Without external intervention, the region’s large mammals will be wiped out within a few years. This will not only terminate a vital income source but represent a globally significant loss of forest biodiversity. By transitioning the focal communities to more sustainable livelihoods based on agroforestry, security of tenure, and improved cash crops, the project will improve the quality of life and increase the self-reliance of these communities, and thereby eliminate a clear and present threat to one of Asia largest elephant populations. II. METHODS Several Action Steps were carried out in this project. 1. Community Development Initiative 1.1 Annual Incentive agreement through engagement meetings In 2007, using household survey results, we negotiated an incentive agreement with 24 Chin families for support of rice up to nine months a year, two local teachers, local agricultural extension officer to help the Chin increase rice yields, negotiate the establishment of a community forest and an incentive payment to participate in joint patrols with RYES staff. It aimed to immediately stop the unsustainable hunting of gaur and other large mammals and to increase relationships between the Chin and RYES, while setting the basis for improved food security and forest tenure. This first agreement was signed by the Chin representatives and RYES staff in October 2007 with key objective of securing the participation of Chin villagers in surveys of the Arakan forest turtle. Chin hunters and RYES staff have identified and surveyed sites within RYES that hold concentrations of the turtle. In 2008-2013, six more agreements were negotiated and signed based on the results and lessons learned of preceding ones; a last agreement was scheduled for 2014. It focused on sustainability of livelihood and children education. Negotiations have been led by co-author, U Myint Aung, who during his 25 years working for FD established a close relationship with the Chin. Specific issues addressing in the 2013 agreement were: improved data collection to document patrol routes and wildlife sightings; specific measures to take to ensure that dogs are kept out of the RYES; and use of these data in support of RYES planning and management. All components in the second agreement are the same as the first except for educational support. They needed some supports for middle education students who will attend the 5-9 grade classes at Daung-chaung State Middle School and Gwa State High School. As stated in the incentive agreements, Chin sold their hunting-dogs. The supply of rice declines every year. Rice was provided for 7 months in 2010 and for 6 months in 2011. In 2012, it was provided for 5 months to ensure food security and terminated in 2013. 1.2 Setting up Village Conservation and Development Committee (VCDC) In terms of institutional development, we set up a VCDC in Chin community. VCDC was made up of 7 individuals and selected by chin people. Their roles include managing and organising of more productive and sustainable of project activities (such as Community Forestry, livestock and agro-forestry), working with FD, RYES and FOW. We had defined the objectives and responsibilities of the VCDCs. 1.3 Community and Land Tenure certificates 162 Proceedings of the International Conference on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Policy and Practice 27-29 June 2016, Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand
Proceedings of International Conference on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the Sustainable Development Goals : Policy and Practice 27-29 June 2016 at the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park, Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand
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