countries at the community level.
· Regional support to afforestation and reforestation efforts, focusing on high value products catering to niche markets, should be strengthened.
· SPFDP initiatives to foster collaboration and coordination among various agencies, donors, NGOs, industries, and governments should be sustained through suitable successor [i.e. post-SPFDP] arrangements.
Biodiversity Conservation
· Forests must be managed to provide both immediate economic benefits for the communities that live in or near the forests, and for the broader range of environmental services essential for the future of humankind.
· Local populations should be an integral part of all project processes, and they should actively participate in project development and implementation.
· Sustainable management of forests must be the key goal of both foresters and those concerned with broader biodiversity conservation issues.
· Governments and landowners should work together to protect significant areas of lowland forest under sustainable management.
· National governments should establish a legal basis to ensure that owners of biological resources, and the traditional knowledge of their use, be appropriately compensated by those who may develop these resources commercially.
Research Needs and Capacity
· Countries with formal research capacity should consider joining the Asia-Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions (APAFRI) as a way to strengthen their capacity.
· Research capability in the smaller countries should be supported by training existing operational staff in fundamentals of research and research methods; relevant training workshops should be continued by SPFDP.
· Steps should be taken, in collaboration with the Forestry Research Support Programs for Asia and the Pacific (FORSPA), to establish a focal point for research and extension for Pacific island countries.
· SPFDP should facilitate the participation in the South Pacific Regional Initiative on Forest Genetic Resources (SPRIG) of interested and relevant Pacific island countries which are not already focus group countries.
· Countries that have not already done so should nominate national focal points for the Asia-Pacific Forestry Sector Outlook Study- Toward 2010.
· "Asia-Pacific" programmes should be encouraged to include more Pacific island countries in their activities.
Extension/Awareness Needs and Capacity
· Training modules incorporating traditional knowledge should be developed and implemented.
· The lessons learned from various Integrated Conservation and Development projects should be documented and widely disseminated.
· Funding agencies should recognize that substantial time is necessary to allow communities and project planners to reach agreement on project design and implementation.
Coordination/Initiatives for Future/Priority Activities
· Marketing and promotion of lesser known species should be given high priority.
· Training opportunities should be sought for forestry staff in public relations and communication skills.
· Carbon offsets and timber certification initiatives should be supported on a pilot basis, with appropriate checks and reviews.
· The establishment of a Pacific Islands. Forestry Association should be deferred.
· The priority activities discussed at the HOF Meeting and the meeting's observations and recommendations, should guide the preparation of a project document for a post- 1996 forests and trees support program.
In September 1995, in line with the National Forestry Action Plan (NFAP) process, the Forestry Department of Yunnan, China, submitted the Simao Forestry Action Programme (SFAP) document to the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Beijing for possible support. In December 1995, the Netherlands Government pledged a total of the US$ 15 million for a programme of tropical forest conservation in Yunnan Province, called the "Forest Conservation and Community Development (FCCD) Project".
The FCCD identification mission was fielded from 6-30 May 1996, and proposed 19 project components. According to the working plan, the project will become operational in early 1997.
Simao Forestry Action Programme
Bearing in mind the complexity of forest resources in China, the Government decided that the NFAP exercise should start at the prefecture level. Simao Prefecture of Yunnan Province was selected as the first priority, since the major forest areas of the province are located there.
The exercise followed the NFAP process, i.e. identification of issues, indepth studies or investigation of the major issues, formulation of planning and programming, formulation of immediate actions in the form of project profiles, and exploring support from various partners to include donors.
The SFAP plan and programme have been formulated in line with the national and Yunnan forest development programmer, and taken into consideration the Simao Prefecture socio-economic development.
The SFAP exercise covered a wide scope of activities, ranging from land use, forest resources, conservation, protection, management, non-wood forest products and services, biodiversity, science and technology, and education and information. The exercise began in December 1992, and the final SFAP document was available at the end of 1994.
With regard to conservation aspects, the SFAP in-depth study reported that five nature reserves comprising different forest ecosystems have been established covering an area of about 90,400 ha, namely: 1) Longshan Nature Reserve; 2) Caiyanghe Nature Reserve; 3) Waiyuangjiang Nature Reserve; 4) Aliaoshan Nature Reserve; and 5) Wuliangshan Nature Reserve.
The study recommended the following countermeasures to overcome problems concerning conservation:
1) strengthen the administrative control of forest resources;
2) strengthen the "three protection system" i.e. the forest fire control system, the forest diseases and insect control system, and the ability to prevent, control and fight against unsound forest felling and hunting;
3) strengthen the wildlife and plant protection system.
Conservation Aspects in Yunnan Province
Yunnan Province has rich faunal resources, representing approximately 60% of all species present in China. The flora is estimated to exceed 14,000 species (60% of the country's total), including 4 first-class protected species and 60 of the second class.
Of the 15 protected primate species, Yunnan Province is home to 10, all of which are in the first-class list. Many of the 11 first-class birds have very restricted ranges in the country.
The richness of species is moderately well protected by a provincial system of 30 nature reserves, augmented by another 40 protected areas at country level.
Forest Conservation and Community Development Project (FCCD)
A joint China-Netherlands mission was fielded in June 1996, as a follow-up to the committment made by the Netherlands Government to provide support for a programme of tropical forest conservation in Yunnan Province. The main aims of the mission were to identify areas of collaboration and formulate components of the programme.
The Project will assist the Government in the conservation of tropical and sub-tropical rainforests in Simao and Baoshan Prefectures by:
1) strengthening technical and managerial skills in conservation and management of tropical rain forests at the provincial and prefectures levels and through research institutions;
2) establishing 6 conservation areas in Caiyangnhe, Nouzhadu, Wuliangshan, Gaoligongshan, Xiaoheishan and Tongbiguan;
3) developing alternative income sources and employment in order to alleviate poverty among the local people.
The joint mission identified 19 project components grouped into five programmer, as follows:
1) establishment of effective management structures at the county, prefecture and provincial levels;
2) gazettement of conservation areas to include mapping and boundary demarcation;
3) habitat rehabilitation of core and buffer zones;
4) people's participation in planning and programme development through ecotourism, social forestry, rural energy, infrastructure, etc.;
5) applied research and monitoring.
The Chinese Government has submitted a draft FCCD project proposal to the Netherlands Embassy in Beijing. A mission from the Netherlands to finalise the FCCD project proposal will be fielded in early 1997.
Several international and bilateral donors have been supporting forestry development in Yunnan Province, mainly in the areas of resource development, conservation and poverty alleviation. These include the Ford Foundation, McArthur Foundation, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), GTZ, IDRC, UNDP and the World Bank. It was also recently reported that ITTO is planning to assist Yunnan Province in forest resources development; the emphasis will be on plantations.
It is expected that the FCCD project will not only have a positive impact on forest conservation in Yunnan Province, but also in neighboring countries such as Myanmar and Laos.
We are undoubtedly living in the Information Age! Satellite dishes permit even the most remote villagers to pull in dozens of television channels 24 hours a day, mobile phone systems connect decision makers on opposite sides of the globe within seconds, CDs pack hundreds of books and reports on a single disk, e-mail and the Internet are quickly making fax machines and telexes amusing relicts of the past, and the World Wide Web has replaced the community library as a source of information and entertainment for many people.
Yet, for most people, particularly those in developing countries, printed materials remain the primary source of new information from outside the immediate community. For these people, computers, CD-ROM's, satellite dishes, and perhaps even television sets remain prohibitively expensive dreams. With information technology advancing at a dizzying rate, people in less-developed countries face the major risk of falling even further behind the world's "information elite".
FAO is fighting this risk on two fronts. First, concerted efforts are being made to provide and enhance information technology and familiarity with its use to developing country foresters. Second, FAO continues to supply information in written form to users to the maximum extent possible.
Newsletters and other serial publications provide timely information to a large number of potential users. FAO, through its Headquarters, Regional Offices, and regional projects (sometimes in collaboration with other agencies), produces a large number of these publications. The following is a partial listing of the FAO serial publications which are of particular relevance for Asia-Pacific foresters.
APANews
APANews is the newsletter of the Asia-Pacific Agroforestry Network (APAN). Generally, three issues are produced annually. It is dedicated to the exchange of information on agroforestry research, development, and training in the Asia-Pacific region, with special emphasis on the 11 countries participating in APAN. Each issue includes summaries of APAN activities, agroforestry developments in Asia-Pacific countries, announcements of meetings and training opportunities, and descriptions of new agroforestry-related publications. To request copies, please contact:
APAN Secretariat
P.O. Box 481, Bogor 16004, Indonesia
Fax: (62-251) 315222; Tel. (62-251) 323063;
E-mail: [email protected]
Asia Forestry Update
Asia Forestry Update is the newsletter of the new Forestry Policies and Institutions in a Market Economy, Asia Region Project. It is planned to be published on a quarterly basis, to promote the information exchange among member countries and other parties interested in the project.
To obtain copies of this newsletter, or contribute articles for it, please contact the project at the following:
Mr. David Butcher
Chief Technical Adviser (GCP/RAS/158/JPN)
Forestry Policies and Institutions in a Market Economy, Asia Region Project
Fax: (+86-10-64203540)
E-mail: forestry@,public3bta.net.cn
ASIAN WATMANET NEWSLETTER
The ASIAN WATMANET NEWSLETTER is published quarterly by the ASIAN WATershed MAnagement NETwork (ASIAN WATMANET), a regional network for people's participation in watershed management, implemented by FAO under the Participatory Watershed Management Training in Asia (PWMTA) Program and the Farmer-centred Agricultural Resource Management (FARM) Programme. The newsletter includes news of FAO and other organizations' watershed management and training activities, case study summaries, letters to the editor, and information on new developments in the field of watershed management. To receive copies of ASIAN WATMANET NEWSLETTER, contact:
Dr. Prem N. Sharma
Regional Coordinator/CTA
GCP/RAS/161/NET
P. O. Box 25
UN. Building, Pulchowk
Kathmandu, Nepal
Fax/Tel: 977-1-225144
CERES
CERES, the FAO Review, is published bi-monthly by FAO Headquarters staff. Each issue includes news snippets, research summaries, descriptions of FAO activities, and feature articles related to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries-based rural development. Recent publications and training materials are also extensively reviewed in each issue. For information on how to subscribe to CERES, contact:
CERES
FAO
Publications Division, Room C 178
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
Fax: (39-6) 5225-3152/5225-5155
Tel: (39-6) 5225-4094
DEEP (Development Education Exchange Papers)
DEEP is issued periodically in English, French, and Spanish by FAO's Office for External Relations. The publication reviews projects, programs, and documents of mutual interest to FAO and NGOs. The intention of DEEP is to promote the exchange of ideas and information between FAO and NGOs interested in working together. Each issue generally has a main focus, (sometimes unrelated to forestry) related to one area or another of sustainable development. DEEP is distributed free of charge to NGOs and institutions working with NGOs on an exchange basis. Requests for DEEP should be addressed to:
DEEP
Office for External Relations
FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
Fax: (39-6) 5225-5784; Tel: (39-6) 5225-5106
E-mail: [email protected]
FAO Yearbook of Forest Products
The FAO Yearbook of Forest Products contains annual statistical data on the production and trade (volume and value) of all major forest products for the most recent 12 year period for which data are available. Direction-of-trade data are also provided for the two most recent years of data. Data are presented for virtually all countries of the world. Data are obtained from government agencies (supplied in the form of responses to FAO's Annual surveys), information from other sources, and FAO estimates. This annual publication is considered to be the most authoritative set of global production and trade data available for forest products. For copies, please contact the FAO publications sales outlet in your country or contact:
FAO Distribution and Sales Section
Via delle Terme di Caracalla,
00100 Rome, Italy
Fax. (39-6) 5225-3152
FARM-News
FARM-News is the quarterly newsletter of the Farmer-centred Agricultural Resources Management (FARM) Programme, a UNDP supported, FAO-executed initiative involving China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Agroforestry, watershed management, and sustainable use of forest resources are key elements of the FARM Programme strategy. FARM-News provides all participants, partners, and friends of the FARM Programme with news about the programme. It also provides information on sustainable agriculture and resource use technologies and practices in Asia and the Pacific. To request copies of FARM-News, contact:
FARM Programme, FAO/RAP
39 Maliwan Mansion, Phra Atit Road
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Fax. (66-2) 280 3240
Tel: (66-2) 2812607
E-mail: [email protected]
FOREST GENETIC RESOURCES
Published annually by FAO's Forest Resources Division, Forest Genetic Resources bulletin contains a wealth of information and research results of global interest. In addition, forest genetics and tree improvement activities of various organizations are highlighted, information on availability of seed and planting materials is provided, and new publications are featured. Readers are encouraged to submit brief articles and notes of global interest, not exceeding 2,000 words, for inclusion in the bulletin. To request copies of Forest Genetic Resources, contact:
Chief
Forest Resources Development Service
Forest Resources Division
FAO
Via delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
Fax: (39-6) 5225- 5137
FOREST HARVESTING BULLETIN
The Forest Harvesting Bulletin is published twice a year by FAO's Forest Products Division. The bulletin links individuals and organizations involved in logging and forest harvesting and strives to promote sustainable forest harvesting and transport operations in natural forests and plantations, particularly in developing countries and countries undergoing transition to market economies. Requests to be added to the mailing list should be sent to:
Mr. Rudolf Heinrich, Chief
Forest Harvesting & Transport Branch Forest Products Division
FAO, Viale della Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
Fax: (39-6) 5225-5618; Tel: (39-6) 5225-4727
E-mail: [email protected]
FORESTS, TREES AND PEOPLE NEWSLETTER
This quarterly newsletter is distributed to field projects, institutions, organizations, and individuals interested in, or working with, community forestry. It forms part of the Forests, Trees and People Programme's networking activities, which are jointly run by the International Rural Development Centre (IRDC) of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SUAS), FAO's Community Forestry Unit, France's SILVA, and regional programme facilitators in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The network shares information regarding improved methods of planning and implementation of community forestry, extension and training, participatory methodologies, and small-scale forest-based enterprises. To receive the newsletter, contact:
FTPP Regional Facilitator for Asia
Regional Community Forestry Training Center Kasetsart University
P.O. Box 1111
Bangkok 10903, Thailand
Fax. (66-2) 561-4880; Tel: (66-2) 940-5700
E-mail: [email protected]
INFO-FORSPA
INFO-FORSPA is the newsletter of the FAO-coordinated Forestry Research Support Programme for Asia and the Pacific (FORSPA). Since 1991, FORSPA members have been kept informed about forestry research in the region through INFO-FORSPA, a newsletter formerly published for FORSPA by the Centre of Agriculture and Biosciences (CAB) International. Recent developments have motivated a change in content, format, and approach to this publication. With the commencement of Phase II, the newsletter is now published by FORSPA and remains focused on research activities, development, management, and support in the Asia-Pacific region. For copies of INFO-FORSPA, contact:
FORSPA Secretariat
FAO/RAP
Maliwan Mansion, Phra Atit Road,
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Fax: (66-2) 280 4565
Tel: (66-2) 281 7844
E-mail: [email protected]
NANMAP
NANMAP is an informal bi-monthly newsletter prepared and distributed by the Secretariat of the Asian Network on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (ANMAP). It is distributed free of charge to members of ANMAP and to institutions interested in the activities of ANMAP. It contains articles and summaries related to all aspects of management, processing, marketing, and utilization of medicinal and aromatic plants. It also highlights the activities of various organizations working with such plants in Asia and the Pacific. To request copies of NANMAP, contact:
ANMAP Secretariat
FAO/RAP
Maliwan Mansion, Phra Atit Road
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Fax: (66-2) 280 0445; Tel: (66-2) 281 7844
E-mail: [email protected]
NFAP UPDATE
Published twice yearly by FAO's National Forestry Action Programme (NFAP) Support Unit, NFAP Update provides a compilation of country briefs reporting on strategic forestry planning activities, policy changes, new legislation, institutional reorganization, and decentralization initiatives. Twenty-four Asia-Pacific countries are profiled in the latest issue of NFAP Update. To obtain copies, contact:
Mr. Darmo Suparmo
NFAP Regional Adviser for Asia and the Pacific
FAO/RAP
Maliwan Mansion, Phra Atit Road
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Fax. (66-2) 280 0445
Tel: (66-2) 281 7844
E-mail: [email protected]
non-wood NEWS
non-wood News is an information bulletin focusing on all aspects of non-wood forest products. It is published twice yearly by FAO's Forest Products Division to provide information and insights into the potential for non-wood forest products development, and issues related to their sustainable management and use. Each issue also includes news of various organizations' activities related to non-food forest products, upcoming meetings and events, and publications of interest. To be added to the mailing list for non-wood News, contact:
non-wood News - FOPW
FAO
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet address:
http://www.fao.org/waicent/faoinfo/ forestry/nonwood/
PACIFIC ISLANDS FORESTS & TREES
Pacific Islands Forests & Trees is published quarterly by the UNDP-supported, FAO-implemented South Pacific Forestry Development Programme. It reports on forestry news and activities of particular interest and relevance to countries of the South Pacific. To request copies, please contact:
Project Coordinator
South Pacific Forestry Development
Programme (RAS/92/361)
UNDP Private Mail Bag
Suva, Fiji
Fax: (679) 305212
Tel: (679) 300432, or 305244
Pulp and Paper Capacities
Each year FAO conducts a survey of country correspondents, national pulp and paper associations, and private companies to assess current and future development plans in the pulp and paper industry. Detailed results are published in the annual Pulp and Paper Capacities publication, produced in English, French, and Spanish by the Planning and Statistics Branch of the FAO Forestry Department. Detailed tables and statistics are presented for each country and product. Regional and global summaries are also highlighted. A list of expansion plans is published separately as Projected Pulp and Paper Mills in the World. For copies, please contact:
Chief; Planning & Statistics Branch
FAO Forestry Department
Via delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
Fax: (39-6) 5225-5514
E-mail: [email protected]
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Rural Development is published yearly in English, French and Spanish by FAO on behalf of the Sub-Committee on Rural Development of the United Nations Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC). It is compiled from reports submitted by Sub-Committee member agencies and organizations. For a free subscription, write to:
The Editor,
Rural Development
FAO/ESH
Vialle delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
TIGERPAPER/FOREST NEWS
TIGERPAPER is a quarterly news bulletin dedicated to the exchange of information relating to wildlife and national parks management in Asia and the Pacific. The first issue was published in July, 1974. In 1987, FOREST NEWS made its debut to provide information about forest policy, development strategies and management approaches. Emphasis is given to FAO-supported activities in the region. For subscription information, please contact:
Editor, TIGERPAPER
FAO/RAP
Maliwan Mansion, Phra Atit Road
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Fax. (66-2) 280 0445
Tel. (66-2) 281 7844
E-mail: [email protected]
TIMBER BULLETIN
Timber Bulletin is published jointly by FAO and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Six issues are published each year:
The primary focus of Timber Bulletin is on Europe and North America, but some issues (particularly No.3: Forest Products Annual Market Review and No.: Forest Products Trade Flow Data) provide information on Asia-Pacific suppliers of tropical wood products' trade flows, and tropical product prices. For regular subscriptions, contact:
Distribution and Sales Unit
United Nations, Palais des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Fax. (41-22) 917 002 7
TREE BREEDING AND PROPAGATION NEWS
Tree Breeding and Propagation News is the newsletter of the UNDP/FAO Regional Project on Improved Productivity of Man-Made Forests Through Application of Technological Advances in Tree Breeding and Propagation (FORTIP). The newsletter focuses on tree improvement and genetics work in Asia and the Pacific, particularly the 11 FORTIP members. For copies, contact the Secretariat at:
UNDP/FAO FOR TIP Project, ERDB Bldg.
P.O. Box 157,
College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Fax: (63-2) 8440906; Tel: (63-94) 2229
E-mail: FORTIP@FAO Phl.msm.cgnet.com
UNASYLVA
Unasylva is an international journal of forestry and forest industries published by FAO. It contains articles on all aspects of forestry including policy and planning, conservation and management of forest-based plants and animals, rural socioeconomic development, species improvement, industrial development, international trade, and environmental impacts related to forestry. It also covers the role of forests and trees in maintaining a sustainable base for agricultural production and the effects of environmental change on forestry. Unasylva is published quarterly in English, French, and Spanish. To subscribe, contact:
FAO, Distribution and Sales Section
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla,
00100 Rome, Italy
WOOD ENERGY NEWS
Wood Energy News is published and distributed quarterly by the Regional Wood Energy Development Programme (RWEDP), which supports 15 Asia-Pacific countries in establishing and strengthening their capabilities to assess wood energy situations, plan wood energy development, and implement supply and utilization programs. Wood Energy News addresses a wide range of wood energy issues, including woodfuel resources, woodfuel flows, wood energy planning and policies, and wood energy technologies. For copies, contact:
Regional Wood Energy Development
Programme in Asia
FAO/RAP, Mali wan Mansion, Phra Atit Road
Bangkok 10200, Thailand.
Fax: (66-2) 280 0760, Tel: (66-2) 280 2760
E-mail. [email protected]
Note to readers: FAO/RAP is currently supporting an update of the Directory of Selected Tropical Forestry Journals and Newsletters, originally published collaboratively by USDA Forest Service, USAID, International Society of Tropical Foresters, and the Society of American Foresters. The original directory described nearly 500 serial publications. We hope to have the updated directory available for distribution in early 1997. If you edit or support the distribution of tropical forestry newsletters or journals, and wish to have them included in the updated directory, please send a copy of your latest newsletter or journal to Patrick Durst, Regional Forestry Officer, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand. |
by Edwin Teunissen, APO-South Pacific Forestry Development Programme and Robert Wescom, USDA/NRCS, Guam
A Training for Trainers Workshop in Agroforestry for Atoll Environments was held from 29 July-3 August 1996 in Tarawa, Kiribati. It was sponsored by UNDP/FAO South Pacific Forestry Development Programme, the Pacific German Regional Forestry Project, and the USDA Forest Service/ Natural Resources Conservation Service. Fifteen participants from nine atoll nations (i.e. Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalul, Fiji, Nine, Tonga, and the Cook Islands) attended. This was the fifth collaborative agroforestry workshop held in the Pacific since 1992. The purpose of the workshops has been to develop regional participants' knowledge and skills in agroforestry, extension techniques and nursery management.
The training course covered three principal areas: nursery management and tree care; extension and training techniques; and agroforestry systems for atoll environments.
Nursery Management and Tree After-Care
Nursery management was compared to the operation of a factory with inputs, processes and outputs. The participants identified the various inputs, processes and outputs associated with a typical small atoll nursery, and listed the potential problems and probable sources the, normally affect the operation of a small nursery They were introduced to nursery management and the use of planning sheets to facilitate preparation of production schedules. Through team activities, the participants gained experience in planning and scheduling nursery and tree after-care activities.
Extension and Training Techniques
The participants practiced and improved their skills in a number of extension and training techniques including role playing, brainstorming, designing posters and leaflets, conducting village workshops, etc. Group activities on nursery management and tree aftercare were completed throughout the workshop which allowed the participants to select and combine the various extension and training techniques in order to communicate messages to their audiences.
Agroforestry Systems in Atoll Environments
The participants discussed the definition of agroforestry and identified the agroforestry systems typically found in atoll environments. These were windbreaks, intercropping and home gardens. Team activities were used to identify appropriate tree species for each system and to list the species' strengths and weaknesses.
A draft copy of an "Agroforestry Field Manual", being prepared by the USDA Forest Service/Natural Resources Conservation Service and the South Pacific Forestry Development Project, was distributed for comments and suggestions.
The participants completed a course evaluation at the close of the workshop. Most participants indicated that the workshop was valuable to them and that future agroforestry workshops were needed to develop skills and experiences in agroforestry, extension and training.
A range of collaborative activities from around the region have demonstrated that participation by local communities in the management of forest areas assists in conservation as well as promotes rural development. One of these emerging activities which has generated much interest is ecotourism.
While ecotourism is expected to grow tremendously over the next few years, many of the issues involved in the development of an ecotourism area are not clearly understood. There is increasing discussion about ecotourism by conservationists, who are concerned about the carrying capacity of the environment. Many others, who are involved in development activities, are concerned that local communities are often not adequately involved in the planning process and do not sufficiently share in the benefits.
This seminar in ecotourism is being convened by FAO and RECOFTC to explore opportunities and take a critical look at the emerging issues and trends in community managed ecotourism. It will also serve to document and exchange experiences. The conference will focus primarily on ecotourism in forest areas and the role of ecotourism in support of forest conservation and rural development.
The seminar has adopted the Ecotourism Society's definition of ecotourism: "Purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the culture and natural history of the environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem, while producing economic opportunities that make the conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people."
The objectives of the seminar are to:
· come to a better understanding of the potential role of ecotourism in conservation and development;
· identify key emerging issues in ecotourism, especially those concerning sustainability and local management benefits;
· identify case studies, course design and content, and other relevant information that can be included in the design and implementation of an Ecotourism course;
· provide and document recommendations for policy, legislation, and implementation regarding appropriate and effective community-based ecotourism.
For further details about the seminar, please contact:
Patrick B. Durst
Regional Forestry Officer
FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
Maliwan Mansion
Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Fax: (66-2) 280 0445
Tel. (66-2) 281 7844
E-mail: [email protected]
Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development organized the first Meeting of Ministers of Forestry for Continental Southeast Asia, held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 24-25 September 1996. Ministers of Forestry from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam met to discuss common issues concerning forestry development, native forests and plantations. The meeting was originally envisaged to include Thailand for a consensus of five Southeast Asian countries; however, the Thailand delegation was unable to participate. The FAO project 'Strengthening Re-afforestation Programmes in Asia (STRAP)' assisted the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in organizing the meeting.
At the end of the meeting, the Ministers issued a Joint Statement. Following are excerpts from the Statement:
We, the leaders of the delegations to the Ministerial Meeting on Forestry for four countries of Continental Southeast Asia, Hanoi, 24-25 September 1996, pledge our commitment towards achieving the conservation and sustainable management of forest resources in the sub-region, which comprise a considerable part of the world's tropical forest heritage, with special attention to the following areas:
Natural Forests
- Strictly prohibiting illegal cutting and hunting by our people in the forests of neighbouring countries.
- Attending and contributing to a Convention on Illegal Cross-Border Trade in Timber and Non-wood Forest and Wildlife Products with the express purpose of stamping out this activity.
- Meeting on a regular basis to develop specific cross-border protected areas systems and prepare joint management plans and proposals for preventing poaching and ensuring the preservation of endangered wildlife species.
Re-afforestation and Plantation Forests
- Establishing a mechanism for communication on plantation forestry matters to enable each country to benefit from the experience of others.
- Arranging for exchanges of plant material and the establishment of organized 4-country trials, of common design and specification.
- Arranging meetings and study tours for plantation forest managers, technicians and students to allow exchange of management methods and development of efficient techniques and expertise to be applicable to each country.
- Developing new strategies for fuelwood production which take into account new technologies for improvement of genotypes used and in the development of sustainable plantation systems specifically designed for fuelwood production.
- Jointly preparing a manual on sustainable management techniques for the major plantation species used in the four countries.
Other Forestry Matters
- Establishing a plan for meetings on research within natural forests and plantations, as well as exchanges of research foresters between countries;
- Improving the training for all levels from professional to field worker and investigating the possibility of establishing 'centers of excellence in training' within the four countries;
- Arranging meetings of extension officers to analyze and prepare more effective methods of extension of research results to the users of such information;
- Developing methodologies for passing information to smallholders and involving them in all matters pertaining to management of natural and plantation forests;
- Establishing mechanism to promote the flow of information on developments in forestry among countries;
To assist in implementation, we:
- Appeal to the international community to accord the highest priority to forestry related issues in this region due to the significant role and impact of the forests on local and regional environment;
- Call upon the organizations within the United Nations system, bilateral and multilateral donors, and NGOs from around the world to support forest conservation and reafforestation in Continental Southeast Asia by providing expertise and finance for implementation of regional forestry projects.
- Strongly support the initiative to hold regular Ministerial Meetings every two years on a rotational alphabetical basis of countries and to establish a working group, consisting of one representative from each member country, to coordinate and follow up the Joint Statement of the Meeting.
APAN FIELD DOC. NO.4/RAP PUBLICATION 1996/20
Asia-Pacific Agroforestry Profiles: Second Edition
Agroforestry is an important livelihood for billions of men, women and their children throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Agroforestry practices and systems are diverse and complex, and reflect the cumulative innovations, experimentation, and knowledge that farmers have evolved over centuries and millennia. Good agroforestry practices provide food, wood, cash, and a variety of other productive and protective functions to farm households. Sound agroforestry systems contribute to ecological sustainability and support the overall environmental strategies of UNCED and national governments.
In the past two decades, support for agroforestry research, development, and training has increased markedly from farmers, local organizations, governments, NGOs, private sector, and international organizations. FAO is an active stakeholder and facilitator of this process, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
One of the first activities of the FAO coordinated Asia-Pacific Agroforestry Network (APAN) was to compile the Asia-Pacific Agroforestry Profiles, first published in 1992, with supplemental printings in 1993 and 1994.
Working in collaboration with the APAN National Coordinators, APAN and FAO/RAP have updated and substantially expanded the original profiles in a new publication: Asia-Pacific Agroforestry Profiles: Second Edition. The publication includes detailed information on agroforestry systems, policies, issues, development activities, constraints, and opportunities in the 11 APAN member countries (i.e. Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam).
For copies, please write to:
Regional Forestry Officer
FAO Regional Once for Asia and the Pacific
Maliwan Mansion, Phra Atit Road
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Fax: (662) 2800445; Tel: (662) 281 7844
We announced the "Competition for Forward Thinkers!! " in the previous issue of Forest News, with the closing date for entries given as 31 October 1996. However, due to delays in distribution of that issue, we are extending the deadline until 31 March 1997. and are reprinting the details for those who missed it the first time around.
What technological advances will have the greatest impact on forestry in Asia and the Pacific between now and 2010? What are the trends and prospects for plantation development in the coming years? Will deforestation finally be brought to a halt? Will consumers demand certification of forest products? What forest management systems will prevail in the next 15 years? What is the outlook for protected areas and endangered wildlife species? How will Asia-Pacific forest industries change over the next 15 years? How will the Uruguay Round agreements of GATT affect forestry in Asia and the Pacific? What are the prospects for community-based forest management? What major policy changes will influence forestry in the coming years? How will forestry institutions change? What role will environmental groups play in shaping forest policy in the year 2010?
These are just a few of thousands of questions forward-looking foresters are asking as we approach the next century. What insights do you have about the future of forestry in the region? How clear is your "crystal ball"?
The FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific is sponsoring a competition for individuals with insights into the direction of forests and forestry in the Asia-Pacific region over the next 15 years. Interested individuals are invited to submit original papers describing the outlook and likely scenarios for any aspect of forestry in the Asia-Pacific region between now and the year 2010.
The competition is being organized in support of the ongoing Asia-Pacific Forestry Sector Outlook Study endorsed by the 16th Session of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission. The regional outlook study is being conducted to provide decision makers with current information, forecasts, projections, and insights into the potential directions forestry may take in the next 15 years. The study is a cooperative effort of governments, industry, NGOs, universities, and various international organizations in Asia and the Pacific.
The following guidelines apply to the competition:
1. Papers may deal with any subject area of forests and forestry, but must fully describe the implications and importance of the subject topic for the
Asia-Pacific region.
2. Papers should clearly and logically describe the outlook and likely scenarios related to the selected topic between now and the year 2010.
3. Authors are encouraged, but not required, to propose solutions to problems described in papers.
4. All papers must be typed in English, and must not exceed 20 pages, including supporting tables, figures, etc.
5. All papers must be the original work of the author(s) entering the competition.
Secondary data and information presented in the papers must be appropriately credited to the original sources.
6. The name, address, and telephone number (fax or e-mail, if applicable) of each author must be clearly printed on the first page of each entry.
7. No FAO staff, or family members of staff, or individuals currently under special service agreements, author's contracts, or other contractual arrangements with FAO are eligible to enter the competition.
8. Entries should be mailed to: Regional Forestry Officer, Attn: Outlook Contest, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand.
9. All entries must be received by 28 February 1997.
Entries will be judged on the following:
· analytical strength upon which outlook and scenarios are built;
· clarity and logic used in presenting the outlook and scenarios described in the paper; and
· originality and freshness used in approaching the subject topic.
The following prizes will be awarded: First Prize: US$500, Second Prize: US$300, Third Prize: US$200
Winning papers will be published in future issues of Forest News of Tigerpaper.
FOREST NEWS is issued by the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific as part of TIGERPAPER This issue of FOREST NEWS was compiled by Patrick B. Durst, Regional Forestry Officer |
