Altai Sayan Ecoregion Issue #15

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1 ALTAI - SAYAN NEWSLETTER. October-December 2010 MONGOLIA.PANDA.ORG NEWSLETTER JANUARY-MARCH 2011 Altai Sayan Ecoregion Issue #15 Snow leopard can be subject to study without being killed D.Tseveenravdan In accordance with the resolution no.65 dated 02 March 2011, the Government of Mongolia issued a permit to hunt four snow leopards for research purposes. This WWF Russia WWF Mongolia Programme Office Snow leopard population in the southern part of Shapshal and Tsagaan Shibetu Ridges is in good condition. Livestock corrals protected from the leopards pay off!! urged WWF Mongolia Programme Office to act immediately and undertake important steps to push the government to re-assess its detrimental decision. Numerous institutions joined hands together to convince the government not to allow the killing of snow leopards in the name of so called research as a result of tireless efforts and series of actions, including individual & consultative meetings, press conference, and release of joint statement while being in constant touch with the ministry officials. Finally, the Minister for Nature, Environment and Tourism did cancel the permits on the 23 rd of March, WWF Mongolia appreciates WCS Mongolia, Snow Leopard Conservation Fund and Mongolian Foundation for the protection of animals for their support in reaching this success. In February-March, WWF supported the field research to count snow leopards and Siberian ibexes in Tsagan- Shibetu Ridge and southern portion of Shapshal ridge. The research team was represented by the experts of Ubsunurskaya Kotlovina Nature Reserve as well as wardens of Game Mangement Department of Tuva. The researchers discovered the signs of snow leopards presence along all the river valleys in the study area. 23 tracks of snow leopards were found, among them two tracks of leopard females with three cabs. One leopard was spotted on the slope of the mountain: the cat was walking a hundred meters from the observer. The total number of snow leopards in Tsagan-Shibetu Ridge and southern part of Shapshal Ridge was estimated at individuals. Probably this number is a little bit exaggerated but this snow leopard s population is in really good conditions now. It is obvious that snow leopards successfully breed in the area so young leopards are regularly recruited in the population.. Presumably the size of the population has even grown up since 2004 when in the same area we found only 13 leopard tracks belonging to 8-10 cats, says Alexander Kuksin, one of a leading snow leopard experts in Altai A. Kuksin The Track found A. Kuksin Here they are snow leopard s tracks 1

2 A. Kuksin Snowleopard land Sayan Ecoregion. Conflict with herders is still one of the main threats for Tsagan-Shibetu population of snow leopards however since 2007 the number of livestock killed by snow leopards has not exceeded individuals annually. In nearly all corrals in Tsagan-Shibetu Range were protected from snow leopards attack by metal Public awareness mesh and number of livestock killed by the leopards has decreased 8-10 times. In , only 7 domestic animals were killed by the cats. Protected corrals really help to save snow leopards in Western Tuva. Poaching, especially snaring for musk-deer, remains the threat for a snow leopard in the area. During the research period the wardens caught three local poachers for illegal harvesting a roe deer. All winter period the poachers stay in the area. They illegally harvest musk deer using forbidden wire snares. One or two snow leopards get caught in a snare by accident annually. WWF experts consider eco-tourism as an effective tool in raising livelihood of the local people in favor of snow leopards. Tsagan-Shibetu Ridge is a part of the Land of Snow Leopard Project devoted to community based eco-tourism development in Altai-sayan Ecoregion. Shuiskiy Nature Park planned to be established with WWF support will contribute to conservation of a snow leopard in Western Tuva as well Mongolians brave minus twenty five degrees in a small provincial town in the Altai-Sayan Mongolia celebrated its second Earth Hour with over 6,000 people around a vast candle-lit Earth Hour logo in the main square of capital, Ulaanbaatar. A huge and emotional event held in front of statue of Chinggis Khaan in the State Parliament house which faded into darkness for the event despite a strict rule to switching off the light only in emergency situations. The leading landmark was accompanied by dozens other building surrounding the main square. During the hour of darkness, artists performed musical pieces; dance and fire show attracted public. Two small provincial towns, namely Khovd and Ulaangom, located in the Altai-Sayan have joined the global event for the first time. Earth Hour was embraced by over 2000 provincial residents ignoring temperatures of minus twenty five degrees Celsius! The Beyond the Hour call to action has been unanimously an- Buildings around the main square swered by over 2000 people in the Altai-Sayan, including mayors of the cities, environmental NGOs, number of governmental and non-governmental organizations and general public. Households and companies also took their own initiative in the switching off event. Giant candle lit Earth Hour girl in Western Mongolia 2

3 Earth Hour 2011 in Altai Sayan to do more! Krasnoyarsk, Abakan, Novosibirsk, Kyzyl - four capitals of six administrative units of Altai - Sayan Ecoregion officially proved their participation in Earth Hour through the Agreement with WWF. These cities either turned off or dimmed lightning of the administration buildings or other city icons. Even Kyzyl city in Tuva which streets are considered to be very dark at night made a decision to turn off the lightning of the National Museum and the building of EH EcoLessons in Tuva Press conference and round table summed up the results of antipoaching activities in Republic of Altai Joint press-conference for media of the Republic of Altai was held in February by WWF, Game Management Committee of Republic of Altai and Altaisky Nature Reserve to inform about the main antipoaching achievements of These WWF partners are key players in fighting poaching in the rare species habitats in Altai Mountains. Mikhail Paltsyn, WWF Project Coordinator, stressed the role of WWF: WWF supports antipoaching activities in Mountain Altai with focus on snow leopard and argali protection. New Protected Areas such as Sailyugemskiy National Park established last year with WWF support to protect the key population of argali also contributes to our conservation efforts. Monitoring and study a snow leopard using innovative methods of research such as photo traps are implemented in Argut River Valley. Developing City Administration. Regional Office of IKEA in Novosibirsk dimmed the lights for an hour. Candle party in big Sochi restaurant and other cafes, contests on the best way to spend Earth Hour, kids contest on best video How I spent Earth Hour-2011, glowing PANDA cycle race in Krasnoyarsk and many other events took place on 26, March. The widest media coverage ever and involvement of tens of NGOs and PA s staff proved that EH 2011 became an important and attractive event for Altai Sayan. alternative sources for local people is another interesting tool to distract them for extensive use of natural resources. How workdays of Strict Regime Protected Area s rangers differ from game wardens duties? What are the peculiarities of rare species conservation and WWF role in protecting Glowing bicycles T. Ivanitskaya Press-conference flagship species of Altai - Sayan? The questions addressed to the experts by media were all answered and the meeting turned into a friendly conversation. More than 15 articles in local media appeared afterwards. WWF Mongolia Programme Office staff members awarded The Government of Mongolia appraised the efforts of WWF Mongolia and granted awards to dedicated staff members. The WWF Mongolia Programme Office was granted with Honorable Title of the Ministry by Order of Minister of Environment and Tourism in Mongolia. During the title granting ceremony, the Minister highlighted that the Organization has become one of leading organizations in the conservation in Mongolia as its reputation was upgraded in recent years. During the ceremony, WWF Mongolia Programme Office staff members namely Ms. M. Enkhtuya, Operation Director, Ms. Yo. Onon, Species Programme Manager, Mr. B. Batkhuyag, Mongolian Programme Manager - AHEC, Ms. M. Khulan, Communications Manager, Mr. D. Sanjmyatav, GIS Specialist, Ms. B. Munkhchuluun, Project Officer, Mr. B. Chimeddorj, Species officer, Mr. D. Tseveenravdan, Director of Altai-Sayan Field Office in Khovd, Mr. Sh. Gantulga MAPU-3 leader were awarded with title and badge of Leading Environmentalist. Moreover, Ms. B. Oyunmunkh, Freshwater officer, Mr. J. Burged, Driver of Programme Office, and Mr. B. Jamts and Ts. Buyanbat, saiga rangers were awarded with the Ministry credentials. 3

4 Wildlife Conservation Snow leopard on the spot Population monitoring is an integral part of species conservation and without regular and quantitative assessment of the population, the conservation of the species cannot be assured. Therefore WWF Mongolia Programme Office started a camera trapping study to identify snow leopard s behavioral features. Five remote sensing automatic cameras have been installed in Jargalant and Bumbat mountains which are one of the core snow leopard habitats in Mongolia. Two of the cameras were put on video mode and three set on picture mode. All activities, including identification of monitoring location, installation of cameras and looking over the cameras have been carried out with participation of local people. Such approach is also useful to increase public understanding about wildlife, increase their participation in conservation activities. Camera trapping is also regarded as one of the most cost-effective methods to monitor species. Most of the cameras did their job well. The results exceeded our expectations witnessing some interesting behaviors of this mysterious animal. The videos and pictures are now regarded as valuable reference materials in scientific research of the snow leopard of Mongolia. Medical service rendered to Argali sheep In the territory of Sagil soum of Uvs province, border servants have observed a 4-year-old argali sheep wandering around for couple days without escaping humans. The incident has been reported to WWF Mongolia Uvs branch staff who, in turn, informed veterinarians. A joint visit to the site to examine the situation has re- Snow leopard photo by camera trapping vealed a pregnant argali that has caught rabies. A small surgery intervention has been carried out on site to save the argali, the practice never undertaken before. Couple of days later, the radio collar informed a full recovery of the argali. 4

5 MAPU-3 saves nature with the people of Japan We ve been reporting before that a 4WD has been purchased by generous donation from the people of Japan to support operations of mobile anti-poaching unit in western Mongolia. The vehicle is highly appreciated by the team due to its comfort which keeps the team members warm during long and harsh trips of extremely cold winter in rural Mongolia. Some stories were selected to report on MAPU-3 operations are cited below. Braving minus 30 degrees Celsius, the inspectors of MAPU-3 together with police officers went for patrolling upon information provided by locals to Khukhmorit soum of Gobi-Altai province early January this year. This time, the team worked on revealing the illegal poaching of Mongolian Saiga (Saiga borealis mongolica), listed as endangered in both national and international Red Lists. However, due to lack of evidence, the case could not be further investigated by provincial law enforcement agencies. Another call, reporting on illegal wildlife trade in Bulgan soum of Khovd province, urged MAPU-3 to work on the field for 5 days, late March The primary investigations have been undertaken for the WWF supports anti-poaching activities in Altai Altai and Tuva Republics are two key areas of snow leopards and Altai argalis distribution in Russia. These Republics are known for intensive poaching mostly caused by poverty of local people. WWF still finds it reasonable to support anti-poaching activities in Altai and Tuva because local enforcement departments still lack necessary staff, resources and equipment. In 2011 WWF proceeded to support three patrol groups of Game Committee in the Republic of Altai and Inter-Agency Antipoaching Brigade in Tuva. In January-March, special attention of patrol groups was given to Sailugem Range in Republic of Altai near Russia Mongolia border where Sailugemskiy National Park was established in The park still has now staff and funding from Russian government and its territory is protected only by inspectors of Game Management Committee. This area is great important for argali conservation in transboundary MAPU-3 members during investigation criminal case of illegal trade of skins of 2 brown bears, a skull of the snow leopard, 15 whole frozen carcasses of Altai snow cock, a rare bird species, subject to massive hunting and trade in recent times. The violators were intending to cross the Mongolia- China borders and sell the products. In accordance with ecological and economical assessment of wildlife species, this case is valued for over 50 million Mongolian currency (around 45 thousand USD). zone of Russia and Mongolia and regularly visited by antipoaching brigades supported by WWF. This winter no cases of argali poaching was detected in Sailugem range. Low snow and rather mild winter were comfortable for Altai argali and resulted in better survival of these endangered wild sheep. Some patrolling was done in the places of winter concentrations of roe deer and elk. These areas are usually visited by poachers at night to hunt with a help of a torch-lamp. It is rather easy to shoot an animal blinded by the ray of strong light. In a place where hunting is completely prohibited, the poachers hunting roe deer were arrested by patrol group. Totally, in January-March, 36 violations of the law were discovered by patrol groups supported by WWF in snow leopards and argali habitats in Altai, 11 firearms were confiscated, three criminal cases were proceeded. 5

6 Irbis on guard of a snow leopard in Western Sayan Poaching is one the main threats for snow leopards in Sayan Mountains. Poacher snares are especially dangerous for the leopards and many other animals. Snaring for musk deer and other species is very popular in Western Sayan including the territory of Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere Reserve the area with the only known population of snow leopards in Krasnoyarskiy region estimated at 8-10 individuals. The only way to protect this population is regular patrolling of the area and removing dangerous snares. Special anti-poaching brigade of protected areas called Irbis is traditionally supported by WWF to fight poaching in snow leopard habitats in the western Sayan mountains. Since 2009 this brigade and WWF has taken care of the last snow leopard population in Krasnoyarskiy region both capturing poachers Erick new snow leopard expert continues his education Snow leopard scat - detection dog training was started by WWF in Altai last autumn. A German shepherd called Erick was chosen among other puppies due to his excellent physical and mental features for field work in the severe conditions of Altai-Sayan mountains. When training is completed Eric will become a great expert in searching snow leopard scat for DNA analyses. A trained dog can find ten times more scat samples than a human. This modern method helps obtaining the exact data on snow leopard number and population structure and it is very popular for researching of many wild cat species. Ekaterina Grigoryeva, one of the best dog trainers in Altai, is in charge of Erick. By the end of December Erick could identify a snow leopard smell and fix it by sitting in a special signal pose. However further training was not possible due to the strong wind and severe winter temperatures of Siberia. Adult smell detection dogs can work when the temperature goes down to 20 degrees below zero. For a small puppy like Eric such extreme temperatures are very harmful. With a thick snow and a piercing cold wind the samples smell became insensible for him. We have to step back a little in training says and removing snares from the Sayano-Shushensky Nature reserve, its buffer zone and adjacent cluster of Ubsunurskay Kotlovina Zapovednik. In February and March, Irbis Brigade patrolled the area of Khemchik Ridge at the border of the Republic of Tuva and Krasnoyarskiy region. The only poacher camp was found. Waiting in ambush near the camp did not bring results. No poachers appeared for 10 days, and the illegal camp was destroyed by Irbis inspectors. This year is the first time since 1990-s when no snares have been found in snow leopard habitats in Sayano-Shushensky reserve. It is clear and obvious result of tough struggle of Irbis brigade for snow leopard survival in the western Sayan which is possible due to WWF support. Poachers camp Wardens field tent Irbis Brigade Guardians on duty Ekaterina. But in March Erick continued to learn lessons using the snow leopard scat samples from the wild. Starting from revising the lesson to detect the main odour - the smell of a snow leopard s scat - later the dog will learn to distinguish it from the smell of a lynx, wolf, wolverine and fox. This summer Erick will take his first exam and begin to use his unique skill for monitoring of key snow leopard populations in Altai- Sayan. WWF Russia/K.Grigoryeva Eric at work 6

7 Argali illegal hunting in Tuva still goes on At the end of January, Mongolian border guards fixed the case of poaching Altai argali in the buffer zone of Ubsunurskaya Kotlovina Nature Reserve. On January 30, the Mongolian border guards heard the sound of shooting on the Russian part of state border. Later the flock of 14 argali moved to the territory of Mongolia from Russian side. It was obvious that two female sheep were injured by bullets and later one of them died from gunshot wounds. Mongolian border guards immediately informed frontier post in Russia. It is not the first case of poaching argali registered in this part of buffer zone. Neither strict regime of the reserve nor stricter border zone regime and road near by frighten poachers. In June 2010, the remains of 5 argali were found here by WWF experts along with spent rifle cartridges. Later on WWF as well as Altaiskyi Nature Reserve addressed to police on illegal harvest of argali however no official response is still received. At the moment the investigation of both cases is in charge of Ubsunurskaya Kotlovina Nature Reserve and police force under surveillance of public prosecution body of the Republic of Tuva. Argali population size in the western Tuva is so little that intense poaching might bring to disappearance of argali in Tuva. At the moment not more than argali inhabit Mongun-Taiga mountain massif and Ak Adir Ridge near Mongolian border (Tuva Republic). S.Spitsyn Argali were shoot from this spot WWF Argali remains in winter Spent riffle cartidges found in 2011 S.Spitsyn S.Spitsyn Argali remains found in summer 7

8 The story about how I took the snow leopard photo It was mid-november 2010, when two boys Balt and Byambaa with herder Altansukh from Suljee bag (smallest administrative unit) came across a snow leopard while grazing their livestock in upper Naran of southern slopes of Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain. At about 2 p.m. they saw how a black goat and something white rolled down the slope of the mountain. Boys run to help the goat. At the moment when they pulled the goat from its horn, they suddenly noticed a snow leopard growling at them. Scared, boys ran away throwing all what they had in hands. Frightened father immediately rode his horse and went to report the neighbors about the incident. He s been vindictive to the snow leopard for the loss of several cattle. He couldn t miss this chance to kill the animal in revenge. This was told by a woman through telephone call who witnessed this incident. Frustrated, she asked me to quickly solve the problem, because Altansukh have had already gone to the mountains to kill the animal. I hurried up. Meanwhile, I recommended the woman to go to Altansukh and try to convince him to not kill the animal. I suggested her to tell him that if he kills the animal, he would be imposed with severe liabilities; moreover, it is a sacred animal and, as our ancestors taught, one snow leopard costs one human life. Also, I asked her to give the phone to him, so I can try to calm down. Altansukh and others came to the place where boys saw the snow leopard. The latter was in the same place. Despite the fear, they came to the animal close up to m. But it did not move. Meanwhile, I reached Altansukh by phone, but he was firmly decisive to kill the animal and told me to register this as environmental crime and impose liabilities. Then, after all my attempts to convince him, he finally calmed down and accepted some of my points. It was getting dark and all people decided to go back home, Altansukh urged me to move the animal away from their gers to avoid any other risks. I came to Altansukh s place around 8 p.m. At that night, the family of Tumursukh, living nearby this place, lost his 25 goats and about 10 sheeps in an animal attack. This made things worse and everyone blamed the snow leopard. People were ready to go and kill the animal. I explained them that a snow leopard would never attack so many cattle at the same time and this seems more to be a wolf, but no one believed me. Then, I told them that the snow leopard might still be in the same place. After all, we decided to go to there. Then we came to nearly 1 km distance from the goat attacked by the snow leopard, but no one wanted to get closer. The goat was in the same place, but nothing else could be noticed by binocular. So, I suggested coming as closer as possible, but nobody agreed. Then, I decided to continue alone. From 100 m distance I felt some movements nearby and when I looked at that direction it was a snow leopard! I tried to move slowly and cautiously not to disturb the animal. People were scared and didn t want me to risk. But I convinced them that a snow leopard wouldn t hurt me if we won t do anything harmful to him. When I came closer, at distance of 80 m, the snow leopard started growling at me. To distract its attention, I started to move slowly from one side to another good results it didn t growl anymore. I came even closer, at 40 m, and started to take photos. While taking photos I was getting closer and closer. When I was at 20 m of distance, the animal surprisingly remained calm. At that time, I was fully sure that it would not hurt me. Then, it escaped into the rocks. I followed him and after all, he seemed to get used to me which allowed me to take pictures from 3 meters of distance! Story written by Mr.D.Tseveenravdan, Director of WWF Mongolia Altai-Sayan Field office in Khovd 8 D.Tseveenravdan

9 Protected Areas IN BRIEF The workbook for newly established Directorates of Protected Areas is prepared for the regional experts. The only efficient and well organized Directorate of Protected Areas is in place in one of six administrative units of Altai Sayan, in Krasnoyarsk region. The Directorate is a governmental agency responsible for managing the whole system of Protected Areas of regional subordinate. Similar Directorates recently established in Tuva and Khakassia lack for experience and capacity. Sort of a Guide for Beginners based on Krasnoyarsk s Directorate experience was prepared for new comers including legislation and policy, practice and documentation, case study and best practices. The publication was supported by WWF programme Protected Areas for a Living Planet (PA4LP). Management Plan for Khakasskyi Nature Reserve has been developed supported by PA4LP and ready for implementation. Recommendations for Long-Term Scheme of PAs and ten year Development Workplan prepared for regional PAs of the Republic of Altai. The Republic of Altai has the largest area covered with PAs (22% of the territory approximately). Supported by PA4LP programme the evaluation of perspective PAs establishment, existing PAs management effectiveness, legal base and PAs impact on community development was completed. The results of this GAP analyses will help determine an appropriate scenario of PAs development in the region considering low capacities of local government and a high level of biodiversity. Government of Altai Republic confirmed the willingness to established Ak - Cholushpa Nature Park. It is not the final win of WWF yet, but Government of Altai Republic declared that Ak-Cholushpa Nature Park will be established in A new PA will protect a biodiversity of Ulagan district as well as will serve for poverty reduction through ecotourism development Facilitated by WWF Mongolia Programme Office and joined by other partners, the local government officials from all 19 soums of Uvs province have received a methodological training on improving the development of conservation action plan. As the follow-up, draft plans have been elaborated and sent for revision. This exercise helped the provincial authorities in charge of financial affairs to appreciate the importance of conservation planning, so that the finance officers became committed in having the conservation budgets approved. The new concept of community based wildlife management is tested in local PA. About 8000 USD from trophy hunting contributed to local PA management and local communities. Two local communities have jointly established hunting camps and rendered tourism service for international hunters in the local PA. 4 CBOs, supported by WWF Mongolia Programme Office in Khovd province have been involved in the training of camel wool processing, organized by Snow Leopard Enterprise NGO. The appeal court of illegal poaching case of 5 saigas, incurred last November in Bayan-Uul province of Gobi- Altai aimag, has confirmed the decision of the trial court in imposing a fine of 4 million Mongolian tugriks and imprisonment of 1.5 years. WWF Mongolia Programme Office has signed its second MoU with the Border Protection Authority. The parties aim at enhancing the existing cooperation in fields of illegal wildlife poaching and trade and establishing corridors of wild animal species. Water Conservation Early January 2011, a forum of agriculturalists from lower part of Buyant river basin has been organized jointly by provincial governor s office, Khar-Lake Khovd river basin Council, and Water Users Association, supported by WWF Mongolia Programme Office and Swiss Development Cooperation. The forum aimed at creating common agreement & consensus on urgent need to update land use plan among authorities and agriculturalists in relation with new irrigation system in Khovd province. WWF Mongolia 9

10 This irrigation system is a major infrastructure of over 50 million USD, funded by the Government, to efficiently use Buyant river waters and give fair access of water to all residents, the work lobbied by WWF Mongolia Programme Office and Swiss Development Cooperation. In order to get full use of the system, the current land use plan should be inevitably updated since the current land use practices are indeed ineffective creating unsustainable use of water resources. Despite efforts of various partners active in this site to raise awareness among locals on the benefits of this irrigation system, it was observed that participants still Community Development Herders benefit from sustainable use of pasture management Five years ago the pasture condition of islands of Khar-Us lake was different. Local herders were extremely competitive for pasture that had negative impact on both livestock and wildlife. Since WWF Mongolia PO started to work with the local herders to ground Community-based Nature Resource Management concept at this site, with already satisfactory results in herders attitude and practice. In January 2011, the coldest time of the year, the ICE FESTIVAL was organized for the second time upon the initiative of locals. The event is held partly to celebrate success of 4 soums herders who are benefitting from sustainable pasture use practices. As for example, the Tsagaan Gol Island, covering the territory of 400 km 2 with 63 islands remained free from the livestock grazing from April to November which was not the case for the last decade. Rangeland User Association (RUA) is established and capacity of members is strengthened which is resulted in regular advocacy and monitoring activities by locals themselves. Hence, the collaboration of RUA and Khar Us Nuur National Park, coordinated by WWF Mongolia PO, resulted in more than 90% of keep doubt on its effectiveness, or specifically, they were worried whether they all would have fair access to water resources and have enough water for their fields. Technical experts from the capital city, invited to the Forum, provided detailed explanations on key operating features of the irrigation system. I heard many times complains about unfair access to water which was nearly leading to a civil war. So now, time has come to change all this said the soum governor. Only a part of Buyant river waters will flow through irrigation channels and Buyant river will reach the Khar-Us lake and Khovd river as before he adds. Ice Festival, households living in the territory of 3 soums got aware on the importance of new pastureland regulations and became fairly supportive. Furthermore, the baseline database is started to be compiled through establishing of two pasture monitoring polygons which would enable us to compare the data annually. Local herders and decision makers are appreciative for having smooth winter conditions and relatively abundant pastureland while many places throughout the country face heavy snow falls resulted in the natural disasters. WWF and CITI Foundation Micro - Grant Programme provides opportunities for business beginners WWF believes that providing local people with employment opportunities and a source of stable income will help diminishing poaching mainly caused by poor livelihood. The people of several regions in the Republic of Altai located in the habitats of a snow leopard and argali may obtain a chance to raise their livelihood level by starting their own business. Joint Micro Grant Programme of WWF and CITI Foundation is aimed to support the poorest village WWF/T.Pakhaeva At the workshop for grant commissions 10

11 WWF/T.Pakhaeva At the workshop for grant commissions dwellers, business newcomers. Such people normally have poor or medium business skills and the chances for paying back credit for them are very low. That is why grants system was preferred by WWF to credit WWF Oxfam project in Tuva In February, 2011 two business initiatives in Tuva chosen by WWF Oxfam experts as appropriate for sustainable development received direct funding. The projects are both located in Bai Taiginskyi kozhuun. The area is a remarkable district both a snow leopard land and a future eco-touism mekka. Shui Nature Park is planned to be established here soon. WWF Oxfam support helped to equip a small wool processing manufacture with heating system. Small family enterprise used to work only in summer time and now the masters can do their job all year round. More local people is employed for making quality felt, wool processed in a specific way felt made of the wool of local people is widely used by people in Tuva (especially herders) for making yurta (a national house), mattresses and so on. Moreover a traditional yurta house with tuvinian folk ornament is set near Arzhaan Del. Arzhaan is a word for spring. This place is considered a sacral place for local people. It s forbidden to leave waste near arzhaan, curse or even speak loud and leave all negative thought behind. Arzhaan Del, one of the popular places in Bai Taiginskyi kozhuun (district) for people s pilgrimage, now has an information center and a place for people to have a rest. scheme. To get a grant an applicant however should provide the commission with convincing grounds and sound management plans for future business. The priority is set to support business initiatives in the sphere of ecotourism, national crafts, traditional Altai livelihood. To give a kick to the programme the training workshop for grant commission members were hold in March to present the Programme scheme, priority and define indicators. The workshops for potential grant applicants are planned for April May. By the end of 2011, about 600 local residents will have received training in the skills needed to develop their own businesses and 45 families ( people) living in the habitats of snow leopard and other endangered species will have obtained grants to develop small enterprises. WWF/A.Bondarev Feeding Spirits Ritual near Arzhaan WWF A yurt is widely used in Tuva 11

12 EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WWF kids clubs movement welcomes newcomers New members of WWF kids club movement with leaflets Save a Tree Rubicon kids club of WWF based in Katunskyi Nature Reserve in the Republic of Altai is the leader of WWF kids movement in the region. Starting from an ordinary group of children interested in ecology and Media club of eco Journalists is in place Conservation Without Borders is a name of a recently established Media club in the Republic of Altai. Brought together by WWF initiative the journalists who are eager to cover nature conservation problems are now united in a Media Club. WWF views the collaboration by giving preferences to media club s members such as press-tours, exclusive information and interviews, photo and video opportunities. Currently the club is just a gathering of the people Meeting Snow Leopard Lessons for highland schools in Altai National Geographic Stock Steve Winter WWF Meeting Snow Leopard is a name of the session of lessons organized by WWF for the students of Kosh Agach Ditrict in Republic of Altai. Fascinating lesson taught for more than 123 pupils of 10 schools of this remote highland district included presentation and multimedia (with photo, video and a voice of a snow leopard) followed by Q&A session. School nature conservation the Rubicon club has turned into a real force for WWF support. Besides taking regular lessons on biology and ecology the club members work with the villagers and local authorities through holding public events, working with media, having practical outputs tree planted or rubbish removed. In 2011, the decision was made to strengthen WWF kids club movement and involve six more schools of Ust Koksinskyi region into nature conservation. The teachers workshop held by the staff of Katunskyi Nature Reserve in February was fruitful and effective. The interviews to gain input on important approaches for the teachers failed completely because the women ticked every question Snowleopard drawing as very important. Village school teachers in remote areas of Altai are hungry for information, new ideas and support. WWF kids clubs movement program and approach with focus on snow leopard and argali conservation is an innovative way attractive for teachers. Recent WWF events such Earth Hour or future Snow Leopard festival help define the leaders among new clubs. The results of all WWF kids clubs activities will be summed up in December. with same views. However plans for the future are quite ambitious. The journalists strive for becoming a real media force focused on practical conservation results and delivering correct messages to a wide public and target audiences. The first meeting of the club members held in February defined plans for collaboration. Skype conferences with WWF experts in Moscow on key topics, press-meetings and press-tours are planned for teachers were provided with simple but interesting information on basic characteristic of a snow leopard and its conservation. WWF concentrates its education efforts in Kosh Agach because the area is a key habitat of argali and snow leopard in Altai. Engaging people in conservation through education of their children is the approach proved to be efficient in many countries. Educating and motivating students to be responsible for the future of the animal living on the same land. Learning about snow leopard with focus on conservation should help students plunge into A snow leopard atmosphere before Snow Leopard Festival. This event held by WWF in Kosh Agach last May for the first time in 2011 has turned into a regional event with involvement of every school of extra-curriculum activities of the Republic. However Kosh Agach remains the centre of the festival. The results of a poll opinion revealed quite a good level of students knowledge. Most respondents are aware of existence of a snow leopard in the district where they live, number of cubs and the main prey (Siberian ibex). Poaching is noted as the main threat to an animal. 50% regard snow leopard as an animal that should be protected however 27% consider a snow leopard an ordinary predator and even 19% called irbis a animal because of attacking cattle. It will help WWF determine the main education aspects to be addressed in the future. Moreover WWF continues information campaign on snow leopard and argali conservation awareness rising in local media. The articles regularly appear in the 12

13 regional newspaper of Kosh Agch District with the biggest circulation in the Republic of Altai. Proper hunters rules, the interview with a respected local elders and the sacral and cultural aspect of snow leopard Kids stay loyal to nature conservation WWF Mongolia has announced 2 types of contests this academic year for kids: one, the annual competition among the eco clubs, The BEST of the BESTS and another one, an art competition honored to WWF 50th anniversary among all school kids, without restricting to clubs only. Friend-eco clubs, supported by WWF Mongolia do a lot of activities for nature conservation in their places. Hence, in order to encourage them and disseminate their achievements and experiences to others, WWF Mongolia organizes the Best eco club contest on annual basis. It s a nationwide competition among clubs operating both eco-regions, Altai-Sayan and Onon Ecological Olympiad boosts teachers and kids motivation for conservation Late March 2011, the first ever ecological Olympiad in Uvs province has been organized upon the initiative of provincial Education Department and widely supported by WWF Mongolia. Many other partners have joined, including Nature & Environment Department, Uvs Lake PA administration, and projects active in this place. The event covered 22 teachers who facilitate the kids clubs and 22 clubs students, representing all soums of the province. First three winners from each category awarded with prizes and books. Using this occasion, an How poster calendars with argali, snow leopard and panda help educating local people in Altai We live on the same land of a Sacred Altai. We are the same as you are. Our pain is the same is yours. We always want live close to you. This appeal coming from a snow leopard and argali looking eye to eye from WWF poster were aimed to find people hearts response. WWF Calendar is a traditional public event for WWF partners. The posters are normally distributed in the region by members WWF kids clubs. WWF Calendar annual event normally includes taking picture of the main calendars receivers and telling them a bit of a WWF and snow leopard and argali. The calendars help finding new sympathizers and meet potential donors for further collaboration. says Anna Maimanova, a head of Rubicon kids club. In 2011, more than 200 offices of media, government and argali and other aspects are covered by articles and should awake pride for the nature of a native land and restore careful attitude towards a snow leopard and argali. River Basin, the headwaters of Amur-Heilong. Kids and teachers appreciate the contests since this kind of activity inspires them a lot. So by the middle of May the winners will be announced and handled small prizes. The biggest prize is meant to support small environmental initiatives in the coming academic year. Panda & I is an art work contest. Everyone who writes poems, stories and does creations such as sculpture, carving, embroidery etc. can be part of this contest. The main criterion is that the creations should present what WWF stands for in their eyes and be done using stone, wool, bone or even wastes. information- training session both for kids & teachers has been conducted covering different topics, including methodologies to run effectively a club, role of youth in promoting responsible tourism, ecological education through kids and so on. A side event has been organized displaying art works of kids and teachers. The event was an important platform for experience sharing and sharing ideas and participants expressed their request to undertake such activity on annual basis. Rubicon WWF Kids Club in the office of regional government In school Meeting business partners bodies, non-profit and commercial organizations in Altai are decorated with WWF calendars. Why we are here To stop the degradation of the planets nature environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature mongolia.panda.org Contact WWF Altai-Sayan Programme Tatyana Ivanitskaya tivanitskaya@wwf.ru WWF Mongolia Programme Offi ce Delgermaa delgermaa@wwf.mn