Guahan rare pride project plan presented by
SECTION B: DEVELOP CONCEPT MODEL
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- 3.1 Methodology
- 3.2 Initial Concept Model narrative
SECTION B: DEVELOP CONCEPT MODEL3.0 Concept ModelOn Thursday, February 7, 2008 a stakeholder meeting to discuss the threats to Guam’s native wildlife was held in the conference room of Guam Department of Agriculture. A total of 20 participants from various sections of Guam society worked together to build a concept model to illustrate the relationships between direct, indirect and contributing factors of Guam’s declining natural resources. The project’s scope (Guam’s terrestrial environment) formed the context for these discussions. Diane Vice, Rare project supervisor and project lead for Brown Treesnake Program for GDAWR and Suzanne Medina, Acting Wildlife Supervisor and project lead for the captive breeding program, assisted during the first meeting. 3.1 MethodologyDirect threats were identified, and then written on cards that were placed onto a sticky wall and linked to the appropriate target(s) using arrows. Participants then discussed the contributing factors (indirect threats) that led to, or exacerbate, the direct factors. Contributing factors were then placed on the sticky wall and linked to direct threats by arrows. The result is a simple “map” of what is impacting the target. After the stakeholder meeting, Miradi software (www.miradi.org) was used to develop and articulate the model into a standardized nomenclature using a threat taxonomy developed by the IUCN. Initial Concept Model as “drawn” by key stakeholders – February 2008 Figure 1 - Concept Model in MIRADI Key: Pink boxes = direct threats, Orange boxes = Indirect threats and contributing factors 3.2 Initial Concept Model narrativeThe biodiversity of Guam’s terrestrial environment can be directed to one key “target”, the Guam rail. This target is threatened by a complex of one or more direct threats. After the stakeholder meeting was conducted, the following environmental direct threats affecting the terrestrial environment were identified as: erosion/ run-off IUCN 6. Pollution (affecting habitat and/or species) feral/ nuisance animals IUCN 8. Changes in native species dynamics pollution/ litter IUCN 6. Pollution (affecting habitat and/or species) invasive species IUCN 2. Invasive alien species (directly affecting the species) habitat loss IUCN 1. Habitat Loss/Degradation (human induced) over-harvesting IUCN 3: Harvesting (hunting/gathering) cultural hunting IUCN 3: Harvesting (hunting/gathering) wildland arson IUCN 10: Human disturbance All were identified as human-induced threats. An explanation of the threats identified is as follows: DIRECT FACTORS Erosion/run-off – Deforestation results in sedimentation of coral reefs. Runoff is a result of poor solid waste management, sewage and garbage control, and the lack of awareness. Feral animals – The lack of knowledge leads to rampant feral dog and cat populations existing throughout the island. This past year children as well as wildlife have been victims of feral animal attacks. Invasive species – As the transportation hub of Micronesia, Guam is susceptible to invasive species of all types not just brown treesnake. Current threats include the Coconut Rhinoceros beetle, Coqui frog, invasive vines and snakehead fish. Early detection is highly dependent on the amount of public knowledge. Tourists – Guam’s economy heavily relies on tourism. With the impending build-up of military forces, Guam tourism economy is expected to boom. Ecotourism should be promoted since some Asian foreign visitors already come to Guam to enjoy Guam’s reefs and see wildlife. Additionally analogous species such as the Okinawan rail face similar challenges of the Guam rail More opportunities to educate tourists on the plights of native wildlife should be utilized if Guam is to be promoted as an ecotourism destination. Pollution/litter – Guam is in the process of identifying a site to open a sanitary landfill. The existing Ordot dump is full and overflowing. The stakeholders identified the pollution/litter on Guam as a result of lack of awareness and chemical pollution. The greenhouse effect is seen as a cause of environmental pollution. Furthermore personal choices regarding littering such as using a garbage can and not throwing things out the window can be emphasized. Habitat loss – The impending military build-up is causing a boom in real estate on Guam. Land is being cleared for development. Existing lands suitable for conservation measures tend to be on military lands that have restrictive access. Habitat loss is also a result of Guam’s local growing population and lack of awareness of family planning. Stakeholders stated that mitigation can be done to offset loss of habitat (i.e. tree planting of Sella Bay by military). Over-harvesting – Over fishing of reef fish populations and illegal deer and pig hunting were considered detrimental to native species. Traditional practices and lack of awareness were factors also leading to over-harvesting. Cultural hunting – Subsistence hunting of deer, pig, fish, game birds and bats is referred by the stakeholders as cultural hunting; This is usually a result of traditional practices. Wild-land arson - This is a practice occurs in conjunction with cultural hunting but can also be an act of nature or man either pre-meditated or not. This practice can leads to erosion and run-off. Off-roading – Favored by tourists and locals, this activity directly destroys habitat and increases erosion. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS Lack of awareness – There is a lack of environmental education in formal and informal settings. Environmental education can prevent damage to wildlife and habitats. Lifestyle choices – The stakeholders identified traits such as greed and laziness as detrimental characteristics of those in prominent positions, visible in the public eye (i.e. government officials). Personal choices influences lack of awareness, population size and corruption in government. Increased population – Related to the military build-up and visitors but also the various minority populations within the larger Guam community. Some stakeholders mentioned the lack of birth control knowledge in the poor. Increased population directly influences habitat loss as more space is needed for housing. Urban development and construction – Military build-up, sprawl of villages and observed lack of zoning laws increases development of the island and directly results in habitat loss. Lack of money – Regarding poor minority groups, the lack of money results in a more hunter/gatherer or traditional lifestyle. Sometimes resources are overexploited. The lack of funds can also be referred to the lack of funding for specific conservation projects. Cultural migration – The wealth or poverty of surrounding islands in Micronesia can be the reason for migration to Guam. Often traditional practices influence how resources are used by migrants. Traditional practices – Cultural observances and traditions can influence how one hunts or harvests their resources. These practices can be sustainable or unsustainable. Corruption in government – Dishonest leaders in government have been a source of financial loss but also legislative shortfalls. Often conservation efforts take the brunt of these deficiencies. Unemployment – Without a job, many are left with little money and few choices. Often those choices most appealing have negative effects on the environment such as over-harvesting and wildland arson as a hunting technique. Legislative and legal directives – When written, proposed and supported by corrupt officials, legislation has very little positive effect for conservation. Poorly written laws encourage over-harvesting, pollution and habitat loss. Military build-up and national security – Guam houses both the US Navy and Air Force. The increased US military efforts in the Pacific have the potential to increase the population of Guam exponentially. This will put a dramatic strain on already dwindling resources. Mitigation – Easements are a positive way to counteract environmental degradation by businesses or the military. It includes actions such as tree planting and coral reef conservation. Greenhouse/gas emissions – Atmospheric changes are caused by rising world temperatures and the use of less gas efficient vehicles. Increased gas emissions are a cause of environmental pollution. Chemical pollution – Stakeholders recognized the bioaccumulation of pesticides in vegetables and deer or pigs that browse upon such vegetation as a threat. The pollution is also observed in the aquatic environment. It contributes to the overall problem of pollution. Smoke – The stakeholders attributed smoke to forest fires, diesel engines, personal burning of trash and possibly even VOG from the neighboring Anatahan volcano in the CNMI. Poor air quality ultimately leads to pollution. Changes in the light cycle – Changes in photoperiod have effected growth cycles of plants and animals. These changes are also thought to influence global warming. War – Increased military efforts in the Middle East has increased the number of military personnel on Guam. Weather events – Random events such as typhoons and earthquakes can be detrimental to habitat and sensitive species populations. Weather can positively or negatively influence the tourism economy. Global warming – This is an over-arching cause of decline in habitat and loss of species. The increasing trend of rising temperatures is thought to lead to more greenhouse/gas emissions. Sewage load/spills – Poor management and structural design of aging and overloaded sewage systems results in unintentional sewage leaks and directly causes run-off. Further discussions Through comments of the community during public meetings and focal conversations, the following clarifications to the concept model were made:
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