John Parr | University of Aberdeen (original) (raw)

Protected Areas by John Parr

IUCN Asia Regional Office, 2023

On 22 June 2023, ONEP, WWF, IUCN and UNDP hosted a national dialogue on OECMs with representative... more On 22 June 2023, ONEP, WWF, IUCN and UNDP hosted a national dialogue on OECMs with representatives from the different government agencies involved in the management of protected areas in Thailand, national and international NGOs, academia and the private sector. The purpose of the workshop was to start building a collective knowledge on OECMs. The origins and evolution of the concept of OECMs was presented to provide the background to the Global Biodiversity Framework and highlight the need for identifying and recognizing OECMs in Thailand, both on land and in the marine environment. Progress on the development and implementation of OECM strategies in other countries was also presented.

To initiate discussion around the identification and recognition of potential OECMs in Thailand, perspectives from different agencies involved in the management of protected areas in the country were presented. This included presentations from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Royal Forest Department, the Department of Fisheries, and the Department of Coastal and Marine Resources, and the Office of National Resources for Environmental Policy and Planning.
Based on the presentations and working group sessions a set of recommendations were shortlisted.

A Gap Analysis Assessment of Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, Central Lao P.D.R.

The protected area system of Bangladesh in March 2017 comprised 17 national parks covering 45,740... more The protected area system of Bangladesh in March 2017 comprised 17 national parks covering 45,740 hectares and 21 wildlife sanctuaries covering 394,053 hectares. The Government of Bangladesh introduced collaborative management in these reserves in three successive, expanding phases undertaken between 2003 up until the present time. During this period, the successive programmes introduced an elaborate collaborative management system. This paper evaluates this collaborative management system as well as the protected area management arrangements being promoted, comprising: (i) the Co-management Council, (ii) the Co-management Committee, (iii) the People's Forum, and (iv) sub-village institutional bodies including the Community Patrol Groups and the Forest User Groups (or the Village Conservation Forums). It assesses the management interventions and the effectiveness of the collaborative management system to implement an effective protected area programme. The review indicates that the current organisation and mandate of the protected area authorities precludes them from being effective partners in collaborative management, lacking dedicated staff in both the outreach and livelihood agendas, which severely undermines their participation in collaborative management. This paper recommends that the protected area authority needs to be strengthened and reorganised, in order to play a leading role in village engagement – and a key leading agency in the higher level collaborative management bodies.

The overwhelming majority of government-designated protected areas in Asia have been thwarted wit... more The overwhelming majority of government-designated protected areas in Asia have been thwarted with constraints to become effectively and equitably managed, and integrated into the broader landscapes. Significant constraints have included legal, governance, institutional, management capacities and financial aspects. In sharp contrast, the Philippines has over three decades of experience tackling the institutional mechanics of collaborative management. This paper analyzes the management arrangements of Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park (MKRNP), one of the country's best collaboratively managed protected areas. The analysis reveals a multi-level collaborative management system, involving two landscape collaborative management bodies, 13 protected area management working groups and the resurrection of local indigenous institutional bodies-the Council of Elders and the tribal guards. Some protected area working groups are effective whilst a few working groups have broad, and sometimes overlapping, mandates. Of high concern, both the landscape collaborative management bodies have low representation of these working groups and the indigenous communities themselves. Protected area staffing levels and resources are inadequate for providing technical support to effective multi-level collaborative management. Overall, MKRNP represents an interesting example of multi-level collaborative management for protected areas and adjacent buffer zones – and generating positive attitudes and behavioral change. Recommendations are made regarding strengthening protected area management towards achieving Aichi Target 11.

This paper examines the multi-level collaborative governance system in Hin Nam No National Protec... more This paper examines the multi-level collaborative governance system in Hin Nam No National Protected Area in central Lao PDR. The paper assesses the governance and management system's potential as an exemplar to protected areas practitioners, and discusses how such a system might be initiated and replicated elsewhere in the country and the region. Five building blocks of an experimental collaborative governance model are described. These comprise: (i) a participatory governance assessment; (ii) establishing a multi-level collaborative management and governance structure; (iii) participatory zonation based on traditional knowledge and customary rights; (iv) drafting collaborative governance agreements and (v) involving local people as additional protected area management manpower. The inter-linkages between these building blocks are also described. The first results of the collaborative governance approach are encouraging as the total management effectiveness score increased by 13 per cent in two years. It shows that the collaborative governance model can deliver positive results for the entire protected area system in Lao PDR, which is often referred to as a 'paper park system'. Further work on adaptive management of the collaborative governance system and sustainable financing of the technical field programmes will be required to sustain this model.

There are few cases where institutional mappings of multi-level arrangements for collaborative ma... more There are few cases where institutional mappings of multi-level arrangements for collaborative management have been conducted. If at all documented, these experiences remain unevaluated. Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Southern Western Ghats is a well-resourced government-managed protected area that extends management interventions into the buffer zone. It has been designated as a Learning Centre of Excellence by the Government of India, and recognized internationally for effective management. This paper analyses the institutional arrangements of this reserve at different levels, from the landscape level to the individual village. The analysis reveals that a multi-stakeholder collaborative management body appears to be important to supervise landscape protected area management. The establishment of the Periyar Foundation, a dynamic Government-Organized Non-Government Organization (GONGO), is particularly innovative to facilitate flexible management responses, which has been replicated nationwide through the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The protected area management tasks are well-defined, with protected area management working groups established for four key fields of management, increasing constructive engagement with all priority stakeholders. However, the representation of protected area working group spokespersons on the landscape collaborative management body seems to be weak. These specialized working groups engage the 72 villages, 5,584 households and 28,000 villagers, through 76 eco-development committees. Institutional mapping of multi-level collaborative management shows promise for further investigation in landscape protected area management.

IUCN PARKS Journal, Nov 2013

There is broad consensus that the ecological-social landscapes for government-designated protecte... more There is broad consensus that the ecological-social landscapes for government-designated protected areas should comprise core areas and their surrounding buffer zones and that the essential tasks for managing these landscapes should comprise: (i) ecological research and monitoring, (ii) law enforcement, (iii) community outreach and awareness raising, (iv) community livelihoods development and engagement with community managed lands, (v) ecotourism, and (vi) habitat management. This paper proposes that these tasks should not necessarily be undertaken by the protected area agency alone. Instead, it recommends investigation into the development of protected area management working groups in the different fields of management, whereby these networks create institutional linkages between the grassroots communities, other local stakeholders and a protected area co-management committee. The paper draws from the authors’ experiences and briefly describes models for such local networks already being implemented in northern Vietnam and Laos for protected areas with high biodiversity values. While many of the approaches described are still too young to draw conclusive evidence of their efficacy, their implementation demonstrates that local interest for innovative approaches to co-management can be generated.

Three ASEAN Heritage Sites, namely Kerinci-Seblat National Park in lndonesia, Mts. lglit-Baco Nat... more Three ASEAN Heritage Sites, namely Kerinci-Seblat National Park in lndonesia, Mts. lglit-Baco National Park in the Philippines and Khao Yai National Park in Thailand, were selected for conducting an assessment of their institutional arrangements and internal communications as a prerequisite to sustainable financing of protected areas in Asia. For each of the targeted ASEAN Heritage Sites, background data was gathered through informal discussions with key personnel from the respective protected area agencies, as well as from reviewing existing management plans and other relevant documents.

Co-management is a developing field of protected area management. Increasingly, the practice is t... more Co-management is a developing field of protected area management. Increasingly, the practice is to involve local communities and other stakeholders in protected area planning and management. In many countries, management boards, co-management structures and other participatory mechanisms are being created. This paper reports on promoting co-management involving participatory management planning at Kuiburi National Park, Central Thailand, through the establishment of two working groups, namely a core management planning team comprising park personnel (charged with leading plan implementation), operating in parallel with a park management board working group (local people and other stakeholders). These institutional bodies participated in a park management planning process, which was fuelled by socio-economic data focusing on the high profile human-elephant conflict in the buffer zone. The initiative led to a major rethink on participatory management planning by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The process also led to some valuable recommendations for human-elephant conflict mitigation, both at Kuiburi and the international context.

Tigerpaper , Apr 1998

Outline of a five year management plan for a government-managed protected area

Oryx, Oct 1993

Thailand has the best protected-area system in South East Asia, comprising 74 national parks and ... more Thailand has the best protected-area system in South East Asia, comprising 74 national parks and 34 wildlife sanctuaries. However, the integrity of these sites is far from assured: some are 'paper parks', which are being subjected to increasing human pressure. One site, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, has suffered some of the most extreme degradation

Wetlands by John Parr

Asian Wetland Bureau, 1993

From December 1988 to February 1989, twenty-one wetland sites in north-east Thailand, deemed to b... more From December 1988 to February 1989, twenty-one wetland sites in north-east Thailand, deemed to be of greatest potential conservation value, were visited. The sites were assessed for concentrations of large waterbirds, including roosting, feeding and nesting areas. Assessments were made of the principal vegetation types, hydrology, and the nature and impacts of resource utilization at these wetlands. The conservation values of three other sites were also assessed. A review of proposed development projects in Esarn was undertaken to assess their possible impact upon the integrity of these wetland sites.

International Journal of …, Jan 1, 2011

Wetlands cover around 36,616 km2 or 7.5% of Thailand’s land area. The majority of the 42,000 wetl... more Wetlands cover around 36,616 km2 or 7.5% of Thailand’s land area. The majority of the 42,000 wetland sites have no formalised, legal protection. This paper reports on a new wetland management approach for communities to manage a seasonally inundated wetland, Goot Ting marshes, in Nong Khai Province, northeastern Thailand. Activities undertaken under this initiative comprised participatory research on the natural resources to identify the biodiversity values and users within the wetland. The boundary and two recognised zones of the community-managed wetland were demarcated. Each zone had specific rules drawn up. Two new institutional bodies for community wetland management – at provincial and wetland level – were established for the management of Goot Ting marshes. This grass-roots initiative provides strong impetus towards a new community-based, conservation agenda for wetland management. Thailand should adopt suitable community wetland legislation and formulate community wetland policy, recognising customary rights to govern and manage wetlands.

A six-week, socio-economic survey of villager activities was undertaken within 37 villages at T... more A six-week, socio-economic survey of villager activities was undertaken within 37 villages at
Thale Noi Non-hunting Area in Nakorn si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla provinces between 6th June 1994 and 10th September 1994, to determine the value of data gathering on villager utilization of the natural resources, for improved management of the site. This included the circulation of questionnaires to the village leaders, followed up by door-to-door interviews.

A survey of the mudflats near to Krabi was conducted; this area having been identified as on... more A survey of the mudflats near to Krabi was conducted; this area having been identified as one of only four sites on the entire west coast of Thailand holding more than 2000 waterbirds during an aerial survey in October 1984 (Parish & Wells, 1985). From 7th -12th September 1988 waterbird concentrations were located by boat between Pak Nam Krabi and the Khlong Yuan and counts made.

Endangered Species by John Parr

Thirteen protected areas were selected to be surveyed for the presence of White-winged Ducks Cair... more Thirteen protected areas were selected to be surveyed for the presence of White-winged Ducks Cairina scutulata based upon previous recent observations of the species.. During the survey only six birds were observed. However, the number of loca1 reports of C. scutulata was very high in severa1 areas, with observations in the Khao Phanom Dongrak Range, the Petchabun Range and the western Tenasserlm. Data on habitat use, group size, activity patterns, feeding, breeding, moulting and mortality were collated. Local reports indicate that the species suffers heavy mortality from hunting in the dry season.

IUCN Species Survival Commission, Aug 1, 1996

Surveys of large waterbirds, combined with preliminary socio-economic data collection, were under... more Surveys of large waterbirds, combined with preliminary socio-economic data collection, were undertaken on Tonle Sap Lake and the adjacent flooded forest between 21 February and 30 May 1996. Security concerns prohibited access to a
number of locations on the lake, and restricted access into the interior of the flooded forest at virtually all localities. Field surveys became largely confined to waterways in which the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces maintained control. Identification of conservation priorities following initial surveys resulted in work being focused in the extensive waterbird colonies in the flooded forest in the northwestern portion of the lake, located in Ek Phanom District, Battambang Province.

IUCN Asia Regional Office, 2023

A Gap Analysis Assessment of Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, Central Lao P.D.R.

IUCN PARKS Journal, Nov 2013

Tigerpaper , Apr 1998

Outline of a five year management plan for a government-managed protected area

Oryx, Oct 1993

Asian Wetland Bureau, 1993

International Journal of …, Jan 1, 2011

IUCN Species Survival Commission, Aug 1, 1996

Fieldwork aimed at censusing Gumey's Pitta Pitta gumeyi in Peninsular Thailand was carried out ov... more Fieldwork aimed at censusing Gumey's Pitta Pitta gumeyi in Peninsular Thailand was carried out over three field seasons. Fourteen sites were surveyed, at four of which the species was found. The main site (where it had been rediscovered in 1986) held 24-34 pairs, 12-18 of which were in the 500 ha study area. A second site held 3-6 pairs (but it is thought unlikely that this population still exists today), whilst the other two sites held only two pairs each and were thought to have negligible chances of survival. All territories were in semi-evergreen rainforest, below 150 m altitude. The current population is probably some 20-30 pairs, with territories still being lost annually to deforestation. This is currently the total known world population; it is possible that the species may survive in southern Burma, but no recent surveys have been undertaken there. Furthermore, massive deforestation caused by Thai timber companies has been reported from Burma during 1988-1993. The interpretation of census results are discussed, particularly with reference to social organization and calling seasonality. The determined protection of the one remaining site supporting a viable population will be essential if the species is to survive into the next century.

NAT. HIST. BULL. SIAM. SOC. 58: 7–17, 2012, Dec 28, 2012

One of the last remnant patches of mangrove in the Gulf of Thailand, protected within the Royal ... more One of the last remnant patches of mangrove in the Gulf of Thailand, protected within the Royal Thai Army Recreation and Convalescence Centre at Bang Pu in Samut Prakan Province, was developed as Thailand’s first urban nature education centre in partnership by the Royal Thai Army, WWF–Thailand and the corporate sector. This article describes this development and the strategic role of the Bang Pu Nature Education Centre as a high profile flagship for a conservation organization and for the conservation of wetlands and nature education in Thailand and in the Region.

The Nation (newspaper), Oct 5, 2004

Bangkok Post (newspaper), Oct 12, 2004

Small Carnivore Conservation, Apr 2007

Artiﬁcial provisioning of a wild Asian Black Bear Ursus thibetanus with boiled rice at Khao Yai n... more Artiﬁcial provisioning of a wild Asian Black Bear Ursus thibetanus with boiled rice at Khao Yai national park, Thailand, resulted in
regular visits by a small group of Yellow-throated Martens Martes ﬂavigula. These animals ate large quantities of the rice, habituated
to high levels of close human noise and motion, and were enjoyed by many visiting members of the general public. Although often described as a voracious predator, the species may in fact eat signiﬁcant amounts of vegetable matter. Group foraging may be usual across its range although no rigorous study has yet been undertaken. The species could be a valuable tool in the eternal challenge of consolidating environmental awareness among the general public of Southeast Asia, given that most evergreen forest mammals are hard to see.

Oxford University Press, Feb 2015

Thailand is home to over 350 species of reptiles, consisting of many kinds of turtles and tortois... more Thailand is home to over 350 species of reptiles, consisting of many kinds of turtles and tortoises, lizards, snakes and crocodiles. With its extensive network of protected areas, Thailand is one of the richest and most ecologically diverse countries in the world. However, many of these species are being threatened more than ever before, including habitat loss caused by agricultural expansion and intensification, and from wildlife trade. For herpetologists and naturalists, understanding the reptiles of Thailand is now more important than ever before.

With A Field Guide to the Reptiles of Thailand, Tanya Chan-ard, John Parr, and Jarujin Nabhitabhata present the definitive resource for identifying and understanding all known species of reptile in the region. It is the only updated and complete guide to the country's reptilian life in existence. The book contains an account of every species, complete with nomenclature, color illustrations, and range maps of known locations. The accounts include discussion of behavior, morphological measurements, and habitat, as well as the most current information on each species' conservation status. The authors explain the current system of classifying the threat level of endangerment, making the presented information and terminology understandable and useful. The introduction to the book discusses the history of herpetology in Thailand, as well as its climate, physiography, and zoogeography. A section on how to use the guide most effectively has also been included to make the book accessible to a wide range of both scientists and nature enthusiasts. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of Thailand is the definitive and most comprehensive resource for herpetologists, naturalists, and conservationists working in Thailand.

The Field guide covers 138 larger mammals species, including whales, of Thailand. Includes inform... more The Field guide covers 138 larger mammals species, including whales, of Thailand. Includes information on behaviour and habit along with a distribution map for each species.

The Field Guide covers 138 larger mammals species, including whales, of Vietnam. Includes informa... more The Field Guide covers 138 larger mammals species, including whales, of Vietnam. Includes information on behaviour and habit along with a distribution map for each species. Available from PanNature. In English and Vietnamese language.

Sarakadee Press, 2005

Free copies available In Myanmar (Banca) in English and Myanmar language

Ecosystems and Development Journal, 2017

Oryx, 1993

Thailand has the best protected-area system in South East Asia, comprising 74 national parks and ... more Thailand has the best protected-area system in South East Asia, comprising 74 national parks and 34 wildlife sanctuaries. However, the integrity of these sites is far from assured: some are ‘paper parks’, which are being subjected to increasing human pressure. One site, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, has suffered some of the most extreme degradation.

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2008

Colonial Waterbirds, 1998

ABSTRACT Surveys of large waterbirds, combined with preliminary socio-economic data collection, w... more ABSTRACT Surveys of large waterbirds, combined with preliminary socio-economic data collection, were undertaken on Tonle Sap Lake and the adjacent flooded forest between 21 February and 30 May 1996. Security concerns prohibited access to a number of locations on the lake, and restricted access into the interior of the flooded forest at virtually all localities. Field surveys became largely confined to waterways in which the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces maintained control. Identification of conservation priorities following initial surveys resulted in work being focused in the extensive waterbird colonies in the flooded forest in the northwestern portion of the lake, located in Ek Phanom District, Battambang Province.

One of the last remnant patches of mangrove in the Gulf of Thailand, protected within the Royal T... more One of the last remnant patches of mangrove in the Gulf of Thailand, protected within the Royal Thai Army Recreation and Convalescence Centre at Bang Pu in Samut Prakan Province, was developed as Thailand's first urban nature education centre in partnership by the Royal Thai Army, WWF– Thailand and the corporate sector. This article describes this development and the strategic role of the Bang Pu Nature Education Centre as a high profile flagship for a conservation organization and for the conservation of wetlands and nature education in Thailand and in the Region.

Discussion Paper on writing a Management Plan for a protected area.

Forktail

A first nest record for the Fruithunter Chlamydochaera jefferyi

Bird Conservation International, 1993

SummaryFieldwork aimed at censusing Gumey's Pitta Pitta gumeyi in Peninsular Thailand was car... more SummaryFieldwork aimed at censusing Gumey's Pitta Pitta gumeyi in Peninsular Thailand was carried out over three field seasons. Fourteen sites were surveyed, at four of which the species was found. The main site (where it had been rediscovered in 1986) held 24–34 pairs, 12–18 of which were in the 500 ha study area. A second site held 3-6 pairs (but it is thought unlikely that this population still exists today), whilst the other two sites held only two pairs each and were thought to have negligible chances of survival. All territories were in semi-evergreen rainforest, below 150 m altitude. The current population i s probably some 20–30 pairs, with territories still being lost annually to deforestation. This is currently the total known world population; it is possible that the species may survive in southern Burma, but no recent surveys have been undertaken there. Furthermore, massive deforestation caused by Thai timber companies has been reported from Burma during 1988–1993. T...

Newspaper article in the Bangkok Post during CITES CoP !3 on enforcement

Surveys of large waterbirds, combined with preliminary socio-economic data collection, were under... more Surveys of large waterbirds, combined with preliminary socio-economic data collection, were undertaken on Tonle Sap Lake and the adjacent flooded forest between 21 February and 30 May 1996. Security concerns prohibited access to a number of locations on the lake, and restricted access into the interior of the flooded forest at virtually all localities. Field surveys became largely confined to waterways in which the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces maintained control. Identification of conservation priorities following initial surveys resulted in work being focused in the extensive waterbird colonies in the flooded forest in the northwestern portion of the lake, located in Ek Phanom District, Battambang Province.

This Gap Analysis Assessment in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park was undertaken by Dr. Teuanchay P... more This Gap Analysis Assessment in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park was undertaken by Dr. Teuanchay Phongkhamphanh, a Technical Expert with the Protected Area Management Division (PAMD), Mr. Wirasak Southammakoth, a technical staff with the PAMD and Mr. John Parr, Senior Protected Area Management Specialist at the World Bank. A collection of relevant reports and scientific papers were collected prior to the field work being conducted. The field assessment was conducted from 14 - 23 December 2022. During this period the national park staff from the five technical Sub-units were interviewed according to the size of their respective field programmes. The staff from the Administration and Finance Unit were also interviewed. The senior management team, comprising the Director and the Deputy Director of the National Park, were interviewed during the last few days of the field assessment, in order for them to receive management feedback from the technical Sub-units. Interviews lasted between 3-7 hours. Key representatives from the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park Supervisory Committee were also interviewed, including staff from the Houaphanh and Luang Prabang Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Offices (PAFO) as well as the Hiem District Governor’s Office. Most of the gaps identified are not described in the recently approved five-year national park collaborative management plan (2022-2026) or the 10-year strategy (2022-2031).

This Regional Action Plan (RAP) for ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) (2023-2030) represents the fourth... more This Regional Action Plan (RAP) for ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) (2023-2030) represents the fourth planning document to guide the management of the emerging AHP network, since the AHP declaration was announced in 2003. This Plan provides guidance on priority setting for the development of a system of well-governed, well-administered, and well-managed AHPs to ensure the values of the designated Parks are well maintained, and integrated into the global network and a contribution to globally agreed goals.

The AHP network provides the conservation agencies and the AHP staff of the 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS), under the facilitation of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), with a unique opportunity for inter-regional collaboration on the development of effective protected areas within the ASEAN Region. This regional learning platform may be unique globally. The network permits the identification of ongoing best practice management approaches in selected technical fields within the AMS – and the potential for showcasing these ongoing approaches to other countries. The network also permits the piloting of cutting-edge management approaches in selected technical fields within the 10 countries – and the potential for showcasing these new approaches to other ASEAN countries.

This seven-year Regional Action Plan outlines the regional facilitator role of the ACB to: (i) pilot these cutting-edge management approaches in selected ASEAN countries; and, (ii) promote information exchange of current best management approaches and piloted management approaches through tailor-made study tours, regional and bilateral forums and workshops, and the sharing of relevant documents and technical syntheses. The organisation is uniquely mandated to support strategically impacting conservation investments within the protected areas of the Region.