LES FORÊTS EN DANGER

J.F.Auguste, forestry_mauritius

Il y a des belles citations sur la forêt.  Voici celles que j’aime et qui demandent réflexion !

“La forêt est une entité singulière, toute de bonté et de bienveillance infinies, qui ne demande rien pour vivre et propose généreusement les produits qu’elle élabore.  Elle donne sa protection à tous les êtres et offrant même son ombre au bûcheron qui vient l’abattre.”  Bouddha 

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      “Partout où l’arbre a disparu, l’homme a étè puni de son imprévoyance”  Chateaubriand

                      “La forêt n’oublie pas que le manche de la hache est en bois” Anonyme

You Tube

                                

    “Un arbre qui tombe fait beaucoup be bruit, une forêt qui germe ne s’entend pas.” Gandhi

SOPHIE NATURE WALK

By S.Ruhumally, forestry_mauritius

The promotion of recreation, leisure and sport activities in forests and natural wilderness areas is one of the main objectives of the National Forest Policy of Mauritius (2006).   The Forestry Service had created four Nature Walk at Bras D’Eau, Monvert, Powder Mills and Sophie respectively during the last decade.   However, Bras D’Eau was proclaimed National Park in 2011.

 Sophie Nature Walk close to Mare-aux-Vacoas Reservoir

                                                  

Sophie Nature Walk is situated in the Mare-aux-Vacoas region.  It comprises a Visitor Interpretation Centre, a Museum, a Trail of length 1.8 km, Kiosks, Tables & Benches, Picnic Areas and a Parking Area. Many rare native/endemic plants have been planted in the Nature Walk. Some 10,000 people, both local & tourist, visit the Nature Walk annually.  The entrance is free. It is opened to the public as from 08.00 hrs to 15.00 hrs during weekdays and 09.00 hrs to 16.00 hrs on public holidays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

You are invited to visit Sophie Nature Walk.  A few snapshots just to tempt you!

 You are welcome to enter the Nature Walk

                                                 

 Path leading to the picnic zone

                                                     

The Forest Museum

  The magnificent pond - Sophie Stream

                                           

  A small wooden bridge to admire the bald cypress

                                      

                                                                           Picnic Area

Native/Endemic plants growing well in the shade of the tall Pine trees

DOWN MEMORY “FOREST” LANE

EPISODE 1: A FUNNY CHASE

By M.T. Pyneeandy, forestry_mauritius

The majority of the population in rural areas used firewood and wood charcoal for cooking and heating purposes in the 1970s and early 1980s.  Mauritius was a poor country and life was very hard at that time.

It was common for villagers to come on state forest lands to collect firewood.  As the demand for firewood was high, many poor people could not resist the temptation to cut trees illegally on state lands in order to make ends meet.  There were also some unscrupulous persons who found illegal logging a lucrative business, and sometimes with the blessing of some corrupt Forest Officers (Les brebis galeuse).

Mountain Anse Jonchée 

   

On a hot Saturday in December, 1982, three colleagues and I set off for patrol duties at Mountain Anse Jonché, Vieux Grand Port.  No sooner had we reached the foot of the mountain than we heard the sound of chopping wood.   Together we quickened our steps and reached the edge of the forest.  We did not take the zig-zag forest track but moved straight across the vegetation in the direction of the noise.  We were excited at the thought of catching someone red-handed.  Suddenly we saw a tall dark man cutting a tree with an axe.  He was surprised and frightened to see us.  In a matter of a few seconds, he jumped on the zig-zag track and took to his heels uphill with the axe in his right hand.  Without wasting time, we chased after him. 

The slope was quite steep and my colleagues could not keep pace in the sweltering heat.  One by one they stopped to rest.  I was the only one behind the woodcutter.  It did not take long for him to regain his sense and realized what was happening.  All of a sudden, he turned around, raised his axe menacingly and started chasing me.  He blurted out: “Aster mo pou coupe toi” (Now I will chop you).  I was shocked in disbelief and my heart kept pounding. I ran downhill as quickly as I could.  I shouted to the top of my voice to warn my colleagues of this mad man.  We all ran down without looking back.  Fortunately, he stopped chasing us after a few minutes.  We reached the foot of the mountain exhausted but with a sigh of relief.  What a narrow escape!

RESTORING THE NATURAL BIODIVERSITY AND PROMOTION OF HONEY BEES FOR POLLINATION OF CROP PRODUCTION ALONG RIVER BANKS

By A. Janky, forestry_mauritius

The Forestry Service and the Small Farmers Welfare Fund (SFWF) are jointly implementing the project “Restoring the Natural Biodiversity and Promotion of Honey Bees for Pollination of Crop Production along River Banks”.

 Palmiste Rodrigues trees planted on the banks of Rivulet Tatamaka

The project was launched by the Minister of Agro Industry & Food Security, the Honourable Mr.  M. K. Seeruttun, on the 5^th of July, 2018, at Rivulet Tatamaka, Glen Park, Vacoas, in the presence of the Conservator of Forests, Mr.V.Tezoo, the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mr.P.Khurun, the Manager of SFWF, Mr.R.Bheekarry, and the community of vegetable growers in the region.

 Ebony tree

                                                                   

 Tatamaka tree

                                                                

The melliferous native trees already planted within the reserves of Rivulet Tatamaka, on both banks, are growing well.  The restocking of the reserves with suitable native tree species will help stabilise the river banks, reduce soil erosion and prevent siltation of the river bed, thus reducing overflowing and flooding during heavy rainfall.

THE MAURITIUS STRANGLER

By F.Mohit, forestry_mauritius

No, it's not a horror story or movie such as the Boston Strangler, a serial killer, who terrorised the inhabitants of Boston, USA, in the 1960s.  It's just about an exotic plant that was introduced on the island of Mauritius in the early twentieth century, which is terrorising our rare and endangered native/endemic flora. 

 Its scientific name is Hiptage benghalensis, commonly known as Liane Cerf, and is native to India.  It's a woody climber which produces an attractive terminal inflorescence of white with yellow spotted flowers.  The flowers have the same perfume of that of orange plants.  

It is one of the major pests threatening our rare native/endemic flora and is categorised as invasive alien species (IAS).  IAS are introduced plants, animals and micro-organisms whose establishment and spread threaten ecosystems, habitat or species. 

 Hiptage benghalensis winding around a young Ebony tree

                                     

It is widespread at low altitude but is rapidly gaining ground in the uplands due to its prolific nature.  It produces a three winged fruit which rotates like a helicopter propeller and can be carried over long distances by wind.

It's one of the worst nightmares for our native/endemic flora to have this "serial killer" in their habitat.  The Strangler coils around its host (as seen in the picture) and like a sadistic killer will torment it slowly till its death.  The young Ebony tree is doomed if nothing is done.  Fortunately, the tree has been saved by the Forestry Service, which has taken prompt action to get rid of this Strangler.

However, the fight against alien invasive species is very difficult and costly.  The IAS are very prolific and tenacious.  We need the help of all stakeholders including the general public to protect our remaining native/endemic fauna and flora.  You can make a difference by avoiding the spread of IAS and favouring the planting of decorative native plants. We rely on your precious help.  Thanks!

THE FOREST LAND INFORMATION SYSTEM

By F.Mohit, forestry_mauritius


Is there a need to create a new Unit at the Forestry Service to run the Forest Land Information System (FLIS)?

Geographical Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) are powerful tools that are gradually being integrated in almost every field where geographical data are significant.  They are used worldwide in Forestry, Environment, Health, Public Utilities, Transport, Police, among others.  These technologies are becoming indispensable for good and effective decision-making and monitoring purposes.  The advantages are:-

• Visualisation impact
• Analytical capability
• Ability to integrate divergent sources of data
• Producing updated and updateable maps known as smart maps
• Sharing of information

They have many applications in forestry which include forest inventory, stock-mapping, change detection, forest encroachment,  forest fire, conservation of biological diversity, among others.  Moreover, in Mauritius, they could be used to effectively monitor and control deer ranching activities on leased state forest lands.

Historical Background

The FLIS was one of the main components of the project " Capacity Building for Sustainable Land Management in the Republic of Mauritius" funded by UNDP/GEF/FAO (2006-2010). Hardware, software, satellite imagery were purchased and some data ( raster, vector and attribute data) were acquired.  The FLIS was set up in 2009, but it was almost inactive due to lack of a GIS Specialist and trained staff.  One of the recommendations was to set up a Unit, known as the FLIS Unit, at the Forest Service.  However, owing to acute shortage of staff, it never materialised.

 Satellite Spot Imagery of the island of Mauritius (2006)

                                             

Present Situation

Some twenty three Forest Officers have just completed the first year of the Diploma in Forestry Course at the University of Mauritius.  They have successfully passed the module on GIS and RS and are eager to put the new knowledge acquired into practice.

The setting up of a FLIS unit is an opportunity to create additional posts.  The Unit could be under the charge of a CFCEO and assisted by a PFCEO, one SFCEO and two FCEOs!!!

What are your views and suggestions? The debate is hereby launched!!!

Acronyms
CFCEO: Chief Forest Conservation & Enforcement Officer
PFCEO: Principal Forest Conservation & Enforcement Officer
SFCEO: Senior Forest Conservation & Enforcement Officer
FCEO: Forest Conservation & Enforcement Officer

NATIVE FOREST WONDERS OF MAURITIUS

By R.Ramjaun, forestry_mauritius

Our native forest harbours such a vast range of decorative flowers which could inspire a lot of our landscapers.

I invite you to feel the pride of some of the natural heritage assets of the Mauritian forest.

The former National flower, Ochna mauritiana (Bois bouquet banané)

The actual National flower, Trochetia boutoniana ( Boucle d'oreille)

                            

A native orchid, Cryptopus elatus (Liane camaron)

 The most Critically Endangered Trochetia species, Trochetia parviflora, confined to only two stations namely at Chamarel and on Corps de Garde mountain. Rediscovered after 138 years of extinction, in 2001 by a team of the Mauritius herbarium

Endemic to the mountain Le Morne, Helichrysum mauritianum (Immortelle du Morne)

Dombeya acutangula var. rosea (Bois bete), endemic to Mauritius and Reunion islands

THE CHALLENGE OF FOREST PROTECTION & CONSERVATION IN MAURITIUS

By F.Mohit, forestry_mauritius

Mauritius, a small island developing state (SIDS), is located in the South West Indian Ocean.  Its total land area is around 1865 Km² for a population of nearly 1.3 million.  The island of Mauritius was originally covered mostly with a dense tropical forest comprising a lot of unique species of fauna and flora.  Unfortunately, due to deforestation, most of the native forests have disappeared together with rare animal and plant species including the famous Dodo, which has become a symbol of extinction worldwide.

The remnants of the native forest are now mostly confined to mountain tops, gorges and other inaccessible areas.  However, these forests still harbour a rich biological diversity of fauna and flora with high level of endemism.  The island has been identified as a Centre of Plant Diversity by IUCN, and Mascarenes (Mauritius, La Reunion and Rodrigues) have been included in the Madagascar and Indian Ocean islands biodiversity hotspot.
                                 

        Remnant of Ebony & Bois D'Olive Native Forest at Anse Jonchée

                          

Mauritius faces several challenges that impact its forests and biodiversity: small size, high population density, limited resources, dependence on international trade, highly vulnerable to natural as well as environmental disasters (global warming, sea level rise, tsunamis, flooding, cyclones, etc.). Today the main threats to forests and biodiversity are invasive alien species, deforestation and climate change. 

We have a mammoth task to reverse the trend of forest loss and degradation, and consequent loss of biodiversity.  Although the challenge is daunting, we believe that a sustainable forest future is still possible in Mauritius with the collaboration of all stakeholders and international organizations.