IS COVID-19 A WARNING SIGN FOR MAN TO COME BACK TO NATURE?

By F.Mohit - forestry_mauritius

The rate of deforestation in the world is more than 10 million hectares annually.  Forests are the first to be sacrificed for economic development and monetary gains.

Forests are the lungs of the world.  They absorb carbon dioxide and release vast amount of oxygen.  Covid-19 attacks human lungs, and infected people gasp for oxygen.  Is this a sign to stop destroying trees and forests?

.  Newton third law of motion: To every action there is a reaction.

It is rightly said that a picture is worth a thousand words.  The aggression on forests and nature is relentless in the world.

Is it to late to stop this massacre?  The world population is increasing and it is predicted to reach 9 Billion in 2050.  This means more forest lands will have to make way for food production, human settlement and urbanization.  Or is it that Nature will hit back and reduce the human population to sustainable level through deadly diseases?  

Note: Photos are courtesy from Save Earth

 PHASING OUT TIMBER PRODUCTION IN MAURITIUS

By F.Mohit - forestry_mauritius

The National Forest Policy of Mauritius (2006) lays more emphasis on conservation of forests, and it was unanimously agreed during its formulation to phase out timber production.  In the past, forests were managed mainly for timber production.    Today the state forest plantations (about 12,000 hectares) are no longer exploited, and the Wood Exploitation License of registered Woodmerchants has not been renewed in 2021, in line with the current policy of phasing out timber production.   These plantations consist of exotic tree species with Pine the predominant one. 

                                                                             Pine plantation at Sophie 

                                                                   

 One of the main objectives of The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAP) of 2006-2015 & 2016-2025 is to convert at least 50 % of these plantations to native forests.  However, up to now, progress is at a snail's pace.  The major constraints are inadequate resources (both human & financial), lack of an investment programme, inadequate commitment at the highest level and the exorbitant costs involved.

The Forestry Service is presently facing an acute shortage of staff and lack of funds to properly fulfill its mandate, and the situation may worsen as the priority of the Government will be elsewhere in the face of the pandemic Covid 19.  Forest operations are being curtailed with the result that proper forest management is in jeopardy.  For example, many forest plantations require thinnings as illustrated by the picture below.  The overcrowded trees are thin due to high competition for air, water and nutrients. 

                                                      Pine plantation urgently requiring thinning

The following picture shows a mature Pine plantations where regular thinnings have been done.  The health and size of trees are remarkable.

                                                                Pine plantation that had been properly managed
                                      

Was it premature to phase out timber production? Trees, like any living thing, have a lifespan.  In a pure (no alien species) natural forest, old trees die and are replaced by younger ones. In other words the forest renew itself perpetually.  In contrast, when old trees in forest plantations (which is mostly monoculture, i.e. consisting of only one tree species) die, they are not replaced.  In fact most of the old plantations in Mauritius are being degraded with high mortality rate, and the invasion of alien plant species such as Chinese guava.  The following picture shows a highly degraded Pine plantation in the Black River Gorges National Park (BRGNP).

                                                  Very degraded Pine Plantation in the BRGNP

I believe that timber production can be phased out only when the objective of the NBSAP has been achieved, i.e. the conversion of at least 50 % of the forest plantations.  Timber exploitation can offset the high costs of converting these exotic plantations to native forests (More than Rs 1 Million is required for the successful conversion of one hectare).  Registered Woodmerchants exploit timber on state forest lands at their own costs.  Moreover, Government will collect substantial revenues in terms of royalties.  The money obtained can be used in the reforestation project. Forest policy is a dynamic process that is reviewed periodically.  

I hope this article will trigger discussion on the present challenges facing forest management in Mauritius.  Your views and opinions are highly welcome!!!

 

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR PUBLIC OFFICERS (MINISTRY OF CIVIL SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS)

1.    Purpose of the Code

The Code of Ethics sets out the standards of correct conduct expected of Public Officers.  It emphasizes the importance of a responsible, responsive and caring Civil Service and is intended to promote effective administration and responsible behaviour.

2.    Values and Principles

The three guiding principles of the Code are as follows:

1)    Public Officers shall fulfill their lawful obligations to Government with professionalism, integrity and loyalty;

2)    Public Officers shall perform their official duties honestly, faithfully and efficiently while respecting the rights of the public and their colleagues; and

3)    Public Officers shall not bring the Civil Service into disrepute through their private activities.

Moreover, to inspire public confidence and trust, this code rests upon a number of core values, which require that Public Officers behave with:

Integrity          -           Putting the obligations of the Civil service above one’s

                                own personal interests.

Selflessness -           Avoid seeking personal gain or financial or other material

                                benefits for one’s family or friends through one’s official

                                position.

Impartiality     -           Acting solely according to the merits of a case and 

                                serving the Government of the day, irrespective of one’s

                                own political affinity or preference.

  

Objectivity      -           Favouring meritocracy and basing one’s advice and

                                decisions on rigorous analysis of evidence.

Accountability -         Being responsible and accountable for one’s decisions

                                and actions.

Openness     -           Being as open as possible in one’s decisions and

                               providing justification for one’s actions whenever required.

Honesty         -           Acting in good faith and being truthful.

Justice           -           Adhering to the principles of natural justice.

3.    Personal and Professional Behaviour

Public Officers have a duty to treat the public and their colleagues with courtesy and respect.  They shall therefore:

·         Not cause embarrassment to colleagues or members of the public by their dress, speech of behaviour;

·         Not consume alcoholic beverages while on duty;

·         Not engage in gambling by any means at the workplace;

·         Not smoke where it is illegal or where it is likely to inconvenience others;

·         Not cause distress to their colleagues, or otherwise contribute to disruption of the working atmosphere in the workplace;

·         Not discriminate against any person on ground of sex, marital status, colour, race, ethnic or national origin, disability, political opinion, occupation, status, sexual orientation, religious or ethical beliefs;

·         Not harass, bully or otherwise intimidate members of the public or colleagues;

·         Respect the privacy of individuals;

·         Have due regard for the safety of the public and colleagues at the workplace.

DOWN MEMORY "FOREST" LANE

EPISODE 5: DO WHAT I SAY AND NOT WHAT I DO

By C. Ramful (CFCEO), forestry_mauritius

My ex-boss, who was the brain behind several successful forestry projects, was also renowned to adore eating, drinking and merry-making.

Consequently, he landed up with some health issues for which he was put on a detox programme and had to follow a strict vegetarian diet.

One day he called me and confided how he was feeling rejuvenated and recharged. He lectured to me at length on the benefits of a vegetarian diet.Finally, he summed up exhorting me to become a vegetarian.

 I hesitatingly informed him that I am already a vegetarian for more than 25 years to which he nodded in appreciation. I discreetly started making a move towards the door.  Then, I mustered some courage and queried whether he was still on a vegetarian diet.

He naughtily smiled and replied “Have you ever seen a lion becoming vegetarian permanently? ‘’. I got my answer and left ruminating over the famous quote “Do what I say and not what I do”

CHRISTMAS TREES

By F.Mohit, forestry_mauritius

The Forestry Service has maintained this old tradition of supplying X-mas trees at a nominal price to meet the local demand.  In Mauritius, Pine is the favourite evergreen tree used because of its scent.  However, some people prefer Araucaria or Cypress.  X-mas trees are decorated with lights and ornaments as a part of Christmas festivities. These trees can be fresh-cut, potted, or artificial and are used as both indoor and outdoor decorations. While the trees are traditionally associated with Christian symbolism, their modern use is largely secular and adopted by all sections of the population in Mauritius. Children love to collect their presents at the foot of a well decorated X-mas tree on the 25^th of December.

Sale of X-mas trees at Curepipe Nursery-Southern Range

The sale of X-mas trees has declined over the years from some 12,000 trees in the 1990s to only some 1,000 trees at present.  This is due to a shift from fresh-cut Pine to artificial trees which can be used for many years and thus cheaper.  More and more people are using potted trees, especially Araucaria and Cypress, which can be used as X-mas trees for at least four or five years. Nowadays people are more conscious of the environment and prefer more eco-friendly practices such as purchasing a potted X-mas tree or an artificial one.

Pine are planted under High Tension Lines for X-mas trees

Forestry_mauritius takes this opportunity to wish everybody a merry X-mas and a happy new Year 2019.  May the new year bring prosperity, success and innovative ideas to the Forestry Service, its staff and members of the public.

DOWN MEMORY "FOREST" LANE

EPISODE 4: INDECENT PROPOSAL
By M.T. Paneeandy, forestry_mauritius

In the 1970s, many women in rural areas had to collect firewood in nearby state forest lands.  It was common scene to see women carrying a bundle of firewood sticks on their heads.  Poverty was rampant at that time and the majority of the population had no choice but to use firewood for cooking and heating purposes.

In the past women came to collect firewood on state forest land 

Late Mr.Casanova, who was posted at Thorel Forest Section, was an unscrupulous Officer whose motto in life was exploiting uneducated people for personal gains and pleasure.  He relished the sight of women collecting firewood on state forest lands.  Most of the women brought a cutting implement (billhook) with them in order to cut the wood into small pieces (carrying a cutting implement on state forest land is an offence).

Whenever he wanted to satisfy his lusts, he would wait for the women like the coyote/hyena waiting for its prey.  He would pick on the most attractive woman and made his indecent proposal: “Either I establish contravention and take you to Court or gunny mat.”

The women knew him well and tried to avoid him at all costs.  They were terrified at the thought of meeting him in the forest.  But when the inevitable happened, the poor, illiterate and helpless woman would plead and beg for mercy.  However, the man was a callous rascal.  Very often the woman would give in just to avoid the hassle and troublesome situation.  

Many women had fallen victim to this corrupt man.  One day the women decided to have their revenge and taught him a memorable lesson.  Some of them told their husbands that they were being harassed by him.  Together they concocted a plan.  They used a beautiful young woman to lure the rascal in a remote corner where the men would lay in ambush.

Mr.Casanova was so excited the see that a young beautiful woman was interested to flirt with him. He was so proud of him at that particular moment.  They walked together in the forest like a romantic couple.  However, within a matter of seconds, they were surrounded by some strong and angry men.  The men told the girl to leave. Needless to tell what happened next.  Mr.Casanova could hardly walk after the men left.  He felt so humiliated and dejected to report the matter to the Police.  In fact, he kept quiet but the news spread like wildfire in the neighbourhood.  He became the laughing stock and the butt of all kind of jokes!!!

Note from forestry_mauritius:  Hopefully these bygone days, where corruption and malpractices were the norm, are history and will serve as a reminder to those who may still be tempted by corruption and malpractices.  We, forestry-mauritius, are fully committed to fight corruption in all its forms for a better Forestry Service.  We shall relentlessly raise awareness on the codes of ethics and good conduct.

FIREFIGHTING COURSE, NELSPRUT, SOUTH AFRICA

PRESCRIBED BURNING

By K. Sookee, forestry-mauritius

I was delegated by the Forestry Service, Ministry of Agro Industry & Food Security to follow a five-day intensive course on prescribed burning at NELSPRUT, SOUTH AFRICA from 17th to 23^rd July 2017.  The course was sponsored by the SADC in collaboration with the KISHUGU Academy and JICA, in SOUTH AFRICA.

I wish to share the experience I gained from the workshop with my colleagues of the Forestry Service. The lecture sessions were conducted at the KISHUGU academy whereas the practical and the post monitoring were held in the BREAKTHROUGH Academy.

BREAKTHROUGH ACADEMY

First of all, I would like to define the term prescribed burning. It is a desired fire ignited by persons intentionally burning specific fuels according to approved plans for a specific area to achieve resource management objectives. It is a crucially important tool currently in use both internationally and throughout Africa in plantations, grasslands and fynbos.

Prescribed fires differ from wild fires. Prescribed fire is any non-structural fire deliberately ignited in vegetation or natural fuels.   In contrast a wild fire is an unwanted fire.  Prescribed fire in South Africa may provide multiple benefits. It can reduce fire hazards by reducing fuels, improving habitats for diverse wild life species, reducing competition. The advantages of prescribed burning are that it improves wild life habitat, manages competitive vegetation, control insects and diseases, improves forages for grazing, enhances appearance and access to Ecotourism.  It also contributes to pasture managements through removing moribund grasses, recycle nutrients, reduces the level of mechanical or herbicide treatment needed.  However, it has also some disadvantages on human health and welfare. The smoke may have some negative effects on health of inhabitants and may also have impacts on the survival of wild life.

The lectures were conducted by experienced tutors. During the workshop a prescribed burning plan was implemented under favourable weather conditions on a farmer’s land at NELSPRUT.

An authority was sought from the fire protection association for the clearance of setting the fire with consideration given to the fire danger index as set in the table below:-

The speed of the wind, temperature, relative humidity and the wind direction were considered for a good fire behavior. A training was given for the use of fire equipments such as fire bats, knap sacks, drip torches, etc.

Use of Fire Bats and Protective Equipments

After all the conditions were met, the fire was set on the farmer’s land. Before doing so, fire-breaks were opened all across the farmer’s land in order to avoid any escape fire.  A drone was used to scrutinize the area to see all the hazards that may be encountered such as slopes, moribund grasses, serpents, wild life, and sensitive areas.

Use of Drone to survey the Area  

Strip burning techniques were adopted to burn the farmer’s land. A fire team was established by the fire expert tutor comprising of a unit leader for execution of the burning plan.  The area, some ten hectares of grass, was burnt in blocks. Drip torches were used by a competent Officer for ignition and all equipment properly established on site to mitigate any mishaps or any recurrence of fire. After the operation done a post monitoring was carried out by the tutor to see if there had been any shortcomings or discrepancies and if so, what are the future measures to improve. The prescribed burning plan was a success.

Strip Burning

These steps include the preliminary precautions and techniques used to ensure the success of a prescribed burning operation.

Note from forestry_mauritius

Mr. K.Sookee is a Chief Forest Conservation & Enforcement Officer with more than 40 years of experience in Forestry.  He is considered as one of the few Senior Officers from the old guard whose competency, experience, skills and talent are recognised and appreciated by one and all.  His dedication, commitment and hard work make him a role model and an example for the young generation.  Congratulations Sir. We are proud of you.