Year 2 Report Progress Report Against Programme Objectives May - September 2011
The National Field Research Centre for Environmental Conservation
IMAGE | PHIL DICKiNSON
IMAGE | NIGEL WINSER
IMAGE | NAT SPRING
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
contents Part 1
Mid-year Report: Year 2, Reporting on Progress against Proposed Activities May - September 2010
Executive Summary
Progress Made on Proposed Activities May 2010 to September 2010
Annex
Part 2
End of Year Report: Year 2: Progress Report Against Programme Objectives
Executive Summary
Programme Objectives and Progress Reports: October 2010 - September 2011
OEP Focus Report: Operations and Safety in the Field
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
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IMAGE | NIGEL WINSER
Executive Summary The first five months of the second year of the Oman Earthwatch Programme have been an extremely productive time. Seven of the nine proposed activities have been fully or partially achieved, and progress has been made in all areas: planning and consolidating; ongoing tasks; training; external meetings and relationship forming and building; and design for the future under each of the strategic objectives of the programme.
IMAGE | JAMES BURTON
This period saw the establishment and consolidation of the lead research scientist teams and collaborators for both the Arabian leopard and Arabian tahr research projects from within the Office of Conservation of the Environment and internationally. Social science and mapping data has been both analysed further and expertise fed into the research proposals for projects 1 & 2.
IMAGE | LLOYD FIGGINS
Research focus for projects 3 & 4 has been forthcoming in the form of a project on Juniper Woodlands and a further project in a marine environment. Training of the scientists involved in the programme took place on the established Earthwatch Project “Samburu Communities and Wildlife� in Kenya where the participants learnt direct from a collection of four experienced lead scientists for existing research projects. The training also greatly improved the understanding of citizen science in field research, working closely with the local community, members of the team were required to deliver
a successful participatory research project, as well as offering access to methodologies and a long-term scientific network. Connections with the formal and informal education sectors in Oman have been made through a series of meetings with the Ministry of Education; and other institutions/organisations including Oman Botanic Gardens; the Environmental Society of Oman; The Oman National Commission for Education Culture and Science; and Sultan Qaboos University.
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IMAGE | NIGEL WINSER
PART 1
Progress Made on Proposed Activities May - September 2010 This mid-year report details the progress made on the proposed activities (1-9) in the former report “Year 2: Proposed Activities & Budget�. The activities are arranged under the strategic objectives set out in the Memorandum of Understanding, between the Diwan of Royal Court and Earthwatch Institute.
Objective 1 To identify and develop relevant field research and pilot projects on issues that relate to sustainability of the environment and the continuing priority to map, monitor and manage Oman’s rich natural and cultural resources. Proposed activity 1 | Develop the first two projects the Arabian leopard and Arabian tahr - into peer reviewed, Earthwatch approved projects. The following period will then see a focus on project implementation in the field.
Progress in this period • Research team in place for the Arabian tahr project. Dr Steve Ross and Mansoor al Jahdhami from the Office of Conservation of the Environment (OCE) are the lead scientists. • Assessment of the research area carried out September 2010. • Research team in place for the Arabian leopard project. Hadi al Hikmani and Khaled al Hikmani from the OCE working together with Julia Chase-Grey -- Research Ecologist, and Tessa McGregor -Conservation Advisor. • Research proposals being constructed for both projects, combining inputs from the Social Scientist (Dr Alan Roe), GIS and
Data Management specialist (Dr Ant Beck) botanists and all members of the field research teams; coordinated by the lead scientists for each project: Dr Steve Ross, Dr Mansoor al Jahdhami, Hadi al Hikmani and Julia Chase-Grey. • Meeting held with the OCE to determine the structure of the project staff for the two projects.
Proposed activity 2 | Complete health and safety/risk assessment for the first two projects. Progress in this period • Completed in the following period.
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IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
PART 1
Proposed activity 3 | Continue preliminary work on social science, capacity building, data analysis and other aspects of the first two projects. Progress in this period • Dr Alan Roe (Social Scientist to the Programme) has been building his professional relationship with Khalifa al Jahwari. • Social science input to the proposals for the Arabian leopard and Arabian tahr projects. • Further progress made with data collected from DRC/OCE, MECA and the Ministry of Agriculture. • Dr Antony Beck (GIS and Mapping specialist to the programme) has been building his professional relationship with Mansoor al Jahdhami. • A series of mapping guides have been produced for training and are being developed further by Mansoor al Jahdhami: Introduction to Mapping; Google Earth; Map Window; and GPS. • Further digitizing of Wadi Sareen has been undertaken on the data
from the Supreme Committee for Town Planning; and preparation of the falaj data from the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources.
Proposed activity 4 | Produce a detailed draft concept plan for the second two projects. Progress in this period • Initial discussions around developing a project on juniper and wild olive woodlands on Jebel Shams (Hail Juwari) and Jebel Akhdhar were developed with the Dean of Research and other researchers at Sultan Qaboos University. • Dr Grant Burgess reported to Earthwatch on his site visit to Oman and meetings accompanied by Dr Roderic Dutton: The MFW marine science centre; the Diwan of Royal Court (DRC); OCE; the Director and staff of the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Marine Science Department; the Five Oceans consulting company; the Secretary General and senior staff
of The Research Council; the CEO of LNG-Oman; The Under-Secretary and senior staff at MFW; the Director and staff of the Fisheries Quality Control Centre; the Advisor to the Minister of Commerce and Industry; the holder of the UNESCO Chair in marine biotechnology at SQU; the SQU MFW Hail marine science centre; the Director of the Marine Environment Conservation Department at MECA; the Dean of Research at SQU. • Developments for the research were discussed with Sam Burgess (Senior Research Manager, Oceans Programme) at Earthwatch.
Objective 2 To identify and train leading Omani scientists to direct their own field projects in the Sultanate of Oman and elsewhere in the world. Proposed activity 1 |
(3) To learn from The specific successes of the Grevy’s zebra project in working with the local communities and conserving species. • The team were trained directly in field research skills, such as how to collect ecological data through transects and total counts of Grevy’s zebra.
• Khalifa al Jahwari, Mansoor al Jahdhami, Hadi al Hikmani, Hamed al Naabi, Tessa McGregor and Ant Beck took part in the training on an existing Earthwatch project, attending the “Samburu Communities and Wildlife” research project in Kenya, which studies the ecology of Grevy’s zebra.
• The team were accompanied by Sarah Staunton Lamb (Learning Manager Emerging Scientists) and Ria Miller (Programme Manager for the Oman Earthwatch Programme) from Earthwatch who led group lectures and participatory sessions. In these sessions the team learnt many detailed elements about field research teams, the importance of engaging different audiences such as the education community, and took part in exercises to bond as a group.
• The aims of this training were 3-fold: (1) To experience a field research project and take back this understanding into running the research projects in Oman; (2) To talk directly to scientists working internationally in field research, ask them detailed questions and build a network;
• Dr Nick Oguge (Country Director, Earthwatch Kenya) and Lead Earthwatch Scientists for other Earthwatch projects: Dr Paul Okemo (“Medicinal Plants”); Dr William Ogara (“Carnivores in Conflict”) and Dr Paul Mouria and the research team for the Grevy’s zebra project were present throughout the training. These scientists
Train the Oman Earthwatch Programme staff on an existing Earthwatch project. Progress in this period
gave presentations and question and answer sessions on their research. • Prominent members of the community including representatives of the Ngoma National park, the warden of the local conservancy, and a Community Outreach Officer. • Photos from this training can be seen on the annex pages; • Dr Roderic Dutton took part, as a participant, on the “Wildlife of the Mongolia Steppe” Earthwatch research project. This allowed him direct contact to a well established Lead Earthwatch Scientist and research team; participatory experience in citizen science field research; and thus an ability to explore the future roles of the lead scientists and participants in the projects in Oman more fully through taking part in a successful existing research project.
Proposed activity 2 | Arrange Oman Earthwatch Programme in-country training. Progress in this period • Progress will be in the next period.
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
IMAGE | NIGEL WINSER
Objective 3 To develop a cadre of research and development specialists and educators in the Sultanate of Oman to take a lead in developing the long term role of the programme. Proposed activity 1 | • Select and arrange for the employment of Research Assistants for the first two projects. Begin the training of these Research Assistants. Progress in this period • The recruitment process continued for the recruitment of four Field Assistants for the Arabian leopard project and two for the Arabian tahr project.
Proposed activity 2 | • Sustain “collaborative partnerships”. Progress in this period • Skills transfer between Dr Alan Roe (Social Science), Dr Ant Beck (GIS and Data Management), Steve Ross (Lead Scientist, Arabian tahr project) and Office of Conservation of the environment senior staff Mansoor al-Jahdhami and Khalifa al-Jahwari; Julia Chase-Grey (Research Ecologist, Arabian leopard project), Tessa McGregor (Conservation Advisor, Arabian leopard project) and Office of Conservation of the Environment senior staff Hadi al-Hikmani and Khaled al Hikmani.
IMAGE | RODERIC DUTTON
Objective 4 To ensure that the results of the fieldwork are shared with the education community both formally through the Sultanate of Oman’s national curriculum and informally through meetings, workshops, the media and other means. Further progress in this period • An initial scoping site visit took place in May 2010. Caroline Rodgers (Engagement Programme Manager) and Sarah Staunton-Lamb (Learning Manager Emerging Scientists) from Earthwatch had very successful first discussions with key members of the education community. • Meetings were held with: The Ministry of Education; Oman Botanic Gardens; the Environmental Society of Oman; Ministry of the Environment; The Oman National Commission for Education Culture and Science; the Five Oceans Consultancy; the Office of Conservation of the Environment; and Sultan Qaboos University.
Objective 5 To provide a forum for the science research and policy implementing communities to meet, agree priorities and exchange information and ideas.
Progress in this period • The “Samburu Communities and Wildlife” research project in Kenya was an excellent example of the science research community from three countries meeting in a forum for exchange of knowledge, practices and ideas. Each participant in this training was able to exchange contact details to allow long-term relationships to develop.
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
PHOTO 1
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Training on an existing Earthwatch project: the “Samburu Communities and Wildlife” research project in Kenya. Dr Mouria training the team on equipment for field data collection.
PHOTO 2
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Training on an existing Earthwatch project: the “Samburu Communities and Wildlife” research project in Kenya. Mansoor al Jahdhami, Dr Ant Beck and Tessa McGregor discussing methodologies with Dr Okemo.
PHOTO 3
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PHOTO 4
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Training on an existing Earthwatch project: the “Samburu Communities and Wildlife” research project in Kenya. Group discussions about the Arabian leopard project.
Training on an existing Earthwatch project: the “Samburu Communities and Wildlife” research project in Kenya. Certificates presented to the participants: Khalifa al Jahwari, Mansoor al Jahdhami, Hadi al Hikmani, Hamed al Naabi, Tessa McGregor and Dr Ant Beck, for completion of the training.
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
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IMAGE | RODERIC DUTTON
PART 2
Introductory note Year 2 of the OEP has been an elongated year: it began in May 2010 and has just finished, in September 2011. The reason for this longer year was to align with Earthwatch business years going forward, making reporting and monitoring much easier. A report was already submitted on work undertaken during the period of May - September 2010, and so this report concentrates on the latter part of Year 2: the period of October 2010 - September 2011. Financial reporting, however, covers the entire year from May 2010 - September 2011 and is submitted separately.
ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS OEP - Oman Earthwatch Programme NFRCEC - National Field Research Centre for Environmental Conservation OCE - Office of Conservation of the Environment MECA - Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs PI - Principal Investigator (Lead Scientist on Research Project)
Item
Details IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
Executive Summary Programme Objectives and Progress Reports: October 2010 – September 2011
Progress reports on the following areas of work: • Education/training • Environmental research projects • GIS, Remote Sensing and Database Strategy work • Social Science work • Networking and supporting the National Centre (NFRCEC) • Operations and Safety in the Field • Carbon Management
Appendices
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Impacts of the Oman Earthwatch Programme OEP Field Scientists & Conservation Staff Development Plan OEP Environmental Education Plan Arabian leopard research project Year 2 Arabian tahr ecosystem research, conservation and community project GIS, Remote Sensing and Database Strategy: Progress update for board Social Sciences Research Report Prioritization and Monitoring of Research and Conservation Projects in the Natural Environments of Oman 9. Research Project Development and Monitoring by Earthwatch 10. Learning Framework – Khalid Hikmani (Arabian leopard project) 11. Safety and Operations Year 3 Proposal
Executive Summary The Oman Earthwatch Programme (OEP) has come to the end of its second year, with foundations now successfully built and a great deal of preparation work completed - all of which should position the programme to make a real impact on environmental research and education in Oman going forward into Year 3. During October 2010 - September 2011, two out of the four planned environmental research projects (the Arabian leopard research project
and the Arabian tahr ecosystem research, conservation and community project) were successfully launched, with particular progress being made on the latter towards the end of the year. Strong research proposals were submitted for each, with Dr Julia Chase-Grey leading on the leopard, and Dr Steve Ross, the tahr. Surveying, population estimation work, camera-trapping and other research preparation is underway at both research sites, and co-working has begun with local rangers, and support staff at the Office of Conservation of the Environment (OCE). This period has also seen ideas coming together encouragingly for the third and forth research projects, with productive discussions currently ongoing with various interested
organisations within Oman. We hope to see rapid progression in the first part of Year 3. The OEP now has a full team of staff in the UK, with Phil Dickinson having joined Earthwatch in March 2011 as Senior Learning Manager for the OEP and Steve Bishop joining later in July 2011, taking up responsibility for field operations and safety for all OEP activities. James Burton continues to lead on OEP research, Roderic Dutton continues in his role as Programme Director, and Caroline Rodgers took up management of the OEP in August 2011.
Training activities got off to a strong start in April 2011, with OCE staff Dr Steve Ross, Dr Julia Chase-Grey, and rangers from Wadi Sareen attending a core skills training team. This course gave the participants the opportunity to learn more about field research methodologies, field safety and logistics, and also how to effectively engage members of the public in field research - a skills set which Earthwatch has much experience in delivering. On top of this, Phil Dickinson agreed a plan for training and professional development of Omani conservationists with MECA and OCE during Year 2, and also a framework for assessing the specific training needs of rangers in Oman. In September 2011, the team were busy preparing for the first ranger training team to be held in Wadi Sareen on the Arabian tahr ecosystem research, conservation and community project. In tandem, this period saw the establishment of a ‘joint team’ comprised of staff from the Ministry of Education and Earthwatch. The joint team met several times during the year and developed a plan for education around OEP research projects. This, amongst other things, considers the engagement of Omani teachers in the research, work with the Omani National Curriculum, and development of educational materials linked to the project research. The joint team also conducted a successful visit to the Wadi Sareen school in April 2011 and there have been other school visits beyond that. October 2010 - September 2011 has seen developments in Dr Anthony Beck’s GIS, Remote Sensing and Database Strategy work for the OEP, with a proposal now in place for activity for Year 3 onwards, and plans for the National Field Research Centre for Environmental Conservation (NFRCEC)
to maintain and develop a broad range of data and information. The primary data will be environmental in nature; records of flora and fauna, with details of when and by whom they were observed. Dr Alan Roe has similarly advanced OEP Social Science work, connecting with Omani collaborators such as staff from OCE, gathering significant secondary data during Year 2, and developing preliminary socio-economic profiles for each of the villages and settlements within and adjacent to the project sites at Wadi Sareen and Jebel Samhan. Well managed field operations and the highest standards of safety underpin Earthwatch’s work internationally, and during this period, measures have been put in place to ensure safe and effective operations for the OEP going forwards. Training in wilderness first aid and risk management have been a priority for all project staff and local rangers, as delivered on the April 2011 core skills team. All project sites (including the potential sites for the third and fourth project) have been assessed for risk and emergency response plans are being developed. The Arabian leopard research project and the Arabian tahr ecosystem research, conservation and community project are both currently being established with research equipment, accommodation, and vehicles. At this point in time, Programme Director, Roderic Dutton has undertaken a large amount of networking activity, to amass support and useful contacts for the OEP within various sectors: academic, business, ministries, education, NGOs etc. As the programme heads into its third year, many of these contacts will become increasingly involved in OEP activity. April 2011 saw the appointment of Dr Saif al Shaqsi, as CEO of the NFRCEC.
Roderic Dutton and Dr al Shaqsi have spent significant periods of time together since then. Dr al Shaqsi has had the opportunity to meet with key members of the OEP team - and its wider network of contacts during Year 2. Dr al Shaqsi also visited the core skills training in April 2011, gaining insight into the training Earthwatch is capable of delivering. Discussions have also begun with Dr al Shaqsi regarding the large contribution which Earthwatch can make to the establishment of the NFRCEC. Good progress has been made, although some activities planned to take place during Year 2 did not happen. This was due to a variety of reasons: delays, changing job roles, or changes in strategic thinking, and examples of such activities include the acquiring of rangers and field assistants to support the first two OEP projects and delays to the first ranger teams on the leopard and tahr projects (these teams will take place early in Year 3 now). Wherever possible or appropriate, the team will ensure that these activities are completed during Year 3 and that associated budget is carried over. (Further details can be found in the Oman Earthwatch Programme (OEP) End of Year Report: Year 2). Finally, during a busy year, carbon emissions for the programme have been tracked and offset. Going forward, we aim to reduce the programme’s carbon footprint wherever possible. Author: Caroline Rodgers Programme Manager, OEP 27 October 2011
IMAGE | STEVE ROSS
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
Programme Objectives and Progress Reports: October 2010 September 2011 This section of the report summarises progress so far against the objectives which were put in place for the Oman Earthwatch Programme. These stem from the Memorandum of Understanding agreed with the Diwan of Royal Court and from the OEP Impacts document for Year 2. Progress reports against all research, education, training, safety and operational activities associated with the programme for Year 2 are provided in the following section, covering the period of October 2010 - September 2011. These progress reports have been authored by James Burton (research), Phil Dickinson (education/training), Steve Bishop (operations/safety), Roderic Dutton and Caroline Rodgers (directorship/ management). Reports have also been provided by Ant Beck and Alan Roe.
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
Progress Reports Against Objectives a | To develop a cadre of development specialists and educators in the Sultanate of Oman to take a lead in developing the long term role of the programme. Research and Development specialists (1.B – OEP Impacts doc) Related OEP Impact: More effective management of reserves achieved, with an aim to enhance the conservation status of four sites in Oman Related OEP Outcome: To equip environmental management professionals to contribute first to data collection on local research projects, and longer term to enacting the recommendations of the management plan Related OEP Outputs for Year 2: - Initial work on training 16 Field Assistants/Special Rangers - Preparation for first ‘wider ranger’ teams on tahr and leopard projects - General planning for OEP work with Omani Research and Development specialists - Development framework for conservation staff in OCE & MECA
Progress Report - Work on Ranger Training General note: Earthwatch appointed Phil Dickinson during Year 2, to take up the role of Senior Learning Manager for the OEP. He has responsibility for the training and professional development of education and conservation professionals in Oman. He joined the organisation in March 2011 and spent 6 weeks in Oman during Year 2 planning and developing these areas of the programme. During Year 2, the following activities took place: • A core skills training team took place in Muscat and Wadi Sareen during April 2011. The mix of participants included Hamed al Naabi, Sulayman Al Naa’bi and Azzan Al Ghusaini - all rangers local to the area. The training consisted of modules in ‘citizen science’, identification and design of effective field science methodology, and understanding how different people learn. Other modules included data validation, wilderness first aid, in-field risk recognition
and management, field safety, and management of group dynamics. • Relationships were developed with MECA and OCE in Salalah and Muscat and a comprehensive plan for the training and professional development of Omani conservation professionals was developed and agreed. • The above-mentioned plan covers the training and professional development of rangers, field assistants and emerging scientists on all four research projects, and also includes the development of training and professional development frameworks and methodologies which can be implemented on a wider national basis.
OEP (8-11 October, 2011). Topics to be covered on the training course were to include: •
• • • • •
Omani wildlife Conservation biology Global Positioning System (GPS) Camera trapping Observation techniques Presentation skills
• Discussions currently ongoing with Dr Mansoor al Jahdhami regarding the involvement of other rangers in further training teams on both the tahr and leopard research projects. Author: Phil Dickinson Senior Learning Manager, OEP
• A framework for assessing ranger training needs and actions was created and provided in Arabic to OCE and MECA. • Preparations were underway towards the end of Year 2 (September 2011) for the pilot ranger training team to be hosted by the tahr research project at Wadi Sareen at the start of Year 3 of the
a | To develop a cadre of development specialists and educators in the Sultanate of Oman to take a lead in developing the long term role of the programme. Educators & result sharing with the education community (1.C – OEP Impacts doc) Related OEP Impact: Change in attitude and behaviour such that negative human impacts on the local environment are reduced Related OEP Outcome: Teachers, pupils and communities local to the research projects have a greater understanding and appreciation of their natural environment; and research projects feed into environmental education at a national level Related OEP Outputs for Year 2: - Progress with engagement of Omani educators, schools and communities in research projects
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
Progress Report - Work with Teachers, Students and Schools: • Work on ranger training has provided a basic template suitable also for engaging teachers in the OEP research projects in Oman. • Discussions with the Ministry of Education in Oman (August - September 2011) resulted in agreement on most suitable times to run teacher training teams, and initial teams were scheduled in for Year 3 of the OEP.
• Steve Ross - lead scientist for the tahr research project is (as of September 2011) prepared to start conducting talks on his project research in schools local to Wadi Sareen, pending permissions from the Ministry of Education. The rangers working with this project will hopefully also be involved in outreach to schools.
• Investigations were underway during Year 2 into the use of new media and multimedia as key methods of engaging with teachers, students and schools within Oman Author: Phil Dickinson Senior Learning Manager, OEP
b | To identify and develop relevant field research and pilot projects on issues that relate to sustainability of the environment and the continuing priority to map, monitor and manage Oman’s rich nature and cultural resources. Environmental Research Projects (2 – OEP Impacts doc) Related OEP Impact: Structure exists to support those implementing the management plan (managers) i.e. a board to ensure the long term conservation of nature at the research project sites Related OEP Outcome: Specialists and research are set up and underway as a framework for continued Omani-run research at four sites Related OEP Outputs for Year 2: - 2 research projects active as of October 2011 - GIS, Remote Sensing and Database Strategy work active - Social Science work active
Progress Report - Development of Research Projects Two research projects active as of October 2010: • Two Lead scientists (PIs) were recruited, one for Wadi Sareen tahr project (Dr Steve Ross) and one for the Jebel Samhan leopard project (Dr Julia Chase-Grey) along with Omani co-scientists (Dr Mansoor al Jahdhami and Hadi al Hikmani of OCE). • Monthly project progress meetings were put in place and are running successfully to ensure that targets are met and everyone involved is aware of the upcoming activities. • Project proposals for both projects were submitted to Earthwatch and Earthwatch has conducted an external peer review. Both projects were scored in the top two categories of ‘Highly Recommend’ or ‘Recommend with Reservations’ by reviewers. Currently PIs are addressing reviewers’ comments as of October 2011.
Arabian leopard research project: • The first survey was undertaken in accessible areas of Jebel Samham in order to identify locations for camera traps. • Six pairs of cameras were placed as part of the pilot study in order to estimate the population size and structure of the Arabian leopard. This was on the monsoon influenced escarpment and the dry plateau of the mountain. • Camera-trapping at sites of goat and camel kills was conducted to investigate if leopard or other carnivore were responsible.
Arabian tahr ecosystem research, conservation and community project: • The project began estimating population size and structure of Arabian tahr. We will determine their current status and from this, gains or losses in the population can be assessed. This included using camera traps placed at waterholes. • The PI is developing a system and analytical tools to facilitate monitoring of tahr over time, which will be implemented by rangers in the long-term.
IMAGE | NIGEL WINSER
Progress report - GIS, Remote Sensing and Database Strategy: Dr. Anthony Beck (University of Leeds) has proposed the next steps on this topic in a document titled ‘GIS, Remote Sensing and Database Strategy: Progress update for board’ (Appendix 6). Key points are: • In order to address the functions defined in the Royal Decree, the Centre will maintain and develop a broad range of data and information. The primary data will be environmental in nature; records of flora and fauna,
including where, when and by whom they were observed. • Technical Partners: It is envisaged that the Centre will develop long-term collaborations with a number of technical organisations so that the systems and frameworks can be adapted over time. A number of organisations have been approached and are, in principle, committed to delivering the infrastructure. • Information ownership and access: One important step is brokering access to raw data from the various stakeholders under licensing conditions that enable ‘fit for purpose’ re-use. This will be discussed at a proposed workshop later in 2011.
• To address the perceived needs of the centre and the stakeholders a list of potential necessary hardware, software, functions and services has been produced.
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IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
PART 2
Progress Report - Social Science • The social science work conducted by Dr Alan Roe in 2010-2011 was able to develop preliminary socio-economic profiles for each of the villages and settlements within and adjacent to the project sites at Wadi Sareen and Jebel Samhan. A single list was produced for each project area, aggregating key agricultural, environmental and socio-economic indicators against local village names. • These profiles were taken to the field for ground-truthing and locating geo-spatially. Each village was visited and inspected to ascertain the accuracy of the composite socio-economic profile, and a GPS reading was taken. This process was undertaken for 55 villages and settlements in and around Wadi
Sareen, and 33 communities in and around Jebel Samhan. Data from Wadi Sareen was uploaded into the project GIS and a map produced. • Planning also commenced towards social-scientific research for the second two projects planned for Jebel Akhdhar and Masirah Island. This included research planning meetings at Sultan Qaboos University developing the Jebel Akhdhar project. Also a visit to Jebel Akhdhar was made to inspect the proposed project sites and speak with some local villagers to get a better sense of the conservation issues in the area. • A site visited was also made to Masirah Island in April to inspect the turtle nesting beaches and the distribution of human populations around the island.
• Much of this social science activity has been undertaken in partnership with Omani collaborators, principally Khalifa al Jahwari and Khaled al Hikmani of the Office of Conservation and Environment, and Azzan and Sulayman, rangers with the Wadi Sareen Protected Area. Author: James Burton (Research Manager, OEP)
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
c | To provide a forum for the science research and policy implementation communities to meet, agree priorities and exchange information and ideas. Environmental Research Projects (2 – OEP Impacts doc) Related OEP Impact: Effective communication between the policy makers and implementers, and the researchers Related OEP Outcome: The outcomes of the research are shared with the NFRCEC and wider audiences Related OEP Outputs for Year 2: - Supporting and liaising with newly appointed Dr Saif al Shaqsi – CEO of the National Field Research Centre for Environmental Conservation (NFRCEC) in the establishment of the NFRCEC - Building up of network of OEP supporters and contacts in and outside of Oman
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Progress Report - Supporting the New National Field Research Centre for Environmental Conservation (NFRCEC) and Networking: • Dr Saif al Shaqsi was appointed on April 2nd 2011 and was able to start work straight away due to an official secondment from his previous job, DG of Water Resources Management in Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources. • Roderic Dutton (Programme Director, OEP) has spent significant periods of time with Dr Saif al Shaqsi during Year 2 of the OEP (May-June 2011 and from September 30th 2011 onwards). • Roderic Dutton set up introductory meetings for Dr al Shaqsi with key members of the OEP team and other key contacts during Year 2: James Burton, Phil Dickinson, Steve Ross, Lloyd Figgins, Stephen Bishop, Reg Victor, Andrew Spalton, Dr Mohammed al Balushi, Dr Simon Wilson (and colleagues Rob Baldwin,
Andy Willson, Gareth Whittington-Jones and Chris Hillman), ESO (Dr Mehdi al Jaaffar, Sayyidat Tania, Lamees Dar, Maia Sarrouf), Olivier Renard (The Research Council), Dr Anthony Beck, the CEO of OLNG (grants for database development and education) and others. • Dr al Shaqsi was taken to join, for a part day, the core skills training team in Wadi Sareen in April 2011, providing him with a first view of the training and environmental research and education activities which Earthwatch specialises in. • Dr al Shaqsi was introduced to the work undertaken by Earthwatch around the world: funding/support of environmental research, education/ training, field safety and operations management and engaging a wider
public. As a result of this introduction, a request for ‘proposals’ for ways in which the different fields of EW expertise can be made available to (future) National Centre (NFRCEC) staff was made. • Dr al Shaqsi was introduced to the aims and activities of the first two OEP research projects: the Arabian leopard research project and the Arabian tahr ecosystem research, conservation and community project. • The need for support of rangers and field assistants for the Arabian leopard research project and the Arabian tahr ecosystem research project has been discussed during Year 2 with Dr al Shaqsi. This is an urgent requirement to ensure the future of these critical projects.
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
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IMAGE | NAT SPRING
PART 2
Progress Report - Networking: • The OEP has, at the end of Year 2, now built a strong network of contacts within Oman (within various sectors: academic, business, ministries, education, NGOs etc), and as the programme progresses, many of these contacts will become increasingly involved in OEP activity. Looking ahead - Year 3: • Strategy for the National Centre (NFRCEC) (structure, functions, priorities and budget) has been discussed at the start of Year 3 and this has lead to setting up the first workshop of two planned for early Year 3 (November 2011). A ‘retreat’ has also been planned for January 2012,
to bring together interested parties to discuss services that the National Centre (NFRCEC) could provide to other organisations in Oman. Roderic Dutton has been asked to join the advisory/ drafting committees for these events, in order to help plan and to capture results of resulting discussions. • Nigel Winser (Executive Vice President, Earthwatch Institute) will visit Oman during November and December 2011 and will join the NFRCEC workshop, presenting ideas on awareness raising and engaging with a wider public, based on Earthwatch’s extensive international experience. • Dr al Shaqsi has now become involved in the consideration of OEP research projects three and four through ongoing discussions and participation at meetings particularly with Sultan Qaboos University (juniper woodlands), Environment Society Oman and Five Oceans (Masirah Loggerhead Turtles).
• Roderic Dutton and Dr al Shaqsi will visit Salalah 22-23 October 2011, in order to tackle the issue of ranger and field assistant involvement in OEP research projects. Dr Mohammed al Balushi (DG, Office of Conservation and the Environment) is (as of October 2011) in the process of appointing 9 rangers to Wadi Sareen and will start a similar process in Dhofar later this year. • As OEP activities progress into Year 3 and beyond, the OEP intends to begin to hold public events and give lectures/ talks/presentations, in order to raise further awareness and draw in more support for our work. • A review meeting will be held towards the end of Year 3 of the OEP, assessing work across all areas of activity between October 2011 and September 2012. Author: Roderic Dutton Programme Director, OEP
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
d | To ensure that the results of the fieldwork are shared with the education community: - formally through Sultanate of Oman’s national curriculum; and - informally through meetings, workshops, the media and other means Educators & result sharing with the education community (1.C – OEP Impacts doc) Related OEP Impact: Change in attitude and behaviour such that negative human impacts on the local environment are reduced Related OEP Outcome: Teachers, pupils and communities local to the research projects have a greater understanding and appreciation of their natural environment; and research projects feed into environmental education at a national level Related OEP Outputs for Year 2: - Relationship building with Ministry of Education - Initial plans for curriculum work and project-linked educational materials drawn up - Initial work with tahr and leopard project lead scientists to look at educational potential of their projects - Initial investigations into other forums through which to share results of fieldwork with education community
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PART 2
Progress Report - Work with the Education Community: • Phil Dickinson attended a number of meetings with the Ministry of Education during Year 2 of the OEP. Together the ‘joint team’ co-developed a comprehensive implementation plan for education around the Earthwatch research projects in Oman.This plan balances local level outreach work with schools near the research projects, with education work at a national level, working with the Ministry of Education’s National Curriculum team. The plan and the work of the joint team have been agreed by both Dr Saif and the
acting Director General for the Curriculum, Dr Mohamed Alshidi. • The Ministry of Education-OEP joint team conducted a successful visit to the Wadi Sareen school in April 2011 and further school visits are scheduled for Year 3 of the OEP. • A framework for the development of learning resources was created in September 2011 and will be used with all four OEP research projects. • Relationship started with Oman Botanic Garden Education Manager, joint work to be developed.
• Relationship started with outreach manager at the Environment Society Oman - joint education proposal being discussed for OEP marine research project. Author: Phil Dickinson Senior Learning Manager, OEP
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
e | To identify and train leading Omani scientists to direct their own field projects in the Sultanate of Oman and elsewhere in the world. Capacity Building and Awareness Raising (1.A – OEP Impacts doc) Related OEP Impact: Secure funding & training for field scientists in the long term Related OEP Outcome: To increase the number of Omani scientists with enhanced skills for field-based research Related OEP Outputs for Year 2: - Development of supporting project staff and training for all project staff
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PART 2
Progress Report - Project Staff Training: • Design and scoping work for scientist training team (core skills programme) began in October - January 2011, led by Sarah Staunton-Lamb - Learning Manager at the Earthwatch Institute. The aim of this training was to induct new Earthwatch scientists and staff into the ways in which Earthwatch works in the field. The scoping process involved input from the whole OEP team, Earthwatch’s wider research team and also Earthwatch’s international network of scientists, and was based on needs of new or emerging scientists. • Design of programme materials, outreach and support materials for core skills training, and also logistical arrangements for training programmes were completed by Sarah Staunton-Lamb during February - March 2011.
• Delivery of core skills training team in Muscat and Wadi Sareen took place during April 2011 to new project staff leading on the tahr and leopard projects. The training was led by Sarah Staunton-Lamb. Alan Roe (OEP Social Science) and Roderic Dutton (OEP Programme Director) also joined several sessions to give a broader over view of Earthwatch and the OEP - and introductions to safety, learning and team protocols and policies. Core skills also included wilderness first aid and risk assessment. Phil Dickinson (OEP Senior Learning Manager) was able to join this team and see the training despite being newly appointed! • Lead leopard project scientist Julia Chase-Grey attended established Earthwatch research project ‘Carnivores of Madagascar’ in July 2011. This experience provided her with insight into how Earthwatch
projects operate internationally, and introduced her to Earthwatch’s standards in environmental field research, field safety and engaging members of the public in field science. • Sarah Staunton-Lamb began work on a training and professional development plan for Khaled Hikmani of the Office of Conservation and Environment (OCE). Authors: Sarah Staunton Lamb Learning Manager, Earthwatch Institute Phil Dickinson Senior Learning Manager, OEP
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
2 PART 2
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
OEP Focus Report: Operations and Safety in the Field General note: Earthwatch appointed Steve Bishop during Year ANNEX B take responsibility for 2, to operations and safety for all activities on the OEP. He joined the organisation in July 2011 and has spent 4 weeks in Oman to date overseeing and organising these areas of the programme. During Year 2, the following activities took place: • Field Management talk given by Lloyd Figgins, Head of Global Field Safety, Earthwatch Institute, at Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, December 2010. • Training in Wilderness First Aid, risk recognition and management, field safety, and management of group dynamics all provided to project scientists Steve Ross and Julia Chase-Grey, and also to Khalid al Hikmani, Mansoor al Jahdhami, and Hamed al Naabi, Sulyman Al Naa’bi and Azan Al Ghusaini (rangers) during April 2011 as part of the core skills training team. • Initial visits and assessments made of viability of potential research sites for the third and fourth projects: woodlands (Jebel Akhdhar) and marine (Masirah).
• Tahr research project: work was ongoing during the year to assess risk at the project research site at Wadi Sareen. A final risk assessment of the tahr project research area was completed and risk management documents prepared during September 2011, in advance of the pilot ranger team in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the first participants in this project. Risk management documents included the Emergency Response Plan which highlights appropriate methods of response to incidents in the field.
• A country-wide threat assessment document, highlighting the possible threats to Earthwatch staff and training team participants on the research projects from within the country was completed. This is intended to ensure the safe operation of all OEP activities going forwards and a swift response to any incidents or emergencies.
• Tahr research project: a house was rented in Wadi Sareen to host teams of rangers, teachers and other project participants, when they are visiting in order to take part in field training.
• Participants for the pilot ranger team to be held in October 2011 (OEP Year 3) were nominated and prepared to Earthwatch standards for the training team during September 2011.
• Leopard research project: similar work took place at the research site for this project, however not all documents were in place as at the end of Year 2. These will be completed during the first quarter of Year 3, before the pilot ranger team takes place. • Leopard research project: investigations were underway into rental of a house in Salalah as a project base in order to hold meetings, provide office facilities and accommodation for teams, and also storage space for project equipment. • The process of leasing two vehicles for the tahr and leopard projects was underway as of September 2011.
• Project accommodation was found and the purchase of equipment for base camp for both research projects, and research into appropriate project vehicles was begun during August/ September 2011.
Authors: Steve Bishop Field Management, OEP Lloyd Figgins Head of Global Field Safety, Earthwatch
OEP Focus Report: Carbon Management As part of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Diwan of Royal Court, the OEP committed to keeping carbon emissions produced through programme activities to a minimum, offsetting emissions which occurred and aiming to reduce overall emissions over the course of the OEP. Progress so far has included: • During 2009-2010, international flights and travel related to the OEP was tracked and offset. • During 2010-2011 (Year 2) international flights, travel and other items were tracked, producing a fuller picture of the programme’s carbon footprint. Again, this has been offset. • For Year 3 a robust carbon management plan will be put in place, covering the remainder of the programme, with measures to actively reduce and offset the carbon footprint of the programme. • At the end of the programme (Year 6 - 2015) a full report on the carbon impacts and offset activities will be produced for the programme. Author: Caroline Rodgers Programme Manager, OEP
IMAGE | PHIL DICKINSON
IMAGE | LLOYD FIGGINS
The following people contributed images to this publication: Nigel Winser, Roderic Dutton, Dr James Burton, Dr Steve Ross, Chloe Maclaren, Alan Roe, Steve Bishop, Fadi Dada.