Fourth quarterly report

Transcription

1 Fourth quarterly report Guy Randriatahina, Programme Director February 2013 Emmanuel Mouton, Creator and Director of Calviac Reserve and Guy Randriatahina during official acceptance of school construction in Ambolobozo AEECL Madagascar Lot IVH 169 N Ambohimanandray Antananarivo 101 Madagascar 0

2 Contains Introduction Mission Conjointe Bushfire in Ankarafa forest The Guides Association Guides Training Training of nursery gardeners Preparation of the reforestation campaign Meeting about subsidy Visit of an AEECL member School Construction in Ambolobozo village Construction of a well AEECL House in Antsohihy Anjiamangirana Andaveno Ankarafa Campsite Ankarafa research Camp improvement Appendix Photos Photo 1 Mission conjointe's team Photo 2 Site investigation...3 Photo 3 SGT trainings...5 Photo 4 Saplings in Ambolobozo Photo 5 Saplings in Maromandia...6 Photo 6 Meeting in Maromandia Photo 7 Meeting in Ambolobozo...7 Photo 8 AEECL Member and Guy during a meeting in Maromandia...7 Photo 9 School in Ambolobozo...8 Photo 10 Water prospecting in Ampanolahy village Photo 11 Pipes in a pit to store water...9 Photo 12 Gravels gathered by villagers Photo 13 Well with manual pump...9 Photo 14 Multifonctional room under construction in Antsohihy Photo 15 Path to the forest in Anjiamangirana Photo 16 Tsingy in Anjiamangirana Photo 17 Village elder and Jolijn Photo 18 Some villagers during a meeting in Andaveno Photo 19 Well in Ankarafa tourist campsite Photo 20 Temporary camp in the tourist campsite Photo 21 hangar construction Photo 22 Hangar and storage room Photo 23 New toilet

3 Acronyms FRAM: SCC: UNICEF: ZAP: Fikamban ny Ray Aman-drenin ny Mpianatra-Pupils parent Association Structure de Concertation Communale- United Nations International Children s Emergency Fund Zone d Administration Pédagogique-Education Administration Area 2

4 Fourth Quarterly Report Introduction This present quarterly report contains a summary of key activity progress that AEECL realised from October to December It was prepared by Guy Randriatahina (Programme Director), with contributions from Jolijn Geels (Ecotourism consultant). 1. Mission Conjointe After reports of a bushfire in the vicinity of the Ankarafa forest on 2 October, Mr Isaia Raymond (National Park manager) immediately initiated a Joint mission. The mission took place from 3-7 October, and was led by the Chef du Cantonnement (Antsohihy) and assisted by two representatives of MNP, two representatives of the Direction des Forêts et de l Environnement, and two armed gendarmes. Jolijn volunteered as a driver, with fuel offered by AEECL. All were lodged at the research station. MNP paid all indemnities. The mission was intended to investigate the bushfire and other reports of slash-and-burn in the buffer zone surrounding the Ankarafa forest. Théophile assisted the first day of the investigation. During the mission, a total of 7 suspects were arrested, while 3 more identified individuals not present at the time the mission passed their village were summoned to report at the gendarmerie in Antsohihy. The suspects all originated from Marovato, Ampasipitily and nearby hamlets. Most of them had already confessed their guilt. Through lack of time, the bushfire that had triggered this mission was not further investigated though one individual was named as a suspect. The seven suspects were taken to the gendarmerie in Antsohihy, and later transferred to the prison in Analalava. Photo 1 Mission conjointe's team Photo 2 Site investigation The Chef du Cantonnement of Analalava is formally responsible for infractions in the Analalava district, and from Antsohihy it turned out difficult to get any reliable information as to what happened to the prisoners and to the 3 individuals who had been summoned. Therefore the following information (provided by the Chef de Cantonnement in Antsohihy dd 10 December) is not officially confirmed: It seems the 3 that had been summoned never showed up, and some of the prisoners had already been released from prison without further consequences. Others were awaiting trial. 3

5 A second mission to find the 3 suspects, to further investigate the bushfire that had triggered the first mission, and to investigate other infractions did not take place through lack of time and lack of funds. 2. Bushfire in Ankarafa forest During the afternoon of 16 October, one of the Ambolobozo CLP patrolling in the forest discovered a bushfire nearby the research station, around 2 kms away, and adjacent to one of the tracks crossing the forest. Those present at the research station at the time assisted the same afternoon to isolate the fire. Dry foliage and branches were cleared, and some bigger trees that had caught fire were cut down and dragged into the burning area. Early the following morning, the CLP s and all present at the research station but two (to guard the camp) assisted to extinguish the fire, using the limited means available (buckets and jerrycans fills with water, shovels and axes). This took a few hours. Two of the camp s guides remained in this part of the forest to monitor if indeed the fire had been halted, and to monitor the bigger logs that might still be glowing or burning. Around one hectare had been affected, though the damage was fragmented and had affected the undergrowth and bamboo mainly. Only some bigger trees were lost. The damage is largely reversible. The CLP and Théophile investigated the area for any possible human traces, but they did not find any solid proof to determine the cause of the fire, nor did they identify any person that may have been in the forest at the time. They drew a report of the incident. 3. The Guides Association During the 4 th quarter of 2012, the guides were coached, helping them to achieve a more independent status, to strengthen their motivation and their input to organise activities without intervention from AEECL. This was done by intensive written communication (in order to include all AEECL-trained guides as much as possible, even those who live outside Antsohihy) and meetings. The general response was very positive, and many guides showed up at the AEECL house even in between meetings for a chat and an update. Many were happy to participate in various activities. It was deemed necessary to renew the board, since some of the board members that had been elected when the Guides Association was created (June 2011) were not active in any way, nor did they participate in AEECL activities. During the 3 rd quarter of 2012 the way to renewal elections had been carefully prepared, and elections of the new board took place on 20 October proceeding the guides training (see below). Not unexpectedly, most of the former board members did not show up, which was taken as a signal that they wanted to dissociate from the Guides Association altogether. The elections were easy and straightforward, and the votes were almost unanimous. One more meeting took place in December. It was held at the AEECL house, but (for the first time) fully organised and presided by the new board. Sadly, one of the guides (Hervé Beanjavily) passed away after having sustained an injury to the head. We paid our respects to the deceased and his family, bought mourning bouquets on behalf of AEECL and the Guides Association, and attended the funeral. Some of the guides and MNP representatives were also present. 4. Guides Training On October, Jolijn and Karin organised a follow-up training for AEECL-trained tourist guides. The objectives were to strengthen various skills (communication, presentation and organisation) and awareness of cultural differences. There was time for the guides to ask any question or discuss 4

6 relevant matters. To keep the cost low, the training was held at the AEECL house (outdoors as the inside space is limited), a tent was put up for those who needed a place for the night, and the date was chosen to coincide with an important meeting of the Guides Association (to avoid double travel expenses). Meals were prepared by Annick (housekeeper). The training was attended by 10 participants. Besides the main purpose of the training, it also provided a rather informal setting to strengthen the bond and loyalty between guides. All but one of the new board members of the Guides Association (see above) participated, and this very much emphasized the need they feel themselves to participate in activities together. The trainers received positive feedback for the training and the initiative, and the trainers were happy with the input and enthusiasm of the guides. Photo 3 SGT trainings 5. Training of nursery gardeners To prepare the reforestation campaign, training was organized in the municipality of Maromandia and Ambolobozo between November 04th and 10th, The training consisted in updating and strengthening the experiences of the nursery gardeners in order to get a successful reforestation. The same training was held the last time in The SCCs in the 2 communes have helped in organization of the training because candidates are registered into them. The trainer is a technician from the service of the agriculture in Antsohihy. 71 persons participated to this training in which 57 were from Ambolobozo and only 14 participants for Maromandia (see the list in appendix). In Maromandia training dates coincided with another training organized by teachers and has reduced the number of participants. The training consisted of: - Seeds collecting o method and period of collecting o seeds conservation - seedbed: o location, fencing, levelling, o sowing and transplanting, o transport of seedlings. - potting technique, - planting technique, o type of planting, o planting mode and density, o ploughing, o maintenance. 5

7 A special course is made on the Eucalyptus and Acacia, exotic species so that participants can produce these trees which grow quickly. The trainer reported that most of nursery gardeners did not understand technique of nursery, also there was lack of materials. There is insufficiency of supervision and they were not responsible. After the training, participants in Ambolobozo set up nurserymen association called FI.M.Z.A.A Fikambanan ny Mpamokatra Zana-kazo Antafiabe Ambinda. The objectives of the association are to highlight the reforestation in Sahamalaza, to help those who want to be nursery gardeners and to give villagers a sense of responsibility during reforestation. 6. Preparation of the reforestation campaign We organized two meetings for the preparation of the reforestation for this year, one in the municipality of Maromandia and the second one in the town of Ambolobozo. These two meetings were attended by an AEECL member came from France. Nursery gardeners, teachers and head of Zap were also present during these meetings. During these meetings we have decided that: - a reforestation campaign will be organized at the beginning of the year Both of exotic and native trees will be planted. - the price of young tree depend on its type. For native trees, one sapling costs 300 Ar or 0.10 and 250 Ar or 0.09 for exotic tree one. - holes should be established before proper reforestation. A well-made hole will be sold at 50 Ar or 0.02 and the nurserymen themselves are the responsible, - for the payment, the first half of amount will be given during the counting of saplings while the rest will be given when all saplings are planted and controlled. In this case, the nurserymen will have the amount corresponding to young plants that are actually planted. Photo 4 Saplings in Ambolobozo Photo 5 Saplings in Maromandia 7. Meeting about subsidy On December 4 th, 2012, we had a meeting with local education officials, the President of the FRAM (pupils parent Association) and villagers in Maromandia. They reported to the AEECL and gave a PV about the meeting that they had with villagers. Due to the increase of the living cost, they decided to increase the community teacher salary. They made this decision during a meeting assisted by 94 persons. Teachers will earn 100,000 Ar, it was 80,000 Ar before. As the AEECL pays half of teachers salaries, they asked to complete its contribution, which means 50,000 Ar instead of 40,000 Ar. 6

8 A Preschool education has established in Maromandia since It is a Minister of national education s programme and UNICEF is among the partners and offered some benches. Two persons are recruited to take care of kids and villagers had to pay teacher s wages. They did not get anything since the beginning. They asked if the AEECL would pay their wages as the others subsidized teachers. They will improve the way of working with the AEECL and involve more and more villagers to protect the environment. For the next reforestation campaign for example, they will involve more villagers but not only pupils. Photo 6 Meeting in Maromandia Photo 7 Meeting in Ambolobozo 8. Visit of an AEECL member Emmanuel Mouton, Creator and Director of Reserve of Calviac France came to Sahamalaza between December, 3 rd and 8 th, The purpose of its visit is to meet the villagers and to observe the activities that AEECL undertaken then to find an action in which his Reserve can support. He had a meeting with the villagers in the municipality of Maromandia and Ambolobozo. He confirmed during his interview with the villagers that the Reserve of which he is the Director is keen to help the villagers through the projects of the AEECL. He will set up a scholarship project for secondary school in Maromandia. He visited the irrigation channel to Maromandia and was also present during the official acceptance of work on the school construction in Ambolobozo. Photo 8 AEECL Member and Guy during a meeting in Maromandia 7

9 9. School Construction in Ambolobozo village The AEECL received funding from the Seacology to build a school with 2 rooms and a toilet block in the village of Ambolobozo. They got the school in order to protect the forest of Ankarafa for a 15 year period duration. The contractor Kapoma based in Bealanana has been in charge of the construction which lasted 3 months. The building comprises 2 rooms of 7mx7m each. The reception of the work is made on December 7 th, 2012, in the presence of the villagers, the contractor and the AEECL. The school is guaranteed by the contractor for a period of 1 year during which all damages except natural disaster will be covered. Although the opening ceremony is not made, the local education officials asked to use these rooms as others cannot longer stand. As the fund is not entirely consumed, the Seacology has decided to pay the entire grant to offer either benches or water supply for the school. Villagers will decide on what is needed. Photo 9 School in Ambolobozo 10. Construction of a well A well was built in the village of Ampanolahy which is around 4 km from Maromandia. There are approximately 250 people in the village and the drinking water is a problem like in other villages. The village is chosen because it is the reference site of reforestation for Sahamalaza. Villagers are aware of environment. Three teachers are subsidized by the AEECL in the village. Since December, villagers could have drinkable water and sprinkle their gardens. The well is set close to school yard so children can get access easily. The well is made in December. The construction is delayed compared to the planned programme. The technician, who was supposed to do the work, has claimed a higher salary than written on the contract therefore we have to cancel the contract. The disagreement caused a delay of the work because we should find someone else to undertake the work. Although, construction is shifted, it does not affect the level of the water in the well because it did not rain much during that moment. The well is 8 m deep and the technician gave 6 months of guarantee. For their contribution, villagers participated on the collection of pebbles and gravel and sand and then transported the material to the implantation site. They will build a hedge around the well to restrict access and manage the water intake. 8

10 Photo 10 Water prospecting in Ampanolahy village Photo 11 Pipes in a pit to store water Photo 12 Gravels gathered by villagers Photo 13 Well with manual pump 11. AEECL House in Antsohihy We started renting the house in July The house lies on the outskirts of Antsohihy, a little off the RN6 along a dirt road. During the months that followed, it became clear that the distance from the town s center provides no obstacle for professional contacts to render visit or attend meetings at the AEECL house. The indoor office space and meeting room provide satisfactory and useful, ample working space, as well as a storage room and one private room. The house is completely secured by decorative lattice-work. Since the house is not inhabited throughout the year, it was necessary to provide living quarters for a watchman (and optionally for his family). Construction of the outer building started in the beginning of November. It consist of two large rooms (each room may be divided into two), one of which is designated for a watchman, the other can be used for storage and/or as a guestroom. A very spacious verandah can be used for trainings, meetings and as a dining area, for up to around 20 people. By the end of 2012, the house was not yet completed, but the roof is up and the walls are put in place and finished. The outer building will have no electricity or running water. An already existing latrine and shower space are located next to the outer building, a tap is located at the other end of the premises. A watchman has been hired to guard the house in the evenings and during the nights. A housekeeper will continue to look after the house even during the absence of the Ecotourism consultant. 9

11 Photo 14 Multifonctional room under construction in Antsohihy 12. Anjiamangirana On 23 October, we visited the Anjiamangirana Forest Station, for a brief assessment of the potential of the site as a tourist destination. This was done since the site is the subject possible AEECL ambitions to expand the ecotourism project and further develop existing ecotourism plans for the Forest Station. We were accompanied by Marc Razafy, reserve agent and the local representative of the Madagascar Aye-aye Fund. The village of Anjiamangirana is situated just off the RN6, and the Forest Station is only 4 kms away. Access by 4x4 is very difficult in the dry season, and impossible during and just after the rainy season, as the track mostly consists of a riverbed (with shallow water flowing) and sandy riverbanks. The biodiversity of the forest is very attractive from a tourist point of view, but the downside is that the lemur species are not habituated to the presence of people and spotting lemurs is haphazard. The biggest attraction of the forest is the presence of the Aye-aye, and we were told that in November there have been sightings, when fruit tress near the designated camping area bears fruit. The campsite as such has no facilities whatsoever. Not far from the campsite is a small canyon, often misleadingly referred to as the small tsingy. Although very beautiful and within easy reach, it is interesting only for a very short visit. If access can be made easier, and some facilities would be put in place, there is a potential for (day) tourism, but the scale should not be overestimated. All this would change if chances of seeing the Aye-aye would be realistic, but that would have to be researched first. Photo 15 Path to the forest in Anjiamangirana Photo 16 Tsingy in Anjiamangirana 10

12 13. Andaveno Since the plot of land had not yet been bought, no action could be undertaken to start up the project in Andaveno. Jolijn and Théophile did however travel to Andaveno on 7 December in order to inform the people of Andaveno about reason behind the lack of activity. We met the Chef du village, the dean and some heads of families. They were happy to see us, and reassured us that they are still very positive about the project, and willing to collaborate once we own the land. There had in fact been other people on two occasions who showed an interest in the same plot of land, but the villagers told them that the land is already taken and they d rather wait for the AEECL project to happen. During our last visit in December at the service des domaines, the responsible said that everything was set for and we can proceed to buy the plot of land. Photo 17 Village elder and Jolijn in Andaveno Photo 18 Some villagers during a meeting in Andaveno 14. Ankarafa Campsite In the third quarter of 2012, all had been planned to start the construction of the camping site/ranger station in the buffer zone of the Ankarafa Forest. The 600m access road from an existing dirt track to the site had been widened and flattened by MNP. Unfortunately the MNP-procedure to formally approve of the plans took much longer than anticipated, causing a serious delay in the project. Permission was finally granted on 8 November, and with the first teams of workers (and the material required) already on the site, we started digging the well on 9 November. The teams were supervised by Théophile. One team put in place a well of 7-8 meters deep (providing clear, sweet water), and a concrete water tower of 3 meters high. Another team produced piles of gravel from locally found rocks and boulders. The teams stayed in a provisionary campsite with tents, a latrine, and open air kitchen space. A temporary storage room was constructed for all materials. 11

13 Photo 19 Well in Ankarafa tourist campsite Since we could only start the construction of the campsite/ranger station not too long before the rains could set in, much of our time was dedicated to getting as much materials as possible transported by road, to avoid the even more complex logistics and high fuel cost of transport by boat. The only means of transport from the tarred road (RN6) were the tracteur-brousse, ox-carts and porters. All materials to construct the main building (reception area, staff living quarters and storage room) and a double ablution block (for visitors and staff) have been transported to the site, ie. cement, corrugated iron, power generator and fuel, tools, nails etc. Some material was bought locally (sand, wood), produced locally (gravel), or simply collected locally (rocks and boulders, recycled wood for fencing). A Madasoleil technician (for the solar installation) investigated the site. Madasoleil is the same company that provided the solar installation for the research station. This was deemed necessary given the distance between the well and the water tower, the difference in altitude, and the unevenness of the terrain. We were reassured that there will be no technical obstacles to achieve an efficient solar installation. We did not receive their proposal and estimate for the solar installation before the end of The site is always guarded by at least one person, and one woman is hired to provide meals for the construction teams (when present). They frequent the research station for social reasons and to charge batteries. Photo 20 Temporary camp in the tourist campsite 12

14 15. Ankarafa research Camp improvement The old toilet built in 2004 is almost unusable. Therefore a new toilet is built in the Ankarafa research camp. It is a simple toilet and consists of pit, commonly known as fosse perdue. The walls are made of "falala" or branch of Ravinala coming from Maromandia and roof by sheet metal coming from Antsohihy. A shed is also built in the Ankarafa research camp. It measures 8mx4m including 2mx4m room which will serve to store kitchenware and will be closed while the 6mx4m will serve as a meeting room and shelter as dining room. The hangar floor is paved and the roof is made of sheet metals. For these buildings, materials were bought from elsewhere and transported to the camp. Even if it was done in the forest, none of woods have come from the Park. Photo 21 hangar construction Photo 22 Hangar and storage room Photo 23 New toilet 13

15 Appendix Training attendance sheet in Ambolobozo 14

16 Training attendance sheet in Ambolobozo continuation 15

17 Training attendance sheet in Maromandia 16