Ye Tun Min

Conservation of Two Ficus Species with Local Community Participation in Pindaya Region, Southern Shan State, Myanmar

Old ficus trees (Nyaung Painn Nell).

Young ficus plant (Nyaung Painn Nell) protected by surrounding cactus.

Most of Ficus species are widely distributed all over Myanmar. However, the two species can be found only on the mountain regions (approximately above 2000ft from sea level) but their population is quite low. Pindaya region (3880ft from sea level) is the only one place where most of these two species thrive well. The big trees are valuable, and represent to this region. To date, the species are facing regeneration problems and are threatened as rare species because the young plants grow rarely and are destroyed by animals and also human being.

One species (local people call Nyaung Painn Nell or Nyaung Gyi) has been conserved only in small quantity near the Pagoda areas.

The existing trees are too old, and so without active conservation and protection of the region now, the survival of these species is questionable. Hence, active conservation activity and careful transplanting of young plants and or seedlings with local community are needed for the next generations. This project will be tremendous importance for the local community and biodiversity of the world. These trees are highly useful for the local ecology since they are the nesting sites for many birds, bats and squirrels. Moreover, effect of tree planting has considerably improved the soil conditions. According to religious belief, the trees are revered as holy trees (like banyan tree) by Buddhist. Since the project intends to spread awareness and education among the local community of the great importance of the trees and mobilize them into protecting the trees in their region and nearby areas, they can gain much knowledge on nature conservation.

The other species (local people call Nyaung Chyin) is very rare to conserve by local people in this region. Edible young shoots of this kind of tree are picked and then used as foods. Systematic conservation and planting of the trees are required in this region for long lasting.

This project seeks to collect tree population data and to collect young plants and or seedlings for future planting. Fences will be made for young plants to protect them. Natural fences especially such as cactus will be used and planted around the target young ficus plant. Hanging roots of the old trees are also needed to protect in the region. Conservation knowledge of the local people is the great important for future conservation task. To spread awareness and extension education among the local community will also be carried out in this region, nearby villages including basic education schools. To date, planting and careful protection management of these trees with local community participation are absolutely important in Pindaya region.

For more information contact nyogreat@gmail.com

Project Update: June 2008

Together with regional nature conservation group and women welfare association.

Surveying for tree population status has been carried out with the local elders and community. That was done in town areas; there are twelve wards shown in the document below.

Most of the trees are over 70 years to 80 years of age and some are over 100 years old according to local elders' sayings. About fifty percent of the trees and their hanging roots have been conserved. Young plants and seedlings collections are being conducted.

We have done public meetings and lectures within the town areas, and the activities will also be continued. My team and local volunteers are now going to conduct surveying and public talks at the surrounding villages. Besides, nursery has been established with the help of regional nature conservation committee.

Distribution of the species with map illustration will be reported in the final report.

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Project Update.doc	33 KB

Project Update: September 2008

Transferring of young plants from nursery to planting site.

One hundred and sixty seven young plants of both species have been collected and cared in the nursery until 1st September. Among them, thirty eight young plants (35 Nyaung Painn Nell and 3 Nyaung Chyin) which are about 2-4 ft height and stout growth were transplanted on 2nd September 2008. These were planted along the either side of the road with interested local volunteers and regional nature conservation committee. The spacing (50 ft between plants and at least 10 ft distance from the road) was applied. Holes for transplanting are dug, and measurement of each hole is 2x2 ft2 and 1 ft depth.

Fences were made to protect young plants from cattle. The remaining young plants are kept at nursery to attain vigorous growth, proper age and height. We have made local meeting, interview and talk on the importance of these trees for local environment in some of the villages.

Surveying for tree population of the two species in the whole Pindaya Township have been carried out with participation of local volunteers and community. The survey data are shown in the document below.

Final Report

Read about the activities undertaken and findings of this project in the final reports below.

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Final Report.doc	707.5 KB
Detailed Final Report.pdf	1.58 MB