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Participatory
Biodiversity
Monitoring
in community Managed Forests
Participatory
Biodiversity
Monitoring
in community Managed Forests
© ANSAB, 2010
All rights reserved. Reproduction and Dissemination of information in this toolkit for educational,
research or other non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission
from ANSAB provided the source is fully acknowledged. The reproduction of the information from
this toolkit for any commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission from ANSAB.
ISBN:978-999-33-796-9-0
Preface
maximizing the value of forest products to the evolution and development of the
and services. This toolkit is divided into six methodology. A number of ANSAB staff
stages. A number of steps are suggested for (especially Indu Bikal Sapkota, Netra
each stage and a number of activities are Bhandari, Chandika Amagain, Gopal
recommended for each step. Practical tools Sharma, Bishnu Luintel, Durga Regmi,
and considerations are provided along with Sony Baral, Baburam Rijal, Ram Acharya,
activities when required. Bhuwan Dhakal and Sanjeeb Bhattarai),
donors (USAID), partners (EWV) and
We are thankful to the blue moon fund local communities contributed to this
(bmf) for providing the grant that methodology through their involvement
allowed us to develop the Series and in ANSAB programs. Hari Dhungana,
for encouraging us to translate ANSAB an experienced ANSAB technical expert,
expertise into simple-to-use toolkits. The edited the Series.
main contributors of the toolkit are Bhishma
P. Subedi, Shiva Shanker Pandey, Shambhu We welcome suggestions and feedback
Charmakar, Sushil Gyawali and Nabaraj from readers and users as we are very much
Panta. Prof. S.P. Singh, Surya Binayee, keen on periodically updating the toolkits
Ann Koontz and Hemant Ojha through to make it more productive and useful.
their work in ANSAB program contributed
Acronym
Managed Forests
Glossary
Table of Contents
Additional References------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
Annexes-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32
viii
Participatory
Biodiversity
Monitoring in 1
Community
Managed Forests
This toolkit is prepared with the objective monitoring data and results are acceptable to
of enabling field level facilitators and others a range of stakeholder groups. The methods,
to conduct a participatory monitoring of tools, and activities outlined in this toolkit
biodiversity. Monitoring of biodiversity, therefore outline how technical staff and
or the variability of life at species, local people work together in the monitoring
ecosystem and genetic levels, provides process. The data generated in this way
an important tool for resource-dependent can provide a baseline for multiple actors,
communities and other stakeholders to conservation organizations, government
develop appropriate responses to the agencies and local people; and can be used to
ongoing loss of the important resources. devise management strategies and ways of
Monitoring of biodiversity also provides halting the loss of biodiversity. In addition, it
important informational input to the local provides guidelines how to create economic
communities who seek to generate income benefits from resource management.
and employment through the proper use
and management of biodiversity resources This toolkit has been developed primarily
in the area. This toolkit provides a range of based on the experience of Asia Network for
methods, tools and techniques that will be Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources
useful to field staff as well as technical teams (ANSAB). It has been conducting biodiversity
involved in supporting the conservation and monitoring in several of its programs since
management of biodiversity. This toolkit 1996. Thus, this toolkit is particularly useful to
addresses the need for a simple yet robust those involved in participatory conservation
method of monitoring of biodiversity, which and management of biodiversity beyond
is often portrayed as a highly complicated protected areas.
work. The intent is to equip mid-level
field staffs, forest technicians and other Objective of the Toolkit
development facilitators—with simple step- The main objective of this toolkit is
by-step guide for conducting the biodiversity to promote sustainable biodiversity
monitoring. management by providing tools needed
to generate useful monitoring data, to
A further distinctive feature of this toolkit track the impacts of forest management
is its approach on how to make biodiversity activities on biodiversity and the health of
monitoring a participatory exercise. ecosystem. It also supports the development
Participation of local people in monitoring of baseline measurement of biodiversity from
is important because current shifts towards which changes to the resource base can be
participatory conservation demand that monitored.
the local people, decision-makers and/
or managers, need evidence to guide their The specific objectives are to:
actions and because they should “own” provide methods, tools and techniques for
the process with which such evidence participatory biodiversity monitoring;
was gathered. It is also essential that the provide guidance for assessing and
monitoring results are robust, so that the monitoring biodiversity, the condition
2
of the resource base and threats to What does this toolkit contain?
biodiversity; This toolkit is presented in six stages (see
provide a framework for and procedures Figure 1). Stage one explains what the
necessary to develop a local level facilitator needs to do before going to
biodiversity monitoring system that will the forest management units (FMUs) to
be useful to multiple stakeholders; and undertake biodiversity monitoring program.
provide methods and tools to integrate Stage two shows steps and activities to
monitoring information into sustainable develop criteria and indicators (C & I) for
biodiversity management and use. biodiversity monitoring and to verify their
applicability in the local context. Stage
Who is this toolkit for? three presents a process of setting up a
This toolkit will be of special interest monitoring system at the FMU level. Then
to people who seek to contribute to stage four describes how the facilitators
sustainable biodiversity management and and community members should prepare
use, especially through enterprise oriented themselves to collect monitoring data. Stage
management approaches. It is prepared five deals with the methods and techniques
for forest managers, forest technicians, for collecting and analyzing monitoring
researchers, local resource persons, of data. The final stage explains how the
community leaders and conservation monitoring data and analysis process can be
organizations. utilized into decision making for developing
forest management plan. Each of these advise the facilitators to consult two other
stages has been described with the practical toolkits developed by ANSAB:
steps, tools, procedures and examples from • “Participatory inventory of non-timber
ANSAB’s work. forest products”to take stock of NTFPs
in the FMUs; and
This toolkit is primarily applicable to those • “Certification of community managed
FMUs where natural forest exists; forest forests”to have more detailed knowledge
resources are being used for subsistence and of certification requirements and
commercial purposes; and the community procedures
shows interest in biodiversity conservation.
It will be also useful in FMUs having high We advise that biodiversity monitoring be
anthropogenic pressure or an area under planned together with forest inventory. It is
biodiversity hotspot. It is advised that anticipated that forest technicians, suitably
the facilitator (s) and local people first trained to work with local communities
discuss on why biodiversity monitoring as facilitators will be able to carry out the
is important and how it contributes to activities mentioned in this toolkit.
sustainable management planning. We
4
Stage One Get Prepared
The stage one of this toolkit presents steps the biodiversity monitoring work is being
and activities for the facilitator (forest planned. They should have clarity about
technician and local resource person) to why the monitoring work is helpful for
get prepared for biodiversity monitoring biodiversity management in the FMUs.
program. It has four steps (see Figure Through office records and desk reviews,
2). These steps are mainly desk reviews the facilitators should gather the following:
with which the facilitators form greater
awareness of the overall process of • area of forest
biodiversity monitoring; receive updates • forest type and distribution
about criteria and indicators being used • forest products used for subsistence and
in monitoring by other organizations; commercial purpose
achieve greater awareness of the criteria • existing institutional set up of FMUs
and indicators on biodiversity; and arrange • local need and interest on biodiversity
equipment for field visit and monitoring monitoring and
work. By the end of this stage, the • objective and benefits of biodiversity
facilitators will understand the context and monitoring.
need for biodiversity monitoring with a list
of C & I and the methods to measure each C In addition, facilitators should make a list
& I and arrange equipment and training to of potential stakeholders in local, regional
use them. and national level with whom consultation
about monitoring would be necessary or
useful.
Figure 2: Steps for getting prepared
Step 2: Review recent documents and
Understand the context and need for
methods on biodiversity monitoring
biodiversity monitoring in FMU
At this step, the facilitators should review
Review recent documents and relevant biodiversity-related documents
methods on biodiversity monitoring (e.g. biodiversity strategy, laws and
regulations) and reports, articles and
List the methods to
measure each C & I other sources that provide methods and/
or tools on biodiversity monitoring. These
Arrange the equipment and get trained
provide important insights about how
on their use
best this toolkit can be used and adapted
(if necessary). This review can be carried
Step 1: Understand the context and out through internet searches, relevant
need for biodiversity monitoring in literatures and/or through consultation
FMU with experts. The reviewed methods and
At the first step of this stage, the facilitators tools should be compared with this toolkit
need to gather basic information about the and notes about needed adaptation should
forest management units (FMUs) where be made.
Participatory
Biodiversity
Monitoring in 5
Community
Managed Forests
Step 3: List the methods to measure (ecosystem health and vitality, threat to
each C & I biodiversity and enhancing factors) and
At this step, the facilitators have to gather adapt this toolkit according to the specific
available information on C & I being field circumstances.
used in biodiversity monitoring by other
organizations. This toolkit mentions Step 4: Arrange the equipment and
three criteria (below) and their respective get trained on their use
indicators (see stage two) At this step, the facilitators should organize
the required equipment (especially GPS,
• Ecosystem health and vitality Survey master, Densitometer and Vertex
• Threats to biodiversity IV and transponder). The detailed list is
• Enhancing factors provided in table 4 at step 2 of stage four. If
they are not available in office or cannot be
The facilitator has to review the specific purchased the alternative equipment should
methods for measuring and assessing all be identified and arranged. If the facilitators
these C & I. They should then prepare a list are not already trained in the proper use
of methods for measuring each criterion and care of these equipment, they should be
provided training for the same.
6
Stage Two Develop Criteria
and Indicators
The stage two of this toolkit presents steps criteria, viz., ecosystem health and vitality,
and activities that allow the facilitators threats to biodiversity, and enhancing
to develop and refine the Criteria and factors. Based on previous reviews about
Indicators (C & I) for biodiversity the region and FMUs and on the core
monitoring in the forest management units objectives of monitoring, the facilitators
(FMUs).It also provides methods about how should adapt these C & I and verifiers.
the C & I will be measured in a monitoring They should then consult with biodiversity
exercise. It has three steps (Figure 3). experts about the indicators and verifiers
and make revision before going to site.
After the completion of the steps and For that the following activities should be
activities mentioned in this Stage, the carried out:
facilitator will be able to develop and adapt • identify national experts on biodiversity
biodiversity monitoring C & I as well as management;
their verifiers in a way especially suited to • correspond them by email or telephone
the targeted region or FMUs. They will also and take their commitment;
acquire skills and knowledge about what • send the draft form of monitoring C & I
particular methods and procedures will be and verifiers, and solicit their input; and
required for field measurement. • improve in C & I and verifiers as per
experts’ input.
Step 1: Draft a set of criteria
and indicators of biodiversity But, there is no need to develop C & I and
monitoring verifiers if they are already available (such
At this step, the facilitators should draft a as in case of ANSAB, as shown in Annex 1).
set of criteria, indicators and verifiers for But they should be adapted according to the
biodiversity monitoring. The Annex 1 of particular needs of the region or FMUs, as
this toolkit provides the C & I and verifiers discussed below.
as they were used in ANSAB’s biodiversity
monitoring program. ANSAB has three Step 2: Refine monitoring criteria
and indicators in the local context
2.1 Organize workshop for refining
C & I in local context
Figure 3: Steps of criteria and indicator Existing C & I (or the freshly drafted C
development & I, as above) are refined at local context
Draft a set of criteria and indicator of
through a workshop of district-level
biodiversity monitoring stakeholders. The facilitators should invite
participants from government agencies,
Refine monitoring criteria and non-governmental and civil society
indicators in the local context
organizations and representatives and/
Workout monitoring or leaders of the FMUs where biodiversity
methods monitoring program is being planned.
Participatory
Biodiversity
Monitoring in 7
Community
Managed Forests
In the workshop, all participants need to asked to provide feedback and revisions
be oriented on the objective of biodiversity on each of the C & I. By the end of the
monitoring and its procedure and the role workshop, the C & I will be refined either
of stakeholders. Then, the facilitator has to with minor revisions or with addition or
share the list of C&I with the participants deletion of one or more of the C & I.
in a plenary, and divides the participants
in groups (groups can be formed—based 2.2 Pre-testing of the C & I
on the interest of participants—according The C & I will be applicable when they
to the criteria of monitoring. In ANSAB’s can be measured in clear quantitative and
monitoring program, three criteria were qualitative form in the field. Therefore, the
used, and three groups were formed for refined C & I should be tested in the field
each criterion). Then, the groups will be in the participation of major stakeholders
Resource inventory Vegetation types and characteristics, plant species Once in five years (at the time of FMP
diversity, crown cover, dead and fallen trees, preparation and revision or in mid-
organic matter on the ground, growing stock (size term for FMUs with 10 year FMP)
class distribution, plant density of herbs, green
biomass, vegetation height), regeneration, threats
(fire, grazing, encroachment, biomass removal)
Transect walk Vegetation types and characteristics, plant species Biennially (including at the time FMP
diversity, fungal fruiting bodies, lopped trees, crown preparation and revision)
cover, ground cover, dead and fallen trees, old
growth trees, area covered by CWD, organic matter
and fine litter, factors of regeneration, threats (fire,
grazing, encroachment)
Household survey Demography, cattle population, household-wide Once in five years (at the time FMP
forest product demand, agricultural land, education preparation and revision)
Focus group discussion All indicators related to threats and social response Yearly
of the district or site (e.g., leaders of FMUs, measuring the indicators and verifiers
representatives of forest authority). After (see Table 1). The details of each method
the pre-testing, the items which could not including a brief introduction, steps to be
be objectively measured should be refined followed, other specific considerations and
in a way that allows objective measurement. reference for the study are given in Annex
Similarly, the facilitators should change the 2.
units of measurement to those which are
frequently used in local area (but which can The facilitator should be clear of which of
be correctly converted into standard metric these methods are measuring what C & I,
ones later in the data analysis). and how, when, where and how frequently.
The facilitators should check which of
Step 3: Workout on monitoring these methods will be fully applicable in
methods the chosen FMUs or would need some
At this step, the facilitators should practice revision. If some method is not practicable
the methods of measurement of all C & in an FMU, the facilitator should work out
I. This toolkit provides eight methods for available alternative methods or revisions.
Establish a
Community- Participatory
Biodiversity
Monitoring in 9
Stage Three Based Biodiversity
Community
Managed Forests
Monitoring System
At the stage three, the facilitators and local the FMU to organize executive committee
people should develop a community- meetings for orienting the remaining
based biodiversity monitoring system executive members on biodiversity
at the forest management unit (FMU) monitoring. This orientation should include
level. For the FMUs to carry out various the content as given in Box 1, and additional
activities for biodiversity monitoring as an subjects may be added to if needed in a
ongoing process, it is important to set-up particular FMU.
a monitoring mechanism within the FMU
itself. When the mechanism is functional, During the orientation sessions, the
biodiversity monitoring activities can go on committee identifies the interest groups
for a longer time frame. Doing this involves within the FMU (e.g., NTFP collectors,
three steps (see Figure 4). hunters, entrepreneurs, traditional users,
occupational castes and indigenous groups).
There are two main outputs of this Stage:
• community members—at the executive Then the facilitator should support the
committee and hamlet levels—will executive committee members to develop
be aware about the need, process and an orientation plan at hamlet/interest-
methods of biodiversity monitoring; and group level. This plan should include:
• as community based biodiversity • identified interest groups with their
monitoring system will be set up at the location;
FMU level. • fixed date and venue for orientation for
each of them;
Step 1: Orient FMU’s executive • final number and gender of people to be
committee members involved in orientation; and
At this step, the facilitator organizes
orientation sessions to FMU leaders who
haven’t participated in the district-level
events (mentioned previously). For this Box 1:Content of orientation for
purpose, the facilitator needs to request biodiversity monitoring
1. What is biodiversity?
2. What is biodiversity monitoring?
Figure 4: Steps to establish community- 3. What are the objectives of the biodiver-
based biodiversity monitoring system sity monitoring?
4. What are the importance and benefits of
Orient FMU’s executive committee
members
biodiversity monitoring?
5. What are the activities to be done for
Orient biodiversity monitoring?
hamlet/interest groups 6. What are the role of executive body and
community members in biodiversity
Work out to establish a system for conservation and monitoring?
community biodiversity monitoring
10
regarding the what, why, how and who b) Identify and rank the threats
to establish the community monitoring After listing the resources and habitats,
system. Then the participants should be the facilitator needs to identify the major
led to discuss on the monitoring system anthropogenic and other pressure/threats
that will work for a period of five years or over the resources. Following activities are
more. The following are the major decision suggested:
points to be taken in the course of these • discuss about the anthropogenic and
discussions: other pressure/threats and their impacts
on biodiversity;
a) Identify resources and habitat to be • facilitate to identify and list each of
monitored the threats/pressure to biodiversity;
Monitoring of all resources and habitat however the pressure may vary in
is often impossible and unnecessary. type and intensity. Box 2 shows these
Therefore FMU needs to identify and threats/pressure in an FMU through an
decide on the resources and habitats that exercise conducted by ANSAB;
will be put on the biodiversity monitoring • finalize the ranking criteria for threats
program. The following criteria must be from discussion with workshop
considered: participation. A set of criteria for
ranking the threats for biodiversity
• Highly commercial forest species conservation used by ANSAB in Nepal
• Red listed (threatened, rare and are: (a) area coverage, (b) pressure on
endangered species) floral and faunal the resources, (c) degree of urgency to
species address,and (d) feasibility to address;
• Highly threatened species from • select top three to five threats for
anthropogenic pressure interventions using matrix or pair wise
• Conservation area of high social and ranking. In the community discussions:
economic importance — Explain the objectives of threats
ranking to the participants
— Provide the criteria and methods
of ranking for the participants and
facilitate the process to refine and The threat ranking is further illustrated
finalize them. with an example of Shree Binayak Pimi
— Keep the criteria in top row of the Danda Community Forest at Bajhang
table (see Table 2) and threats in first District of Nepal (see Box 3 and Table 3).
column
— Determine the score for ranking c) Delineate the area:
(a score of 0 means no impact, 1-very Now the area within the FMU, which is
low impact, 2- low impact, 3- medium affected with the prioritized threats, is
impact and 4- high impact and 5 for delineated. The delineated area shows
very high impact on biodiversity). the species and habitats that were
— Add scores for all criteria for the selected during matrix ranking of threats.
threats, and the higher the Participatory resource mapping is a major
overall score the higher the threats on tool for its delineation. The detail of
biodiversity. participatory mapping is given in Annex 1.
table 3: threats ranking in Shree Binayak Pimi Danda community forest, Bajhang
SN Threats Criteria/score Total score Threat priority
Area coverage Intensity Ranking Urgency Ranking Feasibility to address
1 Fire in forests /pastures 4 5 5 4 18 1
2 Uncontrolled harvesting
of NTFPs 5 3 4 5 17 2
3 Slash and burn farming 2 5 5 3 15 3
4 Unmanaged harvesting of
timber, fodder & firewood 3 4 3 5 15 3
5 Over grazing 5 2 2 2 11 4
6 Poaching 1 1 1 1 4 5
Participatory
Biodiversity
Monitoring in 13
Community
Managed Forests
to share the work. In the team, at least a few for support. In ANSAB’s program area in
members should be able to read and write. Nepal, the staff facilitated to allocate some
fund of community forest user groups for
e) Identify the methods and season of biodiversity monitoring from within the
monitoring budget earmarked for forest management
The FMU needs to identify the methods and enhancement.
for the measurement of C & I in support of
the facilitators. They should also decide the h) Arrange of logistics and expertise
appropriate season in which monitoring FMUs need to arrange logistic and
activities will be carried out in the field. facilitation support for the collection and
analysis of monitoring data. In initial
f) Determine the facilities and benefits for period, facilitating organization provides
the monitoring team the expertise, but to make sustain the
Monitoring team requires incentives and monitoring program, the knowledge and
equipment for monitoring activities. Thus skill of monitoring must be transferred
the community needs to discuss the benefits in local monitoring team. With sufficient
and facilities to be covered as per the local knowledge and skills, the team evolves into
norms. local resource persons.
g) Determine how to cover the cost of i) Endorse the provision through general
monitoring assembly
The cost of regular monitoring needs to The above outputs and decisions made
be covered by the FMU itself. However, on the biodiversity monitoring should be
facilitating organization and other discussed and endorsed through the general
stakeholders may support during the assembly of the FMU. It provides wider
initial period. Therefore, FMUs need to ownership of the monitoring program and
identify these organizations to request can serve legal purposes as well.
14 Plan and Prepare for
Stage Four Data Collection
Step 1: Form data collection team Step 2: Arrange field equipment and
At the first step, the facilitator should guide data collection formats
the FMU executive committee to form a At the second step, the field crew needs to
data collection team from the “monitoring prepare a list of equipment, data collection
team” decided previously. Here specific formats and stationery items for the
roles are allocated to the interest and fieldwork (see Table 4). Some of these may
capacity of individual members. The team not be necessary for certain FMUs or some
equipment may not be available to the Step 4: Design and plan for field
facilitator. They therefore should make sure monitoring
how to do certain tasks in alternative ways. Now, at the fourth step, the monitoring
Similarly, they should prepare monitoring team exercises the design and planning for
formats for all three criteria i.e. ecosystem efficient fieldwork. This step helps avoid
health and vitality, threats to biodiversity mistakes and make sure that operations
and enhancing factors,as given in stage five. run as smoothly as possible. It also enables
the monitoring team to understand more
Step 3: Provide orientation to the clearly what they have to accomplish. The
team members detailed activities to be performed during
At the third step, the facilitator trains the the monitoring is described in “Participatory
field crew members to get them ready inventory of Non-timber forest products”, a
to collect field data collection, use of the toolkit published by ANSAB. In short they
equipment and fill monitoring formats should perform following activities for field
and the record of measurements. For this a monitoring:
one-day orientation should be organized. — calculate the area covered under
The orientation should be carried out in two selected species and the habitats they
sessions, theoretical and practical, on the occupy;
following: — separate the rocky and steep area in the
1. introduction and objectives of forest so that only the area that supports
biodiversity monitoring—recap; vegetation is considered;
2. methods of monitoring; — calculate the number of monitoring
3. the use of equipment and materials; plots and observations between the two
4. recording the measurement and use of consecutive monitoring plots;
data collection formats; and — draw the transect line on the map;
5. season of monitoring — calculate the length of the transect line
and distribute the monitoring plots; and
Toward the end of this training, the team — develop a table of monitoring detail
members should be facilitated to develop an based on transect and monitoring plots
action plan (see Table 5 for template). distribution in map.
16
Collect, Analyze and
Stage Five
Interpret the Data
The stage five of this toolkit presents steps, biodiversity monitoring can be cost-
methods and activities for the collection effective. The steps for this stage are given
and analysis of biodiversity monitoring below.
data. This stage has three steps (Figure 6). It
starts with laying out the transect lines and Step 1: Lay out the transect line and
monitoring plots on the forest site, followed monitoring plots
by the measurement and recording The facilitator should carry out the
of monitoring data. The data are then following activities to lay out the transect
compiled and analyzed in order to provide line and monitoring plots on the ground.
a basis of biodiversity management within a The team should use GPS (or compass and
forest management unit (FMU). tape, if GPS is not available) for transect
walk. The technical details of this step are
At the end of this stage, the following presented in the Participatory Inventory
outputs are expected: of Non-Timber forest products toolkit,
• biophysical and social data are collected published by ANSAB in this series.
in well developed formats; • remind the respective roles to each
• major threats to biodiversity are of the team members, as was agreed
identified; previously;
• response of community towards • find the starting point of transect line
biodiversity conservation is explored; and first monitoring plot in participation
and of community members and from
• collected data are compiled and geographic reference (see Figure 7 for
analyzed. reference); and
• fix and mark the edges of the sample
Data collection and analysis work is plots/quadrates.
normally carried out after the FMUs
complete forest resource inventory and Step 2: Measure and record the
before the process of forest management monitoring data
planning. Combining inventory and 2.1 Measurement and recording of
ecosystem health and vitality
The data collection formats given in
Format 1 will be used to record the
Figure 6: Steps to Collect, Analyze and
interpret the Data measurements. Here we start with how
these measurements will be made use of.
Lay out the transect lines
and monitoring plots
Growing stock
Measure and record The growing stock of forest vegetation is
the monitoring data measured mainly in terms of volume per
unit area. It is calculated from basal area,
Analyze and interpret the data height and form factor of a tree. Density, or
number of plants per unit area for each size
Participatory
Biodiversity
Monitoring in 17
Community
Managed Forests
class, is also measured to understand of the Therefore, the regeneration data allows the
structure and dominance. monitoring team to determine the future
structure of the stand and about which
Growth and yield species are to be selected for protection and
The information on growth and yield of for harvesting as well as other silvicultural
economically useful plants provides the treatments (such as singling, thinning).
basis for the determination of sustainable The data provides indication of critical
harvest rates. The indicators for measuring ecosystem conditions and management
growth depend upon the plant life form intervention.
(such as trees, shrubs or herbs), and the
product to be harvested.
Figure 7: Steps to lay out the monitoring
For assessing the health of forest, the plots
monitoring team should also measure
the crown cover, old growth trees, dead
and fallen trees, fungal fruiting bodies,
coarse woody debris (CWD), and lopping
intensity and the extent of old growth trees.
Information is also collected as percentage
of trees with lopped branches and litter
cover. The litter cover is good certain
time of the year- preferably in May for
evergreen forest and December to January
for decidious forest of high altitude. The
team should also measure, in the case of
alpine meadows, the height of plants, green
biomass, and organic matter on the ground.
Regeneration
Regeneration enables a forest or grassland
ecosystem to perpetuate over a long term.
N AH N AH N AH N AH N AH N AH N AH N AH N AH N AH
4. Stocking of shrubs(Sample plot size for adult shrub 100 m2, and for shrub regeneration 4 m2)
SN Species Regeneration (No.) Adult Plants Crown Cover (%) Remarks (Invader, etc.)
Seedling Coppice Root Sucker No Avg. Height
1
2
Others
Format 2: Transect Line Observation Sheet (seethe Guidelines that follow this format)
Guidelines for Data Collection(There should be 3-5 record points between two consecutive sample plots)
Ecosystem Characteristics Frequency of Measurement Transect Line Width for
Observation
Animals (species and number observed and approximate distance from the transect line) As they occur Unlimited
Birds (species and number observed and distance from the transect line) 3-5 recordings between 2 sample plots 100 m
Water bodies and quality (Number of water bodies, streams, sediment loads) As they occur Unlimited
Dead animal bodies (Species, number, location) As they occur Unlimited
Hunters in action (type, number, success) As they occur Unlimited
Fungal fruiting bodies 3-5 record +2/-2, 5 m (left, right)
CWD As they occur 2 or 3 m (left, right)
Old growth trees and stands As they occur
Crown cover 3-5 records +5/-5, 5 m (left, right)
Lopping 3-5 records +5/-5, 5 m (left, right)
Fire As they occur unlimited
Grazing As they occur 100 m (left, right)
Fine litter 3-5 records +/-2, 2 m (left, right)
Biomass removal 3-5 records +/-5, 5 m (left, right)
Canopy structure 3-5 records +/-5, 5 m (left, right)
Soil condition (color) 3-5 records Where we stand
Vegetation types As they occur (change in vegetation types) 100 m (left, right)
Recording format
1. Background Information
FMU Name: Date: Transect Line
Name of Forest: References and Map
Block Name/No: Transect Line/Segment No:
F Bearing: Observed Length of Transect Line (with starting and ending points in the line)
2. Observation Sheet
In Name of the features, write the observed items (e.g., pond, stream, CWD, ghoral, kasturi, etc.
Also see other items in the guidelines (point-4)
Distance from preceding Fore Name of the Offset Quantitative details Remarks
sample plot Bearing Features of the Features
Left Right No Area (ha) Others
22
drivers of these events such that future Step 3: Analyze and interpret the data
management options can be identified later. The third step of stage five of this toolkit
presents methods and tools for the analysis
2.3 Measure and record data of of data according to the three criteria of
enhancing factors biodiversity monitoring.
The indicators, verifiers and units of
measurement for “enhancing factors” is 3.1 Ecosystem health and vitality
given in Annex 1. The following are the This analysis of “ecosystem health and
main variables to be monitored: vitality” gives:
• Decision mechanism in FMUs • General features of the forest e.g. slope,
• Regeneration (species wise) aspect, soil type, forest type, and land
• Silvicultural activities (practices) use type
• Forest protection system • Number of flowering and non-flowering
• Perception of the local people to plant species and their distribution
biodiversity resources • Growing stock (number and volume) of
• Practice of resource harvesting, forest crops (by species, per hectare and
conservation, record keeping and in block)
penalty system in FMU • NTFP growing stock-by number and
• Institutional aspect of the FMUs: volume (in block and whole forest).
inclusion and forest product distribution • List and quantify the availability of
system other NTFPs (use wise).
• Change in knowledge and behavior • Sustainable yield for major forest crops
regarding to regeneration, use and (block-wise).
management • Presence and absence of wild animals
• Conservation knowledge like (types/species of animals and habitat
propagation techniques and harvesting area)
techniques • Presence and absence of red-listed wild
• Techniques, tools/equipment and animals and plants
season used for the harvesting of • Number of old growth tree, dead but
biodiversity resources standing tree
• Fund generation and mobilization for • Regeneration per hectare and in whole
biodiversity enhancement forest
• Number of plant according to diameter
Key methods to be used for the class
monitoring of enhancing factors include • Number and area covered by water
conducting household surveys, reviewing bodies
FMU records, facilitating focus group • Biodiversity hotspots (area coverage)
discussions, conducting key informant
surveys and forest observation. The details The indicators need to be analyzed in terms
of these methods are given in Annex 2 and of their type, number, volume and presence
recording formats are given in annex 3 (1), and absence. See the Guideline below for
(3), (4), (5) and (6). analysis.
Participatory
Biodiversity
Monitoring in 23
Community
Managed Forests
Use Y-Yes, N-No and similarly use I-increased, S-Same, D-Decreased to know the trend where applicable.
The stage six of this toolkit guides the meetings. In the meeting, the facilitator
facilitator through how to apply the results presents the analyzed result of the field
of biodiversity monitoring to enhance the measurement and provokes their voice
ecosystem health and vitality; to reduce the in the interpretation of biodiversity
threats on biodiversity; and to strengthen monitoring results and their implications
enhancing factors for biodiversity on management. Further meetings are
conservation at FMU level. It has four steps organized with each of the interest groups
(see Figure 8). previously identified in the FMU and their
interest and concerns are recorded in order
The following are the outputs of this Stage: to incorporate them into the FMP. Two such
— Forest management plan (FMP) will meetings are possible in a day though it
be developed for reducing threats and depends to a large extent on the spread of
enhancing biodiversity condition hamlets and households in the village. A
— The FMP with the provision for core point to bring from these meetings is to
biodiversity monitoring, will be define what provisions about management
approved from government authority are essential in the FMP.
— The approved FMP will be implemented
in the FMUs. Step 2: Endorse the provision
through general assembly
Step 1: Organize hamlet level and At the second step, the suggestions gathered
interest group meeting from the above meetings are grouped and
At the first step, the facilitator and sorted. With this the facilitator develops a list
FMU executive committee members of what new provisions about management
should organize the hamlet level are necessary, and which of the previous
provisions are to be retained and which
are to be deleted. These form the technical
recommendations for the choice of local
Figure 8: Steps to apply biodiversity monitoring people. A general assembly at the FMU is
organized by the executive committee and
Organize hamlet level and the provisions are debated, refined and
interest group meeting endorsed through the assembly itself. If the
Endorse the provision new agreed provisions comprise a significant
through general assembly deviation from previous FMP (if any), the
FMU should seek an amendment to the
Write up the forest management plan and FMP. The following are the activities to be
approve through general assembly
carried out to endorse FMP provisions.
• make a decision to hold a general
Implementation the FMP
assembly through a meeting of the
executive committee;
Participatory
Biodiversity
Monitoring in 27
Community
Managed Forests
district forest office in Nepal) for its support of the facilitator. Its main objective
implementation. The executive committee is to develop a common understanding on
writes to the government authority with FMP provisions.
the attached FMP, and any suggestions
available from the authority also comprise a 4.2 Provide orientation to the community
part of the FMP itself. After developing a common understanding
on FMP provision in the executive body,
Step 4: Implement at the FMP each community group needs to be oriented
At the fourth step, concerned with the by a member of FMU executive body itself
implementation of the FMP, the following or in support of the facilitator.
activities should be carried out.
4.3 Facilitate to develop action plan
4.1 Provide orientation to executive Now the provisions mentioned in the FMP
committee should be broken down to detail. Action
To implement the FMP properly, the FMU planning is thus a detailed annual planning
executive body should be clear about the that shows activities by the time they are
FMP provisions and their interpretation. carried out, the persons responsible and
For that, an orientation meeting is needed tools (e.g., formats). An example of
organized by FMUs themselves or in action plan is given in Table 10.
table 10 : Action plan for forest state enhancement and reducing threats
SN Activities Responsible person/ Time period Formats for
groups/ committee recording
Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4 Y5
1. Maintaining community biodiversity register annex 3 (1)
2. Forest conservation and development activities Annex 3 (2)
3. Resource harvesting plan preparation and implementation
4. Enhancement of recording system in FMUs
5. Biodiversity threats mitigation plan
6. Strengthening of enhancing factors of biodiversity resources
7. Impact to other species when harvests commercial species
8. Strengthen harvesting process and methods
9. Activities related to enhance regeneration of forest species
10. Regular/periodic monitoring of the resources
….
…
….
20 Coordination and linkages
Y1-Year one; Y2- Year two; Y3-Year three; Y4- Year four and Y5-Year five
Participatory
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4.4 Strengthen FMU for action plan to implement the action plan by providing
implementation training and regular facilitation. The
The facilitator should work with the FMU facilitator should support on the following:
executive committee to strengthen them
in implementing the action plan. The a) Maintaining community biodiversity register
facilitator should support the committee The information obtained from monitoring
Box 5: A case study of harvesting system and practices in Nepal facilitated by ANSAB
Most of the community members used to collect immature and harvesting practices that were
destructive to the regeneration and growth of the plants. These practices also adversely af-
fected other species. Recognizing these threats, ANSAB strengthened community forest user
groups to estimate total and annual allowable harvestable amount of forest products. ANSAB
provided hands on training in the field and facilitated regularly to harvest with appropriate
season, methods and tools and to maintain the record keeping of forest products harvest-
ing. In return, community forest user groups delineated the area of highly tradable species
and adopted a suitable harvesting practice within that. These activities led to improvement in
harvesting practices, and forest health leading to conservation of biodiversity. Some examples
of harvesting practice improved in CFUGs of Nepal are as follows:
Plant Species Parts Harvested Traditional Practices of Harvest New Harvesting Practices Adapted by FUGs
in facilitation of ANSAB
Jatamansi Rhizomes Whole plants were dug out (without leaving Whole plants are pulled out from the bushy area
any plant) from the earth using kuto, a local and dug out carefully from the open grassland
digging tool. No restrictions in the use of with Kuto leaving approximately 20% plants
tools, seasons, parts of forest and quantity of undisturbed for regeneration. Restrictions
harvest. The method was destructive to the are applied in the use of tools, season, parts
regeneration and growth of the species. It of forest and quantity of harvest, generally
also loosened the soil surface making it more following a five-year rotational cycle.
prone to surface erosion.
Kutki Rhizome and Whole Kutki plants were uprooted with kuto and Kutki is dug out with kuto and handpicked if
Roots are sometimes handpicked without leaving any the rhizomes are long leaving about 20% of the
plants and propagule for regeneration. No group Kutki plant. Similar restrictions are instituted as
restrictions were applied. in the case of Jatamansi.
Sunpati Leaves Only negligible quantity of leaves are Leaves are either handpicked or cut with
handpicked or twigs are cut for local use scissors leaving more than 30% leaves for
(mixed with other herbs to make incense). plant growth.
Juniper Leaves and Branches are cut to collect the leaves for Berries are handpicked and leaves are collected
Berries local use for subsistence purposes only. from the small branch cuttings with little
disturbance to the plants.
30
Additional References
Three main criteria of ecosystem health different levels of precision and frequency
and vitality, threats to biodiversity, using different methods.
and enhancing factors form the basis
of monitoring. Each of the criteria has Criterion 1 Ecosystem Health and
a set of indicators and verifiers which Vitality
was developed discussing with other The preservation of biodiversity is possible
stakeholders and locals as well as in a healthy ecosystem that can retain
implementing it as an action research its structure and perform functions by
in the large area of high mountain effectively integrating biotic and abiotic
districts of Nepal. Each of the criteria components.
(along with indicators and verifiers) is
discussed in detail below. Depending Therefore, five groups of indicators were
on the complexity, relevance and costs, used to assess the health and vitality of
these indicators were measured at an ecosystem. These indicators along
Growing Stock
Growing stock by Species (Tree) Pole size m3/ha RI
Mature tree m3/ha RI
Over mature tree m3/ha RI
Size class distribution by species (Tree) Pole size No./ha RI
Mature tree No./ha RI
Over mature tree No./ha RI
Density by species (Shrub) Mature Plant No./ha RI
Distribution and Biomass of herbs by species Utilizable biomass kg/ha Experimental plot/RI
Plant density No./ha RI
Growth and yield of selected economic plant species
Growth Tree diameter growth mm/year Experimental plot Est. and measurement
Shrub height growth cm/year Experimental plot est. and measurement
Utilizable biomass growth (herbs) kg/ha/year Experimental plot est. and measurement
Yield Product yield kg/ha/year Experimental plot est. and measurement
Regeneration
Tree & shrub regeneration by species Seedlings No./ha RI
Saplings No./ha RI
Coppices No./ha RI
Root suckers No./ha RI
Herb regeneration by species Young growth 4 point ordinal scale RI
Habitat character
of regeneration patches Soil type Nominal RI and TW
Humus quality 4 point ordinal scale* RI and TW
Erosion features Qualitative RI and TW
Moisture stress Qualitative RI and TW
Digging by wild animals Qualitative RI and TW
Nursing role of shrubs, Qualitative RI and TW
bamboo and others
Canopy gaps Qualitative RI and TW
Disturbance to survival and
growth (grazing, fire, insects
and diseases) Qualitative RI and TW
Wildlife and birds
Wildlife Species Number TW
Habitat distribution Area in hectare TW
Dead animal bodies Species/number TW
Digging by wild animals Area/ha TW
CITES listed species Number TW
Birds Species Types TW
Habitat distribution Area in ha TW
Population Number TW
Nests Number/ha RI and TW
with their verifiers, units and methods of fruits, flowers, roots etc.) removed extent
measurement, are presented below. of grazing, and methods of harvesting.
Likewise, various indicators were
Criterion 2 Threats to Biodiversity developed according to criteria and their
Many species of plants and animals are geographic location, community type and
seriously threatened primarily due to the their perception.
human induced pressures like removal of
vegetations, uncontrolled fire, hunting and etc. Indicators, Verifiers and Methods for
measurement of Threats to Biodiversity
Most critical and common anthropogenic
pressures were taken which includes Criterion 3 Enhancing factors
frequency and magnitude of fire, extent of Enhancing factors are the key to
utilizable biomass (leaves, wood, barks, biodiversity conservation. This criterion
* Of head load, weight and no. of head loads would be easier to measure. Make estimated as household level and the area from biomass is harvested. Do it for different seasons
** Syaula: A local word used for leafy and small branches of plants for bedding purpose
Participatory
Biodiversity
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Managed Forests
monitoring in detail
Step-3: Boundary survey and blocking: Regarding plot size and shape, there are
Use topographical sheets and aerial variations in practice and Government
photographs along with a field survey guidelines. Follow the ANSAB guidelines.
for delineating boundary and separating
blocks in a participatory manner. Use Step-5: Observation and Measurement
these two instruments to prepare maps, Trees: After determining number of samples,
delineate forest types, assess the forest plot size and shape: the team has to move
condition, identify major species, and locate to field for taking measurement. Following
physiographic features. things are to be measured in the field.
38
Prepare a participatory social map showing Steps of Focused group discussion (FGD)
settlements and individual households in Step-1: Discuss the objectives of the FGD
FMU level meetings. At first, conduct a discussion with FMU committee
to clearify about the objectives of organizing FGD
Step-2: Conduct household survey and for management of its logistics.
Use the household survey form to
collect data from every household in the Step-2: Identify focus groups
community. Use the social map while Secondly, identify focus groups related to
making visits to households. Alternatively, specific issues such as harvesting, grazing,
a small settlement meeting can be arranged participation and access to decision-making
to collect the data of the households within (women and dalits) through discussion
the settlement. with FMU committee.
Involve FMUs and enterprise persons camera points for each photo point. Pay
to design experimental plots as well as particular attention to the distance between
observe, record, and analyze data. the photo and camera points to ensure that the
photographs will adequately document the
8 Photo point monitoring scene or subject and the expected changes.
Photo point monitoring is an easy and
inexpensive, yet effective, method of Step-3: Mark photo and camera points
monitoring vegetation and ecosystem Photo and camera points should be
change. It consists of repeat photography permanently marked so they can be relocated
of an area of interest over a period of time, in the future. Measure the distance and
with photographs taken from the same direction from camera points to photo points.
location and with the same field of view as Obtaining coordinates of the points using a
the original photo. With appropriate site global positioning system (GPS) unit can aid in
marking and documentation, photos can relocating them in the future.
be precisely replicated by different people
many years apart. Step-4: Identify a witness site
A witness site is (preferably) an immovable
Steps of photo point monitoring object in the monitoring area that can be easily
The following steps outline items identified when returning to the area. It serves
for consideration and procedures for as a reference to quickly locate the monitoring
establishing photo points in areas selected area and also as a reference point from which
for monitoring. the camera and photo points can be located.
Measure the distance and direction from the
Step-1: Identify photo points witness site to the camera points, photo points,
Within selected monitoring areas, or both. It is helpful to attach a permanent
identify elements in the landscape that identification tag to the witness site with the
are most critical to document in order distance and direction to the photo and/or
to achieve objectives in participatory camera points inscribed on the tag. Assign
approach. General photography can be identification numbers; assign identification
used to document a whole scene. Topic numbers to all photo and camera points.
photography, on the other hand, narrows
the target from a scene to specific elements 6. Observe and measure:
(subjects) in the landscape. Ensure that • Date of photograph taken
enough photo points are established to • Photograph and numbering
adequately document changes that are • Location (Using GPS/Altimeter/Compass)
expected to occur. • Site description
• Locations of witness site, photo points, and
Step-2: Establish camera points camera points, including distances and
Based on the monitoring objective, establish directions between points
44
Annex 3:
Information
recording formats
Biodiversity record
Local name Scientific name Major features Quantity (No./ton/ Habitat/ Parts Involvement
of the species species types) distribution used of local
people
in collection
Plantation
Year Major sp. Block/forest name Seedling/wildling Seedling source Contribution Remarks
User Other
Nursery
Year of Capacity Location Major Demand of Supply Plantation(No) Remarks
estab. (No) species that year Pvt. land CF
Final Felling/Thinning
Year Species Area (ha.) Thinned/felled Tree/Shrub Use of thinned/felled item Remarks
Size No
Participatory
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Pruning
Year Species Tree Height (m) Pruned Ht.(m) Quantity of product Remarks
Fencing
Year Fence length (m) Fence type Labor(Person-days) Reason Impacts/effects
Fire lines
Year Length breadth Labor (Person days) Reason Remarks
Encroachment
(Also prepare a sketch map of encroached area in CF)
Year Area Ha. Use after encroachment Wealth status of encroachers Any preventive measures Remarks
Fire
Year season Area under fire ha Damage in kind Damage in cash Preventive/remedial measures Remarks
• Develop formats according the verifiers to be measured for other prioritized threats
d) Fund Utilization
Income Expenditures
Particulars Amount (Rs) Particular Amount (Rs)
Balance of the Previous Year Community Development
Revenue form Timber Infrastructure Development
Products Fuelwood Loan within FUG
Fodder Forest Development Watchers
Syaula and patkar Nursery/Seedling
Agricultural implements Management Actions
NTFPs Extension and Training
Others
Punishment Administration
Donation Bank Balance
Annual Charges of the Users Cash Balance
Interest on Investment Payment for services hired
Others Others
Total Total
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Managed Forests
f) Enterprise Records
Background Information
Name of Enterprise: VDC and Ward:
District: Enterprise Records (type): (e.g, register)
Type Rs.
Share, equity and profit
loans
total
Data that varies with time should be recorded for a year completed at the time of data collection. If this is not applicable, time
period for which the collected figure apply should be indicated as a note.
48
Category Type of employee No. Total salaries/wages paid (Rs.) Type of training provided Training expenses Remarks
Full time Management
Technician
Labor/worker
Part-time Labor/worker
Total
Raw Materials
Type of raw Total Qty Amount paid No. of collectors Collection Fee paid Royalty paid Remarks
material purchased Kg. (except royalty) Rs. involved season to FUG to HMG
Participatory
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Saplings No./ha
Coppices No./ha
Root suckers No./ha
Herb regeneration by species Young growth Qualitative
Habitat characteristics Soil type Nominal
of regeneration patches Humus quality Qualitative
Erosion features Qualitative
Moisture stress Qualitative
Digging by wild animals Qualitative
Nursing role of shrubs, bamboo and others Qualitative
Canopy gaps Qualitative
Disturbance to survival and growth (grazing, fire, insects and diseases)
Qualitative
Wildlife and Birds
Wildlife Species Number
Habitat distribution Area in hectare
Dead animal bodies Species/number
Digging by wild animals Area/ha
CITES listed species Number
Birds Species Number
Habitat distribution
b) Analysis tablefor biodiversity threats
Indicators Verifiers MEASUREMENT Root causes/drivers
Fire damage Area m2/ha/year
Frequency No./year
Type Crown, ground, surface
Biomass removal Timber m3/ha/year
Fuel-wood kg/ha/year
Fodder kg/ha/year
Grasses kg/ha/year
Bedding materials (leaf litter &syaula) kg/ha/year
Poles & implements m3/ha/year
Other NTFPs by products & species kg/ha/year
Grazing Area Ha
Livestock units No./ha/year
Period Months/year
Encroachment Area by types m2/year
Harvesting practices by products Season Degree of appropriateness
Tools used Degree of appropriateness
Method/techniques Degree of appropriateness
Participatory
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Managed Forests
Forest protection and development Silviculture operation (Thinning, pruning, singling-season) Descriptive
Plantation of timber species Hectare
Plantation of non-timber species Hectare
Protection methods Types
No. of Encounter and charge to the hunters and illegal fellers No/type
Provision of management activities in operational plan Yes/no
Is management plan implemented effectively Yes/no
Fire line Yes/no –length (m)
Area brought under community management Area where community control is enforced and Area of forest or %
outsiders are excluded increase over time
Regeneration Controlled fire Area/ha
Grazing (controlled/rotational) Area/ha
Nursery (seedling production) Area /No. of species
Bush clearing Area/ha
Clearing invasive plant species Area/ha
Resource Harvesting Harvesting season Month
Harvesting techniques Descriptive
Tools used for harvesting Type
Types of harvesters (trained/untrained and Male/female or child)
Total annual harvested stock Ton/year (NTFPs)
Cu.ft./year (TFPs)
Conflict management Conflict type (Boundary, resource…) Yes/no
Affect on biodiversity resources Quantity
Attempt for solution Yes/no.
Conflict solved Yes/no.
Forest product demand and distribution pattern Timber demand Cft
Firewood demand Bhari
52