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.

VISION, MISSION & GOAL OF THE FORESTRY SERVICE

By Z.A. Baureck, forestry_mauritius

The Forestry Service of Mauritius is one of the oldest government institutions.  Its mandate is to manage in a sustainable manner the state forest lands, mountain reserves, river reserves, nature reserves and road reserves, amongst others, for the benefits of present and future generations.  The vision, mission and goal are:-

VISION

Our vision is to ensure a healthy forest environment that will satisfy the needs and aspirations of present and future generations for goods and services from our forests in a sustainable manner.

MISSION

Our mission is to manage our forest resources for, with and on behalf of the people of Mauritius.

GOAL

Our goal is the accelerated growth and development of the nation's forest sector in harmony with our Republic National Development Plan.


We aim to fulfill the commitment by:

• Improving the management, protection, rational use, and increase and diversification of our forest resources;
• Taking good care of the water catchment areas in the forests and to ensure a steady supply of water for domestic and other purposes;
• Looking after our rich heritage of native species of plants, birds and other animals; and
• Developing facilities in the forests for recreation and leisure.

As our name suggest, we are at the service of our citizens.

TRAINING ON PRUNING AND TRIMMING OF PLANTS

By C. Ramful (CFCEO), forestry_mauritius

In the past, several in-house training sessions were dispensed by the Forestry Service to its own employees but for the first time a training programme was conducted solely for another institution, viz, the Road Development Authority (RDA).

Manual Pruning

It all started with a meeting at the RDA Head office where a request was addressed to the Conservator of Forests for providing training to general workers engaged in embellishment and maintenance works along the motorway. Thereafter, it was agreed that the training would focus mainly on pruning and trimming techniques.

Motorised Pruning

Subsequently, I was assigned the co-ordination duties and a training programme was mounted under the guidance of Mr Z. Jhumka, Assistant Conservator of Forests.  The training sessions were held on the 3^rd and 4^th of July 2018 at the Forestry Service Head Office and Curepipe Forest Nursery respectively, between 9.00hrs and noon. The kick-off was given by Mr V. Tezoo,  Conservator of Forests, and the various sessions were animated successively by ACF Z. Jhumka, Ag DFO P. Balloo, SFCEO N. Joyram and myself. The attendees included 10 general workers and one leading hand from the RDA.

Use of Lopper

Motorised Hedge Trimming

Power point presentations were made on the following:-

  ·  Importance of landscaping and embellishment;

  ·  Types of plants used;

  ·  Various stages in plant raising and costs; and

  ·   Maintenance and care of plants.

Controlling direction of tree fall 

This was followed by practical sessions on:-

·         Different pruning and trimming techniques;

·         Tree felling;

·         Types of tools and equipments used;

·         Proper handling and maintenance of tools and equipments;

·         Hazard identification and safety precautions; and

·         Use of personal protective equipments.

Explanation on hazard identification

The whole programme was concluded by a short evaluation exercise followed by refreshments. It was a really refreshing and enriching experience for both trainers and trainees.

MAN V/S NATURE - A FIGHT ALREADY LOST?

By H. Ramtohul, forestry_mauritius

Killer whales, man-eating sharks, mad cow, vampire bats, carnivorous plants. So many gruesome adjectives used to describe plants and animals. But there is one species that has a more violent and destructive nature instinctively that has tried to mask these behind ties and mimis; Homo sapiens.

Actually, our violent nature has been key to our survival. We have learned to kill for food, for survival, for courtship and so on. Yet, humans seem to have been a species that was set apart with a unique set of skills, facilitated by a higher intelligence, to develop tools for various reasons. Man v/s the sabre-tooth tigers, man v/s the mammoth, man v/s mountain gorillas-all matches where man is unlikely to come out alive. Yet history has proved the contrary as we are now estimated at 7.3 billion while many species have been sacrificed at the expense of human invasion. You probably are asking yourself where is the relation with forestry in all this? Well, there is!

According to the FAO Report “Global Forest Resources Assessment 2015”, Forest cover worldwide is estimated at 3.9 billion Ha down by about 2 billion Ha before the industrial era. Elephant, the largest living herbivorous animal, is certainly not to be blamed (after all, man has caused their numbers to dwindle to about only 2 million individuals worldwide according to the IUCN). Forests provide a wide range of goods and services so essential for man’s survival. However, a booming human population causing world demand for resources to skyrocket coupled with unregulated, unsustainable and at times illegal exploitation of forests is causing their demise.

Remnant Native Forest (Le Cabinet Nature Reserve)

In Mauritius, the forest cover has been reduced substantially from some 30 % of land area in the 1980s to 25 % to date, due to rapid economic development (housing, dams, roads and other infrastructural developments, etc.).  The pristine native forests had suffered so much from the onslaught of deforestation since man set foot on the island.  Today their remnants represent less than 2 % of the land area.  These forests still harbour a rich biological diversity of fauna and flora.  However, they are very fragile and are threatened by invasive alien species, habitat fragmentation and climate change. 

Mark Twain said “Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius” This beautiful quote however left a considerable responsibility on the Mauritian citizens. We are the ones who have to care for our island so that it continues to be the paradise Mark Twain experienced during his last visit. Not only for us or for the forthcoming generations, but also for the sake of nature itself, the unique fauna and flora that was present well before our ‘invasion’.