Showing papers by "Japan International Cooperation Agency published in 2002"

The extent and intensity of the 1998 mass bleaching event on the reefs of Mauritius, Indian Ocean

Abstract: The most severe and large scale-bleaching event on record occurred in 1998 world-wide. In Mauritius, three surveys covering 2 habitats at 4-5 sites were conducted to describe and quantify the event. Bleaching was recorded at all sites and habitats. However, relatively few corals were bleached (<10%) except at one localised site (Le Bouchon: 38.6%) indicating that Mauritius was one of the few islands in the Indian Ocean to have sustained a comparatively mild bleaching episode. On the reef flat Acropora species were generally more susceptible to bleaching than non-Acropora species. In contrast on the reef slopes, non-Acropora species were more affected than the Acropora species. Furthermore, susceptibility to bleaching differed within colonies and species. The main cause of this bleaching event was most likely due to an increase in seawater temperature and solar radiation, exacerbated by lowered salinity from higher seasonal rainfall.

Maternal death cases in the top referral hospital in Cambodia

Abstract: Objective: To analyze maternal death cases and their risk factors at the top referral hospital in Cambodia in order to develop appropriate strategies to reduce the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Cambodia. Methods: A total of 47 maternal deaths among 6089 delivery cases were analyzed retrospectively through patient documents. Results: The MMR in the top referral hospital was 785 per 100 000 live births. Three main direct causes of maternal mortality were hemorrhage, infection and hypertensive disorders. Risk factors for maternal death were age (older than 35 years), parity (four or more), no antenatal care attendance and residence in the provinces. The major characteristic of cases of maternal death was delayed arrival at the referral hospital. Conclusions: Necessary strategies to reduce MMR are: (i) to avoid delayed arrival at the referral hospital (i.e. health promotion for awareness in the community, risk detection and early transfer by skilled personnel after competency based training); and (ii) provision of adequate health-care facilities in the country with human resources and materials, including blood transfusion.

Surveying and Mapping of Wild Species of Oryza in Sri Lanka

Abstract: Sri Lanka is considered to be a secondary center of eco-genetic diversity for many crop species. It exhibits a rich floristic diversity distributed over a variety of bio-climatic environments. Sri Lanka's natural forests and protected wetlands harbor all the wild relatives of rice found in the country. Systematic exploration and collection missions specific to wild relatives of rice were initiated by the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in 1988 in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). One result was the discovery of O. rhizomatis, a new species endemic to Sri Lanka. Survey, exploration and collection of wild rice germplasm in the target areas were conducted during the period of December 1998 to May 1999 by the Plant Genetic Resources Center (PGRC). The distribution of the 5 wild species of rice occurring in Sri Lanka is depicted in the maps. Their habitats are also described in this paper.

Planning of coastal-zone management and capacity development in fisheries using participatory planning

Abstract: Participatory planning (PP) is a powerful tool in formulating development projects as well as conservation ones. However, there are few studies and practices being done by using PP for the purpose of fishery management and coastal conservation. This paper describes an attempt to enhance planning capacity of fishery planners from various countries. A new model training system that focused on providing participants were applied with the planning tools and opportunity for designing an action plan to solve a set of problems they are facing. Ten fishery development projects as well as biodiversity conservation projects were generated. Each plan was equipped with the clear objectives, means to achieve objectives and associated risks to the projects. Participants have improved their capability of fishery planning and recognized the usefulness of this approach about development planning. Further assistance to develop these seed projects was suggested.

Coping with poverty in Southern Chile - Technical transfer of shellfish culture to small-scale fishermen through JICA and Chinquihue Foundation

Abstract: Japan International Cooperation Agency has been cooperating with the Chinquihue Foundation on a project to develop oyster and scallop industries among small-scale fishermen in the 10th Region, Southern Chile since 1997. The principal objective is to establish farming methods viable for the fishermen. A variety of different culture methods have been examined in subtidal and intertidal ease areas. The methods tested were designed for low cost of production and ease of upkeep and handling of stock and equipment. From the beginning, through Aug., 2001 at this writing, several techniques for the Pacific oyster farming have been developed and have already been transferred to the fishermen's associations through the extension staff at the Foundation. Feasibility of farming methods for the Chilean scallop is still under study. These activities will be continued until mid-2002 in order to improve the fishermen's incomes.