CURRENT
ACTIVITIES
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Biological inventories,
ecological research &
GIS
The value of investigating selected target taxa to prioritise sites
for conservation has been well documented. The Southern Highlands has a plethora
of natural forest and montane grassland sites, many of which have not been
explored biologically. The SHCP (often in collaboration with external
institutions) is thus sampling a range
 of indicator taxa in
order to best prioritise areas both for conservation and other uses.
In this context, species lists are being compiled to compare forests and
grasslands in terms of diversity, rarity and distributional range. More
particular taxon-specific studies are also being carried out to determine
and augment ranges, perform DNA and taxonomic analyses and determine threats
and conservation significance. In addition to selected plant groups, taxa
currently under investigation by the SHCP include mammals (including
carnivores, rodents and shrews), birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, lepidoptera,
odonata, diplopoda and aquatic hemiptera.
Meanwhile, ecological surveys are also being carried out to assess the status
of natural habitats and to determine the extent and causes of threats to
them. In addition, specific research projects are being designed to gauge
the numbers and status of key species of particular conservation concern,
for example Abbott's Duiker (Cephalophus spadix) on Mt Rungwe. These
data are being stored in a Geographical Information System (GIS) and form
the basis of a regionwide ecological monitoring programme for Southern Highland
habitats and species.
Investigation,
monitoring and management of the orchid trade
Chikanda or Kinaka has been eaten by people from parts of Zambia,
northern Malawi and south-western Tanzania for hundreds of years. Formerly
a rural delicacy, it is made from the boiled root tubers of terrestrial orchids,
principally from species of three genera; Disa, Habenaria and Satyrium.
Traditional village consumption posed little threat to orchid populations,
however, over the past decade demand in Zambia has grown dramatically such
that there now exists a thriving commercial market. Whilst the resulting
trade and its bearing on Zambian orchids has been documented, its implications
for, and impact on, Tanzanian orchids had not been examined. Thus in 2001,
the SHCP investigated the issue and documented for the first time
the harvesting and trade of orchid tubers in Tanzania.
 Whilst
only a preliminary investigation, the results showed unequivocally that
harvesting and trade of orchid tubers is rife in southern Tanzania. All orchid
species worldwide are afforded a CITES II classification, however, this work
indicated that over 90% of orchids currently being harvested in Tanzania
are destined for Zambia. Furthermore, there has been a vast increase in
harvesting over the last five years due to the flourishing Zambian market.
Indeed, domestic Tanzanian consumption may be declining. Some 85 species
of terrestrial orchid may be at risk from the trade and many are national
and regional endemics. Kitulo Plateau is under particular pressure. The volumes
collected across the Southern Highlands indicate that harvesting is
unsustainable. All 'edible' varieties are targeted, and the entire plant
extracted. It is conservatively estimated that some 2,220,000 orchids pass
into Zambia each year, amounting to about 40 metric tonnes.
There are very important considerations for the livelihoods of those who
benefit from the trade and whose supplementary incomes would be affected
by direct intervention. The SHCP is therefore exploring many possible
options including quotas, seasons and licensing that could assist in managing
the trade sustainably. It is probable that current revenue is temporary and
unsustainable, and if management is not forthcoming, the resources (and thus
incomes) will soon be depleted anyway. The monetary value of the trade is
significant, although it does not compare with the potential (and more
sustainable) revenue from tourism. Unless appropriately and promptly managed,
the trade in orchid tubers could have serious consequences both for biodiversity
and plans to develop tourism in the south.
Collaboration
with local
administrations
In 2002, the SHCP provided funds to the Mbeya Region Natural
Resources Office and District Forest Office for the planting of 8,000 seedlings
in the Mbeya Catchment Forest Reserve. With over 90% of Mbeya citizens (and
similar numbers in Tukuyu and Sumbawanga) using fuelwood every day, the supply
of trees is a critical issue. Indeed, natural forest, so important for water
catchment and biodiversity, is being greatly reduced. Plans are currently
underway to develop indigenous tree nurseries in the region, to assist with
the restocking of natural forest habitat. It is hoped that the SHCP
will also assist government in the development of viable management plans
for its major forest reserves. The SHCP has also provided funds for
workshops, attended by major policy makers in Mbeya, Tukuyu and Makete districts,
to address the conservation of their natural forests.
Tourism
development
Whilst there is considerable potential for tourism in the area,
developments lag significantly behind other parts of the
 country.
Tanzania's recent moves to involve communities directly in conservation,
through ceding levels of control and authority for natural resource management,
presents exciting opportunities in this regard. The SHCP works closely
with government and communities to implement such regimes, providing scientific
information and management planning necessary to ensure their success. Although
still undeveloped, 'eco-tourism' in the Southern Highlands offers potential
for both community involvement and increased incomes based on conservation.
This coincides with government's desire to develop a 'southern circuit' that
could include highland opportunities.
The SHCP is thus developing appropriate tourism options as an additional
contributor to conservation. A few small groups have formed to promote tourism
in the region and the SHCP has been providing assistance to them.
For example, Sisi Kwa Sisi is a local organisation with an office
and information centre in Mbeya. Their main activities are small-scale tourism
and guiding in the Southern Highlands. The SHCP actively supports
the group
bo th financially
and technically and is also working with them to set up village projects
adjacent to sites of conservation concern.
Attractions are many and varied. Some 35 kms south of Mbeya lies the Uporoto
Forest Reserve, coating the flanks of a volcano known as Ngosi that reaches
2,621m (8,597ft). Within the caldera sits the Ngosi Crater Lake, a site not
only of considerable beauty but also much cultural significance to the Wasafwa
people. On nearby Mt Rungwe, the SHCP is constructing a series of
log cabins that will serve both as accommodation for tourists and hikers,
as well as centres for researchers working in the area. Kitulo Plateau,
meanwhile, is regarded as one of the foremost floral spectacles in the world
and offers a unique seasonal attraction. The Mbeya Range boasts two forest
reserves and two scenic peaks, both dominating the skyline above the valley.
The highest and most westerly is Mbeya Peak at 2,834m (9,296ft), whereas
directly above the town centre is Loleza at 2,656m (8,712ft). At all these
sites, the SHCP is planning information and interpretation centres
and guided tours.
Conservation
education
The SHCP is committed to conserving important upland habitats
and species. Central to this effort is inspiring people to get involved in
protecting natural habitats and species, in an increasingly populated and
developed region. The
Wildlife Conservation
Society itself strives to make future generations inheritors, not
just survivors, and education is fundamental to this. Proposals are currently
underway therefore, to develop a regionwide conservation and environmental
education programme, to inspire the younger generation of the Southern Highlands
to help better manage their natural heritage.
Collaboration
with local
NGOs
In addition to supporting tourism-based Non-Governmental Organisations
(NGOs) such as Sisi Kwa Sisi, the SHCP is currently in discussions
with a number of Tanzanian environment NGOs in Iringa, Mbeya and Rukwa regions.
The SHCP provides both technical and financial assistance to groups
who share common interests, and who work to conserve important upland habitats
and species. One such organisation is the Wildlife Conservation Society
of Tanzania (WCST), and the SHCP is currently supporting them
in community awareness campaigns in and around Matamba near
Kitulo.
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