The Rare Pride Campaign on Conservation of the

Manchurian Tiger in Hunchun , P.R.China

BRAVO: Barrier Removal Assessment and Viability Overview

Part 1： Farmer Patrol Teams

Lang Jianmin

March 2, 2009

BRAVO Scores

BRAVO: Executive SummaryWhat: To eliminate poaching threats to the endangered Manchurian Tiger, the Administration for

Hunchun Manchurian Tiger Reserve will, by forming farmer patrol teams, establish villages without

poaching traps, cultivate farmers’ sense of pride and responsibility, and transform them from potential

threats into protectors. The auxiliary measure is to help farmers maintain sustenance and turn them into

“Border Guardians”, or role models in protecting wild animals.

Lead Agencies: The two key lead agencies of the project are the Administration of Hunchun

National Reserve for the Manchurian Tiger and the Wildlife Conservation Society(WCS).

When: The patrol teams will be formed in key villages in December, 2009; the sustenance project will be

launched in April, 2009; measures to establish villages without poaching traps will be initiated in April, 2009;

the activity of selecting “Border Guardians” will be carried out in tandem with other publicity projects by

WCS in fall of 2009.

How: by helping farmers locate means to maintain sustenance , recognizing farmers as “Border

Guardians”, signing responsibility contracts with farmers, forming farmer patrol teams and establishing

villages without poaching traps.

Resource（ manpower,funding）： 1. Manpower: 5 people from the Publicity and Education

Center of the Reserve, and 6 people from the conservation station of the Reserve; 4 people from WCS

Hunchun Office; numerous volunteers. 2. Funding: WCS has made commitment to supplying a grant of

21,000 US dollars; the Reserve Administration will be responsible for salaries and all project-related costs

for its 11 staff participating in the project; in addition , the Administration will provide transport if required;

the Manchurian Tiger project of WWF has expressed willingness to provide funding to the project, the exact

funding amount is subject to the project plan.

Feasibility Score: 3.9

Impact Score: 3.9

Criteria Explanation Score

Cost

Preliminary projected costs

1. Equipment Costs: 6,000 RMB (the Core Fund);

2. Alternative Sustenance Means project: 130,000 RMB.(the Barrier Removal Fund)

Components of the project include:

(1) Cow-raising sub-project in Xiacaomao Village: 5 beneficiary households;

(2) Edible tree fungus cultivation sub-project in Fengshuilin Village: 5 beneficiary households;

(3) Pig-raising sub-project in Guandaogou Village: 5 beneficiary households;

Note:

1) Costs of selecting and recognizing farmers as “border guardians”will be covered by WCS’s other publicity activities , and not be deemed a part of the project budget;

2) Please refer to the Excel file for the budget breakdowns.

The anticipated aggregate cost is $21,000 ;

Of the aggregate cost, $900 is the Core Fund, $20,100

is the Barrier Removal Fund

3.9

Predictability of cost burden

1 = Costs are ambiguous and unpredictable; 4 = Costs are predictable and manageable

The above budget is created in accordance with the field investigations, and work experience of the Reserve Administration and WCS. The budget is composed of three hierarchical levels, which clearly define the budget timeline. Those undefined budgetary items will have been clarified by the time the project activities initiate.

3.9

Average Score 3.9

BRAVO for Hunchun Rare Pride Campaign for Protecting the Manchurian Tiger , P.R.China Economics (Page 1)

Criteria Explanation Score

Reven

ues

Description of revenue streams

Fundraising total: aggregate cost is $21,000 ,of the aggregate cost, $900 is the Core Fund, $20,100

is the Barrier Removal Fund.

Sources:

WCS has committed $20,000 to the Core Fund and has so far raised $21,000 for the Barrier Removal Fund. WCS will carry out other publicity activities to support the Pride Campaign (e.g., selecting and recognizing farmers as “Border Guardians”.)

Earned income total:

The guaranteed total project fund is $21,000.

4

Percentage of total cost available

1: 0 – 25% 2: 25 – 50% 3: 50 – 75% 4: 75 – 100%The committed fund from WCS is $21,000, accounting for 100% of the total fund needed. 4

Likelihood of fundraising success

1 = Very low likelihood of raising the necessary funds; 4 = Likelihood of raising necessary funds almost a certainty

Fund from WCS is guaranteed. 4

Fundraising timing

Fund from WCS can be utilized immediately.4

Funding Alignment

1 = Funding timeline is not aligned with project timeline; 4 = Funding timeline is well-aligned with project timeline

The total fund of $21,000 from WCS accounts for 100% of the total budget, the fund is now in place and can be utilized for the project activities, thus guaranteeing that most of the activities can be undertaken on time.

4

Sustainable Funding

1 = Unsustainable funding source; 4 = Very sustainable funding source

The WCS’s Manchurian Tiger Project has set up its office in Hunchun, and established a strategic partnership with the Reserve. The Manchurian Tiger Conservation Project is a key strategy of WCS. Upon completion of the Rare Pride Campaign, WCS will continue to raise funds, to carry out patrols by farmers and to establish more villages without poaching traps.

4

Average Score 4

Profit/(Loss)

Difference between Revenues and Costs

N/A

BRAVO of Hunchun Rare Pride Campaign for Protecting the Manchurian Tiger ,P.R.China Economics (Page 2)

Criteria Explanation Score

Tech

no

log

y

Attainability &

Availability

1 = Technology and/or required assistance needed is unavailable; 4 = Technology is attainable and third-party assistance, if required, is available

WCS and WWF have conducted many field visits to the Hunchun Reserve, and undertaken training workshops on knowledge of wild animals and ecological protection. The two organizations have trained many staff and workers in learning how to independently carry out conservation activities. With progresses of the project, WCS will continue to offer training to the Reserve staff. All required technologies are available locally. Technologies required for the alternative sustenance means are in cattle-raising and crop-cultivation, which have a sound environment in Hunchun for their development. As long as the project can prevent potential outbreak of diseases among cattle, the project should progress smoothly.

4

Technology assistance

1 = Technology assistance is required, yet not available; 4 = Technology assistance is significant and available

The Reserve Administration staff will be responsible for conducting all training workshops for the campaign. When necessary, WCS can, through its networks, mobilize more people to help carry out the workshops.

4

Appropriate for circumstances

1 = Available technology is not appropriate for circumstances; 4 = Acquirable technology is suited for circumstances

The project design does not involve ‘hi-tech’ inputs. Most of the local farmers have an education level of junior high school or above. They possess abilities to grasp basic technologies. After many years of practice, farmer patrol teams are appropriate to the local circumstances. The training offered by the Reserve Administration to farmer patrol teams is very simple and basic.

4

Average Score 4

BRAVO for Hunchun Rare Pride Campaign for Protecting the Manchurian Tiger ,P.R.China Technical(Page 1)

Criteria Explanation Score

Ca

pa

city

/

Org

an

izatio

na

l Ab

ility

Barrier Removal Partner support

1 = BR Partner does not exist or is not willing to support the project; 4 = There exists a willing Barrier Removal Partner

BR partners is WCS, which is very supportive of the project. The organization has appointed senior-level managers to direct activities of the project.

4

Barrier Removal Partner’s ability to drive change

1 = BR Partner lacks a track record of driving behavior; 4 = BR partner has a proven track record of driving behavior

WCS is an organization composed of conservation experts, it has rich experience and compelling capabilities to undertake the project activities. 4

Budget planning and cost efficient execution

1 = BR Partner has not demonstrated sufficient budget planning skills and cost efficient execution of plans; 4 = BR Partner has proven proficiency in budget planning and cost efficient execution of past plans

WCS has acknowledged capabilities in successful budget management and project implementation. 4

Average Score 4

Oth

er P

artn

ers

Other critical partners

1 = Other partners do not exist or will not be impactful 4 = Other partners are available and capable of assistance

The Chunhua Township Government, the Hunchun Municipal Agriculture Bureau, the Hunchun Municipal Forestry Bureau and the Hunchun Municipal Animal Husbandry Bureau have all expressed keen interest in the project , and are willing to support implementation of the project. These government departments have an in-depth understanding of local communities, and the departments’ responsibilities are to coordinate the implementation of the sustenance project.

4

Average Score 4

BRAVO of Hunchun Rare Pride Campaign for Protecting the Manchurian Tiger, P.R.China Technical(Page 2)

Criteria Explanation Score

Co

mm

un

ity Lead

ership

Leaders and influencers in the community

1 = Dearth of strong leaders and influencers in the community; 4 = Visible leaders with clout to drive behavior

Zhou Ren, head of Fenshuiling Village of Chunhua Township, Dong Zixin, head of Xiacaomao Village and Li Yong, head of Guandaogou Village, all enjoy a high reputation. After interviews with them by the campaign managers and BR partners, we have identified BR methods for farmer patrol teams. For instance, we will implement the edible tree fungus cultivation project in Fenshuiling Village, cow-raising project in Xiacaomao Village and pig-raising project in Guandaogou Village; our supportive measures include establishing farmer patrol teams composed of project beneficiaries in the villages, conducting patrols, confiscating traps and reporting poaching activities. The example set by the beneficiaries will impact other community members to change their behaviors, give up poaching activities and participate in the conservation endeavor.

4

Leadership willingness to endorse

1 = Unwilling to get on board with project; 4 = Firm commitment from leadership to help drive change efforts

Shen Longkui, deputy director of Chunhua Township, Zhou Ren, head of Fenshuiling Village of Chunhua Township, Dong Zixin, head of Xiacaomao Village and Li Yong, head of Guandaogou Village, have all expressed their willingness to coordinate the project activities , if necessary.

4

Average Score 4

BRAVO of Hunchun Rare Pride Campaign for Protecting the Manchurian Tiger, P.R.China Cultural/Political(Page 1)

Criteria Explanation Score

Po

litical En

viro

nm

en

t

Current legislative and legal landscape

1 = Legislative and legal restrictions will hamper efforts; 4 = Legislative and legal framework will aid program

The project is not at odds with the current laws or legal framework, which are in effect conducive to our project. In 2007,the Jilin Provincial Government issued “The Methods on Addressing Physical and Property Damages Caused by Terrestrial Wild Animals” to resolve conflicts between humans and wild animals; in 2009, the Chinese border forces in Hunchun noted that aside from regular border patrols, the forces will strengthen its crackdown on cross-border poaching and trapping activities. All these measures have created a sound external environment for the project. In 2008,Hunchun City was awarded the title of “Home to the Manchurian Tigers”, thus elevating the government’s concern over the tiger.

4

Ability to drive legislative change

1 = Lack of knowledge regarding political environment and unclear timeframe for advocacy; 4 = Depth of political knowledge and ability to push for appropriate changes within a given timeframe

The current legal framework is instrumental to the implementation of the project, which doesn’t encompass changes in the legal framework. Establishing farmer patrol teams and villages without poaching traps are in line with the current laws.

4

Average Score 4

Valu

es and

No

rms

Assessment of norms

1 = Plan is unconcerned with political and cultural norms 4 = Plan assesses and takes into account the values and norms governing the political and cultural environment

Rare Pride campaign managers have, by means of qualitative investigations, conducted a thorough assessment of the cultural and political practices in Hunchun City. The investigations reveal that the Manchurian Tiger is considered “the mountain god” by local people. Therefore, local people never intend to kill a Manchurian tiger. However, over the past few years, the Manchurian tigers have frequently attacked cattle and made local people scared. As a result, some villagers have penned their cattle or relocated their cattle to other places. The project have taken into account the situation and will take measures in a gradual manner to harmonize the relationship between humans and wild animals.

4

Ability to address normative obstacles

1 = Normative obstacles are too formidable to be overcome; 4 = Obstacles are manageable and a clear tack to address them is employed

There are no insurmountable normative obstacles.4

Average Score 4

BRAVO of Hunchun Rare Pride Campaign for Protecting the Manchurian Tiger, P.R.China Cultural/Political(Page 2)

Criteria Explanation Score

Co

nservatio

n Im

pac

t

Likelihood of conservation impact

1 = Conservation impact is unlikely to be achieved; 4 = Conservation impact is very likely to be realized

Counter-poaching measures in Hunchun will significantly reduce poaching activities. When the numbers of such ungulates as wild boars, spotted deer, red deer and roe deer are on the rise, the local biodiversity can be well maintained. Consequently, the Manchurian Tiger will have sufficient foods and its population will grow. Additionally, confiscating traps can significantly improve the habitat of the Tiger, reduce the likelihood of tiger being injured or killed, and effectively protect the Tiger.

When the Tiger is well-protected, the balance of nature will be greatly enhanced, damages by wild boars to farmland will be reduced, thus alleviating conflicts between humans and wild animals, and elevating the public’s consciousness of ecological protection.

4

Impact

sustainability

1 = The conservation impact goal is unlikely to be sustained in the long-term; 4 = The impact goal should be viable in the long-term

As long as the poaching activities are curbed, the number of the Manchurian tiger population in Hunchun can continue to grow with the assistance from the Manchurian tiger population in neighboring Russia.

4

Average Score 4

BRAVO of Hunchun Rare Pride Campaign for Protecting the Manchurian Tiger, P.R.China Impact and Metrics(Page 1)

Criteria Explanation Score

Tip

pin

g P

oin

ts

1st Tipping Point The 1st tipping point is when Rare,WCS and the Hunchun Nature Reserve Administration approve the project. The Rare Pride Campaign will be launched upon its approval. The metric measuring this tipping point is the project plan approved by the three parties.

4

2nd Tipping Point

The 2nd tipping point is the establishment of farmer patrol teams. Once the teams are formed and patrols are conducted, the poaching activities can be effectively curbed. Measures will be taken to encourage other villagers to change their behaviors. The metric measuring this tipping point is the official launch of the patrols.

3.8

3rd Tipping Point

The 3rd tipping point is the existence of 3 villages without poaching traps. More villages will be added to this category later on, thus completely stopping hunting practices in the Reserve. The metric measuring this tipping point is that poaching traps have not been found in the area within two-kilometer distance from the villages without traps.

3.8

Average Score 3.9

Metric

s

Measurable outcomes

1 = The program lacks clear metrics or are difficult to measure; 4 = The program has established clear, measureable metrics

The conservation outcomes are very easy to measure. Metrics are the numbers of confiscated traps, the Manchurian Tiger and ungulates around the key project villages. We will use the line transect method in the measurement. The Reserve Administration has committed to conducting a yearly monitoring of the number of traps, and setting up a long-term monitoring mechanism for the Manchurian Tiger population. What’s more important, farmer patrol teams will become an integral part of the current administration system. All these measures will exert a long-lasting impact upon the conservation of the tigers.

4

Average Score 4

BRAVO of Hunchun Rare Pride Campaign for Protecting the Manchurian Tiger, P.R.China Impact and Metrics(Page 2)

Category Subcategory ScoreAverage

Category ScoreFeasib

ility

Economics

Costs 4

3.9 Revenues 4

Income Substitution

Technical

Technology 4

4 Capacity / Organizational Ability 4

Other Partners 4

Cultural / Political

Community Leadership 4

4 Political Environment 4

Cultural Norms 4

Feasibility Score 3.9Impact

Impact and Metrics Conservation Impact 4

3.9 Tipping Points 3.6

Metrics 4

Impact Score

3.9

Barrier Removal Assessment and Viability Overview (BRAVO)Composite Score

BRAVO of Hunchun Rare Pride Campaign for Protecting the Manchurian Tiger, P.R.China Risk Factors

Risk Factors Consequence Mitigation Strategies

The patrol teams are established, but they fail to continue regular patrols.

Threats from poaching have not been mitigated;

Establish a restraint mechanism by signing an appropriate contract.

Conduct checks and monitoring activities on a regular basis, and frequently communicate with villagers.

BRAVO of Hunchun Rare Pride Campaign for

Protecting the Manchurian Tiger, P.R.China

Authors and Approvals

Lang Jianmin Director of the Publicity and Education Center of Hunchun National Nature Reserve for the Manchurian Tiger , Jinin Province/campaign manager

Liang Haitang Administrative Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society

Approved by:

Hunchun National Nature Reserve for the Manchurian

Tiger , Jilin Province