ENHANCING EFFECTIVENESS AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF...

PA Financing Project NSC Report 1/2015

0

ENHANCING EFFECTIVENESS AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF

PROTECTED AREAS IN MALAYSIA

“PA FINANCING PROJECT”

(PIMS 3967)

Progress Report: 1/2015

(30th April 2015)


1

Introduction

The progress report 1/2015 highlights the achievement and status of implementation of PA Financing

project activities for the period covering November 2014 till April 2015. This report is to be disseminated

to the National Steering Committee members and tabled at the 5th NSC Meeting on 6 May 2015 for

review. The following sections illustrate the implementation of planned activities for the reporting period

by project outcomes, component, management, and budget.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE To establish a performance-based financing structure to support effective protected area (PA)

system management in Malaysia

Financing Structure

A national performance based financing structure has not yet been established. However, a pilot scheme

is being introduced through the National Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund (NCTF) which has

been established by the Government with seed money of RM 10 million. This amount is earmarked for

distribution to State Governments, PA Networks, NGOs and other eligible recipients. The PA Financing

project assisted the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) to develop the governance

structure for administering the Fund. The “Operating Guidelines” developed by the Project were part of

the agenda at 1st Fund Committee Meeting held on 21st April 2015. The first batch of grants are expected

to be awarded by end of this year.

The project is exploring the potential to provide further support to NRE particularly in strengthening Fund

management by developing a Strategic Plan, and a Resource Mobilization and Communication Strategy.

In terms of financial allocation, based on input from the relevant PA Agencies, JNPC registered an increase

of 10% annually for its operating budget: from RM 5.00 million in 2010 to RM 7.6 million in 2014. The

allocation to PSPC remained the same. For DWNP the operating budget is around RM 15 million (for PA

management), registering a marginal increase.

However, in 2014 both JNPC and PSPC had additional financial support for development programmes

provided by the Federal Government. For JNPC, an additional RM 22 million was provided through ECER

to build and upgrade road facilities to Endau-Rompin. For PSPC RM 16 million has been allocated to build

a jetty. Revenue collected by PA agencies through entrance fees and other charges registered a steady

increase due to an increase in tourist and visitor arrivals. For JNPC revenue collected at Endau-Rompin

NP and other parks was retained in JNPC for reinvestment into park services. Whilst for PSPC funds

collected were was channeled into a State Trust Account. Collections from Taman Negara NP were partly

channeled into the Pahang Trust Account, the state treasury in Kelantan and Terengganu, and partly into

the Federal Account.


2

Effective Protected Area Management

In terms of strengthening the management capacity of PA Networks, the project provided funding support

for capacity development including participation in a congress, workshops, and training courses

conducted both locally and internationally. The project supported four participants: two from DWNP, and

one each from Sabah and Sarawak, to attend the “Advanced Course in Wildlife Management” conducted

by the Wildlife Institute of India. Delegates from DWNP and JNPC were also supported to attend the IUCN

World Parks Congress. In addition, a series of training workshops were conducted by the Institute of

Biodiversity (IBD).

Targeted efforts were focused on developing a Certificate Training Programme in “Effective Protected

Areas Management” to be launched in November 2015 and conducted by IBD.

Outcome 1: Systemic & Institutional Capacities to manage and financially support a national PA system

1.1 National PA Framework established in support of developing uniform criteria for PA

establishment and management standards

Preliminary work on this outcome has already commenced with consultation meetings with PA networks,

agencies, and State government. A draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for hiring a local consultant to conduct

analysis work on developing a National Framework has been prepared. The hiring of the consultant will

follow UNDP procedures. The advertisement for the job is expected to be placed in various media channels

by May 2015 and hiring is expected to be completed by August 2015.

The main tasks of the consultancy are:

To review the existing legal instruments under different PA Networks.

To carry out gap analysis in terms of legal framework, institutional arrangements and capacity

development needs amongst the different PA Networks (including Sabah and Sarawak) for

adoption and implementation of a single framework.

To conduct gap analysis on key habitat types for future incorporation into PAs based on Aichi

targets for representativeness.

To identify and determine the common elements/factors between various legal instruments that

could provide the basis for creating a single framework.

To develop a standardized set of national PA categories based on globally accepted criteria or

categorization such as those set by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).

To conduct consultation and advocacy initiatives between the Federal Government, State

Governments, and different PA networks on the adoption of a single framework and the long term

benefits of such a system.


3

1.2 Establishing and Operationalizing the National Natural Resources and Conservation Trust Fund

(NCTF)

A short term consultant was appointed in February 2014 to develop a Strategy Paper to provide guidance

on the establishment and operationalization of a Conservation Trust Fund. Following the Government’s

decision in October 2013 to establish a Malaysian Conservation Trust Fund with seed funding of RM10

million, the Study’s focus shifted towards assisting NRE to operationalize the proposed Fund.

The NRE obtained Cabinet approval in June 2014 for the establishment of the Fund which was officially

named the National Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund (NCTF). At a meeting held with NRE on

23 July 2014, it was explained that the Fund’s management will be governed by Section 10 of the Treasury

Regulations. The Trust Deed of the Fund which details the utilization of the fund was approved by

Parliament in November 2014.

At the request of the NRE the Project produced a draft “Operating Guidelines” for the Fund taking into

account the legal provisions of Section 10, of Treasury Regulations. The draft was further deliberated on

in a number of meetings held at NRE, and the final draft was tabled at the 1st Fund Committee (Board)

Meeting held on 21st April 2015.

1.3 To conduct a Malaysian TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) study to

recognize, capture and demonstrate the total economic value of PAs in order to justify increased

investment in PA management

TEEB studies are expected to commence in the 4th Quarter of 2015 for the three focal sites (Taman Negara

NP, Royal Belum State Park and Endau Rompin NP) with the aim of valuing and capturing the total

economic value of these areas. The first draft of Terms of Reference was developed in January 2015, and

was referred to relevant stakeholders including UNDP Country Office (UNDP CO) and Regional Office for

inputs. Some of the stakeholders opined that the scope of TEEB study should be extended to conduct

financial planning for the three sites and the management authorities. However, after due consideration

it was decided to separate the studies. The TEEB studies would conduct initial economic valuation

providing inputs into a subsequent financial planning study which could commence at a later stage

towards the end of the TEEB study. The final draft of the TOR for TEEB was submitted to UNDP CO on the

31st March 2015. The advertisement for the job is expected to be placed in various media by May 2015

and the study should begin in the 4th quarter of 2015.

1.4 Proceedings of the PA Managers’ Conference 2014

The Proceedings for the PA Managers’ Conference have been prepared and are now being reviewed by

DWNP and UNDP. Quotes have been obtained for layout and printing of 300 copies to be disseminated

to participants and to those involved in protected area management. The content can be sent to layout

once comments from the reviewers have been received and incorporated. In addition, the official

messages for the front of the Proceedings need to be finalized. Once the revised version is ready, the

content from the report will be uploaded to the project website.


4

Outcome 2: Technical and Institutional Capacities to manage sub-national PA networks, including

capacities for effective financial management

2.1 Project coordinators and coordinating mechanisms with states

Following the recruitment process for the State Project Coordinators, three candidates were selected to

be placed in the different locations – Johor, Kuantan, and Ipoh.

The Project Coordinator for Pahang, Mr. Rajan Samikannoo commenced work on 1 October 2014.

DWNP is still in discussions with Pahang State BPEN to find suitable office space to place the State

Coordinator in Kuantan. In relation to this, a meeting was held on 15 October 2014 with Pahang

State BPEN.

The Project Coordinator for Southern Region, Ms. Sing Yun Chin commenced work on 1 December

2014. She is based in the JNPC office.

The candidate selected for the Northern Region declined to accept the job offer due to medical reasons.

Therefore, the vacancy for the position has been re-advertised. Applications for this position will close on

30th April 2015.


5


6


7

2.2 Meetings with State Counterparts

During the reporting period two planning meetings were held involving state and PA Network

counterparts.

2.2.1 Component Two Planning Meeting: 17 – 18 December 2014, Kuantan Pahang

This planning meeting was organized to discuss priorities and activities for Component 2 which is

focussed on strengthening the technical and institutional capacities of the PA networks. The

workshop was held with the participation of representatives from the Johor State Government

(UPEN), Pahang State Government (BPEN), PA Financing Project Team, State Project Coordinators,

Perak State Park Corporation and Johor National Parks Corporation. Inputs from this meeting have

been used in planning activities for 2015, particularly those that will be coordinated by the State

Project Coordinators.

2.2.2 Project planning for 2015: 15 – 17 January 2015, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

The Planning Retreat was organized to enable the Project Team to elaborate the PA Financing

Project programmes and activities for 2015 in close consultation with representatives from the

PA agencies (JNPC and PSPC) responsible for the three focal sites, officers from DWNP, and UNDP.

The workshop which covered all project Components helped to formalize planned activities and

targets as well as provide a general guide for assigning budgets in support of these activities.

2.3 Strengthening the Institute of Biodiversity (IBD)

2.3.1 Effective Protected Area and Wildlife Management Course 2015

One of the specific targets for capacity development identified at the IBD Mini Lab held on 16 July

2014 was the need to develop a certified training course for Effective Protected Area and Wildlife

Management (EPAM). This training course is targeted to be launched in November 2015. It will be

conducted by IBD. Participation will be open to all PA Networks and the focus of the course will

be nurturing skilled and trained manpower in PA and wildlife management.

Towards developing the course content and organizing the training course, a series of Technical

Working Group (TWG) meetings were held, headed by DWNP. Key aspects explored have been

(1) curriculum and module development and the (2) training of faculty, teaching and resource

persons including within the Department and from outside. A core team was identified from

among Department staff with the potential to be trained as faculty and trainers.

A preparatory meeting was held at DWNP on 22 Jan 2015 with the following outcomes:-

It was decided that the core elements of the Course would be the (1) Management of

Protected Areas and (2) Management of Wildlife.


8

The outline for the subjects/modules under each of the core elements were identified

Potential subject matter experts were identified and listed according to each subject/module

The possibility of engaging external resource persons from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

or the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) was discussed.

A Module and Curriculum Development Workshop was held on 11 – 13 February 2015 attended

by the NPD, and chaired by the Head of the TWG on IBD Transformation, the core team, and the

Director of IBD. This workshop had the following outcomes:-

A total of seven clusters were identified to be offered over the 6-week Course, inclusive

of study and fieldwork.

This course will be offered will be at Level 3 (Head of unit/section/supervisor) since Level

1 & 2 courses already exist within the current IBD framework.

Subsequent discussions were held on 18 February 2015 to refine the clusters, modules and sub-

modules identified, and to confirm the resource persons identified to lead and facilitate each of

the seven clusters.

From the TWG meeting decision, a Mini Workshop was held on 27 April 2015 to brief the

appointed facilitators and participants on the background to the course and how it is part of the

vision of transforming IBD to play a central role in capacity building for PA management in

Malaysia. The Mini Workshop created the platform to gain the understanding and commitment

of all and for each cluster to plan and prepare the resources needed for the next Module and

Curriculum Development workshop which is scheduled for 20 – 23 May 2015.

2.4 Knowledge sharing session by participants that completed the Advanced Course in Wildlife

Management at the Wildlife Institute of India

The Project provided financial support to four participants: two from DWNP, and one each from Sabah

and Sarawak to attend the “Advanced Course in Wildlife Management” in Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

from 1st November 2014 till 31st January 2015. This support is part of the Project’s aim to make available

funding and technical assistance to DWNP and other PA Networks to strengthen the capacity of officers

that are directly engaged in PA and wildlife management. The participants of these training course have

also been identified as potential resource persons and teaching faculty for the EPAM certified training

course. The project together with DWNP is exploring the possibilities for further training and capacity

development to realize this potential.

The Project also places emphasis on knowledge sharing from the project sponsored participants in the

various training programmes and courses. In this regard, a knowledge sharing session was organized on

28 April 2015, as part of the DWNP Wildlife Series talks. In this event, participants that attended the WII

Training Course were invited to share their knowledge and learning experience with a wider audience.

Around 80 participants representing DWNP and other PA Networks participated in the session.


9


10


11

2.5 Proposed “Reflections on the World Parks Congress – Seminar and Forum” – Knowledge

dissemination workshop

A revised proposal for a one-day forum to reflect on the 2014 World Parks Congress in Sydney has been

prepared. The Seminar and forum will support a gathering of individuals that attended the Congress

representing stakeholders from Government, NGOs and NRM professionals. The forum entitled:

“Reflections on the World Parks Congress: Parks, People, Planet: Inspiring Solutions for Malaysia?” would

provide an opportunity for participants to discuss the different themes, presentations and approaches

gained from the Congress with the view to identifying those that would be suitable for implementation in

the Malaysian context.

It is envisaged that the outcome of this forum can be disseminated to a wider audience of practitioners

and stakeholders. In view of the many meetings and formal assessments in April and May 2015, the forum

will likely be scheduled later in the year. All potential participants will be contacted to assess their interest

and availability to participate in the forum. We will also seek their input on the format and content of the

Forum.


12

Outcome 3: Effective site-level PA management

3.1 Management and Business Plans for the three target sites: Taman Negara National Park; Royal

Belum State Park and Endau Rompin National Park

The consultancy to develop management and business plans for the three sites started in March 2015 and

will run till November 2016. A planning meeting was held at DWNP in early March to introduce the

consultancy team members to PMU and discuss the planned activities and management arrangements.

Two state-level stakeholders meetings were conducted, namely in Johor and Pahang. The team has

delivered its first task which is to produce a “Detailed work plan including methodology, agreed allocation

of tasks amongst team members; deliverables and milestones; and travel plan”.

The first draft of Management and Business plans are expected to be produced by the end of 2015.

3.2 Communications support for Taman Negara National Park

The project is supporting the production of map/brochures to promote awareness and appreciation of

the unique features of three park entrances and to provide practical information for visitors to these

areas. A Visitors’ Guide to Taman Negara is also being prepared.

3.2.1 Kuala Tahan map/brochures

For Taman Negara NP, there will be one map/brochure produced for the Kuala Tahan entrance

for sale. To date, the map/brochure for Kuala Tahan has been completed; 13,000 English copies

have already been delivered to DWNP HQ. It has been decided by DWNP that the proceeds from

the sale of the map/brochure for Kuala Tahan go into the Tabung Amanah Konservasi Biodiversiti

with the view to generating the funds for future reprints. To formalize this arrangement, the

proposal has first to be tabled at a meeting of the Jawatankuasa Tabung Amanah. Once this is

completed, the map/brochures be put on sale. It is also necessary to clarify with UNDP on the

most appropriate way to officially hand over the maps to DWNP.

The final artwork for the Bahasa Malaysia version of this map is now ready and the BM

map/brochure will go to print in May 2015. A further 13,000 copies will be printed of the BM

version.

3.2.2 Trail Maps for Sungai Relau and Kuala Koh entrances to Taman Negara NP

For the Sungai Relau and Kuala Koh entrances, an A4 sized map/flyer is being produced so that

park staff have a convenient reference map to highlight trails and sites of interest to visitors. These

maps will have both Bahasa Malaysia and English versions. The final artwork for these maps,

which also has English and BM versions is now ready and these maps will also be printed and

delivered in May 2015. There will be 2,500 each of each version of the Sungai Relau map, and

1,500 of each version of the Kuala Koh map. The number to be produced was determined by

annual visitor statistics furnished by DWNP’s Ecotourism Division.


13


14

3.2.3 Visitors’ Guide to Taman Negara

The consultant preparing the Visitors’ Guide has now completed field and desk research for the

book. The first draft of the Guide is expected to be submitted in May 2015. A thorough review

has already been made of the existing store of images held by DWNP which covers historic images,

digitized archives, camera trap footage and digital images. With this search now complete, it is

possible to list the images that are still needed to complete the book. It is recommended that

these be obtained through the purchase of use rights from nature photographers. The Project

team is clarifying with UNDP on how best to secure the remaining images needed for the book.

3.3 Communications support for Endau Rompin and Royal Belum

3.3.1 Preparation of Map/brochures for Endau Rompin and Royal Belum

Work has now commenced to provide communications support for the other two focal sites –

Endau Rompin NP and Royal Belum State Park. The map/brochures produced will follow the same

design styling as that developed for the Kuala Tahan map. They will have the objective of

promoting awareness of the natural values of the protected area while providing a useful guide

for visitors. For Endau Rompin NP, trail map/brochures will be produced for both the Peta and

Selai entrances.

A consultant has now been selected to produce map/brochures for the two Parks. Tentative dates

for site visits have been determined in consultation with Perak State Park Corporation and Johor

National Parks Corporation. It is anticipated that these site visits will take place in mid-May 2015

for Royal Belum and mid-June 2015 for Endau Rompin. It is anticipated that the final artwork for

all three map/brochures will be completed by end of 2015.

3.4 Use of equipment donated by project at focal sites

Both JNPC and PSPC have received eight camera traps each to enable them to undertake wildlife

monitoring. These traps have been installed and are already yielding valuable data and images that are

enabling park managers to gain a better understanding of wildlife diversity, population density and

ranging behaviour within the parks.


15

Component 4: Project Management

4.1 Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Day to day operations and project administration is the responsibility of the Project Management Unit

(PMU) and DWNP as Implementing Agency. The overall progress is monitored through monthly PMU

meetings which include representatives from Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; UNDP;

DWNP and project staff. For the reporting period three PMU and two planning meetings were conducted.

Project progress is also monitored through the regular submission of reports. The Annual Progress Report

for 2014 was submitted to UNDP and EPU in December 2014. It highlights the project progress in terms

of planned activities and financial performance. The Annual Workplan for 2015 was completed in

December 2015 and the planned activities and the estimated budgets for these activities were further

elaborated during the planning meeting held on 15-17 January 2015.

4.1.1 Preparation for Mid-term Review

The period of the Mid-term Review has been set for August 3 – 14 2015. During this time, Project

Team members are required to be on hand to facilitate the Review process. UNDP will make

arrangements for the appointment of the Review Team and propose a detailed activity plan which

will include visits to the focal sites. The review is intended to evaluate activities and achievements

in the past three years and suggest adjustments if necessary to keep the project on target.

4.1.2 Mid-year Progress Report and Project Implementation Review (PIR)

In addition, the project is scheduled to submit its Mid-Year Progress Report to UNDP at the end

of June-2015. The Project Implementation Review (PIR) which also will be submitted in July 2015.

The project team is aiming for a “Highly Satisfactory” rating in 2015, an improvement from the

“Satisfactory” rating obtained in 2014.

4.2 Financial audit by National Audit Department (JAN)

The PA Financing Project will be audited by Jabatan Audit Negara this year. A briefing meeting was

conducted with the Project Team on 22 April 2015. The audit is scheduled to take place at the Department

from 8 till 15 May 2015.

4.3 METT, Financial Sustainability and Capacity Development Scorecards Assessment

The project team has just completed a series of three stakeholder workshops to gather inputs for the

preparation of the Management and Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) Assessment and scorecards for

Financial Sustainability and Capacity Development.

4.3.1 Training Workshop and Assessment of Royal Belum State Park and PSPC, 8 – 11 March 2015

A Training Workshop was successfully held in Lumut, Perak on 8-11 March 2015 to familiarize the

State Project Coordinators and participants with METT (Management Effectiveness Tracking

Tools), Financial Sustainability and Capacity Development Scorecards in preparation for

conducting the assessment of project’s three focal sites and PA Networks. The workshop was

conducted with the participation of representatives from Perak government agencies and Royal


16

Belum State Park was used as the focus of the Assessment Exercise. Mr. Surin Suksuwan of

Proforest was invited as a resource person to conduct the METT training. Training in the use of

Financial Sustainability and Capacity Scorecards was provided by Mr. Muthusamy and Ms. Gan

Pek Chuan.

The assessment scorecards have been submitted to PSPC and state government agencies for

review and to input any supplementary and comments before they are finalized. The preliminary

scores prepared for Royal Belum SP and Perak State Parks Corporation are shown in the following

table:

Table 4.1: Preliminary METT Assessment, Financial Sustainability and Capacity Development scores for

Royal Belum State Park and Perak State Park Corporation (PSPC)

Royal Belum State Park Perak State Park Corporation

2010 2012 2014

1 Financial Sustainability Scorecards for RBSP 40% (90)

29.2% (64)

30% (60)

2 Capacity development scorecard for RBSP 45% (43)

49% (47)

45% (43)

3 METT scores for RBSP

53 56 68

In terms of METT, PSPC has registered an overall improvement compared to baseline data in 2010.

This is mainly due to additional support provided for enforcement through specialized activities

such 1MBEON conducted jointly between PSPC, DWNP and other participating agencies.

However, poaching and illegal harvest of forest products still remain as major threats and PSPC’s

lack of sufficient trained manpower impedes effective monitoring and enforcement. Proposals

have been made to install fencing in key areas and to establish a floating checkpoint at the lake.

PSPC rangers have also flagged the problem of invasive tilapia as being a major threat to the

ecology of the park which needs to be addressed.

On a positive note, PSPC has benefitted from an additional allocation of RM16 million in 2014 for

tourism-related infrastructure development which will benefit the Park. This fund was made

available by the Federal Government through the regional economic corridor agency NCIA. For its

annual operating budget, PSPC depends solely on the State Government’s allocation and over the

years the amount has not registered any notable increase. The revenue generated at site level

through entrance and various other fees is relatively small (RM310,000). The park presently

receives about 16,000 visitors a year. The State’s plan is to limit the total annual visitors to Royal

Belum to 20,000; this may further constrain any potentials for improving revenue diversification

at the site level.


17


18


19

4.3.2 Assessment for Endau Rompin National Park, Nusajaya 7 - 8 April 2015

The METT Assessment and financial sustainability and capacity development scorecards

workshop for Endau Rompin NP and the JNPC parks was held in Nusajaya from 7-8 April 2015.

The workshop was well-attended by a total of 26 participants which included staff of JNPC,

representatives from Johor UPEN and other state agencies, research institutions and NGOs. This

contributed to robust data collection due to the presence of diverse stakeholders offering

information from different perspectives and exposure to different activities. The METT

Assessment and the Financial and Capacity Scorecards are expected to be reviewed with JNPC

before being finalized and submitted to UNDP by May 2015.

The preliminary scores from the assessment are presented in the following table:-


Endau Rompin National Park and Johor National Parks Corporation (JNPC)

Endau Rompin National Park Johor National Parks Corporation

2010 2012 2014

1 Financial Sustainability Scorecards for JNPC 44.4% (100)

40.6 (89)

43.1 (88)

2 Capacity development scorecard for JNPC 61% (59)

58.3% (56)

63.5% (61)

3 METT scores for Endau Rompin NP

58 55 61

Overall, the scores assigned demonstrated encouraging progress for 2014 when compared with

baseline scores from 2010. For the financial sustainability analysis, it was observed that JNPC’s

contribution from the state government has increased from RM5 million (in 2010) to RM7.6

million (in 2014). The park has also benefitted from a contribution from ECER of RM22 million to

upgrade road access to the park (a distance of 21.3 km). JNPC has also implemented the revision

of its park entrance fees for non-Malaysians which has slightly increased JNPC’s revenue.

However, the park remains heavily dependent on annual allocations from the State and has not

been able to diversify its sources of revenue. JNPC is currently considering a new Private Public

Partnership (PPP) initiative at Pulau Kukup involving IRDA and JNPC which represents a new form

of revenue diversification for the network.

In terms of capacity development, JNPC’s scores have strengthened due to improvements to its

legal instruments with the review of the JNPC Enactment to enhance provisions for enforcement,

prosecution and enforcing penalties. JNPC is also guided by a Pelan Perancangan Strategik (PPS)

2012-2016 which has proven to be a useful document to prioritize and guide management and

evaluation. In 2014, the decision was made for JNPCs 39 staff that are engaged on a contract basis

to be upgraded to permanent staff. This decision will be implemented in 2015.


20

The METT Assessment revealed a slight improvement from the baseline mainly due to new

developments to enhance the capabilities in research and monitoring through a MoA signed with

University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.

In terms of land use management, participants noted increased challenges associated with the

intensification of land use in the boundaries of the Park which has raised the risks of increases in

encroachment and poaching. Concerns were also raised for key habitats such as swamp forest

and fisheries stocks in streams and rivers.

Park staff shared that they are hampered in their efforts to implement effective management as

the management plan for Endau Rompin is of limited use and many activities are cannot be

implemented because of insufficient staff and resources. Nevertheless, efforts to take a strategic

look at park management needs through the development of the Management and Business Plan

undertaken under the PA Financing Project are now ongoing and should contribute to

improvements which can be realized in the next assessment.

4.3.3 Assessment for Taman Negara National Park, Kuala Tahan 15-17 April 2015

The METT Assessment Workshop for Taman Negara NP was held in Kuala Tahan from 15-17 April

2015. It was attended by 23 participants comprising staff from DWNP from Taman Negara Pahang,

Kelantan and Terengganu and the headquarters in KL, representatives from BPEN and the District

Office, researchers from University Malaysia Terengganu and UITM, and representatives of the

local tourism-related associations. The workshop benefitted from diverse participation and also

provided an opportunity for the consulting team from NEPCON which has been engaged to

prepare the Management and Business Plan for Taman Negara to meet with key stakeholders and

hold discussions in preparation for further consultations.


Taman Negara National Park and the Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP)

Taman Negara National Park Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP)

2010 2012 2014

1 Financial Sustainability Scorecards for DWNP 49.8% (112)

40.6% (89)

42.9% (94)

2 Capacity development scorecard for DWNP 61% (59)

58.3% (56)

63.5% (61)

3 METT scores for Taman Negara NP

74 58 69

The financial sustainability score was little changed from the 2012 score which is thought to be

more reflective of the actual situation than the 2010 baseline. As DWNP handles a wide range of

wildlife management activities, it is difficult to differentiate the actual amount spent on PAs. One

of the recommendations is that DWNP consider if it can institute systems to manage financial data

that better capture actual spending on PAs. The scorecards reflect that DWNP remains reliant


21

primarily on government budget allocations and little progress has been made in the area of

funding diversification and in increasing the amounts captured from visitor and entrance fees.

Presently, we do not have specific national policy for financing of PAs and no clear mechanism to

evaluate PA needs and providing adequate funding.

The capacity scores show a slight improvement from the 2010 and 2012 scores. This is reflective

of the support for training and capacity building from the PA Financing Project and the current

efforts to transform IBD into a national training centre. From the assessment it was clear that the

Department continues to be very strong in its traditional areas such as wildlife management

however it has been slower to develop its capacity in other areas such as working with local

communities and other stakeholders. In addition, it was noted that there is a need to constantly

update skills and acquire familiarity with technological innovations to enhance PA management.

The assessment revealed that only 10 out of the 35 PAs under the jurisdiction of DWNP are

presently furnished with management plans, and many of these are old and in need of updating

to meet contemporary needs. As funding for PAs is limited, the normal practice is to allocate

budgets to the most pressing needs. There is no system in place yet to award funding based on

performance.

The METT Assessment score for Taman Negara NP showed a slight decline from the 2010 baseline.

While Taman Negara scored well in terms of having in place good systems for operational

management, it is not adequately resourced to fully realize effective management, research and

monitoring. Among the challenges faced are the need to upgrade or replace essential tools such

as vehicles, boats and other equipment. In addition, with the intensification of land use and

building of roads close to the park, the need for increasing patrolling and enforcement activities

has increased substantially. Initiatives such as the 1MBEON programme to control illegal activity

in collaboration with the army and the policy has been quite successful at combining resources to

meet this need. The assessment also noted the sizeable investment in monitoring and research

undertaken by research institutions (UITM, UMT) and NGOs such as RIMBA.

4.4 Budget for 2015

Allocation: US$ 1.186 million

Estimated expenditure: 1st Quarter about 14%

ENHANCING EFFECTIVENESS AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF...

Documents

Transcript of ENHANCING EFFECTIVENESS AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF...