Dracaena ombet-MAP-Egypt Project
Final Project report
Submitted To
Conservation Leadership Program
For the 2007 future conservationist award
Made for Dracaena-MAP-Egypt project
October 2008
Abbreviations:
CLP
Conservation Leadership Program
GEPA
Gabel Elba Protected Area
GEPA MU
Gabel Elba Protected Area’s Management Unit
GE
Gabel Elba (Elba mountain)
DMAP
Dracaena-Monitoring and Assessment Project
Bio-MAP-Egypt
Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment Project
NCS
Nature Conservation Sector-Egypt
LIFE RED SEA
Livelihood Income From Environment in Red Sea Project
RSPADA
Red Sea Protected Areas Development Association
SLC
Shalateen city Local Council
EEAA
Egyptian Environment Affairs Agency
GEF
Global Environment Facility
IUCN
International Union for Conservation Nature
IUCN-CSPSG
IUCN-Cacti and Succulent Plants Specialist Group
Tombet
Ombet tree
DBH
Diameter at Breath Height
TK
Traditional Knowledge
GPS
Global Position System
GIS
Geographical Information System
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Final Project report
Content
Abbreviations ………………………………………………………………..
2
List of figures ………………………………………………………………..
8
List of maps ………………………………………………………………….
9
List of tables …………………………………………………………………. 9
List of appendices ……………………………………………………………
9
Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………..
10
Suggested Citation…………………………………………………………..
11
DMAP Project Team Members………………………………………………
12
Executive Summary …………………………………………………………. 14
Project outputs and Achievements Summary………………………………...
15
Project evaluation against the outputs………………………………………..
20
1. First Part: Introduction …………………………………………………..
21
1.1. The report structure…………………………………………………….
21
Accompanying documents…………………………………………………… 21
1.2. The project background ………………………………………………...
22
1.2.1. Overview of the target species and need for the project……………..
22
1.2.2. Overview of the Project Area………………………………………...
22
1.2. 2.1. Location ……………………………………………………………
23
1.2.2.1.1 General Description……………………………………………….
23
1.2. 2.1.2 Climate…………………………………………………………….
24
1.2 2.1.3 Geomorphology…………………………………………………...
.
1.2. 2.1.4. GEPA Hydrology…………………………………………………
25
1.2. 2.1.4.1. Rainfall………………………………………………………….
26
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Final Project report
26
1.2. 2.1.4.2. Groundwater……………………………………………………
27
1.2.2. Local communities and indigenous culture…………………………...
27
1.2.2.1. The Bisharia…………………………………………………………
28
1.2.2.2. The Ababda………………………………………………………….
28
1.2.2.3. The Rashayda………………………………………………………..
29
1.2.3. Social-Economic Context……………………………………………..
29
1.2.4. Biodiversity of GEPA…………………………………………………
30
1.2.2.4.1. GEPA’s habitats…………………………………………………..
30
1.2.2.4.2. GEPA’s Biodiversity Importance………………………………...
32
1.2.2.5. Gabel Elba Protected Area's Management Effectiveness…………..
34
1.3. Project aims……………………………………………………………...
35
1.3.2. Project outputs………………………………………………………...
36
1.3.3. PROJECT ANALYSIS ……………………………………………….
37
1.3.3.1. Project Problems Tree ………………………………………………
37
1.3.3.2. Project Solutions Tree ………………………………………………
37
2. Second Part: Project methods and approaches: ………………………...
38
2.4.1. D.ombet populations Survey and monitoring ………………………...
38
2.4.1.1. Methodology and Field work Protocols……………………………..
38
2.4.1.1.1. Methodology standardization and field logistics………………….. 38
2.4.1.1.2. Pre-field work protocols ………………………………………….
38
2.4.1.1.2.1. D.ombet's Participatory eco-geography…………………………
38
2.4.1.1.2.2. Para-professional training and…………………………………..
38
2.4.1.1.3. Field survey protocols…………………………………………….
39
2.4.1.1.4. Data management and analysis …………………………………..
41
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Final Project report
2.4.1.1.4.1. Meta data ………………………………………………………
41
2.4.1.1.4.2. Data analysis ……………………………………………………
41
2.4.2. Community work ……………………………………………………..
42
2.4.2.1. Participatory rural appraisal ………………………………………...
42
2.4.2.1. Participatory Rural Appraisal protocols (PRA)……………………..
42
2.4.2.2. Researches Action Participation Protocols………………………….
42
Third Chapter: Findings……………………………………………………
43
3. Field survey and monitoring results……………………………………..
43
3.1. Participatory eco-geographical D.ombet distribution mapping…………. 43
3.2. Populations survey and short term monitoring results…………………... 44
3.2.1. Main observations……………………………………………………... 44
3.2.2. Populations size and distribution……………………………………..
47
3.2.3. Populations trend……………………………………………………..
48
3.2.4. Populations Healthy Status…………………………………………...
49
3.2.4.1. Survival status of ombet tree………………………………………
49
3.2.4.2 Healthy status classes………………………………………………… 50
3.2.5. Population boundaries and coverage: …………………………………
51
3.2.5.1. D. ombet’s Extent of Occurrence……………………………………
51
3.2.5.2. D.ombet Area of Occupancy ……………………………………….
53
3.2.6. D.ombet Population age structure and classification………………….. 55
3.2.6.1. D.ombet Population age structure…………………………………… 55
3.2.6.2. Dracaena ombet age classification scheme………………………….. 56
3.2.7. Altitudinal patterns of the ombet tree………………………………….
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Final Project report
57
3.2.8. Threats: Causes for the deterioration of Dracaena ombet……………... 58
3.2.9. Uses and importance of Dracaena ombet………………….…………..
62
3.2.10. SIGNS OF NATURAL REGENERATION…………………………. 63
3.2.11. Tree ecology………………………………………………………….
65
3.2.12. Reproduction…………………………………………………………. 66
3.2.13. Associated plants communities………………………………………
66
3.2.14. Tombet Habitats Suitability Index…………………………………… 68
4. Fourth Part: Project other Findings and Achievements…………………… 71
4.1.Dracaena ombet Conservation…………………………………………..
71
4.1.1. In-situ conservation actions…………………………………………..
71
4.2. Dracaena ombet status Assessment…………………………………….
72
4.3. D.ombet Conservation and Action plan; and long term community
based-monitoring program………………………………………………….
72
43.1. D.ombet Action plan…………………………………………………..
72
4.3.2. Long term community based-monitoring program……………………
72
4.3.3. The (DoMAP Project Database) …………………………………….
73
4.4. Documentation the related Traditional Knowledge…………………….
77
4.5. Capacity building of the project stakeholders ………………………….
78
4.5.1. Capacity building of the local NGO’s and GEPA MU…………..
78
4.5.1. 1. Training …………………………………………………………….
79
4.5.1.2. Technical support……………………………………………………
80
4.5.2.3. Analysis the GEPA’s staff capabilities……………………………...
80
4.5.3. Empowering the local community of GEPA………………………….
81
4.5.3.1. Strengthening the local community organizations ………………….
81
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Final Project report
4.5.3.2. Biodiversity conservation and community livelihood in GE………..
82
4.5.3.2.1. Development a traditional handicrafts……………………………
82
4.6. Communication, Education and Public awareness ……………………
85
4.6.1. D-MAP Project logo design …………………………………………..
85
4.6.2. Public awareness and education ………………………………………
86
4.6.2.1. Local awareness……………………………………………………..
86
4.6.2.1.1. Public awareness among the local community……………………. 86
4.6.2.1.2. Public awareness for local schools ………………………………..
86
4.6.2.1.3 Public awareness for local decisions makers…………………….
87
4.6.2.1.4. Environmental Educational and public awareness materials……… 89
4.6.3. National and international publicity…………………………………...
93
4.6.4. Communication, collaboration and partnership ………………………
94
Communication and collaboration…………………………………………… 94
Communication and policy…………………………………………………..
95
Communication and funding…………………………………………………
95
4.7. Support the National Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation…………..
96
4.7.1. Linking the project with GEPA first Management Plan………………. 96
4.7.2. Contributions of the project in support the national plans ……………
96
4.7.3. Contribution in prepare the national Conservation Strategy for Plants
within the Egyptian Protected Areas Network ………………………………
96
5. Fifth Part: Lesson learned and Recommendations………………………...
97
References……………………………………………………………………. 101
Appendices…………………………………………………………………… 102
Project financial and expenditures…………………………………………… 105
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Final Project report
List of figures:
Figure 1: Dracaena ombet tree
Figure 2: Rainfall amount for GEPA (From 1999-2008)
Figure 3: Bishari man and a traditional Bishari house style
Figure 4: Ababda traditional dancing and ceremonies
Figure 5: Rashaydi children and their houses style
Figure 6: GE's biodiversity (gazelle and mangrove forest)
Figure 7: GE's biodiversity (coculus pendulus plants and lappet-faced vulture)
Figure 8: Project Problems Tree
Figure 9: Project Solutions Tree
Figure 10: Local community participation in field paraprofessional training
Figure 11: Survival status of ombet tree
Figure 12: number and status of populations (survived vs. dead tree)
Figure 13: age structure for the Dracaena ombet trees in GE
Figure 14: age classes for the Dracaena ombet trees in GE
Figure 15: Dracaena ombet age classes' scheme
Figure 16: Altitudinal patterns of the ombet tree in GE
Figure 17: Project team activities for remove parasites species form the D.ombet
Figure 18: Grazing patterns on Dracaena ombet and inside its habitats in GE
Figure 19: drought effect stages on Dracaena ombet
Fig 20: ombet seedling in Camerba mountain
Fig 21: Sign for ombet regeneration in W.Ghway
Fig 22: Local community detect a young dead ombet seedling
Fig 23: Good Signs for regeneration in Camerba mountain
Fig 24.Vegetative propagation attempts for ombet tree with cooperation of locals
Fig 25: Vegetative parts of ombet tree that used for propagation experiments
Fig 26: Local community care with and carry out propagation experiment for Dracaena
ombet in a community nursery in GE
Fig 27: 'Fan-Tailed Raven' colonies inside the ombet woodland on GE high slopes
Fig 28: 'Fan-Tailed Raven' birds and ombet tree in GE
Figure 29: Project Database interface
Fig 30: user interfaces for the preliminary GIS-based monitoring program software
Figure 31: Trainees during their participation in the project management training
Figure 32: General and interior view for the Filed station proposed design
Figure 33: some of the project's produced handicrafts by locals
Figure 34: handicrafts exhibition and local's participation in TV shows
Figure 35: project team meeting and participation with local community in GE
Fig 36: Environmental education symposiums in the local schools
Fig 37: Workshops and drawing activities in the local schools
Figure 38: some of the local student's artworks pieces
Figure 39: establishment the Future Conservationist Club in Abo Ramad school
Figure 40: the public awareness symposium for local university's students
Figure 41: the public awareness workshops for local community and key agencies
Figure 42: Red Sea governorate visit for Wade Aedieb
Fig 43: Some of the project's environmental educational materials
Fig 44: The first children story about GE and Dracaena ombet with cooperation of the
BioMAP
Figure 45: Ombet tree Story cover and samples for its content
Fig 46: Sample for the fact sheets about the ombet for the local schools in GE
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Final Project report
List of maps:
Map 1:D.ombet global distribution
Map 2: Gabel Elba (project area) location
Map 3: Gabel Elba's habitats
Map 4: GE's habitats and the representatives' landscapes
Map 5: Participatory eco-geographical D.ombet distribution map
Map 6: Distribution map of Dracaena ombet in Gabel Elba, Egypt
Map 7: Spatial distribution patterns/Regions of Dracaena ombet in Gabel Elba
Map 8: Survival status of ombet tree
Map 9: D.ombet Healthy status classes
Map 10: D.ombet’s Extent of Occurrence in case 1
Map 11: D.ombet’s Extent of Occurrence in case 2
Map 12: different ombet eco-geographical zones (vector map for ombet distribution)
Map 13: Satellite raster map for the ombet distribution
List of tables:
Table 1: Metrological data of the Northern part of GEPA ( Ras Banas to Shalateen )
Table 2: Metrological data of the Southern part of GEPA (Adaldeeb to Halaib)
Table 3: Average Rainfall data for GEPA’s Southern sector adapted form Halaib WS data
Table 4: Average data for rainfall in GEPA’s Northern sector amount (From 1961-1990)
Table 5: Water resources locations and Validity of use inside Gabel Elba
Table 6: D.ombet population's locations in Gabel Elba
Table 7: D.ombet's Populations size and distribution in GE
Table 8: D.ombet's Populations trend:
Table 9: Decline rate for each location
Table 10: D.ombet size classes' scheme attributes
Table 11: Local medicinal uses of D.ombet in GE
Table 12: main associated indigenous plants in D. ombet's habitats
Table 13: limiting factors/parameters that control the distribution of the ombet population s
Table 14: Standard Protection index for Dracaena ombet populations in Gabel Elba
Table 15: DoMAP-GIS based Database content and available data's layers
Table 16: GEPA’s staff capabilities: (SWOT analysis)
Table 17: project partners and their roles in support the Dracaena ombet tree conservation
List of appendices
Annex 1. Project Brochure (Front and back side)
Annex 2. Project Poster No 1
Annex 3. Project fact sheet 1
Annex 4. project article in the mountain forum bulletin
Annex 5: illustrated fact sheets about the ombet
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Final Project report
Acknowledgements:
This project and report are dedicated to the communities of the Elba Protected Area,
and for memory of our colleagues Mustafa Ramadan and Ossman Hassy. We would
like to express our gratitude to all the people who contributed in this work. A special
thank to all the Basharia and Ababda tribes people who shared their traditional
experience with us, in particular Sheikh Mohammed Hassay, Hussein Abd-Elsied,
Eisa Mohamed El-Sheief, Ossman Karar, Mohammed Gomma and Mohammed
Aoudallah.
We are grateful to the CLP team for their continuous support, funding the DMAP
project and contribution in preparation this report and the Dracaena ombet
conservation and action plan. A special thanks to Dr. M. Fouda, Director of NCS for
his continuous support for the project activities and his valuable recommendations and
cooperation, For Dr. Sherif Baha El din and Dr.J.Grangier for their continuous support
for the project during the preparation and implementation and for their contributions
for the project. We would like to thank all GEPA's Staff for their precious support and
assistance
We would like to acknowledge Mr. Mohammed Gad, director of Red Sea Southern
sector, Dr. Mahmoud Hanafy, Scientific advisor for Red sea parks, Dr. Samy Zalat,
BioMAP-Egypt project national Coordinator for their valuable support to the project
team members., and Mr. Adam Saadallah, RSPADA board chief, and all RSPADA
staff for their special assistance to the Project team. We also acknowledge the
cooperation we received from LIFE Project, Red Sea Parks, Culture and Nature
Heritage documentation Center, in particular Dr.Hala Barakat, the director of the
Nature heritage documentation department. Specials thanks for Mr. Shaheer Youstos
and Miss. Cloudia Yostso and Off Road Egypt Company for their assistance and
volunteering with us during implementation the project.
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Final Project report
Suggested Citation:
Ghazali, U., et al 2008. The globally endangered Dracaena ombet
monitoring and assessment project in Gabel Elba protected area, Egypt. Final
Report, Conservation Leadership Programme.
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Final Project report
DMAP Project Team Members
Usama Mohammed, ranger, 28 years
BSc. Botany, South Valley University, Egypt, MSc. student, Faculty of Science,
South Valley University, Egypt. Senior ranger in GEPA from 2001, six year
experience in monitoring and conservation plant-diversity in GEPA, Egypt,
experience in community work in remote rural areas, good experience in using GIS.
El Baily Hatab, ranger, 32 years
PhD student,his research on acacia and arid ecosystems, he got his M.Sc. in field of
Plant Ecology, have been working for seven years as ranger in saint kathrine
park,sinai,Egypt. wide experience in In-situ conservation actions, he initiate and run
a number of conservation programs such as: the enclosures program and Acacia
rehabilitation in sinai.
Ali Dora, ranger, 28 years
Bsc. Chemist, University, Egypt. Ranger in GEPA from 2004, he has a good
experience in community work and has a wide experience in gathering the ethno
botanical data. He belong to Bisharia tribe; and has a good advocacy experience, this
help him during the project to act as coordinator for the project team.
Hassan Hamed Arkeeb, local community member, 18 years.
student in Abo Ramad secondary school, Egypt. He belong to Bisharia tribe for that
he speak Bedawi, also he is young but he has a wide experience in flora of Elba
Mountain, he gained a good skills and experience during his work before as
voluntary assistance-community guide for Egyptian Desert research center. He work
for along time with his father, the famous herbalist in GEPA, as a community guide
for many researches within GEPA, he consider the youngest herbalist inside GEPA
Mohammed Aoud, community guide, 33 years.
good reading & writing skills.He work as community gauid in GEPA , wide
experience in guiding and work inside GEPA, good traditional knowledges, has a
wide relation with the local community inside the area especially inside the southern
part and he has also a good communication skills with indigenous people.
Gamma Ossman, Ranger, 26 years
Bsc. anthropology. She work as ranger in GEPA from 2004, have agood experience
about the nature and local community of GE, also she belong to Bishara tribe, this
give her a good experience in community work in this remote rural areas.
Mohammed Mansour, Ranger, 25 years
Bsc. Geology, South Valley University, Full time MSc. student, South Valley
University, Egypt. He work as ranger in GEPA from 2003, has a wide experience and
well trained on GIS application, good experience in a Fieldwork.
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Final Project report
Hassan El Nemery, Community guide, 28 years
He has a secondary schools certificate and work as community guide in GEPA, wide
experience in guiding and work inside GEPA, good traditional knowledge, has a
wide relation with the local community inside the area and good communication skill
with indigenous people.
Project Team
13
Final Project report
Executive Summary
This report is submitted in fulfillment of the terms and conditions of the Conservation
Leadership Programme Future Conservationist Award of $10,500 made to the
Dracaena ombet tree Monitoring and Assessment Project in Egypt in 2007. This
award was granted to the project team in Gabel Elba Protected Area to conduct
intensive survey and monitoring program and prepare a first conservation action plan
for conservation the globally endangered tree Dracaena ombet and establish a long
term field monitoring program for conservation and assessment this species in Egypt
with fully participation for local community and stockholders as a first step towards
effective conservation action on the global level inside it distribution range. This
report represents a final project status description and results after completion the
project period from May 2007-May 2008. It is concerned with the activities funded by
and implemented as a result of the CLP Future Conservationist Award and also with
cooperation the other partners in Egypt under this project. D.ombet is listed as
endangered plant (EN) in the IUCN Red List, is one of the few species that can
survive the extensive periods of drought in all parts of its range and is likely to
therefore be an important part of the desert ecosystem D.ombet, grows on Gabel Elba
in Egypt and also in Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Somalia. This
project has been conducting inside GEPA, this park is Egypt’s most important
Protectorate, is a “biodiversity hotspot” in Egypt, many afro-tropical elements have
their northern limits at Gabel Elba.
The project results indicated that this flagship species has a fragmented distribution
with different subpopulations showing varying degrees of vigor. The project team has
recorded 13 locations for presence of the Dracaena ombet on Elba Mountains, which
grow at elevation range from 450 to 1250 m. The species face a rapid decline in its
habitats quality and population size. It seems likely that a major cause of the decline in
extent and quality of Dracaena woodland is the climate change as very gradual drying
of the area of south Egypt. Among its habitats the population size equal 383 trees,
with very low signs for regeneration, only 163 trees detected survived that represents
only 46.1% survival percent from that total detected population size. This indicates
that there is loss and decline in D.ombet Area of Occupancy in GE about 36.36 % in
2007. the local community have a well traditional conservation system, but it seem the
current drought and unstable socio-economic conditions in this area affected this
conservation system, so there is urgent need for promote and support a community
based conservation initiative in GE for conservation the dracaena ombet and its
critical habitats.
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Final Project report
Project outputs and Achievements to-date Summary:
A. Contribution in Capacity Building of GEPA Rangers, RSPADA (local NGO)
and Gabel Elba’s local community
A1. Coordination and Facilities support
-
The project contributed in establishment the primary seed for small Geographic
information System (GIS) Unit in Gabel Elba Protected Area. This unit has
been helped in support the Dracaena ombet tree monitoring activities, in
addition for other activities such as invasive plant, gazelle and Nubian ibex
monitoring activities.
-
Drawn up a Memorandum of Understanding with Red Sea Protected Area
Development Association (RSPADA) to facilitate the coordination and for
more involvement of the local NGOs in the D.ombet conservation actions.
-
In 2008 the project team with cooperation of GEPA and RSPADA awarded a
5000$ small grant from the Red Sea Governorate for their joint project in
conservation of Dracaena ombet, this grant has been used for established the
first Field station for monitoring the Biodiversity and Climate Change and also
provides a community services. The CLP has been appointed as the sponsor for
this station through direct contribution in establishment of this station and
initiation this project.
A2.Training, education and community livelihood
15
-
Initiate a small program for support handicrafts products and local women
participation in GEPA. This includes training sessions, meetings, provided raw
materials, organizing and participation in 2 handicrafts exhibitions in Egypt for
marketing their handicrafts and the project activities.
-
The project team held training workshop included 7 rangers from GEPA staff
and another 5 rangers from other national parks in Egypt, this training
workshop included sessions and training on GIS and project management.
-
In August 2007, the project team conducted In-field and On-job Training
(paraprofessional training) involved 5 rangers, 8 community guides and 5 local
community members. This field training focused on endangered tree
monitoring techniques, using camera for photography, GPS and provided onthe-job training and assistance with data analysis skills.
-
The project team leader received training in biodiversity monitoring, data
basing and communication and participated in Darwin's scholarship training
program in the UK in August 2008. (This participation supported by the British
Final Project report
council-Egypt and the Field Studies Council in the UK, during the period form
8-18 Aug.2008).
B. Dracaena ombet Monitoring and Assessment
-
Conducted and complete the field surveys and monitoring program for D.ombet
tree population in GE.
-
Prepared the first report on status of D.ombet in Egypt. This report distributed
to NCS, DRC and SVU.
-
Conducted the project community work and related traditional knowledge
documentation and analysis, the results included in the target D.ombet
conservation action plan
-
Prepare the first socio-economic assessment report about local communities of
GE and their livelihood.
-
Designed a preliminary participatory monitoring program for D.ombet and
established some base line permanent plots for long term monitoring in GEPA.
-
Prepare a preliminary report about the global status for ombet and the status of
its habitats inside it’s globally distribution range and produced a globally
D.ombet distribution GIS-map.
C. CEPA, Communication, Education and Public Awareness
16
-
Raised awareness of local communities about importance of D.ombet and their
participation in its conservation inside communities of Wade Yahmeb, Wade
Aedieb and Abo Ramad village through conducted 3 meetings, interviews and
organized and participatory surveys.
-
Raised awareness among the local schools in Abo Ramad village through
conducted 4 symposiums, one day environmental campaign, 2 workshops for
environmental drawing activities
-
Conducted a symposium for students of botany department in South valley
university, Qena, Egypt. This activity focused on raise awareness of the
university students on importance of D.ombet and discusses and explores with
them the potential roles and responsibilities of the university students and staff
towards the Dracaena ongoing conservation actions.
-
Participation in organization a 3 days environmental education workshop in
Shalateen town, with partnership of GEPA MU and Life Red Sea Project. This
workshop included representatives for the local communities, NGOs, local
authorities and the Local Environmental Affairs Committee’s members.
(through this workshop the project team presented a GE’s expedition film show
Final Project report
, Organized a field trip and visit for the workshop participant for W. Aedieb to
raise their awareness about its biodiversity)
-
Designed, produced and distribute an education pack about the project and the
Dracaena ombet for local use within the local schools in Abo Ramad village.
-
Publicizing and dissemination information about the project activities
nationally, and globally, this included:
• Published 2 articles in a local magazine ( National Egyptian Ahram journal
(June 2008) and the local Int.News journal (Dec.2007))
• Submitted an article for Global Mountain Forum Bulletin in Jan. 2008
• Submitted and published a scientific paper for (ICMDO) the International
Centre for Mountain Development's online conference entitled '' Empowering
local community-GIS in Egypt: case study for use the Google Earth as
community based-conservation tool in Gabel Elba Protected Area (GEPA),
Egypt''.
• Published and circulate the project activities news in the Bio-net international
Bulletin, Global Mountain Forum website.
• Submitted paper about the project for the Regional Geoinformatics and Natural
Disasters Early Warning system conference, Kuwait, will be held in 26-28
Nov.2008. This paper entitled ''Endangered Dracaena ombet tree species in
Egypt: decline, climate change disturbance and the need for an Early Warning
System''.
• Submitted and presented oral presentation in the Egyptian environment Day
celebrity conference in June 2008. the presentation available online through the
Egyptian
Environment
Affairs
Agency
website
(www.eeaa.gov.eg/wed2008/paper/usama.ppt)
• Project team initiated online group (Conservation Egypt) that used for circulate
news among Egyptian groups and forums members.
• Presented an oral presentation in the UK, through participation of the team
leader in Darwin's scholarship program in August 2008. (This participation
supported by the British council-Egypt and the Field Studies Council in the
UK, during the period form 8-18 Aug.2008).
• Project results have been involved in the Egyptian National environmental
outlook 2007, and selected as success story and role model for conservation the
endangered species in Egypt.
• The project results have contributed in produce the 4th Egyptian National
biodiversity report that submitted for the CBD COP9 in Bonn in May 2008.
• The project results have contributed in produce the Egyptian National
Mountain status report, which prepared and submitted for the Egyptian
Environment Affairs Agency in March 2008.
-
17
Initiate cooperation with the IUCN-Cacti and Succulent Plant Specialist Group
(CSPSG), which the project team leader jointed this group as the first Egyptian
succulent plants specialist to be member with this group.
Final Project report
-
Produced and distributed poster and brochure about the project, and
conservation the endangered D.ombet in GEPA.
-
Participation in produced a pilot children story about the D.ombet, with the
theme of conservation D.ombet and combating the threats of invasive species
which faced the biodiversity in GEPA, in collaboration with the project
partners ‘BioMAP-Egypt project and NCS’
-
Design and launch a specific website for RSPADA and online conservation
group about the project and D.ombet tree conservation.
-
Participation in many local and national activities for raising awareness and
promote a decision makers towards more concern for D.ombet and endangered
species in GEPA, this included:
• Team leader participation in the Arab-Man and Biosphere scientific committee
meeting in Sharm El sheikh, Egypt July 2007.
• Organized a field visit for the Red sea’s southern region’s environmental
committee’s members for GE.
• The project team leader has participated and leaded a field visit for the Red
Sea’s governor for Gabel Elba. This visit included a field visit for the Red Sea
governor for W. Aedieb, Gable Elba, and conducting discussion meeting with
the local community about the current problems and challenges and the
potential solutions.
D. Long term Monitoring program, Policy and Partnership for support the
ongoing conservation actions in GEPA.
-
-
-
18
Design and Prepare a Dracaena MAP-Data Base for support long term
monitoring program for D.ombet in GEPA.
Prepared a D-MAP- GIS data base includes several related files ‘’shpfiles’’ for
the project and the Gabel Elba Protected Area information.
Prepared a preliminary design for simple graphics-based-interface GIS-based
monitoring program software to enable to be use by local community using a
simple GPS Skills.
As there is urgent need for involving the Dracaena ombet conservation action
on a national context and within national plans, the project team have been
developed the first lines for the Egyptian strategy for conservation plant within
the protected areas, this strategy sited the dracaena as high priority species for
undertake conservation action in Egypt .
The project team leader has lead GEPA rangers for prepare the first
management plan for GEPA; this management plan produced in July 2008, and
involved the Dracaena ombet status survey and conservation and action plan as
contribution from the CLP project in GEPA MP.
Final Project report
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
19
Prepared a submit pre-proposal for the START Program for initiate a project
for conservation the Dracaena ombet tree against the climate change ( proposal
didn’t pass the first phase of evaluation)
Conduct a Wake-up Call; and contribution in establishment and participation in
international partnership for conservation the Dracaena ombet tree and other
endangered Dracaena species this partnership named as (The Dragon
Partnership), this partnership included members from Norway (Bergen
university), Yemen (Socatra Development Project), the UK (Kew Botanic
Garden) and Egypt ( GEPA, Dracaena-MAP project and botany department in
south valley university)
As result for initiate The Dragon Partnership, the partnership member prepared
and submitted a proposal for funding for 'the Norway research council' this
proposal entitled 'Taxonomic, population and conservation research on
Dracaena ombet' ( waiting final decision)
For management the invasive plants in GEPA as one of the serious threats for
GE ecosystems and particularly on Dracaena ombet, the project team has
developed a cooperation with some specialist from the UK, and a proposal for
funding has prepared and submitted for DFID for raise fund for conduct more
research and management for the invasive mesquite tree in GE ( this proposal
get a primary approval and waiting the final decision)
Proposal for funding and request submitted for the Red Sea Governorate for
raise fund for establish a long term monitoring station for Dracaena ombet and
GEPA's biodiversity (proposal accepted and 5000$ raised for establish this
station)
Proposal for funding submitted for the British Council-Egypt for organize an
environmental initiative in GEPA for support the local schools through
promote involvement of children in biodiversity observation and outdoors
activities (proposal accepted and about 2000$ raised for conduct the project by
October 2008)
Initiate cooperation with British Council-Egypt and Filed Studies Council-UK,
which it expected that by 2009, the FSC and BC will be supported the project
team and RSPADA with small grant and technical support for organize an
environmental education project for engage the local schools in the
environmental activities in GE. These activities will include training for
teachers and students and outdoors activities in GE.
Final Project report
Project evaluation against the outputs:
A comparison of the achievement to date against the project outputs in the original
project proposal to CLP shows the following progress:
1- In-situ conservation for at least 10% of D.ombet in GEPA - achieved as far as
possible
2- Production a short-term monitoring and conservation status assessment reportscompletely achieved.
And conservation action plan for D.ombet in GEPA- completely achieved.
3- Production a GIS-based map for distribution and extent of occurrence of D.ombet
in Egypt- completely achieved.
4- Preparation a community-based-long term monitoring program for assessment and
conservation D.ombet in GEPA.-completely achieved.
5- Documentation local community traditional knowledge related to D.ombetcompletely achieved.
6- Contribution in strengthened a capacity of local community and a relevant
stockholders in conservation endangered species by active participation. Good
achievements.
7- Contribution in increasing the public awareness between stockholders with values
of Dracaena and importance of a partnership for conservation actions, and promotion
local community to sustain utilization dracaena-completely achieved.
The project results to date also have been contributed to some ongoing conservation
efforts inside GEPA, as follow:
A - Preparation and signing a local collaborative agreement between the local
community and the key agencies inside GEPA. Good achievements.
- B - Project team with local people, RSPADA and GEPA's ranger will start after the
project in implementation the long term monitoring plan to sustain ongoing
conservation for D.ombet. Good progress but probably 2-3 years away after the
project.
- C - We will provide our assistance to the researches inside GEPA, to facilitate the
accessibility access for this remote area- good progress
- D - We will start after the project in Re-assessment Dracaena depending on the
IUCN Red List Criteria at national level-some progress
- E - We will co-operate with NCS, NCSCB and Bio-MAP after the project to prepare
in-situ conservation project proposal for Dracaena in GE, and will submit it to GEFSGP- good achievements.
20
Final Project report
First Part: Introduction:
1.1. The report structure:
Why this report:
This report is submitted in fulfillment of the terms and conditions of the Conservation
Leadership Programme Future Conservationist Award of $10,500 made to the
Dracaena-MAP –Egypt project in 2007. This report represents the project results and
outputs after completion the project. It is concern with activities that funded by and
implemented as a result of the CLP's Future Conservationist Award and with support
of other project partners in Egypt.
For whom this report:
This report is prepared and submitted mainly for the CLP's team and its partners. This
report contains information may be useful for many other parties, which it focuses
specifically on assessment the current status of endangered tree Dracaena ombet in
Egypt, with some depth literature review and organization for the D.ombet distribution
and status in the global level. The report address specifically the research and survey
results for D.ombet, but also describe the related activities which carried parallel with
the research activities under the project such as public awareness; capacity building
and training; GIS work; traditional knowledge documentation and community work.
Report scope:
The report data and results related only for Gable Elba area between latitude 22 to
22.30 and longitude 35 to 37. It is give detailed results and the first conservation status
for the endangered Dracaena ombet tree in Egypt among the period from April 2007August 2008.
Accompanying documents:
The following documents have been attached with this report, and also will be
available thorough the project website:
• Dracaena ombet's Survey status and Conservation Action Plan
• Dracaena ombet's Preliminary global status report
• Gabel Elba Socio-Economic Study
• Photographic appendices for the project activities
• Project publications (articles, posters, brochure and children story)
21
Final Project report
1.2. The project background
1.2.1. Overview of the target species and need for the project:
Dracaena ombet is a globally endangered tree, belong to Agava family, it listed as
endangered plant (EN) in the IUCN Red List, is one of the few species that can
survive the extensive periods of drought in all parts of its range and is likely to
therefore be an important part of the desert ecosystem Dracaena ombet, grows on
Gabel Elba in Egypt and also in Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Somalia.
This plant recorded in the highest zones of slope of Gabel Elba, which the occurrence
of Dracaena in Gabel Elba is its most northern limit within the red sea costal
mountains and all its distribution range in the world. Is in rapid decline due to
Overgrazing, over-cutting, droughts and possibly attack by parasitic pests or disease
have contributed to the decline. In northern Sudan it appears that the populations of D.
ombet have completely vanished from Erkowit. There is no enough up to date
information about population or ecology of Dracaena ombet in Egypt. Dracaena
populations occur in a remote areas which not easily accessible for researchers.
Figure 1. Dracaena ombet tree
22
Map 1.D.ombet global distribution
Final Project report
1.2. 2- Overview of the Project Area
1.2.2.1. Location
The Gabel Elba Protected Area is located in the southeast corner of the Eastern Desert
and encompasses a total area of some 35,600 km². It is located between the longitudes
22°00'N - 23°50'N, and the latitudes 35°00'E - 37°00'E. The boundaries extend more
than 50 km north of Shalatein south to the boarder with Sudan, east covering the coral
reefs and islands of the Red Sea west into the Eastern Desert. The GEPA was declared
by Prime Ministerial Decree 450 for 1986, adjusted by Prime Ministerial Decrees No
1186 for 1986, 642 for 1995. The boundaries of the park were readjusted in 2006
which the islands and coastal mangroves north of Shalatein are currently being
managed as a separate entity as part of the Red Sea Protected Area. The project area
mainly located within Elba Mountain area in the southern part of GEPA between
longitudes 22°00'N - 22°30'N, and the latitudes 36°30'E - 37°00'E.
Map 2: location map for Elba Protected Area with focus on Elba Mountain area
1.2. 2.1.1 General Description
The Elba Protected Area was declared by Prime Ministerial Decree 450 for 1986,
adjusted by Prime Ministerial Decree 1186 for 1986 and Prime Ministerial Decree 642
for 1995. GEPA is located between the longitudes 22°00'N - 23°50'N, and the
latitudes 35°00'E - 37°00'E, with an area of about 35,600 km² it is the country’s
largest declared protected area. The Elba Protected Area can be subdivided into five
23
Final Project report
landscape units: the Elba Mountains, the coastal plain, the Red Sea shore and marine
ecosystem, the Abraq sand stone enclave and the Eastern Desert Mountains and wadis.
The Elba Mountains (Gabel Elba), the specific area for this project, which are the
most significant focal point in the Protected Area, encompass a cluster of coastal
mountains overlooking the Red Sea, immediately to the North of the borders with
Sudan. Most prominent are Gebel Elba (1,435m), Gebel Shellal (1,409m), Gebel
Shendib (1,911m) and Gebel Shendodai (1,526m). These are the Southern most of the
Egyptian Red Sea Mountains. Gebel Elba it self enjoys higher precipitation than any
of the other mountains in the region, even the higher ones, primarily because of its
closeness to the sea and its favourable position in the face of moisture laden North
Easterly winds. The only place in Egypt where “the desert looks like a forest’’,
average annual rainfall in the region is less than 50 mm, although orographic
precipitation on Gebel Elba amounts to as much as 400 mm. The summit of Gebel
Elba is a "mist oasis" where a considerable part of precipitation is contributed in the
form of dew or mist and clouds, which often shroud the mountaintop, creating a
unique and rare ecosystem, not found anywhere else in Egypt. Aridity increases
notably from the North East to the South West.
The greater part of the protected area is occupied by hilly country; a part of the Red
Sea mountain system, of which the Elba mountains is a part. The most important of
these mountains include: Hamra Doum, Garf, Abu Hadid, Abraq and Meshbeh. A
network of numerous small, deeply cut wadis drain the mountains into several major
wadis, which flow either towards the Red Sea or the Nile Valley. Most of the major
wadis in this region drain towards the Red Sea. The important wadis of the region
include: Wadi Hoodein, Wadi Foqa, Wadi Aideib, Wadi Deib, Wadi Serimtai, Wadi
Ibib and Wadi Shaeit. A coastal plain of varying width separates the mountains from
the Red Sea coast to the East, being the narrowest opposite Gebel Elba. The plain is
made of undulating sand and gravel, interrupted in parts by wadis, which flow towards
the Red Sea, where scattered Acacia trees and some desert scrub may occur. Most of
the Red Sea shores stretching between Bernice and Halaib are low and sandy, being
fringed by corals and have mudflats and extensive mangrove swamps, composed of
two species Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata, in many parts. The coast
and islands included within the Protected Area support a diverse terrestrial flora and
fauna, as well as, a rich marine ecosystem.
GEPA encompasses an enormous variety of habitats and landscape features, ranging
from coral reefs to mountain habitats. The main habitats that can be recognized:
marine and coastal: rocky shoreline, sandy beaches, tidal flats, lagoons, sabkhas,
saltmarsh, mangroves, extensive fringing reefs, sea grass beds, islands and terrestrial:
acacia parkland, desert scrubland, sand sheets, dunes, hamada plains, vegetated and
non-vegetated wadis, mountains, hills and steep cliffs.
1.2. 2.1.2 Climate
The Southern part of the Egyptian desert is one of the extremely arid areas of the
world. Tables 1 and 2 show that: The mean minimum temperature that was recorded
for the Southern sector is 16.5C and for the Northern sector is 11.4C during February
and January respectively. The mean maximum temperature is 37C and 38.7C which
was recorded in July for the two sectors respectively. The area is almost rainless. In
the period from 1964 to 1981, only 12.49 mm annual rainfall was recorded for the
24
Final Project report
Northern sector parts while 27.8 mm was recorded in the same time for the Southern
sector parts. The relative humidity shows that the atmosphere is dry throughout the
year (RH=47.2%) for the Southern parts, and may be more humidity in South
(RH=60%), but seasonal variation is evident; it is drier in summer than in winter.
Table 1 Metrological data of the Northern part of GEPA (Ras Banas to Shalateen )
Table 2 Metrological data of the Southern part of GEPA (Adaldeeb to Halaib)
Data
Jan
Period
Feb
Mar
Apr
May Jun
Jul
Aug Sep
Oct
Nov Dec
Mean
Maximum 1961Temperature (deg. C) 1990
24.9 25.7 27.5 30.6 31.1 35.7 37.0 37.1 33.7 32.4
27.7 24.9
Mean Temperature 1961(deg. C)
1990
20.9 21.1 22.7 25.5 27.3 30.5 31.5 31.9 29.4 28.1
24.1 21.3
Mean
Minimum 1961Temperature (deg. C) 1990
16.8 16.5 18.0 20.5 23.4 25.3 26.1 26.7 25.1 23.8
20.5 17.6
Amount 19611990
0.6
Trace Trace 0.5
1.2
Trace 0.2
Trace 0.0
3.2
17.9 4.2
19611990
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.2
1.4
Rainfall
(mm)
Days with Rain*
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.0
Source: Halaib data derived from GHCN 1 (www.worldclimate.com). 434 months between 1961 and 1990
1.2. 2.1.3 Geomorphology
.
The Southern part of the Eastern desert it is considered as a complex geological area,
which is general covered by the basement and transition stones, while in the West the
basement stones are found upper the Nubian sandstone.
Gabel Elba is remarked by the hard topography except the costal plains which reach in
width from 15 to 25 km, elevation reach about 1500 m over the sea level, the slopes
tend towards the East and the drainages runs from the mountainous area in West
towards the Red Sea coast in East. Geo-morphologically, the area can be divided into
three major units: the Red Sea high mountains, the coastal hilly area and lower
mountains, and the coastal plain and the Red Sea coast.
25
Final Project report
0.7
1.2. 2.1.4. GEPA Hydrology
1.2. 2.1.4.1. Rainfall:
Table 3: Average Rainfall data for GEPA’s Southern sector adapted form Halaib WS data
(From 1961-1990)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Mm 0.4 0.0 0.1 0.4 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 3.2 23.9 4.4
Annual
33.6
Table 4: Average data for rainfall in GEPA’s Northern sector amount (From 1961-1990)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Mm 0.0 0.1 0.6 1.4 1.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 13.0 0.2
Annual
17.4
Table 5: Precipitation data (From 1961-1990)
Total
(mm)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
1
tr
Tr
1
1
Tr
0
tr
0
3
18
4
Sources: Halaib data derived from GHCN 1 (www.worldclimate.com). 434 months between 1961 and 1990
Figure 2: Rainfall amount for GEPA (From 1999-2008)
Source: European commission's assessment report for African Protected Areas (2008)
1.2. 2.1.4.2. Groundwater
In the deserts of Egypt the surface water resources are generally very limited.
Therefore, groundwater resources constitute a cornerstone for the livelihood of local
people and many biotic elements. The groundwater resources in the Eastern Desert
originate mainly from occasional rainfall that partially infiltrates through the friable
loose sediments and accumulates in basement depressions or is trapped by faults and
buried dykes.
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Final Project report
The ground water resources in GEPA can be classified into:
• Natural reservoirs within the stone (ghalats), water consumes as results for
evaporation.
• Natural springs: such as abraq springs which have fresh water.
• Deep wells which take water form the Nubian sandy stone, not fresh water.
• Shallow wells in the wadi soil have salty water.
Table 5: Water resources locations and Validity of use inside Gabel Elba
No/
legend
Name
Type
Region
Current
Validity
as drink
source
Current
Use by
people
Source
for wild
animals
1
Frowkit
Shallow Well
Halaib
Yes
Yes
Yes
2
Kosheit
Magal/Ghalat
Gabel Elba
Yes
Yes
Yes
3
Aedieb
Spring
Gabel Elba
Yes
Yes
Yes
4
Akaw
Spring
Gabel Elba
No
No
Yes
5
Marfay
Magal/Ghalat
Gabel Elba
No
No
Yes
6
Akamtri
Shallow Well
Gabel Elba
No
No
Yes
7
Darwina
Spring
Gabel Elba
No
No
Yes
8
Sarara sermiti
Shallow Well
Gabel Elba
Yes
Yes
No
1.2. 2.2. Local communities and indigenous culture:
GEPA inhabits by three main local tribes, The Ababda and Bisharia and Rashida
tribes, the former two are indigenous to the area from many thousands years. The
Bisharia are the largest tribe in the GEPA, and concentrated mainly inside GE
mountains areas, inside the project study area, this tribe’s territory extends into south
east Egypt, north east Sudan and Eritrea, and the majority of GE local community
represents from the Bisharia tribes.
The rich and diverse traditional culture of the local Bisharia, Ababda and Rashayda
tribes forms an important and integral part of the local landscape and is a valuable part
of Egypt’s cultural heritage. These communities have their own family structure,
customs, dress, ornaments, music, dance, food, building styles and handicrafts. They
also have a unique oral tradition, including history, legends and folklore. The tribes,
which are African and Arabian in culture, represent a unique part to this region of
Egypt; thus, are one of its principle attractions
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Final Project report
1.2. 2.2.1. The Bisharia tribe:
Is a sedentary to semi-nomadic peoples of Hamatic descent speaking an unwritten
language, “Beja”. The Bisharia occupy the southern sections of the PA including the
vicinity of Gabel Elba. Populations in the park are subject to continuous fluctuations
and movements dependent upon the seasonal availability of rangeland, including
movements between Egypt and Sudan
.
Figure 3: Bishari man and a traditional Bishari house style
1.2.2.2.2. The Ababda tribe:
Are indigenous tribes to the southern Eastern Desert, predominately found in the
northern sections of the PA. Their territory is mainly north of Shalatein to Quseir as
far west as the Nile Valley, with small numbers found south to Sudan. Although
related to and similar in customs to the Bisharia, they are considered Arab in origin
and speak a dialect of Arabic. Like the Bisharia, they are a sedentary to semi-nomadic
people subject to seasonal movements. They are known to coexist and maintain good
relations with the Bisharia.
Figure 4: Ababda traditional dancing and ceremonies
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Final Project report
1.2. 2.2.3. The Rashayda tribe:
Does non-indigenous tribe inhabit the coastal plains, originally, from Saudi Arabia;
the tribe was expelled in 1846 and settled along the Red Sea coast of Sudan south to
Eritrea. Families from the Rashayda tribe were residing in the Halaib when Egypt took
over the administration of the area. The Egyptian government does not officially
recognize Rashayda and their movement is restricted, confined to the coastal plain
south of Shalatein. The Rashayda are more affluent than Bisharia and Ababda tribes
playing a pivotal role in the camel trade and other trade between Egypt and Sudan.
Relations between the Rashayda and the other tribes are strained as the Rashayda are
perceived as outsiders and aggressive.
The tribes are highly structured communities. Each of the three tribes has a Head
Sheikh who represents the tribe as a whole and is based in Shalatein. The tribes are
comprised of clans, which are further subdivided into families inhabiting different
territories of the PA. Each of the clans has is own sheikh who is subordinate to the
Head Sheikh.
Figure 5: Rashaydi child and their houses style
With the expansion of trade and development in the region, there has been an influx of
Egyptians into the Elba PA from outside area, particularly from Upper Egypt, but also
from further a field. Egyptians mainly reside and work in the coastal communities of
Shalatein, Abo Ramad and Halaib. Sudanese also regularly visit the coastal
settlements for trade.
1.2. 2.3. Social-Economic Context
The main socio-economic activities of the local tribes are livestock herding and
charcoal production. There is some limited trade in other natural products, such as
honey and wild plants sold as remedial medicines, as well as handicrafts.
In the coastal communities there are commercial enterprises, including trade between
Sudan and Egypt. This is mainly engaged in by Egyptians and the Rashayda. In recent
years fishing has started to be practiced by the coastal communities, both by local
tribesmen and Egyptians settling in the area.
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Final Project report
There is little in the way of agriculture in the Elba PA. There are a few permanent
cultivations, mostly in the form of small gardens, such as at Bir Abraq. Other
agriculture is grown on a limited scale on a seasonal basis depending upon the annual
rainfall. The local community is not predisposed to agricultural production, largely as
a result of the limited water resources and nomadic life style. Due to visitor
restrictions, there is little in the way of foreign or national tourism to the Elba PA.
Tourism development is rapidly expanding south of Marsa El Alam. This area was
only open some three years ago, but there are now a half a dozen tourist developments
underway or planned, the closest resort under construction is some 200 km away.
Notes: A full socio-economic context included and attached as a socio-economic
study with the final project report
1.2. 2.4. Biodiversity of GEPA
1.2. 2.4.1. GEPA’s habitats:
To-date there No publications deal in-specific with the habitats of Gabel Elba area, or
even with the ecosystem processes, only a few researches deal with some species. But
some early publications exposure in general views some descriptions for this area
features (Baha Eldin 2002) such as Schweinfurth (1865), Anderson (1898) and
Hoogstraal et al. (1957). Kassas (1957) specifically included a detailed description for
the ecology of Red Sea coastal habitats included description for the study area. Kassas
& Zahran (1971) provide the first comprehensive description of the region’s Ecology.
Kassas (1993) provided a definition for all of Egypt’s major habitats including those
in the Elba region. Goodman (1985) and Baha El Din (1997) provided a general
summary of the region’s habitats and their status.
In general Gabel Elba Protected Area includes a variety of habitats and landscape
features, ranging from coral reefs to mountain habitats. The varied climatic conditions,
even on a micro geographical scale, along with the different landforms and
topography provide many niches for numerous plants and animals (Baha el din 2002).
The eco-geographical location as same as other variables contribute to the variability
and uniqueness in the habitats these factors includes; substrate texture, roughness of
terrain, slope, aspect, size of catchments areas, presence or absence of vegetation,
cliffs and mountains are all landscape elements, which provide opportunities for
various creatures and plants to survive (Baha el din 2002). GEPA encompasses an
enormous variety of habitats and landscape features, ranging from coral reefs to
mountain habitats. The main habitats that can be recognized:
30
Final Project report
Map 3: Gabel Elba's habitats
A- Marine habitats:
A – 1 - Open marine waters
A – 2 - Sea grass beds
A – 3 - Coral reefs
A – 4 - Intertidal flats
A – 5 - Sandy shores
A – 6 - Islands habitat
B- Terrestrial habitats
B – 1 - Mangroves
B – 2 - Salt marshes and Sabkha
B – 3 – Costal Sand dunes
B – 4 - Sand and gravel plains
B – 5 – Costal Foot Hills
B – 6 - Dunes
B – 7 - Wades
B – 8 - Mountain habitats
B – 8 – 1- open Acacia parkland
B – 8 – 2 – outliers mountainous ridges
B – 8 – 3 – Mountainous slopes
B – 8 – 3 – 1 – mist Oases
B – 8 – 3 – 2 – low Slope (Closed mixed Acacia Parkland)
B – 8 – 3 – 3 – Mid Slope
B – 8 – 3 – 4 – Upper Slope
B – 8 – 3 – 5 – Mountainous Wells and fresh water sources (Ghalat)
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Final Project report
Map 4: GE's habitats and the representatives' landscapes
1.2. 2.4.2. GEPA’s Biodiversity Global Importance
Gabal Elba is the outliers of the Afromontane “biodiversity hotspot”, supporting a
biological diversity unparalleled in any other terrestrial environment in Egypt. Many
Afro tropical elements have their northern limits at Gabal Elba. The relative
abundance of moisture allows a diverse flora to exist; some 458 plant species are
known from Gabel Elba, representing almost 25% of plant species recorded in the
country. On and at the base of the mountain there is dense cover of acacias and other
scrubs which is the only natural woodland in Egypt.
Figure 6: GE's biodiversity (gazelle and mangrove forest)
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Final Project report
Other areas of importance for biodiversity in the region include:
- Bir Abraq, a complex network of steep sandstone hills and winding sandy Wades
containing perennial springs harbouring important populations of mammals, birds and
reptiles;
- Gabal Mishbeh and surrounding plains of importance to endangered mammals;
- The coral reefs fringing the coast. Coral reefs are the richest habitats in Egypt in
biodiversity with many species endemic to the Red Sea;
- The coastal mangroves are the most extensive in the country and are important
nurseries for marine life and breeding grounds for birds. The mangroves consist of
two species, Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata, the later is only found in
Egypt in this area that represents the north limits of its world distribution.
- Siyal and Rawabel Islands are small, flat sandy islands fringed by coral reefs and
are breeding grounds for globally threatened sea turtles and seabirds.
The PA supports a unique and rich flora and fauna. It has the most diverse vertebrate
fauna of the whole country and is herpetologically one of the richest and most distinct.
There are at least 27 species of mammals, 38 species of reptiles and amphibians and
some 60 species of breeding bird. The area contains important populations of plants
and animals, including species that are endemic and near endemic, globally
threatened, not found elsewhere in Egypt and have sharply declined in other parts of
the country as global importance:
Figure 7: GE's biodiversity (coculus pendulus plants and lappet-faced vulture)
- Several plant species endemic to Egypt are found here, including Biscutella elbensis,
solanum nigrum spp. elbaensis and Iflago spicata spp. elbaensis found only at Gabal
Elba.
- Gerbillus mackillingini, an endemic rodent to the southern Eastern Desert has been
recorded.
- The bat, Desert Pipistril Pipistrellus ariel occurs; this restricted range species is
considered globally threatened.
This area has particular importance for large mammals, with a number of globally
threatened species.
The African Wild Ass Equus africanus is said to occur; feral donkeys in the Elba PA
are thought to retain genes of this critically endangered species. The PA is home to
one of the only remaining populations of Barbary Sheep Ammotragus lervia in Egypt,
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Final Project report
this population is considered an endemic subspecies to the Eastern Desert. There are
sizable populations of Nubian Ibex Capra nubiana and Dorcas Gazelle Gazella dorcas.
Leopard Panthera pardus is reported to still occur in the mountains. White-eyed Gull
Larus leucophthalmus is an endemic seabird to the Red Sea, with over 1% of the
world population breeding on the Siyal Islands. The area has the largest resident
population in Egypt of the globally threatened Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos
tracheliotus, which occurs in internationally significant numbers. BirdLife
International designated four Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in the PA: Gabal Elba and
Bir Abraq for biome restricted species and Siyal Islands and Rawabal Islands for
White-eyed Gull. Furthermore, the region is situated on internationally important
migration routes for soaring birds, in particular for birds of prey. As a unique area rich
in biodiversity of global importance, Egypt has obligations to the world community to
conserve this region, including those mandated under the Biodiversity Convention.
Gabel Elba has the potential to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A number of
species found in Elba PA are listed under CITES, CMS and AEWA agreements to
which Egypt is signatory. The area is of high scientific interest and has genetic
resources of potential future value. Given restricted access, studies of biodiversity of
have been rather limited; and probably the area holds species that have yet to be
described to science.
1.2. 2.5. Gabel Elba Protected Area's Management Effectiveness:
GEPA was declared by Prime Ministerial Decree 450 for 1986, adjusted by Prime
Ministerial Decree 1186 for 1986 and Prime Ministerial Decree 642 for 1995. During
the past seven years there is increasing in numbers of staff, where about 30 rangers
has interdisciplinary scientific backgrounds and 34 community guides recruited and
works for GEPA for three main sectors, Gabel Elba sector ‘southern sector’, Abraq
sector ‘northern sector’ and Marine sector, about 95% of the staff from the local
community. Basic management systems and infrastructure has been established for the
PA through support from the EEAA and also EIECP. The GEPA’s sectors managed
and followed the main Management Unit (GEPA MU) which located in Shalateen
town in the northern part of GEPA.
GEPA staff has some essential equipment which has been purchased by EEAA and
EIECP including 6 4X4 vehicles and basic infrastructure included namely a main PA
office in Shalateen and a small new established office in Abo Ramad village, in
additions for staff accommodation. A visitor center and four field control units ‘out
posts’ established during the last 2 years this for more promotion for eco-tourism and
support GEPA management activities.
The Protected Area is being actively managed within its manpower and resource
constraints, leading to a significant enhancement of the EEAA/NCS presence in this
remote area especially the last 7 years. There are regular desert patrols of the PA, for
monitoring and ensuring of protection a wildlife, some monitoring programs defined
and has been conducted on a species scale, such as ‘Barbary sheep monitoring
program’, ‘D.ombet tree MP’ and ‘Ghazal and lapped faced MP’, also rangers
implementing some limited educational programs especially with local schools.
GEPA staff has been worked hardly during the last years for assessment and
documentation a current resources which Information about the resources and the
34
Final Project report
current challenges of the PA is being documented, but its seem that most of the
collected data didn’t inputted into special database, only it take a report styles which
sending monthly for NCS. One of the best strengthen points for The PA, that The
GEPA MU maintains good relations with the local authorities and tribal sheikhs,
which there a good rapport with local people and tribes leaders.
It seem that, the huge area of GEPA, 36,000 square km, effect of the efficient of the
staff, which as mentioned above there is only one car for each 6000 sq km of this PA
and one staff member for each 480 sq km of the total area. Therefore, and However,
the staff work hardly for achieve the PA objectives but to date there is insufficient
staff number, equipments, infrastructure or suitable training for building their capacity
for more effective management for such this important PA.
There is an urgent need for more exposure for important of this PA, this towards
promote more financial support otherwise by national or international funding
sources. There is need for insure long-term sustainability for the PA resources.
1.3. Project aims:
1.3.1. Project aims and objectives:
To contribute in conservation D.ombet in GEPA, Egypt by:1) collate existing data,
document traditional knowledge, explore and assess Dracaena population and threats
using Monitoring Protocols, and integrate with 2) participation the stockholders to
draw together a problem analysis and solutions for conservation D.ombet using
Research Action Participation & Participatory Rural Appraisal Protocols.
More specifically the project pursued the following objectives
- 1- To conserve with local community at least 10% of D.ombet population against
overgrazing and over-cutting threats.
- 2- To assess the current conservation status of Dracaena in GEPA, by collates
existing data on the plant, population and ecological data, local knowledge, and to
Produce GIS-based map for Dracaena occurrence, at least for 80% of Dracaena
population within GE.
- 3- To produce a species conservation action plan inside GEPA, including monitoring
reports and community-based long term monitoring plan.
- 4- To document and preserve related traditional knowledge to Dracaena.
- 5- To strengthen capacity of local people and relevant stockholders especially GEPA
MU and NGOs in conservation actions, through active participation in the project,
training to develop their knowledge, skills and experience; and infrastructure for
ongoing conservation activities.
-6- To conclude collaborative agreement between the key agencies operating in GEPA
and local community to empower local community to lead a biodiversity conservation,
and to contribute toward a partnership for conservation Dracaena.
-7- To increase awareness of values of Dracaena; by public awareness activities and
community participation in the project field and community works and to mitigate
current and potential human threats; and
-8- To contribute in implementing the National Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation
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Final Project report
1.3.2. Project outputs:
Based on the project’s objectives, the success of the project will measure depending
on six key outputs have been identified, each arising from a series of targeted
activities and achievements indicators.
-1- In-situ conservation for at least 10% of D.ombet in GEPA, by established
protection enclosures, as indicator and nucleus for a future monitoring and
conservation actions and by developing experiences of stockholders.
- 2- Production a short-term monitoring and conservation status assessment reports
and conservation action plan for D.ombet in GEPA, to hand over to the Egyptian
Nature Conservation Sector, NGOs, project partners and decision makers.
- 3- Production a GIS-based map for distribution and extent of occurrence of D.ombet
in Egypt, available for future researches.
- 4- Preparation a community-based-long term monitoring program for assessment and
conservation D.ombet in GEPA with specific roles for stockholders.
- 5- Documentation local community traditional knowledge related to D.ombet.
- 6- Contribution in strengthened a capacity of local community and a relevant
stockholders in conservation endangered species by active participation, training and a
good rapport towards partnership, towards implementation of a long-term monitoring
program and future conservation action plan with good primary infrastructure and
equipment after the project.
- 7- Contribution in increasing the public awareness between stockholders with values
of Dracaena and importance of a partnership for conservation actions, and promotion
local community to sustain utilization dracaena
The project results will contribute to ongoing conservation efforts inside GEPA, in
which the conservation action plan will handed over to NCS, GEPA MU, NGOs and our
partner in the project.
- A - Preparation and signing a local collaborative agreement between the local
community and the key agencies inside GEPA, as good indicator to sustain a long
term conservation actions after the project.
- B - Project team with local people, RSPADA and GEPA's ranger will start after the
project in implementation the long term monitoring plan to sustain ongoing
conservation for D.ombet.
- C - We will provide our assistance to the researches inside GEPA, to facilitate the
accessibility access for this remote area.
- D - We will start after the project in Re-assessment Dracaena depending on the
IUCN Red List Criteria at national level.
- E - We will co-operate with NCS, NCSCB and Bio-MAP after the project to prepare
in-situ conservation project proposal for Dracaena in GE, and will submit it to GEFSGP or for BP conservation Follow-up Awards, such as protective measures can have
a good opportunity for funding in Egypt.
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Final Project report
1.3.3. PROJECT ANALYSIS
1.3.3.1. Project Problems Tree
Figure 8: Project Problems Tree
1.3.3.2. Project Solutions Tree
Figure 9: Project Solutions Tree
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Final Project report
Second Part: Project methods and approaches:
2.1. D.ombet populations Survey and monitoring
2.1.1. Methodology and Field work Protocols:
2.1.1.1. Methodology standardization and field logistics:
Before conducting a fieldwork, we met GEPA MU & RSPADA representatives to
arrange with them the appropriate community introduction and discuss logistics
organization. Then with participation of a community guides we standardized and
improved our methodologies depending on available equipments, survey requirements
and the nature of the study area. The field survey team was organized into two groups,
which each group included 5 members ''2 researchers and 3 community guides and
number of local people''.
2.1.1.2. Pre-field work protocols
2.1.1.2.1. (Participatory eco-geographical D.ombet distribution mapping and
analysis)
Before starting a field work we conducted a simple eco-geographical exercise with the
local community in GE. The goal of this work is based on the remoteness of the study
area its important to ensuring a full coverage for all the distribution range of dracaena
ombet in GE among the period of the survey with cost-effective way, as same as to
integrate the traditional knowledge and available data with local communities about
D.ombet distribution. During this exercise we worked with locals for screening the
Gabel Elba topographic map (1:50000), which divided it into four main sub-regions
(study sites), and we conducted in-depth discussion and participatory analysis for the
potential area for its distribution. As results for that we gathered excellent information
about the distribution range of D.ombet inside GE area, its historical distribution and
habitats. Also we promote local people to draw sketch maps to feed us with their
knowlge about the dracaena and towards more understanding for their perspectives
and experiences about the species.
2.1.1.2.2. Para-professional training and ‘’ Researches Action Participation
Protocols’’
Also as targeting for empowering local people and support their role in monitoring
and conservation GE biodiversity especially the endangered species, 5 members from
local people, 3 community guides and team members participated in a Paraprofessional field training. This training conducted in August as part of the pilot
survey carried out inside Wade Ashtet in GE, this included on-job training on some
required and simple field skills for using maps, GPS, Photography and using a field
techniques for measures the plants community structure and assess it healthy status by
measure and scaled the current threats such as ‘grazing, drought effect and human
impacts such as charcoaling or tree cutting’.
The objective of this training to contribute in strengthens community capabilities to
lead monitoring, Assessment &conservation activities inside GEPA during DracaenaMAP project activities and for ongoing similar activities; and for more involved for
38
Final Project report
them under the ‘’ Researches Action Participation Protocols’’ which used for support
these project activities.
Figure 10: Local community participation in a field paraprofessional training
2.1.1.3. Field survey protocols:
Active searching a long elevational belt (Prospecting)
The main objective for this survey is to document the presence and distribution of the
Dracaena ombet species within and among the potential areas for its distribution, and
to drawn up a full distribution for D.ombet; assess its population status and tagging the
tree for each population as appropriate. The study was conducted in Gabel Elba
Mountain (altitudinal range 200–1436 m). A grid cells system 0.1 used for support
this technique, which an extensive observations made by the project team during the
field visits for each area. All collected data and observations are recorded on standard
forms
the team members and local people who join the survey,
was divided into two work groups, in which each group
take a responsibility for conduct survey trips into four
study sites (Wades).
The population status of Dracaena ombet was
documented through extensive field survey and all the
detected ombet trees were counted in each population
during the period from October 2007– March 2008 and
each tree was geographically marked with global
positioning system (GPS). Phenological observations
were made and notes were compiled on vegetative as
well as reproductive events.
For each tree the following attributes were assessed and
measured: tree trunk DBH, tree trunk height, branches height, branches style, fruiting
branches and the grazing impact.
For assess and ranking the trees based on its healthy status, we used an illustrated
guide sheet that prepared by the project tea (figure 10), which we measured and scaled
the tree branching style and status, trunk status and leaves status.
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Final Project report
Inside each study site 10 quadrates of 50m × 50m size (covering 0.25 ha area) were
laid randomly in and around D.ombet. Individuals for estimate its density and for
recording associated woody plants and also assess the grazing impact (quantity of and
presence of grazing/animals traces).
In order to understand the regeneration status, population size of seedlings, saplings,
trees, and sprout/coppice shoots were ascertained. Seed dispersal and seedling survival
in relation to distance from the mother plant was ascertained by counting the number
of seedlings and saplings with respect to the increase in the radial diameter from the
mother plant.
For lack of seeds, five freshly collected young shoots were tested for a vegetative
germination in polythene bags filled with collected soil from the field and kept in a
greenhouse and kept under regular watering. Germination was defined as the
emergence of primary roots from the shoot.
Figure 11: D.ombet tree branches status field sheet
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Final Project report
2.1.1.4. Data management and analysis
2.1.1.4.1. Meta data
For ensure the quality control and effectiveness
of our collected data, and for well organization
for these data to be available as long term
information for other ongoing actions. We
designed ACCESS database (DMAP DB) for
the project monitoring program results, all data
included (trees GPS point, trees attributes, site
information, quadrates, climatic data and also
images of each tree and sites) inputted directly
in computer, arranged into related and well
labeled files and linked folders.
Simple Metadata guide was prepared for
standardization, better arrangement, stored
and accessibility for the information and the
sustaining availability of well referenced
data on long term.
This figure shows example for labeling of
one of the project survey's image file, which
from the file name we can get a full
information about the image type, location,
time of photography, who is taken it and a
proximately GPS location using a 10 second
GIS Grid as shown in map 5. Each grid has a horizontal defined number and a
perpendicular defined article, when GRIDS read and recorded as H5, C14 as example.
2.1.1.4.2. Data analysis
For analysis and understanding a collected data, we used and matched some programs
and software for getting best analysis for results.
Arc MAP 9.1 GIS software used for located our results on maps and inputted data on
GIS database, the GIS spatial analysis tools used for assess the trees spatial
distribution, hotspots/areas analysis and for ranking and analysis the population
protection priority index. GIS Data analysis fully occurred in GEPA MU, using the
project equipments and as part of established a special GIS unit for D-MAP Project
for conservation D.ombet endangered tree. Multivariate analysis software, MVSP 3.1,
has been used for analysis the habitats results for the gradients zones collected data,
also DIVA GIS software has been used for extracting and organized a climatic data
for GE area and grids maps preparation. Microsoft Excel 2003 used for arrange and
analysis data and produce the result's graphs and charts.
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Final Project report
2.2. Community work
2.2.1. Participatory rural appraisal protocols
This approach used for introduce the project for the local community, understand their
perspectives about the dracaena ombet conservation and importance and GE habitats
as well as document the traditional knowledge in reference to dracaena ombet and
other plant species in GEPA. The PRA protocols have supported prepare the socioeconomic study as part of the project activities.
Before starting a project we met tribes' leaders to introduce our project. Our
community work integrated with field work, which at each study site we conducted
the target community work using PRA and RAP Protocols. Using PRA Protocols this
to gather s related ethno-botanical information from local community especially local
herbalist such as: traditional species uses, cultural and spiritual believes; and
traditional conservation systems for Dracaena. As part of these protocols we are using
simple exercises and techniques such as: focus-groups and semi-structure interviews,
questionnaires, drawings maps and sketches and ranking methods.
2.2.2. Data analysis:
Collected data analyzed using descriptive statistics and excel program; which these
results converted into final outputs as simple figures, diagrams and sketch maps this to
facilities for local people to understand these results and to participate in ranking and
selection priorities areas for conservation and monitoring Dracaena. Digital
photographing and video recoding used intensively for reordering our activities with
local people this towards effective documentation and for any future comparison for
this work.
2.2.3. Researches Action Participation Protocols:We used this approach to contribute in strengthen community capabilities to lead
monitoring, Assessment &conservation activities inside GEPA during Dracaena-MAP
project activities and for ongoing similar activities. based on these objectives some
members fro local people particularly community guides who participate with us in
the paraprofessional training which conducted in August as part of the project
activities, for support them with field-skills before starting the project activities, they
join the team members and participated as a researchers assistance during conducted
the community work such as: organized meeting, conducting a discussion and
interviews, helping people in drawing a sketch maps and other activities.
Community guides have been participated completely in chosen and prepared the
meeting discussion parts and the questions that asked for local people depending on
their experiences with these communities. We worked as soon as possible with the
community women, which our team member's Gama Osaman and Dina el hady,
project volunteer, has been conducted similar activities with women for sharing their
perspectives and views.
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Final Project report
Third Chapter: Findings
For a full survey results, please see the attached document No 1: D.ombet survey and
monitoring final report
3. Field survey and monitoring results:
3.1. Participatory eco-geographical D.ombet distribution mapping:
The gathered information form this exercise inputted into the project GIS data base, as
map 2 shown a potential distribution range for D.ombet linked to a GIS-GE elevation
map. Based on the gathered TK, locals indicated that in general D.ombet among these
areas can be found inside two mountains missives (Elba Mountain and Shendeib
Mountain). Which its distribution range restricted on mountainous slopes within 6
main regions: (Yahmbe-Akwamtei zone, Wade Aedie-Aedieb hills, Wade Tawela,
wade Akaw-Darwina, Ashtet-Aretri and Shendieb Area zone)
Map 5 a: Participatory eco-geographical D.ombet distribution localities map
For more understanding for local people perspectives about D.ombet and its
distribution, we conducted many in-depth sessions, related for this exercise, which
includes discussions about the degree of distribution or a populations size and the
43
Final Project report
approximately tree numbers for each population inside each wade or region, also
included preparation and drawing sketch maps by locals to feed us with their knowlge
about the dracaena and towards more understanding for their perspectives and
experiences about the species.
Map 5 b: Participatory Sketch maps produced by local people explain the distribution of
Dracaena ombet and other species and habitats in GE,
These results guided us as first step for understanding the dracaena distribution and
also for arrange a good suitable field logistics and methodology. Map 4 shows a 10
seconds grids-divided map, as results for analyses these data using GIS techniques.
This map shown results of D.ombet distribution/populations size index inside GE area;
we ranked D.ombet population depending on its primary population size as it’s
gathered from local people knowledge, rank values form 1 to 10, which 1 equal for a
greater tree numbers for a minor grid (10 sec), 10 refer for zero tree number. We
trying as soon as to prepare a proximately distribution but the main objective for these
exercise to learn together ‘’How’’ we can and ‘’what’’ the benefit of involved and
integrated the local community traditional knowledge into our consideration and
matched it with GIS techniques.
3.2. Populations survey and short term monitoring results
3.2.1. Main observations:
The DMAP has completed the D.ombet survey and populations assessment, the results
of this phase has been indicated that:
• This flagship species has a fragmented distribution with different
subpopulations showing varying degrees of vigor. Survey results for the first
time found anew locations for the Dracaena ombet distribution in the granite
Elba mountains, which Dracaena ombet detected within 13 localities, which 9
locations/population have been completely surveyed and the other 4 regions
have been explored for more further survey work , these areas included:-
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Final Project report
Region
Name
Wade
Aedeib
W. Aretri
Region
Reference
Code
ADBK
W. Ghway
GWY
ART
W. Naheeb
NHB
W. Marafay
MFY
Outliers hills of W. Kansi-Srob
KSR
W. Ashtet
SHT
Outliers hills of W. Aedieb
ADBH
W. Akaw
AKW
Shendeib Mountains
SHN
W. Tawella
TWL
Camerba mountains
CAM
Region Name
Region Reference
Code
W. Darwina- DRW
Tewoeit
Table 6: D.ombet populations locations in Gabel Elba
Map 6: Distribution map of Dracaena ombet in Gabel Elba, Egypt
45
Final Project report
Map 7: Spatial distribution patterns/Regions of Dracaena ombet in Gabel Elba
• D.ombet's Populations grow at elevation range from 450 to 1250 m.
• In general all the D.ombet tree sub-populations marked by a bad age structure
inside its distribution range on Elba Mountain, which there is no sign for
regeneration and there is no new generation or seedlings observed during the
field survey, most of the trees considers as mature old trees with trunk more
than 70 cm in diameter and 2 m height, only one seedling detected in Camerba
it seem that its age less than 5 years and few seedlings more than 35 cm in
DBH was observed into Wade Ghway
• The best Dracaena woodland was detected on Camerba mountain, which has a
good abundance (more than 500 trees), followed with area of Marafay – Artri
granite massive which include about (200) tree. It seems that the 2 regions
have link together, which these populations lined run from behind W. Akmatri
over Camerba mountain area down to the drainage of wade Marafay then
completely this population touch the other populations of wade Ashtete and W.
Aretrai in the northern Eastern part of GE.
• In the northern part of GE, the project team discovered for the first time, the
best Dracaena woodland in this side in GE, which include more than 150 trees
in Wade Tawella. But there are strong evidences that this woodland suffer from
extreme drought and unsuitable climatic condition that more than 60% of these
population has completely vanished, and most of this woodland trees found in
unhealthy conditions.
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Final Project report
• The other population in wade Aedieb-Kosheit, Akaw, Darwina, Aedieb outlierhills found there as relict populations or as isolated individuals ranging from
(1-12 trees).
• its recognized that most of population abundance with best trees condition
occur in areas where the terrain consist of solid rock pavement with extensive
cracks, in the eastern northern side, down which water and soil flows after
rains, providing moisture and nourishment for the roots of the trees. Also in
front of the cloud and wind on the western part of the red sea coast.
• All the D.ombet trees woodlands and regenerations took place at the Eastern
and Northern eastern parts of the Elba and Shendeib mountains, which in
northern parts the Northeast dominance wind can blow and summer rain fall.
No trees found or historical known in at the western or the southern slopes of
Elba Mountain, where the climate is different from the eastern parts. Which the
climate of western parts of the mountains considers as part of Sahara climate (
hot and less exposures for rain or moisture)
• The field survey results indicated that that the ombet seeds seems to have a
long dormancy period and high viability period, which enable the seed to stay
underground for longer periods and only grow when there are favorable
climatic conditions.
Images shown the general status of the Dracaena ombet populations in GE
• As all the omebt grows at high altitudes at hard slopes, it also seems that the
seeds in usual are not the kind that can be transmitted by animal, like acacia as
example that have a high rate of germination as after transmitting by camels in
this area.. This can indicate that may be the omebt seeds transmission happened
by some kind of residents wild birds in this area or/and, water and wind. In
most of the areas of ombet woodland the Raven birds (Fan-Tailed Raven)
observed fly and stay of top of the ombet trees, and local community stated that
these birds like the ombet seeds and it observed eat its seeds at the fruiting
seasons in the past. This can lead that may be there is possibilities that these
birds acts as a main transmitting agent for the ombet seeds.
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Final Project report
3.2.2. Populations size and distribution:
Tombet population detected inside 13 locations in GE, which based on the available
resources, project plan and timeline; and the project team capabilities, the project team
has been completely surveyed 9 sites. Wile the other 4 sites has explored and partially
surveyed. The following table show the populations' sites/locations and size (Number
of observed trees inside each location).
No
Area
Code
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
Wade Darawina-Tewoet
W. Ghway
W. Aedieb-Kosheit
W. Tawella
W. Akaw
W. Ashtet
W. Aretri
W. Aedieb Hills
W. Marafay
DRW
GHW
ADBK
TWL
AKW
SHT
ART
ADBH
MFY
Populati
on size
17
30
12
70 –(100)
10
29
148
5
62
10
11
12
13
TOTAL
Shendieb Mountain
Camerba Mountain
Wade Nahaeeb
Kans-Srob-hills
SHN
CAM
NHB
KSB
383
10 -15
500-600
50-70
1
Latitude
Longitude
22°13'22.73
22°12'20.49
22°11'51.60
22°13'19.30
22°13'23.34
22°13'9.17
22°12'56.20
22°11'57.35
22°12'26.73
36°20'40.81
36°19'42.58
36°21'38.10
36°22'16.80
36°21'21.07
36°20'25.52
36°20'10.40
36°23'23.10
36°20'7.81
22° 3'48.39
22°12'8.70
22°12'8.18
36°13'39.39
36°19'17.03
36°19'31.47
Table 7: D.ombet's Populations size and distribution in GE
This indicate that the current Tombet population size within 9 sites of total 13 (
about 70% within the area of the survey, we found that the tree distribution equal
about 383 trees, while the estimated total ombet tree population size within Gabel
Elba could be 1000+/- 100 tree (it may be ranging from 950- 1050 tree).
From the records we estimated the Mean density of Tombet for whole GE to be
equal about = 55 tree/sq km
Wade name
Density/100 m2
ART
AKW
TWL
ADBK
2.50
6.43
2.25
1.00
51.25 165.00 62.50 37.50 25.00 64.29
Table 8: Tree densities per locations/populations:
22.50
10.00
5.13
MFY
SHT
16.50
6.25
DRW
3.75
ADBH
Density/1000 m2
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Final Project report
3.2.3 Populations trend:
Population status
S
D
Stable
Survey Status
RD
Decline
Rapid/sharp
decline
?
FS
PS
EP
Unknown
Fully
Surveyed
Partially
surveyed
Explored
Population status
No
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
Area
Population
size
Wade Darawina
W. Ghway
W. Aedieb-Kosheit
W. Tawella
W. Akaw
W. Ashtet
W. Aretri
W. Aedieb Hills
W. Marafay
TOTAL
10
11
12
13
Shendieb Mountain
Camerba Mountain
Wade Nahaeeb
Kansi-Srob
Survived
tree %
Decline
%
Trend
Survey
status
17
30
12
70
10
29
148
5
62
41.18
68.3
25
32.86
80
51.72
39.86
80
70.97
58.82
31.7
75
67.14
20
48.28
60.14
100
29.03
RD
D
RD
RD
D
RD
RD
D
D
FS
FS
FS
PS
FS
FS
FS
FS
FS
383
45.54
54.46
RD
10 -15
500-600
50-70
1
?
?
?
1
?
?
?
?
?
D
?
?
EP
EP
EP
EP
Table 8: D.ombet's Populations trend
3.2.4. Populations Healthy Status:
3.2.4.1.
Survival status of ombet tree:
• From total 383 tree recorded and completely assessed, about 163 trees observed
survived against 190 dead trees. That represents about 46.1% survival percent
from that total detected population size.
• Map 8 and figure 11 show the percentage of the survived and dead tree within
each population in GE.
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Final Project report
Map8: Survival status of ombet tree
100
90
Survived trees
80
Dead Trees
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Y
GW
H
AD
M
RF
B
AD
AK
W
AR
T
SH
T
DR
W
Ta
we
lla
0
Figure 11: Survival status of D.ombet trees
3.2.4.2.
Healthy status classes:
• Based on the survey methods and results, we divided the ombet trees healthy
status into 4 classes/grades based on the tree vigor status: Healthy (70-100),
moderate (35-70), server (1-35%), Dead trees (= 0).
• From total 353 tree recorded and completely assessed, about 97 trees observed
survived/ Healthy that represents about 27.47% of that total population size;
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Final Project report
•
38 tree recorded as survived/moderate that represents about 10.76 % of that
total population size;
•
28 tree recorded as survived/server that represents about 7.93 % of that total
population size; and
• 190 trees recorded as Dead trees that represent about 53.82 % of that total
population size.
Map 9: D.ombet Healthy status classes
Tree number
100
90
Survived-Healthy
80
Survived-Moderate
70
Survived-Server
60
Dead
50
40
30
20
10
0
ADBH
ADBK
AKW
ART
DRW
MFY
SHT
TWL
location name
Figure 12: ombet healthy status: number tree within each population (survived vs. dead tree)
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Final Project report
This figure show the number of survived and dead tree for each Tombet population in
GE, which as shown there is a sharp decline in number of trees and population size.
About 60% of the detected trees have been recorded as dead tree which most of these
dead trees concentrated inside W.Tawella and W.Artri.
Generally the populations severe a rapidly, high decline and mortality rate among all
its populations. It seem that W.Marfay and W.shtet still save a good population
healthy status that still there is balance between the dead and healthy trees.
3.2.5. Population boundaries and coverage:
3.2.5.1. D. ombet’s Extent of Occurrence (EOO) in Egypt:
Depending on the IUCN (IUCN 2001), Extent of occurrence is defined as the area
contained within the shortest continuous imaginary boundary which can be drawn to
encompass all the known, inferred or projected sites of present occurrence of a taxon,
excluding cases of vagrancy. Extent of occurrence can often be measured by a
minimum convex polygon (the smallest polygon in which no internal angle exceeds
180 degrees and which contains all the sites of occurrence).
For estimation the current EOO for the Dracaena ombet’s sub-populations in GE, we
measured this area on two stages
• In case of excluding the cases of vagrancy populations, this mean we including
all the closed populations, but only excluded Shendieb mountain’s population
which is far more than 20 km from the whole other populations, while all the
other population very close to each other (less than 3 km). Maps 4 shows, the
EOO for D.ombet’s populations, which is equal and came among 23.8 sq km
that represents about 15. 87% of the whole Gabel Elba mountain massive area
(= 150 sq km), and 0.066% of the total area of Elba Protected Area (= 36000 sq
km).
Map 10: D.ombet’s Extent of Occurrence in case 1
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Final Project report
• In case of including all the cases of vagrancy and the closest populations, this
including Shendieb mountain’s population. For that and as maps 5 show, the
EOO for D.ombet’s populations is equal and came among 116.2 sq km, which
represents about 23.24% of the whole Gabel Elba massive total area (= 500 sq
km), and 0.32% of the total area of Elba Protected Area (= 36000 sq km).
Map 11: D.ombet’s Extent of Occurrence in case 2
3.2.5.2. D.ombet Area of Occupancy (AOO)
Area of occupancy is defined as the area within its 'extent of occurrence' (see above)
which is occupied by a taxon, excluding cases of vagrancy. The measure reflects the
fact that a taxon will not usually occur throughout the area of its extent of occurrence,
which may contain unsuitable or unoccupied habitats (IUCN 2001). The size of the
area of occupancy will be a function of the scale at which it is measured, which here
for accurate AOO estimation, we need more accurate mapping scale, which should be
at a scale appropriate to relevant biological aspects of the species, the nature of threats
and the comprehensiveness of the available data. Thus to avoid bias and to estimate a
relevant AOO, we need to estimating area of occupancy at different scales.
For that in case of D. ombet populations’ available data, and based on the produced
ombet trees distribution map, that included a GPS record for each tree based on its
geographical location, we measured the AOO using a Grid technique, which the
distribution map for the species divided into equal grids depending on the used scale.
For this we used 5 different scale Grids system: at 1 Degree, 0.5 Degree, 0.25 D, 0.1
D, which equal areas = 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.05, 0.01 sq km respectively for each grid.
As the table below shown, there is a different estimated AOO for the same population
at the different scales; this return for the used Grid/scale which at small grid/scale
reveals more areas in which the taxon is unrecorded. Conversely, coarse-scale
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Final Project report
mapping/large grid reveals fewer unoccupied areas, resulting in over-estimation that is
more likely to be or accept.
Which here at using a 1 km grid, we can found as example, W.Darwina's populations
which equal 12 tree occupied large area (2 grids = 2 sq km), equal for W.Artri which
have more than 164 tree and occupied 2 grid also.
While at fine scale, 0.25 km grid, we can found that W.Darwina population occupied
only 5 grids/0.16 sq km, comparing with W.Artri that occupied 11 grids = 0.35 sq km.
As we used finer scale (smaller grid area) as we can get results reflects the facts on
ground, and can used for assessment the status of the threatened species.
These results indicate that:
1- In case of the current recorded populations (Included areas that occupied by
the dead and survived trees):
At 0.25 D grid scale, D.ombet populations occupied about 1.673 sq km, which this
represents about 0.034% of the total GE habitats estimated area (=5000 sq km) and
about 1.116% of total GE mountain massive area (= 150 sq km) ; and 7.91% of the
suitable GE’s habitats for D.ombet (=21.5 sq km).
While at 0.1 D or 10 Minutes grid scale, 0.01 sq km grid, D.ombet populations
occupied about 0.787 sq km, which this represents about 0.0157% of the total GE
habitats estimated area and about 0.524% of total GE mountain massive area; and
3.72% of the suitable GE’s habitats for D.ombet .
2- In case of the current recorded populations (Included areas that occupied only by
survived trees):
At 0.25 D grid scale, D.ombet populations occupied about 1.351 sq km, which this
represents about 0.027% of the total GE habitats estimated area, and about 0.9 % of
total GE mountain massive area; and 6.4% of the suitable GE’s habitats for D.ombet.
While at 0.1 D or 10 Minutes grid scale, 0.01 sq km grid, D.ombet populations
occupied about 0.5 sq km, which this represents about 0.01% of the total GE habitats
estimated area and about 0.333% of total GE mountain massive area; and 2.37% of the
suitable GE’s habitats for D.ombet .
This indicate that the total AOO loss in areas that Dracaena ombet tree occupied in
GE = 36.36 % decline in 2007, and by using the same estimation base, we can doing
the same estimation for assess the future AOO of the ombet population (by 2017) for
that we adopted a new case: In case of the current recorded populations (including
only areas that occupied by survived healthy trees and excluding the survived server
and moderate trees) this indicate that the total AOO loss /decline in areas that
Dracaena ombet tree occupied in GE = 60 % loss by 2017.
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Final Project report
Wade Name
Decline in area of Each
Population (%) In 2007
Decline In area of
each Population (%)
By 2017
Lost/decline
difference (20072017)
0
ADB H
50
50
80
20
71.42
19.04
58.33
25
65.21
39.11
50
28.56
10
14.28
60.00
ADB K
52.38
TWL
33.33
MFY
26.1
ART
40.00
SHT
14.28
AKW
42.86
DRW
Total
14.28
57.14
36.36
60%
23.64%
Table 9: Decline rate for each location
3.2.6. D.ombet Population age structure and classification
3.2.6.1. D.ombet Population age structure
The analysis results of age structure and growth of D. ombet in GE ‘‘with 90% of
confidence'' showed that:
• Most of D.ombet population's occurs in the stage of intensive disintegration
within 30–100 years.
• D. ombet populations have a high structural homogeneity since about 90% of
the sampled individuals belong to the last 3 size classes (fourth 'V', fifth 'VI'
and sixth 'VII' classes) with a diameter at breast height between 65 and 190
cm., and about 60 % of the samples individuals belong to the class (VI) with a
diameter at breast height between 75 and 125 cm.
• Dracaena ombet populations in GE has a bad age structure, which there is
very few regeneration signs, only a small numbers of young trees have
detected. The second size class 'II', (5-10 years old) only represents less than
1% of the whole populations with a diameter at breast height less than 35 cm.
• Among the samples individuals there is no observation for the first size class 'I'
which represents the Dracaena ombet seedling (3-5 years old), but only one
seedling observed in Camerba Mountain during the exploration phase for this
area.
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Final Project report
This indicates to:
Effect of current drought from more than 15 years in GE
High mortality portion for the old tree more than 120 in DBH
Age structure curve may be refer to a rapidly decline for the populations in GE.
ombet only able to regenerate extensively with adequate rainfall conditions
after prolonged droughts.
-
161
146
135
125
120
115
110
102
95
100
88
85
82
80
74
70
60
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
25
Size class
SIZE CLASSES
DBH
Figure 13: age structure for the Dracaena ombet trees in GE
Figures 13, 14 show the general age structure for the Dracaena ombet trees in GE
as results for the current survey, as this figure shown there is a bad age structure
for all the Dracaena ombet populations in GE, and most of the population
allocated at the middle part of this chart which this indicates for:
DBH Size Classes
Tree Numbers
1-20cm
120
21-40
100
41-60
61-80
80
81-100
101-120
60
121-140
40
141-160
20
161-180
181-200
0
No
size class
Figure 14: age classes for the Dracaena ombet trees in GE
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Final Project report
3.2.6.2. Dracaena ombet age classification scheme:
Although there us no defined way for determined the approximately age for the
Dracaena ombet tree, however that there is some references was discussed the
possibility of estimation of the age of the ''Dracaena Drago'' based on its branching
numbers and level. Therefore in our case we tried to prepare a scheme or guide that
can help not in estimate a net age for the tree but for estimate their age/size class then
can estimate their age based on its size class age range.
The following figures illustrate and figure the ombet size classes and its attributes
based on the observation inside GE. A well defined six classes has been defined as
following:
Dracaena ombet age classes:
1: plant with a single rosette and without a trunk.
2: plant with one rosette and a small and young trunk (less than 1m in height).
3: plant with one rosette and a trunk (more than 1 m in height).
4: plant with 2 main branches, more than one rosette and a crown with a diameter
smaller than 2 m.
5: plant with more than 2 main branches, few numbers of upper branches, more than
one rosette and with a crown larger than 2 m.
6: plant with more than 2 main branches, many upper branches, more than one rosette
and with a crown larger than 2.5-3 m.
Figure 15: Dracaena ombet age classes' scheme
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Class
Trunk
Rosette
Main
branches
Upper
branches
Crown
Class 1
None
Single
None
None
Class 2
Less
than 1 m
More
than 1 m
More
than 1 m
One
None
One
More
than one
Class 5
More
than 1 m
Class 6
More
than 1 m
Class 3
Class 4
DBH
(cm)
none
Estimated
age
(Years)
3- 5
None
None
5 -10
≤ 35
Small
branching
Two-big
None
None
15-20
Yes
25-30
More
than one
Three Four
Yes , 2-3
levels
More
than one
Four- or
more than
four
Yes, more
than 3
levels
Diameter
Less than
2m
Diameter
more than
2m
Diameter
more than
2.5 m
>3564
6574
0
40-50
75120
70- more
100
>
120190
Table 10: D.ombet size classes' scheme attributes
3.2.7. Altitudinal patterns of the ombet tree in GE:
• GE altitudinal range can be divided into 3 zones: low slopes (up to 450), midslopes (450-1000), and upper slopes (1000-1436)
• Dracaena ombet trees found in altitudinal range between 400-1000 m. a. s. l on
GE, this mean that is restricted to the mountains middle slopes.
• Most of the ombet populations (about 80%) grow in the mid-slope of GE in
areas range from 500-700 m, while 14% of the ombet populations grow below
the 500m and 6% grow above the 700 m and below 1000 m.
Altitude
100
90
80
70
60
50
Altitude
40
30
20
10
0
0
40
-5
00
0
50
-6
00
0
60
-7
00
0
70
-8
00
0
80
-9
00
9
00
10
00
Figure 16: Altitudinal patterns of the ombet tree in GE
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Final Project report
3.2.8. Threats: Causes for the deterioration of Dracaena ombet in GE:
It seems likely that a major cause of the decline in extent and quality of Dracaena
woodland is the very gradual drying of the area of south Egypt. Although there is No
direct history data is available from GEPA about the distribution or status of
Dracaena ombet, however, there is strong circumstantial evidence that this area have
been drying over the last few hundred years, and especially with comparing and
matching the available data about the extreme drought especially the last 10 years and
the available data about distribution and status of Dracaena ombet in GEPA along the
last 6 years, depending in that it is appear that probably this drought have a greater
impact on the current populations decline in GEPA. As is known, Dracaena ombet
occurring only in a high elevation between 450 to 1450 m in this areas affected by the
mists and cloud which came from the east, across the red sea coast towards GE
submit. Local people and the old explorer's reports in this area reported that the extent
of this cloud/mist coverage diminished over the years and the area subject for many
years ago for more than continues 2-3 months of rains and clouds.
A- Insects, disease and rainfall:
The project team found evidence of presence of harmful insects inside and on the tree
barks, most of the observed insects detected inside formation inside the tree trunk and
at the top of ombet trees just before their deterioration. Also local people in GE
mentioned that insects has bee observed during the last period paralleled with the
drought conditions. It seem that insects causes and accelerate the trees deterioration
that may be happened under the extreme drought and fluctuation of rainfall, which
also in north Sudan the same observation mentioned by local people of Erkowit
mountain areas (Mohammed, A.M 2004).
B- Parasites
the project team observed some new cases for presences and distribution of plants
parasites on the Tombet trees, in wade Camerba, Marafay and Tawella, the coculus
pendeduls as a most common parasite species in GE, this species observed climbing
on the tree crown, and it seem that have effect on the tree growth and survival.
Figure 17: Project team activities for remove parasites species form the D.ombet in GE
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Final Project report
C- Human exploitation & animal grazing:
The project team doesn’t observed any direct human impact on the ombet trees, also
based on some local people, the local women was used to cut and use the ombet tree
leaves to make ropes, which the ombet leaves remarked by a strong and flexible
fibers. In concern with grazing there is no observed or detected evidence for any
grazing sign for domestic's animals such as goats or sheep on ombet trees. This may
be return for the morphological characteristics of the ombet tree, with long trunk,
umbrella-shape crown; Leaves in dense terminal linear from wide ovate base,
gradually narrowed to an acute apex. But locals mentioned that goats can only feed on
the young seedling especially the young leave which very rich with protein. Also they
used to collect some leaves from the ombet trees to feed their camels especially in the
drought seasons. In general the community does not believe that human exploitation
and animal grazing are critical factor in the deterioration of ombet tree.
But in a general view for effect of over-grazing on the Tombet ecosystem, the project
team observed a high degree of over-grazing within the habitats of Dracaena ombet,
particularly on mid- and high slopes and especially within wadies of Aedieb, Marfay
and Camerba mountains. This also can indicate for the challenges of feeding the
animals of any ombet seedlings so that could affect the regenerations balance of the
Tomebt populations.
Figure 18: Grazing patterns on Dracaena ombet and inside its habitats in GE
D- Drought and climate change:
Based on the protective evidences in this area and with full agree with local people it
seem that the current drought and poor rainfall that affect all the area from more than
20 years and in general since 1950 has had an effect on all tree species, livestock and
human life and the whole ecosystem. The project team observed that the existing tree
regeneration and the historical habitat of ombet is found to be on top of the hills far
from the ground water, and that suggests the tree is mainly dependent on rains and
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Final Project report
mist irrigation. Which have both fluctuated over the last 50 years that before the dry
period, the area was more populated and had a rich and vigor vegetation; GE
vegetation had dense woodland which support a good livelihood for the locals and
their livestock. But the human interference in the area has been accelerated after 1986
which with the natural resources reduction, and the area and quantity of pasture,
overgrazing and other human activities such as charcoal production has been an
ecological disaster for the areas. Lack of vegetation in the lowland and wades,
resulting in increased the overgrazing on high lands, resulting in the removal of and
affect the vegetation cover in these habitats
Knut Krzywinski (2001) is confident that ''the environmental factors, which are
broadly responsible for the decline of the Dracaena ombet, also underlie the
environmental degradation of the Red Sea cultural landscape and the African dry land
crises in general''. He stated that; “Already in the sixties there were reports about how
the unique environment of Arkowit and the Dracaena ombet as a species were in
danger. The desertification of the Sahara borderland was threatening not just single
species, but an entire land ecosystem as well. The underlying factors are complex, and
to some extent the complexity relates to the intimate relationship between the
landscape itself, its vegetation, and the population surviving on its resources and the
culture they developed in the desert environment.”
It could be stated as the Sudanese team in monitoring of D.ombet in Erkowit area in
Sudan reported that ''it is too early to judge now on whether the acquired information
and data on climate is enough to prove any longer-lasting change. A series of global
climate changes are taking effect and influencing temperature, precipitation, wind
storms, and have consequences and side effects for the lives of all creation in the
World. But, it is not yet known whether these changes such as in rainfall are part of a
steady, sporadic or cyclical process''. The reason behind this gist is the most likely
observed change of trend in favor of a promising natural restocking of the threatened
Dracaena ombet.
It is most likely that the main reasons for the deterioration of the Dracaena ombet in
GEPA and in general at the Red Sea Hills are return for effect of the climatic factors,
which the period of deterioration is matched with the waves of drought that faces the
area along the last 50 years, especially in the decades 60s to the 80s of this century
(SOS report 2003). In addition also there is a cumulative other factors are still
considered such as effect of pests and diseases that affect plants that already suffered
from the drought.
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Final Project report
Figure 19: drought effect stages on Dracaena ombet ( effect on branches and leaves depletion)
3.2.9. The uses and importance of Dracaena ombet
Rope-making:
• Women was used the ombet tree leaves to make ropes. They usually cut the young
soft leaves to make good ropes. Based on Mohammed Gomaa, one of our community
guides, may be the community has bee used to use the plastics ones which is very easy
found it in the close urban areas in Abo Ramad, but to date still there is may be people
have a skills to fabrics this traditional ropes from the dracaena tree leaves. In Sudan
some studies indicated that in areas close to Erkwoit Mountain, their are some ropes
making recently by women at Gebeit Bogaleinai, which the ropes in the women’s
possession were not so strong, but were very smooth and flexible. The leaves are used
differently from the Dom leaves where they put them under ground for one day to rot
and then they use the pure fiber inside the leave for making ropes (SOS Report).
Camel fodder:
• In GEPA the men used to collect the Tombet tree raw fruits/seeds for their camels.
They mentioned that its edible fruits very rich and give then energy, this mean that its
fruits have a high protein content and it is reported that its provide a good food source
for local community during the fruiting seasons and for some wild animals such as
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Final Project report
hyrax and Nubian ibex. And also raw seeds are very healthy for camels, especially it
have good water content. In Sudan it reported that the camels that eat the Tombet
seeds never get thirsty, because of its high water contents (SOS 2003). But the raw
Tombet seeds are very dangerous for sheep and goats, and may lead to mortality
immediately. Goat and sheep only can eat the Tombet flowers and dry seeds (SOS
2003).
Medicine:
A- Local uses
In GEPA, Dracaena is of considerable economic plant, the interviews with local
community indicated that there is a traditional medicinal use for the Dracaena ombet
as medicine plant in GE, which depending on Mohammed Hassay (the healer of GE)
the Tombet stems uses for stomach pains and wounds treatments, and its leaves parts
uses for Hair elongation. Table below explain the methods and the dosage for these
treatment.
Disease
Used
part
Stomach pains and stem
wounds treatments
Hair elongation
Dosage and method
The D.ombet stem scratching to collect an
exudation liquid which have viscous feel known
as ‘el saber’, then this exudation taken and but on
the wounds areas for some days
Leaves
By slotting the leaves of D.ombet and collect the
exudation liquid, which used as a hair cream.
Table 11: Local medicinal uses of D.ombet in GE
B- Pharmacological uses
In July 2007 a new Egyptian pharmacological researcher has successes in isolated an
effective two medicinal materials from a Dracaena ombet leaves, Antinociceptive and
Anti-Inflammatory Steroidal Saponins. Two new steroidal saponins, namely (25 R)5beta-spirostan-3-beta-ol 3 -O-beta- D-galactopyranosyl-(1'''-->4'')- O-beta- Dglucopyranosyl-(1''-->3')- O-beta- D-glucopyranoside (El Shanwany, 2007- Planta
Med. 2007 Jul 12;)
3.2.10. Signs of natural regeneration:
At Camerba Mountain, at moderate east northern slope, some 8 small trees (0.1 – 1
meter) were observed (Photos 4 & 5). In this area the project team had make the
youngest seedling record for Dracaena in Egypt, which a small seedling with trunk tall
(10 cm) recorded on the slope of camerba mountain, it seem that its age less than 3
years. At north-east of Wade Khway another 2 small seedling (0.4-1 m) also recorded.
But in the other areas there are no signs or observation for new generation. Which
most of the tree woodland that recorded are big trees (more than 1.5 -4 meters high),
and estimated to be more than 15 years old. Mohmaaed Hassy, the elder man in the
Beja tribe, about eighty years, and herbal in W. Aedeieb has mentioned that when he
was a child he used to play under these trees that looks like young and less than 3-4 m.
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Final Project report
Fig 20: ombet seedling in Camerba mountain
Fig 22: Local community detect a young dead
ombet seedling
Fig 21: Sign for ombet regeneration in W.Ghway
Fig 23: Good Signs for regeneration in Camerba
mountain
Also Sheikh Mohammed Hassay indicates that he before tried to propagate the ombet
by cutting a one of the top part of the young branch and tried to propagate it on the
wade soil to germinate roots, but unfortunately the seedling died. This indicate the
local community willingness to contribute to the regeneration of the ombet as they
have a good traditional knowledge and aware of its value in their livelihood and the
traditional methods for agriculture and plants propagations. Based on Marwan the
Ghazouni, an Egyptian succulent plant specialist there are some natural signs of
regeneration of the “ombet” were observed at Shendeib Mountain in 2003. The local
communities stated that they have not observed any more seedling or new generation
in other areas during the last 5-7 years inside the areas we surveyed or at any other unaccessible sites from what had been visited and surveyed.
But on level of regeneration outside the natural habitats, that considers as try for exsitu conservation, some of the Egyptian succulents specialists, Marwan El Ghazouni
and Sheriff Abu Basha, has been successes in propagate about 40 new dracaena
seedling from the collected seed that they collect from Shendeib Mountain during
their visit for this area in 2003. These seedling conserved inside a private garden in
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Final Project report
Cairo belong for them. In Elba the observation for the new seedling indicated that
most of these seedlings grow away from the big trees, outside the trees canopy, where
the seeds are expected to fall. Only one seedling more than 1.5 m detected in Wade
Tawella grow under the tree (its not completely ensured if this tree grown from a seed
germination or a vegetative part), but in general this observations can leads for
hypotheses about seed disbursement, germination requirements, seed viability,
dormancy, storage and optimum season and stage of seed collection (which further
studies and research are needed to fill this knowledge gap).
The project team initiated an experiment for germinate ombet seedling from a
vegetative parts, this return for lack of seeds which during the survey period there is
no signs for fruiting, for that the team and with support from local community was
planted some of the vegetative parts of the ombet tree (new germinated buds on the
top of the trees branches), which these parts transferred and planted in a propagation
puts and supported with soil from the valley and kept irrigated each 3 days with
suitable water. But unfortunately after 3 months these parts did not give any sign for
survival or new roots.
Fig 24.Vegetative propagation attempts for ombet
tree with cooperation of locals
Fig 25: Vegetative parts from an ombet tree that
used for a vegetative propagation experiments
Fig 26: Local community care with and carry out propagation experiment for Dracaena ombet in a
community nursery in GE
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Final Project report
3.2.11. Tree ecology:
The project team observed that the existing tree regeneration and the historical habitat
of ombet is found to be on top of the hills on latitude range from 400-1100 m, far from
the ground water, and that suggests the tree is mainly dependent on rains and mist
irrigation. The Dracaena ombet tree morphology and physiology is designed by nature
to tolerate drought. The tree stem, branches and roots are composed of fibers that store
water, the leaves lanceulated shape, thick, smooth at lower and upper surface, and
erect in position so as to reduce transpiration and hence resist desiccation. The inner
part of the tree branches as well as the roots consist of fiber, this is a strong indicator
that this tree can reserve a considerable amount of water to resist drought, and it
probably depends on mist and rain fall rather than ground water. In almost in all cases,
the Dracaena ombet is found to grow and establish at the cracks between rocks and
shallow soil where no permanent ground water. That suggests the tree totally relies on
rainwater and mist supported by its ability to absorb and reserve water for the dry
season. All the Dracaena ombet trees woodlands and regeneration took place at the
Eastern and northern eastern parts of the Elba and Shendeib mountains, which in
northern parts the Northeast dominance wind can blow and summer rain fall. No trees
found or historical known in at the western or the southern slopes of Elba Mountains,
where the climate is different from the eastern parts. Which the climate to the western
parts of the mountains is considers as part of the Sahara climate (hot and less
exposures for rain or moisture).
The project field survey results indicated that that the ombet seeds seems to have a
long dormancy period and high viability period, which enable the seed to stay
underground for longer periods and only grow when there are favorable climatic
conditions. In general omebt grow at high altitudes at hard slopes, it also seems that
the seeds in usual are not the kind that can be transmitted by animal, like acacia as
example that have a high rate of germination after transmitting by camels in this area.
This could indicate that may be the omebt seeds transmission happen by some kind of
residents wild birds in this area or/and, water and wind. The Crow 'Fan-Tailed Raven'
was observed extensively by the project team in most of the areas of ombet woodland,
which it has a huge colonies on the top of GE Elba at the mid and high stony slopes in
areas very close for the ombet population distribution. These birds observed fly and
stay of top of the ombet trees, also local community stated that these birds like ombet
seeds and it observed eat its seeds at the fruiting seasons in the past. This can lead
that may be there is possibilities that the wild raven birds acts as a main transmitting
agent for the ombet seeds. Also on a global scale it's very reliable to indicate that the
global distribution of this bird 'Fan-Tailed Raven' cover south east Egypt 'GE', North
East Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, north east Ethiopia, north Somalia and Arabia, which
it’s the same areas for the ombet distributions. (Intensive study about the relation with
between the ombet and this bird is needed for more assessment for the ecology of
ombet tree)
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Final Project report
Fig 27: 'Fan-Tailed Raven' colonies inside
the ombet woodland on GE high slopes
Fig 28: 'Fan-Tailed Raven' bird stay of
ombet tree in Wade Marafay in GE
3.2.12. Reproduction:
The Dracaena ombet fruits or berry 1-1.2 cm diameter, which each fruit have one
seed very small in size ( 5-6 mm diameter), and this refer that they are disbursed by
wind, water or carried by birds for that places far from the mother trees. This fact may
help in explain the presence of new seedlings away from mother trees. In GE and
during the survey times there is no observation for any signs of fruiting or seeds, only
old fruiting branches founded on the top of some trees. Although some of local
community stated that they observed and collected some seeds during the last 2 years,
but there is no sign for seeds or new fruits. May be as the Dracaena ombet considers
as a Monocotyledons species, which it is this division of the plant kingdom in most
cases likely to have males and females at separate trees (dioeciously). For that the
ombet have a male and female types this will affect the quantity and quality of the
fruits which in case of un-pollination methods will be there un-pollinated flowers that
are not usually the same quality as the pollinated ones, and this may also affect the
viability of the population in GE under the current climate change and also explain the
limitation of presence of fruits in the areas of the surveys.
3.2.13. Associated plants communities:
230 plant species were recorded during the Tombet survey phase (See annex 1), all
these plants recorded on the middle and upper slopes of GE where the habitats of the
ombet occurs, these plants recorded associated with the Dracaena ombet and/or within
its micro habitats (including: middle and upper slopes, Mountainous Drainages, mist
oases and mountainous springs). Thirty seven plant species recorded as a closely
correlated and associated species with the D.ombet populations (these plants recorded
inside the Tombet's Quadrates), which this means that about 16% of the recorded
plants very associated with the ombet microhabitats.
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Final Project report
Table 12: main associated indigenous plants in D. ombet's habitats
Species name
Acacia asak (Forssk.) Willd.
Acacia etbaica
Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne subsp. Tortilis
Amaranthus graecizansL. subsp. Graecizans
Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del.
Calligonum polygonoidesL. subsp. Comosum
Cenchrus setigerusVahl
Chrozophora oblongifolia (Delile) Spreng.
Cocculus pendulus(J.R. & G.Forst.) Diels
Commelina benghalensisL.
Commelina forsskaleiVahl
Dodonaea viscosa Jacq
Echinopus spinosus
Ephedra cilliata
Euclea racemosa Murray subsp. schimperi
Euphorbia consobrina N.E.Br.
Euphorbia cuneata Vahl
Ficus salicifolia Vahl
Hibiscus vitifolius L.
Ipomoea obscura(L.) Ker-Gawl.
Jasminum fluminense Vell.
Jasminum grandiforum
Lycium shawii
Ocimum forsskaoliiBenth.
Ocimum menthaefolium
Olea europaea L.
Onychium divaricatum
Oxalis anthelmintica
Pancratium sickenbergeri
Pancratium tortuosum
Rhus abyssinica
Rhus abyssinica
Rumex simpliciflorus
Salvadora persica
Sisymbrium erysimoides
Solanum incanum
Solanum villosum Mill. subsp. villosum
MD MMO
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
MUS MWS
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
Table key: MD-MO: mountainous drainage and mist oases; MUS: mountainous upper slopes; MWS:
mountainous water springs; 0: absent; 1: presence
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Final Project report
3.2.14. Ombet population's Eco-geography and the suitable habitats in GE
(Tombet Habitats Suitability Index)
What are the main factors determining the ecological state of ombet tree habitats? A habitat
suitability index for D.ombet is developed to provide the answer for this question and to
measure the future status of the ombet habitats and their effects and affects on the ecological
situation in GE. The following environmental variables are chosen as determining parameters
for habitat suitability, which included: climatic, geomorphologic and biological factors.
Collected semi-quantitative and qualitative knowledge about the impact of those variables on
suitability of a site for D.ombet is formalized using a fuzzy set approach. The resulting index
is implemented in GIS and applied to a test and measure the available suitable habitats status
in GE for D.ombet. The results are compared to the actual distribution of ombet in the year
2007 to check their plausibility and status. This approach could use as a simple evaluation of
the habitat suitability for ombet in a spatial scale and also as simulation tool, also the OHSI
could support the any ecological impact assessment processes that can guide towards mitigate
any potential impact on the important areas for Tombet distributions.
The finding of the O-HIS could conclude as following:
•
•
•
•
Total Tombet suitable habitats in GE = 21.5 sq km
Total Elba Mountain massive = 150 sq km
Percentage of Tombet suitable habitats for the whole GE massive = 14.33%
Suitable habitats index's parameters:
Table 13 concludes the limiting factors that control the distribution of the ombet population
and shapes its habitats; based on these parameters we can divide the ombet population's
occurrence into different 6 eco-geographical zones, and could be defined as following:
Zone 1: (include the Tombet populations of W. Artri's low slope)
Zone 2: (include the Tombet populations of W. Marafay, Shtet, Darwina, Akaw, and the mid
and upper slope of w. Tawella; and the middle slope of w. Aretri)
Zone 3: (include the Tombet populations of W. Tawella's low slope)
Zone 4: (include the Tombet populations of Camerba Mountian, W. Ghway and W. Nahaeeb)
Zone 5: (include the Tombet populations of W. Aedieb-Kosheit)
Zone 6: (include the Tombet populations of the outliers hills of W. Aedieb)
Map 12: different ombet eco-geographical zones
(vector map for ombet distribution)
69
Map 13. Satellite raster map for the ombet
distribution
Final Project report
Table 13: limiting factors/parameters that control the distribution of the ombet population in GE
Bioclimatic
Variable
Altitude (meter)
Minimum
Annual Temp.
Maximum
Annual Temp
Annual Mean
Temperature
Mean Monthly
Temp. Range
Temperature
Seasonality
Max Temp. of
Warmest
Month
Min Temp. of
Coldest Month
Temperature
Annual Range
Mean Temp. of
Wettest Quarter
Mean Temp. of
Driest Quarter
Mean Temp. of
Warmest Q
Mean Temp. of
Coldest Quarter
Annual
Precipitation
Precipitation of
Wettest Month
Precipitation of
Driest Month
Precipitation
Seasonality
Precipitation of
Wettest Quarter
Precipitation of
Driest Quarter
Precipitation of
Warmest Q
Precipitation of
Coldest Q
Alt – Slope
(Degree)
Zone1
313550
Zone2
420915
Zone3
290650
Zone4
612800
Zone5
8711000
Zone6
556600
Min
Max
Range
290/300
1000
700
18.5
17.9
18.7
16.8
15.4
17.2
15.4
18.7
3.3
30.6
30
30.7
29.1
27.7
29.3
27.7
30.7
3
24.6
24
24.7
22.9
21.6
23.2
21.6
24.7
3.1
12
12.1
12
12.2
12.3
12.2
12
12.3
0.3
413.4
414.8
410.9
420.7
427.1
417.9
411
427.1
16.2
36.1
35.5
36.1
34.6
33.3
34.8
33.3
36.1
2.8
13.3
12.7
13.5
11.5
10
11.9
10
13.5
3.5
22.8
22.8
22.6
23.1
23.3
22.9
22.6
23.3
0.7
23.3
22.6
23.4
21.5
20.1
21.9
20.1
23.4
3.3
19.6
19
19.7
17.9
16.4
18.2
16.4
19.7
3.3
29.4
28.8
29.5
27.9
26.5
28.1
26.5
29.5
3
19.4
18.8
19.6
17.7
16.3
18.1
16.3
19.6
3.3
28
32
29
37
46
36
28
46
18
17
17
18
17
18
18
17
18
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
205.4
178.3
209.9
149.9
124.8
165.8
125
209.9
85.1
24
25
25
25
28
27
24
28
4
0
1
0
2
3
1
0
3
3
2
3
2
6
9
5
2
9
7
3
4
3
4
6
5
3
6
3
89-90
89-90
89-90
89-90
89-90
89-90
89
90
1
Aspect values for the ombet populations:
North: 13.31% of the ombet population's trees facing N, East: 2.27% of the ombet
population's trees facing E, North East: 18.70% of the ombet population's trees facing NE,
North West: 65.72% of the ombet population's trees facing NW
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Final Project report
Fourth Part: Project other Findings and Achievements
In this part we present other achievements and activities in reference for the DracaenaMAP project’s objectives and outputs:
4.1- Dracaena ombet Conservation
- Target output: To conserve with local community at least 10% of D.ombet
population against overgrazing and over-cutting threats.
4.1.1. In-situ conservation actions:
4.1.1.1. Protection Enclosures:
The protection enclosure is effective way for protection the endangered species within
their habitats especially against grazing impact. Based on our project plan and
objectives we targeting establishing number of these enclosures for protection at least
10% of Tomebt population in GE in case of assess the grazing as main cause for
ombet population decline. Depending on the project's survey results, there is no
observation for direct impact of grazing on the ombet tree (review the 3rd chapter:
Ombet's population survey results). Also based on the new populations that
discovered and huge data that collected about each population, therefore we decided
with full agreement with local community to delay the processes of establishment of
these enclosures until we can developed a protective mechanism for the ombet
population conservation priority setting, that could be support prioritizing the
populations and areas that urgent needs these conservation measures. in the same time
the survey results indicted that there is need for adopt a new approach for conservation
more that enclosure to ensure protection of large area of the population for each
prioritized population, this approach could include establishment and management a
Dracaena ombet Community Micro-Reserves.
For achieve this new objective, we has worked with local community for develop a
ranking index for the D.ombet populations protection priority; this index has been
supported us to ensure targeting the most needed populations for direct protections
against a current and potential threats such as grazing. We hopefully are looking to
provide direct in-situ conservation with local community for at least 10% of D.ombet
population against overgrazing and over-cutting threats in the near future.
Protection priority Index:
The most widely recognized system to determine the threat status of a species is the
IUCN red list, red list provides scientific decision-making guidelines with which to
assign species into categories of threats and protection values of population
parameters. Using some parameters we can scaling the species conservation status
based on what we can defined it as a Species Protection Index (SPI), the protection
index used here was based on three distributional factors associated with extinction
risk (IUCN 2000): number of locations/No of tree per population (Locs.), extent of
occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) for each population.
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Final Project report
This index prepared to facilitate for the project team for ranking the population
depending on the population status, threats degree to get the protection priority.
Needs for this index:• The urgent need for understanding the current status for dracaena omebt
population in GEPA, and established an internal comparison between the
populations.
• Due to a huge area of research and also for the large area of occurrence of
D.ombet comparing for the area of occupancy, for that this index will facilitate
implementing the conservation action deepening on the priority and the
available tools.
• As a guide for a long term monitoring program for measure the degree of
conservation status of dracaena inside GEPA.
Index structure:
For establishing an effective appropriate protection index, we used and integrated the
following criteria:• IUCN Red List guidelines and criteria 2003
• By using the IUCN criteria, three criterions were chosen, Threats degree,
occupancy degree and occurrence degree in addition for the number of
distribution localities for the species.
• Based on the current knowledge about the Dracaena ombet in GE, we
established a specific range for each criterion
• A priority ranking from 1-10 was established for each criterion.
P
No of locs/trees
EOO
AOO
Threats Degree
0 < PI ≤ 1
1
<0.5
< 0.01
1
1 < PI ≤ 2
2
<1
< 0.05
2
2 < PI ≤ 3
4
<2
<0.1
3
3 < PI ≤ 4
8
<5
<0.2
4
4 < PI ≤ 5
16
<10
<0.3
5
5 < PI ≤ 6
32
<20
<0.4
6
6 < PI ≤ 7
64
<30
<0.5
7
7 < PI ≤ 8
128
<40
<1
8
8 < PI ≤ 9
256
<50
<1.5
9
9 < PI < 10
512
<100
<2
10
Table 14: Standard Protection index for Dracaena ombet populations in Gabel Elba
The rank value for the index could be estimates as following: as example in case of W.
Aedieb, EOO is 1.7 sq Km, AOO is 0.096 sq Km and Localities or number of D.ombet tree
are 12. So based on table 14, referring for the SPI scale, and to compute and get a quantitative
SPI value (willer et all 2006), for that W. Aedeib population with its 12 trees would fall
within the location range for vulnerable (8 < No of Locations ≤ 16), which has a
corresponding SPI range of 4 < PIlocs ≤ 5. Then we can compute the final value by
interpolating linearly within this range (willer et all 2006): = 4 + (12-8) / (16-12) = 5 from
tenth scale (total index rank ''10''). And by another way be collecting all the values for No of
locs + EOO + AOO we can compute the final rank value as following: (5 + 3 + 2) / 3 = 3.3
from total rank 10. This means that this population has a high priority for conservation.
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Final Project report
4.2- Dracaena ombet status Assessment
- To assess the current conservation status of Dracaena in GEPA, by collates existing
data on the plant, population and ecological data, local knowledge, and to Produce
GIS-based map for Dracaena occurrence, at least for 80% of Dracaena population
within GE.
Achieved: See the accompanied document No 1. Dracaena ombet survey status
and conservation action plan final report
4.3- Prepare the D.ombet Conservation and Action plan; and long term
community based-monitoring program
- To produce a species conservation action plan inside GEPA, including monitoring
reports and community-based long term monitoring plan.
4.3.1. Prepare the D.ombet Action plan
Achieved: See the accompanied document No 1. Dracaena ombet survey status
and conservation action plan final report
4.3.2. Long term community based-monitoring program
This part will sustain the on-going action for assess and conserve the ombet tree in
GE, through ensure a long term monitoring activities, availability of a baseline data
can be use for comparing and assess the population trend and full participation of local
community for more sustainability for these actions. The community based long term
monitoring program has been developed with participation of local community which
including the following:
4.3.2.1. Establishment Long term monitoring permanent plots
The project team with participation of GE’s locals has been established 10 permanent
long term monitoring plots. These plots will act as tool for collected data on the
population's trend and for tracking and assessment the tree growth rates; threats types
and degree; and the population status of D.ombet and their habitats status.
A continuous bi-annual monitoring will be undertaken for these plots as this
monitoring program has been integrated with and listed as part of GEPA monitoring
program processes and management plan with full community participation as a main
base for completion and sustaining of this action. These monitoring processes will be
carried out using simple illustrated sheets to facilities for local people to understand,
react and use it in the ongoing monitoring programs.
These permanent plots distributed as following: 2 plots within each of W.Marfay,
W.Artri and W.Tawella; and one plot for each of W.Shtet, W.Aedieb, W.Akaw,
W.Aedieb hills.
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Final Project report
4.3.3. Designed and Prepared an electronic Data bases for long term monitoring
program for Dracaena ombet and GEPA flora
4.3.3.1. The (DoMAP Project Database)
The Do-MAP electronic database uses a relational database management system
(RDBMS) written in Microsoft Access 2003 software. Like all RDBMS based
applications, the database comprises several data tables related to each other by
various common link fields. Data entry is simple through customized simple entry
forms.
Database Structure
The database includes main interface forms lead to different gateways for data entry
or view. The main table is ‘’the Monitoring program data’’ with information on the
tree tagging number and ID; branching status, grazing, threats rank; DBH, tree height,
elevation, GPS Location, plot number; and other useful information about the Tombet
populations in GE. This database has many sub-entry and view forms and tables such
as: Tomebt distribution Maps, Ethno-botanical-TK data, Project Publications and
multimedia resources (videos and pictures).
Figure 29: Project Database interface
Database using
For Using the Database simply during the project and in future, we designing this
database and assumed that the database users have fair knowledge of using MS
Access and also we taken in consideration that to facilities using this data base in
future by a little or simple computer-skills rangers, community guides or other
interested people. For that we fully depends in using illustration symbols for many of
the database entry-fields, also we using a ranking-system for entry depending on a
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Final Project report
pre-defined-ranking key, as example for a tree branching there is an illustratedsymbolic key with 9 degree of threats, which any user easily can use this to choose the
appropriate rank number for entry it inside the related field for the tree-branchingstatus-rank. A printed-out descriptive manual for using DoMAP Database will be
prepared by end of the project, this to facilities basic steps of using the database. The
database installed directly then can use a main icon on the desktop. This will open the
database main interface screen. Which the user can have some welcome information
about the project and the species, or/then can review the icons menu on the main
interface to go through many data gateways/screens (Monitoring program, distribution
Maps, Ethno botanical-TK data, Project Publications and multimedia resources). Each
gateway lead to entry form/screen which in the same time can work as data
presentation screens. In addition to this the data base forms/screens has a number of
buttons in the below that help the user to navigate through and work with the records,
and also where relevant, there are buttons that can be used in accessing other
associated forms.
Data base Querying the data and report production.
We used the available MS Access queries and reports options, for more useful and
powerful information for users depending on the user’s requirement. Which for each
data base we created some queries and reports buttons, and also as soon as user can
search and query for many other related data. By these tools user can gather and get
specific information as separated report which can use it by other applications.
4.3.3.2. The (DoMAP-GIS based Database)
The DoMAP Geographical Information System database comprises several thematic
layers in Arc MAP GIS 9.1 format. The data layers are geo-referenced shape files in a
UTM coordinate system. These shapfiles (about 80 layers) already available for any
ongoing long term monitoring or conservation action in GEPA, and all these layers
restored as part of the project GIS Unit that established for support and increased the
capacity building of GEPA:
available
layers
Layer definition
3
GEPA map
2
4
2
2
1
1
1
60
GEPA elevation maps
GEPA boundary
Grazing layers
Tombet distribution
Local settlements
Roads and tracks
Cities and villages
Economic plants
1
Charcoaling
1
Water sources in
Layer Description
Topographic and satellite maps for
GEPA
Elevation map for GEPA
GEPA legal boundary
Domestics and wild animals grazing
Ombet trees geographical locations
Local community distribution in GE
High roads, desert tracks in GEPA
Cities and villages In GEPA
Distribution of 60 economic and
medicinal plant species in GEPA
Charcoal production hotspots in
GEPA
Wells and springs in GEPA
Formats
MrSid, JPG, TIFF
Assci, Shpfiles
Shpfile (line)
Shpfile(line & polyg)
Shpfile (points)
Shpfile (points)
Shpfile (line)
Shpfile (points)
Shpfile (points)
Shpfile (points)
Shpfile (points)
Table 15: DoMAP-GIS based Database content and available data's layers
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Final Project report
Links DoMAP Access Base with GIS-Database
As numerous records in the DoMAP Access Base database are geo-referenced with
UTM co-ordinates such as trees destitutions, plots and local settlements location;
which have latitude/longitude coordinates in decimal degrees. Therefore this support a
direct link of these records with the DoMAP-GIS Database, which each layer of the
GIS-DB have link with the same layer record in the DoMAP database through the
gazetteer file (Records) that contains the coordinates for the related data such as trees
distributions, plots locations, which the DoMAP DB’s fields ID will be linked with a
related shapefile having the same Id When applicable. As example the D.ombet tree
number/ID ‘’MF-P5-122’’ in the DoMAP DB tables (ID = tree tagging No) will be
linked with the MF_P5_122.shp ‘’ point shapefile’’ in the GIS database; and the Plot
number/ID 5 ‘’MF_P5’’ will be linked with MF_P5.shp ‘’Polygon shapefile’’ in the
GIS database.
Availability of the DMAP databases for Egyptian researchers:
The DoMAP GIS and DB database will be available as special electronic directory on
CDs in next months and we will distribute for the Egyptian universities and scientific
research institutes, this to encourage the Egyptian researchers to share us the
conservation activities for protection the dracaena ombet in GE, and to ensure that the
available information could be support the long term monitoring and research on
D.ombet in Egypt.
4.3.3.3. A preliminary Design for simple graphic-interface-GIS-based monitoring
program software, to be enabled for use by local community.
(Towards support the community GIS in Egypt)
As part of the project activities, the project team has been initiate a first initiate in
Egypt for support the community GIS and enabling the local community for use the
geo-informatics technologies ( GPS and GIS tools) as tools for monitoring, assessment
and conservation the endangered species in GE and Egypt.
The first steps of this initiate has been launched under the project and it is expected to
be achieved by mid of 2009 especially after raise funding for implementation its
activities. To date the project team has been developed a specific simple
software/database able to use through mobiles handsets, this database support the GIS
technologies, which contain graphics interfaces for review information about the
Tombet as same as another available interfaces for data entry, which any user can add
data about the tree height, DBH, branching, grazing status, etc. all the entry data will
store automatic into the database. Users of this software could be any user even
literate people. The transition and button of this database it designed as illustration and
text to facilities for local people to be familiar for using it
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Final Project report
Fig 30: user interfaces for the preliminary GIS-based monitoring program software
4. 4- Documentation the related Traditional Knowledge
- To document and preserve related traditional knowledge to Dracaena.
See the attached document No. 2: A socio-economic and ethno-botanical study
4. 5- Capacity building of the project stakeholders
- To strengthen capacity of local people and relevant stockholders especially GEPA
MU and NGOs in conservation actions, through active participation in the project;
training to develop their knowledge; skills and experience; and infrastructure for
ongoing conservation activities.
4. 5.1. Working with and contribution in Capacity building of the local NGO’s
and GEPA MU
4.5.1. 1. Training and enabling environment
4.5.1. 1.1. Training
• Towards Support stakeholders participation
in Dracaena omebt tree conservation and
GEPA Management and Depending on the
project objectives, Red sea protected areas
development association as community
77
Final Project report
based NGO ha been worked with the project team as partner and many of this
NGO‘s members has been join the team members as volunteers during all the
project activities especially the field work and public awareness activities.
• The project team Drawn up a Memorandum of Understanding with RSPADA
to facilitate for more participation in the D.ombet conservation, which as
results for this protocol all the project equipments which include (laptop,
camera, field tools) will be handover for this NGO after the project end which
will contribute in support the efficient of its work and also will help in support
any other ongoing activities for conservation dracaena and GEPA’s
biodiversity.
• Also 12 members of RSPADA and GEPA staff has been join the team
members in the first training ‘project management and GIS Application in
protected area management’, which conducted in mid of august 2007, under the
project activities. Such this participation and gained skills will contribute in
support the NGO and GEPA staff in the near future especially in a decisions
making process inside GEPA and biodiversity monitoring skills.
Figure 31: Trainees during their participation in the project management training
• In August 2007, the project team conducted a field on-job training
(paraprofessional training) involved 5 rangers, 8 community guides and 5 local
community members. This field training focused on endangered tree
monitoring techniques, using camera for photography, GPS and provided onthe-job training and assistance with data analysis skills.
• Initiate a small program for support handicrafts products and local women
participation in GEPA. This includes training sessions, meeting, raw materials,
and initiate and participation in 2 handicrafts exhibition in Egypt for marketing
their handicrafts and the project activities.
• The project team held training workshop included 7 rangers from GEPA staff
and another 5 rangers from other national parks in Egypt, this training
workshop included sessions and training on GIS and project management.
• The project team leader received training in biodiversity monitoring, data
basing and communication and participated in Darwin's scholarship training
program in the UK in August 2008. (This participation supported by the British
council-Egypt and the Field Studies Council in the UK, during the period form
8-18 Aug.2008).
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Final Project report
• Part of the project plan, is to conduct exchange visit to Saint kathrine park,
Egypt, due to some constrains, we conducted this visit to other nationa park in
Egypt. Which in March 2008, 10 local community' members representing local
community, RSPADA, project members and GEPA has joined an exchange
visit for Wade Gimal National park, red sea governorate. This visit targets to
put stockholders in contact with other local communities facing similar
challenges and to support their skills and experience through share ideas and
experiences with other communities. During this visit and with support from
LIFE red sea project, the local community were participated in on-job training
on honey bee production and it use as source for income-generating for
support the local community livelihood in GEPA. Life red sea has provided 5
honey bee hives for GEPA's community to start a small project for honey
production.
4.5.1. 1.2. Enabling environment
As training is very important for increasing and support the capacity building of the
stakeholders responsible about conservation of the dracaena ombet and GE's
biodiversity, also support an appropriate work enabling environment is have the same
important. Due to that GE locate in remote area this affect the availability of
appropriate and suitable infrastructure that can help in conducting the filed work that
can support conservation its habitats. So the project team has been worked with local
NGO (RSPADA) for close this gap. For In May 2008 the project team with
cooperation of GEPA and RSPADA awarded a 5000$ small grant from the Red Sea
Governorate for their joint project in conservation of Dracaena ombet, this grant has
been used for established the first Field station for monitoring the Biodiversity and
Climate Change and also to work as centre for provides services for local community.
The CLP has been appointed as the sponsor for this station through direct contribution
in establishment of this station and initiation this project. The design for this station
has prepared and it's expected to be finished by end of the first quarter of 2009. This
station will work as (Environment, Education and Community Centre) for GEPA
which it's designed to include: accommodation, training halls, small offices and
botanic garden.
Figure 32. Overview and interior view for the Filed station proposed design
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Final Project report
4.5.1.2. Technical support. (Contribution in Establishment the GEPA’s GIS
unit and endangered species data base):
By end of September a project team has worked with some of GEPA’s ranger which
interest in establishment an organized GIS UNIT for the protected area management
especially for conservation the endangered species within the protected area. As
results for these efforts, they prepared a primary-well established small GIS-unit, this
unit has been located in Abu Ramad office as a field management unit responsible
directly with management Gabel Elba area, followed the GEPA MU. This unit will be
support most the protected area management issue and decisions making during and
after the project activities, also will promote and sustain the ongoing activities related
with long term monitoring for D.ombet and any conservation actions in future. This
GIS unit included contribution for the project (laptop, GIS software, hard disk), and
contribution form the GEPA MU (printer, desktop computer).
The available tools for this unit know include:
- Lenovo laptop
- Fugesti siemns 100 GB Hard Disk storage
- GIS Software ( ArcGIS 9, 9.1) with extension ( spatial analysis, image analysis,
3D analyst and geo-statistical analysis)
- Free Diva-GIS software
- Oziexplore software 3.2
- Erdas Imagine GIS Software
- Satellite images ( Landsat 2000, Quick bird 0.6)
- Elevation maps ( ASCII formats)
- Climate data grids/maps from 1931-2001
As support from the project, a 3 days GIS short training was conducting for 7 rangers
from GEPA’s and also another 5 rangers from other parks in Egypt joined this training
(included W.Allaqi park, Salougha and ghazal park and Wadi Gimal Park). The
project leader leads this training as trainer depending on his previous experience and
gained skills as results for his attendance for the GIS training course in South Africa
during his participation in the BPCP winner training course in July 2007.
4.5.2.3. Analysis the GEPA’s staff capabilities: (SWOT analysis)
This analysis carried out with and for the staff of GEPA’s southern protection sector,
including rangers and community guides, which they responsible directly about
management and conservation a biodiversity of Gabel Elba Area. This assessment
includes evaluation for the strengths, weakness points in addition for the opportunities
and threats that face the staff during their work.
the goals of this analysis, that to understand the perspective of the GEPA staff, to
assess their current capabilities in field of biodiversity conservation and the protected
areas management, and to draw together a long term vision which can help in
implementing and sustaining our proposed Dracaena ombet long term monitoring
program and action plan.
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Final Project report
Strength points
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Weakness points
Good knowledge about the area of
GE.
80% of the staff form the local
community of GE
Good
relation
with
local
community and key stakeholders
and agencies inside GE
Interdisciplinary
scientific
background
includes
(
anthropology, botany, zoology and
chemistry)
Good knowledge about the threats
facing the area and its biodiversity
Some attempts for conduct
monitoring programs for some
endangered species in GE.
Staff very active and have good
experience about the field work in
this area.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
insufficient field training
Insufficient knowledge and skills
about the up-to-date approaches
for monitoring and conservation
the biodiversity.
insufficient field equipments
Leak of design and implementing
effective monitoring programs.
Insufficient
funding
for
environmental education.
insufficient
infrastructure
(particularly in the field)
PA organizational structure, job
description and the work team
tasks not well defined.
Opportunities
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Threats
Important area for biodiversity in
Egypt and Africa.
fragile ecosystems
Increasing
the
international
attention about importance of this
area.
Training opportunities under some
international and local projects.
increasing of PA staff
NCS support
NGOs support
•
•
•
•
•
accelerated threats in compare with
development
of
the
PA
management resources
climate change
conflict with other agencies
unstable socioeconomic situation
shortage of Gov. funding
Table 16: GEPA’s staff capabilities: (SWOT analysis)
4.5.3. Empowering the local community of GEPA.
4.5.3.1. Strengthening the local community organizations
Establishment a special chapter for PSPADA in GE named with ‘GE conservation
Trust’ as a first step for declare a new NGO for GE's community by 2009. It's
expected that this NGO will settled in the field station to be close to the local
community and to facilities providing services and support for local community.
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Final Project report
4. 5.3.2. Connection biodiversity conservation with local community livelihood in
GEPA:
4. 5.3.2.1. Development a traditional handicrafts and linking it with biodiversity
conservation
• project team with cooperation of RSPADA and GEPA initiate a pilot
project/initiative for support the traditional handicrafts production in GE, these
activities included conduct meeting and training session with about 10 local
women for more understanding of their view, problems and opportunities for
relief these handicrafts. The project team supported these women with some
required raw materials for about 5 months. As results for this support the local
women encouraged for produce their handicrafts that included symebols for the
Dracaena tree, Gabel Elba AND also the CLP logo as show in the next figures.
The traditional handicrafts production received a good appreciation from the
public in Egypt which their products have been presented through number of
local exhibitions with participation of RSPADA and GEPA.
Figure 33: some of the project's produced handicrafts by locals
• The project team has strength his cooperation with the project partners (Life
red sea project, GEPA MU and RSPADA) towards support these activities,
which the other partners also target for studying and support a potential
opportunity for development a related handicrafts. And towards support the
local community involvement in Dracaena ombet conservation, during August
and September 2007, the project team with participation and direct support
from the project partner organized and participated in 2 exhibitions for the
handicrafts productions in Cairo city. These exhibitions aimed for more
exploration for marketing opportunities which this will reflect on the local life
and towards more linking for local livelihoods with conservation issues.
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Final Project report
Figure 34 a: handicrafts exhibition and local's participation in TV shows
• Also under this initiative, the project team received a technical support from
Alexandria biblotica's CultNat (Centre for Documentation of the Cultural and
Natural Heritage in Egypt), which conducted a national exhibition and forum
for traditional arts and handicrafts of GE in the CultNat in July 2008, included
exhibiting handicrafts products and public awareness event for participants on
the national level with value of GE biodiversity particularly the Dracaena
ombet tree; and importance of support local community livelihood in GE.
Figure 34 b: handicrafts and local traditional arts exhibition in the CultNat
Included Project team and community participation; and poster about Dracaena ombet and GE
• Towards Support participation of young people among these communities and
in conservation actions and to promote contribution of art beside the science in
filed of conservation of GE and endangered species. We worked with young
people to enabling them express about their feelings, perspectives and
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Final Project report
understanding for their community, environment and biodiversity. These
activities included support and promote some local artists for produce drawing
and art-works that reflect their understanding about the dracaena ombet and GE
in the same to use these works as innovative tools for public awareness and
education in local and national level. The project has contributed in
participation of 3 local artists in national exhibition in CultNat in Cairo.
Figure 34 c: Some of the produced artworks and side of the exhibition
4. 6-communication, Education and Public awareness
- To increase awareness of values of Dracaena; by public awareness activities
and community participation in the project field and community works and to
mitigate current and potential human threats.
4.6.1. D-MAP Project logo
The project logo has designed by cooperation of the
team members and the local schools' students, this
logo designed depending on a deep understanding by
the locals for their environments. The logo reflects a
strong relation between local people and their
environment. Schools children has played important
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Final Project report
role in designing this logo by matching their simple drawings with the project team
members ideas.
The project logo designed using two colors, green and brown color, and includes
simple lines illustrated GE Mountain with its three peaks, D.ombet tree branches and
leaves with green color and brown in top of the middle peak. As results for the link
between these lines, we can see easily a middle peak has distinguished to a new
feature like a man, the logo in whole refer to a complex and strong relation between
local community, mountain ecosystem and D.ombet as symbol for GE’s biodiversity.
4.6.2. Public awareness and education
4.6.2.1. Local awareness:
4.6.2.1.1. Public awareness among the local community:
1- Raised awareness of D.ombet in the targeted Areas inside 3 villages and wades
(Abu Ramad village; and Wad Aedieb and wade Yahmeb) by conducted
number of meetings and discussion groups with locals in these areas. During
these meetings, we focused on the nature of their livelihoods, the importance of
ombet tree and GE biodiversity in their live, their readiness and/or efforts in
conservation the Dracaena ombet tree in GE and their requirements and
problems in these areas.
2- The direct participation of local community members in the ombet tree survey
trips is considers as the most effective way for raise their awareness about
importance of the Dracaena ombet and their role in conservation. Many of
locals join the project team during their field trip in within the ombet
woodland, they involved as local guides and also as volunteers.
Figure 35: project team meeting and participation with local community in GE
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Final Project report
4.6.2.1.2. Public awareness for local schools and universities
4.6.2.1.2.1. Public awareness for local schools
At beginning of the project, by May 2007, we has been started our awareness’
activities among local schools in Abo Ramad village, which the schools students
represents a main audience for our target activities.
Environmental education Symposiums and workshops
During the project period, the project team conducted 4 symposiums and film
presentations about the D.ombet importance and GEPA, also 3 workshops has
conducted with participation of students, included drawing sessions, during these
activities students shown a good understanding and capabilities for exposure and
explain their natural resources and environment through their drawings.
Fig 36: Environmental education symposiums in the local schools
Fig 37: Workshops and drawing activities in the local schools
We promote them for including D.ombet as feature in their artworks, which a series of
such these workshops including competitive activities and drawing exhibition has
been organized which at end of these activities a celebrity event conducted with
cooperation of local schools and prizes provided for the best artworks winners.
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Final Project report
Figure 38: some of the local student's artworks pieces
Conducted an environmental campaign and field trip
A one day campaign and field trip organized to GE, which during this field trip the
students explored the areas of D.ombet population and the methods that used for it
survey and monitoring.
Establish a Future Conservationist Club
The project and GEPA have provided a financial and technical support for Abo
Ramad School for establish an Eco-Club which named '' a Future Conservationist
Club'' to promote children participation in conservation of GEPA natural resources
through environmental activities. This club established as a separated wooden room in
the school garden and involved an environmental library, workshop and exhibition.
Figure 39: Project team, schools' teachers and students participation in establishment and activities
of the Future Conservationist Club in Abo Ramad village school
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Final Project report
4.6.2.1.2.2. Public awareness for local universities:
The project team has conducted a symposium for students of botany department in
South valley university, Qena, Egypt. This activity focused on raise awareness of the
university students on importance of D.ombet and discusses and explores with them
the potential roles and responsibilities of the university students and staff towards the
Dracaena ongoing conservation actions
Figure 40: Public awareness symposium for local university's students.
4.6.2.1.2.3. Public awareness for local decisions makers:With partnership of GEPA MU and Life Red Sea Project a 3 days workshop organized
in Shalateen town. This workshop Included representatives for the local communities,
NGOs, local authorities and the Local Environmental Affairs Committee’s members.
Through this workshop, the project team presented video film about GE biodiversity
and D.ombet. Also the team members with cooperation of GEPA’s rangers organized
a Field visit for the workshop participant for W. Aedieb to raise their awareness with
importance of the endangered D.ombet tree and the current challenges which faces the
biodiversity of these area and also the local communities.
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Final Project report
Figure 41: the public awareness workshops for local community and key agencies
representatives in GEPA
Also project team involved with GEPA rangers in organization a field trip for the Red
Sea’s governor for W. Aedieb, Gable Elba, as a higher rank decision maker, this trip
included meeting with local community which discussed the current challenges and
the potential solutions that faces them and their biodiversity in GE.
Figure 42: Red Sea governorate visit for Wade Aedieb
4.6.2.1.4. Environmental Educational and public awareness materials:
• The DMAP has Designed, produced and distribute an education pack for local
use within the local schools in Abo Ramad village. This pack included poster
for the project, drawing game in the theme of dracaena and endangered species,
small maps for the countries which dracaena found, games sheets related with
D.ombet in GEPA.
• A fact sheet has produced about the value of D.ombet and the threats which
face this species in GE. We found a good interaction from children and local
with these materials especially its represents the first own local materials inside
GEPA which produced by GEPA’s rangers.
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Final Project report
Fig 43: Some of the project's environmental educational materials
• With cooperation with GEPA and BioMAP-Egypt project a first pioneer
children story has produced about the D.ombet with the theme of the challenges
of invasive species on the D.ombet and other endangered species in GEPA, this
story produced to promote children towards understanding the current
problems which faces these species. 2 version of this story has produced to
reach all ages; for children less than 6 years, and another version for age more
than 6 years.
Fig 44: The first children story about GE and Dracaena ombet with cooperation of the
BioMAP project and Nature Conservation Sector
• Also in October 2007 the project team has initiate and announce competition
among the schools students and local community in field of production and
publishing a local story about the Dracaena ombet in GE to communicate with
children. As result for this competition the project team received many ideas
that supported edited and published the first illustrated children story about
D.omebt, this story entitled '' Expedition for the ombet tree land'', which
organized as imagination story about expedition for a friends group of a rabbit
and gazelle for GE mountain to search about the dragon tree 'Dracaena ombet'
and during this expedition they learn and surprised about the threats that face
this tree and started to think how can they help it.
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Final Project report
Figure 45: Ombet tree Story cover and samples for its content
• The same story content has published as series of illustrated fact sheets which
distributed for the children for raise their awareness about the ombet tree, and
also for encourage them for design a similar materials about GE's biodiversity.
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Final Project report
Some samples plates for the Dracaena ombet story
Fig 46: Sample for the produced illustrated fact sheets about the ombet for the local
schools in GE
4.6.3. National and international publicity:
Publicizing and dissemination information about the project activities nationally, and
globally, this included:
• Published 2 articles in a local magazine ( National Egyptian Ahram journal
(June 2008) and the local Int.News journal (Dec.2007))
• Published an article in the Global Mountain Forum Bulletin in January 2008,
entitled ''effect of climate change on the endangered Dracaena ombet in Gabel
Elba Protected Area, Egypt'' (www.mforum.org/bulletins)
• Submitted and published a scientific paper for the International Mountain
Development and Conservation Organization's online conference entitled ''
Empowering local community-GIS in Egypt: case study for use the Google
Earth as community based-conservation tool in Gabel Elba Protected Area
(GEPA), Egypt''.
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Final Project report
• Published and circulate the project activities news in the Bio-net international
Bulletin, Global Mountain Forum website.
• Submitted paper about the project for the Regional Geoinformatics and Natural
Disasters Early Warning system conference, Kuwait, will be held in 26-28
Nov.2008. This paper entitled ''Endangered Dracaena ombet tree species in
Egypt: decline, climate change disturbance and the need for an Early Warning
System''.
• Submitted and presented oral presentation in the Egyptian environment Day
celebrity conference in June 2008.
• Project team initiated online group (Conservation Egypt) that used for circulate
news among Egyptian groups and forums members.
• Presented an oral presentation in the UK, through participation of the team
leader in Darwin's scholarship program in August 2008. (This participation
supported by the British council-Egypt and the Field Studies Council in the
UK, during the period form 8-18 Aug.2008).
• An article about the project activities has submitted for the British Council
monthly Magazine, this article describe the project as a success story for the
project team members as the first team that awarded the CLP Future
Conservationist Award in Egypt.
• Also the project team, has been used the internet in sending an organized
electronic messages via the internet for the electronic groups, conservation
forums and the interested people with conservation (this include ‘Sahara safari
group, BioMAP Forum and Global Mountain Forum’) about the project
activities and the importance of D.ombet in GEPA, thus to promote people
towards any cooperation in conservation this endangered tree in Egypt and also
for raising their awareness about it importance.
• The project team and RSPADA members established a website for the project
and RSPADA activities (www.rspda.org) .The website framework and the
primary design have been prepared and it launched in December 2007, and will
be updated periodically with news about the project activities.
• A special online group for conservation the endeared D.ombet has developed,
this electronic site designed as online group ‘’on Google groups directory’’.
Entitled
as
‘Conservation
Egypt’
(URL:
http://groups.google.com.eg/group/conservation-egypt?hl=ar), which this name
targets a wide range of people not only inside GEPA but also at the national
level. Based on these electronic groups, the design includes a discussion forum
to attract more volunteers to work with us from different areas in Egypt with
different interests. To date we have a 19 active member, from different regions
in Egypt, has registered with our online group and we always keep them
informed about the project activities. Five members already work as volunteer
with the project which has been supported the project through some voluntary
activities such as, publishing news, In-kind donation for GEPA’s local
community; participation in the project handicrafts exhibitions and provided
many ideas for the project team.
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Final Project report
4.6.4. Communication, collaboration and partnership for support the project and
the ongoing actions:
Communication and collaboration:
• Towards more communication and collaboration with the related international
conservation agencies and NGOs, we has been Initiated a cooperation with the
IUCN-Species Survival Commission. This communication results in accepting
the project team leader as a member in the IUCN-SSC- ( Cacti and Succulent
Plants Specialist Group), this has been helped in finding a good communication
channel not only for the project team members but also for GEPA’s rangers,
which during the last 3 months, the CSPSG’s chief has been supported the
project with valuable technical resources that supported and guided mainly in
modified the field survey methodology and also in prepared a first global
D.ombet status tree. Also this surely considers as a good indicator towards
promote more sustainability for the project results and ongoing activities.
• As main interest for the project team members, some of the team members has
participated in some national activities for raising awareness and promote
decision makers towards more concern for D.ombet and endangered species in
GEPA. In June 2007, team leader attended the Arab-UNESCO-Man and
Biosphere scientific committee meeting in Sharm el sheikh, Egypt. This
participation helped in finding a communication channels with some Arab
researchers in field of biodiversity conservation.
Communication and policy:
• As there is urgent need for involving the Dracaena ombet conservation action
on a national context and within national plans, the project team leader has lead
and developed the first lines for the Egyptian strategy for conservation plant
within the protected areas, this strategy a high priority for conservation of the
Dracaena ombet and called for undertake urgent conservation action for its
conservation in Egypt. It expected that in October 2008, the first meeting for
discussion this strategy will be held, which will involve researchers and rangers
from different national parks and scientific institutes in Egypt, and will help in
organize the first Egyptian Plant Specialist Group. CLP will act as a main
sponsor for this group as its project activities leads for initiate it.
Communication and funding:
• Prepared and submitted a pre-proposal for the START Program in Africa for
initiate a project for assess the current impact of climate change on the
Dracaena ombet tree ( pre-proposal rejected)
• Conducted on-line Wake-up Call for save the Dracaena globally; (through
sending message for many scientists and agencies that have interests in
conservation the endangered dracaena). This contributed in establishment the
international partnership for conservation the Dracaena ombet tree and other
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Final Project report
endangered Dracaena species. This partnership named as (The Dragon
Partnership), the partnership included members from Norway (Bergen
university), Yemen (Socatra Development Project), the UK (Kew Botanic
Garden) and Egypt ( GEPA, Dracaena-MAP project and botany department in
south valley university)
- As result for initiate the Dragon Partnership, the partnership member prepared
and submitted a proposal for funding to 'the Norway research council', this
proposal entitled 'Taxonomic, population and conservation research on
Dracaena ombet' ( Waiting for a final decision)
• Also in field of management the invasive mesquite tree in GEPA as one of the
serious threats for GE ecosystems and particularly on Dracaena ombet habitats,
the project team has joined and developed a cooperation with some specialists
from the UK, which a proposal for funding has prepared and submitted for
DFID for raise fund for establish a Global Mesquite Network, that will involve
conducting more research and management for the invasive mesquite tree in
GE ( this proposal get a primary approval and waiting the final decision)
• Proposal for funding and request submitted for the Red Sea Governorate for
raise fund for establish a long term monitoring station for Dracaena ombet and
GEPA's biodiversity (proposal accepted and 5000$ raised for establish the
proposed station)
• Proposal for funding submitted for the British Council-Egypt for organize an
environmental education initiative in GEPA for support the local schools
through promote involvement of children in biodiversity observation and
outdoors activities (proposal accepted and about 2000$ raised for start the
project by October 2008)
Table 17: project partners and their role in support the D. ombet tree conservation activities
Partner name
CLP
NCS
BIOMAP project
MPCP project
LIFE Red Sea project
GEPA MU
RSPADA
OFF-ROAD EGYPT
CULTNAT
South Valley Univ.
British Council-Egypt
DRAGON-PARTNERSHIP
IUCN-CSPSG
Red Sea Governorate authority
Financing
FI
95
Planning &
consultation
Pl&C
FI
Environ.
Education
EE
Pl& C
EE
Community
support
CS
Final Project report
CS
CB
Capacity
building
CB
OA
Ongoingactions
OA
4.7. Support the National Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation
- To contribute in implementing the National Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation
4.7.1. Linking the project with GEPA first Management Plan:
The project tram leader has been leading a task group of GEPA for preparation the
first management plan for GEPA. This plan have been developed in July 2008, which
have a high concern due for the national importance of GEPA as a national
biodiversity hotspot, Therefore the team has been worked for linking the project
activities and results to serve the management plan preparation, as results for that the
project outputs including the Socio-economic assessment and the D.ombet status
survey and conservation action plan contributed in strengthen the management plan
and included in this plan as contribution of the CLP programme.
For that the project achieved a strong link with the national biodiversity action plan
(NBAP) which contributed in implementing and strengthen it, through prepare GEPA
MP as it consider as urgent requirement for the NBAP.
4.7.2. Contributions of the project in support the national plans and report:
• Project results have been involved in the Egyptian National environmental
outlook 2007, and selected as success story and role model for conservation the
endangered species in Egypt.
• The project results have contributed in produce the 4th Egyptian National
biodiversity report that submitted for the CBD COP9 in Bonn in May 2008.
• The project results have contributed in produce the Egyptian National
Mountain status report, which prepared and submitted for the Egyptian
Environment Affairs Agency in March 2008.
4.7.3. Contribution in prepare and implement the national Conservation Strategy
for Plants within the Egyptian Protected Areas Network (CSP-EPAN) Linking
the project with national plant diversity conservation Plan:
The project leader involved as member with national plant specialists team from other
protected areas in Egypt for prepare the first national Conservation Strategy for Plants
within the Egyptian Protected Areas Network. The first draft (attached with the
project final report) has been prepared in September 2008 by the DMAP project team
leader. DOMAP results and recommendations have supported preparing this national
strategy.
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Final Project report
Fifth Part: Lesson learned and Recommendations
- The importance of the Ecological-Socio-Cultural Integrity as main base for
adopts the community based biodiversity conservation system:
Protect and restore the integrity of GE's ecosystems with special concern and support for
biological diversity and cultural diversity through:
• Adopt and relief the sustainable and traditional conservation system that realize
a community based biodiversity conservation, this could happen through
initiate a stable mechanism for economic and environmental incentives for
support the community participation and with well understanding and support
from the decisions makers on the local and national level.
• Create new and sustainable opportunities for income generating for the local
communities in GE particularly in areas nearby the dracaena populations to
reduce the pressure on the endangered species habitats, to involve them in its
conservation action and to link their livelihoods with its conservation
processes, which as more the dependence of their livelihood of these locals
increased on and with the species as they worked towards its protection. These
income-generated activities could include support handicrafts production,
manage the charcoal production to increase their income in the same time
decrease the pressures on the acacia species as flagship species in GE, and also
these activities could include providing medical and educational services for
the community.
• document and preserve the TK and spiritual wisdom that contribute to the best
management for endangered species and GE ecosystem and local communities
well being
• Promote establishment and/or support control of community towards
establishment a safeguard Community Micro-Conserved Areas for the
endangered species in GE, this to ensure the community full ownership,
protection and restoration for the outstanding regions of plant-diversity. And
these will strength local communities of Gabel Elba, enable them to care more
with their land resources and environment, and will assign and empower their
rights and responsibilities for more effective conservation.
-
The importance of mitigate the current and potential threats on the
Dracaena ombet and GE 's habitats and support their resilience and
adaptation ability through:
Control and manage the invasive alien mesquite tree in GE to prevent its
spread inside GE's habitats and ensure more involvement for community in
these processes.
• manage the use of renewable resources (fuel wood, and medicinal plants) in
way that protected habitats, conserve species and protect the health of the
•
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Final Project report
ecosystem and decrease the degree of the vortex with the drought and climatic
condition in this area
• Increase capacity of the local NGOs and GEPA for establishment and
management a long term monitoring program as early warning mechanism for
assess the impact of climate change on the species and the whole ecosystem.
-
The importance of involvement of the decision makers, publics,
researchers and media in the conservation actions through:
• Ensure that decision makers address the ecological problems as well as people
needs and the long term effects on the ecosystem in the decisions making
processes.
• Ensuring that vital important information about endangered species and GE
remains available for public, scientists and decision makers.
• Enhancing the role of and using the media mass in raising an awareness of
ecological challenges and cases in GE, and support this role among the GE's
staff, and support and exposure the importance of endangered species
conservation and biodiversity of at nationally and globally.
• GE with its outstanding biodiversity in Egypt, should be work as a centre for
promote public on a national level for more participation in biodiversity
conservation and to raise their environmental awareness, through establishment
a training and studies field centre for environmental education and biodiversity
conservation.
- The importance of support the vital role of children as future
conservationists in Egypt:
• Support participation of young people among these communities and in
conservation action to enabling them to lead the conservation future.
• provide, children and youth with the educational and environmental awareness
materials that empower them to contribute in conserve their ecosystems
• promotion the contribution of art beside the science in conservation of GE and
endangered species, to enabling every one to express about his feeling and
understanding for his community, environment and biodiversity, and to help us
for more understanding for these communities perspectives about their
ecosystem.
-
The importance of adoption innovative approaches for In-situ and Ex-situ
conservation of the endangered dracaena ombet in GE:
• Restoration and guanine reintroduction
This method will be very useful and effective in case of known the ecological and
silvicultural requirements of our species and availability of good abundance of
seeds. Here in case of D.ombet, there is doubt in availability of seed where to date
there is no signs for fruiting or among the surveyed specimens which most of the
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Final Project report
trees detected as too old tree to produce viable seed or too young to reach maturity
for the production of seeds, in addition for lack of information on seed viability
and other factors such as dormancy period (Mohammed, A.M 2004). But there is a
high potential for the possibility of using vegetative propagation methods that can
support and guarantees production of enough seedlings to cover the planned area
of restoration and recovery. Based on the project result there is need for explore
anew areas for plantation of D.ombet, by another mean for reintroduce the
D.ombet within new areas for this species, which may be included historical
distribution for the species among their distribution range or new areas that can
support its presence (suitable habitats). The survey results indicated and
recommend that the following areas could act as main regions for recovery,
restoration and reintroduction the D.ombet in GE:
1-
Areas that currently recorded as part of the ombet current distribution range
(W.Shtet, W.Akaw, W.Darwina and W.Aedeib) - restoration and recovery for the
species.
2Area that recorded as part of the ombet historical distribution range (W.Aedieb
Marsos and W.Tewoit), reintroduction.
3Area that recorded as part of the suitable habitats range for D.ombet
(W.Kansisrob, and W.Kesera), guanine reintroduction.
• Dracaena ombet's Arboreta
The plant arboreta become common way for conservation which can work as
sources of seed and material for research. Arboreta in most cases should be
established within the same ecological zone or within the same micro-climate that
suits the species. In Egypt there good opportunity for initiate cooperation with
botanic gardens and universities for planting the dracaena ombet in special
arboreta or botanic gardens by establish the suitable micro-habitat for the species.
D.ombet required a stony micro-habitat with high precipitation rate (100-300
mm/y), high temp (29-30 C) this can achieve through establishment a glass houses
with technology for adjusting all the appropriate plant requirements). It very
recommended establishing a small botanic garden and arboreta for D.ombet in GE
to be within the normal ecological zone, this botanic garden could be part of the
proposed filed monitoring station in GE.
• Creation the community D.ombet micro-reserves (DMR)
The micro reserves is considers as new approach for conserving the plants at the
level of single or multi-targets-species, particularly in areas that have a high
botanical value and isolated location. This approach leads to a small scale and
flexible that support conservation the species under different conservation
situations. In GE, and in case of D.ombet, there high possibility for establish
number of MRs for conservation Dracaena ombet within GEPA and with
cooperation of local communities. These MRs can be established to protect the
most threatened ombet populations in GE which within each population a MR with
area 20 ha or 0.2 km2 (200 x 1000 m or 500 x 500 m) could be established for the
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Final Project report
in-situ conservation of ombet trees. The population protection priority index will
support prioritizing the populations that needs this approach.
For more effectiveness for these MRs it should be managed and ruled by local
people in a participatory manner with GEPA and RSPADA, which they will be
responsible about control the banned activities inside these MRs such as grazing,
cutting or wood collecting. These MRs should be demarked by landmarks and
signs and could be closed by fences if appropriate.
• Support On-going research and monitoring:
• Seeds collection, conservation and testing: It is very important to collect seeds
from the existing mother trees in the next fruiting season. The collected seeds
could be used for ex-situ conservation for seed stock in the national Gene
Bank, and for testing the seeds viability and germination tests at the filed
station in GEPA or with cooperation of the national bank gene.
• Support the continuation of the long term monitoring program and research on
the Dracaena ombet to fill the knowledge gaps in areas of population trend,
viability, ecology, silviculture and its habitats requirements that support its
conservation action on long term.
• Carry out further monitoring and study the current drought to prove if the
current dry periods are periodical, sporadic or part of longer-lasting climate
change''. Theses results can support a feasibility of long term adaptation action
for conservation the species in GE.
• Launch a research program for clarified and assess the taxonomical situation
for this species, which to date there is confusion and misidentification for this
species with other dracaena species: Dracaena ombet ssp. Schizantha and
Dracaena serrulata. And here we can ask ourselves an important questions that
are there is potentiality that the GE's Dracaena populations could be included 2
species or sub-species and not only the 'Dracaena ombet' species as it common
known?. This will requires initiating communication and cooperation with
abroad parties such as Kew botanic garden, the UK or Bergen University,
Norway. Partctpation of the project team members in the globally Dragon
partnership could facilities in realizing this research, which many partners of
this partnership can help in conduct the research and DNA analysis for solve
this taxonomical problem.
100
Final Project report
References:
A Feasibility study on preservation of the Nubian Dragon Tree (Dracaena ombet) in the Red
Sea Hills, Sudan<www.globaltrees.org>.[12 Nov.2006].
Anderson, J. (1898). Zoology of Egypt. I, Reptilia and Batrachia. B. Quatrich, London.
Baha El Din, S. M. (1997). Report on the rapid field assessment of the Elba Protected Area.
May 1997, Report for NCS, EEAA
Baha El Din, S. M. (2002). Biodiversity assessment in the Elba Protected Area, with
implications for Management, Report for NCS, EEAA and EIECP.
Conservation
International,Biodiversity
Hotsopt
Map(2006)
Available
from
http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots/afromonta
Cunningham, A. (2001) Applied Ethnobotany: People, Wild Plant Use & Conservation.
London: Earthscan Pub.
EIECP (2002).A report on Gabel Elba Project [online] Cairo: EIECP. Available from
<http://www.eiecop.org/pdf/ELBA.pdf>. [10 Nov.2006]
El Azzouni, M. 2003. Conserving Dracaena ombet, Egypt's Dragon Tree. PlantTalk 34: 3839.
Ghazaly, U. (2005). A report on assessment of the Dracaena omebt in GEPA. November
2005, Report for NCS, EEAA
Ghazaly, U.F. (2006) Impact of desertification on traditional societies on Elba Mountain
region of Egypt. Mountain Forum bulletin Vol.1, Issu2.july 2006.
Goodman, S.M. (1985). Natural resources and management considerations, Gebel Elba
Conservation Area, Egypt / Sudan. WWF / IUCN Project, No. 3612.
Hobbs J. (1990), Bedouin Life in the Egyptian Wilderness, Cairo, The American University
in Cairo Press.
Hoogstraal, H., Wassif, K. & Kaiser, M.N. (1957). Results of the NAMRU-3 southeastern
Egypt expedition, 1954. 1. Introduction, itinerary and environmental conditions. Bull.
Zool. Soc. Egypt, 13:1-15.
Kassas, M. (1957). On the ecology of the Red Sea coastal land. J. Ecol. 45: 187-203.
Kassa, M. & Zahran, M. (1971). Plant life on the coastal mountains of the Red Sea, Egypt. J.
Indian Bot. Soc. 50a: 571-589.
Kassas, M. (editor) (1993). Habitat diversity: Egypt. Publications of the National Biodiversity
Unit, 1. EEAA, Cairo.
Knut Krzywinski (2001), Deserting the Desert a Threatened Cultural Landscape between the
Nile and the Red Sea, University of Bergen.
Mohammed, A.M. (2004). Feasibility Study Report on Conservation of the Dracaena ombet,
the Red Sea Hills, Sudan, Report for SOS Sahel International UK Sudan Programme.
Schweinfurth, G., (1865). Das land am Elba – und Soturba – Gebirge oder der vom Bischarin
– tribus Ammed-Goram bewonhte theil des nubischen Kuste. Petrm. Mittheil. 1865: 330340.
Tuxill, J. and Nabhan, G.P. (2001) People, Plant and Protected Areas: A guide to In situ
Management. London: Earthsacn Pub.
UNESCO (2006)Report of the Expert Meeting on Desert Landscapes and Oasis Systems<
http://whc.unesco.org/archive/2001/whc-01-conf208-inf10e.pdf>[18 Nov.2006].
WMC 1998. Dracaena ombet. In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
<www.iucnredlist.org>. [15 November 2006].
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Final Project report
Appendices:
Annex 1. Project Brochure (Front and back side)
102
Final Project report
Annex 2. Project Poster No 1
Annex 3. Project fact sheet 1
103
Final Project report
Annex 4. project article in the mountain forum bulletin
Annex 5: illustrated fact sheets about the ombet (information presented for children as story)
104
Final Project report
Seventh part: project financial and expenditures sheet
Main Budget Lines (As in the Project Proposal)
Code
EQP
E1
E2
E2 - 1
E2 - 2
E3
E3 - 1
E3 - 2
E3 - 3
E4
E5
E6
E7
E8
E9
E10
E11
FSC
F1
F2
C1
C1 - 1
C1 - 2
C1 - 3
105
COFinance
($)
CoFinance
(in-kind)
Total
CoFinance
Total
0
0
550
550
550
798
448
0
0
0
0
0
0
798
448
Items
1 - Equipments:
Satellite Maps and GIS Software
Laptops*
New Lenovo Laptop
Second hand IBM laptop
Field logists
Back bags, sleeping bags, Torches
2 Trees DBH Measurement tools
Trees Tagging signs / tools
field notebooks, pens, papers
Books and bibliographic
2 GPS units
PH meter
Papers, newspaper for
Herberium/Herberium press
Thermometer
Field legists (kitchen - first Aids)
2 Digital camera/ battery /sd card
Video camera
External hard disk for data backup
Total Equipments Costs
250
35
110
60
88
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
300
0
0
0
50
420
300
0
0
0
50
420
550
35
110
60
138
420
90
50
45
472
0
165
2611
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
40
300
400
0
0
40
300
400
0
2060
2060
90
50
85
772
400
165
4671
2 - Field Survey :
Field survey Transportation ( 4 wheel
drives)
Team Food costs
2000
1300
0
0
500
0
500
0
2500
1300
3300
0
500
500
3800
280
0
200
200
480
310
270
0
0
100
150
100
150
410
420
Total Field Survey costs
CBT
CLP
($)
3 - Community support, Capacity
building and Training :
Community incentives and support
activities**
Handicrafts Conservation Program
GIS and Project management training
for Rangers
Establishment of the CLP Club in Abo
Final Project report
C1 - 4
C2
Ramad Village
Establishment the Dracaena Field
Monitoring Station
Exchange visit *** (Exhibition)
Total Community support, Capacity building and
Training costs
AEC
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
A10
A11
A12
A13
A14
4 - Public Awareness, Education and
Communication :
Field campaign / Students trips for Gabel
Elba
Conservation Prizes Programme
Incentives / Small Gifts for community
Posters
Fact sheets ( For students)
T-shirts
Education materials from NCS
Final Project workshop
Community work in Abo Ramad village
( calls and transportation)
Internal Travel
Schools Awareness/Drawings
workshops/activities
Children story about Dracaena
Website
Brochure
Total Public Awareness, Education and
Communication costs
5 - Project Administration and
Management:
Administration
Final Report and species action plan
P2
Preparation and Production
P3
Other*
Total Project Administration and Management
Costs
PAM
P1
Finance (exchange rate losses and bank
fees)
Total Project Expenses
106
900
500
5450
1818
500
0
5950
1818
6850
2318
2260
7268
950
8218
10478
190
80
120
87
50
177
0
150
200
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
500
0
0
100
500
250
200
0
500
0
0
100
500
250
390
80
620
87
50
277
500
400
120
150
0
0
0
0
0
0
120
150
125
141
0
212
0
0
0
0
100
100
145
0
145
0
225
141
145
212
1602
200
1595
1795
3397
260
0
0
0
260
150
140
0
0
100
0
100
0
250
140
550
0
100
100
650
125
0
0
0
125
10448
7468
5205
12673
23121
Final Project report
Community support
and Capacity building
45%
Public Awareness and
Education
15%
Project Management:
3%
Field Survey
17%
Equipments
20%
107
Final Project report