Supported the bilateral dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand to promote cooperation on technology for forest monitoring and sharing timber trade requirements.

A feasibility study on e-CITES permits has been carried out to assess the readiness of the relevant authorities for the implementation of issuance, control, and reporting of e-permits.

SEPAL Near Real-Time Monitoring tool has been introduced to build capacity for government partners. It is piloted in 4 target provinces, combined with capacity building on mapping elements of forest biodiversity and ecosystem services in the target provinces.

Development of a national forest certification scheme initiated and supported in Cambodia.

Cambodia prepared a communication campaign plan to raise public awareness and launch a video of substituting other hardwood for natural rosewood products.

Study Report Current Production and Trade Pattern of Agarwood in Cambodia.

Lessons learned

Collaborative efforts in the forestry sector between the Cambodian government and neighboring countries within the Lower Mekong Region (LMR) hold significant relevance. However, the specific details of these collaborations are not sufficiently disseminated among key stakeholders. To successfully develop a national forest certification scheme, there is a pressing need for enhanced comprehension and capacity within the government regarding Quality Infrastructure, with additional support from strategic partners. Additionally, adopting near-real-time monitoring technology presents an opportunity for Cambodia to enhance its forest area surveillance capabilities and promptly identify changes in forest land, offering a potential solution to more effective and proactive forest monitoring.

Lao PDR-Vietnam bilateral conference was organized to evaluate the results of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) implementation period 2017-2022, and two parties signed the new MoU period 2024-2028.

Carried out bilateral dialogues with Thailand to promote cooperation on forest monitoring and timber trade requirements with a follow-up MoU action plan.

The Training of Trainer (ToT) modules for border checkpoint officials have been developed and conducted ToT for central Department of Forest Inspection (DOFI), Provincial Office of Forest Inspection (POFI) and District Agriculture and Forestry Office (DAFO).

A communication campaign to raise public awareness on combating forest crime has been developed and implemented through pilot testing in high-risk areas of forest crime.

A communication campaign to raise public awareness on combating forest crime has been developed and is being implemented in pilot testing in high-risk areas of forest crime.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) has agreed to develop the Lao PDR national forest certification system with technical support from the UN-REDD - Sustainable Forest Trade in the Lower Mekong (UN-REDD-SFT-LMR) on standards setting and capacity building.

Completed the conducting a forest inventory on rosewood species, which led to publishing a zero quota for the commercial export of wild specimens of Dalbergia cochinchine and Dalbergia Oliveri.

NRTM- The deforestation drivers' analysis was completed using the PDMS data and recommendations to inform decision-makers on updated driver trends.

Completed an assessment on Information systems and sources on land and forest tenure in Lao PDR

Completed a review of two benefit-sharing approaches for forest carbon in Lao PDR.

Lessons learned

Government organizations, particularly the Department of Forestry (DOF), actively engage and cooperate with the UN-REDD-SFT-LMR in implementing Letters of Agreement (LoAs), where DOF has played a pivotal role in facilitating coordination.

Despite these efforts, the UN-REDD-SFT-LMR has encountered delays in implementing LoAs, primarily due to factors such as the impact of COVID-19, the limited capacity of officials, and the tight schedule of government activities.

Looking forward, the next steps involve designing new projects consistently with the government's strategy and action plan to ensure comprehensive support for these projects.

While entering into a LoA with the government can have advantages and disadvantages for project implementation, it can potentially foster ownership from the government. However, it is acknowledged that the process has been relatively slow, leading to delays in delivering results.

CFTLOPs (Community Forest Timber Legality Operation Procedures) have been revised and developed.

Guidelines on simplifying legal procedures for enabling access to legal and sustainable timber trade by SME level private plantations have been developed.

Capacity development and knowledge enhancement of CFUGs and SME-level private plantation investors to enable access to legal and sustainable timber harvest and trade.

Lessons learned

Community Forests occupy a crucial position in the supply of legally sourced timber for the domestic market, making their enhancement paramount in fostering economic stability and overall well-being. To ensure the sustainable management of these forests, it is imperative to establish a robust monitoring system that comprehensively assesses the social and environmental impacts. The development of agreed-upon impact frameworks, involving all relevant stakeholders, is pivotal in this process. Moreover, to further support legal timber production, it's essential to tailor the legal framework to accommodate smallholder private plantation owners by differentiating their requirements. This approach will not only promote responsible resource management but also empower smallholders to contribute to the legal timber supply chain.

Promoted group certification for the national standard with the rubber cooperatives and wood mills operators, and SME market access to China

Carried out bilateral dialogues with Laos and Cambodia to promote cooperation on forest monitoring and timber trade requirements, resulting in MoU action plans

Near Real-Time Monitoring and Time Series analysis of forest loss in hot spots areas resulting in improvement of forest law enforcement and tenure security.

Sustainable Forest Trade in the Lower Mekong Region (SFT-LMR) provided a contribution to regional cooperation resulting in synergies and lessons learned, such as digital platform and capacity building.

The design and operation of REDD+ Safeguard Information System (SIS) of Thailand are developed through inclusive stakeholder processes

Visit the link: Safeguard Integration System (SIS)

Launched the Forest Enterprise Incubation Program which supported over 50 early-stage enterprises that have the potential to promote sustainable development practices in the region.

Lessons learned
 

The Forest Incubation Enterprise Program (SFT-LMR 2.5) is a valuable platform that empowers Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to develop sustainable business models. Through this initiative, SMEs gain knowledge in crucial areas such as certification, Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) models, traceability, and carbon credits.

This comprehensive approach equips SMEs with the tools and insights to thrive in the forest-related business sector. Complementing this, the implementation of Near Real-Time Monitoring presents a significant advancement. This technology provides excellent opportunities for promptly analyzing hotspot areas, enhancing law enforcement's response time to detect and address encroachment issues. The real-time data facilitates more effective and timely actions, contributing to the protection and conservation of forest resources.

Furthermore, access to digital transformation has broader implications, particularly in improving women's leadership opportunities. Women are empowered to play a pivotal role in mediating forest resource utilization and contributing to responsible sourcing within the supply chain. This inclusive approach not only fosters gender equality but also ensures a more accountable and sustainable utilization of forest resources. Together, these initiatives form a cohesive strategy that addresses various aspects of sustainable forest management, from business models to real-time monitoring and gender-inclusive leadership.

The Memorandum of Understanding on forestry cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam (MARD) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Lao PDR for the period 2023-2028 was signed on December 22nd 2023 in Da Nang City, Viet Nam. The signed MoU will create a legal basis for both sides to strengthen cooperation in the forestry sector, contributing to protecting and developing forests, protecting the environment, developing commercial processing of forest products, and preventing illegal transport. Transporting and trading wood and wildlife along the Vietnam-Laos border.

The updated version of VFCS ST 1003:2023 is a testament to thorough research, comprehensiveness, and an accurate reflection of the current knowledge in sustainable forest management. This revised VFCS demonstrates commitment and emphasizes continuous evaluation and improvement of standards and Chain of Custody (CoC) procedures. This commitment is driven by ongoing feedback and the integration of new developments in sustainable forest management and supply chain practices within Viet Nam.

Viet Nam has its Viet Nam Forest Certification System (VFCS), a PEFC-endorsed system, and the Vietnamese NGB and AB have agreed to support Lao PDR and Cambodia moving forward to develop the National Forest Certification Systems. The Vietnamese experts have transferred the initial important steps to provide the basic knowledge and information for the development of the standard. In the first stage, the support focused on Laos and will be maintained.

The restoration and update of the Viet Nam Safeguard Information System (SIS) webpage marks a significant achievement. The SIS ensures the availability of relevant and accurate information on how Viet Nam is addressing and respecting the REDD+ safeguards. This enhancement is poised to contribute substantially to the monitoring and reporting of social and environmental safeguards within REDD+ programs in the country.

A noteworthy achievement is the successful implementation of training courses aimed at strengthening the capacity of forest rangers at the provincial level. These courses specifically focused on implementing forest loss monitoring in alignment with the updated national Forest Resources Monitoring System (FRMS V4.0) developed by JICA and FORMIS. Over 250 key staff from the Forest Protection Departments (FPD) in 61 forested provinces, FPD Central, and the 4 FPD regions have acquired essential skills and knowledge. This includes proficiency in effectively monitoring forests through data collection, analysis, field checking, and reporting. The training courses also involve updating forest fluctuation locations in the FRMS 4.0 system, serving as a valuable resource for management, direction, and administration at both central and local levels, facilitating the utilization and sharing of critical forest change data.

Lessons learned
 

The government of Vietnam has strongly committed to the protection and sustainable management of forest resources with ambitious targets such as by 2025, there will be 500,000 hectares of certified forests and by 2030, one million hectares of forests with sustainable forest management certificates. By 2030, fundamentally reverse deforestation, forest degradation, land degradation and desertification, ensuring harmonious development of sustainable agricultural and forestry production associated with agricultural and rural development; effectively contribute to the implementation of nationally determined greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments (NDC).

The UN-REDD Lower Mekong Initiative worked closely with partners to develop a comprehensive project work plan with clearly defined objectives and outputs, outlined the scope, timeline, budget, and resources required for the project. Make sure that all team members and stakeholders have a shared understanding of what the project aims to achieve.