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| Home» publications » Vol. 2, No. 2 | ||
Australasia PacificGIS application to track maintenance management systemThe Centre for Mountain Studies, Lincoln University, New Zealand (with acknowledgement to the Struthers Legacy) funded a 1996/97 summer scholarship to develop the prototype of a Geographic Information System (GIS) - based track/trail management system. A paper reporting on the system development has been accepted for presentation at the Geo Computation 97 Conference. The Track Maintenance Management System (TMMS) uses GIS software to forecast an estimate for the level of maintenance required for track segments. It then assists the user to prioritise the maintenance on segments of the track that require repair. The development of TMMS is a cooperative effort between Lincoln University and the Department of Conservation (DoC) staff. DoC staff have provided guidance and data, and the Lincoln University research team has developed the software for TMMS. A paper provides an overview of a GIS application developed for use as an applied tool for resource management. An abstract from this paper is dealt with in this article. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in demand for wilderness experiences, putting tremendous pressure on the country's walking tracks. Over two million international tourists are expected to visit New Zealand by the turn of the century, about half of these tourists will visit DoC managed areas. DoC is responsible for the management of almost one-third of New Zealand's land area, including 250 campsites, over 100 picnic areas, 960 back country huts, more than 40 visitor centres, 10,000 kilometers of walking tracks, numerous roads, and some airstrips and jetties. With limited funding and a large number of facilities, services and lands it has to manage and maintain, there is a need for DoC to plan carefully how best to allocate its limited financial resources. Currently, DoC uses a combination of manuals and automated techniques to evaluate the need for track maintenance and repair. No one system has the information required to make a standard and efficient evaluation of repair priorities. TMMS is being developed to provide a rank value for each track segment based on visitor usage, maintenance required, and amenity values. DoC staff will be able to use the system to apportion their resources more efficiently to maintain and repair tracks. The system can be used for long-range planning or short-range evaluation of priorities. TMMS will provide the user with graphical evaluation tools that can be used to assess the most likely locations for needed maintenance. It then can be used as an operational tool to prioritise the actual needs for upgrading and repairing the track. This is done by using a graphical user interface that shows the individual track segments and prioritises repair needs. TMMS consists of two modules. The first module will provide users with an Estimated Segment Maintenance Priority Value for each track segment based on (1) visitor use, (2) aspect, (3) slope, (4) soil type, (5) hydrology, (6) vegetation, (7) track surface, (8) structures, and (9) past maintenance occurrences. The information on the required maintenance or repair is then inputted to the Repair Priority module. This is done from a list of different categories of maintenance required such as trees over the track, landslides, and track wash-outs. Each of these categories will have a different value based on the degree of trail blockage that they cause. Amenity values (Archaeological Sites, Species Index, Areas of Natural Significance, Geological Preservation Sites) will be incorporated into the Repair Priority module. A rank value will be given to each track segment leading to a specific amenity. The level of visitor use for each track segment is an important consideration in determining the upkeep. The amenity value, site repair value, and level of visitor use ranking values will then be used to provide the user with a segment repair priority listing. This will provide a ranked priority for all segments that require repair. Armed with this information, the user can then determine the track maintenance schedule. The current version of TMMS uses the Mount Thomas area in North Canterbury as a test case. After the system is refined, there is potential to expand it to cover more areas managed by DoC. An expanded version of TMMS will incorporate estimated cost of construction, repair, and maintenance for specific categories of tasks. This will assist the users in a more efficient allocation of funds. It can also interface with project planning software for more detailed maintenance planning. For the long-term, TMMS will be incorporated into a broad-based GIS that will include an interactive visitor interface. This visitor interface will provide information on track category, distances and time for track segments, and attractions along track segments. Results to-date have been very encouraging and the authors are seeking to extend the research, which to-date has been funded by the Centre for Mountain Studies and Lincoln University generally. Enquiries from potential sponsors are welcomed. (Mary Aver, Centre for Computing and Biometrics; Ryan Clements, Centre for Computing and Biometrics; Glen Harrison, Department of Resource Management; Kenneth F. D. Hughey Department of Resource Management Lincoln University, New Zealand; e-mail: hugheyk@kea.lincoln.ac.nz) Improved Conservation: Himalayan tahr (thar) as resource on leasehold landManagement of the Himalayan tahr (thar) on high country leasehold farmland and on conservation lands of the central South Island High Country of New Zealand is controversial. Tahrs are valued by hunters and others as a resource, while, others view it as a pest to be exterminated. Farmers often have been caught in the middle of this debate. They have faced the negative consequences of excessive tahr population pressure in the early 1970s. Some now see lower and more manageable numbers as representing a significant financial resource and opportunity. The 1993 National tahr Control Plan of the New Zealand's Department of Conservation sets objectives that are widely appreciated by farmers and hunters, but it is still opposed by factions in the conservation lobby. However, objectives aim to meet both conservation objectives and farmer aspirations. To achieve a proper balance, the government is handling the responsibility ensuring that farmers benefit from the Plan on their land and that hunters benefit on conservation land. As a result, direct government expenditure on the tahr is minimised, significantly reducing what would otherwise be an opportunity cost against higher priority conservation programmes. The Himalayan tahr Control Plan was approved for a five-year term, commencing in December 1993. It will be reviewed towards the end of October 1998. It is of immense significance whether the tahr control plan will be able to meet the expectations and opportunities of the farmers in improving tahr conservation as a resource on leasehold land. (Kenneth F. D. Hughey, Director, Centre for Mountain Studies, Lincoln University, New Zealand; e-mail: hugheyk@kea.lincoln.ac.nz International 'Snow' Conference AnnouncementThe Australian Alps Liaison Committee, an intergovernmental body overseeing the management of the alpine parks of Australia, has provided funds to hold a conference in Australia in late February 1998 (probably 24-27th). This conference will examine the current state of knowledge of snow from meteorological and physical aspects; examine the importance of snow in the hydrological cycle and its importance in land forms, past and present; and will look at the importance of a regular winter snow cover in determining the composition of the biota of the alps and in its continued existence. The conference will then examine two global threats to the snow country: the predicted loss of snow cover with global warming and the impact of increased UV-B on the biota. The aim of the conference is to bring together the expertise in varying aspects of snow and biology, to consider what monitoring programmes need to be put in place, which species of animals and plants are most at risk, and what management actions need to be taken. Participants will be invited from overseasto the conference. There will be funding to cover costs for a limited number of overseas' participants. The event will provide an opportunity to develop greater contact between researchers of mountain ecosystems in New Zealand and Australia. Flyers for the conference are currently being produced, and anyone interested in being on the Conference mailing list should contact: Dr. Ken Green, National Parks
and Wildlife Service, Rural Futures' TrustThe Rural Futures Trust (RFT) continues to focus on developing and supporting projects that provide opportunities for rural communities to work proactively with other groups and agencies such as local and central government and research agencies. Two current projects have generated considerable interest in the high country community. These provide assistance for groups to set up and carry out long term vegetation monitoring to assess changes in the condition of their land on hill and high country properties. The partners in the two projects include Landcare Research, Otago and Canterbury Regional Councils, Waimakariri District Council, various landcare groups, and RFT. RFT has a coordinating role, bringing together the scientific skills in Landcare Research and the resource management requirements of the regional councils. It endeavours to meet the needs of the landholders for scientifically valid, low-cost monitoring tools. Other ongoing projects include organising computer skills' workshops and developing affordable farm-mapping tools for land users. For further details contact: Don Ross, Manager New Zealand Landcare TrustA group of representatives from land use (Federation of Maori Authorities, Federated Farmers, Women's Division FF), recreational (Fish and Game Council, Federated Mountain Clubs) and environmental organisations (Maruia Society, Forest and Bird) has joined together to form the New Zealand Landcare Trust. The Trust will inform people about sustainable land management practices and help them set up community-based landcare groups. The Trust aims to promote, monitor, and achieve improved performance in the sustainable management of natural resources for the wider community. The Landcare Trust will train a nation-wide network of facilitators who will assist landcare groups to get started and to find the resources they need to plan and implement successful programmes. The other key roles are coordination of sustainable land management activities and information exchange. The Trust administers and oversees the scheme. For further information, contact: Don Ross, National Coordinator APMN Australasia PacificSubregional Focal Point Coordinator North Central AsiaConsultations on Mountain Regions of Central Asia: State and DevelopmentIntergovernmental Consultation for Sustainable Development of Mountain Regions of Central Asia and the associated international conference "Mountain Regions of Central Asia: State and Development Problems" will take place in October 1998 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. These meetings are organised in accordance with recommendations of Chapter 13, Agenda 21, and the SUDEMAA Call to Action, Kathmandu, 1994. The purpose of the Consultations is to appraise the current status and the development problems of mountain regions of Central Asia; prepare recommendations on the policy and development models, promotion of the regional and international cooperation. The consultation and conference were initiated by the Government of Tajikistan, and the Aga Khan Foundation. A National Organising Committee has commenced work under the leadership of Dr. Munira Inoyatova, Minister of Education, Republic of Tajkistan. For further details contact: Prof. Khisrav R. Sadykov Caucasus ConventionThe Parliament of Georgia has taken the initiative to organise the Caucus Ecological Forum in May 1998 for the countries of the region: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia. The event is viewed as the first step towards developing the Caucasus Convention, patterned after the Alpine Convention. Representatives of parliaments, governments, the academic community, and NGOs in the region have been invited to participate in the Forum. The Forum is planning to discuss the following :
On institutional matters it is planned to discuss the establishment of a Caucasus Ecological Foundation, the Caucasus International Mountain Research Centre, and the Caucasus Coordination Council. For further details contact: Dr. I.V. Chkonia Altai-Sayams ConvetionThe working meeting of the representatives of the Altai and Sayans mountain regions took place in Gorno-Altaisk (Republic of Altai), on April 25-26, 1997. The meeting was essentially a consultation on the status of the region's mountain areas and formulation of the recommendations in support of their sustainable development. The Minister of Environment, members of parliaments of the Republics of Altai, Tyva, and northern Ossetia-Alanis, as well as representatives of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other Universities participated in the meeting. The major objective was the preparation of the Altai-Sayans Convention on Sustainable Development. The meeting decided to begin consultations with governments of the region, including Mongolia, Kazakstan, China, and the regional representations of Russia: Republics of Altai, Buritia, Tyva, Hakassia, Altai and Krasnoyarsk Krays, Trkutsk and Kemerovo. For further details contact: Dr. Valeriy V. Kudachin, Chairman or, Prof. Victor S. Reviakin, Directorr Regional Centre for Sustainable Development of the Mountains of European RussiaRegional Centre for Sustainable Development of the Mountains of European Russia is being established in Vladiskavkaz, capital of the Republic of North Ossetia-Atlantia. The Centre's mission is to assist in developing state policy in support of mountain development; promotion of research and educational programmes for training experts in management of mountain resources; facilitate free exchange of ideas on mountain development taking into account the unique features and point of view of the mountain populations. The Centre is being organised by the Russian Federation State Committee for Environmental Protection, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. The Centre will pursue its goals in accordance with Chapter 13 of Agenda 21, the Recommendations of European Non-governmental Consultations for Sustainable Mountain Development in 1996, and the European Mountain Charter. Being located at the geographical, ethnic, and cultural interface of Asia and Europe, the Centre could function as a bridge for information exchange, training of mountain enterpreneurs, and development of mountain policy based on European and Asian experiences.For further details contact: Dr. Vladmir S. Vaghin APMN North Central AsiaSubtregional Focal Point Coordinator South East AsiaRound Table Discussion on Mountain Research and Development IssuesThe APMN-South East Asia is organising a national Round Table Discussion on Mountain Research and Development Issues in March 1998. It will cover the two major mountain massifs in the Philippines, namely, the Cordillera and the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. The activity is being organised by the College of Forestry, University of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB-CF), the APMN Subregional Focal Point for Southeast Asia. The first of its kind in the region, the round table discussion has the following objectives.
In preparation for the occasion, five papers from key academic and research institutions have been solicited on the state of the art on mountain research and development for the Cordillera and Sierra Madre mountain regions. The papers will profile the mountain areas, on-going research, key issues and problems, and research and development priorities in the areas. The highlights of the papers - particularly the major research and development issues and priorities - will be presented by the authors of the papers during the round table discussion. These will serve as the mountain points for discussion during the occasion. In addition, the papers will serve as an input into the development of the mountain profiles and the directory of on-going research in these areas. Around 25 participants representing academic, research, and non-government organisations, are expected to attend the round table discussion. Of these, nine are expected to come from the Cordillera Region, six from the Sierra Madre, and the remaining participants from UPLB-CF and the national office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Proceedings of the round table discussion will be published by APMN. For further details contact : Dr. Lucrecio L. Rebugio/Dr.
Juan M. Pulhin The College of Forestry, University of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB-CF)The College of Forestry of the University of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB-CF) is one of the premiere forestry institutions in the Asia Pacific Region. A pioneering forestry school established in 1910, it advances the frontiers of forestry and environmental resource management in the region by offering curricular programmes leading to undergraduate certificates, baccalaureates, and post-graduate degrees (Masters and Ph.D.) in forestry. Through its five academic departments, UPLB-CF offers specialisation in the undergraduate and post-graduate levels in the fields of forest resource management and development, social/community forestry and forest governance, forest biological sciences, silviculture, and forest influences -agroforestry and wood science and technology. UPLB-CF's 52 faculty members and 46 research and extension personnel are mostly involved in conducting basic and applied research in forestry and the environment. Aside from its five academic departments where most of the faculty members' research is based, the College has a Forestry Development Centre that conducts policy studies in forestry and environment - related concerns. UPLB-CF also provides a range of extension services to the various national and international institutions - these include forestry colleges and universities, government, private and non-government organisations, as well as other related communities. Services include the conduct of national and international training and provision of professional and technical services in the fields of forestry, environmental resource management, agroforestry, and related areas. The different training courses are offered through the Institute of Forest Conservation and the College-based UPLB Agroforestry Programme. Being the oldest institution of forestry education in the Philippines, UPLB-CF makes a continuous effort to fulfill its task as the role model in trail blazing new horizons in forestry and environmental resource management. In line with this ideal, it strives to be flexible in reorienting and realigning its strategies in performing its task as an academic institution. This dynamism in making its programme relevant and responsive to emerging local and global trends has earned for the UPLB-CF the distinction of being the leading forestry school in the Philippines. As UPLB-CF steps into the 21st century, it takes on a revolutionary turn in the way it sees, thinks, and acts concerning forest and environmental resources. It vigorously moves into a new paradigm in the concept of forestry; forestry is not an exclusive science but a multidisciplinary and multisectoral field that focusses on integrated community-based, people-oriented, and participatory programmes to attain sustainable forest and environmental resource conservation, management, and development. With the UPLB-CF serving as the APMN Subregional Focal Point for Southeast Asia, it has taken up the challenge of advancing the knowledge about the ecology and sustainable development in mountain ecosystems. Through its three-pronged function of instruction, research, and extension, UPLB-CF hopes to:
APMN South East AsiaSubregional Focal Point Coordinator North East AsiaRain Water Storage and Utilisation (This is a case of a success story in regard to Agenda 21 from the North East Asia subregion of the Asia Pacific mountain Network) Location : Sumida, located in the eastern section of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Japan Responsible organization: City of Sumida. Description: The Municipality of Sumida introduced different rainwater management measures to solve the water shortages and flooding problems. A Municipal study showed that rainwater was safe for non-drinking purposes and could be used for drinking if sterilized. Given these results, rainwater utilization has since been incorporated into the city's operations and has been recommended to private institutions. Rainwater is collected on roofs and is directed to below ground storage tanks through a net, a basket or a precipitation box to prevent dirt and other debris from getting into the tank. The water is then pumped to a delivery tank located on the roof or on a higher level floor (in order to increase the pressure) where it is directed to the plumbing system. Stored rainwater is generally used to supply water for toilets. To avoid problems during the dry season, rainwater users are encouraged to connect to the municipal water system to prevent shortages in the buildings. Several homes, businesses, and institutions, including the City Hall, have now installed the relatively inexpensive rainwater collection and storage systems. Costs are typically recovered within ten years through savings on city water fees. The city has also started the installation of community-level rainwater collection systems which will provide water for fire fighting and drinking in case of emergency. Issues addressed : Water management. Objectives:
Results achieved:
Lessons learned: The technology for rainwater utilization is relatively simple, inexpensive and highly transferable. It is especially appropriate for cities located in regions which have alternating rainy and dry seasons, and which suffer from flooding, water shortages, land subsidence, and/or restricted local water supplies. Implementing rainwater utilization requires acceptance by municipal officials as well as cross-departmental cooperation and coordination. Educational campaigns are necessary to make local residents and businesses aware of the potential benefits and long-term cost savings. Financing: The cost of installing a rainwater storage and utilization facility at the Muincicpality of Sumidha was financed from the budgets of the municipal departments which constructed these facilities in their buildings. Individual homeowners and private companies finance these systems themselves. The resurfacing of city sidewalks was financed from the operational budget of the Department of Civil Engineering. For further details contact: Planning Division, Policy Planning
Department, (Source: Agenda 21 Success Stories, Earth Summit+5. Can be accessed at the URL http://www.un.org/dpscd/earthsummit/w-sumida.php) APMN North East AsiaSubregional Focal Point Coordinator |
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