Pakistan: Sindh Coastal Community Development Proejct Departmental Mangrove Plantation in Shah Bundar Creeks

Transcription

1 Environmental Monitoring Report 4 rd Annual Report December 2012 Pakistan: Sindh Coastal Community Development Proejct Departmental Mangrove Plantation in Shah Bundar Creeks Prepared by International Union for Conservation of Nature, Pakistan Country Office for the Government of Sindh, Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank.

2 CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 31 December 2012) Currency unit pak rupees (PRs) PRs1.00 = $ $1.00 = PRs ABBREVIATIONS ADB Asian Development Bank CFD Coastal Forest Department DFO divisional forest officer CO community organization GIS geographic information system IUCN International Union for Conservation Of Nature NRSP National Rural Support Programme SCCDP Sindh Coastal Community Development Project SCDA Sindh Coastal Development Authority SRS sample random sampling This environmental monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

3 Fourth Monitoring Report Mangroves Raised by Coastal Forest Division Sindh Forest Department, Government of Sindh At Shah Bundar International Union for Conservation of Nature, Pakistan Sindh Coastal Community Development Project (SCCDP) November, 2012

4 Prepared by IUCN Pakistan IUCN Pakistan Country Office, 1, Bath Island Road, Clifton, Karachi Tel: Fax; ,

5 Table of Contents I-INTRODUCTION 04 II-SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF MONITORING III-METHODOLOGY.. 05 i. Pre-Planting Site Selection. 05 ii. Post-Planting Monitoring...05 iii. Assessment of Survival/Success Percentage of Mangrove Plantations..05 iv. Assessment of Planting Process and Approach 06 IV-FINDINGS OF MONITORING AND EVALUATION 07 V-DISCUSSION.. 08 i. Techincal Aspect of the Project.. 08 a. Estimated Survival Percentage 08 b. Plant Growth 08 c. Choice of Species and Planting Methodology.09 d. Area Planted...10 e. Container Plant Nursery.10 ii Planting Process and Approach..14 a. Community Engagment 14 b. Organizational Collaboration 14 VI-CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS. 14 GIS MAP ANNEXURE I :

6 I. INTRODUCTION The ADB-funded Sindh Coastal Community Development Project (SCCDP) is being implemented by the Sindh Coastal Development Authority (SCDA) in the coastal areas of Thatta and Badin through government agencies (Sindh Forest Dept., Sindh Fisheries Department, and District Governments) and non-government organizations (NRSP and IUCN) each with different roles and responsibilities. The objectives of the project are to: i. Diversify household income generation options and access to service in ways sustainable to the fragile ecosystem ii. iii. Improve coastal zone management by stabilizing environmental degradation, protecting coastal areas from accelerated erosion Strengthen institutional capabilities for coastal zone planning and development and management of fisheries resources The complex nature of the project demands effective cooperation between organizations for successful implementation of the project in order to achieve the following outputs: iv. Sustainable community managed income generating mangrove stands, pond/raft fisheries, and shell fisheries established v. Transparent and accountable community driven mechanisms for identification, implementation and operations and maintenance of civil works and public services in place. Under the sub-component Improved Coastal Management, IUCN Pakistan is tasked with the planning and implementation of community planting, management and environmental assessment of aquaculture in the coastal areas of the Thatta and Badin districts. IUCN Pakistan s key roles in the Sindh Coastal Community Development Project are: vi. To implement the Community Mangrove Planting component of the project 350 Ha on community owned property. vii. To monitor and evaluate both the 350 ha area and the planting of 8000 Ha of mangroves by the Department of Forestry on government owned land. viii. To monitor environmental impacts of the aquaculture related activities to be undertaken as part of the project. In the role of consultant IUCNP has been working very closely with NRSP and Sindh Forest and Fisheries departments for the implementation of SCCDP. II. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF MONITORING This monitoring and evaluation report pertains to reportedly 2000 Ha of new mangrove plantation carried out in Shah Bundar by the Coastal Forest Division - Sindh Forest Department (CFD-SFD) during 2012 as per following details. 4

7 # N am e o f Si t e Total A rea ( Ha) Plant ed Year of Plant at ion i Shah Bundar Tot al 2000 The objectives of the present monitoring report are as follows: i. To assess quantity and quality of mangrove rehabilitation work undertaken by CFD-SFD under the project during the current year and report the same to Project Executing agency. ii. To assess natural regeneration within the planted areas which was emerging or surviving as a result of protection efforts by Sindh Forest Department. iii. iv. To provide positive technical feedback to the CFD on deficiencies in implementation of the mangrove rehabilitation component. To enhance the overall outcome of the mangrove rehabilitation subcomponent. III. METHODOLOGY IUCN Pakistan has developed a framework for monitoring the process with approaches adopted for monitoring the 8000 Ha of plantation done by the Sindh Forest Department under the project. The methodology follows the specified guidelines and indicators prescribed by the monitoring framework which involves several steps: i. Pre-Planting Site Selection To establish a baseline, the sites were reconfirmed and intensively visited by IUCN staff jointly with the staff of the Coastal Forestry Division (CFD) of the Sindh Forest Department during the month of March GIS map was then shared with the Project Director, SCCDP and DFO-CFD, Karachi. ii. Post -Planting Monitoring Monitoring of mangrove areas is a daunting task in terms of their inter-tidal characteristics and remoteness which are subject to tidal phenomena, in turn limiting access to these areas. Hence, the ability to access and monitor planted areas is subject to suitable tide and weather conditions. iii. A ssessment of Sur vival/ Success Per cent age of M angr ove Plant at ions The assessment of the survival percentage of mangrove planted areas is one of the important indicators identified in the monitoring framework. This assessment helps in evaluating effectiveness of planting approach, choice of species, protection measures, etc. adopted by CFD. It also provides a useful insight for subsequent corrective measures based on the lessons learnt. In order to assess the survival and success percentage of the new and previously planted areas, a Simple Random Sampling (SRS) approach was adopted. SRS is a widely used sampling approach to make inference about population from data 5

8 collected through the independently selected samples. Using SRS, randomly selected geographic locations were identified within the sites planted under the project at Shah Bundar and Keti Bundar. The randomization was undertaken on the basis of the extent of both East longitudinal and North latitudinal coordinates encompassing the entire planted areas. The random sample locations were identified using quick random calculator which is available at Based on this, sampling locations were identified for data collection at Shah Bundar for newly planted areas. The sample plots were well distributed to represent the entire planted areas. The list of randomly selected coordinates is annexed (Annexure I). The randomly selected sample plots were located using GPS. At each sampling location, fixed area plots measuring 10 m x 10 m were laid out. The sample plots were laid using a systematic procedure measuring 10m from the point of origin towards north, then 10m towards east, then 10m towards west and finally measuring 10m towards west (point of origin) to complete the square grid. The same procedure was adopted to lay out a sample plot on the opposite side. At each sample plot, data pertaining to the number of surviving plants, number of dead plants, type of species, height of plants, leaf count, etc. was recorded in data sheets developed for the purpose. In addition, natural regeneration and old naturally growing mangrove plants were also counted within each sample plot besides recording of general topographical and biological conditions, grazing, soil condition etc. The field collected data was compiled using Microsoft Excel Spread Sheets and analyzed for their statistical significance. The data was analyzed to calculate various statistical parameters including, mean, variance, standard deviation to estimate statistical significance of the sample data and make inference about the population. The significance of sample data was analyzed by applying t-test statistic using 0.05% significance level (95% confidence). Based on this analysis conclusions were drawn about the mean plant survival of new plantations and success percentage. Data were recorded from 40 sample plots which were selected from the locations within the current year planting sites at Shah Bundar, as per following details. No. of Sampling Locations Year of Planting 40 Shah Bundar 2012 iv. A ssessment of Plant ing Pr ocess and Approach This was undertaken through physical verification of planted sites and discussion with the field staff on planting approach, process and protection measures adopted to safeguard the planted areas. Photographs were also taken to know ground position of at various site locations. 6

9 IV. FINDINGS OF MONITORING & EVALUATION It needs to be kept in mind that monitoring and evaluation is a continuous process throughout the project period and the data and findings of this report will continue to evolve. The findings and analysis presented in this report pertain specifically to the on-ground situation at the point in time when this M&E was undertaken i.e. Nov This situation may vary during the subsequent M&E of the same areas. The summary of findings covering the various important parameters is shown as follows: # Parameter Findings i. Site Selection The sites planted during 2012, confirm with the sites identified by IUCN jointly with CFD at Shah Bundar ii. Area Planted Shah Bundar 2000 Ha iii. Choice of species Rhizophora mucronata Avicennia marina Ceriops tagal iv. Planting Pattern The planting pattern was linear block with overall 10 x10 space plants to plants and row to row. v. Survival Percentage 61.5% vi. Species wise survival vii. Planting Process and Approach Viii Adopted Protection Measures Rhizophora mucronata 58% Avicennia marina 34% Ceriops tagal 7% SFD continued conventional approach by deploying the local community, CBO s identified by the NRSP for raising nurseries and plantations. The local population has started appreciating the mangrove plantation work as they are end users. The department has deputed their regular staff (4 Forest Guards) to preserve and protect the young mangrove plantation in the project area. Since there is pressure of camel grazing in Shah Bundar, a force of 15 chowkidars (Guards) have also been deployed to protect the plantation and also to undertake weeding and cleaning operation in young growth. Recovery of Old Natural Mangrove Vegetation Estimation of Old The old mangrove natural growth has started Natural Growth flourishing due to the protection of the area. Figure 1 Natural Flourishing Mangrove Plantation 7

10 V. DI SCU SSI O N Based on field visits, the following observations related to technical aspects and adopted planting approach have been recorded and are commented as follows. i. Technical Aspect of t he Project a. Est imat ed Survival Percent age Based on statistical analysis of the field data the mean survival % in the mangrove areas planted under the project at Shah Bundar for years 2012 is summarized in Table I. The survival estimates have been tested against 95% significance level. Table I: Survival/success % of Mangrove Areas Planted at Shah Bundar under SCCCDP Site Survival Success % % Margin of Error@ 95% level of confidence Shah 61.5% (5 ± %) Bundar Overall 61.5% 5% The most obvious reasons for a lower level of success appeared to be the poor seed year for mangroves in Pakistan. The seed growth vigor was poor and this along with some wrong selection of species for planting i.e. planting of Rhizophora in high lands/low lands and barren mudflats, resulted in a low rate of inundation in highlands and washing in low lands. This also caused planted propagules to be flushed away due to fast receding tidal flows in low lands. At some places the barren mud flats with high soil salinity were also tackled. b. Plant Growth At Shah Bundar the growth of Rhizophora was good as observed in the grassy mudflats covered with sparse natural vegetation of Avicennia. The height of Rhizophora plants varied from 8-20 and leaf count 6-8 leaves in plantations raised in The height of Avicennia plants varied from 5-8 and leaf count observed was 4-6 leaves. The height of Ceriops Tagal plants varied from 5-8 and leaf count 2-6. The damaged natural vegetation with stunt growth due to overgrazing by camels was also found recovering at various places due to continued protection. 8

11 Figure 2 Rhizophora Growth in one block at Shah Bundar c. Choice of Species and Planting Methodology Under the technical features of the project, two main species of mangroves Avicennia and Rhizophora have to be planted in mixed and single species clusters, in belts of 50 to 100 meters width, and at a density of approximately 1100 plants per Ha. However, the specific definition of cluster has not been prescribed in the PC-I. Unless otherwise specified, the density of 1100 plants/ha prescribed in the PC- I appears to reflect the normal practice of raising mangrove plantation blocks at 10 x10 spacing i.e. one plant per nine square meters. The field observations revealed that separate and mixed blocks of single species have been planted at both the sites. The Avicennia was planted using seeds and Ce r io p s and Rhizophora were sown through propagules directly. The current species composition in the areas planted Shah Bundar during 2012 includes Rhizophora (58%); Avicennia (34%) and Cer io p s (7%). Much balanced and diverse species composition was observed at Shah Bundar in the areas planted during this year. Table II: Species-wise Survival/success % at Shah Bundar and estimated coverage # Year of Planting 2012 Species Est. Area (%) (Ha) 1 Rhizophora mucronata Avicennia marina Ceriops tagal Blank 1 20 Total 100% 2000 The higher survival percentage of all mangrove species was observed on grassy mudflats with scattered natural growth of Avicennia. Hence, 9

12 it is advised to plant Rhizophora only in grassy mudflats. Completely barren and High-lying/low-lying mudflats should be avoided for Rhizophora planting. d. A rea Plant ed Based on GIS maps the actual area planted at Shah Bundar has been estimated to be 2014 Ha against the reported area of 2000 Ha. The net difference in actually planted area and reported area comes to 14 Ha against the total target of 2000 Ha allocated to SFD-CFD under the project. Figure 3 Field Data Collection- IUCN & CFD Team in Field at Shah Bundar e. Container Plant Nursery At Shah Bundar and Keti Bundar, two mangrove nurseries were established during 2011 and were restocked from March to May, 2012 at both sites. Approximately, 285,520 saplings of various mangrove species were observed in both nurseries during field monitoring in the month of November 2012 as indicated in Table, V & VII. At Keti Bundar the stock position observed was 123,500 and at Shah Bundar the stock position was respectively. As per stock register of CFD the stock position reported at Keti Bundar is 135,500 which are reflected in Table, VI and at Shah Bundar are 180,673 which are reflected in Table VIII. The overall stock position shown on both sites is 316,173. The difference of plants in nursery stock is about 30,653 as per calculation. The overall picture of opening stock balance at CFD nurseries, new raising and stock consumption species wise is shown in Tables VI and VIII. 10

13 Figure 4 Nursery at Shah Bundar Table V: Container Plant Stock Position at Keti Bundar Nursery # Species No of Beds Saplings Per Bed Total No of Saplings 1 Rhizophora mucronata , , , ,600 Sub-total 104,320 2 Avicennia marina ,800 3 Blank polythene bags ,400 Grand Total 123,500 11

14 Table VI: Container Plants Raising as per Stock Register at Keti Bundar Nursery # Month Species Opening Balance New Raising Consumption Closing Balance 1 Nov:2011 Rhizophora Ceriops tagal Dec:2011 Rhizophora Ceriops tagal Jan: 2012 Rhizophora Feb:2012 Rhizophora Mar:2012 Rhizophora Apr: 2012 Rhizophora May:2012 Rhizophora Jun: 2012 Rhizophora Jul: 2012 Rhizophora Aug:2012 Rhizophora Sep:2012 Rhizophora Oct: 2012 Rhizophora Nov:2012 Rhizophora Total Table VII: Container Plant Stock Position at Shah Bundar Nursery # Species No of Beds Saplings Per Bed Total No of Saplings Nursery I 1 Rhizophora mucronata ,860 2 Avicennia marina , , , ,600 Sub-total 53,070 3 Ceriops tagal ,970 4 Aegicerus corniculatum

15 , ,400 Sub-total 33,600 Total Nursery I 145,500 Nursery II 1 Avicennia marina ,760 2 Rhizophora mucronata ,760 Total Nursery II 16,520 Grand Total 162,020 Table VIII: Container Plants Raising as per Stock Register at Shah Bundar Nursery Month Species Opening Balance New Raising Consump tion Closing Balance Nov: 2011 Dec: 2011 Jan: 2012 Feb: 2012 Mar: 2012 Apr: 2012 May: 2012 Jun: 2012 Jul: 2012 Rhizophora Avicennia Ceriops tagal Aegicerus sp Rhizophora Avicennia Ceriops tagal Aegicerus sp Rhizophora Avicennia marina Ceriops tagal Aegicerus sp Rhizophora Avicennia Ceriops tagal Aegicerus Rhizophora Avicennia Ceriops tagal Aegicerus Rhizophora Avicennia Ceriops tagal Aegicerus Rhizophora Avicennia Ceriops tagal Aegicerus Rhizophora Avicennia Ceriops tagal Aegicerus Rhizophora Avicennia Ceriops tagal Aegicerus

16 Aug: 2012 Sep: 2012 Oct: 2012 Nov: 2012 Rhizophora Avicennia Ceriops tagal Aegicerus Rhizophora Avicennia Ceriops tagal Aegicerus Rhizophora Avicennia Ceriops tagal Aegicerus Rhizophora Avicennia Ceriops tagal Aegicerus Total ii. Planting Process and Approach a. Community Engagement The planting process followed by SFD-CFD represented a conventional approach, mixed with community engagement in the process. The indirect role of NRSP in community mobilization for mangrove planting component was found satisfactory, as community members from the organized communities participated in the plantation campaigns. IUCN Pakistan organized trainings jointly with SFD before the start of planting season wherein the participating communities, field staff, laborers and plantation watchers were trained in different aspects of mangrove planting process including site selection, choice of species and nursery raising. b. Organizational Collaboration As per project design, IUCN has been assigned role of continuous monitoring of mangrove component throughout the project life. This role could only be effectively discharged if both SFD-CFD and IUCN work closely in mangrove component implementation. However, there is a need to improve exchange of information by SFD-CFD on a regular basis for timely and effective monitoring and feedback. VI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Overall conclusion is that the Sindh Forest Department has attempted the target of mangrove plantation over 8000 ha assigned to them under SCCDP with over all satisfactory level of survival or success. In 2012 the net area planted has been estimated 2012 ha against reported areas 2000 ha by SFD. The observed percentage of survival has been estimated 61.5% at Shah Bundar which may be considered as reasonably good success considering the adverse Silvicultural and climatic factors. However the rate of growth and overall health of the plantations were found good. 14

17 2. In the newly planted area the natural seedlings and wildings of Avicennia are coming up very well but they need immediate thinning in order to reduce the competition for food, light and space among the young growth. In this area there s a history of grazing of camels and live stock, in order to protect them from tampering especially in winter season when the forage and fodder is scarce inland. The protective staff has to be very vigilant round the clock. It is therefore, recommended that in future interventions, SFD shall consider protection as a priority. Any new mangroves plantation should only be considered as supplemental plantation in the left over blank area during the subsequent years. 3. Moreover, maintenance of the plantations especially young one is very important. There is a frequent change in climatic conditions and oceanographic regime, which disturbs the growth rate of mangrove plants. Most of our plantations are still young and require continuous maintenance. Unfortunately, the community/cbos are still reluctant to take the full charge of the mangroves plantations. As a result, SFD has to play its limited role in maintenance of young plantations in future. Various coastal community development works has built-up some expectations in terms of some monetary benefits within the coastal community. This has led to slow down activities under environmental awareness raising programs. 4. Despite the delay in starting the project, SFD has shown good progress in restoration of mangroves. Initiatives involving communities have been largely successful. However, future work will depends upon strategic priorities set out by the programme and upon donor responses to related project proposal. 15

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19 Annexure I: List of Randomly Selected Coordinates Based on Shah Bundar North Latitude (Extent to ) East longitude (Extent to ) # North Latitude East Longitude 1 N 24⁰ 06' 27" E 67⁰ 49' 13" 2 N 24⁰ 06' 28" E 67⁰ 48' 11" 3 N 24⁰ 07' 06" E 67⁰ 48' 31" 4 N 24⁰ 05' 45 " E 67 ⁰47' 25" 5 N 24⁰ 04' 47" E 67⁰ 47' 13" 6 N 24⁰ 04' 59" E 67⁰ 48' 33" 7 N 24⁰ 05' 53" E 67⁰ 47' 58" 8 N 2⁰4 05' 34" E 67⁰ 47' 22" 9 N 24⁰ 07' 04 " E 67⁰ 49' 25" 10 N 24⁰ 04' 23" E 67⁰ 47' 34" 11 N 24⁰ 06' 00 " E 67⁰ 47' 34" 12 N 24⁰ 04' 00" E 67⁰ 47' 57" 13 N 24⁰ 06' 20" E 67⁰ 46' 53" 14 N 24⁰ 06' 02" E 67 ⁰49' N 24⁰ 04' 29" E 67⁰ 46' 57" 16 N 24⁰ 06' 42" E 67⁰ 50' 25" 17 N 24⁰ 05' 20" E 67⁰ 48' 20" 18 N 24⁰ 06' 40" E 67⁰ 47' 42" 19 N 24⁰ 05' 06" E 67⁰ 47' 26" 20 N 24⁰ 06' 47" E 67⁰ 50' 03" 21 N 24⁰ 05' 05" E 67⁰ 47' 50" 22 N 24⁰ 04' 21" E 67⁰ 47' 00" 23 N 24⁰ 04' 13" E 67⁰ 48' 01" 24 N 24⁰ 04' 11" E 67⁰ 47' 30" 25 N 24⁰ 05' 39" E 67⁰ 47' 32" 26 N 24⁰ 04' 37" E 67⁰ 48 '24" 27 N 24⁰ 05' 23" E 67⁰47' 51" 28 N 24⁰ 07' 11" E 67⁰ 48' 13" 29 N 24⁰ 04' 20" E 67⁰47' 43" 30 N 24⁰ 04' 18" E 67⁰ 47' 12" 31 N 24⁰ 04' 49" E 67⁰48' 46" 32 N 24⁰ 05' 00" E 67⁰ 48' 45" 33 N 24⁰ 06' 31" E 67⁰ 49' 46" 34 N 24⁰ 05' 30" E 67⁰ 47' 05" 35 N 24⁰ 06' 04" E 67⁰ 49' 44" 36 N 24⁰ 07' 00" E 67⁰ 49' 02" 37 N 24⁰ 05' 49" E 67⁰ 48' 27" 38 N 24⁰ 06' 46" E 67⁰ 49' 56" 39 N 24⁰ 06' 23" E 67⁰ 47' 17" 40 N 24⁰ 04' 44" E 67⁰ 49' 00" 17