Wireless ICT: what difference do they make for the management of natural resources?

1. Wireless ICT: what difference do they make for the management of natural resources? IUCN Mozambique Office

2. The overall objective of the project: was to facilitate the adequate flow of information with the aid of specific communication systems (HF Radios), to ensure an efficient management of natural resources in remote areas of the provinces of Tete, Manica and Niassa. IUCN Mozambique Office

3. - 1 Base Station Radio HF (Mandimba 100 Km). - 1 Transportable Station Radio HF (Mandimba 100 Km). - 1 Base Station Radio HF (Sanga 120 Km) - 1 Transportable Station Radio HF (Sanga 120 Km) • -1 Base Station Radio HF (Lichinga). • 2 Mobil Station Radio HF (Lichinga) • – 2 Computer (Lichinga) - 1 Base Station Radio HF (Tete) - 2 Mobil Station Radio HF( Tete) - Computer (E-mail and Internet) (Tete) - 1 Base Station Radio VHF (Bawa 700 Km) - 1 Base Station Radio VHF (Daque 120 Km) - 13 Transportable Station Radio VHF (Bawa and Daque) - 2 Transportable Station Radio HF (Bawa and Daque) -1 Base Station VHF (Chimoio) -3 Mobil Station HF (Chimoio) - 1 Transportable Station HF (Chimoio) - Computer (E-mail, Internet) (Chimoio) - 1 Base Station VHF Macossa (250 Km - 1 Base Station VHF (Morribande - 90Km) - 1 Transportable Station VHF (Morribande – 90Km) IUCN Mozambique Office

4. Base (walking brigades) Forest/game guards, operators, communities • Grass Roots Level Communication Activities Incidents Results Portable Radios (cars) Patrol and provision of information on illegal activities Campsite or project site Community (incidents and social information) Type of information IUCN Mozambique Office

5. Base • Campsite Level Communication Portable radios Patrol and provision of information on illegal activities Project site Collect information Provide guidance Periodic reports Urgent information Provincial Services of Forestry and Wildlife IUCN Mozambique Office

6. Provincial Services of Forestry and Wildlife Provincial Level Communication External partners Computers – email and internet National Directorate Of Forestry and Wildlife IUCN Mozambique Office

7. The managers of the projects of natural resource management feel very close to their subordinates (forest/game guards) as the reports are given regularly improving the ability to make timely decisions. IUCN Mozambique Office

8. Community income generating activities - Forest products - Tourism ICT and Economic Opportunities for Communities Radio Brochures on community products and services Sociocultural and ecomnomic conditions Visiting maps Computers Economic agents National and international IUCN Mozambique Office

9. ICT and Economic Opportunities for Communities • In the Niassa, Chipanje Chetu project, for instance, the existence of ICT contributed to information flow from campsite-community to the province and from this to the safari operators who then brought tourists to the field (two consecutive years). IUCN Mozambique Office

10. Preliminary Indicators of Change in NRM Efficiency - It was found that ICTs play an important role in the natural resources management and effective administration, by streamlining the communication process, and increasing access to information and exchange of basic information for quick decision-making. - For instance, previous to the project the use of cars was much more common despite the high cost of fuel and travel. The availability of the communication equipment also allowed the inspectors to work 24 hours a day enhancing their ability to patrol effectively. - The level of poaching has been reduced in Sanga district as soon as the two main poachers in the area were identified, and this was communicated among stakeholder. IUCN Mozambique Office

11. Preliminary Indicators of Change in Law Adherence • As for the expected outcome, data shows there is a relative reduction in the illegal exploitation of natural resources in Manica province, illustrated in terms of reduction in the value of fines collected. In the case of charcoal, the cases of product violation (Charcoal) were reduced from 66 to 63 from 2001 to 2002. IUCN Mozambique Office

12. Conclusion • This project put the managers of the programme in permanent contact with different sectors (Camps, Provincial Directorates, Ministries) and partners at different levels; it set up an efficient communication system. • Apart from law enforcement related interventions, the use of radios made it possible to know the health conditions of the staff on the sites as well as of the inspectors when patrolling different points included in the three provinces. • The overall impact of the ICT can be drawn from the results shown in the reduction of illegal harvesting of natural resources, hence contributing to conservation as well as medium and long-term development of communities. IUCN Mozambique Office

13. Recommendation • - In order to secure a long-term impact of the ICTS supplied under this project, there is a need for the beneficiaries, particularly the Provincial Services of Forestry and Wildlife, to ensure maintenance of the equipment and to carry out regular assessments on the changes observed in terms of resources use. • -  The use of communication technology has the potential to facilitate contacts and development of partnerships between the communities engaged in natural resources management and economic agents within and outside of the country. Therefore, the project managers throughout the country should explore this potential for the communities to realize the benefits from conservation. IUCN Mozambique Office

14. Thank You Contact: Abel Otacala • IUCN - MOÇAMBIQUE • E-mail abelo.iucn@tvcabo.co.mz IUCN Mozambique Office