togean biodiversity review-edited[1]

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SUMMARY of TOGEAN BIODIVERSITY CONDITION Conservation International Indonesia, Palu-Office, Central Sulawesi I. INTRODUCTION Togean Islands occupies the central portion of Tomini bay, stretching over a distance of about 90 km. This archipelago contains 66 islands of which Una Una, Batudaka, Togean, Talatakoh, Waleakodi, and Waleabahi are the largest. Una Una, a recently active volcano, is relatively isolated, situated about 30 km north of Batudaka. The land area of the Togean group covers about 755 km 2 , mainly consists of mountainous or hilly terrains. The maximum elevation on the six islands ranges from 354 - 543 m. Six main ethnic groups are represented by Bajau, Bobongko, Togean, Saluan, Bugis, and Gorontalo as well as some other small ethnic groups such as Sangir, Minahasa, Java and Chinese, with total population more than 30,000. In general, except the Bajau which is strongly depending on marine natural resources, the other the islanders are farmer (especially for coconut plantation) which are only using their extra times for fishing. The other small groups compose of teachers, trader, and government staffs. Togean Islands supports rich diversity both marine and terrestrial. In terrestrial, some endemic species can be found in Togean. Red knobbed hornbill (Rhyticeros cassidix), tarsiers (Tarsius spectrum), Wallacea deer-pig (Babyrousa babirussa) and Sulawesi cuscus- bear (Phalanger ursinus) are the examples of endemic species to Wallacea region; while the Togean’s endemic are represented by the togean macaque (Macaca togeanus) and togean monitor lizard (Varanus togeanus). Togean archipelago also keeps marine biodiversity richness which consists of four types of reefs ever known : fringing reef, barrier reef, patch reef, and atoll. Based on the Conservation International Indonesia’s (CII) Marine RAP survey conducted in 1998, biological diversity is relatively high in the Togeans and comparable with Calamines groups in Philipine, Milne bay in PNG, or Komodo Islands in Indonesia. The survey recorded 262 corals,

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Page 1: Togean Biodiversity Review-edited[1]

SUMMARY of TOGEAN BIODIVERSITY CONDITION Conservation International Indonesia, Palu-Office, Central Sulawesi

I. INTRODUCTION

Togean Islands occupies the central portion of Tomini bay, stretching over a distance of about 90 km. This archipelago contains 66 islands of which Una Una, Batudaka, Togean, Talatakoh, Waleakodi, and Waleabahi are the largest. Una Una, a recently active volcano, is relatively isolated, situated about 30 km north of Batudaka. The land area of the Togean group covers about 755 km2, mainly consists of mountainous or hilly terrains. The maximum elevation on the six islands ranges from 354 - 543 m.

Six main ethnic groups are represented by Bajau, Bobongko, Togean, Saluan, Bugis, and Gorontalo as well as some other small ethnic groups such as Sangir, Minahasa, Java and Chinese, with total population more than 30,000. In general, except the Bajau which is strongly depending on marine natural resources, the other the islanders are farmer (especially for coconut plantation) which are only using their extra times for fishing. The other small groups compose of teachers, trader, and government staffs.

Togean Islands supports rich diversity both marine and terrestrial. In terrestrial, some endemic species can be found in Togean. Red knobbed hornbill (Rhyticeros cassidix), tarsiers (Tarsius spectrum), Wallacea deer-pig (Babyrousa babirussa) and Sulawesi cuscus-bear (Phalanger ursinus) are the examples of endemic species to Wallacea region; while the Togean’s endemic are represented by the togean macaque (Macaca togeanus) and togean monitor lizard (Varanus togeanus).

Togean archipelago also keeps marine biodiversity richness which consists of four types

of reefs ever known : fringing reef, barrier reef, patch reef, and atoll. Based on the Conservation International Indonesia’s (CII) Marine RAP survey conducted in 1998, biological diversity is relatively high in the Togeans and comparable with Calamines groups in Philipine, Milne bay in PNG, or Komodo Islands in Indonesia. The survey recorded 262 corals,

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596 reef fishes, and 555 species of mollusks belong to 103 families, 336 gastropods, 211 bivalves, 2 cephalopods, 2 scaphopods and 4 chitons.

Wallace et al. (2001) revealed 91 species of Acropora were recorded within the Indonesian archipelago while the greatest number of species was recorded in the Tomini Bay (78 species). Many of the sampling points within the Tomini Bay were undertaken in Togean Islands. Beside the Togean’s endemic species Acropora togianensis (that was already described in 1998 by Wallace & Wolstenholme), during the survey also recorded 2 species new to science. The diversity and unique assemblage of the region may be due to the unusual combination of habitat types, which are sheltered from the two opposing monsoonal systems that influence north and south Sulawesi Sea.

Unfortunately, the richness of the Togean are under threat by destructive activities, both on terrestrial and marine. Clearing native forests for agriculture and farming, villages expansion, illegal logging, and over exploited of threatened species occur in many places. In the same time, destructive fishing practices such as blast fishing, poison, and fishing pressure by only targeting to certain fishes considerably falls into critical stage of sustainability marine resources.

Table 1. Population and data of area of Togean Islands (Source: Poso Regency

Statistic, 2000) District (Kecamatan) Village (Desa) Area (km2) Population

Una Una 21 515,19 19.022 Walea Kepulauan 16 240 12.201

II. BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION PROBLEMS

MARINE BIODIVERSITY

CI Marine RAP survey 1998 in Togean was collecting 262 coral species on 25 sites. The Togean’s endemic Acropora togianensis were found in 11 sites with common and conspicuous on many. A total of 541 species of mollusks belong to 103 families were recorded. There were found 596 species of fishes in Togean Islands which is consisting mainly of species associated with coral reefs. At the 25 survey sites, 142 species of coral fishes were observed belongs to 37 genera. In general, atolls were the richest of major habitats for fish with 200 species per site.

Table 2. Top 10 sites for general reef condition (Source: MRAP 2001)

Site No. Location Coral species

Fish species

Relative condition

13 Northern-east side Una Una Island 67 230 Good 24 Reef between Waleabahi and Talatakoh Island 93 124 Good 9 Kadidiri reef 87 169 Good

20 Southern Batudaka Island 83 216 Good

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16 Western Batudaka Island 62 208 Good 12 Northern-east side Una Una Island 69 161 Moderate 7 Kadoda reef, Northern Malenge Island 68 181 Moderate 15 Pasir Tengah Atoll 84 202 Moderate 10 Northern-west Kadidiri reef 50 208 Moderate 21 Pasir Batang Reef, off Kabalutan Village 84 174 Moderate

Most of the sites mentioned above were functioning as fishing grounds as well as tourist diving sites. In general, illegal fishing practices, anchors, and over exploited at top 10 sites will threaten corals and fishes biodiversity. Marine RAP survey conducted in 1998 identified damages due to blast fishing were observed at 86% areas. According interview with villagers of Kadoda, the Kadoda reef (site 7) is main target of both poison and blast fishing practices. Up to now blast fishing still happen at the Kadoda reef.

Table 3. Average percentage of live coral covered at top 10 sites for general reef condition (Source : Marine RAP, 2001)

Site No. Location % Cover 13 Northeast side Una Una Island 58.4 24 Reef between Waleabahi and Talatakoh Island 56.3 9 Kadidiri reef 52.0

20 Southern Batudaka Island 42.0 16 Western Batudaka Island 36.6 12 Northeast side Una Una Island 58.3 7 Kadoda reef, North Malenge Island 55.0 15 Pasir Tengah Atoll 57.6 10 Northern-west Kadidiri reef 42.0 21 Pasir Batang Reef, off Kabalutan Village 44.6

THREATS

Although live corals cover were apparently high throughout Togean, there was evidence of reef degradation at many sites. The reef of Southern Waleabahi Island has clearly been damaged by human activities, particularly by blast fishing. It was showed by the high percentage of rubble and recently damaged corals. Dead coral colonies on reef are probably due to a high concentration of suspended

sea

Hard coral of Togeans (G. Allen. MRAP 1998)

ediment. Agricultural development in forest areas, no doubt has contributed to the soil rosion and results sedimentation to the reefs, while harbors development as well as boat nchor contributes to the coral damage also.

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1. Natural threats Coral reef, which contains thousands of independent species, can be adversely affected by natural events. Powerful tropical storms and hurricane may break apart shallow water branching corals. Heavy and prolonged rainfall running off nearby large islands and mainland’s coasts may cover reefs with sediment and dilute salt water with large amount of fresh water.

Increasing of sea temperature creates widespread occurrence of coral bleaching, due to the loss of coral’s symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae. Coral could recover as long as the high sea temperatures are happening in a short time, but not prolonged. At low tide, some coral reefs on Kabalutan and Teluk Kilat will appear at sea surface while extended sun exposures would make corals dehydration phenomenon.

Crown of Thorn Starfish can feed on corals voraciously. In 1996 there was a population outbreak of this species in Togean. During the outbreak, the presence in large numbers of this species converted coral reefs into a mass of dead coral skeleton in only few weeks. The starfish dispersed almost in all over Togean Islands.

2. Destructives fishing practices • Poison (both traditional poison tuba, and potassium cyanide). The substance used by local

fishermen is similar with the commercial product known as rotenone. It is derived from the root of derris plants (Derris spp). The roots are crushed and the resultant milky is dispersed into the sea water. This substance causes constriction of the gill capillaries. A mild dose only makes the fish stunned while prolonged exposure usually kills the fish. A “modern” technique involves is the use of potassium cyanide (KCN), which not only affects fishes but also corals and other invertebrates. Species targets are Napoleon wrasse and groupers.

• Blast fishing. Known also as bomb fishing are common in Togean. Fishermen generally make their own explosives by stuffing fertilizer and match-head powder into a bottle. A more modern and sophisticated method is using a simple detonator attached to a battery with a wire. Dynamite is often used to catch schooling fishes or concentrated reef fishes.

Economic pressure frequently forces fishermen to abandon traditional fishing methods in favor of destructive techniques such as blasting and poisoning. Many of local people mentioned explosive is mainly used by specific villagers of Kabalutan, Milok, Pulau Papan, Salaka, and Panabali; which indirectly refers to Bajau community. But, it was also found villagers of Pautu, Malenge, Tumbulawa and other villages, which means blast fishing not merely practiced by Bajau but also another ethnic groups. The local fishermen claimed that traditional methods are no longer economically benefiting and they are forced to use explosive and poison in order to survive. Fishermen have been forced to increase catches in order to keep pace with inflated prices for essential commodities.

Based on Hutabarat (2001), there were some factors cause people use explosive to catch fishes : Economic opportunities, while comparing to the traditional practices explosives can open

opportunities to get more fishes quickly to fulfill the high demand on consumption fishes

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Competition with outsiders who have been using destructive techniques iinn hhaarrvveessttiinngg mmaarriinnee nnaattuurraall rreessoouurrcceess wwhhiicchh rreessuulltt mmoorree ffiisshheess tthhaann uussiinngg ttrraaddiittiioonnaall tteecchhnniiqquueess

SSoocciioo--ppssyycchhoollooggiiccaall ffaaccttoorr ooff tthhee BBaajjaauu ccoommmmuunniittiieess :: -- BBaajjaauu ccoommmmuunniitteess aarree bbllaammmmeedd aass wweellll aass llaabbeelleedd bbyy aannootthheerr ggrroouuppss aass bboommbbeerrss aanndd

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-- FFeeeelliinngg ooff iinnccoommppeetteennccee ttoo cchhaannggee ttoo aannootthheerr ““ffrriieennddllyy tteecchhnniiqquuee”” -- TThheerree wwaass aann iimmpprreessssiioonn aammoonnggsstt tthhee ccoommmmuunniittiieess ttoo ffeeeell pprroouudd aass ““bbrraavvee mmaann”” iiff hhee

rriisskkss lliiffee bbyy uussiinngg eexxpplloossiivvee PPoossssiibbllyy ddeeggrraaddaattiioonn ooff ttrraaddiittiioonnaall vvaalluuee oonn BBaajjaauu ccoommmmuunniittiieess LLaacckk ooff llaaww eennffoorrcceemmeenntt,, iiss ccoonnssiiddeerreedd aass tthhee mmoosstt wwoorrsstt ffaaccttoorr ffoorr ccaauussiinngg

ddeessttrruuccttiivvee aaccttiivviittiieess.. IItt iiss ccoommmmoonn iinn TTooggeeaann tthhaatt ppoolliiccee//aarrmmyy ssttaaffffss rreegguullaarrllyy vviissiittiinngg vviillllaaggeess tthhaatt ccoonnssiiddeerraabbllyy iinnhhaabbiitteedd bbyy ffiisshh bboommbbeerrss ttoo ccoonndduucctt ssoo ccaalllleedd ““eexxtteennssiioonn pprrooggrraamm”” ttoo tthhee bboommbbeerrss aass wweellll aass ssuurreellyy ttoo ccoolllleecctt mmoonneeyy.. AAllssoo,, ssoommee ggoovveerrnnmmeenntt ooffffiicceerrss uussuuaallllyy aasskk ffoorr ffiisshheess ffrroomm bboommbbeerrss.. LLoowwee ((22000000)) ssttaatteedd tthhee ccoorrrruupptt ssyysstteemmss ccaauussee ddeessttrruuccttiivvee aaccttiivviittiieess kkeeeepp ccoonnttiinnuuee..

3. Live fish trade In Togean more than 20 storage station tanks for live-fish trade are located on village:

Pautu, Milok, Pulau Anam, Tongkabo, Angkaiyo, Kabalutan, Malenge, Bomba, Katupat, Kulingkinari, etc. There are also many smaller storage tank stations owned by the fishermen used to collect fishes before transferred to the buyers or ships. The main targets are groupers (i.e. Cephalopolis spp, Cromileptes altivelis) and napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) includes lobster and turtle. Fishing methods include hook and line, net, bubu traps, and poison (KCN/cyanide) in low doses.

Live-fish trade becomes more popular as demand for live fishes increase within the Asian restaurants, especially in Hong Kong and Singapore. New opinion in community has indicated that storage station tanks not only functions as receiver but also offers cyanide.

4. Law enforcement and lack of system One of the biggest problem on marine conservation in Togean is lack of law enforcement.

The police and army stated, since law enforcement is extremely difficult due to a shortage of staffs, limited budget as well as supporting stuffs (boat, weapon, etc) destructive fishing practices become increasing in Togean. Unfortunately, in general, the corrupt systems result many cases that show the police have “sharing of benefit” with illegal fisherman to pass their destructive fishing activities. In other word there is a systemic corruption in the fish trade.

There were facts that destructive fishing was carried out by small part of Togean fishermen. Even, the Bajau communities who are blamed as a center of bombers and illegal fishing practices, these destructive activities are found only in a small group of villagers. Lowe (2000) estimates that approximately 15 percent of fishermen utilize destructive fishing practices. Economic pressures may be not the biggest reason that responsible in illegal fishing practices because majority of fishermen can still survive through carry out

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traditional fishing techniques. However, the biggest problem is “wrong system” for which blast/bomb fishing and poisoning can still continue up to now.

Fishermen will use destructive fishing practices as long as they can get more benefit than using traditional practices. An integrated approach must be generated to force down the destructive activities including law enforcement, live-fish trade quota and regulations, controlling explosive materials uses and stocks (urea), marine protected area establishment, community-based income generating, as well as conservation education.

5. Settlement expansion Settlements in Togean are mainly located in shore or nearby mangrove areas. Population

increase makes villagers to clear mangrove and native lowland forest for building new houses, boats, and daily equipments. Some pollution has been produced by village activities, i.e. household pollution, detergent, oil, plastics, and organic matters.

Sediments also can be found in sea-grass beds which may lead to inadequate photosynthetic process and light penetration of the sun. This sedimentation, anchor as well as boat crashes simultaneously make reefs nearby settlements are under pressure.

6. Coral mining As consequent of coastal settlement, villagers need hard materials to build village

harbor or houses. People also use corals as a dam to protect village from abrasion, as consequent of clearing mangrove. The absence of volcanic rocks in Togean makes villagers use both living and dead stony corals to fulfill their material needs. Thousands cubic of corals have been removed and exploited, usually from the reefs adjacent the village. One traditional harbor, with dimension 1,5 x 30 meters length, will require hundreds cubic of hard corals for construction. People usually mine corals from both shallow water and flat reef. Some evidences of shore erosion and abrasion were recorded in Kadoda, Katogop, Taningkola, which of possibly be found in more another villages. These destructive activities will continue as long as no alternative rocks material substitution to the corals.

7. Land-based activities Uncontrolled clear-cutting on mangroves and lowland forests for settlement and

agriculture has increased erosion, which in turn introduces higher sediment and loads into watercourse. As consequence of the Togean’s geographic condition, of which mainly consists hilly and mountain terrains, the farmers are led to clear forest and open dry-land farming (ladang) in slope area in which is usually bordering to watershed. The sediment will discharge into coastal waters where they can smother and kill coral reefs.

In general, watershed protection should be a primary objective of any management plan for Togean. Implementing this objective will also target to agricultural activities that have negative downstream impact on coastal and marine environment. Watershed protection will prevent some irreversible environmental consequences that sediment and pollution can cause in near-shore waters, while also supporting rivers and streams to supply people and biodiversity as well.

8. Overexploitation Some high value commercial fishes such as grouper (Serranide), napoleon wrasse

(Labridae), fusilier (Caesionidae), snapper (Lutjanidae) as well as other biota i.e. lobster (Panulirudae), sea cucumber (Holothuridae) and giant clams (Tridacna squamosa, Tridacna

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maxima) presumably have been over exploited. Furthermore, since the prices of napoleon wrasse and groupers decreased due to the live-fish trade demand, their occurrence in some reefs in Togean becomes relatively rare. This highly price, is the reason why illegal fishing practices (using cyanide) are widely spread in Togean.

For salted fishes, fishermen usually use explosives especially to catch schools of fusilier “lolosi” (Caesio spp) or “katombo” (Carangidae). Unfortunately, all of species mentioned above are associated-coral fishes and connected to reefs ecosystem condition which is bombing the fishes automatically destroying coral reefs as well.

Table 4. Top 7 qualitative degradation factors on marine ecosystem (Source: MRAP report . 2001)

Factors Low Medium High 1. Explosive/Cyanide damage * 2. Siltation * 3. Pollution/eutrophication * 4. Fishing pressure * 5. Coral bleaching * 6. Coral pathogens/predator * 7. Anchor * 8. Freshwater runoff *

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MARINE PROTECTION

1. ESTABLISH MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

The establishment of protected areas should be a primary objective on conserving the area’s unique marine biological community. It is important to clarify the term of ‘protected area’ to show that it does not necessarily mean that an area or its resources is denied to local communities.

At the community level, strengthening local values and developing more lucrative incentives (such as for eco-tourism project or marine-culture enterprises) might provide local solutions. At the government level, there is a need for better enforcement of existing regulations and increasing capacity to conduct periodic monitoring of endangered species populations so that species conservation program.

Monitoring program should include roles of both local people and NGOs. Marine protected area will be established with deals between local villagers, other villagers and must be recognized and legalized by government.

2. STRENGTHEN SPECIES CONSERVATION PROGRAMS FOR RARE AND ENDANGERED MARINE WILDLIFE

In general, Indonesia sustains an active trade in many species that in other parts of the world have disappeared or experienced dramatic reductions in population numbers. For

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example, green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), giant clam (Tridacna gigas), and sharks. In spite of national laws already put some of these species into protected species, unfortunately are rarely enforced. Species conservation programs also include protecting their habitats; for example some parts of white sand coastal area in Togean are considered as breeding area for sea turtles. Increase of cottages in coastal would affect biology and behavior of sea turtles.

3. EXAMINE FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING ECONOMIC INCENTIVES TO SUPPORT MARINE CONSERVATION

Conservation interests are frequently seen as adversarial to the economic development. In Togean, conservation of marine resources will likely provide a significant economic return for its people, such as ecotourism potential that should not be overlooked. However, off course comprehensive studies should be conducted to assess all socio-economic factors involved.

4. STRENGTHEN CAPACITY WITHIN THE REGION FOR MANAGING NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS

It is necessary to strengthen capacity of local government to anticipate the increasing environment pressure on marine resources. Unfortunately, local governments seldom have staffs and resources to address conservation issues.

5. ENFORCE EXISTING LAW

Even though destructive fishing practices such as the use of cyanide and dynamite are illegal, the enforcement of this ban does not virtually exist in Togean. Research is needed to analyze enforcement system available and implement the one most cost effective. Staffs and equipments need to be provided to the existing law enforcement agencies for the expansion of their activities into the marine environment.

6. LAUNCH AN ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

The results of this survey can be used to build awareness of the importance of marine conservation for Togean. Stakeholders such as local communities, governments, private sectors, NGOs, and universities should be targeted. CII Palu Office has just finished one-year environmental campaign program on marine conservation awareness with special emphasis on napoleon wrasse and coral reefs, for totally 60 elementary school’s students at 37 villages through out the Togeans. The programs got impressive appreciation both from local people as well students. It is considered to be continued to build prolonged marine conservation education for local students or other audiences, i.e. establishing local school curricula on conservation.

7. ESTABLISH A LONG-TERM ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM

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Periodic surveys are recommended to monitor the status of reef environments and of particular species. Marine biologists might assist in design of simple, but effective monitoring protocols which villagers, NGOs, and government officers, so it could be implemented by themselves.

8. PROMOTE COLLECTION OF DATA ESSENTIAL FOR MARINE CONSERVATION PLANNING

Biological data are not the only type of information that is important for conservation planning. Layers of geophysical, political, ecological, cultural, and socio-economic information should be combined through process to define appropriate conservation strategy for the Togean Islands.

COASTAL BIODIVERSITY

1. MANGROVE

According to BAPPEDA Poso (Agency for Regional Planning and Development), the Togean mangrove forests occupy more than 4.000 hectares of coastal area, or approximately 60% of total mangrove area that Poso Regency has. Mangrove wide spread within coastal line, especially in deep canals and satellites islands in which relatively far from sea wave influenced.

In 2001, CII-Palu Office conducted mangrove survey in Togean Islands. The survey recorded 33 species of mangrove that are categorized into 19 true mangrove species and 14 associate mangrove species, and are classified in 26 genus and 21 families. On muddy shores such as Teluk Kilat and Bambu, dominated by Rhizopora apiculata especially on front zonation; while other species as complements are R. apiculata, R. mucronata, Ceriops tagal, Scyphiphora hydropyllacea, and Bruguiera gymnorrhyza. On sandy shores in Benteng, Bungayo, Lebiti and Kabalutan, Rhyzophora stylosa, shows its dominance especially at the front zone, while Ceriops tagal, Bruguiera gymnorrhyza and Kandelia kandel occupy the deeper zone. Bordering to Rhyzophora’s zone, groups of Bruguiera gymnorrhyza and B. cylindrical play as a dominant species while at this zone also exists Xylocarpus granatum in separated places. Mangrove forest has important value for coastal and marine conservation in Togean, such as:

1. As a barrier from wave and wind, especially to the adjacent settlements. 2. To protect coastal line from abrasion. 3. To prevent sedimentation and intake of siltation from land-used activities into

watershed. Sedimentation occurred in case of run off process from rain that brings soil and sediment, settlements expansion, household activities, clearing forest from agriculture and illegal logging.

4. Together with sea-grass will stabilize and strengthen sea floor, also prevent silt and sedimentation coming to reefs ecosystem.

5. Nursery ground and feeding habitats for aquatic and benthos organisms as well as terrestrial and aerial faunas.

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6. A place for villagers to fulfill their daily needs, including food protein resources, materials for house and boat, cosmetic, merchandise, herbal medicines, and coloring agent.

7. Neutralizing household pollution from settlements area, especially the organic and chemical residue in certain concentration.

8. As recreation and tourism attraction.

Participatory mangrove monitoring by CII

THREATS

A. Human activities

Even though mangrove forest ecologically has important value for sustainable fisheries, sea-grass, reefs healthy, sand trap, pollution filter, and wave breaker, but many villagers still misunderstand on mangrove value for their living. There is still perception amongst the communities that mangroves surrounding the settlement are only the nesting place for mosquito, useless, as well as disturbing boat’s routes; meanwhile at the other hand mangrove trees mainly used for firewood. Eventually, combination between misperception on mangrove ecosystem and demand on fire wood lead to people cut and clear mangrove areas in unsustainable ways.

CII found different situations while interviewing some old people in 5 villages throughout Togean Islands. Even though the facts showed many uses of mangrove for the people but unfortunately seems are not transferred to the young generations. Old people are still using ‘kantau’ fruits (Xylocarpus granatum) for cosmetics and natural herbicide to their farm, and also sponge layers of ‘pape’ (Sonneratia spp) roots are used for traditional goggle.

Yet, some exceptions occur amongst the Bobongko people at Lembanato village. They still keep local knowledge on mangrove utilities and conservation on their daily activities; such as wedding ceremony with mangrove trees as dowry. Furthermore, they still practice the rule for plants 10 hipocotils (mangrove fruit) if they cut a mangrove tree at no take area; or if cutting young Rhizopora roots (for mangrove salt making) to keep the remain roots in tree still continuously well developed as well as preventing the mangrove from death. But if there is no transfer of knowledge happened amongst the communities, this conservation- based local knowledge would be eroded and disappear easily.

Traditional Fishing Aggregating Device-FAD (called bagang) that has wide and long size would need more space while docking near settlement. Inefficient clearing for boat’s route will create opened canal in mangrove. Usually villagers clear mangrove to get shorter

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pathway from settlement to their agriculture area. Also, intensive exploitation on Bruguiera spp for firewood has opened mangrove area. For example, in 2-3 weeks each household needs at least one big tree for firewood.

Fishermen usually use trunk skin of Rhizopora spp as a natural pigment ingredient for coloring their fishnets. But in several cases, the dead Rhizopora spp can be easily found in mangrove area due to the wrong technique while taking the trunk skin. For example, fishermen often skin the trunk over 360o around. This technique is considered will cause lethal impact to mangrove tree because of the broken cambium will terminate the transportation of minerals supply system from roots to leaves. Another condition is, people often use this wrong technique not for getting net coloring agent, but rather than to cut mangrove trees for opening a new access route to their farm. In general, quantitatively mangrove destructions in Togean Islands are considered not more than 10% from overall existing mangrove habitat.

B. Natural Threats

Beside human impact, natural degradation also threatens mangrove ecosystems. At prolonged dry season where evaporation on inter-tidal area reaches the higher level and sea-water salinity increase over normal value (more than 350/00). This usually happens in zone dominated by Bruguiera spp. At the deeper zone, dead mangrove areas increase since Bruguiera spp need fresh water supply to neutralize high salt level. Decreasing freshwater supply from land could affect mangrove ecosystem as found during the last dry season when dead mangrove trees in wide areas in Teluk Kilat.

2. SEA-GRASS

Based on the field survey, recorded at least 8 sea-grass species in Togean. Sea-grass that lives in lagoon, with silt, sand, or rocks and gravel floor substrate commonly create ecosystem relating to mangrove and coral reef.

In general sea-grass has important value for ecological function as follows : 1. To stabilize sea floor/substrate and keep seawater clear 2. As a “trap” for sand and silt to keep water clear which is needed for coral reefs. 3. Sea-grass debris as organic materials are important food resources for many

organisms, such as mollusks, fishes, and other benthic faunas. 4. Sea-grass leafs could function as wave breaker and protect the shores. 5. Sea-grass will protect sea floor microclimate for benthic organism from dehydration

and sun exposure at low tide. Sea-grass’ leaf could function as ’umbrella’ for benthic organism.

6. The result of photosynthetic of sea-grass metabolism activities at daylight will increase oxygen demand in shore that useful for marine organism.

Table 5. Sea-grass in Togean

No Species

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1. Enhalus acoroides 2. Thalassia hemprichii 3. Cymodocea rotundata 4. Cymodocea serrulata 5. Halaphila minor 6. Halaphila ovalis 7. Halodule uninervis 8. Syringodium isoetifolium

THREATS

Sea-grass ecosystem is considered under heavy pressure due to sedimentation and siltation from terrestrial. Household pollution and spilled oil from boat would prevent sunray to penetrate of which is used for photosynthetic. Physical damage also occurs in sea-grass caused by boat turbines that breaks the leaf or pull out the roots from seafloor. Although never seen dead sea-grass on wide area in Togean, but increasing sedimentation, siltation, and household pollution are big threats for sea-grass in future. High siltation in sea-grass ecosystem will make dangerous sediment that could affect coral reef area.

TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION PROBLEMS

1. PLANTS

A total more than 280 plants belong to 60 families were observed in Togean Islands, which spread on main islands as well as satellites. The species consist of shrubs, mangroves, and lowland forest.

Togean forests keep high natural renewable resources where some high-class woods are produced such as ‘kerikis’ (Mimusops elengi), ‘singkang’ (Shorea sp), ‘kayu besi’ (Afzelia bijuga), etc. Villagers often use forest resources for many utilities including as material for boats, houses, medicines, cosmetics, foods, spices, firewood, etc. Many of delicate and commercially valuable tropical fruits such as mango (Mangifera odorata), durian (Durio zibethinus), ‘langsat’ (Lansium domesticum), ‘manggis’ (Garcinia mangostana) widely spread in Togean forest. Many villagers take the water of palm trees (Arenga pinnata) to produce fermented drink called ‘saguer’ and brown sugar.

forest in Mount Benteng (by D. Adhiasto)

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THREATS

Illegal logging

With over 30.000 people in Togean, high demand of wood for materials not surprisingly could lead to the forests exploitation. In example, high value trees such as ‘kerikis’ (Mimusops elengi) and “singkang” (Shorea sp) and kayu besi (Intsisia bijuga) become over exploited. Even more if this recent condition are combined with reality that hills of Talatakoh and some other islands have already become savannah and shrubs as a result of GOBEL logging company’s activities several years before.

Illegal logging can be found in the core of forest of Batudaka island, especially Bambu, Tanimpo and Pinaat Hill or around Cape Kayome area (near Pasokan village) on northern side of Batudaka and some other areas around the island. The target trees are ‘kerikis (Mimusops elengi)’ and ‘palapi’. Visually there is indication of overexploitation due to fulfill market demand out of Togean, even though local villagers also mentioned the difficulties to find ‘kerikis’.

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Forest conversion for cacao plantation

Interviews with local people stated loggers in Togean slands are commonly supported by local government’s staffs, i.e. Tanimpo forest (near akai).

Based on Malenge people’s report, intensive illegal logging is still continuing in Malenge rotected forest. The loggers use four chainsaw to cut ‘kerikis’ (Mimusops elengi) and load t out of Malenge at night to avoid villagers’ suspicion. Generally, they could bring 3 cubic of oods in a week and at least 30 cubic woods monthly were loaded into public boat to orontalo as destination. Regarding to this situation the Head of Malenge village had

nitiative to prohibit and stop this activity, even though local police was backing up illegal oggers. This is ironic regarding Malenge has been keeping their remained forests from llegal logging activity have to face the fact illegal logging with “police behind the activity”. llegal logging are also reported around Bambu and Benteng to fulfill woods demand in orontalo nevertheless District Office of Forestry in Togean Islands never pays serious ttention.

Forest clearing for local-scale agriculture

In Togean, forest clearing is the biggest problem to the terrestrial ecosystem. People sually open forest for plantation, cacao (Theobroma cacao), clove (Euginia aromaticum), anana (Musa paradisiaca), coconut (Cocos nucifera), or vegetables using slash and burn ethod.

For the agriculture, people cut the trees in order to use land area while the trees fall own become useless and decomposed. They extend their area to increase their agriculture arvest. At simple word, they are more focused on quantity of result rather than quality. his causes the wood price is fluctuating. By the time soil fertility decreases, farmers sually leave and starting to open new area. Unfortunately, the major soils type in Togean ave low fertility and not available for culture plants, farm, or agriculture.

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Cultured plants are only produced in short term due to only small parts of lands were appropriate. Due to this situation, many people depend on coconut plantation for their income since coconuts have better survival in poor soil areas.

Relating to the conception of land property right, in general many Togean people have conception that all land areas (include native forest) are free territory whose everyone can access and use it. This is why people are easy to access forest resources and even more sometimes over exploited. There were not strict boundaries of forest conservation belongs to local consensus to protect forest remains in their territories.

It is important to introduce intensification methods to farmers in order to minimize forest clearing by carrying out plants culture commodity such as vegetables and fruits for example. Some commodities such as chili, spinach, and cucumber, citrus must be imported from Bunta or Ampana (Sulawesi mainland) with relatively expensive. For example, a cup of chili is priced Rp. 5000,- (app. US$ 0.60) in local markets. Nevertheless it is an expensive price for villagers, they still buy due to its importance for their menu. Actually this is good prospect if people can get knowledge about culture technique, seeds, harvesting, and soil treatments with organic manure so they can get more income for land intensification.

Forest clearing at slight slope terrains cause fertile soil will float in runoff of which finally high concentration of suspended sediment are poured on to coral reefs. In Togean, there are only some narrow remain native forests including mount Benteng area, central part of Batudaka island, eastside Talatakoh Island, Tangkian, and small parts of Malenge island.

Unfortunately, until now there is no actual conservation activity (both by local government or villagers) to prevent and protect forest remains from destructive activities. At Waleabahi and Waleakodi Island, it is difficult to find green forest since it was converted into coconut plantation. Agricultural development, especially at hilly or mountainous areas has contributed to land erosion of which eventually leads to produce sedimentation to the coral reefs. Clearing forest also threatens terrestrial flora and fauna. In example Red-knobbed hornbill (Rhyticeros cassisidix) and tarsier (Tarsius spectrum) that needs fig trees (Ficus sp) for their nest, food, and roosting area. Also deer-pig and lizards need shrubs for their home.

Forest fire

During dry season, forest fire becomes a big threat for the forest in which usually this circumstance comes from careless way of farming and logging activities as well. The fire usually comes from cigarettes on the dry shrubs. During observation in 2002, CII identified at least 8 fire hot spots in Benteng slope (1 spot), Malenge forest (3 spots), northeast and eastern side of Waleakodi island (3 spots), Pulau Seribu (of Kabalutan village, 1 spot), and Milok village (1 spot). During the forest fire there was no action undertaken to prevent fire to spread out of the hot spot.

Freshwater needs

Freshwater is the most important need in Togean. Many of settlements depend on freshwater stocks from small rivers, springs or wells. At the coastal villages people usually dig soil bordered with inter-tidal area, while sometimes seawater intrusion makes the freshwater becomes salty especially at high tide.

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Open area on the land surface, as a consequent of forest clearing, also decreases capability of water catching area. In major, the Togean’s terrestrial areas consist of terrain slope that is currently bordered with coastal area. In average the terrains have 41-60° slopes that makes quick run off process before rainfall got reserved into the land.

During dry season it is difficult for the islanders to get freshwater. For example in year 2002, most of villagers had problems to get fresh water for daily needs. People only depend on shallow wells with depths between 2 and 4 meters in average.

Forest degradation is considerably affecting freshwater stocks in Togean of which clearing forest for agriculture and illegal logging will influent water debits. For example, Wakai’s settlements are supported by the freshwater resources due to existing Tanimpo forest. Intensive illegal logging and agriculture expansion in fact was decreasing water debits since water supplies often disturbed.

2. FAUNAS

Birds

Togean Islands also keeps high biodiversity richness of birds. According to survey of YABSHI, the Jakarta-based biological NGO that worked in Togean between 1993 and 2000) were recorded 97 species; with 25 species are endemics for Sulawesi. From these 97 species, 31 species were protected (by the rules of UU N0.7/1999 about wildlife preservation), 3 species are categorized as near threatened of IUCN Red-List 2000, and 15 species categorized in Appendix II CITES.

At the coastal area found some families of birds of Accipitidae (Hawks), Alcedinidae (Kingfisher), Ardeidae (Heron), and Laridae (Sterna) while they often search for foods on mangrove area, mudflat, and sandy shore. Family Charadridae are commonly found at mudflat at the inter-tidal zone; family Phasianidae (Pheasant), Psittacidae (Parrots), Columbidae (Dove), are commonly found on coconut plantation, secondary forests, shrubs, herbs, or primary forests.

Rhyticeros cassidix, (local name as ‘alo’), is the biggest species from family Bucerotidae still common and easy to find in mangrove and forest area near settlements such as mangrove area in Tumbulawa village. They usually roost and leap in fig trees (Ficus spp) for fruits; hollow trunks; or roost in mangrove forest. A group of flying ‘alo’ will sound like “jet engine” since they do not have soft feather to reduce the wind stream while they are flapping the wings.

THREATS

Some species of birds become over exploited. Psittacidae, Columbidae, and Phasianidae are bird species targeted for local trade (Togean, Ampana or Gorontalo) or as animal pet (such as Trichoglossus ornatus or Prioniturus flavicans). At some places -- Tumbulawa and Molowagu -- hornbills are often trapped or shot by air riffle for daily consumption or even only for hobby.

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Primates

Macaca togeanus is the Togean’s endemic species where can be found only in Malenge Island. Even though this species usually lives on primary and secondary forest habitats, also be observed in coastal area, mangrove, as well as trees in terrain slope, while sometimes they come down in to coconut plantation for foods.

Macaque is a frugivorous primate of which feeds on fruits especially figs (Ficus spp), and also leafs and flowers as supplements. In Malenge Island, this species diets on at least 42 species of plants while they mainly carry out daily activities on the ground and leap on trees for sleep at night.

Tarsiers (Tarsius sp) are the world’s smallest primates that can be observed easily in some places in Togean Islands. Unlike macaques in general, this nocturnal species are carnivorous. In Togean, this small primate -- so called Tarsius spectrum -- has a very small body size with 110 to 120 grams in weight, 115 to 120 mm of length, and 135 to 275 mm of tail length with rough hair on the tip. They have big size of ears and eyes, round head and short neck. Their ears are thin and transparent in dark or reddish brown color. Tarsiers have long legs that are very helpful for leaping over the branches. They also have gray skin, reddish brown, short and thick hair. Tarsius spectrum mainly eats insects includes moth,

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Togean Tarsier (By Myron S)

ermites, crickets, dragonflies, cockroaches, and beetles while sometimes they also catch izard, crabs, and small snakes.

In Togean Islands, the tarsier’s habitats are on primer and secondary forest. They also an be found in open forest and dry agriculture (ladang). This species are nocturnal, while uring daylight spend their time for sleep on the trees. Bamboo thickets, vines tangles, and ollow trunks are used as sleeping places but the most favored spot is the intertwined roots f large strangler figs (Ficus sp). Tarsiers have wide distribution in Togean forests, ncluding Batudaka, Togean, and Talatakoh Island. According to the new research, Tarsius in ogean has been proposed to be a new species separately from the Tarsius spectrum in ulawesi mainland.

HREATS

In general, people of Malenge considers the Togean macaque as pest for their coconut lantations. During prolonged dry season when freshwater become difficult to find in their abitat, macaques often visit local people’s coconut plantations to eat their fruits as well as o drink its water. This circumstance is still in debating since scientific perspective entions this invasion happens due to their natural habitats are already being limited and estructed by human activities; while at the other side people argues for its bad impacts to heir plantation. However, it cannot be claimed also that this species attack only caused by eforestation since there is no specific research conducted to clarify this situation.

Up to now, there is no information to mention whether the Togean macaque’s population ncrease or decrease. The only information about their population was based on the ABSHI’s surveys during 1995-1996 that recorded approximately 200 individuals. We do

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not know whether macaque population has exceeded the environment carrying capacity or not. Macaque’s predators in Malenge are human that kills them as well as snakes (Phyton spp) despite its population is predicted in decline.

Habitat degradation and extensive hunting are the main threats to tarsiers in Togean Islands. Some driving factors to the habitat loss include forest logging, settlement expansion, and extended plantation. Tarsiers have widely spread distribution in Togean’s main islands such as Batudaka, Togean, Talatakoh, Malenge, Waleakodi and Waleabahi Island, mainly in primer and secondary forest. They also can be found on coconut and cacao plantations near village. They are relatively easy to find in western of Batudaka Island up to Waleakodi Island in the eastern of Togean.

Unfortunately, Togean people often catch tarsier considering this creature eats their cacao, fruits, papaya, or other cultured plants. This reason is actually not true since tarsiers are insectivorous mammal, not the frugivorous. IUCN giving data deficient categorized for Tarsius spectrum, also Appendix II by CITES. The Indonesian government by Forestry Department has been legalizing animal protection rules PP No. 7/1999 about wildlife preservation rules, including Tarsius spectrum trade and preserved inside.

Babirusa

Despite limited information and researches on babirusa species in Togean Islands, there is a significant publication by Erik Meijaard and Colin Groves (2002) who analyzed external morphology and dental characteristic of babirusa specimens.

Meijaard and Groves has surprisingly concluded that Togean Islands specimens are significantly different from other specimens. Therefore, they proposed that the taxon should be elevated to species level, to be Babyrousa togeanensis.

Furthermore, Meijaard and Groves noted:

“…Babyrousa togeanensis has been isolated for some 12,000 years, and that it would have its closest relatives on the eastern arm of Sulawesi mainland...the ancestors of B. togeanensis have reached the islands by swimming and their isolation could thus be shorter. Finally, we cannot exclude that B. togeanensis was introduced to the islands by people, but its precise relationship will become clearer only if specimens from the eastern arm become available…” (2002).

Babirusa in Togean Islands

(photo: M. Akbar-Yabshi)

THREATS

There is no information reporting that pigs are intentionally hunted in Togean Islands for trade or consumption as currently found in several places in northern part of Sulawesi. But, local farmers-- in Batudaka Island, Malenge Island, Togean Island, and Talatakoh Island--inform that they usually prevent pigs

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(whether babirusa species or not) attacking their plants by bamboo traps surrounding the field. Nevertheless, the accurate condition of Togean babirusa and their habitat is needed by further survey.

Reptiles

Brackish crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) are found in Togean, while in some places they were caught by villagers. People usually unintentionally find crocodile near mangrove area when they carry out daily activities or when the reptiles coming near to the settlements for foods. It was recorded four villages that ever caught this species, Melam, Patoyan, Titirii, and Patoyan.

Togean monitor lizard (Varanus togeanus) are common in Togean, where their habitats are in mangrove, primary or secondary forest, farms, and shrubs. Sometimes this species migrates to another island by swimming across the narrow strait.

THREATS

Mangroves clearing are the biggest threat to the crocodile’s habitat. Increase people activities in mangrove area will disturb crocodile habitat. Some facts were showing that people catch and kill crocodile while meet them on mangrove area. Forest clearing for agriculture, forest fires, and mangrove degradations are environmental degradation that also affect Togean monitor. Agriculture and forest fire were destroying shrubs habitats that favored by Togean monitor.

As part of Wallacea region, Togean consists of some of the region’s endemic species: red knobbed hornbill (Rhyticeros cassidix), deer-pig (Babyroussa babirussa), cuscus bear (Phalanger ursinus), spectral tarsiers (Tarsius spectrum); and also the togean’s endemic species such as togean macaque (Macaca togeanus) and togean monitor lizard (Varanus togeanus).

All species mentioned above were already listed into CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) Red Data Book. For example, the deer-pig was already categorized in Appendix I where the trade of all parts both live and death deer-pig is prohibited in order to avoid extinction.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TERRESTRIAL PROTECTION

1. TO EVALUATE AND PREVENT DOWNSTREAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES

Marine environments are not affected by its marine’s destructive activities only, but also land-based activities. Uncontrolled forest clearing for agriculture has been increasing erosion, which in turn introduces higher sediment loads into watercourses. These sediments are discharged into coastal waters where they can smoother and kill coral reefs. Watershed protection should be a primary objective of any management plan for area. Implementing this objective will also target agricultural activities that can have negative downstream impacts on coastal and marine environments. Once this objective is successfully designed and implemented, watershed protection will prevent some irreversible environmental

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consequence in near-shore waters, while also helping rivers and stream support people and freshwater biodiversity. Watershed protection is becoming crucial throughout the area.

2. IMPROVING MANAGEMENT OF REMAINING PROTECTED FOREST AREAS FOR THREATENED SPECIES

In some big islands, such as Batudaka, Malenge, Talatakoh and Togean, the existing protected forests are designed on Spatial Planning Document as islands protection from erosion, water catchment area, and habitats for endangered species. Unfortunately, these protected areas are not managed properly. Illegal logging and agriculture expansion have shrunk the forest cover within the areas, which after will imbalance the ecosystem and reduce habitats for some endangered species. The most recent condition, it is more difficult for local community at some villages to find water, particularly in dry season.

Threatened species Togean macaque (Macaca togeanus), coconut crab (Birgus latro), deer-pig (Bayrousa babirussa), red-knobbed hornbill (Rhyticeros cassidix), and tarsier (Tarsius spectrum) need conservation actions to protect their survival on forest. It is presumably that Malenge is a perfect choice because this island keeps all of threatened species mentioned above as well as remains protected forest for their natural habitat. Local communities’ involvement is a must, for improving the management of protected forest in Malenge island and another islands in Togean as well. Local community, as a key player, should play important role in designing conservation Malenge’s remain forest from illegal logging, unregulated farm expansion, or forest fire. It does not necessarily mean that conservation area, with resources and commodity inside, is denied to local community. It is indeed people can access forest products in sustainable ways.

3. MAKING QUOTA FOR COCONUT CRABS (Birgus latro) AND PARROTS (PSITTACIDAE) TO PROTECT THEIR POPULATION IN THE WILD

Exploitation on Coconut crab (Birgus latro) and parrots (Psittacidae) still continue, although these species have been categorized as protected animal with restricted use. Hundreds of individual coconut crabs are usually ordered as cottages’ request to fulfill tourists’ consumption, especially in peak season. In Wakai (Capital of Una Una) market, buyers are ready to buy coconut crabs from local people and then send them to Ampana or Gorontalo in the mainland to fulfill exclusive restaurant’s requests.

Parrots are also in problem by hunting, especially to fulfill request of animal pet trade in Sulawesi mainland. The trend shows parrots become an interest commodity that result income for local people or buyers.

The quota system, held by forestry board in join with local police department at least would reduce exploitation of coconut crabs and parrots. The main objective for quota system is to keep population of coconut crabs and parrots in the wild balance.

4. ON GOING BIODIVERSITY MONITORING IN TOGEAN ISLANDS

The Togean’s biodiversity richness can be better managed through on going biodiversity monitoring. Biodiversity monitoring includes mapping of species distribution, population census, habitats condition, species threatened levels, threat factors for species survival,

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etc. Result of monitoring would be an important database that can be applied for defining important conservation actions, such as protected habitat programs and species threatened saving programs, supporting policy making process as well as support in finding appropriate and sustainable economic activities for the local people.

5. LAND-BASE REHABILITATION

One of solution to reduce environmental degradation is, by rehabilitation programs. Unproductive land in some islands can be rehabilitated with reforestation by planting the commercial trees or culture plants that able to repair soil quality and lessen run off process. One of the big problem on rehabilitation program in Togean Islands is unclear land-property right. Considering this condition, the first step that should be conducted is to build up consensus between community and local government on land property right, to prevent land authority problems once the rehabilitation program is implemented. Rehabilitated area will be utilized for buffer zone with restricted use. Rehabilitation can reduce sedimentation process, increasing water catchments areas as well as maintaining natural habitats for certain faunas.

It could be said, in general there are two big threats to Togean’s terrestrial biodiversity, loss of habitats and exploitation on endangered or endemic species. III. CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Some conservation initiatives were carried out by government, NGOs, and also communities.

1. Conservation International-Indonesia (CII), Palu Office

CII has been working in Togean Islands since 1994, while in 2000 was established as Palu Office to keep on committed on conservation efforts. CII encouraged conservation efforts include the formation of Joint Secretary (Sekretariat Bersama) of Togean Consortium in 1997 and initiated community-based conservation with integrated approach. In 1998, CII conducted Marine Rapid Assessment Program (Marine RAP) in Togean and Banggai Islands. This program resulted scientific report on biodiversity and reefs condition, fishes and mollusk. This survey was implemented by the Marine Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) of the Center for Applied Biodiversity Science at Conservation International in collaboration with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI). The goal of Marine RAP was to rapidly generate and disseminate information on coastal and near-shore shallow-water marine biodiversity for conservation purposes.

In 2001, CII Palu Office conducted Mangrove Ecosystem Participatory Study and Monitoring through mapping of mangrove biodiversity, habitat degradation assessment, and local’s utilization in 5 sites encompassing Taningkola, Lembanato, Biga, Bambu, and Kabalutan village. The survey was conducted through combining local knowledge and scientific based. This study recorded mangrove diversity, level of degradation in some sites, as well as local knowledge on mangrove use. Result of this study could be used to support mangrove conservations efforts in Togean Islands.

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During 2001-2002, CI and RARE for Tropical Biodiversity conducted conservation education campaign (CEC) at more than 60 elementary schools in Togean. The main topic of this campaign was awareness on coral reefs conservation from destructive fishing, with napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) as the flagship species. Even though destructive fishing practices are still occurred in Togean, the campaign stimulated coral reef conservation becomes popular discussion within communities around Togean. Furthermore Kabalutan, a village inhabited mostly by the Bajau initiated to establish Village Regulation (PERDES) in order protecting their traditional fishing grounds as well as coral reef areas from destructive fishing. It was impressively conservation awareness since the Bajau Kabalutan has been being stigmatized for long times as a place of reefs destructors.

2. Local NGOs

YABSHI was the first organization conducted biolo“UEMATA” at Malenge Island

The local NGO Toloka different angle and more fomanagement and policy. For eRDTR (Spatial Planning) in ornatural resources. In Togorganizations and their comproposed to Poso Regency foAlliance of Togean Islands NGOs for Environment), Tolocompany that alleged for de(northern Togeans). The confat Poso District court.

Salami is another local Nrehabilitation program in Tofunded by GEF-SGP. The taLembanato villages. Actually, mangrove habitat and reh

Conservation Education by CII

NGO entered Togean Islands in 1993. This Jakarta-based gical research on 1993-2001, that set up Research Station , was long-time partner to CII.

Foundation has been conducting conservation program with cus on political advocacy for community on natural resources xample, they proposed revision of Rencana Detail Tata Ruang-der to give more chance for local community in managing their ean, Toloka worked jointly with some community based munity organizers. The result of Toloka mapping has been r RDTR (Rencana Detail Tata Ruang) revision. Together with Indigenous People (AMAT) and Walhi (Forum of Indonesian ka foundation advocate local people against cacao plantation

stroying more than 800 ha of people’s forest in Kayome area lict between community and company is still in process of trial

GO working in Togean of which by now carrying out mangrove gean collaborating with local community. This program was rget areas are degraded mangrove forests in Malenge and CII-Palu Office assisted Salami by sharing appropriate data on abilitation technique needed for Togean, and also has

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recommended some particular places where the mangrove rehabilitation is required, nevertheless Salami Foundation has not optimized this shared data yet.

3. Local Government

During year 2002-2006, Regency of Poso will be implementing coral reef rehabilitation programs in Togean Islands, especially on Una Una district. The objectives of program are to identify problems; to arrange a 5 years ecosystem rehabilitation plan with local communities; to develop action plan for ecosystem rehabilitation; as well as to create and develop livelihood alternative in Togean Islands.

Working scopes of the program are evaluating multiple aspects of small islands condition including physical, biology, economic, and culture; site identification for ecosystem rehabilitation in chosen area; defining model and kind of ecosystem rehabilitation activities which the community will participate; and defining all kinds of livelihood alternative that possible in chosen areas. As a pilot project, the program would be undertaken on 2 villages of Kulingkinari and Pulau Anam.

Theoretically, the program will be implemented during year 2002 to 2006 by developing and building infrastructures to enhance community income. For coral reef rehabilitation, local government will provide artificial reef in front of Kulingkinari village and build guarding station to monitor destructive fishing activities. In addition, government will also establish fish landing port, establish an ice-block factory, provide fishing equipments, and training on fisheries. _________________________ References :

Allen, G.R & S. McKenna. (eds). 2001. A Marine Rapid Assessment of the Togean and Banggai Islands, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Rapid Assessment Program. RAP Bulletin of Biological Assessment. Conservation International, Washington : 145 pp

Conservation International, Pijak Foundation. Report of Participatory Mangrove Monitoring Survey. Palu-Office: 2002. Written by Dwi N. Adhiasto and Wirdan Alhasni,

Hutabarat, C.M.T.U. 2001. Traditional fishing techniques of the Bajau Kabalutan community in the Togean Islands, Central Sulawesi and their impact to the coral reefs. Thesis. Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, Depok : x + 119 pp.

Lowe, C. 2000. “Global market, local injustice in Southeast Asia seas : The live fish trade and local fisheries in the Togean Islands of Sulawesi”. In : Zerner, C (ed.). 2000. People,

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plants & justice : The politics of nature conservation. Columbia University Press, New York : 235 –258.

Meijaard, E. and Colin Groves. “Upgrading Three Sub-species of Babirusa (Babyrousa sp.) to Full Species Level”. Asian Wild Pig News. Vol. II. No. 2. 2002. pp. 33-39.

Wallace, C.C, Z. Richards & Suharsono. “Regional distribution patterns of Acropora and their use in the conservation of coral reefs in Indonesia”. Jurnal Pesisir. Vol. 4. No.1. 2001. Proyek Pesisir.

YABSHI. Data compilations & interviews.

Observation and interviews to local people.