Community-based Conservation of the Traditional Waterfowl Trapping Practice (local Damgah) in the winter Habitats of Migratory Waterbirds, including Siberian Cranes (IRA-G52-2001-002(IRA98G52))

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Project Details & Results

Project location:Fereydunkenar-Mazandaran(Lat/Long:36.645210-52.536621)
The project deals with the traditional waterfowl trapping areas in Fereidoonkenar, Ezbaran and Sorkhrud "Damgahs" at proximity of the town of Fereidoonkenar, Mazandran province located in the Caspian region of Iran. Damgahs are traditionally maintained duck trapping areas. They consist of a complex of agricultural lands surrounded by trees and inundated in winter that are carefully prepared to trap Teal and Mallard.


Incidentally this area has supported Siberian cranes for at least 25 years (since 1977) providing them a safe and rich habitat for wintering while on migration from Siberia every year from October to March.



At present only precious few still remain wintering in these fallow, inundated rice-fields among over 42 other species (according to 1996 observation) of migratory birds, to whom also this area has been an important winter or stop-over site of international importance.



The local farmers trappers, who have traditionally maintained these 'Damgah' sites for their own benefit of duck-trapping have played a critical role in safeguarding these "sanctuaries". The Damgahs are privately-owned land that have multiple purpose as they are used in summer for rice cultivation and for duck trapping in winter. Because of their unique landscape and locally managed system they also have “heritage” value.



However, at start of the project Damgahs were not legally recognized by the Department of Environment and trapping was considered as illegal. The project built trust between Damgah owners and DoE to be able to work together in maintaining these precious habitats.



As a result also a the area was declared a “Hunting Free Zone” as well as a “Ramsar Site” since 2003.
A Trust Fund has been created to motivate farmer trappers who worked for their own benefit to invest in a mutual fund which would help them in future increase the cost effectiveness of the existing farmer/trapper efforts in maintaining the Damgahs and to generate benefits in long-term. Through MCCA activities, the Damgahs received national and international recognition which facilitated further approval projects by government to sustain community-based activities in the Damgahs. The sustainability of the project has been maintained through awareness raising (direct interaction with the trappers, promoting conservation art and handicrafts made by local women, documentary films for the public, booklet for children, brochures and presentations for experts). After the project the trapper community of the Damgahs were empowered enough to engage in more projects and form “Cooperatives” which would allow them to officially engage in the decision-making process which deals with their traditional Damgah practice (UNEP/GEF funded project).

Notable Community Participation
A Trust Fund/micro-credit fund will be created to increase the social obligation of local trappers to MCCA and the cost effectiveness of the existing farmer/trapper efforts in maintaining the Damgahs to generate benefits in long-term. It is expected that after the project is completed, the trapper community of the Damgahs will be empowered enough to engage in the decision-making process which deals with their traditional Damgah practice.

Capacity - Building Component
Through awareness raising and training workshops, MCCA tends to build capacity among the local communities especially the farmer trappers community, by giving them recognition and support and encouraging the younger generation and women to get involved in community project activities mentioned above. By documenting the process and sharing experience, MCCA efforts will contribute in building capacity and advocacy among other NGOs and government organizations.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
MCCA will conduct cost-benefit studies for income generating programs. Alternative income generation through use of a community-managed Trust Fund will be supported to induce cost-effectiveness of maintenance per trapping station.

Gender Focus
The women and youth will generate income through community-based projects, i.e. art work, pottery, calendars and traditional handicrafts with environmental themes.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment
Informational brochures, publications, artworks and handicrafts created by community for additional income and evoking public awareness;

Project Results
During the project implementation comparatively comprehensive information dissemination on the forests in Baneh region and different forms of forestry was accomplished.
The main recommendation of the project was to use traditional forest management knowledge as a mid-term strategy for forest management. The strategy will secure local buy-in, but should not be treated as long-term answer to curbing forest destruction in the Northern Zagros. Integrating traditional knowledge with technical knowledge will out-perform traditional forest management systems. Because local participation is necessary to successful implementation of any strategy, using traditional methods provides a good launching point that reduces forest destruction and builds relationships with local communities to ensure a higher level of trust for future management plans.

Guidelines for participatory forest management for areas around Baneh were developed in collaboration with FRO experts and approved by the High council of Forestry. An implementation plan was also prepared in collaboration with local forest owners.

Farms (Damgah), Ezbaran Village, Mazandaran Province	NC guidance to women on handicraft	Ezbaran Village, Mazandaran Province	Handicrafts Related to Crane Made by Local Women
Project Team and Locals in Rice Paddy