New and recent Journals/Newsletters/Books/Reports

CCBA. 2005. Climate, Community and Biodiversity Project Design Standards (First Edition). CCBA, Washington DC. May 2005.

Standards certifying land-use projects that reduce global warming while helping communities and conserving biodiversity were launched at the 2005 Carbon Expo in Cologne Germany.

The CCB standards are primarily designed for projects that mitigate climate change. Land-use projects, also called land use, land-use change and forestry projects in climate circles (abbreviated to LULUCF) can reduce or prevent emissions by managing land in specific ways. Conserving threatened ecosystems, reforestation, agro-forestry, and bio-energy projects that grow wood for energy are examples of LULUCF activities that help lower atmospheric greenhouse gases. LULUCF projects in the past have been the subject of intense and sometimes acrimonious debates among governments, environmental groups and others. Disagreement over LULUCF projects partly contributed to earlier deadlocks on the Kyoto Protocol before it finally entered into force a few months ago.

Current policies to reduce global warming emissions do not do enough to encourage land use projects with biodiversity and social benefits. With these new standards there is a chance to change that and ensure multiple environmental gains. Requiring that projects pass the CCB Standards will bring credibility to any climate change policy or initiative, not just the Kyoto Protocol. Incredibly, the Kyoto Protocol ignores tropical deforestation - the source of 20% of human greenhouse gas emissions. If the world wants to stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions at a reasonable level, stopping tropical deforestation has to be part of the solution. A project that meets the CCB Standards by saving tropical forests deserves international support. These are high-quality projects that an international peer review process has agreed help fight global warming while achieving local community and biodiversity benefits.

To earn approval under the CCB Standards, projects must satisfy fifteen required criteria to demonstrate compelling net benefits for fighting climate change, conserving biodiversity, and improving socio-economic conditions for local communities. Independent auditors will use the criteria to determine whether prospective projects demonstrate they yield truly additional benefits, in other words benefits that would not have occurred without the project. The mandatory criteria also ensure, among other things, that monitoring programs are in place, no carbon credits will be earned from GMO trees, and that communities are appropriately involved in the design of the project. Exceptional projects can earn Silver or Gold Status depending on how many optional criteria are met. Optional criteria cover issues such as native species use, climate change adaptation, water and soil resource enhancement, and community involvement.

The CCB Standards are the result of a rigorous development process, including expert input, peer-review and field-testing. Starting in 2003, various meetings were held to scope what the Standards should look like. An early draft was publicly circulated in the summer of 2004 to solicit broad feedback. Based on the comments received, subsequent drafts were developed and deliberated by more than a dozen expert authors. Later draft versions were field tested in Indonesia, Madagascar, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Tanzania and Scotland. Finally, the authors and the three independent Advising Institutions discussed all the comments and field test results. Agreement on the First Edition of the Standards was reached earlier this spring.

Wolejko, L. & Jasnowska, J. (2004) The future of Polish mires. Agricultural University of Szczecin. 274 p.

The „Future of Polish peatlands” is devoted to Professor Mieczysław Jasnowski in the 10th anniversary of His death. The book encompasses the most important problems in the field of peat science that have been a subject of work and publications of Prof. M. Jasnowski and still haven’t lost their actuality. The book is divided into six thematic sections, concerning the genesis and stratigraphy of mires (Chapter 1), the dynamics and landscape function of mires in the light of eco-hydrological methods of their investigation (Chapter 2), the current status of nature and the discussion of the needs and methods of mire protection in Poland (Chapter 3) followed by selected case studies of Pomeranian mires (Chapter 4). An important issue of peatland utilization and the related threats are discussed extensively in Chapter 5. Each section is preceded by an introductory chapter, prepared by the leading authors in the field. Several case studies, based on detailed research carried out in selected objects, supplement the scientific documentation on each topic. The conclusions of all the chapters as well as of the summary of panel discussions and field excursions, which took place during the Conference “Future of Polish Mires” (Szczecin, September 13-14, 2003), are presented as concluding remarks and guidelines for future activities (Chapter 6).

In the closing chapter several conclusions are presented, which are aimed to become guidelines for further scientific investigations and practical activities in protection of Polish mires and peatlands.

Nuyim, T. (2005) Manual on Peat Swamp Forest Rehabilitation and Planting in Thailand, 96 p.

In Thailand of 64 000 ha of intact peat swamp forests only 9 0000 ha remained in a natural state after wild fires, conversions for agricultural purposes and charcoal production. Natural reforestation processes will require some 100 to 200 years. Therefore the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department of Thailand developed a manual to offer guidance to researchers and other interested parties in cases of planting, nurturing and rehabilitation of peat swamp forest. The author, Tanit Nuyim, has been involved in studies on peat swamp forests during the last 10 years. He presents experiences and findings in form of descriptions, photos and tables. After a general introduction into the special conditions of tropical peat swamp forests, species that are suitable for reforestation are presented and compared by their growth and survival rates. The species are described by text and photos. Further chapters give advice in preparation of seedlings and cultivation plots. Also suggestions of nurturing the plantations and for the prevention of wild fires are given. The book can be ordered via e-mail from Wetlands International – Thailand Office:

Adinugroho, W. C., Suryadiputra, I N.N., Saharjo, B.H. & Siboro, L. (2005) Panduan Pengendalian – Kerbakaran Hutan dan Lahan Gambut. Wetlands International, Bogor, 142 p. (in Indonesian)

Indonesia’s peatlands have been burned and drained to make room for agriculture and settlements for decades. In 1995 the so called Mega Rice Project quickened the pace of destruction by turning Central Kalimantan into a rice bowl by logging and draining approximately 1 million hectares of peatland. In 1997 the El Niño weather phenomenon brought eight months of drought to the region. The peatlands, sucked dry by canals, went up in flames. Forest fires in Indonesia are regional and global disasters. Therefore strategies and techniques for fire control, the installation of a fire information system as well as knowledge about rehabilitation possibilities are required.

The Manual provides input and alternative choices for dealing with the problem of land and forest fire, especially in the peatland areas of Indonesia. It contains a variety of illustrations and diagrams which are easily comprehensible and practical.

The manual can be ordered via e-mail from Wetlands International – Indonesia Programme: admin@wetlands.or.id

Noor, Y. R., Herlisah, L. & Sutaryo, D. (2005) Bibliografi: mengenai GAMBUT dan topic terkait di Indonesia dan wilayah sekitarnya. Wetlands International, Bogor, 136 p. (in Indonesian)

This is a bibliography of publications and documents related to wetlands and peatlands especially of Indonesia. It provides access to current information on wetland topics to scientists, managers, educational institutions and policy makers. The presented references are grouped by the name of the author. They discuss scientific researches, fire control strategies, biodiversity, land use conflicts, management and restoration of peatlands as well as the global importance of peat swamp forests.

The manual can be ordered via e-mail from Wetlands International – Indonesia Programme: admin@wetlands.or.id

Najiyati, S., Muslihat, L. & Suryadiputra, I N.N. (2005) Panduan Pengelolaan Lahan Gambut untuk pertanian berkelanjutan. Wetlands International, Bogor, 241 p. (in Indonesian)

The book is motivated by deep concern to peat land degradation caused by human activities. Many people live in peat swamp areas dependent on the use of the land in bad economic conditions. Their right to live in these areas stays in conflict with the protection of peat land. The book provides an illustration about agriculture in peatland and about the development of a wise farming strategy, to get optimal and sustainable crops. It also gives several information about land use conflicts in swamp areas, peat characteristics, constrains and strategies for cultivation and development.

The book can be ordered via e-mail from Wetlands International – Indonesia Programme: admin@wetlands.or.id

Wibisono, I. T. C., Siboro, L. & Suryadputra, I N.N. (2005) Panduan Rehabilitasi dan Teknik Silvikultur di Lahan Gambut. Wetlands International, Bogor, 174 p. (in Indonesian)

The book is divided into four chapters. Chapter one and two introduce into the properties of peat swamp areas in the tropics. Also the degradation of vast areas because of different land use techniques is outlined. In section three detailed background informations, results and experiences of rehabilitation projects are given. The main part is taken by introduction into silviculture as the science, art and practise of caring for forests.

The book provides an overview of attempts at peat swamp forest restoration as well as detailed knowledge about recultivation on secondary peat swamp habitats. It identifies and introduces species that have a high survival or recolonisation rate and that may be considered for restoration activities.Photos, tables and sketches make it a clear and vivid handbook of silviculture in tropical peat swamp areas.

The book can be ordered via e-mail from Wetlands International – Indonesia Programme: admin@wetlands.or.id

This online publication deals with matter dynamics of rewetted fen peatlands in northeast Germany. There are seven articles dealing with physical changes of the soil, emission of greenhouse gases, retention and release of elements, the effects of rewetting on phosphate cycling and with hydrological analyses.

Reeves, P.N. & Champion, P.D. (2004) Effects of Livestock Grazing on Wetlands: Literature Review. NIWA Client Report: HAM2004-059

This report reviews the available scientific literature on the effects of livestock grazing in wetlands. It specifically identifies the effects of livestock grazing on the physical and biological components of estuarine, riverine and palustrine wetlands with the aim of providing preliminary guidelines for livestock grazing in these wetland types. Research gaps are then identified that could contribute to the development of more definitive wetland grazing guidelines.

Garbisch, E. & McIninich, S. (2005) Propagation of Wetland Plants: Herbaceous Plants, Shrubs and Tree. Environmental Concern Inc. 350p. $54.95

This book synthesises over thirty-two years of wetland horticulture experience. It covers more than 100 species and contains over 200 illustrations. The book includes detailed tables that contain flowering periods, seed ripeness indicators, and seed collection times. In addition, there is a glossary of terms, and an index of botanical and common names.

Johnson, P.N. & Gerbeaux, P.J. (2004) Wetland types in New Zealand. 184 p. NZ$40.00.

This book is the final output of a Ministry for the Environment project on coordinated monitoring of New Zealand wetlands. The emphasis of the book is on inland freshwater wetlands, those near coastal estuaries, and those of lake and river margins. Fully aquatic systems of lakes and rivers are covered in much less detail, these topics having their own complexity of literature in hydrology and limnology. A draft structure for classification of geothermal and plutonic hydrosystems and of marine, lacustrine, and riverine hydrosystems has yet to be finalised.

The main purpose is to describe and illustrate how wetland types can be recognised and named. Section 2 deals with the classification system, noting some of the background to wetland classification, and then describing the classification tiers. Section 3 demonstrates patterns in wetlands and shows how the classification system can be applied to them. Section 4 describes how wetlands function, especially in relation to the variables of hydrology, nutrients, and substrates, and discusses how wetlands change over time. Section 5 provides some direction on wetland survey methods, use of the classification system, and a guide to further information. A glossary of terms is provided at the end.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/Publications/004~Science-and-Research/Miscellaneous/070~2004.asp

Overview in the framework of the Bulgarian Natura 2000 project. With landcover classes coverage (including 11.525 ha of “inland marshes” and 439 ha of “peat bog”) and breeding bird populations. In Bulgarian and English, 32 p. For more information contact Simeon Marin: office@natura2000bg.org

Poster with information on the value of small mire-like habitats in Basque country. In Basque and Spanish. For more information: Patxi Heras & Marta Infante: bazzania@arrakis.es

Schotman, A.G.M. & Kwak, R.G.M. 2004. Moerasvogels op peil, deelrapport 2 – successie versus success van moeras-vogels. Alterra-report 828.2 (in Dutch). 54 p.

Study on the relation between vegetation succession and the occurrence of mire bird species in the breeding season. With recommendations for management. Downloadable under:

www.alterra.wur.nl/Internet////Modules/pub/PDFFiles/Alterrarapporten/AlterraRapport828.2.pdf

Lammertsma, D.R., J. Burgers, R.J.M. van Kats & H. Siepel 2004. Moerasvogels op peil. Deelrapport 4: Voedselsituatie voor insectenetende moerasvogels. Alterra-report 828 .4, 25 p (in Dutch)

Study on the potential food availability of insect-eating mire birds and how it is influenced by vegetation succession and management. Downloadable under

Proceedings of Workshop on the ASEAN peatland management initiative. 16-17 October 2003, Bogor, Indonesia. ASEAN/GEC. 90p.

This workshop was organised to review the status of peatland management in ASEAN (SE Asia) member countries and to elaborate on activities needed. It further addressed the problems of haze in the region. Besides general information and a workplan for a regional strategy, this report provides interesting country wise overviews of extent, status, and threats to peatlands in the region. For more information: ASEAN Secretariat: public@aseansec.org

Moncorge, S ; Moreau, C. 2004. Tourbière « Sur les Seignes » (Frambouhans et les Ecorces, 25) : compte-rendu des travaux de réhabilitation réalisés en 2003 et mise en place du suivi scientifique. Espace Naturel Comtois. 16 p. (in French)

The largely tree covered raised bog of “sur les Seignes” was industrially exploited between 1968 and 1984. In 1997, attempts at restoration started. The first part of this report focuses on the technical aspects of the restoration activities. The second part presents the developments following the restoration measures and the resulting state after 6 years.

Les tourbières en contexte agricole et forestier / document de restitution du 2ème Séminaire technique des tourbières du Massif Central 28-29 septembre 2004 à Limoges (87). 69 p. (in French)

Report on a workshop on peatlands in relation to agriculture and forestry. The report can be downloaded in 5 instalments (PDF) from this page:

Peatland restoration in Russia – the role for Russian regions. Proceedings of Seminar held 11-12 March 2003. Nizhy Novgorod, 2004. 92 pp.

The proceedings of a seminar held in Nizhny Novgorod by Wetlands International Russia Programme and the NGO Dront, with supervision of University Dundee and financial support of the Nizhny Novgorod administration and the Darwin Initiative. The Proceedings contain 12 articles on peatland restoration and a resolution adopted during the seminar. Although the seminar was held two years ago and all articles (except one by Olivia Bragg) are in Russian – it is still very valuable. There was not much experience in Russia on peatland restoration at that time, but it was all presented at the seminar. There are plans to make the proceedings available on the Peatlands in Russia web-site (www.peatlands.ru)

This colourful 45 page magazine is the first issue of a new Russian peat journal initiated by Rostoprom – the Russian branch of IPS. With a circulation of 1000 copies, the journal is focused mainly on the peat “industry”. Conservationists are invited to participate and we hope to dissolve the high concentration of industry in the next issue by some conservation. The development looks very promising.

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