Final Technical Report for the Central African Regional Programme for the Environment (CARPE/IUCN) By:

Transcription

1 Participatory Wildlife Monitoring and Management for Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Improvement in Takamanda: Searching Solutions to the Bushmeat Crisis Final Technical Report for the Central African Regional Programme for the Environment (CARPE/IUCN) By: Stella Asaha Roland Ndah Rose Mukete Hamadou Aboubakar July 2011

2 List of Contents PROJECT DETAILS INFORMATION... 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND PROBLEM IDENTIFIED OBJECTIVE EXPECTED RESULTS CONTEXT OF PROJECT DEVELOPMENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY LOCATION ACCESSIBILITY EVOLUTION OF THE PROJECT INVOLVEMENT OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS Meeting with Stakeholders Inception Workshop FIELD SURVEYS Socio-economic Survey Mammal Survey TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS Sensitization and Pre-planning Workshop Workshop on Wildlife Laws and Animal Classification Field Training on Wildlife Monitoring Planning Community Wildlife Management Strategy DISSEMINATION WORKSHOP Presentations General and Group Discussions STUDIES ON AGRO-FORESTRY AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO BUSHMEAT HUNTING EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT SOCIO-ECONOMIC POLICY AND GOVERNANCE EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS LEARNED POSITIVE EXPERIENCES NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES AND LIMITATIONS LESSONS LEARNT STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT AND INTEREST VILLAGES AND LOCAL COUNCIL i

3 6.2 ORGANIZATIONS (FOREP, CARPE, WCS, DED/GIZ) GOVERNMENT (MINFOF AND MINEP) BUSHMEAT TRADERS (WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS) PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY AND WAY FORWARD CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS CONCLUSIONS SUMMARY OF SELECTED RECOMMENDATIONS List of Tables Table 1 Composition of Existing VFMC... 9 Table 2 List of species encountered in Okpambe Table 3 List of Species Encountered in Assam and Takpe Area Table 4 Elected Members of Assam Takpe Awuri Wildlife Management Association (ATA-WMA) Table 5 Local animal classification exercise Table 6 Seasonal Calendar of Bushmeat Related Activities Table 7 Historical trend of hunting and farming activities Table 8 Requirement of Community Wildlife Management Table 9 Results of Group Discussions Table 10 Summary of Project Planned Activities Table 11 Summary of Expected Results List of Figures Figure 1 Geographic Map of Project Site Figure 2 Common Animals Sold in the Area Figure 3 Seasonal Variations of Hunting Activities List of Photographic Plates Photo Plate 1 Planning Session during the Inception Workshop... 9 Photo Plate 2 Smoked porcupine and dead duiker Photo Plate 3 Classification of Animals According to the National Wildlife Law Photo Plate 4 Participatory Mapping Exercise at Okpambe Village Photo Plate 5 Presentations at the workshop Photo Plate 6 Dissemination Workshop Group discussions Photo Plate 7 Presentations after group discussions Photo Plate 8 Discussion, questions and answers session ii

4 List of Acronyms ATA-WMA... Assam-Takpe-Awuri Wildlife Management Association CARPE... Central African Regional Programme for the Environment CBC... Community Based Conservation CBO...Community Based Organisation CIFOR... Centre for International Forestry Research DDMINFOF... Divisional Delegate of Forestry and Wildlife FMC... Forest Management Committee FMU... Forest Management Unit FOREP... Forests, Resources and People GIZ/ DED... German Development Services GPS... Global Positioning System KFW... German Development Bank KGS... Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary MFR... Mone Forest Reserve MINEP... Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection MINFOF... Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife NGOs... Non-governmental Organizations PRA... Participatory Rural Appraisal PROFA... Protection of the Forest around Akwaya PSMNR/SWR... Programme for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources/South West Region PWM... Participatory Wildlife Management TNP... Takamanda National Park TOU... Technical Operations Units VC... Village Council VFMC... Village Forest Management Committee WCS... Wildlife Conservation Society iii

5 Project Details Project number: 0789/09 Project title: Participatory Wildlife Monitoring and Management for Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Improvement in Takamanda: Searching Solution to the Bushmeat Crisis Forests, Resources and People (FOREP), B.P. 111, Limbe, Cameroon Tel: (+237) Fax: (+237) / Starting date: August 2009 Duration: 12 months Period covered so far: October June 2011 (No-cost extension period inclusive) Total cost of the Project: USD 16,668 CARPE/IUCN: USD 14,777 FOREP: USD 1,891 1

6 Executive Summary The Takamanda-Mone Technical Operations Unit (TOU) is a mosaic of different land use types. It comprises the Takamanda National Park (TNP), the Mone Forest Reserve (MFR), the Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary (KGS) and a forest management unit (FMU 11004). This TOU (444,172 ha) (see Figure 1) is located within the Akwaya subdivision in Manyu Division of the South West Region of Cameroon. The area is made up of more than 100 villages with very limited road access and lacks basic social amenities, such as schools and hospitals. The local communities depend mainly on the forest and its resources for income and household sustenance. Research carried out in this region identified it as a biologically important (Comiskey et al. 2003) particularly for the conservation of the Cross River Gorilla. Unsustainable bushmeat hunting for food and income in the Takamanda is highly practiced; consequently, there is serious threat to the local survival of many tropical species, including mammals (including numerous primate species), birds, reptiles and amphibians. Anti-poaching teams have not yielded adequate fruits for conservation. Human development activities such as farming and road construction, as well as logging activities, have led to deterioration of local habitat. It is clear that there is the need to conserve the fast-depleting wildlife populations of this area, while on the other hand meet human development needs. The major problem is to find a balance between these two life options: preserving natural resources and satisfying human needs. The objective of the project is to contribute to the sustainable use of wildlife for the benefit of the local communities while ensuring the conservation of the endangered species, through the establishment of community based wildlife management plans. This project was executed in five villages located at the border of the TNP. To achieve its objectives, the project comprised three phases, including research, sensitization of local communities through education, and training and capacity building of local people. During the implementation of the project, much experience was gained by both the communities and the implementation organization (FOREP). The lessons learned have been of great help in formulating policy statements (as recommendations) to improve on the legislation of wildlife management in Cameroon. 2

7 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Hunting for food in Central Africa is an issue of concern because there is strong evidence to suggest that the scale of hunting poses a real threat to many tropical wildlife species; this directly translates to threats to food security for the forest dependent inhabitants of these forests in Africa, most of who rely largely on bushmeat for protein. The so-called "bushmeat crisis" is the focus of many conservation organizations and of a number of development programs throughout Central Africa. Most of the efforts by conservation NGOs to reduce the impacts of hunting on biodiversity have focused on law enforcement and sensitization campaigns which warn against the illegality of the trade in bushmeat, the risk of species extinction and health-related problems by playing with infected animals. However, these activities have not been successful in preventing local extirpation of some hunted species until now. Effective wildlife management models need to be developed to secure bushmeat as a resource and make it available for future generations without compromising conservation efforts. In most countries wildlife remains state property and hunting is illegal, leading to a situation of low ownership, non-recognition of user rights and even criminalization of use. A recent report by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Centre for Forestry Research (CIFOR) entitled Conservation and Use of Wildlife-Based Resources: The Bushmeat Crisis argues that if local hunters are bestowed with some user rights and the knowledge to understand the consequences of their decisions, they will embrace their responsibility to hunt sustainably. To address this issue, many countries are seeking ways to devolve user rights to communities to create an incentive to invest in the long-term sustainable use of resources. Community wildlife management models may be one of the key mechanisms to engender support for attempts to make the bushmeat harvesting more sustainable. The focus of these is on enhancing the livelihoods of the people living in and from the forest who are often the poorest and most marginalized in society. Community wildlife management is based on the assumption that it is possible to improve rural livelihoods, conserve the environment and promote economic growth. However, there are few places where management rights are given to local communities under a community management system, and little is known about the circumstances in which such systems can serve both economic and ecological purposes under current conditions. The Takamanda region has been identified as a biologically important area (Comiskey et al. 2003), particularly for the conservation of the Cross River Gorilla. However, given the presence of four enclaves in the TNP (Obonyi 1 and 3, Kekpane, Matene) and the heavy reliance of local people (15,700 inhabitants; Mdaihli, et. al. 2002) on several non-timber forest products (NTFPs) including wildlife, it is important to ensure that conservation objectives do not undermine local people s needs. 3

8 1.2 Problem Identified Hunting for food and income in the Takamanda cluster villages is a concern because there is strong evidence that shows a high level of hunting occurring in the region. Another problem identified is the sensitization campaigns and the use of law-enforcement officer to reduce hunting and forest encroachment which have not yielded adequate fruits for conservation. Compounding these problems is the creation of logging roads within this region which have opened the forest to poachers from Nigeria. Illegal logging is also identified as a threat to forest resources. Local inhabitants and intruders from neighboring countries use poor harvesting techniques that seriously destroys habitat. The major issue in this region is to find a balance to meet these two life options; preserving natural resources and satisfying human needs. 1.3 Objective The overall objective of the project is to contribute to the sustainable use of wildlife for the benefit of the local communities while ensuring the conservation of endangered species. The specific focus is to facilitate the establishment of participatory wildlife management (PWM) and monitoring plan in focus villages around the TNP and to formulate and contribute to policy recommendations for solutions of bushmeat crisis at the regional and national levels. 1.4 Expected Results two community wildlife management plans are in place and functional a final report clearly states best practices and lessons learned for the implementation of community wildlife management plans put forth policy recommendations at the regional and national level 1.5 Context of the Project This is a one-year project geared towards the sustainable use of bushmeat to meet with conservation imperatives on the one hand and satisfy the local people who depend on them on the other hand. This project was initially designed to function in three communities with easy proximity to the TNP (i.e.assam, Takpe and Awuri). These villages are located in the Takamanda-Mone Technical Operation Unit (TOU) (see Figure X) and have access to the resources (including bushmeat) in the buffer zone of the TNP where there are populations of the Cross River Gorilla. These villages are remote and have limited access to the nearest markets; they depend on bushmeat both as a source of protein and income; and practice unsustainable hunting. The project commenced in September 2009 and realized some of its intended activities before its suspension in February 2010 due to some conflicts that arose in the field. The gravity of this conflict seems to have been underestimated from the onset, as all resolution measures undertaken with the project 4

9 villages failed. It finally took about 12 months for the conflict to be resolved. However, during this time the FOREP team decided to work in two alternate villages in the same area that were not involved in the conflict. From January to June 2011, and thanks to CARPE s no-cost extension, the project continued with the villages of Awuri and Okpambe. The results presented here include activities that were carried out in 2009 in Assam, Takpe and Awuri) as well as within Okpambe and Awuri. 5

10 2.0 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY 2.1 Location The project focused on villages around the recently created TNP, located within the Takamanda-Mone TOU. The Takamanda-Mone TOU, was created in June 2007 (MINFOF, 2005) includes the Mone Forest Reserve, Forest Management Unit (FMU #11 004), the Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary and the recently created TNP. Administratively, the area is located in the Akwaya subdivision of the Manyu Division. Figure 1 Geographic Map of Project Site 2.2 Accessibility The communities of Assam and Takpe share common boundaries with the TNP and both villages did not have road access until March the TNP could only be reached after two hours of trekking from the road terminal at Okpambe, passing through Awuri. Recently, a farm-to-market road constructed by the Programme for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources - South West Region (PSMNR - SWR) (funded by the German Development Bank [kfw]), makes it easy to reach Assam and Takpe by motorbike. Between Okpambe and Awuri, the Ebeh River is crossed by means of a hand-pulled canoe, especially during the rainy season. No cars can reach Assam. 6

11 Okpambe village is accessible through an earth road from Mamfe at a distance of 33 km, taking an average of 1h 45 min drive time depending on the state of the road. It is located at the road terminus where footpaths lead to other villages in the area such as Takamanda, Obony I and II, Nyang and where the newly constructed moto bike road leads to Awuri, Takpe, Assam on the other side of Ebeh River. 7

12 3.0 EVOLUTION OF THE PROJECT 3.1 Involvement of Local Stakeholders Meeting with Stakeholders During the process of introducing the project to the other active partners (i.e., DED, WCS, and MINFOF) in the area, meetings were held with all interest groups separately. Visits to the target villages were important to meet with the chiefs and the elders. During this time, the development and conservation partners were briefed on the objectives and main activities of the project. Partners had opportunity to offer their point of view about the project, and make suggestions. During these meetings, MINFOF was identified as an implementing partner, meaning that it was included as part of the project execution and was active at all the stages of the planned activities. The MINFOF divisional delegate officially opened the inception workshop in Mamfe. MINFOF staff was present at all project village meetings and workshops and had a role in the training on animal classification and wildlife laws Inception Workshop The main aim of this workshop was to bring together the various interest groups working in the Takamanda region for an official introduction of the project. This workshop included three main presentations. In the first presentation, FOREP and CARPE explained the project objectives, including information about the fauna situation and finally brief introduction to participatory wildlife management with lessons learned from other areas. There was the brief stakeholder analysis session, during which every person or group of persons thought to be involved in bushmeat was identified. The workshop went into a planning session which started with brainstorming on which group of persons or individuals are concerned or involved in bush meat exploitation in the Takamanda region. The following groups were identified; villagers (men and women) government of Cameroon (MINFOF) international development organization (DED) international conservation organization (WCS) local non-government organization (FOREP) external bushmeat traders urban dwellers (traders and consumers) 8

13 The next important issue was whether the project should continue with the existing village forest management committee (VFMC) formed by WCS and MINFOF or to form a separate wildlife management committee. Following discussions, the decision was made to work with the existing VFMCs of the three. The next question concerned membership of the committee. This question came up mainly to balance the gender of the VFMC, particularly to get as many women as possible to be involved. Table 1 lists the number of members per village and their gender. Table 1 Composition of Existing VFMCs Village No. of Men No. of Women Total Assam Takpe Awuri Given the gender imbalance in the VFMCs, discussions ensued about the need to get more women involved. Some community representatives who raised concerns on the role of women in VFMCs felt that it was inappropriate for women (especially married woman) to be involved in strenuous forest-based activities. After further discussion, it was agreed that each community would take as an assignment to add at least two women to their VFMC before the next meeting. Photo Plate 1 Planning Session during the Inception Workshop The next meeting on general village sensitization and action planning s scheduled for January 9, 2010 at the Assam village community hall. 3.2 Field Surveys Socio-economic Surveys Socio-economic studies were undertaken with the main objective of capturing cultural aspects related to wildlife, the market chain of bushmeat product at the regional level, as well as the economic and social importance of bushmeat (especially in relation to other sources of protein). The specific objectives of this study were: 9

14 to determine the type of hunting practices and methods carried out within the area to determine the rate of hunting per month as well as seasonal variations in hunting activities to identify the most common type of hunted animals and species preferred to identify rules that regulate hunting and the sale of bushmeat to identify any rules regulating strangers from hunting in the area to identify and explain the route of market trends in and out of the area Data for this study was collected through structured questionnaires administered to a random sample of about 15% of the village households, irrespective whether they hunt or not. Another second set of questionnaires were specifically administered to those identified as bushmeat traders in the village. Other data for this report was generated from group discussions with village leaders and hunters, as well as external bushmeat traders. Data showed that bushmeat is hunted for income as much as it is for consumption; an average of about 121,636.3 FCFA per household per year comes from hunting, and a corresponding 139,330 FCFA per year comes from bushmeat trade in the area. However, some bushmeat, such as the cane rat, the rat mole and the catabeef (pangolin) is not sold due to its small size. Larger animals are usually sold and fetch good money for the household. Some parts of the animals such as the internal organs, head and feet, are consumed by the household. Figure 2 Common Animals Sold in the Area Hunters use locally made guns or, more commonly wire traps; use of bait is usually limited to around farms for small rodents. Traps are used by all hunters including those who own guns and younger people who are learning how to get bushmeat for the family. During the trapping season, an average of 200 traps are set and checked every two or three days. The high number of traps is very destructive to the local wildlife because animals may rot if traps are not checked daily. Guns are usually handed down from parent to children (which is against the law) or purchased from Nigeria. Most hunters who use guns hunt for income about 45% to 50% of the time. However, with the introduction of cocoa farming in recent years, progressively less of men are hunting; those that do spend just less than 30% of their time engaged in hunting. 10

15 Bushmeat trading is an age old occupation among villagers of the Takamanda region. According to Chief Tabe Takomba of Okpambe village, many years ago income from bushmeat provided for construction of houses and education. This was typically a male-dominated activity, but in the recent years more women are hunting. According to project surveys, bushmeat traders now also comprise women age 25 to 34 years who hunt to generate household income. Bushmeat is either traded within the villages or carried to nearby towns where they will yield relatively higher income. Within the villages they are sold in small pieces for about 100 to 200 FCFA, which is much more affordable to most households. Bushmeat is also cooked by woman and sold. There is no designated hunting season, but, there are peak seasons, especially for trapping. Hunting rates are low (approximately 9%) from January to March because hunters are more involved in clearing of farms or farm labour jobs for those who do not have personal farms. About 35% of respondents indicated they hunt from April to June as a result of a reduction in the farming activities. Hunting activities are limited from July to September (about 25% of hunters hunt during these months) because of intensive rains and high water levels. As a result of the heavy rains, hunters mostly use traps or sit under particular fruit trees and wait for animals. Approximately 31% hunt between October to December, mainly to look for bushmeat to be sold or eaten during the Christmas season. Figure 3 Seasonal Variations of Hunting Activities In the last decade, when farming activities were mainly for household consumption, hunting was a fulltime activity and the main source of household income. Although this has changed, some hunters, though involved more in farming activities, still give some of their time to hunting. The number of days spent in the forest for each hunting trip generally indicates whether a hunter is full time or part time. On average, a full-time hunter spends about three weeks in the forest in their bush huts. Meanwhile part-time hunters spend less than a week in their bush huts since they are involved in faming or other activities. 11

16 Photo Plate 2 Smoked Porcupine and Duiker Mammal Surveys Collection of biological data focused on selected target species, such as forest duiker (Cephalophus spp.), brush tailed porcupine (Atherurus africanus), and other large rodents which are mentioned by the villagers as being common in the area. Assessment methods included reconnaissance and various (direct/indirect) line transect surveys across different forest and land-use types. Hunter s knowledge was also taken into account during this survey. Mammal surveys were carried out by a two-person team which included a mammal specialist and a local field assistant (typically a good hunter was chosen). Transects were positioned along human trails, about 50 m apart, and perpendicular to the trail. The zero position of each transect was recorded using a GPS unit and marked with a red tag on a wooden stick or pole. The mammal team walked towards the given bearing looking for direct observations of mammals until they reached 200 m (measured using a hip chain). The team then walked back along the transect to search for dung and nest signs. Information about species, distance from zero point, perpendicular distance to the transect (using a 50 m tape), type of sign, habitat type and local name of trail was recorded. Animal signs observed included dung, hair, sound tracts and feeding habits. A total of 13 mammal species were encountered in Okpambe (see Table 2). The most abundant species were cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) followed by red duiker (Cephalophus spp) (see Figure 5). Red duiker species were lumped together for ease of identification and to avoid confusion of species specificity. Fifty-seven percent of the mammals encountered were small rodents and 40% were ungulates. Only one monkey (Cercopithecus nictitans) was seen. Table 2 Species Encountered in Okpambe Area Common Name Latin Name Type of Sign porcupine Atherurus africanus dung African yellow bat Scotophilus dinganii dung cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus dung blue duiker Cephalophus monticola dung red duiker spp. Cephalophus callipygus, C. nigrifrons, C. ogylbi., C. dorsalis dung 12

17 putty nose monkey Cercopithecus nictitans dung civet Civettictis civetta dung red river hog (bush pig) Potamochoerus porcus dung potto Perodicticus potto dung tortoise none direct encounter wild dog Lycaon pictus dung Eighteen different mammal species were encountered in Assam (see Table 4 and Figures 11 through 15). The most abundant species were red duikers (Cephalophus spp) followed by blue duiker (Cephalophus monticola). Fifty percent of the mammals encountered were small rodents and 30% were ungulates. Three monkeys (putty nose -, mona and black (putty nose - Cercopithecus nictitans, black monkey - C. preussi, and mona monkey - C. mona)--were seen; the black monkey (C. preussi) was discovered dead on the ground at transect 71. A lone tree nest of the great ape family was seen along the Takpe/Assam/Awuri hill. It was difficult to associate it to a Cross River gorilla nest or that of a chimpanzee. A mixed group of about 20 monkeys (Cercopithecus nictitans, C. preussi, C. mona, C. erythrotis (redeared guenon) comprising infants, juveniles and feeding adults were encountered early morning out of the transects along the Takpe/Assam/Awuri Hills (data not included in this analysis). Table 3 Species Encountered in Assam and Takpe Area Common Name Latin Name Number of Sitings Sign Encounter Rate black monkey Cercopithecus preussi 1 seen blue duiker Cephalophus monticola 133 dung bush baby or Galago Galago spp 1 dung bush buck Tragelaphus scriptus 3 dung bush pig Potamochoerus porcus 31 dung cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus 107 dung civet Civettictis civetta 3 dung chimpanzee Pan troglodytes, 1 nest Cross River Gorilla Gorilla gorilla diehli none mona monkey Cercopithecus mona 1 seen mongoose Herpestes spp 4 dung 0.25 porcupine Atherurus africanus 25 dung potto Perodicticus potto 4 dung 0.25 putty nose monkey Cercopithecus nictitans 1 seen rat mole Cricetomys spp 4 dung 0.25 red duiker Cephalophus spp 141 dung 8.82 squirrel Funisciurus spp 2 seen wild dog Lycaon pictus 1 dung yellow bat Scotophilus dinganii 1 dung

18 Analysing abundance, richness and diversity per habitat type in Okpambe, fallows provide the highest abundance of mammal observations, followed by mature forests and secondary forests. The most abundant species in fallows and farmland is the cane rat (more than 80% of the observations, whereas the most abundant species in mature forests and secondary forests are the red duikers (70.3 % of observations in mature forests and 47.8% in secondary forests; see Figure 10). Blue duiker was equally abundant in mature forests and secondary forests, while porcupines were more abundant in secondary than in mature forests. A low number of red river hog signs were found both in secondary forests and mature forests. In the Assam Takpe forest area, mature forests provide the highest abundance of mammal observations, followed by secondary forests and farmlands. The most abundant species in farmlands and fallows is the cane rat (more than 50% of observations), while the most abundant species in mature forests and secondary forests is the red duiker (43.8 % of the observations in mature forests and 33% in secondary forests). Blue duiker was equally abundant in all four habitat types, whereas bush pig or red river hog and bush buck were common only in mature and secondary forests. 3.3 Trainings and Workshops A series of workshops were held with men and women in the villages during the period of the project. The aim of these workshops was to educate, train and derive information that was considered useful for developing a management strategy. These meetings included presentations, discussions and the use of different participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methods, specifically historical trends, seasonal calendars, scoring of different land-use types and participatory mapping Sensitization and Preplanning Workshop For an effective participatory wildlife management model to be developed and functional there is need for the local community to be involved. Their active involvement requires sensitization on the various issues related to sustainable wildlife management. It is in this light that the sensitization and planning workshop was held in Assam village as agreed upon by at the inception workshop in Mamfe. The main objective of this exercise was to sensitize the rest of the community on the agreements arrived at the inception workshop that took place at Mamfe and also to create forum where the rest of the villagers can come and discuss about the project and give their point of view. The meeting was characterized by presentations on the project and the need for a community wildlife management. Another important discussion during this meeting was on whether to form a common wildlife management association with members from the three villages (Assam, Takpe and Awuri) or to function with the existing village forest management committees. This same meeting was held at Okpambe when the project was shifted to another cluster of villages due to the conservation and development conflict (see section 3.5 above) The meeting at Assam was opened to all the community members of Assam, Takpe and Awuri villages and it was attended thus. There were presentations about the project which provoked a lot of questions 14

19 and answers, not limited to the project but extended to forest use and the recently created Takamanda National Park. One of the main issues discussed in this meeting was how the project is going to function; whether the existing VFMC or with another body formed by the villages. This discussion was carried over from the inception workshop. It was finally agreed that the project will function with the VFMC members, but that it is important to have a body put in place, made up of members of the VFMCs of these three villages. The functions of this group and the mode of functioning were to be laid down in the next meeting. This group was formed as indicated in the table below. Table 4 Elected Members of Assam-Takpe-Awuri Wildlife Management Association (ATA- WMA) No. Name Position Village 1 Besong Cletus President Assam 2 Enow Peter messenger Assam 3 Ebai Christain Treasurer Assam 4 Achaw Nelly Member Assam 5 Etchu Gregory Member Assam 6 Daniel Ekwelle Ndip Vice President Takpe 7 Ekwelle Samuel Financial sec. Takpe 8 Ekwelle Blessings Member Takpe 9 Maurice Keto Member Takpe 10 Dorothy Anya Member Takpe 11 Eyong Fidelis Member Awuri 12 Besong Thomas Member Awuri 13 Jacob Debi Adviser Awuri 14 Besong Lilian Member Awuri 15 Besong Anderson Secretary Awuri 16 Ekwelle John Adviser Awuri 17 Etchu Alfred Adviser Assam 18 Eyong Thomas messenger Awuri Workshop on Wildlife Laws and Animal Classification This workshop was crucial as it gives a base on which the communities will build their management strategy on. It was important for them to understand what the national law says about wildlife exploitation and its related activities. The training pack included wildlife classification and significance and importance of the animals in each class. Laws on hunting and trapping were also discussed with much insight and questions from the community members. During this time, they were asked to list the animals common in the area; this was cross checked with the results of the mammal surveys. Based on the model of classification in the national wildlife law, local classification exercise was conducted using the local 15

20 knowledge of animal abundance and scarcity. The workshop had the following specific objectives to meet. to sensitize community members on what the laws say on bush meat harvesting and management to categories the different animals (mammals) into the different classes, A, B, and C to list the different types of animals present within their region and the abundance of the different species present to list the different equipments or instruments use in hunting of the different species of animals to encourage community members to enforce indigenous rules and laws on wildlife management to explain the need of animal shifting to different classes and the reason for management of the buffer zone (out of the TNP) ANIMAL CLASSIFICATION At the start of the training, each participant was asked to list the different species of animals found within their communities and the Takamanda Region as a whole. Community members were also asked which ecological types these animals are often seen, is it often seen in farmland, fallowed land, swamps, virgin forest or within the community. The training on wildlife classification and law was very participatory starting with the village members listing the animals which are most abundant and the species which are mostly hunted. The types of equipments use in hunting were also listed. Some of the equipments include traps, guns, and bait to kill the animals. From the list of animals listed by the participants within the Takamanda regions, species of animals were categorized into three main groups (A, B, and C) as it is stipulated in the wildlife law (MINFOF, 2007). During the training on the wildlife laws participants were asked to classify the animals listed into the various classes based on prior knowledge of the regions. Most of the species were wrongly classified by the participants who are not aware of the recent wildlife laws. Nevertheless some of the animals were grouped in their right classes such as the drills, gorilla and the chimpanzees. The trainees were then exposed to the different classes of animals (A, B, and C), those which are found within the Takamanda region and those which are found else were in Cameroon in case inhabitants travel to other parts of the country (Appendix 1, 2, and 3). The trainees were taught that animals in class A were in no occasion being hunted or trapped under all course since most of these species within this group are threaten, and some getting to extinction. Animals in group B were equally not exploited in a manner in which the species could be endangered or threatened. Therefore only licensed hunters are allowed to hunt such class of animals. In the class B animals restrictions are given to licensed hunters stating the number of animals which could be hunted, the hunting region and some time the sex of the animal may be considered. 16

21 Photo Plate 3 Classification of Animals According to the National Wildlife Law The trainees were then exposed to the class C animals which were mostly farm pest and other rodents which destroy farm produced. Forest community members are allowed to trap some of these farm pests around their farmlands or agricultural fields. At the end of the exercise the trainees were then asked to group the listed animals found within their region into the different classes. Table 5 Local Wildlife Classification Exercise Scientific name Common name Vernacular name Class A Animals Chevrotain aquatique Water beef Egkwoh Papio leucophaeus Mandrill Mandrill Gorilla gorilla gorilla gorilla Pan troglodytes chimpanzee chimpanzee Class B Animals Hylochoerus meinertzhageni Bush pig Mukuande Loxodonta africana Elephant Meshuh Genetta genetta Cat nensooh Viverra civetta Cat geshuah Class C Animals Atherurus africain Porcupine Miogh Ctenodactylus gundi Grass cutter ebih Cricetomys gambianus Rat mole mewumbuh Ichneumia albicauda Twenty in line ebiankah INDIGENOUS LAWS AND REGULATIONS ON WILDLIFE EXPLOITATION Communities within forested regions or parks usually have native or traditional rules and laws that regulate the exploitation of both trees and animals. Some traditional rules put forth by participants on wildlife and forest management include: The number of traps an individual can use within a season. The trainees mentioned a maximum of 100 traps, and the removal of traps after the trapping season. 17

22 Traps are checked every three days to avoid animals getting rotten. The number of traps per individuals is monitored and ensures that the number of traps put in place the trap should be able to checked the trap within a day. Community members are not allowed to clear more than 3 ha of land within one farming season. Some large animals such as the crocodiles are not hunted, and some species are eaten only by the chief, quarter head or village notable, thus reducing the pressure on such animals since eaten by few numbers of persons. Streams are not to be used as toilets and there are heavy fines for stream poisoning. Based on the above rules and regulation listed by the trainees, the consultant encourages most of the traditional or native laws that favours wildlife management. The positive laws were enforced with the sanctions stated by the participants. Such sanctions stated by the participants included. the use of traditional juju to swear ignorance of a particular situation An injunction order is put on community members who clear the forest more than the stated size (maximum of 3 ha within a year). there is organized removal of traps by youths of the communities supervised by the chief and his council Using poison of any form to fish is deemed a fine of 50,000 FCFA, to be shared with the community. Limits are placed on hunting during the breeding season, from around October to December. It was realized through informal discussions however that some of these laws are not respected and no serious sanctions has been put on the defaulters. However, the idea to put down these laws is a good one, but will take some time to take effect as people are still used to the traditional free-access to forest theory Field Training on Wildlife Monitoring Because men are more involved in cocoa farming and fishing (especially in Okpambe), it was not easy to identify full-time hunters. However, it was discussed that this group should include those who hunt or trap sparingly, as long as they do it once in a while. Considering that the VFMC and the village council will be the executing bodies of the wildlife management strategy, they were also included in this training. This session was opened with discussions on the different hunting methods being practiced, as well as materials used for hunting. They also discussed traditional laws and rules of hunting in the area. The monitoring exercise began with discussions on the data monitoring sheets and transects methods. It was decided that the scientific transects methods will not be used, but rather normal paths. For example, the group was divided in half and took different directions led by hunters who had past experience with the mammal survey team. After the field exercise, the session focused on how to adapt the field datasheet more for easy use by the village monitoring teams. 18

23 3.3.4 Planning Community Wildlife Management Strategy This workshop started with a participatory mapping exercise attended by men and women. The aim was to identify available land marked as hunting zones. By the end of this exercise, there was a clear realization that there is very little hunting area available for this village because of the nearby logging concession and other forest areas marked as farming zones. Photo Plate 4 Participatory Mapping Exercise at Okpambe Village Other exercises carried out in project villages included the historical trends limited to farming, hunting and road access, as well as seasonal activities of the people. Table 6 Bushmeat-Related Activities by Season Activity Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hunting x x x x x x x x x xx xx xx Trapping (in the forest) xx xx xx x x Breeding season x x x x x Bushmeat trade x x x x x x x x x x x x Table 7 Historical Trend of Hunting and Farming Activities Activity Year Hunting/Trapping XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXX XXX XX Farming X x XX XX XXXXX Road Foot path Timber roads Motor-able Motor-able Motor-able X= intensity of the activity 19

24 Equipped with knowledge on the wildlife laws and the ideas on what it is all about community wildlife management, the men and women of Okpambe village where ready to develop a plan to manage the exploitation of wildlife in their surrounding forests, for the benefit of conservation and continuous livelihood support for households. This was a crucial exercise because it included important decisions to be agreed upon and implemented by the VFMC and the village council. The plan considered protection of the most endangered species such as the Cross River Gorilla, income from tourism and research and, most importantly, alternative livelihood options for full-time hunters. 3.4 Dissemination Workshop Toward the end of the project, lessons learned and experience acquired in the workshop was discussed and shared with other stakeholders. This took place at a workshop in Mamfe on the 28 th of June 2011 with the following objectives: to present progress made on the project to share experience, weaknesses and lesson learned to prepare possible recommendations towards policy formulation The workshop was characterized by presentations, group and plenary discussions and involved some of the partners operating in the area; government services (MINEP and MINFOF), national and international organizations as well as village communities. Taking advantage of the presence of all necessary stakeholders in this workshop, group discussions were focused on the current national wildlife law and its implication or effects on the execution of community wildlife management. During this time suggestions where made as statement for consideration for policy formulation Presentations The first was on the introduction and background of the project, presented by the coordinator of FOREP. She explained that the Takamanda-Mone landscape was chosen for two main reasons. First because previous research have proven that the forest is rich in animal species of conservation interest such as the Cross River Gorilla, elephants, chimpanzee etc and second because human activities including hunting and general forest exploitation are a serious threat to these animals. The presentation emphasizes the point that bushmeat crisis to be addressed, there is need for an effective wildlife management model to be put in place with the full involvement of the local communities. This should be by making them understand the basic concepts of conservation and get an assured sense of empowerment. The workshop participants were also reminded of the three main objectives of the project. The expected results from the above objectives were also presented to participants as a means to stimulate discussions and get realistic contributions from participants that will help in future work in the Takamanda-Mone landscape. 20

25 The procedure used in executing planned activities was presented. The main aspects of the procedure include sensitization, pre-planning and improvement on the scope, size and gender of the existing forest management committees (VFMCs). The flexibility of the procedure enabled the team to orientate their activities to a second cluster as soon as the initial plan developed with the first cluster was disrupted due to the conflict that broke up. Photo Plate 5 Presentations at the Workshop A summary of the national wildlife laws was presented by the Divisional Delegate of Forestry and Wildlife (DDMINFOF) for Manyu. Emphasis was on those sections of the law specific to the area, such as: Section 80 which lists the activities that are forbidden even if one acquires an exploitation license. Section 79 which stipulates that hunting of certain animals shall be temporary closed in all or part of the national territory. Section 86 which states that local population has the right to exercise customary rights to collect forest product and hunt those animals that are not protected freely but for personal use and not for sale. Article 62 which stipulates that animals killed during official killing (abattue) for safety reason shall belong to the wildlife service or the voluntary hunter with a hunting permit. Section 78 (1) which stipulate that all animals in the national territory are classified into three categories (A, B and C) according to their level of protection and shall be updated every five years. Section 83 (1) states that any person who hunt a protected animal for urgent need of his defense or his property should in 72 hours report with proof to the nearest wildlife service. Section 101: any person found in possession with whole or part of a life or dead class A or B animal shall be considered to have captured or killed the animal. Section 82 states that the wildlife service may undertake to hunt animals which constitute a danger or caused damaged to persons or property. 21

26 Another presentation was made to remind participants on the basic concepts of community wildlife management. The detail of what the community wildlife management requires to succeed was presented as seen in table 8 below: Table 8 Requirements of Community Wildlife Management shared vision motivation sacrifice commitment partnership and collaboration active participation negotiation agreements transparent decision making follow-up and monitoring General and Group Discussions This session was aimed at giving participants the room to discuss the concept of community wildlife management in relation to the national wildlife law. After listening to the presentations on the project activities and lessons learned as well as the wildlife laws, the participants were expected to bring out possible solutions to build policy recommendations towards favourable participative wildlife management. Participants were then shared into groups and each group was given a theme to discuss on, after which there were presentations by team leaders. It was realized that there was a cross-cutting of ideas as some issues or suggestions featured in more than one group. Group discussions are presented in the table below. Photo Plate 6 Dissemination Workshop Group discussions Photo Plate 7 Presentations after group discussions 22

27 Table 9 Results of Group Discussions Group members Theme Recommendations Made Tabi Derrick Nwesse James Ashu Martin Eyong Ferdinand Tambe Asa Daritson Agbor Delphine Anya Collins Debi Veronica Achuo Nelly Akenghe Agbor Osong Felix. Chief S.T Nyambi Wenja John Tabe Abraham Tiku Delphine Exploitation license Hunting permits Use of Dane Guns Government to empower MINFOF to sign the authorization to carry hunting guns rather than the Ministry of Territorial Administration. The cost of issuing wildlife exploitation licenses to be reduced to minimize illegal hunting and the validity permits to be increased from 3 to 6 months (Dec-May) Government to make provisions for continuous sensitization on the forestry, wildlife and environmental laws to communities to raise awareness. Easy communication facilities should be put in place for VFMCs to communicate in case of danger from wild protected animals species. MINFOF to provide technical support to communities to create community hunting zones and to collaborate with the VFMCs to specify number and species of animals to be hunted at the beginning of the hunting season based on species abundance within the specific forest area, (setting quotas). The review of the cost and conditions of issuing hunting permits is important for local communities Dain guns to be authorize for hunting and recognized to apply for hunting permit. Government to give specific consideration to communities involved in participatory wildlife management in issuing hunting permits Government to give authorization to issue hunting permits to Divisional Delegates of MINFOF. The number and species of animals to be hunted should be included in the hunting permits to reflect the inventory results of the specific forest area. Communities to be issued hunting permits to hunt animals of class C so that they can sell and generate income. The village forest management committee capacity to be built to follow up and monitor use of hunting permits. The use of Dain to be legalized in communities involved in participatory wildlife management, with the number and species of animals to be hunted clearly specified. Government to empower VFMCs and traditional councils so that they can monitor and control the use of Dain guns within their area of control in collaboration with MINFOF. Raymond Enow Motivation/benefits Participatory wildlife management involving local communities to be fully encouraged. 23

28 Anya Alex Ebai Hamadou Aboubakar Ashu Melvin Ncha Eyong Jecinta Sharing Government to include communities involved in participatory wildlife management in allocating investment credits. Government to provide at least 40% of income generated from tourism, research, fines etc to communities involved in participatory wildlife management. More social infrastructure be provided to communities involved in wildlife management Government to support the management of forest, environment and agricultural activities within the communities as a single entity. Government to support the communities to be assured of continuous external financial, material and logistical support to sustain them at the early stages of the project. 24

29 Discussions came up at intervals after each presentation. A major worry expressed by participants was on the Takamanda in the title of the project. This they said could be interpreted as the project for the Takamanda village (per say) and is possible to create misconception amongst the villages in the area. There were a lot of discussions on this especially from the village representatives. It is noted that such a discussion did not come out during the inception workshop at the beginning of the project; it is obvious that the reason for this is the recently resolved conflicts which has left both villagers and external partners very sensitive. Although it was made clear that the project has come to an end, the participants went ahead to propose that consideration should be given to the Mawambi Hills if there is going to be an extension of the project. In that case the project name was therefore proposed as PARTICIPATORY WILDLIFE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT IN TAKAMANDA-MONE LANDSCAPE (Case of Mawambi Hills) Photo Plate 8 Discussion, questions and answers session Another point of debate was the issue of community management of the Mawambi Hills which according to WCS research results and others currently is home to a considerable number of Cross River gorillas. The villages of Assam Takpe and Awuri are in the immediate surroundings of this forest area, they however did not agree to the fact that Okpambe village should be part of it as well. This is one of the reasons why Awuri village has been very reluctant in collaborating with Okpambe on this project. The issue of community motivation in wildlife and forest management in general was also raised and discussed. Questions were asked on how the villages will get immediate benefits if they get fully committed and manage their wildlife population successfully. After listening to what the law says on hunting, it was clear that all hunting practice currently going on in the villages are illegal, therefore the community members think that they have no place in the law and will be wasting their time if they carry on with the management of wildlife. After this, what next? This was another point of interest raised and the question was basically thrown to FOREP. Not much could be said on this rather than the fact that funds are still going to be raised to effect the implementation of what has been put in place. 25