Dr. Sonali Ghosh, IFS UNESCO Category 2 Centre on Natural World Heritage Site Management and Training for the Asia-Pacific region, Wildlife Institute of India ghoshsonali@wii.gov.in

Outline Overview (TBPA) Case Study - Manas Transboundary Conservation Area - Historical Trade and Tourism - ross-border Insurgency -Science –based Conservation -Illegal wildlife trade http://www.greenhumour.com

A Protected Area is “a clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values” (IUCN; Dudley, 2008).

IUCN Protected Area Category Management Objective (Dudley, 2008) Ia Strict Nature Reserve Strictly protected areas set aside to protect biodiversity and also possibly geological / geo-morphological features. Ib Wilderness Area Usually large unmodified or slightly modified areas, retaining their natural character and influence, without permanent or significant human habitation. II National Park Large natural or near natural areas set aside to protect large- scale ecological processes....... culturally compatible spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and visitor opportunities. III Natural Monument Areas Protected areas set aside to protect a specific natural monument, such as a landform, sea mount, a cave or even a living feature such as an ancient grove. IV Habitat/ Species Management Protected areas that aim to protect particular species or habitats and their management. V Protected Landscape / Seascape A protected area where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant ecological, biological, cultural and scenic value.. VI Protected Area with Sustainable Use of Natural Resources Protected areas conserve ecosystems and habitats, together with associated cultural values and traditional natural resource management systems.

Transboundary Protected Area (IUCN, 2001): PAs that are ecologically connected across one or more international boundaries and are cooperatively managed. Lake Neusiedl National Park in Austria and Fertő-Hanság National Park in Hungary; transboundary wetland area at the foothills of Alps. Transboundary Conservation Landscape and/or Seascape….includes PAs as well as multiple resource use areas. Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (Congo and Rwanda). Transboundary Migratory Corridors….. Includes one or more biological migratory pathways, and are cooperatively and sustainably managed. Ombai Strait in the Indo-Pacific migratory corridor- covers more than 300,000 km2; includes the world’s highest coral reef biodiversity, as well as Indo-Pacific migratory corridors of regional importance to large cetaceans. (whales, marine turtles, whale sharks and mantas). * A Park for Peace ..a special designation may apply to all 3 types; dedicated to the promotion, celebration, and/or commemoration of peace and cooperation. Poland and what was then Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia) Pieniny International Landscape Park in 1932. [1]

Trans-boundary Conservation Pioneered in Europe and N. America  18th century treaty of alliance between France and Prince-Bishop of Basel (forests, hunting and fishing to be properly dealt with in order to keep good relations...)  1924 -1932- Krakow protocol between Poland and Czechoslovakia (joint bilateral nature park in Pieniny mountains).  1932 – Waterton-Glacier international Peace Park (Canada, USA).

Benefits of TBPAs  Habitat/Landscape continuity  Cultural and natural significance: Pilgrimage; transhumance; sacred sites; sacred mountains; cultural routes; biogeographic areas; sacred groves; Ramsar sites; ; Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.  Source of life: Kailash sacred landscape is a source of major rivers  Historical significance: Civilizations connected to historic trade routes.  Science: Geology, creation of landscape (geomorphology; tectonic plates).  Enhanced political relations and stability  Tourism and socio-economic benefits  Important for combating international Crime (Wildlife , Narcotics, Weapons, Gold )

• Business and trade routes important for Bhutan (a land-locked) country. •Barter trade still prevalent in remote areas. •Right of passage allowed through core of Manas National Park. •Visa free entry to tourists from India, Bangladesh and Maldives. •Other foreign tourists must enter Bhutan strictly through certified Bhutan Tour operators (usually based out of Thimpu). •HeaveY Visa fees (approx USD 200/per day). •Fewer number of Port of entry / immigration compels Foreign tourists to take limited circuits in India-Bhutan.

REGION OF ARMED CONFLICT • Manas Forest area used by Insurgent groups (1989-2003) • Indian Military Operations (1990, 1996). •Joint Ind0-Bhutan Military Operation in Dec 2003- Jan 2004. •Manas World Heritage Site in Danger (1992- 2011). • Science-based efforts to revive wildlife populations . •Transboundary cooperation (formal and Informal channels)

1. Tiger Reserve (1973) 2. World Heritage Site (1985) 3. Biosphere Reserve (1989) 4. National Park (1990) 5. Elephant Reserve (2002) 6. Important Bird Area (2007) 7. Trans-boundary Landscape and World Heritage Site 7. RAMSAR site 8. Second Largest Tiger Conservation Landscape (SOURCE) site! 9. PEACE PARKS

The tiger Panthera tigris, is used as a flagship or umbrella species in conserving wildlife and wild areas in many parts of Asia. 2016 estimates (WWF/GTI report) indicate presence of 3890 tigers in 13 Range Countries.

TRANSBOUNDARY TIGER MONITORING (2010-11)  Total area covered: 400 sq. km. 102 camera trap pairs, 5955 camera trap nights.  Minimum individual tiger photo-captured: 14 8 males, 6 females identifed.  Out of 14 tigers, 3 tigers from previous year sampling have not been captured yet, while we captured 8 new individuals. Cubs photo captured. TRANSBOUNDARY TIGER MONITORING (2014-15)  Total area covered: 896 sq. km. 350 camera trap pairs.  Minimum individual tiger photo-captured: 25 Transboundary Tigers (12 RMNP+2 Transboundary+11 MNP). INVOLVEMENT OF MULTIPLE STAKEHOLDERS !

14 individually identified tigers comprising of 8 males and 6 females (area = 400 sq km; dates : Nov 2010- Feb 2011).

One of the longest surviving Tigress in the wild!

LEOPARD CLOUDED LEOPARD BLACK PANTHER DHOLE LEOPARD CAT ASIAN BLACK BEAR Integrated eco-system monitoring approach

PIGMY HOG HISPID HARE BENGAL FLORICAN GOLDEN LANGUR

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 Officials from Bhutan seized a tiger skin and bones from two Indian men in Gelephu on 20th September 2013 .  Other consignment included Red Sanders and few other timber species.  Present law allowed Bhutan officials to only levy fine and release the Indian offenders.  The offenders returned to India and were scot free.  Intelligence information shared between Park authorities.  Skin compared with database available on tigers from 2010-11.

Post-identification action  Based on the database available, it was proved that the tiger skin in custody of the Royal Manas National Park Authorities belonged to the individual named as MT7M in India and MST_04_M in Bhutan.  The individual was first photo-captured on 18th November 2010 in Bhutan, while it was last photo-captured on 27th November 2012 in India .  The Govt of Bhutan amended its law with more stringent punishment in case of trafficking of Tiger skins and body parts.  Case was registered in India against the Indian offenders .

Conclusion  TBPAs important for conservation and Management of Endangered species.  Historical, socio-cultural affinities need to be recognised and formalised in TBPA Tourism Policies.  Organised criminal networks control trade in urban and cross-border areas.  Usually a SOURCE site for illegal trade in wildlife.  Need cross-border cooperation between India, Nepal and China  Need to establish effective multi-agency enforcement units with the requisite authority, resources, skills and experience at SOURCE, TRANSIT AND CONSUMER HOTSPOTS.