Monitoring | PANORAMA

Frugal Rehabilitation Demonstration (FRD): developing and adapting the methodology (FRM) through action-research

Once demonstration sites are selected, local ASM groups receive training and are contracted to implement FRM through six steps:

Preparation & Planning: degradation, boundary, hydrological & equipment assessments; labor, volume estimates; waste management; OHS standards
Technical Rehabilitation: infill, regrading and reprofiling; use of limited mechanisation
Topsoils: identification, conservation and re-distribution across sites
Biological Rehabilitation: topsoil enrichment ; natural regeneration assessments; identification of native and key vegetation communities; seed collection; seeds and natural fertilizers distribution into topsoils; tree, shrub and grass plantings
Mitigation Hierarchy: integrating rehabilitation planning into active ASM design and operations so as to reduce primary environmental impacts and unnecessary rehabilitation efforts
Handover of completed rehabilitation site to relevant government administrations for approval/sign-off

National and local government permission to implement Frugal Rehabilitation Demonstration projects.
Resources to fund demonstration labour effort and technical application of methodology at site.
ASM capacity and willingness to receive training and implement the methodology on site.

Successful application of the FRM: all the key physical and ecological requirements for successful rehabilitation are (with few exceptions) available within reasonable proximity of the site. They just need to be identified and adapted to context.
Habitat rehabilitation targeted to native vegetation communities can be successful without the use of non-native species.
Identification and recovery of topsoils are critical to success.
Biological rehabilitation works well together with topsoil seedbank to establish a path to ecological recovery.
Low level mechanised approaches to heavy-lifting of material in topographic filling can be effective but a dependence on mechanisation in the later stages of rehabilitation is not recommended. Overuse of machinery in these latter phases can result in reduced capacity for biological recovery.
FRM can be applied in abandoned areas, where mineral reserves are exhausted, and it can also be integrated into current ASM operations to reduce rehabilitation efforts.
Handover and sign-off from local authorities is key to ensure ongoing commitment.

Documentation and dissemination of results

Establishment of National FRM working group with government and sectoral stakeholders

On the basis that government ministries are willing and able to work together to develop solutions to address impacts of ASM on the wider environment, Protected Areas and on stakeholders impacted by such mining activity, a national working group (which includes such ministries, agencies and relevant representative stakeholders) needs to be established. This will help steer the process of project engagement with local government, artisanal miners and wider stakeholders at the local level to set the scene for Frugal Rehabilitation Demonstration (FRD). A key step in this process is to select sites for FRD that can serve the development and application of the methodology within the ecological, economic and social context. The purpose of establishing this FRM working group is to ensure a participatory, consultative approach to the development of the methodology, and to enable a demonstration site selection process that ensures an informed and strategic approach based on agreed criteria. Sites selected for methodology demonstration need to be typical, representative and associated with formalised ASM capacity to undertake the rehabilitation.

The key enabling factors were the collaborative approach to developing the FRM and adequate resources to undertake the participatory approach both at meetings and in the field. The working group was involved in a coordinated travel program to select, assess, monitor and review rehabilitation progress and approaches at sites.

The working group’s participation and involvement in the development of the FRM was critical to its eventual endorsement and adoption. Key ministries and associated agencies played a role in selecting FRD sites, visiting them through the rehabilitation process and discussing the development of a methodology that was informed through action-research across a range of representative sites. It was also important to have exposure and engagement with formalised artisanal miners, who were keen to participate in the work and help develop a mechanism for promoting best practice and their association with such practice.

Planning phase

Implementation

Monitoring

Documentation and dissemination of results

Ministerial and Sectoral Alignment: a partnership-based approach to developing a Frugal Rehabilitation Methodology

Acknowledging and identifying conflicts between ministries and sectoral stakeholders is important. It is important at the early stages of an initiative to recognise these problems and to establish and work through a consultative platform to make the case for a methodology that is of value to all stakeholders, that is inclusive of artisanal miners and the stakeholders impacted by such mining as well as government ministries. It is only through such collaboration that a methodology can be developed that addresses environmental concerns, meets artisanal miners needs for performance-based incentives and access to land, and can be valued by government in formalising condition-based permitting for mining. It is within the context and platform of engagement that the FRM can be demonstrated to be of value to all stakeholders, and deliver outcomes at the local as well as national level.

Government recognition of range of problems across the sector
Government alignment on best environmental practices and effective enforcement
Government willingness to engage in wider partnerships to assess problems associated with informal ASM and to seek solutions and incentives for better environmental practices
National and stakeholder willingness for ASM formalisation to be conditional on environmental performance
ASM sector willing to implement FRM
Stakeholders willing to endorse ASM licensing based on improved environmental practices

It is critical for the initiative to have support from the national government, as a gateway to engaging with local government and other local stakeholders impacted by artisanal mining. Also, it is important that leading ministries that may potentially hold conflicting views (e.g. mining and environment) appreciate and support the initiatives’ capacity for developing solutions and approaches that can deliver benefits of interest to all parties (ministries).

Documentation and dissemination of results

Sharing lessons learned for replication

The process of establishing the Pakistan’s first MPA has led to a number of valuable lessons being learned, mainly regarding how stakeholders from various sectors (federal and provincial governments, civil society and academia) can collectively work towards pushing through policies for environmental conservation. Pakistan also has a large coastline, and this process can now be replicated for other sites which are rich in biodiversity. Some other potential MPA sites have already been identified, including Churna Island, Miani Hor, and Gwatar Bay. Through regular meetings of the MFF NCB and other regional gatherings Pakistan continues to share its experience establishing Astola Island MPA and vision to establish additional areas.

Strong interest from policy-makers, IUCN Members and civil society to replicate the process to establish Astola Island MPA in other coastal areas in Pakistan.

The MFF NCB is a valuable 'soft governance' platform. Whilst not a formal body, it's unique membership provide a forum for advocay and policy influence with input from a cross section of stakeholders with an interst in coastal resource managment. The continued engagemnt of the NCB will be vital for supporting the development of a management plan for Astola Island and for achieving sustainable coastal resources management in Pakistan.

Monitoring

Documentation and dissemination of results

Subnational

National

Collaboration with forestry enterprise

Slope with juniper woodland above site affected by debris flow

GIZ

Land leased from forestry enterprise to local farmer for rehabilitation

GIZ

Tree nursery of forestry enterprise supported by GIZ

GIZ

The lands where the disaster risk is most critical are typically located downstream and do not belong to the forestry enterprise. The areas where flash floods and debris flows originate are the upstream located upper catchment areas. Many of these areas are managed by the forestry enterprise. Its involvement is therefore crucial.

The forestry enterprise aims at better management of the upper catchments by regulation of grazing, prevention of deforestation and by reforestation activities.

Furthermore in the case of the solution the forestry enterprise provided land for lease to interested community members, which would rehabilitate the land, plant trees and grow fodder for their livestock while preventing overgrazing and destruction of the vegetation.

The key enabling factor is the collaboration between forestry enterprise and local land users, including lease agreements, which provide clear benefits for the users.

The forestry enterprise in Shahriston has long experience in the propagation of native juniper trees and the successful rehabilitation of juniper woodlands using these seedlings. With the assistance by GIZ the forest nursery was fenced to prevent damage by free-ranging livestock and increase the production of native tree seedlings.

Collaboration requires clear mechanisms and the consideration of the interests of different stakeholders. Land-users are ready to take over responsibility on forestry lands only in case of clear agreements securing long-term benefits.

The forestry enterprise in some cases experiences a conflict of interest, which is difficult to address. Much of its income is from the grazing permits issued to livestock owners grazing their livestock on forestry lands. Additionally there is also informal social pressure on the forestry enterprise to allow access for increasing livestock numbers. This conflicts with the function of the forestry enterprise to protect rangelands, woodlands and forests and their ecosystem services. As long as these ecosystem services are not sufficiently honored there will be land degradation increasing the disaster risk. This problem is particularly difficult to address in a transboundary context where upper catchment and affected villages are in different jurisdictions.

Combination of green and grey technologies

Heavy machinery reshaping the riverbed

GIZ

Gabion wall

GIZ

Willows tripods reinforced with stones

GIZ

Prevention of further gully erosion by planted trees

GIZ

Disaster risk management can consist of protective constructions made from stone, concrete and iron ("grey") and the use of protective vegetation ("green"). The combination of both has several advantages. Green measures may need several years before they become effective. At the same time grey measures may lose stability over time, e.g. if gabion wires are corroded or walls are washed out by flowing water. Well maintained trees, however, can serve potentially forever.

The solution inlcuded the combination of green and grey measures in various forms. Riverbeds were reshaped and gabions installed for immediate protection. Trees were planted, in particular in form of tripods from willow branches, reinforced with stones. They will provide long-term protection.

In an upper catchment above a debris flow affected site gullies were blocked with branches and stones and trees planted to stabilize these and prevent further erosion. At the accumulation site, trees with drip irrigation and protected by a temporary fence make the land again usable and fertile and will provide some protection of lower located lands against future debris flows.

Enabling factors include the availability of engineering skills and experience provided by GIZ and related provision of machinery and materials. These were combined with the readiness of local people to contribute work and locally available materials.

The combination of grey and green measures can increase the cost-effectiveness of disaster risk reduction measures. The use of naturally occuring tree species stabilizes of reestablishes natural vegetation and makes use of the ecosystem services.

Green measures can be affected by free-ranging and poorly herded livestock. Temporary fencing, individual protection of trees and good involvement of the local community are therefore essential for the success.

Community participation in planning, construction and maintenance

Discussion of risks and ways to address these

GIZ

Often disaster risk reduction measures are either not effectively meeting the needs of the affected people or are not sustainable in the long term. This can be caused by insufficient involvement of local people in the planning, construction and maintenance of such measures. People in the result do not feel enough responsibility and expect that the organizations, which had built the measures would also care for them.

The participation of local communities in the planning ensured that their knowledge is integrated and their needs and concerns are addressed. They became involved in the construction works and made substantial contributions in form of voluntary communal labour (so-called hashar) and locally available materials. This created a strong sense of ownership.The communities in an informal social selection process identified people with suitable technical and social capacity and appointed appointed them as persons responsible for future maintenance. They will call the community for joint work if necessary.

The persons in charge of caring for the protective measures get as a reward the right to use fuel and forage produced by the protective vegetation.

The tradition of voluntary communal labour (so-called hashar) was an important enabling factor. In a hashar people work jointly on an individual or community project and the beneficiaries provide them with food.

The access to special benefits in form of fuel wood and forage additionally stimulated people to take over long-term responsibility. The other people see this right to use certain resources as a rightful reward for taking the responsibility for the protective structures.

For the success and long-term sustainability it is crucial to involve the community in all stages from planning over implementation to maintenance. The most effective way is to identify people with a high motivation and interest, which can act as initiators and drivers of the process and mobilize other community members.

Use of direct seeding technology with special machinery

Presentation of the newly purchased drilling machine

GIZ

Scales for the dosage of wheat and barley seeds at the drilling machine

GIZ

The direct seeding technology is an important means of reducing input costs and achieving the positive impacts of integrated farming on rain-fed lands. Special machinery combines the application of seeds and fertilizers with closing of the soil cover and removal of surplus old biomass. The machinery is adapted to the local soil and micro-relief conditions.

Individual farmers would not be able to purchase the special machinery on their own. So it had been purchased by the cooperative “Agra va Iqlim” with financial support provided by GIZ. The drilling machine is lent to the farmers, which pay for its use. The payments collected will be used for the maintenance and for the purchase of additional drilling machines to expand the capacity of "Agra va iqlim" to serve more farmers willing to apply the solution.

New machinery, which is not affordable for individual farmers, can be introduced if provided at affordable costs through a cooperative and its effectiveness is shown at demonstration plots.

Implementation

Monitoring

Local

Consultation on agricultural practices and inputs

Demonstration of the drilling machine for direct sowing

GIZ

Explanation of the mechanism of the drilling machine

GIZ

The agricultural extension service of the cooperative "Agra va Iqlim" provides farm-specific advice on choice of crop and the best combination of seeds (varieties), fertilizer, pesticides, cultivation and cultivation technology. The purpose of this building block is to provide the farmers with the best available knowledge to guide their decisions and practice.

The local agricultural extension service combines long-year experience in the specific region with knowledge on internationally available best practices. Further, the extension service collaborates closely with the agricultural departments in the respective districts and it is trusted by the farmers. The collaboration with the GIZ project allowed for the integration of additional state-of-the art technologies.

Agricultural extension needs to be tailored to the specific conditions of the local farmers and all advise has to take into consideration their needs and opportunities, while providing new knowledge and directly applicable suggestions.

Efficient irrigation technology

Outlet of reservoir for drip irrigation with valve for fertilizer application

GIZ

Drip irrigation of fruit tree in household plot

GIZ

Newly planted apple garden in Sayhun town, based on drip irrigation

GIZ

Sprinkler irrigation of potato field

GIZ

Conventional irrigation in the area of the solution had been furrow irrigation only. This technology requires large amounts of irrigation water. In cases of shortage of irrigation water, in particular in drought situations, which due to climate change are increasingly frequent, furrow irrigation is not possible - the water just cannot reach all parts of the field and be taken up by the plants.

In the case of potatos increasing heat causes stress to plants.

As more efficient and climate change adapted irrigation technologies of drip irrigation have been introduced. Drip irrigation allows for a locally targeted provision of irrigation water to individual plants. Additionally it can be used to apply fertilizer in correct dosage and extremely efficiently.

The sprinkler irrigation is highly suitable for potatoes and can help to reduce heat stress in cases where sufficient water of suitable quality is available.

The readiness of farmers to try new irrigation technologies was much driven by the increasing awareness about the limitations of the conventional furrow irrigation, experience of water shortages and the policy of the national and regional governments to apply water efficient irrigation technologies, e.g. in the newly irrigated lands of Sayhun town, which are fully dependent on the costly pump irrigation with water from Syrdarya river. The need was met by the availability of engineering and agricultural knowledge and funding provided by GIZ.

Drip and sprinkler irrigation have been successfully tested in various crops, but the economic viability of these efficient irrigation technologies varies. Drip irrigation is only economically viable where limited irrigation equipment can allow for production of high yield of expensively sold crops, e.g. fruits and melons. For mass crops, like onion and potato, the investment required is too high compared to the prices achieved for the harvest. However, if irrigation water becomes more scarce, irrigation equipment becomes more affordable and/or prices of agricultural products increase, this situation may change and drip irrigation may become affordable for such crops as well.

Sprinkler irrigation already nowadays can be efficient where increasing temperatures challenge the productivity and quality of potato crop.

Planning phase

Implementation

Monitoring

Documentation and dissemination of results

Local