Report of training workshop on ifm

1. The Network of Vietnamese Non-Government Organizations on
Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade
(VNGO-FLEGT)
REPORT ON TRAINING WORKSHOP
Fundamental content of
Independent Forest Monitoring (IFM)
Ninh Binh, 9-10/12/2014
Written by:
Nguyen Truong Quan – Coordinator of the VNGO-FLEGT Network

2. Content:
I. General information on the training workshop .............................................................3
II. Training Process, Content and Methods.......................................................................4
III. Workshop Outcomes...................................................................................................5
IV. Conclusion...................................................................................................................6
V. Appendices....................................................................................................................6
Appendix 1: List of participants
Appendix 2: Training agenda
Appendix 3: Training references
Appendix 4: Results of group discussion
2

3. I. General information on the training workshop
Workshop theme: “Training workshop on Independent Forest Monitoring”
Duration: 2 days (9-10/12/2014)
Avenue: Yen Nhi Hotel, Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh
Participants: 43 trainees from 22 member organizations of the VNGO-FLEGT
Network and experts, local officers working in forestry (see Appendix 1 for more
details)
Facilitators and Speakers:
Facilitator: Ms. Valerie Vauthier – Director of Resource Extraction Monitoring
(REM)
Co-facilitator: Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hop – Director of Centre for Sustainable Rural
Development (SRD)
Speakers:
Mr. Nguyen Van Hop – Forestry advisor for GIZ – Project “Phong Nha – Ke
Bang National Park Region”, Quang Binh
Mr. Vu Van Can – Forestry expert, Institute of Agriculture and Environment,
Vietnam Forest Science and Technology Association
Ms. Pham Hong Nhung – Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam
Forest Science and Technology Association
Ms. Pham Thi Bich Ngoc – Manager of Climate Change Department, SRD
Mr. Dao Duc Liem – Manager of Sustainable Agriculture Department, SRD
Mr. Hoang Quoc Chinh – Program Officer, SRD
Donors: The Department for International Development (DFID) and European Union
(EU), via FERN
Organizer: SRD, on behalf of Steering Committee of the VNGO-FLEGT Network
Objectives of the training workshop: After the workshop, participants are able to:
1. Understand the fundamental concepts of Independent Forest Monitoring;
2. Distinguish between Formal Independent Monitoring and Informal (external)
Independent Monitoring;
3. Comprehend CSOs’ role in independent monitoring in the VPA implementation;
4. Develop plans to pilot Independent Monitoring model in the locations operated
by VNGO-FLEGT Network;
Training Workshop Agenda: see Appendix 2
3

4. II. Training Process, Content and Methods:
1. Day 1, Morning session:
At the beginning of the Workshop, all participants had the opportunity to get
acquaintances with each other, agree on the objectives and agenda of the
workshop, as well as set up workshop rules.
In the morning session of Day 1, Ms. Pham Thi Bich Ngoc (SRD) shared
information on the VNGO-FLEGT Network and the findings of research
conducted by the Network since its establishment, providing the Network
members with an overview of all activities in the last three years.
Then Ms. Valerie Vauthier – Director of REM, from the United Kingdom –
introduced a comprehensive overview of Independent forest monitoring/
Independent monitoring of forest law enforcement and governance and Informal
monitoring.
After the session summary by the co-facilitator - Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hop, all of the
trainees applied the knowledge in group discussion. The topic of discussion was
“Which factors of formal monitoring can be applied in Vietnam, and the role of
CSOs in this process.” The group discussion highlighted key issues related to
Formal monitoring that can be applied in Vietnam, such as:
• Issues on Illegal logging
• Issues on Forest governance
• Issues on Timber trading (monitor and detect the gaps in forest law
enforcement, and support local forest governance)
• Raise awareness of Independent forest monitoring for relevant
stakeholders
• Build up and manage the database, pilot independent forest monitoring
models.
Results of group discussion are presented in Appendix 4.
2. Afternoon session, Day 1
The afternoon session of Day 1 was on Informal independent monitoring and
experiences of the VPA implementing countries. This content was presented by
the principal facilitator, Ms. Valerie Vauthier and further explained by the co-
facilitator, Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hop.
There were two more presentations about the Vietnam experiences. The first one
is “Overview of Livelihood Impact Assessment (LIA) method” by Mr. Hoang
4

5. Quoc Chinh. The LIA is considered as a qualitative research method, and
combined with other quantitative methods to analyze and present findings that
contribute to the Legality Definition, Timber Legality Assurance System, as well
as future Independent Forest Monitoring. The second presentation was
“Community-based Forest Monitoring model in Thai Nguyen” by Mr. Dao Duc
Liem, which was part of a SRD project in Thai Nguyen. This model is a good
practical example of the important role of community in independent forest
monitoring.
After the presentation, under the facilitation of Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hop, the trainees
were divided into groups to discuss “which factors of Informal monitoring can be
applied in Vietnam, and the role of CSOs in this process”. The group discussion
underlined the issues related to informal monitoring that can be applied in
Vietnam, such as:
• Issues on Land use rights, Rights to access to Land and forest resources,
Customary law, Rights to access to information and legal documents
• Issues on Labour and environmental impacts
• Capacity building on forest law enforcement for people that depend on
forest. Capacity building for the Network members to engage and
contribute their opinions on Independent forest monitoring
• Develop criteria for Informal forest monitoring for vulnerable groups
• Establish community groups to manage and protect forest
Results of the group discussion are presented in Appendix 4.
On the first training day, the trainees have learnt basic knowledge of IFM (both
formal and informal). Through the group discussions, the trainees have had the
opportunity to share and discuss the role of independent monitoring in VPA, as
well as the activities that CSOs in general and the VNGO-FLEGT Network in
particular can apply and carry out, when VPA is implemented in Vietnam.
3. Day 2, Morning session:
The morning session of Day 2 was on sharing the community-based monitoring
models of some projects that have been implemented in Vietnam. Three forestry
experts, Mr. Nguyen Van Hop, Mr. Vu Van Can, and Ms. Pham Hong Nhung,
gave presentations about the practical monitoring models implemented in
Vietnam.
The trainees exchanged and shared their understandings with the speakers, and
discussed the advantages and disadvantages of these models as well. Thereby they
5

6. started to have a clearer view of CSOs’ role in independent monitoring in VPA,
and the activities in which these CSOs can engage when VPA is implemented.
4. Day 2, Afternoon session:
The afternoon session of Day 2 was on planning Independent monitoring pilots by
the members of VNGO-FLEGT Network. This content was delivered by the co-
facilitatior Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hop. The whole Network agreed on dividing
members into six groups related to six provinces: Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Thanh
Hoa, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Thua Thien Hue and Quang Binh. The Network members
and local forestry officers discussed and drafted project proposals on Informal
monitoring in these provinces for a period of three years.
The group discussion focused on these issues:
• Assess potential impacts of VPA on vulnerable groups (based on both
qualitative and quantitative methods), contribute the findings to the
appendices of VPA.
• Investigate the Issues on Land use rights, Rights to access to Land and
forest resources, Customary law, Rights to access to information and
legal documents, and Issues on Labour and environmental impacts.
• Improve capacity and enhance communication on FLEGT/VPA and
Independent monitoring for relevant stakeholders.
• Pilot Informal monitoring models in the community.
Six project proposals on capacity building and field studies to contribute to TLAS
and LD, and on Informal monitoring models in six provinces were drafted and will
be finalized by the Network members after the training workshop. The Network
will also conduct baseline studies to determine potential areas for capacity
building and informal monitoring.
Details of discussion outcomes of each group are presented in Appendix 4.
III. The Workshop Outcomes:
In two days of training, the trainees were provided with fundamental contents on
IFM, especially on Formal and Informal monitoring. The trainees were aware of
important role of CSOs in independent monitoring once the VPA is implemented.
The greatest outcome of the workshop, (though it is simple and needs further
discussion and refinement), is that the trainees have discussed and identified the
main inputs that CSOs can contribute to VPA negotiation process as well as
Informal monitoring in Vietnam context:
6

7. • Continue to carry out field studies (by both qualitative and quantitative
methods), in order to produce more valuable scientific reports to
contribute to appendices of VPA (LD, TLAS)
• Focus on capacity building so that the Network members can
comprehend IFM and share their opinions on Independent Monitoring,
and prepare to engage in this activity when VPA is signed
The trainees highly appreciated the contents, methodologies as well as the logistic
organization of the training workshop. The contents of the workshop and results of
group discussion will be important inputs for building strategy for the VNGO-
FLEGT network.
IV. Conclusion:
The lectures and speeches met the objectives of the training program.
Training topic, scale and format are appropriate for the participants.
The facilitators have done their work well, ensuring the quality and format of the
training workshop.
The trainees actively participated in the workshop, and obtained training contents
through lectures, group discussions and exchanges.
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8. IV. Appendices:
Appendix 1: List of participants
No. Name Position Organization Tel. Email
1
Vu Thi Bich
Hop
Director SRD 0904649791 hop@srd.org.vn
2
Pham Thi
Bich Ngoc
Manager
of CC
Dept.
SRD 0987325148 ngocptb@srd.org.vn
3
Hoang Quoc
Chinh
Program
Officer
SRD 0983982890 chinh@srd.org.vn
4
Nguyen
Truong Quan
Coordinat
or
VNGO-FLEGT
Network, SRD
0169627061 quan@srd.org.vn
5
Hoang Thi
Huong Tra
Manager
of
Research
Dept.
SRD 0986825032 Tra@srd.org.vn
6
Dao Duc
Liem
Manager
of SA
Dept.
SRD 0983384893 liem@srd.org.vn
7
Bui Quoc
Quan
Program
Officer
SRD 0912772368 quanbq@srd.org.vn
8
Pham Anh
Tuan
Program
Officer
SRD 0168270001 tuan@srd.org.vn
9
Manh Loc
Khoa
Program
Officer
SRD 0948992278 khoa@srd.org.vn
10
Hoang Van
Tuan
Program
Officer
SRD 0988728972 tuanhv@srd.org.vn
11
Vu Van
Trieu
Advisor
VNGO-FLEGT
Network, SRD
0913592435
vuvantrieu@gmail.co
m
12
Valeria
Vauthier
Principal
Facilitator
REM mail@rem.org.uk
13
Phan Trong
Tri
Officer CRD Hue 0935424749 tript@crdvietnam.org
14 Vu Van Can
Forestry
expert
VFSTA/ IAE 0912757259
vuvancan2003@yahoo.c
om
15
Pham Hong
Nhung
Researcher VFSTA/ IAE 0983272248
hongnhungenvi@gmail.
com
8

9. 16
Cao Thi
Ngoc Thuy
Officer SCODE 0912424435
ngocthuy.cao1010@gma
il.com
17
Nguyen Van
Hoang
Officer CORENARM 0168991603 hoangqlr@gmail.com
18
Nguyễn
Thành Nhâm
Director NACEFDECO 0904657347
thanhnhamnnna@gmail.
com
19
Le Trong
Chien
Deputy
Director
CIDSTE 0988621606
trongchienknth@yahoo.
com.vn
lantusta@gmail.com
20
Đoan Quoc
Tuan
Officer
FLEGT project in
the Centre
0164978678
quoctuanqt91@gmail.co
m
21 Bui Van Hai
Deputy
Director
CDSH Yen Bai 0913369396 haidongy@yahoo.com
22
Nguyen
Ngoc Anh
Officer CARTEN 0166304096
anhdung1306@gmail.co
m
23
Nguyen Van
Dung
President USTA Dong Thap 0918715615
saudunglhh@yahoo.co
m.vn
24
Nguyen Van
Hop
Forestry
Advisor
GIZ – Project
Phong Nha – Ke
Bang, Quang Binh
0983705509 hop.nguyen@giz.de
25 Le Xuan Tac FSTATH 091238367 tac.qhln@gmail.com
26
Pham Van
Toan
CIDSTF Thanh
Hoa
0947113630
27
Tran Quang
Trung
Director RESED 0912649478
tqtrung.resed@gmail.co
m
28
Tran Tiị
Phuong Thao
Officer NORFOR 0979069209
smallangle.pt@gmail.co
m
29
Tran Thi
Thanh
CRDR 0982079626 thanhcrdr@gmail.com
30
Truong Minh
Den
C&E 0988 335620
minhden2411@gmail.co
m
31
Ma Doan
Thuan
Forest Protection
Dept. Bac Kan
0948201289 d.thuan@live.com
9

10. 32 Vu Duc Toan Specialist
Forestry Dept. Bac
Kan
0988042684 vntoan.ln@gmail.com
33
Dang Huy
Binh
Specialist
Forest Protection
and Development
Fund Thanh Hoa
0973837002
danghuybinhvn@gmail.
com
34
Dan Tiep
Phuc
HUSTA 0913 542542 dantiepphuc@gmail.com
35
Tran Dang
Quang
Coordinator CDC Quang Binh 0912133056 quangcdcqb@gmail.com
36 Ho Ngoc Son
Deputy
Director
ADC Thai Nguyen 0976501716 hosonpt@gmail.com
37
Dang Thi
Thanh Thuy
CEN 0982738681
thuy.trungtamicet@gmai
l.com
38
Duong Bich
Van
Centre for
Education
Cooperation and
Technology
Transfer
0966524614
trungtamicet@gmail.co
m
chi.trungtamicet@gmail
.com
39
Nguyen Van
Phuc
Forest
Governance
Officer
VFD Nghe An
PMU
vanphucgt1986@gmail.c
om
40
Cao Vinh
Hai
Director CERPA 0163604090 cerpa.vn@gmail.com
41
Nguyen Van
Tan
Forest Protection
and Development
Fund Nghe An
0167756992 tanqlbvr@gmail.com
42
Le Xuan
Hung
Intern SRD
43
Nicholas
Wilson
Forestry
Advisor
SRD
Appendix 2: Training Agenda
Time Content Resource
9 Dec
10

11. Time Content Resource
8.00 - 8.30 Registration SRD
8.30 - 8.40 Opening remark
Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hop
(SRD)
8.40 - 8.50 Workshop objectives and agenda
Mr. Nguyen Truong Quan
VNGO-FLEGT
coordinator (SRD)
8.50 - 9.00 Participants’ introduction
9.00 – 9.40 Summary of the VNGO-FLEGT research in 2014
Ms. Pham Thi Bich Ngoc
(SRD)
9.40 - 10.00 Tea break
10.00 - 11.00
Overview on Independent Forest Monitoring
(IFM),
Independent Monitoring of Forest Law
Enforcement and Forest Governance (IM FLEG)
Ms. Valerie Vauthier
(REM)
11.00 – 11.30
Group discussion “The factors of Official
Independent Monitoring that can be applied in
Vietnam and the role of CSOs in this process”
Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hop
(SRD)
11.30 – 12.00 Groups present discussion outcomes Group work
12.00 - 13.30 Lunch
13.30 - 14.00
Independent Forest Monitoring measures in the
countries that signed VPA – practical experiences
Ms. Valerie Vauthier
(REM)
14.00 – 14.40
Overview on Methodologies for Livelihood Impact
Assessment (LIA)
Q&A
Mr. Hoang Quoc Chinh
(SRD)
14.40 -15.10
Community-based Forest Monitoring in Thai
Nguyen
Q&A
Mr. Dao Duc Liem (SRD)
15.10 – 15.30 Tea break
15.30 - 16.15
Group discussion “The factors of Unofficial
Independent Monitoring that can be applied in
Vietnam and the role of CSOs in this process”
Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hop
(SRD)
16.15 – 17.00 Groups present discussion outcomes Group work
10 Dec
8.30 - 9.00 Recap day 1, overview of day 2
Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hop
(SRD)
9.00 – 10.00
Pilot on participatory forest monitoring in Quang
Binh
Q&A
Mr. Nguyen Van Hop
(GIZ)
10.00 - 10.20 Tea break
10.20 - 11.10
Forest management and protection by ethnic
minorities
Q&A
Mr. Vu Van Can (Institute
of Agriculture and
Environment)
11.10 - 12.00
Forest allocation to community - Global
Environmental Fund
Q&A
Ms. Pham Hong Nhung
(Institute of Agriculture
and Environment)
11

12. Time Content Resource
12.00-13.30 Lunch
13.30 - 14.30
Group discussion on the potential application of
IFM in Viet Nam
Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hop
(SRD)
14.30 – 15.00 Groups present discussion outcomes Group work
15.00 - 15.15 Closing remark
Ms. Vu Thi Bich Hop
(SRD)
Appendix 3: Training References
https://drive.google.com/folderview?
id=0BwfsgthCKZMedjhKLWxReEJxVUE&usp=sharing
Appendix 4: Results of group discussion
Discussion Results 1
https://drive.google.com/folderview?
id=0BwfsgthCKZMecGtIck1ZMmdTWGc&usp=sharing
Discussion Results 2
https://drive.google.com/folderview?
id=0BwfsgthCKZMeYllYX1paZWJGMEk&usp=sharing
Discussion Results 3
https://drive.google.com/folderview?
id=0BwfsgthCKZMealhTQ2lqNmhyTXM&usp=sharing
12