Malawi Environmental Monitoring Programme
Cooperative Agreement No. 690-0235-A-00-6060-00
Workplan 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998
Strategic Objective 2.0: Increased Sustainable Use, Conservation and Management of Renewable Natural Resources

Tasks

Life of Activity Results and Indicators

ID

Description

Start Date

End Date

Output

Level of Effort in Person Days / Months (PDs/PMs) and local subcontracts/grants

Sub-Programme I: Expand Environmental Monitoring Technologies

Component 1. Catchment Monitoring

Refine quality of data collection and analysis

1.1

Develop a monitoring strategy for MEMP catchments

6/16/97

6/27/97

Report with recommendations for analysis and interpretation of 1996/97/98 data sets.

LTTA - ESA:

.5 PM

8/1/97

proposed

Agencies adopt the monitoring strategy during 1997/98.

LTTA - ESA:

10/1/97

10/15/97

Field assistants and desk officers trained on data analysis for the revised monitoring strategy

LTTA - ESA:

.5 PM

1.2

Specification of methods for data collection at a regional scale or major watershed level.

2/1/98

3/31/98

Report of methods applied to each watershed scale.

LTTA - ESA:

2 PM

Reporting and communication of environmental information

1.3

Develop synthesis reporting format for integration of sectoral data and reports

5/19/97

5/30/97

Format for synthesis reports suitable for catchments of varying spatial scales

LTTA - ESA:

.5 PM

5/26/97

6/6/97

Synthesis report on specific catchments or issues for the 1995/96 monitoring season.

LTTA - ESA:

.5 PM

Perform in-service training in data analysis and report production using information provided from models and analytical software for the MEMP catchments and secondary data for larger watersheds.

3/1/98

3/15/98

Standardized reporting format(s) for comparison and ranking of data from different catchments.

LTTA - ESA:

.5 PM

1/12/98

2/6/98

Thematic reports integrating data from MEMP catchments, secondary data and the Area Sample Frame

LTTA - ESA:

1 PM

Summarize lessons learned from catchment monitoring

1.4

Perform a critical review of monitoring methods across catchments

8/1/97

12/31/97

Cross-catchment comparison of procedures performed and described in the first section of a detailed report

.5 PM

1.5

Summarize what has been learned regarding the monitoring of impacts of land use change

8/1/97

12/31/97

Cross-catchment comparison of findings regarding the relationships of rainfall to runoff and related environment impacts.

LTTA - ESA:

1PM

1.6

Develop recommendations for the use of these methods in monitoring other catchments

8/1/97

12/31/97

Recommendations for the use of specific techniques in specific situation to assess environmental impacts of land degradation (or rainfall/runoff relationships).

LTTA - ESA:

.5 PM

Component 2. Develop a Prototype Environmental Information System

Assessment of Causes of Sedimentation in the Mid-Shire River

2.1

Provide technical support for data collection and archiving provided to the Task Force Analysis Team.

6/15/97

7/31/97

Process satellite imagery according to map standards

STTA - CU: (M. Snel, N. Hahn)

1.5 PM

7/1/97

8/1/97

Digital base maps of roads, boundaries, hydrography, and elevation model

STTA - CU: (M. Snel, N. Hahn)

1 PM

2.2

Provide technical support for GIS/Remote Sensing analysis by the Task Force Analysis Team

7/1/97

8/31/97

Landuse / Landcover Maps for covering the BLADD and MADD areas of the Shire River Valley based on Landsat data.

STTA - CU: (M. Snel, N. Hahn, R. Eastman)

2 PM

10/1/97

10/30/97

Landcover Change Map for BLADD and MADD areas of the Shire River Valley.

STTA - CU: (M. Snel, N. Hahn)

1 PM

11/1/97

12/15/97

Soil Erosion Hazard Map for BLADD and MADD based on: landuse / landcover, rainfall intensity, soils, and slope data.

STTA - CU: (M. Snel)

1.5 PM

8/15/97

8/30/97

Watershed mapping for BLADD and MADD areas of Shire River Valley.

STTA - CU: (M. Snel,)

.5 PM

2.3

Develop an action oriented, community based social research methodology that is replicable by the Government of Malawi and linked to environmental problems identified by geographic and physical analysis.

11/1/97

1/30/97

Report on methodology with suggestions for implementation, especially as it links to geographic technologies.

STTA - CU: (N. Haan,)

2.4

Produce a chain of explanation which will advise the GoM on potential scenarios for intervention and their respective anticipated impacts for the sedimentation problem identified in the Shire watershed.

11/1/97

1/30/97

Research paper that illustrates chain of explanation for policy implications based on intensive study of 2-3 communities.

STTA - CU: (N. Haan,)

Review of Shire River Situation Analysis Reporting

2.5

Provide technical input to improve institutional and technical infrastructures and analytical capacities.

6/22/97

6/30/97

Report of progress on information developed for the Shire River with assessment and recommendations for technical infrastructure and analytical capacities for the prototype EIS.

LTTA - MTA

.5 PM

8/30/97

9/7/97

Report reviewing months 1-3 of data analysis.

LTTA - MTA

.5 PM

12/15/97

12/31/97

Report reviewing the Situation Analysis Report.

LTTA - MTA

.5 PM

Develop EIS Technical Infrastructure

2.6

Develop prototype digital map data geo-referencing standards.

6/15/97

6/19/97

Geodetic datum parameters to be used for all data recording, as well as to establish projection parameters, false origin, measurement units, numbering conventions, and error characteristics of a unified national level geo-referencing system.

(Eastman)

.25 PM

2.7

Develop prototype digital map data production and distribution formats.

6/15/97

6/30/97

Unified prototype EIS data model standard including digital map metadata standards and map data accuracy standards. This will also include the specific digital map data storage and distribution formats.

STTA - CU: (Eastman)

.5 PM

2.8

Develop a digital map data distribution medium and capability.

6/15/97

6/30/97

Import/export software modules between the EIS storage format and appropriate information technologies.

STTA - CU: (Eastman)

.5 PM

6/15/97

6/30/97

Prototype standard for the distribution medium of digital map data.

STTA - CU: (Eastman)

.5 PM

2.9

Strengthen existing the Environmental/Natural Resource Management (E/NRM) system for data archiving, distribution, and communication.

6/15/97

6/30/97

E/NRM database program for tracking existing and proposed programs.

STTA - (local)

.5 PM

6/1/97

7/31/97

Inventory of existing data and projects in the Shire River catchment incorporated into E/NRM database.

NDC

2 PM

Develop prototype Shire River Valley EIS covering Blantyre and Machinga ADDs

2.10

Provide technical support for the integration of data developed and collected as a result of the Shire River Valley sedimentation investigation that can be used by decision makers.

1/12/98

3/31/98

Functioning prototype Shire River Valley EIS covering Blantyre and Machinga ADDs.

LTTA - MTA

3 PM

7/1/97

8/31/97

Technical support to assist with the incorporation of existing data including PLUS and FEWS data with BLADD and MADD into the prototype Shire River Valley EIS.

LTTA - MTA

2 PM

8/1/97

8/7/97

Technical Steering Team recommendations on modifications to the PLUS framework for decision making for use in addressing the causes of sedimentation in the Shire River.

LTTA - MTA

.25 PM

2.11

Provide Technical Steering Team recommendations for establishment of Shire River Information System

3/1/98

3/14/98

Report with recommendations for implementing a Shire River Information System.

LTTA - MTA

.5 PM

Provide recommendations to establish future National Level Environmental Information System

2.12

Report to the Government of Malawi and the Technical Steering Committee.

2/1/98

3/31/98

Report with recommendations for implementing a national or sub-national level EIS.

LTTA - MTA

.5 PM

Component Three: Public Lands Utilization Study (PLUS)

Undertake a utilization study of publicly-held lands in Malawi

3.1

Provide a set of spatially referenced maps and associated data for physical characterization at a national level (Level-1) and at a more detailed level for five selected public lands sites (Level-2).

8/1/97

8/31/97

Evaluation and selection of appropriate national level digital data for a GIS "Atlas",

1 PM

5/15/97

7/31/97

Collection, modification, and creation of additional digital data for five level-2 sites to enable further analysis,

2.5 PM

5/15/97

7/31/97

Methodologies to determine land suitability and potential soil loss using the five level-2 sites,

2.5 PM

5/15/97

7/31/97

Methodologies linking biophysical and socio-economic information of land uses by communities adjacent to public lands.

LTTA-BARA

2.5 PM

8/1/97

8/31/97

Provision of digital and hard copy GIS "Atlas" with data layers and maps including associated tables and charts.

1 PM

3.2

Summarize results of field intensive study of land use and resource use patterns of communities adjacent to five selected protected areas. (Level-2)

8/1/97

8/31/97

Disaggregation of both qualitative and quantitative data by demographic factors, particularly gender, to determine differences in resource utilization and the impact of those differences at the household level.

LTTA-BARA

1 PM

5/15/97

7/31/97

Assessment of resource use and impact as related to ecological parameters measured in vegetation measurement plots placed in areas identified during the participatory mapping.

2.5 PM

5/15/97

7/31/97

Assessment of aggregate change in land cover through a change detection analysis derived from land cover maps created from 1984 and 1994 satellite imagery.

2.5 PM

8/31/97

9/15/97

Final report linking analysis from Level-1 and Level-2, including the relationship of public land and resources to neighboring communities relative to the aggregate land cover change detected using the satellite imagery.

LTTA-BARA

.5 PM

3.3

Enhance local capacity to conduct similar research on additional locations in future.

4/1/97

4/7/97

Produce all final field techniques and instruments as a team during the pilot study.

LTTA - PLUSFC

.25 PM

4/1/97

4/7/97

relevant line agencies as well as the other land utilization studies.

LTTA - PLUSFC

.25 PM

Enhance the utility of PLUS results through a framework for decision making and associated capacity building

3.4

Provide assistance to the MoLV PPU in strengthening the institutional capability of the Lands Steering Committee as a foundation for the framework for decision making.

9/1/97

ongoing

Improved links with all Lands Steering Committee members (approximately 50 organizations interested in land matters),

LTTA - EPA

9/1/97

ongoing

Improved communications and responsiveness from the PPU to developments which impact the Land Reform Program,

LTTA - EPA

3.5

Insure broad availability and distribution of data, information products, and findings from PLUS activity.

9/1/97

9/14/97

PLUS report, digital and hard copy atlas, and associated data sets accessible through the multiple agencies.

.5 PM

8/19/97

tentative

Technical presentation of the PLUS socio-economic data set (in SPSS) at a one-day seminar

2 PD

3.6

Incorporate PLUS data and methodologies into the EIS to insure continued use and analysis of the data beyond the completion of the study.

8/17/97

8/28/97

Incorporation of the PLUS data set into a two week ArcView-based geographic technology training focusing on developing products related to the Mid-Shire River Valley for the EIS.

LTTA - PLUS (Eiswerth)

.5 PM

8/17/97

8/28/97

Expansion of the digital coverage of the LREP data and associated land suitability analysis utilizing the methodologies developed by PLUS, concentrated on the Mid-Shire River Valley.

LTTA - PLUS (Eiswerth)

.5 PM

8/17/97

8/28/97

Introduce the concepts behind the framework for decision making to the EIS.

LTTA - PLUS (Eiswerth)

.5 PM

3.7

Develop a "framework for decision making" to provide recommendations for the assessment of the future role of public land in the national land budget.

11/1/97

11/30/97

Recommendations on the technical assessment and economic analysis of biophysical and land utilization data at the national level in order to permit a re-evaluation of the role of public lands.

LTTA - EPA

1 PM

11/1/97

11/30/97

Recommendations on the institutional and legal framework for the evaluation of technical recommendations on the future of public lands and for implementing change if and where required. The recommendations will include provision for representation at the local as well as national level.

LTTA - EPA

1 PM

Component 4: Analysis and interpretation of NDVI data sets

4.1

Assess the potential of using multi-date 3 Km AVHRR imagery

10/15/97

10/30/97

Report documenting correlation of 3 km imagery to secondary data sets.(BLADD and MADD)

LTTA - ESA:

.5 PM

4.2

Assess the value of time series analysis of 7.5 Km NDVI imagery

10/15/97

1/15/98

Report on the interpretation of analysis of Machinga ADD data sets to monitor vegetation change.

LTTA - ESA:

4.3

Assess use of different resolutions of NDVI data for monitoring vegetation change in large watersheds with the Dept. of Forestry

10/15/97

11/30/97

Methodology for collecting, analyzing and reporting on vegetation change using NDVI data.

DoF (S. Kainja)

1.5 PM

Component Five. Pilot Area Sample Frame in Machinga ADD

5.1

Statistical analysis of data, review of results, and evaluation of ASF

12/31/97

A final report presenting both a quantitative and qualitative analysis of data generated and an evaluation of the ASF methodology, procedures, and applicability

LTTA - MTA:

1 PM

Pilot Area Sample Frame Monitoring of Program Impact

5.2

Link initial frame methodologies with sub-sampling techniques to evaluate impact of AF ./ SWC practices

8/1/97

8/15/97

Report showing the use of ASF to monitor land area under improved AF/SWC practices

LTTA - MTA:

.5 PM

Pilot Area Sample Frame Forest Secondary Sampling Survey

5.3

Oversee field testing the plot assessment strategy, verification of strata, and testing of photo delineation maps with the Dept. of Forestry

7/21/97

8/15/97

Field and photo interpretation guides written

STTA - USFS:

1 PM

10/1/97

10/15/97

Strategy for ground-truthing NDVI data for vegetation cover

STTA - UA/CU:

.5 PM

5.4

Assist the Dept of Forestry undertake woodland assessment in woodland strata of Machinga ADD

8/1/97

8/31/97

Results of assessment summarizing forest information by tenure class

LTTA - MTA:

1 PM

5.5

Develop methods to collect soil erosion parameters for use in soil loss estimating models with the LR&CB

9/1/97

9/14/97

Report demonstrating use of ASF data in SLEMSA or USLE models for one watershed in Machinga ADD

LTTA - ESA:

.5 PM

Pilot Area Sample Frame Surface Water Monitoring Network

5.6

Develop surface water monitoring system for major drainages in the Machinga ADD to relate landuse change to water quantity and quality change with the Hydrology Dept.

9/1/97

9/30/97

Report relating ASF data for soil and water conservation practices to runoff information

LTTA - ESA:

.5 PM

Sub-Programme II. Strengthen Environmental Training and Research

Strengthen GIS technical capacity

6.1

Support in-service GIS training within the participating agencies and UNIMA

9/1/97

11/31/98

Two sequences of a three tiered fundamental GIS training courses will be conducted. The first sequence will be conducted with the UNIMA staff as trainees, the second sequence will utilize their talents as trainers.

STTA - CU:

6 PM

9/1/96

11/31/98

Strategies to strengthen and broaden support for GIS activities and to ensure that the technology meets the needs of agencies.

STTA - CU:

2 PM

6.2

Establish teaching curriculum in GIS coordinated across UNIMA system

5/1/97

11/31/98

Trained UNIMA staff will assist in the development of a GIS curriculum and the training of additional staff.

STTA - CU:

1 PM

6.3

Develop applications research and environmental monitoring products

10/1/97

11/31/97

Specific GIS training, application development and analysis that focuses on delivering products for MEMP activities

STTA - CU:

8 PM

Strengthen national environmental research and teaching capacity

6.4

Support in-service environmental science training program within participating agencies.

11/1/97

12/31/97

A set of in-service programs developed for environmental science, including those in which environmental science is a significant sub-topic such as GIS and those that deal with a single significant topic that meets specific agency needs such as soil erosion monitoring

2 PM

6.5

Establish teaching curriculum in environmental sciences Bunda, the Polytechnic and Chancellor

6/1/97

ongoing

An environment science curriculum developed

STTA - CU:

10 PD

Support Research Grants Program

6.6

Research grant program for three colleges of UNIMA

4/1/97

ongoing

Awards made to university researchers to perform research tasks to meet agency needs. Detailed summary report submitted by the researcher and presented at a seminar to agency personnel.

LTTA - ESA:

3 PM

4/1/98

ongoing

Research findings made available to decision-makers and planners through seminars

LTTA - ESA:

Provide training on environmental data analysis, interpretation, and reporting

6.7

Enhance the capacity of line agencies in analyzing and interpreting environmental data

2/15/98

3/15/98

Workshop on field methodology, quality control, analysis, interpretation and reporting aspects of environmental monitoring data offered using data collected from the MEMP catchments

LTTA - ESA:

1 PM

Teach specialized short courses

6.8

Specialized training on key environmental issues offered

6/1/97

6/30/97

Economics of soil and water resources management taught as part of graduate natural resource economics course

LTTA - ESA:

1 PM

6.9

Specialized short course training offered to MEMP participating agencies’ personnel or students applying for small grants research

11/1/97

11/31/97

Specific student or agency personnel training offered on selected environmental themes

LTTA - ESA:

1 PM

Strengthen the research component of the MEMP small watershed monitoring

6.10

Examine, analyze, interpret MEMP data and present results as research findings

6/1/97

ongoing

Reports or research findings for data collected by MEMP during 1994/95/96/97 prepared

LTTA - MFC:

1.5 PM

12/1/97

3/1/98

Environmental monitoring and research activities distinguished for 1997/98 and good quality data collected and analyzed by the ESA

LTTA - MFC:

3 PM

3/1/98

3/31/98

Reports and research findings used for training and seminars

LTTA - ESA:

1 PM

Develop an environmental monitoring methodology for large watersheds

6.11

Study the impact of land use and vegetation cover changes on soil erosion, hydrology, and water quality of a watershed

8/1/97

10/1/97

Methodology for environmental monitoring of large catchments developed using satellite, NDVI and hydro-climate data

LTTA - MFC:

2 PM

10/1/97

11/31/97

Models calibrated and used for predicting future trends

LTTA - MFC:

1 PM

Tasks

Life of Activity Results and Indicators

ID

Description

Start Date

End Date

Output

Development Partners

Sub-Programme III. Strengthen national environmental policy development and institutional capacity

Establish Comprehensive Policy, Legislative and Institutional Framework

7.1

Assist with interpretation of National Environmental Policy and Environment Management Act (1996)

4/1/97

3/31/98

Technical guidance provided to sectoral agencies on implications of policies, laws and institutional roles.

LTTA - SEPA

1 PM

7.2

Support the EAD in the monitoring of sectoral policy and legal reforms to ensure compatibility with the National Environmental Policy and the Environment Management Act (1996)

4/1/97

ongoing

Guidance provided to the Environmental Affairs Department on issues arising in sectoral reform programs which may require interventions to ensure cross-sectoral coordination and compatibility with framework policies and legislation

LTTA - SEPA

Support agencies in revision of sectoral policies, legislation and institutional roles

7.3

Assist line agencies, USAID and other donors to identify and make operational a funding mechanism for the GOM action plan for policy, institutional and legal reform in the environment/natural resource management sectors.

4/1/97

5/15/97

Contingency funding mechanism for the action plan for policy, institutional and legal review and reform identified and developed

LTTA - SEPA

0.5 PM

7.4

Assist line agencies in implementing action plans

4/1/97

3/31/98

Implementation progress monitored and reported, both in terms of physical progress and quality of output

LTTA - SEPA

1 PM

4/1/97

3/31/98

Review of sectoral policies, legislation and institutions completed

2 PM

4/1/97

ongoing

legislation prepared

STTA (watersheds; resource tenure), UNDP/UNEP

22 PM

4/1/97

ongoing

Institutional roles and responsibilities clarified

LTTA - SEPA:

1 PM

Tasks

Life of Activity Results and Indicators

ID

Description

Start Date

End Date

Output

Development Partners

Inform policy makers on status of public lands (PLUS)

Refer to tasks 3.4 and 3.7 above

Improve donor and implementing partner coordination

7.5

4/1/97

10/31/97

Environmental policy advisor will provide technical advise to ESP formulation.

LTTA - SEPA

1 PM

7.6

4/1/97

10/31/97

Scope of Work for a new post within EAD dedicated to donor and implementing partner coordination drafted

LTTA - SEPA

0.5 PM

Improve effectiveness of enforcement in the forestry, fisheries and wildlife sectors

7.7

9/1/97

The environmental policy advisor will liaise with the Ministry of Natural Resources in the development of an action plan to overhaul the existing enforcement services.

LTTA - SEPA

Introduce performance based management procedures

7.8

Support line ministries and departments in formulation of E/NRM programs for consideration for PBBS support

4/1/97

9/30/97

Priority E/NRM programs proposed by four participating agencies

LTTA - SEPA

1.5 PM

7.9

10/1/97

10/31/97

Program proposals submitted to Treasury

LTTA - SEPA

0.5 PM

Explore options for long-term financial sustainability of E/NRM programs and functions

7.10

Assist Endowment Trust Working Group to assess legal, financial, organizational dimensions of establishing a national endowment for E/NRM activities

4/1/97

9/30/97

Working Papers prepared on key technical dimensions

STTA - UNDP

4/1/97

9/30/97

STTA - UNDP

7.11

8/1/97

12/31/97

Action plan with clear steps and time lines established

LTTA - SEPA