INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER ORGANIZATION

TITLE

SERIAL NUMBER

COMMITTEE

SUBMITTED BY

ORIGINAL

SUMMARY

ITTO PRE-PROJECT PROPOSAL

CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF MANGROVES IN THE KOUILOUCOASTAL AREA WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES ESTABLISHED IN THE AREA - SOUTH CONGO

PPD 40/02 Rev. 1 (F)

REFORESTATION AND FOREST MANAGEMENT

GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CONGO

FRENCH

Considerable mangrove surfaces can be found in Congo, mostly in the coastal area of the Kouilou Region, South

Congo.

This mangrove is extremely rich in the following flora species: Rhysophora racemosa (mangrove), Clusiaceae,

Chrysobalanaceae and Minmosaceae, and for a lesser part Avicenniia nitida.

Phoenis reclinata groves and Pandanuss candelabrum shrubs are also characteristic features of the mangrove.

Few studies are undertaken on these mangrove forests, even though they are endangered by a surface decrease and

man-made stress, including an uncontrolled utilization of fuelwood to meet the growing needs of local populations,

pharmacopoeia, animal proteins and non timber forest products; growth of tourism; civil engineering works; industrial

activities of petrol companies; grass fires; and non sustainable resource crops.

This Pre-project proposal aims at analyzing the situation of mangrove national resources, and to undertake baseline

studies on the management of mangrove national resources.

EXECUTING AGENCY

COOPERATING AGENCIES

Water & Forestry General Directorate (Direction Generale des Eaux et

Forets, DGEF), and Research Centre on Coastal Forests (Centre de

Recherches Forestieres du Littoral, CRFL)

DURATION 8 MONTHS

APPROXIMATE STARTING DATE TO BE DEFINED

PROPOSED BUDGET AND OTHER

FUNDING SOURCES

Source

ITIO Government of Congo

TOTAL

Contribution

inUS$

77,112

15,830

92,942

Contribution

in Local Currency

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I: CONTEXT .................................................................................................................................. 2 1. Origin ..................................................................................................................................... 2 2. Sectoral policies ..................................................................................................................... 2 3. Programmes and Operational Activities ................................................................................. 2

PART 11: THE PROJECT ......................................................................................................................... 3 1. Project Objectives ................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Development Objective ...................................................................................................... 3 1.2 Specific Objective ............................................................................................................... 3

2. Justification ............................................................................................................................. 3 2.1. Problems to be addressed ................................................................................................. 3 2.2. Reasons to a Pre-project ................................................................................................. .4 2.4 Target Beneficiaries ........................................................................................................... 4 2.5 Other aspects relevant to the Pre-project ......................................................................... .4

3. Outputs ................................................................................................................................... 5 3.1 Specific Objective 1 ............................................................................................................ 5

4. Activities ................................................................................................................................. 5 5. Work Plan ............................................................................................................................... 7 6. Budget. ................................................................................................................ 9 6.1. Major Inputs ............................................................................................................................ 8 6.2. Project Budget by Component and Source ............................................................................ 9 6.3. Consolidated Project Budget by Source ............................................................................... 10

PART Ill. THE TROPICAL TIMBER FRAMEWORK ............................................................................. 11 1. Compliance with ITTA 1994 Objectives ............................................................................... 11 2. Compliance with ITTO Action Plan ...................................................................................... 11 ANNEXES ............................................................................................................................................ 12

PART I: CONTEXT 1. Origin

The potential of mangrove forests is not well documented among Congo's forest ecosystems although they are undergoing serious degradation. There are no information on the dynamics, yield and behavior towards the various silvicultural treatments of this mangrove.

Few studies have been realized on the conservation and management of this eco-system. Available studies are based on the inventory of major botanical groups and date back to 1963 (Malcany). Among the Conkouati Wildlife Sanctuary-related activities, the classification and socio-economic uses of plant species were realized in 1991 and 1992 (Kecketsweiller, et al.).

At the international level, the causes underlying the global degradation and destruction of mangrove forests have been rapidly identified. The situation is characterized by an absence or insufficiency of measures for sustainable management and conservation, and an absence of relevant laws and enforcement procedures. In view of such concerns, the International SOciety for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISM E) was established and mangrove network put in place as part of the ITTO Project "GLOMIS" (Global Mangrove Information System). In November 2000, ITTO established a Mangrove Conservation Programme [Decision 9 (XXXIX)], which encourages ITTO Member Countries to submit project and pre-project proposals on the sustainable conservation and management of mangroves.

2. Sectoral policies

This Project proposal is in compliance with the 16-2000 Law of November 20, 2000 which carries the Forestry Code into effect, and provides that "The Administration shall strictly ensure at the regional and national levels that authorized activities in the field of forestry be undertaken so as not to result in the destruction of the Estate, and so as to guarantee its durability, extension and utilization under rational conditions".

The Project proposal is in line with the objectives of the National Forestry Action Plans (PAFN) and National Environmental Action Plan (PNAE) whose implementation strategies are based on principles of sustainable forest management; of conservation and protection of forest eco-systems and biological diversity.

3. Programmes and Operational Activities

The above-mentioned policies are implemented through the following programmes and activities:

Through ITTO financing, the Government realized a Project linked to the establishment of a silviculture pilot area in Congo's dense forests from 1992 to 1997. Since 1997, the Government is formulating the National Forest management Master Plan, developing sustainable management plans for the North­Ngoua 2 Forest and the Souanke-Sembe-Kelle area.

With the assistance of other donors such as the European Union, USAID, etc. the Government is implementing the Regional Programme for Environmental Management (PRGIE), the Management of Central African Forest Eco-systems Project (ECOFAC), the Management of Adjacent Areas to the Nouabale-Ndoki National Park Project (PROGEPP), etc.

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PART 11: THE PROJECT

1. Project Objectives

1.1 Development Objective

To contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of Congo's mangrove forests with a view to increasing the contribution of the forest sector to the national economy, and to enhancing the socio-economic environment of local populations.

1.2 Specific Objective

1.2.1. Specific Objective 1

To analyze the situation of national mangrove resources and to study management-related socio­economic aspects for the preparation of a project proposal on the sustainable management of this eco-system.

2. Justification

2.1. Problems to be addressed

Congo's Mangrove is located in the Pointe-Noire coastal area along the Atlantic Ocean and the Kouilou River.

Congo's coastal area is approximately 170 km long, and is partially lined with a forest or water eco­system rich in unique wildlife and amphibious plant species. Since the beginning of the century, the Mangrove has been subjected to uncontrolled and selective utilization in order to meet the growing needs of local populations in fuel wood, pharmacopoeia, animal proteins (fishing and hunting), and non timber forest products through the extraction of the sap from Raphiae species and the Doum Palm tree, and the collection of Affromomum berries, Haemotostaphis drupes, etc.

These mangrove forests also face serious dangers resulting from man-made stress, among which are the growth of tourism; civil engineering works; industrial activities of petrol companies; grass fires; and non sustainable resource crops.

These factors contributed considerably to the destabilization of the ecological balance in these environments, resulting in unevaluated bio-mass losses; disappearance of ecological niches; decrease in biological diversity; reduced size and strength of trees; sedimentation of water expanses and beach and coastal surface increase due to the attack of fringing vegetation by salted water.

To address some of these issues and resolve their adverse effects, it is necessary to undertake research, conservation, rehabilitation, sustainable management and enhancement activities for their survival.

2.1.1. Characteristics of the Project area

Mangroves can be found essentially in the coastal area, Loeme, Kouilou and Noumbi Estuaries, and in the Malonda, Loubi and Conkouati lagunas. The largest Mangrove surfaces are located on the shores of the Kouilou and Noumbi Rivers and of the Conkouati laguna. The largest one is located in the Conkouati laguna. It is well developed in the Southern part of the laguna as well as all around it along an approximately continuous and narrow stretch.

Along the coast, the Mangrove is dying where the shoestring sand becomes a barrier sufficiently high to prevent the flow of fresh water and the progress of sea tides.

The coast and coastal watersheds are covered with a vegetation cover to a certain extent related to the marine influence. It includes mangrove and back beach herbaceous vegetation, halophilous shrubs and coastal forests.

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Along a narrow coastal fringe, Sapotaceae largely dominate coastal forests. These forests extend, diversify and increase in height towards the coastal watersheds; with Clusiaceae, Chrysobalanaceae and Minmosaseae species dominating (Heckectsweiller et aI., 1991).

In the Conkouati Mangrove, salinity is the major factor of fishery resources replenishment. It varies with the tides, fresh water input and seasons.

All species can be found (adult and young). Wildlife and forest distribution is essentially linked to salinity penetration in the laguna. The Conkouati features three biocenologic areas (Gueredat et aI., 1982):

Area I: Briny with marked marine features and where salinity is never below 1r/00. The downstream area features a high density of Rhizophora recemosa whose roots are colonized by an important development of Gryphaea gasar oysters. Area 11 : Located in the middle of the laguna. The front combining marine and fresh water bodies starts from this area. The environment is briny and the salinity is below 1 rlOo./ It is however distinct from Area I - no Gryphaee gasar oysters - even though a Rhizophora racemosa population is present. Area III : It is located upstream and features a salinity below 5%0, due to the fresh water input from both Ngongo and Niambi Rivers. The presence of Ryzophora racemosa can be observed, but combined with fresh water aquatic plants (Crinium natans and Sc/eria sp.), which indicate the freshwater nature of this laguna area.

2.2. Reasons for a Pre-project

The traditional system of forest utilization in its present form usually results in the degradation, and even gradual disappearance of forest capital. The importance of the phenomenon and the need to establish other utilization modes were for a long time covered up by the apparently rich forest resource and low population density in the rural areas.

The Pre-project should contribute little known or nearly unknown data on Congo's Mangroves such as Mangrove structure and dynamics, volume and quality of species, socio-economic aspects, and stresL. factors affecting the Mangrove.

2.4 Target Beneficiaries

The national economy at large will benefit from Project outputs, and in particular:

The Forest Administration, enabling it to develop conservation and sustainable management poliCies for Congo's Mangrove; The local communities through an improved socio-economic environment resulting from the sustainable utilization with job creation and higher income; The Research Centres (CRFL, CERVE) through the provision of sufficient information; The Concession operators; ITTO through the dissemination of Project-related information and experience among ITTC Members.

2.5 Other aspects relevant to the Pre-project

Mangrove forests effectively contribute to an improved socio-economic situation in Congo, and in particular to the well-being of local populations living in the project area.

Local communities and smaller production units will benefit from the implementation of sustainable management techniques. Direct benefits will enhance village assets and provide job opportunities and an increased contribution of the forest sector to the GNP.

The ecological importance of Mangroves can be briefly explained by its role as the transit area of species between the sea and the fresh water area, and as the seat of reproduction activities.

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The Mangrove is a very unstable environment to which Mangrove species need to adapt. The Mangrove is a biotope suitable to high density ichtyofauna. Mangrove roots and Crinum herbal communities are used as refuges and feeding grounds by phytophagous and macrophagous species, predators and juvenile stage hosting nurseries after hatching.

Practical measures for the sustainable management of the Mangrove will be determined. They will be related to the development of reduced impact logging techniques, the enhancement of research, training, dissemination of collected information and promotion of local populations and associations.

3. Outputs

3.1 Specific Objective 1

Output 1.1 : Report on the situation of Mangrove resources Output 1.2 : Report on the socio-economic situation and management of Mangroves Output 1.3 : Project proposal on the sustainable management of Mangroves

4. Activities

4.1. Output 1.1

Activity 1.1.1. : Review of available information on Congo's mangroves and foreign mangroves.

Activity 1.1.2.: Field collection of additional data.

Activity 1.1.3.: Data processing and analysis

Activity 1.1.4.: Drafting and publication of a report on the situation of Congo's mangrove resources.

4.2. Output 1.2

Activity 1.2.1.: Development of the methodology.

Activity 1.2.2.: Evaluation of wildlife and plant harvesting by man.

Activity 1.2.3.: Evaluation of economic activities by the populations located in the scope area of the Project.

Activity 1.2.4. : Analysis of agriculture, pasture and fishing-related activities; inter-dependency of populations on Mangrove resources; constraints on local

communities development.

Activity 1.2.5. : Surveys based on sampling and organization of field meeting for consultation with the local populations.

Activity 1.2.6. : Definition of sustainable production systems for integration into the Management Plan.

Activity 1.2.7. : Definition of optimal participation terms of local communities to sustainable Management Plan implementation.

Activity 1.2.8. : Processing and analysis of collected data.

Activity 1.2.9. : Drafting and publication of a report.

4.3. Output 1.3.

Activity 1.3.1. : Processing of baseline study reports.

Activity 1.3.2. : Formulation of a draft project proposal.

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Activity 1.3.3.: Validation of project proposal.

Activity 1.3.4. : Formulation of a final project proposal.

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5. Work Plan

Output I Activities In Charge

Review of available information on Congo's

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6. Project Budget

6.1. Major Inputs

Unit cost by finance Inputs Quantity Start End Duration source ($US)

(months) Congo ITTO

Coordinator 1 1 8 8 700 300

Forest Engineer 2 1 8 8 700 150

Secretary 1 1 8 8 250 100

Assistant Co-ordinator 1 1 8 8 400 200

International Consultant 1 1 1 2 12,000

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National Consultant in socio- 1 2 5 4 3,000 economics

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6.2. Project Budget by Component and Source

No BUDGET COMPONENTS TOTAL ITTO CONGO 10. Project Personnel

11. National Experts 111. Co-ordinator 8,000 2,400 5,600 112. Forest Engineer (1) 7,600 2,000 5,600 12. National Consultants 121. Consultant in socio-economics 12,000 12,000 -13. Other Labour 131. Secretary 2,800 800 2,000 15. International Consultants 151. Experts in mangrove forest management 24,000 24,000 -19. Component Total 54,400 41,200 13,200

30. Duty Travel 31. Per Diem (US$ 80 x 3 pers. x 6) 4,000 4,000 -32. International Travel 6,000 6,000 33. Transport Costs 2,500 2,500 39. Component Total 12,500 12,500

50. Consumable Items 51. Office Supplies 2,000 1,500 500 52. Communication (Tel, Fax, Internet, mail) 4,000 4,000 -59. Component Total 6,000 5,500 500

60. Miscellaneous 61. Sundry 2,000 2,000 -62. Reports and publication 4,000 4,000 -69. Component Total 6,000 6,000 -

SUB-TOTAL 78,900 65,200 13,700 70. Executing Agency Management Costs

71. EA Administration 450 - 450 72. EA Monitoring and Evaluation 1,680 - 1,680 79. Component Total 2,130 - 2,130

80. ITTO Monitoring, Evaluation & administration 81. Monitoring and Evaluation 8,000 8,000 -82. Administration (6%) 3,912 3,912 -89. Component Total 11,912 11,912 -

100. GRAND TOTAL 92,942 77,112 15,830

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6.3. Consolidated Project Budget by Source

No BUDGET COMPONENTS TOTAL ITTO CONGO

10. Project Personnel 54,400 41,200 13,200

30. Duty Travel 12,500 12,500 -

50. Consumable Items 6,000 5,500 500

60. Miscellaneous 6,000 6,000 -

70. Executing Agency Management 2,130 - 2,130 Costs

80. ITTO Monitoring, Evaluation & 11,912 11,912 -administration

100. GRAND TOTAL 92,942 77,112 15,830

lO

PART Ill. THE TROPICAL TIMBER FRAMEWORK

1. Compliance with ITTA 1994 Objectives

The Project complies with the following objectives listed in the 1994 ITT A, Article 1:

(c) To contribute to the process of sustainable development;

(d) To enhance the capacity of members to implement a strategy for achieving exports of tropical timber and timber products from sustainably managed sources by the year 2000;

(f) To promote and support research and development with a view to improving forest management and efficiency of wood utilization as well as increasing the capacity to conserve and enhance other forest values in timber producing tropical forests;

(g) To develop and contribute towards mechanisms for the provision of new and additional financial resources and expertise needed to enhance the capacity of producing members to attain the objectives of this Agreement;

(i) To promote increased and further processing of tropical timber from sustainable sources in producing member countries with a view to promoting their industrialization and thereby increasing their employment opportunities and export earnings;

2. Compliance with ITTO Action Plan

The Pre-project is in line with the priorities and guidelines listed in the ITTO Action Plan, as follows:

Goal 1 : Support activities to secure the tropical timber resource base. Goal 2 : Improve marketing and distribution of tropical timber exports from sustainably

managed sources. Goal 3 : Improve market access for tropical timber exports from sustainably managed sources.

The Pre-project also complies with the following priority actions listed in the Year 2000 Objective, ITTO Action Plan:

Security of forest resources and prevention of unplanned deforestation; Production of the optimal mix of goods and services; Improvement of the utilization of the resource to give the greatest possible social benefit; Improvement of the social and political environment concerning forest management.

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ANNEXES

ANNEX A - PROFILE OF THE EXECUTING AGENCY

The Forest Economics General Directorate (Direction Generale de I'Economie Forestiere, DGEF serve as the Executing Agency. It is the technical agency of the Ministry in charge of Water ~ .. ~ Forests and is responsible for enforcing forest development policies.

The Research Centre on Coastal Forests (Centre de Recherches Forestieres du Littoral (CRFL) will serve as the collaborating body for Pre-project execution. It is the national body in charge of forest research in Congo's forest sector.

CRFL replaced the Centre National de Recherche Forestiere, which had itself succeeded to the Centre Technique Forestier Tropical (CTFT), and has extensive experience in forest research.

The Direction Generale de I'Economie Forestiere is responsible for the execution of many co-financed Projects, and in particular by ITTO: PPD1/93 Rev.1 (F)) PD77/90(F), PD2/92 Rev.1 (F), PPD7/95(M),PD12/96 Rev.2 (F), PPD4/96 Rev.1 (F).

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ANNEX B - TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE KEY PERSONNEL

1. Co-ordinator

a) Diploma

- Forest Engineer Diploma

b) Experience

- Minimum of 10-year proven professional experience; - Knowledge of forest management; - Knowledge of village forestry.

c) Duration: 8 months

d) Duties

Under the control of the Forest Economic General Manager, the Co-ordinator will :

Plan, organizer and execute the Pre-project activities; Develop a detailed Work Plan and budget estimates; Participate in the drafting of Terms of Reference for National Consultants; Participate in the selection of Experts and Consultants; Co-ordinate actions between the technical personnel and the Consultants working on the Pre-project; Evaluate and check duty implementation by the Pre-project personnel; Assume responsibility for the technical and administrative management of the Pre-project; Manage and control the drafting of documents and publications on Pre-project results; Draft the Pre-project Activity Reports or Progress Report to be submitted to the Executing Agency.

2. Forest Engineer

a) Diploma

- Engineer Diploma.

b) Experience

- Minimum of 5-year proven professional experience in forest activities; - Knowledge of village forestry.

c) Duration: 8 months

d) Duties

Under the control of the Co-ordinator, the Forest Engineer will:

Manage all technical activities; Develop a method for data processing, together with the International Expert and Consultants; Plan and execute field activities and qualitative and quantitative evaluations; Draft the Progress Report and technical reports on pre-project activities to be submitted to the Co-ordinator.

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3. International Consultant in Mangrove Forest Management

a) Diploma

- Forest Engineer Diploma or Master Degree in Forest Management.

b) Experience

- Minimum of 1 O-year proven professional experience in Mangrove forest management and rehabilitation; - Experience of the sub-region desirable; - Good knowledge of forest utilization, village forestry, conception and execution of long term management plans based on social conditions. - Good knowledge of communication with local populations.

c) Duration: 2 months

d) Working Language: French

e) Duties

Under the control of the Project Co-ordinator, the International Expert will serve as the Pre-project Senior Technical Consultant, and will:

Schedule and monitor activities; Draft the Terms of Reference for Natio!1al Consultants; Participate in the selection of National Consultants; Assist the Co-ordinator in the drafting of Pre-project Progress Report; Monitor the organization and co-ordination of consultancies; Prepare a Project proposal.

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1.

ANNEX C SUMMARY OF MODIFICATIONS FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF

the 22nd EXPERT PANEL (July 23-28. 2001)

RECOMMENDATIONS MODI FICATIONS The Panel recommended that a Pre-project - The Project was effectively converted into a proposal be drafted. The Pre-project should Pre-project focused on an in-depth analysis of focus on the outputs and activities of Specific the present situation of mangrove resources Objective 1 listed in the present proposal, and and reference studies to be undertaken in the provide an in-depth analysis of the present Project areas. situation of mangrove resources, including studies on the economic situation in the selected areas.

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ANNEX D - TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE NATIONAL CONSULTANT IN SOCIO-ECONOMICS

a) Diploma

- Degree or Msc. in rural economics; - Proven experience of rural social sciences; - Experience of participatory management.

c) Duration: 4 months

d) Duties

Under the control of the Pre-project Co-ordinator, and with the support of the International Expert, the National Consultant in socio-economics will:

Undertake detailed investigations on the way of life, support means and expectations of rural populations with a focus on their dependence on various types of activities such as hunting, agriculture, breeding, trade, etc. ; Study the evolution of the economy and of the projects achieved or planned, and their impact on the populations' way of life. ; Study the feasibility of participatory management through local populations in the area and determine the necessary approach; Elaborate sustainable production systems (agriculture, breeding, fishing, etc.) appropriate for the conservation of the Mangrove ecosystem.

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1.

ANNEX E SUMMARY OF MODIFICATIONS FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF

the 23rd EXPERT PANEL (January 28-February 1, 2002, Yokohama-Japan)

RECOMMENDATIONS MODIFICATIONS To reduce the budget by eliminating the - The budget has been considerably reduced

"Fellowships & Training" component, to review from US$ 94,412 to SUS 77,112 regarding the the National Consultant fees and to scale ITTO contribution. down the Pre-project Administrative - The National Consultant fees have been Personnel. reduced from US$ 20,000 to SUS 12,000.

- The Administrative Personnel has been reduced as follows:

~ The Assistant-coordinator position; ~ The second engineer has been eliminated.

2. To include Terms of Reference for the National - The Terms of Reference for the National Consultant. Consultant in socio-economics have been

attached (Annex D).

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