The production
of this draft directory as the first output from the TMCF database at WCMC
represents an important initial stage in the development of a standardised
methodology and format for collecting information on TMCFs on a site by
site basis. It is hoped that WCMC can continue to provide a focal point
for information exchange, through further data gathering and dissemination
in a subsequent phase of work.
Whilst
the database provides the best available information on the location and
status of TMCFs, considerable work is required to develop the level of detail
on a site by site basis. As indicated in the global overview the current
level of detail varies considerably depending on the types of information
available, but more importantly on the level of input from those with a
detailed knowledge of a particular area. In order to produce a more comprehensive
information base, the collaboration of regional and national cloud forest
contacts should be encouraged. Such a relationship must be mutually beneficial,
and should be developed by expanding the existing number of contacts by
activating a contact network and the facilitation of regional workshops
attended by local experts from all sectors. In addition collaboration with
related conservation initiatives such as the Mountains Programme of the
IUCN-WCPA (World Commission on Protected Areas) must be sought.
It is
also important that the information available should be disseminated as
widely as possible. In particular it should be made available to a range
of users at the policy and decision making levels. This should be done by
distribution of this directory in hard copy form and on the World Wide Web.
In addition to making the information available and increasing awareness
of the issues, it will also be possible to encourage readers to review the
existing material, and provide feedback and more detailed information where
possible. As the detail of the information improves it will be possible
to develop more detailed analyses to determine the gaps in protection and
priority areas for conservation using criteria developed at regional and
national levels. This would also be assisted by the development of a number
of selected local case studies looking at particular issues in more detail,
perhaps in collaboration with existing field projects. In addition priority
sites where further research or development work is urgently needed should
be identified.
