Fifth Day Field Trip at Chunati W/S

5. Monthly Progress Report: June 2007
Activities conducted with regard to project in the last month:
Activities (Summary)

From 4th June to 26th June/07 four villages fewer than 3 beats of Chunati Range visited during last 11 days extensive field work and total number of personal interview with 40 FUG (personnel’s) was taken place. Addition to that there has been taken a group discussion with 5 Community Patrolling Groups (CPG), 10 were interviewed with open questions. Then also open discussion with 5 CMC members of Nishorgo Support Project (NSP) was carried out. Details are given below for better understanding.

Activities (Details)

This is the continuous process of primary data collection. As part of that on 04th June/07 I started for Chunati Site Office at 4.30 pm and reached there at 07.00 pm and then stopped at Amirabad and also made plan for next day program with West Sufinagar under Chunati Beat.

West Sufinagar: From Chunati NSP office it is walk way and also 3 km distance. West Sufinagar under sector-2, Chunati beat is not plane land only. It is combination of both hill and plane land. Peoples of that place are very much needy. But from NSP they did not get anything remarkable. They are very much disappointed with NSP. Even one council member Mr. Ibrahim also reported the same. Religiously they are very much consus. Unknown and unseen people are not allowed to talk with them. It is minimized with the local tour guide & also CPG member of NSP Mr. Musha. I collected primary data during 05-06 june/07 from 10 respondents out of 25. They have been residing there since long. They have the blind faith on Allah. As a result they have the remarkable size of family members. Per family on an average 05 to 06 member they have. Due to large size of members they are completely disappointed. Maximum have no education. Only primary level at Madrasdha they prefer for study their next generation. Facilities of education at that place are very negligible. Mostly they are depend on agricultural works with borga system and then after daily labor are their basic profession. Annually after deduction they get on an average 7000/- to 9000/- taka from agricultural works. And from daily labor works they get only 100/- to 150/- taka per day on the basis of availability of works. Maximum are surviving below the poverty level. So they can not think over livelihood strategies. Some of them have plan for educate next generation at Madrasha level. Some of them want some grant for swining machine, training on fishing net making, handy-crafts etc. About loan from any institution, they are not at all interested. From NSP very few got seed of vegetable cultivation and also organic fertilizers in small scales. About FUG activities they are not interested for that. At the very beginning they were interested for membership. Because of that from NSP they got information for better living, benefits of various aspects. But when they saw nothing is happening then from their attention they are diverted from NSP performance. But normally they learned about nature conservation, protection of wildlife and at the same time living together inside forest without any kind of hassle. About patrolling they have an idea of it, which is positive. So for patrolling, spouse of some respondents are involved actively and they are doing good job at daytime patrolling. About fuel wood, still they are depending on forests. Because of that in one sense forest is very much nearer to them; another is that they have no any alternatives for income generating. Even that some of them still is fighting for save life. As a result some are depend on forest for save live. For marketing purpose, there is a place at Adhunagar, it is long distance from that place but due to alternative they are still practicing firewood selling in very small scale. About improved chulla, they have an idea of it but lack of fund or monetary support they are undone. They also reported that if NSP provide free of cost, then they can use such kind of chulla for cooking.

About tour Guide: Md. Musha is working with NSP as a tour guide since june/05. His working areas are from Bonopukur to sufinagar. Main responsibilities are accompanying new tourist under NSP. He is informed 01/02 day back when tourists are supposed to visit. He has got 07 days training on tour guide under NSP at wiking, Cox’s Bazar, Shaplapur road, cox’s Bazar. Basic criteria of selction tour guide under NSP is only education of 08th class, it was not widely circulated by NSP authorities. Only information is transferred to the local personnel’s. Local NSP performer selected 08. Mr. Musha is from Sufinagar (west). No terms and condition imposed for selection. No any regular payment on his duties. After completion his duty as a guide he gets only 200/- taka for one visitor. He got in total 2000/- taka during his period of duties. Now he has plan for developing himself as a local tour guide. Personally he is very much interested for helping any visitors. Addition to that he has been doing patrolling weekly basis. Since last june/06 he started duty as a patrolling member. As a member of patrolling group he also gets 40/- for tea per month. From NSP he also got 5000/- as grant money. Mainly per week (Wednesday) he performs duties from 08 am to 02 pm. In his group total members are 06. He is also a group leader and his group starts duties from june/06 to still date. Role of his responsibilities are to move inside forest, and also has to investigate the area about illegal felling, fire protection, cattle grazing inside forest etc.

Moddho Villagers Para: This place stands at North Harbang, sector-4 under Aziznagar Beat. From NSP office it is 6 km approximately. From Aziznagar bus stand it is walk way only. It takes half an hour journey by walk. After reached there I talked with Rahima Begum who is president of that female group. By name they call that somiti is Moddho Villagers Para Nature Conservation somiti. She is 26 years old and has been residing that place since long. Her family size is in total 05. And occupation of her husband is Madrasha teaching. In that village they are comparatively land lord. There are 02 Madrasha stands near by for education but one school, which is long distance from them. Religiously they are very much conservative as a result always they prefer Madrasha education. So educate next generation at Madrasha is their future strategies. Compare with other members in her group she is aggressive for learning something. She reported that she got 7 days training on poultry and hatcheries from Jubo Unnoyon since 2001. Then after from NSP she got 3 days promoter training and then after she got 05 days training on improved chulla from NSP. After having training she performed technical support for establishing 15 improved chulla at different place and got 150-200/- taka as service charge per chulla. For monetary support they have domestic cow and also have loan from Agrani Bank for better living. Being as a FUG leader she always try to motivate FUG members for attending meeting. She always campaign villagers about biodiversity, impact of its increase and decrease and so on. She is nominated as a FUG leader for 2 years. She also reported that for firewood, they are still depending on forest. Because of that maximum are still livings below the poverty level. As a result un till and unless provide any alternative income generating activities, they have no any option for save life. Though maximum are member of that FUG, but for only save life they are having practicing such kind of illegal activities. After NSP performance now they understand the negative impact of tree felling or any extraction of any forest resources. Earlier they were openly involved with illegal activities but now after NSP performance, specifically creation of patrolling group, still some are involved secretly with illegal activities for their livelihood maintenance. Being as a leader and also have training on improved chulla, she reported her practical experiences that this improved chulla is less costly, less fire wood consume and also it helps the environment smoke free. Lastly she also reported that this chulla using makes dishes clean. About co-management committee or council members she also reported that they have the vital role for the area development after completion of NSP performances. About objectives of FUG she also reported that at present those who are involve with illegal activities, try to motivate them through open and free discussion with them. For nature conservation and wildlife protection, immediately need alternative incomes for FUG she reported. Training could be in corporated on different issues like poultry and hatcheries, swing machine operating, handy crafts training and also fishing net making training will give the high priorities for achieving such kind of objectives.

In the same place, I have interviewed another 09 personal on 8-9 June/07 who are associated with the same group. Over all this area is fully backward. Residences of that area are religiously very much sensitive. As a result they have the big size of family members and for education madrasha study they prefer for that. Peoples of that area are mostly depend on daily labor profession, some with agricultural works and very few with other profession. So many NGO’s providing loans in that place since long. So now they are completely depend on loan. Fire wood dependences on forest are their heredity. After NSP performance, most of them are now realizing the situation. They are now aware about fire campaign, nature conservation, wildlife protection and also community patrolling. At present they try for attending regular meeting presided by group leader. Except leader of that group, they don’t have improved chulla and they know the advantage of that chulla but due to scarcity of monetary support, they are still not prepared for installing such chulla. Peoples who are still involved with fire wood sell to the market they can carry upto 40 kg to the market for sell and they only get 40-50 taka for 40 kg only (@ 1 kg = 1 taka only). Now they are committed that if they get any job for their family support, then they will not go inside forest in future and they will also influence other for not going inside forest in future.

Vandarir Deba: By name any body can gauss an idea about Vandarir Deba. One Mazar of Mize Vander is established there since long and Deba means cannel / khal stands between two sides of the area. And that is why they so call Vandarir Deba. This village is stand under sector-5, Harbang Beat. From NSP office, it is 20 km approximately and from then by walk can move the village. Northern part of that village is full off landless population. They are very much needy. From NSP, female FUG of that place is 20. Out of that 10 were interviewed during (12-13 june/07) two days period. Maximum peoples have been residing there since long. Soudagor or Mohajon have some how occupied that area since long. For protecting such land, they hired some land less people since long. Even still they don’t get any money from them. Free of cost landless people have been residing that place. They are very much needy. For saving life, still they are fully depending on forest. In that place employment opportunities are very much negligible. Both male & female do work on the cannel / khal and load sand to truck. Per day per man get only 100 to 150 taka only. Except that for minimizing family they still depend on forest. Maximum have been practicing such illegal activities. Inside the area, there is some middle/business man. They collect that firewood from them. Every day they go inside forest and sell it to local businessman. Per kg they get only 01 taka. Then these firewoods are transferred to other places. Being as a member of female somiti, they don’t have any interest to know any thing. They want direct help from any organization. They have the loan dependency. Family size is big and no education at all. Only one Madrasha is stands for education. About FUG activities still they are in the back ward situation. Maximum of them, don’t have any idea.

Fig: They collect send by this way.


Fig: fuel comes to the middle man bt this way.

CPG (Personal & group discussion): 10 CPG were interviewed personally and also there has been made a group discussion with them during 14-15 June/07 periods. One important personal interview with one CPG is highlighted below for clear conception of CPG performance under NSP activities. Personal interview with CPG member named Mr. Jafar Alam, who is now secretary of that CPG. He reported that in Harbang Beat, right now 7 groups are existence comprises 5-6 members per group and total members are 37. The main responsibilities are protecting forest, wildlife. They do perform from 10 pm to 4 am non-stop. 7 groups perform their duties on weekly basis. Each group comprises 5-6 members do perform 01 day per week. Being as a secretary he also reported that peoples who earlier were involved with tree felling, now they become member of CPG, so day time patrolling is better than night. Because of that in nighttime illegal felling is almost stopped by the creation of CPG. So day patrolling is very much important to them for saving forests. At night patrolling after 12 pm to 02 am was danger period but now a day it is relaxed he reported. He also shared his experiences of patrolling. During their patrolling, at the very beginning FD representative or NSP authorities came for surprise visit. Now they do not come for surprise visit. Some time police staffs including OC comes and visit them. They start duties by putting signature on register but after completion of whole night duties, they do not put any signature for disposal of responsibilities of that day. He also shared his 01 year experience of duties. During his duty period, he found a group of people who were involved with tree felling but due to their active participation, people gone away without passing illegal trees disposal. Being as a CPG, they could not face any kind of offense, during patrolling period.

Fig: Group discussion of FUG

Roshider Ghona: Roshider Ghona comprises of female FUG including 17 female members. This is also under sector-1, Chunati Beat. From NSP office, Chunati, Rashider Ghona is approximately 5 km in the west side. This is absolutely under Buffer Zone. So at present there is no provision of CPG under NSP. This group is far way from forest. But for livelihood maintenance some of them are still depends on forests. Though after NSP implementation, now they are very much aware about nature conservation and also wildlife protection. For saving life, now they want food against works. On 24-26 june/07 I personally interviewed 10 respondents. Out of 10, Leader of that group is financially sound and she is also educated. From the very beginning she has been trying for motivating others who are still involved with forest illegal performance. She also reported that if from NSP, there could make any provision of work, and then they will not go inside forest. About literacy, still they are not in the position for saying literate. Madrasha education is their privilege. About improved chulla they are aware of that and its advantage. They have future plan for installing such kind of chulla.

CMC Leader Discussion: On the basis of question I talked with 5 CMC members with open discussions. Out of 5 here discussion with one active and interested CMC member is stated in details. Mr. Hosain Ahmed, Social Worker and also CMC member of NSP. He also appreciated NSP performance. For changing life style of FUG, he is very much egger to do so. Because of that being as a local CMC member he knows better than others, who are still in the deprive condition. He also committed that any thing like any fund comes for development, and then being as a CMC member, he will give chance FUG works for their rehabilitation. About selection criteria of FUG selection, he also added information that at the very beginning NSP performed on their own basis of selection criteria. But after their selection, it is verified by CMC and also by local. For leader selection of FUG, there has been given educational level 1st performance. As a result, in some FUG, some educated females are included. Because, they know better than illiterates how to motivate peoples who are still involved with forest illegal activities. He also told that if this FUG goes towards any kind of production like handy crafts, poultry or hatcheries etc., then the profit can distribute among the members. About meeting, being as a CMC member, he is also aware about Roshider Ghona, FUG regular meeting, twice a month through the assistance of FO of NSP, there always make meeting for FUG life style improvement. Except own area still he is not in a position for visiting other areas of NSP performances, where FUG have been residing. Being as a residence of Chunati Beat he also reported that 50% females are still depends of forest. So under management plan, there could be a provision of rehabilitation by their active participation including participatory approach for a forestation, creation of water logging for fishing, etc. The proposal is submitted and still it is under process. He also told that still the development activities, which are taken into consideration, have the linkage between rehabilitation of FUG. Now FO of NSP has made a list of FUG who is directly or indirectly involved or interested for doing the best. In future what will be implemented, that is now under process of approval.

Problems encountered problems resolved
For 11 days extensive fieldwork, it took 15 days, because of rainy season. Rest of the days was in the undone situation. Respondent’s non-availability, their attention towards personal interview and also time frame are the key problems for primary data collection. It is minimized by the active participation of FO under NSP. Though now the period for FO is almost at the end, they are going towards jobless situation very soon, even that they actively anticipated my fieldwork program. With out their help, it could not possible for studying the local female participants.
Future steps/next actions

Next step is planning for analyzing primary data with the help of computer software and then representation of actual scenario reflecting in the final reports which is suppose to finalize with close consultation of fellowship authorities through the coming soon workshop.

Any changes from proposal

What ever is need for changing that should be reflected in the final report. So in the workshop any change need further that would be minimized through the close consultation.

Forth Day field Trip at Chunati W/S

Monthly Progress Report: May 2007
Activities conducted with regard to project in the last month:
Activities (Summary)

From 12/05/07 to 17/05/07 field visit was done extensively in the Chunati Range. On 12/05/07 at first talked with Mr. Goutom at NSP site office, Chunati and collected latest information about improved chulla. Then talked with Sahima, FO of NSP and selected 2 FUG group for primary data collection in sector-3 of Chunati beat under Chunati Range. This sector comprises 11 FUG and total FUG members are 240. After a detail discussion with her we decided Borua Para FUG group (comprises 23 members) and Rahamania Para FUG group (comprises 18 members) for data collection. In Borua Para primary data is collected from 10 respondents out of 23 members and time is taken 02 days for that group (13/05/07 to 14/05/07). Then in Rahamania Para primary data is collected from 10 respondents out of 18 members and time is taken 02 days for that group (16/05/07 to 17/05/07). In two FUGS total numbers of respondents were 20 during that period.

Borua Para is situated a long drive from Chunati Site Office. On an average it is in total 4.5 km from Chunati Site Office. Walk way is not plane land; it is strip slope and combination of plane land. There is a natural beauty of that place. Peoples of that area are very much poor. They have the interest for having plantation in their homestead. From NSP only 3 members got training on organic fertilizer making and plantation program out of 23. Out of 23 most of them got improved chulla since one year back. In that area, only Borua community has been living since long. They have the interest for educate next generation. So for study their children come at chunati which is long distance. About nature conservation and wildlife protection, all of them are now aware of that. Female of that place always insists male for not going inside forest and they try to motivate their husbands for alternative income like poultry, plantation etc. at their homestead.

Rahamania Para is 15 minutes journey by bus from NSP site and then walk. This para is very much close to forest. It is down stage from the high way and then sloppy. In that Para 18 members have been residing since long. Only 10 members were interviewed through questionnaire method out of 18 members. This para is very much backward. No literacy is there. Peoples of that place do not know what the right age for start school is. They have wrong idea for schooling. There is no school near by them, so for going school, children have to go by walk to school. As a result schooling age starts from 08 years in that place for the children. From NSP out of 18 FUG members 9 members got improved chulla as a grant and most of them got seed including other logistics.

On 15/05/2007 there was a CMC meeting held at Chunati Union Parisad building. The main agenda of that meeting was very specific. What CMC will do in future in the PA management? After 2 hours open discussion, very important issues came up from CMC members. I was also present in that meeting for investigating them or about their performance regarding PA management.

Activities (Details)

On 12/05/2007 I started for Chunati at 8 am and reached there at 11.30 am. After reaching there I met with Mr. Goutom who is the key authority of CODEC. I was introduced myself to him. Then I talked with him about NSP activities. About improved Chulla, he has given latest information, which is now under process of implementing at the field level. In collaboration with Grameen Sokti, it will implement. For pressure reduction of firewood, it will play a vital role. Each and every individual is allowed for installing such kind of Chulla. Total installation cost is taken 700 taka per chulla. Grameen Sokti will provide the technical support. For installation of improved Chulla, FUG will get the high priority. In that case FUG has to pay 50% of total cost 700 taka. NSP will provide rest of the payment as a grant, i.e. 350/- taka per chulla. He also informed about the next meeting of CMC, which will be held at Union Parisad Office on 15/05/2007 at 11 am.

After that I talked with 04 Field Organizers (FO) who have the key role at field level. Step by step I talked with them and set up next daylong program with them. At first I talked with Sahima who is responsible for sector-3 and under her jurisdiction there are 11 FUG comprises 240 members. This is 100% female-based FUG group. After consultation with her I selected 02 FUG and in that 02 FUG out of 51 members I have taken 20 respondents for questionnaire part. For selection of respondent, given preference of their education and also sincerity and commitment regarding PA management.

Accordingly on 13/05/2007 I started for Borua Para from Chunati Site Office at 9.00 am with the assistance of Sahima, FO of NSP project. Borua Para is situated a long drive from Chunati Site Office. At first Rickshaw and then walk way. On an average it is in total 4.5 km from Chunati Site Office. Walk way is not plane land; it is strip slope and combination of plane land. There is a natural beauty of that place. Peoples of that area are very much poor. They have the interest for having plantation in their homestead. We have seen some cash crop plantation like bamboo and also poultry in that area. After one hour journey we reached at Borua Para. At 10.20 am I started individual interview with Mira Borua. She is 32 years old and has 3 children. Her elder son now has been studying at Srilanka in class 8. He had gone there with the help of their relative. Other 02 are at primary level. She is now waiting for her son. Because of that her expectation is that if elder son is educated properly, then other will get the same benefit. In Borua Para, there is not any institution for primary education even. For study, children have to come at Chunati. In Cunati, there are 04 schools including 03 private and 01 govt. schools. For higher study only one private college is situated at Chunati she reported. For Madrasha education, only one male and one female Madrasha are established there. She also told that her Husband does agricultural works and also daily labour works. Per day wages are 150/- taka only on the basis of performance. Per moth they have only 4500/-taka (approx.) income on an average and it increases upto 45000/- annually. For maintenance of their family they are fully depend on bank loan. From Islamic Bank, time-to-time, they make loan 10,000/- and recover that by 275/- taka per installment system. Though they are now below the poverty level but about education still they have planned to do. For educating next generation is their objective. So for maintaining household, they have hen for financial support. About FUG activities, she reported that FO always insist them for attending meeting and also attain some training program. About selection of FUG leader, she told that it is an open support of all FUG members. Normally leader is selected for 2 years. About fuel wood dependence, she also told that for minimizing firewood, they are still depending on forest for firewood. Fire wood consumption is their requirement. As per requirement once a week she goes inside forest and collect fodder only for firewood consumption. Every week at early in the morning, she likes to go inside forest and can collect up to 10 kg at a time by head load. Never do they sell for household maintenance. Every day in the market firewood takes place for sell and only the local middle class people are purchaser of that firewood. Earlier firewood demand was high but now it is reduced because of that installation of improved chulla. She told that now per day they use only 03 kg firewood for three times cooking. One year back, improved Chulla established at Borua Para. Leader of that FUG got 5 days training on it. Then she helped her relatives for installation of improved chulla. Now she has been realizing that it is less costly and installation price is also less. Now she has a plan to do training on improved chulla. If she can do such then she can contribute monetary support to her family.

Then I came to another residence and interviewed Rumpa Borua, who is leader of that FUG. They are also very much ambitious for education. From NSP, she got training on improved chulla through the technical support of German Technology (GTZ). Now she always helps other for installation of improved chulla. Physically I visited that chulla at her residence. It is rally smoke free and less firewood consuming system.

Thirdly I talked with Rima Borua who is young lady and secretary of that FUG. She is not interested for any kind of interview. She claimed that at the very beginning of NSP, there was a commitment provided by NSP authorities. Even they ensured monetary support to members. But after 2 years implementation of NSP activities, she did not get any single monetary benefit form NSP. About training, she reported that out of 23 FUG members in their group only 3 members got training. Rest are still deprive from training or any other support from NSP. Time to time decision has been changing by NSP authority, as a result now being as a leader of FUG, she can not maintain her group members because of that what ever commitment is given, still it is not implemented at the root level.

At the same day, Shapla Borua is interviewed at her residence. She is 30 years old and her family size is in total 05. She is fully depends on spouse and occupation of her spouse is only daily labour. They are really below the poverty level. Per day wages is only 150/- taka. Miscellaneous jobs as a daily labour he has to perform for maintaining their family. Some time in the brickfield, some time sand supply works or some time does any other laborious job he has to perform. Being as a daily labour he cannot think about livelihood strategies. About training, she has not any idea. For family maintenance, they depend on grameen bank loan and it is very important to them because of livelihood. For fire wood consumption, still they are depending on forest. Being as a FUG member she got improved chulla as a grant. Now per day consumption is 2-3 kg firewood. About selling, she reported that never they had been done so.

Usha Borua faced last daylong interview. She has comparatively big size family. All are fully dependent on head of the family. Education is their dream. So children’s are studying at school level. Her husband has a tea stall and also does agricultural works on borga system. There is a provision of broga in that place. Comparatively they are richer than others. Being as a member of FUG, she got 02 days training on vegetable cultivation from NSP. Everywhere in the borua para, peoples are depend on Islami Bank loan. About firewood, they never go inside forest and even they have no improve chulla. So per day fire wood consumption is approx. 05 kg and they are aware about the advantage of that chulla. They have the plan for installing that chulla very soon. Being as a member of FUG awareness campaign is done by her to the locality. Now about nature conservation and wildlife protection of that area, female are very serious than male she added.

Next day i.e. on 14/05/07 we reached at borua para again and interviewed another 05 interviewees. At 9.30 am interview was started with Photo Borua. She is 45 years old & has 04 sons only. Elder son is now at out side country. Another is doing job at garment. Husband is garden mali and respondent is also does packaging work at garden. Now they have only one dependent son. Their livelihood strategies are for installation of improved chulla. Her family income per month goes to taka 5000/- on an average. They are firewood dependent on both homestead and forest. But never do sell firewood. About FUG activities, being as a member she does campaign of awareness to local communities. About forest patrolling she has an idea about that. For nature conservation and wildlife protection, it plays a vital role, she added.

At the same place another 04 were interviewed door to door. They have the opinion about firewood that they consume that for household purpose only but not for sell. Out of 04, 03 respondents have improved chulla and have been using that last one-year back. Now they can realize that improved chulla has given them an opportunity for less firewood consumption. Nature conservation and wildlife protection now a day is their dream for the sake of next generation.

On 15/05/2007 there was a CMC meeting held at Chunati Union Parisad building chaired by CF, Wildlife & Nature Conservation Circle and Project Director of NSP. Representative of USAID, Consultants of NSP, CODEC representative and also DFO, Wildlife and Nature conservation Division were present in the meeting. Total attendants are 56 including 19 CMC members of Chuanti Range and 19 CMC members of Banshkhali Range were present. The main agenda of that meeting was very specific. What CMC will do in future in the PA management? At first Mr. Utpal, consultant of NSP addressed the resource persons to the CMC members. Then consultant Mr.Shorma has given an idea for say something for the CMC members. After that PD given his speech in the way that FD is involved with forest management since long. But due to shortage of manpower natural resources has not been protected by them. There was a conflict between FD and local people. When govt. has seen such kind of situation, then NSP came up with the help of USAID fund. For managing such kind of resources, there made a Gadget Notification for CMC as well as council. He also said FD is not for ever, NSP is going to be closed next May, 2008. So it is moral duty of CMC for protecting natural resources. Until resources are available, CMC performance will also be available. So now this is the time to do for PA management. He also addressed management plan, which is now approved for PA management. About fund PD also said that it is now under process in the USAID Office. Very soon LDF (Landscape Development Fund) project will start up. Then he has given to CMC members for open discussion. After 2 hours open discussion, very important issues came up from CMC members. Then PD assured them CMC is held responsible for PA management. What would be the next plan prioritize that and then sit together, come up with the specific solution, what you are going to do. After that USAID representative DR.Ashrafuzaman has given assurance for less time killing of LDF project approval. Instead of MOU, there will be general approval system, which will be applied. Then after 2.00 pm PD has concluding the daylong program session declaring 23/05/2007 meeting of CMC in the same venue. I was also present in that meeting as an observer.

On 16/05/2007 I reached at Rahamania Para for interview along with Sahima, FO of NSP. We started for Rahamania Para from NSP sit office at 11 am by bus and after 15 minutes journey by bus we reached there. This para is very much close to forest. It is down stage from the high way and then sloppy. At first we reached at the residence of Minu Akther and interviewed her. She is 35 years old and has 1 son & 1 daughter. They have no education and about education, they are not interested at all. In their place, there is no school or any institution for study. For study, they have to come 2 km distances from their native place. As a result, still they are not interested for study. Her husband is a farmer and also does vegetable cultivation works. He got 2 marriages. For family future, they have not plan for that. From NSP they got seed for vegetable cultivation and also improved chulla since one-year back. For financial support, they have one domestic cow. Being as a FUG member they campaign for nature conservation and also wildlife protection. About firewood, still they are fully dependent on forest as well as homestead. Now the consumption ratio has been reduced by the inclusion of improve chulla. She told that earlier their firewood consumption was 5-7 kg per day, now it is reduced and per day they use only 2-3 kg only.

Then after came to Jasmin Akther’s residence. She is 20 years old and has no education. Her husband does agricultural works in two seasons. Rest of the year he rides rickshaw as rent. From Asha they have got 10000/- taka as loan and per week 300/- pay as installment. They have the firewood dependency on forest. But never go for sell. After one year using, they can realize that firewood consumption has been reducing. Similarly interview was done to another 03 respondents on same day. More or less all of them have an idea about nature conservation and also wildlife protection.

On 17/05/2007 at the same place interview was taken to another 05 residences. Here stated only the interview with leader of that group. She is Moriom Kathun. Age is 40 years. She has 2 sons and 2 daughters. They have no education. Children’s are adult and they are now separate. Her husband got another marriage and he is now life with 2nd wife in separate environment. Now a day, whenever she asks for help, then her husband helps a little bit. Mainly she survives with the financial support from her sons. From NSP she got one day leadership training. She has a domestic cow for financial support. Being as a leader she motivates FUG members for attending regular monthly meeting and also does campaign awareness about nature conservation and also wildlife protection. Members of that FUG select her. Being as a senior of that group, they selected her for next 2 years. About firewood she is fully depends on forest still. Once a week she goes inside forest and collects 05 kg fodder for the week. She always goes inside the forest in early in the morning. But never does sell in the market. From NSP last year 50% of her group members got improved chulla as grant. She also said that it is really smoked free and healthy. Also she said that consumption rate is less than traditional chulla. Per day she uses 3-5 kg firewood for cooking.

Fig: one of the improved chulla that has been using by some of them.


Fig: another type of improved chulla that have been using.



Problems encountered problems resolved

There is a gap between FUG, CMC and Council members. Most of FUG does not have clear idea about NSP performance, CMC and also Council. In NSP frequent decision changing by the authority plays a negative attention about PA management. Another is commitment gap still alive in the field level. Regarding training or grant provision, it is not still rational. So for solving such kind of issues, there should be linked up between FUG, FD, CMC and also Council through the sitting arrangement of all levels in the same venue at least six month interval. Any decision made by CMC or Council, it should have acceptability to all the surroundings. Whatever commitment is given at root level, at least minimum should be implemented at the same. About selection criteria for any kind of training, participation should be very much effective, most practical and maximum satisfaction of trainees.

Future steps/next actions

Next step is planning for visit sector -1, 2 under chunati beat, sector-4 under aziz nagar beat and sector-5 under harbang beat in two steps for primary data collection and also collect information from key informant about NSP performance.

Any changes from proposal

In Chunati Range out of existing 38 FUG, 27 FUG are female and 11 FUG are male. And the percentage of female FUG is 71% and male FUG is 29%. So for collecting primary data females are given more emphasis than male. Another is availability of respondents. Male go out side of residence for whole day where female are comparatively available at their residence. So 06 FUG is selected on sectoral basis. Except sector-3, from other sectors 01 FUG is selected from each sector where as in sector-3, 02 FUG are selected, because of that in that sector number of FUG is higher than other sectors. Any change need further, and then always it will be informed.

Third Field trip at Chunati W/S

Monthly Progress Report: April 2007

Activities conducted with regard to project in the last month:

On 25^th April/07 I started for Chunati at 8.30 am and reached there at 10.30 am accordingly. First of all I talked with Mr. Basar who is training co-coordinator of Codec posted in Chanati for monitoring NSP performance. He is very good training coordinator. All the logistic training related with various aspects like vegetable cultivation, agricultural activities, motivational training he has been doing good performance related with NSP. Now he is very much associated with motivational training for FUG related with awareness campaign. He given some study materials related with awareness campaign for FUG as well as local villagers. Particularly he highlighted on eight selective topics which are the prescription thrown from head office of NSP. Addition to that other related campaign leaflet related with flood protection, fire protection etc. he shown for clear concept, which has been served from different project funded by UNDP.

Next I talked with Mr. Azad who has the key role of NSP performance for sector-1 under Chunati W/S. He told that at the very beginning people of Chunati had negative approach about NSP performance. They thought that by the inclusion of wildlife, people will be omitted from the w/s area for ever. But after performance of NSP, now such concepts are changed from their mind. They now have come up as helping hand for NSP performance. Regarding grant or any kind of logistic, they are still depriving because of either fund crisis or wrong selection method is applied for any kind of grant or logistic training for FUG up gradation. 

Then after having launch, with the help of Mr. Nazmul, I started for Harbang beat along with Mr. Kabir who has the key role of NSP performance as FO. After discussion with him I selected Harbang beat for next day program. There I talked with beat officer named Mr. Abijit Borua who is in charge of forest rest house. I stopped at rest house as night hold. At night I made work plan for implementing next day program.

Accordingly I started work at 9.30 am on 26^th April. First of all I traveled walk way for 1 and half km as transect way for viewing the nature scenario of west brindabon kil. I found some reserved area along with homestead land occupied by the local villagers as well as FUG members. Then I came back from forest and started personal interview with Mr. Karim Dad who is the leader of 22 FUG at Brindhabon Kil of Harbang Beat. He is 42 years of old and has been residing in this w/s since long years back. He reported that his wife is also a leader of Noa Bazar comprising 25 FUG members. They called their group name as Brindhabon Kil Nature Conservation Somiti. Sizes of his family members are in total 06. Mostly their literacy level is primary as he reported. Total land occupied by his homestead is below 1 ha. Fully 5 members are depend on his income. He is mainly a businessman and has a hotel management including tea stall. Addition to that he works on agricultural field & Vegetable cultivation works also. From NSP he got 2 days training on bamboo plantation including other plantation activities. Future strategies for livelihood maintenance are for establishing a grossary shop through loan support from NGO like Proshika, grameen Bank etc. Always he uses loan support from NGO since long years back for family’s betterment. Also he has domestic cow and other animals like hen for financial support as well as for protein or nutrition. In Brindhabon Kil so many NGO’s are working on micro credit like Grameen Bank, Proshika, Brac, Asha, Mukti etc. During the calendar year he is fully engaged him with agricultural works, Vegetable cultivation and business like tea stall hotel management. Being as a leader of NSP’s FUG, he undertakes activities for informing FUG for attending monthly meeting. Collects FUG for attending regular training on plantation program, use of organic fertilizer, properly, poultry establishment training and also some awareness program on different issues like water pollution, water filtering, flooding and necessary action for overcome the abundant or abnormal situation. There is no specific condition included from NSP for FUG membership as he told. He only reported that being as FUG nature conservation is the prime target for them and as a FUG, any body has the responsibility for that. He reported that per FUG only one leader exists, addition to that 9 members represent one federation group for all FUG. They should be the leader of each FUG. They have the responsibilities for each and every work under NSP claiming to FO. About selection of leader, he also reported that this is the open support of FUG, whose selection is maximum, he will be the leader of that group and normally he will be representative as a leader for 1 up to 2 years but in some cases leadership can change through the consultation between FUG and NSP authorities. About fire wood collection, he is not fully depending on forest. As per requirement he goes once a week and collect 20-25kg firewood for family consumption .He always prefer to go inside forest at early in the morning. He also reported that there is a market takes place at hargang bazaar which is 2km distance from Brindhabon Kil and twice a week market take place there and only the middle class family and also some other business man like Shaw mill owner comes for purchase. Per market only 1000 kg firewood take place for marketing and this is also in inside the w/s area. About energy supply, he reported that traditional chulla is higher fire consumption tools than improved chulla. But for installation of improved chulla, still decision is not made structured. Because of that at the beginning through the communication of FO, being as a leader he collected 150 taka per FUG for chulla installation but still the authority is not in a position for finalizing this matter. Then on that point I asked FO Mr. Kabir. He told that approximately 22-23 personal have got training for improved chulla installation from NSP support, they are excluded from FUG group members. Now they are ready to install such kind of chulla to all the villagers, even in other places of Chittagong, Cox’Bazar or Taknaf also. They do this installation on 600 taka advance payment as installation cost. Now this installation work will be done by negotiation between NSP and Grameen Sokti. But this kind of information is not served to FUG, even that they are not still aware of that situation. Though this is now a day is the burning issue to them because of less consumption of firewood. So in the long run it will provide monetary support to the FUG. So if there could make arrangement a special training on improved chulla through the Garman Technology initiation, then FUG will be happy for that.

After having 1.15 hours interview with him we started for Goal Mara village by bus. 10 minutes journey by bus we reached at the residence of Monoara Begum who is FUG only of that Goal Mara nature conservation somiti.  She is 40 years old and has big size of family members comprises 09 members. Literacy level is very much poor. She is housewife and fully depends on husband. Being as a head of family, her husband is very much cooperative. He is basically landowner and agricultural job he does. He also like vegetable cultivation works at his homestead. Addition to that he is the member of answer, VDP, forest protection he likes very much. For the sake of forest he has the argument about selection of patrolling group members under NSP. Because of that since from long he is the residence of that w/s, by name he knows the person who are mainly involve with illegal performance and now they are involved as a member of patrolling group. There should be made decision for changing such kind of members he complained. He liked best as voluntary service regard with forest protections or any other social works. He has own pond inside his residence. But for shortage of fund he is now not in a position for installing fishing. He is also depending on NGO loan for family maintenance. During 12 calendar months he engaged himself with two season paddy cultivation in his own land and also in support of others land like borga. All seasonal vegetables he cultivates for his family consumption and also markets them to the local market. Being as a member of FUG, his wife sometime attend meeting if get information. But she reported that the leader of that group does not communicate them properly in time. As a result, maximum time she can not attend meeting even still she did not get any training from NSP, though she has an experience on cap making and net making. From her grant mother, she learned for making such kind of making. She also told that since earlier generations to generation they are absolutely depend on homestead forest instead of w/s forest for consumption. They never been gone inside forest even for a single leaf collection also. About improved chulla, they have an idea or got information that such kind of chulla has better service. But in practical, they did not see that improved chulla. At 12 pm I started interview with them and finished that at 1.00 pm.

Then at the same place and also in the same group, leader Khaleda Begum came at her residence. She is the group leader but being as leader she did not come in front of us. Because of her conservative mode, we made interview with her from one corner to another. From one corner I asked questions, translator Mr. Kabir made it in local ctg language and by that way I collected data from her. She is 34 years old as reported but I could not see her. Husband is illiterate and has daily labor works, all other’s have primary education. She has training from NSP on seed, nursery raising and plantation activities. Addition to that from Surjer Hashi NGO, she got training on health service. Lastly she got training on nutrition from SHED (Society for health extension & development) and that was 18 days long program, she attended. She has livestock (4 domestic cows) on borga for financial support. Currently she makes pusti package and sell it on 3 taka per packet and minimize family running cost. Some times she gets loans on short scale from NGO. Being as a FUG, she has the activities performed accommodation of FUG and inspire or attending meeting on workshop, training etc. She also reports that there is not any specific condition for membership. Basically fire protections, save environment, wildlife conservation are the pre-condition for membership. About FUG existence, she also reported that leader workshop, federation work, apex body of federation group still alive in the NSP comprises 09 members. She has little bit of firewood dependence for family consumption. About improved chulla, she also reported the advantage of improved chulla and immediate such chulla is necessary for installation to every FUG.

Then at 2.00 pm we came back to Goal Mara by 15 minutes walk. There we talked with another Khaleda  Begum, secretary of Shapala group comprises 30 FUG in that group. She is Madrasha Student at degree level. Comparatively she is good communicator and her family members like mother & father are less conservative compare with other. She has regular access with NSP office. For motivational training she always encourage her group members for reducing their pressure on forest, awareness buildup about particular lession, regularly she try to under take FUGs concept clear about topic. They have matal house and also happy with her husband. Always she tries to make improve their life style. She knows swinging and also has training on vegetable cultivation works and teaching profession experience. About improve chulla she has an idea of that and her family will try to install that at own cost, because of it is economy. This interview was continued upto 3.30pm on that day.

Next I faced with Mr. Bazal Kabir (Babul) at 5.30 pm on 26^th April/07 after having launch who is responsible for Charpara Somiti. But he does not know what to be done as a team leader, though his group comprises 20 FUG members. He reported that earlier leader is absent or gone somewhere else, so FO, Mr Kabir given him leadership for Charpara village. Even he does not know what to do as a leader for other FUG members. At the same time he is leader of patrolling group comprises 6 members in his group. Basic objectives of patrolling group as he reported that fire protection, forest conservation, and wildlife conservation. Per member get 40 taka for tea only. They patrol only at nighttime from 8pm to 3.30 pm. He also reported that no FD officials patrol at nighttime. After having daylong program I stayed again in the same rest house of FD for night hold. 

At early in the morning (9am) of 27^th April/07 I started for West Brindhaban Kil. There I faced Mr. Ledu MIA who is FUG member of that village. He is also illiterate and big size of family. Professionally he is day labor in agricultural field. Addition to that he is also a member of patrolling group. Family is fully needy. He got 5000/- taka as grant from NSP. About activities of FUG, he does not know enough, what to do. Only knows about fire protection, forest protection, and wildlife conservation campaign of NSP. About improved chulla, he also reported it to other respondents.

Next I came back to Taju Mia who is also the neighbor of him. He is aged illiterate person. He is also FUG of West Brindhabon kil. Family size is big and fully depend on him as a result he wants more grant from NSP or any other organization. About activities of FUG, still he does not know anything, what he needs to do.  

Problems encountered problems resolved

This time I faced major problem in drinking water and also supply of water, food at different rural places and also at rest house. This is also the addition of transportation problem in the rural area. So locally it is solved with the help of local FD staffs & also villagers of that particular area. Due to shortage of time I did 7 questionnaire data collection from seven respondents at sector -5. Rest of the same will interview on next immediate date.

Future steps/next actions

Next step is planning for visit sector -2 and rest of sector -5 for primary data collection and also collect information from key informant of NSP performance.  

Any changes from proposal

Primary data is being collecting step by step on sect oral basis. Sector-5 is selected first, because of availability of rest house and also less distance. Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary comprises 5 sectors for implementing NSP performance. Out of 5 sectors 3 sectors are stand at Chunati Beat, 1 sector is at Harbang Beat and another 1 sector is at Agignagar Beat. So for collecting primary data, still almost equal ratio will be applied on the basis of the availability of the respondents into 5 sectors. Any change need further, and then always it will be informed.

Second Field Trip at Chunati W/S

2. Monthly Progress Report: March 2007

Activities conducted with regard to project in the last month:

On 03/03/2007 I visited the site Channati Wildlife Sanctuary for the second time. I reached there at 11 am and then I talked to Mr. Nazmul Abedin and also Mr. Belal Ahmed who are mainly associated with the implementation the said project. I collected data from Najmul Abedin on different issues in open discussion. In the discussion he pointed out about different issues, which were part of my questions.

Objectives of FUG: According to him, very brief objectives of FUG is to buildup awareness campaign for protecting the forest, steps taken by them for biodiversity increase of natural forests of Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary.

Vision of FUG: About vision of FUG, he told that from Ctg-Cox’s Bazar highway within 1 km of East side of the Sanctuary has taken as the basic/pilot area under NSP. After 5 years implementation of this pilot project, 38 FUG can able to achieve the objective and they determine to do independently for their livelihood without taken any kind of massive destruction of forests, they educate themselves by taking proper training on various aspects like poultry, milk cow dairy farm establishment, Nursery raising, home based agro forestry, etc within themselves, then the vision of FUG will be successful. Like Dolhazara Suffery Park, FUG wants the same at Chunati Range. If it can be done within the Chunati Range, then the employment opportunities will be increase for their next generation and during the implementation period of this pilot project, it is challenging job for FUG.

Duties and Rights of FUG: FUG have the right to advertise the awareness campaign to all of the villagers, forest as well as wildlife protection and increasing biodiversity at Chunati Range is the mandate to them. Now they decide what their right to go inside forests is or not as a part of that they are sharing their physical movement for protecting the forest area.

Benefits of FUG: NSP shares them on participatory approach like training on different issues say nursery raising, seed collection from FD, providing improved Chulla which is less costly for cook, giving grant to FUG for their business, for poultry, fishing, for cow, rickshaw purchasing etc. Females are also getting same grant for purchasing purpose. From very beginning of NSP, now data is provided that out of 865 FUG members 165 FUG got financial benefit from NSP and the percentage is 39% for poultry establishment, milk cow, rickshaw, Small training on nursery raising, plantation, handy-crafts for women’s etc. Rest of the FUG members will get the same kind of benefits from rest of the implementation period of the NSP.  

Members Meeting system: Out of 38 FUG one leader per group comprises 38 groups. Out of them 38 leader have the federation meeting with Field Organizer (FO) in every month at NSP office Chunati. There are 05 FO working simultaneously with FUG in the same project. Then on co-management committee, two representatives of 38 FUG sit for every month review meeting with other 17 members of co-management committee. They have the freedom to take decision on the representation of them to the committee.

Base line survey: Base line survey is done at the beginning of the project (25/05/05), there included their demographic profile like sex, age, education etc. out of 38 FUG, Total 38 base line survey is carried for 38 FUG through the financial support of NSP. So this survey report could be used for future representation of FUG.

Land encroachment: About land (forest) encroachment, data is very much interesting that the local money/rich men are influential person. From long years back, they have been practicing such kind of influential power to the local communities with the negotiation of FD staffs through big money give and take methods. Still such kind of influential power has been practicing inside the forest. As a result the wildlife numbers reducing from the forest because of that with negotiation of FD staff, they burn forest at the day time, then catch that land for crop cultivation, especially agriculture based like paddy and others and by that way most land has occupied by rich man within the sanctuary. Still this practice has been existence inside the forest. Because of that FUG are not permitted to patrol forest at day time. During day time, only forest guard and other FD staffs are allowed to go inside forests. FUG’s are only allowed for patrolling forest from staying 1 km distance of the highway road approach only.

After that I collected materials on co-management Council and Committee’s meeting resolution. I found that from very beginning of this project, there already held 6 numbers of meetings concerned with committee and council. From the last meeting of council dated 24/01/07 decision has been made on different issues like landscapes management, mobilization of forest patrolling, miking & liftet distribution for fire protection etc.

Then after having lunch I started for Harbang Beat with the assistance of Mr. Belal. After 30 minutes of journey by bus, I reached Harbang Beat area named Noya Para Village. With the help of Mr. Belal, I walked inside the forest. There I was introduced with some villagers. Then I was introduced with FUG leader Mr. Ledu Mia, who is also member of forest patrolling group. At 5.30 pm we came back at Ledu’s tea stall along with other villagers. After having tea, I started open discussion with him. He is from Brindhabon Khil. He is also the Society Leader or FUG Leader. He joined NSP since last 2006. After six months back, he got 5000/- taka non-refundable money as grant from NSP for running his business. Now he is committed and dedicated for protecting forest at any cost. In his patrolling group members comprises-13 persons who are very much associated with forest patrol. Per week he patrols’s once after 10 pm at the roadside. From NSP, there made provision of 50/- taka as Tiffin charge per person per month. During open discussion with Ledu MIA, he mentioned about him. He is mainly involved with regular activities related with agriculture. He normally spends 3 months for agricultural works and rest 9 months does vegetable cultivation works. For his livelihood, he is fully depending on others. Rich man gives land for agriculture cultivation negotiation with Borga like 20 mond per kani. In Agrohaon month of Bangla, rich man comes for collecting paddy from hem. Total cultivation cost he has to bear from his own source. Now this is the dream to Ledu that NSP provides the betterment of the local communities. Dulhazara Suffery Park is the instant reference to the villagers. Now this park is very much popular to them, because of that for giving employment opportunities, it gives the Benefit. Through NSP, if such kind of park can establish in Chunati, then at least employment opportunities will increase for the next generation of the local communities. About illegal felling, he complains in the way that FD maintains the patrolling schedule, they maintain schedule for patrolling group, which is only night instead of daytime. He repeated that during daytime, illegal performance occurs in negotiation with FD staffs by give and take methods. So if there make provision for day time patrolling with collaboration of FD staffs, then illegal felling will definitely stopped in the Chunati wildlife Sanctuary area for ever and by that way biodiversity will increase.

After that I talked with Mr. Toju MIA who is also the member of FUG in the same place. He is almost 50 years old and also lands less. Now he is getting benefits from NSP as he reported. He is also happy with NSP performance. Being as an old man, sometime he shares which his child for patrolling forest. As a member of patrolling group, he is also very much committed for saving Wildlife Sanctuary for the next generation. If there builds up a tourism like Dhuhazara Suffery Park, then he will be very much happy for protecting next generation as well.   

On 17/03/07 again I went to Chunati for field visit. There I talked with Mr. Kabir who is working with NSP as a Field Organizer. His working place is Harbang beat, Sector-5 of NSP under Chunati Range. At present he is responsible for 8 forest user groups (FUG) comprises 5 female & 3 male groups. The total members of FUG under his jurisdiction are 215 including 60 male and 155 female. From open discussion with him I found data about the area is that earlier this area was fully dependent on forest. Because of that this area is very much nearest to the forest. There is lack of education facilities, training facilities and also the influence of social custom to the local communities. As a result, generation wise, the communities have been practicing for go inside the forest. Now after implementation of NSP, local communities have been motivated in the way that which one is good or bad for them, they can easily understand. He stated that after implementations of NSP, 35 female members of FUG under Korom Muhari Para are now fully motivated. They have taken training from NSP on different issues like nursery raising, fishing net making, fertilizer preparation etc. Now they never go to the forest for collecting fuel wood. Even they campaign awareness build up to other local communities. Through NSP 5 promoters have been selected in sector – 5 under chunati Range. These 5 promoters are at the same time FUG members of NSP. Each promoter group sits together twice a month. FO is also suppose to present the meeting until and unless the promoter become self sufficient for conducting meeting, preparation of meeting resolution and then final preparation of meeting minutes to authorities. The main objective of this meeting is for motivating FUG in subject specific. For developing skills on various issues like seedlings, nursery, fertilizer preparation, fishing net making etc. under NSP are now very much interesting or acceptable to FUG for their livelihood strategies. Because of that now they realize them in the way that if they can get free of cost training from NSP, then this will be powered for them for getting employment opportunities. The selection criteria of promoter are based on the basis of the performance of local communities. FUG gets the privilege for selection under NSP. Selection of Promoter is for long run drive for the betterment of the local communities. NSP is the five years project which has been implementing in the five protected areas like wise at Chunati Range Promoter selection is mandatory, because of that after complementation of NSP, they (promoter) can run the same without help of other and can communicate to the co-management committee, and Promoters will be the overall responsible for the activities. This discussion took place is almost 1 hour.

Then I was introduced with Mr. ASM Eskander Azad, who joined NSP since last November/06 as a FO. He is responsible for sector-1 under Chunati Beat of Chunati Range. This area comprises 06 FUG including 4 female FUG & 2 male FUG. I talked with him and collected data for selection process of promoter, which is same as stated above. In his area 3 promoters have been selected on the basis of their past performance related with NSP. This sector-1 is almost unlikely depend on forest except Kul Pagla area of that sector under NSP.

After then I talked with Mr. Goni, FO of NSP who is at present responsible for sector- 2 under Chunati Beat of Chunati Range. In his area, the total number of FUG’s are 6 comprises 4 female & 2 male. Total numbers of the members of 06 FUG’s are 160 including 105 female and 55 male. He is the key responsible person who has been working with NSP since last 2005. From the very beginning he started with NSP. Now out of 38 FUG’s area location he covered 25 FUG’s area location. Presently he is responsible for the sector-2 where the communities are very much aware about the objectives and target of NSP performance. Now their dependency on forest has been very much reduced as he told. He also offered me for attending a meeting at 3 pm at Dhuphi Para comprises 22 members of FUG. After half an hour discussion with him, we took lunch at chunati Bazar which is half km distance from NSP office.

After having lunch I was introduced with one female named Schahima who is responsible for sector-3 of NSP as only one FO. Her area comprises 11 FUG group with 240 members of female personals only. As she told that in this sector females are now very much interested for getting training on different issues like improved chulla, nursery etc. This chulla is now a days very much interesting subject for getting training on it. Because of that for installation of one chulla, per person gets 200 taka. Another advantage of that this chulla gives the less consumption of fuels. So the local communities are interested for using such kind of improved chulla for their cooking.

After having 15 minutes discussion with her, I started for attending the meeting with Mr. gani at 3 pm. This Dhupi Para is half km from NSP Office. At 3.30 pm he started meeting with 22 FUG members of Dhupi Para. Out of 22, 21 members attended the meeting. Mr. Gani introduced me to them; I represented myself and told them about my purpose of visit. Members attended the meeting on the particular issue like organic fertilizer making process, which is included in the promoter manual meeting 6 schedules. At first president of that FUG Miss Dipu who has very much active participation regarding the meeting. She has the register for the members attending schedule, she is in her own hand written the name of participants and given register to all for putting their signature on it. After that Mr. Goni told Dipu for sending 4 members at Chunati Beat of Chunati Range on 19/03/07. Similar for fishing net making and organic fertilizer preparation training, NSP will give all logistic support for making the training successful. In the meeting the brief discussion was given by Dipu, President of Bonoful Kollan Samity, who has taken experience from NSP into different issues.

Fig: seed collection program conducted by NSP to its members.

Under her supervision, members will be selected for further training in various aspects for the creation of their employment opportunities. In the meeting President has given very brief on the advantage of fertilizer, its use and preparation. Then she discussed with the members about the preventive methods application from occurrences any kind of disease etc. After that there took open discussion for the members. Then one member who is very much interested for swing machine training, claimed for operation of that. President has given assurance for incorporating training on the said topic within short time. This meeting continued up to 4.3 pm. After that again I came to the NSP office, chunai. Then after discussion with Mr. Habib and Parvez about NSP, I started for Chittagong at 5.30 pm.

Problems encountered problems resolved

In almost every rural area, there is a transportation problem compared with urban in our country. So locally it could be solved with the help of NSP’s representative like FO’s jurisdiction of the basis of sector.

Future steps/next actions

Next step is planning for visit the site further on the basis of sector; talk with the FUG members more details and also PRA analysis would be done within 5 sectors. Questionnaire survey concern with FUG will be carried out in the last. Questionnaire’s already sent to the concerned for further modification through email.  

Any changes from proposal

Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary comprises 5 sectors for implementing NSP performance. Out of 5 sectors 3 sectors are stand at Chunati Beat, 1 sector is at Harbang Beat and another 1 sector is at Agignagar Beat. So for collecting primary data, almost equal ratio will be applied on the basis of the availability of the respondents into 5 sectors. Any change need further, and then always it will be informed.

first field work experiences

1. Monthly Progress Report: February 2007
Activities conducted with regard to project in the last month:

I started for site visit on 17th February 2007. On that day at 8.30 am I started for Chunati Bazar by S.Alam bus from Baddarhat, Chittagong. Bus reached at 10 am at Chunati Bazar. From there I hired a Ricshaw vehicle. Within 10 minitues I reached at Shah Saheb gate and followed the arrow mark of Nishorgo Support Project Sign Board. After arrival at NSP office, I met with Mr. Md. Hamid Khan who is Site co-ordinator of NSP. I had given him my identity and the purpose of visit. At that time, there was present Mr. SA. Khan, Chairman of Co-management Committee of the Nishorgo Support project and also Mr. Belal Ahamed, Accountant cum Administrative Assistant of Co-management Committee under Nishorgo Support project at Chunati wildlife Sanctuary. He introduced me to them. After introduction, I talked to Chairman of Co-management Committee. He have given very brief on NSP activities at Chunati Range. He joined since last 2 years ago as a chairman of co-management committee under NSP. After his joining, first meeting was held on 16/03/2006 comprises 19 members of the co-management committee. He also told that there is no fixed time for meeting. At list once a month members sit together at purposive basis. Due to busyness, he devoted Mr. Belal Ahamed. Then I talked with him. He is very much sincere and cooperative. Last 3 months he joined the NSP. His interest on NSP is very much impressive. He is the local man, who can help a lot in future. I asked him for showing the register or any other material related with NSP. From register I found three sub committees comprises convener and members. First one is Planning sub committee, which comprises 1 convener & 5 members. Second is Development of income sub committee comprises 1 convener & 5 members and last one is Patrolling sub committee comprises 1 convener & 6 members. About Co-management council meeting, he told that after 06 month 55 members sit together for almost whole daylong. Then I shared experience of MD. Hamid Khan, Site Co-Coordinator of NSP. About Forest User Groups (FUG) establishment at Chunati Range, he told that in earlier the total number of FUG was 36, but on last December 2006 number is increased. Now the total number of FUG is 38 and it will fix for the next implementation period of the project. Total members in the FUG are 859 at Chunati Range of which 222 are male & 637 are female. he also told about the criteria of FUG . At best one member per household is member of FUG. Out of 38 FUG male FUG is 11 and female FUG is 27 according to him. After two hours discussion with concerned personnel of NSP, I came to know about Nazmul Abedin, Site Facilitator of NSP activities. Then I was introduced myself to him and also told him visit purpose. He then shared his vast experience with me. From the very beginning of the implementation of the project he is more concern of the project. Sine last 2005 he has been working with the same. Because of local man, he is more popular concerning the performance of NSP activities. He shared half an hour brief on NSP activities at Chunati Range. According to him, I found data that at the beginning of the project activities, the local peoples are almost against that. Because of that Earlier there was a conflict with FD and the local people. FD officials did not cooperate with local; they were very much proud full or alert with their status as govt. officials. So when started the project activities, local peoples were disagreeing of that. Step by step, such problem is being resolved. At the very beginning after formation of the co-management council as well as committee, the total community of the Chunati Range divided into six sectors. After two years every individual committee member will be changed according to rule. Rotational method is applied for the membership of the committee. So there is no chance of hassle about the membership. About FUG formation, he told the criteria of land holding capacity of the local communities. Almost landless or the peoples having not more than 01 ha of land are included in the FUG. He also added the activities performed by the NSP for the awareness buildup of the local communities about the land scap development, advantage of wildlife conservation, patrolling, environmental awareness etc. and also the alternative income generating programs. After that at 01 pm with the help of Mr. Belal Ahamed, I started for FD Range Office, which is 2 km long from NSP project office at Chunati Range. There we found Mr. Mosaddek Chowdhuary who is forester of FD and also concern with NSP. He told that this project has the good performance for rehabilitate the local communities. After two years experience of this project peoples of the Chunati Range are happy and now they have the willingness to do the good for their betterment.Problems encountered problems resolved Basic problem is the transportation problem. In the high way, no local vehicle is available, only the rocket service is there for move one place to anther. This could be resolved if getting help from the concerned persons of NSP who have Motor Cycle.

Future steps/next actions Next step is planning for visit the site further, talk with the FUG members more details, visit will take place for 4 days at least and also PRA analysis would be done within 7 days. Questionnaire survey concern with FUG will be carried out in the last. Questionnaire is be preparing and it will send to the concerned in the next for modification through email. Any changes from proposal In the final research proposal number of FUG are given 36 on the basis of document, but after field visits data found about FUG are 38. So it will be incorporated instead of 36. In future if need any change, then it will be informed.

Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary- My past field experiences:

Project Name: “Fuel wood, Alternative Energy and Forest User Groups in Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary”

This was the six-month fellowship program organized by Forest Department with the financial support from USAID. Nishorgo Support Project under Forest Department implemented this program. There was an open circular published in daily national newspapers for participating this program. I was selected out of 12 fellows by the authority of Nishorgo support project. Accordingly I completed my final paper, which is published in international Journal of East-West Center, Hawiee, USA. Out of six months, there was a provision of field visit for five months and monthly submission of progress reports. What I did during the field visit that is stated in the following: