UNESCO Project Document

1. Project Title:

Sustainable Management of Marginal Drylands (SUMAMAD) – Phase 2 Project code: 513GLO2017

2. Millennium Development Goal No. 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

Thematic areas: Land degradation; desertification; biodiversity; sustainable development; biosphere reserves; water resources management; agriculture; climate change scenarios; dryland policies; poverty alleviation.

3. Target Regions:

Inter-regional: Africa, Arab States, Asia, Latin America, Europe. The project involves scientists from the following countries: Belgium, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, China, Egypt, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Jordan, Pakistan, Syria, Tunisia, Uzbekistan

4. Collaborating Agencies (Core Management Group): • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with its

Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme; • The United Nations University International Network on Water, Environment and Health

(UNU-INWEH); • Flemish Government of Belgium.

5. Partner research institutions:

Belgium: University of Ghent and K.U. Leuven University. Bolivia: Universidad Mayor de San Andres, La Paz. Burkina Faso: National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST) and MAB National Committee. China: Institute of Botany at the Chinese Academy of Sciences with MAB National Committee; and Desert Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou.

Egypt: University of Alexandria and Omayed Biosphere Reserve. India Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI).

I.R. Iran: Research Society for Sustainable Rehabilitation of Drylands (REaSSURED), in collaboration with Fars Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources (FRCANR).

Jordan: Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). Pakistan: Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR). Syria: Natural Resources Research Administration (NRRA). Tunisia: Institut des Régions Arides de Médenine (IRA). Uzbekistan: Samarkand State University.

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6. Implementing Agency:

UNESCO-MAB Programme, in collaboration with UNU-INWEH

7. Expected project duration (and starting date): Five years (2009 – 2013)

8. Estimated total project budget: US$ 8,608,500 - of which: (a) Flemish Government of Belgium: US$ 1,480,050

(b) Counterpart contributions by project sites (SUMAMAD Member States): US$ 7,048,450 (c) UNESCO-MAB: US$ 40,000 (d) UNU-INWEH: US$ 40,000 Other potential funding agencies:

(e) Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA): (amount to be determined) (f) King Fahd University – Science and capacity building Fund: (amount to be determined)

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total % Flanders 330,000 323,730 323,730 323,730 178,860 1,480,050 17.20UNESCO 8,000 8,000 8,000 8,000 8,000 40,000 0.46UNU-INWEH

8,000 8,000 8,000 8,000 8,000 40,000 0.46

Others SUMAMAD Member States

563,030 1,658,155 1,613,755 1,602,755 1,610,755 7,048,450 81.88

9. Funding requested from the Flemish Government of Belgium: US$ 1,480,050 (including 10% overhead costs) 10. Brief project description: In the light of the Rio Conventions, and in particular the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the project aims at enhancing the sustainable management and conservation of marginal drylands in Africa, Arab States, Asia and Latin America. Drylands are particularly vulnerable due to climatic and human pressures, yet they constitute some of the world’s largest land reserves in terms of space and natural resources. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) highlighted the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in drylands through wise practices that both respect the conservation of the environment, and provide improved and alternative livelihoods for dryland populations. The first phase of the SUMAMAD project (2003-7) developed a harmonised methodological approach for investigation of conditions at selected study sites through socio-economic surveys to identify people’s adaptation and traditional knowledge in coping with adverse dryland conditions. A suite of sustainable management approaches were identified and tested within the study sites through a range of testing methods.

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The second phase of the project (2009-2013) will focus on building the capacity of dryland researchers to transfer their scientific findings for use in policy-level decision-making through the development of evaluation approaches fostering sustainable land and water management. As recommended by the Tunis Declaration (2006), future scenario development and economic evaluation of ecosystem services will be key tools for such assessments. These tools will be explored through a participatory approach, involving local communities (landowners, farmers and other stakeholders). Analysis of current and on-going community-level strategies for coping with changing dryland conditions, also in the context of global (including climate) change, will be an essential element of these evaluations. Explanatory Note: This project document has been prepared by UNESCO for a funding request of US$ 1,480,050 to be proposed to the Flemish Government of Belgium so as to conclude a funds-in-trust agreement between the Flemish Government of Belgium and UNESCO within the overall framework of the Flanders-UNESCO Science Trust Fund (FUST) agreement. The financial support provided by the Flemish Government of Belgium would benefit nine project sites/research teams within the SUMAMAD context. Apart from on-site field studies, the SUMAMAD Project is also a network of scientific expertise on sustainable dryland management allowing scientists from different countries to share and exchange their research results. For reasons of completeness, this project outline comprises a total of twelve study sites in eleven countries (with two sites in China) which are described in detail in the Annexes attached to the project document. The team leaders of the twelve study sites have stated their interest to work together on reaching the same objectives stipulated in the project document and to apply the same methodology in an inter-regional comparative approach encompassing Africa, Asia, Arab States and Latin America, regardless whether they will receive funding from this funds-in-trust agreement concluded between the Flemish Government of Belgium and UNESCO, or whether they would receive funding through other channels and donor agencies. Prior to the inception of the second phase of the SUMAMAD project, a selection process has been conducted among specialists from UNESCO, UNU-INWEH and Flanders (Belgium) which identified nine case studies that would receive funding from the Flemish Government through this project. These countries are: Bolivia, Burkina Faso, China (Hunshandake Sandland site), Egypt, India, I.R. Iran, Jordan, Pakistan and Tunisia. The other countries (China-Heihe River Basin), Syria and Uzbekistan will be associated to the SUMAMAD Phase 2 Project in a network manner. Representatives of the study sites in these countries will be invited to attend the annual SUMAMAD project review meetings and will conduct their research activities through funding deriving from their own or other funding sources (such as possibly from CIDA etc.). The involvement of Belgian scientists and training opportunities for researchers from developing countries at Belgian universities, such as University of Ghent and K.U. Leuven University, express the dual thrust of the project promoting south-south cooperation, as well as south-north-south cooperation.

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UNESCO Project Document Table of Contents 1. Project Description and Objectives ………………………………………… 5 2. Previous Work ……………………………………………………………… 6 2.1 Baseline Situation ….. ……………………………………………………… 8 2.2 Policy-relevant Work and Training ………………………………………… 8 3. Outline of Activities …………..………………………………………….…. 10 3.1 Research and Outreach Activities at Participating Study Sites ……………… 10 3.2 Capacity-building and Exchanges between Study Sites …………………….. 11 4. Expected Outcomes and Outputs …………………………………………….. 12 5. Composition of Research Teams and Team Leaders ….………………….…. 12 6. Project Implementation ………………………………………………………. 18 6.1 Project Implementation Arrangements …………………………….……..…... 18 6.2 Project Implementation Plan ……………………………………………..…… 19 6.3 Time Frame for Implementation ………………………………………………. 21 7. Project Budget …………………………………………………….…………… 22 Annexes Annex 1: Bolivia – Bolivian Highlands Annex 2: Burkina Faso – Mare aux hippopotames Biosphere Reserve Annex 3: China – Hunshandake Sandlands Annex 4: China – Heihe River Basin Annex 5: Egypt – Omayed Biosphere Reserve Annex 6: India – Arid western plain zone, Thar Desert Annex 7: Islamic Republic of Iran –Gareh Bygone Plain Annex 8: Jordan – Dana Biosphere Reserve Annex 9: Pakistan – Lal Suhanra Biosphere Reserve, Cholistan Desert Annex 10: Syria – Khanasser Valley Annex 11: Tunisia – Zeuss-Koutine Watershed Annex 12: Uzbekistan – Karnab Chul Annex 13: Project Budget (for contribution to be provided by the Flemish Government of

Belgium through UNESCO)

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1. Project Description and Objectives In the light of the Rio Conventions, and in particular the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the project aims at enhancing the sustainable management and conservation of marginal drylands in Africa, Arab States, Asia and Latin America. Drylands are particularly vulnerable due to climate change and human pressures, yet they constitute some of the world’s largest land reserves in terms of space and natural resources. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) highlighted the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in drylands through wise practices that both respect the conservation of the environment, and provide improved and alternative livelihoods for dryland populations. The project "Sustainable Management of Marginal Drylands (SUMAMAD)" addressed many of the above-mentioned issues during its first phase (2003 - 2007; with substantial funding provided by the Flemish Government of Belgium, and counterpart contributions received by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, UNESCO and UNU-INWEH). It developed a harmonized methodological approach for investigation of conditions at selected study sites through ecological and socio-economic surveys to identify environmental constraints and people’s adaptation and traditional knowledge in coping with adverse dryland conditions. A suite of sustainable management approaches were identified and tested within the study sites through a range of testing methods. As its overall objective, the second phase of the project (2009 - 2013) will focus on building the capacity of dryland researchers to transfer their scientific findings for use both by local communities and for policy-level decision-making. As had been discussed and agreed upon at earlier international SUMAMAD project workshops (Aleppo, Syria, November 2006, and Xilinhot City, China, September 2007) during the project’s first phase, and in particular at the International SUMAMAD Planning Workshop for a Second Phase (Amman, Jordan, June 2008), overall project activities for the project's second phase will be streamlined to facilitate comparative approaches among the participating project sites. Accordingly, the following objectives and themes will be addressed by all project sites:

(1) Fostering scientific drylands research: • Improvement of dryland agriculture (crop and livestock production) through the

sustainable use of natural resources focusing on sustainable water conservation and harvesting practices;

• Restoration and rehabilitation of degraded drylands focusing on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural biotic resources.

. (2) Preparation of policy-relevant guidelines for decision-makers in drylands:

• Developing scenarios for land-use changes (also in the context of climate change) including the assessment of trade-offs and economic valuation of dryland services;

• Interfacing with relevant policy-formulation institutions and processes in the respective countries.

(3) Promoting sustainable livelihoods in drylands:

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• Encouraging alternative income-generating activities - diversification of economic options, such as ecotourism, handicraft production, forages, medicinals, dietary diversification, in order to reduce dependencies on traditional dryland agriculture.

A cross-cutting objective will be to strengthen capacity-building in all study sites through training schemes on environmental research and conservation, study visits among field project partners, and environmental education in formal and non-formal contexts (such as using the UNESCO Teaching Resource Kit for Dryland Countries).. Research activities will identify and pursue evaluation approaches to inform decision-makers on sustainable land and water management practices. As recommended by the Tunis Declaration adopted at the international scientific conference on "The Future of Drylands" (Tunis, June 2006), future scenario development and evaluation of ecosystem services are two key tools for such assessments. These tools will be explored through a participatory, multi-stakeholder process approach, involving landowners, farmers and other stakeholders, with a focus on sustainable and indigenous dryland management practices. Analysis of current and ongoing community-level strategies for coping with dryland conditions will be an essential element of these evaluations. 2. Previous Work During its first phase, the SUMAMAD Project investigated dryland degradation and possible solutions to combat desertification in nine study sites spanning from Northern Africa to Eastern Asia. Research teams from China (with two study sites), Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Jordan, Pakistan, Syria, Tunisia and Uzbekistan and involving the expertise of two Belgian universities, carried out in-depth studies on dryland ecosystems which were coupled with socio-economic analyses with the overall aim to improve livelihood conditions of dryland dwellers. At the onset of the project, a baseline assessment on the environmental characteristics and the socio-economic conditions of the dryland people was conducted at each study site. This enabled the project to observe and to measure progress achieved through the selected implementation activities to improve the sustainable management of the study sites. One of the main objectives of the project was to elucidate soil and water conservation techniques that could be implemented at the various project sites, based on traditionally applied knowledge and enhanced by modern scientific expertise and techniques. As the sustainable management of drylands can only yield results in the long-term by involving local dryland people and meeting their needs for livelihood improvements, team leaders of the various project sites reached out to the local dryland communities: national seminars were conducted on an annual basis at each study site so that interactive feedbacks among the research teams, local people and government officials would lead to the formulation of practical implementation schemes for sustainable dryland management. Although the individual SUMAMAD project sites varied greatly in terms of their environmental, social, economic and political characteristics, many generic lessons and approaches for dealing with dryland challenges came to the fore. Water, or rather the lack of it in drylands, is key for

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any dryland development. Artificial recharge of groundwater, desalinization of saline water, water conservation schemes, and supplying quality water to people, animals and plants were successfully tested in all project sites. Moreover, soil conservation through enhanced and diversified vegetation covers, the reduction of grazing pressure from livestock, and the rehabilitation of degraded areas through conservation measures proved to be promising intervention schemes throughout the project. Most importantly, it was felt that the diversification of local dryland economies could be a key contribution to ensuring food security, health and economic well-being, as well as to environmental conservation at large. At each SUMAMAD project site, various new income-generating activities for local communities were tested, based on their perceived needs and aspirations. Some activities were quite novel to dryland people, such as the establishment of saline fish ponds in Cholistan Desert, Pakistan, or chicken farming in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, China, but they met with considerable interest and are promising for replication elsewhere. Other income generating activities in drylands focused on promoting eco-tourism, coupled with handicraft production and marketing techniques involving women's cooperatives in Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia and Uzbekistan. Diversifying agricultural production, improving rangeland techniques and conserving valuable water resources as was practiced by project teams in Syria, Uzbekistan and Iran testified to innovative modalities in ensuring sustainable dryland management. The SUMAMAD project started with a scoping workshop in Egypt in 2002. Subsequent international workshop have been held on an annual and rotational basis in Iran, Tunisia, Pakistan, Syria and China so that the team leaders of each sub-project could gain first-hand information on dryland management schemes as practiced in each participating country and exchange scientific information thereon. The workshop proceedings have been published by UNESCO and have been widely diffused, including over the Intenet. In some cases, students were given study and practical field research opportunities at universities in Belgium and on SUMAMAD project sites. The project was implemented by UNESCO, within the framework of its Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, and in close collaboration with the United Nations University's International Network on Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), and the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). The three partners as well as the Chinese Academy of Sciences provided considerable human and financial resources for the project. The main funding for project activities was provided by the Flemish Government of Belgium through a funds-in-trust agreement with UNESCO amounting to US$ 800,000 over a period of 4 years (2004 to 2007). Scientists from Belgian universities also provided invaluable scientific expertise for the SUMAMAD project. Thanks to additional funding provided by the Government of Belgium, SUMAMAD scientists were given the opportunity to present their research results at various international events related to the 2006 United Nations International Year of Deserts and Desertification, such as at the UNESCO scientific conference "The Future of Drylands" (Tunis, June 2006) and the UNU-INWEH organized policy-oriented conference "Desertification and the International Policy Imperative" (Algiers, December 2006).

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2.1 Baseline Situation At the onset of the project, a baseline assessment of conditions at the participating dryland sites has already been developed by SUMAMAD research teams during the first year of the first project phase. This baseline assessment included an overview of applicable dryland management approaches to improve the conservation of soil and water resources. These approaches are site specific, and vary amongst participating sites. In each case, 1-2 activities for alternative income generation (activities that enable income generation without increasing pressure on natural resources) have been identified. These dryland management approaches and income generating activities for dryland people at site level have been studied and supported during the first SUMAMAD Project phase, and can be summarized as in Table 1 below: Table 1: First Phase SUMAMAD dryland management approaches and income generating activities

2.2 Policy-relevant Work and Training During the later years of the first phase of the SUMAMAD Project, research teams have started to work out guidelines for sustainable dryland management which target decision-makers in an

Site Dryland management approaches Income generating activities China-1 (Hunshandake Sandland)

Monitoring of biomass production and promotion of natural restoration of grasslands

Ecotourism, forage production , chicken farming and tofu products

China-2 (Heihe River Basin)

Monitoring of Heihe River Basin dynamics Diversification of crops to reduce threats imposed by market fluctuations

Egypt Ecological management scenarios for seasonal rangeland uses and supply of freshwater using solar energy

Fruit drying, provision of sewing machines for women

Iran Artificial recharge of groundwater and aquifer management

Apiculture, ecolabelling of honey, fish farming

Jordan Environmental conservation, control of soil erosion and supply of freshwater

Olive oil soap production, organic gardening

Pakistan Use of saline groundwater for fish farming and irrigation

Vegetable gardening, fish farming

Syria Nutrient management (manure) on farms and in home gardens and rotational cropping systems

Vegetable gardening

Tunisia Water recharge and harvesting and soil stabilization

Ecotourism and handicraft production

Uzbekistan Rehabilitation of degraded rangeland through replanting native species and regulation of grazing

High value hot-house plant production, handicraft production

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upstream approach, as well as local dryland people to assist them with appropriate management techniques. Several training schemes have been also initiated addressed to local communities as well as scientists participating in the SUMAMAD Project. These activities are reflected in Table 2 below: Table 2: SUMAMAD training and policy-relevant work initiated

Site Policy-relevant work initiated Training China-1 (Hunshandake Sandland)

Several national and international newspapers, TV stations and journals (including 'Science') reported on project results on natural vegetation regrowth of project site. Rethinking of government policy concerning sand dune fixation (using grass rather than trees)

Training of 15 PhD and MSc students on project site involving several universities and Chinese Academy of Sciences. Several national workshops held for local people.

China-2 (Heihe River Basin)

Heihe River Basin integrated approach to be applied in other river basins of China

On-going training, research and demonstration at study sites involving students and farmers.

Egypt Thanks to project, solar desalinization pilot project now integrated in national plan and nationally manufactured. Outreach to local NGOs and private sector. Project and results showcased in the ArabMAB Network.

Training of students in Belgium, Univ. of Alexandria and at UNU; several national seminars for local people, production of documentary film

Iran Experience on artificial groundwater recharge shared at the international level with scientists undertaking similar work

3 PhD students, 5 MSc students and several technicians trained

Jordan Formulation of water/biodiversity conservation management plan. Project helped to showcase Dana BR using an integrated management approach.

Several national workshops organized, such as on vegetation sampling, environmental awareness raising and preparation of management plans.

Pakistan Classification of soil/vegetation covers in study area to determine extent of land degradation. Formulation of guidelines for saline fish farming

Several national workshops held for local communities on vegetable and fish farming

Syria Elaboration of policy guidelines is one of the main mandates of ICARDA and GCSAR , and was also practiced in the SUMAMAD Project.

Training of MSc student with study on manure application, training of Ministry of Agriculture engineers, demonstration workshops for farmers and teachers.

Tunisia Project related activities feed into Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment, inter alia to develop national action plans in the context of UNCCD.

Training of local NGOs on marketing opportunities; studies at Ghent University

Uzbekistan Cooperation with farmers on agricultural and pastoral management initiated, CD on sustainable management in preparation

Training to local NGOs on pastoral management and marketing opportunities; studies at Univ. of Leuven

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3. Outline of Activities 3.1 Research and Outreach Activities at Participating Study Sites Under the 2009-2013 phase of the project, research teams will undertake the following activities in order to meet the objectives outlined in Section 1 above:

1. Improving dryland agriculture (livestock/crop production) with a view to using natural resources in a sustainable manner focusing on sustainable water conservation and harvesting practices (Years 1 to 4).

2. Restoring or rehabilitating degraded drylands focusing on biodiversity conservation

and the sustainable use of natural biotic resources (Years 1 to 5). 3. Development of dryland land-use and management scenarios at each site to inform

policy-makers and local communities on available management and adaptations approaches in the context of global (including climate) change. These scenarios will include identified alternative income-generation activities for dryland communities and measures for natural resources and biodiversity conservation (Years 2 to 5).

4. Provision of support to alternative income-generating activities in drylands in order to

diversify economic options and to improve sustainable livelihoods of local communities. These activities will be highly site-specific depending on local and national market opportunities and may include ecotourism, handicraft production, cultivation of medicinals, or introducing new dietary products (Years 1 to 5).

5. Outreaching to policy-makers and local communities through the preparation of

scenarios using community-participatory approaches at site level, and evaluation of relative merits according to local and national priorities. Each site will organize at least one national workshop per year with the participation of the project scientists, local communities and decision-makers in order to have constant dialogues among the research teams and the dryland populations (Years 1 to Year 5).

6. Preparation of two-interrelated publications. The first one will be an overall and

scientific analysis report based on the sustainable management of dryland agriculture, restoration/rehabilitation activities and scenario development. This publication will summarize and systematically synthesize the project results since the inception of SUMAMAD, and will also provide quantified information about the cost-benefit analysis of the selected approaches derived from a common evaluation and indicator framework. The second publication will be policy and outreach oriented stipulating relevant policy recommendations to decision-makers and local communities in an easy to understand diction (Year 5).

Although the management approaches and income generation opportunities already identified within the first phase of the SUMAMAD project vary, the evaluation approaches will be generic

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– focusing on economic evaluation of ecosystem services and livelihood benefits in a coordinated manner to enable comparison between options for each site, as well as to facilitate comparison between sites and their available management options. The harmonized framework will provide the basis for synthesizing best practices and drawing general lessons based on the successes (and shortcomings) of 10 years of project implementation. 

Research will be conducted using a participatory approach involving local communities to determine their livelihood needs and likely coping strategies in the context of global and climate change, under these scenarios. Local coordination and outreach at participating study site will continue to include national multi-stakeholder seminars, organized by the team leaders on an annual basis. The profile of the national seminars will be systematically raised during the second phase of the project, to improve engagement and participation by policy-makers. During the first international workshop of the new project phase, the team leaders and management group will develop a strategy for raising the profile of national seminars.

3.2 Capacity-building and Exchanges between Study Sites In a cross-cutting manner, capacity-building through training schemes on environmental research and conservation, and environmental education in formal and non-formal contexts will be conducted. At the first international SUMAMAD workshop to be held in late 2009, specific study needs and opportunities will be identified for each site. Moreover, under the first phase of the SUMAMAD project, considerable interest in exchanges between project sites was expressed, which will be expanded during the 2009-2013 phase of the project. Capacity-building and information sharing will be implemented as follows:

1. Continued exchange of scientific findings and expertise between study sites through annual international workshops and field trips to the selected research sites; the annual international workshops will be held on a rotational basis in the SUMAMAD countries. The workshop proceedings will be published so as to share findings with dryland experts in other countries.

2. Back-to-back to the international workshops, short training workshops will be

organized for the team leaders, addressing key capacity needs. These will be facilitated through resource persons and training materials, available pertinent networks and initiatives, such as FET-Water.

3. Increased exchange of junior researchers between study sites for training purposes (1

to 3 months). 4. Introduction of environmental education material to local communities at the project

sites using formal and non-formal education mechanisms.

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4. Expected Outcomes and Outputs The activities listed above should lead to the following expected outcomes and outputs: a) Trained personnel for handling data collection and inventory techniques, as well as improved knowledge on proven management technologies, locally available to ensure the long-term sustainable management of marginal drylands. b) A strengthened inter-regional knowledge network, facilitating cooperation between African, Arab, Asian, Latin American and European scientists, policy-makers and biosphere managers in the environmental field. c) A methodology for indicator-based evaluation of integrated dryland management

approaches through the development of management scenarios, which is applicable to other sites and case studies.

d) A project report from each site presenting about 3 illustrative scenarios of trade-offs and

choices for decision-makers and local communities with regard to sustainable land-use and managment, also in the context of global and climate change. These scenarios will include descriptions of local coping/adaptation strategies and resource management priorities.

e) A dryland management analysis publication based on improved dryland agriculture,

restoration/rehabilitation activities and scenario development through participatory research, including a cost-benefit analysis. This publication will serve the benefit of communicating the findings to other on-going projects and may serve as a model for other African, Asian and Latin American efforts to sustainably manage dryland areas.

f) For outreach purposes, an accessible, easy-to-read, brief summary publication for each

project site. This outreach publication shall be targeted at decision-makers and local communities and may contain visual tools for education and communication of appropriate land-use scenarios. It should be prepared in the language of the project site and in English.

g) Manuals / guidelines on different topics such as on marketing, water and land management practices, synthesizing the joint wisdom of all case study sites for the benefit of managers and land users in other dryland countries. 5. Composition of Research Teams and Team Leaders SUMAMAD Research Teams are interdisciplinary, involving expert researchers in environmental and social fields, environmental conservation managers, as well as members of local communities (including NGOs where possible). It is essential that the project teams

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continue to span across disciplines and comprise nationally well-reputed scientists. The full composition of the individual research teams are contained in the site descriptions (see Annexes). During the 2009-2013 phase, each team will consist of a designated Team Leader, and a designated Deputy Team Leader, as well as other team members. This will help to ensure continuity in project activities. In alphabetical order by country, the team leaders and their deputies are as follows: Bolivia: Bolivian Highlands Dr Magali Garcia Cardenas PROYECTO QUINAGUA FACULTAD DE AGRONOMIA UNIVERSIDAD MAYOR DE SAN ANDRES Calle Abdon Saavedra esq. Landaeta La Paz Bolivia Tel/Fax (+591-2) 2491485 E-mail: magalygc1@yahoo.es Deputy: Mr Jorge Cusicanqui Universidad Mayor de San Andrés Instituto de Investigaciones Agroecologicas Av. Landaeta, esq. Abdón Saavedra La Paz Bolivia Tel: (+591-2) 2491485 Fax: (+591-2) 2491485 E-mail: acusican@gmail.com Burkina Faso: Mare aux hippopotames Biosphere Reserve Team Leader: Dr Jean-Noel Poda Director of Research Assistant Director of IRSS/CNRST Institut de Recherche en Science de la Santé (IRSS) Centre Nationale pour la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CNRST) IRSS / CNRST 03 B.P.7047 Ouagadougou 03 Burkina Faso Tel: (+226) 50 36 32 15 Fax: (+226) 50 36 03 94 Email: podajnl@yahoo.fr Deputy:

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Mme Mamounata Belem Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherche Agricoles (INERA) Centre Nationale pour la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CNRST) IRSS / CNRST 03 B.P.7047 Ouagadougou 03 Burkina Faso Tel: (+226) 50 31 92 07 Fax: (+226) 50 31 50 03 Email: mamounatabelem@hotmail.com or jobeleme@yahoo.fr China-1: Hunshandake Sandland Team leader: Professor Gaoming Jiang Institute of Botany The Chinese Academy of Sciences 20 Nanxincun, Xiangshan 100093 Beijing China Tel: (8610) 62836286 Fax: (8610) 62830843 Email: jianggm@126.com Deputy: Dr Meizhen Liu Institute of Botany The Chinese Academy of Sciences 20 Nanxincun, Xiangshan 100093 Beijing China Tel: (8610) 62836506 Fax: (8610) 62830843 Email: liumzh@ibcas.ac.cn China-2: Heihe River Basin Team Leader: Prof. Wang Tao Cold and Arid Regions Environment and Engineering Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences 320 West Donggang Road Lanzhou Gansu Province P.R.China 730000 Tel: (+86-931) 4967533

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Fax: (+86-931) 8732894 Email: wangtao@lzb.ac.cn Deputy: Dr. Xue Xian E-mail: xianxue@lzb.ac.cn Egypt: Omo Biosphere Reserve Team Leader: Prof. Boshra B. Salem Chair, Department of Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science University of Alexandria 21511 Moharram Bey Alexandria Egypt Tel: (002 01) 01449645 Fax: (002 03) 3911794 E-mail boshra.salem@dr.com Deputy: India: Thar Desert Team leader: Dr. K.P. R. Vittal, Director, Central Arid Zone Research Institute Jodhpur 342 003 India Tel: (+91-291) 2786584 Fax: (+91-291) 2788706 Email : kprvittal@cazri.res.in Deputy: Dr N.L. Joshi E-mail: nljoshi@cazri.res.in or nljoshi@yahoo.com Islamic Republic of Iran: Gareh Bygone Plain: Team leader: Dr Mansour Esfandiari Baiat Executive President Research Society for Sustainable Rehabilitation of Drylands (REaSSURED) P.O. Box 71365-458 Shiraz I.R.Iran

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Tel: (+98711) 7203010; 09171184741 Fax: (+98711) 7205107 E-mail: esfandiari@farsagres.ir Deputy: Dr Mehrdad Mohammadnia Fars Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources (FRCANR) Modarres Blvd., Janbazan Blvd. Beathat Centre P.O. Box 71555-617 Shiraz I.R. Iran Tel: (+98711) 2296091 or 6316506 Fax: (+98711) 7205107 E-mail: mohammadnia@farsagres.ir or mohammadnia40@hotmail.com Jordan: Dana Biosphere Reserve: Mr Ma’en Smadi Dana Biosphere Reserve The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) P.O Box 6354 11183 Amman Jordan Tel: (+962 3) 2270497 / 8 Fax: (+962 3) 2270499 E-mail: management.dana@rscn.org.jo or reserves@rscn.org.jo or adminrscn@rscn.org.jo Tel: (+962 6) 5337931 / 2 Fax: (+962 6) 5357618, 5347411 E-mail: Website: www.rscn.org.jo Deputy: Mr. Mohamad Yousef Director of Conservation The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) P.O Box 6354 11183 Amman Tel: (+962 3) 2270497/8 Fax: (+962 3) 2270499 E-mail: mohamadyousef@rscn.org.jo Deputy at site level: Mr Amer Rfou Dana Reserve Manager

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The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) P.O Box 6354 11183 Amman Tel: (+962 3) 2270497/8 Fax: (+962 3) 2270499 E-mail: management.dana@rscn.org.jo Pakistan: Lal Suhanra Biosphere Reserve/Dingarh Research Station: Team leader: Ch. Muhammad Akram Secretary Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) Khyaban-e-Johar, H-8/1 Islamabad. Pakistan Tel: (+92-051) 9258959 or 9258955 Fax: (+92-51) 9258963 / 64 E-mail: chiefdesert@gmail.com Deputy: Mr. Zamir Ahmed Soomro Director Regional Office Bahawalpur Email: engr_zas@yahoo.com Syria: Khanasser Valley-Jabbul Sabkhah Team leader: Dr Awadis Arslan Director of Natural Resources Research Administration (ANRR) General Commission of Scientific Agricultural Research Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Damascus Syria Tel: (+963-011) 5756012 ; +963-933443354 (mobile) Fax: (+963-011) 57386400 E-mail: diwu@mail.sy ; abarslan@scs-net.org Deputy: Dr. Bader Din Jalab Deputy head of Aleppo Center - GCSAR Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Aleppo Syria Tel: +963- 0947826291 (mobile) E-mail: b.jalab@yahoo.com

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Tunisia: Zeuss-Koutine watershed area Team leader: Dr Mohamed Ouessar Institut des Régions Arides (IRA) 4119 El Fjè – Medenine Tunisia Tel: (+216 75) 633 005 Fax: (+ 216 75) 633 006 E-mail: Med.Ouessar@ira.agrinet.tn Deputy: Dr Houcine Taamallah Tel: (+216 75) 633 005 / 647 Fax: + 216 75 633 006 E-mail: Taamallah.Houcine@ira.rnrt.tn Uzbekistan: Karnab Chul Team leader: Dr. Muhtor Nasyrov Samarkand State University University Boulevard, 15 Samarkand 140104 Uzbekistan Tel: (+998662) 33 54 83 or 35 19 38 Fax: (+998662) 33 54 83 or 35 19 38 E-mail muhtorn@yahoo.com Deputy: Dr.Tolib Mukimov PhD Uzbek Research Institute of Karakul Sheep breeding and Ecology of Deserts M.Ulugbek, 43 Samarkand 140104 Uzbekistan Tel: (+998662) 33 54 83 or 35 19 38 Fax: (+998662) 33 54 83 or 35 19 38 E-mail irossu@samdu.uz 6. Project Implementation 6.1 Project Implementation Arrangements

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Representatives of UNESCO-MAB, UNU-INWEH, the Flemish Government of Belgium (and other donor organizations) will form the Core Management Group for the second phase of the SUMAMAD project, based on complementary mandates and comparative advantage for such cooperation: UNU-INWEH’s strength is based on analytical work and global syntheses as well as capacity-building expertise and experience in indicator-based evaluation methodologies; UNESCO’s strength is based on its intergovernmental scientific Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB) and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves which foster international scientific collaboration. Project funding received by UNESCO from the Flemish Government of Belgium within the framework of the Flanders-UNESCO Science Trust Fund (FUST) will be administered and disbursed by UNESCO, according to the rules and regulations pertaining to UNESCO funds-in-trust projects. Project funding received by UNU-INWEH from other donors will be administered and disbursed by UNU. The core management group will also be responsible for providing overall technical guidance, it will spearhead the development of the common evaluation framework to be used by all case study sites and it will take the lead in synthesizing findings and lessons emerging from cross-site analysis and their dissemination at the international level. 6.2 Project Implementation Plan Management Structure One National Team Leader per project site will be in charge of the on-site project implementation. The Core Management Group, the National Team Leaders and representatives of the funding agencies will form a Steering Committee to monitor the implementation of the overall project. The Steering Committee will meet once a year at the occasion of the international meetings (see below) to review project implementation of the previous year, to approve workplans for the following year, and to provide overall policy guidance within the context of the project. The Steering Committee may invite international dryland specialists, such as from Belgium, to attend the annual Steering Committee meetings so as to provide additional scientific guidance for overall project implementation. They will also be invited to advise on and to provide specific training activities on dryland issues as and when the case arises at the project sites. It is intended to also associate other relevant international organizations with the project which have a mandate in dryland management and combating desertification, such as the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), so as to accomplish multiplier and synergy effects between various dryland-related organizations. As has already been stipulated in the first phase of the SUMAMAD project, the project will not create an entirely new technical/logistical infrastructure for project implementation, but will draw instead upon existing human and technical resources needed for the execution of the project. In this light, the project is intended to complement on-going activities at the field projects’ level. Each field project site will provide complementary financial, human and other in-kind resources which are indicated in the site descriptions (see Annexes).

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Role of the Team Leader The team leaders of the various sub-projects are in charge of preparing annual workplans for their field projects which will include: a brief description of the specific situation of their study site in terms of dryland marginality and land degradation; objectives; activities involved in addressing the problem and their expected results; the methodology to be applied; and a funding request to obtain funding from the overall project budget. Each study site will receive the same amount of funding throughout project implementation. Project activities will be primarily implemented through contractual arrangements with the team leaders of the participating field projects. Funds will be used to cover the national team leaders' additional expenditures for conducting field surveys, data collection, exploring approaches to promote income-generating activities, and organizing national seminars. During the first four years of project implementation (2009 to 2012), an amount of US$ 20,000/year will be provided to each team leader of a field project site, for a total of nine field project sites (see budget in Annex 13, budget line 21). Of this amount, the team leader can use about US$ 2,000 for the organization of annual national training/outreach workshops (see also further below). The fifth year of project implementation (2013) will essentially be dedicated to wrapping-up field project activities and to preparing the project’s final report/publication. An amount of US$ 6,000/field project site will be provided to the nine team leaders for this purpose. International Meetings A total of five international meetings (one per year) will be organized with the participation of the national team leaders and the core management group. Ideally, the meetings should be held towards the end of each calendar year so that team leaders can report on their activities and results obtained during that calendar year, and to agree and harmonize workplans for the following year. As has been practiced with good success during Phase-1 of SUMAMAD, the international meetings should be held on a rotational basis at the field project sites in the participating countries in order to familiarize project partners with the specific situations of marginal lands in different cultural and economic settings. Project funds have been earmarked to cover participants' international and domestic travel, board and lodging as well as to cover the organizational expenditures for the meetings. These international meetings will be organized by the team leader of the host country, in collaboration with UNESCO Headquarters and UNESCO’s field offices. An amount of US$ 50,000 has been estimated for this purpose (see budget in Annex 13, budget line 22). Team leaders organizing the international meetings are also encouraged to mobilize other funding sources (institutional/national sources) which would allow inviting local/national decision-makers and community leaders to attend these meetings. National Training/Outreach Workshops At least one national training/outreach workshop per site and per year will be held, targeted at the capacity building for the local population, with a view to assess the economic needs and aspirations of the people living in or close to the selected study sites. The workshops will serve as a forum for the discussion and implementation of income-generating activities, and to which community leaders and decision-makers are to be invited. The training/outreach workshops are

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to be organized by the national team leaders in consultation with the core management group. Although some funding is provided by the SUMAMAD project (about US$ 2,000/year/site; see also above), it is expected that these will be complemented by funding from the team leaders’ institutional/national sources. Capacity-building and environmental education Cross-cutting activities such as training courses (e.g. on scenario development and economic valuation), study visits among project partners and sites, and the introduction of environmental education material to local communities at the project sites, such as the UNESCO Teaching Resource Kit for Dryland Countries, will be implemented within the budgetary envelope of the project. A total amount of US$ 190,000 has been calculated for this purpose (see budget in Annex 13, budget line 23). Publications As has been practiced during the first phase of the project, the proceedings of the international meetings will be published and widely diffused, including over the Internet in pdf format. Assuming that the first international project meeting will be held towards the end of 2009 and the proceedings of that first meeting will only come to the fore in 2010, no funds have been earmarked for this purpose in 2009. In the subsequent years, preparation, printing and diffusion costs have been calculated at US$ 4,000/year, with a higher amount in 2013 for the final publications (see budget in Annex 13, budget lines 52 and 53). The project will give rise to two inter-related final publications. The first one will be an overall and scientific analysis report based on the sustainable management of dryland agriculture, restoration/rehabilitation activities and scenario development. This publication will summarize the project results since the inception of SUMAMAD, and will also provide quantified information about the cost-benefit analysis of the selected approaches. The second publication will be policy and outreach oriented stipulating relevant policy recommendations to decision-makers and local communities in an easy to understand language. US$ 10,000 for methodology development (in 2009) and US$ 20,000 for synthesizing work (in 2013) are earmarked for these purposes (see budget in Annex 13, budget line 23). The preparation of other publications will be decided upon in the course of the project (e.g. manuals and guidelines on different topics such as on marketing, water and land management practices, synthesizing the joint wisdom of all case study sites for the benefit of managers and land users in other dryland countries). UNESCO, in collaboration with its partner organizations, will supervise the project on the scientific level and implement the project on the technical level. Funds for monitoring activities at the study sites (budget line 10’) have been foreseen in the project budget. Moreover, a part-time assistant will help with project implementation and editorial work related to the project publications (budget line 11). 6.3 Time Frame for Implementation

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Five years, starting in 2009. Project activities can start immediately upon project approval by funding agencies as most of the selected study sites have already worked on sustainable dryland management since the first phase of the project. 7. Project Budget A total of US$ 1,480,050 over a period of 5 years, covering monitoring missions, sub-contracts, seminars and training workshops, reporting, and including overhead costs. In addition to this amount, UNESCO-MAB and UNU-INWEH as members of the management group will provide an amount of US$ 80,000 (i.e. US$ 40,000 each) from their own budgetary sources. Throughout the project duration, the individual field projects will provide financial, human and other in-kind support to the project as follows:

• Bolivia: US$ 129,450 • Burkina Faso: US$ 20,000 • China (Hunsh.): US$ 493,500 • China (Heihe): US$ 310,000 • Egypt: US$ 33,000 • India: US$ 150,000 • Iran: US$ 5,576,000 • Jordan: US$ 34,000 • Pakistan: US$ 150,000 • Syria: US$ 20,000 • Tunisia: US$ 102,500 • Uzbekistan: US$ 30,000

It is expected that Canadian CIDA and other donor agencies will also provide funding to the activities of the SUMAMAD Project, Phase 2.

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Annex 1

Bolivia – Bolivian Highlands (Altiplano) Project title: Managing sustainability of new quinoa production systems through farming systems management and market insertion Case study site: Bolivian Highlands Partner institution: Institute of Agricultural Research and Natural Resources of the Faculty of Agronomy, Universidad Mayor de San Andres Contact details of team leader: Dr Magali Garcia Cardenas Universidad Mayor de San Andrés Instituto de Investigaciones Agroecologicas Av. Landaeta, esq. Abdón Saavedra La Paz Bolivia Tel: (+591-2) 2491485 Fax: (+591-2) 2491485 E-mail: magalygc1@yahoo.es Deputy: Mr Jorge Cusicanqui Universidad Mayor de San Andrés Instituto de Investigaciones Agroecologicas Av. Landaeta, esq. Abdón Saavedra La Paz Bolivia Tel: (+591-2) 2491485 Fax: (+591-2) 2491485 E-mail: acusican@gmail.com Introduction The present proposal refers to the application of the SUMAMAD project in the Bolivian Highlands. This area has the special particularity of being one of the few areas in the world where agriculture can be done above 3,500 m.a.s.l. thanks to its closeness to the equator. However, the aridity and fragility of the area pose particular challenges. The Andean highlands are characterized by high poverty and a fragile ecosystem. Located at above 3,700 m.a.s.l., they are some of the very few areas in the world where agriculture is practiced at such high altitude. However, the highly variable climate and weather frustrates attempts of the rural families to accumulate assets and improve their living conditions. Periodic droughts and flooding as well as the occurrence of severe frost are characteristic of the climate of the highland and high plateau regions of Bolivia. Natural hazards undermine the attempts of many to improve their livelihoods. Families who lose the capacity to adjust to climate variability must temporarily migrate to the lowlands or to cities in order to survive. These adaptations

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threaten tropical forests, and add to the problems of cities. Since migration usually involves young, active people, temporary migration may also undermine the ability of communities to recover after droughts and flooding because of the lack of labour. Migration might also undermine the country food security since most staple food is locally produced. Few crops can be cultivated adequately under the harsh local conditions; one of these, Quinoa has been lately enhanced due to its highly nutritional profile both for export due to its high international prices and for national consumption given its high nutritional value. However, the previously traditional production, with slightly sustainable intercropping and livestock production are being highly disturbed by this new trend of exporting quinoa, due to a growing mono-cropping trend. A more intensive production is not well adapted to the environment. Although the problem is known, little is being done by government officials because little research has been done on the drivers and possible solutions.

Map of the Republic of Bolivia. The circle shows the location of the highlands where quinoa is produced

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Justification Rainfall patterns and the high altitude of the Andes have always made agriculture in the region vulnerable to frosts, hail, droughts and floods. Being classified as semi-arid and arid areas, farmers developed farming systems adapted to the harsh conditions which remained almost intact for the last centuries. Examples of the adaptation strategies are the local forecast using biophysical indicators, sustain biodiversity, risk spreading, integrated farming systems, etc. However these relatively stable systems are being highly disturbed by global change, namely changing climate and market conditions. Existing climate models predict that in the future there will be longer dry seasons and more frequent storm events. It is also expected that rain reception, although not expected to decrease, will be delayed with a consequent disruption of the traditional precipitation system. These patterns have been observed by farmers in the region as well. As a result, traditional crop rotations are being abandoned and the production strategies that have sustained populations for hundreds of years no longer function. Climate is not the only reason for these changes. Migration and the growth of a market economy have also made it more difficult to maintain traditional practices. Agro-ecosystems are becoming less diverse and more vulnerable to shocks. There has been a decline in the number of crops raised by farmers in the region as well as the number of varieties grown within farming communities and the changing towards the consumption of simple foods sacrificing the native crop consumption to put these products in the market. These changes have led to a decline in food security by reducing sources of protein available and increasing losses due to drought, frost, disease and pests. A large part of the problem is the lack of proper evaluation and understanding of the reasons for the latest changes in the local production systems. Although climate is partly to be blamed, it is also true that social structures and economic development put pressure on the way how farmers decide about their future choices of how to manage their production systems. Unfortunately, some of the new production systems are not fully sustainable and not well adapted for the local conditions if some amendments are not carried out in the Bolivian highlands and if some agro-biodiversity is not maintained. This is the case for the newly adapted quinoa production systems which are cultivated more intensively than in the past, under much more pressure than before and with large tendency to present monocropping owing to the cash possibilities of the crop. Apart from the environmental problems faced by farmers due to the reduced fallow periods and the more intensive use of land, market insertion and participation is also very poor, leaving the lowest gains coming from the quinoa commercialization to farmers with the largest part of the profits going to the intermediate parts of the chain. This project proposes to address the above mentioned problems through farming system conservation and the development of markets for quinoa production, trying to look for locally integrated and technologically sustainable production systems. It seeks to increase the ability of quinoa producers in the Bolivian Andes to adapt to the changing climatic and economic conditions by supporting new technologies and amendments to their farming systems, especially related to maintain crop diversity and crop rotation. It also aims to strengthen local initiatives using participatory approaches at the farm and community levels to integrate biophysical, social and technical research combined with local knowledge.

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Results of previously related projects Previous actions on quinoa production systems played an important role in defining project objectives. The Universidad Mayor de San Andres (UMSA) conducted detailed technical and social appraisals in the Altiplano, especially in the central and southern parts, related to irrigation of quinoa and adaptation to climate change. Results showed that several production systems, previously well integrated into their environment, were changing due to quinoa monocropping systems, with little sustainability. Under the present conditions, the quinoa systems yields are poor and to obtain more yields, farmers exert pressure to open new lands without foreseeable reposition of inputs. Related to technology management, scientific and technical knowledge has been developed that shows that application of irrigation and fertility soil amendments may possibly boost quinoa yields with reduced pressure on the land and therefore reducing land degradation. Additionally, these are services which are permanently requested by farmers, but use of irrigation is not traditional and therefore little knowledge of water management and much less on water collection or its optimization is available. Additionally, farmers are willing to understand new climate dynamics and to validate their traditional knowledge of weather forecast in order to better deal with the new climatic pattern. Two common themes emerged from all of these results. First, some traditional cropping practices are no longer viable and/or accepted. Second, farmers are very enthusiastic for entering to a more market-related economy, but they need support to develop their local initiatives. Project Implementation strategy As a university institution, the basis for the implementation of the project is the coordination between researchers, undergraduate students and farmers. In this regard, most of the applied research will be implemented through funding for the preparation of undergraduate engineering theses on an honorarium basis. All research students have a research leader who is part of the project team. Finally, all decision for field implementation are discussed and taken jointly with farmers. Specific objectives, expected outputs and activities of the project The general objective of the proposal is to support the development of a frame for sustainable farming systems of two selected communities of the arid Central and Southern Altiplano of Bolivia, which have quinoa production as their main crop, through the definition of an efficient water and soil management system, as well as a crop diversity management system, and to support farmers’ initiatives to market quinoa. This will complement previous quinoa water management knowledge obtained in the area as support for farmers. The main objective will be obtained through the following specific objectives: Objective 1. Develop a shared understanding of the ecosystem, and the social, economic and environmental drivers of change in the farming systems prevailing in the communities. Understand how new livelihood strategies are being developed in response to perceptions of the risks associated with the changes as well as to newly identified opportunities; and how these perceptions and decisions are affecting the assets farmers possess (livelihoods). This objective intends to identify and define the local livelihood strategies before and in the light of the new climatic and economical conditionings. It pretends to evaluate how farmers react under different pressures in order to apply the “scenarios” to jointly define a more sustainable

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farming system and additional diversification activities. Together with the information coming from previous work in the area, the results of this objective will provide the solid foundation for actions of the project. Activity 1. Evaluate recent and future climate variability in the Andean Highlands. Evaluation of past 35 years of climate data to determine exact nature of weather risks. Evaluation of the current validity of local weather forecasts and decision making. There is a general perception held by farmers in the Altiplano that climate is changing, and this together with other sources of stress are strongly constraining agricultural production and food security in the region. Thus, using farmers’ perceptions that climate is changing as a starting hypothesis, a study will be developed to examine and test this hypothesis with observations and model data analysis. In the previous assessments, daily precipitation and temperature from several stations having 35 years of record in the Bolivian Highlands, relationships between onset and seasonal precipitation, and dry spell and frost frequencies were examined, including their variations from the northern to the southern highlands. This daily observational data will be further utilized to examine the variability and trends during the 35 year period including onset, demise and season total rainfall frequency/ intensity of rainfall. Of particular interest is the clustering of rainfalls with increased intensity. The farmers traditional climate analysis and forecast will also be examined in relation to climate forecasts developed by sophisticated models such as those exposed by CIIFEN to test their validity and acceptation by farmers as well as the validity of these local knowledge. Finally farmers’ traditional knowledge and indicators for climate prediction will be systematized. Special remote sensing technique for mapping evapotranspiration and water consumption in the last 10 years will be applied to identify change in patterns of crop water uses. Since these are mostly rainfed farming systems, the results will be used to evaluate aridity evolution in time with enough spatial resolution to determine land use changes and mainly water use changes and land degradation to precisely identify the reasons for desertification. Results will be compared with farmers’ perceptions of changes. Activity 2. Prepare a baseline assessment of community, household and individual livelihoods and risk perception. Community livelihood surveys in the selected communities will be carried out to measure household demographics, income domains (men and women), consumption patterns and potential for alternative activities to diversify livelihoods. Resources and production practices and risk perceptions and rankings will be performed to identify the importance of quinoa in the entire farming system. Data will capture household diversification strategies and assets, and measure the current degree of diversification related to previous patterns. The identification of the new strategies for farming systems related mainly to quinoa but also to the other important activities of the farming systems will be evaluated. Participatory research activities with community members will be performed to: 1) identify sources of vulnerability; 2) determine characteristics of production systems;

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3) capture the current knowledge and perception of change, attitudes, skills, and capabilities about climate, soil fertility and management, crops, and institutions, and change with the new production systems; 4) determine the perception of climate risk, farmer indicators and the role of such perceptions in decision-making as compared to objective measures of risk; 5) evaluate historical information of climate in relation to cropping decisions taken by farmers; 6) analyze farmers´ perceptions of market conditions, prices, and comparison with actual prices and transaction costs; 7) perceptions of weed, pests and diseases problems and changes related to the new production systems and comparing them with actual practices; 8) identify possible common actions to increase sustainability, included diversification of the farming system as well as the possibility for non-agricultural economic activities. These activities will be carried out with the community at large as well as groups sorted by age, gender and location. The information will be used to develop the indicators used in the community livelihood surveys, and the sampling frames will be used to assess soil conditions, pest and disease risks and market surveys. Participatory assessments will be used to define soil conditions, as well as pest problems. The survey results will be used to determine nature of vulnerability within each community and likely and accepted ways to address it. Activity 3. Evaluation of soil and water management regarding fertility amendments and fertilizers use and drought management in relation with the needs of the newly dominating production systems The principal scope of this research will be to determine changes in soil fertility and water management practices affecting production that may have occurred due to alterations in climate and/or production systems and impacted on the traditional agricultural practices in the Altiplano. Among the possible changes in practices affecting soil fertility, the increasing monoculture and a reduction in traditional cropping rotations, lower biodiversity in the number of cultivars used in agricultural production, increasing removal of organic materials and residues for fuel, and increases in soil erosion are included. The system reaction to water stress will also be evaluated under the new structure of the farm. This research will first evaluate the type and magnitude of changes in soil fertility and water management that have occurred in the region based on both the perceptions of community members and comparative measurements of soil fertility and water availability and soil water balance between differently cultivated and non cultivated soils. Later, soil amendments and water management options will be evaluated jointly with farmers. Objective 2: Link local and new knowledge to produce practices and information that provide alternatives for adapting to change. This objective address the need for support for soil and water management related to new agricultural production systems, oriented to a better water and soil management as well to a more sustainable crop rotational system. Suggestions will be given to farmers on the importance of crop rotation to maintain farm sustainability. However, this could only be supported upon the basis of better yields for the existing cultivation practices. Water use: Irrigation is not a common and well known technique, much less is deficit irrigation. Therefore together with farmers, water application techniques will be promoted in strategic

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periods under deficit irrigation concepts. This will serve for farmers to adapt to new more sustainable water management concepts. For this, surface and furrows irrigation application systems will be tested with in field trials and under the local water availability systems (either groundwater or surface). The Deficit Irrigation principles of ensuring water for germination, no intervention during vegetative period and, at least one irrigation (depending on water availability) during reproductive stages will be followed in all cases. Activity 1. Settling of Farmers fields under Deficit Irrigation (DI). Within the two selected communities, fields to be cultivated with quinoa will receive support for the installation of irrigation equipment in agreement with farmers. Strategies for DI will then be jointly defined and, in function of water availability, compared to fields with more and with less water availability. Soils: The treatments included in the field experiments at each site will be selected based on the suggestions and interest of community members. These field experiments will also serve as important demonstration sites for community members to observe the effects of soil organic matter and different soil amendments practices on soil productivity (chemical and organic fertilizers). Field experiment sites will be established to assess the effects of different climatic factors (temperature and soil moisture), cropping systems and management practices on soil organic matter accumulation and rates of decomposition and fertilization techniques. Treatments will be selected with community input to determine relevant issues related to soil fertility and its perception in the community. Activity 2. Management of soil amendments. In function of the results of the first soil analysis, a strategy for soil fertility amendments will be established. This strategy will come also as a result of the interaction with farmers and the orientation of the market. This means that some farmers prefer to produce quinoa for organic markets (as in the Southern Altiplano) and therefore organic amendments will be added. In case quinoa could be also oriented to non-organic markets, combination of organic and mineral fertilizers will be considered. The key point is also to identify the potential interaction between water and fertility amendments as potential yield boosters. Objective 3: Develop market access through strategies and institutions. In previous research, some critical market points to do research were identified, as follows:

1. Local organizations are not strong to face national and/or international markets; therefore most of the product is sold to intermediate dealers who earn the biggest piece of the market chain.

2. Farmers do not have a clear concept of market development, since before most of their production was oriented to barter and self-consumption and not strictly to produce income.

3. Black market and smuggling is a big obstacle for strong position in the market, because farmers and dealers from neighbouring countries collect local production and sell it as their own production.

4. Production levels are not sustainable, therefore national and international markets do not trust local production.

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5. Availability of financial institutions to provide access to credit is a critical constraint for the most vulnerable segments of society.

With this objective, the project intends to complete the analysis, including the exploration of better market opportunities and inclusion for quinoa products, but also for other crops or activities which farmers might be interested in and are necessary to identify. Participatory market assessments will be carried out. There are on-going studies using participatory marketing analyses with stakeholders along the chain. The baseline survey will be used to determine current levels of household economic diversification and what are the assets leading to the strategies observed. Analysis will also relate household characteristics to the type of markets households engage in and the possibilities to expand markets for quinoa and other products. The results will be widely discussed with farmers and with trade organizations to support further market development and training for farmers. Objective 4: Ventilation of results and inputs for policy makers This objective addresses the need for a strong relationship between the outputs of the project and the influence on policy makers. Although the University of La Paz is closely related to the government both local and national, some activities will be specifically performed within the frame of the project to maximize the impact of the project outputs. In this regard, the project will support activities of diffusion and publication of results that will be addressed both to farmers and to policy makers. These activities include:

1. Publication of manuals related to soil and water management 2. Preparation and publication of scientific outputs to be widely distributed. 3. Organization of events such as workshops, meetings and fairs. 4. Participation in general discussion forums and committees such as the National

Committee for Agricultural Production, the new Agricultural Research System, the Diversification council and others.

Relation to main objectives of SUMAMAD The objectives and activities of the present proposal do relate to the 3 broad objectives of the 2nd Phase of SUMAMAD as follows: (1) Emphasis on scientific studies related to the following key subjects:

• Improvement of dryland agriculture including rangelands and livestock, with biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources as a minor component.

The proposal intends to reintegrate the agricultural production system to a more sustainable diverse crop rotation with an appropriate use of livestock and fertilizers manure as well as other fertility amendments.

• Restoration/rehabilitation of degraded drylands including sustainable water conservation and harvesting practices.

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The proposal aims at optimizing the use of water for crop production under the basic concept of “more crop per drop”, having real alternatives for quinoa production and for other crops which are being neglected at present.

(2) Achieving greater focus on policy-relevant analyses, in particular paying attention to:

• Developing scenarios for land use change (also in the context of global and climate change) including the assessment of tradeoffs, economic valuation of dryland services, environmental education and outreach.

Climate, global and land use changes are basic concepts and drivers for this proposal. Farmers are feeling that new crops are needed to be inserted in the global market. They do also feel that the environment is prone to and capable of supporting other crops than the traditional rustic ones, but this implies to changing the land use to a more stressful type of production which has to be addressed. Once clearly identified the good relationship of the University with the institutional environment will be used to spread the results. Several events of diffusion as well as publications are foreseen to disseminate the results. Moreover, given that the Ministry of Water is strongly related to the University, it is, in fact, waiting for the results coming from the project to improve their policies related to climate change and desertification.

• Interfacing with the relevant policy formulation institutions and processes in the respective countries.

Quinoa chain and production is one of the top priorities for the government, however little has been done to achieve its potential production under sustained conditions. Several private and successful organizations of farmers have developed skills to be replicated partly in our area to insert the topic of quinoa production even more within the national policies. However, the project does not seek to affect only the quinoa chain but moreover it aims at valorizing other possibilities to be supported by national or at least local policies. (3) Promoting sustainable livelihoods through:

• Development of alternative income generating activities – diversification of options including ecotourism, handicraft, medicine, forages.

Besides the quinoa production system, local initiatives are to be strengthened and farmers will be supported to be active participants of global markets not only for quinoa but also for all other possibilities which will also be identified. Within the baseline analysis, the project seeks to identify alternative livelihoods and in the second, third, and fourth year, to support these alternatives. 5-Year Work Plan Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Administrative and academic setup of the project

X

Preparation of participatory activities

X

Settling and running of first year experiments (soil and water

X X X

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management) Initial Remote Sensing analysis X X X Initial downscaling techniques (training and understanding)

X

Climatic and climate change Analysis and evaluation

X X

Year 2 Evaluation of results of on farm trials

X

Presentation and Discussion of results of on farm trials to stakeholders; Workshops

X X

Training for irrigation techniques X X X Second year trials X X X Identification of Market opportunities and constraints

X X

Remote Sensing analysis and downscaling technique

X X X X

Climatic and climate change Analysis and evaluation

X X X

Year 3 Evaluation of on farm trial results X X Presentation and discussion of results of farm trials to stakeholders; Workshops

X

Identification of market opportunities and constraints

X X

Starting up of third year farm trials

X X X

Analysis of availability of financial institutions

X X X

Year 4 Evaluation of farm trial results X X Settling of fourth year trials X X Presentation and discussion of results of farm trials to stakeholders; Workshops

X X

Initial ventilation of results to stakeholders and policy makers

X X

Year 5 Evaluation of on farm trial results X X Reviewing of impacts of previous years’ work

X X

Report results of on-farm trials to stakeholder especially regarding

X X

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soil amendments Diffusion of results to stakeholders and policy makers

X X X X

Detailed work plan for 1st Year and proposed budget for the five years of the project

Activity Product Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Initial administration procedures Agreement in force X

Initial hiring of degree students Reports X

Field activities Signed Documents of agreements with communities Report on settling of field work

X X X X

Participatory evaluation Report X X X

Initial soil evaluations Reports X X X X

Application of soil amendments and irrigation techniques

Reports X X X

Purchase of imagery; remote sensing imagery analysis

Images X X X X

Training on downscaling techniques Training X X

Climatic analysis Reports X X X X

Proposed Budget (in US$): YEAR

I. Description

Quantity Unit Unit Price

1 2 3 4 5 Local and other

counterpart/year Item Value

Staff: 2 Field technicians (10 days/month); Degree students

10*12*2

10*3

Honorarium/

day

Honorarium

20

90

4,800

2,700

4,800

2,700

4,800

2,700

4,800

2,700

4,800

2,700

4 Staff ¼

time/month

4*300*12

14,400

Office Req. Global Global -- 800 800 800 800 800 Global 500/month

6,000

Computer and/or printer

2 Equipment 1000 -- 1,000 1,000 -- -- 2 * 1,000

2,000

Car rental 20/year 2,3,4 10/year 1,5

Days 50 500 1,000 1,000 1,000 500 --- ---

Gas (*) 1000/year Liters 0,6 600 600 600 600 600 1000 l/year 600

Participatory Global Days 15 500 2,000 2,000 5,000 2,000 500 500

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Proposed Budget (in US$): YEAR

I. Description

Quantity Unit Unit Price

1 2 3 4 5 Local and other

counterpart/year Item Value

meetings support and workshops Per diems 40 Days 5 200 200 200 200 200 40 Days*5 200

Remote sensing images

Global -- 500 1,500 2,000 -- -- -- --- ---

Soil analysis 100 Unit 30 750 750 750 750 -- 10 Units 300

Soil amendments

Global Global -- 800 800 800 800 -- --- ---

Irrigation material

Global Global -- 4,000 2,000 2,000 -- -- --- ---

Flowmeters 3 Equipment 500 1,500 -- -- -- -- --- ---

Pluviometers 3 Equipment 200 600 -- -- -- -- 2 400

Bicycles 2 -- 120 240 -- -- -- -- 2 240

Production inputs (seeds, weed control, etc)

Global -- 2,000 2,500 2,500 2,500 -- Global 1,250

Publications Global -- -- -- 1,000 2,000 2,000 3,000

--- ---

TOTAL 21,490 22,150 21,150 21,150 14,600

TOTAL FOR THE PROJECT 100,540

Total/year Local

counterpart25,890

Counterpart contribution per year (in US Dollars): 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total SUMAMAD Member State

25,890 25,890 25,890 25,890 25,890 129,450

Project Team Composition

• Team Leader: Dr. Magali Garcia, specialist in agroclimatology and remote sensing techniques for evapotranspiration analysis. Climatology and downscaling abilities.

• Economic Research leader: M.Sc. Jorge Cusicanqui. Specialist in economic analysis. • Social Research leader: M.Sc. Cristal Taboada. Specialist in social studies. • Field Research leader: M.Sc.Felix Mamani. Specialist in quinoa production.

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Annex 2

Burkina Faso – Mare aux hippopotames Biosphere Reserve Project title: Promotion of alternative activities for sustainable agriculture and the conservation of the Hippopotamus Biosphere Reserve in Burkina Faso Case study site: Mare aux hippopotames Biosphere Reserve Partner institutions: Ministry of Secondary, Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESSRS); National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST); Burkinabe National Commission for UNESCO; Burkinabe National Committee for the UNESCO-MAB Programme Contact details of team leader: Dr Jean-Noel Poda Director of Research Assistant Director of IRSS/CNRST Institut de Recherche en Science de la Santé (IRSS) Centre Nationale pour la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CNRST) IRSS / CNRST 03 B.P.7047 Ouagadougou 03 Burkina Faso Tel: (+226) 50 36 32 15 Fax: (+226) 50 36 03 94 Email: podajnl@yahoo.fr Deputy: Mme Mamounata Belem Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherche Agricoles (INERA) Centre Nationale pour la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CNRST) IRSS / CNRST 03 B.P.7047 Ouagadougou 03 Burkina Faso Tel: (+226) 50 31 92 07 Fax: (+226) 50 31 50 03 Email: mamounatabelem@hotmail.com or jobeleme@yahoo.fr Introduction With a gross domestic product (GDP) estimated to be US$ 240 per capita (1997), Burkina Faso, a Sahelian and landlocked West African country, is one of the poorest nations in the world, with a very high incidence (45%) of general poverty. The economy is based on agriculture and livestock breeding. The concentration of "environment refugees" in the best zones in the south led Burkina Faso to test the biosphere reserve concept in the reserve forest of the hippopotamus

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pond which became a biosphere reserve in 1987 and a site to foster sustainable development and a monitoring station for climate change indicators. To control poverty, the populations of the villages around the biosphere reserve, as a survival alternative, depend on the diversification of their incomes and the additional resources emanating from vegetation and wildlife. The resulting biodiversity loss has increased alarmingly and efforts to reverse the current degradation tendency are limited because the financial support, the scientific capacities and the alternative resources to reduce the pressure of the growing population are insufficient.

These constraints caused Burkina Faso to seize the opportunity of the UNESCO project "Sustainable Management of Marginal Drylands (SUMAMAD)" to solve one of the most essential problems facing dry countries, that is to say how to reconcile the conservation of dryland ecosystems and biological resources with their sustainable use before the backdrop of increasing poverty.

Justification The biosphere reserve of the hippopotamus is located between the latitudes 11°30’ and 11°45’ North and the longitudes 04°05’and 04°12’ West. The climate is of the Sudanian type with rainfall averaging around 800 mm per year. The deterioration of the climatic conditions (fewer rainfall) has been noticed for many years and the limits of some isohyetes have moved some 50km further south. Climatic constraints have led to more migration resulting in significant anthropogenic pressure around the biosphere reserve. The combined effects of the deterioration of the climatic conditions and land mismanagement (extensive agriculture, fallow time reduction, overgrazing, bush fires, etc.) did not only cause serious problems of desertification but also fuelled general underdevelopment and increasing poverty. Sustainable resources management seems now to be a mobilizing subject to understand the various environmental management stakes facing dryland countries. And from now on, at the local level as well as in all the dry countries, it is possible to discuss the challenge relating to the management of biosphere reserves from the angle of sustainable development. The shared experiences among countries with dry climates, in the framework of SUMAMAD, about conservation and sustainable use of the resources might help to imagine together approaches on the use and rational exploitation of natural resources as a benefit for future generations. Well adapted responses will generate profits and motivate a balanced management and a conservation of the ecosystems and the biological diversity for every participating country. With the SUMAMAD approach and these objectives identified (Syria 2006, China 2007, Jordan 2008 workshops), the biosphere reserve of the hippopotamus pond can be considered as a model, for all the stakeholders in Burkina Faso, to safeguard the natural resources while participating in the country’s development.

Objectives, expected outputs and activities of the project The need for development research shows the preoccupations of the various stakeholders (producers, farmers’ organisations, public extension services of state departments, NGOs, development projects and programmes).

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The objectives of the project are well integrated in the general objective defined in 1987 for the inscription of the Mare aux hippopotames Biosphere Reserve in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves: "Knowledge of the ecosystems and the human activities related to the resources of the biosphere reserve and its influencing zone for their sustainable use and the better living conditions for the neighbouring populations in the framework of an integrated regional land development". Given the fact that reaching this objective is a process that can take several years, three main specific objectives were defined with the activities and the expected outputs for a five-years’ phase. These activities must bring about social innovations, experimentations of participatory methods for the local communities to sustainably manage resources and to reduce poverty. Specific objective 1: Given the agricultural pressures of the autochthonous communities and the migrant communities ("environmental refugees"), it is indispensable to perform the objective 1 based on scientific studies on land management surrounding the Biosphere Reserve of the Hippopotamus Pond (BRHP) through:

Evaluation of agricultural lands utilization and practices including local knowledge around the BRHP to stop or reduce land degradation;

Establishment of pilot and demonstration sites of orchards with introduced plants (mango, orange tree, lemon tree, guava) and agro-forestry with local plants (Parkia biglobosa, shea, tamarind).

The following activities will be conducted:

- To evaluate the agricultural land use practices surrounding the BRHP; - To list and analyze the knowledge and good practices on orchard and agro-forestry

management in villages surrounding the BRHP; - To set up two demonstration sites of orchards and agro-forestry in Bala village.

Expected outputs:

- The agricultural land use practices at the surrounding of the BRHP are evaluated and analysed;

- The knowledge and suitable practices on orchards and agro-forestry managements are well documented and analyzed;

- Demonstration sites on orchards and agro-forestry managements are established. Specific objective 2: Considering the impact of climate change, the interactions inside the ecosystems, and the diffuse perceptions of populations bordering the BRHP on these phenomena, the objective 2 consists of:

- Documenting the different scenarios for the forecasting on anthropogenic (agrarian and land reforms, decentralization) and natural (climate changes) phenomena in the “Hauts Bassins” region; - Formulation of a durable management plan which takes into consideration the BRHP, Maro protected forest and the agro-sylvo-pastoral lands of villages bordering the BRHP; - Utilizing pedagogical tools for countries located in dry zones (such as the UNESCO Teaching Resource Kit for Dryland Countries) in the two rural communities bordering the BRHP.

38

The following activities will be conducted: - Documentation on the different scenarios for the forecasting on anthropogenic (agrarian and land reforms, decentralization) and natural (climate changes) phenomena in the “Hauts Bassins”; - Elaboration of a forecasting and management plan of the Maro-BRHP complex with all the partners concerned; - Sensitization for the adoption of a pedagogic tool and the utilization of this tool in formal and non-formal manners including in schools of the two rural communities bordering the BRHP.

Expected outputs: - The different scenarios for the forecasting on anthropogenic (agrarian and land reforms, decentralization) and natural (climate changes) phenomena in the “Hauts Bassins” region are documented; - A forecasting and management plan of the Maro-BRHP complex is elaborated with all partners concerned;

- A pedagogic tool for the countries located in dry zones is adopted and experimented in the formal and non-formal schools of the two rural communes bordering the BRHP.

Specific objective 3: From the implementation of objectives 1 and 2, the fostering of alternative income generating activities for local people will be explored by diversifying income opportunities to reduce poverty, and to stop actions pertaining to natural resources degradation (ecotourism, fishing, handcraft, honey production, wood exploitation, medicinal and alimentary plants exploitation). The following activities will be conducted: - Listing income generating activities in the villages bordering the BRHP; - Elaborating small-scale viable projects for each activity with all interested partners; - Mobilizing community associations’ leaders for the realisation of the income generating activities. Expected outputs: - The income generating activities in the villages bordering the BRHP are listed; - Small scale projects for each activity are elaborated with all interested partners;

- Alternative income-generating small scale projects are implemented with associations and communities’ leaders.

Project Team Composition Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Jean Nolë Poda Director of Research Focal point of MAB Burkina Faso Project leader

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Specific objective 1: Scientific studies on land management - Belem Mamounata Botanist Researcher National Centre of Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST), responsible of the objective and the activity (inventory of knowledge) - Hien Mipo Professor of Agronomy, Institute of Rural Development, University of Bobo-Dioulasso (IDR/UPB), responsible of activity 1 on the agricultural land use practices in the surrounding areas of the BRHP; - Taita Paulette Botanist Researcher National Centre of Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST), responsible of the activity 3 on orchards and agro-forestry demonstration sites in Bala Specific objective 2: Forecasting scenarios and environmental education - Hebié lamoussa Forestry Engineer Partnership plan for a better Natural Ecosystems Management (PAGEN), responsible of objective 2 and the activity on the different forecasting scenarious related to anthropogenic and natural phenomena in the « Hauts Bassins » region and the analysis of the Maro-BRHP complex; - Dianou Dayéri Microbiologist, National Centre of Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST), responsible of the activity on the pedagogical tools for formal and non-formal

education schemes - Dibloni Ollo Théophile Researcher on fauna, National Centre of Scientific and Technological Research, responsible of the activity on the Maro-BRHP complex management Specific objective 3: Income generating activities - Kabré André Professor, Researcher on fishing and pisciculture Institute of Rural Development, University of Bobo-Dioulasso (IDR/UPB) responsible of objective 3 on the income generating activities and the training of

young researchers;

- Coulibaly N. Désiré Vétérinary halieute, researcher responsible of fishing-related activities; - Ouédraogo Amadé

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Junior Forestry Engineer Partnership plan for a better Natural Ecosystems Management (PAGEN),

responsible of the Ecotourism activity, - Millogo Alfred Forestry Engineer

Partnership plan for a better Natural Ecosystems Management (PAGEN), responsible of activities related to handicraft production, dead wood exploitation, medicinal and food plants Other Ministries: Local services related to agriculture, water resources, pastoralism Other members: - Community organisations of the neighbouring villages; - Inter-village associations for Natural Resources and Wildlife Management (AGEREF); - Other organizations in charge of vocational training and dissemination of research results and NGOs will be associated to the implementation of the project; - Technicians and other people whose contribution is necessary for the various expected outputs will work with the various teams.

5-Year Work Plan

Objectives /year Year1 Year2 Year3 Year4 Year5 N° Activities / Q=4months Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q1 Q2 Q3

Ob1 Scientific studies on land management

A1 Evaluation of land use practices including the local viable know-how

x x x x x x x x x x x x

A2 Establishing experimental and demonstration sites: implementation at Bala village.

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

A3 Establishing permanent monitoring stations on biodiversity with local population associations.

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Ob2 Forecasting scenarios and environmental education

A1 Documentation of different forecasting scenarios of anthropogenic and natural phenomena

x x x x x x

A2 Elaboration of forecasting and BRHP management scenarios: climatic, social and economic analysis

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

A3 Utilization of pedagogical tools (UNESCO kit) in two rural communities bordering the BRHP

x x x x x x x x x x x x

Ob3 Establishment of income

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generating activities A1 Inventory of income

generating activities x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

A2 Elaboration of small scale projects

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

A3 Mobilisation of associations and leaders on the small scale projects

x x x x x x x x x x x x

A4 Dissemination of successful results on objectives 1, 2, 3

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

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Detailed work plan for 1st Year and proposed Objectives/ activities Expected

outputs Indicators Timing/1 month Budget)

Ob1 Scientific studies on land management A1 Evaluation of land use practices

including the local viable know-how: selection, monitoring and evaluation

Better knowledge of agro-sylvo-pastoral;

List of land use practices described in documents, report

x x x x x x x x x x 5000

Act3 Establishing experimental and demonstration sites: conception and testing

Best experimental sites for demonstrations

Number and quality of sites for demonstration

x x x x x x x x x x x 4500

Ob2 Forecasting scenarios and environmental education

A1 Documentation of different forecasting scenarios of anthropogenic and natural phenomena

Anthropogenic and natural phenomena are documented

Number and quality of documented scenarios, report

x x x x x x 4000

A2 Introduction of pedagogical tools and sensitisation: conceptual framework, pedagogical kit

The tool is presented and accepted

Level of the tool adoption, report

x x x x x x x x x x 3 500

Ob3 Establishment of income generating activities

A1 Inventory of income generating activities: technical and economic evaluation

The income generating activities are listed

Number of activities listed, report

x x x x x x x x x x x x 5 000

Three objectives, five activities for 1st Year Annual budget for 1st Year : 22,000 US Dollar

Counterpart contribution: Burkina Faso partner institutions (universities, CNRST): US$ 4,000 per year. Counterpart contribution per year (in US Dollars): 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total SUMAMAD Member State

4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 20,000

Training activities, exchanges between study sites, national workshop: 12,000 US Dollar Priority training subjects

1. Sustainable land use management (soil degradation, extensive breeding, water management, local viable know-how);

2. Importance of environmental education on ecosystems for adults (non-formal education); 3. Promotion of eco-tourism in the Biosphere Reserve of Hippopotamus Pond, Burkina

Faso: visibility, marketing, management.

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Annex 3

China-1 – Hunshandake Sandland Project title: Sustainable Management of the Restored Hunshandake Sandland: Basic Scientific Research and Income Generation Case study site: Baiyinhushu Gacha, Zhenglan Banner, Inner Mongolia Partner institutions: Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS), Remin University of China (RUC), Shandong Agriculture University (SAU), Chinese National Committee for the UNESCO-MAB Programme Contact details of team leader: Professor Gaoming Jiang Institute of Botany The Chinese Academy of Sciences 20 Nanxincun, Xiangshan 100093 Beijing China Tel: (8610) 62836286 Fax: (8610) 62830843 Email: jianggm@126.com Deputy: Dr Meizhen Liu Institute of Botany The Chinese Academy of Sciences 20 Nanxincun, Xiangshan 100093 Beijing China Tel: (8610) 62836506 Fax: (8610) 62830843 Email: liumzh@ibcas.ac.cn Introduction Hunshandake Sandland (41°56′-44°22′ N, 112°22′-117°57′ E, 1100-1300 m a.s.l.) is located in the middle of Xilingol Plateau, China’s Inner Mongolia Municipality. It is one of the four major sandlands of China, starting from the east Dali Lake, via the Southwest Great Xing'an Mountain, extending to Jining-Erlian of the west. The length of Hunshandake Sandland is about 450 km and the breadth 50~300 km, with a total area of 53,000 km2. It faces strong wind throughout the year especially in late autumn and early spring, with an average wind speed being 3.5～5.5 m/s, the maximum 24～28 m/s. Days with wind velocity >8 degrees reach to 60～80 days. The climate can be characterized by a temperate semi-arid type, with the mean annual temperature being 0.5-3.5 °C, mean annual precipitation 250-400 mm, and mean annual potential evaporation 2,000-2,700mm. However, more than 50% of the annual rainfall is concentrated in July and August,

46

during which the highest monthly (July) mean peak temperature 17 °C also occurs, which is particularly important for plant growth.

Figure 1: Sketch of Zhenglan Banner, with a point view on the location of Bayinhushu Gacha (Village) where the SUMAMAD Hunshandake Sandland project is located The whole sandy land consists of five main habitats, i.e. fixed sand dunes, semi-fixed sand dunes, shifting sand dunes, lowlands, and wetlands. The main soil type is chestnut aeolian sandy soil. Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), the most importantly dominant tree species, grows sparsely and unevenly in the sandland, forming the sparse forest grassland landscape. Such a landscape is composed of mainly dense herbaceous layer, with some of the shrubs and sparse trees distributing throughout the grasslands. With a population of 128.000, Hunshandake Sandland now functionally acts as pure pasture, 92% of its income deriving from stockbreeding. Among different animals, cattle occupy 24%, goat 35%, and sheep, horse and camel together occupy the rest (41%). As the largest Banner (in Mongolian, this means ‘county’) of Hunshandake Sandland, Zhenglan Banner has a population of 73,000, 40 % of whom are Mongolians, which is a much larger percentage than the average of Inner Mongolia (12%). Fast increase in animal numbers happened at the last decade of the 20th century, with the highest record of 108,0000 animals being raised in the year of 1990. The rapid increase of middle-sized animals, especially goats and sheep, can be considered as one of the top reasons for the serious degradation of the sandlands in China. The average annual income of a herdsman in Hunshandake during 1960-1990 was less than 1,000 RBM, when the whole country was in a less developed state. Today, this figure is 2,910 RMB. Ratio of income from stock production to GDP (gross domestic product) has shrunk

47

whilst income from industry and other activities has increased. Some parts of traditional stock production have been gradually replaced by modern stock production methods (restricted grazing, breed selection, etc.) and related agribusiness and other industries. According to the basic conclusion from the 1st phase of the SUMAMAD project, the degraded grassland in Hunshandake Sandland can be efficiently restored after the huge animal pressure has been removed. And our experiments have yielded great result. In essence, a shift of land use systems is urgently needed. In order to maintain and to enlarge the application of achievements during the 1st project phase, and to sustainably manage the vast grassland in Hunshandake, we promote an innovative approach: using poultry to replace sheep and goats, and using milk cattle to replace meat cattle. To achieve this, various stakeholders will work together as follows: The Government of Zhenglan Banner: Using some state funds to help local people to build some basic facilities such as houses for chicken and milk cattle, and transportation road. The local farmers: Using their traditional knowledge to raise milk cattle and to keep free-roaming farm chickens in the grasslands. Scientists from IBCAS, will design the project and carry out the comparative study on the economic and ecological output between chicken farming and goat and sheep grazing; response of plant communities to ground water levels changing. Scientists from Shandong Agriculture University will train the local people to organically produce wheat as food for chicken and nurture baby chickens. Socio-economic scientists from Renmin University of China will investigate the social response from the local society after their production manner has changed. Company from SDAC Ltd (Sustainable Development Agriculture Creation), and French experts will help to develop organic food marketing in Beijing and will provide consultancy services in sustainable agriculture; Hunshandake Ecological Technological Limited Company from the local community, which was established in the 1st phase of the project, will provide the grassland for organic chicken farming. Both companies can share with the profits as a result of changing land use patterns. Justification The first phase of SUMAMAD project in Hunshandake had a very strong impact on the local people who were ready and happy to try new land use systems. Natural restoration of the seriously degraded grassland displayed very success; the story in our case study site was reported by Science on 19 July, 2007. Nowadays, chicken feed contains a mix of hormones, trace elements and animal proteins. This diet can fatten a newly hatched chick into a plump three-to-five-kilogram chicken in 41 to 45 days. China’s markets and supermarkets are filled with this “rapid-growth food”: meat, eggs and seafood; fruit and vegetables grown out of season; grain cultivated with fertilizers and pesticides. On the other hand, partly grain-fed chickens in the natural grassland take around 150 days to reach three kilograms. Such quality foods produced using a totally ecological method may have a strong market in large cities like Beijing, which is located only 200 km south of Hunshandake

48

Sandland. Therefore, we shall try this innovative method to increase the quality and economic output from the grassland while keeping the highest net primary production (NPP) without serious over-grazing. Solving food security issues means looking at the market. There is a strong trend that more and more urban consumers refuse food that contains hormones and additives. Differential pricing for products of different quality will mean consumer feedback, which can encourage farmers to produce safer food. Ecologically, the grassland will be kept much healthier after large livestock is replaced by free-roaming chickens. With China’s rapid development, it can be expected that there is a huge potential for marketing organic food, especially chickens, in big cities like Beijing, as well as for other industrialized countries. The main innovative and inspiring point of this project is therefore: we produce health food in the true natural areas and shall be rewarded by high financially returns, while the local community can use the increased profit to further protect their environment. As the main task in the 1st phase of SUMAMAD, the project was to show the local communities that their serious degraded grasslands can be effectively restored, and many scientific problems needed to be resolved in this process. However, we were weak in yielding economic outputs in the 1st project phase. According to our experiences over the last ten years, any restoration project without adequate economic outputs for the local people will fail, regardless whether they are governmental or non-governmental projects. Therefore, we need to re-establish a demonstration project involving some families in the project site, to show the local people how our proposed solution can generate higher incomes while producing little destruction to their lands. Achievements / lessons learned from 1st Phase of SUMAMAD The most excellent achievement from the 1st phase of the SUMAMAD project in Hunshandake Sandland is that the seriously degraded grassland has been well restored. This provides the fundamental basis for success. In the year of 2006, for example, nearly half of the family from Bayinhushu Gacha (village) benefited from selling forage with an income of 10,000 to 20,000 RMB. Before the project, families in that village had to spend the equivalent money to buy forage for their animals as their grasslands were so seriously degraded.

A business company was set up in Zhenglan Banner of Inner Mongolia in the year of 2003 and has been running since 2004 with the help of the scientists from the SUMAMAD Hunshandake working team. Three Malaysia volunteers and Shandong Jiujianpeng High-Tech Agriculture Company have provided training courses for the local community so as to coach them how to run a business company.

In the year of 2005 and 2006, some 15,000 chickens were raised in the 400 mu (15 mu = 1 hectare) Sandland in Bayinhushu Gacha (village). Five families were involved in this activity. In the year of 2007, our project team helped two families to raise 2,000 hens, and 100,000 eggs have been produced. Such new income generation was firstly carried out in China’s true grassland with the financial support of SUMAMAD project. The demonstration project was

49

tested rather successful, however a new marketing system for the truly organically-produced chicken is urgently needed.

With regard to scientific research, we have accomplished several results including: (1) Distribution of water resources in the whole of Zhenglan Banner was verified on the spot. (2) Soil seed banks and above-ground vegetation from a series of degraded sandlands and several aerial seeding sites undergoing restoration were carefully compared; (3) Net primary production (NPP) of the sparse forest grassland ecosystem in Hunshandake Sandland has been measured; (4) Rainfall use efficiency of the sandland ecosystem was calculated. (5) Twelve scientific papers have been published in international journals such as Trees, AMBIO, Restoration Ecology, Environmental Conservation, Environmental Management, Environmental Practise as a result of scientific research conducted during the 1st phase of SUMAMAD.

The Hunshandake project has also created remarkable visibility, both locally and internationally. Some 218 articles or interview papers were published in top newspapers such as People’s Daily, Guangming Daily, Xinhua News Agency. Six important suggestions were proposed, three with marginalia by top officials such as Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice Premier Hui Liangyu. Television programmes appeared in CCTV, BTV, the Phoenix (Hong Kong), with 12 series lasting some 400 minutes, which broadly disseminated our achievement. International news agency such as Science, New York Times, Chicago Tribune News, NOVA Powderhouse Productions also reported on the results from our project site. Finally, we have published two books, 20 magazine articles, and 12 scientific papers. However, as we are scientists, and although we have found the correct way in restoring seriously degraded grasslands and in increasing incomes for local people, we do not have the real power to put our solutions into practice. Thus, similarly to the great success in natural restoration in the 1st phase, we need also set up a demonstration project for running a “business”, especially marketing truly organic foods from our project site to large cities like Beijing. We failed in doing so during the 1st phase project, although we have achieved good results for the benefit of ecology and society. Regarding economy, we shall concentrate our efforts to enlarge the chicken farming industry, and generate incomes by shifting from the production of big and middle animals to poultry. Other activities implemented in the first phase, such as traditional milk tofu production, eco-tourism and forage selling, will be continued. Specific objectives, expected outputs and activities of the project Economically, the land value at Hunshandake project site will be greatly increased because of the new products. With large livestock, each mu can only produce 10 Yuan; however, if organic chicken farming is realized, each mu can increase its output by 30-50 times. Environmentally, such a project will help to protect the natural grassland from further degradation caused by over-grazing, a phenomenon commonly happening in Hunshandake. If a whole area (village, town or county level) can form a big organic production base, then the degradation of the land and the frequency of dust storms will be ceased.

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Socially, the local communities will be able to reduce poverty by using non-polluted land; they will love their lands and show harmony with both the urban people and nature. Their traditional culture will be further enhanced with new income opportunities.

Measures and activities Chicken farming: Will help the local families to raise organic chickens, with baby chicken coming from Tai’an, Shandong Province. As requested by the SUMAMAD Hunshandake project team leader, the local government agreed to help the local families with chicken house facilities.

Milk cattle: With the help from scientists from IBCAS, the Zhenglan Banner will choose Bayinhushu Gacha as the model village to shift meat cattle production to milk cattle production. Some of the funds would come from the local government if the village is chosen as a model village.

Forage marketing: Each year, Bayinhushu Gacha produces some 350,000 kg dry forage thanks to the achievements from 1st phase demonstration project. If chicken and milk cattle had successfully replaced even more large livestock, much more forage would have been produced which could be sold on the forage markets. (1) Emphasis on scientific studies related to the following key subjects:

• Improvement of dryland agriculture including chicken farming, dairy production and forage industry and transportation.

• Restoration of seriously degraded sandland through replacement sustenance (e.g., chicken, dairy, forage and ecotourism).

(2) Achieving greater focus on policy-relevant analyses, in particular paying attention to: • Developing scenarios for land use change: First, the lands are restored through natural

process without large and middle sized animals; Second, chicken are freely raised in the grasslands, with insects being controlled and fertilizers being added; Third, forages are harvested and processed to increase income; Fourth, dairy industries and other organic foods are developed, with markets being opened in large cities such as Beijing.

• Upon the success of the proposed project, we shall formulate suggestions on the sustainable management the Inner Mongolia grassland for policy makers and top-officials of China, through Xinhua News Agency, the most influencing media in China.

• In the context of climate change resulting in higher temperatures and reduced precipitation, the NPP of the grassland can hardly any longer support the increase of traditional stockbreeding of large livestock. Accordingly, new land use systems must be considered or at least tested today. Low carbon economy will be the key of this project, as more NPP will be enabled and less grain consumed from the national point of view.

• With fast economic growth, there is an increasing market for organically produced food (like chickens) in grasslands. This project may have a lead role in developing such a market, starting from land rehabilitation and change of land use.

(3) Promoting sustainable livelihoods through: • Development of alternative income generating activities – diversification of options

including ecotourism, handicraft, medicinal, and forages. If the 130,000 mu grassland in

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Bainyin Hushu Gacha (village) is rehabilitated after the shift of middle animals (goat + sheep) to chickens, and the conversion of large numbers of meat cattle to small numbers of dairy cattle, the grassland will become more productive. Forage processing and marketing will become an industry; hopefully each family can earn 20,000 RMB (2,886 USD) from selling forage and chicken farming.

• Local families will be serviced with biogas (CH4) through biogas plants. People in grassland will have piped gas supplies as the urban people. Green houses and deep ground wells will provide convenient vegetables and safe drinking water through this demonstration project.

Expected outputs

(1) Fostering scientific research in Hunshandake Sandland: • Comparative study of chicken farming, and goat and sheet farming, both

economically and ecologically, resulting in new income generating activities bolstered by scientific support;

• Study available on the response of plant communities to changes of groundwater tables;

• Monitored changes of the NPP of the restored elm tree stands; • Analysis on the different ecological effects of dung emandating from goats, sheep and

chickens.

(2) Preparation of policy-relevant guidelines for decision-makers in Inner Mongolia: • Changed land-use systems in Inner Mongolia grassland due to shift from large and

middle livestock to nearly non-destructive poultry. This innovative land use pattern should have fundamental impacts on decision makers, as well as on local communities, in enhancing environmental conservation.

• Reference and explicability of new land use practices for other dryland countries, especially for SUMAMAD project countries.

(3) Promoting sustainable livelihoods in drylands:

• Alternative income-generating activities such as forages, chicken farming and ecotourism, and organic food production industry in Hunshandake Sandland available through joint efforts of scientists, entrepreneurs, local society and local government.

• As a by-product of the project, setting up of several biogas plants, thus solving energy problems.

• Using liquid and solid wastes from the biogas plants, availability of fertilizers for green houses; this can help to resolve the shortage of vegetables in the village.

• Possibility of having clean drinking water for human consumption coming from groundwater sources (currently, local farmers drink the same water as animals from shallow wells, which have been found polluted by animal wastes).

5-Year Work Plan Objective Activity Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Shift of land use pattern in

Comparative study on the economic and

X X X

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ecological output between chicken farming and traditional grazing Experimental data collection on chicken farming and free grazing

X X X

order to promote both the ecological and economic output

Fixed milk cattle raising

X X

Socio-economic field studies

X X X

Study of the response of plant communities to underground water levels. Socio-economic investigations

X

Research on NPP monitoring and land use patterns

X

Under-ground water resource conservation and biological aspects

Study on the capacity of sandland in carbon fixation

X X

Suggestions given to decision makers using both scientific data and the demonstration project.

X X

Publications of scientific findings in restoration ecology and sustainability science.

X

Scenario building as policy making tools

National seminar based on the achievement of site project activities

X X X X X

Production of organic chicken farming

X X Promotion of livelihoods

Dairy cattle raising and milk toufu production and

X X X X

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selling Green house in the project site will be built to grow vegetables.

X X X

Biogas plant building and deep well digging to save energy and avoid water pollution

X

Special organic food company set up and operates normally

X X X

Legally authenticated National Organic Food Production Base

X

Detailed work plan for 1st Year and proposed budget Budget for Hunshandake site 2009 (in US$)

• Practices for soil and water conservation: 1) Fieldwork on response of plant growth to changing under-ground water level: 4,000 2) Socio-economic investigation on families: 2,000 3) Fieldwork, car hiring: 4,000 3) Highway fees: 600 4) Fuel: 400 5) Hiring of field labour: 1,000

• Income generating activities: 1) Technical assistance in raising 10,000 chickens: 4,000 2) Testing the marketing of baby cattle to Shandong Province: 2,000

• National seminar: 2,000 Total: US$ 20,000

Counterpart contributions from national sources: (a) Central Government of China through Zhengland Banner: US$ 434, 700 requested to develop “model villages”; (b) Chinese Academy of Sciences: US$ 58,800 (for 2 years, 2009-2010) to cover field trips and on-site field work on restoration ecology.

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Counterpart contribution per year (in US Dollars): 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total SUMAMAD Member State

116,340 116,340 86,940 86,940 86,940 493,500

Project Team Composition Team leader: Dr Gaoming Jiang, Professor of Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences Deputy team leader: Dr Menzhen Liu, assistant professor of Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences Team members:

• Professor Jun Ma, Director and professor at Environmental School of Remin University of China

• Dr Xiqin Wang, associate professor, Environmental School of Remin University of China • Dr Menzhen Liu, assistant professor of Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences • Dr Yonggeng Li, associate professor of Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of

Sciences • Dr Shunli Yu, assistant professor of Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences • Mr Yanhai Zheng, Post-doc. of Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences • Ms Hua Su, doctoral candidate of Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences • Miss Binxue Wang, master student of Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences • Dr Jiwang Zhang, associate professor of Shandong Agriculture University • Dr Tangyuan Ning, associate professor of Shandong Agriculture University • Miss Wuyun Tana, mater student of Heibei Agriculture University

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Annex 4

China-2 – Heihe River Basin Project title: Case study site: Heihe River Basin, Gansu Province, China Partner institution: Cold and Arid Regions Environment and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences Contact details of team leader: Prof. Wang Tao Cold and Arid Regions Environment and Engineering Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences 320 West Donggang Road Lanzhou Gansu Province P.R.China 730000 Tel: (+86-931) 4967533 Fax: (+86-931) 8732894 Email: wangtao@lzb.ac.cn Deputy: Dr. Xue Xian E-mail: xianxue@lzb.ac.cn Introduction The ecological environment in northwest China is intrinsically vulnerable and has been degraded greatly in the past decades as a result of large-scale land reclamation, over grazing, and intensive exploitation of water resources. A national strategy of accelerating development of western China has been put forward, aiming to narrow the disparity of western and eastern China, speed up to western economic development, improve its ecological environment, and consolidate social stability and nationality unity. The arid northwest of China consists of inland river basins, of which the Heihe River Basin is a typical, and the second largest, inland river basin. It flows through three provinces/autonomous regions (Qinghai, Gansu and Inner Mongolia) with a total length of 821 km, its catchments area reaches 128,000 km2, and it has a total population of 1.84 million currently. From the south to the north of the basin, there are three major topographic landscapes; the southern Qilian Mountains, the middle Hexi Corridor, and the northern Alxa Highland. Except for the southern mountainous region which receive over 300 mm year-1, precipitation in most of the region is, on average, less than 200 mm year-1, with the lower reaches receiving even less than 50 mm year-1. The main stakeholders in HRB are:

• Farmers, herdsmen; • Citizens of oasis city, and enterprises who compete with others for water resource;

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• Government agencies which are responsible for water management • Research institutes which work on scientific and technical solutions.

Heihe River Basin in NW China Justification North China is one of the 13 regions that have a water scarcity problem according to the statistical data of the United Nations. About one third of the total area of China consists of arid inland river basins. Water is extremely scarce in this region. Oasis come into being when sufficient runoff flows out of mountains and recharges basins; whereas in the Gobi, deserts appear when water is scarce. Due to the shortage of water resources and unreasonable water utilization, water-use competition for different usages (production, environment, agriculture), water allocation among upper, middle and lower river basins, and among different administrative regions, have intensified. These factors have resulted in desertification and poverty of farmers. The Heihe River Basin is a typical inland river basin in China. It is also representative of the global arid area. Therefore, research of water-saving eco-agriculture technology and water management model in Heihe River Basin is not only important for the demonstration of poverty alleviation in the water scarce area of western China but can also be a model for the arid areas in Africa and South Asia. Our project will rely on and feed into the current eco-hydrology observation network, the trial and demonstration platforms of agricultural technology extension, and the work on digital river basin and integrated models using the Heihe River Basin (HRB). The objectives are to understand water-ecology-economy integrated systems and to relate these systems to water-saving technologies in oasis agriculture.

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An illustration of HRB environment

In the first phase of SUMAMAD, we found that water scarcity in the HRB is not only caused by physical conditions, but is also the result of lacking integrated river basin management. There is a definite need to develop planning and management strategies over the entire basin for ecological, social and economic sustainability. During its first phase, the Heihe River Basin project conducted an investigation of the conditions in the basin, and identified and tested practical measures to solve water and ecological problems in a sustainable manner. It highlighted a demand-oriented water management approach to improve water use efficiency at the river basin scale through implementation of the integrated river basin management Furthermore, the first phase of HRB project also identified extending water-saving techniques and models, and introduced new agriculture technologies as essential measures for rural economic development and poverty alleviation in HRB. Therefore, our overall objective in the new phase of the SUMAMAD project (2009 - 2013) is to: 1) formulate a holistic river basin management framework through scientific research of the river basin eco-hydrological processes and mechanisms, and through technological transfers of scientific findings for use both by land users and for policy-level decision-making;

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2) develop and extend water-saving agriculture technologies and models to support livelihoods of local farmers; and 3) develop scenarios for ecosystem change in the context of climate change and rapid socio-economic change in China. Previous Work During its first phase, the HRB project investigated land degradation and possible solutions to combat desertification. While the lower Heihe River Basin faces ecological degradation and desertification, the issues faced in the middle basin revolve around conflicts of water demand and supply, and the management challenges pertaining to the upper basin include the reduction of forest cover and rangeland degradation. Therefore, intensive water-saving measures were tested in the middle basin in order to increase water productivity, that is to gain greater benefits per drop of water used. A field of 200 ha in Pinchuan Irrigation District of Linze County was selected as a demonstration site. The water-saving measures demonstrated included improving water use efficiency of flood irrigation, crop structure adjustment and community participation regarding irrigation management. As results, the total water use efficiency in the demonstration site increased by 20-25% and water productivity doubled. To sustain the increased river discharge required to maintain the fragile ecology of the lower river basin, many activities such as the production of cash crops, stall-feeding of livestock and eco-tourism have been demonstrated and extended as new income-generating alternatives for local farmers and Mongolian herders. Efforts to establish close collaboration established among research institutes, local government authorities and communities were promoted by involving and training local government and community representatives. In turn, their capacity to develop their local environment on a sustainable basis has improved. The results of this project provide essential information and practical solutions for the effective management of inland river basins in northwest China. The integrated river basin management approach is crucial for solving the problems of water competition in the different administrative regions of a river basin. Specific objectives, expected outputs and activities of the project As described above, the specific objective in the new phase of the SUMAMAD project (2009 - 2013) is to: 1) formulate a holistic river basin management framework through scientific research of the river basin eco-hydrological processes and mechanisms, and through technological transfers of scientific findings for use both by land users and for policy-level decision-making; 2) develop and extend water-saving agriculture technologies and models to support livelihoods of local farmers; and 3) develop scenarios for ecosystem change in the context of climate change and rapid socio-economic change in China.

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To achieve these objectives, the following activities will be undertaken. (1) Application of ecohydrology approach for water resources management and sustainable development at catchment scale The concept and methodology of ecohydrology has been developed and defined in a series of UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (IHP-V, VI and VII). Ecohydrology is a new integrative science that involves finding solutions to issues surrounding water, people and environment, and its development promotes the integration of hydrology and ecology for the sustainable management of water resources. As stated in IHP-VI, ecohydrology does not specify the method of incorporating ecosystems into management programmes as these are site-specific. Instead it highlights understanding of useful ecosystem processes and to communicate such understanding to water managers in a way that enables incorporation into existing and planned programmes. The project will develop an ecohydrological approach to mitigate water conflicts of the economic development and eco-environment protection in HRB. Specific activities include:

• Based on our existing monitoring and observation system, studying the driving forces and interaction mechanism between hydrological processes and ecological processes at various scales, and their responses to natural and anthropogenic impacts, will be studied.

• Conduct bio-diversity survey and biological resources inventory so as to understand the ecohydrology of the riparian forests in the lower river basin.

• Incorporating social and cultural consideration into the ecohydrology approach; • Develop methodology to use advanced technologies for data provision, data

assimilation, and system analysis. Expected outputs:

• An integrated water resource assessing and management system based on an ecohydrological approach.

• An updated database of inland river basin water resources, in both spatial dimension and temporal dimensions.

• A demonstration site will be selected in the middle of the river basin to test water-saving techniques, with the involvement of the local government and communities.

• Seminars and reports will be delivered to the relevant policy-makers and local communities in order to improve their abilities to manage environment and conduct production in a sustainable manner.

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Framwork of integrated water management

(2) Irrigation using saline water aiming at increasing productivity and quality of traditional crops in Chinese N.W. oasis Agriculture is currently, and will remain, the largest water user in HRB. The overwhelming proportion of water used in agriculture is for irrigation, at low levels of system efficiency (perhaps as low as 30% for surface water irrigation). Irrigated agriculture has, therefore, contributed to desertification by reducing downriver flows to meet ecological water demand and over-exploitation of groundwater resources has reduced severely groundwater tables, causing the death of trees and increasing water salinity levels. However, as a residual user, its share of water use will continue to decline as municipal and industrial demand increases. There are important economic, social and political dimensions (not least food security in an area so dependent on irrigated grain production) in maintaining adequate water supplies to agriculture. At the same time, however, the cost to government of supplying large volumes of increasingly expensive water to low value-added activities is not sustainable. Meanwhile salinization of water and soil is spreading at larger scale. For example, the salinity of surface water at Zhengyixia Station on the Heihe river increased from 0.45 gL-1 in 1962 to 0.98 gL-1 in 1987, the Jinta district of Beidahe River Basin, was extending upstream at a rate of 2.0-6.0 km2 year-1. Therefore, key techniques to increase water use efficiency in agriculture will be extremely helpful to solve water inadequacy in HRB. In Shiyang River Basin, which is another inland river in Gansu Province that is very similar to HRB in its environment, CAREERI has conducted a series of experiments of irrigation using saline water aiming at increasing productivity and

Water cycle of society economy Water cycle of the natural system Process of watershed eco-hydrology

Observation and test of platformInteraction mechanism of water-ecology

Watershed eco-hydrology

Engineering water saving

Water saving material

Water saving technique spread

Experiment demonstration platform

Output improvement per unit

(High efficient and water saving eco-agriculture)

Biological water saving Drought-resistance species

Water manage of watershed under changing environment Decision-making system of agro-water

Water resources change Agriculture system adaptation Integrated model

Integrated manage of HRB

Information system

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quality of traditional crops in Chinese N.W. oasis. The ongoing study will extend its scope to HRB to increase water use efficiency. Specific activities include:

• Studying the irrigation systems and their management applied in the basin, we can evaluate if the irrigation systems applied are the most suitable and efficient ones for the area.

• Estimation of the crop production under several salinity levels for widely cultivated crops in the area; in this way information on the crop tolerance to salinity will be available and the most tolerant crops can be promoted in the area.

• Continuing the study of the soil hydrological characterization and the soil physical properties of the soils in the basin, so that suitable soil management under saline conditions can be applied.

Expected outputs:

• Optimized scheme of saline water irrigation to increase traditional oasis crop productivity.

• Knowledge of crop response to salinity. (3) Scenario building The HRB is developing, from a rural based economy to an industrial base. Populations are migrating from rural to urban areas albeit slower than in most other areas in China. Service industries are developing within the region. The region will follow the national development trends. The natural resources of land and water in HRB are being used beyond their sustainable limit. The increased demand on the natural resource base has been a response to:

• Increases in population brought on by a desire to make use of the apparently large land and water resources of the corridor to provide new livelihoods and opportunities for some of the poorest of the poor in Gansu Province through resettlement schemes.

• Changes in the lifestyle and livelihoods of nomadic herding peoples.

The living standards of the people in HRB are lower than in the eastern parts of China. Some groups in the HRB community are living well below the poverty line. There are some marked differences in living standards between different counties and within counties. The gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ is increasing. A general increase in living standards will depend on either, or both, a reduction in the population of HRB or additional natural and mineral resources being used for economic productivity, for example, trans-basin transfer of water could increase the production although at considerable cost. It will be very important to manage issues of equity in the implementation of economic development. The changes that will occur will bring more opportunity to some groups than to others. The inland river basins must be treated as an overall ecosystem, and treating the symptoms e.g. desert encroachment, will not be a permanent solution. In order to have sustainable development within the basin, it is necessary to make an overall plan for rational

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utilization of water and land resources. In all cases the condition of ecosystem equilibrium must be considered, and outward migration of some of the population will be necessary unless additional resources can be economically provided to support further development. This is especially so in HRB where present population is beyond the carrying capacity of water and land resources. Because the problem is complex, and not merely a matter of stopping the movement of sand or supplying more water, the solutions must take an integrated approach. Groundwater use, ecological construction, control of illegal land conversion, regulation of grazing, and officially sanctioned expansion of the oasis, all must be taken into account. And natural factors, such as climate change, which will directly or indirectly determine water supply of the whole basin, contributes to the problems. During the past decades, CAREERI has conducted a series of studies on the physical and socio-economic conditions of HRB, established an observation network and collected enough data to forecast the effects of climate change on local environmental factors, such as precipitation, temperature and humidity. Scenario building has been an obviously powerful tool to analyze the future shape of HRB and will serve to provide advise to policy makers. The research team will develop scenarios for climate change, land use change, emigration, urbanization and industrialization. These scenarios will be solid guidelines for decision-makers and regional planners. Activities include:

• Exploring the climate change trends in future, 50yr, 100yr and even longer. • Studying the transforming of social economic trends of HRB. • Household questionnaire investigation of farmer’s adaptation to climate changes and

social development. • Analysis of water resource evolution in spatial and temporal dimensions in the context of

climate change and social development. • Researching the interactions of the above factors.

Expected outputs:

• The HRB ecosystem’s response to climate change. • The HRB ecosystem’s response to industrialization and urbanization process; and • Farmers’ response to socio-economic change. Based on the changing environment, the scenarios of the water resources evolution at the river basin scale, agricultural adaptation strategies and industrialization optimum models are proposed.

Five year work plan Objective Activity yr 1 yr 2 yr 3 yr 4 yr5 ecohydrological approach of water management

studying the driving forces and interaction mechanisms between hydrological processes and

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ecological processes bio-diversity survey and biological resources inventory

Develop methodology to use advanced technologies for data provision, data assimilation, and system analysis

Studying the irrigation systems and their management

Estimation of the crop production under several salinity levels

Saline water irrigation to improve productivity

Study of the soil hydrological characterization and the soil physical properties of the soils

Exploring the climate change trends in future

Studying the transformation of socio-economic trends

Household questionnaire investigation

Analysis of water resource evolution

Scenario building as policy making tools

Researching the interactions of all factors

Seminars & reports Promotion of livelihoods Demonstration of water saving

techniques

First year plan (1) Salt water irrigation experiment The salinity levels tested are 0.8 g l-1; 2 g l-1and 5 g l-1. Throughout the experimental trial, crop samples will be taken to determine the crop growth rate; moreover soil samples will be taken for the water content and the ECe through the soil profile. Photosynthesis as well as exchangeable carbon, plant water status, chlorophyll content in leaves of different age, and the ionic content in different plant parts (leaves, stems and fruits) will be evaluated. The total fruits production and their characteristics will be determined. To evaluate if the water volume applied by the farmer is overestimated or underestimated against the crop water needs, another experimental trial will be installed. On a field inside the study area that uses groundwater for irrigation, at concentration of 10 g l-1, on one of the two melon varieties (already used in the trials above), three irrigation volumes will be compared. The irrigation frequency for all the irrigation volumes tested is once every 15 days. (2) Scenarios building

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Study the water resource demand of oasis systems under the existing water management system and establish water resources management scenarios for economic development in 50 years and climate change in NW China. (3) Water saving practice Establish a plot of water saving shelter-belt in HRB to select suitable, low-water-demanding species in HRB, and to study the optimal configuration of the oasis farmland shelter belt. Objective actions Needs Budget

(US$) Labour 3,000

Equipment 4,000

Ecohydrological approach of water management

Studying the driving forces and interaction mechanisms between hydrological processes and ecological processes Others 2,000

Labour 4,000Equipment 5,000

Studying the irrigation systems and their management

Others 1,000Labour 1,000Equipment 1,000

Saline water irrigation to improve productivity

Study of the soil hydrological characterization and the soil physical properties of the soils Others 1,000

Labour 3,000Equipment 1,000

Scenario building as policy making tools

Household questionnaire investigation

Others 500Labour 2,000Equipment 500

Promotion of livelihoods

Seminars & reports

Others 1,000Total 30,000

The budget of the first year is US$ 100,000, of which US$ 30,000 comes from SUMAMAD, and US$ 70,000 comes from other parallel projects in inland river research projects of CAREERI. Counterpart contribution per year (in US Dollars): 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total SUMAMAD Member State

70,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 60,000 310,000

Composition of Research Teams By solely using the financial resource provided through the SUMAMAD project, it is difficult to achieve all the objects listed above. CAREERI has decades of studies in HRB and is now conducting several and different studies simultaneously, but which share common resources. These are supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China Natural Science

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Foundation, the Ministry of Science and Technology, CAREERI itself, and by the Gansu Provincial Government. This is a great benefit not only to SUMAMAD but also to all projects. The synergistic effects of the different inputs will enhance cooperative relationships. Research Team Composition The research team will be composed of agriculture specialists, hydrology specialists, remote sensing specialists, ecology specialists, desertification specialists, economy specialists and modelling specialists. The total number of the researchers is about 30 or so. They are mainly from CAREERI; young scientists holding Ph.D. degrees will form the majority of the team.

• Prof. Wang Tao, Director General of CAREERI, drylands rehabilitation and management expert. He has been the chief scientist of the national key basic scientific research project “Desertification and its control in Northern China”, and is one of the major consultant experts to national desertification control.

• Prof. Xue Xian, Assistant of Dr. Wang Tao, drylands ecology and agriculture expert. She

is now the leader of the salt water irrigation project.

• Prof. Xiao Honglang, inland river ecology and water resource expert. He is now the leading scientist of the national key project of “Integrated rehabilitation of Shiyang River Basin”.

• Dr. Li Jinxiu, policy expert. • Dr. Zhou Lihua ecology- economy expert. • Dr. Huang Cuihua, Ph.D student, water saving agriculture. • Dr. Zong Li, Ph.D student, water saving agriculture. • Dr. Guo Jian, modelling expert.

The team leader of first phase was Prof. Wang Tao. Prof. Xue Xian will be the co-leader of the second phase.

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Annex 5

Egypt – Omayed Biosphere Reserve Project title: Case study site: Omayed Biosphere Reserve and its surrounding neighbourhood Partner institution: University of Alexandria, National Committee for the UNESCO-MAB Programme Contact details of team leader: Prof. Boshra B. Salem Chair, Department of Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science University of Alexandria 21511 Moharram Bey Alexandria Egypt Tel: (002 01) 01449645 Fax: (002 03) 3911794 E-mail: boshra.salem@dr.com Deputy:

Introduction Omayed region lies at the western coastal desert of Egypt, and is located at about 80 km to the west of Alexandria and 200 km to the east of Matruh. Covering a total area of 75,800 ha and ranging from 0 to 110, the site was designated as a biosphere reserve in 1981 and extended in 1998. Omayed Biosphere Reserve (OBR) area represents a variety of habitats, biological communities, land use patterns and human settlements of the Mediterranean coastal desert of Egypt. The OBR comprises four villages with a total number of about 400 human beings.

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Location of the Omayed BR (OBR) and its structure

There are five main habitat types at OBR: coastal dunes, inland ridges, saline depressions, non-saline depressions, and an inland plateau. The area is located in a warm desert and semi-desert ecosystem with coastal calcareous dunes consisting of Ammophila arenaria, Euphorbia paralias, Pancratium maritimum etc.; inland ridges with skeletal shallow soils characterized by either Thymellaea spp. and Gymnocarpus decadrum communities or by associations of Plantago albicans and Asphodelus microcarpa; saline marshy depressions dominated by Salicornia fruticosa, Cressa cretica, Atriplex halimus etc.; non-saline depressions and inland plateau including species such as Artemisia monosperma and Hammada elegans associations (calcareous soils), Anabasis articulata and Hammada scorpia (shallow degraded soils) and Suaeda pruinosa and Salsola tetrandra communities (saline soils); pasture land, fig plantations; agroecosystems. Environmental constraints comprise land degradation, habitat fragmentation, overgrazing, loss of biodiversity, salinization of soil, and over exploitation of mineral and water (ground water) resources. The area is undergoing a serious transformation process form natural rangelands to agricultural lands, particularly after the extension of an irrigation canal and an extended irrigation networks from the Nile. The availability of irrigation water has influenced the whole lifestyle of the local community and has created conflicts in land tenure due to the increase in land prices. The profile of land tenure comprise the heritage from the local community ancestors, where each tribe, and according to the local Bedouin law (Urf), knows its property of land in terms of location and size, and have full control over it. Investors who are newcomers and who want to buy land for cultivation purposes, have to buy the land from the owner of the local community first, then pay taxes per square meter according to the government law. The availability of irrigation water has created the interest and attraction of many investors to the area, and constitutes a new type of stakeholder. According to the previous study during the first phase of SUMAMAD, the previous economic constraints were:

• Absence of permanent source of income (revenue); • Lack of skills; • Major activities are seasonal (agriculture and grazing); • Spread of unemployment and thus poverty.

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This has now changed to:

• Continuous source of income, but to those who own large parcels of land; • Development of skills, particularly in new irrigation practices; • Agriculture is all year round, however grazing is still seasonal; • Unemployment is still a constraint in the poor sector of the local community.

Accordingly, stakeholders in OBR can be identified as follows:

1. Local community: members from the poor sector (mainly rangers), and rich local community members (land owners);

2. New rural community from the new comers (farmers); 3. Investors in the agriculture sector and tourism sector; 4. Governmental agencies: Local Council, Governorate of Matruh, State ministries of

environment, agriculture, reclamation and water resources; 5. Military sector: frontier army, ministry of defence; 6. Educational institutions (universities, and research centers).

The previous phase of SUMAMAD has identified the environmental constraint as loss of biodiversity, habitat fragmentation, and land degradation. With regard to water, there is an over pumping process going on, which affects the quality and quantity of ground water, due to lack of natural discharge. The current land transformation taking place in OBR, is greatly affecting the physical and biological properties of habitats, and is putting an increasing pressure on the fragile dry soils. This situation will lead to increased desertification rates, depletion of resources, soil erosion and loss of productivity. The situation will be exacerbated with the expected droughts and water stresses, and limited productivity due to climate change impacts. In this context, it is important to assess the nature and scale of climatic changes impacts. Justification The previous situation of land transformation and change of livelihoods in OBR has greatly influenced the lifestyle of the community, increased conflicts, and has also immense impacts on the natural resources of the area and its natural habitats. The situation calls for urgent assessments procedures, valuation and management intervention towards sustainability, particularly with the advent of the expected droughts, water stresses due to climate change, and the encroachment of desertification. Changes in land cover and land use on the one hand drive climate change, and on the other hand are directly or indirectly affected by climate change. Conversion of rangelands into agricultural land, for example, drives climate change. It leads to alteration of surface properties of an ecosystem (e.g. albedo, roughness length) and changes the efficiency of ecosystem exchange of water, energy and CO2 with the atmosphere. It is expected that the land use shift to agricultural land will continue in the future. It is therefore important to assess factors which are thought to have a direct influence on the social and biophysical vulnerability of traditional and indigenous communities to global climate change. Achievements / lessons learned from 1st Phase of SUMAMAD

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Through the SUMAMAD project, the Egyptian team was able to achieve the following: 1. Creation of a complete Geodatabase of OBR based on participatory GIS approach.

Through this database rational management practices could be identified and allocated for the benefit of the local community.

2. Completion of an ecological study of the natural resources of Moghra Oasis (for the first time) at the hinterland of OBR. This study will allow its nomination as an extension of the OBR.

3. Fresh drinking water was provided to a small community in OBR. This community represents one of the poorest families which has no access to fresh drinking water.

4. Limited access to credit to allow income generating activities for women was made possible, so that women now can afford their living expenses through sewing.

5. The issuing of identity cards to at least 150 women of the Bedouin community was made possible, so that these woman now enjoy their rights in heritage, legal marriages, health and other services provided by the local government.

6. The formation of an NGO of graduates students in environmental sciences that joined the SUMAMAD team and volunteered in awareness-raising workshops held for the local community.

7. Successful fund raising by the NGO to carry out more environmental work at the SUMAMAD site to provide fresh drinking water to the local community after presenting SUMAMAD as a show case.

8. Training in remote sensing for a Ph,D. student who is a member of the SUMAMAD team, and an M.Sc. scholarship in drylands awarded to another member of SUMAMAD team.

Specific objectives, expected outputs and activities of the project: a. Preparedness of the local community to combat expected climate change. This

objective involves the following activities: ‐ Assessment of the nature and scale of climate change impacts; ‐ Assessing social and biophysical vulnerability of the local community to climate change; ‐ Soil carbon sequestration using composting; ‐ Rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems by propagation of endangered species; ‐ Provision of fresh drinking water by continuation of installation of solar water

desalination systems on the roof of the houses; ‐ Use of solar heaters and cookers as a replacement of fuel wood cutting.

b. Construction of a recent land use/cover map of land transformed areas, using a recent satellite image. This objective involves the following activities:

‐ Interpretation of a high resolution satellites image of transformed habitats; ‐ Assess the impacts and value of transformed habitats.

c. Strategic assessment of development projects. This objective involve the following activities:

‐ Examination of the developed scenarios from the first SUMAMAD phase; ‐ Development of a management plan towards the rational development of the multi-social,

multi-use and multi-targeted areas including Moghra oasis (Omayed Hinterland).

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d. Capacity building activities. These activities involve:

‐ Workshops for local council personnel and biosphere reserve management team on governance mechanisms in terms of general consensus, public participation, and conflict resolution.

‐ Training of young scientist from the SUMAMAD team – pending the availability of study grants.

e. Development of income-generating activities. This activity involves:

‐ Examination of needs assessments of the poor local community; ‐ Continuation of provision of sewing machines for women to provide alternative income

opportunities which reduce the impacts on natural systems; ‐ Production of jam and dried fruits from fig plants and marketing of the fruits.

The 5 major proposed objectives will be distributed over the five years as follows:

Objective/activity Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4 Y5 A. Preparedness of the local community to

combat expected climatic changes. This objective involves the following activities:

‐ Assessment of the nature and scale of climate change impacts

‐ Assessing social and biophysical vulnerability of local community to climate change

‐ Soil carbon sequestration using composting

‐ Rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems by propagation of endangered species

‐ Provision of fresh drinking water by continuation of installation of solar water desalination systems on the roof of houses

‐ Use of solar heaters and cookers as a replacement of fuel wood cutting

B. Contraction of a recent land use/cover map of land transformed areas, using a recent satellite image. This objective involves the following activities:

‐ Interpretation of a high resolution satellites image of

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transformed habitats

‐ Assess the impacts and value of transformed habitats

C. Strategic assessment of development projects. This objective involve the following activities:

‐ Examination the developed scenarios from the first SUMAMAD phase as compared to local policy assessments

‐ Development of a management plan towards rational development of the multi-social, multi-use and multi-targeted areas

D. Capacity building activities. This activity involves:

‐ National workshops for local council personnel and biosphere reserve management team on governance mechanisms in terms of general consensus, public participation, and conflict resolution.

‐ Training of young scientist form the SUMAMAD team - available grants

E. Development of income-generating activities. This activity involves:

‐ Examination of needs assessments of the poor local community

‐ Continuation of provision of sewing machines for women

‐ Production of jam and dried fruits form fig plants and marketing of the fruits

Plan of the first year:

Objective/Activity Y1 Budget (US$) B. Preparedness of the local community to

combat expected climatic changes. This objective involve the following activities:

‐ Assessment of the nature and scale of climate change impacts

2,000

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‐ Assessing social and biophysical vulnerability of local community to climate change

2,000

‐ Soil carbon sequestration using composting 3,000

‐ Rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems by propagation of endangered species

‐ Provision of fresh drinking water by continuation of installation of solar water desalination systems on the roof of houses

3,000 + (additional funds form the NGO)

‐ Use of solar heaters and cookers as a replacement of fuel wood cutting (pilot scheme)

2,000

B. Contraction of a recent land use/cover map of land transformed areas, using a recent satellite image. This objective involves the following activities:

‐ Interpretation of a high resolution satellites image of transformed habitats

3,000

‐ Assess the impacts and value of transformed habitats 2,000

C. Strategic assessment of development projects. This objective involves the following activities:

‐ Examination the developed scenarios from the first SUMAMAD phase as compared to local policy assessments

3,000

‐ Development a management plan towards rational development of the multi social, multi-use and multi targeted areas

D. Capacity building activities. This activity involves:

‐ National workshops for local council personnel and the biosphere reserve management team on governance mechanisms in terms of general consensus, public participation, and conflict resolution.

2,000

‐ Training of young scientist form the SUMAMAD team - available grants

Grants

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E. Development of income-generating activities. This activity involve

‐ Examination of needs of the poor local community 1,000

‐ Continuation of provision of sewing machines for women

2,000

‐ Production of jam and dried fruits form fig plants and marketing of the fruits

Total 25,000 Financial contributions from other sources SUMAMAD Phase-2 will involve collaboration with the “Ecosystem and Human Development Association (EHDA)”, which originated during the last year of SUMAMAD Phase-1. This NGO has used the results of SUMAMAD-1 as a show case to obtain a grant for the provision of fresh drinking water to local community by using the solar units developed in SUMAMAD-1, and also to rehabilitate more Roman cisterns in OBR. EHDA will also adopt the Teaching Resource Kit for Dryland Countries developed by UNESCO, and start a pilot workshop using such material to train university undergraduates and school students in the field. The Egyptian National Committee for the UNESCO-MAB Programme will also be involved with in-kind contributions, mainly for administrative tasks. The financial contribution from EHDA and the National MAB Committee will be as follows:

Activity Units Contribution in

US$ Source

Installation of solar systems for the provision of fresh drinking water to three local communities

20 units 20,000 EHDA

Rehabilitation of Roman cisterns 3 6,000 EHDA Environmental Education using the UNESCO drylands kit

One workshop

2,000 EHDA

In-kind contribution Office use, and some field equipment

5,000 EHDA and MAB National Committee

Total 33,000

Counterpart contribution per year (in US Dollars): 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total SUMAMAD 15,000 8,000 3,000 2,000 -- 28,000

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Member State (EHDA) MAB National Committee

1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 5,000

Total 33,000

Expected outputs

a. Assessment of the social and biophysical vulnerability of the local community to climate change and proposed plans to be taken accordingly;

b. A community aware of various adaptation mechanisms to climate change impacts; c. Recognize indigenous and traditional peoples’ own coping strategies to adapt to

adverse conditions of climate change and desertification; d. An improved water use efficiency and water retention capacity in soils through the

application of compost; e. Reduction of the vulnerability of drylands people to climate change by reversing their

marginalization and to provide them with adequate services and support; f. A rational management plan according to the examined scenarios of development

projects and their impacts; g. Trained young scientists on dryland management techniques; h. Trained local council personnel on rational governance from environmental and

social aspects; i. Rehabilitation of degraded ecosystem and means for reversing degradation; j. Self sustained community using solar energy for supply of safe drinking water,

cooking and heating as an alternative to fuel wood; a. An improved livelihood through the development of income generating activities.

Capacity Building priorities:

1. Training on "Aqua crop Model”, water deficit irrigation system. 2. Training in techniques related to environmental economics. 3. Training on soil management practices.

Research team composition Staffing Position Contribution Scientific Staff Prof. Boshra Bakr Salem Chair, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alexandria

National Coordinator

Overall management

Miss Marwa Wassem Abdel Wahab Assisitant lecturer, Separtment of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alexandria

Deputy Biophysical assessment

Dr. Mohamed Rashad Associate Professor, Mubarak City of Science and Technology

Member Soil and water assessments

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Ms. Caroline King Ph.D. student Oxford University - UK

Member Review and editing of reports

Dr. Mohammed Awad Lecturer, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alexandria

Member Socio-economic assessments and valuation

Miss Marwa Gaber Graduate, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science. M.Sc Student, UNU M.Sc drylands grant

Member Valuation assessments

NGO members (Ecosystems and Human Development Association)

Members Assistances

Administrative staff

Mrs. Mona Allam Assistant, Secretary, National MAB Committee

Member Administration supervision

Mr. Mohamed Eissawy Manager, Omayed Biosphere Reserve

member Local policy analysis of OBR

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Annex 6

India – Arid western plain zone, Thar Desert Project title: Rehabilitation of degraded rangelands and stabilization of production in arable arid land of Thar desert, India Case study site: Arid western plain zone, Rajasthan, India Partner institution: Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur 342003 Contact details of team leader Dr. K.P. R. Vittal Director Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) Jodhpur 342 003 India Tel: +91-291-2786584 Fax: +91-291-2788706 E-mail: kprvittal@cazri.res.in Deputy team leaders Dr. R.S. Mertia Dr N.L. Joshi; E-mail: nljoshi@cazri.res.in or nljoshi@yahoo.com Introduction The hot arid western region of India (19,084 million ha) occurs in the western part of Rajasthan State which contains the dominantly sandy Thar Desert. Based on the climatic, edaphic and terrain characteristics, the region has been further subdivided into three sub-zones: (a) Arid western plain (zone I, 12,416 million ha), (b) Transitional plain of inland drainage (zone II, 3,699 million ha), and (c) Transitional plain of Luni basin (Zone III, 2,969 million ha). The climate of the region being arid, erratic behaviour of the meagre rainfall (100-450 mm/year; ~90% during July-September), extreme temperatures (often >45°C in the peak of summer and sub-zero in winter) and high summer winds (>30 km h-1 during sandstorms in summer) are the perpetual climatic problems to reckon with, especially for agriculture. Drought is and will remain a major determinant of agriculture in the region. There is a distinct rainfall gradient from east to west that is best reflected in the arid western plain where the mean annual rainfall varies from 100 mm in the westernmost part of Jaisalmer district to 370 mm in the east of Jodhpur, most of it is received during July-September. It would thus, be appropriate to implement the project in two-rainfall situations viz., (A) Rangeland and runoff farming studies for <200 mm rainfall region and, (B) Crop diversification studies for arable farming under 200-400 mm rainfall region. The terrain is dominantly sandy, with sand dunes of 10-30 m average height, interspersed with interdune plains of different sizes covering more than 60% area. A vast rocky-gravely upland with isolated hills cuts through the dune landscape with a NE-SW orientation in Barmer-Pokaran Jaisalmer-Ramgarh tract, while another occurs in Bikaner-Kolayat tract (zone I). The soils are

77

dominantly sandy, with 60-90% fine sand and 2-10% of silt-clay in the topsoil. These are generally low in organic carbon, low to medium in available phosphorus and medium to high in available potassium. Most of the micronutrients are adequate, but deficiency of Zn, Mn and Fe are reported from some of the intensively cropped irrigated fields, especially in the eastern half of the region. In the westernmost part of Zone I, the natural vegetation mainly consists of grasses and shrubs of poor conditions. Trees are rare. With the onset of monsoon ephemerals/annuals, consisting 52% of the total natural vegetation, covers the landscape. However, the highest expression of grassland development on loose sandy soils is represented by the establishment of Lasiurus community with Lasiurus sindicus as a dominant species. The traditional farming systems prevalent in rainfall situation of <200 mm is livestock based and mixed cropping. In the eastern part of Zone I, the land use is dominated by croplands (~64% of the total reported area during 2001-02, in a normal monsoon year) that include net sown area (50%), current fallow (6%) and other fallow (8%). Only 6% area is sown more than once. There is also large inter-annual variation due to uncertainty of rainfall. Zone I had a production 0.82 million t in good rainfall years (e.g., 2001-02) as against a demand of 1.12 million t, thus leaving a shortfall of 27%. In 200-400 mm rainfall situation, arable cropping with mixtures of various crops besides agro-forestry is practiced extensively. According to the livestock census of 2003, Zone I has 10.21 million heads of livestock (48.3% of the total animal population of the arid zone). The grazing pressure on the rangeland vegetation is estimated to 3.2 ACU ha-1 as against the carrying capacity of 0.3 to 0.5 ACU ha-1, thereby leading to deterioration of more palatable species. Animal population has shown little fluctuation over the last few decades but in dairy animals there is increase in buffalo population over the last four decades, similarly there is also increasing trend in number in goats and ruminants.

Justification There has been a major shift in land use during the last five decades. Net sown area has increased by ~45%, mainly due to introduction of canal irrigation in the zone, while culturable waste has declined by 27% and current and other fallow lands have declined by ~30%, Thus, the land under pasture has reduced to almost half within two decades. Owing to indiscriminate overgrazing because of reduced rangeland area and high livestock population, rangelands have reached the last stage of degradation. About 80 to 90 per cent of rangelands are under ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ condition class. Those under climax to sub-climax cover have existed owing to highly restricted grazing under severe water scarcity. The overgrazing and consequent trampling caused loosening of soils, a condition favourable for wind erosion and sand dune formation. This resulted into replacement of climax Lasiurus community by Cenchrus biflorus. Considering the above facts, restoration/rehabilitation of the remaining marginal rangelands and abandoned farms in a participatory mode to attain climax grass cover in a shortest possible period could lead to ensured availability of quality fodder, besides less import, lesser GHG emission, reduced wind erosion and improved soil health. In view of instability of agricultural production due to acute water scarcity, faster rate of resource degradation etc., the runoff farming (khadin system of cultivation) in areas receiving rainfall

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<200 mm, and cropping system diversification, intercropping along with integration of arid horticulture and other MPTs in areas receiving rainfall of 200-400 mm, is of vital importance in the arid zone. Popularisation of proven technology has indicated low adoption so far, mainly due to lack of participatory research, therefore there is enough potential of realization of proven technology through participatory modes to address these issues. Since the Indian arid zone has great variability in the rainfall, thus the project is proposed to be implemented under two rainfall situations; viz; i) < 200 mm rainfall situation, and ii) 200-400 mm rainfall situation. In the rainfall situation of <200mm, we propose to take up work on aspects of, (a) rangeland improvement, (b) Run-off (Khadin) farming. In the rainfall situation of 200-400 mm, the work on crop diversification/alternate cropping systems would be taken up. The work related to, (1) Alternative income / livelihood security activities, (2) Scenario analysis, and (3) Policy relevant analysis would be taken up in both rainfall situations. Specific objectives, expected output and activities of the project Objectives

1. To study the degradation status in the rangelands and fallow lands, and nutritional support to animals in selected sites. 2. To achieve stability in crop production through runoff farming (khadin system) in areas of <200 mm rainfall and crop diversification/alternate cropping systems (including horticultural crops) for 200-400 mm rainfall situations. 3. Identification of strategies for rejuvenation of rangelands and khadins in participatory mode. 4. Rehabilitation of degraded rocky terrains for alternate income generating activities through arid medicinal plants for selected sites of Bharamsar (Jaisalmer) and Bujawar (Jodhpur). 5. Development of scenarios and policy relevant analysis for rangelands, khadins (runoff farming) and arable lands. 6. Farmer/community participatory research and feedback analysis.

Measures and activities The project related activities would be taken up in the villages viz., Bharamsar (Jaisalmer), and Bujawar and Rohila Kalan (Jodhpur) representing rainfall situations of <200 mm and 200-400 mm, respectively. The detailed characteristics of the sites are given below: The Bharamsar village with a total geographical area of 8,905 ha, is a typical representative of Jaisalmer district comprising almost analogous predominant landforms, soils and land uses. It is predominantly a rocky village. About 58.5% of its area has rocky terrain. In total 5 major landform units (high level rocky structural plains, colluvial plains, saline colluvial plains, sandy aeolian plains and saline depression) can be recognised in the village. Dominant soils of the village include Khadin soils (coarse to fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Torrifluvents); Bhadasar Series (fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Calciorthids); Dabla Series (coarse loamy, mixed hyperthermic, Typic Camborthids); Duny Complex (sandy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Torripsamments); Salt Affected Soils (coarse to fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Salorthids); Shallow Gravely Soils (coarse loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Lithic Torriothens) and Hills and Rock Outcrops. Not more than 18 per cent gravels were found with in 100 cm of soil

79

profile. However, surface stoniness is conspicuously absent in all the soils except shallow gravely soils due to predominance of aeolian soil forming process. All soils are poor in organic carbon (0.04-0.45%), low to medium in available P2O5 (4 to 28 kg/ha) and highly variable in available K2O (90 to 1277 kg/ha). Overall, none of the land qualifies for Class I, II and even Class III of Land Capability Class (LCC). All lands of the village are categorized on LCC IV to VIII imitating LCC of Jaisalmer district. The rocky terrains of Bharamsar village generate about 2.38 mcm runoff (based on 60 % probability of 110 mm rainfall), which is stored in Nadis (Village Ponds) and Khadins. Including Khadins total 1,125 ha (13.76%) area of the village is under cultivation (Cropping Intensity 20-100%). Wheat, chick pea, mustard (in Khadin), pearl millet, cluster bean are the main crops in these lands. Wastelands and permanent pastures constitute 7,288 ha (81.84 %) and 108 ha (1.21%) area of the village, respectively. Both wastelands and permanent pastures invariably serve as open grazing land for about 2,420 livestock of the village (2003 census); collection of traditional medicines, fuel wood and timber for agricultural implements. Ephemerals, which grows immediately after rainfall, are the dominant grass cover in rocky/gravely lands while lower reaches of the rocky plains and duny areas support an excellent stand of climax grass Lasiurus sindicus (up to 4,690 tussocks/ha). However, due to excessive biotic-abiotic factors and poor management such areas have reduced significantly. The villages Bujawar and Rohila kalan are located at 72o 50' to 72o 54' E longitudes and 26o 10' to 26o 16' N latitudes, having an area of 1,508 ha. These villages are located in Luni Panchayat Samitee, District Jodhpur. The soils are coarse loamy with varying degrees of wind and water erosion hazards falling in Pal and Chrai series mainly under hyperthermic of typic Camborthids. These soils have low organic matter (0.06 - 0.13%), low to medium in available phosphorus (8.01 kg ha-1) and medium to high available potassium (101-349 kg ha-1). The soils can be put into the land capability classes IIc, III cew, III csa, IV caew and VIII r. The land use statistics of the villages revealed 32% area as hilly and rocky, 6% permanent pastures and sandy wasteland, 33% arable land, and 30% as fallow. The total dryland area in the villages is 88%. Most of the cultivated lands have 2-3% slope and are located in northeast to southwest in the villages. The live stock population of these villages is about 4,000 animal heads. Of the total animal population, 16% are cattle and buffalo, 82% sheep and goat, and 2% camel and mules. The following major activities would be taken up:

Assessment of degradation status of rangelands Rapid Reconnaissance Survey based on remote sensing data and cadastral map of the village will form the basis for the demarcation of degraded rangeland and their status. Further studies in land use and land use cover change in the study area will provide trends in overall rangeland and runoff water harvesting scenario. Using various special analysis tools viz. GIS, Geo-statistics and Fuzzy clustering, the data will be analysed for categorisation of degraded rangelands in dynamic mode (severely degraded, moderately degraded and marginally degraded). Improvement strategies for rangelands Appraisal of the available resources with the participation of stakeholder will form the basis for identification of strategies for degraded rangeland, animal nutrition to improve and/or use for

80

alternative income generation activity- medicinal plants. Three sites of about 20-30 ha each will be selected in such a way that it covers major land forms/soils and degradation class. Proven rangeland technologies developed at CAZRI and elsewhere viz. reseeding, controlled grazing, bush control measures, soil and water conservation measures, weed control, legume introduction, sylvo-pastoral management and range utilization etc. will be followed for the improvement and efficient rangeland management through collective decision of stakeholders. Improvement strategies for runoff harvesting About 0.007 mcm runoff is stored in different Nadis of the village. This water is the major source of drinking for the animals and presently meets their demand for about six months. For the remaining six months the animals are compelled to travel far distances in search of water or to be migrated in spite of availability of fodder. Thus, it is necessary to renovate the existing Nadis, increase their capacity and decrease evaporation losses. The basement of most of the Nadis is rocky, so the seepage losses are practically negligible. The capacity of these Nadis will be increased by dredging of sediment load and tree and grass plantation in upstream sides. Enhancing water use efficiency in Khadin Rabi mono-cropping after receding of excess water is the most common practice in Khadin. About 50% of the water collected in Khadin (400-600 mm) so goes as waste through evaporation losses and thus the effective water use efficiency is very poor. Efforts will be made to enhance the water use efficiency through recycling of water for Kharif production of pearl millet, clusterbean, green gram, seasme in upper and lower reach of the Khadin, introduction of short duration varieties and integrated nutrient management. To minimise the risk of stakeholder horticultural/ medicinal tree crops (Cordia myxa, ber, date palm, Acacia senegal, Commiphora wightii etc.) in upper reach of Khadin and upstream. Improvement strategies for arable farming For activities related to arable farming in the villages of Bujawar and Rohila Kalan, about 20 farm sites would be taken up after PRA analysis. Crop diversification with 30% area under pearl millet, 30% in pulses, 20% in clusterbean, 10% in sesame and remaining 10% in pearl millet + cowpea as fodder will be taken up. Various alternate land use systems, viz., agro-horticulture, agri-pasture, etc. will be blended with the crop diversification model. Besides degraded rocky, gravely donor area of the villages will be rehabilitated through protection and plantation of medicinal plants, fodder grasses, trees and shrubs. To enhance the rainwater use efficiency proper soil and water conservation measures will be adopted on selected sites. Alternative income generation activities Severely degraded rangelands/fallow or gravely land which can not sustain climax Lasiurus community grass on sustainable basis will be utilized for large scale production of arid medicinal plants viz., Commiphora wightii, Barlaria acanthoides, Acacia senegal, Cassia angustifolia etc. These arid medicinal plants have very high commercial demand. They could easily be planted in degraded rangeland with just initial care and are very effective in controlling wind erosion and soil degradation. Thus, it will speed up the ecological succession in severely degraded rangeland to reach climax vegetation community.

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In areas having rainfall of 200-400 mm, emphasis will also be laid on less water requiring high value crops such as medicinal & aromatic plants, spices, and their value addition for enhancement of income of the farmers and employment generation under dryland and limited irrigation conditions. Various farming system modules relevant to the prevailing micro farming situations of the desert will be developed for policy support and extension.

Policy relevant analysis Bharamsar village is true representative of the whole Jaisalmer district with respect to landform, soils, land uses and socio-economic conditions. The vast data generated during the study period on sustainable rangeland strategies, rangeland growth, impact of biotic-abiotic factors, animal productivity, runoff harvesting, carrying capacity and outputs could easily be extrapolated for most parts of Thar desert. Thus, the data will form the basis for developing future scenarios for rangeland activates, optimum livestock population, livestock output, establishment of agro-industries, GHG emission and climate change. These scenarios will help the decision makers/planners to develop realistic and sustainable development plans as well as contingency plans for the Thar desert region. For rainfall situation of 200-400 mm, different scenarios would be developed with respect to weather aberrations, farming system options etc., and response of farmers would be recorded for feed back analysis and future policy decisions. Expected Output In rainfall region of <200 mm, the present land cover in most of the rangelands is not more than 11 per cent. It is expected that the land cover will increase to more than 30-40 per cent within 5 years of project span. And thus, increase in fodder availability from present 334-473 kg ha-1 to 2000 kg ha-1

. It will improve the quality of fodder for the livestock and thus would reduce the GHG emission due to enteric fermentation by 9 to 14 %. The arid medicinal plants are able to provide supplementary income even in severe drought years. So, medicinal plants will provide the alternate source of earning to the stakeholders and thus enhance the livelihood security. Similarly with the recycling of water, the cropping intensity of khadins and introducing of short duration varieties could be improved to 150-200% from existing 60-100%. The use of integrated nutrient management is expected to further increase the productivity of crops by 17-30 %. In the region receiving rainfall between 200 and 400 mm, the total productivity is expected to increase by 200-300%. The crop diversification including multipurpose perennial plant species will help in achieving the objective of livelihood security through enhanced and sustained agriculture production. 5 Year Work Plan (Activity mile-stone chart)

A. For <200 mm rainfall situation

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Activity Quarter

1 II III IV

Quarter

I II III IV

Quarter

I II III IV

Quarter

I II III IV

Quarter

I II III IV

1. Studies on status of rangeland and animals

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i. Collate secondary data X ii. Rapid reconnaissance survey of study area X X iii. Participatory rural appraisal X X iv. Digitization of spatial and point data X v. Selection of representative sites and fancing X 2. Extensive monitoring and mapping of socio-economic factors influencing pastoral lifestyle i. Documentation of traditional practices of

pastoralist. X X X

ii. Conducting meetings and Workshops X X X X X X X 3. Implementation of Rangeland, runoff harvesting and animal nutrition plans i. Execution of mutually agreed plan X X X X X X ii. Dredging of sediment load from Nadis and tree

plantation work X X X

iii. Collate data on impact in rangeland and soil health

X X X X X X X

iv. Grazing/cutting studies and their impact on animal nutrition and GHG emission.

X X X X X X X

v. Review of impacts and local control measures X X X 4. Enhancing water use efficiency in Khadin i. Bunding at lower, middle and upper reach. X ii. Introduction of short duration crop varieties X X X X X X X X X X iii. Integrated nutrient management practices X X X X X X X X X X 5. Livelihood security through alternative income generation through medicinal plants i. Demarcation of area for plantation of medicinal

plants X

ii. Raising of nursery X X iii. Field preparation and plantation of medicinal

plants X X

iv. Collate data on growth, yield, soil health and ecological succession

X X X X

v. Develop legal measures and contractual framework to safeguard the interest of stakeholders.

X X

vi. Vocational training to stakeholders on production, processing and trading of medicinal plants on sustainable basis

X X

6. Documentation and Policy relevant analysis i. Digitization of primary data (spatial and point)

on various rangeland activities. X X X

ii. Location specific scenario development X X iii. Simulation of data for developing scenario for

overall Zone I (Jaisalmer) X X

iv. Organisation of workshop of planners and administrators

X X

v. Documentation of the findings X X X 7. Training needs X X X

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B. Crop diversification (200-400 mm rainfall situation) Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter

Activity

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1. .Selection of suitable sites through PRA and base line surveys

x x

2. Rapport building & Mass awareness programmes

x x x x

3. Preparation/ finalization of action plan

x x x x x x x x

4. Capacity building of farmers and project functionaries

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

5. Construction of water harvesting structures

x x x x x

6. Crop diversification experiment

x x x x x x x x

7. Establishment/mortality replacement of perennial plant component

x x x x x x

8. Procurement of inputs x x x x x x x x x x x x

9. Data analysis and annual report preparation

x x x x

10. Organization of seminar / workshop

x

11. Pooled analysis of four years data and preparation of final report

x x x x

Detailed work plan for 1st year

A. Rangeland and runoff farming systems ( <200 mm rainfall situation)

1. Studies on status of rangeland and livestock i. Collate existing information on rangelands (true area, extent and intensity), land use

and land cover change, animal composition over last three decades and grazing behaviour of animals with season on Bharamsar village and identify gaps.

ii. Conduct Rapid Reconnaissance Survey of rangelands for soil health, biodiversity, ecology, carrying capacity and identification of gaps on natural resource management.

iii. Participatory rural appraisal to identify stakeholders perspectives and their concerns. Development/identification of mutually agreed rangeland and runoff harvesting strategies.

iv. Input the survey results and collated documentation into database. Digitisation of spatial and point data in GIS mode; spatial and fuzzy analysis of the data for dynamic interpretation of information.

v. Selection of three representative sites. Fencing of the sites. Initiation of mutually agreed development plan.

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2. Extensive monitoring and mapping of social and economic factors influencing pastoral lifestyle

i. Documentation of traditional rangeland, runoff harvesting systems and animal nutrition management practices of stakeholders, alternative sources of livelihood.

ii. Conducting two meetings and workshops between stakeholders and scientists to develop mutually agreed plan.

3. Implementation of Rangeland, runoff harvesting and animal nutrition plans

i. Initiation of mutually agreed plan (based on resource surveys and PRA) in selected sites of the rangeland.

4. Livelihood security through alternative income generation through medicinal plant

i. Based on mutually agreed plan severely degraded rangelands/rocky gravely terrains on the study sites will be demarcated.

ii. Raising of nursery of Commiphora weightii and Acacia senegal. iii. Field preparation and plantation/sowing of medicinal plants iv. Collate data on growth and ecological succession.

5. Water use efficiency in Khadins

i. Shallow bunding of Khadin in lower, middle and upper reaches. ii. Introduction of short duration of crop varieties during Rabi season iii. Integrated nutrient management for enhancing WUE in Rabi season.

B. Crop diversification (200-400 mm rainfall situation) i. Mass awareness and rapport building activity. ii. Selection of suitable sites through PRA. iii. Preparation of Action Plan in farmer’s participatory mode. iv. Procurement of inputs. v. Construction of water harvesting structures (Cistern). vi. Initiation of crop diversification, agri-horti studies, and soil & water conservation

activities. vii. Capacity building of farmers and project functionaries.

Training needs of the Scientist Training to the scientists involved in the project on the following priority areas would enhance scientific capabilities and would facilitate achieving project activities:

i. Soil and water management ii. Crop and water modelling including scenario analysis iii. GIS and remote sensing

A. Budget Requirement

Proposed budget (1 US$ = approx. Rs. 40) for UNESCO's consideration S.No Item Approx.

Costs (US$)

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1. Project staff (Contractual services of JRF, Field Supervisor, Labourers) 20,0002. Infrastructure (Construction of cistern etc. for water harvesting) 10,0003. Equipments 15,0005. Farm input/fencing 15,0006. National level (workshop/seminar/training) 5,0007. International (workshop/seminar/training) 15,0008. P.O.L. (Fuels for vehicles)/ Hiring of vehicles 10,0009. Travelling allowances 5,00010. Miscellaneous items 5,000 II. Total 100,000

B. Counterpart contribution (contribution of proposing institute) S.No Item Approx.

Cost (US$)

1. Scientific man days 105,0002. Technical man days 22,5003. Infrastructure facilities (Existing Lab. facilities, equipments, glass ware

etc.) 17,500

4. Existing training and conference infrastructure facilities) 2,5005. Transport facility (Excluding POL) 2,500 III. Total 150,000

Counterpart contribution per year (in US Dollars): 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total SUMAMAD Member State

30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 150,000

Project Team Composition

Name and Designation Qualification Expertise Ex-perience

National Coordinator: Dr. A.K. Singh Dy. Director General, ICAR, New Delhi

Ph. D. (Soil Science)

Natural Resource Management

32 years

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Team Leader Dr. K.P.R. Vittal Director Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur

Ph.D. (Soil Science)

Dryland Agriculture

32 years

Dy.Team Leader (<200 mm rainfall Zone) Dr. R.S. Mertia Head, Regional Research Station, Jaisalmer

M.Sc. & Ph.D. (Botany) M.Sc. (Forestry)

Rangeland Ecology, Management & Arid zone forestry

33 years

Dy.Team Leader (200-400 mm rainfall Zone)

Dr. N.L. Joshi Principal Scientist Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur

Ph.D. (Agronomy) Crop production & Scarce water management

33 years

Dr. B.K. Kandpal Senior Scientist Regional Research Station, Jaisalmer

Ph.D. (Agronomy & Soil Science)

Land use planning GIS & Remote sensing

17 years

Dr. T. K. Bhati Principal Scientist Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur

Ph.D. (Agronomy) Dryland Agriculture

32 years

Dr. Raj Singh Principal Scientist Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur

Ph.D. (Agronomy) Farming system 20 years

Dr. (Mrs.) Amtul Waris Senior Scientist Central Arid Zone Research Institute Jodhpur

Ph.D. (Agril. Extension)

Gender empowerment & Socio-economics

14 years

Dr. A.K. patel Senior Scientist Central Arid Zone Research Institute Jodhpur

Ph.D. (LPM) Livestock production, management and Animal breeding

18 years

Dr. R.K. Goyal Senior Scientist Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur

Ph.D. (Water Resources)

Arid Zone Hydrology and watershed management

16 years

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Annex 7

I.R. of Iran – Gareh Bygone Plain Project title: AQUITOPIA (An aquifer management-based utopia) Case study site: Ahmad Abad, Gareh Bygone Plain, I.R.Iran Partner institutions: Fars Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources (FRCANR); Research Society for Sustainable Rehabilitation of Dry lands (REaSSURED) Contact details of team leader: Dr Mansour Esfandiari Baiat Executive President Research Society for Sustainable Rehabilitation of Drylands (REaSSURED) P.O. Box 71365-458 Shiraz I.R. Iran Tel: (+98711) 7203010 Fax: (+98711) 7205107 E-mail: Esfandiari@farsagres.ir Deputy: Dr Mehrdad Mohammadnia Fars Research Centre for Agriculture and Natural Resources (FRCANR) Modarres Blvd., Janbazan Blvd. Beatheat Centre P.O. Box 71555-617 Shiraz I.R. Iran Tel: (+98711) 2296091 or 6316506 Fax: (+98711) 7205107 E-mail: mohammadnia@farsagres.ir or mohammadnia40@hotmail.com Introduction We have acquired 1070 ha of a degraded rangeland near the Ahmad Abad village in the SW of Gareh Bygone Plain (GBP, N5328 ′o ; E3553 ′o ; 1150 m above sea level; 210 Km SE Shiraz, Iran). This project is based on aquifer management (AM), which is the application of flood water spreading (FWS) for the artificial recharge of groundwater (ARG), and improving of water use efficiency (WUE). We have convinced the inhabitants of 4 farming communities that surround the AQUITOPIA to form cooperatives to construct the ARG system and benefit from and manage the aquifer for specific purposes. Two of them have registered their cooperative; the other two are in the process of doing so. The study phase of the project started with a grant donated by UNU in 2003. SUMAMAD and Iranian Government have financed construction of 220 ha of a 618 ha ARG system. Construction of the remaining of the ARG system (398 ha), drilling water wells and equipping them with pumping stations, laser land leveling (451 ha) and tree planting cost about 2.5 million US$. Establishment of a "green village" for 110 families

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shall need approximately another 3 million US$. The bulk of funds are provided through low-interest, long-duration loans supplied to the cooperatives by the Iranian Government. Assuming that we receive the needed funds, construction phase of the project will be ended by December 2013. Justification Overuse and improper utilization of the natural resources are the main causes of environmental degradation and desertification processes in drylands. They jeopardize the sustainability of ecosystems, food security and livelihoods in the same areas. As scientists we should try to find solutions to these challenges through participatory action research programmes. Overexploitation of groundwater from the Gareh Bygone Plain (GBP) has caused significant lowering of the water table as well as the deterioration of groundwater quality. Therefore, providing safe water by applying floodwater spreading for the artificial recharge of groundwater and improving water use efficiency are vital for the region. Achievements / lessons learned from 1st phase of SUMAMAD

a. Policy-makers adopted aquifer management and recharge technologies tested by the SUMAMAD team and allocated funds for up-scaling the technology to serve 1.5 million ha of degraded rangeland;

b. International exposure of the merits of floodwater spreading system for desertification control, particularly through artificial recharge of groundwater;

c. Construction of 220 ha of ARG systems; d. Formation of REaSSURED NGO; e. Formation of 2 registered cooperatives by two of the villages benefiting from the ARG

systems and persuading the other two villages to form their own cooperatives; f. Providing the facilities for six PhD and five MS students theses research projects; g. Holding 4 national workshops, which developed into the government's decision to

implement the ARG technology on 1.5 million ha to supply safe water for the water deficient areas?

h. Initiating research project on medicinal plants and characterization of the lining of sow bugs' burrows;

i. Enhanced forage yield (five fold) by introducing spate-irrigation to rangelands; j. Enhanced carbon sequestration by spate-irrigated tree plantation (Eucalyptus

camaldulensis and Acacia salicina); k. Marketing of honey provides additional income to local people, eco-labeling is being

pursued for value addition; l. Continuation of biodiversity of range plants studies.

Specific objectives Specific objectives of the project are as follows:

a. Supplying irrigation and safe drinking water; b. Construction the green village and providing livelihoods for 110 households; c. Implementing integrated, sustainable natural resources management action research

projects (water productivity in agriculture, rangeland management, horticulture, animal husbandry, bee-keeping and conservation of natural resources, etc);

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d. Proving that good quality, coarse-grained alluvial aquifers are worthier than oil for desert dwellers;

e. Proving that if wisely used, a sub-marginal resource (degraded rangelands) and a marginal resource (floodwater) could provide a decent livelihood if the will exist.

Major activities Major activities of the project will be as follows:

a. Completion and maintenance of 220 ha of FWS that has been constructed during the first phase of the SUMAMAD project;

b. Construction of a new 398 ha FWS for artificial recharge of groundwater; c. Preparation of 451 ha land for irrigation; d. Formation of two additional registered cooperatives by two of the villages benefiting

from the ARG system; e. Implementing action research projects for the wise management of natural resources; f. Capacity building of the cooperative members so they will act as honorary extension

agents; g. Introducing income generating alternatives to the cooperatives; h. Introducing soil and water conservation technologies to the cooperatives; i. Networking with environment-related NGOs; j. Campaigning for the inclusion of aquifer management in the global water harnessing

policy. Expected outputs Expected outputs of the project are as follows:

a. Providing safe water to about 2,500 villagers and 500 nomads, and irrigation water for 451 ha of laser-levelled farm fields;

b. Achieving sustainable income generating alternatives; c. Improving water use efficiency; d. As the ARG is achieved by spate irrigation of depleted rangelands, a greener

environment is created. Moreover, by keeping the livestock off the flood-producing catchments, their rehabilitation is facilitated;

e. Water security affects all of the 8 Millennium Development Goals to 2015. Thus, the importance of supplying domestic and irrigation water for a water scarce area cannot be over emphasized;

f. Providing conditions for returning environmental refugees to their former abodes. g. Empowerment of the cooperatives to participate in decision making, planning,

implementation, sharing, monitoring and maintenance of aquifer management projects. The above-mentioned major activities in our project cover the three broad objectives of the 2nd phase of the SUMAMD project. For example, by supplying safe water through ARG and improving water use efficiency, the first objective can be satisfied. Introducing land use scenarios

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By definition, a scenario is an account or synopsis of a projected course of action, event or situation. Scenario development is used in policy planning, organizational development and, generally, when organizations wish to test strategies against uncertain future developments. Floodwater spreading provides different opportunities for the decision maker in desertification control. According to the literature the floodwater spreading (FWS) projects are usually multipurpose and follow rules such as: 1- To control and manage the flood with minimal cost. 2- To increase groundwater level and prevent water waste. 3- To convert deserts (with coarse texture fan) to rangelands, forest and agricultural land. 4- To pave the way for an unutilized land to be changed to an agricultural land by groundwater replenishment. 5- To combat desertification by rangeland improvement and afforestation. 6- To increase agricultural productivity by returning abandoned farmlands through increasing soil moisture and groundwater level. 7- To ameliorate the environmental qualities and mitigate climate change hazards. 8- To manage the arid land sustainability. These goals can be specialized for desertification control as follows: 1- To control desertification by regenerating natural vegetative cover (rangeland improvement). 2- To rehabilitate desert (with coarse texture) by afforestation. 3- To increase wind erosion resistance of sandy soils by covering them with the suspended load. 4- To combat desertification by creating spate-irrigated farmlands. 6- To establish shelter belt. According to these goals and abilities, six scenarios were defined as mentioned below: 1. Rainfed improvement through spate irrigation Spate irrigation is an ancient form of water management, involving the diversion of flashy spate floods running off from mountainous catchments. The creation of spate-irrigated farmland is the first recommended scenario for combat desertification. The main goal of this scenario is combat desertification by creating spate-irrigated farmland. The case study results have been indicated the yield of rainfed farms in GBP increased to more than 3.5 ton per hectare (for barley variety Trophy) just with two times irrigation farm by floodwater (spate irrigation). 2. Afforestation Floodwater spreading provides desirable conditions through soil moisture and fertility improvement for afforestation in dry lands. The rehabilitating of desert area by planting trees is followed in this scenario. The tree plantations not only conserve soil and decrease wind erosion but also provide significant benefit through producing fruits, and industrial and fuel wood. The case study results in GBP have been shown, the wood production were 3619 kg/ha/year in the productive site and 2273 kg/ha/year in poor site. 3. Rangeland improvement

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Iran is called a land of floods and droughts because even during severe droughts flood occurrences have been noticed. Keeping an effective vegetative cover is the most logical way to prevent soil degradation (desertification control). Rangeland improvement through FWS is another scenario for desert mitigation. A 9 years research in GBP have been indicated there was a 7 – fold increase in the visible forage yield and 2 - fold increase in the canopy cover in FWS implemented sites. 4. Regenerating natural vegetation cover (preserve) The main objective of this scenario is desertification control through moving sand fixation with floodwater carried sediment and increasing soil moisture to regenerate natural vegetative cover. The protection of FWS implemented site from grazing will be done in this scenario for returning natural vegetation to climax. 5. General vegetation covers improvement If vegetation cover improvement in any form is wanted (from FWS performance) the combination of two or more of the above scenarios for vegetation covers improvement (General scenario) can be used. 6. Best in benefit cost ratio Gaining maximum outcome from FWS implementation will be possible if one of the above scenarios is chosen that provides the most profit per total costs per hectare (the most beneficial cost ratio scenario). Some researches in GBP reported spate irrigation for rainfed improvements is the best option in benefit cost ratio. DECFWS Decision Support System Optimization of the existing floodwater spreading schemes (more than 200,000 ha in Iran) lead to develop a Decision Support System (DSS) that facilitates selection and planning of the most appropriate sites for FWS according to the best scenarios for desertification control. This is the doctoral thesis problem of Mr. Masoud Nejabat at University Putra, Malaysia. Desertification Control through floodwater Spreading (DECFWS) is a software that has seen many overhauling and revision, the latest of which has been designated as DECFWS 3.31. DECFWS 3.31 is a special DSS package developed under the Visual Basic. This software can help decision makers easily in selecting: 1. The most appropriate alternative for a chosen scenario; 2. The most reasonable scenario for each alternative; 3. The most desirable alternative in benefit-cost ratio; 4. The most appropriate alternative in general (for several scenarios); 5. The irrelative alternatives for SI, the ARG and the relevant consternation; and 6. The sensitivity analysis of ranking for uncertain effects value. DECFWS 3.31 is able to accept new effective factors, scenarios, effects value uncertainty, effects weighting and constraints, and present different kind of printed reports in forms of attributes, tables and graphs.

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5 year work plan for the 2nd phase of SUMAMD project Our NGO (REaSSURED) is registered by the Government of I.R. Iran. We believe sustainable management of natural resources in drylands can be achieved through participatory approaches of the inhabitants in the same area. AQUITOPIA will be governed by an executive committee comprising representatives of the cooperatives and our NGO. The main proposed activities for the 2nd phase of the SUMAMAD project are as follows:

a. Empowerment of members of the cooperatives to complete the AQUITOPIA project, to manage it and to benefit from it;

b. Introducing income generating alternatives; c. Introducing soil and water conservation technologies to cooperatives; d. Continuation of the research activities, which have been started during the first phase

of SUMAMAD; e. Implementing new proposed research activities for the 2nd phase of SUMAMAD; f. Sharing our experiences in the field of water harvesting and soil and water conservation

technologies through sustainable development of drylands with other countries, which are involved in the SUMAMAD project;

g. Encouraging Iranian Government authorities to fund the AQUITOPIA project. Proposed five year work plan for the 2nd phase of SUMAMAD, detailed work plan and budget for 1st year and composition of the research team are shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

Counterpart contribution per year (in US Dollars): 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total SUMAMAD Member State

233,500 1,335,625 1,335,625 1,335,625 1,335,625 5,576,000

Table 1: Proposed five year work plan in the Gareh Bygone Plain, I.R.Iran

Duration Budget (US$)

to from

Outputs Condition Activities Specific case study objectives

MD d ves

20,000 2013 2009 Determination the quota of FWS on net recharge among the multiple sources of recharge of the Gareh Bygone New Efficiency of flood water spreading on net

recharge of the aquifer

3,000 2013 2009 Determination the effect of spate irrigation on the adaptation and performance of jojoba Continued Jojoba trial

6,000 2013 2009 Monitoring of range plant biodiversity of the Gareh Bygone Continued Biodiversity study

3,000 2010 2009 Determination of the lining tunnel materials of sow bug for replace with the petroleum sand dune mulching Continued Sow bug study

5,500,000 2013 2009 Supplying safe water and sustainable livelihoods Continued Construction of FWS and green village

Improvement of dryland agriculture

fic

10,000 2011 2009 Empowerment of the cooperatives to participate in decision making, planning, implementation, sharing, monitoring and maintenance

New Empowerment of the cooperatives

Developing scenarios for landuse change

20,000 2013 2009 Extension the results of SUMAMAD to cooperatives Continued National workshops

t s

2,000 2010 2009 Substitution of irrigated crops with spate irrigated barley New Spate irrigated barley (tropy variety) trial

5,000 2010 2009 Use of honey production potentials of the project to introduce a new income generation Continued Honey production

10,000 2010 2009 Recognition of the socio-economic priorities of the income generating alternatives New Socio-economic analysis of income generating

alternatives in Gareh Bygone Plain

Alternative income generating activities

able ods

5,579,000

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Table 2: Proposed detailed work plan of 1st year in the Gareh Bygone Plain, I.R.Iran

Budget (US$)

1st year Total FRCANR & REaSSUTED SUMAMAD Amount FRCANR &

REaSSURED SUMAMAD Amount

Identification of items Activities SUMAMD

broad objectives

0 6,000 6,000 0 20,000 20,000 Digging the wells, insertion the sensors, infiltration measurements, sampling, soil analysis, data loggers, surveying, transportation, perdiem, salary

Efficiency of flood water spreading on net recharge of the aquifer

0 600 600 0 3,000 3,000 Fence completion, weeding and cultivation transportation, perdiem, salary

Jojoba trial

0 1,200 1,200 0 6,000 6,000 Vegetation measurements, species identification, transportation, perdiem, salary

Biodiversity study

0 600 600 0 3,000 3,000 GC/mass spectrometry, identification of organisms, transportation, perdiem, salary

Sow bug study

220,000 2,000 222,000 5,474,000 26,000 5,500,000 Construction and maintenance of FWS, transportation, perdiem, salary Construction of FWS and green village

Scientific studies

0 2,000 2,000 0 10,000 10,000 Relationship with people, analysis of the present situation, education and extension, transportation, perdiem, salary

Empowerment of the cooperatives

0 4,000 4,000 0 20,000 20,000 Advertisements, announcement, executives, , transportation, perdiem, salary National workshops

Policy-relevant analyses

0 1,000 1,000 0 2,000 2,000 Cultivation, maintenance and harvesting of barley, education and extension, , transportation, perdiem, salary

Spate irrigated barley (Toropy variety) trial

0 1,000 1,000 0 5,000 5,000 Beehive transportation, maintenance, disease protection, adaptation to the dry condition, analysis of the honey, transportation, perdiem, salary

Honey production

0 2,000 2,000 0 10,000 10,000 Study on potential income generation alternatives with participatory approach, economic and sociologic analysis, transportation, perdiem, salary

Socio-economic analysis of income generative alternatives in the Gareh Bygone Plain

Sustainable livelihoods

220,000 20,400 240,400 5,474,000 105,000 5,579,000Total

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Table 3. Composition of the research team

Names Degree Area of expertise Experience

(years)

Role

Mehrdad Mohammadnia, Ph.D. Soil Science& Environmental Pollution 27 Team leader

Mansour Esfandiari Baiat, Ph.D. Irrigation, Agricultural Water Management 28 Deputy team leader

Sayyed Ahang Kowsar, Ph.D. Aquifer Management 40 Scientific advisor

Mazda Kompani Zare Ph.D. Groundwater Modelling 12 Scientific advisor

Donald Gabriels Ph.D. Soil Physics Scientific adviser

Gholamreza Bajian Ph.D. Range Management 20 Scientific adviser

Gholamreza Chabokrow, Ph.D. Agricultural Economics 20 Project leader

Mojtaba Pakparvar, M.S. RS-GIS, Soil and Water Conservation 15 Project leader

Gholamreza Ghahhari, M.S. Geomorphology 16 Project leader

Sayyed Morteza Mortazavi Jahromi, Ph.D. Forest Management 25 Project leader

Sayyed Hamid mesbah M.S. Watershed Management, Groundwater Hydrology 20 Project leader

Gholamreza rahbar M.S. Soil science & Desert Management 17 Project leader

Mohammad Javad Roosta Ph.D. Soil Microbiology 12 Project leader

Jafar Zabetian, M.S. Civic Architecture 20 Project leader

Hamid Hoseini Marandi M.S. Geology, Sedimentology 18 Project leader

Mazaher Safdarian, M.S. Animal Husbandry 17 Project leader

Shahrokh Shajari, Ph.D. Agricultural Economics 15 Project leader

Mohammadreza Dehghani Ph.D. Fluid Mechanics 28 Team Member

Behrouz abolpour, Ph.D. Irrigation and Drainage 10 Team member

Zahra Khoogar, M.S. Soil Science 23 Team member

Bahman Ilami M.S. Animal Husbandry 17 Team Member

Sayyed Kazem Bordabar Ph.D. Forest Management 15 Team Member

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Mohammad Javad Agah M.S. Animal Husbandry 13 Team Member

Annex 8 Jordan – Dana Biosphere Reserve Project title: Case study site: Dana Biosphere Reserve Partner institutions: The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) Contact details of team leader: Mr Ma’en Smadi Dana Biosphere Reserve The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) P.O Box 6354 11183 Amman Tel: (+962 3) 2270497/8 Fax: (+962 3) 2270499 E-mail: management.dana@rscn.org.jo or reserves@rscn.org.jo Tel: (+962 6) 5337931 / 2 Fax: (+962 6) 5357618, 5347411 E-mail: adminrscn@rscn.org.jo Website: www.rscn.org.jo Deputy: Mr Mohamad Yousef Director of conservation The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) P.O Box 6354 11183 Amman Tel: (+962 3) 2270497/8 Fax: (+962 3) 2270499 E-mail:mohamadyousef@rscn.org.jo Deputy at site level: Mr Amer Rfou Dana Reserve Manager The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) P.O Box 6354 11183 Amman Tel: (+962 3) 2270497/8 Fax: (+962 3) 2270499 E-mail: management.dana@rscn.org.jo Introduction

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Dana Biosphere Reserve (BR) was established in 1993 with a relatively large area of 300 square km. It holds a relatively large representation of biodiversity. This biodiversity includes 833 species of plants which represent one-third of the country’s plant species. Out of this number, three species were considered new to science. A total of 215 species of birds were recorded in Dana BR which represent 50% of all the bird species in Jordan, and 38 species of mammals which also represent about 50% of the mammal species in the country. Moreover, Dana BR contains seven vegetation types of the thirteen vegetation types occurring in Jordan. These vegetation types support the existence of many plants, birds, and mammal species. Dana BR is characterized by four main biogeographical zones. These zones are: the Mediterranean bio-geographical zone, the Irano-Turanian biogeographical zone, the Sudanian biogeographical zone and the Suharo Arabian biogeographical zone. These zones extend in altitude from 100 meter below sea level up to 1,500 meter above sea level. A system of wadis and mountains mark the site, which extend from the top of the Rift Valley mountains down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. It is truly a world of natural treasure. Through its integrated management approach and its ecotourism programmes, visitors to Dana BR start experiencing the beauty of Rumanah Mountain, the mystery of ancient archaeological ruins of Feynan, the timeless tranquility of Dana Village, and the grandeur of the red and white sandstone cliffs of Wadi Dana. Dana BR offers a variety of services for visitors, including an information centre at the Tower entrance, a campsite at Rumanah, eight hiking trails, a visitor centre, a guest house at Dana village, and Feynan Eco-lodge. Dana Centre, Rumanah camp and Feynan eco-lodge were established in the reserve to provide the basis of ecotourism activities in the reserve and its buffer zone, which let the visitors to experience and enjoy the nature of Dana BR. Dana Biosphere Reserve, through its innovative principles of management, links conservation needs with local communities needs through the creation of nature–based socio-economic programmes and facilities such as a fruit drying centre, a silver workshop, a leather tanning project and a candle-production workshop. This all enables Dana BR to become a paradigm for integrated ecosystem management of protected areas at the national and regional levels. Justification The conservation of natural habitats and the sustainable use of grazing resources in Dana BR is one of principal mandates of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), which requires a practical approach for dealing with pastoral communities using grazing resources of the reserve. The lack of reliable databases related to vegetation (coverage, diversity, biomass production…), grazing management (grazing capacity, grazing plans..), and livestock population in the areas surrounding Dana BR encouraged RSCN to think of conducting a series of studies to establish databases about biotic and abiotic components of the Dana BR ecosystems to halt land degradation and to develop a proper management plan for the biosphere reserve. The pastoral communities used to exploit grazing resources of the Dana area before the establishment of Dana BR. Wintering of livestock in the Al Bara area had been practiced for many years to protect animals from cold weather conditions and to feed on the vegetation

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(ephemeral plants) especially for lactating animals. The sheep and goat flocks stay in Dana area during winter, spring and early summer before moving to the surrounding highlands to alleviate heat stress on animals during the summer season. The traditional “up-down” mobility of flocks between lowlands of Dana area and adjoining mountainous areas maintained a reasonable coverage and composition of native vegetation. Recently, the spread of farming activities (olive orchards, irrigated vegetable gardens and cultivation of field crops) in areas surrounding Dana BR created many problems to livestock producers, especially for landless pastoralists (nomads). Before 1995, feeds were subsidized which encouraged livestock owners to increase flock size substantially. The escalating number of grazing animals and continuous reduction of traditional grazing resource areas resulted in an increased pressure on grazing resources of Dana BR. The landless pastoralists were expelled from the areas surrounding the reserve and settled inside the reserve itself. The “settlement” of some landless pastoralists inside the reserve resulted in continuous grazing and the destruction of the vegetation. Besides updating databases, RSCN administration believes that effective involvement of the pastoral community in the development of grazing plans, and empowerment of community to implement the approved community work plans by community members themselves, with technical backstopping from RSCN when needed, will be the best solution for solving conflicts of grazing issues at Dana BR. Achievements / lessons learned from the 1st Phase of SUMAMAD Water and soil conservation Work in the site concerning soil and water conservation was carried out in two parts: The first part related to monitoring of water resources and soils. The second part was concerned with concrete conservation programmes for soil and water. (1) Water monitoring programme A water monitoring programme has been established and was enhanced by using more accurate digital equipment that has been purchased thanks to the SUMAMAD project. The objectives were to find out (a) to what extent water quality is changing over time; and (b) to analyze overall water quality. (2) Water management activities in orchards of Dana Village Water of the three springs in Dana village is used to irrigate a total area of 40 hectares of fruit farms. The productivity of these farms is low because of the weakness of the present water management system. To overcome this problem, an effective water management system was established and implemented with the full cooperation of Dana Charitable Society (the only charitable society in the village). This was done through a participatory approach with the farmers to benefit of their indigenous knowledge and experiences regarding water management. Held in the reserve complex, a workshop was held with the farmers in the village to discuss the best way of irrigating the terraced gardens in Dana village. The workshop was facilitated by an agriculture engineer, who is a specialist in irrigation systems. Subsequently, more than 500m of pipes were installed linking water canals to build a good irrigation system.

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The water irrigation system in the village orchard gardens have been developed and enhanced, and many canals had been repaired and maintained. The use of the farmers local knowledge was very important to find the best arrangement and routes that canals should follow to have the most efficient canal arrangement. 60 m of canals were constructed and maintained in the orchard gardens of Dana village. The main beneficiaries were the farmers who own the gardens, which have now a higher share of water for plant irrigation, thanks to the reduction of water loss by evaporation. A total of 19 farmers benefited from this canal system improvement scheme. Because of the topography of the area, most of the orchards are located in highly slopped areas, so the following activity was carried out for soil conservation:

(3) Soil monitoring and conservation A soil erosion monitoring programme has been established as part of the activities of the first phase of the SUMAMAD project in the southern areas of Rumanah Mountain. Located at the heart of the core area of the biosphere reserve, this area was chosen because the juniper forest stands are in a die-back process. While this activity is still on-going in 2008 and beyond, it can already been said at this stage that one of the major processes which are evident throughout Dana Biosphere Reserve is that erosion here causes the detachment and movement of topsoils by the actions of wind (deflation) and flowing water. Erosion can be considered as the main factor affecting the decline of vegetation cover in some parts of the reserve, particularly in the Mediterranean and semi-arid areas. Income generating activities to diversify the economic base at household levels Dana BR has many income generating activities, such as jewelry production at the silver workshop, fruit drying workshop, and a leather tanning project. A new income generating activity has been developed through the SUMAMAD project, which uses olive oil to produce olive soaps. An olive oil soap workshop was created thanks to funding provided under the SUMAMAD project. In Dana village and other villages and towns around the biosphere reserve, people have a lot of olive farms which produce the best olive oil in southern Jordan. All olive trees are grown without the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Despite the every good quality of olive oil, the producers suffer marketing and price fluctuation problems. Part of the olive oil produced by local farmers are now used to produce high quality olive oil soap within the Dana Reserve Centre complex. The soap is free of chemicals and is produced using traditional methods. The soap pieces have inscriptions inspired from animals and plants of Dana BR. The product is being used in all eco-tourism sites of the biosphere reserve to promote the soap. Since the second year of the SUMAMAD project implementation in Dana BR, good olive oil soap has been developed through the activities of the SUMAMAD project (see Picture 1), but because of the increasing development of other olive oil soap products in the national market in Jordan, a new theme and concept have been developed and added to our primary soap product.

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Picture 1

After exploring the market for similar products, we had to ask whether our prototype had a good competitive advantage among other olive oil soap products. After the consultation of marketing experts and a local expert in soap production, a conclusion has been reached to further study the development potential for the product, regarding two issues: 1- The way the olive oil soap is presented and sold. 2- The content of natural ingredients that are used in producing the soap. Working with a professional local expert who is knowledgeable on producing olive oil soap in the traditional way, it was decided that new olive oil soap shapes and characteristics are needed to increase marketing opportunities: A new presentation way has been developed so that visitors can cut their soap directly from the main piece in different dimensions and shapes. Moreover, new herbs and plants have been introduced. For example, a new prototype of olive oil soap has been developed with lemon, as acidic soap has very good properties for skin care (see Picture 2).

Picture 2

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The local response for this project were very positive, since the project team was able to recruit two young women for olive oil processing. In addition, a large amount of olive oil is bought from the local farmers for the production of the soap. This new and alternative income generating activity added to the past positive response of the previous initiatives carried out by Dana BR, resulting in an increased and overall appreciation by local people towards the need to conserve natural resources while at the same time benefitting from the processing and marketing of natural and organic products. One of the main socio-economic surveys that have been carried in the site under the SUMAMAD project, was a socio-economic study on all communities who live in the western part of Dana BR (Feynan, Graigrah, Al Rashaydeh and Al-Guaibeh). Various national seminars were conducted at Dana BR to outreach to local communities on SUMAMAD project activities. A seminar on water conservation and irrigation techniques of the terraced gardens was held in September 2005 for farmers from the district. Moreover, a national seminar on dryland conservation issues was held in December 2006, which was opened by the Governor of Boseira District and by the Director-General of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. With over 30 participants, the seminar was targeted at stakeholders from the local government, local communities, local specialists in agriculture and dry lands and others, and comprised lectures on various subjects including rangeland uses and assessments in drylands. Specific objectives, expected outputs and activities of the project The ultimate objective for the second phase of the SUMAMAD project is to develop a community-based grazing management scheme with the full participation of the local community. Through a participatory approach, it is expected that effective and agreed-upon grazing regulation schemes can be implemented at Dana BR. The specific objectives are to:

1. Prepare and implement a comprehensive baseline survey on livestock and rangeland use and to identify current grazing activities.

2. Review relevant literature on effective participatory approaches and outreach

mechanisms to local communities. 3. Characterize pastoral communities using the natural resources of Al Bara area in Dana

BR. 4. Develop scenarios for grazing management in full consultation with the local community. 5. Regulate and manage grazing in Dana BR through the preparation of an integrated

rangeland and livestock management plan.

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Detailed work plan for 1st Year and for 5 years and proposed budget:

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Objectives Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2009 Budget (in US$)

Objective 1: Prepare and implement a comprehensive baseline survey on livestock and rangeland use

From SUMAMAD

From RSCN

Collect information about Al Bara carrying capacity.

10,000 2,000

Determine stocking rate (annual grazing capacity).

2,000 500

Determine shares per household.

2,000 500

Delineate grazing sites within the Al Bara area.

Develop watering points for grazing animals within the Al Bara area.

Determine current grazing activities and movements inside the reserve and its surrounding areas

2,000 1,000

Identify problems associated with the current grazing activities

1,000 800

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Objectives Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Q1

Q2 Q3 Q

4 Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2009 Budget (in US$)

Objective 2:

To review relevant literature on participatory approach and outreach mechanisms to local communities

From SUMAMAD

From RSCN

Review current and previous studies in participatory approaches in Jordan

Document and disseminate lesson learned on these approaches

Determine and select the most appropriate approach to be used in

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Barra area

Hold a technical workshop for exchange experience and information

2,000 per

year

500

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Objectives Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2009 Budget (in US$)

Objective 3: To characterize pastoral communities using the natural resources of Al Bara area in Dana BR

From SUMAMAD

From RSCN

Determine total population of grazing animals.

Determine number of flocks per households

1,000 500

Assess flock composition and structure

1,000 500

Determine the social and economic network and prepare a profile

1,000 500

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Objectives Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Budget

Objective 4: To develop scenarios for grazing management in full consultation with the local community.

Present all surveys and research findings to targeted local communities and main stakeholders

Conduct workshops to discuss best practices and scenarios for grazing management in the project area

Develop comprehensive scenarios based on community approval

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Objectives Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Budget

Objective 5: To regulate and manage grazing in Dana BR through preparation of an integrated rangeland and livestock management plan

Analyze major survey findings and recommendations

Develop an integrated rangeland and livestock management plan

Develop a comprehensive implementation mechanisms including MOU with the targeted local communities

Develop a M & E system to evaluate progress and impact

Income generating activities 1. RSCN will contribute financially

from the ongoing income Budget will covered by RSCN

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generating activities. 2. RSCN will build the capacity and

facilitate the community driven income generating activities.

The total budget for 2009 SUMAMAD project activities: 22,000 US Dollars.

Counterpart contribution per year (in US Dollars): 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total SUMAMAD Member State

6,800 6,800 6,800 6,800 6,800 34,000

Composition of the team The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). The following list provides the names and functions of the SUMAMAD team in Dana BR: 1) Ma’en Al- Smadi, Project coordinator/head of reserves at RSCN. 2) Mohammed Yousef, director of conservation at RSCN. 3) Amer Al-Rofa’a, Dana BR Manager, RSCN. 4) Ibraheem Al Khsaba, Dana BR ecologist, RSCN. 5) Hatem Taifore, plants researcher/research section, RSCN. 6) Ghazi Al-Rofa’a, Dana BR community liaison officer, RSCN. 7) Hawrrwn Al-Khawaldeh, Dana BR, head of socio-economic projects. Priorities of training needs

1. Water recourses management (water shade, rivers, basin….). 2. Rangeland management. 3. Community participation approaches.

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Annex 9

Pakistan – Lal Sohanra Biosphere Reserve Project title: Rehabilitation of degraded dryland rangelands through scientific management of land, water and vegetation resources and grazing systems in Lal Sohanra Biosphere Reserve Case study site: Lal Sohanra Biosphere Reserve, Cholistan desert Partner institution: Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) Contact details of team leader: Team leader: Dr Muhammad Akram Kahlown Chairman Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) Khyaban-e-Johar, H-8/1 Islamabad. Pakistan Tel: (+92-051) 9258959 or 9258955 Fax: (+92-51) 9258963 / 64 E-mail: kahlown@hotmail.com Deputy: Mr Ch. Muhammad Akram E-mail: chiefdesert@gmail.com Introduction More than 40 percent land of Pakistan is used as rangeland for grazing of livestock. The dryland ranges occur in the main deserts, i.e. Cholistan, Thar, Thal and Kharan. The case study site selected under the SUMAMAD project is Lal-Sohanra Biosphere Reserve in the Cholistan desert area. The site is located about 65 kilometers from Bahawalpur City. The climate of the site is hyper-arid and rainfalls are scarce ranging between 100 and 250 mm annually. The groundwater is mostly highly saline. The system of livestock grazing is uncontrolled, and as a result, the rangelands are highly degraded. The livestock health is poor due to non-availability of fodder as per natural requirement of animals. People are poor due to low income deriving from livestock rearing in the absence of other income opportunities. Due to shortage of water and fodder, people migrate with their livestock towards irrigated areas in search of water and fodder until the rangelands recover by the monsoonal rainy season. The migration causes loss of billions of rupees annually. Therefore, there is an urgent need to manage the rangelands on a scientific basis to provide fodder for livestock for the whole year, to support more livestock, and to train pastoralists on controlled grazing systems. In Cholistan, the major problem is scarcity of drinking water for humans, livestock and wildlife, as there are no rivers, lakes or streams in this area. The main source of drinking water is provided by rainfall, which is collected in man-made small ponds. The water in the ponds last for about three months.

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The main stakeholders are Cholistani people, the Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), and Cholistan Development Authority (CDA) which are working for the development of dryland resources. PCRWR and CDA have excavated and constructed some 200 big earthen reservoirs. In total, about one thousand small and big reservoirs exist in the area. Evaporation causes huge water loss from these water bodies estimated at about 40 per cent of the storage capacity of the ponds. Therefore, this project has been selected for the second phase of the SUMAMAD project to use existing land and water resources in order to develop excellent rangelands in Cholistan and Lal-Sohanra Biosphere Reserve. The overall aim is to introduce controlled grazing systems and to manage these systems sustainably. The free grazing pattern and land use will be converted in to controlled rotational grazing system. This will generate many livelihood sources for local people in the form of; labour for livestock farms, milk, meat and leather products. The increase in vegetation cover as a result of project activities i.e. reseeding of ranges and application of irrigation during dry period will enhance overall green cover. It will help in reducing temperature and increasing oxygen in the air and absorbing carbon dioxide gases making regional environment more friendly for human and livestock population. Properly developed rangeland will increase economic value of drylands. The experiments to be carried out with the support of SUMAMAD project on management of rangelands and controlled grazing systems will play role of model for the Cholistan Development Authority (CDA) to be adopted by her on large scale. The CDA is a semi-autonomous body to deal with the desert and is independent to formulate a policy for themselves. Therefore, range management and development for the Cholistan desert will be adopted easily. Justification About 14 per cent of Pakistan’s land area consists of deserts and drylands. These lands are used for grazing of livestock which is the primary source of income for the people. Agriculture is not practiced due to the lack of irrigation water from rivers, dams or lakes. Little and erratic precipitation is a problem, and its distribution does not match crop growing seasons and crop water requirement periods. To increase livestock production, good drinking water and good rangelands are needed, but they are in poor condition due to mismanagement and lack of scientific knowledge. These issues need to be addressed by the scientific community to find out solutions regarding degraded rangelands and water loss due to evaporation. There is an urgent need to increase the carrying capacity in rangelands and to enhance the water storage capacity of ponds in the dryland of Cholistan. It is hoped that the degraded rangelands can be converted into excellent grassland as a model for adoption on different scales by the farmers and CDA. Achievement/Lesson Learned from 1st Phase of SUMAMAD The SUMAMAD project studies carried out at Lal Sohanra Biosphere Reserve during the first project phase pointed out specific problems which are directly linked to societal patterns and drought impacts. Economic resources and aspirations of the people have been identified. The people’s views to resolve their economic and environmental issues were enlisted to understand the project area more realistically. The studies helped policy-makers to identify and initiate better development projects in the area in the fields of water resources, roads, education, electricity supply etc. The projects on income generating activities, i.e. saline fish farming as an alternative livelihood option and income opportunity for dryland people, vegetable production using saline water, and moisture conservation techniques provided new concepts to policy-makers to invest in development projects that may bring dryland dwellers at par with the society in the developed

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parts of the country. The lessons learned from the SUMAMAD project phase-1 is that priority should be given to address community problems and to solicit the cooperation of dryland people so as to implement innovative techniques for the management of dryland resources. Objectives

1. To rehabilitate degraded rangelands of Cholistan dryland by scientific management of land, water and vegetation resources.

2. To halt degradation of rangelands by adopting protective measures to enhance

carrying capacity.

3. Introduction of a new concept of rangeland irrigation through a sprinkler system during the dry season using rainwater storages or groundwater to increase biomass production.

4. To enhance livestock production in drylands by providing more fodder per unit area.

5. To increase income of livestock owners residing in the dryland to improve their living

conditions. 6. To investigate the most economical, sustainable and site specific ways to minimize

water evaporation loss from rainwater-fed earthen ponds. Measures and activities An area of about twenty hectares will be selected in Cholistan desert for the management of rangeland. Before starting the research activities, data about the range will be collected for the parameters (1) soil texture up to 60 cm, (2) infiltration, (3) WHC, (4) EC, (5) pH, (6) ESP, (7) vegetation canopy, (8) vegetation species, (9) palatable and un-palatable vegetation, (10) grass species, (11) vegetation biomass, (12) palatable biomass, (13) un-palatable biomass, and (14) carrying capacity. There are two sprouting seasons in Cholistan which occur during the spring and summer monsoon. It is a general trend in Pakistan’s deserts that if winter rainfall occurs in the months of January and February, the grass sprouts from the middle of February and matures until the end of April. Similarly in the summer monsoon season, the grass again sprouts in August and matures in the month of November. Keeping in view the above trend, a study has been designed to apply irrigation supplements in both sprouting seasons to compare the biomass obtained with and without irrigation. To fix a benchmark for optimum application of irrigation, different numbers of irrigation schemes will be applied. At the end, water productivity and monetary value of water will be calculated to choose the best fit quantity of water application. The study will be based on three major experiments: Experiment-1 There will be eight different treatments: (1) T1 Natural grazing land (2) T2 Fencing of natural grazing land (3) T3 Fencing and reseeding of grasses in the rainy season (4) T4 Reseeding of open grazing land without fencing

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(5) T5 Fencing plus reseeding plus spray irrigation during sprouting season (6) T6 Fencing plus reseeding plus irrigation on monthly basis (7) T7 Fencing plus reseeding plus irrigations with interval of two months (8) T8 Fencing plus reseeding plus irrigation with interval of 3 months. The following data will be collected:

• Soil: Texture, EC, pH, ESP of soil profile up to 60 cm infiltration. • Water quality: EC, pH, SAR, RSC. • Irrigation: Depth of irrigation (mm) • Climatic data: Temperature, humidity, wind speed, evaporation, ET, rainfall. • Vegetation data before and after each six months: Wet biomass per unit area; • Dry biomass per unit areas, vegetation species, vegetation canopy cover, palatable

vegetation biomass wet and dry • Carrying capacity • Cost of irrigations and other practices • Production and income of rangeland in the form of animal units.

Experiment-2 (1) T1 Uncontrolled grazing by sheep (2) T2 Uncontrolled grazing by goats (3) T3 Uncontrolled grazing by cattle (4) T4 Uncontrolled grazing by camels (5) T5 Controlled rotational grazing by sheep (6) T6 Controlled rotational grazing by goats (7) T7 Controlled rotational grazing by cattle (8) T8 Controlled rotational grazing by camels. Data to be collected: (1) Canopy (2) Biomass (3) Vegetation species (4) Palatable species (5) Un-palatable species (6) Carrying capacity Experiment-3 Evaporation will be controlled by using different local, economical and sustainable materials. The following treatments will be adopted. (1) T1 100% seepage control without control of evaporation (2) T2 100% seepage control with evaporation control by thermopore grains (3) T3 100% seepage control with evaporation control by green net (4) T4 100% seepage control with evaporation control by ceiling with tinsheet (5) T5 100% seepage control and evaporation control by ceiling with local material, i.e. bamboo or wood and vegetation etc.

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Data to be recorded: (1) Climate (2) Pan evaporation (3) Water depth (4) Water loss (5) Water quality analysis. Expected Outputs After improving degraded rangelands of Cholistan, the carrying capacity should increase up to ten times more than natural degraded ranges. It will increase livestock production in the form of milk, meat, leather etc. It will increase income of the people as well as stop land degradation and control desertification for future generations. The reduction of evaporation losses from ponds will increase water quantity to be used for irrigation. Further fodder requirement for livestock will be reduced and pressure on the ranges will be decreased to stop their degradation and it will help for controlling desertification. The study falls under SUMAMAD scientific studies relating to the following key subjects.

• Improvement of dryland agriculture including rangelands and livestock, with biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources as a minor component.

• Restoration/rehabilitation of degraded drylands including sustainable water conservation and harvesting practices.

Work Plan The experiments on rangeland management and grazing systems will be carried out in the first three years. This part of the study will be completed in all respects by covering all steps, i.e. site selection, application of field treatments as per layout, data collection, data compilation, data analysis and report writing. The 2nd part of study, i.e. experiment-3 control of evaporation, will be carried out at the start of the 4th year and will be completed by the end of the 5th year covering all steps, field experimentation, data collection, compilation and report writing.

Period (Years) S.No. Project Activities 1 2 3 4 5 1 Rangeland development 2 Grazing systems 3 Evaporation control

Work Plan for 1st Year

1st Year (Months) S.No. Activities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

1 Site selection and surveys

2 Fencing of the area 3 Reseeding 4 Irrigation 5 Data collection 6 Data analysis 7 Report preparation

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Team Composition S.No. Name Designation Field Expertise Experience

(Years)

1 Dr. Muhammad Akram Kahlown, Chairman, PCRWR, Islamabad

National Coordinator (Team Leader)

Water Resources Management

32

2 Ch. Muhammad Akram, Chief Research (Desertification), PCRWR, Islamabad

Deputy Team Leader

Rainwater Harvesting Rangeland, Saline Agri. Desertification Control

30

3 Mr. Zamir Ahmed Soomro, Regional Director, PCRWR, Bahawalpur.

Senior Researcher

Water Resources Management and Desertification Control

15

4 Mr. Muhammad Tahir Saleem, ARO, PCRWR, Bahawalpur

Junior Researcher

Agronomy 10

Role in the project

S.No. Name Role in Project 1 Dr. Muhammad Akram Kahlown,

Chairman, PCRWR Overall guidance as per SUMAMAD instructions.

2 Ch. Muhammad Akram, Chief Research (Desertification)

• To develop concepts of research proposals considering needs and necessity of the local people and project site beneficial to project site to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the area.

• To plan, design and write up the research proposals to be submitted to the SUMAMAD.

• To prepare layout of the proposals to be implemented in the field and list out parameters to be recorded during the period of study.

• To provide guidance to the research team for collection of data and process the same to be reportable in the final report.

• To finalize research data of the study to be incorporated in the report.

• To write up report about the research results obtained from project study.

• To prepare technical paper from the

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study report to be presented in the SUMAMAD seminars by the National Coordinator.

3 Mr. Zamir Ahmed Soomro,

Regional Director, PCRWR, Bahawalpur.

Data collection and compilation

4 Mr. Muhammad Tahir Saleem, ARO, PCRWR, Bahawalpur

Field data collection

Estimated Budget for 5 Years

S.No. Particulars Estimated Costs (in US$)

1 Fencing material and its installation 10,000 2 Reseeding of ranges 15,000 3 Irrigation system installation 15,000 4 Excavation small pits and material for seepage

and evaporation control. 15,000

5 Transport charges 5,000 6 TA/DA of technical experts 15,000 7 POL for irrigation system 5,000 8 Stationary, Laptop and contingencies 10,000 9 Seminars 20,000 Total 110,000

Expenditure from local sources for 5 years S.No. Item Estimated costs

(in US$)

1 Deep tubewell installation 30,000 2 Fencing material and installation 20,000 3 Filed staff salary 50,000 4 Reseeding of ranges 20,000 5 Excavation of pits and seepage + evaporation

control materials 20,000

6 Miscellaneous 10,000 Total 150,000

Counterpart contribution per year (in US Dollars): 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total SUMAMAD Member State

30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 150,000

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Annex 10

Syria – Khanasser Valley–Jabbul Sabkhah Project title: Case study site: Khanasser Valley–Jabbul Sabkhah Partner institution: General Commission of Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Aleppo Contact details of team leader: Dr Awadis Arslan Director of Natural Resources Research Administration (ANRR) General Commission of Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR) Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Damascus Syria Tel: (+963-011) 5756012 ; +963-933443354 (mobile) Fax: (+963-011) 57386400 E-mail: diwu@mail.sy ; abarslan@scs-net.org Deputy: Dr Bader Din Jalab Deputy head of Aleppo Center - GCSAR Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Midan Aleppo Syria Tel: +963- 0947826291 (mobile) E-mail: b.jalab@yahoo.com Introduction The study site is located approximately 60 km southeast of Aleppo city, covering the northern part of the Khanasser Valley and the rainfed southern shores of the Jabbul Sabkhah. We find here the farming communities of Rasm An-Nafl, Mwaylah, Jubbin, and Um ‘Amoud Saghir. The area is located in the Syrian agricultural stabilization Zone 4 (marginal dry area). Average annual rainfall ranges between 200 and 250 mm, with a probability of 50% or less to receive less than 200 mm/yr. No rain falls during the summer months, which are hot and dusty. The farming communities are located in the valley between the foot hills of the Jabal al-Hass and the saline shores of the Jabbul Sabkhah. The sabkhah is an inland drainage system, covering a maximum area of 270 km2 at its full extent during the winter months, but it becomes a bright white salt flat in summer. However, due to the increasing drainage water flows from the irrigated areas in the north, northwest and east, parts of the sabkhah remain wet year round, providing new opportunities for biodiversity. The Jabbul is now one of the most important sites for water birds in the Middle East. Facilitated by Integrated Water and Land Management Program of

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ICARDA, a multi-stakeholder Consultative Committee has been recently established to improve the management of the Jabbul agro-ecosystem. This Consultative Committee includes representatives of all involved government, research, and development administrations and organizations, together with NGO’s. Options for income generation for sustainable livelihoods in this marginal dryland environment are limited. Income is mainly derived from barley cropping, animal husbandry (sheep rearing and lamb fattening), salt collection, and off-farm work. Groundwater resources along the hill ranges are of good quality but very limited. Towards the sabkhah the groundwater becomes brackish. Justification The diversification of income-generating inputs will have a positive economic and environmental impact, but for marginal drylands there are few sustainable agricultural and diversification options that fit within the resource-poor and high-risk environments and within the interest and capacities of farming families. The rainfed areas of the Jabbul Agro-ecosystem and the Khanasser Valley in Syria are no exception. A number of agricultural and natural resource management technologies for these dryland environments have been developed and tested by GCSAR and ICARDA. However, these technologies have often had limited spontaneous adoption by the local communities with the exception of some of the technologies such as olive production and lamb fattening. Therefore, it is important to review and assess all potential opportunities, to consider their environmental requirements and socio-economic feasibility, and to identify bottlenecks and research needs. A second issue is that agricultural researchers are sometimes focussed on a narrow set of objectives. In this project, agricultural researchers will undertake a survey of local Development Organizations, NGOs, and innovative farmers to explore alternative agricultural and diversification options for dryland communities. To improve the effectiveness of the research on the adaptation and improvement of sustainable dryland technologies, all technologies will be tested and adapted in full cooperation with local communities using an innovation system model. This approach includes consideration of all potential partners in market chains both in terms of output and input suppliers Lessons learned from 1st Phase of SUMAMAD In the first phase of the SUMAMAD project, the following knowledge was gained: • Improvement of the livelihoods of communities in these high-risk and marginal areas requires

multiple agricultural and non-agricultural options that consider the multi-functionality of dryland ecosystems.

• Applied agricultural research can be effectively conducted with farmer interest groups. • Community awareness of nutrient flows can improve nutrient management at the farm level. • Groundwater water resources for irrigation are extremely limited in marginal dryland

environments such as the Khanasser Valley area. • There is a potential to augment the groundwater resources along the foothills of the Jabal al

Hass, by small recharge check dams. • Cumin could be an alternative crop for this marginal dry region in wetter years. • Effective management of environmentally sensitive ecosystems requires complex multi-

stakeholder processes.

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Specific objectives, expected outputs and activities of the project The objective of the project is to improve the livelihood of communities in marginal dryland environments through the participatory development and improvement of selected agricultural, natural resource management, and diversification options to reduce the vulnerability to land degradation in marginal lands. The project will undertake the following activities: • Review of agricultural technologies for marginal dryland environments, their requirements,

returns, bottlenecks and research issues. • Survey of successful diversification options and experiences of local development projects,

NGOs and innovative farmers. • Integrated feasibility assessments of identified technologies and options that complement

recent government development plans. • Establishment of male and female Farmer Interest Groups to test, monitor and adapt selected

technologies. • Capacity building activities, such as farmer exchange visits, field days, and training

workshops. • Meetings with policy makers to discuss requirements and implications of promising

technologies. • Development of policy recommendations for outscaling of methods and technologies. Potential technologies and diversification options could include: • Improved goat breeds, management and dairy processing • Fodder and halophyte forage production with marginal water resources • Improvement of degraded rangelands with shrubs and controlled grazing • Atriplex – barley intercropping • Nutrient management • Drought-resistant olive trees with micro-catchment water harvesting • Small recharge check dams for groundwater recharge • New drought tolerant cereal and legume varieties • Medicinal or herbal plants Alternative livelihood options (in cooperation with local development projects) • Handicrafts • Eco-tourism The expected outputs of the project are tested and improved agricultural and natural resource management and diversification options and opportunities for marginal dryland environments and enabling policy support. 5-Year Work Plan Objectives

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• To conduct an integrated feasibility assessment of potential sustainable agricultural, natural resource management and diversification options for improving the livelihoods of communities in marginal drylands

• To test and improve agricultural, resource management and diversification options with male and female farmers in the marginal drylands of the Khanasser-Jabbul area.

• To facilitate the up- and outscaling of sustainable dryland production, management and diversification technologies.

Outputs 1. Report with integrated (environmental, socioeconomic, policy) assessment of dryland

technologies and research issues (SUMAMAD Objective 1 and 3) 2. Work plan for policy cooperation and analysis. (SUMAMAD Objective 2) 3. Dryland technology research reports (SUMAMAD Objective 1 and 3) 4. Directory with capacity building opportunities and national experts in agricultural and

resource management technologies and diversification options for marginal drylands (Objective 1 and 3).

5. Policy report. (SUMAMAD Objective 2) Activities 1.1 Review potential sustainable agricultural and natural resource management technologies

for marginal drylands, their environmental, socioeconomic and policy requirements, returns and feasibility and research gaps.

1.2 Survey of successful dryland diversification and management options of local development projects, NGOs and innovative farmers; and development of cooperative linkages.

1.3 Opportunity assessment meetings with communities. 2. Develop policy work plan based on policy requirements and implications of technologies. 3.1 Establish farmer interest groups, impact indicators and cooperation guidelines. 3.2 Monitor, evaluate and improve selected technologies and options with farmer groups. 3.3 Organize capacity-building activities (cross-visits, field days, training workshops) for

agricultural, natural resource management and diversification options for male and female farmer groups in cooperation with extension, NGOs, and development projects.

4. Develop a directory with capacity building opportunities and national experts in agricultural and resource management technologies and diversification options for marginal drylands, based on above experiences (1.2 and 3.3).

5. Organize field days for farmers of neighbouring communities to out-scale tested technologies.

6. Arrange policy meetings, analyses and reviews to support the up-scaling of selected options and technologies.

Time schedule Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4 Y5 Activity 1.1

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Activity 1.2 Activity 1.3 Activity 2. Activity 3.1 Activity 3.2 Activity 3.3 Activity 4. Activity 5. Activity 6. Detailed work plan for 1st Year and proposed budget Objectives • To conduct an integrated feasibility assessment of potential sustainable agricultural, resource

management and diversification options for improving the livelihoods of communities in marginal drylands (SUMAMAD objective 1 and 3)

• To develop a plan for policy cooperation and analysis to support the implementation of selected technologies (SUMAMAD objective 2)

Outputs 1. Report with integrated (environmental, socioeconomic, policy) feasibility assessment of

dryland technologies and diversification options and related research issues. 2. Work plan for policy cooperation and analyses. Activities 1.1 Review potential sustainable agricultural and natural resource management technologies

for marginal drylands, their environmental, socioeconomic and policy requirements and returns and research issues.

1.2 Survey of successful dryland diversification and management options of local development projects, NGOs and innovative farmers.

1.3 Opportunity assessment meetings with communities. 2. Develop policy work plan based on policy requirements and implications of technologies. Time schedule Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Activity 1.1 Activity 1.2 Activity 1.3 Activity 2.

Budget Year 1 SUMAMAD GCSAR (in-

kind)

Operational Staff time, facilities and

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resources Activity 1.1 5,000 1,000 Activity 1.2 5,000 1,000 Activity 1.3 4,000 1,000 Activity 2. 4,000 1,000 Indirect 2,000 Total 20,000 4,000

Complementary projects and funds The project will be supported by on-going research of the GCSAR and development activities of the Jabal Al-Hass Development Projects. Counterpart contribution per year (in US Dollars): 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total SUMAMAD Project

20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 100,000

SUMAMAD Member State: GCSAR (in-kind)

4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 20,000

Composition of the team Team leader: Dr Awadis Arslan Director of Natural Resources Research Administration (ANRR) General Commission of Scientific Agricultural Research Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Deputy Team leader Dr. Bader Din Jalab, Soil Scientist, Deputy head of Aleppo center, GCSAR, MAAR Team

• Eng. Abdulghani al Khalidy, Head of Natural Resources Division, Aleppo Center, GCSAR. MAAR

• Dr. Muhamad Babelli, Livestock nutrition scientist, Aleppo Center, GCSAR. MAAR • Dr. Abdulla al-Housef, Agricultural Economics, Aleppo Center, GCSAR. MAAR • Director, Jabal al-Hass Rural Development Project, UNDP • Issam Zanoum, IFAD Jabal al-Hass Project

Training priorities

• Management of non-conventional water resources (sewage water, saline water) • Water harvesting and groundwater recharge check dams survey and implementation

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• Rangeland management and rehabilitation • English language training

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Annex 11

Tunisia – Watershed of Zeuss-Koutine Project title: Watershed of Zeuss-Koutine Case study site: Watershed of Zeuss-Koutine (including Oum Zessar watershed and the northern part of the Dahar plateau) Partner institution: Institut des Régions Arides (IRA) at Médenine Contact details of team leader: Dr Mohamed Ouessar 4119 El Fjè – Medenine Tunisia Tel: (+216 75) 633 005 Fax: (+216 75) 633 006 E-mail : Ouessar.Mohamed@ira.rnrt.tn Deputy: Dr Houcine Taamalllah Tel: (+216 75) 633 005 / 647 Fax: (+216 75) 633 006 E-mail: Taamallah.Houcine@ira.rnrt.tn Introduction The watershed of Zeuss-Koutine is situated in south-eastern Tunisia, North West of the city of Médenine. In fact, it represents a transect which stretches out from the Great Oriental Erg and the Dahar plateau in he west, crosses the Matmata mountains between Béni Khdache and Toujane and the open Jeffara plain, then the saline depression (Sebkhat) of Oum Zessar before ending into the Gulf of Gabès (Mediterranean sea). It covers an area of 897 km2 and the approximate coordinates of the central point are 33°16’ N and 10°08’ E. The study site is characterized by steppe vegetation in an arid climate. There are some wadi beds and watercourses with a distinct species composition. Total rainfall is low (150-240 mm) and highly irregular. Temperature differences are extreme between the seasons ranging from -3 °C (winter) to as high as 48°C (summer). It is estimated that approximately 1.4 million people live in the Jeaffra (figures from 1994). In this region anthropogenic pressure has increased considerably since the 1960ies leading to environmental degradation in terms of reduced vegetation cover, poor and eroded soils. Olive production and cereal cultivation, based mainly on water harvesting systems, represents the main agricultural activity in the area, but also traditional breeding of camels and small-stock, especially in the northern part of the Dahar plateau, contribute to livelihoods of people. The household economy is based on activities diversification as a strategy of adaptation to climate, market and risk mitigation. Migration is also an important economic activity which generates a substantial income.

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The main stakeholders in the region are:

• government agencies and especially the services of the Ministry of Agriculture who are responsible for all the agricultural development programs in the area,

• professional organizations (farmers union, livestock breeders association, etc.) and civil society associations (NGOs),

• research institutions (IRA, IO) for specific scientific and technical backstopping. Justification In Tunisia, drought and desertification particularly affect the arid and semi-arid regions characterized by unfavorable climatologically and hydrological conditions (FAO, 1986). Low and erratic rainfall results in frequent periods of serious drought alternating with periods of floods causing major damages and soil erosion (Floret and Pontanier, 1982). The Tunisian Government has engaged for the last two decades a vast program for the conservation and mobilization of natural resources: national strategies for soil and water conservation, forest and rangelands rehabilitation, water resources (Ouessar et al., 2003; Sghaier et al., 2003; Genin et al., 2006). In the Tunisian Jeffara, which encompasses our study area, the traditional production systems combined a concentration of production means on limited areas and the extensive exploitation of

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pastoral resources in the major zone. However, during the last forty years, rapid and remarkable evolutions of these production systems and natural resource exploitation increased with the exploitation of groundwater aquifers by drillings, for the development of irrigated crops and industry, and fast extension of fruit trees orchards at the expense of natural grazing lands after the privatization of collective tribal lands. In this context, the spatial agrarian system complementarily disappeared and replaced with other interconnected and adjacent production systems. Those systems are marked by a competition for the access to the natural resources, especially for land ownership and water use (Genin et al., 2006). Huge works for soil and water conservation and rangelands rehabilitation have been implemented whose immediate effects are visible but their efficiency on the short and long terms has not yet been assessed and evaluated in details. In parallel, climate changes and animal feed and oil crisis are putting heavier burdens on the local population and specifically the herders to cope with those new emerging problems. In line with the UNCCD National Action Program in which the desertification is considered a development problem, the search for alternative generating activities of the affected populations is becoming a priority subject in order to alleviate the pressure on the natural vegetation and to mitigate poverty (MEDD, 2006). In Tunisia SUMAMAD project activities are designed to address the following major challenges:

• Frequent periods of serious droughts, and major potential climate change impacts; • Floods causing soil erosion; • Overgrazing in rangelands; • Land uses competing for limited water resources; • Low agriculture based incomes; • Climate and market price variability (high risk).

Achievements / lessons learned from 1st Phase of SUMAMAD During the 1st phase of the SUMAMAD project (2003-2007), the achievements at different levels of the research team in Tunisia can be summarized as follows. Scientific/research:

• Optimized use of the olive waste water margines for soil stabilization and fertility improvement;

• Alternative groundwater recharge structures (recharge wells) tested under laboratory conditions;

• Better understanding of the role of water harvesting in flooding prevention; • Most appropriate rangeland rehabilitation practices were identified.

Policy and socio-economic related issues • Local action plans for combating desertification in place for Béni Khédache (Médenine)

and Chareb-Ségui (Kébili); • Economic evaluation of water and soil management practices.

Alternative income generating • Encouragement of two NGOs (AJZ, ASNAPED) to be engaged in ecotourism activities,

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• Helping the UTAIM handicapped center in Médenine in the establishment of a specialized workshop for the production and marketing of erg sand based handicraft.

Capacity building

• Enhanced capacity of members of the SUMAMAD team through provision of opportunities for post-graduate education and skills training;

• Training of members of the collaborating agencies on specifics topics: GIS, RS, watershed management, etc.

Main lessons learned

• As SUMAMAD is building on on-going activities, better articulation and synergies are needed to optimize the use of the available funds/facilities while preserving the rights of each funding agency;

• The participatory approach should be handled very carefully to avoid any misunderstanding and high expectations within the local communities.

Specific objectives, expected outputs and activities of the project Major objectives

• Combating desertification and improvement of dryland agriculture, • Development of decision making tools for land use management, • Promotion of alternative income generating sources for local communities.

Scientific studies Rangeland protection and management Background Since the 1950’s cropping was extended and traditional grazing systems (transhumance and nomadism), which had historically allowed for grazing deferment and control of grazing livestock, were abandoned. Almost all rangelands in pre-Saharan Tunisia (mean annual rainfall 100-200 mm) are now grazed continuously without any restriction on stocking rate. Such changes have led to deterioration in rangeland condition. The soil degradation and the loss of palatable perennial species are two of the direct results of the recent anthropogenic pressure on arid rangelands of Tunisia. Several attempts have been made to restore and rehabilitate degraded rangelands in the arid zone of Tunisia with exotic herbaceous species and shrubs. All these efforts, however, have largely failed due to the inability of the introduced species to adapt to the ecological constraints of the region. The objective is to determine the effects of restoration/rehabilitation operations, undertaken by the development agencies, on natural vegetation of the study area, Jeffara region. The impact of the rest technique on the total plant cover and biomass was assessed by Ouled Belgacem et al. 2008 (in press) in other areas of southern Tunisia. They showed that this technique permitted an increase of about 88 Forage Units (FU) per hectare, which means that this technique induces an added production of about 352000 FU in the whole protected rangeland (4000 ha). This value is equivalent to a production of about 352 tones of barley. Consequently,

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with the increase of the prices of feeding resources, mainly barley (which is more preferred by local population as supplementary food for their animals), it seems that communal rangeland rest is an important technical option for the improvement of the productivity. Moreover, such technique may be suggested as a tool for drought mitigation and animal feeding resources cost alleviation in addition to its role in the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources. Specific objectives

• Assessment of rangeland rehabilitation/restoration techniques, • Participatory evaluation of the effect of rangeland resting on plant cover and production • Assessment of plant cover dynamics in relation to drought

Activities

• Selection of rangeland rehabilitation and restoration spots, • Identification of farmers for implementing rangeland resting, • Monitoring and evaluation.

Expected outputs

• Selection of the promising rehabilitation/restoration techniques, • Evaluation of rangeland resting methods.

Groundwater recharge techniques Background Water harvesting techniques (WHT) play an important role in water resources conservation in (semi-)arid environments. In many semi-arid and arid regions in Mediterranean countries, such as in southern Tunisia, WHT have a long history, and governments have supported their expansion in recent years (e.g. national strategy for soil and water conservation). Government support has been based on the assumption that storing water for present and/or future use in the soil profile or the ground-water is per definition better than losing it to the sea. However, there are not many documented detailed analyses of the on site effects evaluation of these systems (De Graaff and Ouessar, 2002; Ouessar et al., 2004; Fleskens et al., 2005). In most of the arid and semi arid regions of the world, groundwater is the main source of water supply, agriculture and industrial uses. However, long term development and management of groundwater in arid regions, depends on the establishment of a balance between withdrawal rate and recharge magnitude (Sorman and Abdulrazzak, 1993). Natural recharge to an aquifer in an arid region may occur by various mechanisms, such as direct infiltration in the rocky areas in the mountains, infiltration from the beds of ephemeral rivers (Moench and Kisiel, 1970; Besbes et al., 1978; Sorman and Abdulrazzak, 1993), subsurface drainage from mountain areas through the alluvial material of valley beds (Khazaei, 1999) and the direct entrance of rainfall into the alluvial material of the lower plains (Dincer et al., 1974). Recharge mechanisms vary greatly within a catchment due to the spatial variation of rainfall along with differences in geologic and physiographic features (Yair and Lavee 1985; Khazaei et al., 2003). The magnitude of groundwater recharge depends largely on flood volume and

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duration, soil moisture content and profile characteristics, and surface soil texture and vegetation (Sorman and Abdulrazzak, 1993). As is the case in many semiarid and arid watersheds, the study watershed has ephemeral wadis that can abstract runoff water from the streamflow. The abstractions, or transmission losses, reduce runoff volume as the flood wave travels downstream. Transmission losses from surface runoff are assumed to percolate into the underlying aquifers. In our case, the latter communicate with the deep aquifer through faults. Thus, the transmission losses represent an important component for replenishing the groundwater formations of the area (Gaubi, 1988; Derouiche, 1997; Yahyaoui and Ouessar, 2000; Yahyaoui et al., 2002). To ensure the replenishment of the main aquifer of the study area, Zeuss-Koutine, a comprehensive soil and water program has been implemented since 1990 in the framework of the national strategy for water resources mobilization and soil conservation (Min. Agr., 1990a, b). Gabion check dams have been installed and recharge wells have been drilled with the aim to mobilize additional resources for the aquifer through recharge with floodwater (Yahyaoui et al., 2002). In fact, gabions have recently been widely used for floodwater harvesting in this area. After heavy rainfall storms, temporary ponds (up to 2 m deep) are formed which increase the opportunity time for the water to infiltrate through the deep layers into the aquifer. In areas where the permeability of the underlying layers is judged too low because of the nature of the geologic formations, casting tubes called ‘recharge wells’ are drilled in the middle of the impoundment area of the gabion check dams to ensure direct recharge of the aquifer (Yahyaoui and Ouessar, 2000; Ouessar, 2007). However, the main problem in infiltration systems for artificial recharge is clogging of the infiltration surface caused by physical, biological and chemical processes (Bouwer, 2002). Specific objectives

• Evaluation of the short and long term efficiency of the recharge structures (gabion check dams and the recharge wells) on groundwater recharge potential.

• Conception of alternative designs. Activities

• Systematic inventory of recharge and spreading gabion check dams in the study watershed,

• Analysis of the recharge performance of the structures, • Conception and testing of alternative designs.

Expected outputs

• Through evaluation of the recharge performance of the gabion check dams. • Alternative designs conceived and tested with the local engineers.

Water pumping and desalination in the grazing lands Background By its geographical position, Tunisia has only 4600 Mm3 of water resources (58% surface water and 42% groundwater) (Louati, 1998). Therefore, the average annual per capita is 450 m3 making the country among the water-poor countries in the world.

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In the southern part of the country, the surface water resources are very limited and the groundwater is mostly saline which will result in a continuous increase of water shortage (especially the demands for drinking water) because of the economic and social developments taking place in the region. It is in this situation that recourse to desalination is an inevitable alternative in order to be prepared to meet the various water demands. In fact, the Tunisian experience in desalination is not new but it dates back to 1983, the year of the creation of the first desalination plant (3300 m3/day) for water drinking water in the Islands of Kerkenna. This experience was recently consolidated with the establishment of three other plants: Gabès in 1995 (22500 m3/day), Zarzis (15000 m3/day) and Jerba (15000 m3/day) in 1999. Livestock is a major activity of the farmers in this region and represents the main agricultural income for the households. The Government has been engaged in a vast programme for installing adequate hydraulic infrastructure (tube wells, pumping stations, watering basins, etc.) in order to satisfy the needs of animal flocks while avoiding the pressure on the rangelands by ensuring wider distribution of watering points. As the water is in most of the cases relatively saline, ensuring adequate water quality for both livestock and the herders is becoming nowadays a major challenge. In this framework, this study aims at exploring the possibilities of desalination in the rangelands of the Dhahar of Béni Khédache which represent the main red meat production area for the province of Médenine and other neighboring areas. Specific objectives

• Exploitation of the low valorized saline water resources, • Encouragement and improvement of livestock husbandry, • Reduction of soil degradation on watering points, • Promotion of the use of renewable energies.

Activities • Detailed surveys on the actual water needs of the herders and their flocks, • Technical and economic study of the different potential desalination models, • Implementation on a pilot site, • Monitoring and evaluation.

Expected outputs Desalination plant developed and used by local herders. Soil stabilization Background Because of its harmful effects on the environment (pollution, biotope destruction, etc) and the corrosion and blocking of the sewage pipes, the disposal of margines (olive waste water) in the public wastewater discharge network or in nature (water courses, etc.) is strictly prohibited and the owners of olive manufactures are obliged to store it in individual or grouped ponds (ONAS, 1997). However, this solution is only provisional considering the increase in produced quantities of margines and risks of infiltration. The alternative solutions are: direct spreading in the olive groves or its use as fertilizer and stabilizing material in the grazing lands to control win erosion. The work conducted by Taamallah (2007), and which consisted of spreading of margine in the

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inter-row area between the olive trees lines in the state owned olive orchard in Chammakh (Zarzis, south east Tunisia), showed that positive physical and chemical improvements of the soils are registered. In fact, spraying this olive oil liquid waste on a sandy soil in Southern Tunisia is an interesting alternative for rational evacuation of this sewage product. A supply of 50 and 200 m3 of margines per hectare during eight successive years resulted in improving the soil fertility status, as its contents in organic matter, nitrogen and potassium were increased. The phosphate content and pH did not change. An increase in organic matter content from 0.2 % to more than 1%, also an increase in the water retention capacity of the sandy soil was recorded. Because of its binding and hydrophobic effects, the margines made the soil more stable and created mulch which could enable the prevention of water evaporation. The soil fertility and the soil physical characteristics could be improved by applying the olive liquid waste product. Its application as a mulch applied in olive orchards can be valorized. It is expected to continue this investigation by carrying out field trials with farmers in addition of exploring the use of margines for soil stabilization of sand encroached areas used as grazing lands. Specific objectives

• Protection of the environment, • Exploitation of the olive buy products (margines), • Sand dunes stabilization.

Activities

• Field trails of margines spreading on farmers fields and grazing lands, • Physical, chemical and biological monitoring,

Expected outputs • Determination of standards for margines spreading in olive orchards and natural grazing

lands. • Effect of margines in the soil stabilization of the sand encroached areas.

Policy oriented tools Background The only technical approach of desertification is now completely insufficient to consider the viability on the long term of actions for combating desertification (CD). The taking into account, on a global scale, complexity of the relations between rural societies and their environments and of an essential implication of communities continues today crucial in the design and the implementation of the policies of CD. The socio economic factors have been neglected during the last decades, in spite of their importance in the CD processes and viability of actions undertaken. Nowadays, CD is closely linked to sustainable development and mitigating poverty and improving wellbeing.

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This integration of the concepts of CD and sustainable development takes all its significance insofar as the multisector stakes of uses of the resources appear within communities in full social and economic change. If agriculture is not today any more the dominant activity in the formation of the rural income of households, it does not remain about it less one significant field in terms of maintenance of the territorial fasteners of these communities but also in terms of food and financial resources. Other prospects should be open in terms of "strategies of rural innovation" which reflect the regional characteristics and assets, the valorization of the local resources, in particular a multi-functionality of agriculture and rural areas. As regards the multiplicity of actors and the very active role of the State, the methods of intervention should better adapt to the new conditions of the policies of rural development which preach a more close integration of the sectoral operations and especially a true implication of the rural populations in the formulation and the control of the actions which relate to them. Thus, the strategies of development and the actions of combating desertification should be still more based in the future on a global solution, integrated, multisector and multipurpose, mobilizing all possible energies and resources. Accordingly, CD becomes an integral part of the dynamics of the sustainable local development. Specific objectives

• Development of integrated approach for combating desertification, • Development of decision making tools for policy makers in term of natural resources

management. Activities

• Participatory appraisal of local stakeholder needs of integrated approach for combating desertification,

• Conceptual framework, • Development of decision making tool, • Testing and evaluation of the tools with local stakeholders.

Expected outputs

• Decision making tool developed and tested with local stakeholders. Promotion of livelihoods Background The traditional systems have been based on risk mitigation strategies marked by spatio-temporal diversification of economic activities. Actually the development of alternative income generating activities and diversification of options including ecotourism, handicraft, medicinal, forages, is one of the most important issues to be analyzed and studied within the SUMAMAD network.

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The experience of collaboration with NGOs showed that they have high willingness and enthusiasm to contribute actively for the improvement of the local natural as well socio-economic environments where they are operating. As the climatic conditions are harsh and the traditional agricultural sector cannot generate enough resources for the local populations, the NGOs are working hard to promote alternative and diversified income generating activities. Small but solid steps have been achieved so far but they necessitate further actions. Therefore, the improvement of the livelihood of the local communities will be based on both the improvement of the traditional approaches (agriculture, etc.) and the promotion of new alternative income generating activities (particularly ecotourism). In fact, the development of ecotourism sector in those regions will automatically enhance many other activities such as: handicraft, local produces (olive oil, dried figs, jams, honey, etc), transport animals (donkeys, camels, etc). Specific objectives

• Identification of the most promising income generation activities, • Promotion of specific activities, • Assessment and evaluation, • Mobilization of partnerships with NGOs and local institutions.

Activities

• Realization of a field survey to identify income generating activities and to evaluate their feasibility;

• Organization of training courses for the development of income generating activities; • Organization of internal and/or abroad visits to exchange the experiments in the field of

the projects based on the income generating activities; • Promotion of actions in the fields of:

valorization of the local agricultural produce and the natural heritage, promotion of ecological and cultural tourism, development of handicrafts and small businesses.

Expected outputs Alternative livelihoods identified and promoted.

5-Year Work Plan The overall work plan (logical structure + schedule) of the activities to be carried out at the Tunisian site is given in the table below.

Objective Action Activity Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Selection of rangeland rehabilitation and restoration spots

Identification of farmers for implementing rangeland resting

Rangeland protection and management

Monitoring and evaluation

Systematic inventory of recharge and spreading gabion check dams in the study watershed,

Analysis of the recharge performance of the structures

Ground-water recharge techniques

Conception and testing of alternative designs

Detailed surveys on the actual water needs of the herders and their flocks

Technical and economic study of the different potential desalination models

Implementation on a pilot site

Water pumping and desalination in the grazing lands

Monitoring and evaluation

Field trials of margines spreading on farmers fields and grazing lands

1

Soil stabilization

Physical, chemical and biological monitoring

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Participatory appraisal of local stakeholder needs of integrated approach for combating desertification

Conceptual framework

Development of decision making tool Testing and evaluation of the tools with local stakeholders.

2 Policy oriented tools

Development of partnerships with NGOs

Realization of a field surveys

Organization of trainings

Organization of internal and/or abroad exchange visits

3 Promotion of livelihoods

Promotion of actions in the fields

Local trainings International

Training

Site exchange visits National workshop International workshop

Common

Workshops and conferences Conferences

Reports Detailed work plan for 1st Year and proposed budget The work plan of the first year activities to be carried out at the Tunisian site is given in the table below.

Objective Action Activity Needs Implementation Indicator/outputs Budget (US$)

Other sources* (US $)

Labour 1,000 2,000Equipment

1 Rangeland protection and management

Selection of rangeland rehabilitation and restoration spots

Others

Report / Spots selected

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Labour Equipment 1,300

Identification of farmers for implementing rangeland resting

Others

Report / farmers identified 500

Monitoring and evaluation

Labour 1,000 2,000

Equipment 1,300 1,000

Systematic inventory of recharge and spreading gabion check dams in the study watershed

Others

Report / units surveyed 500 1,000

Analysis of the recharge performance of the structures

Groundwater recharge techniques

Conception and testing of alternative designs.

Labour 1,300 1,000Equipment

Detailed surveys on the actual water needs of the herders and their flocks,

Others

Report / surveys

Technical and economic study of the different potential desalination models,

Implementation on a pilot site,

Water pumping and desalination in the grazing lands

Monitoring and evaluation.

Labour 1,000 1,000Equipment 1,500 1,000

Field trials of margines spreading on farmers fields and grazing lands,

Others

Report / farmers fields and grazing spots identified

500 1,000

Labour 1,000 1,000Equipment 1,300 1,000

Soil stabilization

Physical, chemical and biological monitoring, Others

1,000 1,000

Labour 1,500 1,000

Equipment 1,500 1,000

2 Policy oriented tools

Participatory appraisal of local stakeholder needs of integrated

Others

Report / agreements

500 1,000

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approach for combating desertification,

Conceptual framework,

Development of decision making tool,

Testing and evaluation of the tools with local stakeholders.

Development of partnerships with NGOs

Report / agreements

1,000 1000

Labour 1,000 1,000Equipments 1,300 1000

Realization of a field survey

Others

Report / surveys 1,000 1,000

Organization of training

Organization of internal and/or abroad exchange visits

1,000

3 Promotion of livelihoods

Promotion of actions in the fields

Local trainings Report 1,000International

Training

Site exchange visits

National workshop

Report 2,000 500

International workshop

Report

Common

Workshops and conferences

Conferences Total 25,000 20,500* in kind and/or monetary contribution. Counterpart contribution per year (in US Dollars): 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total SUMAMAD Member State

20,500 20,500 20,500 20,500 20,500 102,500

Composition of the team The composition of the team and main area of expertise, experience and role in the project are given in the table below.

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Name Expertise Institutio

n Role in the project

Research sub-team: Houcine KHATTELI Desertification IRA Head of IRA Mohamed OUESSAR Water

harvesting IRA * National coordinator

* Responsible of water harvesting related activities

Houcine TAAMALLAH Soil Science IRA * Responsible for renewable energies and soil stabilization related activities

Mongi SGHAIER Agro-socio-economy

IRA * Responsible for socio-economic related activities

Azaiez OULED BELGACEM

Ecology and Pasture

IRA * Responsible for rangelands development related activities

Dalel OUERCHEFANI Remote Sensing IRA * Contribution in remote sensing applications

Nihaya OUNALLI Agro-economy IRA * Contribution in alternative income field surveys

Mondher FETOUI Agro-economy IRA * Contribution in decision making systems

Fethi ABDELLI SWC/GIS IRA * Contribution in groundwater recharge studies

Hanen DHAOU Bioclimatology IRA * Contribution in climate change analysis.

Mohamed TARHOUNI Ecology IRA * Contribution in rangeland ecology .

Ammar ZERRIM RS/GIS IRA * Contribution in cartography and mapping.

Mounir ABICHOU Agronomy IO * Contribution in margines application monitoring

With the active collaboration of:

Development sub-team: Messaoud BGHIR Agronomy CRDA Head of CRDA Mongi CHNITER SWC CRDA * Contribution in soil and water

conservation Chokri WALHA Agro-Economy CRDA * Contribution in decision making

systems Houcine YAHYAOUI Hydrogeology CRDA * Contribution in groundwater

resources Fadhel LAFFET Hydraulics CRDA * Contribution in the

desalinization plant

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NGO sub-team: Ahmed EL ABED - APB * Contribution in biodiversity

conservation and ecotourism Faical ZAMMOURI - AJZ * Contribution in alternative

income generation and ecotourism To be identified GDA * Contribution in rangeland

management and herder association

IO: Institut d’Olivier (Olive Research Institute – Zarzis) CRDA: Commissariat Regional au Développement Agricole de Médenine (Regional department of the Ministry of Agriculture); APB: Association de Sauvegarde de la Biodiversité à Béni Khédache; AJZ: Association des Jeunes de Zammour à Béni Khédache, GDA : Groupement de Développement Agricole.

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Annex 12

Uzbekistan – Karnap Chul area, Samarkand Project title: Development of methods to characterize and monitor land degradation using remote sensing, GIS and modeling in Uzbekistan Case study site: Premountainous rangelands of Bakhmal region, Karnap Chul area, Samarkand Partner institutions: Samarkand State University; Samarkand division of Uzbek Academy of Sciences; Uzbek Research Institute of Karakul sheep breeding; Uzbek Research Institute of Cotton Production; Central Asian Research Institute of Hydrometeorology International consultants: Prof.Hans Schnyder - Technical University of Munich, department of Grasslands Dr. Benjamin Blank - Institute of Landscape Ecology and Resources Management Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Germany Prof. Bruno Marangoni – Department of arboculture, University of Bologna, Italy Contact details of team leader: Dr. Muhtor Nasyrov Samarkand State University University Boulevard, 15 Samarkand 140104 Uzbekistan Tel: (+998662) 33 54 83 or 35 19 38 Fax: (+998662) 33 54 83 or 35 19 38 E-mail: muhtorn@yahoo.com Deputy: Dr.Tolib Mukimov PhD Uzbek Research Institute of Karakul Sheep breeding and Ecology of Deserts M.Ulugbek, 43 Samarkand 140104 Uzbekistan Tel: (+998662) 33 54 83 or 35 19 38 Fax: (+998662) 33 54 83 or 35 19 38 E-mail irossu@samdu.uz Introduction Although recent concern for the global environment has tended to highlight threats posed by global warming and climate change, soil erosion and associated land degradation undoubtedly continue to remain serious problems; vegetation which provides fodder and fuel, becomes scarce, water courses dry up, thorny weeds predominate in once rich rangelands, footpaths disappear into gullies. Soils become thin and stony. All of these manifestations have potentially severe impacts for land users and for people who rely for their living on the products of a “healthy” landscape.

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Population growth and associated expansion and intensification of agricultural activity in many areas of the Central Asia have caused increased rates of land degradation. The region faces a serious challenge with regard to its natural resource base. Croplands, rangelands and mountains are getting degraded. The reduced availability of agricultural inputs, and feed and fodder is resulting in a decline in livestock numbers. Water scarcity and misuse is compounding the threat to food security, human health, and ecosystems.

These rangelands are rich in medicinal and industrial plants, and represent a “hot spot” for the conservation of unique flora and fauna. However, the vegetation of these lands is under pressure due to an increasing need for food and feed. Overgrazing and uprooting of shrubs for fuel wood are particularly threatening the precious biodiversity found in these lands, and the livelihoods of the people who live there. These problems can be solved only in a joint action of scientists, policy makers and farmers together. They all are a stakeholders and should work continuously to solve existing problems and develop mechanisms of sustainable development to be applied in similar ecological and socio-economic environments in the territory of Central Asia. Justification Waste areas of rangelands mostly characterize the territory of Uzbekistan. It is used as a grazing area for small ruminant domestic animals, while some territories converted into croplands to grow rainfed wheat and barley. Only 10% of the total territory is suitable for irrigated farming, which becomes very costly due to salinization and erosion. Rangelands provide local population with food and are principal domain where they make their living via different activities. Continuous economic changes, population growth and overgrazing necessitate the development of economically sustainable and ecologically friendly technologies for the utilization of natural resources. Diverse ecological conditions of rangelands and vast territories put an urgent need to employ remote sensing, GIS and ecosystem modeling to asses the current status of natural resources and to develop efficient technologies. The RS/GIS and Ecosystem Modeling methodologies are the only available way to integrate huge amounts of available data on drylands (soil, vegetation, climate, population) with new approaches to provide managers and decision-makers at the local and regional scales with an adequate tool to increase the productivity and to ensure the sustainability of drylands so as to satisfy the needs of the human population of the region. Main issues: • Conserve or stop degradation of natural resources; • Assess the current status of agroecosystems and combined impact of technologies on

ecological changes and the efficiency with which resources are used for increasing human livelihood standard at the levels of individual farms, collective farms, villages and at the landscape level.

Achievements / lessons learned from 1st Phase of SUMAMAD

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A database for GIS was created (different maps on vegetation cover, soil, climate were digitized). A CENTURY model was used to analyze long-term data on biomass production. Good correlation between field measured biomass data and simulation was obtained. In conjunction with the seasonal forecast (meteorological) model, estimates can be made of the total amount of forage that is expected to be produced in a given area during the next season. Such predictions are particularly important during drought years. The early warning systems enable pastoralists to make adjustments for balancing livestock needs with the protection of the range resources from damage due to overgrazing, or help them in decision-making terms modify their apriori distribution to a posteriori one. On the basis of the results obtained, it was possible to conclude that RS/GIS technologies are applicable for the assessment of the current status of natural resources and to develop efficient utilization technologies. Experienced and young research staff members gained efficient training at partner institutions both in the region and in Europe. Good cooperation on capacity development established in partnership with K.U. Leuven University, Belgium. Several visitors from other partner institutions gave us valuable advice such as from University of Toulouse, France; Colorado State University and Utah State University of USA; and Exeter University of UK. A Master student from K.U. Leuven University, Belgium, will spent three months in Uzbekistan to test, calibrate and analyze current water use efficiency by using the Aquacrop model developed by Prof. D. Raes and his group. Specific objectives of the case study Taking into account that limited resources are available, we choose the following activities from a wide-ranging problem:

1. Researching land use change and drylands degradation with Remote Sensing and GIS, focusing on Karnap Chul and Bakhmal areas and potential for up-scaling to larger areas;

2. Calculation of NDVI and other vegetation indexes and comparison with ground measured

data on biomass, chlorophyll content so as to make a better calibration limited by and caused by dusts, clouds and others;

3. Researching revegitation of degraded rangelands with manure coated seeds. Feed blocks, containing seeds of different fodder plants, can feed small ruminant animals. Domestic animals will disseminate this seeds and they will germinate. 4. Researching vegetable and ornamental plants farming in dryland conditions with efficient

use of scarce water resources of artesian wells; 5. Income generating activities (small-scale carpets, ecological tourism etc).

Measures and activities

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Environmental data collection Socio-economic data collection Income generating Regional planning workshops Publications Expected outputs The results of this work will help scientists understand trends in local biodiversity degradation and will give ideas for their improved management, and will help identify particularly dynamic, resourceful, and resilient components used by villagers. On the basis of this research it will be possible to create an “Electronic Atlas of Drylands of Uzbekistan” for further use. The proposed “Electronic Atlas” will consist of the following thematic chapters: 1. Introduction 2. Land use

Acreage Ownership/Tenure

Cropping seasons Soil conservation measures

3. Agroforestry Types of trees and their uses Trends in vegetation cover

4. Livestock production Species of livestock and breeds Relative importance Pests and diseases of livestock

5. Yields and outputs Types of farm produce Marketing of produce Trend and seasonally of prices

6. Farm inputs Fertilizer Concentrates and supplements Fodder Seeds Labor Vet. Services

9. Water Sources Uses 10. On-farm income generating activities

Types Relative importance Schedule of activities

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11. Problems and coping strategies Soil fertility Pests and crop diseases Livestock diseases Markets and prices Costs and availability of inputs Water quality and availability

5-Year Work Plan The proposed work will be done in three phases. In phase one, assembling of a multidisciplinary assessment team, literature review, a planning workshop and regional characterization will be accomplished to develop a preliminary description of the current state of dominant types of agro-ecosystems. Verifiable indicators of sustainability will also be identified in this phase. The indicators will be identified with the active participation of the people who live in the agro-ecosystem. A variety of methods are available for this kind of participatory approach, in which the researchers necessarily play at least a facilitator role, but where the indicators are certainly meaningful to local people as well as to the analysts. Phase two will consist of detailed fieldwork: observation and assessment studies will be conducted on intervention schemes and their effects. The results of this work will help to understand the pathways of resource degradation in fragile areas, identify forces contributing to the degradation process, and poverty reducing role of policies and institutions in promoting productive, sustainable and poverty reducing land management. In phase three, modern environmentally friendly and economically sustainable agrotechnologises leading to halting land degradation will be tested in pilot projects. At this stage, challenges taking place both in a nature and society will be taken into account. Application of bio-economic model to assess options for resource use in study area This study aims to carry out an anthropogenic and natural impact assessment of natural resources management. The framework of assessment is a bio-economic model that integrates biophysical factors with social, economic and policy factors. Following assessment methodologies, expert opinion, field monitoring, productivity changes, farm-level studies, GIS and modelling will be employed. Assessment methodologies can be structured in different ways. Each methodology has its advantages and disadvantages. Important considerations against which methodologies must be evaluated are: degree of subjectivity and replicability; the level of scientific credibility, and the timeframe to produce an assessment; the spatial scale from global inventories to local (farm level) specific studies; a status or risk assessment; cost per unit area and data requirements; level of stakeholder involvement; generic versus type specific degradation phenomena. Detailed work plan for 1st Year and proposed budget

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• Environmental data collection group 1. Range rehabilitation (transplanting of fodder plants, direct seeding); 2. Grazing management (daily and seasonal locations of flocks, number of sheep per well,

migration routes etc); 3. Biodiversity (ornitofouna, mammals, medicinal plants, ethnobotany). The group will continue its work by the preparation of a database for GIS. The map of flocks’ locations will be prepared. Optimal grazing strategy based on biomass production data will be prepared. The map of annual biomass production will be created. The resources and distribution of medicinal plants as a source of income will be identified • Socio-economic data collection group

Socio-economic data collection will be completed and socio-economic modeling will be tried • Income generating group 1. Wool and pelt processing; lanoline and melanin extraction from wool, on-farm sheep skin

processing. 2. Milk derivatives (soap, skin moisturizer etc). 3. Handicrafts and ecotourism.

Small-scale carpet workshop for local people will be conducted. Several training courses (origami, needling, embroidery etc) for the schoolchildren will be organized. Brochures, posters, “Rangelands in spring” folk show for foreign and local tourists will be organized. Exhibition on handicrafts made in Karnap Chul area will be displayed at Afrosiab Hotel in Samarkand.

4. Plastic house vegetables and flowers production The possibilities of plastic house vegetable (“NovAgro”, “Nunems”, “Rassvet”) and flowers

(Oriflamme) production will be studied and simple technologies will be developed. Counterpart contribution per year (in US Dollars): 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total SUMAMAD Member State

6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 30,000

Composition of the team Multidisciplinary research team consists of researchers from different organizations: Samarkand State University (departments of botany (M.Nasyrov), geography (O.Rakhmatullaev), and economics (M.Abdullaeva) and laboratory of micro and macroelements (E.V.Fidirko and V.A.Onishenko). Two PhD students Mahmud Muminov (plant physiology) and Akbar Ahmedov(botany) will joint research team as well Uzbek Research Institute of Karakul Sheep Breeding and Ecology of deserts (laboratory of plant physiology and arid fodder production (T.Mukimov, Sh.Sindarov) variety testing station (A.Rabbimov), animal germplasm unit (A.Raimov, A.Hamidov), technicians and field staff.

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Samarkand Division of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan (laboratory of arid rangelands (B.Mardonov, T.Rajabov). International consultants In addition to local researchers several international MS and PhD students will help out with GIS/RS work MS student from K.U. Leuven University, Belgium spent three month in Samarkand to work on his thesis on application of Aqua Crop model to calculate a productivity of arid rangelands of Uzbekistan. The results of his work will be used both for his MS thesis and yearly SUMAMAD-II report MS student from University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy will work with us on agrolanscape to test different tree cultivars at the degraded areas to increase a productivity and assortment of products Dr. Benjamin Blank and technicians from Institute of Landscape Ecology and Resources Management Justus Liebig-University Giessen, Germany will consult our work on GIS/RS with his own financial resources.