Tools for data collection and analysis of wildlife in india
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4.1 Introduction
The proposed methodology for statistical data collection and analysis was developed after an evaluation of the current situation of the NWFP sub-sector in Suriname. With the existing institutional infrastructure as a basis and using the identified constraints and the desired output from interviews with relevant and potential users or providers of statistical data a proposal for improvement of the collection of statistical data was elaborated.
The following issues should be taken into account when proposing the new methodology:
• Statistics on NWFP should provide information for different end users. They are most important for planners and those involved in making decisions regarding NWFP, i.e. scientific and management authorities dealing with NWFP, endangered plant and animal species, forest services.
• Statistics are a tool for impact assessment, especially in identifying the overexploitation of natural resources, including NWFP. They are therefore useful for management authorities such as SBB, which enforces the Forest Management Act as well as related legislation and regulations.
• Most NWFP are collected by indigenous people and maroons who use these products on a daily basis. With the current points of data collection, it will be difficult to obtain information on consumption, production and local trade. Local trade involves a relatively small market (less than 500 000 people). Data on local trade can be collected at local marketplaces in all districts and at local animal pet shops and animal exporters, especially at the markets in Paramaribo. These data should be collected on a regular basis through (market) inventories.
• Taking into account the difficulties in monitoring local consumption of and trade in NWFP, the focus of the proposed methodology should be on NWFP that will eventually enter international trade. As for the exported NWFP, data on trade volume and values are essential for the Government (e.g. Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Finance).
The proposed methodology consists of 11 steps that should lead to an improved availability of statistical data on NWFP in Suriname:
• Step 1: Agree upon the institutional infrastructure
• Step 2: Assign and agree upon clear points of data collection
• Step 3: Identify data needed
• Step 4: Design a new NWFP database
• Step 5: Establish linkages to relevant databases (i.e. ASYCUDA and LOGPRO)
• Step 6: Develop data collection forms
• Step 7: Develop identification guide
• Step 8: Convert data used for the NWFP database
• Step 9: Establish working group
• Step 10: Train stakeholders concerned
• Step 11: Develop Forest Management and Monitoring Plan
The proposed method for the improved availability of statistical data could not be fully tested due to the fact that basic decisions still have to be made. Once these basic decisions are made, the testing of the method could continue.
4.2 Institutional infrastructure
A clear decision should be made with regards to the institutional infrastructure for the collection, analysis and management of data on NWFP in Suriname. A model is given in Figure 3. The basis for this institutional infrastructure is the required flow of data on NWFP for sustainable management of NWFP in Suriname. It is proposed that all institutes involved in NWFP are involved in the `new' institutional infrastructure.
Figure 3: Figure 3. Proposed model for the institutional infrastructure and for dataflow on NWFP in Suriname