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Buloho Conservation Report, 2015

February 2016

Congolese Foresters Network Réseau Congolais des Forestier Coordination Générale Av. Kibombo Ibanda, Bukavu, Sud-Kivu Enceinte de la poste au Rez-de-chaussée République Démocratique du Congo E-mail : [email protected] http://www.foreigninterest.com/Portals/CongoleseForesters.html BP : 1252 BUKAVU, via Cyangugu-Rwanda Tel : +243 997 781 189 ; +243817492041 6, Av. KIBOMBO , Ibanda, Enceinte Hôtel de Poste

Congolese Foresters Network

CFN and PDPF | Buloho Conservation Report 2015, page 2

INTRODUCTION

The Congolese Foresters Network (CFN) in partnership with the Development

Program for the Protection of Fauna and Flora (PDPF), a partner organization

network member, worked to produce this report. The PDPF is an organization

that works for the conservation of natural resources, especially in mitigation

efforts.

In its flora conservation program since 2014, the organization runs a program of

conservation activities to increase local forest tree species which are most

coveted and sought after by the local population (loggers) for commercial

reasons, and as an energy source, and artistic resource The PDPF focuses its

efforts in the regions in the Kalehe Territory of the South Kivu Province in the

Democratic Republic of Congo, most notably in the areas of Bitale, Ndandô,

Kalima, and Bulonge-Kalonge in the chiefdom Buhavu.

Forest species are threatened with extinction in the province of South Kivu in

general and particularly in the peripheral areas of surrounding the Kahuzi-Biega

National Park, (KBNP), home to a vast array of flora, fauna and wildlife.

Conversation efforts are vital as many local and regional development

organizations are less interested in the conservation of the forest while its

resources are endangered by over-exploitation. What struck our conscience

ultimately was the vital need to save native tree species with seed multiplication

strategies to domesticate the species extending beyond their natural habitats

(ex situ conservation) or put them in their natural environment (in-situ

conservation).

This conservation program consisted of a three-tiered response of activities and

will be featured in this report in three parts:

PART I: discusses the draft Conservation of forest species endangered;

PART II: concerns the Food Security Project (farming) and other additional

activities.

PART III: concerns the development activities of a sports and recreation

field for youth football (soccer) in the Bitale region.



PART I. CONSERVATION OF TIMBER SPECIES ENDANGERED IN THE

CLUSTER - Bitale

1.1. PROJECT OBJECTIVE COVERED THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:

Keep the tree species in the most popular way to eliminate the illegal and

over logging;

Keep the animal biodiversity and flora around the PNKB;

Inform and train foresters on rational and sustainable forest exploitation

and forest legislation measures.

Contribute to the ecological stabilization.

1.2. CONDUCT OF ACTIVITIES

In 2015, we conducted several inspections on the lands to assess current

conditions:

Search the seed of all tree species in the forest;

Develop hotbeds and forest nurseries;

Follow up of seedlings in nurseries.

Other activities carried out:

The seed of the species was found but not all species such as we had

planned;

We built hotbeds and nurseries seeds of species found;

For descents on terrain, we track the activities of activities throughout

2015.

The project was conducted using our own funds and without any other external

supports, since before we have begun with the conservation of agroforestry

species (Eucalyptus, Gréviléa cypress Maesopsis). But with time, we have seen

significantly the forest species extinction threats and some have already

indicated signs of disappearing due to their economic values on the market

such as: sirita, lebrenia (Buchai) licheche, lukundu, libuyu , etc.

For timber production, coal production of timber, firewood, these species are in

dire threat of disappearance.



Because of these threats, we started these efforts since January 2015, to

emphasize our flora conservation program, the recovery or backup activities of

forest species by including nurseries, germination plant for reforestation in their

natural environments or in areas KBNP devices.

The conservation process is to search for seeds in the forest, finally germinate in

the germination plant.

During the course of 2015, we established 15 hotbeds, which contained the

different species of forest trees. Seedling production began between February

through June, as this period is when most of these species will bear fruit (fruit

wall) to allow us to pick the ripe fruit already filling the agronomic or ready for

germination.

Some species require to be spread out in the sun for two a week and a half

before germinating them is an example of Entandophragma excels (LIBUYU)

and Lebrunia buchaie (BUCHAI) and others showed dormant before being

germinate as it would go through the processing of seeds by placing them in a

little hot water to remove dormancy.

1.3. GERMINATION TIME FOR DOMESTIC TIMBER SPECIES IN THE CLUSTER Bitale

The germination of tree species domesticated by PDPF-DRC in the group Bitale is

mentioned in the following table.

No Forest Tree Species Nom vernaculaire Germination Period

1 Prunus Africana MUHUMBA

HUMBA

6 to 8 days

2 Etandophragma Excels LIBUYU 1 week

3 Lebrunia Buchaie BUCHAI 10 days

4 Ekebergia Capensis SIRITA 15 to17 days

5 Ocotea Michelsonii LICHECHE 15 days

6 Piptedeniatrum Africanum LUKUNDU 2 and a half weeks

This table shows the germination period of each forest species domesticated. It

is the time between the sowing and the onset of seedlings in the propagator.

During the course of 2015, we studied the germination of each species.



Prunus Africana recognized on behalf of MUHUMBAHUMBA in the medium at a

germination time of 6 to 8 days and at day 12 all seeds already produce small

plantlets,

The Entandrophragma or LIBUYU a germination of a week or 7 days, the Ebrunia

Buchaie germ to day 10, the Ekebergia capensis is 15 to 17 days, 0cotea

michelsonii is 15 days and Piptedeniastrum Africanum or LUKUNDU 14 days.

The species Ekebergia Capensis and Ocotea michelsonii remain of tree species

having a germination very slow and difficult species to find their seed after their

disappearance in the middle of threat by forest operators. Such species have

high economic value to the local market as well as internationally.

The domestication process involved in acquiring seeds from the forest, then

spread to the sun and other lift their dormant result, the domestic seed

germination plant after germination, transplant the seedlings into bags.

Transplanting should be done when the species reaches 4 to 5 centimeters in

height.

PHOTOS: Cash Lebrunia buchaie (Buchaie)

OBSERVATION OF FOREST SPECIES.

After transplantation into the germination bags, it was important that we study

the evolution of these species on the plant size and diameter for comparison of

growth of these species with those agro forestry species (Eucalyptus, Grevillea,

Cypress).

It's been eight months that these species are put in bags, but evolution depends

on each.



This is the case for example Ekebergia capensis such that at two months to a size

of 5 to 6 cm in diameter. Now we have a seedling Ekebergia capensis with

10cm in height, 8, 7cm. It is the same with other growth is very slow.

This then explains the reasons why loggers (local people) do not engage in the

management of forest species due to this slow growth.

Compared to agroforestry trees, growth is very fast, an 8-month growth period

for a tree may already have a height of 25 or even 30 centimeters and a

considerable diameter. At 7 or 10 years the agroforestry species (Eucalyptus,

cypress, Grvévillea) may already be a ready fuel exploitation (production of

timber, charcoal production).

By contrast, tree species with early mine life is 20 years. This is the case for

example Entandophragma Excels (LIBUYU). But for Ekebergia Capensis (SIRITA),

Ocotea michel sonii (LICHECHE) their operating life is 30 years to 35 years.

This explains the need for a sustainable management and use of the forest by

farmers through the implementation of forestry legislation by the state and

reforestation by tree species that does DEVELOPPEMNET AGENDA AND

PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE (PDPPF) shall adjust in the forest nurseries that will be

distributed to farmers in late to plant them in their forest to compensate for the

disappearance of the problem of forest species.

1.4. DOMESTICATED SPECIES IN THE BITALE REGION IN 2015.

In the table below, we mention forest species domesticated and number found

on land and ready to be planted in their natural environment (conservation in

situ) or outside their milieu (ex situ conservation) So, here are some of our actions

by our means of germination since the beginning of these activities.

No Forest Trees Domesticated Common Name for Energy (Fuel) Quantity

1 Prunus africana MUHUMBAHUMBA 900

2 Ocotea michelsonii LICHECHE 700

3 Enthandophragma excelsa LIBUYU 1000



4 Lebrunia buchaie BUCHAI 650

5 Ekebergia capensis SIRITA 200

6 Piptadeniastrum africanum LUKUNDU 130

TOTAL 3580 forest

species

This table shows the number of combined timber species we have. Now we

have more than 3580 tree species all together and ready to reforestation.

However, we can go beyond these numbers and beyond these species

because they are numerous if financial and material resources are available.

Photos Loans bags to receive cash hotbed Ekebergia



PRUNUS AFRICANA (MUUMBAUMBA) SPECIES ocotea MICHEL SONIA (LICHECHE)



PHOTOS Gasoline hotbed Ekebergia (Sirita) Entandrophragma excels (LIBUYU)

PART II. FOOD SECURITY AND OTHER ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES.

The 2015 like any other year, we launched the food security program in the

chiefdom BULOHO in general and especially in the group of Bitale.

The program fight against objective for food insecurity in our coverage areas,

providing the population permanently in quantity and quality food for survival.

Our activities are based on:

Multiplication of improved seeds;

Capacity building of rural women in cultivation techniques.

Multiplication of improved seeds.

In this activity, it was a matter of working with the local population grouped in

small structures to further the intervening methods in the field of food safety. We

worked with local organizations in the distribution of improved seeds, as well as

strengthening the capacity of their members.

Our work involved developing collaboration with the following organizations:



LJEC: League of Young Committed to Change,

GAD: Share Group for the Deprived,

AFPD: Actions of Women Farmers Development.

These local organizations have benefited from bean seeds which are bio-

fortified, and cabbage and onions.

Through structured training sessions with these local organizations, the

participants received their farming techniques that can help improve their

agricultural yields.

A pilot field (field demonstration) of a hectare and closing the corn, beans,

onions, chouxa been installed in the locality of HEMBE group Bitale this for a crop

experimentation and seed multiplication.

PHOTOS Field multiplication of potato seeds and beans in the group Bitale

locality Hembe PDPF 2015.

The seed distributed to the local people included:

Bean (Dwarf and voluble Variety) = 120 kgs

Potatoes= 150lbs

Onion = 20 boxes

Choux = 20 boxes



PHOTO: locals grouped into full training session structure.

W focused on strengthening the capacity of rural women. Through training

sessions held after every three months. These rural households favor women

grouped in agricultural sector, over 120 women have been strengthened in

agricultural production. Rural women have been trained on planting in rows, the

association of crops, crop rotation, cultivation couloire and bulk seedlings

usually practiced in the middle.

There have been discussions held to the show women how important each

cultivation technique set and done. During these discussions, women were also

trained on other agricultural production systems, such as agroforestry, and have

detailed the various agro-pastoral systems and the importance that each

system must put the protection of the environment.

In 2015, women were also trained on biological control against different

enemies/pests of the most common plants in the middle.



PHOTO: women farmers in training credit in 2015 PDF

In collaboration with the local community, a fish pond designed with a “V” or

“U” shaped into six acres was built by PDPDF in the fight against malnutrition in

the region.

- Digue (19m) Main;

- Digue left width 30m and 30m right;

- Digue atop 8m.

The total area is 87m2

RESULTS ACHIEVED DURING.

A pilot fish pond with a total area of 87m2 is furnished and peopled 3,000

fingerlings;

In the first wave of harvest 2000 fingerlings were distributed to 10

households fish farmers at 200 fry per household;



Fish farming is relaunched in three locations instead of including three

ponds built and populated fry in the locality of Mikonzi, three and four

Kabulwa Hungu.

PHOTOS: Images of the pond before development mobilized local population in

development work in the pond PDPF 2015

PART III. FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH

To promote the activities of youth, a football field was built by PDPF in

collaboration with FOUNDATION COSMOS.

The aim is to equip the population in Bitale with a football playground and

revive sports football activities not only preventing juvenile delinquency but also

strengthen social cohesion between different social strata in a post conflict

period and to help consolidate peace. This has even earned the playground to

be called "Stage of the Peace of Bitale". The playground is located in the small

center of Bitale to within 35m from the main road, National No. 3.



II. PROGRESS OF WORK

Activities had started in July 2015 by prospecting and feasibility analysis on the

website.

Pictured below is an illustrative image of the site before the work:

At the same time, the work of mowing and digging drainage channels had also

begun. To date, the work of digging canals are ongoing.

To the east side and the west side of the field, two channels of 98 m in length,

depth 60cm and 70cm width were dug from either side.

Along the north wing, another length of 75m channel, 60cm deep and 70cm in

width was dug.

These channels allow not only the filtration of standing water on the surface of

the land but also their evacuation to the small river that runs through

Nyabugobugo southern flank pitch.

More intense work followed for the removal of stumps of trees and leveling

ground strains.

The following photo illustratives the current state of the field.



As of August, the groups organized a football tournament which brought eight

teams from five regions in Bitale, Ndandô, Mulonge, Musenyi and Kalima. This

tournament attracted thousands of spectators who have continued to praise

the initiative of the LJEC, association and efforts to building this sporting heritage

whose works are still ongoing and that will serve as a framework mentoring of

youth.

PHOTOS: Depictions of the youth teams and fields.



Note that this field, as it stands, cannot be viable during the rainy season due to

certain difficulties of drainage problems encountered which prevented the

digging of canals with dimensions that would allow the proper filtration and

water evacuation. This prevents even the pursuit of other activities as planned.

III. DIFFICULTIES.

The first difficulty is due to the narrowing of the bed of the small river that runs

through Nyabugobugo the southern flank of preventing land, deepening

channels to within 80cm to 1m depth that normally evacuate the waters remain

there and make stagnated the pitch unplayable during the rainy season

because it rains just a little so that the waters of the river Nyabugubugo drive

back to channels.



The feasibility is still expanding the bed of the river Nyabugobugo for it to allow

expansion of water drainage channels drained, which is still not allowing certain

parts of the field to drain well.

The second difficulty is related to the inadequacy and lack of some agricultural

tools such as spades, hoes, tridents, wheelbarrows, boots (godions), waterproof,

Gans, crowbar, deca-metres, string, etc.

Note that until then, the work already done has been facilitated by the edge

means (small membership fees) of PDPF organization in collaboration with the

Cosmos Foundation KB, (KB FOCO) as well as support in some spades granted

by His Majesty the Mwami and Chief Chiefdom Buloho.

Below is the summary of work completed, work in progress and not yet

completed:

A. WORK ALREADY MADE

Exploration of the site;

Mowing;

Measurement;

Dessouchages tree stumps.

B. ONGOING WORK OF ACHIEVEMENT

Drainage channels;

Upgrade (leveling);

C. WORK NOT YET BEGUN

Enlargement and diversion of riverbed Nyabugobugo

Delineation and equipment playground (stadium);

Sowing of the grass;

Construction of a cloakroom;

The stadium fence.

ENCOUNTERED DIFFICULTIES.

As in any activity difficulties are inherent during the performance of our business,

we faced multiple constraints including:



Insufficient financial means for smooth operations. Until the activity is

executed through our means of board and without further external

support;

Difficulty of access to forest tree seeds as being far in the forest and

insignificant quantity following their threat of extinction, but also difficult to

find the seed of other species because we did not know their fruiting

period;

Insecurity in the middle perpetrated by armed gangs spreading terror and

desolation,

Theft of seedlings of forest species by some operators or local population;

Road-State Bukavu Bunyakiri in disrepair (exaggerated deterioration) and

not allowing good traffic field agents to monitor activities.

Lack of sachets (packets) can be used for the accommodation of plants.

Lack of agricultural equipment.

Lack of financial partners.

Lack of agricultural seed, the seed amount was small compared to the

number of beneficiaries,

Potato seed also been a priority felt by the population, but that was not

available,

Also crop conservation was a recognized problem in the middle

Done at Bukavu, February 14, 2016

For RCF,

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