The project seeks to restore the Biodiversity of the Kalinago forests which have been damaged as a result of deforestation and various agricultural methods, the falling of trees for construction of homes and canoe making, the sapping of Gommier and the debarking of Bois Banda trees which has resulted in the death of thousands of these trees.
Problem: Over the past ten years there has been a significant increase in the demand for the resin from the Gommier tree. The back from the Bois Banda tree has also seen a similar demand from the hucksters conducting business in the French Caribbean islands.
End Result: In order to meet the demand a few individuals from the Territory have sapped and debarked these trees over the years which has lead to the threat of extinction of the Gommier and Bwa Banda trees. The displacement of the Gommier and Bois Bande trees could cause a major imbalance in the eco system and also threaten the watershed area from which the two safer water sources in the Territory comes from.
Linkages to national priorities, action plans/programmes and International Conventions
This project is in sync with the UN REDD initiative to reduce emission from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. This project is also in keeping with national priorities in protecting National Forest Reserves, National Parks, water catchment areas and the overall protection of the nation?s forests.
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4. Planned Activities (Main), Timeframe, Expected Results & Indicators
Overall Objectives:
Activity
Description
Time frame
Expected results
Indicators
1
Awareness & Educational Programs
August 2012 to July 2013
Community is sensitized on importance of preserving the ecosystem.
Less trees being cut for trivial purposes.
Improvement in farming system.
Decrease in slash and burn
Farming.
Reduction in trees sapped and backed.
Activity 2
Research & Documentation of project
August 2012 to July 2013
Find and present new methods of sapping gum resin. Healthier forest
Recording of project implementation process and results for future reference.
% reduction in trees dying from over sapping and
Teaching materials available.
Activity 3
Capacity Building
October 2012 to Jan 2013
Less dying trees and healthier forests.
Improved farming system
# of persons engaged in sustainable practices and providing leadership
Activity 4
Skills Training on propagation and tree planting
September 2012 to March 2013
Farmers are able to propagate forest plants
Acreage of increase in trees on farmers holdings and in Kalinago forest
Activity 5
Tree planting in forests and on farmers? holdings
June 2012 to September 2013
Less dying trees and healthier forests.
More trees on farmers holdings.
# of trees planted
Acreage of trees planted under this project
Less dying trees and healthier forests.
More trees on farmers holdings.
5. Stakeholder Participation
The Kalinago Council with assistance from Waikada and the Kalinago community will be involved in the implementation of the project. All efforts will be made to incorporate the individuals engaged in the sapping of the gum trees and the debarking of the Bois Bande trees to participate in the project. The Development Committee?s, Boat builders, Chainsaw Operators will also be particularly engaged to ensure maximum community participation in the project.
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6. Partnerships with government/non-government and other agencies/organisations
The project will be done in collaboration with the Forestry Division and the Ministry of Agriculture, DOAM and other organisation and individuals with relevant skills and knowledge who will provide guidance and training for persons involved.
7. Sustainability
The council will introduce bylaws that hoped will be introduced and come into effect before the completion of the project. While enforcement might still be an issue, the bylaws and awareness component of this project should serve as a deterrent to the practices carried out before. Close collaboration between and the council is expected to continue and would be expected to assist in monitoring of the forested ares of the Territory.
Council will seek funding/support for training Kalinago forest rangers and training in forest management. Council will continue working in close collaboration with the Forestry and Wildlife Division for continued technical support. Education and awareness activities will be continued to ensure compliance.