Search

CMR_7.0 Participatory Small Grant Action Plan (PSGAP)

7.1 Introduction

The small grant packages (section 8.4) provide a broad guidance for the Service Providers and the potential Grantees. As such, they are intended to give a broad description of the intervention which can be financed by the SGP. Each SG package is intended to address specific issues identified during the development of the PSGAP through field surveys, interviews, focus groups, broad consultations with stakeholders and secondary information.

The description of the interventions provides a broad direction to potential grant recipients – and it is important that they are not overly prescriptive, thereby, giving an opportunity to potential grantees with experience and knowledge from implementing similar interventions in Viet Nam the opportunity to use this experience in developing a specific grant proposal.

7.2 Analysis and Identification of Priority Interventions to be Supported by the SGP

Based on this analysis SGP packages have been prioritized against the following criteria:

  1. contribution to biodiversity conservation,
  2. improving the living conditions of people
  3. capacity and support of the communities, NPs, NGOs and other institution,
  4. gender and job creation for young people,
  5. contribution to resiliency of communities (especially towards climate change),
  6. cost efficiency,
  7. achievable results in the short and medium term.

For further distinction, a scaled evaluation system (1-5) is introduced to prioritize the interventions, in which the numbers 1 = the lowest priority, 2 = less priority, 3 = moderate priority, 4 = high priority and 5 = highest priority. “Category 5 Highest Priority” in this system stands for the express recommendation to be included in the proposed intervention, followed by “Category 4 High priority” in the next planned call for grant proposals. Annex 9 shows the listed interventions and their scoring scale. Intervention which scores more than 27 has the highest priority, 21 – 26 is high priority, 16 – 20 is moderate priority, 10 -15 is less priority and score which is below 10 is considered lowest priority.

7.3 Focal Areas

The PMM identified a number of broad focal areas for the implementation of the small grants. The field surveys and the ESMF have further refined these focal areas.

7.3.1 Thematic Focal Areas

The PMM identified eight thematic areas. These have been further defined through field survey and consultations. Some of the thematic focal areas have been screened out during the field surveys and consultations with stakeholders or through a risk analysis within the framework of the ESMF process. See section 1.4.

7.3.2 Geographic Focal Areas

The SGP will have two separate geographical focal areas in CMRNP:

7.3.3 Community Focal Areas

The PSGAP has prioritised communities using a number of criteria such as: poverty, % of households belonging to an ethnic minority, proximity to AHP boundary, accessibility (for ease of M&E purposes and support), level of conflicts with the AHP authority, absence of governance/ land disputes, etc. The template for prioritizing communes and villages is provided in Annex 10.

7.3.4 Recommended approach to small grants

Based on the analysis of the survey, interviews and SFMP it is important to use the SGs strategically and sequentially. Raising awareness and subsequently capacities is a necessary prerequisite before proceeding with other measures.

Study tours are very effective, enabling participants to directly experience and conceptualise issues and ths internalise and adapt this experience. However, study tours need to be representative of stakeholders to maximise the exposure across a range of stakeholders and it needs to be well-facilitated to provide the interpretation and contextualise the lessons and experience.

7.3.5 Black Listed Activities

The activities listed below are not allowed using a SG.

Activity Field Single Activities
Planning exercises Activities already budgeted for in another international donor-funded projectEIA or mitigation measures for major development projectsRural development activities
Conservation management Introduction of non-native and non-endemic species into protected areas
Park and Wildlife management equipment Major equipment such as vehicles, generators, air conditioners, furniture, furnishings. Weapons and ammunition
Infrastructure Large park infrastructure (roads; buildings; etc.)
Capacity building for AHP staff Fees for higher education
Engagement of local stakeholders Displacement or re-settlement of people/ communities (incl. related planning activities)Any measures that allow contractors to commence works prior to acceptance by the Programme’s Code of ConductActions which discriminate against individuals or groups of people on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or lack of them, or their ethnic origin
Community livelihood development Use of agrochemicalsProduction that alters natural forest ecosystems (e.g. cardamom production in sensitive/protected areas)Activity areas experience competing claims and conflict, including any such concern related to resource and land distribution
Surveys and research Activities that involve modification to natural habitat, other than habitat management for conservation purposes
Law enforcement Guard patrol posts / watch towerBoat engines Focused investment in forest protection measures.Planning and implementing anti-hunting patrols (see above)Gathering of baseline data on threats, resource use and biodiversity in sites where this is seriously needed in order to develop recommendations for managementJoint patrols with local community membersSmall items of equipment (e.g. GPS units, binoculars, digital cameras)Provision of radio communications and related patrolling equipmentEstablishment of ecological/threats-based monitoring systemsCommunity-based systems for monitoring Community based protection contractDSA for patrol staff.Overtime for weekend patrols
Tourism Tourism development which is incompatible with AHP valuesAcademic study and overseas study tours
Salaries and allowances Basic staff salaries and office running costs, including fuel and vehicle maintenanceAttending government meetingsTravel costs which are not directly part of a project Conference travel Regular staff salaries (overheads) Topping ups for park administration, applicants or support groups
Miscellaneous Activities beyond the mandate of AHP management authoritiesAny measures that disturb or harm, built heritage graves, religious propertiesAny interventions that destroy, damage, excavate, alter, deface or otherwise disturb any archaeological site or materialsAny intervention without assessing potential impacts to the community’s health and safety during establishment and operationStoring cement, sand, excavated material without cover sheets or sheltersClearing vegetation cover that is not requiredBurning sites and clearance debris (trees, undergrowth) or construction waste materialsAlcohol, tobacco and any illegal substance

7.4 Small Grant Packages

7.4.1 Highest Priority General Park Management Interventions (A)

A-1/ Capacity building of AHP management in grant proposal identification, writing and management

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months).

Rationale

AHP financing is a significant constraint to achieving the aims and objectives of the AHP programme. AHP financing will depend upon a mix of funding sources. The mix of funding streams should be determined in a Financial Plan. The capacity to access these sources of financing can significantly improve the status and management effectiveness of the AHP.

Background

Global conservation funds are available from a number of different sources (donor, private, Trusts, etc.), particularly for areas of high biodiversity conservation value. However, funding is largely dependent upon the AHPs ability to identify management issues and match these to sources of financing. The AHP needs to be proactive in identifying funding sources and packaging management objectives into fundable projects which clearly align AHP and donor objectives. This requires skills in proposal writing and grant management as well as developing and maintaining strong partnership relations with funding organisations. The AHP needs to build these skills within its existing human resources and develop it’s grant management capacities within a relevant department. Therefore, SG funding should be made available for the AHP to train a small number of senior staff in partnership relations management. This would include identifying and tracking sources of financing, proposal writing, grant management, monitoring and evaluation, reporting and maintaining visibility and partnerships with donors.

An economy of scale should be considered by pooling the AHP training with technical mentoring to tailor the needs for the individual AHPs. The provider would be expected to mentor each AHP through at least one grant application.

Objective: Sustainable and diversified AHP financing sources. Key Activities: Identification of AHP personal and institutional arrangementsTraining in:Identification of sustainable financing sources for the AHPConservation financing & financial planning and managementProposal writingGrant managementProject managementM&EFinancial ReportingPartnership managementThe facilitator should mentor the trainees in at least one grant application Expected Outcomes: Specific items in the management plan costed and funded by external financing mechanismsMinimum one completed grant application is submitted to the identified financial source / donor Indicators: Number of grant/project applications successfully completedNumber of new and funding streamsGross sum of finance obtained from new funding sources Beneficiaries: CMRNP management  

A-2/ Participatory Threat Reduction Assessment

Grant type

Micro grants: up to 10,000 (up to 8 months).

Rationale

The challenges facing the AHP are only weakly defined and understood in terms of cause and effect. It is important that all stakeholders define these threats and challenges through a participatory approach and jointly develop efficient and equitable strategies and management actions to address these threats within the framework of the SFMP.

Background:

Introduction of participatory facilitation tools (e.g. Threat Reduction Assessment tool, or similar tool), external and impartial facilitation of stakeholder groups and interests, strengthening M&E approaches (impact, effectiveness, threat reduction, etc.), strengthening adaptive & collaborative management, sequential engagement (regular contact of stakeholder groups and local communities) will strengthening management planning capacities and multi-stakeholder participation.

Objective: Increased understanding of key AHP management issues and objectives Key Activities: Identification of participantsSensitization of participants to methodologiesScreening for gender equalityTrainingTRA workshopsValidationReporting & integration of results into SFMP Expected Outcomes: Increased and diversified participation in collaborative managementIncreased understanding of driving forces of changeImproved management planning skillsIncreased use of participatory tools and methodologiesInclusion of women in collaborative forest managementImproved institutional culture of monitoring and evaluation (adaptive management) Indicators: Number of AHP technicians involvedNumber of local government agencies involvedNumber of local communities involvedNumber of women participatingNumber of workshops heldNumber of participatory M&E (e.g. TRA) exercises heldAwareness of threats and issues (subjective – baseline & end)Awareness of participatory M&E tools (subjective – baseline & end) Beneficiaries: CMRNP management Local communities (cooperatives) Sa Thay and Ngoc Hoi districts

Remark: Proponents are highly encouraged to combine this package with interventions of other SG packages such as A6 – A9 or B2 for SG proposal development. The proposal plan should clearly state all the objectives, outcomes and outputs.  Proponent should consult CMRNP beforehand.

A-3/ English language skills training for AHP staffs

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale

Improving the language skills of AHP management staff is an important part of career advancement and fulfilment. It helps staff to better communicate with visitors and other agencies.

Background:

Language skills allow staff to participate more broadly and equally, these skills empower staff to access information and support formal training through self-advancement. Language training can be better achieved by partnering with organisations that can provide training to groups of staff for cost-effectiveness.

Objective: AHP staff able to participate in conservation at a global level and access global experience and support resources Key Activities: Identify staffGender screeningTrainingAssessment and feedback Expected Outcomes: Increased AHP staff capacities Indicators: Number of AHP staff with second language skillsJob satisfaction (subjective – baseline & end) Beneficiaries: CMRNP management  

Remark:

7.4.2 Highest Priority Wildlife Research and Biodiversity Monitoring (A)

A-4/ Capacity building for AHP’s staffs on GIS capabilities and biodiversity data management

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale

Building a biodiversity information system is essential for NPs in Vietnam. It will facilitate the conservation management of NPs in creating an opportunity to establish knowledge networks that allow the implementation of a collaboration framework in which scientists and the responsible authorities can combine efforts to provide a strategic biodiversity monitoring system. It also allows the improvement of flexible data interchange between AHPs and relevant stakeholders. In addition, the mapping and data management are essential for the effective management of the AHP. The ability to handle large data sets, present data to stakeholders and analyse multiple variables, identify correlations and design effective management interventions requires a broad in-house skill in data management and GIS. This capacity is cross-cutting and will support the M&E and analysis for other SGP interventions. With climate change and other anthropomorphic pressures on the AHP it is important to use sophisticated mapping techniques to document and understand changes taking place at the ecosystem level. Data acquisition and management is critical to underpin sound management. The ability to collect, analyse, store and distribute data to support decision-making for all aspects of buffer and core zone management is evident. Accurate and well-presented data will reduce ambiguities and conflicts and create a transparent framework to support participation. The efficiencies can be achieved by having a central institution as a service provider for the hardware, software, licenses and technical expertise serving all AHPs. At the site level, the capacity for technical understanding of the tools and equipment which is necessary for data collection should be enhanced. Training shall include the design and operational procedures which are necessary for robust and accurate data collection.

Therefore, SG could be an opportunity for KKKNP in upgrading a systematic biodiversity information system including collection of biodiversity data as well as strengthening the skills of park staff in using data collection technology (drones, camera traps, GPS, SMART tools, etc.) and skills of data management (using open source GIS) at AHP level.

Background:

A key objective of the SGP II is to build AHP staff capacities (especially the Forest Protection Department) in the areas or planning and monitoring. The AHP management does not have the facilities and capacity to collect process and manage large geo-referenced data sets or present these to stakeholders and decision-makers to inform management. CMRNP presents the management with significant multi-use and zone-specific management challenges which will be best addressed through building this capacity within the CMRNP management. A database system such as GIS to enable better planning and monitoring of its biodiversity if to be established, would need to consider the park’s financial and human resource capacity, as this system will be expensive. CMRNP should consider teaming with BBNP, HLNP and KKKNP or other AHPs/NPs in Vietnam to pool resources to develop a centre for GIS support in an academic institution. This partnership should offer economies of scale and value for money by sharing expensive hardware, software and licenses within a single institution. This partnership should reduce the costs of training and human resources by avoiding the need to duplicate expertise, equipment and licenses in each NP by establishing a centre for GIS support to AHPs / NPs that are in partnerships. At the park level there will be a requirement for field equipment and training necessary for survey work and other data collection needs. An institution capable of analysing the data, managing data and presenting it for use in management planning should be identified and partnered with. Lastly, at the AHP level, the capacity to use the processed data in management planning decision-making needs to be developed.

To the fill the gaps of biodiversity data managed by the park especially the lesser studied groups and of risks species, special attention should also be given to establishing linkages with academic institutions and other organisations with specialist expertise including developing agreements to ensure sustainability. Lesser studied and of risks groups should be prioritized and all survey work should provide conservation management recommendations, assessment of road construction on biodiversity including habitat fragmentation and mitigation measures. The results of this can be used, amongst other things, to strengthen the SFMP.

Objective: Wildlife and biodiversity collection, monitoring upon the existing standards in biodiversity conservation and forestryAHP management is equipped and trained in GIS, remote sensing, IT, modern devices and data management.To strengthen the coordination and cooperation regarding the biodiversity data management and sharing between AHPs and relevant stakeholders i.e. public research institutions   Key Activities: Design survey and study, identify gaps Update the existing biodiversity data including identify groups which are at risk, lesser studied; Being trained on the methods of survey, monitoring, inventory of biodiversity, data collection, producing and using existing database system (such as GBIF, NBDS, FORMIS…)Mapping: Survey, design and develop monitoring program and protocolsDevelop biodiversity monitoring plans and system for the park Assess the training needs (including the appropriate tools and equipment biodiversity data management & monitoring Identification of academic partner institution and establish partnershipDesign training module, conduct trainings in manage and utilize the system to CMRNP Develop material for publication, outreach & awarenessProcurement of identified tools of equipmentSet up equipment and hand over to beneficiaries Expected Outcomes: Biodiversity data (including lesser studied group) of CMRNP is updated Improved capacities of park staff in particular Forest Protection Department in biodiversity management and monitoringImproved capacities of park staff applying and using modern technology (drones/ camera traps etc.) for data collection and monitoringEstablish a framework to promote knowledge exchange between CMRNP to research/ scientific institutesStrengthen CMRNP research collaboration with stakeholders.Forest and biodiversity management is improved  Indicators: At least one study carried out for lesser studied groupField survey reportsPublication materialsBiodiversity databaseMonitoring plans  Biodiversity knowledge sharing between AHPsPartnership (s) MoUs signed with scientific institution No. of AHP staff trainedUse of modern technology in monitoring and addressing conservation and buffer zone management issues (at least one monitoring exercise conducted) Beneficiaries: CMRNP managementOther participated AHPs / NPs in Vietnam Relevant stakeholders (local authorities, NGOs, CSOs, research institutes, etc.)

A-5/ Monitoring the efficacy of regeneration interventions

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale

Monitoring of the efficacy and recovery of areas under regeneration management to promote natural regeneration without additional planting through a targeted monitoring and evaluation programme to test the efficacy of regeneration management activities and provide feedback for adaptive management. M&E should be participatory where ever possible, seek to build linkages with academic institutions and utilise the tools and skills developed through the GIS. The SG should establish the protocols for monitoring and data collection is a long-term objective. Sequencing of this SG should be aligned with development of the GIS capacity.

Background:

The ecological restoration subdivision (ERS) has a total area of ​​28,964.8 ha, accounting for 51.49% of the total special-use forest area of ​​the park. In ERS, the forests accounts for 95.25% of the whole area. Most of the forests in ERS area has been affected. Poor forest, mixed timber-bamboo forest and bamboo forest occupy most of ERS area. The ERS area mainly distributes in the slopes and foothills of the low mountains and hills and the terraces along the Ya Book valley, and being adjacent to the buffer zone communes. This would allow the long term examination of different management experiments to determine the most cost-effective interventions with wide-ranging applications in CMRNP and across Viet Nam.

Objective: Improved adaptive management of regeneration management Key Activities: Monitoring programme designTrainingProcurementEstablishing monitoring protocols, data analysis & management actionsReview and lessons learnedPolicy feedback and review Expected Outcomes: Impact of management interventions is objectively measuredImproved managementMonitoring capacity established Indicators: AHP staff trainedUse of monitoring protocols to inform managementChanges to management regimes Beneficiaries: CMRNP management Local communities  

7.4.3 Highest Priority Community Outreach and Conservation Awareness (A)

A-6/ Training in outreach and community relations for AHP staffs

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale

The role of the park management is changing from one focused on protection and enforcement to one which requires a collaborative and people-centred approach. Park staff has indicated themselves the need to build these skill sets and have the training and tools to interact with local communities to have better outreaching the local communities. Training related to law enforcement should be restricted to human rights issues in order to improve CMRNP governance and community relations as well as complying with the ESMF.

Background

In-service training in the approaches, methodologies and use of different tools for participatory approaches for engaging with local communities, especially in the buffer zone but also with visitors and local agencies. The approach should utilise real-time workshops and meetings to build the skills, attitude and confidence of park staff to engage with local stakeholders including presenting and promoting the park and listening and responding to community concerns. Necessary equipment can be purchased as identified for workshops, publications/promotions, etc. This SG should be sequenced before any awareness and community training programmes.

Objective: Improved AHP capacity for collaborative management Key Activities: Training needs assessment (including the local languages e.g. Gia Rai)Design of training coursesTrainingReview and lessons learnedPolicy feedback and review Expected Outcomes: AHP Centre for Environmental Education & Forest Environmental Services fully resourced and capacitated Indicators: AHP staff trainedBrochures of natural values to be disseminated     Beneficiaries: CMRNP management Local communities

Remark:

A-7/ Awareness training on importance of conserving of natural values and its benefits

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale

Planning and implementing awareness programme in the communes in the buffer zone special use forest zone area. There is a need to build an appreciation and awareness of the natural values of the AHP alongside an understanding of the future benefits from conservation. Furthermore, there is a lack of awareness of real and present threats from climate change and the necessity to take actions to mitigate and adapt to the effects of a warming climate.

Background

Topics to include fire prevention, NTFP management and use, visits to elementary and secondary schools, posters and literature, training courses on management of the special use forests, and the use of media, etc.

Objective: Improved AHP-community relations Key Activities: Identify communitiesIdentify key issuesDesign of outreach programmeProcurementImplementation of outreach programmeReview and lessons learnedPolicy feedback and review Expected Outcomes: Reduced conflictsCollaborative managementIncreased awareness Indicators: AHP-community conflictsMeetings held with local communitiesOutreach eventsAHP Centre for Environmental Education & Forest Environmental in negotiating collaborative management agreements Beneficiaries: CMRNP management Local communities  

Remark:

A-8/ Awareness training local administration

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale

Planning and implementing awareness programme with the local administration. Local government and local agencies are often unaware of the social and economic benefits of protected areas and the impacts of climate change towards the associated livelihood. Very often, institutional agendas are very focused on a narrow sector objective leading to policy conflicts and inefficiencies in spending (e.g. spending in one policy sector interjects the aims and objective of another policy sector). Furthermore, there is a failure to take advantage of the longer-term benefits of the protected area in favour of short-term unsustainable benefits. Integrating the ecological, climate change impacts, economic and social benefits of the AHP into local social and economic development produces a much more robust, holistic policy and planning framework.

Background

As part of the training in outreach and awareness AHP management should be trained to regularly meet with local administration and agencies to put the case for ecosystem resilience through targeted events, regular meetings and support to other agencies’ planning process. Training in presentations skills, debating and publicising the case for ecosystem resilience and biodiversity conservation will raise the profile and importance of the AHP with local decision-makers.

Objective: AHP profile raised with local decision-makers Key Activities: Identify key AHP staffIdentify programme needsTrainingProcurementMentoringMonitoring and evaluating Expected Outcomes: Raised awareness amongst local agencies and administrationIntegration of AHP priorities into local planning processSupport for the AHP Indicators: Number of meetings with agenciesAwareness of HAP amongst local agenciesInclusion of AHP staff in sector planning meetings Beneficiaries: CMRNP management Local administration  

Remark:

A-9/ Awareness of climate change

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)      

Rationale

There is little awareness of the effects of climate change and the risks that this will bring. Disaster preparedness and risk management is critical to the survival of these communities. Climate change preparedness, risk mitigation and adaptation need to be retro-fitted to development plans. The first step in this process is to make people aware of climate change.

Background

Generally, there is a low awareness of the risks of climate change in terms of resilience – ecological, social, economic, infrastructure. Raising awareness will help all stakeholders to integrate adaptation and mitigation into their future planning. Topics to include what is climate change?, effects of climate change, mitigation and adaption strategies. Through a participatory approach and with the technical assistance stakeholders should identify the areas of highest risk and propose mitigation and adaptation strategies for future planning purposes. Furthermore, it is important to make local communities aware that many of the NTFPs that they have access to because of their position in the CMRNP buffer zone are become scarce or non-existent in other parts of Viet Nam. Therefore, it is important that they work towards their sustainable management and use and capitalise on these values which are not available to communes in other parts of the country.

Objective: Improving awareness and resilience of buffer zone communities Key Activities: Identify communitiesIdentify key climate change issues (making it relevant)Design of awareness programmeProcurementImplementation of awareness programmeReview and lessons learnedPolicy feedback and review Expected Outcomes: Understanding of climate changeInclusion of risk in local commune plansRisk mitigation and adaption measures in aspects of life (farming, forest management, water management, housing, village infrastructure, etc.)Increased awareness Indicators: Climate change awarenessAdaption of mitigation measures Beneficiaries: Local communities CMRNP management  

Remark:

7.4.4 Highest Priority Community Development (A)

A-10/ Capacity building of commune cooperatives

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale

Capacity building of the commune cooperatives. Training of cooperative leadership in internal governance, management, grant application, book-keeping, project planning, marketing, etc.

Background

Effective management of the local communities’ resources need effective coordination. Existing structures such as the cooperatives can provide a useful community-based structure to represent the various community interests. Using existing structures that are legitimised by the state and broadly accepted by the community members. Such structures can represent the diversity of interests within the community and to external state and non-state interests and decrease the asymmetrical nature of the relationship between community and state and the private sector actors. However, it is important that these community structures (such as the cooperative) have the basic capacities for internal self-organisation and these need to be built through a structured programme including study tours to other areas in Vietnam where communities are successfully managing natural resources.

Objective: Strengthening the capacities of cooperative and improve farmers / cooperative market access Key Activities: Identify communities & cooperativesSensitise communities, local administration and state agenciesProcurement Study tourincrease market access of the Litsea tree and cassava productsVillage meetingsWorkshops & consultationsReview and lessons learnedPolicy feedback and review Expected Outcomes: Cooperatives’ capacities in organisation and collaborative management are strengthenedWiden the market access of productsReduced conflicts between AHP and community Indicators: AHP-community conflictsMeetings held with local communitiesOutreach eventsNo. workshops and training for communities and cooperativesAgreement of buyers (min. one)MoMs   Beneficiaries: CMRNP management Local communities  

A-11/ Identification and Commercialization of NTFPs

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale

Identification of NTFPs with demand amongst the local and wider community for commercialisation including understanding their ecological envelope, conservation status, commercial properties, replication methodologies, suitability for cultivation or enhancement planting, harvesting techniques, processing and marketing. Many NTFPs are already used by the local communities but may also have potential for commercial upscaling. These need to be investigated and developed into programmes which support community livelihoods and conservation.

Background

This should identify NTFPs which are either disappearing from the buffer zone due to over-exploitation or absent from the buffer zone but still present in the core zone. Opportunities for enhancement planting and adding commercial value to buffer zone forested areas should be investigated and screened for sustainability and commercial viability.

It is important that this approach establishes clear linkage between:

Three major components, namely:

  1. Management of natural resources at the community level (the ‘NRM’ in CBNRM), this is the internal organisation necessary to sustainably manage a common pool resource and resources which may be distributed across different tenure arrangements (e.g. community forest and private farms).
  2. Capacity building of community institutions, improved internal governance, accountability and benefit distribution, etc.
  3. Income generation and employment creation through SMEs (small/medium enterprises) – the motivation for collective management and decision-making/trade-offs.
Objective: Diversification of livelihoods, income security, sustainable agriculture and agro-environmental agriculture practiced in the buffer zone (including inner buffer zones). Key Activities: Identification of participating communities and farmers/usersScreening for NTFPs suitable for commercialisationParticipatory screening of agricultural products suitable for mixed farmingParticipatory planning and design of systems for enhancement plantingParticipatory farm and land use planningLinkages with value chain approachReview and lessons learnedPolicy feedback and review Expected Outcomes: Livelihood security & resilienceCollaborative managementLivelihood diversificationWomen involvement in commercial utilisation of NTFPs Indicators: Meetings held with local communitiesOutreach eventsAHP Centre for Environmental Education & Forest Environmental in negotiating collaborative management agreementsNumber of farms participatingFarm and non-farm incomes derived from NTFPsNo. of products per farmNo. of discrete practices (e.g. inter-cropping, enrichment of woodlots, nurseries, contour farming, composting, water conservation farming, mixed approaches, newly commercialised NTFPs, etc.) Beneficiaries: CMRNP management Local communities  

A-12/ Small scale (village and individual) composting

Grant type

Micro grants: up to EUR 10,000 ( up to 8 months)

Rationale

Improving soil fertility and reducing farm input costs by replacement of external farm inputs through reducing reliance on artificial fertilisers and reducing the risk of nitrate and pesticide run-off in water courses.

Background

Farm input costs are likely to increase in price in the short to medium term. Replacing artificial fertilizers with organic compost reduces the proportion of farm income on these inputs, improves soil fertility and conservation and reduces the risk of nitrate contamination of water courses as well as conserving soil moisture. Other practices such as constant cover crops, crop rotation, etc., should be included where feasible. The model of raising cows and using cow manure as fertilizer is being implemented in Sa Thay district. Local community needs the financial and technical support to develop and upscale this model.  Consider using one grant for farmer field schools and micro-grants for upscaling. Special focus should be placed on training women to make compost.

Objective: Improved soil fertility Key Activities: Identification of communitiesParticipatory approaches to determining methodologies (including on-farm monitoring)Screening for gender equalityTraining of composting and natural pest control approaches Expected Outcomes: Reduced dependency on artificial fertilizerHigher soil moisture throughout growing seasonDiversification of cropsHigher yields per unit input Indicators: Number of farmers trainedQuantity of compost produced per farmerProportion of farm gate price spent on artificial fertiliserSoil metrics (fertility, organic component, moisture retention)Number of women participating Beneficiaries: Local communities Farmers Women  

A-13/ Micro-support to communities

Grant type

Micro grants: up to 10,000 (up to 8 months).

Rationale

Access to finance is a barrier to sustainable land use and economic livelihoods. Weak financial support results in short term approaches to agriculture and a lack of investment in processing and post-harvest value added activities as well alternative livelihood opportunities including non-farm activities.

Background

Local communities in the buffer zone face specific challenges in their achieving their development aspirations. Access to financial support is a significant barrier. However, given the dual purposes of the buffer zone (socio-economic development and conservation) it is important that support to socio-economic development is provided within a framework that allows both objectives, that is; that economic development does not discount ecosystem goods and services. Therefore, small to micro-interventions can have a profound effect on local communities and individuals allowing them to overcome barriers to development and to reduce risks in untested or alternative livelihood activities. However, this needs to take place within framework which supports the internal organisation of these communities to sustainably manage their common pool resources.

Grants for these activities can be provided within the framework of SGs:

Objective: Communities, farmers, processors, traders have access to small scale financing to remove specific barriers (e.g. access to tools, small scale construction, farm inputs, trade materials, etc.) Key Activities: Identification of participantsSensitization of participants to opportunitiesScreening for gender sensitivityTraining & support for accessing grantsProcessing grant applicationsTechnical support to GranteesM&ETraining for farmers / women on sustainable farming, composting productionIntroducing energy saving stove / equipment Improving marginalised farmers’ farm prodcution through sustainable mannerMarket access of farm products / NTFPs/ traditional productsIntroduce value added farm productsHome / backyard gardening to reduce food shortage Expected Outcomes: Communities have access to small-scale financing to overcome development barriers Indicators: Number of communities successfully accessing grantsNumber of community organisations accessing grantsNumber of individuals accessing grantsNumber of women accessing grantsNumber of new (alternative) activities establishedNumber of collective actions accomplishedFood shortage monthsFood shortage incidentsCross slope barriersFodder banksSales of farm products/ traditional products/ NTFPsNo. of environmental friendly or energy saving equipment introducedNo. of farmers / women/ young people trainedNo. of value added products producedPermanent raised vegetable plots (or similar)Reduction of household expensesTime spent trying to meet daily needsAvailability of secure water supplyAccess to rice mills & corn shellersSchool attendance improved Beneficiaries: Local communities (cooperatives) Sa Thay and Ngoc Hoi districts

7.4.5 Highest Priority Tourism/ Ecotourism Interventions (A)

A-14/ Upgrading CMRNP ecotourism development plan

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale:

A masterplan for ecotourism development requires a clear data basis, the involvement of all stakeholders and a participatory process. In doing so, it must be precisely determined which measures are suitable for bringing nature and biodiversity into focus and preserving them as well as determining the CMRNP carrying capacity for tourism activities. Furthermore, interventions that have harmful effects must be refrained; and if already in place, measures shall be in place to mitigate or to adapt them accordingly. The plan should address the types of tourism, in what quantities that will be introduced and implemented in the park, visitor guiding, outdoor infrastructure such as hiking trails, viewpoints or visitor interpretation facilities, their quality and maintenance needs, in order to protect the available resources and natural values in CMRNP. Besides, the responsibilities and financing of a continuous tourism management in the park have to be defined as well in the ecotourism development masterplan. The ecotourism development plan of the CMRNP in the period of 2021-2030 was approved by People’s Committee of Kon Tum Province. However, the plan would need to be reviewed and upgraded to ensure gaps are filled and the aspect of biodiversity conservation and impact of climate change are reflected in the plan.

Background:

The aim is to upgrade/ improve the existing ecotourism development plan and to adopt a more comprehensive and participatory approach in the existing proposed interventions proposed in the ecotourism plans. It also fill gaps that will provide an appropriate framework to protect nature and biodiversity and, at the same time defines a strategy with measures and responsibilities (including the needed budgets) to introduce nature and biodiversity to ecotourists. This will include workshops on Sustainable Ecotourism in order to define criteria, education and interpretation needs, biodiversity protection as well as ecotourism product development and management strategies to implement sustainable ecotourism.

Objective: Comprehensive ecotourism development plan which aiming towards protecting natural value of CMRNP Key Activities: Identification of stakeholdersReview existing ecotourism plan and identify gapsData collection Establish international contacts/experience exchangesWorkshops/ online WorkshopsExchange trip to other national parks on the topic of ecotourism and destination management and co-operation between national parks and the private sectorCompilation of information to update and improve the existing ecotourism development planDraft agreementPublication Expected Outcomes: Decision makers both from the public and the private sector are involvedMasterplan as framework for future development of ecotourism is an important tool to protect nature and biodiversityBetter protection of nature and biodiversity Indicators: Existing situation and activity needs clarifiedExchange trip conducted with local key stakeholdersAt least two cooperation at international level established (knowledge transfer)Measures and responsibilities definedImplementation of measures to protect nature and landscape and to introduce nature and biodiversity to tourists and other visitors Beneficiaries: CMRNP management management Local communities (cooperatives) Sa Thay and Ngoc Hoi districts
Other Tourism stakeholders (e.g. private sector associations)

A-15/ Participatory Workshop(s) on Ecotourism Management

Grant type

Micro grants: up to 10,000 (up to 8 months).

Rationale

Among local stakeholders (national park administrations, the provincial level, tourism service providers) the term ‘ecotourism’ is mostly defined as ‘construction’ of infrastructure and the development of buildings etc. Usually, construction measures in national parks are not allowed all over the world, maybe exceptionally in cases where they explicitly contribute to the protection and preservation of biodiversity or are indispensable as environmental education measures or for research projects. The international agreements and criteria (such as AHP) should be adhered to ensure the natural values of CMRNP is still intact and not expose to high risks. These workshops and activities will not only help to clarify the international defined term for ecotourism and raise awareness among the local stakeholders, provide insights into international ecotourism source markets, but also help to establish contacts in terms of ‘real’ ecotourism development.

Background:

AHPs management (incl. CMRNP), local authorities, tourism service providers (e.g. accommodation), tourism organizations and tour operators, national park representatives,  ACB representatives, universities, other experts and representatives of biodiversity research projects should discuss the CMRNP species conservation, current tourism target markets, target groups and requirements for ecotourism to have common understanding. Active participation is needed among all representatives of all AHPs. If needed, support of an national / regional /international expert should be acquired. Due to the complexity of the topics, the workshop could last for 2-3 days minimum (including working groups and a short site inspection).

Remark: the recommendation is open to all AHPs participation through cooperation, exchange of experiences, joint activities for the same topic or similar project approaches. However, it does not mean that all AHPs must participate. All measures that involve cooperation can be realized with  at least two partners.

Objective: Common understanding between CMRNP and local stakeholders to actively support the development of sustainable ecotourism in future which helps to protect and to develop the endangered biodiversity under clear criteria Key Activities: Research and contacting of potential participants and expertsPreliminary coordination of topics and discussion needsDrafting of a questionnaire on key statements and evaluation of resultsDevelopment of a conference program (e.g. workshop series, each park one topic)Coordination of the conference/ workshops and appointment of a moderatorDiscussion and decision on requirements for activitiesPress release Expected Outcomes: Increased awareness Enrich in experience exchanges Establish common understanding / vision on sustainable tourism in Chu Mom Ray Indicators: All selected AHPs in Vietnam actively participatingAmount and relevance of topics discussedNumber and relevance of local and international experts who contributed to the workshopwritten common understanding to actively support sustainable ecotourism and to avoid damages by tourism activities in the protected areasPress release Beneficiaries: CMRNP management Local communities (cooperatives) Sa Thay and Ngoc Hoi districts

A-16/ Establishing Visitor Info-Panel and upgrading of small tourism facilities of CMRNP

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale:

A professionally designed and easily readable information board at the national park entrance (or at several entrances i.e. the boundary to Cambodia) is like a business card for visitors. It draws attention to specific points of interest, helps direct visitor flows, and also has an educational character in that essential rules of conduct can be presented briefly and boldly. Finally, it can also contribute to the arrival of the local population by providing information on eco-tours or eco-products. In addition to design quality and concise, easy-to-read texts, the quality of construction is also important.

The upgrade and development of the facilities connecting tourist attractions in CMRNP are likened to “opening the way” to attract tourists to the AHP, and at the same time, it contributes to effectively connecting tourist areas and attractions in and outside the Park.

Background:

It is planned to build a high quality information board about the national park and the AHP concept at the park entrance, building of Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Ecotourism (CBCE) and park boundary to Cambodia at which will appeal to different target groups e.g. tourists, school children, researchers and public institutions. The development of tourist interpretation facilities should address visitor guiding and serve as visitor information centre for the endangered species, CMR’s natural values, and minorities’ cultural and special events and festivals, to attract more visitors. First, the content-related didactic design is carried out within the framework of a panel of experts. Text and graphics services are awarded separately. Once the overall concept has been completed, the design and aesthetic construction criteria are defined. The information board should be intelligently built, i.e. refer to the surrounding nature (including building materials).

The maintenance for the existing facilities and for upgrading need more funds and financial support.  The SG could be an opportunity to support the upgrading of small facilities, but there should be a sound maintenance strategies from CMRNP and local authorities to regular maintain the upgraded facilities. A more cost effective approach would be establishing partnership and collaboration with private sector (through corporate social responsibility-CSR) and / or Ba Be main tourism service providers.  In addition, the facilities to be built / upgraded need to consider and integrate the cultural entity of CMRNP. The building materials used should be of environmental friendly. All facilities to be built / upgraded will need to comply to the SGP ESMF requirements. 

  Example for an outdoor wooden pavilion for interpretation centre/ tourist info center: Preah Khan Visitor Center Cambodia

Examples national park information panels for visitors:

Objective: Profound information source about national park features provided and small tourism facilities / infrastructure upgraded Key Activities: Survey, assess and scoping of facilities for upgrading including prioritization based on the urgency and needsOrganize participatory workshop to consult related stakeholders (private sector/ tourism service providers)Collection of information by scientific working groupIdentify private sector / tourism service providers for collaboration (in terms of financial and volunteerism in maintenance)Architectural design concept of interpretation facility including photography services, map creation, texting, print and graphic designArchitectural design for the selected upgrading facilities Construction and supervision of interpretation facilitiesMaintenance plan Upgrading of selected facilitiesTraining of staff on information and maintainance of facilities   Expected Outcomes: Panels built in high quality with appealing and interesting content and professional graphic design/ architectural designOne high quality information panel about Chu Mon Ray  and at CBCEOne high quality information panel about AHP concept in the ASEAN Region and the neighbouring NP in CambodiaBetter protection of nature and biodiversity.Collaboration between private sector and  CMRNP is strengthened.Awareness of visitors on CMRNP’s natural values is raised.  Indicators: Design blue printNo. of facility upgradedMoU between private sector and CMRNPNo. of meetings between CMRNP and private sectorMaintenance plan for facilities Maintenance included in the annual work plan of partnerships Beneficiaries: CMRNP management in particular CBCE Communities Tourism stakeholders (e.g. private sector associations)

A-17/ Info-Package Nature and Biodiversity Tourism

Grant type

Micro grants: up to 10,000 (up to 8 months) Rationale: Today, tourists are flooded with information through numerous media on the internet, which also does not help concretely when it comes to the actual nature experience. High-quality, informative brochures and postcards (which are handwritten, becoming fashionable again) to supplement and add value to promoting CMRNP. Background:

The goal is to create an information bag with a small brochure about the National Park, which includes a mini map to unfold. In addition, a magazine with important national park topics is to be created. It is important that the information including pictures and maps are well prepared, easy to understand and free of advertising. The brochure shall include the following contents:

1) Preface (National Park Administration).

2) Brief information overview of the national park.

3) Overview of AHPs in Vietnam with illustration.

4) Possible activities in the national park and behaviors (e.g. camping, no drone flying, no smoking, avoid noise, no disturbing flora and fauna, no deviating from designated paths, avoid littering, etc.)

5) Contact persons with contact details (national park, medical help, etc.)

6) Small pasted map to be unfolded with network of trails, viewpoints, attractions and protected areas

7) Imprint

Remark:

As the CMRNP is the only having international border within the selected AHPs, it can also play a model role in the context of international cooperation among AHPs, basic measures will be presented here, especially those, which introduce the protected area to interested tourists.

Examples:

National Park Info Set                                   Brochure with integrated foldable map               Brochure layout                            NP Magazine                              Magazine layout example

Objective: Profound information source about national park features provided Key Activities: Collection of information by scientific working groupTendering of a photography services, map creation, texting, print and graphic designDraft content for a national park magazine (e.g., current issues, climate change, species of the month, current science projects, Junior Ranger Program).design and production of an environmental bagPrint and (free of charge) distribution (at NP entrance)Organize at least one outreach event at national level / ASEAN regional level Expected Outcomes: High quality information source, also shaping a positive image of the AHP, raises interest in biodiversity and nature protection work and stimulates respect for natureFirst issue of national park magazine in high quality, will motivate to produce more issues of this kindCMRNP visibility increased Indicators: Informative and high-quality information brochure with inserted national park map printed (two languages)National park magazine printedMinimum one outreach event at national level Beneficiaries CMRNP management Communities Tourism stakeholders (e.g. private sector associations)

A-18/ Capacity building of minorities (esp. women) in commercialization of rural and nature-based tourism using social media tools and tourism hospitality skills

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale

Digitization in tourism is playing an increasingly important role. This not only applies to communicating tourism in social media, but also to marketing tourist attractions and offers locally from the destinations in a decentralized and up-to-date manner. This can also significantly increase income effects for the local population. Destination management, product diversification and the appearance of sustainable ecotourism promoting the values of landscape and biodiversity is currently very weak. Women not only know their surroundings and the social and cultural environment very well, they are proficient in traditional cuisine and take care of setting up and maintaining the homestays. Thus, they are in close contact with tourists and know the target groups. In addition, they are usually very well connected. Because of their families, they also spend a relatively large amount of time at home, but have few opportunities for further education or alternative sources of income.

Background:

Women can support sustainable tourism development and to commercialize their own services such as accommodation, cooking courses, health and wellness skills or knowledge, handicraft etc. at home with computers, but need to be trained in professional tourism hospitality skills and equipped with notebooks/ tablets, software and in remote regions with electricity (e.g. by small solar power cells) and internet access.

Objective: Enhanced capacity of minorities in sustainable ecotourism Key Activities: Identification of topics and partners (e.g. international platforms who deal with digital tourism and search for individuals who would like to join)Conduct training need assessment and identify communities (including gender screening)Develop training program on tourism hospitality services skills (e.g. tour guiding, guest reception, room services and management, event organization, culinary, and accommodation booking.Organize contests and competitions to assess the improvementIdentification of trainers and partner companies (those who are already successful in digitalizing tourism worldwide) Expected Outcomes: Local minority women are empowered to drive tourism based on local cultural and nature-based tourism attractions using social media platforms, increasing their income from home Indicators: No. of participants and No. of women participants have successfully completed the training measures, are technically equipped and are able to successfully digitize the cultural and nature tourism potential of their home places At least one competition is organisedTourists feedback forms Beneficiaries: Women in particular those of minorities Communities Tourism stakeholders (e.g. private sector associations)

 

A-19/ Language skills training [in tourism aspect] for AHP staff sand tour guides

Grant type

Micro grants: up to 10,000 (up to 8 months)

Rationale:

Tourism requires language skills so that local staff is are able to communicate with tourists from main source markets (such as e.g. English, Chinese).

Background:

The focus of the language skills should be on providing general information to tourists, knowledge about nature and biodiversity, to be able to introduce local traditions and culture and tourism services in general. On this basis, the language skills will automatically expand later.

Objective: Capacity building of local communities and CBCE staff which responsible for tourism in communicating sustainable tourism issues Key Activities: Assumption: 3 months training courses training courses  with practical exercises   Expected Outcomes: Indicators: Beneficiaries: AHP staff in particular CBCE Tour guides of local communities  

Remark:

 

A-20/ Chu Mom Ray Ecotourism website

Grant type

Micro grants: up to 10,000 (up to 8 months)

Rationale:

Currently there is only fragmentary information about the national park on the internet available. The existing domain name is not user attractive and the website does not work properly. In additional the website of CMR AHP is not well developed both in information and format aspects. In order to introduce tourist attractions and promote ecotourism development in the park, developing ecotourism website is needed. The creation (or, if possible, upgrade of the existing domain name) of a website with information on ecotourism experiences and current events, as well as the work of the national park administration, would be very helpful in getting tourists even more excited about the region and also prolonging their stay. In addition, this would provide an opportunity to encourage environmentally friendly behavior and convey key messages.

Background:

An attractive website for Chu Mom Ray AHP (e.g. also with a national park web application) and linked with social media channels could present the ecotourism attractions of Chu Mom Ray and also refer to offers of partner-service providers of the national park (if they meet certain sustainability criteria and actively promote the national park themselves as well). The aim of this measure is not simply to develop a website, but to work out suitable strategies for the digital communication of the national park, which at the same time also provides important data for tourism planning (user data).

Objective: Comprehensive ecotourism presence in digital form Key Activities:   Expected Outcomes: Indicators: Beneficiaries: CMRNP management Local communities (cooperatives) Sa Thay and Ngoc Hoi districts
Other Tourism stakeholders (e.g. private sector associations)

 

7.4.6 High Priority General Park Management Interventions (B)

B-1/ Capacity Building of AHP in financial planning

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale

Financial planning is critical to the successful running and development of a protected area. It aligns the management planning and work programmes (the SFMP) with the financial and material resources necessary to successfully Implement its management objectives. Financial planning should be carried out with the broad participation of the AHP staff across departments and led by the AHP Department of Finance & Planning facilitated by an external financial Planning expert (organisation).

Background:

The financial planning determines the historical investment in the AHP and produces a forecast necessary to implement the management (SFMP) plan over the plan’s lifetime. The finances are arranged in such a way as to disaggregate work programmes, recurrent costs, revenue streams, etc. This allows flexible responses to uncertainty based on realistic costing and forecasts. It identifies sources (internal and external) of financing, identifies funding gaps, provides strategies to address shortfalls in advance and provides a framework for innovative financing mechanisms. Furthermore, it provides a basis for transparency and accountability for investments. In its simplest form it is a spreadsheet approach to financial planning.

Objective: Sustainable AHP (including buffer zone) financing Key Activities: Identify staff for participatory planningFinancial planning workshops & trainingReview current and historical financing scenariosCollect & collate financial dataJointly draft Financial Plan Expected Outcomes: Increased AHP staff capacitiesIncreased understanding of AHP financing & financial challenges & opportunitiesImproved financial planning & management Indicators: Number of AHP staff trainedNumber of AHP revenue streamsState budget allocation Beneficiaries: CMRNP management  

Remark:

 

7.4.7 High Priority Wildlife Research and Biodiversity Monitoring Interventions (B)

B-2/ Species recovery plan

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months) and Micro grants: up to 10,000 (up to 8 months).

Rationale

Species recovery and management plans should be developed for key species. These need to be identified from the IUCN and Vietnam Red Data Book. There are a number of endemic species already identified whose conservation status is critical. These species need to be assessed by an expert panel and their conservation needs articulated in a species recovery plan which might need ex situ (captive breeding, seed banks, living collections, etc.) interventions to preserve genetic material which would require developing linkages with international centres specialised in these species conservation and capable of building this capacity nationally as well as examining the increasing threats to these species as a result of habitat fragmentation (e.g. roads), external anthropogenic activities and climate change.

Background:

Establishing strong linkages with organisations (e.g. Kew Gardens, ZSL, FZS etc..) who have these capacities and are capable of transferring this expertise to the national and local level is critical to the success of these species’ recovery and management plans. It should aim to include CMRNP Department of Science and International Cooperation in learning by doing and through collaborative efforts such as ex situ activities raise the profile of CMRNP as a centre of biodiversity and conservation excellence.

Objective: Improving the conservation status of rare and at-risk species and habitats Key Activities: Identify of species/groups & habitats most at riskIdentification and engagement of suitable external partnersTraining on Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT)Training on wildlife rescue and biodiversity conservationIdentification threatsSurveysMappingConservation intervention planning (participatory)/ methodologiesDeveloping species recovery plansAdaptive management (SFMP review)Preparation of material for public awareness Expected Outcomes: Increased AHP staff capacitiesSpecific management interventions for key species & habitats Indicators: Number of AHP staff trainedNumber of specific conservation interventionsNumber of external organisation linkages & collaborationsThreat reductions (as measured by TRA or similar tool) Beneficiaries: CMRNP management  

 

7.4.8 High Priority Community Development Interventions (B)

B-3/ Value chain approach for NTFP, local agricultural and traditional products

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months).

Rationale

Establishing value chains from production to market for NTFP species and other local products (including agricultural products) already under commercial utilisation. The selection of three to five under-utilised NTFPs (or agricultural products) identified under the SG aimed at the commercialisation of NTFPs should be selected for a detailed value chain approach.

It is recommended that this is a participatory approach with the cooperatives to build the capacity for basic understanding of value chains for future identification of products and markets of buffer zone resources currently not in commercial production. Furthermore, there should be special attention given to economically empowering women in the value chain of these products.

Background:

This should support value chain analysis and economic/financial feasibility studies to determine the viability of the different value chains and support their development as appropriate. The process will involve support to a participatory supply chain diagnosis, planning and implementation to analyse the constraints and opportunities in the development of local supply to an off-taker.

Objective: Improved markets and value added to NTFPs benefitting farmers and resources users in the buffer zone (including the inner buffer zone). Key Activities: The process should identify the specific steps that need to be in place to support producers and resource user groups. It should focus on commodities that are currently being produced/exploited, with a view to improving the benefits to these groups and ensuring that both supply and demand sides of the supply chain are improved. It will also target products that can be easily exploited.Review of role of women in value chain.The phases involved in value chain supplier development include:Supply Chain Diagnostics – to assess the supply chain of each identified focal commodity and look at the constraints along the supply chain and identifying barriers for the smallholder producers of the commodity from engaging in commercial activities and supplying to the off-takers.Supply Chain Development Planning – following the diagnosis, develop strategies and practical supply chain implementation plans, backed by partnership agreements between stakeholders.Supply Chain Development Implementation – selection of strategies and business models that will empower small scale suppliers in the supply chain, including the following:Upgrading as a chain actor: the producers become specialists with a clear market orientation;Adding value through vertical integration: the producers move into joint processing and marketing in order to add value;Developing chain partnerships: the producers build long-term alliances with buyers that are centred on shared interests and mutual growth; andDeveloping ownership over the chain: the producers try to build direct linkages with consumer markets.Policy feedback and review Expected Outcomes: Sustainable use of NTFPsIncreased diversity of NTFPs in commercial usageIncreased farm & non-farm incomesLocal processing and adding value to farm and NTFP products (increased farm-gate/forest user prices achieved)Diversification of income generating activities.Women participating in more income-generating activities Indicators: Prices of NTFPsNumber of processing stages of NTFPsNumber of players/transactions between producer & consumerWomen involvement in value chains Beneficiaries: CMRNP management Cooperatives Local communities Women  

7.4.9 High Priority Tourism/ Ecotourism Interventions (B)

B-4/ Capacity building and training of AHP staffs on ecotourism management and participatory threat reduction

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale

From the studies on CMRNP it was not evident that sufficient personnel capacities, appropriate equipment, sufficient know how and corresponding projects for the promotion of sustainable ecotourism are available. The control of tourism activities in a sustainable manner (esp. the protection of biodiversity) is barely represented in the national park administration as an own activity field.

Background:

The aim is to identify or officially nominate at least one responsible person for ecotourism development in each AHP and to equip and build the capacity of the selected person so that he / she would be able to monitor the ecotourism measures are sustainable and to avoid harmful activities in the protected area can be developed.

Objective: Enhance capacity of ecotourism management in the national park Key Activities: Identification of general goals and objectives Job profile and requirements, job description and required qualificationsClarification of workplace/office space and requirements for equipmentSelection of a candidateInternship/ practice in a well-established national park (approx. 3 months)Procurement of needed technical equipment (e.g. computer, printer, radio, soft-/ hardware, drone, camera, GPS tracker etc.)Elaboration of annual work plan, training (also possible by online meetings)TOR for external service providers (e.g. landscaping, carpenter, graphic designer and print)Quality controlImplementation of measuresActivity plan for the upcoming year Expected Outcomes: One qualified ecotourism expert authorized, enabled and equipped to plan and implement sustainable ecotourism measures in each AHP   Indicators: A position with a capable and qualified person is created in each of the AHP’sThe specialist has appropriate knowledge, decision making authority and equipment and will work within a defined work plan and provided budgets in the field of sustainable ecotourism and biodiversity conservationquarterly quality control (in the first year), half-yearly quality control from the second year on (evaluation reports)At least 3 measures implemented per year (e.g. information and interpretation material for ecotourists, visitor guiding and interpretation signs, hiking trails, workshops and meetings with stakeholders etc.) Beneficiaries: CMRNP management  

B-5/ Training to promote and develop local products, traditional handicraft and techniques

Grant type

Small grants: 20,000 to 100,000 (6 months to 15 months)

Rationale:

Examples for sustainable tourism and innovations (e.g. visitor interpretation, product innovations incl. service quality) are lacking, and there are limited provision of incentives to do so. The locals, on the other hand, do not have knowledge or capacities to develop tourism products or souvenirs.

Background:

The focus should be on training to promote and develop sustainable and uique local products, traditions and handicraft techniques, which contribute to the protection of biodiversity. This can be interpretation and guiding infrastructure (samples), tourism products, which are of outstanding value in terms of biodiversity.

Example for illustration: A typical local product like honey, liqueur incl. product design, packaging and marketing/ distribution, product design reflects AHP and its ecological/ biodiversity value

Objective: Promotion and development of local products, traditions and handicraft techniques, which contribute to the protection of biodiversity conservation through ecotourism Key Activities: Orientation meeting between AHP, local communities, tourism private sector Agreement on initial leadership, personnel, definition of topics and work areas, and meetingsEstablishment and maintenance of a websiteIdentification of tourism service providers and individuals, who would be interested to develop products in tourism and related servicesEstablishment of a steering group (since potential suppliers of tourism products must be mentored, trained), in which qualified tourism experts also participateDevelopment of categories and quality criteriaAccommodation service providers (eg. homestay owners) develop their own common brand and promote the AHP, offer or co-ordinate nature/ eco-tours PR and international networkingConduct training courses (practical, esp.on the job trainings) Expected Outcomes: Awareness and competitiveness of the AHPs and sustainable ecotourism service providers is raised, sustainable tourism products are sharpening the positive image of each AHP as destinationIncrease of local incomeCapacity of service providers in tourism (1st and 2nd value chain level) improved – increased understanding of a common destination and increase of competitiveness Indicators: Cooperation platform is created and AHP participate in common exchange of experiences and joint activities/projectsWebsite was created, news will be publishedAt least three trainings with each min. 10 participants/ year conductedOne innovative service provider/ product identified and awarded per yearannual report with presentation of activities and work planning for the following year has been completed Beneficiaries: CMRNP management Communities Tourism stakeholders (e.g. private sector associations). Local communities

 

B-6/ Ecotourism and Biodiversity Day:  A collaborative approach for awareness programme and promotion of local products

Grant type

Micro grants: up to 10,000 (up to 8 months)

Rationale

A measure to introduce local produce, sustainability, the need to protect biodiversity enforce sustainable tourism and to create public attention about these topics (incl. public relation). A co-ordinated initial public event at each of the parks would help generate attention to the major challenges that need to be addressed.

Background:

A series of events with different topics in combination with activities and involvement of various stakeholders (public and private sector, villagers, scientific institutions, NGOs) can raise awareness about biodiversity, facilitate a first exchange between stakeholders and contribute to the dissemination of news in different media. In addition, domestic tourism offers could be promoted.

Objectives: Awareness raising among locals and strengthening the co-operation with the AHP Key Activities: Identification of themes and participantsPreparation and agreement on concept (incl. online/ social media and print)Public relationCleaning up eventMarket for local productsPresentation of best practicesPanel discussionsEco-/ biodiversity-/ national park quiz and awards (student groups, school class etc.) AHP sport event (mountain race etc.) Expected Outcomes: Awareness raised, participants gain new insights, establish contacts and share experiences, continue to co-operate   Indicators: Press clippingEvent program and relevance to ecotourism/ biodiversityInformation material and leafletsParticipants of the quizAmount of waste collectedEstimation of participants (per AHP)Number of active supportersEvents/ discussions etc. with relevance to biodiversity, ecotourism, nature conservationNumber of regional products (agriculture, handicraft)Number of regional cultural activities and events presented (music, theatre, dance etc.) Beneficiaries: CMRNP management Communities Tourism stakeholders (e.g. private sector associations)

Remarks: The ‘Biodiversity Day’ could/ should be continued: each year one new topic/ theme (e.g. an endangered species, waste avoidance, environmental behaviour, an ethnic group and their perception of nature etc.)

Example (for illustration):

The national park administration arranges the Biodiversity Day with following components: opening ceremony, exhibition about biodiversity and problems/ challenges and activities to protect biodiversity (incl. short video), local market/ local agricultural and other products, painting competition and awarding (school classes), theatre performance (school classes with villagers), panel discussion with local representatives, national and international experts (tourism, biodiversity etc.), quiz awards (about biodiversity), press conference. Events one day before: sport event, cleaning up with students, school classes, villagers, local administrations and national park (decision makers should actively participate!), press/ media.

  • Thua Thien Hue Union of Science and Technology Associations (HUSTA)
  • 06 Phan Boi Chau, Vinh Ninh, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam
  • hodacthaihoang@husta.vn
  • +84234.3845091 – 3898871
Facebook Twitter Youtube