Information Gaps in Management of Invasive Alien

Species in Myanmar

Wai Wai Than

Myanmar

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Oregon - Myanmar

Area: Oregon 255,026 km2

• Forest cover: 48%

• Dense conifer forest, Coast range, Mountain range, Semi-arid forest, High desert

Climate

• Rainfall: 270 mm - 1,860 mm

• Average Temp Range: 15 - 90 ̊F

Area: Myanmar 676,577 km2

• Forest cover: 45 %

• Mountains, dry and sub-humid land, mangrove, inland fresh water, grassland, marine and coastal

Climate • Rainfall: 800 mm - 5,000 mm

• Average Temp Range: 50 – 109° F

Average Temperatures:

25° C to 33° C = 77 ̊F - 91.4 ̊F (Rainy Season)

10° C to 25° C = 50 ̊F - 77 ̊F (Cold Season)

32° C to 38° C = 89.6 - 100.4 ̊F (Hot Season)

43° C = 109.4 ̊F (Maximum Temperature)

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Major Forest Types of Myanmar, FRA-FAO 2010.

1.47

17.22

38.269.8

4.16

26.88

2.2

Forest Area % Mangrove Forest

Scrub and Grass Land

Hill and Temperate Evergreen

Deciduous Dipterocarp

Dry Forest

Mixed Deciduous

Tropical Evergreen Forest

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Distribution of Vegetation Types in Myanmar.

Source: A Checklist of the Trees, Shrubs, Herbs, and Climbers of

Myanmar. Contributions from the United States National

Herbarium. Volume 45: 1-590

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Old Teak Plantation (Tectona grandis Linn.)Young Teak Plantation

Source: Natural Forest and Plantation Division, FD

Teak Nursery

Natural Teak Forest

Teak Extraction

Logging traffic by streaming

CategoryNo. of

Species

Plants 11,800

Mammals 258

Birds 1,056

Reptiles 297

Amphibian 82

Fresh & Marine Water

Fish775

Marine Turtle 5

Coral 52

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Biodiversity Richness in Myanmar

Planning & Statistics

Dept.

Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry

Forest Dept.

Dry ZoneGreening

Dept.

MyanmaTimber

Enterprise

Environmental Conservation

Dept.

Dept. ofLand

Survey

Forest Research Institute Myanmar Forest SchoolCentral Forestry

Development Training Center

University of Forestry

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4. Forest Protection Section

Forest

Research

Institute

Forest Development Division

Forest Utilization

Division

Administration &

Finance Division

1. Forest Management and Silviculture Section

2. Forest Botany & Tree Improvement Section

3. Natural Resources Section

5. Wood Properties &Utilization Section

6. Forest Industry Section

7. Research Planning & Extension Section

8. Finance & Technical Services Section

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Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology, Forest Weed

Protection and control of forest nursery & forest plantations by pest and disease

attack

To obtain healthy plants

Activities:

Disease & Pest Research

Wood decay fungi, Mycorrhiza fungi, and Insects are collected, identified and

displayed in the museum

Tree Surgery / dissection

Research on Invasive Alien Species

Forest Protection Section

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Program

•Collecting information of IAS invasion pathways: a look at APHIS and other organizations

•Community involvement with IAS - public concern/interest in the problem

•Literature review and discussion with experts: USDA, University, APHIS,

Oregon Invasive Species Council, etc…

•Report

Expected outcome

•Systematic documentation of PNW invaded IAS

•Approach to developing management for the IAS in Myanmar

•Planning of awareness programs targeting governments,

media and stakeholders in Myanmar

Objectives

• Aim to provide Myanmar information about INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES (IAS) detection, management, and public participation in PNW

• Bridging knowledge from the PNW to develop tools and technologies for IAS management in Myanmar

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• In Myanmar, the borders are open for commerce and trans-bordercrossings are easy and not heavily regulated

• Much accidental and intentional introduction of invasive species

• As a member of the APFISN – must work to prevent and manage invasive species

• Need to raise awareness about Detection, Solutions, Management and Best Practices in nearby communities

• Myanmar’s quarantine, certification, and phytosanitation system needs to be reviewed and revised in alignment with international standards

• Myanmar needs better record-keeping of actions around IAS

• Need to gain effective economic rights and guidelines

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IAS in Myanmar 13

Marine Borer, Teredo sp.

Hyptis suaveolens (L.)Poit.Bush tea,

Ficus religiosa L.

14Catopsilia Crocale Cramer

Comparison of the effectiveness of weeding methods to control forest invasive species, Pennisetum grass in Teak plantation

(IUFRO, 2010)

Pennisetum grass

Teak

Mechanical, manual and chemical control methods were

compared. Evaluated the effective weed control efficacy

percentage and the cost among the weeding methods. Also

determined the soil value (OM, P, N,, Soil PH )on the herbicide

application (Glyphosate).

Result: The manual and herbicide control combination method

was recommended.

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Evaluation on Invasive Species Characteristics and Visions of Rural People to Introduced Species Prosopis juliflora (SW.) DC. in Dry Zone of Myanmar

IUFRO, 2014

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To determine mesquite is invasive species or favorable species in Myanmar

Specific Objectives

Evaluation on IAS characteristics of mesquite focus on GIS distribution, coppicing, soil & climate

conditions, seed germination, chemical composition of thorn and feed stuff of pod

Survey the responses from rural people whose concepts and attitudes on the mesquite

Distribution by GPS, GIS mapping-0.2% in 9.8%of dry forest, IRS (2010)

Meteorological Study-Temp 15.9-43 ºC; RF=18-36.59 inches

Soil Properties-Sandy Loam, most alkalinity, some acidity; pH 3.87-11.06, N P K<

Seed Germination Test-50%(nursery), 100% in natural

Proximate Analysis of pod for Feedstuffs-suitable

Chemical Composition of Thorn-toxic

Questionnaire Survey-housewife,farmer, animal husbandry, forester

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Their attitude "like it for no choice" is absolute proper answer for dry zone people

Objective

Development of an organic fertilizer implementation on degraded soil in Myanmar by using the invasive aquatic species Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes [Mart.] Solms).

Future Plan: Project - Water Hyacinth Conversion for Ecosystem Restoration and Provision of Alternative Fertilizers for Short Rotation Coppice Establishment

(Forest Research Institute, MYANMAR + HNEE- University of Sustainable Development , Eberswalde, GERMANY) Funding- The Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany

Period- 2015-2016-2017

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Utilization of Invasive Species as a Feedstock for the Production of Biochar by Hydrothermal Carbonization Using the Example of Water Hyacinth,

Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) 2012

• Biochar used as a soil amendment

• Positive effect on the soil

structure, water threshold,

consists to 80 - 100% of organic

matter.

• Enhance the activity of soil biota

as well as plant growth and

productivity.

Iris Ivy Himalayan blackberry Japanese Knotweed

Scottish broom

Himalayan Blackberry

Emerald ash borer

Asian longhorned beetle

Gypsy Moth Kudzu White Pine Blister Rust Larch Casebearer Balsam Woolly Adelgid Adelges

Sudden Oak Death

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IAS in Oregon

Marine clam

New Zealandmud snail

Asian carp

quagga mussels

European green crab Red-Eared Slider

Nutria Feral Swine Japanese Eelgrass

Assiminea parasitologicaAsian Marsh Snail

Tui Chub Gila bicolor

Yellow Floating Heart

Sources: USDA, CWMA, OISC, Sea Grant, APHIS, OSU

Bullfrog20

Organizational Chart of FHP, USA and; Myanmar

USDA

APHIS

Vet Science

Wildlife Service

Plant Protection &

Quarantine (NPPO)

IPPC

Ministry of Agriculture

Agricultural Department Plant Protection

Section

National Plant Protection

Convention (NPPO) 2006

International

Plant Protection

Convention (IPPC)

Quarantine Law,

Phytosanitary

Certification, Checking

Points

Plant Pest Quarantine law (1993) is

amended as Phytosanitary law.

NPPO (PPD) is competent authority for issuing Phytosanitary

Certificate- no cooperation-FD is no mandated service

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Plant Quarantine Act of 1912,

the Plant Pest Act in 1957,

the Federal Noxious Weed Act in 1974,

final Plant Protection Act (PPA) in 2000.

E Permits

APHIS stations (17 stations)NPPO stations = 11 stations 1996-2011. One lab, about 14 employs of Agriculturist (Plant Protection Profile 2007-2008)

CITES = FD

Invasive Species= FD

Guam

o

oO Jamaica NY

Carolina, Puerto Rico

Honolulu

`

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Forest Pest protection: • The Wood Import and Pest Risk Assessment and

Mitigation Evaluation Team (WIPRAMET) • USDA-APHIS- PPQ and Customs and Border Protection

(CBP).

PPQ has established 17 plant inspection stations located at ports-of-entry, at major international airports and seaports, major crossings along the U.S.–Mexican border.

Applicable laws: • Plant Quarantine Act of 1912• Plant Pest Act in 1957• Federal Noxious Weed Act in 1974• Plant Protection Act (PPA) in 2000• CITES

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Center for Plant Health Science and TechnologyLaboratories across US. Myanmar only has one facility, but many ports of entry.

Road Map to 2015:A Strategic Plan 2010-2015 for Plant Protection & Quarantine

In the US there are the following controls. No such things exist in Myanmar. Passenger baggage- airport inspection with trained dogs Shipyard containers inspected full of consumer goods, wood packing materials Penalties range from $1,100 to $60,000 per violation Strategic plans for plant protection Organizational Vision

Leadership in scientific expertise, application of innovative technologies and operational best practices;

Excellence and timely collaborative approaches with its national and international stakeholders;

Appropriate responsive engagement with a well informed public; Demonstrated valuable contribution to the preservation of a healthy global environment;

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APHIS has many rules and regulations that are good for invasive species detection and management. Myanmar can learn a lot from the Aphis guidelines.

Partners of IAS activities. In the US, many different agencies and organizations that work on IAS issues. In Myanmar

there is only one – the Forest Research Institute.

Oregon

USDA Regional

Oregon Department of Forestry/Agriculture

OSU

Invasive Plants NEPA

Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)

Western Environmental Threat Assessment Center

APHIS

Oregon Invasive Species Council

Myanmar

Forest Research Institute,

Member of APFISN (FAO)

WDA, USGS, USFWS, USACE, BLM, The Nature Conservancy, landowners 25

Oregon Myanmar

Yes No

Early Detection √

Aerial Survey GIS mapping for a research

√

Ground Survey Not Regular, Research Period

Evaluation √

Research Field & Lab

Assessment (Ecological, Economical)

√

Annual Meeting, Annual Report √

Oregon Myanmar

Yes No

Fire √

Mechanical (Cutter, …) √

Manual(Cutting, Rooting weed) √ (cutting)

Biocontrol √

Eradication √

People Participation √

Awareness raising(Training, Education, EDRR hotline)

√

Alert (Media, Signboard) √

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Management of IAS

Source: Wyatt Williams, 2014

Education is an Important Step for Myanmar to Control and Manage Invasive Species

Things that seem to work here:• Media Contests• Awards• Publications • Classes• Apps

Simple actions -help ensure- preserved natural resources- for future generations

Asian Longhorn Beetle, “Awareness Training”

Aquatic Invasive Species class, Florence, OR 2013.

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Public Awareness and Public Involvement is Critical

The City of Portland had a No Ivy Day with amazing results.

19 sites 302 volunteers 900 volunteer hours Removed more than 65,000 square

feet of ivy, blackberry and clematis Planted and mulched 400 trees and

shrubs

Prison Inmates Enlisted To Rear Threatened Plants And AnimalsSource: Oregon Public Broadcasting, Northwest News Network Dec. 12, 2014 5:51 p.m.

Even the prison system is involved in rehabilitating land

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Early detection rapid response

Source: Oregon Sea Grant, OSU 2014

Source: City of Portland, BES

TIME

Increasing impacts to naturaland economic resources

RANK CWidely established, wide spread naturalized populations over majority of available resource, e.g. English ivy and Himalayan orArmenian blackberry

RANK BEstablished infestation, e.g. Japanese knotweed and garlic mustard

RANK ANew introduction recognized by weed professionals, e.g. giant hogweed and false brome

AREAINVADED

A

B

C

We know about the invasion curve. Now we just need to make sure we prevent future

invasions and control/eradicate what we have.

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There are obviously many constraints for success in Myanmar. We don’t have the infrastructure in place yet, nor the policies.

Many things will need to change, but learning how organizations and agencies in the US deal with their issues is a good start.

Some of our hurdles will be:

• Human Resources, trained Entomologists, Pathologists, Weed Scientists, # Next Generation

• Priority, Education, Training and Awareness

• Biological control technology and tools

• Monitoring, Early Detection, Assessment (Environmental and Economic Impacts)

• Rapid response and eradication methods

• Public Participation

• Ports & Border Inspection, Inspection Tools

• Illegal transport, trade, travel

• Over-expansion of monoculture plantations

• Political Situation-Policies and Programs by Decision Makers

• National Strategy Framework 30

Conclusions

• Myanmar’s NPPO should cooperate with other organizations to conduct pest inspections and develop regulations at ports of entry.

• Checkpoints or inspections stations with trained staff that know forest pests are necessary for prevention.

• Illegal pathways should be immobilized. Trading partners (import and export) need to follow regulations to help in prevention.

• Broader regulations need to be developed to meet the guidelines of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures

• Public education, awareness, and alerts should start with stakeholders. Getting the public involved is a good model for management.

• Integrated strategy action plans should be designed by all relative sectors

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References: Websites:

• APHIS

• BentonSWCD.org

• FAO

• IUCN

• OISC

• ODA

• ODF

• OPB

• OSU

• Sea Grant

• USDA –FS

• Harry Merlo Foundation

• ITTO

• Sara Wu (WFC)

• Chandalin(WFC)

• Rick Zen(WFC)

• Kendra Morgan, Portland Parks & Recreation

• Dr. Dave Shaw(OSU)

• Dr. Samuel Chan (OSU)

• OSU

• Dr. Wyatt Williams (OISC)

• Shawna L. Bautista USDA-FS, Portland

• USDA-FS meeting organizer, R6

• Field Staff

• WFC Staff

Acknowledgements

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Healthy Forest are Vital to Our Future

(Edmonds & others, 2011)

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