Namibia Crane Working Group: Action plan

Namibia Crane Working Group: Action plan

Namibia Crane Working Group Action Plan

The action plan, formulated in Etosha in May 2004, has the following objectives. Click on the [Expand] and [Hide] buttons to see and hide the actions taken so far:

Co-ordinate conservation effort and promote networking [Expand] [Hide]

1. Co-ordinate conservation effort and promote networking.
Action	Progress	Planning
1.1 Start-up activities
1. Establish a founder working group.	Done May 2004.	-
2. Appoint co-ordinators.	Done May 2004.	-
3. Obtain start-up funding.	Done May 2004.	-
4. Circulate questionnaire on activities and needs.	Done.	-
5. Draft a vision, mission.	Done.	-
6. Design logo.	Done.	-
7. Compile a "Who we are" info sheet.	Done.	-
8. Identify and implement priority activities (see also 7).	Identification done.	Implementation ongoing.
1.2 Ongoing communication and co-ordination.
1. Identify and maintain regular contact with local area co-ordinators.	Ongoing.	Ongoing.
2. Compile and circulate regular newsletters.	Ongoing.	Ongoing.
3. Build up a network of supporters.	Ongoing (within Namibia and elsewhere).	Ongoing, encourage new recruits. Explore linkages across boundaries: who are the players, how to link.

Obtain information and data [Expand] [Hide]

2. Obtain information on cranes.
Action	Progress	Planning
2.1 Conduct research/ monitoring.
1. Local crane surveys.
1) North Central.	Crane survey done (August 2004).	In the past, cranes were associated with predicting rainfall. These birds have now left us, due to hunting and disturbance. If we want them back we must do something. Need to work more closely with Etosha as part of Cuvelai system.
2) Etosha.	Ongoing: regular surveys by MET in Lake Oponono area (January 04, April 04, July 04 - 11 WC, 4 BC, 13 CC).	Ongoing.
3) Caprivi.	Aldrin Siyama, Mike Sihope and Konstance Muyanda are interacting with local conservancies (including Mayuni, Kasika, Impalila) and obtaining information on cranes.	Surveys in Kwando and Chobe/Zambezi areas.
4) Kavango.	Regular counts are done in Mahango Game Park (MET & Mark Paxton). Surveys are taking place by Mathias Mpepo, in partnership with ERHIP project (Dorothy Wamunyima). Visited one community in November 2004. Aims: to introduce crane awareness project; present and past distribution; identify threats; collect and write down stories, cultural significance, photographs; promote crane themes in culture and crafts; identify future areas for crane conservation; and identify role players. The first local crane group has been established. Cranes disappeared early 1970s. Treated with respect, special birds. Mainly associated with happiness, luck, God's blessing, good harvest. Local songs feature cranes.	Ongoing. Conduct four more surveys.
5) Nyae Nyae.	Sakkie von Plato has been doing bird counts for many years; now collaborating with BirdLife Botswana in joint report. Polytechnic student (Veronica Sivhute) is busy with six-month project, recording numbers, group composition, habitat and food of Wattled Cranes. A (training) crane count at Nyae Nyae pans is part of this workshop.	Ongoing. Write up historical data.
2. Investigate cross-border surveys.	Aerial survey of Caprivi in August 2004 by Chris Brown and team. Many hippo and crocodiles; woodland species have increased but not floodplain game species (e.g. lechwe, reedbuck). Only 10 Wattled Cranes observed - too much hunting and disturbance, not controlled. Need more conservation work in this area by conservancies and MET.	Next aerial survey in 2009. Link with AWAC satellite tracking programme.
3. Set up logbook of crane sightings. Data form designed and circulated as part of Namibian "events book" system.	Implementation ongoing. Caprivi - being implemented by conservancies. Implemented at Etosha: 52 observations to date. Nyae Nyae - also by lodge.	Ongoing. Develop and train local teams to do co-ordinated counts in standardized way. Involve tour guides, tourists (especially conservancy campsites). Involve Wilderness Safaris Namibia staff in crane areas (Etosha). Obtain feedback reports.
4. Collate crane nesting cards.	MET has historical records.	To be investigated.
5. Investigate local threats.	Ongoing. North Central: illegal hunting, human disturbance, habitat loss. Caprivi: poaching. Basic data being collected.	Ongoing.
6. Compile broad crane habitat classification, extent, status, trends.	Data are being collected.	Ongoing.
7. Make management recommendations (see also 7).	Ongoing.	Ongoing.
2.2 Compile crane species accounts.
1. Red Data Book.	Done: draft information circulated for comment via newsletters; Red Data Book to be published this year (Rob Simmons).	Distribute final information.
2. Popular accounts.	Done.	Distribute more widely. Investigate translations in local languages.

Promote conservation awareness/education [Expand] [Hide]

3. Promote conservation awareness/education.
Action	Progress	Planning
3.1 Develop a crane resource package.
1. Powerpoint presentation.	Done May 2004 (Chris Brown & Alice Jarvis).	Ongoing updates as necessary.
2. Crane poster.	Initial discussions.	Continue development (MET).
3. Crane information sheets.	Done.	Update as necessary, place on website.
4. Cultural/resource booklet.	Initial discussions re funding, artist identified.	Continue development.
5. Media (printed).	Media releases.	Ongoing; articles in journals (e.g. Travel News Namibia, Flamingo).
6. Radio & television.	-	To be done.
7. Theatre: songs, dance, plays, poems.	Songs featuring cranes are being identified; our first crane poem has been written (Dries Alberts, Tsumkwe).	Ongoing.
8. Competitions.	Part of this workshop.	Ongoing.
9. Websites.	Initial discussions.	To be done.
10. Educational talks to land custodians, schools.	Started.	Ongoing.
3.2 Identify target groups.
-	Started.	Ongoing.
3.3 Conduct awareness activities.
-	See local crane surveys (2). This workshop incorporates a programme for "Children in the Wilderness" at the local school (WSN), also the occasion of the founding of a local youth nature club by the NNF Wild Dog Project.	Nyae Nyae: link in with Wild Dog nature clubs activities at schools. Crane conservation activities at Namutoni EE Centre. Investigate further "Children in the Wilderness" courses at Klein Dobe and in other crane areas. Crane/ wetland conservation programmes for mature people, e.g. councillors, traditional leaders, church and education groups; link with literacy programme, Ministry of Basic Education (existing vehicles). Involve teachers.

Conserve crane populations and habitats [Expand] [Hide]

4. Conserve crane populations and habitats.
Action	Progress	Planning
4.1 Integrated management of river basins.
1. Provide decision makers and planners with good information on cranes and habitats.	Information is being compiled.	To be circulated: Wetlands Working Group, Okacom commissioners, Zambezi basin, Namwater, Parliamentarian working group on natural resources.
2. Provide information to basin/wetland stakeholders.	Information is being compiled.	To be circulated.
4.2 Develop incentives for conservation.
1. Review policy cf cranes and habitats.	-	To be done, e.g. New Water Act. Ramsar sites: link with MET.
2. Enhance incentives for conservation of cranes and habitats.	-	Crane custodian certificate: land managers, tour operators, schools.
4.3 Local management initiatives.
1. Nyae Nyae.	The conservancy has designated Nyae Nyae as its central core area - access controlled, no hunting. Nyae Nyae pans are on the list for potential Ramsar sites in Namibia. A hide has been built at Nyae Nyae for bird/game viewing and indirectly to draw tourists to a specific area, away from the main pan.	Investigate Ramsar status of Nyae Nyae pans with regard to cranes.
2. General.	-	Implement all Red Data Book actions for cranes. Investigate incentives for local volunteers to become involved in crane/wetland conservation.

Promote the economic value of cranes and their habitats [Expand] [Hide]

5. Promote the economic value of cranes and their habitats (diversify land-use/income options).
Action	Progress	Planning
5.1 Promote community based resource management.
1. CBNRM initiatives.	Ongoing.	Ongoing.
2. Develop park-neighbour partnerships.	Ongoing.	Ongoing.
5.2 Develop sustainable income-earning activities.
1. Work within traditional frameworks to develop activities.	Ongoing.	Ongoing.
2. Enhance the economic value of cranes and their habitats in terms of tourism, crafts.	Preliminary discussions on birding route and crafts. Guide training - part of this workshop (see 6.2). Nyae Nyae: a hide has been built for tourists; the local lodge has become involved in crane awareness and conservation. Caprivi: to attract tourists they are now taken out in mokoro to find cranes.	Birding/wetlands tourist route to be developed further: consult with existing successful bird routes; liaise with other crane areas; train guides (must be available at all times); first develop product and repeatable service; joint marketing; target birding community; develop associated crafts.

Build capacity [Expand] [Hide]

6. Build capacity.
Action	Progress	Planning
6.1 Conduct a needs assessment (see also 1: questionnaire).
-	Done.	-
6.2 Promote training and skills development.
1. Crane workshops (Namibia).	Two workshops (May 2004 & present).	Plan a workshop in 2006.
2. AWAC training workshop.	Lotto Kuushomwa and Jakob Kolbooi attended the AWAC Building on Experience workshop at Wakkerstroom, SA in November 2004.	Represent NCWG at 2005 AWAC workshop.
3. Guide training.	As part of this workshop, 17 trainees (6 local) completed an entry level field guiding course by WSN.	Further guide training (WSN). Guide training by BirdLife SA in Caprivi. Guide accreditation.
6.3 Compile funding proposals.
-	LEF 2005 funding proposal submitted.	Obtain finance for 2006. Investigate co-funding for resource book, poster, T-shirts (IRDNC, CI, WSN, Wildlife Society, Total, Namdeb).

Develop area-based crane management strategies [Expand] [Hide]

7. Develop area-based management strategies.
Action	Progress	Planning
7.1 Apply the above strategies to the local situation in consultation with local partners.
1. General.	General feedback on local initiatives incorporated above.	Provide feedback at AGM 2006.
2. North Central.	See above.	1. Radio programmes to increase awareness. 2. Consult stakeholders (church leaders, school principals, regional councillors and headmen) and raise awareness and information to leaders. 3. Implement anti-poaching measures. 4. Share ideas with neighbouring groups. 5. Invite experienced people to explain relevant government policies and laws. 6. Provide training with manual in local languages. 7. Provide feedback after meetings/workshops/training. 8. Establish a local committee to strengthen the initiative. 9. Identify community members interested in cranes/conservancies and motivated and focus on them.
3. Etosha.	See above.	1. Continue to collect data form entries for cranes. 2. Promote crane awareness through the Namutoni Environmental Education Centre. 3. Liaise with CBNRM officer in the north regarding crane conservation in the Oponono area. 4. Distribute crane newsletters to all ranger stations in park and to other interested parties e.g. farmers. 5. Build capacity and train local staff to do bird counts.
4. Kavango.	See above. Coordinators' visit September 2004.	1. Share information through communication; follow-up visits to new crane groups; contact regional communicators. 2. Become directly involved in crane conservation activities: monitoring, counting; set up local information-clearing house in region with local collaboration group. 3. Incentives - recognition for interested participants. 4. Awareness and education - provide resources for environmental education programmes. 5. Radio talks on cranes and their habitats. 6. Newsletters/articles in local regional languages.
5. Caprivi.	See above. Coordinators' visit September 2004.	1. Radio programmes. 2. Collect information on cranes. 3. Outreach and awareness in communities, schools. 4. Zone areas for special crane and habitat protection. 5. Implement anti-poaching measures, reduce disturbance. 6. Bird guiding courses.
6. Nyae Nyae.	See above. Coordinators' visit July 2004.	1. Promote better communication with all crane areas. 2. Promote economic value of cranes; need guides to go out with tourists. 3. Environmental Education programme with Ministry of Education - nature clubs; trips to Klein Dobe. 4. Importance of birds in school syllabus. 5. Collect data on data sheets (event book) - conservancy game guards and MET.