MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND TOURISM TANZANIA FOREST SERVICES (TFS) AGENCY

Transcription

1 MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND TOURISM TANZANIA FOREST SERVICES (TFS) AGENCY PROJECT TECHNICAL PROGRESS REPORT : JANUARY- MARCH 2016 Project Title: UNDAP Outcome(s) and Output(s): Executing Entity/ Implementing Partner: Enhancing the Forest Nature Reserves Network for Biodiversity Conservation in Tanzania Cluster 1: Growth for reduction of income poverty Component 2: Environment and Climate Change Outcome 2: Relevant MDAs, LGAs and Non-State Actors improve enforcement of environment laws and regulations for the protection of ecosystems, biodiversity and the sustainable management of natural resources Output 2.3: Improved capacity for sustainable management of protected areas, coastal forest, and marine ecosystems including policy and regulatory frameworks Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) Project Start Date (FY): 2015 Date Report Completed (MM/YR): 2020 Report Completed By: Programme Period: Gerald Jones Kamwenda Project Coordinator 5 years Atlas Award ID: Project ID: PIMS # 5106 Page 1

2 1.0 Activities Progress and Related FACE for the period of January- March Background The project Enhancing the Forest Nature Reserves Network for Biodiversity Conservation in Tanzania is organized into two components, and is to be implemented over a period of the coming five years ( ). The project inception was made in September The project has now officially been launched on the 19 th March 2016 by the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Hon Jumanne Abdalla Maghembe (MP). The ceremonious launching was done in one of the newly proclaimed Nature Forest Reserve of Magamba in the Eastern Usambaras. The project has two components. The first component: Supports the continued expansion of the Nature Forest Reserves (NFRs) network by facilitating the gazetting of five new NFRs (Chome, Magamba, Mkingu, Minziro, Uzungwa Scarp) and improving the planning, operations and governance of these five new NFRs, as well as one existing NFR (Rungwe). It will also encourage a more consistent and cohesive approach to the planning and management of the six targeted NFRs as an integral part of the broader network of 11 NFRs. Under the same process arrangements, TFS is financially supporting the Gazzettement of Mount Hanang Forest reserves into a Nature Forest Reserve (Expanding the broader network of NFRs to a total of 12). Component 1 has four key areas of project support, namely: (i) securing the conservation status and boundaries of the six NFRs; (ii) supplementing the core staffing complement, infrastructure and equipment in the six NFRs; (iii)strengthening the governance of, and benefit sharing in, the six NFRs; and (iv) enhancing the capacity of the TFS to plan and administer the six NFRs as an integral part of the wider NFR network. The second component: is focused on enhancing the financial sustainability of the entire network of 11 NFRs to ensure that they incrementally develop the capacity (over the longer-term) to generate adequate financial resources to cover the full costs of their management. Component two has three key areas of project support: (i) facilitating public-private partnerships in the commercial development of tourism and recreational facilities and services in NFRs; (ii) marketing the destinations, attractions, facilities and services of NFRs; and (iii) implementing other income-generating activities in targeted FNRs. The total costs of investment in the project is estimated at US$23,700,000, of which US$ 5,100,000 constitutes grant funding from GEF/UNDP and US$19,600,000 comprises co-financing. Page 2

3 The project Steering Committee (PSC) was established during September 2015 and held its First PSC Meeting back to back with the Inception Workshop during October Activities under Outcome 1: Consolidating and improving the management of the FNRs network During the January March 2016, the project had been committed to continue implementing quick start activities under all the four key areas of project support in six targeted FNRs (Chome, Magamba, Mkingu, Minziro, Uzungwa Scarp and Rungwe) to secure the conservation status and boundaries of the six NFRs encompassing: supplementing the core staffing complement, infrastructure and equipment in the six FNRs; strengthening the governance of, and benefit sharing in the six NFRs; and enhancing the capacity of the TFS to plan and administer the six NFRs as an integral part of the wider network of expected 12 Nature reserves. Additional activities not planned under the project were undertaken to include a number of processes to gazette the Mount Hanang Forest reserve to the status of a Nature Reserve, this included the biodiversity survey and development of the New Reserve Management plan for Mount Hanang in tandem with the six targeted Nature Forest Reserves. This was done using TFS own resources. During the period, the Three draft Government Declaration Orders were drafted for each of the three proposed Nature Forest Reserves (NFRs) of Mkingu, Magamba and Chome. These NFRs were at the earlier stage declared for Nature reserves status through Government Notices (GNs) and the 90 days had lapsed. The Mkingu Proposed Declaration Notice was through GN.64; The Magamba Proposed Declaration Notice was through GN. 65 and the Chome Proposed Declaration Notice was through GN.64, all of 27 th February The three NFRs have now officially been Gazetted and declared as Nature Forest Reserves (Indicated in the table No.1 below). S/No. Declared Nature Forest Reserve Government Notice 1 Magamba Nature Forest Reserve Government Notice No.103 of 23/03/ Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve Government Notice No.103 of 23/03/ Chome Nature Forest Reserve Government Notice No.103 of 23/03/2016 Table No. 1: Declaration Orders for Nature Forest Reserves The project has also facilitated the drafting of Four (4) draft Government Declaration Notices for Uzungwa Scarp Proposed Nature Forest Reserve, The Minziro Proposed Nature Forest Reserve, the Rondo Plateau Proposed Nature Forest Reserve and the Mount Hanang Proposed Nature Forest Reserve. The NOTICE have been submitted to the Attorney General (AG). The respective Government Declaration Orders will follow after the 90 days lapse after the NOTICE. Hopefully by end of the Year 2016 the 7 Proposed Nature Forest Reserves will be fully proclaimed as Nature Reserves, making a network of 12 Nature Forest Reserves. Page 3

4 Output 1.1: The conservation status and boundaries of the six FNRs are secured The total secured FNRs officially gazetted as Nature Forest Reserves is currently totalling to 8, namely; i) Amani Nature Reserve; ii) Nilo Nature Reserves; iii) Uluguru Nature Reserve; iv) Kilombero Nature reserve; v) Rungwe Nature Reserve; vi) Mkingu Nature Reserve; vii) Magamba Nature Reserve and viii) Chome Nature Reserve. The outstanding Declaration Notices are currently four (4) namely; Uzungwa Scarp, Minziro, Mount Hanang & Rondo Plateau, both are waiting to be officially gazetted. Under the output 1.1, the following activities underneath were accomplished during the period of January-March Activity 1.1.1: Updating of the existing Reserve Management Plan (RMPs) of Chome, Magamba, Mkingu and Rungwe. A Protected Areas Consultant (PAC) is being engaged to make the final peer reviews of the Six targeted Reserve Management Plans (RMPs) of Chome, Magamba, Mkingu, Rungwe, Uzungwa and Minziro, which were updated by a Task Force involving the 12 Conservators of FNRs Network (including the Conservator from mount Hanang proposed Nature Forest Reserve). Additionally, the Consultant will peer review the Management Plans for Rondo Scarp and Mount Hanang Management Plans respectively. The management plans review process done during January-march was preceded by a Training on the New TFS Guidelines for Preparation of Natural Forest Reserves Management Plans. The NFRs Conservators were taken through the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) by an invited Trainer from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) so as to enable effective management & monitoring of the RMPs. The PAC will also review the Subsidiary Eco-tourism Plans (SEPs), Alien Invasive Species Programmes (AISP), Participatory Fire Management, Protection and Law Enforcement (Compliance) for the targeted Forest Nature Reserves and the Mount Hanang and Rondo Scarp RMPs. Activity 1.1.2: Prepare new Reserve Management Plan of Minziro and Uzungwa Scarp New Reserve Management Plans for Uzungwa Scarp and Minziro were prepared, by a Task Force involving the 12 Conservators of FNRs Network (including the Conservator from mount Hanang proposed Nature Forest Reserve). The two RMP will be reviewed together with the other targeted RMP by the Protected Area Network Consultant. Page 4

5 Activity 1.1.3: Within the broad planning framework of the RMP, support the iterative development of key subsidiary plans 1 (e.g. IAS control programme, Integrated Fire Management Plan, Enforcement and Compliance programme). Task Forces for each targeted FNRs were facilitated to prepare IAS programme, Integrated Fire Management Plan and Enforcement and Compliance programmes together with eco-tourism draft strategy for the respective RMPs based on the Mount Rungwe Model which was developed in collaboration with African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). This will be used as an input to the Consultant who will be developing the subsidiary Tourism plan for NFRs Network. Activity 1.1.4: Relocate all surveyed reserve boundary markers (typically concrete beacons or stone cairns) and, as required, replace or repair any missing markers. All missing boundary markers in all the six targeted FRNs were replaced and new boundary markers placed, this involved sign boards, bill boards and directional trenches Regularly maintain a boundary firebreak, footpath or brush cut strips (where the boundary is not already defined by some other permanent feature, such as a road) in order to clearly demarcate the reserve borders. During January March, all boundaries, fire breaks, foot paths, brush and cut strips were clearly demarcated as a continuation of the activity since the previous July-December 2015 FACE Install additional billboard at boom gates of selected control entry points, as required. Additional billboard were installed in in selected control points of targeted FNRs, however this installation of billboards encompassed all the 12 reserves under the NFRs Network. For improving control there should be at least two boom gates per FNR. This will enable control of entry into reserves and revenue collections. 1.5 Contractual Assignments The baseline / Impact Evaluation study A Consultant for the Establishment of the Project baseline was commissioned during December 2015, the consultant had continued to Finalize the baselines report. The Final report is ready for circulation : Establish and Maintain an Electronic Spatial and non-spatial database for network of Nature Forest Reserves 1 Subsidiary plans for the reserve will provide a bridge between the broad strategic direction provided for in the RMP and the detailed, specific actions taken in the Annual Plan of Operation (APO). Subsidiary plans may deal with complex, technical, and sometimes controversial issues that often require a level of detail and thorough analysis beyond that appropriate for the Strategic Plan (Note: the subsidiary Tourism Plan for each FNR will be developed under Output 2.1 below). Page 5

6 A Consultant for the Establishment and Maintenance of an Electronic Spatial and non-spatial database for network of Nature Forest Reserves has been procured and will be commissioned the assignment as per the agreed Terms of References (ToR) during the coming FACE. The assignment is expected to commence during the January March 2016 quota Contractual Appointment of a Protected Areas Consultant The Tendering process for engagement of a Protect Areas Consultant (PAC) is under way, currently in the Evaluation stage, once procured and engaged the PAC will review the Reserve Management Plans (RMPs) of the Targeted FNRs and Mount Hanang RMP and their associated subsidiary IAS, Integrated Fire Management Plans and the ecotourism strategies for the same. Page 6

7 Activities under outcome 2: Improving the Sustainability of the network of national protected areas 2.1. The Commercial development of tourism and recreational facilities in FNRs implemented through Public Private Partnership (PPP). Activity Engage a Consultant to develop Subsidiary Tourism Development Plan Procurement process to engage a Local Consultant to prepare Draft subsidiary tourism plan for the targeted FNRs is being finalized. The Terms of Reference were developed and shared with the Technical Advisor. The Tendering process is in the final stages of being finalized. Due to the delayed tendering process, this activity will continue over through the next FACE. Activity 2.1.2: Identifying (by location, type and scale) a suite of the network of national protected areas Task Forces were facilitated to identify suites of prospective large scale tourism development opportunities in the Forest Nature reserves which could be eligible for the Phase I concession. The checklist encompass key assets in the categories of ; Amani Nature Reserve (Lodge, Rest houses, Water falls for hydropower, Camping sites and Hostels); Nilo Nature Reserve (Camping sites; View points; Water sources, Water falls for hydropower); Uluguru Nature Reserves (Camping sites; View points; Water sources, Water falls for hydropower). The identified check list will be shared with the Consultant who will be developing the subsidiary plans of the targeted FNRs Facilitate a Skills development and training programme for professional staff in TFS Part of this budget item was used for the project Launching which was officially held at Magamba Forest Nature Reserve. The project Launching was ceremoniously done by the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Honourable Jumanne Abdalla Maghembe (MP). On the 19 th March 2016 at the attendance of UNDP staff. The Launching involved tree planting at the Magamba FNR to mark the day. Conservators (12) were trained on the preparations on the Integrated Alien Species (IAS) programme; Integrated Fire Management and Compliance/Enforcement programmes. The Trainings were done based on the Models developed in Rungwe Nature Reserve through the support of African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). All conservators developed their plans which will be handed over to the PAC for review and improvement and sharing with the Team that will be developing the subsidiary tourism plans for targeted FNRs. Page 7

8 Activities under Outcome 1: Involving the Financial sustainability of the network of national protected Page 8

9 Activity 2.1.4: Facilitation of Skills development and Training for Conservators Three training/exchange sessions were facilitated to build skills for professional staff who are involved in the direct management responsibility and day to day activities of the nature reserves. Training on Guidelines for Preparation of Management Planning of Natural Forest Reserves and Nature Reserves Training was facilitated to train all the 11 FRNs network conservators, Key TFS staff and Civil Society Partners (TFCG and WCS) on the TFS guidelines for preparations of Management Plans for Natural Forests, this was followed by hands on collaborative updating of the Network NFRs for the Four management plans of Rungwe (WCS & AWF), Mkingu (EU & TFCG), Chome (TFCG) and Magamba (EAMCEF). Training on Management Effectiveness Tracking Tools (METTs) for the Nature Forest Reserves Network Training was facilitated to train all the 11 FRNs network conservators and Key TFS staff on METT, this training was delivered by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) as part of the preparation for setting of the project baseline. Through this session all the METTs for the NRFs were updated and overall METT and Financial scores rated. Training on Gazzettement processes Training was held to the Project Staff, TFS Legal Managers and Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) Legal Officers on the Gazzettement processes. The session involved the Attorney General (AG) chambers, Parliamentary Draftsman and Office of the Government Printers. As part of the training three draft Declaration Orders were drafted for Mkingu, Magamba & Chome Proposed Nature Reserves (NRs) respectively. Succinctly, draft Declaration Notices were drafted for Uzungwa Scarp, Minziro, Rondo Plateau and Mount Hanang Proposed NRs. The session was very useful, as it has resulted into ready draft documents for submission. Activity : Creation of branded visual identity (logo, slogan, images, colours etc) A service provider was engaged to create branded visual identity ((logo, slogan, images, colours) for each of the 11 Network reserves, signage has been designed and are being installed in all the boom gates and boundaries ( Figure 2, below). Page 9

10 Activity 2.2.7: Facilitation of Communication, Awareness raising and information sharing A Task Force was facilitated to go around the Network of Nature Reserves and prepare documentaries of all the Nature Reserves. The documentaries will be edited and aired through various media (TV, Radio, U-tube etc). An awareness progress will be disseminated to sell the NFRs destinations and the associated attractions Project Coordination and Management 3.1 Project Management Unit (PMU) The Project Management Unit (PMU) which is mainstreamed within the TFS continued with its operations based on agreed implementation arrangements as stipulated under the Inception Report. The September December 2015 FACE has been successfully implemented. 3.2 Office Facilities, Consumables, Computer and Computer accessories Acquisition of Office Facilities, Consumable, computers and computer accessories were procured for the PMU during the September December 2015 FACE. 3.3 Inception Workshop The Inception Workshop was undertaken during October 2015, after the appointment of the Project Steering Committee (PSC). The Inception workshop was combined with the first PSC meeting which among others approved the 1 st Year Annual Work Plan (AWP) for the project (July 2015/June 2016). 3.4 Follow up of Implantation Field implementation was closely followed up and monitored for all the planned activities under the September December 2051 FACE. 4.0 Funding Authorization and Certificate of Expenditure (FACE) A total of Five Hundred and Twelve Million, Three Hundred Ninety One Thousand and Eight Hundred, Thirty Four ( 512,391,834) was Authorized by UNDP for the period of September December 2015 (FACE report is has been submitted to UNDP). Page 10