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MEKONG WATER DIALOGUES ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT January – December, 2013 INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE
Transcript of MEKONG WATER DIALOGUES - IUCNcmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/mwd_annual_report_2013… · ·...
MEKONG WATER DIALOGUES
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT January – December, 2013
INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE
SUMMARY OF THE PROGRAMME RESULTS (Jan – Dec, 2013)
Title: IUCN/Mekong Water Dialogues (MWD), funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Duration: Phase I: 2008-2010, Phase II: 2010-2014
Executing agencies: IUCN, Government Line Ministries, Communities, Civil Society Organisations, Research
Institutions, Private sector organisations in Lao PDR, Cambodia, Thailand and Viet Nam.
Geographical coverage: Mekong Region (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam)
Programme purpose: To mainstream stakeholder participation in water resource decision-making in the Lower Mekong Region. Ultimately, MWD shall contribute to the overall goal of improved livelihood security, and human and ecosystem health in the Lower Mekong Region. The agenda encompasses issues surrounding public participation and deliberation, accountability, transparency and protection of rights such as access to information and to resources. Indicators (Expected Results) Status as of Dec, 2013
Result for Component 1: National Working Groups influence decision making and management of water resources and wetlands through information sharing, dialogue and consensus building at the national and regional levels
.
In Cambodia, NWG members were actively involved in reviewing issues and making recommendations regarding the management of the Beung Chhmar Ramsar Site (BCRS), particularly in relation to large-scale fish deaths in dry season storms, monitoring by local village rangers, and design of a climate change Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCA).
In Lao PDR, NWG Members were actively involved in reviewing the proposed Water Law, together with IUCN’s Environmental Law Centre (ELC) in Bonn, and members of IUCN’s Environmental Law Commission (ELC). All comments and inputs were submitted to DWR/MoNRE. NWG members participated in the Regional Wetlands Governance Workshop in Pak Se, and an exposure visit to Prek Toal in the Tonle Sap. They provided recommendations for follow-up action based on the Biodiversity and Socio-economic Assessment Reports on the Mekong Mainstream from Luang Phrabang to Vientiane (jointly produced by CEPF and MWD) and inputs to the planned VCA for Beung Kiat Ngong.
In Thailand, NWG Members actively supported effective planning integration between neighbouring sub-districts in both Kaeng Lawa and Wieng Nong Lom wetlands. NWG Members played a major role in the implementation of a series of nationwide community dialogues on both the government’s water and flood management master plan, and on a proposed new “peoples’ version” of the water law, carried out together with the National Law Reform Commission, and the Asia Foundation. Two NWG members were appointed to the government sub-committee reviewing the law.
In Viet Nam, NWG members joined consultations on the
controversial Dong Nai 6 and 6A dams,that eventually led the Prime
Minister to remove these dams from the national hydropower plan.
NWG members were heavily involved in supporting Viet Nam to
ratify the UN Watercourse Convention of 1997. The government has
now tasked MoNRE to prepare for this in 2014.
Result for Component 2: Livelihood concerns of local communities are integrated into decision making in river basin management and wetlands governance in pilot sites, through multi-stakeholder dialogues Result for Component 3: Learning from regional knowledge on participatory water governance collated and communicated (including in local languages) by the project and the NWG members is used by stakeholders in policy and practice in the Lower Mekong Region At least 2 major presentations at regional or international conferences each year.
MWD Lao PDR suppored the Ramsar Provincial Secretariat in revising the composition of the committee for more effective representation of local concerns. At the Xe Champhone Ramsar Site, multi-stakeholder dialogues were held to discuss and finalise the draft for site regulations based on a previously conducted study. A workshop in Attapeu was conducted on involvement of women in local fisheries. A serious of community dialogues along the Mekong mainstream resulted in the establishment of four new Fish Conservation Zones (FCZs) by 8 communities between Luang Phrabhang and Vientiane. A climate change vulnerability assessment – focusing on water and livelihoods, has been initiated in 8 communities in the Beung Kiat Ngong Ramsar Site
MWD Cambodia has co-financed with the new European Union-funded Non-State Actors project in Cambodia - “Strengthening Capacity of Fishing Communities in the Tonle Sap to Manage Their Natural Resources Sustainably” work with local authorities and community fisheries in three pilot sites in the Tonle Sap. The socio-economic, institutional and political dynamics affecting fisheries management and livelihoods have be analysed in the project sites and clear interventions identified.
MWD Thailand, in partnership with the Thailand Research Fund and WWF Thailand, achieved integration/mainstreaming of wetlands management and conservation into local administration plans, taking into account wetland dependent communities and their livelihoods.
In Viet Nam, MWD NWG members organized three consultations on the Mekong Delta Plan (MDP) for the delta’s farmers, provincial leaders, South-West Steering Committee (SWSC) and the delta’s experts.. These inputs were incorporated in a revisd version of the MDP submitted to the Prime Minister. MWD supported the successful submission of Viet Nam’s 5
th Ramsar site, Mui Ca Mau,
prepared the submission for Con Dao, and started to prepare the submission for Lang Sen and U Minh Thong
World Wetland Day awareness-raising events were held across the region in collaboration with partner organisations and received good media coverage. MWD Lao PDR presented two studies at the Mekong Symposium in Ho Chi Minh City. A policy recommendation paper was also prepared by the team based on the results of the study on “Trans-boundary Fish Trade in the Lower Mekong Basin: Impacts on Fisheries and Rural Employment in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Thailand.” At the international workshop on food security in the Mekong
At least 2 major technical reports produced and distributed per year. At least 2 articles/features referring to the outcomes, outputs and activities of the project published in a major print or broadcast medium per year. Visits to project webpages are stable or growing throughout the lifetime of the project. New online resources such as factsheets, publications and reports are made available on the IUCN webpage. MWD e-newsletters have been issued and the mailing list is stable/growing.
1. Result for Component 4: Strategic partnerships and alliances are established at the regional and transboundary levels to promote water governance policies that support livelihood security, human and ecosystem health in the Lower Mekong region
.
organized during 11-13 March 2013 in Chiang Rai, MWD Thailand presented a case study on community water dialogues allowing communities and local authorities to work together and feed input up to provincial and national levels. The MWD project manager gave two presentations on water management and climate change adaptation at an International Workshop organised by the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) in Copenhagen on 20-21 March 2013; presentations on the Mekong at the Wilson Centre, the Goethe Institute and the State Department in Washington on 26-29 March and two presentations on the work of MWD at the International Rivers Symposium in Brisbane in October Five technical reports were published on wetlands governance, customary law, ecological surveys and livelihoods & resource management surveys MWD appeared on TV at least 8 times (coverage now uploaded to “You Tube”) and in the print mass media 24 times (copies available through web links) Visits to the MWD web page are growing compared to the same period last year. 50 new stories were published on the MWD web page throughout the year. Four issues of MWD e-news were published during this period. A reader survey has not yet been conducted A strong regional partnership with CPWF and the Goethe Institute facilitated the production and dissemination of the documentary “MEKONG: Viet Nam - the Delta”, a 25-minute film exploring how people of the Mekong Delta in Viet Nam are coping with rapid development and environmental change. English, Thai, Khmer, Vietnamese and Lao versions were made available. A strong partnership with the Asia Foundation enabled MWD to work more intensively on development of a draft water law and dialogue around the government’s water and flood management plans In collaboration with MWD and others, Thai PBS launched a Media Arts Competition "Mekong: River of Life" to raise public awareness Mekong Institute (MI) and Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) were identified as potential new strategic partners
General Performance Assessment: The project is performing well overall and good progress is being
made in a number of areas, both at the field level and at national law and policy level. While the project
compiles and publishes a lot of information, it is not clear if/how this is used by others. Partnerships are
enabling the project to leverage bigger impacts particularly in Thailand and at the regional level
Total budget:
EUR 2,210,000
Disbursed by December 2013:
Total Received by IUCN = EUR
Total Disbursed by IUCN = EUR
Cash balance as on 31 December 2013 = (EUR )
Annual Budget
(2013): EUR 520,144
Expenditure Jan-Dec 2013:
RESULT Cam-
bodia Lao
PDR
Thailand Viet Nam Regional OVER-
ALL
1. National Working Groups influence decision making and management of water resources through information sharing, dialogue and consensus building
N/A
2. Livelihood concerns of local communities are integrated into decision making in river basin management and wetlands governance in pilot sites, through multi-stakeholder dialogues
N/A
3. Learning from regional knowledge on participatory water governance collated and communicated by project & NWG members is used by stakeholders in Lower Mekong Region
4. Strategic partnerships & alliances established at regional and transboundary levels to promote water governance policies that support livelihood security, human & ecosystem health in LMR
Project website: http://www.iucn.org/asia/mekong_dialogues
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................2
2. Important Changes in the Project Context ......................................................2
3. Overall Progress towards Results ...................................................................4
4. Project Management and Administration..........................................................4
5. Status of Planned Activities .............................................................................4
6. Leverage and Sustainability ............................................................................40
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List of acronyms used CEPA CEPF
Culture and Environment Preservation Association, Cambodia Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund
DoE DWR FACT FiA
Department of Environment, Lao PDR Department of Water Resources, ( Lao PDR, Thailand, Viet Nam) Fisheries Action Coalition Team Fisheries Administration of Cambodia
IFC IRN IUCN
International Finance Corporation International Rivers Network International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
LMB MARD MIST
Lower Mekong Basin Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Viet Nam) Management Information System
MRC MoE MoNRE MSD MWD NGO NPA NWG
Mekong River Commission Ministry of Environment, Cambodia Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Lao PDR, Thailand, Viet Nam,) Multi-stakeholder Dialogue Mekong Water Dialogues Non-Governmental Organisation National Protected Area National Working Group
PSC Project Steering Committee SIDA Sumernet
Swedish International Development Agency Sustainable Mekong Research Network
SWSC TRF USAID WWF WCS
South-West Steering Committee Thailand research Fund United States Agency for International Development World Wildlife Fund/World Wide Fund for Nature Wildlife Conservation Society
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MWD Annual Progress Report
January – December, 2013
1. Introduction
The Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) is one of the richest river basins in the world. It is home to the
world’s largest freshwater fisheries comprising over 800 native species. Mekong ecosystem
services sustain the livelihoods of millions of people.
For this reason, it is vital that the importance of integrated river basin management including
effective governance of water and wetlands is recognised and understood in the region.
Governance aspects in particular need to be addressed at both the policy and grassroots levels
with the active involvement of governmental agencies, the non-governmental sector, civil
society, media, and local communities. Recognising the pressing needs of the region, IUCN in
collaboration with stakeholders, is implementing the Mekong Water Dialogues (MWD). This
endeavour is being undertaken with the financial support of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the
Government of Finland. The project covers the countries in the Lower Mekong Basin, i.e.
Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
The MWD project aims at mainstreaming stakeholder participation in water (and wetland)
resource decision-making in the region. The ultimate purpose is to positively contribute towards
improving livelihood security and human and ecosystem health in the region.
The project is thre-quarters through its second phase (2010-14) of implementation. The current
report presents the progress achieved during the period from January to December 2013.
2. Important Changes in the Project Context
In Cambodia, a government restructuring included the appointment of a new Minister of MoE,
providing new opportunities for engagement. At the same time a hotly contested election, with a
disputed result has led to a certain amount of political uncertainty, although as yet, this has had
no apparent consequences for MWD.
In Lao PDR, after successful initiation of the construction of the first large hydropower dam on
the lower Mekong mainstream, the Xayaburi dam, the government has made clear its intention
to move ahead with the Don Sahong Dam, close to the Cambodian border. Widespread concern
has been expressed by scientists and NGOs about potential impacts of the Don Sahong dam on
Mekong migratory fish, the small population of Irrawaddy Dolphins at the Lao-Cambodia trans-
boundary deep pool area, and on the neighbouring Stung Treng Ramsar site in Cambodia.
Discussions between MRC member countries on which MRC processes the dam should be
subject to, have not managed to reach agreement at the Joint Committee (JC) level, and have
been referred to the Council (Ministerial) level for further discussion.
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In Thailand, early in the year the government continued to push ahead with the $12 billion
investment in the water sector in response to the 2011 floods. Several of the individual projects
making up the package were subject to growing protests by local activists and civil society –
such as the proposed Mae Wong dam in the Western Forest Complex – the core of which is the
Huay Kha Khaeng-Thung Yai Naresuan World Heritage Site. Many IUCN member organizations
in Thailand are opposed to the dam and the IUCN National Committee in Thailand asked for an
IUCN assessment of the proposed dam. In the latter part of the year, the political situation in
Thailand deteriorated considerably with street protests causing the government to dissolve
parliament, announcing a new election for 02 February. While the government now continues a
“caretaker” role, progress on many of the water sector projects has stalled. This will likely also
impact the timing of MWD Thailand’s plans to submit a draft water law for parliamentary
consideration in 2014
In 2010, the Prime Ministers of Viet Nam and the Netherlands agreed to support the preparation
of the Mekong Delta Plan (MDP); a 100-year vision for the Mekong Delta. The MDP was
modelled on a plan that was prepared for the Rhine-Meuse-Scheld Delta in the Netherlands in
2008. That exercise was based on extensive stakeholder participation because of the impacts
that different development and conservation options would have on the delta residents.
Similarly, the MDP makes recommendations that imply winners and losers. Public consultations
were intended to get feedback on these recommendations from those who would be most
affected by them. In 2012, a consultation about version 1.0 of this plan was held in Hau Giang
Province. However, results from this consultation were not satisfactory to the delta’s experts and
citizens. They therefore came to IUCN/MWD to propose to us to take a lead on the process in
2013 to ensure a wide range of voices would be heard. By the end of 2013 a revised version of
the MDP, integrating comments and perspectives coming from the public consultations
facilitated by MWD, was presented to the Prime Minister for approval.
In May 2013, at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit which took place in Chiang Mai, Thailand,
Viet Nam’s Vice Prime Minister officially called on Asia-Pacific countries to consider becoming
signatories to the UN Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International
Watercourses (UN Convention 1997). After that, the Department of Water Resource
Management (MoNRE) was assigned as a focal point for the country’s efforts in entering this
convention. Throughout the year, MWD supported the government (particularly the Department
of Water Resource Management within MONRE) with information and discussions on this issue
(also collaborating closely with WWF). By the end of the year the documents for ratifying the
convention had already passed ministerial review and are being presented to the Prime Minister
for expected approval in early 2014. It is expected that Vice-Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai will
announce the intention to ratify the convention at a World Water Day event in Lao Cai in late
March.
In 2012-2013, Viet Nam experienced a wide range of water debates for the first time from the
Mekong mainstream dams to the dams constructed or under planned construction in Viet Nam.
There are a number of dam-related incidents that happened in the country. For example, the
leaking of Song Tranh Dam in Quang Nam, broken dams in Dak Mek (Gia Lai) and Dakrong 3
(Quang Tri) etc. that raised public concern about dam safety and national water management.
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The plan for construction of two hydropower dams in Dong Nai near the Bau Sau Ramsar Site
and the Nam Cat Tien World Heritage nomination site also attracted the attention of the public,
especially water and environmental activists.
For the last decade, IUCN has consistently been invited as an observer to all MRC Joint
Committee and Council meetings. However, from mid 2013 onwards, IUCN has no longer been
invited to these meetings, as MRC itself is reviewing to criteria for observer status at these
meetings, and surprisingly has decided that while they are reviewing the criteria they will not
invite the former observers. However IUCN continues to collaborate closely with the MRC
Development Partners Group, contributing to joint statements that the group makes to the MRC.
Much of what IUCN inputs to this, is based on the experiences of MWD.
3. Overall Progress towards Results
The progress towards achieving the intended results has been very good in 2013, and many
activities have been undertaken to this end by the respective country and regional components.
The efforts to engage as many stakeholders as possible - from policy makers to local
communities - are being carried out with encouraging results. The following sections sum up the
progress in this regard.
Contributing to Result 1, In Cambodia the NWG supported a National Forum on Community
Fisheries and is lobbying for implementation of the recommendations coming out of that. In
Laos the NWG Members have provided input into two revised drafts of the proposed new water
law, while in Thailand the NWG has been involved in a series of nationwide community
dialogues around the government’s proposed water and flood management plans, as well as
the development of a new “Peoples’” draft water law. Two NWG members have been appointed
to the government committee reviewing the proposed law. The NWG in Viet Nam has been
effective in lobbying for Vietnamese ratification of the UN 1997 Convention on Non-navigational
Uses of International Water Courses; and for removal of two dams from national hydropower
plans by the Prime Minister.
Contributing to Result 2, In Cambodia a consultancy paper has been written, updating
governance issues in the Tonle Sap in the post Fishing Lot concession era, and a detailed
situation analysis of three fishing communities has been conducted in former fishing lot areas.
Detailed village ranger based monitoring of fisheries and biodiversity was implemented
throughout the year in the Beung Chhmar Ramsar site, providing valuable information for site
management decision making that supports both local livelihoods and biodiversity conservation
objectives. In Lao PDR community dialogues in 8 communities along the Mekong mainstream
between Luang Prabang and Vientiane, resulted in community decisions to establish four new
Fish Conservation Zones. A series of multi-stakeholder dialogues finalised the local site
regulations for the Xe Champone Ramsar site, and a further dialogue was held on the role of
women in fisheries in Attapeu. The work to create opportunities for real community
representation in the structure of the Nam Lik sub-basin committee has been rather less
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successful. While MWD has been able to invite community stakeholders to dialogue meetings, it
has not been able to secure adequate numbers of places for them on the formal structure
established by the government. In Thailand, MWD in partnership with the Thailand Research
Fund and WWF Thailand, achieved integration/mainstreaming of wetlands management and
conservation into local administration plans, taking into account wetland dependent
communities and their livelihoods. In Viet Nam, MWD organized three consultations on the
Mekong Delta Plan (MDP) for the delta’s farmers, provincial leaders, South-West Steering
Committee (SWSC) and the delta’s experts. These inputs were incorporated in a revised
version of the MDP submitted to the Prime Minister. MWD supported the successful submission
of Viet Nam’s 5th Ramsar site, Mui Ca Mau, prepared the submission for Con Dao, and started
to prepare the submission for Lang Sen and U Minh Thong.
Contributing to Result 3 in 2013 MWD delivered 10 presentations at regional and international
conferences; wrote one Op Ed in the Bangkok Post, published 5 new technical reports,
distributed 4 issues of MWD E-Newsletter; uploaded 50 new web stories; appeared on T.V. at
least 8 times and in print mass media 24 times. On the one hand, it is clear that MWD is doing a
great job of generating a wealth of information and knowledge products, but on the other hand it
is difficult to know to what extent others are making use of these outputs. Total visits to the web
page are still relatively low, and readership of the E-newsletter has not expanded much beyond
around 350 subscribers (IUCN has a policy of not sending out uninvited mass mailings of e-
news, so numbers only increase in response to requests).
Contributing to Result 4 in 2013 A strong regional partnership with CPWF and the Goethe
Institute together with co-financing from Sida facilitated the production and dissemination of the
documentary “MEKONG: Viet Nam - the Delta”, a 25-minute film exploring how people of the
Mekong Delta in Viet Nam are coping with rapid development and environmental change.
English, Thai, Khmer, Vietnamese and Lao versions were made available.
A strong partnership with the Asia Foundation enabled MWD in Thailand to work more intensively on development of a draft water law and dialogue around the government’s water and flood management plansThe Mekong Institute (MI) and Internal Security Operations
Command (ISOC) were identified as potential new strategic partners. These possibilities will be
explored further in 2014 A weakness in achievement to date under Result 3 is that most of the MWD partnerships that have been developed (as with those mentioned above) are issue-specific or country-specific and time bound – not really representing a broad regional partnership for trans-boundary governance. It seems unlikely that this situation will really change significantly in 2014. In addition, MWD Partnership with the MRC has become less effective in 2013 since a decision
was taken to exclude IUCN (and others) from participation as observers in the Joint Committee
and Council meetings of MRC, pending development of clear criteria to define which
organizations should be admitted. However collaboration with the MRC Development Partners
group has continued unaffected.
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4. Project Management and Administration
In March 2013, Ms Chenda Say joined IUCN Cambodia as the Communication Officer. Within
IUCN Cambodia, Chenda is responsible for implementing communication activities for all
existing projects – MWD, BCR, MFF and EU-NSA, working as a team with the project field
coordinators under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer.
Since the Country Representative of Lao PDR left IUCN in June 2013, the Water and Wetlands
Programme Coordinator became responsible for the overall management of the MWD Lao
component. A new MWD field officer Khamphat Xeausing, was recruited for the Xe Champhone
Ramsar Site to carry out the work planned at site level and to strengthen links with the
communities and the Ramsar Provincial Committee. A “Princeton in Asia” (PiA) Fello Wendy
Atieno, has been supporting MWD communications in Lao PDR in the second half of the year.
In the lat quarter of the year, Thatsaphone Songbandith was recruited as the new IUCN Lao
ountry Programme Manager, and has been providing oversight and support to MWD since that
time.
In January 2013, Dr Chamniern Paul Vorratnchaiphan joined IUCN as the Country
Representative for Thailand, and has been providing country-level oversight and support for
MWD Thailand throughout the year.
5. Status of Planned Activities
ACTIVITIES CONTRIBUTING TOWARD RESULTS
Result 1: NWGs participate in the management of water resources and use shared knowledge and improved consensus to contribute to decision-making at national and regional levels
1.1 NWGs participate in and help guide the MWD process
In Cambodia, the first NWG meeting took place on 2 May 2013 at Pursat. The progress of the
activities undertaken to date was discussed during the meeting, as well as a plan of action for
the remaining part of 2013. Participants at the meeting were presented with information about
the death of 25 tonnes of fish in a violent storm at the Boeung Chhmar Ramsar Site. A day after
the meeting, participants visited Boeung Tonle Chhmar to better understand the combination of
human action and climate change impacts that had caused this loss. The deaths occurred
during a storm as a result of shallow waters and a high concentration of sediment caused by the
extended dry season in 2013 (together with water use for irrigation). The deaths included two
Mekong Giant Barbs, which are listed amongst IUCN’s critically endangered species. The field
visit enhanced the understanding of the participants about the urgent need for ecosystem-based
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resilience and adaptation to climate change. Under future climate scenarios the dry season will
be drier, hotter and longer, meaning the fish population will be increasingly more vulnerable to
this kind of event in the future – unless other measure can be put in place to ensure water levels
are maintained at greater depths.
The second NWG meeting, held on September 30, 2013 in Phnom Penh was chaired by Dr.
Srey Sunleang and attended by the NWG members. The purposes of the meeting are to inform
and report about MWD progress activities from January and August 2013, to discuss and seek
advice from NWG members on a concept note for production of a video documentary about
Livelihoods in Boeung Chhmar Ramsar Site (BCRS); design and preparation of a Vulnerability
and Capacity Assessment (VCA) on Climate Change Impacts; and Promotion of a Gender
Network in BCRS, and to discuss and identify key activities for the MWD Work Plan 2014. The
meeting provided advice and suggestions regarding challenges/conflicts between local
communities in fisheries management; resource use and protection; updating the management
plan of Boeung Chhmar Ramsar Site/Core Areas; providing more capacity building to local
rangers and local communities on negotiation skills; promoting local livelihoods and promoting
education and awareness; and engaging the participation from all key stakeholders in both
natural resources conservation and local livelihoods development in Boeung Chhmar Ramsar
Site.
In Lao PDR, One NWG meeting was held on 6 June. The NWG discussions focused mainly on
revision of the national law on water resources, through a review of the concept paper of the law
provided by DWR and IFC. The development of a tourism action plan for the Beung Kiat Ngong
Ramsar Site was also a focus for NWG discussions. Progress of these activities was discussed
in order to adequately plan the implementation of the workplan in the second part of the year.
The IUCN Lao team also shared documents and articles related to water management in the
country and within the region. Despite limited participation in the meetings, discussions were
successful and improved consequent drafts and technical documents presented.
Throughout the rest of the year, no “formal” NWG meetings were held, but instead NWG
members were more involved in a number of field activities, where exchanges and discussions
between members representing different departments and agencies happened around these
activities and aimed towards integrating approaches across different sectors (see Lao parts in
sections 1.2, 2.1,2.3,3.1,4.6 below)
In Thailand, eight meetings with sub-groups of NWG members have been conducted. The first
one was conducted prior to World Wetlands Day in January; the second during the local World
Wetlands Day events in Kang-lawa and Wieng Nong Lom wetlands in February; and the third,
during the Mekong food security workshop in Chiang Rai in March. Regular communication by
email and telephone has been maintained between NWG members.
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Five informal NWG meetings with sub-groups of NWG members have been conducted prior to,
and in conjunction with the water law public hearing and the community dialogues to discuss
and voice civil society’s concern to the water and flood management plan. The meetings were
conducted on 20 April, in Phayao, 25 May in Surathani, 21 June in Nakhonphathom, 13 July in
Nakhonsawan, and 10 August in Chantaburee.
A formal NWG meeting was conducted on 28 August 2013, which involved 10 NWG members
who also participated in the 6th public hearing workshop for the integrated water law, in
Mahasarakham Province in the North-eastern region of Thailand. The meeting acknowledged
progress and achievements of actions and agreed upon further action according to the annual
work plan. The meeting also brainstormed and shared ideas for development of the annual work
plan 2014. The final formal NWG meeting for 2013 was held in December to discuss the annual
progress and the work plan for 2014.
In Viet Nam, communication with NWG members was regularly made by the IUCN team in
relation to different aspects of water governance. An NWG meeting was held in Buon Ma Thuot
in January 2013 to review progress in 2012 and agree upon planned activities for 2013. During
the meeting, NWG members agreed upon the need for MWD to direct its support to MDP to
ensure a better round of public hearings in this important plan. The members also required
MWD to work more directly with hot issues including the third rice crop and hard infrastructures
in the delta.
Representatives of each NWG joined the PSC meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on 12 June and
discussed the achievements for the first half of the year.
All NWG members of Vietnam also met on 13 June to review the progress in first 6 months and
consider the context changes and propose modification of activities in the next 6 months.
Detailed proposals to support the MDP consultation and UNWC ratification processes were
agreed in this meeting.
On 26 December 2013, the year-end NWG Meeting took place in Can Tho City to review the
project achievements in 2013 and discuss the plan for 2014. Some focuses for MWD Vietnam
were agreed including continuing support for MDP and UNWC, and capacity building for
Southwest Steering Committee to ensure regional coordination in water-related decision
making, NWG members provided inputs to the VMRC-led “Assessment of impacts of upstream
Hydropower dams”, and documentation of CSOs efforts on water governance etc.
1.2 Training provided to NWGs in water governance, IWRM, wetlands management, policy advocacy, etc (as per needs assessment)
In Lao PDR, National working groups members were invited to participate to the Regional
workshop on wetlands governance as well as to the exposure visit on the Tonle Sap in
Cambodia (see 3.1). These activities provided an opportunity for them to visit the BKN Ramsar
site in Lao PDR as well as to discover the Tonle Sap and the Preak Toal area in Cambodia.
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These events included presentations of case studieson wetlands governance and
wetlands/fisheries management from other countries and significantly raised the understanding
of NWG members on possible ways to adequately manage freshwater resources/wetlands.
This led also to side meetings amongst the MWD Lao NWG to discuss and put in perspective
the activities conducted in Lao PDR. In addition, the participation of representatives from the
Lao Ramsar sites communities to the same meetings led to interesting discussion between
NWG members and community groups in a neutral, non hierarchical environment (abroad, in
the field) and increased the mutual understanding.
In Cambodia, the MWD Deputy-Chair Mr. Va Moeun Attended the Mekong Water Dialogues
(MWD) Project Steering Committee Meeting, held on 12 June 2013, in Ho Chi Minh City. The purpose was to discuss and evaluate the progress of the MWD project and to exchange ideas and experiences in a Southeast Asian context.
Two NWG members Mr. Tek Vannara and Mr. Long Sochet attended the Wetlands Governance in Asia workshop, held on 20-23 August 2013 in Pakse, Lao PDR, aiming to promote understanding of governance mechanisms and institutional arrangements that help in scientifically based management and sustainable use of wetlands for the benefit of local people and biodiversity, in a trans-boundary and regional context (with a particular focus on large lakes and deltas). Dr. Srey Sunleang, Mr. Tek Vannara, Mr. Long Sochet, and Ms. Chaou Chantha attended the MWD Regional MWD and NWG Meeting in Siem Reap on 30-31 October 2013, aiming to update on 2013 implementation from each country and from the regional level; update MWD communications activities; and working on draft workplan and budget for 2014, with participation from the National Working Group (NWG) of each countries.
In Viet Nam, NWG members attended some workshops/seminars on water governance related
issues. E.g, NWG members attended a number of workshops on UNWC, water and energy etc. held by MoNRE and MRC; 3 members attended the Workshop on Trans-boundary Water Management in Pakse, Laos PDR; and the NWG Chair attended the seminar Cooperating Beyond Borders: Successful Examples of Transboundary Water Management held by World Water Council and the Cercle français de l’eau in collaboration with the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
1.3 NWGs engage in specific dialogues and develop strategic alliances at the national level to support desired outcomes
In Cambodia, World Wetlands Day was launched on 23 and 24 February 2013 at Peam Krasop
High School and Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary in Koh Kong Province. The event was
attended by about 650 people from Panhasatra University of Cambodia (PUC) in Phnom Penh,
local students from Peam Krasop High School and Primary School, the Department of Coastal
Zones and Wetlands of MoE, PDoE and the IUCN team. The two-day event was a success, with
500 mangrove seedlings and 15 bags of coastal grasses being planted in the Peam Krasop
Wildlife Sanctuary. Majority of local students and students from PUC have been aware of the
importance of World Wetlands Day 2013 whose theme was “WETLANDS TAKE CARE OF
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WATER”, which aimed at raising public awareness of the Ramsar Convention and of the values
and benefits of wetlands.
MWD Cambodia cooperated with the Global Fish
Alliance and Fisheries Action Coalition Team
(FACT), Advocacy and Policy Institute (API),
Coalition of Cambodian Fishers (CCF) and FiA to
organize the National Conference on Progress of
Community Fisheries on May 30, 2013 in
Banteay Meanchey Province. The National
Conference focused on progress of community
fisheries after the fisheries reform, and brought
together 320 participants across the nation to
understand the progress made and the
challenges faced by community fisheries in the sustainable management of natural resources.
The following are key suggestions from the Forum. The Fisheries Administration (FiA) must:
- Clearly define the Fishery Conservation Zone by consulting local communities;
- Give more rights to Community Fisheries (CFi) to eliminate illegal fishing;
- Strengthen law enforcement and disseminate law/regulations related to fisheries;
- Stop land encroachment and deforestation in flooded forest areas;
- Solve the water-use conflict between farming and fisheries;
- Integrate the CFi plan into the commune investment and development plan;
In addition,
- All stakeholders should cooperate in regular monitoring to eliminate illegal fishing;
- NGOs and Government agencies should Provide technical and financial support
In responding to the recommendations above, MWD in co-financing with the IUCN EU-NSA
project is supporting three fishing communities in Tonle Sap – Plov Touk of Kampong Chhnang
province, Balot-Boeung Chhmar of Kampong Thom province and Kampong Phluk of Siem Reap
province, to strengthen their capacity in negotiation skills; to demarcate and manage the small-
scale Fish Conservation Zone (FCZ), as well as building their network with other fishing
communities in Tonle Sap to manage fishery resources sustainably.
In Lao PDR, MWD organized two events to celebrate World Wetlands Day 2013, one at the
Stadium of Agriculture and Forestry College, Pakse District, Champasack province and one at
the Meeting Hall of Phathoumphone District, Champasack province. The total participation was
185 and 80 people respectively, including government representatives, teachers, and students.
MWD Lao PDR also supported the Government of Lao PDR (GoL) in organizing WWD related
activities in Champassak. There were 350 stakeholders in total from key government agencies,
11
schools, environmental organizations, and the private sector who gathered in Paksong District
for the first celebration of International World Water Day (WWD).
MWD Lao PDR continued its involvement in the revision of the national law on water resources
(Water Law). In addition to NWG meetings on this topic, the MWD Lao team members together
with the MWD NWG representatives participated in the national workshop discussing the
concept paper. The Water and Wetlands Coordinator shared his comments and the review from
the NWG and met several times with the consultant from IFC in charge of the project. The MWD
National coordinator involved the NWG and IUCN network (environment law center,
international NGO members of IUCN, IUCN Commission on Environmental law…) in revising
the first (and second) drafts of the National Water law in July/August 2013. MWD produced a
short report compiling the comments and provided it to DWR and IFC. Most of the comments
have been considered by DWR. The last version of the draft submitted by DWR to NA was not
passed in late 2013. The Lao Government will finalize a new draft over the next six months (first
half of 2014) and re-submit. MWD plans to support the drafting of an implementing decree once
the law has been approved by the NA, probably not until mid/late 2014.
In Thailand, On 22 February 2013, MWD organized a consultation meeting with community
groups, NGOs, GOs and academic institutions, to develop a legal reform framework for the
integration of laws relating to land, water, forest and the environment. The main learning point
was to understand the linkages between natural resource issues and individual pieces of
sectoral legislation on water, environmental quality, coastal and marine management, land
management, mining and human health, in order to ensure their integration in the water
legislation drafting process. The meeting was jointly organized by MWD with the Law Reform
Commission of Thailand (LRCT), the Asia Foundation, and Assembly for the Protection of the
Environment and Natural Resources as part of the development of, and petitioning for, a
“peoples’ draft” water law. On 23 April, two NWG members were appointed as members of the
official government sub-committee on water law reform. They have official status in undertaking
the task of drafting the water law. During the reporting period, NWG members were engaged in
local, national and international dialogues such as taking part in organizing the World Wetlands
Day in Chiang Rai and Khon Kaen Provinces in February and March, taking part in the
International Workshop on Mekong Food Security and the National Workshop on World Water
Day, both held in March. Eight NWG members participated in the Mekong Food Security
Workshop in Chiang Rai on 12 and 13 March 2013.
During the year, a series of public hearing
workshops were conducted for integrated water
law reform, including local dialogues on the
government’s water resource management and
flood prevention strategy, as follows: 20-21 April
in Phayao (North) 25-26 May in Surat Than
(South); 22-23 June in Nakhon Pathom (West);
13-14 July in Nakhonsawan (Central);10-11
August in Chantaburi (South-east); and 29-30
12
August in Mahasarakham (North-east); followed by a workshop in Bangkok.
Each workshop was conducted over two days – one day on water law and the next day for
water management and flood prevention. The objectives of these meetings were to hear the
community members’ feedback, concerns and interests in relation to water resource
management, the government’s proposed plans, and what they would like to see in a new water
law. In total 660 participants attended the provincial workshops (269 women and 391 men) and
221 people attended the Bangkok workshop (60 women and 161 men). As a general
conclusion, it was consistently found that the communities are increasingly concerned about the
right to water resources, particularly for everyday subsistence uses, water for household
consumption and traditional uses, water for small-scale agricultural practices, and water for
ecosystems
These dialogues have been broadcasted by local radio networks and covered by local cable TV
for public communication and are published on the web on http://www.lrct.go.th/?p=6854,
http://www.tcijthai.com/tcijthai/view.php?ids=2614.
In addition, the water law drafting committee (including two MWD NWG Members) met regularly
throughout the year. The draft law was finalized on 12 December 2013. The next steps planned
for 2014 are to conduct campaigns for public understanding for voters support, and the
collection of signatures to propose the draft law to the house of representative and Senate
according to the constitution, section 163. A first meeting to start planning the campaign for
public support for the draft law has been scheduled for 27 February 2014.
In Viet Nam, WWD was held in Ca Mau (together with Biodiversity Day in May). MWD
supported the translation of a Ramsar Guideline on WWD and other communication materials to
Vietnamese, holding a workshop on wetlands and Ramsar Site conservation.
The NWG members were actively involved in water debates, including the success of stopping
the Dong Nai 6 and 6A dams. The NWG Chair Dr Dao Trong Tu and other members joined
many consultation rounds on these controversial hydropower dams. Although investors have
made every effort to accelerate the process under strong pressure from the public, the Prime
Minister has decided to stop and take these dams out of the national hydropower plan.
NWG members in Viet Nam have been involved in supporting Viet Nam to ratify the UN
Watercourse Convention of 1997. In May 2013, Viet Nam’s Vice Prime Minister announced the
government‘s interest in endorsing this Convention and assigned MoNRE to take the lead on
preparing a roadmap for ratifying it. MWD discussed this with WWF and MoNRE to agree on
further steps. A series of consultations are planned from now (June) to the end of the year.
As in the previous years, MWD continues to support BCA (daily contacts of Ramsar in Viet
Nam) to prepare RISs and communicate in the designation of new sites. The RIS for Mui Ca
Mau was prepared by the MWD coordinator and submitted last year, and now, Mui Ca Mau has
been successfully designed as the country’s fifth Ramsar Site. The RIS for Con Dao was also
13
prepared by the MWD coordinator was submitted to the Ramsar Secretariat and RISs for Lang
Sen and U Minh Thuong have been started.
NWG members also provided input to Decision 182/QD-TTg: on approval of a National Action
Plan for effective and integrated management, protection, and utilisation of water resources in
the period of 2014-2020.
The Action Plan includes 9 main tasks:
1) Improve water resource-related policies, legislation and strategies… 2) Proactively adapt and response to the impacts of CC and from water development of
upstream nations (quite general, includes research, assessment, monitor impacts etc.) 3) Water resource planning, inventory, baseline research, monitoring…
4) Control, prevent, limit the water pollution, degradation, exhaustion 5) Promote harmonisation, integration and saving water resources, and develop effective
models for water utilisation. 6) Apply advanced science/technology
7) Expand, enhance international cooperation (Entering UNWC was stated as an clause in this article) a) Actively participate the international and regional fora, and UN fora on transboundary water issue and water resources in general. b) Enter UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, and proactively prepare the necessary conditions to actively use the Convention’s mechanisms for solving problems regarding transboundary water. c) Strengthen capacity in negotiating issues regarding transboundary water exploitation, utilisation, and protection. Promote to incorporate sustainable water management and utilisation in the regional cooperation frameworks (e.g. APEC, ASEM, ASEAN) and in sub-Mekong Region. d) International fundraising
8) Awareness raising 9) Improve institutional arrangements
Result 2: Livelihood concerns of local communities are integrated into decision making in river basin management and wetlands governance in pilot sites, through multi-stakeholder dialogues
2.1 Stakeholder and Issue Analysis
In Lao PDR, several studies have been planned under the MWD Lao PDR workplan which are
closely linked with development of complementary proposals or initiatives at site level (mainly in
Xe Champhone). IUCN Lao PDR has jointly developed proposals with FAO and the Lao
Government to ensure the sustainability of activities and initiatives implemented under MWD.
On July 4 2013, IUCN Lao PDR hosted a one-day workshop at its Vientiane office to report to all
levels of government on the achievements and future plans of the project “Conserving
Biodiversity and Sustaining Livelihoods along the Mekong River in Luang Phrabang, Xayabouri
14
and Vientiane Provinces, Laos” which was funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
(CEPF) and received support from the Mekong Water Dialogue on its MSD components.
The workshop participants included representatives from several environmental agencies at
district, provincial, and central government-level of the study area, as well as representatives
from the Faculty of Science at the National University of Laos, FISHBIO, and the Lao
Biodiversity Association (which is an IUCN member).
Following this workshop, a series of participatory workshops were held in proposed project sites
from July 12 to 19 (Mekong river between Luang Phrabang and Vientiane). These communities
had already participated in workshops to draft regulations and boundaries for Fish Conservation
Zones (FCZ) and could participate in the finalization of their drafts for approval by their District
Governors’ office. During this field trip, 8 communities agreed on the creation of 4 FCZs totaling
160 hectares of river that will be closed to fishing during the spawning season for endangered
species.
This phase of the CEPF project came to a close on August 16 at the National University of
Laos, with a conference to present findings and project development proposals hosted by the
Faculty of Science. Students and research assistants gave accounts of their time in working and
training with national and international consultants. The biodiversity report and the livelihood
assessment report, were both published in December as a joint product from CEPF and MWD.
MWD support under this project made possible a real MSD approach by increasing the
opportunities for workshops and meetings at central and sites level which had initially been
underestimated in the project proposal. This resulted in an “in depth” participatory approach, key
of success for this initiative.
http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/
?13740/Finalization-of-Phase-2-of-the-CEPF
http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/?14237/biodiversit
y-and-livelihood-on-the-Mekong-river-between-Luang-Phrabang-and-Vientiane-in-Lao-PDR
The MWD Lao PDR component initiated a vulnerability assessment of Beung Kiat Ngong
communities to Climate change in December. The MWD team conducted workshops using a
participatory approach to assess the local vulnerability of livelihood and water use for the 8
villages of the core Ramsar site. This will provide a basis to draft local adaptation plans to
climate change to be inserted in a revised version of the Ramsar site management plan. The
final report is expected in mid 2014.
In Viet Nam, the IUCN team and NWG members provided support for the realisation of a movie
on the Mekong Delta, as a follow up to the movie “Mekong” produced in 2012. The MWD Viet
Nam team facilitated field visits and interviews with key stakeholders and NWG members
participated in the movie as interviewees. “Mekong: the Delta” was released in October 2013
and in collaboration with the Goethe Institute, three screenings were held in Hanoi in November
15
for students in Hanoi National University, University of Polytechnique, and Goethe Institute.
Another screening was held for delta students in the Can Tho Unversity.
2.2 Establish and maintain MSD process
In Cambodia, MWD has been working co-financing the new European Union-funded Non-
State Actors project in Cambodia, “Strengthening Capacity of Fishing Communities in the Tonle
Sap to Manage Their Natural Resources Sustainably”, which is being implemented by IUCN and
FACT over four years (2013-2016). The project is working with local authorities and community
fisheries for three pilot projects in the Tonle Sap with three expected outcomes:
1. Strengthened capacity of CFis to negotiate, demarcate, and manage FCZs;
2. Enhanced CFi ability to network with other communities to manage FCZs; and
3. Value of FCZs demonstrated and management costs included in commune budgets. Under
this project, the situation analysis is being conducted to examine the socio-economic,
institutional and political dynamics affecting fisheries management and livelihoods in three
project sites on the Tonle Sap.
A situation Analysis study identified that:
• The new Fishery Conservation Zones (FCZ) need to clarify management regimes: e.g.
role of new community fisheries, definition of resources rights, and zoning
• Proximity of the FCZ to the village is a key factor in poor people’s access to resources
• Village-level community entities make more sense than commune-level, due to the
dispersed nature of populations
• Community Fisheries (CFi) areas are of interest to communities because they are seen
as a way to (i) exclude outsiders and (ii) increase fish catch, as a result of the “spill-over”
effect and fishing around the boundary of protected pools
• In regard to Community institutions, closer attention to state-society relations is
necessary
The Situation Analysis report makes recommendations for project implementation and
monitoring protocols, especially in the light of emerging risks and opportunities. With careful
engagement, the project has a significant opportunity to achieve its expected outcomes and
positively influence the trajectory of governance on the lake, in this highly dynamic and
uncertain post-lot era. The full report is available at:
http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/publications_of_iucn
_cambodia_/ )
16
In Lao PDR, MWD continued its support to DWR in implementing a River Basin Committee in
the Nam Lik sub basin. Several meetings have been held with the Department of Water
Resources to discuss the activities carried out in 2012 and how to follow them up. DoWR sent
documents to IUCN (e.g., the management plan, composition of the Nam Lik task force). These
documents still need improving through workshops and allocation of a specific consultant to this.
MWD Lao PDR worked on a draft for a new agreement with DWR including a consultancy to
lead the drafting of the management plan.
The Water Resources Department and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment,
through the Vientiane Provincial Natural Resources and Department Division held a one-day
consultation workshop in Keo Oudum to discuss the logical framework approach of the Nam Lik
Sub-River Basin Management Plan. The purpose of the meeting was for participants to discuss
the best economic, socio-cultural and environmental approaches to the management plans.
In attendance were the Keo Oudom District Governor, Mr Kongkham Inphayalath; the Deputy
Head of the Provincial Water Resources Division, Mr Bounhieng Sayaseng; and Head of
Administration Division of the Water Resources Division, Mr Phonesay Simmalavong. In total,
25 people drawn from Vientiane capital, government agencies in Vientiane province and
districts within the Nam Lik Sub-River basin participated in this workshop.
The final consultation workshop was held on the 19 th December 2013 at Feuang district. There
were over 40 people from various districts within the Nam Lik sub-basin, relevant government
staff from Vientiane province, some head cluster villages, private sectors,WRD staff from
Vientiane Capital, consultants and IUCN.
A draft of the management plan will be submitted in early 2014. It will require significant
revision. Despite close coordination from IUCN team and regular reminders and advice on the
need to involve local communities on decision making (and not only consultation) the MSD
aspect of this component of the MWD has been somehow disappointing. It has been therefore
decided not to support further the management plan (revision will be provided to the last version
of the management plan but not financial support for its implementation) but instead to suggest
the inclusion of the Nam Lik management plan to the overall funded project for the Nam Ngeum
basin management.
http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/
?14096/Consultation-Workshop-of-the-Nam-Lik-River-Basin-Management-Plan
The MWD Lao PDR workplan also included support
for the implementation of the Beung Kiat Ngong
Ramsar Site management plan, with a focus on
supporting activities including MSD. One of the
highlights of this section for the reporting period has
been the drafting of a tourism action plan for the site.
Two workshops have been held by the MWD Lao
PDR and the Ramsar Provincial Secretariat to assess
the situation in terms of ecotourism at site level and
17
designing an action plan with officials and local communities to build on the opportunities in
terms of tourism at site level. A final draft has been discussed in a meeting on 29 May 2013.
This draft will have to be improved and endorsed by provincial authorities before being shared
with donors.
This draft has been widely shared with local officials and officials at central level. It also has
been used by the consultancy company hired to assess the feasibility of the KfW proposal. Most
of the recommendations and activities built in this tourism action plan have been taken over in
the revised KfW proposal and will constitute a significant part of the investment budget to
develop alternative livelihood and improve the income of local communities.
http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/
?13401/Conserving-wetlands-through-tourism
MWD Lao PDR activities also included support to the Ramsar Provincial Secretariat meetings to
revise the composition of the committee. At the Xe Champhone Ramsar Site, multi-stakeholder
dialogues have been held to discuss and finalise the draft for site regulation based on the study
conducted on customary rights. This workshop included central government representatives as
well as provincial and district government representatives and representatives from
communities from each village in the Ramsar site.
As initially planned under the project, MWD Lao supported the hiring of a new field coordinator,
Khamphat Xeuasing for the Xe Champhone Ramsar site in October 2013. This new field
coordinator started liaising with Ramsar authorities at site level to collect/gather local concern
and ideas for activities implementation to be inserted in the MWD 2014 workplan . Khamphat
also provided trainings on the Ramsar convention to local stakeholders on a regular basis. He
sits now in the Provincial office of the Ministry of Natural resource and environment. He will
participate in village meetings on a regular basis in 2014 and will support implementation of
activities at site level.
MWD Lao PDR also supported the organization of a workshop in Attapeu on the involvement of
women in local fisheries. Participants in the workshop included women fishers and village chiefs
from six study villages, district and provincial representatives from the Lao Women’s Union, the
Deputy Director from the Attapeu Provincial Office of Livestock and Fisheries, and a research
team from the Lao National University.
MWD also supported biodiversity surveys in the 2 Ramsar sites; these surveys involved
trainings by international consultants with local staff from Xe Pian NPA and Ramsar Provincial
Committees.The reports for Xe Champhone and Beung Kiet Ngong will be published in early
and mid 2014 respectively.These surveys included a scientific research carried out by
international consultants and also contributed to capacity building and training on biodiversity
survey techniques and conservation approaches for project staff accompanying the birds and
large mammals surveys and local Ramsar authorities. Trainings and feedbacks on the results
have been delivered after each field work to the local Ramsar authorities and heads of villages.
18
The team surveyed the present Ramsar sites and extended the study to nearby wetlands with
the potential to host interesting species and present key habitats.
Key findings of these studies demonstrate that threats still remains for most bird species. Most
of the Globally Threatened species and a rather large number of wetland-associated bird
species, which are generally considered common globally or regionally and that should be
breeding in the Xe Champhone or in the Beung Kiat Ngong Ramsar sites, are also either
extirpated from the wetland or at least now very scarce. Nevertheless, the potential of the
wetlands to host significant populations of water birds is still high but important conservation
measures must be decided and implemented. The need for direct involvement of communities
in protection and income generation through bird conservation ecotourism has been discussed
as the best opportunity to ensure the return of bird species to the sites.
To follow up on this the MWD organized a field visit/training for National and local Lao Ramsar
authorities and village representatives to Preak Toal on the Tonle Sap, Cambodia. The objective
was to show an example of community-led protection of large water-bird colonies and to discuss
the possibility to carry out the same approach in the Lao Ramsar sites (see section 3.1).
http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/
?14416/A-new-IUCN-biodiversity-survey-in-the-Xe-Champhone-Ramsar-site
In Thailand, MWD in partnership with the Thailand Research Fund and WWF Thailand has
continued its work on integrated water and wetland management in two sites – the Wieng Nong
Lom wetland in Chiang Rai, and the Kaeng Lawa wetland in Khonkaen. The main focus in both
sites was the integration of wetlands management and conservation into the local administration
plan, taking into account the wetland dependent communities and their livelihood concerns.
These include nine sub districts at the Kaeng Lawa wetland of the Chi River Basin in Khon
Kaen, and four sub districts in the Wing Nong Lom wetland in Chiang Rai. Water governance
has been improved in both sites.
For Kaeng Lawa, MWD provided assistance in setting up the community water dialogues using
a topographic model as a resource mapping tool to stimulate the dialogue process, and by
bringing different user groups and local government to the table to work together. Subsequent
regular meetings among user groups were supported through funding assistance from the
Thailand Environmental Fund, enabling community networks to be actively involved in the
development of a wetlands conservation and management master plan. At the same time, the
provincial multi stakeholder committee on water and wetland management of Kaeng Lawa
wetland was established and started functioning. The wetland conservation and management
master plan was endorsed by this committee and subsequently adopted by the provincial
governor. Funding support for implementation of the plan has been secured through allocations
within the provincial development plan as well as the line agency budgeting system, while at the
19
local administration level, each TAO has included the wetland conservation activities in to their
respective Tambon development plan.
For Wieng Nong Lom, a Wetland zoning plan has been drafted based on various user groups’
interests. The TAOs have include wetland conservation activities into their development plan
including conservation events such as world wetlands day, Collaboration among the 4 sub
districts has been achieved through Tambon funding and the provincial development plan. The
effort will continue to be supportedby the Thailand Research Fund, through its “community
based research programme”.
In Viet Nam, in collaboration with the EU-funded Building Resilience to Climate Change
Impacts in Coastal Southeast Asia (BCR) project, the MWD NWG members organised three
consultations on the Mekong Development Plan (MDP) in the first half of the year, for the delta’s
farmers, provincial leaders and SWSC and delta’s experts. A report was written and circulated
to the relevant audiences. A related article is posted at the following location:
http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/vietnam/?13835/Mekong-
Development-Plan-the-value-of-public-participation
In December 2014, an additional consultation chaired by the Southwest Steering Committee
was held for delta provincial leaders and delta experts on the final version of MDP to gather the
recommendation for next steps for this plan.
2.3 Identify areas for policy intervention and formulate recommendations
In Cambodia, a consultant was engaged to prepare a paper which focuses on the current
status of Wetlands Governance in the Tonle Sap Lake. The paper describes the key aspects
related to zoning, fisheries management, community fisheries management systems, the public
fishing or the open access system, the cancelled fishing lots, the governance of inland fisheries,
the management of conservation areas such as fisheries conservation zones, biosphere
reserves, and flooded forest reserves around Tonle Sap, water management, human-nature
relations and the use of wetlands, as well as the policies and institutions concerning wetlands
governance in the Tonle Sap Lake.
http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/
?13849/Better-collaboration-needed-for-Mekong-transboundary-fish-trade
In Thailand, MWD conducted seven public hearing workshops for integrated water law reform,
including local dialogues on the government’s water resource management and flood prevention
strategies. Each workshop was conducted over two days; one day on water law and one day for
water management and flood prevention. These dialogues have been broadcasted by local
20
radio network, covered by local cable TV for public communication, and have also been
published on the web at:
http://www.lrct.go.th/?p=6854, http://www.tcijthai.com/tcijthai/view.php?ids=2614.
In Viet Nam, the NWG members have been involved in supporting Viet Nam to ratify the UN
Watercourse Convention 1997. In May 2013, Viet Nam’s Vice Prime Minister announced the
government‘s interest in endorsing this Convention and assigned MoNRE to take the lead on
preparing a roadmap for ratifying it. MWD discussed with WWF and MoNRE to agree on further
steps. A series of consultations are planned from now till the end of the year.
MWD and WWF supported DWRM to hold a consultation in December 2013 to collect ideas on
the entry of Vietnam in the Convention. Recommendations from that consultation were
incorporated in the official document MoNRE presented to the Government. To date, the
document has passed ministerial review and we expect it will be ratified in the 1st half of 2014.
2.4 Develop an action plan for policy advocacy
In Cambodia, MWD is supporting the management of Boeung Chmmar Ramsar Site (BCRS)
through local ranger based biodiversity and fisheries resource monitoring, which has been
carried out since August 2012.
On a monthly basis, four-ranger teams have been
deployed to collect information on key
endangered wildlife and human activities related
to fishing, hunting, land clearance and other
resource collection in BCRS. The monthly report
is prepared by exporting information from the
MIST database (Management Information
SysTem, designed specifically for
conservation/protected areas management) and
sent to the management/decision making teams
of BCRS at both national – Department of
Wetlands and Coastal Zones of the Ministry of Environment – and sub-national – Provincial
Department of Environment levels.
Since August 2012 data on freshwater and terrestrial wildlife, ghost nets (abandoned old nets) and fishing activities information including fish species caught, the amount of fish catch per day, # of individuals per 1 kg, what types of fishing gears are used and where the fisher-folk come from, etc, have been collected. Based on the collected data, the 2013 annual MIST shows that most large water birds (Asian Openbill, Painted Stork, Oriental Darter, Spot-billed Pelican, Greater and Lesser Adjutants) come to feed at Boeung Chhmar Ramsar Site from January to June (peak time is March-May). In terms of fishereies, the collected data shows that most of communities are strongly dependent on fishing activities (fish, eels, freshwater shrimp and snail collection) throughout the entire area of BCRS. The detailed descriptive report, with recommendations to the Boeung Chhmar Ramsar Site authority and DWCZ,MoE is being prepared and will be finalized in early 2014.
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In November 2014, with support from MWD Thailand team, MWD Vietnam organised a trip for a senior staff of SWSC to visit Samut Songkhram, Thailand to observe a public hearing organised by local NGOs on the Thai government’s flood prevention plan. http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/vietnam/?14301/Public-
Hearings-Thai-Style
2.5 Participate in meetings and consultations with policy making bodies and government authorities at provincial and national levels
Result 3: Learning from regional knowledge on participatory water governance collated and communicated by the project is used by various stakeholders in policy and practice in the Lower Mekong Region.
3.1 Collection and Exchange of Data, Information and Knowledge related to Water Governance and Water Management relevant to the region
MWD Lao PDR presented two studies supported by the Mekong Water Dialogues at the
Mekong Symposium in Ho Chi Minh City: the study on “Conserving biodiversity and sustaining
livelihoods along the Mekong River between Luang Phrabang and Vientiane, Lao PDR” and the
study on “Trans-boundary Fish Trade in the Lower Mekong Basin: Impacts on Fisheries and
Rural Employment in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Thailand”.
At an international workshop on food security in the Mekong – the water, food and energy nexus
organized during 11-13 March 2013 in Chiang Rai, MWD Thailand presented a case study on
community water dialogue as a bottom up approach to influence water management at the local
level, based on the smallest ecological boundary, to allow communities and local authorities to
work together and feed up to the provincial and national levels. The learning point was to
involve local communities that are directly impacted by policy to push for policy change.
The MWD coordinator for Lao was also invited to present the participatory approach carried out
to build the BKN Ramsar Management Plan under the MWD during the Asian Regional
Workshop on the Management of Wetlands and Flyway Sites (Manila, 24 - 27 September 2013)
in front of representatives from government and Ramsar sites managers from all over the region
including Mekong countries (except Lao PDR)
3.2 Preparation of a Trans-boundary Water Governance Framework
A regional study led by the MWD team in Lao PDR (with support from Thiland and Cambodia)
with additional financial support from Sumernet clearly indicated a need for policy intervention in
the regulation of trans-boundary fish trade on the Mekong. This study led to a policy
recommendation paper disseminated and discussed with partners.
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The project organised a final regional workshop in Pakse in September to gather policy makers
and local officials from the 3 countries (Fisheries departments, local officials from Stung Treng
and Champassak provinces and relevant districts, research team). The team discussed the
results of the studies and the opportunities to follow up. The main agreements reached by the
participants from the workshop were:
To work on a draft for a trans-boundary agreement about the fish trade between Cambodia
and Lao PDR to make sure that the activity is sustainable and regulated;
To support the Lao government in drafting an implementation decree for the Lao fishery law;
To create a regional task force to go further into the study and create a link between the
technical/field level and the policy makers.
To provide awareness about the importance of the fish trade for employment in the region
for this to be taken into account in development projects.
A one day field visit to a trans-boundary fish landing site was organized for the participants to
discuss further cooperation in an informal way and cross check one last time the information on
the field. Some of the recommendations from this workshop were included in the MWD Lao
worpkplan for 2014 (e.g support process to draft an implementation decree for the National Law
on Fisheries).
3.3 Process documentation
Newsletter
Four issues of MWD Newsletter were produced and sent to readers. Issue # 9: January - March 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/publications_and_downloads/_mekong_water_dialogues_newsletter/january_march_2013/ Issue # 10: April - June 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/publications_and_downloads/_mekong_water_dialogues_newsletter/april___june_2013/ Issue #11: July – September 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/publications_and_downloads/_mekong_water_dialogues_newsletter/july___september_2013_/ Issue #12: October – December 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/publications_and_downloads/_mekong_water_dialogues_newsletter/october___december_2013/ Reports
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Wetlands governance in Asia: Strengthening wetlands management and regional cooperation. (2014). Vientiane, Lao PDR: IUCN. 110 pp. https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/wetlands_governance_workshop_report_2013.pdf R.J. Fisher, Review of Poverty Reduction in the Doi Mae Salong Landscape Project. (2013). Bangkok, Thailand: IUCN. 27pp. https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/doi_mae_salong_march_2013_final.pdf Moore, P., Pholsena, M., Phommachanh, K., and Glémet, R. (2013). Review of Statutory and Customary Law in the Xe Champhone Ramsar Site, Lao PDR: Implications for a rights-based approach to conservation. Vientiane, Lao PDR: IUCN. 82pp. https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/rba_ramsar_champhone_report_final.pdf IUCN (2013). Ecological survey of the Mekong River between Louangphabang and Vientiane cities, Lao PDR, 2011-2012. Vientiane, Lao PDR: IUCN. 241pp. https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/ecologicalsurveymekong__iucn_cepf.pdf Singer, U. (2013). Livelihoods and Resource Management Survey on the Mekong between Louang Phabang and Vientiane Cities, Lao PDR. Vientiane, Lao PDR: IUCN. 122 pp.
https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/livelihoodsurveymekong__iucn_cepf.pdf Mak, S. (2013). The Governance of Wetlands in the Tonle Sap Lake: IUCN. 23 pp Factsheets
MWD Activities in Thailand https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/thailand_mwd_facts_sheet_final.pdf MWD Phase II https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/mwd_phase_2_facts_sheet_final.pdf IUCN's Ecosystem-based Approach: Mae Chan Watershed in Northern Thailand
https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/dms_factsheet.pdf Others
ScienceFilmFestivalFinalReport2012 https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/final_report_2012_iucn_cpwf.pdf ScienceFilmFestivalFinalReport2013 http://issuu.com/goethe-institutthailand/docs/international_report_sff_2013_for_i
Production of MEKONG: Viet Nam - the Delta, a 25-minute documentary exploring how people
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of the Mekong Delta in Viet Nam are coping with rapid development and environmental change. The film is produced by Douglas Varchol and supported by SIDA, CPWF, MWD and AusAid.
Versions in English, Thai, Khmer, Vietnamese and Lao are made available as hard copies and YouTube:
English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tnf5kAKywLo Thai: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAwNcOfGNN8 Lao: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6PkZNujVwk Khmer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7d80XkIhC0 Vietnamese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h5Gneqi_f8 Additional information is also available at http://mekongcitizen.org/
MWD in Viet Nam held two Mekong film screenings for students at Hanoi University of Technology and Ha Noi University of Sciece, Hanoi National Univerisity (HUS, HNU) with the participation of 400 students on 2 & 4 November 2013. Another screening of Mekong film was organized in Goethe Institute on 21 November 2013. The screening involved both students and interested partners with more than 100 people. During these events, students and partners had opportunities to discuss about Mekong development issues with experts who were also characters in the Mekong film.
MWD presentation on community water dialogues case study for ‘Food security in the Mekong – the water, food and energy nexus revisited’ 11-13 March 2013 in Chiang Rai, Thailand https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/iucn_presentation_for_food_security_in_the_mekong_chiang_rai_march_2013.pdf
IUCN Viet Nam with the support of MWD, MFF organized an exhibition booth at Mekong Environment Symposium (MES) from 5-8 March 2013 with 200 participants in Ho Chi Minh city. This was an event presenting IUCN’s work and knowledge products to different stakeholders and partners. Our knowledge products drew lots of attention from participants at the symposium. MES website: http://www.mekong-environmental-symposium-2013.org/frontend/index.php#.UwWY4BZD_zI
3.4 Preparation of Policy Briefs:
A policy recommendation paper was prepared by the Lao PDR team based on the results of the study on “Trans-boundary Fish Trade in the Lower Mekong Basin: Impacts on Fisheries and Rural Employment in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Thailand.” This policy recommendation paper briefly presents the key results of the study and provides regional recommendations. Country specific recommendations are still being discussed. A workshop was organised in late 2013 to build on the recommendations and discuss processes and strategies to implement these recommendations at regional level.
3.5 Press/ Media Activities
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In Cambodia, the World Wetland Day event conducted on 23-24 February 2013 in Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary, Koh Kong Province led to a T.V. report aired by three national television channels – Apsara Net, TVK and SEATV.
Activities on the Tonle Sap have been recorded and screened on CNC in a television report on “Strengthening Capacity of Community Fisheries in three sites around Tonle Sap” broadcasted on 27 August 2013.
Exchange visit between Cambodia and Laos in December 2013 to share knowledge about Ramsar Management hold in Seam Riep and site visit in Prek Toal brought one media to get some knowledge on the issue. The event was reported in Apsaranet TV, KTV and SEATV.
TV Talk show programme of CNC TV invited Mr. Kimsreng to be guest speaker on the topic “Strengthening Capacity of Community Fisheries in three sites around Tonle Sap” lived in September 2013.
Inception workshop on Strengthening Capacity of Community Fisheries around Tonle Sap has been reported by 3 televisions channels such as CNC, TV9 and Hang Meas HDTV
In Thailand, MWD developed a partnership with the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) and an MoU was signed between TPBS and IUCN in 2012. In the first half of 2013, TPBS journalists helped train MWD staff in Viet Nam and Cambodia on story-writing. Another main focus was the launch of a project called “Media Arts Competition: Mekong – River of life”. This collaboration was initiated to raise public awareness, especially amongst the younger generations on the Mekong River and Mekong resources through a media and arts performance competition. The competitors will have the opportunity to experience nature and livelihoods of the Mekong River to inspire their work. This campaign drew huge participation of the youth nationwide. Due to the political turmoil in Thailand, the prize winning ceremony was postponed from December 2013 to February 2014. Mekong Media Arts Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/MekongRiverofLife
Media coverage on MWD
Exchange visit between Cambodia and Laos on Ramsar Governance (in Khmer) KTV, 23 December 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fRTiWl-rss&feature=youtu.be Cambodia and Lao PDR hold workshop to share experiences on Ramsar governance (in Khmer - Apsaranet, 23 December 2013)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOcmzqsGZkc&feature=youtu.be
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Exchange visit to share knowledge on Ramsar governance (in Khmer) SEATV, 22 December 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y360in54GEs&feature=youtu.be Prek Toal, touristic site where is home of biodiversity and lot of endangered species (in Khmer) SEATV, 21 December 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovYxQ6aOgVA&feature=youtu.be Mekong fish trade grows, boosting employment Vientiane Times, 19 September 2013 http://en.vietstock.vn/2013/09/mekong-fish-trade-grows-boosting-employment-71-158266.htm Strengthening capacity of community fisheries around Tonle Sap to manage their manage their natural resources sustainably (guest speaker: Mr. Kimsreng of IUCN) CNC TV, aired on 16 September 2013 at 1pm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH080wBGqWs&feature=youtu.be Ghost Forest: important for fisheries conservation and promoting local livelihood (in Khmer) CNC TV, 11 September 2013
http://www.thekhmerdaily.com/?page=detail&ctype=article&l_id=28&id=8833&lg=kh
EU-NSA inception workshop (in Khmer) CNC TV, on 27 August 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn3XUy7_utE
EU-NSA inception workshop (in Khmer) Hang Meas TV, 22 August 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khchyU9md0I&feature=youtu.be
More than USD 600 thousand used for strengthening the capacity of Community Fisheries on Tonle Sap (in Khmer) The Khmer Daily, 25 August 2013 http://www.thekhmerdaily.com/?page=detail&ctype=article&l_id=28&id=8833&lg=kh
Species under threat at Ramsar wetlands site Vientiane Times, 23 August 2013
http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeConten_Species.htm
Wetland villagers worry about unpredictable future Vientiane Times, 4 September 2013 http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/Video_FileVDO/Sep13_Wetland.htm
Wetland in Champasak Province Vientiane Times VDO, August 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKRF4LPfrZc&feature=youtu.be
Wetlands governance in Asia (in Lao) Lao National TV, August 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPrx_OsrRWM&feature=youtu.be
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Three provinces to benefit from Mekong biodiversity project Vientiane Times, 15 July 2013
https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/cepf___iucn_workshop_on_the_news.pdf
Feedback collected in western province for water resource law (in Thai) Law Reform Commission of Thailand, 26 June 2013 http://www.lrct.go.th/?p=6854
More must be done to safeguard our natural heritage Bangkok Post, 22 June 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?13210/More-must-be-done-to-safeguard-our-Natural-World-Heritage People pushed on draft of water resource law (in Thai) TCIJ, 30 May 2013 http://www.tcijthai.com/tcijthai/view.php?ids=2614 Public hearing on water resources laws held in southern Thailand (in Thai) Law Reform Commission of Thailand, 29 May 2013 http://www.lrct.go.th/?p=6541 Mekong Media Arts Competition news (in Thai) Thai PBS, 12 May 2013 (TV report, 4.58 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MO37VCn0SJE
Interview Robert Mather from IUCN, Mekong development becomes a conflict time bomb (in Thai) Voice of America, 1 April 2013 (listen to audio, 4.33 mins) http://www.voathai.com/content/mekong-days-robert-mather-pt/1632245.html
In Washington, ‘Mekong Days’ Puts River in Focus Voice of America, 29 March 2013 http://www.voacambodia.com/content/in-washington-mekong-days-puts-river-in-focus/1630640.html
Mekong Days in Washington - Lifting up a regional issue to international attention (in Thai) Voice of America, 29 March 2013 (listen to audio, 4.40 mins) http://www.voathai.com/content/mekong-days-in-dc/1630868.html
Mekong Days in DC (in Thai) Voice of America, 29 March 2013 (6.24 mins) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45GnjbnkvrA
Mekong film screening in Washington - a reflection of the Southeast Asian River Change (in Thai) Voice of America, 28 March 2013 (listen to audio, 4.43 mins)
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http://www.voathai.com/content/mekong-day-film-pt/1630135.html Public Forum: Searching for Chiang Khan, Part 2 (in Thai) Thai PBS, 16 March 2013 (54.47 mins) http://clip.thaipbs.or.th/home.php?vid=5145&action=search&ctype=2&pname=88&stype=2&ap=false Public Forum: Searching for Chiang Khan, Part 1 (in Thai)
Thai PBS, 9 March 2013 (56.23 mins) http://clip.thaipbs.or.th/home.php?vid=5026&action=search&ctype=2&pname=88&stype=2&ap=false Megawatt gegen Megawels (in German) Sudostasien, neue energie January 2013 https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/robert_interview_in_german_press.pdf Thai PBS joins hands with IUCN to promote environmental protection Thai PBS, 11 March 2013 http://www2.thaipbs.or.th/cross_cultural_activities.php?id=47 Thai PBS and IUCN push nature and conservation a public agenda (in Thai) Thai PBS, 11 March 2013 http://61.91.2.16:8080/tpbsco/org_news/prnews/article138169.ece Thai PBS work with IUCN on environmental communications (in Thai) Thai PBS, 7 March 2013 Law reform committee prepares to push people's version of laws related to natural resources to
ministerial meeting (in Thai) Isra News Agency, 22 February 2013 After Xayaburi, it's time for some 'hydro-diplomacy' Bangkok Post, 5 February 2013 http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/334275/after-xayaburi-it-time-for-some-hydro-diplomacy Wieng Nong Lom: Treasure of the Nation and Human Race (in Thai) Krungthep Turakij, 1 February 2013 Laos defends actions on Xayaburi at MRC meet The Phnom Penh Post, 18 January 2013 http://www.phnompenhpost.com/2013011860867/National/laos-defends-actions-on-xayaburi-at-mrc-meet.html
3.6 Management of the website
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The IUCN MWD websites continues to be regularly updated with web stories related to MWD activities.
Cambodia:
Protecting Wetlands is Protecting Sources of Water 8 April 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?12961/Protecting-Wetlands-is-Protecting-Sources-of-Water Mekong Water Dialogues Meeting: Setting up a Future Action Plan in Cambodia 13 May 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?13117/The-6th-Meeting-of-National-Working-Group--Mekong-Water-Dialogues Storm Causes Unprecedented Death of 20 Tons of Fish, including Two Engendered Fish 17 May 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?13229/Storm-Causes-Unprecedented-Death-of-20-Tons-of-Fish-including-Two-Engendered-Fish Fisheries Conservation expected to improve fishers’ livelihood 10 July 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?13830/Fisheries-Conservation-expected-to-improve-fishers-livelihood National Conference on the Progress of Community Fisheries after fundamental fisheries reform 6 June 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?13333/National-Conference-on-Progress-of-Community-Fishery-after-fundamental-fisheries-reform First reflection on Local Livelihood in Boeung Chhmar Ramsar Site after the 35 Commercial Fishing Lots abolished 17 May 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?13483/First-reflection-on-Local-Livelihood-in-Boeung-Tonle-Chhmar-after-the-35-Commercial-Fishing-Lots-abolished Integrated key stakeholders’ opinion for selection of community fisheries conservation zones and setting a priority action plan 10 July 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?13829/Integrated-key-stakeholders-opinion-for-selection-of-community-fisheries-conservation-zones-and-setting-a-priority-action-plan Protected Ghost Forest Areas: A Benefit for Fisheries, Natural Resource Conservation and Livelihood of the Local Community in Plov Touk 28 May 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?13234/Pro
tected-Ghost-Forest-Areas-a-Real-Benefits-for-Fisheries-Natural-Resources-Conservations-and-Livelihood-of-Local-Community-in-Plov-Touk
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Tonle Sap dependent people come under pressure 27 May 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?13481/4Tonle-Sap-Dependent-People-Came-Under-Pressure Inception Workshop on Strengthening Capacity of Fishing Communities in the Tonle Sap to Manage their Natural Resources Sustainably 28 August 2013 http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?14452/Inception-Workshop-on-Strengthening-Capacity-of-Fishing-Communities-in-the-Tonle-Sap--to-Manage-their-Natural-Resources-Sustainably A mangrove monument for local communities 7 November 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?13975/A-mangrove-monument-for-local-communities Vulnerability and capacity assessment in the Boeung Chhmar Ramsar Site 23 December 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?14251/Vulnerability-and-Capacity-Assessment-in-the-Boeung-Chhmar-Ramsar-Site Cambodia and Lao PDR share experiences on Ramsar governance 23 December 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?14255/Lao-PDR-and-Cambodia-hold-workshop-to-share-experiences-on-Ramsar-governance Lao PDR:
2 RAMSAR Sites in Lao PDR 22 February 2013 http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/?12521/2-RAMSA-Sites-in-Lao-PDR Management Plan of the Beung Kiat Ngong Ramsar Site 4 March 2013 http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/?12559/Management-Plan-of-the-Beung-Kiat-Ngong-Ramsar-Site World Wetlands Day’s 2013 Celebration Activities (at Beung Kiat Ngong Ramsar Site) 11 March 2013 http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/?12618/World-Wetlands-Days-2013-Celebration-Activities-in-Lao-PDR Empowering women fishers in Sekong River Basin 24 April 2013 http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/?12956/Empowering-women-fishers-in-Sekong-River-Basin
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New publication from IUCN Lao PDR: “Review of Statutory and Customary Law in the Xe Champhone Ramsar Site, Lao PDR - Implications for a rights-based approach to conservation” 26 April 2013 http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/?12865/Review-of-Statutory-and-Customary-Law-in-the-Xe-Champhone-Ramsar-Site-Lao-PDR Transboundary Fish Trade Study Presented at the Mekong Environmental Symposium 16 May 2013 http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/?12993/Transboundary-Fish-Trade-Study-Presented-at-the-Mekong-Environmental-Symposium Conserving wetlands through tourism 30 June 2013 http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/?13401/Conserving-wetlands-through-tourism Engaging local communities, authorities and academics in conserving biodiversity and sustaining livelihoods along the Mekong river 26 September 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/?13740/Finalization-of-Phase-2-of-the-CEPF Better collaboration needed for Mekong transboundary fish trade 30 September 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/cambodia/?13849/Better-collaboration-needed-for-Mekong-transboundary-fish-trade Consultation Workshop on Logical Framework approach of the Nam Lik River Basin Management Plan 27 November 2013 https://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?14096/Consultation-Workshop-of-the-Nam-Lik-River-Basin-Management-Plan Publications of the results from the two-year surveys on biodiversity and livelihood on the Mekong river between Luang Phrabang and Vientiane in Lao PDR 19 December 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/?14237/biodiversity-and-livelihood-on-the-Mekong-river-between-Luang-Phrabang-and-Vientiane-in-Lao-PDR Cambodia and Lao PDR share experiences on Ramsar governance 23 December 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/?14255/Lao-PDR-and-Cambodia-hold-workshop-to-share-experiences-on-Ramsar-governance Workshop on wetlands governance: Report published 22 January 2014 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/?14314/Workshop-on-wetlands-governance-in-Asia-Report-published
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Celebrating World Wetlands Day in Lao PDR 12 February 2014 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/?14419/Celebrating-World-Wetlands-Day-in-Lao-PDR Thailand: Wieng Nong Lom-wetland is not wasteland 25 April 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?13067/Wieng-Nong-Lom-wetland-is-not-wasteland Public hearings contribute to draft law on water management 17 July 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?13416/Public-hearings-contribute-to-draft-law-on-water-management Moving towards community engagement in Pang Sida National Park 17 July 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?13418/Moving-Towards-Community-Engagement-in-Pang-Sida-National-Park Thai civil society discussed principles of natural resources and environmental laws 7 March 2013 http://iucn.org/news_homepage/all_news_by_region/news_from_asia/?12595/Thai-civil-society-discussed-principles-of-natural-resources-and-environmental-laws Water, land and forests for national security 6 June 2013 http://www.iucn.org/news_homepage/news_by_date/?13083/Water-land-and-forests-for-national-security Public hearings contribute to draft law on water management 17 July 2013 https://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?13416/Public-hearings-contribute-to-draft-law-on-water-management Mekong: Viet Nam – the Delta film screening and panel discussion 30 September 2013 https://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?13763/MEKONG-Viet-Nam---the-Delta-film-screening-and-panel-discussion Community participation in revising Thailand’s proposed flood prevention plans 18 December 2013 https://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?14226/Community-participation-in-revising-Thailands-proposed-flood-prevention-plans Science and cinema: Raising environmental awareness using film 15 November 2013
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https://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?14228/Science-and-cinema-Raising-environmental-awareness-using-film Blog: Talk of rivers and flooded forests 25 November 2013 https://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?14097/Blog-Talk-of-rivers-and-flooded-forests Ways ahead for Thailand’s integrated water resource management law 17 December 2013 https://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?14225/Ways-ahead-for-Thailands-integrated-water-resource-management-law Viet Nam:
After Xayaburi, time for hydrodiplomacy 5 February 2013 http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/vietnam/?11853/After-Xayaburi-its-time-for-some-hydro-diplomacy Consultations on MDP 30 September 2013 http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/vietnam/?13835/Mekong-Development-Plan-the-value-of-public-participation Viet Nam has dropped plans for two proposed hydropower plants 9 October 2013 http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/vietnam/?13815/Two-dams-stopped-after-IUCN-advises-against-World-Heritage-nomination Two dams stopped after IUCN advises against World Heritage nomination 9 October 2013 https://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?13815/Two-dams-stopped-after-IUCN-advises-against-World-Heritage-nomination Film screening Science Film Festival 2013 31 October 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/vietnam/?13941/Film-Screening-Science-Film-Festival-2013-Mekong Regional:
IUCN presented awards to winners of Goethe-Institut SEA Docs 1 January 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?11721/IUCN-presented-awards-to-winners-of-Goethe-Institut-SEADocs Mekong film watched by the Mekong River
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3 January 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?11722/Mekong-film-watched-by-the-Mekong-River Mekong Days in Washington 22 March 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?12705/Mekong-Days-in-Washington "Mekong Days" 11 May 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?12960/Mekong-Days Asia Pacific Water Summit: regional cooperation essential 20 May 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?13081/Asia-Pacific-Water-Summit-regional-cooperation-essential MWD Evaluating Progress and Charting the Way Forward 17 July 2013 http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?13415/MWD-Evaluating-Progress-and-Charting-the-Way-Forward
Mekong delta in the crossfire of change 10 October 2013 https://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/regional_activities/mekong_water_dialogues__mwd_/?13834/Mekong-Delta-in-the-Crossfire-of-Change 3.7 Publications on key topics, including translation of relevant material and dissemination through the appropriate channels
MWD Lao PDR’s main publications for the first part of 2013 included the final version of the Beung Kiat Ngong Ramsar Site management plan (online version) as well as the final report on the study on “Rights-based Approaches to Conservation in Xe Champhone Ramsar Site” (online version). A recommendation paper has also been published following up on the results from the study on transboundary fish trade. After publication of the opinion piece “After Xayaburi – what next?” by Jake Brunner and Robert Mather in the Bangkok Post, Robert was invited to give two presentations on water management and climate change in the Lower Mekong in an International Conference organised by the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) in Copenhagen on 20-21 March 2013.
MWD Viet Nam supported Biodiversity Conservation Agency/Viet Nam Environment
Administration/Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in World Wetlands Day
organization. Some communications and knowledge products were produced including
translation into Vietnamese and publishing factsheet “Wetlands take care of water”. Both
English and Vietnamese versions are online.
35
MWD Viet Nam also translated SHARE book into Vietnamese (online)
Result 4: Regional partnerships and alliances are established addressing national
and trans-boundary water governance policies that support livelihood security,
human and ecosystem health in the Lower Mekong region
4.1 Identify strategic partners relevant to the project interventions
Two potential new strategic partners were identified and initial meetings held with them, during 2013.
The MWD Project Manager (together with the IUCN Asia Regional Director and the Thailand
Country Representative) met with Mr Tej Bunnag. The meeting covered areas of potential
collaboration with the Thai Red Cross (such as climate change and disaster risk reduction) and
between MWD and the Mekong Institute (MI). The RD also extended an invitation to Mr Tej to
become a member of the Regional Advisory Group to be established as part of MWD, which he
graciously accepted. In November the project manager travelled to MI to present MWD and
other related work in the Mekong Region, especially focusing on areas of work that could be
developed into training curricula for MI’s main target groups of government officials in the
Mekong Countries. The potential for collaboration between MI and MWD will be explored further
in 2014
The MWD Project Manager participated in a national workshop with the Internal Security
operations Command (ISOC) in Chiang Mai, 29-30 May 2013, with around 200 participants from
34 provinces brought together to share experience and best practices, and to identify priorities
for extending approaches from Royal Projects to other areas in parts of 34 border provinces as
part of the National Internal Security Agenda. As many border provinces are also important with
regards to watershed and wetlands management, there could be some interesting areas for
collaboration between MWD and ISOC. However the development of this potential collaboration
ahs stalled as a result fo the political situation in Thailand.
4.2 Engage with partners through round tables, meetings and workshops
The project Manager was in Washington, DC for the US debut of the film “MEKONG”, which
examines the issues of hydropower development and its impact on Mekong citizens' lives.
IUCN, the Institute for Global Sustainable Development (IGSD), the Challenge Programme for
Food and Water (CPWF), and the Goethe Institut set up the debut of the film during the DC
Environmental Film Fest, and also planned related “Mekong Days” -- several days of events
held over 22-27 March 2013, highlighting issues related to the Mekong, including panels at the
Goethe Institute and at the Woodrow Wilson Centre in which the MWD Project Manager
participated. He also presented at a well-attended Brown Bag at the State Department. This
exposure of Mekong issues in Washington received significant interest and was considered
extremely timely given the increasing US diplomatic focus on Southeast Asia.
36
A continued strong regional partnership with CPWF and the Goethe Institute facilitated the production and dissemination of a follow-up documentary “MEKONG: Viet Nam - the Delta”, a 25-minute film exploring how people of the Mekong Delta in Viet Nam are coping with rapid
development and environmental change. The MWD team in Viet Nam facilitated field visits and interviews with key stakeholders and NWG members participated in the movie as interviewees. The film was produced together with regional partners for a global audience. English, Thai, Khmer, Vietnamese and Lao versions were made available. In collaboration with IUCN and other organizations in Thailand, Thai PBS launched a Media Arts Competition entitled "Mekong: River of Life". to raise public awareness on Mekong conservation. The competition invites nationwide university students to participate.
4.3 Debate on issues and concerns identified by NWGs and MSD groups
In response to the opinion piece “After Xayaburi-what next?” published by Jake Brunner and
Robert Mather in the Bangkok Post, the MWD Project Manager was invited to give two
presentations on water management and climate change adaptation at an International
Workshop organised by the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) in Copenhagen on
20-21 March 2013.
4.4 Formulate recommendations
The MWD Project manager participated as a “discussant” in the USAID ARCC Project workshop
on the presentation and discussion of results from a one year study of climate change impacts
on agriculture, fisheries, ecosystems and socio-economics in the Mekong basin on 28 March
2013, sharing perspectives from MWD work, adn contributing to the formulation of
recommendations for follow-up action.
4.5 Engage with policy makers at the regional level
The MWD Manager, joined a three day study tour to visit Royal Projects in Northern Thailand,
organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Thailand for Ambassadors and Heads of
International Organisations, with about 80 participants from 8-11 February 2013. This was a
good opportunity to share information about our MWD approaches, activities and lessons
learned with this high-level group
4.6 Regional meeting on specific topics with broader stakeholders from the region
From 21 to 23 August 2013, MWD organised a regional workshop on “wetlands governance” in
Pakse, Lao PDR. The main objectives of the workshop were to further the participants’
understanding of governance mechanisms and institutional arrangements that help in science-
based management and the sustainable use of wetlands, in a regional trans-boundary context.
37
The workshop gathered representatives of government, local and international NGOs involved
in wetlands management in the Mekong countries as well as in India and Bangladesh.
The agenda included a field visit to the Beung Kiat Ngong Ramsar site, presentations of case
studies in the various countries and group discussions to come up with recommendations and
lessons learnt on “best governance practice for wetlands management”.
The findings of the workshop have been published in a report, shared with the stakeholders.
This event led to several media reports at National and Provincial level in Lao PDR.
http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/news_and_events/
?14314/Workshop-on-wetlands-governance-in-Asia-Report-published
On 19th December, MWD organized a visit of stakeholders from Lao Ramsar sites to the Prek Toal Site in the Tonle Sap, Siem Reap, Cambodia, During previous discussions, Lao PDR and Cambodia found similarities in their approaches to wetlands conservation and planned an exchange workshop, in which both countries would focus on each other’s successes with wetlands conservation and the potential of applying best practices to their own conservation projects.This workshop saw the inclusion of community members, park rangers and media personnel, in addition to government officials and IUCN Lao PDR and IUCN Cambodia staff. In the field the visitors were able to speak with rangers and representatives from community fisheries and to observe Cambodia’s success with protecting its bird habitats and managing the fisheries in the area. In addition, the participants visited a handicraft center, led by the NGO Osmose, where women use locally available aquatic vegetation to produce weaving products
for sale.
Speaking after the field visit, Mr. Khammay SOUKPASEUTH, head of Thopsok village in the Beung Kiat Ngong Ramsar site in Champassak province commented, “I think zoning is an important part of conservation. Wetlands benefit the most when areas are designated for humans, for wildlife and for conservation. As we head back to our respectives towns, I hope to set up dialogue with the eight villages in Beung Kiat Ngong about what we have seen here today and get them involved.” During the second-day of the workshop, representatives from Lao PDR and Cambodia gave presentations about Ramsar governance. Lao PDR shared its work with developing a management plan for the Beung Kiat Ngong Ramsar site, in Champassak province and its experience with Ramsar governance. Each country hopes to apply the lessons learned to strengthen their own management of wetlands. For Cambodia, this is the development of a management plan using a participatory approach as applied in Lao PDR; for Lao PDR, this is modeling the success of protecting the habitats and the conservation of birds
and fish
http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/lao/?14255/Lao-PDR-and-
Cambodia-hold-workshop-to-share-experiences-on-Ramsar-governance
6. Leverage and Sustainability
As noted on many occasions, MWD provides powerful leverage for other funds. On the one
hand many activities implemented under the umbrella of MWD are implemented with co-funding
from others. This is often the case for example for World Wetlands Day activities – and 2013
38
was no exception – e.g. in Cambodia, World Wetlands Day was celebrated in collaboration with
many partners including WWF, WCS, ICF, FFI, CEPA, Mlup Baitong and the private sector.
MWD contributed US$ 2,500 for this event while around US$ 6,000 was contributed by other
partners. Also in Cambodia, the National Conference on Progress of Community Fisheries was
held in collaboration with many partners including the Global Fish Alliance, FACT, Advocacy
Policy Institute (API) and Coalition of Cambodian Fishers (CCF) and FiA. MWD contributed
US$ 1,000 for this event while other projects and partners contributed another US$ 5,000. A
similar situation prevailed in the other countries as well.
MWD dialogues raise many issues, but the limited funding available directly from MWD is not
sufficient by itself to address all of these issues in the depth and detail they deserve. For
example in Thailand, the series of provincial and national community dialogues on the
government’s water and flood management strategy as well as on the development of a draft
“Peoples’ Water Law” was only possible with significant $60,000 co-financing from the Asia
Foundation. Without this, MWD could perhaps have organised one, or at most two dialogues
and meetings on this, rather than the 7 dialogue meetings that were held involving 881
participants (329 women).
On the other hand MWD initiatives often lead to spin-off projects and activities. Other donors
can refer to the success and efficiency of activities carried out under the MWD and keener to
invest in related programs.
In Cambodia, MWD work provided the basis for a new EU-NSA project (Budget: 599,821 Euro):
“Strengthening Capacity of Fishing Communities in the Tonle Sap to manage their Natural
Resources Sustainably”, which started in early 2013. The project is being implemented by IUCN
and the Fisheries Action Coalition Team (FACT) over four years (2013-2016). It is financed by
the EU with co-financing from MWD and Building River Dialogue and Governance (BRIDGE).
Taking advantage of the abolition of the fishing lots and growing global interest in Fish
Conservation Zones (FCZ), the project aims to strengthen the capacity of community fisheries
(CFi) in the Tonle Sap by integrating CFi-managed FCZ into fisheries management plans and
commune budgets.
In Lao PDR, IUCN received a small Ramsar grant to carry out biodiversity surveys in the Beung
Kiat Ngong Ramsar Site, an activity identified as a priority in the management plan for the site
drafted with support from MWD. The field work for this project has now been finalized and the
report is expected in mid 2014, it will provide recommendations and further ideas for investment
at site level in order to conserve the biodiversity and natural habitats.
Also In Lao PDR, activities carried out under the MWD on Ramsar Sites led to the drafting of a
management plan and strong capacity building for committees in charge of the Ramsar Sites
management. As a follow up, IUCN together with FAO and the DoEQP drafted a proposal for
the GEF on “Climate Adaptation in Wetlands Areas” focusing on two Ramsar sites. Human
resources and knowledge produced under MWD were a guarantee of credibility and
39
sustainability for our partners in this proposal. The Project Implementation Form (PIF) has been
approved by the GEF and a Project Preparation Grant (PPG) of 150 000 will be received in
2014 for the implementing organization (Including IUCN) to be able to define the logframe and
governance system for the project in greater detail. With a budget of around 4,7 millions USD,
this project would ensure significant investment and support for the Xe Champhone Ramsar site
management in the 5 years to come.
The German Government has committed up to 8 Million Euros in grant funding for a Mekong
Wetlands Programme involving MRC, Cambodia and Laos As part of this initiaitve, MWD Lao
PDR also drafted a proposal on behalf of the Lao National Mekong Committee (LNMC) on
“Sustainable Wetlands Management in Beung Kiat Ngong Ramsar Site in LAO PDR” for the
KFW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau) Development Bank. This proposal builds on the
management plan for the Ramsar Site drafted with support from MWD.A feasibility study for this
proposal will be conducted in early 2014 by a German consortium hired by the KfW. IUCN Lao
PDR will provide all reports and information produced under the MWD to support this mission. If
approved, this project implementation (with a budget of around USD 2 million on direct
investments in the BKN Ramsar site) could ensure the continuation of the programme in BKN
Ramsar site for 5 years and increase the chances to reach real long term sustainability for the
management of the site.
In 2013 again leveraging the work of MWD, in Lao PDR and in Thailand, IUCN developed two
successful proposals one for Khammouane Province in Lao PDR (around $200,000); and one
for Chiang Rai and Sakhon Nakhon Provinces in Thailand (around $400,000) to the USAID/DAI
Mekong Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change (ARCC) project. Implementation will start
in 2014, and will involve MWD NWG members and local partners in management of water and
agriculture in the context of climate change in these provinces.
In addition in Thailand discussions with PTT are still continuing on the possibilities for Phase II
support to follow-up on the successful poverty alleviation work in Doi Mae Salong, part of the
Mae Chan watershed - a tributary of the Mekong. The proposed follow-up would broaden the
area of the watershed involved, and strengthen upstream-downstream linkages through local
community dialogues and networking, taking on board many lessons from MWD approaches.
In Viet Nam the work of MWD will be built upon as part of a new BMU funded project led by
IUCN’s Environmental law Centre (ELC) in Bonn and working in Burundi, Tanzania, and
Columbia. Up to now, planning authority in the Mekong Delta is fragmented among 13 often
competing provinces. This needs to change if the delta is to be managed as a single
hydrological unit. Evidence-based spatial planning at the delta scale is needed to address
current threats and to mitigate against the impacts of climate change. Throughout 2013,
supported by MWD and BCR Projects, IUCN organized a series of public consultations to
review the draft recommendations of the Mekong Delta Plan. The plan was submitted to the
Prime Minister for approval in December 2013. The new project (with around 300,000 Euro
budget in Viet Nam) will assist primarily through collaboration with the South West Steering
Committee (SWSC) - one of three committees set up by the Communist Party to oversee
40
planning and development in priority regions, including the Mekong Delta (the others are in the
Central Highlands and Northwest Mountains). As with the other two committees, the SWSC has
the mandate and authority to address issues, such as rice production, that cross provincial
boundaries, as an advisory body that reports directly to the Politburo in Hanoi. As with other
party organs, it has no executive power but it is highly influential. The project will focus on
leveraging the Delta’s main asset – its rich natural resources – through spatial planning
processes that optimize the benefits of water across the delta: upstream vs. downstream, urban
vs. rural; rice vs. other agricultural products. In particular, the project will support as priorities in
planning processes in the Upper Delta: a shift away from triple-rice cropping and a move toward
a more natural hydrology will result in a more bio-diverse and resilient landscape. This will be
achieved by harnessing the authority of the SWSC to convene provincial authorities, applying
rigorous cost-benefit analysis to current rice-first policies, and advocating the results at the delta
and national levels. As part of the project’s support to SWSC, we will engage IPSARD, the
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)’s in-house think tank, which has started
to publically evaluate the efficiency and equity of the third rice crop; the HCMC University of
Economics; and the Dragon Institute at Can Tho University. Several of the MWD NWG
Members will be involved in this initiative
At the regional level, in 2013 IUCN successfully bid for the contract to provide the regional
Implementation Team (RIT) for the next five year phase of the Critical Ecosystems Partnership
Fund (CEPF) for the Indo-Burma Hotspot which includes a major focus on the Mekong River
and the 3S tributaries. Through CEPF-RIT, IUCN is now able to provide grants to many local
(and international) NGOs in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam to
implement work, much of which is relevant to MWD, and some of which builds directly on the
work of MWD.
For example based on the biodiversity surveys from Luang Prabang to Vientiane originally
funded by CEPF; the related socio-economic surveys and community dialogues co-financed by
MWD; and the resulting decision taken by 8 communities to establish 4 new fish conservation
zones, (FCZs) a small grant of $20,000 has already been approved to start implementation of
some of these FCZs. Other grants of $20,000 each have also been approved for the Coalition of
Cambodian Fishers, and the Culture and Environment Protection Association (CEPA) in
Cambodia. A number of local organizations have also been selected to submit full proposals for
larger projects, including: Fisheries Action Coalition Team (FACT) – strengthening community
advocacy in the 3S Basin ($120,000); Royal University of Phnom Penh – conservation and
livelihood improvement in the 3S Basin ($150,000); ICLARM – Fisheries Management and
Wetland Conservation in Stung Treng ($180,000); as well as international NGOs: WCS –
Enhancing Community Based Conservation in the Tonle Sap ($500,000) and both International
Rivers Network (IRN) and Mekong Watch have been selected to submit proposals for $200,000
and $100,000 respectively for work related to dams, livelihoods and biodiversity in the Lower
Mekong.
During this reporting period, IUCN also participated in a consortium that bid for a $13 million
USAID project to strengthen involvement of civil society in Environmental Assessment in
41
relation to large-scale regional development projects, which would have built on many aspects
of MWD. Unfortunately our bid came in second place.
INTERNATIONAL UNION
FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE
ASIA REGIONAL OFFICE
63, Sukhumvit Soi 39
Wattana, Bangkok
10110 Thailand
Tel. +66 2 662 4029
Fax +66 2 662 4387
www.iucn.org/sea-group
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