Idea Transcript
Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation and Man and Biosphere Reserves in Cuba: Bridging Managed and Natural Landscapes Project Number GFL_2328_2715_4B28 Half-yearly progress report to UNEP-GEF 1 April to 31 December 2010
UNEP/GEF-funded project: Biodiversity Conservation and Man and Biosphere Reserves in Cuba: Bridging Managed and Natural Landscapes Bioversity International Via dei Tre Denari 472/a 00057 Maccarese (Fiumicino) Rome, Italy
TABLE OF CONTENTS BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1
PROJECT STATUS
1
ANNEXES
6
PROGRESS REPORT 1. Background Information 1.1 Project Number: GFL_2328_2715_4B28 1.2 Project Title: Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation and Man and Biosphere Reserves in Cuba: Bridging Managed and Natural Landscapes 1.3 Division/Unit: GEF Coordination 1.4 Coordinating Agency or Supporting Organization (if relevant): Bioversity International 1.5 Reporting Period (the nine months covered by this report): April to December 2010 2. Project Status 2.1 Information on the delivery of outputs/services Activities
Status (Completed/Ongoing)
Description of work undertaken
Description of problems encountered/Issu es need to be addressed
1. Baseline data collection and assessment
Ongoing
An overview of the available data on the status and use of agricultural biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and livelihoods in areas largely overlapping with the territory of the targeted MAB reserves has been conducted. Gaps in knowledge, threats and opportunities for future research and intervention have been indentified.
None
1.2 Identification of potential project sites and exploratory field visits, to partners and project sites
Ongoing
Some potential project sites have been identified and field visits, to at least six of these sites and potential partners have been undertaken.
None
1.3 Develop research protocols for information collection and analysis
Not yet started
Will commence 1st half of 2011 - March 2011 (draft)
None
1.1 Compilation of data on the status and use of agricultural biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and livelihoods in targeted MAB reserves
1
None
1.4 Assessment of agricultural biodiversity and practices used in the management of this biodiversity in and around the targeted reserves
Ongoing
Existing data has been collected to complete baseline assessment of agricultural biodiversity, uses and practices in and around the reserves.
2. Stakeholder consultation, institutional assessment and implementation arrangements for the full project
Ongoing
None The national planning team which includes experts from the national implementing agency, as well as experts from farmers’ organizations, protected area management centers and scientific institutes have been indentified and have met during the First Planning Meeting held in Cuba (September 2010). Government ministries with policy oversight and guidance have been identified and are fully engaged in the project.
Ongoing
The roles, capacities, comparative advantages of the main partner institutions have been identified. The various project partner institutions and organizations have agreed on the expected level of involvement for the full project implementation. National project partners’ consultation was held in September 2010. Project steering committee to be selected from this group of partner institutions.
2.1 Establishment of a national planning team
2.2 Carry out Stakeholder consultations and identification of main project partners
2
None
2.3 Establish the full project institutional framework and implementation arrangements at global and national levels
Ongoing
Potential international project partners have been identified and their interest and involvement in the full project implementation has been discussed through email and formal correspondence. Expressions of interest and commitment for contribution to full project implementation have been received for further specification.
None
Preliminary efforts are underway to identify, among project implementing partners, suitable expertise to be part of the steering committee and the technical advisory board to provide scientific and thematic guidance and support.
2.4 Analysis of programmes and past and on-going projects
Ongoing
Successful institutional model and best practices from existing programmes and other projects have been identified.
None
Networking through UNESCO MAB and other agencies established to facilitate knowledge exchange on tools, practices, and cross- cutting strategies for project implementation and mainstreaming. 2.5 Participatory surveys and assessments of levels of cooperation, capacity and awareness existing between Protected Area management and populations living in and around the Biosphere Reserves
Ongoing
Consultants identified and TORs drafted. Partners and stakeholders have been contacted. Will discuss detailed implementation of survey and assessments during next national meeting (February 3
None
2011). 2.6 Carry out needs assessment and develop a strategy for capacitybuilding and training programmes for full project
Ongoing
External partners have been contacted for capacity building.
None
Will further discuss during next global meeting scheduled for February 2011.
2.7 Assessment of institutional capacity for mainstreaming agrobiodiversity, with particular attention to gender-sensitive factors
Not yet started
Will commence in 1st None half of 2011 - May 2011 (draft)
2.8 Development of the full project communication strategy
Not yet started
Will commence in 1st None half of 2011 - May 2011 (draft)
2.9 Development of awareness raising strategy for the full project
Not yet started
Will commence in 1st None half of 2011 - May 2011 (draft)
3. Policy and institutional framework review 3.1 Analysis of national, regional and international policy and regulatory environment for traditional biodiversity management systems within MAB Reserves including buffer and transition zones
Ongoing
4. Feasibility analysis and budget
Ongoing
Relevant policies from different sectors have been compiled for analysis.
None
Global networks and strategies e.g. Madrid Action Plan have been reviewed and applied to project objectives and activities.
During the first national meeting, three days of intensive group discussions resulted in a preliminary list of project activities needed to achieve the outcomes and outputs of the full project.
4.1 Development of full project logical framework including outcome impact indicators
4
None
4.2 Based on a logical framework analysis, identify the set of proposed project outcomes, outputs and activities and define quantitative impact indicators
Not yet started
Will commence on confirmation of logframe and workplan. February 2011 (draft)
None
4.3 Development of detailed financial plan for the project - costing the expected project outcomes and outputs
Not yet started
Will commence on confirmation of logframe and workplan. March 2011 (draft)
None
4.4 Development of the incremental cost analysis
Not yet started
Will commence on confirmation of logframe and workplan. March 2011 (draft)
None
4.5 Development of risk mitigation and replication strategy
Not yet started
Will commence in 1st half of 2011 May 2011 (draft)
None
4.6 An assessment of the Not yet started social, economic and financial sustainability of proposed project activities
Will commence in 1st None half of 2011 - May 2011 (draft)
4.7 Finalizing cofinancing sources and commitments.
Ongoing
None Nine national projects have committed to providing co-funding to the project, for a total amount equivalent to USD 1.13 million. Additional contributions from international donors have been sought through the Satoyama Initiative and other research partners (Earth Institute and Smithsonian).
4.8 Compiling final project document
Not yet started
Will commence in 1st None half of 2011 - June 2011 (draft)_
4.9 Submission of the project doc for CEO endorsement
Not yet started
Will commence in 1st None half of 2011 - June 2011
5
Not yet started
None Will commence in 1st half of 2011 - May 2011 (draft)
5.2 Formulation of the project M&E plan with quantitative baseline, targets and indicators including M&E budget
Ongoing
An international consultant has been identified and has agreed to supervise the M&E plan.
5.3 Development of the costed project supervision plan
Not yet started
Will commence in 1st None half of 2011 - May 2011 (draft)
5.4 Completion of GEF SO1 and SO2 Tracking tools
Not yet started
Will commence in 1st None half of 2011 - May 2011 (draft)
5.5 Development of full project replication strategy
Not yet started
Will commence in 1st None half of 2011 - May 2011 (draft)
5. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms 5.1 Definition of complete set of outcome impact indicators
None
2.2 If the project is not on track, provide reasons and details of remedial action to be taken: N/A
3. Attachments: Annex 1 – First National Planning Meeting Annex 2 – Agenda First National Planning Meeting Annex 3 – List of Participants First National Planning Meeting Annex 4 – List of project implementation endorsement letters by national institutions Annex 5 – Project outputs and activities (first draft)
6
ANNEX 1
REPORT First Planning Meeting Agricultural biodiversity conservation and Man and Biosphere Reserves in Cuba: Bridging managed and natural landscapes Date: September 27 to October 2, 2010 Location: Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, province of Pinar del Rio, Cuba A total of 34 national experts from different disciplines, nine farmers from communities in the Sierra del Rosario and Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere Reserves, and seven foreign experts participated in the meeting. 16 institutions were represented, belonging to the Ministries of Agriculture; Science, Technology and Environment; and Tourism and Higher Education. Also included were two key Cuban NGOs: the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP) and the Cuban Association of Agricultural and Forestry Technicians (ACTAF) (Annex 2). Participants were divided into three groups, corresponding to the thematic components of the project and the expertise and experience of the participants. Three days of intensive group discussions resulted in a preliminary list of project activities needed to achieve the outcomes and outputs of the project. Group discussions were centered on 3 main themes: 1) increasing the presence and improving the management of agricultural biodiversity in agricultural systems within the biosphere reserves of Cuba, 2) incorporating agricultural biodiversity into the management of protected areas, and 3) mechanisms to create community benefits from biodiversity-rich agriculture within the biosphere reserves and the institutionalization of these mechanisms into national policies. After a thorough review of the expected outputs listed in the Project Identification Form (PIF), some modifications were made and some outputs were merged. 15 project outputs were eventually agreed upon (Annex 3). During the last day of the workshop a special meeting between farmers (ANAP), the representative of the NGO ACTAF and the Cuban project leaders was organized in order to summarize the thoughts and expectations of the farmers/ANAP with regards the project. The main comments made related to 1) the importance that families continue to live within the biosphere reserves and the need for (political) recognition of their role in conservation and ensuring food security/sovereignty, 2) the need to improve the quality of life of families living in rural communities on the basis of the agricultural activities they carry out, 3) the importance of achieving economic, social and environmental sustainability of these families, as a way of contributing to the expectations of future generations and securing their presence in the biosphere reserves. The main material constraints to project implementation identified in Cuba are related to:
transportation needed to manage the project (field visits to the biosphere reserves, coordination and organization of activities in project sites, both of which require traveling large distances over difficult roads), communication (telephone and internet), laboratory equipment (soil, biotechnology, food science, etc.) and general supplies. The interdisciplinary nature of the project means that the expertise required to tackle a number of project activities, especially those related to research (into (agricultural) landscape dynamics, community benefits, etc.) must be sought in collaborative partnerships between Cuban and international institutions. These partnerships and the specific research questions they will address must be defined prior to commencement of the Full Sized Project (FSP) and will require extensive training of both specialists and farmers at the beginning of the FSP. Training needs identified concerned the preparation of specialists in traditional farming systems and their impact on biodiversity, ecology and landscapes (including soil, water, etc.), plant taxonomy, geographical information systems, project management, landscape ecology and genetics, as well as the preparation of farmers (and exchange between them) on best practices in managing biodiversity and agro-ecosystems. The project will be designed to incorporate at least three PhD and two master's degrees. Besides capacity building, three cross-cutting elements were identified that will need specific attention in each of the project components: gender roles, communication and awareness raising, and (community) development needs. Focus persons will be appointed to ensure a coherent approach to these themes throughout the project’s implementation. Some activities were identified that will need to be developed in the very short term, such as the signing of the terms of reference of the project in Cuba by the responsible ministries and a visit by the UNESCO specialist that will assist in the implementation of the third project component to Cuchillas del Toa, with the aim of identifying possible actions to enable community benefit from the use of biodiversity and traditional farming systems. Co-financing commitments. So far, nine national projects have committed to providing cofunding to the project, for a total amount equivalent to USD 1.13 million. Additional contributions from international donors will be sought through the Satoyama Initiative (which already provided co-funding to the project preparatory grant), the IberoMab network and research partners that will be involved in different project activities (UNESCO, the Earth Institute and the Smithsonian). The human resources required for the implementation of the project are available. Some additional organizations with important expertise, such as the Enterprise for Flora and Fauna (MINAG) and the Cuban Association for Animal Production (an NGO), were identified and will be contacted soon. A very positive result so far has been the priority given to the project by the Cuban government. The project is supported by various bodies within the national government and policy structure (Annex 3).
Prepared by: Dr. Leonor Castiñeiras Principle Researcher INIFAT (MINAG) Project Coordinator in Cuba
Dr.Pablo Eyzaguirre Senior Scientist, Bioversity International Project director,
Dr. Maritza García Director National Center for Protected Areas (CITMA)
Ms. Yanisbel Sánchez l Associate Researcher INIFAT (MINAG) Project Co-Coordinator in Cuba
ANNEX 2: Agenda First National Planning Meeting PROGRAMA REUNIÓN PREPARATORIA PROYECTO La Conservación de la Biodiversidad Agrícola en Reservas de la Biosfera de Cuba: Conectando los Paisajes Naturales y los Paisajes Agrícolas para lograr los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio Las Terrazas, Pinar del Río, Cuba 28 septiembre – 2 octubre 2010 Fecha 27/09/2010
Día 1 28/09/2010
Hora 1:30pm 3:30pm 4:00pm 8:00pm
Actividad Traslado de los participantes a la EESR Coctel de bienvenida en el Cafetal Buenavista Traslado de los participantes al Hotel Moka Cena en el Hotel Moka
Salón Plenaria 9:00am
Inauguración Presentación Pablo – Objetivos de la reunión y introducción al proyecto
9:15am 9:45am 10:00am 10:30am 10:45am 11:00am 11:15am 11:30am 1:00pm Hotel Moka 2:30pm 4:00pm 4:15pm 5:30pm 8:00pm Día 2 29/09/2010
Día 3 30/09/2010
Día 4 01/10/2010
Día 5 02/10/2010
Presentación Leonor – Implementación del proyecto en Cuba (Instituciones, Recursos Humanos, responsabilidades) Presentación Marleni – Proyectos de investigación de Bioversity en Cuba Merienda Presentación Frederik – Plan Operativo / Monitoreo y evaluación Presentación Gea - Información existente y gap Presentación Guillén - Distribución de beneficios Discusión Almuerzo en el Hotel Moka Distribución del trabajo en grupos (1:30h) Merienda Trabajo en grupos (1h) Conclusiones del primer día Cena
Hotel Moka 8:30am 10:30am 10:45am 1:00pm 2:30pm 4:00pm 4:15pm 5:15pm 5:30pm 8:00pm
Trabajo en grupos (2h) Merienda CAMBIO DE GRUPOS Trabajo en grupos (2h) Almuerzo Trabajo en grupos (1:30h) Merienda CAMBIO DE GRUPOS Trabajo en grupos (1h) Presentación Maricela (frutales) Conclusiones sesión 2do día Cena
9:00am
Recorrido por la RBSR
10:30am 11:00am 1:00pm Hotel Moka 3:00pm 4:00pm 4:15pm 5:30pm 8:00pm
Merienda Visita a la finca del campesino Rafael Oliva o Manuel Gómez Almuerzo en Casa del Campesino Trabajo en grupos (1h) Merienda Trabajo en grupos (1h) Conclusiones sesión 3er día Cena
Hotel Moka 8:30am 10:30am 10:45am 1:00pm 2:30pm 4:00pm 4:15pm 5:30pm 8:00pm
Presentación de los resultados del trabajo de cada grupo en plenaria Merienda Presentación de los resultados del trabajo de cada grupo en plenaria Almuerzo Preparar presupuesto y co-financiamiento para cada actividad (POA) Merienda Preparar presupuesto y co-financiamiento para cada actividad (POA) Conclusiones sesión 4to día Cena
Salón Plenaria 9:00am 10:30am 10:45am 1:00pm 3:30pm
Clausura taller Merienda Clausura taller Almuerzo en el Río San Juan Salida a La Habana de participantes
ANNEX 3: List of Participants First National Planning Meeting Participantes de la Primera Reunión de Planeamiento del Proyecto La Conservación de la Biodiversidad Agrícola en Reservas de la Biosfera de Cuba: Conectando los Paisajes Naturales y los Paisajes Agrícolas para lograr los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio (Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Rosario, 28 septiembre - 2 octubre 2010). Participantes de Cuba No. Nombre
Institución
Ministerio
Especialidad
1 Leonor Castiñeiras
INIFAT
Ministerio de la Agricultura (MINAG)
Recursos Fitogenéticos (RFG)
2 Yanisbel Sánchez
INIFAT
MINAG
RFG y Agricultura urbana
3 Tomas Shagarodsky
INIFAT
MINAG
RFG
4 Nelson León
INIFAT
MINAG
RFG
5 Zoila Fundora
INIFAT
MINAG
RFG
6 Alejandro González
INIFAT
MINAG
RFG
7 Odalys Barrios
INIFAT
MINAG
RFG
8 Lianne Fernández
INIFAT
MINAG
RFG
9 Maribel Glez-Chávez
INIFAT
MINAG
RFG
10 Raúl Cristóbal
INIFAT
MINAG
Bases de datos RFG
11 Alfredo Socorro
INIFAT
MINAG
Bases de datos RFG
12 Leanne Ortíz
INIFAT
MINAG
Fitopatología y Agricultura urbana
13 Amelia Capote
INIFAT
MINAG
Biotecnología
14 Alfredo Lino
INIFAT
MINAG
Suelo y nutrición
15 Maritza García
CNAP
CITMA
Gestión Areas Protegidas
16 Raidel García
CNAP
CITMA
Gestión Areas Protegidas
17 Reynaldo García
CNAP
CITMA
Informático
18 José Alberto Camejo
Reserva de la Biosfera (RB) Guanahacabibes
CITMA
Especialista Ambiental
19 Fidel Hernández
RB Sierra del Rosario (Pinar del Río)
CITMA
Forestal, Especialista Ambiental
20 Jorge Luis Zamora
RB Sierra del Rosario (Pinar del Río)
CITMA
Geógrafo, Especialista Ambiental
21 Yolanda González
RB Sierra del Rosario (Pinar del Río)
CITMA
Especialista Ambiental
22 Damaysa Arzola
RB Sierra del Rosario (Pinar del Río)
CITMA
Especialista Ambiental
23 Ernesto Pulido
RB Buenavista (Sti. Spiritus)
CITMA
Especialista Ambiental
24 Giraldo Acosta
RB Baconao (Stgo. de Cuba)
CITMA
Agrónomo, Especialista Ambiental
25 Gerardo Begué
RB Cuchillas del Toa (Guantánamo)
CITMA
Biólogo, Especialista Ambiental
26 Yamilka Joubert
RB Cuchillas del Toa (Guantánamo)
CITMA
Especialista Ambiental
27 Maricela Capote
Instituto de Fruticultura Tropical
MINAG
Recursos Genéticos de Frutales
28 Tony López
Museo Historia Natural
CITMA
Parientes silvestres
29 Ramona Oviedo
Instituto de Ecología y Sistemática
CITMA
Taxonomía
30 Dialvys Rodríguez
Centro Antropología
CITMA
Antropología
31 Dailys García
Facultad de Biología, Universidad de La Habana (UH)
MES
Antropología
32 Ailín Delgado
Facultad de Biología (UH)
MES
Socióloga
33 Eros Salinas
Escuela de Altos Estudios de Hotelería y Turismo
MINTUR
Geografía de paisajes
34 Roberto Caballero
Asociación Cubana de Técnicos Agrícolas y Forestales (ACTAF)
ONG
Agricultura orgánica
35 Rafael Oliva
Asociación Nacional de Agricultores Pequeños (ANAP) Pinar del Río
ONG
Campesino
36 Juan Antonio Martínez
ANAP Pinar del Río
ONG
Campesino
37 Manuel Gómez
ANAP Pinar del Río
ONG
Campesino
38 Jorge Gutiérrez
ANAP Pinar del Río
ONG
Campesino
39 Isidro Piloto
ANAP Pinar del Río
ONG
Campesino
40 Yohany Rodríguez
ANAP Pinar del Río
ONG
Campesino
41 Manolo Gómez
ANAP Pinar del Río
ONG
Campesino
42 Victor Savón
ANAP Guantánamo
ONG
Campesino
43 Georgina Pérez
ANAP Guantánamo
ONG
Campesino
44 Dalila de Armas
INIFAT
MINAG
Logística
45 Juan A. Soto
INIFAT
MINAG
Logística
Participantes de Instituciones extranjeras 1
Pablo Eyzaguirre
Bioversity (Roma)
2
Frederik van Oudenhoven
Bioversity (Roma)
3
Nadia Bergamini
Bioversity (Roma)
4
Marleni Ramírez
Bioversity Regional (Cali)
5
Gea Galluzzi
Bioversity Regional (Cali)
6
Guillén Calvo
UNESCO (Paris)
7
Paola De Santis
Bioversity (Roma)
ANNEX 4: List of project implementation endorsement letters by national institutions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Carta Ministro de la Agricultura (MINAG). Carta Vice-Ministro de Cultivos Varios del MINAG Carta Aval de la Asociación Nacional de Agricultores Pequeños (ANAP) Carta del Centro de Gerencia de Programas y Proyectos Priorizados (GEPROP) Dictamen Ministerio del Comercio Exterior y la Inversión Extranjera (MINCEX) Carta Aval del Cliente Dirección de Ciencia y Técnica del MINAG Carta Aval Delegación Territorial Ministerio Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente (CITMA) – Pinar del Río 8. Carta Aval Delegación Territorial MINCEX - Pinar del Río 9. Carta Aval Delegación Territorial MINAG - Pinar del Río 10. Carta Aval Delegación Territorial CITMA – Guantánamo 11. Carta Aval Delegación Territorial MINCEX - Guantánamo 12. Carta Aval Delegación Territorial MINAG – Guantánamo
ANNEX 5: Project outputs and activities (first draft) Outcome 1: Crop biodiversity in agriculture buffer zones increased through sustainable use of wild relatives and local varieties of economically valuable species from within and around Cuban Biosphere Reserves Outputs and activities 1.1 Tools and practices to enhance the use of local varieties identified through partnerships between local communities, PA managers and scientific experts. 1.1.1
1.1.2 1.1.3
1.1.4
1.1.5
1.1.6
Define criteria for selection of farms / farmers (e.g., socio-economic conditions, different ecosystems, natural level of biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by surroundings, different management practices and location in different areas of the reserve (core, buffer and transition)). Select farms / farmers to participate in the project. Define the level of participation of the other four MAB reserves (Guanahacabibes, Ciénaga de Zapata, Buena Vista, and Baconao). Compile and / or update existing information on agricultural and natural biodiversity (through inventories and by returning to the farmers involved in previous projects). Identification of factors that have caused changes in its use as food, medicine, and for magical, therapeutic, handicrafts, construction, etc. purposes. Document agricultural management practices and socio-cultural influences (beneficial, harmful and those that generate / resolve possible conflicts between agriculture and the natural environment). Identify best management practices, and protect traditions that make use of cultivated and wild biodiversity. Develop a manual of (both beneficial and harmful) practices for managing agroecosystems in protected areas. Compile and / or retrieve information about culinary traditions to encourage the use or revival of interest in 'forgotten' crops and varieties in order to strengthen the role of local cuisine in achieving food sovereignty and agricultural biodiversity conservation. Consider new forms of artisanal processing and preserving (i.e. minimally processed fruits using solar dehydration as a way to add value). Inventory of domestic and other important animals in selected farms / home gardens and evaluation of their role in the sustainability of these systems to see if it can be strengthened. Identify options for the raising and reproduction of native animals that are of interest to farmers (jutia, etc.) and that can help reduce poaching rates and relieve pressure on wild populations.
1.2
Traditional varieties and wild species are characterized and available to MAB farmers to be used in their farming systems to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses and adaptation to the local impacts of climate change.
1.2.1
Identification and localisation (with geographic information systems) of the diversity of native or traditional varieties and of crop wild relatives and wild plants that may contribute to the sustainability and food sovereignty of the respective areas, including the interior of the reserves, and which through their genetic proximity to cultivated plants could be used in climate change adaptation (reference to global and national strategies for pgr conservation). Identify, in a participatory manner, the main risks (eg pests and diseases) of genetic erosion / disappearance facing crop varieties and identify measures of coping with these risks. Establish complimentarily strategies between ex situ and in situ conservation, with an emphasis on ex situ conservation of rare and unique diversity found in rural communities as a measure to ensure backup collections.
1.2.2 1.2.3
1.3
Maintenance of local seed systems through community biodiversity registers and agricultural biodiversity fairs
1.3.1
Identification of the biotic, abiotic and social issues affecting local seed systems and identification of indicators to evaluate the introduction of agrobiodiversity management practices. (Include a study to understand the role of gender in the use and distribution of agricultural biodiversity). Establish community biodiversity registers of the most important agricultural biodiversity in the intervention sites, with the aim of integrating them at the level of the MAB Reserve. Promote support mechanisms to exchange and conservation systems and networks at community and MAB levels (eg biodiversity exhibitions and fairs, local seed banks, herbaria, demonstration farms in each reserve, and the establishment of a network of 'custodian' farmers).
1.3.2 1.3.3
1
1.4.
Nurseries and outreach programs established for the distribution of planting material of useful cultivated and wild species to farmers within and outside protected areas.
1.4.1
Design of programmes for each reserve for the propagation of seed and seedlings in intervention sites, including the propagation of species used in the restoration of degraded lands. A range of appropriate technologies will be applied including in vitro propagation, sharing of local grafting expertise, use of more efficient planting media, etc. Explore synergies with outreach programs established under the sub-urban and urban agriculture programmes (municipal seed farms, nurseries for fruit and forestry species, agricultural consulting shops) and others.
1.4.2
1.5
Training workshops, exchange programmes and support for existing local structures to facilitate the adoption of improved production practices and strengthen local seed systems.
1.5.1
Identify the most appropriate local structures to facilitate the development and institutionalization of capacity building strategies. Develop capacity building and exchange programs on observed (and novel) best management practices of agro-ecosystems and agrobiodiversity (eg, soil improvement and conservation, phytosanitary treatment of crops) in participating communities, with an emphasis on Training of Trainers and Farmer to Farmer programmes. Development of environmental education programs for different community actors (school-going children, women, etc.). Communicate the value of the agricultural biodiversity conserved in the intervention sites and best practices in agrobiodiversity management, as well as wider project results, through awareness raising programmes, radio, TV, the press, and promotional materials.
1.5.2
1.5.3 1.5.4
1.6
Investigate and strengthen the role of agro-ecosystems as biological corridors within protected areas.
1.6.1
Selection of pilot sites for a more detailed analysis of the ecological functioning of agricultural systems within protected areas. Identification of species and farm elements that influence landscape connectivity (gene flow, movement of flora and fauna). Promote management practices which at the same time increase landscape connectivity and increase agricultural productivity, thus strengthening possible synergies between natural and cultivated systems. Seek opportunities to incorporate these landscape mosaics as important elements within broader conservation initiatives (eg the Convención de Corredores del Caribe).
1.6.2
1.6.3
1.7
Assessing the impact of different management practices on landscape health and resilience.
1.7.1
Evaluate and measure the impact of the management practices, knowledge, local customs and rituals documented in Output 1 on the health of the landscape (soil, water, ecosystem services) and the wellbeing of farming communities. Development of social-ecological indicators for the monitoring and assessment of these impacts. Identify and promote those practices that are most appropriate for the maintenance or restoration of landscapes in the reserves. Explore possible collaborations with experts and national and international partners to strengthen this research component.
1.7.2
1.7.3
Outcome 2: Improved management of Cuban Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve system through enhanced leadership and decision-making capacity of all stakeholders Outputs and activities 2.1
Management plans for the national MAB reserve system include agricultural biodiversity
2.1.1
Define the uses of diversity and management practices to be included in the management plans of the PAs, on the basis of the information obtained in Project Component (PC) 1.
2
2.1.2 2.1.3.
2.1.4 2.1.5
Training workshops for staff responsible for the inventories in each reserve, and for participating farmers. Identify indicators to monitor agricultural biodiversity and its uses and that can be used as a management tool for the MAB reserves (eg, number of species, diversity of uses, management by gender). Develop a policy manual that prioritizes agricultural biodiversity as part of the management plans of the reserves. Develop a methodological guide on the use and management of agrobiodiversity for the work on environmental education.
2.2
Scaling out of best agricultural biodiversity management practices across MAB reserves facing anthropogenic threats to biodiversity in terrestrial and coastal ecosystems in Cuba.
2.2.1
Re-integrate native species or those with traditional uses to complement (damaged) ecosystems identified under PC 1. To contribute to the control and management of invasive species through gradual replacement by other native or non-native species that have no adverse effects on ecosystem functioning. Establish synergies with related projects in the country (eg, UNEP-GEF project on invasive species). Articulate in environmental education programmes those elements related to invasive species, in order to create awareness among farmers about the need to eliminate / control them. Incorporate within the Environmental Education programmes of the MAB reserves the dissemination of best agricultural biodiversity management practices. Systematic involvement of the project at meetings of farmers / authorities to assist with the management of the reserve, with a view to establishing an active and ongoing (though not necessarily formal) representation of the farmers within the system of reserve management. Periodic feedback of emerging project results to farmers as the project evolves.
2.2.2.
2.2.3. 2.2.4. 2.2.5.
2.2.6.
2.3
Supported social networks and institutions that foster participation of local farming communities in protected area governance
2.3.1
Documentation (inventory) of underutilized species in and around MAB reserves . Possible inclusion in the national variety list. Develop a training programme for new generations of farmers without agricultural background/tradition. Strengthen linkages with technical services for soils and pest control. Engage the National Agrarian Commission under CITMA to advise and oversee processes related to the allocation of agricultural land use rights and landholdings, particularly the selection and distribution of sites for agricultural use, their location and management in order to protect watersheds and hydrological resources maintained by the Biosphere Reserves. Biodemographic studies, surveys and case studies intended to identify social factors that influence / determine the movement of people inside and outside the reserve (access to basic services, availability of housing, etc.). Diagnostic survey of subsistence practices in relation to local environmental conditions. [Note: in order to minimize effort and pressure on participating farmers and researchers, all surveys conducted as part of this project will utilize, to the maximum extent possible, the already existing information available from (agricultural) censuses]. Facilitate active farmer participation so as to include their traditional varieties in nationally established breeding programs. Continue, on behalf of farmer breeders, with the inclusion of traditional varieties in the official MINAG variety registers.
2.3.2. 2.3.3 2.3.4
2.3.5
2.3.6
2.3.7 2.3.8
2.4
Traditional agroforestry germplasm and practices provided for restoration of degraded areas and reducing soil runoff into wetland and coastal areas.
2.4.1
Identify and propose appropriate agroforestry solutions for the restoration, improvement of degraded or threatened areas and landscapes. Investigate sources and potential uses of germplasm of indigenous and endogenous tropical fruit trees based on the results of PC 1, output 6 and 7.
3
2.4.2.
2.4.3
2.4.4
Collaboration with international experts (e.g. Earth Institute of Columbia University, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute-Panama, United Nations University-Institute of Advanced Studies/Satoyama Initiative-Japan) to measure agricultural impacts on soils, vegetation, and protected animal species including migratory species. Assess risks to both agricultural and wild biodiversity from existing agricultural practices and opportunities for creating synergies between cultivated and wild ecosystems. Identify and promote agriculture practices compatible with the management of natural areas (MAB). Identify what type of agriculture or alternative systems may facilitate the conservation and restoration of soil in each reserve area and encourage the planting of native tree species and landraces to restore soil and traditional biodiversity. Determine the impact of different management practices on the coastal areas of the MAB reserves and how to improve / decrease these impacts.
2.5
Information on agricultural biodiversity conservation and mainstreaming in Cuban MAB reserves is made available for dissemination through the global MAB network coordinated by UNESCO
2.5.1
Develop a methodology compendium for the replication of (tested) agricultural management approaches to biosphere reserves. Enrich or complete existing MAB biodiversity databases to incorporate agricultural biodiversity found in project sites. Include agrobiodiversity in the Geographic Information System of Protected Areas (SIGAP). Use the Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) of the CBD to disseminate project results and best practices. Provide an information sharing mechanism by means of a network of agencies, institutions and individuals participating in the project. Create environmental education materials with an emphasis on cultural elements, with the intention to increase the sense of belonging among residents of the reserves. Create a website to disseminate project information (activities, results). Exchanges between farmers or PA management staff in Cuba and the Caribbean.
2.5.2 2.5.3 2.5.4 2.5.5 2.5.6 2.5.7 2.5.8
Outcome 3: Improved livelihoods of the people living within and around the Biosphere Reserves through benefit sharing mechanisms that support the sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity. Outputs and activities 3.1
Identification and promotion of income generation and other benefits from the management of agricultural biodiversity, including options for the marketing of products and services to improve the quality of life of communities and further the sustainability of the reserve system
3.1.1
Analysis of main needs in accordance with income generation and other livelihood benefits to improve the quality of life of farming communities in the biosphere reserves and that are compatible with and contribute to the conservation of agrobiodiversity in mosaic landscapes. Document, from the perspective and experience of the farmers, the benefits of using agricultural biodiversity by local communities. Make use of existing ecotourism systems. Definition of an agro tourism system that is connected to the conservation and use of agrobiodiversity and that generates benefits to rural communities (social, economic, and cultural incentives). Facilitation and systematization of seed fairs to allow exchange, sale and valuation of various agrobiodiversity products. Establish and support the institutional foundations and regulatory frameworks that will enable seed and agricultural biodiversity fairs to be self-sustaining after the completion of the project. Facilitation and systematization of culinary fairs to allow the exchange and revival of traditional foods and preparation techniques that advance traditional diversity, as well as the sale of derived products. Propose / facilitate the creation / strengthening of multipurpose communal spaces (centers) in selected communities, for capacity building, awareness raising, information dissemination, and other services linked to the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity. Make use of existing training / outreach spaces. Insist / lobby / facilitate so that income generated by the individual reserves is available for use by these same reserves.
3.1.2 3.1.3
3.1.4
3.1.5
3.1.6
3.1.7
4
3.1.8
Make farmers aware of the possibilities that exist to access funds for soil conservation and from the National Forest Development Fund (FONADEF), as well as of the opportunities provided by the suburban agriculture programme to market agrobiodiversity. 3.1.9 Build capacity for the efficient marketing of agricultural biodiversity and derived products, as well as quality improvement, emphasizing their cultural and nutritional values. 3.1.10 Establishment of an internal and external project communication strategy aimed at promoting the importance of the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity (agro-tourism and other services).
3.2 Methodologies and tools for the identification of certification schemes for the use of sustainable agricultural biodiversity management practices 3.2.1 3.2.2
3.2.3
Inventories of products, practices and services that can be candidates for certification in the communities in and around MAB reserves. Inventory of national laws (legal instruments) related to the certification, marketing and promotion of possible certification schemes in the Biosphere reserves, as well as an assessment of the potential impact of other elements present in national laws related to agrobiodiversity. Training in and exchange with successful national and international initiatives related to the certification of agrobiodiversity-related products and services.
3.3
Policy advice, lessons and options on conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity communicated to national policy makers and provincial and local officials to secure the sustainability of the National Protected Areas System (SNAP) and broaden the crop and genetic base of the Cuban agricultural
3.3.1
Identify factors for the recognition, communication, and legal protection of agricultural biodiversity resources and traditions associated with its use, and identify existing gaps. Identification of indicators by farmers in project sites, on the basis of their own experiences, to help assess their wellbeing in relation to their stay in Biosphere Reserves. Sensitization of decision-makers and actors at different levels to the need for adopting new paradigms for the conservation of (agricultural) biodiversity and dealing with the effects of global changes (through participation in all project activities such as workshops, diversity fairs, etc. from its inception), as well as the need to communicate experiences and policies (formal and informal agricultural sector in the country) in the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity in Cuba.
3.3.2 3.3.3
5