Project Brief for 2^nd Phase (Project Implementation)

Project Title:

Forest Management Information System Sarawak (FOMISS)

Project Phase:

January 1998 - December 2000

Executing agencies:

(1) Sarawak Forest Department

(2) German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ)

Contact Persons:

(1) Mr. Penguang Manggil, Senior Assistant Director (Protection),

(2) Dr. William G. Wunder, Chief Technical Advisor

Project Purpose, Overall Goal:

The overall goal towards which the Project is to make a contribution is stated as follows:
"The forests of Sarawak are managed in a sustainable, environmentally friendly and socially acceptable manner"

The target to be achieved during the 2^nd Phase of the project (January 1998 - December 2000) is defined as:

"The concept of a sustainable, environmentally friendly and socially acceptable forest management system is introduced in Sarawak"

Major Issues of the 2^nd Phase of the Project:

In the course of the 2^nd Phase of the Project, the concept of a sustainable forest management, elaborated during the Orientation Phase (1995 - 1997) will be tested in collaboration with the private sector on a model area (Forest Management Unit- - FMU) of 160,000 hectars. The Forest Management Information System (FOMIS) will further be developed and introduced on a state-wide basis.

Other key issues of this phase will be the promotion of awareness for sustainable forest management and forest conservation on high political levels as well as the promotion of the participation of the local communities in forest management planning and utilization of forests. Emphasis will be given to counterpart training and to the strengthening of research related operational issues.

In line with the agreed long term technical cooperation between the two countries over a period of 14 years, it is envisaged to introduce the concept of sustainable forest management on the basis of forest management units state wide, to develop the operational and methodological critieria for the initiation of an integrated forestry sector development plan based on a forestry resource assessment carried out over the entire forest area of Sarawak.

The project scheme is still targeting the following groups as in the 1^st Phase:

• Staff of the Forest Department Sarawak, shall be strengthened in the efficiency of their tasks;
• The local population, particularly their representatives whose interests with regard to the achievement of a socially acceptable forest management system will be taken into consideration;
• Representatives of planning institutions (State Planning Unit, etc.) and other organizations that are involved in land use planning (Land & Survey Department, etc.) as well as representatives of the local timber industry (Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation - STIDC, Sarawak Timber Association - STA).

German / Malaysian Contribution:

The German contribution mainly comprises of

1. the secondment of technical advisors;
2. the contribution to project infrastructure and management;
3. the assistance to plan, conduct and co-finance the acquisition of data and management related information;
4. the support for the training schemes and human resource development programmes.

The German Government's financial contribution for the 2^nd Phase will be DM 4 million, whereas the Counterpart contribution amounts to DM 2.8 million.

Results, Indicators and Important Assumptions:

The Project Planning Matrix (PPM) elaborated jointly by the partners concerned shows the following results, indicators and assumptions related to project implementation:

Result 1: Forest Management Informationa System (FMIS) for decision support is consolidated

Indicator(s):
Processed and updated information is disseminated and used by all relevant actors by end of 2000 (actors: FD, other government agencies, timber industries, other end-users;

Personnel assessment and evaluation of all GIS personnel is carried out periodically / annually.

Assumption(s):
Funds to set up regional GIS are available by end of 1^st Phase;

Trained personnel remain with Forest Department;

Revised salary scale for trained personnel is available.

Result 2: SFM System further developed and implemented in pilot area

Indicator(s):
By 2000, Forest Department/GTZ/Samling Corporation have developed and initiated the implementation of the state-of-the-art FMP of a pilot area of 170,000 hectares in the state of Sarawak;

Resource assessment and Forest Function Map of pilot area in place by 12/99;

Socio-economic baseline study available by 12/98;

Sustainable AAC for pilot area available by 6/99;

Draft operational guidelines for silviculture and harvesting system available by 3/2000;

Outline for applied research in pilot area available by 6/98;

At least 3 applied research projects finalised by 12/99;

Draft FMP for pilot area available by 12/98;

Refined FMP available by 12/2000;

50% damage reduction on at least 3000 hectares achieved through reduced and low-impact logging by 6/2000.

Assumption(s):
Letter of Understanding with Samling Corporation in place and complies with the planned activities;

Sufficient human resources made available for forest resource assessment in pilot area by Forest Department and Samling Corporation.

Result 3: Participation of local people in SFM is initiated

Indicator(s):
A report which compiles and evaluates the experiences gained in the pilot area and giving recommendations on peoples' participation is submitted to the Gov't by 3/2000;

A workshop about the findings is carried out by 3/2000;

Forest Function Map indicates areas for involvement of local population in pilot area by 12/99;

Proposals for fields of activities for cooperation in partnership between local population and SAMLING are available by 12/99.

Assumption(s):
Frame conditions allow the initiation of activities for peoples' participation in the pilot area;

Local communities in pilot area are willing to cooperate with the project;

Adequate funds are available for implementation / fulfilling activities based on needs assessment.

Result 4: HRD in the FD, timber industries and local communities towards SFM is supported

Indicator(s):
At least 2 counterparts have undergone advanced training by 6/2000;

At least 5 training courses related to SFM have been conducted by 12/99;

At least 12 (3 x 4) personnel of RFOs are sufficiently trained in GIS management and application by 6/2000.

Assumption(s):
Trained personnel stay in position until they have transferred their knowledge to others.

Result 5: Full awareness created at the political level for necessary conditions to achieve SFM

Indicator(s):
Pilot area experience is presented to the State policy makers for consideration and conclusion regarding state-of-the-art forest management (considering economics, environment, social aspects);

Two meetings have taken place annually between the chairman and secretary of the Project Steering Committee, with the political level decision makers on issues related to SFM;

Public statements of policy makers indicate their full awareness of SFM issues.

Result 6: Project related information management and communication improved

Indicator(s): PR Unit has to produce and disseminate two comprehensive reports yearly to be cleared by PSC for public consumption;

1998 PSC meets semi-annually to review and approve project activities and to decide on arising project issues;

Regular monthly meetings of at least 15 project staff