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This
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| Issue No. 8 Autumn 97 | ISSN: 1359 - 3889 |
When I visited Belize at the end of July 97, it was my first trip for nearly two years and I noticed many changes.
The World Land Trust is now half way through its contract with the European Union, which provides funding for research into sustainable forestry as well as the development of a micropropagation and horticulture facility with the Programme for Belize. As part of the mid-term review of the EU project, and in order to plan future development, I visited the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area (RBCMA) with the World's Land Trust Project Manager, Dominic White and a small team of horticulturists from Britain and the Netherlands. While in Belize, we met the Director of PFB, Joy Grant, the newly appointed Chairman of PFB Arsenio Burgos, as well as Roger Wilson the Technical Advisor and Marco Figueroa who is in charge of the Micropropagation Laboratory.
It was very exciting to see the Field Station at Hill Bank flourishing and Maro Figueroa with his staff running the micropropagation lab so successfully. Already they are producing quantities of plants and some of these will be sold in Britain through the Wyld Court Rainforest.
This will enable us to test public response to the purchase of selected
plants as well as the development of packaging, documentation and freight.
Our horticulture advisors - Chris Jenkin from
Enterprise Plants,
Steve Harrod of Ground Control and Bert Goebel from Maarse (Netherlands)
spent many hours not only investigating potential markets, but also walking
in the forest studying the native plants. Chris Jenkin writes ....
I thoroughly enjoyed my maiden visit to Belize, and to see first hand the work of PFB. The purpose of my visit was to give advice to the micropropagation unit at Hill Bank as to which species would be most in demand from the European market. I had been approaching the visit with a little trepidation and a very large supply of various types of insect repellent; the former was totally unfounded, the latter in great demand ! The standard of the accommodatiom both at Hill Bank and La Milpa is excellent and the reception we received was extremely warm (both literally and socially). A demanding schedule ensured that we saw what seemed like all of Belize in a relatively short period of time. My fellow visitors and I had the benefit not only of expert information from the PFB staff, but also a great deal of local knowledge from John Burton and Dominic White of the WLT. I have now returned with a much greater understanding of thw work of both the PFB and WLT, and renewed enthusiasm to spread the word.
While at Hill Bank we stayed in the brand new dormitory, complete with composting toilets, solar energy and built to all the latest environment - friendly standards. It was a very impressive (and comfortable) building. In the early morning Dominic and I went canoeing on the New River Lagoon, and saw several Morelet's Crocodiles and also collected some mangrove seeds which have now germinated at Wyld Court. Unusually these mangroves are a long way inland, and live in fresh water. En route to La Milpa we also saw Jabiru Storks and a Tayra (a large, weasel-like mammal), as well as several Grey Foxes. La Milpa now has resident White-tailed Deer (including a 'bambi') and a flock of the rare Ocellated Turkeys.
But the highlight of the trip (for me) while driving through the Yalbac Hills to the south of the PFB lands, along churned up logging trails, was the sight of a trail of fresh Jaguar footprints. Our team all saw, first hand, that the money raised by organisations such as the World Land Trust and others - including the Massachusetts Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy - really does have a beneficial and dramatic effect on the future of the world's forest.
Driving around the lands which surround those managed by PFB, we were able to see only too clearly the fate of land owned by the Mennonite farmers. First it is logged, then all the smaller trees are dragged down with huge chains, heaped in piles and burned. Then within 6 months the soil will be attempting to sustain crops. It was depressing to see the destruction, but it hardened my resolve to do more to protect this valuable country. If more forest came on the market could we hope that our frieds would rise to the call for support and help save this sad and over-exploited habitat as before ?
Belize is remarkably disease free - considering that it was once full of yellow fever and other virulent tropical diseases. But on one excursion I forgot to cover my ankles with insect repellent and 'jiggers' - rather nasty small mites - got in through my socks and I itched for nearly two weeks !. But it was a small price to pay for a wonderful, though all too brief visit.
Wyld Court Rainforest the Trust's tropical forest near Newbury, Berkshire is a blaze of colour at all times of the year. Bright purple, white and blue orchids are a blaze of colour alongside massive, brilliant green leaves, spiky seed pods, airplants and bromeliads. Set within the swampy, humid temperatures of a tropical forest, with occasional dramtic swirls of mist, visitors to Wyld Court experience the look and feel of the real thing.
Wyld Court is particularly renowned for its lily pool, which has a magnificent selection, including Victoria amazonica, Giant Water Lily. This enormous lily, found only in the Amazon Basin of Brazil, was first discovered by Europeans in 1801, and first flowered in this country in 1849. The seeds, the size of a pea, are germinated in February and planted out in the pool during May. Within six to eight weeks the surface of the pool is covered by its huge leaves, and at its peak, it can grow at a rate of 2.5 cm (1 inch) a day. The largest leaf to grow at Wyld Court was 2.5 m (8' 2") across.
The white flowers measure up to 45 cm (18 inch) across and open in the
afternoon. They are heavily scented and in the wild, attract beetles,
which become trapped as the flower closes in the evening. At night the
flower changes colour to pink. It re-opens in the morning releasing the
pollen covered beetles who go off in search of another newly opened
white flower in which to deposit their pollen.
The plant produces a number of seeds, which, in the wild, are collected by
local people, who grind it into a flour called "Water Maize"
The lilies at Wyld Court are at their best from mid-June to mid-November.
Pitcher plants - so called because they collect a fluid which contains insecticide and enzymes, creating a mulch of insects which fall into them. This carnivorous plant has a base of Nepenthal, widely used as a local anaesthetic although in his book, The Enchanted Canopy Andrew Mitchell reports that thirsty trekkers have been known to drain of the insects and drink the fluid without mishap !
Although Wyld Court is first and foremost a botanical collection, we also have a small number of rainforest birds and other animals. You can see the tiny Arrow-poison Frogs, a Horned Toad, Green Iguanas, Ringed Teal and an enchanting pair of Goeldi's Marmosets. Listed on Appendix 1 of the 'Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora & Fauna' the Marmosets inhabit Central and northern parts of South America. They are very rare throughout their small range as a result of the slash-and-burn agriculture which has destroyed much of their habitat - particularly in parts of Columbia. However, they are now being successfully bred in captivity and ours are on loan from Shaldon Wildlife Park and London Zoo. It is thought that the female might be pregnant.
For the past nine years support has been accumulating for a growing acreage of rainforest in Belize. This has been achieved with the wonderful generousity of many of our readers. Today Programme for Belize owns over 240,000 acres which represents nearly 5% of the country and forms part of the largest single contiguous protected area in the whole of Central America.
This is a major success story. Trees do not have quite the same emotive pull as whales, seals or elephants yet recognition of the need to protect forest areas is now well accepted by all reasonably minded people.
The trouble is that there are still too many people who are not reasonably minded or who, because of their circumstances, are tempted by financial rewards of the world timber market and replacing rain forest with orchards or pastures. In most caes this simply destroys the ecosystem with no long-term and financially viable alternative after the timber has been sold off.
All around PFB land are large areas of devastation and fields or pastures replacing the towering forests.
As a result, the World Land Trust, together with PFB and others is keen to demonstrate a refreshing viable new approach to forest management. The aim is to re-establish and conserve rainforest whilst acknowledging the practicality and importance of selective harvesting of certain trees in order to protect others as well as maintain habitats which will support the wide diversity of the dependent wildlife.
To achieve this, a comprehensive study of the flora and fauna from the forest floor to the highest part of the canopy must be undertaken.
Already a team of 14 PFB staff are recording the species distribution of the tree population with all established habitat, rare or important seed producing tress being identified and mapped.
Of all the land managed by PFB only 18% has been designated as suitable for selective harvesting - the remainder (including land bought through public subscription) is designated an important, protected conservation area where any tree harvest would be inappropriate.
The aim, therefore, is to selectively harvest in certain areas without creating an adverse impact on the surroundings. Historically, man has always played a part in the forest life cycle. WIth primitive tools, trees have been cut down to suit the needs of village life. The elements too have>
For the wildlife to thrive, the forest needs to combine dense tree populations with naturally created clearings.
Ironically, to satisfy the needs of conservation, there is thus a strong argument for the harvest of slected trees in the quest to protect the forest. Following 2 years of research funded by the European Union, PFB has identified areas where one or two trees per hectare can be removed over a forty year cycle which, in turn, will create space and light at the forest floor to support the non tree dwelling wildlife population and new plants.
To timber traders this may not be as lucrative as wholsale destruction of the forest but it has the advantage of regular, enduring turnover. Already the Belizian timber merchants are looking at PFB to provide the only permanent (if modest) supply of hard wood in the long term.
PFB is internationally respected for this work with recognition from the Forest Stewardship Council, the Rainforest Alliance in the USA and the Soil Association in the UK.
The support given to the WLT and PFB is saving actual acres of forest
- not just the concept and propaganda. The support of the Belize government
and work in co-operation with local authorities and international research
organisations are a clear indication that this is not simply a 'green'
colonialism but a carefully worked out strategy by the custodians of the
forest to ensure future sustainability and viability.
The Forest Stewardship Council, an international body supported
by environmental groups throughout the world, has devised a system for
endorsing and certificating those forests which have reached acceptable
managements standards. Timber produced from certificated forest can
now carry the FSC logo (shown here). All PFB timber carries this
logo as does timber from the TUVA Foundation in Costa Rica.
A three-month moratorium on logging on the Osa Penisula has been announced.
Rainforest Action Costa Rica is the WLT's much praised initiative which
works with the locally based TUVA Foundation on the Osa Peninsula. Like
all the World Land Trust's initiatives, one of the key objectives is to
involve the local population in developing work opportunities while also
protecting the very unique plant and wildlife.
The Fallen Trees project, which extracts some of the trees culled by nature (usually as a result of high winds,) is an innovative approach to developing this relationship. As has been reported previously, this project has been operating for the past 18 months but more recently a breeding centre for water buffalo has been set up so that these animals can be used to transport the timber in a cost effective and least damaging way.
However in order to assess the situation and develop a plan for the future, on 21st August, the Costa Rican governement imposed a 3-month moratorium on all logging operations. In recognition, the ban does not apply to the Fallen Tree Project.
Because the TUVA project does not involve the felling of trees, it has been recognised by the Costa Rican government as a practical and non threatening approach to harvesting which benefits the local community.
The ban is an effective deterrent which will not be difficult to enforce. There is only one road from the Peninsula and violators will face a heavy fine and 4 years in prison.
During the moratorium, forestry and conservation agencies will prepare a report on future prospects of the Osa Peninsula and, in particular, they will assess the methods used by the TUVA Foundation to see if they can be developed across the region.
This is a great victory for Manuel Alonso and his group of Costa Rican
land owners, recognising their pioneering work in conservation with
agencies such as the TUVA Foundation and the WLT. This recognition
places the World Land Trust among the world leaders in this field.
I n Japan, the students of Hosei University are getting top marks in the international environment arena, and have pledged their full support to help save Danjugan Island.In appreciation, the WLT can do no better than reproduce this recent extract from the The Japan Times, written by Environmental Columnist Stephen Hesse.
" As the fight to save Isahaya Bay from reclaimation continues, the bay's name is gaining international notoriety. In Japan and abroad Isahaya is rapidly becoming synonymous with the Japanese government's failure to grasp " the sustainable thing ". Thankfully the younger generations are getting into it. Rintaro Ishida and Mayuko Iwakiri are two such young people, and they are frustrated by their elders' myopia. Both are students at Hosei University in Hachioji, Tokyo and both are majoring in international society in the sociology department. Together with their fellow students they are working to help the World Land Trust save an unique island ecosystem.The Island is Danjugan, located in the Sulu sea. The students quest began in May 1996 when their English teacher, Hugh Paxton, explained that money was needed to help purchase the island. He suggested they collect phone cards as a means of saving money. Using the WLT video about the island they began fundraising and by February this year (97), the students got serious and created a university club taking the name Hosei Island Trust (HIT). Today HIT has 40 active members. They had already collected 9,000 phone cards (worth 72,000 yen, approx £ 275), and were able to send a donation for their first 11 shares. In June they raised enough for another 18 shares through a charity party, and an appeal in Mainichi newspaper raised enough for a further 38 shares. Fresh ideas for more events are coming thick and fast.
For these students HIT is an opportunity to use English while working with foreign NGOs and a chance to enjoy social activities with other students. Ishida wants to know more about the world beyond university and make a positive contribution to society. Already he has learned a valuable lesson. " I thought it was too difficult to do something because an individual is powerless, " he explained. " Now I realise that if individuals organize, change is possible".
He is also learning that not everyone supports conservation efforts. HIT wanted to put a fundraising box in the university co-op, but staff refused because proceeds were not directly funding people. The students were amazed. As Iwakiri explained, " To protect the environment is to protect people, but many people still don't understand. "
At WLT, however, this knowledge is key. The success of the sanctuary around Danjugan depends on the co-operation of local fishermen, and it is essential to prove to them that marine sanctuaries act as fish nurseries and provide tangible benefits.
And Danjugan is just the start, Ishida noted. The groups working to protect the island hope the project will promote greater environmental awareness on neighbouring islands as well, leading to the preservation of further forests, reefs and countless species of plants and animals.
University students may take a bad rap in Japan these days, but these two could teach their politicians a thing or two about sustainable development. "
HIT would love to hear from other college and school groups. Their
email address is hit@sannet.ne.jp
Their home page is at
http://www.sannet.nejp/userpage/hit/
Birdlife International's magazine World Birdwatch (Sept 97) features "The Philippines Paradise in Peril"e. With 86 threatened species, including 75 endemics, this makes it one of the world's most important regions. Work is currently in hand to produce an Asian Bird Red Data Book and the UK's Darwin Initiative (funded by the Dept of Environment), is funding a project to identify Key Sites for the Conservation of Philippine Birds.
Further information from Birdlife International:
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 277318
Email:birdlife@birdlife.org.uk
Web Site: (South African branch)
Email: http://www.birdlife.org.za/index.html
Also available: Rainforest Action Costa Rica wall chart.
They cost £1.50 each, £2.50 per pair (inclusive of P&P) or free if you are fundraising for WLT.
During the past few months the World Land Trust has been assisting Stephen Knapp develop the Serra do Mar Reserva Ecologica , in Brazil and all his hard work is beginning to bear fruit. The British Airways Assisting Conservation scheme has helped by providing free transatlantic flights, and the Bromley Trust made a generous donation to the project.
The project area is exceptionally rich in wildlife with 386 documented species of birds, including over 100 which are endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest. Thirty four of these species are listed as 'threatened' in the Red Data Book, including the Rio de Janerio Antwren, Myrmotherula fluminensis, hitherto only known to science from a single specimem.
The mammals show a similar pattern of diversity - 34 species having been recorded to date, including 5 species of cat ranging from the mighty Jaguar to the tiny Oncilla. Also, recently discovered is a small population of Woolly Spider Monkeys which are regarded by many to be the world's rarest primate.
Just before setting off for Brazil in September, Stephen Knapp finished work on a Master Plan for the Reserve - a comprehensive review of all that exists with a detailed conservation and development plan for the entire area. In addition, he has produced an eight page summary of these proposals aimed at potenital sponsors. The project needs to raise $196,130 (or £130,000 ) in the first year, but by year 4 it is expected that the operation will start to make a small profit from its new tourism facilities.
In his forward to the Master Plan, Professor Sir Ghillean Prance, FRS,
Director of the Royal Botaninc Garden, Kew
and well known for his extensive knowledge of the South America flora,
urges readers to
... help us to raise the funds in order to preserve permanently this most valuable 5,885 hectares of Mata Atlantica. Fortunately, when this is done, it will not be an isolated patch because of the contiguous forest on either side and this will make a significant contribution to part of the Serra dos Orgaos centre of endemism.
In addition to the main project other, smaller ones, have been identified which include restoring 6 acres of wetland aimed at increasing numbers of Broad-snouted Caiman (alligator family) for a cost of just $2,500 (£1,750). Another low cost project is the construction of three Research Shelters to provide facilities for researches to carry out long term monitoring and other studies. The budget for this is $1,500 (£1,000)
If any of our readers, or their companies , would like to support the Serra do Mar Reserva Ecologica please do write to us at the WLT, for a copy of Stephen's information leaflet. See the WLT homepage for our address.
I t is over a year now since Jo Mew contacted the WLT with a project designed to prevent the clearence of Ecuador's forest for development. After meetings with WLT staff she was encouraged to assist local conservationist Luis Valencia to establish an NGO in Ecuador aimed at working with local groups. Already notable success has been achieved on a shoe-string budget. A very imaginative conservation base has been built using only discarded waste timber. The project now wants to buy surrounding forest land, which is being cleared. Sadly, funds are lacking but the NGO is busy looking for support to raise £50,000 - enough to secure a suitable area upon which to demonstrate to the local peoples that forests can be managed sustainably.The WLT is happy to direct any earmarked donations to Ecuador.
In July this year Jo Clarkson of Trips Worldwide invited children from the Belize Childcare Centre to spend a weekend in Caye Caulker. Some had never visited the Caribbean islands which are scattered on the world's second largest coral reef running along the Belize coastline. They swam in the sea and explored the island. Such freedom is rare in their lives in Belize City. Also, they experienced the natural wonders that attract tourists to these islands.
Last year they took the children to PFBs La Milpa Field Station which they really enjoyed. Hopefully this can become an annual event. " I would like to take them there every year. It's a great way for us to enthuse the children about wildlife while giving something back to the country", says Jo Clarkson director of Trips Worldwide.
Trips Worldwide also sponsored a buffalo to collect fallen timber on the Osa Peninsula, (see Rainforest Action Costa Rica ). Named Boris he is just one of the many buffalos needing a sponsor, so local people can prove that collecting fallen timber is more economical than using a chainsaw.
Trips Worldwide take their environmental policy very seriously and aim to use locally-owned hotels and modes of transport, use local products and facilities, work with local suppliers, conservation groups and indigenous communities to support the immediate economy and reduce the damaging effects of tourist activity. They also promote understanding and respect of wildlife, the environment and local cultures to staff and clients.
Trips Worldwide are the Central American holiday experts, catering for special interests, including diving, bird watching, archaeology and trekking. All the staff have extensive knowledge of the places they sell and have their own particular specialist areas. At Trips Worldwide, holidays are tailor-made to respect each client's needs and are put together with knowledge and imagination.
Call Trips Worldwide for a brochure on 0117-987-2626 or see their web-site at http://www.trips.demon.co.uk/
Furthering its policy to promote conservation initiatives in Belize, the World Land Trust was pleased to be asked by Belize Audubon Society (BAS) to help implement European Commission funded activities. The proposal, to promote knowledge and interest in BAS's work outside Belize, was accepted with enthusiasm, and WLT is now supporting the work programme.
While the name "Audubon" suggests birds (after J. J. Audubon the celebrated American bird artist of the late nineteenth century), the society is interested in all aspects of Belize's natural heritage and works closely with local people and organisations to conserve the wildlife and natural resources. Of particular importance is the Society's objective to improve education and public awareness of the value of conservation. It also plays a major role in the management of Belize's protected areas.
Since 1984 a major thrust of the BAS has been the management of several protected areas established under the National Parks Act of 1981. At the request of the Government of Belize BAS has been instrumental in the financing, development and operation of Belize's National Parks which provide visitors with a wonderful opportunity to view wildlife and habitats. The entrance fees to visit the parks are very modest and these go directly to funding the work of Belize Audubon Society.
In addition it looks after two areas reserved for scientific research only: Bladen Nature Reserve which provides a safe breeding habitat for large populations of endangered species vulnerable to human disturbance, and Tapir Mountain which is set aside for tropical research and preservation of genetic resources.
BAS also looks after seven small mangrove cayes which are recognised bird sanctuaries. These cayes are nesting rookeries for Wood Storks, Great and Cattle Egrets, Reddish Egrets, Boast-billed and Tricoloured Herons, and White Ibis, as well as Magnificent Frigatebirds, Anhingas and many other spectacular species.
On 15th September 1997, the Belize Audubon Society and the British High Commission inaugurated a new interpretive boardwalk for the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (CTWS), Situated north of the village of Crooked Tree, the boardwalk itself, the first of its kind in the entire country of Belize, extends for some three quarters of a mile through the lush lowland tropical forest of this area alongside the beautiful Crooked Tree Lagoon.
The boardwalk is accessible by small boats during the rainy season, and by vehicular traffic at other times of the year. This facility will provide a valuable tool for the Belize Audubon Society's Environment Education Programme, and for the park wardens to patrol and monitor the area. The boardwalk will also provide an additional facility for the tourists, and as a means to generate income for this community and the park.
A 20-foot high observation tower at the northern-most end of the boardwalk overlooking an extensive wetland area, provides an excellent opportunity for watching foraging and wading waterbirds.
The boardwalk will be developed as a self-interpretive trail with numbered stops, and with accompanying interpretive information about the Wetlands area.
The boardwalk was built through the kind volunteering efforts of Raleigh
International, CTWS park personnel and locals from the Crooked Tree Village.
Funding was provided by the British High Commission.