Innovative conservation since 1903
SUMMARY OF PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES 2011/2012
Registered Charity No. 1011102
www.fauna-flora.org
AFRICA & MADAGASCAR CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
Fauna & Flora International’s Africa programme covers a wide range of conservation landscapes and critical habitats in sub-Saharan countries. We are focusing on using innovative models to secure intact areas of land for conservation in the long term. These include forest, wetland and wilderness areas that are sufficiently large to maintain the viability of large mammal populations, the integrity of ecosystems and the resources they supply to local people. The success of many of our projects is based on the catalytic value of flagship species, from gorillas and rhinos to bats and frogs. Working in several post-conflict countries in Africa, Fauna & Flora International is helping to rebuild and reinforce conservation capacity and governance needed by national authorities. We are working with the private sector and local organisations from national to village level.
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
www.fauna-flora.org
CAMEROON
CA M
ER OO N
NIGERIA Bechati-Lebialem Forest
CREDIT: AREND DE HAAS
CHAD
Yaoundé
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Dja Biosphere Reserve EQUA. GUI.
GABON
CONGO The Bechati-Lebialem forest is home to a sub-population of Cross River gorilla
Supporting gorilla conservation at the Dja Biosphere Reserve
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) has been working to protect western lowland gorillas in and around the Dja Reserve (a Man and the Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site) since 2003. We are currently working with local partners in Cameroon to create an early warning system against poaching using mobile phone technology. An important component of this work is the involvement of local communities through the established Village Ape Forum. The Forum facilitates the gathering and relaying of intelligence on the movements and activities of poachers to the Reserve’s central command units for rapid and targeted deployment of protection and monitoring forces.
Supporting gorilla conservation in the Bechati-Lebialem forest
The Bechati-Lebialem forest, in western Cameroon (on the border with Nigeria), is home to a sub-population of the Critically Endangered Cross River gorilla. FFI’s initial support to the Environment and Rural Development Foundation from 2003 led to the discovery of this previously unrecorded sub-population in 2004. FFI has since continued to provide strategic technical and financial support to the project, putting in place a community-based model for great ape conservation in the region. Fauna & Flora International and our partners are currently working towards the establishment of the Bechati-Lebialem Community Wildlife Sanctuary which will be the first of its kind in Cameroon. CREDIT: DR PETER HOWARD / AFRICAN NATURAL HERITAGE
CREDIT: LOUIS NKEMBI A community-based model for great ape conservation
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
Patrolling the Bechati-Lebialem Community Wildlife Sanctuary
www.fauna-flora.org
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)
GABON
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
REBUBLIC OF CONGO
SUDAN
Mbandaka
Kananga Kahemba
UGANDA
Kisangani
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Bandundu OF CONGO Kinshasa Matadi
CREDIT: MBAKE SIVHA / FFI
CAMEROON
Buluko
RWANDA BURUNDI TANZANIA
Mbuji-Mayi
ANGOLA
ZAMBIA Lumumbashi
Fauna & Flora International is working with communities in the DRC
Community conservation strategy for the Democratic Republic of Congo
Wildlife in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suffered from ongoing human conflict over natural resources. The Congolese Protected Areas Authority (ICCN) has realised that conservation will only work if communities around national parks are supportive and involved. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) played a crucial role in helping the ICCN draft the country’s first community conservation strategy, providing guidelines for involving local people in the management of the protected areas and their natural resources. We are now supporting the implementation of the strategy in Garamba, Kahuzi-Biega and Maiko National Parks.
Protecting Garamba National Park
Garamba National Park in north-east DRC is a World Heritage Site and its extensive grasslands support priority populations of elephants and Congolese giraffe. FFI is working with the ICCN, the African Parks Foundation and local communities to address the threats to the park and its key species and habitats, primarily through implementing community awareness and conservation initiatives to garner local support for the park’s conservation.
Gorilla conservation in Kahuzi-Biega and Maiko National Parks
Grauer’s gorilla can only be found in the mountains and transitional forests of eastern DRC, making the Kahuzi-Biega and Maiko National Parks vital refuges. The gorilla is endangered due to habitat loss, illegal hunting and the near breakdown of protected area management compounded by fierce civil war over the past 13 years. A catastrophic population crash is suspected across its range but the current status remains largely unknown. FFI is helping park authorities monitor gorillas, institute programmes to improve the skills and resources of rangers and facilitate community projects that address threats to gorillas and also improve the livelihoods of local people. CREDIT: SIMON J. CHILDS / INTERGALACTIC GORILLA PROD.
CREDIT: MBAKE SIVHA / FFI Rangers working to protect threats to key species in Garamba National Park
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Thirteen years of civil war have seen the Grauer’s gorilla teeter on extinction
www.fauna-flora.org
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO/RWANDA/UGANDA CREDIT: IGCP
Batwa guides teaching tourists local culture in Uganda
International Gorilla Conservation Programme
Fewer than 720 mountain gorillas survive in Central Africa’s forests. The International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) – a partnership between Fauna & Flora International, the World Wide Fund for Nature and the African Wildlife Foundation – supports protected area authorities in three countries to improve conservation of gorillas and their mountain forest habitat. The IGCP also improves local livelihoods, helping to mitigate threats to this Critically Endangered species. CREDIT: IGCP
CREDIT: IGCP Conducting the most recent mountain gorilla census
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
The IGCP coalition supports mountain gorilla conservation across three countries
www.fauna-flora.org
GUINEA CREDIT: CHLOE HODGKINSON /FFI
SENEGAL
MALI
GUINEA-BISSAU
GUINEA Conakry SIERRA LEONE Freetown
Ziama Biosphere Reserve Nimba
LIBERIA Monrovia
COTE D’IVOIRE
Guinea’s forest elephants face increasing threats to their survival
Capacity building for biodiversity conservation in Southern Guinea
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is supporting the Guinean government in managing the environmental impacts of mining concessions in the Nimba and Simandou mountains: Centre de Gestion de l’Environnement des Monts Nimba et Simandou (CEGENS). We began by helping to improve CEGENS’ infrastructure and equipment and are now focusing on developing their technical capacity to limit damage to these highly biodiverse regions. This work is currently being strengthened through a strategic partnership between FFI and United Nations Development Programme in Guinea for the management of the Nimba Biodiversity Project.
Protection of forest elephants at the Ziama-Wenegisi Transfrontier Corridor
Guinea’s forest elephants have come under increasing pressure from poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation, and conflicts with the human population. FFI is working in partnership with the N’Zérékoré Forestry Centre to develop a plan to protect elephants along their migration route between Guinea’s Ziama Biosphere Reserve and the adjacent Wenegisi natural forest reserve in Liberia. We are building the anti-poaching skills of Ziama reserve staff and raising awareness among local communities and other stakeholders on humanelephant conflict mitigation techniques. This work will also benefit other threatened species in the area, (such as western chimpanzees), and enhance regional collaboration on species-focused conservation programmes. CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI
CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI Guinea’s breathtaking and highly biodiverse Nimba mountains
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Ziama reserve staff learning anti-poaching skills
www.fauna-flora.org
SENEGAL
MALI
GUINEA/LIBERIA/CÔTE D’IVOIRE/SIERRA LEONE
GUINEA-BISSAU
CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI
GUINEA
Conakry SIERRA LEONE Freetown
Ziama Biosphere Reserve Nimba
LIBERIA
COTE D’IVOIRE
Monrovia Chimpanzees in Sapo National Park
Nimba transboundary conservation
Fauna & Flora International is facilitating communication between the Guinea, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire authorities to manage natural resources more effectively in the highly biodiverse Nimba mountains. (See Business & Biodiversity Programme section)
Western chimpanzee conservation in Liberia and Guinea
The western chimpanzee is the most threatened subspecies of chimpanzee; 75% have disappeared over the past 30 years. FFI is working in Guinea’s Nimba Biosphere Reserve and Liberia’s Sapo National Park to survey each chimpanzee population. Our support has led to local action plans to combat habitat loss, bush meat hunting and the increasing illegal trafficking of infant chimpanzees. We are also helping local communities develop cane rat, pig and fish farming as alternatives to hunting for bush meat, while developing a monitoring system to track the project’s impact on wildlife. Information will be shared with other conservation organisations working on Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone. CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI
CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI The western chimpanzee is the most threatened chimpanzee subspecies
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
The Nimba mountains are rich in biodiversity
www.fauna-flora.org
SUDAN KENYA
KENYA
T VALLEY
South China Sea
GREAT RIF
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
EI UN BR
UGANDA
ETHIOPIA
SOMALIA
MALAYSIARangelands Northern
Mount Kenya
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Gunung Palung National Park
Ketapang
Nairobi
Ol Pejeta lies at the foot of Mount Kenya
Mombasa
Conservation and sustainable development interventions in Ol Pejeta Conservancy TANZANIA
Thanks to a very generous donation from the Arcus Foundation, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) was able to protect 90,000 acres at the foot of Mount Kenya. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy contains the largest black rhino population in East Africa and is also home to a chimpanzee sanctuary. Ownership of the property has now been transferred from FFI to a Kenyan non-profit entity under a long-term management agreement which incorporates ecotourism and livestock marketing for financial security. FFI provides ongoing support towards their community development programme, conservation initiatives and guidance development through Board participation.
Supporting the Northern Rangelands Trust
Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) is a community-led initiative, supported by FFI since its inception. It represents politically and socially marginalised pastoralist communities in northern Kenya, who depend predominantly on a livestock-based livelihood system. NRT, with the support of FFI and other institutional partners, such as Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the Kenya Wildlife Service, is working to develop capacity and self-sufficiency of community conservancies in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. NRT is Kenya’s single largest community conservation programme, and currently works with 20 community conservancies covering an area of more than 19,000 km2. CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI Ecotourism provides financial security for the conservancy
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Ownership of Ol Pejeta has now been transferred back into Kenyan hands
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: JA BRUNSON
EI UN BR
CREDIT: JA BRUNSON
South China Sea MALAYSIA
Gunung Palung National Park
O E N OR
B
Ketapang
Overfishing is a major threat to our oceans
Destructive fishing methods can destroy fragile ecosystems
Sustainable management of Kenya’s coastal and marine resources
On Kenya’s south coast, FFI is working to conserve marine biodiversity and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities through conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal resources. FFI is supporting and developing the capacity of community-based organisations, including Beach Management Units, to establish a network of Locally Managed Marine Areas and Community-Conserved Areas.
Coordinated community conservation for marine and coastal resources
On the north coast of Kenya, FFI is working to establish a constituency of community conservation initiatives to address sustainable management of marine and coastal resources from the Tana Delta to the Somali border. FFI is developing partnerships to support individual community initiatives and is supporting the development of an umbrella member organisation to strengthen coordination and communication, and to ensure sustained technical support over the long term. CREDIT: JA BRUNSON
CREDIT: JA BRUNSON We are working with communities to develop marine conservation plans
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
By conserving marine resources we can protect the people who depend on them
www.fauna-flora.org
KENYA/UGANDA/TANZANIA CREDIT: ROB BRETT / FFI
Rhino conservation in Ol Pejeta
Support to the East African Wild Life Society
As the oldest conservation organisation in East Africa, the East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS) has benefitted from support from Fauna & Flora International (FFI). It has been extremely successful in combating rhino and elephant poaching in the past, but was struggling to function by the mid 1990s. FFI has helped to rebuild EAWLS’ conservation capacity and is currently supporting them in the development of a regional conservation plan focusing on their coastal and marine programme. The overall goal is to conserve biodiversity and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities through the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources in Kenya.
Conservation of black and white rhinos in East Africa
The successful conservation of rhinos in relatively small secure fenced areas has been pioneered in Kenya. Fauna & Flora International is financially and technically supporting the Ol Pejeta Conservancy to protect their rapidly growing population of over a hundred black and white rhinos. The conservancy also generates surplus animals for re-stocking other areas. We are particularly involved in an initiative to re-establish the northern white rhino: the last four breeding individuals were translocated to the conservancy from a Czech zoo in December 2009. Fauna & Flora International is also part of the East African Community Rhino Management Group, which exchanges expertise and rhinos between the East African range states. CREDIT: EAST AFRICAN WILD LIFE SOCIETY
CREDIT: OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY The translocation of the northern white rhinos is proving successful
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
Local communities are involved in day-to-day conservation initiatives
www.fauna-flora.org
LIBERIA CREDIT: CHLOE HODGKINSON /FFI
SIERRA LEONE
GUINEA
LIB
COTE D'IVOIRE
ER
Monrovia
IA
Sapo National Park Fish Town Nairobi Greenville ATLANTIC OCEAN
Sapo National Park, Liberia’s only protected wilderness area
Strengthening forest management in post-conflict Liberia
Though the brutal civil war ended in 2003, the ongoing fight over Liberia’s rich natural resources is still fuelling social, economic and environmental problems. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is helping the national government to introduce policies which integrate Community, Conservation and Commercial interests (known as the 3 C’s). Work on forest governance issues at the national level continues apace, including facilitating the drafting of new laws such as the Community Right Law and the Wildlife Law. Fauna & Flora International is also supporting the government in developing Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) pilot projects throughout Liberia.
Protecting Sapo National Park
FFI played a crucial role in the re-establishment of the country’s only national park, Sapo National Park, by working closely with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA). We now continue to support the FDA in park operations and ongoing training of park staff, together with ecological research and biological monitoring of flagship species. New species of fauna and flora continue to be discovered in Sapo, demonstrating how vital it is to conserve this West African wildlife refuge.
Community engagement around Sapo National Park
FFI is helping to establish Liberia’s first communally managed forests in three pilot areas by working closely with rural communities living outside Sapo National Park. This is complemented by an education programme which conveys the conservation message to communities through workshops, posters and even theatre. We are also implementing an in-depth study of the role of bush meat in local livelihoods to evaluate the potential for introducing viable and locally relevant alternatives. Bush meat makes up a significant share of the local protein intake, so it is essential to address the threat to wildlife in a locally sensitive way. CREDIT: REBECCA FOGES / FFI
CREDIT: LORINDA TAYLOR / TARONGA ZOO The reclusive and little-known pygmy hippo
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Rangers of Sapo National Park
www.fauna-flora.org
MADAGASCAR CREDIT: EVAN BOWEN-JONES / FFI
TANZANIA
W LA MA I
MOZAMBIQUE
MA DAG ASC
AR
Antananarivo
Over 80% of Madagascar’s plant and animal species are found nowhere else on Earth
Support to Madagasikara Voakajy
Fauna & Flora International is supporting local organisation Madagasikara Voakajy in its work to conserve rare bats, reptiles, amphibians and other small vertebrates found only in Madagascar. We are also helping them to safeguard critical habitats through community engagement, promote sustainable use of natural resources, develop education and awareness programmes, and improve career opportunities of young Malagasy conservation scientists. CREDIT: EVAN BOWEN-JONES / FFI
Grandidier’s baobab trees are unique to Madagascar
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
Over 100 known species and subspecies of lemur are only found in Madagascar
www.fauna-flora.org
MOZAMBIQUE CREDIT: C.M. BEGG
TANZANIA NIASSA RESERVE
ZIMBABWE
M OZ AM BI
QU E
MALAWI
ZAMBIA
Niassa reserve is one of Africa’s most undeveloped wild areas
Protecting livelihoods and wildlife in Niassa Reserve
At 42,000 km2 – the size of Denmark – Niassa National Reserve is one of Africa’s largest and most undeveloped wild areas. It is home to thousands of elephant, sable antelope, zebra, and other iconic African species, including the second largest population of the endangered African wild dog. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) supports our partner - Sociedade para Gestão e Desenvolvimento da Reserva do Niassa - to manage and promote the reserve, in particular to develop human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies and an integrated management plan for the Lugenda river, the source of a major fishery for local communities. Wildlife populations have doubled since FFI became active in Niassa in 2000 - a clear sign that we are having a positive impact on this unique protected area.
Securing a Community Protected Area for the rainforest of Mount Mabu
The largest mid-altitude rainforest in southern Africa, Mount Mabu in Northern Mozambique, has only recently come to the attention of scientists who have discovered a number of endemic and range-restricted species. FFI is working with local partners to develop a Community Protected Area for the rainforest on Mount Mabu, and to support a livelihoods programme which focuses on providing alternatives to the shifting agriculture which is so prevalent in the area. CREDIT: C.M. BEGG
Local residents are trained how to monitor lion populations with radiotracking
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
African wild dogs are being pushed closer and closer to extinction
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: GRANT FORBES / FVCT
SOUTH AFRICA ZIMBABWE BOTSWANA
MOZAMBIQUE
NAMIBIA
Johannesburg
SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town
SWAZILAND
Richards Bay THO ESO
L
Durban
Port Elizabeth
The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of only six in the world
Conservation of the Cape Floral Kingdom
Fauna & Flora International’s partner, the Flower Valley Conservation Trust, works to protect the fynbos – the most botanically rich habitat on Earth – located at the southern-most tip of South Africa. Together, we continue to develop and extend a financially and ecologically sustainable programme of conservation based on the marketing of wild fynbos flowers around the world, including Marks & Spencer in the UK and Pick & Pay supermarket in South Africa. Fauna & Flora International is also supporting the Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative, which aims to conserve the Agulhas Plain landscape through securing privately-owned land under sustainable land management and other innovative activities. CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
CREDIT: HES RANGE South African fynbos is now sustainably harvested and sold around the world
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
A Cape sugarbird feeding on limestone sugarbush
www.fauna-flora.org
SOUTHERN AFRICA CREDIT: RESOURCEAFRICA
ResourceAfrica epitomises the next generation of conservation charities in southern Africa
Support to ResourceAfrica
South African-based organisation ResourceAfrica is in the vanguard of the new generation of charities in southern Africa that focus on the linkages between conservation and rural development. ResourceAfrica is currently active in raising awareness of environmental issues through community theatre and in the field of community adaptation to climate change. Fauna & Flora International aims to support the group in its work, both in community-based initiatives in South Africa and more widely throughout the continent. CREDIT: RESOURCEAFRICA
CREDIT: RESOURCEAFRICA Raising awareness through community theatre
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Fauna & Flora International supports community-based activities and initiatives
www.fauna-flora.org
SOUTH SUDAN CREDIT: ROBERT HOWARD
SUDAN
CHAD
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
SOUTH SUDAN
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
UGANDA
ETHIOPIA
KENYA
The Republic of South Sudan emerged as an independent nation on 9 July 2011
Government partnership and support
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is providing institutional development and technical support to the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism. We are focusing particularly on the Ministry’s wildlife forces at the state level to raise their capacity to manage reserves and parks through training, restructuring and planning. This has begun in Western Equatoria with FFI establishing an operational base in Yambio, the state capital of Western Equatoria. We hope to expand our ground-based, practical approach to the Lakes, Unity and Western Bahr-el-Ghazel states. FFI is also working with the Ministry in Juba and assisting in the formulation of new policies and regulations concerning the wildlife and tourism sector.
Restarting conservation in Southern National Park
FFI is working with the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism in Western Equatoria to restart management of the western sector of Southern National Park (South Sudan’s oldest and largest national park). FFI is involved in anti-poaching training and wildlife monitoring, supporting scout deployment, road and infrastructure development, and equipment provision. This protected area support will extend gradually to the other sectors of Southern National Park and to the small and biologically rich forest game reserves of Bangangai and Bire Kpatuos along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Supporting endangered species conservation
FFI, with the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, is undertaking reconnaissance and ground surveys to verify anecdotal sightings of the Critically Endangered northern white rhino and developing action plans and strategies to be implemented should animals be found. These efforts could represent the last chance to save this subspecies and re-establish this flagship of South Sudan’s natural heritage. CREDIT: ROBERT HOWARD
CREDIT: ROBERT HOWARD South Sudan is diverse, vast and culturally rich
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
FFI is working with the post-war government to restart wildlife conservation
www.fauna-flora.org
TANZANIA UGANDA CREDIT: P. HARRISON
Lake Victoria
KENYA
PEMBA Lake Tanganyika
TANZANIA
ZAMBIA
MALAWI
Protecting coastal
Lake Malawi forest
The Mpingo – or African blackwood – tree is the world’s most valuable timber
on Pemba Island
MOZAMBIQUE Fauna & Flora International (FFI) has been working in partnership with the Department of Commercial Crops, Fruits and Forestry of Zanzibar since the late 1990s to protect the critical remnants of the coastal forest mosaic on Pemba Island and their resident endemic and threatened species, in particular the Pemba flying fox. This fruit bat was listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of threatened species and is now listed as Vulnerable due to the successful conservation efforts of the department, the local communities and FFI. The project also seeks to develop sustainable livelihood options for communities on the island.
Securing the Kwakuchinja corridor
The Kwakuchinja corridor is vital for wildlife movement between the Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks and so underpins the resilience of the wider ecosystem. FFI is promoting conservation of the area by securing threatened sections of the corridor through sustainable land management and livelihoods-driven approaches. We recognise the corridor as a resource for sustainable economic growth for local communities to ensure that people can benefit from its conservation long into the future.
Support to the Mpingo Conservation Project
FFI is helping our partner the Mpingo Conservation Project, (which we helped to establish), to develop sustainable forest management amongst communities in south-eastern Tanzania. Their miombo forests contain mpingo, or African blackwood - the world’s most valuable timber used in musical instruments such as clarinets and bagpipes. Communities who collectively and sustainably manage their local forests can earn a hundred times more than they did before, and certification to the Forest Stewardship Council standards is enabling them to charge a premium above illegally harvested timber.
Support to the Tongwe Trust
The Tongwe Trust is a small community organisation devoted to helping the Tongwe people protect and benefit from their ancestral land, which borders Lake Tanganyika, north of Mahale Mountains National Park. FFl is harnessing support for the Trust to establish, protect and manage Village Land Forest Reserves, which will safeguard forests on village land that are critical habitats for chimpanzees and elephants. We are also helping the villages to develop sustainable use of forest resources. CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI
CREDIT: EVAN BOWEN-JONES / FFI The endemic and Critically Endangered Pemba flying fox
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
The Kwakuchinja corridor underpins the wider ecosystem
www.fauna-flora.org
UGANDA CREDIT: BRUCE LIGGITT /FFI
SOUTH SUDAN
Arua Gulu Moroto
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
KENYA
UGANDA Mbale Fort Portal
Bombo Kampala
Jinja
Masaka Mbarara
RWANDA
TANZANIA Building local support through the Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Cultural values and conservation at Lake Mburo and the Rwenzori Mountains
Fauna & Flora International is working to build local support for protected areas through innovative initiatives at the Lake Mburo and Rwenzori Mountains National Parks within the Albertine Rift. We aim to show that integration of local cultural values into park management can improve relations between park staff and neighbouring communities, resulting in more effective conservation. Results so far are positive – for instance, a cultural village has been constructed at Lake Mburo National Park to enable Bahima pastoralists to showcase their ‘beautiful cows’ and to explain the cultural value of these animals to tourists and young Bahimas. CREDIT: ARTHUR MUGISHA
CREDIT: BRUCE LIGGITT/FFI Ankole cows hold a strong cultural significance to the Bahima people
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Cultural values and conservation go hand-in-hand as a museum is constructed
www.fauna-flora.org
AMERICAS & CARIBBEAN CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
Latin America and the Caribbean contain a huge proportion of the world’s biodiversity, including the world’s most extensive rainforest, its longest mountain range and unparalleled numbers of unique species. But the region is experiencing severe loss of habitat and species. Agricultural expansion, overfishing, alien invasive species and the deforestation of wilderness for new roads and industries will be increasingly compounded by a changing climate. Resilient, healthy, inter-connected ecosystems are key to sustaining both biodiversity and people’s livelihoods. Fauna & Flora International’s Americas & Caribbean programme is tackling this challenge on many fronts. Together with our partners we are helping local communities to improve their livelihoods and to play a stronger role in management of the natural resources – terrestrial and marine – on which they depend. Flagship species for these programmes range from sea turtles to spider monkeys. At three locations we support private reserves in critical areas, using them as a platform for better management of surrounding landscapes. Brazil and Ecuador are the focus of our collaboration with corporations, which are key players in this resource-rich region. In the Caribbean, Fauna & Flora International is an acknowledged leader in the eradication of invasive alien species and restoration of island habitat, and we are set to expand our work in the increasingly stressed marine world of coral reefs and sea grass beds.
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
www.fauna-flora.org
ANGUILLA CREDIT: JENNY DALTRY / FFI
Dog Island
ATLANTIC OCEAN
AN GU
IL L
A
The Valley
CARIBBEAN SEA
Anguilla has many endemic species
Dog Island restoration project in Anguilla
In early 2012, Fauna & Flora International and partners will begin work to eradicate black rats – one of the most destructive alien mammals – from Dog Island and neighbouring cays. This work is in response to a request from the Anguilla National Trust and Department of Environment, and is expected to result in significant increases in native species (including a variety of regionally threatened birds and Critically Endangered marine turtles). Once the island is free of alien mammals, there may be scope to reintroduce other globally threatened and endemic Anguillan plants and animals. CREDIT: J DALTRY / FFI
CREDIT: POSTDLF / CREATIVE COMMONS The Lesser Antillean iguana is one of Anguilla’s globally threatened species
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
This project is building local capacity to tackle alien mammals
www.fauna-flora.org
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA CREDIT: JENNY DALTRY / FFI
St John’s
ANTIGUA KAZAKHSTAN
Bishkek Naryn
The Antiguan racer snake has increased in population ten-fold
Naryn State Nature Reserve Offshore Islands conservation programme in Antigua and Barbuda
UZBEKISTAN
This initiative was launched in 1995 as an emergency response to save the Critically Endangered Antiguan racer snake. Fauna & Flora International and our partners have increased CHINA the snake population from 50 individuals to more than 500 thanks to eradication of alien invasive rats and mongooses from 12 offshore islands, a re-introduction programme, and nationwide education campaigns. The removal of alien mammals has also resulted in exponential increases in many other threatened and endemic fauna and flora on the TAJIKISTAN offshore islands, which are maintained and monitored by trained local volunteers. We will assess the feasibility of restoring Redonda, a large volcanic island that has a unique and severely threatened fauna. We also intend to support conservation of the seas around the offshore islets (including the nation’s largest marine protected area, which stretches over 25% of the coastline). CREDIT: JENNY DALTRY / FFI
CREDIT: JENNY DALTRY / FFI Numbers of many threatened species have risen due to eradication of alien species
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Brown boobies have successfully recolonised the islands restored by this project
www.fauna-flora.org
BELI Z
GUA TE M ALA
BELIZE CREDIT: REBECCA FOGES / FFI
E Z I L
GUATEMALA
BE
RE ATU N N E DE BLA RESERV
ST
ER FORE
IA RIV COLUMB
GOLDEN STREAM CORRIDOR PRESERVE
MAYA GOLDEN LANDSCAPE
Punta Gorda Shade-grown organic cacao initiatives help lift local communities out of poverty
Integrated management of the Maya Golden Landscape
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and our local partner the Ya’axché Conservation Trust are engaged in an exciting initiative to develop a mosaic of community-owned land and conservation areas across the Maya Golden Landscape, from the forests of the Maya Mountains down to coral reefs and mangroves on the Caribbean coast. Within this, Ya’axché manages one Private Protected Area, the Golden Stream Corridor Preserve, and one State Protected Area, the Bladen Nature Reserve. Bladen is the biological crown jewel of Belize’s protected areas system and plays a vital role in preserving the quality of the water draining onto the Belize Barrier Reef.
Developing biodiversity-friendly enterprises in Southern Belize
Fauna & Flora International and the Ya’axché Conservation Trust are working to establish biodiversity-friendly community businesses in the Toledo district, one of Belize’s poorest areas. Shade-grown organic cacao, organic vegetable production, and small-scale tourism initiatives will help to lift local communities out of poverty while ensuring the protection of the highly diverse Maya Golden Landscape. Community members are also trained in biological monitoring and participate directly in the conservation efforts.
Building the capacity of Ya’axché Conservation Trust
The Ya’axché Conservation Trust, established over 10 years ago, is an organisation with substantial technical capacity and a growing impact and reputation in Belize. As founder and partner, FFI will continue helping Ya’axché to become stronger and more sustainable, with high standards of governance, excellent leadership, operational efficiency and a bigger, more reliable revenue base. The latter is a top priority, since the management of the private reserve and Bladen Nature Reserve imply substantial fixed costs for the organisation. CREDIT: REBECCA FOGES / FFI
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI Bladen Nature Reserve is the jewel in the crown of Belize
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
Maya Golden Landscape stretches from the Maya Mountains to the Caribbean coast
www.fauna-flora.org
BRAZIL CREDIT: EVAN BOWEN-JONES / FFI
E M NA
CH EN NA FR UIA G
RI SU
GUYANA
VENEZUELA
COLOMBIA ECUADOR
Belem
Porto Velho
PERU
BRAZIL
CHILE
BOLIVIA
Salvador Brasilia
PARAGUAY
Sao Paulo
ARGENTINA
URUGUAY
6,000 hectares of private land adjacent to Cristalino are being protected
Amazon Basin: Cristalino State Park and adjacent landscape
Despite the global importance of the Brazilian Amazon and the official Brazilian government strategy to protect it, the world’s largest forest is threatened by cattle ranching, illegal logging, new access roads and agriculture. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) has been working to curb the advance of deforestation by supporting the Cristalino Ecological Foundation (CEF) and other partners to protect 6,000 hectares of private reserves adjacent to the Cristalino State Park which are critical to maintaining its integrity.
Engaging with the corporate sector
The Brazilian business sector is beginning to embrace corporate social responsibility and a major component of our work in Brazil is to engage with companies to help them manage their dependencies and impacts on the environment. FFI is working in partnership with a range of companies in Brazil to help them improve their policies and implementation of best practices relating to biodiversity. We are also building the capacity of local NGOs to engage with businesses and monitor the impact of these partnerships on the conservation of biodiversity. CREDIT: CYNTHIA MACHADO
CREDIT: EVAN BOWEN-JONES / FFI Cristalino State Park is home to an enormous number of species
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
Capacity training in Cristalino
www.fauna-flora.org
MEXICO
BELIZE
JAMAICA
CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI
GUATEMALA
COSTA RICA/ECUADOR/HONDURAS/NICARAGUA
EL SA
HONDURAS LVAD O
R
NICARAGUA
CO S
TA
RI
CA PANAMA
A new regional collaboration will improve marine areas across Central America
Regional collaboration to enhance marine conservation in Central America
Building on our experience of Marine Protected Area governance in Ecuador, Fauna & Flora International and partner FFLA are forming a new regional collaboration to enhance marine habitat conservation across Central America, focusing on Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua. This initiative will benefit from lesson-sharing with experienced regional and national partners: CoopeSoliDar R.L, RECOTURH, FUNDENIC and FFLA. We are focusing on addressing common themes of marine governance, participatory processes for natural resource management, spatial management and access rights. CREDIT: SOLEDAD LUNA / NAZCA
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI Strong partnerships are proving successful for natural resource management
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
We are applying lessons learned from the Galera-San Francisco project in Ecuador
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
EI UN BR
ECUADOR
COLOMBIA
South China Quito Sea
Portoviejo MALAYSIA
ECUADOR NEO
Gunung Palung National Park
OR BCuenca
Ketapang
PERU
The Awacachi Corridor is a vital land tract in Ecuador’s Chocó rainforest
Establishment and protection of the Awacachi Corridor
The most significant tract of Chocó rainforest in Ecuador, the Awacachi Corridor, was in grave danger of being converted to pasture BRAZIL great green macaw and many other threatened and palm oil plantations. This would have destroyed vital habitat for the Endangered species as well as jeopardising a crucial wildlife corridor. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) stepped in to help Ecuadorian organisation Fundación Sirua to protect 10,000 hectares of forest through over 50 land purchases. Our core work here is to maintain and improve biodiversity through reforestation, biodiversity monitoring and conservation enforcement by locally trained rangers selected from neighbouring communities.
Sustainable livelihoods in the Awacachi Corridor
FFI is working with Fundación Sirua to reduce human pressure on the Awacachi Corridor by addressing issues of land tenure and promoting biodiversity-friendly products such as native bamboo and cacao, which can be grown under the natural forest canopy. We are also implementing environmental education programmes and strengthening Fundación Sirua’s institutional capacity. In addition, FFI is developing an ‘avoided deforestation’ project through the FFI-Macquarie partnership, in which the income from carbon credits can be used to finance conservation.
Ecuadorian Amazon: Villano biodiversity project for best practice in the oil sector
FFI is working with the Italian energy company eni E&P, its Ecuadorian subsidiary Agip Oil Ecuador (AOE) and the Catholic University in Quito to create a model of good practice within the oil sector in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The university and AOE are investigating both primary and secondary impacts of oil production on biodiversity. The findings are being used to draft an action plan for AOE and to inform eni environmental management systems. CREDIT: ENI E&P
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI Species such as the great green macaw are protected in the Awacachi Corridor
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Minimising footprints within the oil sector in the Ecuadorian Amazon
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: INSTITUTO NAZCA
EI UN BR
CREDIT: INSTITUTO NAZCA
South China Sea MALAYSIA
Gunung Palung National Park
O E N OR
B
Ketapang
Marine Protected Areas are being established along the coast of Ecuador
Marine habitat protection is strengthening the ecosystem’s resilience
Supporting the establishment of Marine Protected Areas in Ecuador
The Ecuadorian government is striving to establish a system of Marine Protected Areas along its coast. FFI is supporting this process together with the national organisation Fundación Futuro Latino Americano and the Ministry of Environment. We are focusing especially on developing innovative participatory governance systems for the emerging protected areas. We are also working with communities in the south of Ecuador to protect large areas of mangrove swamp and promote sustainable use of the crab and cockle populations that thrive there. FFI and partners are now forming a regional collaboration between Ecuador and initiatives in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras, to advance innovative approaches to marine habitat conservation. CREDIT: NICKY JENNER / FFI
CREDIT: INSTITUTO NAZCA We are helping communities get involved in marine conservation
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
Innovative approaches are being applied to marine habitat conservation
www.fauna-flora.org
BELIZ
GUATEMALA
NICARAGUA CREDIT: ASTILLERO COLEGIO
HONDURAS EL SA
LVAD O
R
NICARAGUA Chinandega Managua Masaya
CO S
TA R
ICA Awareness of the importance of turtles has had a huge effect on local children
Nicaraguan sea turtles and marine conservation PANAMA
Poachers are a serious threat to leatherback, hawksbill and olive ridley turtles on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. They illegally harvest turtle eggs along beaches and kill hawksbill turtles to use their shells for jewellery. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) has trained over 80 community members in turtle protection and hatchery management. We have achieved an impressive rise in hatching success on three key leatherback nesting beaches and a previously unknown hawksbill nesting site, protecting over 90% of leatherbacks nesting in Nicaragua and an estimated 50% of the known nesting hawksbill population in the Eastern Pacific. In addition, we have helped communities to find other ways of making a living (such as making handbags from recycled plastic bags) and raised national awareness to reduce demand for turtle eggs. We are now maintaining all this work and extending protection to near-shore waters.
Conserving the Nicaraguan dry forest
The majority of Nicaragua’s population lives on its Pacific coast, thereby putting growing pressure on nearby natural resources. FFI aims to ensure the long-term conservation of Chacocente Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest tracts of Nicaragua’s unique mosaic of dry forest and Pacific coastal habitats. We are helping the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to implement the Refuge Management Plan and establish a system for increased community participation in management, whilst promoting sustainable alternative livelihoods, such as catering and other services to visitors. CREDIT: SARA CALCADA / FFI
CREDIT: JORGE PANIAGUA The Chococente Wildlife Refuge is one Nicaragua’s largest tracts of dry forest habitat
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Celebrating ten years of turtle conservation work in Nicaragua
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: EVAN BOWEN-JONES / FFI
CREDIT: NICKY JENNER / FFI Ometepe island is now Nicaragua’s third UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Ometepe is home to the charismatic yellow-naped parrot
Establishing Ometepe as a Biosphere Reserve
The volcanic island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua contains all the major Nicaraguan habitat types and is important for Pan-American migratory birds. FFI and local partners produced a management plan for the island’s Maderas Volcano Natural Reserve, which incorporates ecotourism for sustainable income generation. We are now supporting its implementation through a recently approved community co-management system. FFI has also supported the Government of Nicaragua’s initiative to establish the whole of the island as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This major international tribute to Ometepe’s cultural and biological wealth also recognises the commitment of local communities, municipal government and civil society to the island’s natural heritage. Ometepe’s Biosphere Reserve status provides an excellent framework for FFI and partners to achieve both biodiversity conservation and sustainable local development through tourism and agriculture.
Building partner capacity
Our objective is to expand and strengthen the array of Nicaraguan government and civil society conservation organisations. FFl will continue its training programmes to build technical capacity and will complement these with improvements in organisational governance. Current priorities are the strengthening of Fundación Entre Volcanes and other key institutions on Ometepe Island and developing a financially sustainable, participatory governance system at Chacocente Wildlife Refuge. CREDIT: NICKY JENNER / FFI
CREDIT: SALVADORA MORALES / FFI Building technical capacity in conservation and sustainable development
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
Ecotourism is vital to the sustainable management of the island of Ometepe
www.fauna-flora.org
SAINT LUCIA CREDIT: JENNY DALTRY/ FFI
Castries
CARIBBEAN SEA
SAINT LUCIA
Fauna & Flora International has worked in Saint Lucia for over a decade
Conservation and sustainable use of forest biodiversity on Saint Lucia
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) first began working in Saint Lucia in 2000 and has been providing technical expertise on the development of forest management systems and biodiversity conservation there since 2008. We are currently helping the Saint Lucia Forestry Department and local communities to develop a sustainable harvesting programme for the lansan tree, a globally threatened rainforest tree whose valuable resin is used for incense in religious ceremonies. Also, in response to a local request, we are developing a new initiative to save the little-known Saint Lucia racer, which is now claimed to be the world’s rarest snake due to Asian mongooses and other alien predators. This project will draw on FFI’s experience of rescuing the distantly related Antiguan racer. CREDIT: JENNY DALTRY / FFI
CREDIT: JENNY DALTRY / FFI A sustainable harvesting programme for the lansan tree is underway
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Resin from the lansan tree is used in religious ceremonies
www.fauna-flora.org
ASIA-PACIFIC CREDIT: ZHAO WENQING
The Asia-Pacific region harbours incredible biological diversity and magnificent landscapes. It is home to some of the planet’s most iconic species, such as the Sumatran tiger, orang-utan and Asian elephant. Today the region’s wildlife and wild places face myriad and mounting threats. High human population densities and rapid economic growth combined with often weak environmental controls and widespread rural poverty place enormous pressures on wild species and their habitats. Fauna & Flora International is working to achieve sustained conservation in a range of landscapes from the frozen highlands and deserts of the Tibetan Plateau, through the sub-tropical forests of Indochina to the tropical rainforests and reefs of Indonesia.
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
www.fauna-flora.org
CAMBODIA CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI
LAO PDR THAILAND
CAMBODIA Phnom Penh
VIETNAM
Cardamom mountain forests are home to more than 80 threatened species
Wildlife sanctuaries in the Cardamom mountains
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is supporting the Ministry of Environment and the Royal Government of Cambodia in the conservation of the highly diverse Cardamom Mountains Range. These forested mountains represent some of the region’s largest remaining areas of habitat for more than 80 threatened species including Asian elephant and gaur. FFI is helping to manage and protect the 333,750 hectare Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary by training, equipping and advising a team of 51 government rangers who patrol the forest. We are also undertaking research and monitoring programmes to understand in greater detail the area’s biodiversity. Additionally, FFI is working with local communities, some of the poorest in Cambodia, to increase their overall standard of living.
Sustainable coastal development in Cambodia
Cambodia’s islands are surrounded by coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests. Coastal areas owned by the government are being leased to various companies as economic land concessions to accelerate the country’s development. FFI is working with coastal concession holders interested in low impact tourism with the objective of conserving island and marine biodiversity and involving local communities in the sustainable use of natural resources. Later, the project will be used to enable research into marine biodiversity and to support Cambodia’s proposed Marine Protected Areas.
Marine Turtle Conservation Group
FFI is working with the Cambodian Fisheries Administration to assess the status and distribution of marine turtles, protect priority areas and raise awareness of turtle conservation on the coast and islands of Cambodia. We are conducting interviews in coastal areas to learn more about turtle activity, sightings, habitat use, nesting sites and trade. Hawksbill turtle nesting sites have been discovered on one island, and we are working to ensure that these are well protected. We are conducting further beach surveys to search for more nesting sites. CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI
CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI Developing low impact ecotourism in coastal areas
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
Increased awareness of turtle conservation plays a significant role in their protection
www.fauna-flora.org
University Capacity Building Project
Following decades of under-investment in the education sector, biodiversity conservation in Cambodia is severely hampered by a shortage of trained biologists and reliable biodiversity data. To address this issue, FFI helped the Royal University of Phnom Penh establish Cambodia’s first Master’s degree course in biodiversity conservation in 2005, which has trained over 100 Cambodian nationals to date. Alongside this, we also helped to found the country’s first natural history museum and scientific periodical, the Cambodian Journal of Natural History, in 2007-2008. Having more recently created an interdisciplinary group of academics and conservation practitioners, we are now assisting the group to undertake original lines of conservation research in Cambodia.
Cambodian Crocodile Conservation Project
The Critically Endangered Siamese crocodile is now extinct from 99% of its former range, following decades of hunting and habitat loss. Less than 250 adults remain, mostly in Cambodia. FFI is working with the Government and local communities to protect the remaining wild crocodiles and their habitat by developing crocodile sanctuaries protected by local community wardens. We also advocate for stricter controls over crocodile farming and trade and carry out research and monitoring. In 2009, FFI helped to discover 35 purebred Siamese crocodiles in a local wildlife rescue centre and has developed the first conservation breeding programme in the country – a vital source of genetic diversity for the re-introduction of the species into new areas.
Cambodian Elephant Conservation Group
There are currently estimated to be 400-600 wild elephants in Cambodia, with the main concentration located in the Cardamom Mountains insouth-west Cambodia, and the eastern plains of Mondulkiri Province. FFI established the Cambodian Elephant Conservation Group (CECG) in 2005 to ensure the survival of the Asian elephant in Cambodia, stabilising and increasing wild elephant populations throughout the country. The group brings together three different institutions so that government and non-governmental wildlife managers act together. FFI provides technical and fundraising support, complementing the expertise of government wildlife management agencies, the Ministry of Environment and the Forestry Administration. We are delighted that the project is now managed by Cambodian nationals who work with forest communities to reduce human-elephant conflict and raise awareness. The group also focuses on increasing government capacity, gathering vital information through camera trapping and habitat threat mapping and developing cooperation with neighbouring and other range states.
Community Carbon Pool Regional Initiative
Since 2006, FFI has been exploring ways in which emerging Payments for Ecosystem Services mechanisms can be harnessed for the benefit of conservation and local communities. The core idea behind REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation, plus enhancing forest carbon stocks in developing countries) is to make performance-based payments to forest communities who help reduce emissions by conserving their forest. To succeed, REDD+ requires a broad set of policies and institutional reforms that clearly define land tenure and carbon rights. To help with this, FFI has secured a three million Euro EU-funded project on ‘Developing community carbon pools for REDD+ projects in selected ASEAN countries’. The project has been designed to build the capacity of local communities and local governments to actively participate in REDD+ pilot projects in Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia and to feed lessons learned into policy dialogues at sub-national, national and regional levels. The project also supports the design and implementation of pilot REDD+ projects, with the aim of establishing social and environmental safeguards and ensuring equitable benefit sharing. CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI
CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI FFI works with forest communities to reduce human-elephant conflict
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
The Siamese crocodile is now extinct in 99% of its former range
www.fauna-flora.org
CHINA CREDIT: HUANG BO
RUSSIA
KAZAKHSTAN
MONGOLIA
PAKISTAN
CHINA
Beijing
NORTH
JAPAN
KOREA
SOUTH KOREA
Shanghai
NEPAL INDIA
BHUTAN
Kunming
BANGLADESH
MYANMAR
Guangzhou
PACIFIC OCEAN
VIETNAM LAO PDR
THAILAND
THE PHILIPPINES
CAMBODIA
The karst landscape of China
Incorporating biodiversity conservation into development planning
The European Commission (EC) is funding two initiatives which aim to bring biodiversity into the mainstream of economic and social development in the Chongqing Autonomous Municipality and Guangxi Autonomous Province. In Chongqing, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) has worked with the Environment Protection Bureau to map the key areas of biodiversity importance, write the Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan, establish a preliminary biodiversity monitoring system and make biodiversity part of the civil servant’s performance appraisal. The project was hailed nationally as best practice. In Guangxi Autonomous Province, FFI has worked with the Environment Protection Bureau and the Forestry Bureau to produce a consultative Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan for the karst-rich south-west Guangxi. Together with the Chinese Government we have developed a biodiversity monitoring system and have collaboratively surveyed and formalised a new nature reserve to protect the endangered cao vit gibbon and have strengthened protection in another 14 nature reserves. We have also worked to establish a Guangxi biodiversity website, and have written and designed a beautiful book on the karst landscapes and biodiversity of Guangxi.
Tibetan community grasslands
FFI believes that the traditional Tibetan way of life, based around herding livestock on the high altitude grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau, does not have to be lost to protect the region’s environment or to bring the communities out of poverty. We are working with local organisations and other groups to encourage grassland communities to form collaborative management committees, which serve as a forum for discussions on issues such as the predation of domestic stock by wildlife.
Raising conservation awareness of the Hainan Gibbon
The Hainan gibbon is considered the rarest ape in the world, with only two family groups known to survive in the core zone of Bawangling Nature Reserve on Hainan Island, off China’s southern coast. FFI is helping to increase awareness of the importance of this species through various initiatives, including supporting environmental education in local schools and is working with nature reserve staff to improve their conservation skills and protect the remaining gibbon habitat on Hainan. CREDIT: ZHAO CHAO
CREDIT: DR STEPHEN BROWNE / FFI Herding livestock on the Tibetan Plateau
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
The Hainan gibbon is considered the rarest ape in the world
www.fauna-flora.org
Transboundary cao vit gibbon conservation
The Critically Endangered cao vit gibbon was believed to survive only in one location in northern Vietnam until, in 2006, three more groups were discovered in adjacent forest in Guangxi Autonomous Province, China. Since then, FFI has been active on both sides of the international border to improve the cao vit gibbon’s chances of survival. In Guangxi we have been raising awareness among local communities and government and supporting the establishment of a provincial level nature reserve, and we have also provided patrol and monitoring staff. In partnership with one of China’s leading gibbon experts we have supported detailed research and observations of this previously little-known species.
Gibbons in Yunnan Province
Yunnan Province has the richest biodiversity and the largest numbers of gibbon species in China. FFI is helping to coordinate gibbon conservation activities throughout the province, particularly for the western black crested gibbon and eastern hoolock gibbon. We are filling gaps in basic information on this species by collecting data in Ailaoshan National Nature Reserve and Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve while working with the government to develop and implement species conservation plans. In addition, FFI is working with the management authorities of Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve to help conserve China’s population of eastern hoolock gibbons.
Conservation of magnolias in Yunnan
China is host to approximately 40% of the 245 known species of magnolia, and 31 species have been identified as threatened with extinction in the wild. Since 2006, FFI’s Global Trees Campaign has worked with Kunming Botanic Garden and nature reserves to assess the population and distribution of ten priority species and to formulate conservation plans for selected species. Restoration of one priority Critically Endangered species, Manglietiastrum sinicum, has been undertaken within Wenshan National Nature Reserve in southeast Yunnan, accompanied by capacity building for the nature reserve and local forestry office staff, focusing on patrolling, monitoring, habitat management and awareness-raising.
Conservation of the big tree rhododendron in China
China is home to over half of all rhododendron species, including the world’s largest, the big tree rhododendron. Fewer than 100 trees of this remarkable species are known in the wild with any certainty, all in Gaoligonshan Nature Reserve in south-west China. From 2010 to now, FFI has worked with local partners through the Global Trees Campaign to improve understanding of the distribution and ecology of this species, how to protect it and how to promote its regeneration.
Developing capacity for plant conservation in China
Building on Global Trees Campaign field projects, FFI/GTC is working with government institutions to design and implement training in threatened plant conservation for nature reserve and forestry office staff and other stakeholders, and to provide assistance with the development of a plant conservation strategy and action plan for some regions.
Biodiversity monitoring in eucalyptus plantations in South Guangxi, China
Eucalyptus trees are grown for the production of paper in Guangxi Autonomous Province, which is the third most biodiverse province in China. FFI is working with the paper company, Stora Enso Guangxi to conduct biodiversity baseline surveys to identify the possible impacts of large Eucalyptus plantations on local biodiversity. CREDIT: JACKSON XU
CREDIT: ZHAO CHAO / FFI Female cao vit gibbon in Guangxi Autonomous Province, China
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Magnolia in Yunnan Province, China
www.fauna-flora.org
INDONESIA D
ILAN
THA
CREDIT: WAI - MING WONG DICE / FFI
IA
BOD
CAM
NAM
VIET
THE PHILIPPINES
Banda Aceh A SI AY AL M
BRUNEI
MALAYSIA
AT M SU
BORNEO Ketapang
RA Makassar
Jakarta
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Denpasar
INDONESIA AUSTRALIA
A Sumatran tiger prowls through Kerinci Seblat National Park
Community Carbon Pool Regional Initiative (see Cambodia) Conserving tigers in Kerinci, Sumatra
There are around 500 - 700 Sumatran tigers in the wild and just under 200 of them are found in and around Kerinci Seblat National Park - a World Heritage Site. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) works with the park authorities and local communities to strengthen protection through forest patrols and undercover operations to combat illegal trafficking of tigers and tiger parts. These efforts have led to the successful prosecution of dozens of poachers. Our team also conducts human-wildlife conflict mitigation, responds to wildlife emergencies and works to secure key tiger habitat outside the park. There is growing evidence that tiger populations are stabilising in and around the park.
Community conservation in action in Kerinci, Sumatra
In 2006 FFI helped to form the AKAR Network of nine local NGOs in four provinces around Kerinci Seblat National Park. This formed the framework for collaborative campaigns against threats to the protected area and its buffer-zone, such as illegal road construction. We provide technical advice, and support AKAR Network on campaigning, fundraising and other activities. Our partners have developed community forest protection patrols, successfully defeated plans for conversion of forest to pulp timber and palm plantations and the construction of roads through the park. In April 2010 we embarked on a new programme in collaboration with a local partner in Merangin District, Lembaga Tiga Beradik, to facilitate the establishment of eight legally recognised ‘Village Forests’ . These Village Forests will provide vital protection for critical Sumatran tiger habitat in the buffer-zone of Kerinci Seblat National Park. The programme will also focus on enhancing direct community benefits from forests (including linking communities to markets for high-value non-timber forest products) and laying the foundations for an innovative community carbon pool in western Sumatra to offer forest-edge communities access to the carbon trade by pooling multiple community-managed forests. CREDIT: DEBBIE MARTYR / FFI
CREDIT: ZOE CULLEN / FFI Kerinci Seblat National Park
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
Tiger Conservation & Protection Units patrol for poachers
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: REBECCA FOGES / FFI
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI Protected orang-utan habitat in Kalimantan
An infant Bornean orang-utan
Kalimantan orang-utans
FFI is helping local governments and communities in and around Gunung Palung and Danau Sentarum National Parks to protect orang-utans and their habitat. We are training patrol units specialising in orang-utans that will also have an all-encompassing responsibility for habitat protection. We place a high priority on combating illegal logging and poaching, (which directly threaten orang-utans), through preventative action, policy engagement, and awareness-raising programmes. We also support efforts to improve integration of conservation objectives into land use planning.
Conservation and sustainable development in Murung Raya, Central Kalimantan
FFI has signed a landmark agreement with resource company BHP Billiton to provide a platform for sustainable land use planning in the Murung Raya District of Central Kalimantan. This two-year partnership is contributing to the preservation of potential orang-utan habitat for the release of orang-utans from the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation rehabilitation centre in Nyaru Menteng. In addition, we are assessing the viability of reintroducing orang-utans into the area, raising community awareness, supporting land use planning processes and providing capacity training for local conservation leaders.
Jakarta Green Monster and the Muara Angke wetland
The Angke-Kapuk and Muara Angke wetlands and mangrove in Jakarta once played an important role in flood mitigation and biodiversity conservation, but are now degraded by development and waste. FFI is working with local grass roots group Jakarta Green Monster to reduce pollution in the Muara Angke Wildlife Sanctuary. Together we have established a wetland and mangrove education centre and encourage community interest in the wetland through school visits and media campaigns. The project also aims to benefit people from local impoverished areas through training in how to use waste materials to make saleable products, such as compost, bags and pencil cases made from recycled materials, and business cards from recycled paper. CREDIT: REBECCA FOGES / FFI
CREDIT: REBECCA FOGES / FFI Awareness-raising involves a lot of work with schools in Jakarta
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Waste clean-up competition at Muara Angke reserve, Jakarta
www.fauna-flora.org
Protecting carbon-rich peat forests in West Kalimantan
FFI is implementing a Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) pilot project on community peat swamp forests in West Kalimantan. This initiative mobilises support from local government agencies, palm oil and forestry companies, NGOs and local communities to identify and assess High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) at concessions and landscape level. FFI has been conducting landscape-based HCVF assessment since 2007 in Kapuas Hulu and Ketapang Districts, West Kalimantan. The results of these assessments are used to support revision of spatial planning. FFI is actively engaging in the revision of spatial planning and provides support to local government. FFI also works with the private sector within critical landscapes of Ketapang and Kayong Utara Districts. These critical landscapes consist of orang-utan corridor habitat connecting Gunung Palung National Park with the southern and northern peat swamp forest. This corridor overlaps with parts of two palm oil concessions. In order to develop further financial incentives for conservation of HCVFs in these landscapes, FFI is now developing REDD+ demonstration activities in concessions and community forest.
Lombok sustainable biomass
Lombok is facing major challenges to its energy supply for household cooking and rural industries. The dominant fuel, kerosene, is no longer subsidised, which has led to unsustainable wood fuel use, causing deforestation and watershed destruction within and around Gunung Rinjani National Park, across the major agricultural watershed in Lombok, and in neighbouring islands. The substitute fuels that are currently available have generated different economic and environmental issues. FFI is working on a project (funded by the NL Agency Global Sustainable Biomass Fund) which aims to promote the sustainability of certified candlenut and castor bean biomass chains. The project is a consortium of international businesses and local partners.
Conservation planning for Nusa Kambangan
Nusa Kambangan is an 11,500 hectare limestone island covered with karst forest, with mangroves in the north. Due to the presence of several prisons on the island, the forest has remained relatively undisturbed compared to Java and it retains some rare and endemic flora and some charismatic fauna such as the milky stork, the lesser adjutant stork and a small number of Critically Endangered Javan leopard. FFI is partnering with cement company Holcim Indonesia to develop a conservation plan for the whole island.
Surveys for the conservation of the endangered Kloss’s gibbon
The Mentawai Islands are being rapidly degraded by unsustainable logging and conversion to agriculture. Hunting pressure remains high, resulting in a rapid decline of Kloss’s gibbons along with other endemic primates. While Siberut’s forests are partially protected by a National Park, the other islands (Sipora, North and South Pagai) aren’t offered such protection and are facing an even more rapid decline of habitat and species. This new project will assess threats to habitat and Kloss’s gibbon populations, develop a Kloss’s Gibbon Conservation Action Plan, and facilitate the establishment of local multi-stakeholder conservation consituencies. Rather than FFI being solely responsible for the implementation, the project will build capacity of counterpart staff at the Siberut National Park, the Mentawai Nature Conservation Department and local NGO partners, as well as forest concession staff, to raise awareness for gibbon conservation, improve forest and protected area management and facilitate the development of local conservation consituencies for four selected priority sites. The project will also collaborate with the district government to develop a more environmentally sustainable spatial plan that ensures protection for gibbon conservation priority sites. CREDIT: REBECCA FOGES / FFI
Peat swamp forest, Ketapang, West Kalimantan
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
www.fauna-flora.org
Assessing threats to the forest corridor in west Sumatra
A Sumatra-wide tiger survey in 2010, completed through a partnership between several international conservation NGOs (including FFI) and the Indonesian Department of Forestry, has produced the most up-to-date and reliable assessment of Sumatran tiger conservation status. The FFI sites of Kerinci Seblat National Park and Aceh were highlighted as being critically important for long-term tiger survival. The survey also identified the west Sumatran landscape that connects to Kerinci Seblat as being data deficient but as having high potential. In combination, this contiguous landscape forms one of the longest forest corridors in Sumatra. Building on previous successes we are assessing threat status in this corridor in order to develop and implement appropriate conservation intervention strategies to mitigate tiger threats.
Conserving tigers in Aceh
The principal threats to tigers across their range are poaching (of both tigers and their prey), habitat loss in the form of agricultural expansion into forest areas, and habitat fragmentation caused by road construction. Focusing on the Ulu Masen tiger population, this project will strengthen the conservation capacity of the government law enforcement agencies to tackle poaching and illegal logging and develop their partnerships with local communities opposed to these threats. Tigers will be monitored inside the forest using camera trap equipment. At the forest-edge community rangers will support affected villages to build tiger-proof livestock pens to reduce retaliatory attacks. The project will support the Government of Aceh to incorporate tiger conservation concerns into its policy development through the production of a technical report that assesses the environmental impact of planned road construction on tiger forest habitat and the completion of a human-tiger conflict protocol.
Reducing human-elephant conflict in Aceh
In 2010, FFI responded to 491 incidents of human-elephant conflict, which benefitted over 1000 households. For the farming communities living at the Ulu Masen border, elephant crop-raiding represents one of the greatest threats to their livelihood. To help prevent this, FFI has established three Conservation Response Units (CRUs) in the conflict hotspots. The CRUs use once captive elephants and their mahouts for direct field-based conservation interventions. This project aims to support the conservation of wild elephants and their habitat while creating employment for people.
Aceh Small Islands Initiative
Aceh’s coastal systems contain some of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in the world, with Critically Endangered species, such as leatherback turtles, and genetically unique species, such as giant clams. The marine life around Aceh’s outer islands is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and, more immediately, unsustainable fishing practices. FFI is working with coastal communities, especially their customary leaders, and local government on the islands of Weh, Simuelue and Banyak to implement a network of Locally Managed Marine Areas that will uniquely combine customary marine law and government policy within a comanagement system. The project consists of several core components: conservation capacity building of key stakeholders; marine policy development; establishment of conflict resolution systems; coastal community livelihood development; and coral reef and fish stock surveys to assess project impact. CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI
CREDIT: EVAN BOWEN-JONES / FFI The Ulu Masen tiger population has been identified as critically important
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
In 2010, FFI responded to almost 500 incidents of human-elephant conflict
www.fauna-flora.org
LAO PDR CREDIT: MONTY SLY
CHINA
VIETNAM
MYANMAR
Louangphrabang
LAOS PDR Vientiane
THAILAND Champasak
CAMBODIA
Gibbon conservation is an important part of our programme in Lao PDR
Gibbon Conservation Action Plan for Lao PDR
Lao PDR (or Laos) is extremely important for gibbon conservation. It is home to six different gibbon species, including four species of highly threatened crested gibbons. With relatively large areas of forest remaining compared to most of its neighbours, Laos is the best hope for the conservation of some of these gibbon species, as well as other endemic plants and animals. Together with the government and partner NGOs, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) helped to prepare a national gibbon conservation action plan for Lao PDR, which was endorsed by the Lao government in June 2011.
Community conservation in Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area
This 150,000 hectare protected area of limestone mountains still appears to have a relatively large and viable population of the southern white-cheeked crested gibbon, which is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. In 2011, FFI and the IUCN initiated activities for the protection of this species and other endemic wildlife using a community-based approach which includes social surveys, awarenessraising, participatory conservation planning and community-based patrols and monitoring. CREDIT: ZHAO CHAO
CREDIT: MONTY SLY A new action plan will address threats to crested gibbons
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
An adult female western black crested gibbon
www.fauna-flora.org
MYANMAR CREDIT: FRANK MOMBERG / FFI
NEPAL
BHUTAN
CHINA
INDIA BANGLADESH
Mandalay
MYANMAR
VIETNAM LAO PDR
Rangoon
THAILAND
CAMBODIA
Mountain forest ecosystems are well known for their endemic plants and birds
Northern Myanmar conservation and development programme
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) has secured EU funding for a new long-term partnership programme to strengthen the capacity of local civil society organisations in northern Myanmar (Chin and Kachin States) to protect biodiversity through collaborative protected area management and community forestry. The programme is jointly implemented with our local NGO partner, the Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA), and the People Resources and Conservation Foundation (PRCF). Key conservation sites are Natmataung National Park and Indawgy Wildlife Sanctuary. Natmataung (Mount Victoria) National Park protects mountain forest ecosystems which are well known for their endemic plants and birds. This includes threatened species endemic to the Eastern Himalayas such as Blyth’s Tragopan and white-browed nuthatch. Indawgy Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is Myanmar’s most important site for migratory waterbirds, while the surrounding watershed forests are critical for the conservation of eastern hoolock gibbons.
Saving the newly discovered Myanmar snub-nosed monkey
In 2010, FFI and BANCA scientists described a new snub-nosed monkey, Rhinopithecus strykeri, to science. Discovered in the watershed of the Mae River, a tributory of the Irrawaddy in Myanmar’s north-eastern Himalayas bordering Yunnan, this charismatic primate with a population of less than 300 individuals is threatened by Chinese logging companies and increasing hunting and wildlife trade associated with improved access to this remote area afforded by China’s largest hydroelectric investment project. FFI and partners BANCA and PRCF are developing local community-based conservation responses while lobbying China Power Investment to reduce its environmental impacts. The project area is located in a global biodiversity hotspot and FFI is developing interventions for several other threatened species, in particular red panda, takin and endemic pheasants.
Myanmar hoolock gibbon conservation status review
FFI, BANCA and PRCF are currently completing a hoolock gibbon status review based on three years of nationwide surveys of hoolock gibbon numbers, assessments of threats to key populations and a plan for priority conservation actions. CREDIT: WENDY SALISBURY
CREDIT: FFI / BANCA/ PRCF The newly discovered but Critically Endangered Myanmar snub-nosed monkey
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Red pandas can be found in Myanmar’s global biodiversity hotspot
www.fauna-flora.org
THE PHILIPPINES CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
AW AN
Manila
THE PHILIPPINES
PA L
VIETNAM
LU ZO N
CHINA
BRUNEI MALAYSIA INDONESIA
Filipino communities are engaging with Fauna & Flora International and partners
Sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities in Southern Luzon
A new partnership between Fauna & Flora International (FFI), Team Energy Foundation and Non-timber Forest Products Task Force aims to ensure sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities in a key biodiversity area in southern Luzon: Mt Irid-Angilo, Gen. Nakar, Quezon Province. Together we will strengthen the ability of local governments and communities to protect forests and biodiversity whilst increasing income and employment from other sources such as locally governed Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) projects.
Sustainable development through climate change mitigation in Southern Palawan
In Southern Palawan, FFI is contributing to a pilot project exploring how to improve forest governance and sustainable upland development through climate change mitigation financing strategies. Our partners for this project are Nagkakaisang Tribu ng Palawan (a federation of Palawan Tribal Groups), Environment and Legal Action Center, Institute for the Development of Educational and Ecological Alternatives Inc., Municipality of Quezon, Palawan and Non-Timber Forest Products-Exchange Programme.
Community Carbon Pool Regional Initiative (see Cambodia) CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI Filipino forests are being degraded at an alarming rate
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
The Philippines has some of the most endangered wildlife in the world
www.fauna-flora.org
VIETNAM CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI
CHINA Hanoi
MYANMAR
Hue
VI E T
CAMBODIA
NAM
THAILAND
Tha Trang
Vietnamese Karst landcape
Transboundary cao vit gibbon conservation in Cao Bang Province
With about 100 individuals left, the cao vit gibbon is one of the most threatened primates in the world and is in dire need of conservation support. Alongside ecological research and direct protection of the gibbon’s habitat, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) helps local communities reduce their impact on the gibbon’s forest home. For example, we have introduced fuel-efficient stoves to reduce the demand for fuel wood from the forest. FFI supported the establishment of a new protected area for the species in 2007 and is now helping staff to work with local communities to achieve the protected area’s biodiversity conservation objectives. This project is integrated with cao vit gibbon activities in China and Lao PDR.
Tonkin snub-nosed monkey
The elusive Tonkin snub-nosed monkey faces extinction unless the 200 or so remaining individuals are protected. After discovering a new population in 2002 in Ha Giang Province, FFI succeeded in addressing the short-term threat of hunting by advocating gun controls and establishing community ranger groups. We have also supported long-term research and in 2009 assisted the local government to establish a protected area for the species. In 2007 FFI confirmed the presence of another important, although precarious, population close to the Chinese border and is now actively conserving it through similar measures.
Western black crested gibbon
FFI is supporting local communities to protect the Critically Endangered western black crested gibbon and its mountain forest habitat located at the south-eastern end of the Himalayan range. We have been working closely with local communities around the gibbon’s habitat for more than a decade, helping to develop one of the most innovative model programmes in Vietnam for involving local communities in conservation. CREDIT: FAN PENGFEI
CREDIT: LE KHAC QUYET / FFI The Tonkin snub-nosed monkey is facing extinction
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Western black crested gibbons
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: AMY HINSLEY / FFI
CREDIT: AMY HINSLEY / FFI Chinese conifer Picea neoveitchii
Dr Nguyen Tien Hiep tends to cuttings in the nursery
Threatened primates and trees in northern Vietnam
In partnership with local NGOs, FFI is starting a new initiative to protect endangered primates and trees (such as Critically Endangered conifers and magnolia) at 11 locations within the limestone mountains of north-east Vietnam. We will focus on developing plans for conservation interventions in conjunction with local communities who have had little previous exposure to conservation but whose forests harbour important populations of threatened primates and trees.
Gibbon status review for Vietnam
In 2000, FFI published a milestone report on the status of gibbons in Vietnam, which spawned much of our primate conservation work. In partnership with other organisations, FFI has been reviewing progress made towards gibbon conservation in the intervening years and improving understanding of the status of these highly threatened species. This is part of a regional approach which has also included conducting status reviews and developing action plans for gibbons in China, Laos and Myanmar.
Capacity building of grass roots conservation organisations
FFI has been in the vanguard of organisations developing models to involve local communities in conservation in Vietnam. FFI will work to consolidate its experiences at three protected areas in northern Vietnam, each with its own set of opportunities and challenges. Through this project, in partnership with local organisation Pan Nature, we will support grass roots organisations and groups to develop roles in the management of local protected areas and collate the lessons learned to provide policy and practice recommendations to the national government. CREDIT: ZHAO CHAO
CREDIT: FFI Supporting grass roots conservation organisations in Vietnam
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
A rare cao vit gibbon in Bangliang Nature Reserve
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: RACHEL AUSTIN / FFI
CREDIT: FFI The EcoBoat, Fauna & Flora International’s ‘floating classroom’
The stunningly beautiful Ha Long Bay is listed as a World Heritage Site
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a World Heritage Site, is the richest location for primates in Indo-china, containing ten different primate species. FFI has been active there since 1998 and is now supporting the management authorities to protect the park and its biodiversity. We are helping to establish a scientific research team to enhance knowledge of the park and advise on community-based Forest Patrol Groups. In addition, FFI works to improve local people’s livelihoods by establishing forest gardens which create habitat corridors, helping to maintain the forest’s ecosystem services.
The Ha Long Bay EcoBoat
FFI’s ‘floating classroom,’ the EcoBoat, has taught thousands of Vietnamese school children the importance of balancing their nation’s economic development with preservation of the natural environment and biological diversity. During their day trips in magically beautiful Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage Site, the students explore caves and mangrove forests, interview fishermen and women and take part in lively debates. The EcoBoat has been absorbed into the government’s Ha Long Bay Management Department but is intended to evolve into an independent civil society organisation.
Community Carbon Pool Regional Initiative (see Cambodia) CREDIT: FRANK MOMBERG / FFI
Hoang Lien Son, home of Vietnam’s largest western black crested gibbon population, Mount Fansipan
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
www.fauna-flora.org
AUSTRALIA
INDONESIA
CREDIT: BMRG
Darwin
Great Sandy Biosphere Wolf Rock Brisbane
AUSTRALIA Perth Adelaide
Melbourne
Sydney Canberra
Hobart
The Great Sandy Biosphere is an important stop-over for humpback whales
Securing the future for the Burnett Mary Region, south-east Queensland
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is working in partnership with the Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management (BMRG) to enhance the development of conservation in south-east Queensland. The region’s stunning Great Sandy Biosphere supports an especially diverse array of species and is an important stop-over for humpback whales. FFI and BMRG are engaging the Australian indigenous community in natural resource management through forums designed to improve indigenous employment in the environment sector, and to engage disadvantaged indigenous youth in conservation through the development of an education curriculum for primary schools. More recently, through a multi-partnership programme, FFI has been contributing to the conservation and recovery of the critically endangered Australian east coast population of grey nurse shark through a research and community engagement programme.
Grey nurse shark research & community engagement, south-east Queensland
Grey Nurse Shark Watch is a community-based photographic identification and monitoring project gathering information on grey nurse shark numbers, movements and distribution. Every shark is different, with a unique pattern of spots, making photographic identification an ideal way to differentiate between individuals. Photographs submitted by volunteers will contribute to a national database on the grey nurse shark, which will be made available to stakeholders, researchers and managers. Wolf Rock in Queensland currently supports half the pregnant female population and is the only known aggregation site where females gestate before returning to New South Wales to pup. Protecting such sites is pivotal to the survival of the species, yet we still do not know where the other half of pregnant females aggregate. In the second part of the programme, using a Geographic Information System, the team prioritised 200 sites that share similar features and habitat to known aggregation sites. Over the next nine months, research teams will be deployed to potential aggregation sites to conduct habitat analysis using side-scan sonar and remote operated video whilst checking for sharks with baited underwater cameras. Pregnant female grey nurse shark tagged with special acoustic tags in southern Queensland in November 2011 will then be tracked using underwater ‘listening stations’ installed at potential sites. The programme has been enabled through the collaboration of Fauna & Flora International, the Queensland Department of Environment & Resource Management, Burnett Mary Regional Group and the University of Queensland, with the generous support of Australian Capital Equity and Australia Zoo. The Grey Nurse Shark Watch database is hosted by Reef Check Australia. CREDIT: EPA
CREDIT: CARLEY BANSEMER The grey nurse shark is also known as the sandtiger shark
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
The Great Sandy Biosphere supports an especially diverse array of species
www.fauna-flora.org
EURASIA CREDIT: ALEX DIMENT / FFI
Eurasia is a visually stunning region. Its varied landscape encompasses mountains, valleys and ancient forests (such as the Portuguese cork woodlands, and the fruit and nut forests of Central Asia). The region is also home to some very rare animals, including the snow leopard, saiga antelope and Iberian lynx. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is one of the few international organisations working in Eurasia to conserve its valuable species and habitats. Many of our projects have laid the foundation for other NGOs to move in and help tackle the challenges of conservation.
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: GARETH GOLDTHORPE / FFI
GUATEMALA
GEORGIA
BELIZE EN LAD
B
URE
NAT
E
ERV
RES
GOLDEN STREAM CORRIDOR PRESERVE
Georgia has a diverse array of habitats and wildlife
Conservation of Georgia’s carnivores
Carnivores like the Asian leopard and the wolf are under threat from illegal hunting, retaliatory killing due to conflict with livestock farmers, and a general lack of concern and awareness regarding biodiversity and the benefits of conservation. Fauna & Flora International and our Georgian partner, NACRES (the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Research) are addressing these threats by improving law enforcement, biological monitoring and community outreach. We are also working with shepherds to improve stock protection and to mitigate the loss of livestock to wild predators. We are continuing to raise public awareness of wildlife loss and we are conducting surveys and research on the endangered carnivores of Georgia. CREDIT: GARETH GOLDTHORPE / FFI
CREDIT: GARETH GOLDTHORPE / FFI Georgia is home to many large carnivores including the grey wolf
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
Tracking and monitoring are helping to address threats to local wildlife
www.fauna-flora.org
KAZAKHSTAN / UZBEKISTAN RUSSIA
CREDIT: IGOR SHPILENOK
RUSSIA
KAZAKHSTAN urt Ustyeau t Pla
Almaty
UZ
BEK
TURKMENISTAN IRAN
ISTA
KYRGYZSTAN
N
TAJIKSTAN
AFGHANISTAN
CHINA
PAKISTAN
INDIA Saiga have adapted to the semi desert landscape of Central Asia
Conserving the Ustyurt Plateau landscape and the saiga antelope
The Ustyurt Plateau, a temperate desert, covers an area of 200,000 km2, which extends across Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The plateau supports a unique but highly threatened steppe ecosystem, which harbours one of the last populations of the critically endangered saiga antelope. The saiga has experienced one of the fastest declines recorded for mammals in recent decades. Fauna & Flora International is following an integrated and multi-faceted approach consisting of research and education as well as institutional support for governments and the private sector (see Business & Biodiversity section). We are also developing alternative livelihoods and promoting transboundary cooperation to address the complex pressures that are exerted on the Ustyurt ecosystem. CREDIT: IGOR SHPILENOK
The world population of saiga antelope has declined by 95% in recent years
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
www.fauna-flora.org
KYRGYZSTAN CREDIT: CHRIS LOADES / FFI
KAZAKHSTAN
Bishkek Naryn
UZBEKISTAN
TAJIKISTAN
TAN S Z Y
G KYR
Naryn State Nature Reserve
CHINA
Kyrgyzstan is blessed with beautiful landscapes and exceptional wildlife
Fruit and nut forest conservation
The unique fruit and nut forests of Central Asia have declined by at least 80% over the last 50 years and are still under threat from grazing, hay making, over harvesting, illegal tree cutting and firewood collection. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and our partners are helping the local forest service and communities to plan together to protect and manage the forests. Through seminars, events and publications we are raising awareness of the global importance of the forests and the conservation issues, as well as developing practical solutions to address threats, such as solar cookers and heaters. We are supporting grassroots initiatives to engage school children in setting up nurseries to grow threatened trees for planting in the forest.
Conserving threatened apple and pear species
Fauna & Flora International is actively conserving the endangered Niedzwetzky (Malus niedzwetzkyana) apple, one of the trees identified in The Red List of Trees of Central Asia. We are increasing knowledge and protection of the areas where it occurs and building capacity among the local forest service, protected area staff and communities to protect and reinforce the populations by propagation in nurseries for subsequent planting. During 2010 – 2011 well over a thousand saplings will have been planted into the forest, with appropriate aftercare and monitoring. CREDIT: JASON SMITH
CREDIT: KAYIRKUL SHALPYKOV The Niedzwetzky apple is one of the world’s most highly threatened apple species
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
Fruit and nut forests are pivotal to conservation of the area
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: CHRIS GREENWOOD / FFI
CREDIT: WENDY SALISBURY Persecution and poaching have caused snow leopard numbers to decline
Staff from Naryn Reserve, Kyrgyzstan
Protecting the endangered snow leopard
The Central Tien Shan mountain range is a crucial refuge for the charismatic but endangered snow leopard. FFI has been working there since 2005, helping the staff at Sarychat-Ertash Reserve to combat poaching, monitor snow leopards and engage communities. FFI has expanded its focus to include working with the Naryn Reserve, another snow leopard stronghold in the Central Tien Shan, to strengthen its technical capacity. We aim to enable both reserves to deliver more effective management, as well as improving ecological connectivity between the reserves, and improve community outreach in support of snow leopard conservation.
Training grass roots community organisations
FFI has been instrumental in the establishment and development of a network of 138 community-based organisations linked together through three regional associations. These grass roots groups have implemented local community initiatives which have brought sustainable livelihood and environmental benefits to rural mountain communities. FFI aims to strengthen the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of these organisations by providing them with the training and targeted experience exchanges needed to improve their ability to manage, plan and implement community development activities. CREDIT: CHRIS LOADES / FFI
CREDIT: AMY HINSLEY / FFI The captivating beauty of Kyrgyzstan
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
FFI and partners are working with communities to protect local landscapes
www.fauna-flora.org
FRANCE FRANCE
PORTUGAL
CREDIT: PAUL HOTHAM / FFI
TUG
AL
Braga Porto
POR
SPAIN
Lisbon
Faro
Working to link fragmented corridors for lynx to thrive
Iberian lynx programme
MOROCCO
ALGERIA
The Iberian lynx is the world’s most threatened cat, due to a catastrophic combination of habitat loss, decline in prey and incidental and intentional killings. By working with Portuguese organisation Liga para a Protecção da Natureza, Fauna & Flora International is engaging with state and private landowners to ensure the creation and management of a continuous cross-border corridor of habitat to link fragmented lynx populations across the Iberian Peninsula. CREDIT: THE IBERIAN LYNX EX SITU CONSERVATION PROGRAMME
CREDIT: REBECCA FOGES / FFI Cork oak is a perfect example of a truly sustainable natural resource
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
The Iberian lynx is the rarest cat species in the world
www.fauna-flora.org
ROMANIA SLOVAKIA
UKRAINE VA DO OL M
HUNGARY Cluj-Napoca
Timisoara
SERBIA
CREDIT: ALEX DIMENT / FFI
POLAND
ROMANIA Craiova
Galati
Bucharest Constanta
BULGARIA FFI helped develop the country’s first programme for conservation training
Supporting Romania’s protected areas
Romania contains vast expanses of natural and semi-natural ecosystems, including one of Europe’s largest areas of undisturbed forest. Although Romania has many protected areas, the administrations managing these parks urgently need to build their capacity to protect these living landscapes in the face of increasing industrial demand for land. FFI has helped to develop the country’s first protected area capacity building programme which is improving skills and knowledge for protected area conservation management, so far engaging with over half of Romania’s protected areas. We are also building local interest in ecological connectivity in vital regions.
Preserving the Zarand landscape corridor
Although people have lived here for centuries, the Zarand landscape corridor in Transylvania provides an element of wilderness through which large carnivores can move between the Western and Southern Carpathian Mountains. Unfortunately, new developments and a shift away from small-scale agriculture are threatening this important area. FFI’s new initiative aims to build capacity by working in partnership with local people to protect wildlife in their landscape. CREDIT: GARETH GOLDTHORPE / FFI
CREDIT: SUZANNE TOM / FFI Romania features one of the largest remaining areas of undisturbed forest in Europe
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
Romania supports around 40% of Europe’s brown bear population
www.fauna-flora.org
TAJIKISTAN KAZAKSTAN CREDIT: PAUL HOTHAM / FFI
UZBEKISTAN
KYRGYZSTAN
CHINA
TAJIKISTAN
Dushanbe
MO
ST AN
IR PAM PA KI
AFGHANISTAN
S
AIN UNT
INDIA Tajikistan has the biological richness of countries nearly 20 times its size
Improving protected area management
Tajikistan is a mountainous country with a rich landscape, wildlife and culture. Its biological richness is equivalent to Kazakhstan, a TANZANIA country 20 times its size. However its natural heritage is under severe threat from habitat fragmentation and degradation, soil erosion and unsustainable natural resource use. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is working to improve conservation impact in Tajikistan by increasing the capacity of current and future conservation professionals. We have established a National Conservation Training Programme, working with a network of experts across the country to train hundreds of National Park staff and other practitioners, and promoting applied conservation research.
Building the capacity of the Zorkul Nature Reserve
Zorkul Lake may sound like a place in a science fiction novel, but it is in fact a breathtaking lake in the heart of the Pamir Mountains. The 88,000 hectare Zorkul Nature Reserve is home to snow leopards, wolves and Marco Polo sheep, as well as Tajikistan’s largest population of bar-headed goose, which migrate to the lake across the Himalayas from India and Nepal each year. FFI is helping the reserve staff to develop both the motivation and the basic skills needed to enforce protection. We are using the bar-headed goose as a local flagship species for the conservation of the wider Pamir mountain ecosystem.
Fruit and nut forest conservation
Childukhtaron Forest has a wonderful mixture of walnut, apple, cherry, mulberry and juniper trees, making it globally important for biodiversity but also vital to local people’s survival. FFI is working with the Forestry Department, local communities and national NGOs to raise awareness and improve the forest management by strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders to protect this threatened ecosystem. In particular, we are working with our Tajik partner organisation Zan va Zamin to provide training, mentoring and support in delivering small scale conservation initiatives in highly diverse forest habitats. CREDIT: ALEX DIMENT / FFI
CREDIT: PAUL HOTHAM / FFI Zorkul Nature Reserve is home to Tajikistan’s largest population of bar-headed geese
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
FFI is helping to establish a national conservation skills training programme
www.fauna-flora.org
BUSINESS & BIODIVERSITY CREDIT: DAVID WRIGHT / FFI
Fauna & Flora International works with the private sector to bring about systemic change for biodiversity conservation. We believe that conservation depends on companies taking action. In fact, businesses rely on the environment to function so by being good stewards, they are ensuring their own future. We embed biodiversity into the full life cycle of business operations, applying both strategic and pragmatic management approaches. Business value is gained through the knowledge that resources are not being depleted and impacts are within limits acceptable to local communities, customers and investors alike. FFI helps companies to manage their impacts and dependencies on the environment through global and site-level engagement. Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: HELEN NYUL/ FFI
CREDIT: HELEN NYUL / FFI FFI experts visit Anglo American’s South African Mogalakwena mine
FFI’s team meets with on-the-ground staff to discuss biodiversity impacts
Anglo American
FFI and Anglo American have been partners since 2008. We are working together to integrate biodiversity into the company’s policies and practices. FFI works with Anglo American staff at all levels to better understand and integrate biodiversity and ecosystem services into their businesses and manage their impact on the environment. We are currently focusing on the following initiatives: Joint peer reviews of Biodiversity Action Plans FFI is helping Anglo American to review the Biodiversity Action Plans undertaken by the company’s various operations worldwide. These are critical for making measurable reductions to mines’ biodiversity impacts. Sites we have reviewed include the Isobonela and Goedehoep Collieries in South Africa, Amapa and Jacare sites in Brazil. Anglo American and FFI livelihoods projects Anglo American is supporting FFI’s Conservation Livelihoods and Governance programme work in Brazil, China and Tanzania. These projects are helping to develop understanding of integration of issues such as socio-cultural and economic empowerment and climate change adaptation into conservation projects. Biodiversity strategy and guidance with implementation of associated commitments and standards.
British American Tobacco (BAT)
FFI is now in its third term of the British American Tobacco (BAT) Biodiversity Partnership. Building on the successes of the last ten years, FFI continues to work closely with BAT, the Tropical Biology Association and Earthwatch Institute to address issues relating to biodiversity and ecosystem services in mixed agricultural landscapes. A core focus is assisting BAT to manage their risks and opportunities associated with biodiversity. FFI is leading on two of the major operational projects receiving support in Brazil and Indonesia: Southern Brazil Building on the foundations laid between 2007 and 2010, the next phase of the project in Brazil will be to establish and support economically sustainable approaches that empower farmers and stakeholders to manage their properties. The aim is to maintain and restore ecological integrity in the target area. Lombok, Indonesia The agricultural activities of Export Leaf Indonesia, BAT’s local subsidiary, are dependent on biodiversity. The Biodiversity Risk and Opportunity Assessment in 2007 identified changes in microclimate and water scarcity as major risks to agriculture. FFI and our local partners are helping tobacco farmers to combat deforestation in critical watersheds on Lombok, which has a water-saving knock-on effect on agricultural areas. Carbon accounting and technical innovation Fauna & Flora International is working with Earthwatch on a review of the use of wood for tobacco curing and barn construction as well as the monitoring systems used by BAT to report on these. The results of this study are being used to improve the company’s reporting systems with the help of The Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Management. This work should enable carbon sequestration. Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: ENI E&P
CREDIT: DAVID WRIGHT / FFI FFI helps to balance uranium mining and conservation in the Central Namib desert
eni e&p’s operations in the Ecuadorian forest have a small footprint
BHP Billiton
Murung Raya Conservation and Sustainable Development Project is a landmark agreement between Fauna & Flora International and BHP Billiton providing a strong platform for sustainable land use planning in the Murung Raya district of central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The project builds on an existing relationship between the two organisations which focuses on FFI’s Flagship Species Fund. The partnership aims to address impacts on species in regions where BHP Billiton has interests, build conservation expertise within local communities, and increase the effectiveness of future conservation efforts. BHP Billiton is providing funding for the project’s implementation, while FFI is managing the project with technical partners invited to provide support as required. The project consists of five major components over a two year period; Sustainable Land Use Planning; Reintroduction and conservation of Bornean orang-utan; conservation leadership training; project sustainability planning and communication and awareness-raising.
Cargill
FFI is working with Cargill to identify and protect areas of high conservation value forest on carbon-rich peat land in West Kalimantan, Borneo. Cargill also supports FFI’s broader work on improving the sustainability of the palm oil supply chain, in particular helping Cargill maintain compliance with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.
eni e&p
FFI is helping the Italian energy corporation eni e&p to integrate biodiversity and ecosystem services into their global operations. This begins with a global risk assessment. Our experts are using GIS to map all operations against areas of high biodiversity and ecosystem services value to determine potentially sensitive sites in need of Biodiversity Action Plans. We are also working to integrate the biodiversity risk assessment into corporate decision-making throughout the lifecycle of their operations.
Liberia
We are working with Sime Darby, Equatorial Oil and Socfin in Liberia to better conserve wildlife and support local communities.
Marine Stewardship
Offshore and deep-sea fossil fuel extraction is growing but it poses serious danger for marine wildlife and ecosystem health. FFI is advising the oil and gas sector on the need for risk and opportunity management regarding marine habitats. We also encourage good stewardship and the potential for biodiversity offsets in both global and local ocean programmes. Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI FFI is engaging with palm oil companies to reduce their impact on forests
Businesses inherently depend on nature, for example for freshwater provisioning
Namib desert
FFI is working with the Namibian Ministry of Mining and Environment to minimise the impacts of the country’s burgeoning uranium mining industry. The Central Namib Desert is home to ancient and unique species but also rich uranium deposits, which poses an inherent conflict. We aim to ensure there is no net loss of biodiversity by assessing land-use, developing tools for aggregated offsets and maintaining close communication with key stakeholders.
Nimba mountains
FFI is running a Darwin Initiative-supported project in the iron ore-rich Nimba Mountains of Guinea, Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire, which includes a World Heritage Site. We are helping to develop a multi-stakeholder integrated conservation planning and management approach that enables mining companies, government officials, environmental groups and local communities to make collective decisions on the conservation and utilisation of natural resources in the area.
The palm oil sector-from Africa to Asia
FFI is working with various palm oil companies in Indonesia to apply the Principles and Criteria of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). We are also applying expertise gained in Indonesia to Liberia, where we are helping the Liberian Government to develop the country’s emerging palm oil sector in a way that meets the RSPO standards. Our experts are helping to carry out high conservation value forest assessments on palm oil concessions and advising governments on overarching palm oil and land-use policies.
Rio Tinto
Fauna & Flora International works with Rio Tinto on a variety of projects in Africa, Eurasia, Australia and Madagascar. Our experts are helping the company work towards its goal of net positive impact on biodiversity, which means mitigating impacts as much as possible and carrying out biodiversity offsets for any residual impacts that cannot be prevented. FFI is working with Rio Tinto at a global level but also on specific mines in Guinea, Madagascar, Mongolia, Namibia, South Africa and Australia.
Other partnerships and initiatives
FFI is advising De Beers, Nexen, Areva and Lafarge on managing biodiversity impacts throughout their quarries worldwide. We sit on several advisory boards and provide independent review of key biodiversity policies and practices. FFI is actively involved in the RSPO, Rsoy, BBOP, Better Coal Initiative, GRI HCV Network etc, which are sectored initiatives aimed at ensuring best practice across industry sectors that have large footprints. Our biodiversity experts also engage businesses at the sector level and are active participants in the RSPO, Roundtable on Responsible Soy, International Council on Mining and Metals and International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association. Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
www.fauna-flora.org
CONSERVATION CAPACITY CREDIT: ORYX
We believe that the most effective and long-term solutions to safeguard species and habitats lie in local hands. Capacity development for us is about helping people build expertise and access the resources they need to own and deliver conservation. This concept is at the heart of Fauna & Flora International’s work. Our approach has always been through partnership – a mutually-beneficial relationship with a common purpose - in which each partner brings something to the table. We provide long-term, tailored support directly to those who ask for our assistance to build their technical, institutional and leadership capacity.
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: RATHIN BARMAN
CREDIT: A. HASBILAH DICE / FFI Students examining a footprint
A CLP project leader working with school children
Conservation Leadership Programme
This programme aims to grow the potential of future biodiversity conservation leaders in developing countries and equip them to respond to the ever-growing threats of species loss, habitat destruction and the unsustainable use of natural resources. It is run jointly by Fauna & Flora International, BirdLife International, the Wildlife Conservation Society and Conservation International. The programme awards grants, and provides training, mentoring and sustained support to budding conservationists who are managing projects and finding practical solutions to pressing conservation issues around the world.
Oryx–The International Journal of Conservation
Oryx–The International Journal of Conservation is a scientific journal for conservationists that also helps build capacity for conservation. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) founded the journal in 1903, when the organisation itself was created, and has produced it ever since. Widely recognised as the leading journal for the promotion of better conservation management and practice, Oryx works closely with authors, especially those from developing countries, to encourage them to bring their research to an international audience.The editorial office also offers scientific writing workshops to early- and mid-career conservationists.
Partner Support Programme
This programme is building a framework to reinforce partner sustainability across FFI through direct activities and the development of networking and support tools. Activities to date include facilitating capacity assessments and strategic planning processes with partners in Ecuador and Vietnam; providing guidance to programmes in Lao PDR and Indonesia to help establish clear and effective new partnerships and promote strengthening of local environmental organisations; and providing training and mentor support to partners in Tajikistan, Cambodia and Antigua in order to help develop additional skills, knowledge and resources.
Cambridge Conservation Initiative, MPhil in Conservation Leadership
FFI has been working with the University of Cambridge and other Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI) partners to design and deliver a new MPhil course in Conservation Leadership. The course trains students to address the challenges of biodiversity conservation in an integrated and interdisciplinary manner. The goal is not only to develop conservationists with enhanced research skills and greater awareness of the complex drivers of biodiversity loss, but to develop their ability to act and lead effectively. CREDIT: CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY
CREDIT: CLP Oryx editor Martin Fisher (left) gives advice at a ‘writing for journals’ training session
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
Students from the Cambridge University MPhil Conservation Leadership course
www.fauna-flora.org
CONSERVATION, LIVELIHOODS & GOVERNANCE CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
Biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources are inextricably linked to people’s rights to secure their livelihoods and live in dignity. Fauna & Flora International is committed to ensuring that our conservation activities at the very least do not further disadvantage poor, vulnerable or marginalised natural resource-dependent people, and that, wherever possible, our activities contribute to improving human well-being. We are also committed to human rights, promoting their protection and realisation within our conservation programmes, and supporting the improvement of governance systems that can secure those rights.
CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI
CREDIT: JEREMY HOLDEN / FFI FFI takes an holistic, people-centred approach to biodiversity conservation
Seeking to address the needs of local communities
Conservation initiative on human rights
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is actively participating in this international initiative that aims to ensure effective integration of human rights in the policies and practices of a number of international conservation organisations. Together we have developed and agreed a draft framework of principles. Over the next two to three years FFI will continue to engage in the initiative, focusing on sharing lessons among Conservation Initiative on Human Rights member organisations, other stakeholders, and human rights experts to support practical implementation of the framework principles. Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
www.fauna-flora.org
CONSERVATION SCIENCE CREDIT: MAARTEN HOFMAN
To do conservation well, we need to understand the places and species involved, and also the wider social, economic and political contexts. Our local partnerships provide us with essential on the ground knowledge of the issues and what will work in that context. Fauna & Flora International draws experience from across its teams and from wider sources of conservation expertise, to help inform and improve our work on the ground. Part of this process involves learning from what we already do, and ensuring we can effectively record what impacts we ultimately have on target habitats and species.
Innovative conservation since 1903 Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
CREDIT: RACHEL AUSTIN / FFI FFI is focusing on integrated climate adaption planning
Halcyon’s Land & Sea projects store around 260 Million tonnes of carbon
Halcyon Land & Sea
Where important and biodiverse areas are under immediate threat of destruction, Fauna & Flora International’s (FFI) Halcyon Land & Sea will intervene to secure the site through acquisition, introduction of conservation management or other appropriate means. Established in 1998 with a grant from Arcadia, Halcyon Land & Sea has already secured some 4.5 million hectares of land and influenced the conservation of a further 12.8 million hectares. Under Halcyon Land & Sea, the land is owned and managed by independent local organisations or agencies, with on-going support from FFI.
Halcyon climate assessment
Habitat destruction accounts for an estimated 20% of greenhouse gas emissions, therefore it’s no surprise that habitat protection can make a serious contribution to reducing emissions. FFI has calculated that our Halcyon Land & Sea projects store around 260 million tonnes of carbon, and their on-going protection may prevent a further 204 million tonnes of CO2 from reaching the atmosphere. We continue to explore the role of our projects in carbon sequestration, and how this can be enhanced. We also focus increasingly on how our projects can be safeguarded against predicted climate change.
Cambridge Conservation Initiative
Cambridge is home to various international and national conservation organisations, national conservation agency headquarters, intergovernmental institutions and its world famous university. The Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI) was established to encourage collaboration and coordinated, policy-focused discussions across the Cambridge conservation and academic communities.
Flagship Species Fund
Popular and charismatic flagship species focus public attention on wider conservation issues. This fund allocates grants to projects around the world. Funding from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and a series of corporate partners is used to support a range of key species-focused projects in developing countries around the world.
Grant review processes
Funding for conservation is limited and must be spent in the most effective way. In many cases appropriate allocation of funds relies on skilled reviews of proposals from a community of conservation experts. FFI is responsible for helping external organisations allocate grants ranging from £5,000 to £50,000 to conservation projects around the world. Each month we call upon our staff to use their technical expertise to judge which of the applications have the most potential for biodiversity conservation.
Rapid Response Facility
Environmental, social and economic damage to Natural World Heritage Sites (NWHS) may be irreparable if not quickly addressed. Created in 2006, the Rapid Response Facility fills a gap in the environmental donor community by taking an average of just eight working days to award small grants for emergency relief in NWHS, and other priority areas. This is a joint initiative between FFI, UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the United Nations Foundation. Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
CREDIT: RACHEL AUSTIN / FFI FFI’s marine programme builds on lessons from our terrestrial work
FFI has developed a clear strategy for marine conservation in Belize
Climate change and conservation
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity and the natural world. FFI is working with a range of partners to reduce emissions by protecting natural habitats from destruction and is also promoting biodiversity issues within the global climate change agenda. We are helping to develop tools to assess the potential of different habitats to store carbon and for the value of these natural lands to be realised through the carbon market. The programme also helps regional projects identify their individual risks from a changing climate and develop strategies to help mitigate and manage these impacts.
Marine conservation initiative
Building on existing initiatives in countries such as Belize, Indonesia and Nicaragua, we have developed a clear strategy for our engagement on marine conservation and are now stepping up our programme of work, steadily increasing our portfolio of marine projects. Our skills in terrestrial protected area management and policy engagement are translating into the marine environment – and we are working to secure sites under effective management, change policies impacting our seas and building capacity for improved marine management and governance.
Global Trees Campaign
The Global Trees Campaign is the only international initiative promoting the conservation of globally threatened tree species. It is a joint venture between FFI and Botanic Gardens Conservation International. Within this partnership, FFI works to build capacity for threatened tree conservation, actively supporting a series of showcase tree projects and promoting a range of other organisations to build threatened tree conservation into their work. We are currently supporting 15 projects addressing over 23 threatened or declining trees in 10 countries (China, Vietnam, Tanzania, Madagascar, Liberia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Saint Lucia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan). CREDIT: AMY HINSLEY/ FFI
CREDIT: J. XU / FFI Big tree rhododendron is the largest of its species in the world
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
FFI is working to build the capacity of local conservationists
www.fauna-flora.org
ENVIRONMENTAL MARKETS CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
Fauna & Flora International’s Environmental Markets programme focuses on harnessing the power and resources of commercial markets to protect threatened habitats and provide meaningful benefits for the local communities who depend upon them. Understanding the values of ecosystem services is inherently complex and much recent interest has focused on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity. Our Environmental Markets programme aims to support theoretical developments with practical action to understand more fully the benefits and risks for both conservation and communities who depend on natural resources.
Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012 Innovative conservation since 1903
www.fauna-flora.org
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI
CREDIT: JUAN PABLO MOREIRAS / FFI FFI is working to protect orang-utans in Kalimantan
Aceh’s highly carbon-rich Ulu Masen forest is set for the first REDD project
Fauna & Flora International-Macquarie Carbon Forests Taskforce
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) has teamed up with Macquarie Group, an Australia-based global provider of banking, financial, advisory, and funds management services, to develop a task force to invest in the conservation of tropical forests which will generate carbon credits for sale. The task force is protecting forests at risk from deforestation in southeast Asia and South America. FFI is drawing on its conservation experience to work with local governments and communities to implement the projects. Macquarie Group is providing capital and financial services, ensuring compliance with voluntary carbon standards and will sell the carbon credits internationally.
Protecting Indonesia’s Ulu Masen forest through carbon finance
This initiative aims to prevent destruction of the threatened and highly carbon-rich Ulu Masen forest in Aceh Province, Indonesia, by generating tradable carbon credits and directing a proportion of the profits to local communities. In February 2008, the project became the first REDD project to be approved by the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards. We are using our community and conservation expertise to advise the Governor of Aceh in both the design and implementation of the project.
Protecting carbon-rich peat forests in West Kalimantan
FFI is providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Forestry to support its nationwide programme to place 460,000 hectares of ‘village forests’ in West Kalimantan province under community tenure by 2013. We are implementing a community forestry REDD pilot project in West Kalimantan which aims to support the designation of up to 100,000 hectares of village forests. Our programme focuses on peat swamp forest as well as lowland rainforests, both critical habitat for orang-utans and other endangered species. Peat fires and drainage are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Indonesia. The pilot activities will develop valuable lessons for community-based peat swamp forest management and provide input to a dialogue with local land use planning agencies and the National Planning Agency for the development of a national REDD policy for peat lands.
Ecosystem services valuation
Through funding provided by the BAT Biodiversty Partnership, FFI is developing a five year programme of work that will focus on understanding the values of ecosystem services. Despite much recent interest focusing on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity, there still remain challenges in how environmental markets can function practically. Through FFI’s experience in developing work around forest carbon, several issues have emerged including the broader social implications of such investments. Over five years this programme of work will develop an understanding of these different valuation approaches, and their application to conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services within complex agricultural landscapes.
Natural Value Initiative (NVI)
FFI is a founding member of the Natural Value Initiative (NVI), a project that aims to build expertise both in companies and investors on evaluating and managing biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) risks and opportunities. NVI is a collaboration between FFI, the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, Nyenrode Business University, the Dutch Association of Investors for Sustainable Development and the Brazilian Business School Fundação Getulio Vargas. It aims to develop land use management plans to assist in the conservation of vast tracts of orang-utan habitat. Fauna & Flora International 2011/2012
www.fauna-flora.org
Fauna & Flora International UK 4th Floor, Jupiter House, Station Road Cambridge CB1 2JD UK Telephone: +44 (0) 1223 571000 Fax: +44 (0) 1223 461481 Email: info@fauna-flora.org Web: www.fauna-flora.org Registered Charity Number 1011102 A Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England Number 2677068
Fauna & Flora International US 1720 N Street, NW Washington DC 20036 USA Telephone: +1 (202) 375 7766 Email: katie.frohardt@fauna-flora.org Web: www.fauna-flora-us.org Registered 501 (c) (3) Non-profit organisation
Our Vision A sustainable future for the planet, where biodiversity is effectively conserved by the people who live closest to it, supported by the global community
Our Mission Fauna & Flora International acts to conserve threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take account of human needs
EIN #04-2730954
Fauna & Flora International Australia PO Box R697 Royal Exchange NSW 1225 Australia Telephone: +61 3 9416 5220, Email: ffiaustralia@fauna-flora.org Web: www.fauna-flora.org.au A public company limited by guarantee, Registered Charitable Institution ABN: 75 132 715 783
Patron: Her Majesty The Queen President: Lindsay Bury Chief Executive Officer: Mark Rose A member of IUCN – The World Conservation Union
www.fauna-flora.org
Registered Charity No. 1011102
Innovative conservation since 1903