BAMSTE Manual

Manual on Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System for Terrestrial Ecosystems HOW-TO GUIDELINES

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MANUAL ON BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING SYSTEM FOR TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS Reproduction of this publication in full or in part or adaptation for local use for education and other non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior permission from the publisher, provided that the Biodiversity Management Bureau and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is fully acknowledged.

Reproduction of this publication for sale or other commercial purposes is prohibited.

ISBN: 978-621-8096-03-7 Source and Copyrights © 2017 GIZ Layout / Design Ryan G. Palacol Copyright on Photos The photo used in the front cover of this publication is owned by GIZ. Cover Photo EA Milan Printed and distributed by Biodiversity Management Bureau and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Place and date of publication Manila, Philippines September 2017

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

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INTRODUCTION TO THE BIO-PHYSICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING MANUALS

1

1.1. Rationale 1.2. Background 1.3. Purpose of the Manual

1 5 6

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

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2.1 At A Glance 2.2 Why Another Manual 2.3 What Are The Goals of this Manual 2.4 In A Nutshell 2.5 Before You Begin: Is This Manual For You

8 8 9 9 9

INTRODUCTION

3

10

4

PREPARATION AND METHODOLOGY

12

4.1 Team Formation and Tasking 4.1.1 Stakeholders Identification and Orientation 4.1.2 Minimum Team Composition 4.1.3 Team Formation and Tasking 4.1.4 Expertise and Qualifications Needed 4.1.5 Number of Personnel 4.2 Scheduling of Activities 4.3 Budgeting

12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15

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GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) AND REMOTE SENSING

15

6

PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING

15

6.1 Physical Assessment 6.1.1 Watershed Delineation Using Hydrology Tool in ArcGISTM 6.1.1.1 Dataset Preparation 6.1.1.2 Delineation of Watershed 6.1.1.3 Stream Order Generation 6.1.2 Stratified Sampling for Resource Assessment 6.1.2.1 Introduction 6.1.2.2 Tutorial Guide for Stratification

15 15 16 17 24 28 28 29

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6.1.3 Modeling Landslide Susceptibility Using ArcGISTM Modelbuilder 6.1.3.1 Introduction 6.1.3.2 Dataset Preparation 6.1.3.3 Modeling Landslide Susceptibility 6.1.3.4 Reclassification Process 6.1.3.5 Performing Weighted Overlay 6.1.4 Assessment of Watershed Functions 6.1.4.1 Introduction 6.1.4.2 Data Collection 6.1.5 Onsite Monitoring and Measurements Using Water Quality Meter 6.1.6 Data Analysis 6.2 Physical Monitoring 6.2.1 Land Use and Land Cover Change Analysis Using ArcGISTM 6.2.2 Establishment of a Permanent Biodiversity Monitoring Area Using ArcGISTM

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7

PLANT ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING

78

7.1 Floral Assessment 7.1.1 Sampling Site Selection 7.1.2 Sampling Techniques for Each Land Cover Type 7.1.2.1 Barren Land and Built-Up Area 7.1.2.2 Scrubland, Grassland and Agricultural Land 7.1.2.3 Forest Land 7.1.2.4 Mangrove Forest 7.1.3 Data Analysis 7.2 Floral Monitoring 7.2.1 Species and Site Selection 7.2.2 Establishment of Permanent Flora Monitoring Plot 7.2.3 Frequency of Monitoring 7.2.4 Access and Retrieval

78 78 78 79 79 82 87 92 96 96 97 98 98

8

ANIMAL ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING

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8.1 Faunal Assessment 8.1.1 Arthropod Assessment 8.1.1.1 Introduction

100 100 100

35 35 36 40 44 48 48 49 63 64 64 64 68

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8.1.2 Stepwise Procedure for Collection of Specimens for Arthropod Assessment Using Sampling Along Transects 8.1.2.1 Opportunistic Sampling 8.1.2.2 Specimen Organization and Recording 8.1.2.3 Data Analysis 8.1.3 Vertebrate Wildlife Assessment 8.1.3.1 Introduction 8.1.3.2 Sampling Design 8.1.3.3 Site Selection 8.1.3.4 Collection of Data 8.2 Faunal Monitoring 8.2.1 Arthropod Monitoring 8.2.1.1 Site Selection 8.2.1.2 Materials and Equipment 8.2.1.3 Data Collection 8.2.1.4 Data Sheets 8.2.2 Vertebrate Wildlife Monitoring 8.2.2.1 Software 8.2.2.2 Analysis Methods

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INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT AND DATABASE MANAGEMENT

147

9.1 Integrated Assessment 9.2 Database Management

147 148

ANNEXES

150

104 104 104 106 106 108 111 112 141 141 142 142 142 143 144 146 146

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 3.1. Stream cross-section divided into vertical sections for discharge measurement Figure 3.2. Transect lines established alternately from each side of the baseline. Space between transects may vary depending on preferred sampling intensity and available resources. Length of transects depends on the extent of the area.

Figure 3.3. Measuring the intercept for each plant prior to computation of percent cover.

Figure 3.4. Transect line design, a 2-km transect where black squares represent the stations every 250m and the blue dots represent the sections every 50m.

Figure 3.5. Nested quadrat sampling design for species diversity assessment Figure 3.6. Quadrats layout along the 2-km transect line.

Figure 3.7. The three zones typical of mangrove habitats in the tropical pacific, showing the differences in mangrove species typical of each zone. (Image source: http://www. spc.int/climate-change/ e-book/images/c6fig1.png) Figure 3.8. Belt transect method for mangrove forest.

Figure 3.9. Hypothetical diagram of the modified transect method for assessing arthropods with alternating 1.0km sub-transects established every 100m elevation gradient along the main transect line.

Figure 3.10. Illustration of insect net with collapsible handle (a) and collecting glass jar (b).

Figure 3.11. Diagram showing the zigzag direction of sweeping arthropods in a 20x20m sampling plot.

Figure 3.12. Diagram showing the distribution and coverage of plots among three different sampling designs (A-C) used for wildlife diversity assessment Figure 3.13. Diagram for modified strip transect method with alternating 100 m2 quadrats laid every 25 m along a 250 m transect line.

Figure 3.14. Pit-fall trap buried at ground level (A); and supporting drift fence erected beside each pit-fall trap to facilitate movement towards pit entrance (B).

Figure 3.15. An assortment of field equipment used to facilitate capture and safe handling of herpetofauna, particularly snakes, burrowing lizards and tadpoles.

Figure 3.16. Evidences of herpetofauna presence such as (A) remains of skin shedding of snakes, (B) laid foam nests of tree frogs, and (C) from ethnobiological accounts derived from interview or use of wildlife by indigenous people as adornments.

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Figure 3.17. Basic morphometrics measured from amphibians and reptiles (adopted from Wildlife 101 Lab Manual, UP Los BaĂąos; Gonzalez et al. 1995; and from Conant & Collins 1998).

Figure 3.19. Diagram for simple line transect count used for recording richness and abundance of birds within a series of scattered 2-km transect routes.

Figure 5.1. Methods of attaching tree tags: (a) nails, (b) painted numbers after smoothing bark, (c) plastic barlocks stapled to tree, (d) tags stapled directly to thick bark plates (after Curtis & Marshall 2005) Figure 5.2. Measurement points for measuring diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees in various situations (after Curtis & Marshall 2005).

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LIST OF TABLES Table 2.1.

Table 2.2.

Table 2.3.

Table 3.1.

Table 3.2.

Table 3.3.

Table 3.4.

Table 3.5.

Table 5.1.

Table 5.2.

Parameters for Watershed and Ecosystem Level Monitoring Sample Line-item Budget (LIB) for Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring Sample Post-Training Evaluation Form General classification of land cover types Characterization of the different forest formations in the Philippines (modified from Fernando et al. 2008) Classification scheme by Fernando et al. 1998 Biodiversity Value Matrix Sample fauna survey form for arthropod diversity assessment and monitoring Field data sheet for the floristic survey of permanent monitoring plot.

Summary of vertebrate wildlife survey methods for assessment and monitoring.

175 178 180 79 85 95 96 105 100

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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS AWLS

Automatic Weather and Water Level Station

BAMS

Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System

BMB

Biodiversity Management Bureau

BMUB

Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety

BSWM

Bureau of Soils and Water Management

CENRO

City Environment and Natural Resources Officer

CLUP

Comprehensive Land Use Plan

CSO

Civil Society Organisation

DA

Department of Agriculture

DAO

Department Administrative Order

DBH

Diametre at Breast Height

DBMS

Database Management System

DEM

Digital Elevation Model

DENR

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DO

Dissolved Oxygen

EC

Electrical Conductivity

EL

Ear Length

EMB

Environmental Management Bureau

FA

Forearm Length

FGD

Focus Group Discussion

FLUP

Forest Land Use Planning

GIS

Geographic Information System

GIZ

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH

HBL

Head-to-Body Length

HF

Hindfoot Length

ILTER

International Long Term Ecological Research

IUCN

International Union for the Conservation of Nature

IV

Importance Value

KBA

Key Biodiversity Area

KII

Key Informant Interview

LGU

Local Government Unit

LIB

Line-Item Budget

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LIT

Line Intercept Technique

LTER

Long Term Ecological Research

MGB

Mines and Geosciences Bureau

MH

Merchantable Height

MMFR

Mount Makiling Forest Reserve

MVSP

Multivariate Statistical Package

NAMRIA

National Mapping and Resource Information Authority

NEDA

National Economic Development Authority

NFRDI

National Fisheries Research and Development Institute

NGA

National Government Agency

NGO

Non-Government Organisation

NIPAS

National Integrated Protected Area System

NORDECO

Nordic Agency for Development and Ecology

OM

Organic Matter

PA

Protected Area

PAGASA

Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration

PAMB

Protected Area Management Board

PAME

Protected Area Management Enhancement Project

PASu

Protected Area Superintendent

PPCC

Philippine Plant Conservation Committee

RS

Remote Sensing

SMC

Soil Moisture Content

SQL

Standard Query Language

SUCs

State University and Colleges

TH

Total Height

TL

Total Length

TL

Tail Length

TV

Tail-vent Length

UPLB

University of the Philippine Los Baños

WC

Wing Cord

WLMS

Water Level Monitoring System

WT

Body Weight

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1

INTRODUCTION TO THE BIO-PHYSICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING MANUALS 1.1 Background A protected area is defined by the IUCN as ‘clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values’ (Dudley 2008:8).

Thus, protected areas aim to conserve nature and sustain ecosystem services through managing space. Managers of this area or space must therefore not only know what types of ecosystems, species, and ecosystem services are in the area/space they are managing, but their abundance and distribution as well. Since many protected areas are often meant to serve as natural capital or reproductive stock to provide for the broader ecosystem (i.e. river basin and coastal/marine area) of which they are a part, then managers should know the types, abundance and distribution of ecosystems, species, and ecosystem services both inside and outside the protected areas.

This kind of information is needed to:

In the Philippine protected area system, the objectives on the left column are meant to be addressed through the following: (1) Protected Area Suitability Assessment (Technical Bulletin 2016-04)

(1) determine whether an area needs to be protected to begin with and where to delineate its boundaries, (2) plan regulations and their place of (2) Previous: Resource Basic Inventory (RBI) application (i.e. zoning), and Survey and Registration of Protected Area Occupants (SRPAO)

Current: Bio-physical Assessment and Monitoring (BAMS; BMB-TB 2016-05 and 2017-09) and Socio-economic Assessment and Monitoring System (SEAMS; BMB-TB 2016-07) (3) allocate management effort in (3) Biodiversity Monitoring System communicating with communities/ (DAO 2000-13) user groups; deter and respond to violations of regulations on a dayto-day basis; and (4) periodically report the degree of (4) Biodiversity Monitoring System achievement of nature conservation (DAO 2000-13) and ecosystem services sustainability.

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The above are collections of methods that include: (1) review of existing data and information (including remotely sensed data), (2) indirect collection of data and information from various documents and informants, and (3) direct observations either specifically for the purpose of monitoring changes in nature and ecosystem services or in the course of other activities such as communication or patrols.

With respect to #3 recording direct observations, some natural features and ecosystem services may be more easily recorded (e.g. large vertebrates, forest cover, water wells, tourist visits, fish catch, etc.) and are thus useful indicators which can be analyzed from data collected by patrols (e.g. through the Lawin or Daloy system) whereas others (e.g. certain small and/or difficult to identify plants and animals, protection from landslides and floods, etc.) may require more purposive sampling.

OBJECTIVES This series of Bio-Physical and Socio-Economic Assessment and Monitoring Guides is meant to support #2 and #4 objectives above by providing specific methods for measuring various physical, biological, social and economic variables (Table 1). These guides describe simpler methods for biodiversity conservation practitioners and their technical partners.

TABLE 1. VARIABLES OF INTEREST / METHODS IN THE GUIDEBOOK SERIES Terrestrial (TB 2016-05)

Wetland

Coastal/Marine (TB 2017-05)

GIS (ArcGIS) GIS GIS (not in TB) Watershed Delineation Watershed Delineation Landslide Susceptibility Surface Water Watershed Function

Water Quality

Socio-Economic (TB 2016-06) GIS

Protection provided Secondary data by coastal habitats collection to coastal areas (in PAME manual but not in TB) Coral Reefs, reef fishes and macroinvertebrates (latter in PAME manual)

Group consultation

Seagrass and macroinvertebrates (latter in PAME manual)

Household survey

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Terrestrial (TB 2016-05) Flora including mangroves (latter also in coastal/marine TB)

Wetland Phytoplankton Aquatic Macrophytes

Fauna – Arthropod

Fauna – Vertebrate Birds Mammals Reptiles/Amphibians

Coastal/Marine (TB 2017-05) Plankton Cryptobiota (in TB only) Seaweeds and macroinvertebrates Mudflats and intertidal macroinvertebrates (in PAME manual) and microinvertebrates (in TB only)

Wildlife/Megafauna Birds/Bats Reptiles/Amphibians

Megafauna (marine mammals, sharks and rays, marine turtles) (in PAME manual but not in TB)

Fisheries

Fisheries (in PAME manual but not in TB)

Socio-Economic (TB 2016-06) Analysis: Demographic Profile Analysis: Resources, Resource Uses and Threats Analysis: Social Profile Analysis: Economic Profile Analysis: Institutional Profile and Perceptions

Note also: Survey of subterranean ecosystems are outlined in the Cave Handbook (DENR 2017)

The BMS Manual identifies the following information that management needs: 1. Where and how extensive (area) are the various ecosystem sub-types?

And where are they being degraded/improving? (not just in PA but even beyond) 2. Are the populations of threatened species of plants and animals declining/increasing?

3. What are the causes for declines or increases?

4. Has management intervention had the intended impact on the ecosystem?

5. Are there increased benefits to local communities from sustainable natural resource use?

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For socio-economic data, management also needs the following information: 1. How valuable (a) currently, (b) in future if business as usual; and (c) potentially in future, if well managed are the various major ecosystem services being supported by the protected area? Where are the sources and benefit areas of these various major ecosystem services? (not just within the PA but even beyond where relevant) 2. What is the rate of change, and where are these major ecosystem services being degraded/improving? What are the causes (pressures and threats) for declines or increases? What magnitude and where are these pressures and threats?

3. What would be the future estimated values of these ecosystem services under the following major options for management: (a) business as usual, (b) primarily conservation with compatible sustainable use as secondary objective, and (c) alternative use [depending upon what is relevant to the area, e.g. mining] with conservation as secondary objective?

4. What are the names/identities, periods of occupancy, locations, boundaries, and extents of the areas occupied by, as well as, resource uses of the PA occupants and other entities (e.g. firms), as well as their resource uses?

5. Which populations/communities and sub-sectors of these populations/ communities (e.g. subsistence fishers, farmers of irrigated farms, coastal communities adjacent to coral reefs and mangroves, etc.) are benefiting/ losing, will benefit/are bound to lose from changes in these ecosystem services?

Since monitoring is just one of the tasks of management, overall monitoring should not use too much (e.g. up to 10-15%) of the overall human and financial resources. Thus, simple and easy-to-measure indicators (Table 2) should be preferred while more complex monitoring may be better approached through partnerships with organizations which may have these studies as among their core mandates (e.g. research and academic organizations). Due to large number of variables that may be measured and difficulty of measurement, many of the methods (Table 1) are not suitable for objective #3 (dayto-day monitoring). For #3, the Biodiversity Monitoring System using easily observable indicators (Table 2) complemented by more modern digital technology (e.g. SMART-Lawin and eBMS) are still more practical and applicable.

Of course, one can always simplify but without sacrifice of the objective of providing reliable trends in biological features and ecosystem services that are vital to management needs. Thus, managers may need to supplement the results of easy opportunistic monitoring those from purposive studies that give a more comprehensive picture of the situation.

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TABLE 2. SOME EASIER INDICATORS Terrestrial

Wetland

Coastal/Marine Coral, seagrass, and mangrove extent and cover

Socio-Economic

Forest extent and cover

Extent of water bodies (wet season and dry season)

Locations of houses, farms, key infrastructure (e.g. roads) and other production facilities (e.g. factories, drying areas)

Abundance of large vertebrates (mammals, birds including raptors)

Water Reef fish abundance transparency and especially of large dissolved oxygen piscivores (groupers, snappers and emperors)

Total population and occupation per adult

Fish catch

Fish catch of hightrophic pelagic fishes

Production (crops, livestock, fish, wood, etc.)

Abundance of large vertebrates

Easy health indicators (height/weight, mortality, morbidity)

1.2 General Approach 1. List known key features of interest (physical, ecosystems and/or species, e.g. reason for wanting to protect the area).

2. Map the estimated extent of the various ecosystems (e.g. forest types including mangroves, rivers, lakes, seagrass beds, coral reefs). Methods: Secondary map data (please identify BMB website reference for relevant links), GIS, Measurements for Ecosystem Level Assessment (terrestrial) and manta tow (coastal/marine) with sampling points distributed as much as possible across the various sampling strata and across the entire area of interest (use of SMART/Lawin would be appropriate).

3. Select key ecosystems of interest (or adjust list from step 1).

4. Outline areas to be sampled (see stratification below) 5. Sample and estimate relative abundance of flora and fauna in the key ecosystem types of interest. For purposes of maximizing the number of native species recorded, you may wish to sample relatively undisturbed areas; however, this sample will not be representative of that ecosystem through the area of interest.

6. Select indicator species/taxa (flora, fauna), physical features (or adjust list from step 1), sampling stations for monitoring in cooperation with bio-diversity expert(s).

7. Monitor abundance through time and distribution of indicator species/ taxa/physical features of interest across the various sampling strata.

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1.3 Stratification For purposes of sampling and extrapolation of results, Areas of Interest and surrounding watersheds and coastal/marine influence areas are to be classified by: a. Ecosystem sub-types: For example, the 12 forest formations for terrestrial areas and coastal ecosystems (mangrove forests, seagrass/seaweed beds, coral reefs) for coastal areas b. degree of human pressures (i.e. alienable & disposable, forestland or protected area; protected area management zone [core, multiple-use, buffer, outside PA]; proximity to households and population centers; and accessibility using roads/trails and streams/rivers as proxies).

Example: An area with six sub-systems subject to human pressure (Low, Moderate, High) would require 9 representative classes, each with its own replicate sampling.

Human Pressure

Low

Moderate

High

Sub-ecosystem Mid-elevation forest Low-elevation forest Coastal forest Seagrass/seaweed beds Coral reefs Deeper water

Other useful references for this are section 1.1. of FFI (2014) Biodiversity Assessment Manual and the section on Sampling Protocol for Coastal and Marine Habitat Assessment in the Coastal and Marine Guide.

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USE OF OUTPUT FOR MANAGEMENT PLANNING Ultimately, the Bio-physical Assessment should produce maps of the value of certain areas for protection for example due to high biodiversity, being sources of ecosystem services, and/or being highly hazardous. In the map diagram below, higher numbers would refer to higher value for protection.

1

2

4

1

3

3

4

2

3

2

1

1

While from Socio-Economic Assessment would produce maps of the value of certain areas for use for example due to proximity to human settlements and transportation (roads and rivers), and/or being beneficiary sites for ecosystem services. In the map diagram below, more negative numbers would refer to the social and/or economic demands for less protection and more use.

-2

-1

-1

-1

-2

-2

-1

-3

-3

-2

-1

-1

-2

Taking these both into consideration (e.g. summing both values for each grid on the map diagram) would provide the basis for zoning and potential negotiations of zones. (These can be facilitated by software such as MARXAN and the like.)

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

3

0

0

-1

1

1

3

0

-3

-1

1

1

1

-1

-2

0

1

0

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ABOUT THIS MANUAL 2.1 At A Glance Biodiversity assessment and monitoring is a key activity in protected area (PA) Management. Its outcomes greatly influence the PA Management Plans, among others, which provides the framework for decision-making in the management of protected areas.

Being a crucial step in the PA Management process, a scientifically-robust, objective, relevant and sustainable biodiversity assessment and monitoring system must be in place. Hence, this manual is made for the terrestrial ecosystems, whether classified as a NIPAS protected area or otherwise.

2.2 Why Another Manual With the constant changes and new knowledge brought and introduced by the scientific community, several updates had to be made. With appreciation for the value of the 2001 BMS Manual that was developed by the Nordic Agency for Development and Ecology (NORDECO) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as well as the Resources Basic Inventory adopted by virtue of DENR Memorandum Order No. 1991-10, this new manual has an added feature of established permanent monitoring plots for an in-depth monitoring of selected habitats and species.

As an updated version, this manual brings to the Biodiversity Assessment Monitoring System (BAMS) additional: 1. Criteria for locating the permanent plot, including the presence of important and indicator species; 2. Instruction on how to join the International Long Term Ecological Research (ILTER) Network, which shares information regarding environmental changes worldwide; 3. Assessment methods that will determine the presence of key monitoring species in larger areas encompassing the different elevation gradients; 4. Stakeholder consultation in order to determine which among the identified ecologically and economically important species in the area will be best used as indicator species for monitoring, and 5. The potential for an interactive Geographic Information Systems (GIS) map of permanent plots for easier information access and guidance on the scientific management of PAs. This How-To Guidelines are designed for use in the Philippines.

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2.3 What are the Goals of this Manual?

This manual aims to: 1. Provide a comprehensive guide on national biodiversity assessment and monitoring system; 2. contribute to the management planning, profile updating, and biodiversity monitoring of protected areas, and 3. help capacitate the personnel involved in the management of protected areas.

2.4 In a Nutshell This manual for biodiversity assessment and monitoring was made possible through the partnership of the DENR, particularly its Biodiversity Managment Bureau (BMB) and the and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH of the Federal Republic of Germany and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) through the UPLB Foundation, Inc. It is one of the many institutional steps undertaken by the DENR as a testament to its solidarity with the international community and in fulfilling its obligation to conserve the environment.

With the publication of this manual, its readers are hoped to be more equipped in the management of protected areas, guided by an improved Biodiversity Assessment Monitoring System.

2.5 Before You Begin: Is this Manual for You? This Manual is for you if you are either: A. A technical personnel of terrestrial PAs under the National Integrated Protected Areas System.

B. A prospective technical service provider with knowledge and skills for the efficient and effective management of biodiversity conservation.

If yes to one or both, let’s proceed!

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FLOW CHART ON BAMS ESTABLISHMENT OF 2 Has PERMANENT BIODIVERSITY MONITORING AREA

SURVEY AND GRIDDING

FLORA ASSESSMENT

MARKING OF GRIDS

FAUNA ASSESSMENT

INTEGRATED DATA ANALYSIS

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

INTEGRATED DATABASE MANAGEMENT

RESOURCE PROFILING

FLORA ASSESSMENT DATA ANALYSIS

ESTABLISHMENT OF 2 Km TRANSECT LINE

PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT

ORGANIZATION AND PLANNING

FAUNA ASSESSMENT

TWO MAJOR ELEMENTS: ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING

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INTRODUCTION A terrestrial PA is commonly located within a watershed where it usually straddles through a network of ecosystems, from the ridge all the way to the coastal areas. The pattern of interactions between ecosystems largely influences the quality of diverse ecosystem services (i.e., biodiversity conservation, soil and water conservation, climate change mitigation, nutrient cycling, and disaster risk reduction among others) from the watersheds. When one ecosystem changes, the other ecosystems invariably change and, with it, the consequences on the services which the ecosystems provide. Ecosystem change is driven by the interplay of climate and other natural factors, and of human factors. Vulnerabilities of ecosystems to these various stressors are interlinked and that the required interventions and solutions are as well tied to one another.

In view of the above, management of terrestrial PAs in the Philippines need to be integrated with the management of all the ecosystems within the same landscape unit (i.e., watershed). The traditional manner of planning for and managing PAs independent of the plans and management of other ecosystems beyond its boundary has proved inadequate. This approach focused only on the sources of stressors within the PA and failed to consider the stressors that emanate beyond the PA limits. Sustainability of terrestrial PAs and the services they provide are premised on the sustainability of all ecosystems in the same watershed. Unless the ecosystems outside of the PAs are sustainable, the PAs, watersheds and its services will most likely be unsustainable.

An essential activity therefore in developing an integrated PA management system is the conduct of comprehensive assessment of the state and drivers of resources and ecosystem services, both inside and outside of the PA within the same watershed.

Using the watershed as the unit of comprehensive resources and ecosystem assessment

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facilitates the understanding and appreciation on the vital contribution of the PA in the maintenance and delivery of the various services the watershed provide on top of the direct benefits people derive from the PA as sources of livelihoods, food and other basic commodities. The watershed landscape approach makes it easier for local communities, LGUs, and other stakeholders to appreciate the importance of PAs in the supply and availability of clean and sufficient water; in minimizing siltation problems in rivers, lakes, coastal areas including marine ecosystems; in reducing risks from flood and landslide, and in maintaining the productivity of downstream agricultural lands.

The key assessments required include the: 1. Assessment of the geomorphic features of the whole watershed where the PA is located covering the: a. Assessment of the topographic features including slope, elevation, basin relief, relief ratio, among others. These are important factors that influence biodiversity, habitat quality, soil fertility and stability and the movement and storage of water across the watershed. b. Assessment of drainage features of the watershed including stream density, drainage density, and stream network pattern. The hydrologic behavior of streamflow (i.e., volume and velocity of streamflow and consistency of flow and quality of depends largely on these factors. Stream network is one of the most pronounced links that connects ecosystems from the ridge to the coastal areas.

2. Assessment of soil and geology that affect the kind of vegetation growth in the PA. It also determines the amount and extent of surface soil erosion and landslides in the watershed that threaten the security of people and the productivity of sloping lands.

3. Assessment of the climate in the PA and adjoining areas that is critical in estimating the risks associated with intense rainfall, typhoons, extreme temperature, landslide, flood and drought.

Results of this assessment are the bases for estimating the risks and potential damages that may occur due to the extreme climate related events. In addition, the results of climate studies helps in understanding the determinants of the kind of plants and animals in all the ecosystems in the watershed and what the responses are of the flora and fauna to changing climate.

4. Assessment of streamflow volume and quality that is reflective of the overall health of the watershed and of the ecosystems therein and of the effectiveness of management interventions.

It also generates information needed for the valuation of the services of ecosystems within and outside the PA related to water supply and availability for various uses.

5. Assessment of biodiversity provides the information on what flora and fauna are found in the ecosystems within the PA and the watershed. This information is needed in understanding the presence of important species that require protection and conservation attention. It also indicates the species of plants and animals that are under threats from human stressors and pressure from climate change and other natural drivers.

6. Assessment of the socio-economic features of the watershed expounds on the people, particularly PA occupants, and their activities which invariably impact on natural habitat quality, biodiversity, soil, water, and the services of ecosystems within the PA and the watershed. It also generates information on the current skills and knowledge of the various stakeholders in engaging in the management of the PA and what training and technical assistance are needed to strengthen the various stakeholders including DENR personnel, LGUs, local communities.

Assessment of policies and institutions are also covered here, the results of which are inputs to creating an empowering environment for the various stakeholders.

In this manual, protocols and tools for the conduct of the various assessments described above, except for the assessment of the socio-economic features which is tackled by the Socio-Economic Assessment and Monitoring System Protected Areas Manual, are succinctly described to guide managers of PAs, students and teachers, researchers, and policy makers in formulating science-based policies, plans and programs.

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PREPARATION AND METHODOLOGY 4.1 Team Formation and Tasking 4.1.1 Stakeholders Identification and Orientation As an initial activity, the major stakeholders in the PAs should be identified. Commonly these will include the BMB, CENRO, LGUs, local communities, CSOs, research institutions and academe. The identified stakeholders should then be invited to an orientation session about the biodiversity assessment and monitoring that will be conducted in the protected area.

The orientation session should be designed to create awareness about the need for Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System (BAMS) in the protected area and to mobilize support from the various stakeholders.

The session should emphasize the value of biodiversity and ecosystems to the daily life and general well-being of the people. Further, the stakeholders should be made aware on the various threats to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity and on how BAMS could facilitate the reduction of exposure to these threats. Lastly, the orientation should highlight the need for the committed participation of the stakeholders in biodiversity assessment and monitoring.

The orientation session should culminate in the expression of commitment of all stakeholders to participate and support the implementation of BAMS in the PA concerned. Ideally execution of a memorandum of agreement among the various stakeholders will cement the collaboration for implementing BAMS.

4.1.2 MINIMUM TEAM COMPOSITION The minimum composition of the BAMS team should include the following: • Coordinator of BAMS in the protected area; • PASu and staff; • PENRO and or CENRO personnel assigned to protected areas and biodiversity monitoring; • Staff of LGUs who are involved in environment and natural resources management projects and concerns;

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• Representative of indigenous peoples within the protected area and • Faculty and researchers from higher education institutions with research interests in the protected area and have academic agreements with DENR. Additional members of the BAMS team may include • Volunteers from mountaineering or outdoor clubs, environmental action movers or supporters, media or radio communications clubs, concerned civil society organizations, private and industry sectors • Other concerned government agencies or entities like water districts, area development projects, interagency task forces in the locality.

4.1.3 TEAM FORMATION AND TASKING The BAMS Team should be initiated by the Parks Operations Superintendent (PASu) as designated by the DENR Regional Director.

The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) should endorse the formation of BAMS Team and the conduct of the program through a PAMB Resolution. Thereafter, the BAMS Team shall be created through a Special Order, by the Regional Director.

Team Composition. The minimum team composition is as follows: 4.1.3.1 PASu as the BAMS Coordinator 4.1.3.2 PASu staff members assigned either at the PENR or CENR Offices with adequate expertise on the following: watershed monitoring; biodiversity database and mapping; flora assessment and monitoring; faunal assessment and monitoring 4.1.3.3 Technical LGU staff members who are involved in environment and natural resources management projects 4.1.3.4 Representative of indigenous peoples within the protected area 4.1.3.5 Faculty and researchers from higher education institutions with research interests in the protected area and have academic agreements with the DENR 4.1.3.6 Other members of the BAMS team may include: volunteers from mountaineering or outdoor clubs, environmental action movers or supporters, media or radio communication clubs, concerned civil society organizations, private and industry sectors; other concerned government agencies or entities like water districts, area development projects, interagency task forces in the locality

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4.1.3.7 Locals in the area as guides, climbers and porters.

4.1.3.8 Scheduling of Activities. For efficiency, the various monitoring activities should be coordinated and synchronized to avoid unnecessary duplications and overlaps. See.

4.1.4 EXPERTISE AND QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED The BAMS Team should involve DENR personnel who are currently or about to be assigned to the tasks of assessing and monitoring biodiversity in key biodiversity areas or priority conservations areas in the region.

Team members should have academic preparations or have attended training courses on biodiversity assessment, flora and fauna inventory, watershed monitoring, geographic information system and other allied fields.

Whenever possible, former participants of biodiversity assessment and monitoring trainings conducted by the GIZ PAME project should be assigned to the regional teams to serve as trainers.

4.1.5 NUMBER OF PERSONNEL The BAMS Team in every protected area should include at least four (4) core personnel with adequate expertise in the following major tasks: • Watershed monitoring • Biodiversity database and mapping • Flora assessment and monitoring • Faunal assessment and monitoring In many PAs some of the above personnel may not be present within the concerned DENR offices/units and will most likely come from academic institutions and research organizations.

4.2 Scheduling Of Activities Various monitoring activities are conducted at different schedules. However for efficiency, the various monitoring activities should be coordinated and synchronized to avoid unnecessary duplications and overlaps and maximize synergy and complementation. See Table 2.1 for more details.

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4.3 Budgeting A sample Line-Item Budget (LIB) for conducting biodiversity assessment and monitoring can be seen in Table 2.2. Prices of each item may change depending on local prices.

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GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) AND REMOTE SENSING Please refer to Chapter 5 of the Socio-Economic Assessment and Monitoring System (SEAMS) Protected Areas Manual entitled “Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing” for more information.

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PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING 6.1 Physical Assessment 6.1.1 WATERSHED DELINEATION USING HYDROLOGY TOOL IN ARCGISTM Watershed delineation is an initial process in the development of management plans in a watershed. This is commonly done using topographic maps where ridges and stream networks are defined. This also provides the extent of the landscape from which the different resources are characterized and described. Traditionally, contour lines from topographic maps are used to delineate the boundary of a watershed. The main outlet of the watershed is first identified from the network of streams and this is usually located at the furthest downstream point of the river. However, at present, watershed boundaries are mostly defined using digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from advanced geospatial technologies such as satellite imaging and LiDAR technology.

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Once the watershed boundary is defined, various information about the resources found within the area are generated using several GIS processing tools. The main purpose of these tools is to analyze and manage geographic datasets.

6.1.1.1 DATASET PREPARATION

Dataset preparation basically includes identification of the various parameters that will be covered in the assessment including definition of the extent, resolution, workspaces, and protocols in applying relevant geoprocessing techniques. Below is a stepwise procedure for carrying out dataset preparation.

1. Copy the Watershed Delineation folder to C:\CapDev_ Terrestrial directory.

2. Open ArcMap. 3. Click on the Add Data button. Navigate to C:\CapDev_ Terrestrial\Watershed Delineation folder then double click on Watershed.gdb then choose DEM then click Add. 4. Click on Geoprocessing > Environments.

5. From the Environment Settings window, expand Workspace.

6. Click on the directory icon on the Current Workspace then click the Connect to Folder icon.

7. Navigate to C:\CapDev_Terrestrial\Watershed Delineation.

8. Set the Current Workspace to C:\CapDev_Terrestrial\ Watershed Delineation \Watershed.gdb then click Add. 9. In the Scratch Workspace box, navigate to Current Workspace to C:\CapDev_Terrestrial\Watershed Delineation \Output.gdb then click Add. 10. Next, expand the Raster Analysis from the Environment Settings.

11. Set the Cell Size to Same as DEM or Same as dataset DEM.

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12. Click OK to close the Environment Settings window.

6.1.1.2 DELINEATION OF WATERSHED

The delineation of watershed uses the Hydrology toolset within the Spatial Analyst extension. The Spatial Analyst provides a rich set of spatial analysis and modeling tools for raster (cell-based) data. The following tutorial will further explain each tool and its functions.

1. To begin the delineation of watershed, open your ArcToolbox.

2. Go to Spatial Analyst Tools then expand the Hydrology toolset.

3. First click on the Fill tool. This tool is used to remove any imperfections (sinks) in the digital elevation model. A sink is a cell that does not have a defined drainage value associated with it.

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4. From the Input raster drop down list, select dem.

5. In the Output surface raster, just change the file name to Fill. Click OK. 6. Double click the Flow Direction tool. A flow direction grid assigns a value to each cell that indicates the direction of flow.

This is important in hydrologic modeling because it determines the destination of the water flowing across the surface of the landscape.

7. For every 3x3 cell neighborhood, the grid processor finds the lowest neighboring cell from the center. Each number in the matrix below corresponds to a flow direction, e.g. if center cell flows due west, its value will be 16; if it flows north, its value is 64.

8. From the Input surface raster, click the drop down arrow and choose Fill.

9. In the Output flow direction raster, set the file name to FlowDir. Click OK.

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10. From the Spatial Analyst Tools > Hydrology, double click on Flow Accumulation.

11. The Flow Accumulation tool calculates the flow into each cell by accumulating the cells that flow into each downslope cell.

12. From the Flow Accumulation window, set the Input flow direction raster to FlowDir. 13. In the Output accumulation raster, change the name to FlowAccu. Click OK.

14. Right click the FlowAccu in the Table of Contents then click Properties.

15. Click on the Symbology tab. Set the Show: to Classified, Classes to 2 then click Classify.

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Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau

Deutsche Gesellschaft fĂźr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Theresa Mundita Lim Director Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Centre, North Avenue, Barangay Diliman, Quezon City Philippines

Registered offices Bonn and Eschborn, Germany

T +63 2 924 6031 E bmb@bmb.gov.ph

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Berthold Schirm PDCP Bank Center, V.A. Rufino corner L.P. Leviste Sts. Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines T +63 2 426 0198 E berthold.schirm@giz.de

11/17/2017 5:50:45 PM