conservation – UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV course program

Are We Listening to Nature’s Plea, or Merely Hearing the Echoes ?

It is easy to overlook the strong connection we have with the natural world in our modern lives. Although, nature has a remarkable ability to revive itself, we often ignore its direct signs. Successful forest restoration initiatives stand as powerful testaments to nature’s resilience when we choose to listen. Forests, the brightest green and most beautiful landscapes, are the lungs of our planet, vital for climate and water regulation, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and human well-being. Unfortunately, deforestation and degradation have created gaping wounds in this vital ecosystem. Within these scars, however, a powerful concept is emerging: forest restoration. Forest restoration is not just about planting trees, but a holistic approach to revitalizing the complex web of life within a forest. It’s about repairing broken connections, encouraging the return of native species, and revitalizing the natural processes that make forests thrive. In this exploration, we shine a spotlight on inspiring examples from the African continent, where remarkable changes have occurred in just five years, demonstrating the resurgence of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and soil fertility. Once we begin restoration initiatives, nature responds immediately, demonstrating its amazing resilience.

Restored forests are majestic landscapes, rich in biodiversity, sources of carbon sequestration, and provide climate and water regulation. Photo credit: Meta Francis

Lessons learned

In Tanzania, the Amani Nature Reserve had been severely degraded by deforestation and unsustainable land-use practices. However, when the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group initiated the restoration efforts, recovery was high and very successful. The restoration project led to the regrowth of indigenous tree species, the return of many bird and primate species, and enabled the ecosystem to perform its functions within five years.

The Ebo Forest in Cameroon is one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots and had suffered habitat degradation due to deforestation. Local communities and conservation organizations like Rainforest Trust have actively supported forest restoration initiatives of the forest, and they have succeeded in replanting native tree species in the degraded areas. Within a short period of time, endangered primates such as the drill and the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee have returned back to the restored areas of the forest.

The government of Ethiopia and its development partners have worked tirelessly to restore degraded lands and improve ecosystem functions using forest-landscape-restoration approaches. For example, the restoration project implemented practices for afforestation, agroforestry, and soil and water conservation practices in the rocky and mountainous Tigray (northern Ethiopia). The impacts of the restoration efforts have been positive and significant, with increased vegetation cover, improved soil fertility, increased water availability, and the reintroduction of numerous wildlife species.

The Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve in South Africa was once degraded by severe erosion and topsoil loss, but after a comprehensive ecological restoration effort that included reforestation, holistic grazing management, and the reintroduction of keyspecies, soil fertility improved significantly. The restored soil supported the growth of diverse vegetation types in less than five years, creating an environment conducive to the return of wildlife and the establishment of a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Key messages

We can learn from these successful examples of forest restoration and soil fertility improvement. They remind us that nature is capable of self-healing when given the chance, and that we need to pay attention to its indicators, understand its needs and act accordingly.

A holistic approach that takes into account the interrelationships between the various components of an ecosystem is crucial, because the restoration and conservation of our natural habitats depends on sustainable agriculture, good land use practices and reforestation initiatives. Patience, a virtue often underestimated, is essential for successful restoration. Nature operates on its schedule, and the fruits of our efforts may not manifest immediately. The key takeaway is clear: give nature the chance, and it will recover. Let’s be good stewards of the environment. By initiating and participating in restoration projects, we can encourage nature to flourish and secure a sustainable future.

Together, through careful attention and concerted efforts, we can make the world a better place for both present and future generations.

References

Tanzania Forest Conservation Group. Amani Nature Reserve Restoration Project. Retrieved from http://www.tfcg.org/amani-nature-reserve-restoration-project: Last accessed on June 26, 2023.

Rainforest Trust. Saving Cameroon’s Great Apes. Retrieved from https://www.rainforesttrust.org/projects/saving-cameroons-great-apes/: Last accessed on June 26, 2023.

Nyssen, J., Poesen, J., Moeyersons, J., Deckers, J., Haile, M. and Lang, A. 2004. Human Impact on the Environment in the Ethiopian and Eritrean highlands-A State of the Art. Earth-Science Reviews, 64, 273-320.

Boshoff, A. 2005. The Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve. An environmentally, socially and economically sustainable conservation and development initiative. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Report No. 52. 47pp.

by Meta Francis Justine (South Sudan), Workinesh Takelle (Ethiopia) & Omobayo Ghislain (Benin) – Participants of the 46^thUNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries.

Human to Nature: “You are Fired!” – A Reflection on our Connection with Nature and Cost-Benefit Analysis

“Why do you want to go to nature, Vaibhav?” someone curiously inquired about my profound bond with nature.

“I feel relaxed when I go to nature, I love the chirping of birds, I hear the chanting of the forest, I feel it, I love the air within”, I could have answered,

Literally, the question was very simple yet initiated a lightning bolt of introspection within me. Sometimes, such simple statements have a way of jolting my mind, compelling me to delve deeper. Involuntarily, my thoughts took an intriguing turn as I pondered:

“How am I distinct from nature?”

“Am I not nature?”

“How different am I from any other animal or plant species in the world?

The very question at the beginning about seeking nature reveals our disconnect with nature that has been cultivated over a period of time.

Responsibility for this disconnect cannot be accounted to any one person or society or generation but all as a whole. This disconnect is a result of the training of our minds. I vividly recall the food chain diagram from the junior-high-school level textbooks that always placed humans towards the top positions of the food chain, or in a distorted interpretation of our different religious belief systems that the human body is the most sacred, or humans are here to rule the earth or humans must take care of everyone or humans are the most blessed species, thereby promoting human superiority. This has given us the feeling that humans are special and on top of all the species in this world. Therefore, the other things in nature, or even nature itself, exist to provide services to humans. Plants exist to provide us with oxygen, entertainment, and food; and animals exist to provide us with entertainment and food.

We are in constant pursuit to find existential answers to what is beneficial to us and what is not. If something seems to be advantageous based on our immediate experience, needs, or scientific knowledge, we try to protect it or keep it, otherwise replace it or destroy it. The same psychology is evident in business in the form of cost-benefit analysis without any emotion in it.

Thus, in the prevailing human psyche, nature is perceived as a service provider. If the service it offers is not readily apparent, we question the purpose of retaining that aspect or part of nature.

Hence, it became imperative to identify, measure and value the services provided by nature. The 20th century witnessed a significant milestone in this regard with the emergence of the field of Environmental Economics. As the history goes, the efforts to conceptualise the environment in economics have been going on in Europe since the 19th century. Some of the most eminent thinkers, politicians, and researchers wrote and debated about it. However, the concept gained popularity through the book “Wealth, Virtual Wealth and Debt” written by Nobel laureate Frederick Soddy in 1926. He criticised the understanding and belief in the economy as a perpetual motion machine that is capable of generating infinite wealth.

These milestones played a crucial role in highlighting the value of ecosystems, measured in monetary terms within the domain of economics.

However, the concept was based on the underlying belief that economics holds paramount importance for human beings on earth and thereby the environment should be studied and understood as a part of economics.

With some more effort by thinkers and researchers, it was acknowledged that ecology cannot be interpreted as a part of economics and therefore the services provided by nature should not be measured in monetary terms but in abstract terms. This was the basis for the concept of Ecosystem Services.

These steps were important because they tried to show the value of the ecosystem to our not-so-intelligent human mind and this can have a positive impact on society by helping to re-realise the value of the ecosystem in our lives. However, this concept is also based on the current scientific understanding of nature, which I fear is not complete.

So again, we can identify, measure, and value the form or the part of nature that we know according to our current experience, needs, or scientific knowledge. Isn’t this statement familiar? You may have read it above.

Therefore,
“How does this concept (ecosystem services) differ from the prevailing human psyche?” Even after this valuation, we are still inclined to substitute or destroy those aspects or parts of nature that elude our identification, measurement, or valuation. “Where, then, is the paradigm shift?”

Ironically, this depicts our profound disconnect with nature.

We tend to overlook the complexity and interdependencies among the elements of nature. The form of nature that does not seem so important today, based on our current experience, need, or scientific knowledge, may have a very high interdependency in nature. The effects of its existential loss may become visible after some time. For example, for a long time, the soil was a mundane subject and was overlooked, but now that soil has begun to lose its properties (organic carbon), which affects food production and thus poses a major threat to food security, it has immediately become a topic of discussion and global importance. Another example, in the mid-20^th century, plastic was considered as a symbol of progress, innovation, and convenience. It gained traction in almost every sector and aspect of our lives. However, as we started noticing its interaction with elements in nature (earth, water, and air), it has become the subject of global concern. No surprise that the theme of World Environment Day 2023 is “Beat the Plastic”. Therefore, this nexus of natural elements is very important to realize.

All the major primitive philosophies have always emphasized human beings as just another form of nature, and also on coexistence and a close interdependence with other forms of nature. Therefore, in almost all such cultures (where these philosophies originated and flourished), Nature has always been referred to as Mother. This implies a close relationship and understanding of nature, including human beings. This also highlights the acceptance and emotional connection with other forms of nature as well.

An abstract depiction of Mother Nature
Image Source: Pixabay

Thus, it is essential to realize that nature is not a service provider but the ground for our very existence and we cannot afford to lose any of its elements.

Because for an infant it’s not only the mother’s breast that is important to provide visible service but the mother as a whole.

As we celebrate this World Environment Day, let us also raise our consciousness towards nature as a whole and strive to re-establish our connection with her. May we acknowledge the complexity and interdependence within nature and recognize our role as stewards, nurturing and preserving the delicate balance of the Earth’s ecosystems.

by Vaibhav Aggarwal (India) – Participant of the 46^thUNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries.

Note: The views expressed in this text are personal and exclusive to the author. Vaibhav Aggarwal is a member of the Executive Council of the Center for Business and Social Research (an NGO in India) and a Strategic Advisor at the Center for Research and Implementation of Sustainable Practices Global (an NGO in India).

A walk through the Botanical Garden in Dresden

We may instinctively think that we all know what a botanical garden is – a beautiful garden where plants are labelled. However, a botanical garden is much more than that. According to Botanic Gardens Conservation International, botanical gardens are institutions holding documented collections of living plants for the purpose of scientific research, conservation, display and education. A botanical garden also has a greater emphasis on conserving rare and threatened plants. Moreover, it provides opportunities for society to immerse in nature, explore their interests, and experience leisure.

Some of the participants of the 43rd UNEP/UNESCO/BMU IInternational Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries (EM43) had this week the opportunity to visit the Botanical Garden of the TU Dresden. The history of this garden dates back to 1820. In 1822 already 7,800 plant species were there cultivated – quite a large number compared to the 3,000 species of the natural flora in Germany. The bomb attacks of February 1945 not only destroyed the city of Dresden but also severely damaged the botanical garden. Since 1949 this garden is managed by the TU Dresden.

Today, about 10,000 plant species from different regions of the world are cultivated there within an area of approximately three hectares.

The collection is predominantly arranged geographically and is displayed in landscaped grounds. Three public greenhouses show tropical and sub-tropical plants of American and Old World deserts and rainforests species from America, Africa and Asia.

The Botanical Garden provides pleasure and inspiration to plant lovers all year round =) And a special thank you to Dr. Barbara Ditsch for the pleasant tour!

From a learner to a key actor

From where I come from, it is often said “if mountains can meet, then men shall always meet”. I always thought it was a consolatory statement whenever we had to go away from a friend or someone we cherish, but little did I know a famous re-union will proof to me how true the statement is. The short story started last August 2019 when I was privileged to be one of the 21 participants who attended the “77th UNEP/UNESCO/BMU International Short Course on Ecosystem Management – Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services”. Spending almost a month with 20 young talented and inspiring professionals from diverse countries around the world, dedicated and sacrificing every minute of their life’s in fighting for the conservation of our biodiversity was a unique experience for me.

The various course lectures, group works, field and study trips were just awesome. Nevertheless, I thought I was at the end of my excitement until we had a study trip at the Isle of Vilm, words can’t explain the experience. However, one of the main highlights of the stay at Vilm was the course on “CBD-COP negotiation simulation”. Under the coordination of Dr. Axel Paulsch, a seasoned CBD-COP negotiator, we were drilled on negotiation skills, language alignment, getting what we want via compromise, pressure building….. Passionate on issues relating to blending science and policy as far as biodiversity conservation is concerned, I found my world during the simulation exercise. Futhermore, I was boosted when Dr. Paulsch at the end of the exercise said and I quote “Simon, I am convinced soon, very soon, you will be at the international stage, this time around in the real, negotiating for your country”. Those were just words isn’t it??? Yes they were, but never underestimate the strength of words.

Last February to March 2020, 1000 delegates from 142 countries met in Rome-Italy for the Second Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the CBD on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The main aim of the meeting was for parties to engage in negotiations towards the elaboration of an agreed main text of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

I was greatly privileged to be designated as one of the two delegates who represented Cameroon to the negotiations. But this privilege was amplified when I met one special personality in the meeting. Guess who??? – Dr. Axel Paulsch – The famous re-union took place. I was full of emotions when I met this wonderful professional who across CIPSEM and the SC77 course, empowered me with innovative negotiating skills.

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Our re-union was smooth, humble, peaceful and quiet just like nature itself. The humble character of the re-union was expressed when Dr. Paulsch told me as we met and I quote “yesterday you were a learner but today you are my colleague and I will be honoured to get your perspectives relating to the negotiations we are about to embark in”. The words say it all. On my side, whenever I had to speak either in the name of my country or the African group, I felt the weight of the responsibility and the unique privilege I had not only as a delegate from my country, but as a CIPSEM SC77 Alumnus having his course instructor in the same conference hall listening to him participating in the development of a new biodiversity framework that shall re-shape life on earth and participate the sustainable well-being of hundreds of millions of people.

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Meeting Dr. Paulsch gave me the opportunity to finally accept the statement that “if mountains can meet, then men shall always meet”. But beyond statements, participating in the Rome negotiations was another proof of the skills learned, knowledge gained and senses built during the CIPSEM experience, which goes a long way to highlight the rich and innovative content of the CIPSEM course programs.

At the certificate award ceremony of the CIPSEM SC77 course, I had the honour to be one of the two speakers who spoke on behalf of our fellow course mates. I remember telling them that, “if we don’t want to be victims of the destruction of biodiversity, we should be actors of its conservation and to do this, rather than trying to do things right, we should always do the right things”. CIPSEM has done its part and I’m convinced we SC77 Alumni are doing our everyday in our universities, government agencies, NGOs, CSOs, businesses, etc.. And this is true because the re-union at the Rome meeting wasn’t only with Dr. Paulsch but I also met my SC77 course mate Mr. Yew Aun Quek, who was part of the Malaysian Delegation.

by Mr. PATAMAKEN ANECK Simon Ndibnuh,

Senior Environmental Engineer, Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development-Cameroon, SC77 CIPSEM Alumnus

Saxon Switzerland: A journey through space and time

The SC77 group was on the move again!

This time to the Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland) National Park located in the Elbe Mountains, about an hour away from Dresden. While it wasn’t our first visit to a nature reserve, Saxon Switzerland was going to be our first National Park, one of Germany’s 16, and the only one in Saxony. We were all naturally very excited. This deal was sweetened with news that there was going to be hiking and breathtaking views involved.

So on Friday the 13^th, the group (and their packed lunches) boarded the bus and made our way up the meandering Elbe River. We could see the landscape change as we approached the park – urban jungles and sparse agriculture pastures slowly transitioning into more forested areas punctuated by hills. And as we neared the park gates, we were greeted by several towering sandstone structures; a landscape unfamiliar to the most of us.

approaching the park

a charismatic welcome

At Bad Schandau, the foothill town, we were welcomed by a one-storey mural of the Lynx (Lynx lynx) – no doubt the most charismatic species of the national park. Images of this felid species also adorned the walls of the national park center (that we later visited) and many park promotional brochures. It made me reflect on the many identities of large cats.

Not unlike the Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni), an endemic of my home country, the Lynx represents wilderness in the eyes of the public – a flagship species that people could rally around. More importantly though, the Lynx has a role to play in the nature. Occupying the highest echelon of the food chain, they regulate prey population numbers – a keystone species in ensuring activities like grazing is under control.

Upon arrival at the national park centre, we were taken on a journey back in time. The interactive exhibits explained that the mountains we see today was actually the sea floor and that the sandstone was a result of 100 million years of compaction. It is the crumbling of such structures that have made the landscape so iconic. We are indeed lucky to be living in the space and time where its beauty can be fully appreciated. The center also featured various plant and animal species that could be found in the park.

at the trail entrance

up and up

As interesting as the national park center was, it was not what we were there for. Our restless souls were uplifted when we were allowed to enter the park, chaperoned by our very able guide Johanna. With over 400km of trails in the entire park, we were spoiled for choice. In this regard, I felt Johanna did an amazing job choosing a trail that we could all summit but at the same time keeping track of time (an admirable trait of the Germans).

dry peaks

wet bases

In the short time we had with her, she explained that the porous nature of sandstone provided for diverse ecosystems. Dry, desert like conditions at the peak and wet, humid conditions at the base. And in this ecosystem diversity sprouted ample biodiversity. Though we did not manage to spot any large vertebrates, there were many macro-life living on the sides of the sandstone, which included various beetle, moss, liverwort and fungi species.

Orange Ladybird (Halyzia spp.)

unidentified

Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)

Common Earthball (Scleroderma citrinum)

unidentified

Golden Spindles (Clauvulinopsis spp.)

The ascent to the peak was undeniably easy on the eyes. However as we reached the midpoint, most of us noticed dying Spruce trees in the vicinity. Johanna stopped to explain to us that these were trees infested by European spruce bark beetles (Ips typographus). In the past, park management would chop down such trees to stop the infestation. However, Saxon Switzerland today has decided to adopt a laissez-faire management approach to core zones within the park. This is because studies have shown that native Beech trees will eventually replace the planted Spruce trees, reverting the park into its past state.

I found this counter-intuitive to existing conservation practices (i.e. encourage a pest within core zones). But it just goes to show that for positive conservation outcomes to be achieved, one must have an open mind for creative solutions and most importantly trust of the science behind them.

dying spruce trees

European spruce bark beetle

We finally reached the peak at about 3.00pm. A good 20 minutes later, rainclouds signaled that it was time for us to return to Dresden. We duly obliged.

As we journeyed through the prehistory of Germany in Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz, I’m heartened to know that the park is on its own voyage to a more natural state; thanks to the conservation and minimal management models of the park managers. May the force be with them.

by Mr. Yew Aun Quek, Malaysia

Isle of Vilm: An iconic conservation hub to visit

by Mr. Ngawang Dorji, Forestry Officer, Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve, Bhutan

participant of the 77th UNEP/UNESCO/BMU International Short Course on Ecosystem Management – Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services

I have visited numerous conserved and protected areas in different parts of the world. The best place I have ever visited till date, to say, is the Isle of Vilm where the International Academy for Nature Conservation is housed. It is located about 250 km from Berlin, Germany in the Southern belts of Baltic Sea.

Encompassing an area of about 94 hectares is truly a conservation jewel in Northern Germany consisting all types of coasts and coastal vegetation that is purely untouched to human interference. Vilm island is positioned in such a majestic location which is accessible by train till the coasts of the Island of Rügen and then with ferries giving an amazing point to enjoy the beauty of nature, especially during the hours of sunset and sunrise.

It isn’t just the sights that makes the visit enthralling, but also the lush of winds combined with the songs of birds bidding farewell and welcome to the setting and the rising sun, though hidden in the buds of giant Oak and Beech trees.
Vilm Island is not just for nature lovers. The peace and tranquil night with cool winds blowing from the sea around makes it so special to the times spend there. It is the place where the water meets the land and forms a beautiful shore that will interests any artists to draw on the paper and cherish forever. Photographers will never regret visiting this Island and the best landscape photo of nature can be captured in this area. Oh! The meals served are diverse and purely German origin. The staffs working there are so friendly with good manners and personalities. One can easily become friends. So, anyone wishing to try German cuisines and make friends can plan a visit there.
However, our four days of visit only felt like a fraction of seconds and we had to retrace our path back to CIPSEM. But it was certainly an experience that I would never forget. If you are in Germany, you should definitely visit the Vilm Island and make a memory in your life. It’s a unique experience with full of fun, enjoyment and satisfaction.

The SC77-course with Ms. Kathrin Bockmühl (BfN, front, 2nd from left) and Prof. Dr. Dudel (TUD, front, center)

The Natural Paradise of Vilm

If Helen of Troy is the beauty that lands a thousand ships, the Island of Vilm is the charming paradise that captivates the generations of Europeans.

This 94 hectares island in the Baltic Sea was estimated to be inhabited by humans in the early Stone Age. Then the Slavic people built a temple there for spiritual purposes and in the Middle Ages it became a place of pilgrimage for Christians. In 1959 and until the dissolution of the GDR, the Council of Ministers of the German Democratic Republic made the island exclusive, with its eleven (11) guesthouses, administrative and farm buildings used as private retreat for high functionaries, including the GDR heads of state Walter Ulbricht and Erich Honecker. Today, the island is known as former summer residence for aristocrats.

The beauty of this island has also charmed the CIPSEM EM-42 participants during their excursion to the Vilm Island on 13th-18th May 2019. But rather than feeling the hype of the past aristocrats and experience the paradise as vacationers, the participants were also there to attend the module on international nature conservation. The trip from Dresden to Vilm took 8 hours but the participants were not tired because of the island’s healing landscape and warm welcoming breeze of the wind. Around 6:20Pm, the participants were briefed with a short introduction of the Insel Vilm by Dr. André Lindner (CIPSEM) and Ms. Kathrin Bockmuhl (International Academy for Nature Conservation) followed by a joint dinner which captured the attention of participants. They appreciated how environmental friendly the International Academy for Nature Conservation is. The food was vegetarian from day one and a special fish which can be found only in that region and solar energy is used as a source of energy in Vilm Island. Most of the participants were amazed by watching the sunrise and sunsets in this part of the Biosphere Reserve South-East Rügen.

Vilm Island was a nature reserve since 1936 and it is a core area of the Biosphere Reserve since 1990. During its guided tour around the allowed perimeters of the island, Ms. Kathrin explained that the area is a special reserve, because since 1812 the protection against forest logging in this Island started and since then there was no logging in the area which means this island has special old beech trees which barely can be found elsewhere.

The week-long excursion was also full of energy-boosting indoor activities, with a constant and fruitful exchange of knowledge and experiences from the German specialists, CIPSEM EM-42 fellows, and four (4) German colleagues from the Master on Biotechnology and Applied Ecology. As one of the focus of the International Academy for Nature Conservation, we had an introduction to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), how the CBD Conference of Parties works and which are the subsidiary bodies. This led us to a simulation game about negotiations on the CBD, when we could know firsthand how difficult, exhausting, and rewarding (all feelings at the same time) negotiations can be. As a complement, during the first night the participants watched and exchanged thoughts on the movie “Guardians of the Earth”, about negotiations that led to the Paris Agreement in 2015. During this first day, a special reference was done to the IPBES’ 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, whose findings (e.g. one million species are facing extinction) compelled the participants to take urgent actions.

The second and fourth day brought the participants to very important topics. First was the exploration on how benefits from the use of biological diversity could be shared. In this regard, Dr. Ute Feit and Ms. Gisela Stolpe described The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing as a mechanism of the CBD to promote fairer distribution of benefits, taking into account local knowledge. For this, the conflict on Teff (Eragrostis tef) between Ethiopia (where this grain has been adapted and produced for centuries) and a Dutch company that tried to patent teff processing allowed us to discuss fairness, local knowledge, market development, among other key issues for our countries. Later, we became owners of fishery companies to explore our own behavior on the use of natural resources, fish in this case. After ups and downs, we realized how individual and mercantilistic decisions can lead us to ecological catastrophes, which was the situation for cases such as the anchovy in Peru during the decade of 1970. We also had lectures on the IUCN Red List, marine nature conservation and the approach of Integrated Conservation and Development Projects.

On May 16th (fourth day) the participants had the privilege to visit the Conference Centre of Naturerbe Zentrum Rügen, walk through a canopy walkway and explore the National Park Jasmund. A great surprise was seeing how the infrastructure in the canopy walkway was inclusive and provided enough accessibility for people in wheelchairs. The participants also enjoyed how interactive several elements in the canopy walkway and information centre are, making the experience more fun and complementing explanations for the specialists who kindly explained the history, current state and governance system around these areas, which led to discussions and comparisons with the reality in our countries.

Days in Vilm Island were so fast for the CIPSEM EM-42 participants. The proof was their feedbacks of the module, stating that they enjoyed their stay in this Nature Reserve where they used to have parties and karaoke after classes which made the stay more fun and exciting. A special thanks to Ms. Kathrin and the whole team of Vilm for making the stay so good and in a special way. They cared for the Muslim participants who were observing Ramadan by making sure that they got what to eat in their favorable time. That was so much appreciated and the kindness of Kathrin was so touching from day one till the last minute to the boat, saying goodbye to her brought tears of joy to the group. On their way back, the group had lots of reflections and lots of photos from the nature paradise.

by Ms. Liliane Umukunzi (Rwanda) and Mr. Juan del Castillo (Peru), with contributions of Mr. Jun Piong (Philippines), EM-42

photos by Ms. Haili Zhou (China), Ms. Sreymoch Bun (Cambodia), Ms. Hasmik Barseghyan (Armenia), Ms. Thanh Tam (Vietnam), Mr. Juan del Castillo (Peru), and the International Academy for Nature Conservation (INA)

Humans, Economy and Biodiversity Conservation – Sustainability in the Centre

Tales from the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve “Upper Lusatian Heath- and Pond Landscape” – EM-41 excursion, June 6, 2018

As challenging and complex as it might seem, the heath- and pond Landscape of Upper Lusatia has managed to embrace both, biodiversity conservation and human well-being, yet no doubt anyone can be convinced the project is sustainable, the secret being including people in the scheme: “by the people for the people”.

It started about 800 years ago when the Slavic people first arrived in the area which was almost 20% swampy landscape. Due to scarcity of land for cultivation, the monks tried to drain the area to suit cultivation. As a result there was influx of German people in the area. Due to the agricultural activities over the last 8 centuries most of the indigenous plant species were lost. To date only 1% of the plants are endemic in the natural habitat.

The success story begins with zonation to cater for the conservation, residency and economic activity in harmonious manner. ‘Designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve means much more than protection of the natural landscape, because it also envisions sustainable development of the region. Economic development should be promoted whilst the cultural value of the landscape should be preserved.’ Walter Hirche, President of the German Commission for UNESCO

Scenic beauty of “Guttau” pond group

EM-41 participants having fun near the “Mucka Dune”

(i) Nature/Biodiversity Conservation

Although the heath- and pond landscape of Upper Lusatia has a long history; it was until 1992 when it was formally set aside as a conservation area with 30.102 hectares. In 1996 the area was recognized and approved as UNESCO biosphere reserve. The aim is the protection of natural ecosystems and their long-term productivity and functional capacity.

Today the area is a home to 1.100 plant and 3.600 animal species. This reserve is important for conservation in Germany; for example it is the only place where Bog Violet (Viola uliginosa) is found, furthermore it hosts more than 50% of Moss Grass (Coleanthus subtilis). Regarding fauna, the site hosts 20% of Saxony’s (about 5% of Germany’s) wolf population (Canis lupus) and an estimate of 5-10% of European otter (Lutra lutra) just to mention a few. In addition to this, the presence of 350 ponds in the biosphere reserve covering 125 hectares host 1000 breeding pairs of over 90 bird species making the site incredibly important and uniquely beautiful attracting lots of local and international tourists.

The group with tourguide Mr. Dirk Weis

Remaining native wetland species community

(ii) Economic Sustainability

Support should be targeted towards sustainable development options in the various sectors of the economy, e.g. organic farming, ecologically adapted forest management, and environmentally and socially compatible tourism. Fish farming, crop cultivation, cattle keeping and tree plantations are some of the viable economic activities in the Biosphere reserve.

Carp is one of the fish species farmed in 12 of 305 ponds at “Gutter Teiche” fishery ponds. Carp farming goes hand in hand with reeds management giving best scenic views to tourists who visit the area while bringing income to farmers and healthy meal to consumers. The whole view of ponds with associated species, e.g. reeds, ducks and other water birds are breathtaking!

(iii) Heritage Crop and Variety Project

With increasing healthy eating and lifestyle, the village Kreba-Neudorf has been keen and ventured to engage in crop cultivation. The project only grows old and seriously threatened grains of rye, wheat, oats and spelt. The cultivation follows the organic farming standards with no external agricultural inputs, the yield are said to be a rich source of vitamins, minerals and taste better. Rye bread is particularly good for people allergic to gluten. Furthermore products diversification and value addition chain has been in place by installing grinding mills, bakeries and specialty local brew brand.

Integrated approach: crop farming and afforestation

Traditional wheat species cultivation

(iv) Research and Sustainable Development

For sure this projects would not be successful without investing and collaboration between researchers with an interdisciplinary outlook aiming at hands-on sustainable development through constructive participation.

Acknowledgement

It is said seeing is believing. We would like to thank CIPSEM team, especially Tamara Karp, Susanne Barisch and Dirk Weis from the Biosphere Reserve, and the Ladusch family for facilitating this field training to EM41 participants on 6 June 2018 which convinced us that it is possible to embrace conservation also at the same time it is possible to practice other economic activities in a compatible manner while restoring the degraded area. At the end of the day environment is conserved, better income, healthy and happy living.

by Francisca J. Malembeka (Tanzania) & Dr. Liu Zhao (China)

Excursion to the National Park of Saxon Switzerland (Bad Schandau) and the Museum of Natural History of Görlitz

by Ms. Alexandra Pedro (Brazil) and Mr. Emmanuel Suka (Cameroon)

On arrival at Bad Schandau, participants of the 41^st International Post Graduate Course on Environmental Management were warmly received by the authority of the National Park Center run by the Saxonian Foundation for Nature and the Environment. The Center’s history, organization and up to date work was presented, highlighting interalia, concept of the foundation, information and exhibition in the center, nature conservation fund, visitors and education center, establishment of the academy in 1994, the volunteer, environmental education and academy programmes, and outreach to the local community, networking and partnership with over 240 members including neighboring nations like Poland and Czech Republic. Thereafter, participants were given a guided tour of the center, projection of a documentary and video of the National Park, and then a visit of the center’s garden where participants had their lunch.

After lunch, participants were guided into the National Park by Mr. Zenker. The forest walk in the park was very engaging and interesting thanks to the enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Mr. Zenker gave a vivid account of the park’s history, local culture and management of the park. He equally showed interesting sites in the park like the core-zone and its importance, an artificial cave, a historic European brown bear trap, sharp stone gorge with more than 30 species of ferns, identification of further forest and plant species in the park, conduction of a practical activity of building a human sand stone, hiking to the top of the Elbe sand stone mountain, teaching of traditional German conservation songs and dancing by the participants. Finally, to beat farewell to the participants he sang a German folklore song using a musical instrument “mouth organ”.

After breathing the forest air, hiking in the National Park of Saxon Switzerland, in the following day CIPSEM fellows visited the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History of Görlitz.

The meeting started with an introduction of the museum and the Senckenberg Society, by Prof. Dr. Willi Xylander. The museum has three research departments: Soil zoology, Zoology and Botany, where around 60 scientists work. We had the opportunity to talk to part of this team of experts about the museum collection and their current research.

In the Zoology department, the first meeting was in the Mammalogy sector. The mammal collection have been built up since 1980 and nowadays it is incremented by the research demands (e.g the Mongolia project) In the Geology sector we could see the ancient and the modern collection, containing from volcanic rocks to precious fossil plants. The Insects sector preserves a collection of around 18,500 species, from which we could observe some beautiful butterflies from all over the world and the diverse ants and beetles. We also learned about their current research on ant populations and taxonomy. Finally in the botany department, we appreciated a collection of species (some dated from 19^th century) carefully maintained and their research about the land use effects on vegetation.

After lunch, we visited the library and afterwards the museum exhibition, through the enthusiastic guidance of Prof. Xylander. Starting with the geology exhibition of Upper Lusatia, with different colorful types of soil on the ground according to the cities in the region, we learned not only about the local geology, but also its biodiversity and history. Animals and plants from the tropical forests and the African savannas could be appreciated in another exhibition. We also could interact with a full size bear and painted walls for funny photos. To complete the visit, in the vivarium some fellows could direct interact with animals, feeding the fishes and having some species in hands.