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Tobgay, S.; Wangdi, S.; Wangmo, S.; Gyeltshen, N.; Wangschuk, N.; Jigme, K.; Tharchen, L.; Jigme, K.; Dhendup, N.; Tshedar,; Gyeltshen, D.; Ghalley, B.B.; Namgay, P.; Singh, G.; Singye, R.; Wangdi, K.; Gyeltshen, S.; Limbu, R.B.
Toorsa Strict Nature Reserve Management Plan July 2012-June 2017
2011  Full Book

The conservation management plan of Toorsa Strict Nature Reserve (TSNR) is based on the findings of the biodiversity surveys and socio-economic status of the resident communities. In addition, several participatory appraisals contributed to shaping this document, which consists of eight parts. The first part describes the conservation significance of the park, its location and, history, as well as the policy, legal and salient features of the conservation management plan. As forest resources have been widely used by resident communities in the buffer zone, including year-round cattle grazing inside the Reserve, the plan aims to mitigate issues related to human- wildlife conflicts, grazing, land tenure, alternative sustainable livelihoods, indigenous knowledge and systems, and eco-tourism prospects to conserve the biodiversity of TSNR. The Reserve is considered unique in that it has the most pristine temperate and alpine ecosystems in the country along with a combination of different vegetation zones, from sub-tropical in the south, to alpine in the north. During the four rapid biodiversity surveys conducted in 2009-2010, the team recorded 161 species of birds, 29 species of mammals, 64 species of butterflies, 7 species of fish and 427 species of plants belonging to 115 families. Administratively, TSNR spreads across two Dzongkhags: Haa (five out of its six geogs) and Samtse (two geogs). Conservation is a mammoth task because most of the agricultural land and warm broadleaved forests occur in the same elevation range consisting of alpine meadows, which are also the dominant landscape grazed by yaks. Conversely, livestock and agriculture productivity is significantly affected by crop damage, cattle depredation and time invested to ward-off edge dwelling wildlife. To determine a direction where the development aspirations of communities are met and threats to biodiversity are reduced,; surveys, meetings and field analysis looked into community development priorities. The priorities identified included: access to schools, health facilities and scholarships;, development of eco-trails and irrigation;, introduction of improved cattle breeds;, support for agriculture and horticulture;, community forestry; as well as a range of issues connected with conservation of biodiversity, such as crop damage by wild pigs, livestock depredation, by Snow leopard/Leopard, conversion of Tseri, and availability of timber, bamboo, cane and Non Wood Forest Products (NWFPs). The second part of the plan deals with the present biodiversity and socio-economic status of migratory herders within the Reserve and resident communities within the buffer zone of the Reserve. The third part deals with conservation issues, threats and challenges, while the fourth part outlines the strategic premise of the plan. The fifth part describes how to implement the management plan, which includes four chapters: Landscape & Species Conservation, Buffer Zone Management, Human-Wildlife Conflict Management and Institutional Strengthening (Infrastructure Development & Human Resource Development) & Service Delivery. For the purpose of safeguarding existing biodiversity and maintaining the integrity of TSNR's pristine eco-systems, zoning will be initiated within the pilot geog, Bji. Furthermore, Integrated Conservation & Development Program activities will be extended throughout the two Dzongkhags address conflicts between the basic development needs of Reserve residents and the Reserve's conservation goals. Efforts will also be made to improve species conservation through studies on Snow leopard, Wild dog and Red panda. Parts six and seven of the plan deals with institutional linkages, monitoring and evaluation, and institutional and administrative arrangements. Lastly, the eighth part outlines the financial aspects of the plan. To implement the conservation management plan, the Reserve will have 31 staff members. For effective protection of biodiversity and overall management, the Reserve is administratively divided into two Range/Warden areas. To accomplish and facilitate the conservation management plan, infrastructural development, including a Reserve head office with a display center, two Range office, three guard posts and a Manager residence, will have to be built based on priority. In the area of capacity building, the plan aims to avail several enhancements under three categories: in-country training, short- and long-term regional/overseas training, and conservation study tours. These are designed not only for Reserve staff but also for community leaders and, Dzongkhag and territorial staff to build a stronger support team. The financial cost to implement the conservation management plan is estimated at Nu. 123.7 million for the period of July, 2012 to June, 2017. Administration, infrastructure, human resource development, research and monitoring, and buffer zone management (ICDPs & eco-tourism) hold a major share of the estimated budget. To fine-tune all aspects of the conservation management plan, two evaluations are recommended. A mid-term evaluation should be carried out by the end of third year, and a final evaluation on completion of the plan period. Such evaluations will help streamline any or all deficiencies in management activities to ensure full implementation of the conservation management plan.

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