Mapping in Indonesia, Cameroon and the Sahel

UNEP-WCMC worked in collaboration with WWF - Netherlands (World Wide Fund for Nature) on a project to map the conservation issues and priorities in Indonesia, Cameroon and the Sahel. The aim of the project was to compile a number of integrated mapped products, covering a range of important biodiversity and conservation issues, as planning tools for governmental and non-governmental decision makers in the region. The Sahel component of the project was particulary focused on the conservation and restoration of important wetlands within the Sahelian countries.

Rationale

A number of maps exist for these three areas but few integrated products are available to help planners take a holistic approach to effective decision making. By cross referencing different types of information, aided by a Geographic Information System, it should be possible to understand the relationship/conflict between, for example, existing logging concessions, and proposed protected areas and important species locations. By choosing the appropriate overlays of spatial data, the maps provide important information for WWF staff for planning and lobbying, and would also be available for other users of environmental information. The information will also be made available in the regions concerned, and it is hoped that the whole process will help stimulate release and collection of improved data.

The project ran in two phases. In phase I, in July 1996, a number of mapping products were compiled, covering a range of important baseline biodiversity management data, based mainly on data available at UNEP-WCMC and from consultants in the different regions. Phase II will consist of continuous updating and refining of the maps produced in Phase I.

Indonesia and Cameroon

The following data layers, georeferenced and supported by topographical and infrastructure data will be compiled:

  • current cover of major forest types
  • current status of important wetlands
  • current and planned protected areas, terrestrial and marine
  • current status of marine coastal ecosystems e.g. coral reefs (Indonesia), mangroves, and sea grasses
  • current status of targeted important terrestrial species e.g. flagship mammals, endemic bird areas, trade in endangered species
  • current status of marine species e.g. important turtle beaches, dugong sites (Indonesia)
  • people e.g. location of indigenous groups and their access rights
  • threat data e.g. actual and planned logging activities, road building, settlement, dynamite fishing, other development

The Sahel

A map showing successful hydrological restoration and conservation activities in a regional context would be an excellent tool to persuade river basin authorities to combine wetland conservation policies with future economic development. The resulting map presents an inventory of opportunities for wetland conservation and restoration. Users include government officials, consultancy firms, international waterboards and non-governmental organisations, especially the Sahel network coordinated by IUCN - The World Conservation Union and WWF.

Data Layers cover:

  • Status: location of wetlands, value for human use, value for biodiversity
  • Threats: dams, irrigation projects, population growth, cattle growth
  • Conservation initiatives: protected areas, Ramsar sites, World Heritage sites, proposed sites, hydrological restoration sites, possible sites for wetland restoration