Zin Myo Thu Programme Coordinator FAO Myanmar The Outcome of the Project TCP/MYA/3204

Outline Introduction Achievements Outputs Outcome Conclusion

Introduction Project title:Sustainable Community-based Mangrove Management in Wunbaik Forest Reserve Type of Project:Technical Cooperation Project Funded by:FAO – USD 340,000 Duration:26 months (May 2009 to Dec. 2011) Government Counterpart Institution responsible for project execution: Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry

Location: Wunbaik Reserved Forest, Yambye Township, Kyauk Phyu District, Rakhine State. (lies 19° 08´ 10“ & 19° 23´ 40“ N and 93°54´ 35“ & 94° 02´ 10“ E) Area: 22,928 ha (56656 acres) Declared as Reserved Forest on 15 Dec. 1930

Problem statements - Encroachment for Agricultural Lands - Encroachment for Aquaculture Pounds - Extraction of trees for Fuelwood, timber, bark Photos: Deiva Oswin Stanley

Objectives: 1. To conserve the mangroves of Wunbaik Reserved Forest, 2. To strengthen the sustainability of local livelihoods, 3. To develop a widely applicable community-based sustainable mangrove management model.

Activities 1. Scientific studies - vegetation and fish diversity identification, inventory, analyse satellite images for land cover and land used change, assess demographics, social economic survey, etc. 2. Trainings - forest survey, mapping, remote sensing and GIS, fisheries management, nursery management, tree grafting and hybridization, triple rack home gardening practices, etc. 3. Workshops & meetings 4. Community based organizations 5. Public awareness 6. Permanent nursery & demonstration site

Achievements Baseline Data Assessment Forest Structure Fishery Resources Biodiversity Mangrove Forest Utility Pattern Change detection in mangrove cover 70 - Plants 34 - mangrove species 36 - salt tolerant mangrove associates

Crocodylus porosus (Crocodile) are extinct in the reserved area 62 species of fin fish 5 species of crustacean 5 species of mollusk

in 1990 in 2000 Fig - Mangrove forest area converted for agriculture

in 2009 in 2011 Fig - Mangrove forest area converted for agriculture

Fig - Mangrove forest area converted for aquaculture in 2000 in 2009 in 2011

Land Cover in 2011 Mangrove Forest 54% Shrimp Pound 3% Agriculture Land 22% Degraded Mangrove Forest 17 %

Awareness, Trainings and Skill Development Scientific Skill Development Participatory Management Skill development Entrepreneurship Skill development Photos: Deiva Oswin Stanley

Livelihood Support Options Community Based Business Market linkages Photos: Deiva Oswin Stanley

Mangrove Utility Mitigation Alterative Fuel and timber options Baseline for alternative energy option Photos: Deiva Oswin Stanley

Mangrove Management Modules Integrated Mangrove Management Plan for Wunbaik Reserved Forest Wunbaik User Register – A Model Format Community-based Mangrove Management: A Pilot Demonstration Mangrove Ecosystem Rehabilitation-EMR A Pilot Demonstration

Outputs A key output – Integrated Mangrove Management Plan Output 1: Establish baseline data on the mangrove forests of Wunbaik Reserved Forest and adjacent areas and assess socio-economic conditions and livelihoods of communities in and around Wunbaik Reserved Forest. Output 2: Establish a permanent nursery to provide mangrove and cash-crop seedling for mangrove rehabilitation and livelihoods development. Output 3: Compile a mangrove tree species identification manual for Rakhine State. Output 4: Raise local awareness of project activities, assess options for improving the livelihoods of community members living in and around Wunbaik Reserved Forest and provide appropriate support.

Output 5: Formulate and disseminate an Integrated Mangrove Management Plan for Wunbaik Reserved Forest and adjacent areas. Output 6: Establish pilot and demonstration sites for community-based management of mangrove forests. Additional outputs: Output 7: Assess the status of Wunbaik fisheries and disseminate related information. Output 8: Assess energy usage and development of sustainable energy production systems. Output 9: Establish a Wunbaik User Register.

Outcome Local people aware of the role of mangroves and improve their capacity. Forest Department have greater capacity to manage forest resources effectively and sustainably Partially reduce pressure on mangrove resources (conserve mangrove of Wunbaik). Sustainability of local livelihoods ?

Conclusion The project achieved its stated objectives. Sustainability of livelihood of target communities and of Wunbaik Reserved Forest need to assess after the project. Government agencies at village level have little power to act. Without local people livelihood support and participation (enthusiasm), it is impossible to conserve the mangrove. Need to strengthen human resources and infrastructure of the Forest Department. Law enforcement is still weak. Project duration should be at least 3 years.

References Project concept note Project terminal statement (Draft) Integrated Mangrove Management Plan, December 2011 The atlas and guidelines for mangrove management in Wunbaik Reserved Forest, 2011.