Working Paper 01 a

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin A Component of the Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme of the Mekong River Commission Volume 1: Main Report

Appraisal Report

Fohren-Linden / Mougins / Eschborn, 20 March 2002

MRC-GTZ Cooperation Programme

Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme Watershed Management Component

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin Report on the Appraisal Mission Commissioned by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GTZ regional unit:

RG 204

Regional desk officer:

Richard Jökel

Senior Planning officer: Responsible for the commission:

Dr. Petra Stremplat-Platte Dr. Hans Helmrich

Appraisal team:

Dr. Fred E. Brandl Consultant for Rural Development, Fohren-Linden, Germany (Mission leader) Sabine Preuss Senior Planning Officer, Rural Development Division, GTZ, Eschborn Florian Rock Consultant for natural resources management, Mougins, France Hour Limchun Programme Manager, Cardamom Conservation Programme, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Kenneth Irwin Consultant for Forestry and Adult Education, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tit Chankosal Desk Officer, Department of Agronomy and Livestock Improvement, Phnom Penh Sichanh Viravongsa Forestry Consultant, Earth Systems Lao, Vientiane, Laos Linkham Douangsavanh Head of Socio-economic Research Unit, National Agriculture & Forestry Res. Inst., Vientiane, Laos Udhai Thongmee Senior Forest Officer, WSM Division, Royal Forest Department, Bangkok, Thailand Manu Srikhajon Soil and Water Conservation Specialist, Land Development Department, Bangkok, Thailand Dr. Nguyen Tu Siem Director, Project Management Board, Min. of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hanoi, Vietnam Dr. Phung Tu’u Boi Director, NCCDC, Forest Inventory and Planning Institute, Hanoi, Vietnam

Main Report:

F.E. Brandl, S. Preuss and F. Rock

Date of report

20th March 2002

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Executive Summary

Executive Summary

This report presents the results of an appraisal mission on a German Technical Cooperation contribution to the Watershed Management Component of the Mekong River Commission’s Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme (AIFP). The appraisal was commissioned by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ). A proposal for additional support through German Financial Co-operation in the field of forest rehabilitation in upper watersheds of the Lower Mekong Basin will be subject to a separate appraisal by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). The appraisal was carried out from 1st January to 23 February 2002. It comprised preparatory data collection in the four countries, three regional workshops (Inception, Strategy, Planning), visits to the four riparian countries and intensive discussions with representatives of various institutions. The latter included relevant government and nongovernment institutions, bi- and multilateral co-operation projects, the MRC Secretariat as well as the GTZ Office and the German Embassy in Phnom Penh. rd

Findings of the appraisal mission

The water and land resources of the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) are the basis for the livelihood of about 60 million inhabitants and provide food for some 300 million people. However, the basin’s environment is degrading at a rapid rate from unsustainable practices such as forest exploitation, expansion of agriculture onto steep slopes and water pollution and from negative side-effects of some large-scale infrastructure projects. Particularly in the fragile eco-systems of the upper watersheds in the Mekong Basin, increased pressure on natural resources due to a rapidly increasing population is a major threat to sustainability of the present natural resource-based production potentials and a potential source of future conflicts. The multi-faceted functions of these headwaters call for an integrated and participatory approach to watershed management (WSM) throughout the basin. Sustainable management (planning, implementation and monitoring) needs integrated action of the numerous local and regional stakeholders and demands for dialogue, mediation and co-ordination both, at national and regional level. The joint efforts to manage a certain geographical area and co-ordinate resource management between people living in the upper and the lower parts of the watersheds needs to be facilitated and institutionalised. Any watershed management approach needs to encompass the variety and interaction between organisations and their respective stakes. Those are village organisations, commune (or tambon) councils and their administration, private sector organisations and their structures, provincial authorities and line departments, and the many non-governmental organisations working in the area. The rationale for MRC involvement in WSM is its mandate, mission and authorised scope of work based on the 1995 MRC agreement, that finds its expression in the formulation of the Basin Development Plan (BDP), the Water Utilisation Programme (WUP), and the Environment Programme (EP). Moreover, in October 2000 the MRC countries have endorsed the AIFP as an important regional sector programme to address WSM issues. An analysis of MRC’s Strategic Plan 2001-2005 reveals a high degree of accord between the priorities set forth therein and important traits of the relevant concepts and guidelines of the BMZ. Moreover, the Strategic Plan is in line with the objectives and principles provided by international conventions and arrangements pertaining to natural resources. Support to the implementation of AIFP under the framework of the Strategic Plan would, therefore, be well in agreement with German Development Policy. i

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Executive Summary

MRC is the only organisation mandated by the highest political level to address basin-wide issues, to foster inter-country co-operation and to address potential cross-boundary conflicts. On the other hand, MRC’s potential of contributing to WSM in the region is yet neither fully exploited nor sufficiently perceived by line agencies, NGOs and donors. Given Germany’s long involvement in sustainable resources management in the region, German Development Co-operation can contribute to enhancing MRC Secretariat’s capacity to address the above issues and to assume its envisaged role of a regional “centre of excellence”. Discussions with national stakeholders during the consultants’ country visits revealed: • •

Watershed Management is a known and relevant concept in all riparian countries with many institutions involved. The four countries are at different states of development of Watershed Management policies, strategies, concepts and framework conditions and there is a great potential for sharing experiences and information and for joint learning processes.

•

While there are numerous activities in WSM by a multitude of institutions in various catchments and sub-catchments there is yet no “real life example” of a consistent and complete WSM approach in any of these locations.

•

Apart from bi-lateral negotiations mainly in the context of large hydro-power projects there is little if any consideration of cross-boundary issues in WSM, yet.

During these discussions, the following major fields of work for Technical Co-operation in the WSM-component of the AIFP were identified: • • •

to institutionalise integrated WSM planning in selected cross-border and other catchments. to support the sharing of knowledge and experience and to facilitate joint learning processes within the region in view of both, national and regional issues in WSM. to improve regional data and information management in WSM.

Integrated WSM planning in pilot catchments needs to be followed up by implementation. German Technical Co-operation, with its given mandate and resources, can, however, provide only rather limited support to implementation. Hence the necessity to collaborate with national programmes, NGOs, and projects funded by other donors. Moreover, it appears imperative to link the Technical Co-operation in WSM and the German Financial Co-operation contribution to forest rehabilitation to be provided through KfW. Major benefits that are expected from of a regional approach as compared to national programmes in WSM comprise: •

intensified exchange of experience and lessons between the countries which may lead to more effective interventions and help to avoid duplication and repetition of ineffective strategies and actions;

•

more effective use of available human and financial resources for WSM;

•

the possibility to address cross border catchments as entities;

•

further improvement of good relations and mutual trust through joint learning, professional interaction and development activities across institutions and countries; transparent, fair and amicable resolution of disagreements based on regionally acknowledged principles and agreements on WSM; harmonisation of views and potentially joint positioning and negotiations at international ii fora related to watershed management;

• •

•

improved access to international funding.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Executive Summary

Results of the planning workshop

Based on the findings of the appraisal mission the participants of a regional Planning Workshop (Phnom Penh, 21st and 22nd February 2002) developed the following proposal for an initial phase of three years (starting in December 2002) for the WSM component of the AIFP to enter into a potentially long-term co-operation. The objectives would be as following: Direct objective (Purpose): Relevant institutions in the riparian countries and the MRC Secretariat make use of regional co-operation, information exchange / sharing and improved approaches for sustainable WSM in the Lower Mekong River Basin. This objective will lead to an enhanced capability of the riparian countries to manage their watersheds sustainably and increasingly in view of regional needs. Eventually this will contribute to the ultimate objective (Overall Goal): “The watersheds of the Lower Mekong River Basin fulfil their ecological, economic and social functions and provide a sustainable basis for improved livelihood of the population.” In order to achieve the Purpose the following Outputs are to be realised within the initial phase: Output 1: WSM approaches in selected (national and cross-border) watersheds are further developed, documented and disseminated Output 2: Mechanisms for analysis and further development of national WSM policies and guidelines in the LMB are established and functioning Output 3: Mechanisms for continuous and effective regional collaboration in WSM are established and functioning Output 4: Regional and national information management on WSM is improved Main activities to be carried out in order to realise the planned Outputs, Indicators for their achievement and important Assumptions were specified in a Planning Matrix. The workshop reviewed criteria for the selection of pilot watersheds presented by the consultants and agreed to propose the following locations: •

The cross-border area of the Nam Ou watershed with the Nam Noua sub-catchment in Laos (Mai District of Phongsaly Province) and the Nam Rum sub-catchment in Vietnam (Dien Bien District of Lai Chau Province)

•

The Upper Sesan watershed in Cambodia (Ratanakiri Province) with the potential to extend into the Vietnamese part of that watershed in a second phase

•

The Mae Nam Suai sub-catchment of the Mae Nam Kok watershed in Thailand (Chiang Rai Province).

The participants agreed, however, to postpone the final selection of the pilot watersheds and to take this decision in the context of the appraisal of the envisaged German Financial Co-operation contribution in order to facilitate the required linkage. The overall responsibility for implementation will lie with the MRC Secretariat. The National Mekong Committees will act as co-ordinating offices. Lead agencies in the riparian countries have been proposed as follows: • •

Cambodia: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Laos: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

iii

• •

Thailand: Royal Forest Department Vietnam: Department of Forest Development in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Executive Summary

The German contribution to the initial phase of the Programme would comprise the secondment of long-term and short-term experts and auxiliary personnel, the provision of running costs for the seconded experts and material inputs as well as financial contributions to networks and workshops, “off-the job” training measures, implementation of WSM activities in pilot sites, travel costs, the general overheads of the MRC Secretariat and the MRC management costs of the AIFP. The overall costs of the German contributions to the initial phase including overheads are estimated at up to 4.346 million Euro. The contribution of the MRC would comprise the secondment of professional and auxiliary personnel, the provision of office space and furniture as well as running costs for the offices in Phnom Penh. MRC will assure the secondment of the necessary professional and technical staff in the MRC member countries through the relevant national line agencies. If required, MRC will put the equipment provided by Germany for the Sustainable Management of Resources Project (SMRP) at the unrestricted disposal of the seconded experts for the fulfilment of their tasks. Further steps to be taken After general approval of this proposal by BMZ, the German side would draft a Document (“Arrangement on Technical Co-operation”), which would provide the legal basis of the envisaged co-operation. This document would be signed by the MRC Chief Executive Officer on behalf of MRC and by the German Ambassador in Phnom Penh on behalf of the German Government. Details of implementation would be specified in an Implementation Agreement between the MRC Secretariat and GTZ.

iv

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Executive Summary

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VOLUME 1: MAIN REPORT Abbreviations and Acronyms 1 BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURE OF THE APPRAISAL

1

2 SITUATION ANALYSIS 2.1 Natural Resources in the Lower Mekong Basin 2.2 Watershed Management in the LMB 2.2.1 The Watershed Management Concept

2 2 4 4

2.2.2 WSM in Cambodia

5

2.2.3 WSM in Laos

8

2.2.4 WSM in Thailand

10

2.2.5 WSM in Vietnam

12

3 INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE MEKONG RIVER COMMISSION 3.1 History and mandate 3.2 Organisational structure 3.3 Resources 3.4 Strategy 3.5 MRC programmes and interlinkages 3.6 Partnerships with other regional players and civil society

14 14 16 17 18 19 20

4 ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMPONENT OF THE AIFP 4.1 Watershed Management as a component of the MRC Agriculture, Irrigation and

20

Forestry Programme 20 4.2 Request for Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the WSM Component 21 4.3 Proposed Target Sites for Field Implementation 4.4 Assessment of the proposal and the baseline documents

22 22

5 DESIGN OF THE AIFP WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMPONENT 5.1 Objectives 5.2 Strategy 5.3 Outputs, activities and indicators of success 5.4 Target sites 5.5 Organisational set-up and national lead agencies 5.6 Inputs 5.6.1 German contribution

24 24 25 25 28 29 30 30

5.6.2 Contributions of the MRC and its member countries 6 IMPACTS 6.1 Environmental impacts 6.2 Micro-economic impacts

30 31 31 31

6.3 Macro-economic impacts 6.4 Socio-cultural impacts 6.5 Institutional impacts 6.6 Political impacts at the regional level

32 32 33 33

7 ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS

33

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Executive Summary

Annex:

1 Terms of Reference 2 Agreed Minutes 3 Proposed Target Areas 4 Relevant Programmes and Projects 5 Project proposal for German Financial Co-operation contribution to AIFP 6 Organogramme of the MRC Secretariat 7 Work programme of the mission and people met 8 List of Documents used VOLUME 2: APPENDICES

(A) Country Report Cambodia (B) Country Report Laos (C) Country Report Thailand (D) Country Report Vietnam

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Executive Summary

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ADB AIFP AIT ASEAN BMZ CPMG DANIDA DfID DFW ECAFE e.g. EU f.e. FAO GIS GMS GTZ Ha ICLARM IMC IUCN JICA KfW LDD LMB M&E MRC NCCDC NMC NBCA NESDP NGO NRM ODA PDR PM RFD SFM SIDA SMRP UN UNCED UNDP WB WSM WWF

Asian Development Bank Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme Asian Institute of Technology Association of South East Asian Nations Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung Core Programme Management Group Danish International Development Assistance (British) Department for International Development Department of Forestry and Wildlife United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East example given European Union for example Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Geographic Information System Greater Mekong Sub-region Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit Hectare International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management Interim Mekong Committee International Union for Conservation of Nature – World Conservation Union Japan International Co-operation Agency Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau Land Development Department Lower Mekong Basin Monitoring and Evaluation Mekong River Commission Nature Conservation and Community Development Centre National Mekong Committee National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area National Economic and Social Development Plan Non-Government Organisation Natural Resource Management Official Development Assistance People’s Democratic Republic Person Month Royal Forest Department Sustainable Forest Management Swiss International Development Agency Sustainable Management of Resources in the Lower Mekong Basin Project United Nations United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio 1992) United Nations Development Programme World Bank Watershed Management World Wide Fund for Nature

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

1 BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURE OF THE APPRAISAL

In 2001, Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat and German officials had first talks on potential German contributions to the MRC’s Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme (AIFP). It was agreed that the German Government would consider to provide support to the AIFP through technical co-operation in watershed management (WSM). Following deliberations on both sides it was agreed that the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) should further appraise the proposed co-operation. In August 2001, MRC submitted an official request for technical assistance to Germany. Consequently, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ) commissioned GTZ/SMRP to field a project appraisal mission on the envisaged Technical Co-operation component. A proposal for complementary support through German Financial Co-operation in the field of forest rehabilitation in upper watersheds of the Lower Mekong Basin will be subject to a separate appraisal by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). 1

2

3

The appraisal was carried out from 1 January to 23 February 2002. The mission team consisted of three German consultants who worked in close co-operation with two to three national consultants each from the four riparian countries (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam). st

rd

The objectives of the mission were to assess the feasibility of the proposed WSM component as described in the Programme Document of the AIFP and in the request for technical assistance and – provided a positive result of this assessment - to develop a consolidated proposal for implementation. The detailed Terms of Reference of the mission are given in Annex 1. 4

The appraisal comprised preparatory data collection in the four countries, visits to the four riparian countries and intensive discussions with representatives of various institutions. The latter comprised relevant government and non-government institutions, bi- and multilateral co-operation projects, the MRC Secretariat as well as the GTZ Office and the German Embassy in Phnom Penh. A detailed account of the missions itinerary and the individuals and institutions contacted is provided in Annex 7. In the course of the mission, three regional workshops were held in Phnom Penh. Participants of the workshops were representatives of the MRC Secretariat, National Mekong Committees, relevant national line agencies, GTZ and the consultants. The first workshop (15 and 16 January 2002) concentrated on the further clarification of the terms of reference and on the elaboration of the procedure of the mission. In addition, the national consultants presented the results of their preparatory work since 1 January 2002. The country reports of the national consultants are contained in Volume 2 of the appraisal report. th

th

st

1

MRC (2001): Request for technical assistance from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for the implementation of a Programme Component of the Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme. MRC Secretariat, Phnom Penh, 2001.

2

3

Sustainable Management of Resources Project. SMRP is a MRC-German Technical Cooperation project supported by GTZ. MRC(2001): Integrated Forest Rehabilitation in the Lower Mekong Basin. A project proposal for an investment programme in the forest sector. MRC Secretariat/SMRP, Phnom Penh, 2001. See Annex 5.

1

4

MRC (2000): Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme for 2001 – 2005. MRC Secretariat, Phnom Penh, December 2000.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

During the second workshop (6 and 7 February 2002) the international consultants presented their findings from the country visits. Based on this, the participants developed the general strategy for the WSM component, agreed on major areas of work, elaborated a draft list of activities and defined major impacts that are expected from of a regional approach as compared to national programmes in WSM. Furthermore, the participants reviewed criteria for the selection of pilot watersheds presented by the consultants. th

th

At the third workshop (21 and 22 February 2002), the international consultants presented a draft Planning Matrix which was reviewed and completed by the participants. The organisational set-up was developed and national lead agencies in each country were identified. st

nd

Based on the results of the third workshop, the international consultants prepared minutes of the appraisal which were agreed upon and signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the MRC Secretariat and the Director of the GTZ Office Phnom Penh on 23 February 2002. rd

5

2 SITUATION ANALYSIS 2.1 Natural Resources in the Lower Mekong Basin

The Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) covers an area of 61.9 million ha in the four riparian countries of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The overall population of these countries is estimated at 156 million people of which 60 million live in the basin. 6

Table 1: Population of the Lower Mekong Sub-Region

Country

Area (km )

Cambodia Lao PDR Thailand Vietnam Total

181,040 236,800 513,115 332,000 1,262,955

2

Population (million) Estimates 2001 11.5 4.9 62.0 78.0 156.4

Population growth (%)

Population density (persons/km2)

2.9 2.6 1.2 1.9 1.7

63 21 121 235 124

Source: MRC (2000): Strategy Study on the Development of the Watershed Management / Forestry Sector in the Lower Mekong Basin: Strategy and Action Plan. Population figures from Reports of national consultants, see Volume 2.

Some of the most common features of the rural areas of the LMB are: •

A high incidence of poverty among the rural population (e.g. in Lao PDR 53% of the rural population are classified as poor);

•

A high dependency on the use of natural resources such as forests, water, fish, and land for subsistence and income generation; 85% of the rural population depend primarily on agricultural activities for their livelihood;

5

6

Agreed Minutes on the Appraisal Mission of “Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin”. A component of the Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme of the Mekong River Commission. MRC Secretariat/GTZ, Phnom Penh, 23rd February 2002. See Annex 2. MRC(2000):Agriculture,IrigationandForestryProgrammefor2001–2005.MRCSecretariat, Phnom Penh, December 2000.

2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

•

Mountain dwellers belong to a multitude of different ethnic groups, many of them practising various forms of swidden agriculture;

•

In Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam more than 80% of the total population live in rural areas and population increases among the rural population due to natural growth and in-migration exceed the national averages;

•

A lack of infrastructure limiting the accessibility to and within the upland and mountainous parts of the LMB (e.g. in Lao PDR 80% of the total land area is sloping land and mountainous)

In recent years there has been increased pressure on the natural resources of the LMB resulting from economic growth, population increases, unregulated environmental degradation processes, such as illegal logging, land grabbing, and large scale land use conversions. The risk of natural disasters has increased as exemplified in the 2000 and 2001 catastrophic floods in large parts of Cambodia, Southern Laos and the Mekong Delta. One of the indicators of resource degradation is the reduction of forest cover in the basin. In 1997 a total of 22.2 million ha in the LMB were under forest cover (35.8% of the area). Table 2: Forest Cover and Trends in LMB countries, 1975 – 1997

Thailand Laos Vietnam Cambodia

1975 (ha)

1993 (ha)

1997 (ha)

5 292 9 864 1 943 9 916

3 052 8 771 1 681 9 292

2 990 8 544 1 615 9 092

260 022 619 343

879 016 105 119

087 584 670 093

% annual change 1975-93 4.25 0.73 1.20 0.39

% annual change 1993-97 0.42 0.53 0.81 0.44

Forest cover 1997 16% 40% 25% 58%

Source: MRC (2000): Strategy Study on the Development of the Watershed Management / Forestry Sector in the Lower Mekong Basin: Strategy and Action Plan.

Although the official figures show a decline of forest cover losses in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam over the past decade, the general trend of forest loss has not yet been halted or reversed despite all efforts undertaken in reforestation. The average deforestation rate is estimated at about 0.5%/year. Contrary to the trends in other riparian countries, deforestation rates in Cambodia seem to have increased in recent years. This is confirmed by the latest forest cover monitoring exercise in Cambodia (based on satellite images of the year 2000) wich indicates very high deforestation rates, particularly in the Cardamom Mountains as well as in Ratanakiri and Stung Treng provinces7. The main causes of deforestation and resource degradation in the LMB include: •

expansion of agricultural production areas, land conversions to plantations and general land use changes;

•

in-migration and population growth;

•

forest fires;

•

slash and burn agriculture and insufficient access to suitable land resources;

•

insecurity of land and resource use rights;

•

logging practices and log transportation; 3

•

fuelwood collection;

7

Personal communication, Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Cambodia

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

• • • • • •

over-exploitation of fauna and flora (hunting and collection of non-timber forest products); hydropower development; infrastructure and commercial development; defoliation by chemicals during the war times; inadequate institutional capacities; profusion of regulatory documents and varying applications or interpretations on the local level.

In an attempt to counteract the general trends in resource degradation, all riparian countries have created a system of national parks and protected areas. In Cambodia, 23 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries have been established by law and are complemented by a number of protected forest areas under each provincial administration. A total of 20 National Bio-diversity Conservation Areas (NBCAs) and numerous protected and conservation forests have been officially created in Lao PDR. Similar forest and wildlife protection measures have been undertaken in Vietnam (National Parks, as well as Protected and Special Use Forests) and Thailand (National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries). Furthermore, in particular the Vietnamese and the Thai Governments are carrying out large-scale reforestation programmes, both in upper watersheds for protection purposes as well as in the form of large timber plantations in less densely populated rural areas. 2.2 Watershed Management in the LMB 2.2.1 The Watershed Management Concept A watershed is a topographically delineated area from which rainwater drains as surface run-off via a specific river or stream to a common outlet point (e.g. a large river, lake or the sea). Depending on their location and size, various types of watersheds can be distinguished, ranging from micro-catchments and sub-catchments to larger watersheds and river basins. Watersheds are used as planning and implementation entities in connection with natural resources conservation, sustainable water supply for hydropower and irrigation schemes, development and protection of upland areas and for the mitigation of upstream cause and downstream effect relations. Definition of watershed management: Co-ordinated multi-stakeholder management of land, water and other resources within a region (e.g. river basin or sub-catchment), with the objectives of •

conserving or rehabilitating the resource and environment

•

ensuring bio-diversity

•

minimising land degradation

Effective watershed/river basin management needs to be holistic in its coverage and interdisciplinary in its scope. WSM has to consider the natural resources (land, water, forest) as well as the human resources (households, communities, government institutions, private sector) and co-ordinate their management needs and development potentials. Thus, watershed interventions should consider the different stakeholders’ interests and aspirations, and include mechanisms of conflict resolution. The cross-cutting issue is to establish pro4

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

cedures for integrated watershed/river basin management through development and implementation of watershed/river basin management plans, beginning at the village-level plans, which are harmonised into sub-catchment management and development plans. Strong community participation throughout the process is essential. Participatory land use planning and land allocation (for agricultural and forest land) is the foundation of an integrated watershed management approach. Integrated watershed management planning is the attempt to involve all relevant stakeholders in a process of defining present constraints and potentials and developing priorities, strategies and objectives in a given watershed situation. Co-ordinated implementation of such a plan will lead to improved management of watershed resources, which can be expected to produce a range of both on-site and downstream economic, social and environmental benefits through the promotion of suitable land uses and appropriate land management practices. In summary, WSM aims at •

Creation of a holistic and integrated view on natural resources management;

•

Widespread protection of the natural resources in upper catchment areas by forest management, reforestation and soil conservation; Mitigation of negative impacts in downstream areas; Establishment of fruitful co-operation among existing projects/programmes (IO/NGO) in an area-based planning and implementation approach; Increased security of land tenure through a land allocation process with wide area coverage in the watershed; Contributions to poverty alleviation through sustainable land use and community based management of natural resources.

• • • •

While there is generally a wide-spread consensus on the validity and potential benefits of the WSM concept, its application faces a number of difficulties: •

WSM requires the involvement of many line agencies and stakeholders which implies high co-ordination needs, integration and joint responsibilities. This is not easy to achieve in view of the sectoral set-up and thinking in most Government institutions.

•

The present national planning procedures and guidelines are not reflecting the WSM approach. Institutions at all levels plan and act within the framework of administrative boundaries and not in terms of physiographic boundaries.

•

Many of the relevant institutions in the riparian countries are understaffed and lack expertise in WSM. Moreover, the dominant working attitude of the majority of Government staff still is rather prescriptive than participatory.

2.2.2 WSM in Cambodia

Policy and legal framework WSM is a fairly new concept in Cambodia and policies and strategies for its implementation are only emerging. A Royal Decree on watershed management has been issued in December 1998, outlining the importance of protecting natural resources in watershed areas and instructing the Government to prepare further sub-decrees and instructions on watershed management. However, the further development of a comprehensive national policy or strategy on WSM is complicated by overlapping mandates of various institutions: 5

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

•

The Department of Water Resource Management and Conservation in the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has elaborated a draft sub-decree on watershed management focussing on the water supply function of watersheds.

•

The Department of Forestry and Wildlife in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry intends to prepare another draft sub-decree on WSM. .

•

Moreover, the national policies on rural development, decentralisation, natural resources management and poverty reduction contain important implications for a watershed management concept.

Important parts of the legal framework for watershed and natural resources management in Cambodia have been established in the recent past. Others are currently under preparation e.g. the Forestry Law, the Sub-decree on Community Forestry and the Water Resources Management Law. But even after these will have been endorsed there will remain the massive task of translating the general framework into effective regulations and practical guidelines

Major legal and policy documents pertaining to WSM in Cambodia: •

Land Law, endorsed in August 2001

•

Law on Commune Administration Management, endorsed in August 2000

•

Law on environmental protection and natural resource management – endorsed in November 1996

• • •

Forestry law, submitted to Council of Ministers in July 2001, not yet passed Sub-decree on Community Forest Management, final draft elaborated February 2002. Sub-decree on forest concession management, signed by the Prime Minister in February 2002

• • •

Law on water resources management – exists in draft form Decentralisation and Devolution Policy of the Ministry of Interior Five-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (2001-2005); particularly relevant on poverty alleviation

• • • •

Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Agricultural Development Plan (2001-2005) Action Programme for the Development of Agriculture in Cambodia 2001-2010 Government Action Plan 2001, which includes a section specifically dealing with natural resources management

•

Draft Policy for Ethnic Minority Peoples’ Development, also called “Highland Policy” (Sept. 1997) (not yet ratified by the Council of Ministers)

The Government of Cambodia has started to implement its policy of decentralisation with the establishment of village and commune development councils. A major task of these councils will be the establishment and implementation of participatory development plans which are supposed to be aggregated to district and provincial plans. This planning process and the institutions involved will be of critical importance in any watershed management planning. Institutions There is a multitude of government institutions in Cambodia that are relevant to WSM. The most important ones are the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery and the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction. 6

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

Government institutions in Cambodia involved in WSM: •

Department of Forestry and Wildlife (DFW) - Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery

• • •

• • • • • • •

Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Land Improvement (DAALI) – Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Planning and International Co-operation Division - Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery General Department of Land Management and Urban Planning and General Department of Cadastre and Geography - Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) Department of Water Resources Management and Conservation - Ministry of Water Resources Management and Meteorology (MoWRM) Department of Nature Conservation and Protection - Ministry of Environment (MoE) SEILA Programme Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) Cambodian National Mekong Committee (CNMC) Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) – takes decisions regarding rehabilitation, development and investment projects in the country Inter-ministerial council to oversee ethnic minority development (see further details in the report of national consultants in Volum e 2)

Programmes and projects

8

There is a multitude of projects or programmes in Cambodia promoting participatory planning approaches, which attempt to integrate natural resources management (NRM) issues in a local planning process. There are numerous examples of community-based NRM, such as community forests and fishery schemes managed by local committees, while participatory land use planning and land allocation according to the new land law has just started. As many of these projects are supported by international and local NGOs, most of them are on a small scale, covering from 5 to 20 villages. More widespread and more holistic approaches to NRM can only be found in Siem Reap (FAO-supported), in Ratanakiri (SIDA-supported) and in Kampong Thom (GTZ-supported). Yet, non of these projects has a watershed perspective. In November 2001, the national SEILA Task Force has prepared a project proposal to DANIDA for a watershed management project in the Stung Pursat and Mongkol Borey areas (Provinces of Pursat, Battambang and Banthey Meanchey). The idea behind this proposal is to combine watershed management activities with the existing decentralised planning and implementation mechanisms created by the SEILA system in line with the NRM Mainstreaming Strategy of SEILA (Nov. 2001). The expected outputs and activities of this project have numerous similarities to the output 3 (WSM planning and implementation on the local level) of the AIFP WSM component, but within the framework of a bilateral project. Due to present budget restrictions it is doubtful whether DANIDA will be in a position to start funding the bilateral WSM project within the coming 2 years.

8

A list of national and donor-funded programmes and projects in the four riparian countries is given in Annex 4.

7

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2.2.3 WSM in Laos Policy and legal framework

The watershed perspective is a common feature in policy and planning documents in Laos. The Government is committed to a programme of integrated area based development centred on watersheds and river basins. Several essential laws with relevance to WSM have been promulgated in recent years. Nevertheless, the legal and regulatory framework for effective WSM is still in a transitory phase. A consistent concept of integrated watershed management in Lao PDR is expected to be developed by the Lao-DANIDA Natural Resources and Environment Programme until October 2002, but the present situation is characterised by the absence of adequate guidelines on the operational level.

Major legal and policy documents pertaining to WSM in Laos: • • • • • • • • • • •

Water and Water Resources Law (1996) Decree on the Implementation of the Water and Water Resources Law (2001) Land Law (1997) Forest Law (1996) Environmental Protection Law (1999) Electricity Law (1997) National Environment Action Plan (STEA 2000) Strategic Vision for the Agricultural Sector (Dec. 1999) National Poverty Alleviation Strategy National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) (1996-2000) National Rural Development Programme (1996-2000) (by the National Leading Committee for Rural Development (NLCRD) and the State Planning Committee

•

National Water Supply and Environmental Health Programme (1997)

•

Human Resource Development Programme (1997-2000)

•

Lao PDR National Environmental Strategy until year 2010

The “Strategic Vision for the Agricultural Sector” lists participatory planning and upland development among its key thematic approaches. The envisaged strategy for the uplands provides for decentralised development with an area-based approach focussing on watersheds and entire river basins. Emphasis is put on the stabilisation of shifting cultivation including participatory land use planning, land allocation and land use occupancy entitlement as well as community management of natural resources. The institutional framework for decentralised planning has been established in most provinces, bottom-up planning is, however, not yet really operational. The recent move towards decentralisation will eventually give local authorities greater authority in issues relating to natural resources management. At present, decision making is, however, still predominantly reserved for the central and provincial level. Institutions

There is as yet no focal policy agency for WSM in the Lao Government. Responsibility for WSM related issues is shared among several government institutions of which the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is most strongly involved in the development of a national WSM concept.

8

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

Government institutions in Laos involved in WSM: •

Planning Division - Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF)

•

National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI)

•

Water Resources Co-ordination Committee - Science Technology and Environment Agency (STEA) Department of Land Use Planning and Land Allocation SPC – State Planning Committee and CPC – Committee for Planning and Co-operation Lao National Mekong Committee (LNMC) National Leading Committee for Rural Development (NLCRD) Ethnic Minority Department

• • • • •

The role of international NGOs in Laos has seen gradual growth and development. However, the extent to which they contribute towards environmental management is still limited. NGO activities are typically focussing on small-scale “on-the-ground” projects in remote rural communities. The only NGO with a programme at national level is IUCN which is involved in policy development for bio-diversity ecosystems and conservation. Programmes and projects Since 1995 a number of bilateral WSM projects have been implemented in Lao PDR. The most prominent among these are the ADB-funded Nam Ngum Watershed Study, the JICAfunded Watershed Management for Forest Conservation in the Vangvieng area, the UNDP-funded Nam Niam Watershed Management Project and the Nam Ngum Watershed Management and Conservation Project supported by GTZ. Most of these projects have included local situation appraisal and data collection, local level development planning, land use planning and land allocation, development of sustainable upland agricultural practices, village forestry and water resources management through local user groups in their fields of activities. The development of consistent national WSM concepts and practices for Lao PDR is promoted by the Lao-DANIDA Natural Resources and Environment Programme with a National Capacity Building Project (Phase I until Oct. 2002) in particular. National concepts are developed in close relation to and field tested by the Integrated Watershed Management Project in Huaphan and Xieng Khouang, which is funded under the same Programme structure by DANIDA. The National Capacity Building Project has been successful in establishing good collaboration in this methodological development process with several of the above-mentioned area-based projects as well as with relevant national institutions. It was planned to continue the National Capacity Building Project after October 2002 in a second phase, which now seems doubtful due to budget cuts by the Danish Government. A continuation of the started conceptual developments and the testing of WSM concepts, such as the integrated watershed planning, on the local level could be important activities of the AIFP WSM component in Lao PDR. Two potentially very important WSM projects are in the planning stage: a WWF funded Nam Ou Watershed Management Project focussing on natural forest restoration and an ADB-funded RETA 5771 (Phase III) ‘WSM Project in Nam Ou‘ (based on the final report elaborated at the end of an ADB funded 18-month study-phase). Since 1996 a National Land Use Planning and Allocation Programme has been formulated, distinguishing a process of 8 main steps. Partly with donor support, partly with 9

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

Government funds this programme is implemented in all provinces. Although the original programme documents describe a robust approach, varying standards and instructions from one province to the other, insufficient funding and low staff capacities have led to a simplified approach to reduce costs. In particular the tools to encourage community participation and decision making have been modified or discarded altogether. At present, the major outcome of the landuse planning (LUP) process is land zonation according to general land use categories (agricultural land - forest land) and forest classification (protection, conservation, production, regeneration and degraded forest). In theory, the zonation and land use planning process should prepare the ground for land allocation (LA) to individual households, but again due to staff and budget restrictions this is often delayed. In recent surveys there are some indications that the LUP/LA Programme as it is carried out at present can contribute to increased poverty among swidden agriculturists and ethnic minorities. (see: Participatory Poverty Assessment Lao PDR, 2001). 2.2.4 WSM in Thailand

Watershed management in Thailand has a long history. It was initiated in 1953 under the Royal Forestry Department. The principles of WSM in Thailand were developed and a standardised watershed classification system for the entire country was developed in 1979 on the basis of 5 parameters (slope, elevation, landform, geology and soil). Nevertheless, no explicit government policy or national strategy on watershed management in Thailand has been formulated until today. The overall framework is set by the National Economic and Social Development Plans (NESDP) No.8 and 9 (2002-2006). These plans introduce the concept of sustainable development and natural resources management. In order to achieve effective administration and management of natural resources and the environment, the specified national programmes should include management of water resources according to watershed areas, land use zonation and planning according to land capability and watershed classification. An integrated approach is emphasised which requires co-operation in design, implementation and evaluation of the programmes by all relevant agencies. In the latest NESDP (No.9) the main focus is on local planning, human development, strengthening of community organisations and public participation. At the same time a target is set of conserving and rehabilitating protected forests on 30% of the national territory.

Major legal and policy documents pertaining to WSM in Thailand:

• • • • • • • • • • •

Thai Constitution (1997) National Forest Reserve Act (1964) National Park Act (196 1) Agricultural Land Consolidation Act (1974) Agricultural Land Reform Act (1975) Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act (1992) Cabinet Resolution on Watershed Classification Cabinet Resolution on Settlements and Farming in Protected Areas (1998) Tambon Administration Act (1992) Forest Policy 1995 Policy and Prospective Plan for Enhancement and Conservation of National Environm e n t a l Q u a l i t y 1 9 9 7 - 2 0 1 6

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Similar to the neighbouring countries, Thailand has embarked on a major decentralisation process with increased planning responsibilities as well as funds channelled to Tambon, District and Province level. Based on the Tambon Administration Act (1992) newly elected Tambon Councils and Tambon Administration Offices with representatives from each village have been created in the past three years. Institutions

In total, 38 Government departments are active in watershed related activities. The Royal Forestry Department (RFD) and the Land Development Department (LDD) are playing particularly important roles, but none of them has the sole responsibility for WSM. Furthermore, there is number of co-ordinating bodies with relevance to WSM. As a consequence, activities tend to be somewhat uncoordinated and disconnected. In the very near future, a new Ministry of Environment and NRM will be created, which will absorb parts of RFD, possibly LDD and other departments under the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives.

Government institutions in Thailand involved in WSM:

• • • • • • • • • • •

Royal Forestry Department (RFD) with 1 WSM Division on the national level, 3 WSM Sub-Divisions in the regions, 19 Watershed Management Centres in the provinces and 189 Watershed Management Units Land Development Department (LDD) with 12 Regional Offices of Land Development and 65 Land Development Stations Office for Environmental Planning and Policy (OEPP) Thai National Mekong Committee (TNMC) Hill-tribe Welfare Division (Department of Public Welfare) National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) National Environment Board (NEB) National Water Resources Council (NWRC) National Forestry Policy Board (NFPB) Committee for Solving National Security Problems Concerning Hill-tribe Population and Narcotics Plants Local and Regional Prosperity Distribution Committee

Programmes and projects

There are four main Government Programmes with relevance to WSM: •

The National Rural Development Programme,

•

The Programmes of the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives line agencies,

•

The Highland Community Development and Narcotics Control Programme,

•

The Bottom-up Planning Programme.

The RFD, NGOs and several ODA projects have been particularly successful in establishing watershed network organisations in upland areas as a result of participatory landuse planning exercises. Each village in a particular micro-watershed thereby sends representatives to the local watershed network committee or peoples’ forum . By 2001 a total of 1284 villages, most of them participating in watershed networks, received technical support by the watershed management units of RFD. 9

9

11 The role of these committees is further described in the report of the Thai national consultants.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

One of the most relevant project for the conceptual development and exemplary field implementation is the Upper Nan Watershed Management Project (supported by DANCED) in Nan Province of North Thailand. 2.2.5 WSM in Vietnam The Government of Vietnam has not yet formulated a comprehensive policy or strategy on watershed management or catchment protection. Nevertheless, a series of policies with regard to land use planning, land allocation, forest protection and sustainable management as well as water resources protection have been promulgated.

Major legal and policy documents pertaining to WSM in Vietnam: • • • • • • • • •

Land Law (1993/ revised 1998) Law on Forest Land Protection and Development (1991) Law on Water Resource Use and Management (2000) Law on Agricultural Co-operatives Decree No.525 on Mountain Area Development Decision No. 02 CP and Decision No. 163 on (Forest) Land Allocation Decision No. 264 CP on Credit for Forest Planting Decision No. 08 CP on the Management of 3 Forest Categories Draft Forestry Development Strategy 2001-2010 (Sept. 2001)

The national programmes of land use planning and forest land allocation are of particular relevance for watershed management in Vietnam. Since 1993 large areas of land and forest resources in the entire country have been allocated to households, local organisations and communities for protection and management for time periods between 20 and 50 years. This term will be automatically extended if the user doesn’t violate the regulations. Maximal area to be allocated for each household is limited in accordance to land resource availability in each province. Not more than 30 ha of forest land can be allocated to each household. The five fundamental rights to land use include: transfer, exchange, inheritance, lease and use as collateral. Households and communities receive official landuse certificates for the allocated forest areas. Institutions

Vietnam has a plethora of government institutions that deal with WSM; each with their own and often overlapping mandate. The principal agency is the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Other important institutions are the General Department of Land Administration and the Land Cadastral Department.

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Government institutions in Vietnam involved in WSM: •

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) - Forest Protection Department - Forest Development Department - Department of Water and Irrigation Constructions - 5 million ha of Reforestation Project - Forest Inventory and Planning Institute (FIPI) - Forest Science Institute of Vietnam (FSIV) - National Institute of Agriculture Planning and Projection (NIAPP) - Institute of Water Planning and Projection (IWPP)

• • • • •

Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MOSTE) General Department for Land Administration Land Cadastral Department Committee for Ethnic Minority and Mountain Areas (CEMMA) Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI)

A large number of NGOs are involved in NRM. Many of these run small projects in comparatively restricted areas focussing on participatory planning and development. International NGOs with larger programmes are IUCN and WWF. Programmes and projects A system of national programmes, have had widespread impacts in terms of reforested areas, clearly identified management responsibilities for forest protection, improved security of tenure and some contributions to poverty alleviation. Major national programmes are: •

5million ha reforestation (1998-2010) – reforestation of 5 million ha (2 million ha protection and special use forest, 3 million ha production forest) in view of increasing forest cover to 40%, protection of existing forests

•

Programme 133: Hunger eradication and poverty alleviation (started 1998) – employment generation, rural credit with no or low interest rates (Bank for the Poor), subsidies for crops, livestock and aquaculture, partly subsidies for health care, education etc.

•

Programme 135: Socio-economic Development Programme for particularly difficult communes in the remote areas (started 1998) – 2200 communes in 2001, each commune receiving the equivalent of US$ 2,700 per year, which is mainly used for infrastructure development

•

Resettlement Projects – 500 projects have been conducted, resettling 1.9 million people in 26 provinces

•

Water Sector support Programme

Important projects on WSM and NRM supported by bi- and multilateral donors include: •

Reforestation through local credit schemes in the provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh and Quang Tri (German Financial Co-operation through KfW)

•

Forestation in Quang Ninh, Bac Giang and Lang Son (German Financial Co-operation 13 through KfW )

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

• • • • •

Community-based Watershed Rehabilitation and Management (in 4 provinces) (ADBfunded) Song Da Social Forestry Development Project (German Technical Co-operation through GTZ) Lai Chau – Son La Rural Development Project (EU) Forestry Sector Project (ADB) Northern Mountain Poverty Reduction Project (WB/DfID)

3 INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE MEKONG RIVER COMMISSION 3.1 History and mandate

The Committee for Co-ordination of Investigations of the Lower Mekong (Mekong Committee) was established in September 1957, based on a study performed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE ). The Mekong Committee comprised representatives of the four countries of the lower Mekong (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and South Vietnam) and received input and support from the United Nations. The ECAFE study noted that harnessing the main stem of the Mekong would allow hydropower production, expansion of irrigated land, a reduction of the threat of flooding in the delta region, and the extension of navigability of the river. The ECAFE report emphasised the need for comprehensive development of the river and close co-operation between the riparian countries in co-ordinating efforts for projects and management. The Committee was composed of “plenipotentiary” representatives of the four countries, meaning that they had the authority to speak for their country. The committee was authorised to “promote, co-ordinate, supervise, and control the planning and investigation of water resources development projects in the Lower Mekong Basin”. With rapid agreement between the riparian countries came extensive international support for the work of the Committee . By 1961, The Committee’s resources came to $ 14 million, more than enough to fund field surveys, which had been agreed upon as priority projects. By the end of 1965, twenty countries, eleven international agencies, and several private organisations had pledged a total of more than $100 million (the Secretariat itself was funded by a special $2.5 million grant made by UNDP). 10

The early years were the most productive for the Mekong Committee. Networks of hydrology and meteorology stations were established and continued to function despite hostilities in the region, and navigation improved along the main stream. The work of the Committee helped also to overcome political suspicion through increased integration. In 1965, Thailand and Laos signed an agreement on developing the power potential of the Nam Ngum River, a Mekong tributary inside Laos and despite hostilities between the two countries the mutual flow of electricity between Laos and Thailand was never interrupted. By the 1970’s the early momentum of the Mekong Committee began to erode. Firstly, the political and financial obstacles necessary to move from data gathering and feasibility studies to concrete development projects often were too great to overcome. An Indicative Basin Plan in 1970 set out a basin development framework for the following thirty years marking a potential shift between planning and large-scale implementation towards more integrative approaches. In 1975, the riparian countries refined the Committee’s objectives and principles in support of the Plan in a “Joint Declaration on Principles”. This includes the first (and so far only) precise definition of “reasonable and equitable use” (based on the 10

Wolf A.T. (2001): Transboundary Waters: Sharing Benefits, Lessons Learned. Thematic Background Paper for the Internationa Converence on Freshwater, Bonn, 2001.

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1966 Helsinki Rules) ever used in an international agreement. Despite these efforts, the plan was only implemented along the tributaries within single countries avoiding concrete trans-boundary co-operation and agreement. Secondly, political obstacles did heavily influence the Committee’s work. From 1975-77 the Committee remained inactive and became a three-member “Interim Committee” in 1978 without representation of Cambodia. Cambodia rejoined the committee as a full participant in 1991, although the Committee still retained its “interim” status until 1995. After the Paris Peace Agreement in 1991 Cambodia requested the reactivation of the Mekong Committee culminating in a new agreement, the “Agreement on Co-operation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin”, signed in April 1995. Through a supplementary protocol the Mekong Committee became the Mekong River Commission. The Mekong Agreement closely followed the provision of customary international law on trans-boundary water management, as given in subsequent conventions, in particular the Helsinki Rules on the Uses of International Rivers and the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses prepared by the International Law Commission and adopted for ratification by the United Nations General Assembly in 1997. The 1995 Agreement spells out areas of co-operation and defines the mandate of the MRC. The Agreement elaborates on the key elements of the UN Conventions: •

to optimise the multiple-use of the river and mutual benefits of all riparian countries and minimise the harmful effects that might result from natural occurrences and man-made activities (principle of reasonable and equitable utilisation);

•

to promote and co-ordinate the development of the full potential of sustainable benefits to all riparian countries states with emphasis and preference on joint and/or basin-wide development projects through the formulation of a basin development plan (duty to cooperate);

•

to utilise the waters of the Mekong River system in a reasonable and equitable manner in their respective territories (principle of prior notification and negotiation on planned measures);

•

to make every effort to avoid, minimise and mitigate harmful effects that might occur to the environment (obligation not to cause significant harm).11

After 1995 and until 1999, MRC activities mainly aimed at addressing national development issues with limited cross-boundary implications. This was and still is basically due to strong national development interests and international funding fostering a donor-driven project approach. With the development of a Strategic Plan for 1999-2003 and new leadership a change process has been initiated which focuses strongly on co-operation in a regional context. The change process aims at reorientation from a predominantly sectoral project approach to a multi-sectoral and basin-wide programme approach. Structurally, this process is still hampered by the fact that Myanmar and China are not party to the agreement, effectively precluding integrated basin management. An open invitation to participate has yet to be accepted. Instead both China and Myanmar are engaged as „dialogue partners“ attending meetings of the Joint Committee as observers.

11

Agreement on the Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin. 5 April 1995. and

15

Transboundary Water Management as an International Public Good. Prepared for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden by ODI and ARCADIS Euroconsult. Stockholm 2001.

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Although the Mekong Agreement is acknowledged to represent international „best practice“ its true effectiveness will only be proven through application and enforcement. In the absence of detailed water utilisation and notification rules, the implementation of the provision on prior notice and consent has been incomplete. 3.2 Organisational structure In origin and operation, the Mekong River Commission and its predecessors have been an „intergovernmental“ agency. The MRC currently consists of three permanent bodies: •

Council: A political decision making body consisting of one member from each state at the Ministerial and Cabinet level who is empowered to make policy decisions on behalf of his/her government. Chairmanship of the Council rotates every year.

•

Joint Committee: A technical decision-making and management body, which consists of one member from each country at department head level. The joint committee takes care of the implementation of decisions and of the Council and supervises the Secretariat. Chairmanship of the Joint Committee also rotates every year.

•

The Secretariat: Provides technical and administrative services to the Council and Joint Committee. The Secretariat is headed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is not from one of the riparian countries and is appointed for a term of three years at a time.

In February 2002, the Secretariat employed a total of 107 riparian and international professional and general service staff. In the past, riparian staff were usually nominated by their respective country with the nomination often being based on political considerations rather than profession qualification. At present, there is an effort to recruit professionals more on performance basis and limit the duration of the contracts to three years. Obviously, compromises are necessary which results in a situation where not all staff match the required professional standards. In July 2000, a new organisational structure was introduced in the Secretariat. Former sectoral divisions have been replaced by a new structure along functional lines. The new structure contains four inter-dependent divisions and three supportive sections with crosscutting function. The Divisions are the Natural Resources Development Planning Division, the Technical Support Division, the Environment Division and the Operations Division . Together with the Human Resource Section, the Programme Co-ordination Section and Finance and Administration Section they form the so-called Core Programmes Management Group (CPMG). The CPMG is the main link for co-ordination between the MRC Secretariat’s organisational structure and the National Mekong Committees. 12

Recently, working groups have been established to ensure effective collaboration across sectors, programmes and organisational units and to allow the formation of ad-hoc working groups as required. The three permanent Working Groups are: •

Working Group on Basin Modelling and Knowledge Base;

•

Working Group on Environmental and Trans-boundary Issues;

•

Working Group on Basin Development Planning and Socio-Economic Issues..

13

Every riparian country has a National Mekong Committee (NMC) which is the official entry point for the MRC in that country. The Committees are expected to formulate national policies and to provide co-ordination between and among national line agencies and 16

MRC 12

For an organogramme of the MRC Secretariat see Annex 6.

13

Source: MRC-S internal document on Working Groups.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

projects. Their structure and strength varies from country to country, but the general arrangement is to have an inter-ministerial policy-making body, a management group of key governmental departments and a secretariat to support the NMC. 3.3 Resources The MRC and the bodies that proceeded it, have been mainly funded from bilateral grants, particularly from Japan and South Korea, the Nordic Countries, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, and New Zealand. The MRC has an annual core budget of approximately $ 2 million which derives from three main sources: • •

Contributions from the four member countries ($ 195,000 each in 2000); Donor grants – some of it „in kind“, i.e. through deputation of international staff – from a subgroup of the donors funding programme activities (Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland). To keep this mechanism manageable the preference has been to maintain a small group of donors for the core budget;

•

An 11 % surcharge on the donor-funded projects implemented by MRC.

Donors have indicated that they would like to see greater ownership by the riparian countries. Recently, the MRC States have decided to raise their contributions in order to phase out donor inputs to core funding within a period of 15 years. The contribution formula has also been changed from an equal share to a weighted share based on catchment area, average flow, irrigated area, population and GDP. In contrast to the MRC Secretariat, the NMCs are financed entirely from national budgets. These budgets are fairly low resulting in insufficient operational funds and difficulty in retaining high-calibre staff. The NMCs do not have a programme budget of their own. Some, but no all, of the MRC programme funding for national components is channelled through the National Committees. The MRC Programme Budget - $ 15-20 million annually – is funded almost exclusively from international and bilateral grant sources. The nominal contribution of the MRC countries is expressed in staff time. Donor funding has come from a wide range of sources14. Acknowledging the organisational and programmatic changes since 1998, donor contribution has shown a constant increase since. The MRC programme traditionally reflects the strong donor environment in which the MRC has been nurtured. The Interim Mekong Committee and the new Mekong River Commission engaged in a large number of bilateral and sectoral projects, many of them studies, producing background information but little translation into action or policy. Over time the IMC and then the MRC became increasingly „donor driven“. Strongly supported by the donor core group (Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland) the Committee has now developed a programme approach. Within each programme, “components” are defined and offered to donors for funding.

14

Funding in 2000 from the governments of Australia, Belgium Denmark, France Finland, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K., UNDP, UNEP and GEF.

17

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3.4 Strategy

The basis for the shift from a sectoral project approach to a multi-sectoral and basin-wide programme approach is the Strategic Plan 1999-2003 which was approved by the Council in 1998. After a refinement in late 2000, four goals were identified: 1.

To establish and implement “rules” for water utilisation and inter-basin diversions;

2.

To establish a dynamic basin development planning process as a framework for natural resource management and sustainable development, and to plan and execute corresponding priority sector programmes and projects;

3.

To establish and promote MRC environmental and socio-economic management systems, recommendations, and policy guidelines;

4.

To establish an effective organisation, capable to promote in partnership with other institutions, basin-wide development and co-ordination.

The vision for MRC is to become a “world class, financially secure, international river basin organisation” and “to promote and co-ordinate sustainable management and development of water and related resources for the countries’ mutual benefit and the people’s well-being by implementing strategic programs and activities and providing scientific information and policy advice”15. Recently, MRC is increasingly focussing on its potential role as mediator in trans-boundary conflict resolution in the LMB. In order to remain distinct from country-based programmes or projects, while being complementary to them, MRC initiatives are intended to conform to the following criteria: • • • • •

promote the sharing and/or joint management of resources; be trans-boundary in nature; contribute to or promote regional institutions, norms and policies; foster research than cannot be adequately or effectively undertaken nationally; create or sustain networks or contacts among governmental or non-governmental organisations in different member countries.

It is quite obvious that the organisational change process in MRC has yielded visible positive effects. Division boundaries within the Secretariat have been lowered and cross-divisional team work has increased. MRC partners are reporting much more openness for information sharing and co-operation. Nevertheless, there is still some way to go for the MRC to become the envisioned “ Regional Centre of Excellence”. The main challenge will probably be to get effectively engaged in dialogue and collaboration with relevant government and other agencies as well as civil society organisations (multi-stakeholder approach). The role of the National Mekong Committees in this context is to support networking and policy development. While the latter is fully acknowledged, the NMCs should avoid to strive for the role of all embracing planning bodies as this might establish parallel bureaucracies. Besides, many national line agencies would probably resist such a role of the NMCs which would seriously hamper co-operation and programme implementation. Due to political concerns of the riparian countries, the regional role of the MRC is in many respects still not fully operational ised. This might foster the tendency to again concentrate on data collection and internal organisational development. It remains to be seen if the new programme approach will be effective in generating tangible benefits for the individual countries. The key to “ownership” by the riparian countries is probably a good balance of national and regional interests in the programme concepts.

15

MRC (2001): Work Programme 2002. MRC Secretariat, Phnom Penh.

18

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3.5 MRC programmes and interlinkages between AIFP/WSM component and other programmes The MRC has three types of programmes: core, support and sector programmes . The Core Programmes are those central to the purpose of the Commission, and are to remain in the long term. They are addressing central issues of the 1995 Agreement in line with the Strategic Plan. The activities under these programmes are, in the long term, to be funded by the contributions of the member countries, thus ensuring sustainability. The core programmes are: 16

Basin Development Plan (BDP) • Water Utilisation Programme (WUP) • Environmental Programme (EP) •

The Support Programme addresses the capacity building needs of the MRC Secretariat and of the riparian countries. The Sector Programmes are focussing on important sectoral issues in the basin. They are supposed to have a regional focus and to address development needs from a basin-wide perspective, complementing and supporting national and bilateral development initiatives. The current or planned Sector Programmes are: • • • • •

Fisheries Programme (under implementation) Water Resources and Hydrology Programme (partially under implementation) Navigation Programme (in preparation) Tourism Programme (to be prepared) Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme (under preparation)

The Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme comprises three components: Water Use Efficiency, Capacity Building and Watershed Management. While the WSM component is subject of this appraisal, negotiations with donors regards the funding of the other two components have not yet yielded tangible results. During the appraisal, a detailed analysis on the interlinkages and complementarities between AIFP and the other core and sector programmes has been undertaken showing a clear need for close co-ordination and co-operation. BDP, WUP, EP and the Fisheries Programme (amongst others) could provide information and assist in the selection of critical watersheds. On the other hand, the AIFP-Watershed component could substantially contribute to the development scenarios the BDP is intending to generate by demonstrating the economic and social impacts of technical and institutional interventions in watersheds and identifying strategies and approaches in watershed management which influence national policies. A particularly strong linkage needs to be established between the WSM Component and the Fisheries Programme as they will partly work in the same geographical areas. Overall, the WSM Component with its inter-sectoral focus will help to operationalise MRC’s regional role and will link MRC activities with ongoing activities at national and sub-national level. It has the potential to support the development of feasible multi-stakeholder-approaches at the regional level on the basis of national initiatives.

16

For more detailed information on the programmes see MRC Work Programme 2001.

19

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

3.6 Partnerships with other regional players and civil society

The key regional vehicle for greater integration, ASEAN, has become an increasingly important forum for regional co-operation and has established the Fund for Mekong Region Development. ASEAN’s plans closely overlap with the Greater Mekong Sub-region plan (GMS), initiated by the Asian Development Bank in 1992. At present, the focus of the GMS programme is on trans-boundary roads, railways, telecommunications infrastructure and HIV/AIDS prevention including– unlike ASEAN – also the Yunnan region in China. These developments are placing the MRC as a regional player in a larger and expanding regional framework. Nevertheless, there has been a tendency for the GMS and MRC to move in different directions and at different speeds. As a matter of fact, ADB has been funding water investments outside the MRC framework. To avoid future mismatches, a partnership agreement was signed in 2000 between ADB and MRC which expresses the willingness to exchange information and to co-ordinate activities. 17

The role of the non-government sector has been comparatively small in the lower Mekong region. In contrast to other basins, „second track“ diplomacy by civil society has not played much of a role in the LMB. For long time, the political climate has not been conducive to the development of a strong regional NGO sector. Only recently have NGOs started operating regionally. Resistance against the construction of dams in recent years and the criticism of the MRC as being a „closed shop“ led to the necessity and the opportunity for MRC to engage more actively in dialogue with the civil society. The MRC and the national committees have underlined the principle of participation in a policy paper, but this is still to be translated into practice, particularly in the preparation of the Basin Development Plan. 4 ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMPONENT OF THE AIFP 4.1 Watershed Management as a component of the MRC Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme

The Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme (AIFP) of the MRC is one of five Technical Programmes listed in MRC’s Strategic Plan 2001 to 2005 . The programme document for the AIFP , endorsed in 2001, specifies three programme components: 18

19

•

The Water Use Efficiency Component aiming at improved approaches to utilise and share water resources in agriculture, principally in irrigation;

•

The Catchment (or Watershed) Management Component aiming at improved approaches in the management of critical watersheds;

•

The Capacity Building Component aiming at an enhanced capacity of MRC (including the National Mekong Committees and concerned line agencies) to facilitate sustainable use of land and water for agriculture and forestry.

20

17

Other partnership agreements exist with ICLARM, AIT, IUCN.

18

The other Technical Programmes are: The Navigation Programme, the Water Resources Programme, the Fisheries Programme and the Tourism Programme

19

MRC(2000): Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme for 2001 – 2005. MRC Secretariat, Phnom Penh, December 2000.

20

20

Watershed Management and Catchment Management are virtually synonymous terms. In order to avoid potential confusion, the term WSM will be used throughout this report.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

Forestry does not appear in the AIFP as a component in itself but is included in the Watershed Management Component. The importance that MRC is placing on forestry in the context of WSM is highlighted in a strategy and action plan on WSM and forestry . 21

The Programme Document defines the objective of the WSM component as the “Institutionalisation of a process of WSM planning in selected LMB cross-border areas and where resource use in one domain is creating stress to users of a sub-basin.” The proposed strategy is “to facilitate collaborative planning (learning) for actual development or amelioration activities in sensitive cross-border areas and other areas where the interest of the basin as a whole are impacted or potentially impacted by lack of an institutional capacity to undertake interdisciplinary planning and action”. In order to provide an incentive and focus for local planning and “learning by doing” it is proposed to associate the WSM component with a small community grants scheme to implement necessary small and medium scale action and to develop links to lending institutions. Major activities are proposed as following: • • • • • • • • •

Establishment of trans-border or trans sub-basin local government resource planning committees; Scheduling of an agreed programme of trans-border planning meetings; Undertaking of study tours and exchanges with other WSM groups within the basin; Establishment of digitised maps showing sub-basin agriculture, forests, fisheries, natural species resources and services, including development activities planned by others; The formulation of WSM plans; Facilitation of community and other stakeholders access to funding; Establishment of a capacity to monitor resource use and trade; Implementation of a responsive monitoring and evaluation programme in accordance with the requirement of funding bodies; Study of land, water and forest use rights.

4.2 Request for Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the WSM Component In February 2001, the MRC Secretariat formulated a request for technical assistance to the German Government to support the WSM component of the AIFP along the lines set out in the programme document. The request defines six major outputs to be achieved: •

An institutional capacity to undertake trans-border and inter-sectoral planning for watershed management in some trans-border and environmentally sensitive areas has been established;

•

An improved user-oriented database of ecological, socio-economic, human and other resources in fragile areas is available for meso- and macro-planning; The capacity to mobilise funds and resources at local level for economic development and environmental protection activities has increased; A better understanding and knowledge of necessary and effective institutional and political processes essential for negotiating, planning and monitoring watershed management has been created in critical, trans-border areas of the Mekong Basin;

• •

•

21

Guidelines for working cross-border have been established on topics such as data/information/knowledge sharing and management, development and harmonising standards/definitions, cross-border stakeholder analysis, linkages and partnerships

MRC (2000): Strategy study on the development of the WSM/Forestry Sector in the Lower Mekong Basin. Strategy and Action Plan. MRC Secretariat, Phnom Penh, January 2000.

21

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

between local governments, awareness and use of global conventions and “rules of conduct”; •

Tested, disseminated and endorsed documentation is available on land use planning, land allocation procedures and the institutionalisation of economic and social impact assessments (upstream – downstream).

The main expected benefits of the WSM component are described as •

More sustainable and long-term oriented management of natural resources;

•

Building of trust and capacity for dialogue and conflict resolution amongst stakeholders at local level;

•

Development in sensitive border areas;

•

Improved information and knowledge about the links between secure use rights and sustainability of resource use;

•

Further development of avenues for strategic co-operation with national programmes, multinationals and projects in the selected areas and a new window for co-operation with international organisations such as WWF and IUCN.

A direct link to the three core programmes of MRC (i.e. Basin Development Plan, Water Utilisation Programme, Environment Programme) is mentioned in the request, but without further explanations or details. The cost estimate is US$ 3 million over a time period of 3 years (Phase I). 4.3 Proposed Target Sites for Field Implementation The Programme Document and the Request for Technical Assistance propose the following sites for field implementation: •

•

The Dien Bien /Meuang Mai border area between Vietnam and Laos (Nam Ou watershed) with a focus on poverty alleviation and food security through upper watershed erosion control among ethnic minorities, bank stability and flood control, irrigation modernisation, crop diversification and fishery development in valley bottoms and lower slopes. The Sesan / Srepok river basin between Cambodia and Vietnam with a focus on community-based planning for balanced resource use between forestry, agriculture, fisheries and energy generation with particular attention to poverty alleviation and food security.

• • •

The Se Bang Hien river basin between Vietnam and Laos with a focus on poverty alleviation and food security with the view of funding small scale agriculture, irrigation and forest activities. The Theun Hinboun hydro-scheme area in Laos with a focus on irrigation and fisheries. The Tonle Sap Great Lake region and /or the Stung Pursat region of Cambodia in particular with a focus on integrated WSM planning to safeguard the integrity of the Lake as a whole.

4.4 Assessment of the proposal and the baseline documents An analysis of MRC’s Strategic Plan 2001-2005 reveals a high degree of accord between the priorities set forth therein and important traits of the relevant concepts and guidelines of the BMZ (sustainable development, poverty reduction, prevention and22

resolution of potential conflicts, promotion of regional associations). The AIFP is in line with the objectives and principles provided by Agenda 21 (in particular: chapters 3, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 18)

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

and by international conventions and arrangements pertaining to natural resources (in particular: Framework Convention on Climatic Change, Convention on Bio-Diversity, International Arrangement on Forests). Support to the implementation of AIFP under the framework of the Strategic Plan would, therefore, be well in agreement with German Development Policy. Given Germany’s long involvement in sustainable resources management in the region, German Development Co-operation can contribute to enhancing the MRC Secretariat’s capacity to address the above issues and to assume its envisaged role of a regional “centre of excellence”. MRC’s “Strategy study on the development of the watershed management / forestry sector in the LMB” provides a convincing outline of how MRC can best realise this objective in a regional WSM/forestry programme by • • • •

•

adopting a “client focussed”, “service-oriented”, “demand driven” approach to working in WSM and forestry; engaging in dialogue and collaboration with relevant national stakeholders to identify and document issues and constraints facing these sectors; collaborating with national and international programmes and projects in addressing these issues and constraints; concentrating on activities which complement and build upon the achievements of past and current activities like the “Forest Cover Monitoring Project”, the “Watershed Classification Project” and the “Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Project”; concentrating on facilitation and promotion of co-operation between stakeholders involved in WSM/forestry issues of basin-wide significance.

The proposed strategies, expected outputs and benefits outlined in the AIFP Programme Document reflect a comprehensive but very challenging and ambitious approach. In particular the following aspects raise some concerns: •

Working in cross-border locations requires a high degree of readiness for co-operation on the part of the respective countries which cannot be taken for granted. Border regions are quite often sensitive areas in political and security terms. In view of the difficulties encountered in establishing multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral co-operation even within one single province, the facilitation of collaboration across national borders is a difficult endeavour. Moreover, cross-border catchments represent only a very small area of the entire Lower Mekong Basin (less than 5%) and have a limited potential to serve as “basin-wide” examples. It would, therefore, appear prudent not to put ”all eggs into one basket” i.e. not to work exclusively in cross-border catchments but also in critical “national” catchments as long as they have cross-boundary implications. The latter would apply to those catchments with particular importance to down-stream areas in neighbouring countries as well as to those that would provide significant examples for a large number of other locations in the LMB.

•

The description of focal areas of work in the proposed watersheds draws the picture of a very broad rural development approach based on integrated WSM planning . Issues to be dealt with include not only erosion and flood control, bank stabilisation, agriculture (in particular irrigation infrastructure and crop-diversification), fisheries, and forestry but also health, infrastructure and water supplies. While the need for an integrated planning approach is fully appreciated it would appear extremely difficult - if at all possible - to address such a wide array of topics through one single project. In view of the limited funds available on one hand and the specific experience of GTZ on 22

22

See: MRC (2000): Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme for 2001 – 2005. MRC Secretariat, Phnom Penh, December 2000. Page 42.

23

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

the other, a concentration on natural resources management would appear necessary, particularly when it comes to supporting the implementation of WSM plans. The particular benefits of a regional approach to WSM as compared to several national projects comprise •

intensified exchange of experience and lessons learnt between the countries which may lead to more effective interventions and help to avoid duplication and repetition of ineffective strategies and actions;

•

more effective use of available human and financial resources for WSM;

•

the possibility to address cross-border catchments as entities;

•

further improvement of good relations and mutual trust through joint learning, professional interaction and development activities across institutions and countries; transparent, fair and amicable resolution of disagreements based on regionally acknowledged principles and agreements on WSM; harmonisation of views and potentially joint positioning and negotiations at international fora related to watershed management; improved access to international funding.

• • •

5 DESIGN OF THE AIFP WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMPONENT

Based on the findings of the appraisal mission and the results of the strategy workshop, the participants of the regional Planning Workshop (Phnom Penh, 21st and 23rd February 2002) developed the following concept for an initial phase of three years (starting in December 2002) for the WSM component of the AIFP to enter into a potentially long-term cooperation. 5.1 Objectives Direct objective (Purpose) of the WSM component of the AIFP is that “Relevant institutions in the riparian countries and the MRC Secretariat make use of regional co-operation, information exchange and improved approaches for sustainable WSM in the Lower Mekong River Basin”. Indicators for the achievement of the direct objective (Purpose):

• •

A regional plan of action on co-operation in Watershed Management is drafted by 12/2004 and endorsed by MRC and the relevant national authorities by 12/2005. Interviews with a representative sample of people from Government and Nongovernment Organisations involved in Watershed Management in the LMB yield the following results: x% of interviewed persons consider regional co-operation activities of the AIFP as „worthwhile“ and beneficial; y% of interviewed persons give a valid example how regional co-operation activities had a direct positive effect on their work; z% of interviewed persons state that improved WSM information contributes to better decision making in their particular field of work. (x, y, z to be specified during operational planning)

24

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

Intensive discussions during the appraisal were focussing on the question whether or not to formulate an indicator (at the Purpose level) pertaining to the establishment of regionally acknowledged ”standards”, guidelines or principles for sustainable WSM. Such principles could potentially serve as a basis for the assessment of future project proposals and for decisions on investment into WSM and might on the long run lead to a regional convention on WSM. During the discussions it became, however, evident that the feasibility and practicability of such principles at the regional level is not sufficiently clear in view of different legal, political and bio-physical conditions in the riparian countries. Hence the decision to further study this issue during the first phase and to formulate an indicator thereto at the Output level (see Indicator 3.3 below). The achievement of the direct objective will lead to an enhanced capability of the riparian countries to manage their watersheds sustainably and increasingly in view of regional needs. Eventually this will contribute to the ultimate objective (Overall Goal): “The watersheds of the Lower Mekong River Basin fulfil their ecological, economic and social functions and provide a sustainable basis for improved livelihood of the population.” 5.2 Strategy The general strategy is derived from the direct objective, i.e. to facilitate collaboration and joint learning among the riparian countries. This pertains to the development of improved approaches to WSM at the local level in selected target areas, to the development of national policies and guidelines, to the harmonisation of policies and strategies at the regional level and to improving information management. Representatives of virtually all relevant institutions and the participants of the three regional workshops underlined the necessity that WSM planning in pilot catchments needs to be followed up by implementation. German Technical Co-operation, with its given mandate and resources, can, however, provide only rather limited support to implementation. Hence the necessity to collaborate with national programmes, NGOs, and projects funded by other donors. Moreover, it appears imperative to link the Technical Co-operation in WSM and the proposed German Financial Co-operation contribution to forest rehabilitation to be provided through KfW. 5.3 Outputs, activities and indicators of success In order to achieve the Purpose, the following four Outputs are to be realised within the initial phase: Output 1: WSM approaches in selected (national and cross-border) watersheds are further developed, documented and disseminated. Output 2: Mechanisms for analysis and further development of national WSM policies and guidelines in the LMB are established and functioning. Output 3: Mechanisms for continuous and effective regional collaboration in WSM are established and functioning. Output 4: Regional and national information management on WSM is improved. Activities to be carried out in order to realise these Outputs and objectively verifiable indicators for the achievement of the Outputs are presented and briefly discussed in the following paragraphs.

25

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

Output 1: WSM approaches in selected (national and cross-border) watersheds are further developed, documented and disseminated. There are numerous projects and programmes in the region that have been or are presently dealing with different aspects and elements of WSM. As a matter of fact, with the possible exception of adequate financing mechanisms, virtually all methodological elements of WSM have been developed and are available somewhere. However, there is - to the best knowledge of the consultants – no example in the LMB yet where the full approach to WSM (i.e. integrated planning followed by co-ordinated implementation of the plans) is put into practice. The rationale for this Output is, therefore, not to test and develop additional elements of WSM but to make use of existing methodologies and to establish ”real life” examples of integrated WSM in selected target areas which can be multiplied through investment programmes at a larger scale. An issue of particular interest is cross-border co-operation in trans-boundary areas. Activities: 1.1 Participate in feasibility study and project appraisal for German Financial Co-operation contribution including the final selection of target areas 1.2 Support integrated WSM planning at district and province level and develop mechanisms for cross-border co-ordination 1.3 Support the development of incentive and subsidy schemes and financing mechanisms for sustainable NRM within WSM 1.4 Support local actors in accessing funds for NRM implementation 1.5 Facilitate and participate in networking on NRM relevant topics at local, province and national level 1.6 Provide training in WSM relevant topics at local and sub-national level Indicators: 1.1 The institutional arrangements for integrated WSM planning are in place in two watersheds by 06/2003 and a trans-border WSM committee is established and functioning in at least 1 cross-border watershed by 12/2003. 1.2 Integrated WSM plans for two watersheds with an area of at least 400 km each are available and submitted to relevant authorities for approval by 06/2004. The multisectoral plans are based on the principles of participation, gender equality and sustainable management of natural resources. The plans describe the methodologies and instruments used, the activities to be implemented, the necessary financing mechanisms and the tasks, responsibilities and contributions of the major stakeholders. 1.3 Experience from and products of integrated WSM planning in the pilot areas are fedback to the relevant national and regional institutions, programmes and working groups. 2

Output 2: Mechanisms for analysis and further development of national WSM policies and guidelines in the LMB are established and functioning. WSM concepts in the riparian countries are in different stages of development, but none of the countries has a coherent policy yet. There is, however, a lot of experience in each country that may be useful for policy development in other countries. For example, Vietnam is far advanced in participatory landuse planning and land allocation as compared to the other countries. Thailand has a country-wide system of Watershed Management Centres and Units and Land Development Stations that may serve as an example to the neighbouring countries. In Cambodia, the SEILA programme has provided substantial experience with decentralised planning and implementation mechanisms which may be useful for the other LMB states. The Lao-DANIDA Natural Resources and Environment26 Pro-

gramme can provide valuable lessons through its National Capacity Building Project. The

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

emphasis under Output 2 is to facilitate the use of regionally available knowledge for national policy development. Activities: 2.1 Identify major national stakeholders in the development of WSM policies, strategies, systems, methodologies 2.2 Establish and support national working groups (or similar arrangements) on identification and documentation of best practices in WSM 2.3 Establish and support national working groups (or similar arrangements) on analysis and further development of policies and guidelines 2.4 Facilitate documentation of work results and dissemination at national and regional level (incl. feed-back mechanisms into activities 2.2 and 2.3 in other countries and into activity 3.3) Indicators: 2.1 An annotated regional inventory of national WSM policies and guidelines is available by 12/2004. The inventory considers gender aspects in a systematic way. 2.2 An annotated regional compilation of “best practices” in WSM is available by 12/2004. The inventory considers gender aspects in a systematic way. 2.3 National working groups on WSM policy and guidelines development are established in two countries by 12/2004 and work according to clearly defined terms of reference. Output 3: Mechanisms for continuous and effective regional collaboration in WSM are established and functioning. Output 3 aims at the regional harmonisation of WSM policies and at the establishment of the capacity to deal with those issues that require regional consultation and negotiation. Moreover, the potential of the development of regionally acknowledged principles of WSM and eventually a regional convention on WSM are to be explored. Activities: 3.1 Analyse relevant international conventions and agreements on NR in view of their relevance to WSM 3.2 Facilitate identification of priority issues for regional co-operation in WSM and feedback into BDP, WUP and EP 3.3 Facilitate regional exchange of experiences and co-operation on defined priority issues 3.4 Support regional human resources development in WSM relevant topics Indicators: 3.1 A regional committee on WSM with clearly defined terms of reference is in place by 12/2003. 3.2 At least 3 regional working groups or partnerships on defined priority issues are established and functional by 12/2003. (Examples: forest land allocation, funding mechanisms, etc.) 3.3 A report with recommendations for (regionally acknowledged) principles of sustainable WSM as a basis for decision-making on regional investment in WSM is available by 12/2004. Output 4: Regional and national information management on WSM is improved. There is a plethora of institutions that collect and compile data and information on WSM but little of this is accessible to other institutions even in the same country. As a27

result, there is a lot of duplication and redundancy on one hand and a lack of data and informa-

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

tion on the other. Output 4 aims at improving data and information exchange and accessibility. A major issue in this context is the question in how far MRC should assume the role of a custodian of information and in how far this would be better organised through a decentralised system. Activities: 4.1 Assess data and information needs of AIFP and partner organisations 4.2 Co-ordinate data and information management with other MRC Programmes and relevant other stakeholders in WSM 4.3 Compile and generate data and information needed for AIFP and not available from other sources 4.4 Support data and information exchange through WUP / TC agreements between countries based on defined standards (formats, quality, meta-data) 4.5 Facilitate public access to AIFP data and information (through Mekong Info, Web, meta-data bases, etc.) 4.6 Contribute to capacity building for partner organisations in AIFP-related data and information management (Links between this output and all other outputs need to be established.) Indicators: 4.1 A consolidated concept for improved regional WSM information and data management is available by 12/2003 and partly implemented. (Milestones for implementation are to be defined when the concept has become available.) 4.2 The concept provides for the integration of WSM information into the core programmes of MRC. 4.3 AIFP-data are disaggregated according to gender wherever this is appropriate and feasible 5.4 Target sites The sites identified in the Programme Document and one additional site proposed by Thailand were analysed and compared in order to identify watersheds that are (a) in a critical condition and (b) relevant and feasible 23 Two sets of criteria were applied: .

Criteria for critical watersheds: • • • • •

High elevation range, steep slopes; Current or previous high rates of deforestation; High rate of land use changes and land conflicts; High population increases (internal growth or in-migration); Poverty-induced pressure on natural resources.

Relevance and feasibility criteria: • • •

Cross-border situation or basin-wide relevance; Expressed political will and preparedness for cross-border dialogue; Accessibility to and within the area; 28

•

23

Accordance with national development priorities;

A summary description of all potential pilot sites is presented in Annex 3.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

•

Good opportunities for partnerships due to presence of potential partners for planning and implementation (GO, NGO, ODA);

• • •

Largest possible overlap between administrative and physiographic boundaries; Potential for “visible“ impact on the short run and strategic development opportunities; Security aspects.

Based on these criteria, three catchments are considered to be the most suitable target areas for the development of improved approaches to WSM. These are: a)

The cross-border area of the Nam Ou watershed with the Nam Noua sub-catchment in Laos (Mai District of Phongsaly Province) and the Nam Rum sub-catchment in Vietnam (Dien Bien District of Lai Chau Province);

b)

The Upper Sesan watershed in Cambodia (Ratanakiri Province) with the potential to extend into the Vietnamese part of that watershed in a second phase; c) The Mae Nam Suai sub-catchment of the Mae Nam Kok watershed in Thailand (Chiang Rai Province). The participants of the planning workshop agreed, however, to postpone the final selection of the pilot watersheds and to take this decision in the context of the appraisal of the envisaged German Financial Co-operation contribution in order to ensure the necessary linkage with the latter. 5.5 Organisational set-up and national lead agencies The overall responsibility for implementation will lie with the MRC Secretariat where the main office for the WSM component of the AIFP will be established. In general, the MRC will facilitate national line agencies to undertake the activities in the riparian countries. In all countries, the National Mekong Committees (NMCs) will play a co-ordinating and supervising role at the national level. Their tasks will include the establishment of links to line agencies, existing committees and co-ordinating bodies at the national level, support to the creation of additional technical working groups and steering committees as well as the organisation of national and regional meetings. The NMCs should not be directly involved in the planning and implementation of WSM activities at the sub-national level, but remain informed through regular reporting by the lead agencies and participate in the monitoring of overall work progress through appointed focal persons in the NMCs. National lead agency in Cambodia will be the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery. At province and district level, all relevant line agencies need to be represented in the Provincial and District Rural Development Committees as the most important co-ordinating bodies. National line agency in Laos will be the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. At the subnational level, the Provincial Rural Development Committee as well as the Provincial and District Agriculture and Forestry Offices will become the main implementing partners. In Thailand, the lead agency will be the Royal Forest Department with a close co-operation with the Land Development Department . At the local level, Watershed Management Centres and Units will be involved, as well as Land Development Stations, which could contribute to the creation of the planned Agricultural Technical Centres at Tambon level. 24

24

This situation could be changed by the creation of the new ministry mentioned in chapter 2.2.4.

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

National lead agency in Vietnam will be the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, particularly its Departments of Forest Protection and Forest Development. The Support Group for the 5 Million ha Reforestation Programme and the member institutions of the National Working Group on Community Forestry will play an important role. At the local level the WSM component will fall under the responsibility of the Provincial and District People’s Committee. 5.6 Inputs 5.6.1 German contribution The German contribution to the initial phase of the Programme should comprise the secondment of •

1 international long-term expert on WSM Policy (German Teamleader) for up to 36 person-months (PM),

•

1 international long-term expert on WSM for up to 36 PM

•

1 international long-term expert on information and knowledge management for up to 18 PM,

•

1 international long-term expert on geographical information systems and data management for up to 18 PM,

•

1 regional long-term expert in WSM (from one of the riparian countries) for up to 36 PM,

•

international and regional short-term experts in various fields for up to 72 PM,

•

auxiliary personnel;

the provision of • running costs for the seconded experts; the provision of material inputs, in particular • up to 3 vehicles, • computers, printers and other office equipment, • miscellaneous equipment; financial contributions to • • • • •

networks and workshops, “off-the job” training measures, implementation of WSM activities in pilot sites, travel costs, the general overheads of the MRC Secretariat amounting to 11% of the calculated costs of seconded and locally recruited long-term and short-term staff, training, material and equipment;

•

the MRC management costs of the AIFP amounting to 60,000 Euro per annum.

The overall costs of the German contributions to the initial phase including overheads are estimated at up to 4.346 million Euro. 5.6.2 Contributions of the MRC and its member countries The contribution of the MRC should comprise

30

the secondment of

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

•

1 Project Officer (at MRC Secretariat),

• •

1 Secretary (at MRC Secretariat); 1 Driver (at MRC Secretariat),

the provision of • •

adequate office space and furniture for the seconded experts, running costs for offices in Phnom Penh (telephone, electricity, office materials, etc.).

MRC will assure the secondment of the necessary professional and technical staff in the MRC member countries through the relevant national line agencies. In particular: • • •

4 national Project Directors, 4 national co-ordinators, staff to collect and process data and for selected implementation activities in the MRC member countries concerned.

If required, MRC will put the equipment provided by Germany for the Sustainable Management of Resources Project (SMRP) at the unrestricted disposal of the seconded experts for the fulfilment of their tasks. 6 IMPACTS The WSM component of the AIFP is geared at strengthening the capacity of the riparian countries to manage critical watersheds sustainably and increasingly in a regional perspective. This capacity will materialise predominantly at the level of national line agencies and their sub-national units. Direct impacts at the level of the target groups i.e. the population of the LMB will be restricted to the pilot watersheds and therefore cover only a small areas of the basin. Indirect impacts at target group level will materialise only on the long run as an effect of improved national policies and strategies and through the replication of improved WSM approaches by national programmes and donor-funded projects. 6.1 Environmental impacts Improving WSM aims directly at sustainable utilisation of natural resources. Major levers in this respect are forestry, agriculture and consultative mechanisms for infrastructure development. Reforestation and sustainable management of existing forests particularly in the steep headwater areas will contribute to reduced soil erosion and water run-off, to improved water quality and water availability, to conserving bio-diversity and to carbondioxide fixation. Sustainable agriculture aims at improving livelihood while preserving and improving soil-fertility and reducing unwanted side effects ranging from erosion to misuse of agro-chemicals. Mutually acknowledged procedures and standards in the environmental impact assessment of dams and irrigation schemes will help to reduce negative impacts on down-stream areas. 6.2 Micro-economic impacts As agriculture is the basis of the livelihood for the majority of the rural population in the LMB, major micro-economic impacts at target group level will derive from changes in this sector. This pertains to improved agricultural technologies, crop diversification and irriga-

31

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

tion. An important factor for the latter is a better availability of water through the reduction of water run-off. Fisheries, an important source of food and income along rivers and lakes will benefit from improved water quality and – particularly in the greater Tonle Sap area from reduced siltation. Reforestation and sustainable forest management through local communities contribute to stabilising and improving wood supplies for fuel and construction, can provide income from timber sales and improve availability of and access to nontimber forest products. An important aspect is the development of sustainable financing mechanisms for WSM in the headwaters of the river systems. The transfer of resources into remote and poor areas will not only contribute to the provision of “public goods” (water quality and quantity, prevention of flash floods, clean air, bio-diversity, etc.) down-stream but also to socio-economic development in the up-stream areas. 6.3 Macro-economic impacts The sum of the micro-economic impacts described under the previous section will result in a contribution to macro-economic development and growth. The conservation of the natural resource base for the livelihood of the rural poor will contribute to poverty alleviation and to employment in rural areas. Sustainable primary production will also secure jobs in the processing industry and support its long-term viability and its effects on growth and foreign exchange balance. Considerable macro-economic costs can also be saved by avoiding environmental damage. Erosion and siltation are major threats to large-scale investment into hydropower. The expected life-span of the Hoa Binh Dam f.e., Vietnam biggest source of hydropower, will be drastically reduced if current sedimentation levels cannot be curbed. Largeand medium-scale irrigation systems are affected by salinisation due to insufficient water availability. Water pollution – if unchecked - will result in increasing costs for water purification and in serious health problems of the population. 6.4 Socio-cultural impacts Integrated WSM is defined as a multi-stakeholder process with an intensive participation of these stakeholders in both, planning and implementation. This includes participatory landuse planning and land allocation, participatory village and commune development planning including resource allocation and a fair and transparent harmonisation of the lower level plans with national and provincial framework planning. An important impact of these approaches is the strengthening of the self-help capacity of local communities i.e. the capacity to plan, implement and evaluate own development activities, to make use of support offers and to access external resources. This will not only result in a general increase of self-confidence and self-determination of the communities, particularly if they belong to ethnic minorities, but – to some extent – also to a changing interaction between the communities and the local administration. Based on MRC’s gender policy and strategy, the WSM component of the AIFP will be geared at gender equality and gender-balanced development. Traditional roles of men and women, legal rights, religion and other socio-cultural parameters are, however, likely to constrain equal benefits for men and women. Against this background it would not appear realistic to expect major changes in the social and economic status of women from one single project even in a few locations. What can be done, however, is to continuously pursue gender issues at all levels. This would include 32

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report •

to screen WSM policy documents, guidelines and approaches systematically and continuously for gender issues;

•

to increase awareness and skills of staff and line agency officials in considering the social differences between men an women when designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programmes;

•

to ensure that planning and implementation in the target areas take care of the specific needs and potentials of women;

•

to generally disaggregate data by gender wherever this is feasible and useful.

6.5 Institutional impacts

As mentioned above, the WSM component of the AIFP aims at strengthening the capacity of national line agencies and their sub-national units to manage critical watersheds sustainably and increasingly in a regional perspective. Regional exchange of experience, training and improved access to information will increase competence and capabilities of staff and institutions to accomplish their tasks. Regional exchange and dialogue may also lead to reflections on current mandates, organisational set-ups and procedures within the concerned institutions. Furthermore, cooperative links between relevant institutions within one country and between similar institutions in different countries will be intensified MRC is mandated by the highest political level to address basin-wide issues, to foster inter-country co-operation and to address potential cross-boundary conflicts. However, MRC’s potential of contributing to development in the region is yet neither fully exploited nor sufficiently perceived by line agencies, NGOs and donors. The WSM component of the AIFP can contribute to improving both, MRC’s capacities and its reputation as a regional centre of excellence. 6.6 Political impacts at the regional level

Regional co-operation will further improve good relations and mutual trust through joint learning, professional interaction and development activities across institutions and countries. It will facilitate the harmonisation of views and potentially joint positioning and negotiations at international fora related to watershed management. It also harbours the potential for transparent, fair and amicable resolution of disagreements in WSM and may help to solve or to avoid future conflicts on resource use. If the idea of regionally acknowledged principles of WSM proves feasible, they may eventually lead to a regional convention on WSM. 7 ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS

An important assumption for success is the continued political will for an intensified regional co-operation in WSM. A general risk of regional programmes is, that national egoism dominates over regional interests. A key issue in this respect will be, whether or not the national stakeholders perceive this co-operation as beneficial for their field of work and for their countries in general. Another risk of regional programmes is a lack of ownership on the part of the national stakeholders. This is exacerbated by the fact that a high number of institutions have to be involved in integrated WSM. In order to strengthen ownership, MRC will have to work 33

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report

strictly with and through national stakeholders and avoid the creation of any parallel structures. Another assumption pertains to a further improvement or at least stabilisation of the economic situation in Southeast Asia. Sustainable use of resources, particularly forests, requires to forego short-term profit and revenue maximisation in favour of sustainable future benefits. This is unlikely to occur in times of economic crises. An assumption at the political level is the continuation or intensification of the current decentralisation and democratisation policies in the riparian countries. This is a precondition for a truly participatory approach to resource management. Of particular importance are the legal frameworks for community forestry, land allocation and budget allocation to subnational and local levels. An important assumption for the work in the target areas is the interest and preparedness of national and donor-funded programmes to enter into a co-operation and to fund implementation. The result of the appraisal of the envisaged German Financial Contribution to the forest sector will be of particular relevance in this context. An assumption pertaining to the improvement of data and information exchange is that the national governments and the relevant institutions are prepared to share data. This is particularly relevant in border areas where issues of national security may be involved.

34

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 1

TOR for International Consultants for the Appraisal of the Planned Contribution of the German Donor to the MRC-Based Agriculture/ Irrigation/ Forestry Program (Sustainable Land and Water Use Program)

1. The Mekong River Basin: Institutional and Political Components on Regional level •

• •

Examination of the AIFP as an agreement and political commitments for cooperation between riparian countries, capacities/ procedures of negotiation between unequal partners (political systems, history, economic status, good governance) Assessment of the role and importance of international conventions and their potential implications for the River Basin Agreement implementation Options for a future role of the Mekong River Commission as a regional platform for organizing and facilitating sector investments

2. Conceptual and institutional issues on national level for watershed management • • • •

•

Applicability of the watershed management concept for a regional project: cooperation between sector line agencies and institutions in countries and between countries as an agenda for addressing regional planning in watersheds Needs and utility for Basin wide development of standards of “good” watershed management Regional Planning: watershed development planning as a geographic reference for selected sub catchments: horizontal and vertical integration of institutional cooperation National policies and their implication for institutional involvement for watershed management on provincial and sub-provincial level (decentralization, devolution, governance, civil society) National policies and key sector organizations relevant to watershed management on national level. Possibilities for pragmatic and strategic interaction for concept development and implementation

3. Conceptual and institutional issues at the level of sub-catchments of the Mekong River •

Assessment of institutional capacity on provincial and sub-provincial level for watershed management, (GO-NGO, knowledge, skills, budgets, structures, decision making) in selected sub-catchments

•

Land and water resource use planning for natural resources management in selected sub-catchments Livelihood systems, poverty levels, resource dependencies, alternative production and income possibilities Social groups, ethnic minorities, their level of social integration, importance and prevalence of traditional practices,

• •

1

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 1

•

Existing and acknowledged usufruct rights, common property issues and dimensions

•

Production vs. conservation as principle of orientations for natural resources utilization in watersheds

•

Provincial/ sub-provincial financial investment for watershed development

2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 1

TOR for National Experts on the Appraisal Mission: Sustainable Land and Water Use Program of the MRC

1.

Rationale

The Mekong River Commission MRC has received from the German donor the indications for support for the Sustainable Land and Water Use Program SLWUP, which has been formulated and endorsed by the governments of all 4 countries of the Lower Mekong Basin in 2000. The contribution from the German donor has so far envisaged the support to the program component Catchment area management particularly for trans-boundary (critical watersheds) in the Lower Mekong Basin in combination with capacity building components and the development of regional standards and a broader common understanding and practice of sound watershed management in the river basin.

2. Procedure During the time period January and February 2002 an appraisal for the formulation of the forthcoming program on national /regional level is planned, which has following major events:

Phases, events Location

Date

Phase I Data and Informati on collectio

Jan 01- 14 • Jan 01- 14 • Jan 01- 14 Jan 01 -14

Cambodia Vietnam Lao PDR Thailand

n

Participants

•

Phase II

Phnom Penh Jan 15- 16 • • TOR workshop • Phase III Country meetings

Cambodia

Jan 17- 19 •

Vietnam

Jan 21- 28 • Jan 21- 28 • Jan 30- F 2

Lao PDR Thailand

Phase IV Concept workshop

Phnom Penh Feb 5- 6

• • • • •

National Mekong Committees National and provincial line Agencies

Expected results Data and information for national inventory of watershed relevant institutions, areas, documents, laws, etc

Sector Experts MRC Secretariat Natl & Interntl consultants SMRP Team National Mekong Committees Natl & Interntl consultants National Line gencies Provincial Offices National Mekong Committees MRC Secretariat Natl & Interntl consultants SMRP Team

All natl and internatl consultants have clarified their TOR and the planning for processes in the various countries The participation o each country in the SLWUP has been conceptualized and possible strategies have been formulated for p ro9ram implementation P Strategies form all 4 countries are consolidated in a regional approach. Missing data and info for final adjustments have been identified 1

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 1

Phases, events Location

Date

Participants

Phase V Country meetings

Cambodia

Feb 7- 18

•

Vietnam Lao PDR

Feb 7- 18 Feb 7- 18

•

Thailand

Feb 7- 18

• •

Phase VI Phnom Penh Feb 21- 22 • Final workshop (Participation optional)

•

National Mekong Committees Natl & Interntl consultants National Line Agencies Provincial Offices

Expected results Missing information and data has been collected and fed into further strategy discussions on regional level

Selected national line The Project Planning agencies Matrix is established with • National development goal, objectives, outputs, Mekong major activities and Committees necessary inputs • MRC Secretariat SMRP Team

3. Detailed Steps of the Appraisal: Phase I: January 1 to January 14 With support from SMRP Offices in the countries: 1. Collect documents relevant to Watershed Management like policy documents, relevant reports, Laws and sub-decrees on •

Forestry, Land use planning

•

Decentralization, local governance

•

Poverty alleviation

•

Minority issues

Time allocation 7 working days each

2. List organizations relevant to Watershed Management and develop an organizational landscape of Line organizations, Administration, Projects and NGOs with •

Contacts, addresses

•

Mandate

•

Implementation capacity

3. Produce an inventory of relevant watersheds

2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 1

Time allocation 2 working days each

Time allocation 6 working days each

Phase II : January 15 to January 16 Participate in the first regional workshop, Phnom Penh: •

Provide a short overview of collected information

•

In collaboration with other participants in the meeting finalize TOR and procedures for the next phase

• Develop a schedule for meetings in each country for the next phase Phase III: January 17 to February 02 In collaboration with international consultants and with support from SMRP offices in all countries: 1. Arrange for and conduct meetings/ interviews with relevant organizations on national level on the basis of collected information 2.

Follow up on interviews/ discussions with additional selected persons/ organization

3. Document minutes of meetings 4. Visit scheduled provinces where watersheds for implementation have been proposed for •

Explaining intended programs

•

Check/ elaborate on preferences, felt needs of admin and line

Phase IV: February 04 to February 06 Participate in the second regional workshop for concept development, Phnom Penh: •

Share information and date with other participants by presentation and discussion

•

Participate in discussions to review existing available knowledge

•

Help identify gaps, missing data and information

•

Participate in concept development and program strategy

Time allocation 3 working days each

development for an overall regional level Phase V: February 7 to February 14 In collaboration with international consultants and with support from SMRP offices in all countries: 1.

Visit selected organizations/ sector experts for specific questions and gaps as identified in the regional meeting

2.

Document minutes of meetings and produce a short report

Time allocation 3 working days each

3

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 1

Phase VI: February 21 to February 22 (participation optional) Participate in the third regional workshop for final project design, Phnom Penh: •

Share information and date with other participants by presentation and discussion

•

Participate in discussions to finalize program strategy and outputs

Time allocation 3 working days

3. Organizational arrangements 1

Selection of National Consultants

In each country of the Lower Mekong Basin the National Mekong Committees will nominate two sector experts to be members of the national consultant team. The SMRP will nominate a third member to the national consultant team in those countries, where it is expected that the work load is going to be higher. 2

Accountabilities

The National Consultants will report to the team leader of the appraisal mission Dr. Fred Brandl or his deputy. 3

Attached documents

Following documents will be made available to the national consultants: 1.

Diagrams and flow charts showing the schedule and time lines for the mission

2. Overview of the sector in each country as developed by the project review of SMRP in 2000 3. Country evaluation reports of SMRP 2001 4. Original project proposal for the Sustainable Land and Water Use Program, as submitted by the MRC Secretariat in March 2001 to the German donor 5.

Proposed components for the SLWUP, as jointly developed by the MRC Secretariat and SMRP during 2001

6. TOR for the international consultants 7. Check list of general questions to watershed management policies, institutions, and agendas on national level 8. Proposed structure for data/information collection in Phase I of the mission 9. Proposed table of contents for the first short report of Phase I of the mission

4

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 2

M RC - G E R M A N T E C H N I C A L C O - O P E R A T I O N

Agreed Minutes on the Appraisal Mission of

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin A component of the Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme of the Mekong River Commission

Phnom Penh, 23rd February 2002

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 2

(A) PREFACE

(1) Representatives of the Secretariat of the Mekong River Commission (MRC-S) and the "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit" (GTZ) held a meeting at the MRC Secretariat in Phnom Penh on 23 February, 2002 on the appraisal of the Watershed Management Component of MRC’s Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme, proposed to be supported by Germany. This appraisal covers German Technical Cooperation only. A proposal for additional support through German Financial Co-operation in the field of forest rehabilitation in upper watersheds of the Lower Mekong Basin will be subject to a separate appraisal by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). rd

(2) These minutes summarise the results of the appraisal and the conclusions drawn during that meeting. The minutes do not constitute a legally binding document, but the proposals endorsed by the signatories are subject to official agreement by the relevant German authorities. (B) BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURE OF THE APPRAISAL

(3) In 2001, MRC Secretariat and German officials had first talks on potential German contributions to the MRC’s Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme (AIFP). It was agreed that the German Government would consider to provide support to the AIFP through technical co-operation in watershed management. Following deliberations on both sides it was agreed to further appraise the proposed co-operation and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ) commissioned GTZ/SMRP to field a project appraisal mission on the envisaged technical co-operation component. 25

(4) The appraisal was carried out from 1st January to 22 February 2002. The mission team consisted of three German consultants who worked in close co-operation with two national consultants each from the four riparian countries (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam). The appraisal comprised preparatory data collection in the four countries, three regional workshops (Inception, Strategy, Planning), visits to the four riparian countries and intensive discussions with representatives of various institutions. The latter comprised relevant government and non-government institutions, bi- and multilateral co-operation projects, the MRC Secretariat as well as the GTZ Office and the German Embassy in Phnom Penh. nd

(C) RATIONALE (5) The water and land resources of the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) are the basis for the livelihood of about 60 million inhabitants and provide food for some 300 million people. However, the basin’s environment is degrading at a rapid rate from unsustainable practices such as forest exploitation, expansion of agriculture onto steep slopes and water pollution and from negative side-effects of some large-scale infrastructure projects. Particularly in the fragile eco-systems of the upper watersheds in the Mekong Basin, increased pressure on natural resources due to a rapidly increasing population is a major threat to sustainability of the present natural resource-based production potentials and a potential source of future conflicts. The multi-faceted functions of these headwaters call for an integrated and participatory approach to watershed management throughout the basin. Sustainable management (planning, implementation and monitoring) needs integrated action of the numerous local and regional stakeholders and demands for dialogue, mediation and co-ordination both, at national and regional level. 25

Sustainable Management of Resources Project

1

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 2

(6) The joint efforts to manage a certain geographical area and co-ordinate resource management between people living in the upper and the lower parts of the watersheds needs to be facilitated and institutionalised. Any watershed management approach needs to encompass the variety and interaction between organisations and their respective stakes. Those are village organisations, commune (or tambon) councils and their administration, private sector organisations and their structures, provincial authorities and line departments, and the many non-governmental organisations working in the area. (7) The rationale for MRC involvement is its mandate, mission and authorised scope of work based on the 1995 MRC agreement, that finds its expression in the formulation of the Basin Development Plan (BDP), the Water Utilisation Programme (WUP), and the Environment Programme (EP). Moreover, in October 2000 the MRC countries have endorsed the AIFP as an important regional sector programme to address WSM issues. (D) FINDINGS OF THE APPRAISAL MISSION

(8) An analysis of MRC’s Strategic Plan 2001-2005 reveals a high degree of accord between the priorities set forth therein and important traits of the relevant concepts and guidelines of the BMZ. Moreover, the Strategic Plan is in line with the objectives and principles provided by international conventions and arrangements pertaining to natural resources. Support to the implementation of AIFP under the framework of the Strategic Plan would, therefore, be well in agreement with German Development Policy. (9) MRC is the only organisation mandated by the highest political level to address basinwide issues, to foster inter-country co-operation and to address potential cross-boundary conflicts. On the other hand, MRC’s potential of contributing to WSM in the region is yet neither fully exploited nor sufficiently perceived by line agencies, NGOs and donors. (10) Given Germany’s long involvement in sustainable resources management in the region, German Development Co-operation can contribute to enhancing MRC-S’s capacity to address the above issues and to assume its envisaged role of a regional “centre of excellence”. (11) MRC’s “Strategy study on the development of the watershed management / forestry sector in the LMB” provides a convincing outline of how MRC can best realise this objective in a regional WSM/forestry programme by • adopting a “client focussed”, “service-oriented”, “demand driven” approach to working in WSM and forestry; • engaging in dialogue and collaboration with relevant national stakeholders to identify and document issues and constraints facing these sectors; • collaborating with national and international programmes and projects in addressing these issues and constraints; • concentrating on activities which complement and build upon the achievements of past and current activities like the “Forest Cover Monitoring Project”, the “Watershed Classification Project” and the “Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Project”; •

concentrating on facilitation and promotion of co-operation between stakeholders involved in WSM/forestry issues of basin-wide significance.

(12) Discussions with national stakeholders during the consultants’ country visits revealed: •

Watershed Management is a known and relevant concept in all riparian countries with many institutions involved. 2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 2

• • •

The four countries are at different states of development of Watershed Management policies, strategies, concepts and framework conditions and there is a great potential for sharing experiences and information and for joint learning processes. While there are numerous activities in WSM by a multitude of institutions in various catchments and sub-catchments there is yet no “real life example” of a consistent and complete WSM approach in any of these locations. Apart from bi-lateral negotiations mainly in the context of large hydro-power projects there is little if any consideration of cross-boundary issues in WSM, yet.

(13) During these discussions, the following major fields of work for Technical Co-operation in the WSM-component of the AIFP were identified and proposed by the consultants: (a) to institutionalise integrated WSM planning in selected cross-border and other catchments. (b) to support the sharing of knowledge and experience and to facilitate joint learning processes within the region in view of both, national and regional issues in WSM. (c) to improve regional data and information management in WSM. (E) RESULTS OF THE STRATEGY WORKSHOP

(14) The participants of the second Regional Workshop (Phnom Penh, 6th and 7th February 2002) confirmed the major areas of work as proposed by the consultants, developed a draft list of activities and defined major impacts that are expected from of a regional approach as compared to national programmes in WSM. The latter comprise • • • • • • •

intensified exchange of experience and lessons between the countries which may lead to more effective interventions and help to avoid duplication and repetition of ineffective strategies and actions; more effective use of available human and financial resources for WSM; the possibility to address cross border catchments as entities; further improvement of good relations and mutual trust through joint learning, professional interaction and development activities across institutions and countries; transparent, fair and amicable resolution of disagreements based on regionally acknowledged principles and agreements on WSM; harmonisation of views and potentially joint positioning and negotiations at international fora related to watershed management; improved access to international funding.

(15) The participants reviewed criteria for the selection of pilot watersheds presented by the consultants and agreed to propose the following locations: (a) The cross-border area of the Nam Ou watershed with the Nam Noua sub-catchment in Laos (Mai District of Phongsaly Province) and the Nam Rum sub-catchment in Vietnam (Dien Bien District of Lai Chau Province) (b) The Upper Sesan watershed in Cambodia (Ratanakiri Province) with the potential to extend into the Vietnamese part of that watershed in a second phase (c) The Mae Nam Suai sub-catchment of the Mae Nam Kok watershed in Thailand (Chiang Rai Province). (16) The workshop underlined the necessity that WSM planning in pilot catchments needs to be followed up by implementation. German Technical Co-operation, with its given mandate and resources, can, however, provide only rather limited support to implementation. Hence the necessity to collaborate with national programmes, NGOs, and projects funded by other donors. Moreover, it is envisaged to link the Technical Cooperation in WSM and the German Financial Co-operation contribution to forest rehabilitation to be provided through KfW. In view of the fact that the latter will be subject to 3

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 2

a separate appraisal, the workshop agreed to postpone the final selection of the pilot watersheds and to take this decision in the context of the appraisal of the Financial Cooperation contribution. (F) RESULTS OF THE PLANNING WORKSHOP

(17) Based on the findings of the appraisal mission and the results of the strategy workshop, the participants of the regional Planning Workshop (Phnom Penh, 21st and 22nd February 2002) developed the following recommendations for an initial phase of three years (starting in December 2002) for the WSM component of the AIFP to enter into a potentially long-term co-operation. The objectives would be as following: (18) Direct objective (Purpose): Relevant institutions in the riparian countries and the MRC Secretariat make use of regional co-operation, information exchange / sharing and improved approaches for sustainable WSM in the Lower Mekong River Basin. (19) This objective will lead to an enhanced capability of the riparian countries to manage their watersheds sustainably and increasingly in view of regional needs. Eventually this will contribute to the ultimate objective (Overall Goal): “The watersheds of the Lower Mekong River Basin fulfil their ecological, economic and social functions” and provide a sustainable basis for improved livelihood of the population.” (20) In order to achieve the Purpose the following Outputs are to be realised within the initial phase: Output 1: WSM approaches in selected (national and cross-border) watersheds are further developed, documented and disseminated Output 2: Mechanisms for analysis and further development of national WSM policies and guidelines in the LMB are established and functioning Output 3:Mechanisms for continuous and effective regional collaboration in WSM are established and functioning Output 4: Regional and national information management on WSM is improved

(21) Main activities to be carried out in order to realise the planned Outputs, Indicators for their achievement and important Assumptions are specified in the attached Planning Matrix. (22) The overall responsibility for implementation lies with the MRC Secretariat. The National Mekong Committees will act as co-ordinating offices. Lead agencies in the riparian countries have been proposed as follows: • Cambodia: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries •

Laos: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

•

Thailand: Royal Forest Department

•

Vietnam: Department of Forest Development in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

(23) In accordance with the principles and standard procedures of German Technical Cooperation, the implementation of the German contribution to the Programme would be the responsibility of the German Senior Technical Adviser. German funds would be managed by the GTZ Office Phnom Penh. (24)

The German contribution to the initial phase of the Programme should

4

comprise the secondment of •

1 international long-term expert on WSM Policy (German Teamleader) for up to 36 person-months (PM),

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 2

• •

1 international long-term expert on WSM for up to 36 PM 1 international long-term expert on information and knowledge management for up to 18 PM,

•

1 international long-term expert on geographical information systems and data management for up to 18 PM,

•

1 regional long-term expert in WSM (from one of the riparian countries) for up to 36 PM,

•

international and regional short-term experts in various fields for up to 30 PM,

• auxiliary personnel; the provision of • running costs for the seconded experts; the provision of material inputs, in particular • up to 3 vehicles, • computers, printers and other office equipment, • miscellaneous equipment; financial contributions to • networks and workshops, • “off-the job” training measures, • implementation of WSM activities in pilot sites, • travel costs, • the general overheads of the MRC-S amounting to 11 % of the calculated costs of seconded and locally recruited long-term and short-term staff, training, material and equipment; •

the MRC management costs of the AIFP amounting to 60,000 Euro per annum.

(25) The overall costs of the German contributions to the initial phase including overheads are estimated at up to 4.346 million Euro. (26) The contribution of the MRC should comprise the secondment of • 1 Project Officer (at MRC-S), • 1 Secretary (at MRC-S); • 1 Driver (at MRC-S), the provision of • adequate office space and furniture for the seconded experts, • running costs for offices in Phnom Penh (telephone, electricity, office materials, etc.). MRC will assure the secondment of the necessary professional and technical staff in the MRC member countries through the relevant national line agencies. In particular: • 4 national Project Directors, • 4 national co-ordinators • staff to collect and process data and for selected implementation activities in the MRC member countries concerned. If required, MRC will put the equipment provided by Germany for the Sustainable Management of Resources Project (SMRP) at the unrestricted disposal of the seconded experts for the fulfilment of their tasks. (G) FURTHER STEPS TO BE TAKEN

5

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 2

(27) On the German side, GTZ will submit these minutes for approval to BMZ. After general approval and after receipt of the official request, BMZ would commission GTZ to implement the German Technical Co-operation contribution. (28) The German side would draft a Document (“Arrangement on Technical Cooperation”), which would provide the legal basis of the envisaged co-operation. This document would be signed by the MRC Chief Executive Officer on behalf of MRC and by the German Ambassador in Phnom Penh on behalf of the German Government. Details of implementation will be specified in an Implementation Agreement between MRC Secretariat and GTZ. (H) CONCLUSION

In view of •

the findings of the appraisal mission, and

•

the results of the planning workshop

the signatories agree to implement the co-operation as outlined under No. (F) of these minutes.

Joern Kristensen

Dr. Thomas Engelhardt

Chief Executive Officer

Director, GTZ Office Phnom Penh

of the

Deutsche Gesellschaft für

Mekong River Commission

Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)

6

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 2

Annex:

Draft Programme Planning Matrix for the MRC AIFP WSM Component (Prepared during planning Workshop on 21st and 22nd February 2002)

Ultimate objective (Overall Goal): The watersheds of the Lower Mekong River Basin fulfil their ecological, economic and social functions and provide a sustainable basis for improved livelihood of the population. Direct objective (Purpose): Relevant institutions in the riparian countries and the MRC Secretariat make use of regional co-operation, operation, information exchange / sharing and improved approaches for sustainable WSM in the Lower Mekong River Basin. Indicators for the achievement of the direct objective (Purpose): • A regional plan of action on co-operation co operation in Watershed Management is drafted by 12/2004 and endorsed by MRC and the relevant national authorities by 12/2005. •

Interviews with a representative sample of people from Government and NonNon government Organisationss involved in Watershed Management in the LMB yield the following results: X% of interviewed persons consider regional co-operation co operation activities of the AIFP as „worthwhile worthwhile“ and beneficial; Y% of interviewed persons give a valid example how regional co-operat co operation avtivities had a direct positiv effect on their work; Z% of interviewed persons state that improved WSM information contributes to better decision making in their particular field of work. (x, y, z to be specified)

Output 1: WSM approaches in selected (national and cross-border) cross border) watersheds are further developed, documented and disseminated Activities to be carried out inorder to achieve Output 1: 1.1 Participate in feasibility study and project appraisal for German Financial Co-operation C contribution including the final selection of pilot watersheds 1.2 Support integrated WSM planning at district and province level and develop mechanisms for cross-border border coordination 1.3 Support local actors in accessing funds for NRM implementation 1.4 Support the development of incentive and subsidy schemes and financing mechanisms for sustainable NRM within WSM 1.5 Facilitate and participate in networking on NRM relevant topics at local, local, province and national level 1.6 Provide training in WSM relevant topics at local and sub-national sub national level Indicators for the achievement of Output 1: 1.4 The institutional arrangements for integrated WSM planning are in place in two watersheds by 06/2003 03 and a trans-border trans border WSM committee is established and functioning in at least 1 cross-border cross watershed by 12/2003. 1.5 Integrated WSM plans for two watersheds with an area of at least 400 km each are 7 2

available and submitted to relevant authorities for approval by 06/2004. The multisectoral plans are based on the principles of participation and sustainable management of natural resources. The plans describe the methodologies and instruments used, the activities to be implemented, the necessary financing

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 2

mechanisms and the tasks, responsibilities and contributions of the major stakeholders. 1.6 Experience from and products of integrated WSM planning in the pilot areas are fedback to the relevant national and regional institutions, programmes and working groups. Output 2: Mechanisms for analysis and further development of national WSM policies and guidelines in the LMB are established and functioning Activities to be carried out inorder to achieve Output 2: 2.1 Identify major national stakeholders in the development of WSM policies, strategies, systems, methodologies 2.2 Establish and support national working groups (or similar arrangements) on identification and documentation of best practices in WSM 2.3 Establish and support national working groups (or similar arrangements) on analysis and further development of policies and guidelines 2.4 Facilitate documentation of work results and dissemination at national and regional level (incl. feed-back mechanisms into activities 2.2 and 2.3 in other countries and into activity 3.3) Indicators for the achievement of Output 2: 2.3 An annotated regional inventory of national WSM policies and guidelines is available by (to be specified) 2.4 An annotated regional compilation of “best practices” in WSM is available by (to be specified). Output 3: Mechanisms for continuous and effective regional collaboration in WSM are established and functioning Activities to be carried out inorder to achieve Output 3: 3.1 Analyse relevant international conventions and agreements on NR in view of their relevance to WSM 3.2 Facilitate identification of priority issues for regional co-operation in WSM and feedback into BDP, WUP and EP 3.3 Facilitate regional exchange of experiences and co-operation on defined priority issues 3.5 Support regional HRD in WSM relevant topics Indicators for the achievement of Output 3: 3.4 A regional committee on WSM with clearly defined TOR is in place by 12/2003. 3.5 At least 3 regional working groups or partnerships on defined priority issues are established and functional by 12/2003 (Examples: forest land allocation, funding mechanisms, etc.) 3.6 A report with recommendations for (regionally acknowledged) principles of sustainable WSM as a basis for decision-making on regional investment in WSM is available by 12/2004. 8

Output 4: Regional and national information management on WSM is improved Activities to be carried out inorder to achieve Output 4:

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 2

4.1 Assess data and information needs of AIFP and partner organisations 4.2 Coordinate data / information management with other MRC Programmes and relevant other stakeholders in WSM 4.3 Compile / generate data / information needed for AIFP and not available from other sources 4.4 Support data / information exchange through WUP / TC agreements between countries based on defined standards (formats, quality, meta-data) 4.5 Facilitate public access to AIFP information / data (through Mekong Info, Web, Meta Data Bases, etc.) 4.6 Contribute to capacity building for partner organisations in AIFP-related data and information management (Links between this output and all other outputs need to be established.) Indicators for the achievement of Output 4: 4.4 A consolidated concept for improved regional WSM information and data management is available by 12/2003 and partly implemented. (Milestones for implementation are to be defined when the concept has become available.) 4.5 The concept provides for the integration of WSM information into the core programmes of MRC.

Important Assumptions: A proposal for WSM components to be supported through Financial Co-operation is available by 06/2003 and approved by 12/2003. To be completed. •

9

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 3

DESCRIPTION OF POSSIBLE PILOT SITES Name of Pilot Site:

Countries concerned: Provinces concerned: Districts Area (km ) 2

Nam Ou Watershed Nam Noua/ Rum Subcatchment Vietnam Laos

Se Bang Hiang Watershed

Vietnam Laos

Sekong Watershed

Vietnam Laos

Cambodia Quang Tri (V) Thua T. Hue, Savannakhet Kontum (V) (L) Sekong, Attapeu L V /V1/ L 1395 V / 1900 L 1 735 2000 L 688 V / 17.000 L

Lai Chau (V) Phongsaly (L) 1V/1L

Elevation range (m asl) Slopes > 30% Watershed Classes I&II

2000 – 250 58,6% 87,3% 71,2%

2000 – 100 12,8% 19,2% 8,5%

Critical areas Forest Cover 1997 Changes 93-97 Population (‘000) Population density (P/km )

17% - 7% +/-70.000 10

57% -8% +/-90.000 20 50% L Medium

2100 – 80 27% 40,6% 10,9% 70%

Upper Sesan Watershed

Srepok Watershed

Vietnam Cambodia

Vietnam Cambodia

Kontum, Gia Dac Lac (V) Lai (V) Monduliri (C) Ratanakiri(C) 11.260 V / 6.725 C 2300 – 80 20,1 % 33,3% 10,6%

13.600 V / 6.640 C 2300 – 80 7,2% 10,8% 3,2%

Mae Nam Kok Watershed Mae Nam Suai Subcatchment Thailand Chiang Rai 1T 437 1685 – 463 91 % 91 % 37%

Tonle Sap/ Mongkol Borey Watershed Thailand Cambodia Sa Kaew (T) Battambang (C) 2-3 T T / 2-3 4.038 / C 4.504 C 1500 – 30 2,6% 3,8% 0,6%

63%

18%

40%

-9% 197.090 (95) 7

54% -11 % 57.695 (95) 3

-9% 61.443 (95) 2

-6% 46.376 (96) 30

-12% 281.900 (96) 46

> 75% L High

> 75% C High

> 80% C High

> 40% Medium

Hardly any

(V)? (C)? Several (L)

Some (V) Many (C)

2

Ethnic minorities Poverty Presence of potential partners (national programs, ODA,

> 85% L Medium(V)/high (L) Very good (V) Hardly any (L)

Hardly any (V) Few (L)

Several (V) Hardly any (C)

Good

Medium Some (T) Several (C)

NGOs)

1

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 3

Name of Pilot Site:

Access to the area Access within the area Illegal logging Large-scale plantations or concessions Land encroachment, in-migration Shifting Cultivation

Nam Ou Watershed Nam Noua/ Rum Subcatchment Good(V) / difficult (L) Very difficult Some Few - None

Se Bang Hiang Watershed

Sekong Watershed

Upper Sesan Watershed

Srepok Watershed

Mae Nam Kok Watershed Mae Nam Suai Subcatchment

Good Difficult Heavy (L)

Diff.(V), Good Difficult Very heavy (L)

Good (V),

Very good Good Some

Some (V) Few (L)

Some (V) Many (L)

Good Medium Very heavy (C) Many (V) Many (C)

Difficult (C) Heavy (C) Many (V) Few (C)

Tonle Sap/ Mongkol Borey Watershed Good Difficult Heavy

Few

? ?

Some

Strong

Hardly any

Strong (V)(L)

Strong (L)

Very strong

Some

Frequent

Some

Frequent

Frequent

Frequent (C) Some

Some

Hydropower schemes

None

Downstream

Several

Yali (V)

None

2 small res.

None

Security aspects

Good

Good

Quite insecure

Average

Mines, traffick.

Very insecure

Particular Opportunities

-Cooperation -Deforestation with GO/NGOs (V) -Critical WS Dialogue V-L

Particular Constraints -Remoteness -Hardly any partners and staff (L)

-Heavy deforest. Triangular dev. -Border dialogue -3 countries

-Plateau area -Remoteness -No partners -Security? (V)

Quite insecure -Heavy deforest. Triangular dev. -Many partners in C. -Low pop. Dens. -

-Critical WS -Partners avail.

-Very low pop. Density -

Remoteness Remoteness

-Security?

-Very insecure -Not critical Border conflicts

2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 4

RELEVANT PROJECTS/PROGRAMMES AND NATIONAL NETWORKS IN NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT OR WATERSHED MANAGEMENT IN THE FOUR RIPARIAN COUNTRIES OF THE LMB 1 CAMBODIA In general:

• • • • • • • • •

Participatory NRM in the Tonle Sap Region (FAO/Belgian Government) Community Forestry Programme - CONCERN Worldwide Provincial Development Program-Kampong Thom and Kampot – NRM Components (GTZ) Cambodian-German Forestry Project (CGFP) (GTZ) Community Forestry Research Project in Cambodia (IDRC/RECOFTC) Land Management Project (LMP) (GTZ) Cambodian Sustainable Forest Management Project (ADB) Environment and Natural Resources Management in Coastal and Wetland Areas (DANIDA) Watershed Management in Stung Pursat and Mongkol Borey (DANIDA) (planned)

Networks:

• • •

NGO Forum – over 60 active Cambodian and international NGOs, advocacy on issues of concern to the Cambodian people and coordination among the NGOs working in Cambodia Community Forestry Working Group Working Group on Natural Resources Management (Donor Forum)

In Ratanakiri:

• • • •

Biodiversity Conservation in Virachey National Park (World Bank) Community-based NRM (SIDA) Community-based NRM (CARERE/IDRC) NTFP – Cambodian NGO focusing on the management of natural resources in Ratanakiri Province, started Oct. 1996 with financial support by Oxfam

• • • •

Ratanakiri Integrated Community Development Programme (CIDSE) World Concern Oxfam America Local NGO Network (12 members)

2 LAOS In general:

• • • • •

Lao-DANIDA Natural Resources and Environment Programme – National Capacity Building Project Phase I&II (DANIDA) Integrated Watershed Management in Huaphan and Xieng Khouang – NIWMAP (DANIDA) Nam Ngum Watershed Planning (ADB TA 2734) Nam Ngum Watershed Management and Conservation Project – NAWACOP (GTZ) Nam Niam Watershed Management (UNDP) 1

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 4

•

Watershed Management Plan for Forest Conservation in Vang Vieng District (J I CA/JAFTA)

• • •

Dong Dok Forestry College Project (GTZ) Industrial Tree Plantation Project (ADB) Integrated Upland Agricultural Research Project (IUARP)

In Phongsaly: • • • • •

Phongsaly Forest Conservation and Rural Development Project (EU) Phongsaly Rural Development Project (CCL –French Gvmt.) German Agro Action WWF – Nam Ou Watershed Management Project (planned for end of 2002) ADB – RETA 5771 (Phase III) Nam Ou Watershed Management (planned based on existing study from Phase II)

3 THAILAND

In general: •

Upper Nan Watershed Management Project (DANCED)

In Chiang Rai (Mae Nam Suai): • •

Local NGOs and Peoples Organisations German NGO (?) in Mae Nam Suai area

4 VIETNAM

In general: •

Re-afforestation through local credit schemes in the provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh and Quang Tri (KfW funded)

•

Forestation in Quang Ninh, Bac Giang and Lang Son (KfW funded)

•

Community-based Watershed Rehabilitation and Management (in 4 provinces) (ADBfunded)

•

Denmark-Vietnam Water Program Support

Networks: • •

Community Forestry Working Group Support Group for the 5 Million ha Reforestation Program

In Lai Chau Province: • • • •

Social Forestry Development Project – SFDP (GTZ) Lai Chau – Song La Rural Development Project (EU) Action Aid SNV

2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

Integrated Forest Rehabilitation in the Lower Mekong Basin A Project Proposal for an Investment Program in the Forest Sector Complementary to the MRC-Based Sustainable Land and Water Use Program

Submitted by the Mekong River Commission Secretariat to the Bundesministerium fuer Wirtschaftliche Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit (BMZ) Mr. L. Zimmer Director South-East Asia Division Developed jointly by the Mekong River Commission Secretariat and the Sustainable Management of Resources in the Lower Mekong Basin Project (SMRP)

1

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

Table of Contents

Page

1.

Short description of the project and the German contribution

3

2.

Objective and Justification

4

2.1. Problem Analysis

4

2.2. Project Objective, Target Groups, Relevance to Development Policies

7

3. Project Proposal 3.1. Measures until now, and their Interaction/ Connection to the Proposed Project

8 8

3.2. Project Activities and Expected Results

9

3.3. Proposed Implementation

11

3.4. Ways of maintenance and utilization

15

4.

Description of the Receiver and Project Implementing Organization 17

4.1. Description of the Receiver of Funding

17

4.2. Description of the Project Implementing Organization

18

5.

19

Total Costs and Means of Financing

5.1. Total Costs

19

5.2. Means of Financing

21

6.

21

Project Impact

6.1. Description of Micro-economic and Macro-economic Benefits

21

6.2. Description of Socio-economic and Socio –cultural Benefits

22

6.3. Description of Ecological Benefits

22

Quantities and Unit Cost Calculations

24

2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

1. Short description of the project and the German contribution

The project proposal describes an investment of DM ten million in the forest sector for integrated participatory watershed rehabilitation in selected watersheds of the Lower Mekong Basin. The project addresses the regional problem of watershed degradation through forest degradation and deforestation in upland watersheds in the Lower Mekong Basin due to expanding agriculture, population growth, prevailing non-sustainable land use systems and other factors. The target groups are local people living in the selected watersheds and also staff of local administration, line departments, and national governments. The project proposal is closely connected to past and ongoing projects and programs on the forest sector, natural resources management of the MRC in the Mekong basin. In particular the project planning, implementation, and monitoring needs to be closely linked with the Sustainable Land and Water Use Program of the MRC. The project considers and is built on national policies towards poverty alleviation and rehabilitation of natural resources of all 4 Mekong countries. The five result areas of the project are •

Participatory land use planning

•

Watershed rehabilitation through re-planting and enrichment planting

•

Agroforestry through community forestry

• •

Small scale infrastructure like check dams Training centers

The implementation considers different capacities and agendas in each country and composes a relevant package for each country. The program packages are designed in a way, that follow up costs and maintenance costs can fully be incorporated by the recipients/ beneficiaries of the programs. The receiving organization of the proposed funds is the Mekong River Commission Secretariat, which involves competent national sector line agencies in each country. Those national line agencies use provincial level implementing organizations. The total costs of the proposal is DM 10 million. The expected benefits are primarily ecological benefits with sub-national, national and regional dimensions. Further expected benefits are socio-cultural and economic benefits.

3

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

2. Objective and Justificatio 2.1. Problem Analysis For the ecological and socio-economic health of the Lower Mekong Basin the ecological functions of the water catchment areas in the Mekong Basin are decisive. As clearly expressed in the objective statement of the Sustainable Land and Water Use Program of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) in December 2000, the sustainable development of water resources is crucial for poverty alleviation and food security in the river basin. Any major disturbances of the very important ecological functions of sub-watersheds has direct implications not only for the particular country, but for the region as a whole. The sub-watersheds of the Mekong in the 4 countries of the Lower Mekong Basin experience deforestation and forest degradation at an increasing rate. Particularly in upland watersheds deforestation and forest degradation has become a serious problem during the last 2 decades. The average deforestation rate for these countries between 1990 and 1995 was 1.6% per annum, higher than any other region in the world. In addition to this rapid loss of forest cover, extensive areas of forests have been severely degraded in terms of their structure and composition, through various forms of exploitation and exposure to fires and other destructive factors. Extensive deforestation and wide-spread loss in forest quality have resulted in a number of serious environmental and socio-economic problems for most countries in the Lower Mekong Basin. Such problems include loss of ecosystem function, reduction in supply of timber and non-timber forest products and decline in spiritual, cultural and recreational values. The predominant inhabitants of those watersheds are ethnic groups of various origin, which practiced and still practice shifting cultivation, while facing diminishing resources due to population increase, degradation of natural resources, and reduced possibilities for mobility. Several programs have responded to these problems by implementing massive plantation and forest restoration programs. Many of those could not yet sufficiently address the problems sufficiently for reasons of being non participatory, or centralized approached, which did not take sufficient note of locally available resources and limitations. On the other hand it has become evident that decentralized and well planned and implemented forest restoration programs particularly in upland watersheds can provide a wide range of environmental and socio-economic benefits including bio-diversity conservation, improved ecosystem functioning, income, forest goods and services and recreational opportunities. In the recent past in some countries of the Lower Mekong Basin forest rehabilitation in upland watersheds has become increasingly important for national and provincial governments. The program “ Forest Investment in the Lower Mekong Basin” will concentrate on areas of mainly ethnic minority population. Land use planning and forestry activities will directly involve local poor farmers in all locations.. Recent societal problems in this area were mainly based on land tenure and land use issues and are presently addressed by the

4

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

GOV. Improving the college’s infrastructure for technical teaching as well participatory teaching methods in the areas of land use planning, forest management techniques, monitoring and quality control of nursery production, etc. are the main support themes. The provision of improved teaching facilities will allow more members of the mainly ethnic minority population to be technically trained to provide technical forestry services to their communities. Thailand has faced in the last 40 years a tremendous loss of forest coverage. Whereas in 1961 the forest cover was 53%, it decreased to only 26% in 1995. In many areas of the country, particularly in the upland watersheds of the Northern Areas, the trend is still continuing.

The reasons for deforestation are manifold: conversion of forest land to agriculture land as a result of increasing population density, conversion of areas of shifting cultivation to permanent cropping, mostly commercial crops with high inputs of chemicals. Parallel to changing land uses wide spread forest fire caused loss of forests and subsequent loss of ground cover and soil erosion. Other main causes of deforestation were over grazing, mining, logging for commercial purposes and road construction (as well as widespread illegal logging), which eventually forced the government to impose a logging ban in 1989. The Royal Forest Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives started since 1965 reforestation activities for watershed rehabilitation particularly in head watersheds of the Northern and North Eastern parts of Thailand, and has in the recent past introduced additional technical programs to complement reforestation. Many of those programs have been launched successfully in a number of watersheds earlier, but so far not in an integrated way. Ideas and strategies for a more comprehensive approach have been developed only in the recent past. Based on the new constitution, which emphasizes local decision making for natural resources management at the Tambon Administration level, community forestry as a community based approach to forest management found legal and procedural recognition by the Royal Government. The Royal Forest Department and their decentralized structures in upland watersheds have taken steps to change from a centrally organized hierarchical approach to more decentralized participatory ways of forest management. Now, with the legal basis for community based forest management, the Royal Forest Department has the first time an opportunity to implement forest rehabilitation programs in a participatory integrated manner in upland watersheds. While technical expertise, organizational capacity, and procedures seem to be in place, the Watershed Management Division as the relevant Sector Organization for forest rehabilitation in upland watersheds will not be able to receive sufficient funding from government to address the issues of progressing deforestation and forest degradation sufficiently and timely. In Viet Nam

Over 60% of Viet Nam's land area, some 19 million ha, is classified as forest land, and most of this is in the upland and mountainous areas located in the west and north of the country. About 24 million people live in or around forests and derive a substantial part of their food and income from the forest and forestland.

5

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

Viet Nam has suffered deforestation and forest degradation during the past 40 years, and annual forest loss has been of the order of 100-140,000 hectares (ha). Rapidly expanding populations and migration into forest areas are among the major reasons why pressures remain to clear forests to provide additional agricultural land. Poverty is widespread in rural areas, and people are essentially forced to use forest resources for subsistence and market purposes. State forest enterprises have also contributed to forest degradation by engaging in unsustainable harvesting to meet production quotas set by central government. It is estimated that there are about 9.7 million ha of land that is potentially available for rehabilitation. The Government has recognized the need to rehabilitate the large areas of degraded forestland, and has established ambitious programs The experiences with reforestation are mixed. The early plantings showed poor results due to the use of poor quality seed and seedlings, poor technique and poor species-site matching. The Government has become aware of the problems with the country's forests and is keen to redress them by embarking on ambitious forest rehabilitation programs. The single most important and famous one is the 5 Mio ha program, which aims at establishing five million ha of forest by natural and artificial regeneration, thereby increasing national forest cover to 43%. This 5 Mio ha program additionally will create jobs for local people and contributes to the national programs of hunger eradication and poverty reduction. In Laos The general problems of degradation and deforestation of watersheds is most significant in the northern parts of the country, where shifting cultivation has resulted to the loss of almost all large forested areas, even though the country in the north is populated with only 10 to 15 persons per sq.km. Ambiguities over tenure, particularly regarding access and use rights, have created difficulties in dealing with ethnic groups living in watershed areas. The government is attempting to ban or at least curtail shifting cultivation, but to date there are no livelihood alternatives so far proven that shifting cultivators can adopt with confidence. Land allocation and community based land use planning are currently on trial throughout the country, but progress is inevitably slow. Most communities in watersheds are impoverished and their primary concern is with food security. Any development program to deal with forest rehabilitation in the upland areas need to integrate rehabilitation activities with overall development. Cambodia In Cambodia the loss of forest cover and forest quality in forested areas during the last 20 years shows the highest rate in the Lower Mekong Basin. This can largely be attributed to the long lasting periods of unrest and political instabilities, partly to expanding population and construction of new roads into forested areas for forest harvesting by private concessionaires, which created a sudden access to so far non accessable huge resources. Illegal logging could be controlled to a large extent only very recently. Forests today still play a significant role for the majority of rural population. Particularly in the watersheds of the north eastern parts of Cambodia forests are the basis for people’s

6

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

livelihoods and provide a variety of products and functions to local communities beyond the ecological functions. Community based natural resources management has been an important agenda of many development agencies in the north eastern parts of Cambodia, not only by international and local NGOs, but also by government and projects in the province of Ratanakkiri. Concepts and practices for community involvement in planning and monitoring of resources utilization have been developed over the past years, and succeeded in a comparative high level of technical skills, communication systems, and effective cooperation between various stakeholder groups and provincial government structures. Procedures for participatory land use planning and collaborative community forest management practices have been established. However, larger applications for a more substantial coverage of watershed areas, where forests and people live in co-existence, are not yet in place, since this part of Cambodia never has been in the main focus of government or donor attention. 2.2. Project objective, target groups, relevance to development policies The project objective is to improve ecological functions of upland watershed in a participatory way through integrated forest rehabilitation programs in selected watersheds of the Lower Mekong Basin.

This objective addresses not only particular areas of the four member counties of the Mekong River Commission, but the Mekong Basin as a whole. The significance of the objective for the health of the Mekong Basin is further expressed by way of selection of watersheds under this proposal. Since the proposed project is small in size in comparison to the magnitude of the problem, particularly those watersheds will be chosen for the project implementation, which are critical from a regional angle. This objective addresses as well peoples’ livelihood and socio-economic development in target areas. It is further envisaged that the project produces a model for participatory integrated watershed rehabilitation for other watersheds in the countries or the region. The necessary instrument for ensuring these pilot functions is the creation of mechanisms for scaling up and training for replication within the given resources of the implementing government organizations. Both aspects will become an integral part of the project design and project implementation. The target groups of this project are both, local people living in upland watersheds from agricultural and forest resources, as well as local organizations like commune, district and provincial administration, non government organizations, and relevant line agencies in target areas. Additional indirect target groups are administration and line organizations working in other parts of the Lower Mekong Basin, and can learn from experiences from target areas through exposure visits or formal training courses. Finally target groups are sector specialists in national and regional organizations, who will take the opportunity to make use of available experiences and incorporate those in their own organizations. Throughout the Lower Mekong Basin the government policies welcome concepts and programs which help to implement practical ways for decentralized decision making and

7

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

peoples’ participation on the one hand and focus on protection and rehabilitation of natural resources on the other hand. This expresses itself in the new constitutions, immobile property laws, forest laws, community forestry sub decrees and community bills throughout the Mekong Basin. During the last 2 years governments of all 4 member countries of the MRC took either efforts in supporting broad public consultation processes for the formulation of policies and guidelines (Thailand, Cambodia) or established the first steps for those processes (Lao PDR, Viet Nam). 3. Project proposal 3.1. Measures until now, and their interaction/ connection to the proposed project The proposed project draws on available data, information products, and experiences of two MRC based projects, which were supported by the German and the Swiss donors: •

The Forest Cover Monitoring Project FCMP, which ended in the year 1999 and has significantly contributed to the development of techniques and skills for building up geographic information systems and maps • The Watershed Classification Project WCP, which ends in December 2001 and leaves behind a huge data base on bio-physical properties of all watersheds in the Lower Mekong Basin • The Sustainable Resources in the Lower Mekong Project SMRP, which shall operate until the end of 2002 and has built up information systems for collaborative forest management, strategic partnerships in countries and beyond countries and contributed to policy formulation for the forest sector in the basin. The successor program of the SMRP will be the Sustainable Land and water Use Program SLWUP of the MRC, which is considered to be a strategic partner and facilitator for the proposed project. In all countries of the Lower Mekong Basin forest rehabilitation has been an important national agenda in general, ever since an historically unpreceded speed of forest degradation due to logging, rapid expansion of agricultural production, and other reasons caused drastic losses of forest cover. Some of the countries are responding to problems by planning and implementing massive plantation and forest rehabilitation schemes. Viet Nam has started implementing a large program involving the rehabilitation of some 5,000,000 ha of degraded lands over a period of fifteen years. If fully implemented, the program in Viet Nam would nearly double the nation’s current area of forest. Thailand has recently launched a 5 year program to reforest 800,000 ha. Lao PDR has plans to establish 500,000 ha of plantations and to rehabilitate 2,000,000 ha of degraded forests by the year 2020. Forest rehabilitation programs generally contribute to numerous goals of conservation and development such as the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable development of natural resources, poverty alleviation, the building of rural institutions, and the sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere. However, specific concrete and comprehensive programs for the rehabilitation of upland watersheds are not yet in place except for a few scattered activities in Northern Thailand.

8

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

Outcomes of successful forest rehabilitation schemes in upland watersheds depend on how such schemes are conceived, planned, implemented, monitored and evaluated. For this reason, it is desirable for forest rehabilitation to be based on; •

a sound understanding of experience of forest rehabilitation schemes compared to expectations;

•

policies that prescribe principles and criteria for achieving ecologically and socioeconomically sound forest rehabilitation; and,

•

institutional capacity to extend and support the application of these policies and practical approaches in the field.

In the majority of the countries of the Lower Mekong Basin, those desirable conditions are at least partly in place. However, an integrated and participatory approach to forest rehabilitation programs in upland watersheds is a new concept, that involves a multiple stakeholder approach and the implementation of multiple tasks in an often to bureaucrates unknown territories. Predominantly ethnic groups different to the low land people live in watersheds with practices of land and water use, which is occasionally considered harmful by governments. Implementing them is sometimes complicated and complex. The proposed technical packages are developed and widely used, their integration and wider application finds limited pre-existing experience. Insofar the proposed project contributes to the development of procedures and mechanisms for scaling up and integrating existing knowledge and skills. This proposed project “ Forest Investment in the Lower Mekong Basin” will concentrate on areas of mainly ethnic minority population. Land use planning and forestry activities will directly involve local poor farmers in all locations. Recent societal problems in some of the watershed areas close to borders were mainly based on land tenure and land use issues and are presently addressed by the government of Vietnam. 3.2. Project activities and expected results The proposed project activities will not be uniform across countries, since marked differences in administration, organizational capacity, and available experiences have to be considered. The common feature of project activities is the combination of • •

Participatory land use planning Re-planting (forest plantation) and enrichment planting in critical (1A) watersheds

•

Community forestry programs in less critical watersheds

•

Training and scaling up of workable practices

1.

9

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

Result Area 1: Participatory land use planning is carried out in selected areas close to and around critical (1A) watershed areas

•

Select project areas and inventorise locally available community based organizations

•

Determine present forms of land use and their causes

•

Clarify legal situation (state claims), usufruct rights, NRM access rights and traditional ways of conflict resolution

•

Facilitate negotiation processes for improved land use systems according to claims and rights, capacities and limitations of natural resources, land and people

•

Document, map and communicate new land use plans on communal, district and provincial level

2. Result Area 2: Critical watersheds are rehabilitated through re-planting and enrichment planting •

Identify critical watershed areas for re-planting (denuded areas) and enrichment planting (degraded areas)

•

Develop management scheme for re-planting and enrichment planting for 7 years

•

Produce seedlings for indigenous trees and provide planting material

•

Organize land preparation and planting with participation of local people

3. Result Area 3: Forest food bank programs (agro-forestry programs) are established through community forestry •

Identify forest land suitable for community forestry/ agro-forestry programs

•

Develop production and maintenance schemes with community based organizations (CBOs) and local administration offices

•

Supply seed material for selected plants (herbal, medicinal, fruit trees, etc.) and organize supply of other necessary inputs for planting and production Provide technical assistance and managerial support for establishing village nurseries and other necessary village based technical infrastructure

•

4. Result area 4: Check dams are established and maintained •

select suitable locations in identified areas in collaboration with CBOs and local administration

•

develop construction and maintenance schemes through established village based committees and organize supply of material construct dams of various sizes according to suitability and requirements of slope, water flow, soil and land use identify organizational and technical possibilities for increased agricultural and forest production

• • 5.

10

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

Result area 5: A national/ regional training center for participatory forest rehabilitation in upland watersheds has been built and is functioning • •

Select suitable location and design training center, keeping in mind all necessary facilities for 50 trainees Construct / build up training center

•

Develop maintenance schedule

•

Develop training modules for target groups from within the countries and from neighbour countries

•

Conduct training courses

3.3. Proposed implementation The proposed project will be implemented in close co-operation with and partly through the MRC based “Sustainable Land and Water Use Program (SLWUP)”, which is envisaged to start in late 2002. By its nature the proposed project is an investment project for the forest sector and thus takes a complementary role to the SLWUP, which takes into consideration not only forestry, but the whole range of sectors and disciplines relevant to watershed management. The proposed project will, therefore, also be implemented in the transboundary context characterizing the SLWUP. Particularly in the two smaller LMB countries Cambodia and Loa PDR, a certain level of technical, administrative, and managerial integration of the country components of the proposed project into the implementation structures of the forthcoming SLWUP will be a pre-requisite to guarantee effectiveness of investment programs and sustainability of the benefits to target groups and institutions. It is proposed to use technical know-how, planning and monitoring capacity as well as implementation capacity of the SLWUP to ensure highest possible standards of project performance and project impact. The proposed implementation does not foresee an equal allocation of funds to each country, since •

The absorption capacity of administration and target groups in villages differs largely from country to country, whereby relatively high capacity will be found in Thailand and to some extent in Viet Nam, and comparatively low capacity is available in Cambodia and Lao PDR.

•

The forthcoming implementation programs under the SLWUP already foresee a higher financial contribution to countries to Lao PDR and Cambodia in comparison to Thailand and Viet Nam. The implementation of programs also differ from country to country with regards to various combinations of result areas. All of them have in common that any field work for forest rehabilitation of agro-forestry program implementation through community forestry needs to build on the results of a participatory land use planning exercise, which involves all important stakeholders in the respective areas and which is built on existing government policies and legal frameworks.

11

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

Thailand

In Thailand result areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 will be implemented. The implementing organization is the Watershed Management Division of the Natural Resources Conservation Office, Royal Forest Department. The Watershed Management Division (WMD) operates through Watershed Management Centers and their attached Watershed Management Units. Each Watershed Management Center is equipped with one office and necessary mobility. For the program implementation, the sub-watersheds of the rivers Kok and Ing are selected. They are situated in North-East Thailand and both drain into the Mekong. The respective provinces are Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Phao province. The Watershed management Centers for the watersheds of the rivers Kok and Ing are the Watershed Management Centers 8, 9, and 10 of the WMD. They comprise a total of 19 Watershed Management Units with 233 attached villages and around 90.000 people. The result areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 will be implemented in the following way: Result area No of units Implemented by Involved groups

Participatory Land Use Pl.

120 villages

WMD

CBOs26, TAO

Forest rehabilitation

3000 ha

WMD

Farmers, labourers

Community Forestry

120 villages

CBOs

WMD, TAO

Check dams

1200

WMD and CBOs

TAO

Training Center

1

WMD

TAO

28

27

Viet Nam

In Vietnam it is envisaged to implement results 1, 2 and 5. The implementation organizations are provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) und the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. DARD has provincial as well as district offices. The two locations, Lai Chau Province, Dien Bien Phu District and Gia Lai Province, Pleiku, for programme implementation in Vietnam are located in the Lower Mekong Basin. Lai Chau is situated in the northern part of Vietnam bordering Laos. Pleiku, Gia Lai is located in the central highlands of Vietnam, the largest part of its area within the Lower Mekong Basin. Gia Lai shares its border with Ratanakiri Province in Cambodia. In addition to field programs for watershed rehabilitation, the program will support the existing Tay Nguyen Agriculture and Forestry College, which provides vocational training for all three provinces of the Central Highlands

CBO= Community Based Organization TAO= Tambon Administration Office each village will have an average of about 40 Ha forest land for development of agro forestry programs

26 27 28

12

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

The result areas 1, 2 and 5 will implemented as follows: Lai Chau Province Result area

No of units

Implemented by

Involved group

Participatory land use and forest resource planning

1500 ha

Lai Chau DARD

Replanting (incl. deposit accounts)

1200 ha

Lai Chau DARD

Lai Chau Forest Protection

Enrichment planting (incl. deposit accounts)

300 ha

Lai Chau DARD

Department Lai Chau Forest Protection

Lai Chau Department of land management

Department Gia Lai Province Result area

No of units

Involved group

Participatory land use and forest resource planning

2300 ha

Implemented by Gia Lai DARD

Replanting (incl. deposit accounts)

300 ha

Gia Lai DARD

Gia Lai forest protection department Gia Lai Bank for Agriculture

Enrichment planting (incl. deposit accounts)

2000 ha

Gia Lai DARD

Gia Lai forest protection department Gia Lai Bank for Agriculture

DARD

Tay Nguyen Agriculture & Forestry Training Centre

Vocational training centre

1

Gia Lai Department of land management Gia Lai forest protection department

Laos In Laos result areas 1, 2, 3, will be implemented. The implementing organization is the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on national level and the Provincial Planning Office on provincial level. The Provincial Planning Office operates though line offices on provincial level and their field staff. The program will be implemented in the watershed of the Moung Mai river, which drains into the Mekong and forms the lower part of the Dien Bien/ Moung Mai watershed. This area is situated at the north-eastern part of Laos and borders Vietnam.

13

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

The result areas 1, 2, 3, will be implemented in the following way: Result area

No of units

Participatory Land Use Pl

.

Forest rehabilitation through terraces, contour lines Community Forestry for agro-forestry + enrichment planting

Implemented by

30 villages

Prov. Planning Unit

800 ha

Prov. Planning Unit, PFO, CBOs CBOs, PFO

Involved groups CBOs, local admin, PFO Farmers, labourers

Farmers, labourers

450 ha 1500 ha

Cambodia In Cambodia the result areas 1, 2, 3, will be implemented. The implementing organization is the Provincial Rural Development Committee (PRDC) under the provincial governor. The PRDC operates through the government organization “Partnership for Local Governance” (PLG), which is a UN supported development program in the majority of Cambodia’s provinces today. The PRDC would oversee resources utilization, coordination with other important government structures in the province and also with NGOs. The single most important partner for technical advice, planning and monitoring will be the Provincial Forest Office (PFO). For the program implementation, the sub-watersheds of the rivers Sesan and Sepok, which have their origin in the central highlands of Viet Nam, and are already marked as target areas for the SLWUP of the MRC. Both rivers drain into the Mekong. The respective province is Ratanakkiri. Province. The implementation level for the Cambodia components will be the Commune. Since after the forthcoming local elections in Feb 2002 the commune level will be considerably strengthened administratively and politically, the proposed project can play a significant role in building up a model for decentralized community forestry in watershed areas in Cambodia. The Result Areas 1, 2, 3 will be implemented in the following way: Result area No of units Implemented by Involved groups Participatory Land Use Pl. 50 villages

PRDC / PLG, PFO, NGOs

NGOs, CBOs, Communes

Forest rehabilitation

2000 ha

PRDC / PLG, PFO, NGOs

PFO, Farmers, Communes, CBOs

Community Forestry

50 villages

PRDC/ PLG, PFO, NGOs,

PFO, Communes, farmers, CBOs

14

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

3.4. Ways of maintenance and utilization Principally the project is designed in a way that maintenance costs would be fully taken over by either government line agencies, local administration, NGOs, Communes, or village based communities. Thailand:

During and after the implementation of the project, organization and costs of maintenance of built up infrastructure will be shared in the following way: Result area

No of units

Part. Land Use Planning

120 villages

CBO

WMD, LDD

Forest rehabilitation

4300 ha

WMD

TAO, farmers

Community Forestry

120 villages

CBOs

Check dams

1200

CBOs

Training Center

1

WMD

Responsible for maintenance

Participating in maintenance 29

WMD, TAO

Viet Nam

During and after the implementation of the project, organization and costs of maintenance of built up infrastructure will be shared in the following way: a) Lai Chau Province Result area No of units

Responsible for

Participating

maintenance Lai Chau DARD

Lai Chau Department of land management

Participatory land use and forest resource planning

1500 ha

Replanting (incl. deposit accounts) Enrichment planting (incl. deposit accounts)

1000 ha

Lai Chau DARD

Lai Chau Forest Protection Department

500 ha

Lai Chau DARD

Lai Chau Forest Protection Department

b) Gia Lai Province Result area

Participatory land use and forest resource planning

No of units

2500 ha

Responsible for maintenance Gia Lai DARD

Participating

Gia Lai Department of land management Gia Lai forest protection department

29

LDD = Land Development Department. This department is responsible for cadastrial services

15

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

Replanting (incl. deposit accounts)

750 ha

Gia Lai DARD

Enrichment planting (incl. deposit accounts)

1750 ha

Gia Lai DARD

Vocational training centre

1

DARD

Gia Lai forest protection department Gia Lai Bank for Agriculture Gia Lai forest protection department Gia Lai Bank for Agriculture Tay Nguyen Agriculture & Forestry Training Centre

Laos The maintenance of infrastructure such as contour lines, plantations, enrichment planting, fruit trees, village based nurseries, etc, will entirely be taken over by communities through their CBOs: Result area

No of units

Part. Land Use Planning

30 villages

CBO

Forest rehabilitation

600 ha

CBO

PFO, Prov, Planning Unit

CBO

PFO, Prov. Planning Unit

through terraces, contour lines Community Forestry for agro-forestry + enrichment planting

Responsible for maintenance

450 ha 1500 ha

Participating in maintenance

Cambodia During and after the implementation of the project, organization and costs of maintenance of built up infrastructure will be shared in the following way: Result area No of units Responsible for Participating in maintenance maintenance Part. Land Use Planning

50 villages

CBO, Commune

PFO, PLG

Forest rehabilitation

2000 ha

Commune

PFO, PLG

Community Forestry

50 villages

Commune, CBO

PFO, PLG

16

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

4. Description of the receiver and project implementing organization 4.1. Description of the Receiver of Funding The receiver of the funds is the Mekong River Commission Secretariat, Phnom Penh. The Mekong River Commission (MRC) was established on 5 April 1995. The MRC member countries are Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam. MRC maintains regular dialogue with the two upper states of the Mekong River Basin, China and Myanmar. Legal Form, Tasks and Responsibilities The MRC member countries agree to co-operate in all fields of sustainable development, utilisation, management and conservation of the water and related resources of the Mekong River Basin, such as navigation, flood control, fisheries, agriculture, hydropower and environmental protection. The MRC consists of three permanent bodies: The Council, the Joint Committee (JC) and the Secretariat. National Mekong Committees (NMCs) act as focal points for the Commission in each of the member countries and are served by the respective National Mekong Committee Secretariats. The Council, which meets once a year, consists of one member from each country at ministerial or cabinet level. The Council makes policy decisions and provides other necessary guidance concerning the promotion, support, co-operation and co-ordination of joint activities and programmes in order to implement the 1995 Agreement. The Joint Committee consists of one member from each country at no less than Head of Department level. The Joint Committee is responsible for the implementation of the policies and decisions of the Council and supervises the activities of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat. The MRC Secretariat is the operational arm of the MRC. It provides technical and administrative services to the Council and the Joint Committee. Under the supervision of the Joint Committee, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the day-to-day operations of more than 100 professional and general support staff. The main counterparts for MRC activities in the four member countries are the National Mekong Committees (NMCs). The MRC defines its main objective of the cooperation between the riparian countries as follows: "To cooperate in all fields of sustainable development, utilization, management and conservation of the water and related resources of the Mekong River Basin ( ... ) in a manner to optimise the multiple use and mutual benefits of all riparians and to minimise the harmful effects that might result from occurrences and man-made activities".

17

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

The 1995 agreement defines in 42 articles the principles of sustainable use of the Mekong River system and it constitutes a binding institutional framework for sustainable cooperation. 4.2. Description of the Project Implementing Organization The Project Implementing Organizations in the 4 member countries of the MRC are described here only on national level. The actual implementation shall take place in selected provinces in all 4 countries, and their exact description would go beyond the format of this proposal. The Implementing Organizations on National Level are those, which will be directly accountable to the MRC Secretariat for the implementation of programs in their respective country. Thailand

The Project Implementation Organization in Thailand will be the Royal Forest Department (RFD). The RFD was established in 1892. It had the function to oversee timber harvesting and regularize tax revenues in the 19 and also major parts of the 20 century. During the recent years the RFD has embarked on a series of initiatives to encourage protection of th

th

the remaining forests and to encourage participation of local people in the development of sustainable programs for forest protection and forest rehabilitation. The RFD operates in watersheds through the Natural Resources Conservation Office, which has the Watershed Management Division as one of their 5 divisions. The Watershed Management Division implements programs through Watershed Centers, which are located in watersheds and Watershed Units o each Center. Viet Nam

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) was created in 1995 combining the former ministries of agriculture, forestry and water resources. The creation of the MARD allows for the integration of three major sub-sectors dealing with natural resource management serving the objectives of rural development. MARD is represented on provincial and district levels county-wide and mostly well staffed in terms of numbers. However, skills of the staff to support the nation-wide processes in decentralisation and devolution, putting communities into decision-making positions are still limited. There is a clear need for training in participatory methods and technical skills for forest management. Lao PDR In Lao PDR the program component would be implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF). The MAF has since 1976 demonstrated interest in stabilizing shifting cultivation by encouraging upland communities to adopt sedentary agricultural practices. The year 1989 marked a shift from exploitation based forestry to the preservation, planting, and development of forests, and resulted in the Tropical Forestry Action Plan for Lao PDR (TFAP). Recent development decided to allocate forest land to individuals and communities, which is also clearly expressed in the new Forestry Law in 1996. The last year experienced a major shift from sectoral orientation to a more comprehensive rural development orientation for poverty alleviation, during which the MAF was reorganized into 2 major departments: Research and Extension. The general policy in

18

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

Lao PDR is decentralization of planning and implementation of watershed and forest rehabilitation to provincial authorities, whereby the Provincial Planning Office has the coordination and monitoring role. Cambodia The Cambodia National Mekong Committee (CNMC) has been established some 40 years ago, primarily for the concerns of navigation and flood control. After the formation of the today’s Mekong River Commission in 1995 and with the formulation of the basin Development Plan BDP, the CNMC added more subject matters to their themes of interest. As a result, the implementation of the Sustainable Land and Water Use Program (SLWUP), which was endorsed by the governments in the year 2000, is going to be the coordinated by the CNMC. For reasons of technical expertise the coordination will consider the involvement of the Department of Forestry & Wildlife in the first place. The Department of Forestry & Wildlife (DF&W), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, has been established after the end of the Khmer Rouge Period during the subsequent ten years of occupation by the neighbor Viet Nam in the mid eighties. Only during the last few years the DF&W started conceptualizing community involvement in forest protection and forest management and entered a broad consultative and transparent process for the formulation of the community forestry sub-decree in the year 2001. On provincial or sub-provincial level the DF&W still has very limited capacity for the implementation of community based forest rehabilitation in watersheds. Hence the Provincial Rural Development Committee under the provincial governor will be the main partner for practical implementation in the selected watersheds in Cambodia. 5. Total Costs and Means of Financing 5.1. Total Costs The total costs of the project are estimated at 10 Million DM. The costs of the program components are summarized in the following table: Component

Costs in USD Costs in DM

Remarks

Thailand

1.232.000

2.710.000

Starting in the beginning

Viet Nam

1.232.000

2.710.000

Starting in the beginning

Lao PDR

0.741.000

1.630.000

Starting with 1 year delay

Cambodia

0.741.000

1.630.000

Starting with 1 year delay

Overheads KfW

0.300.000

0.660.000

Estimated

Overheads MRC

0.300.000

0.660.000

Estimated

Total

4.546.000

10.000.000

19

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

The costs for each country component and years are summarized in the table below30: Thailand costs in DM Year

Result 1

1

30.000

2

40.000

3

Result 2

Result 3

Result 4

Result 5

Total

50.000

100.000

50.000

230.000

200.000

70.000

150.000

300.000

760.000

40.000

250.000

80.000

150.000

90.000

610.000

4

40.000

300.000

60.000

150.000

550.000

5

30.000

340.000

40.000

150.000

560.000

Total

180.000

1.090.000 300.000

700.000

440.000

2.710.000

Result 5

Total

Viet Nam costs in DM Year

Result 1

Result 2

Result 3

Result 4

1

20.000

2

30.000

160.000

300.000

490.000

3

30.000

350.000

450.000

830.000

4

10.000

600.000

151.200

761.200

5

8.800

600.000

Total

98.800

20.000

608.800

1.710.000

901.200

2.710.000

Result 5

Total

Lao PDR costs in DM Year

Result 1

Result 2

Result 3

Result 4

1 2

10.000

120.000

80.000

210.000

3

6.000

200.000

150.000

356.000

4

8.000

300.000

200.000

508.000

5

6.000

300.000

250.000

556.000

Total

30.000

920.000

680.000

1.630.000

30

those costs are based on calculated units costs and quantities, as prescribed in detail on p. 24 ff.

20

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

Cambodia costs in DM Year

Result 1

Result 2

Result 3

Result 4

Result 5

Total

2

8.000

60.000

240.000

308.000

3

10.000

80.000

250.000

340.000

4

10.000

110.000

330.000

450.000

5

12.000

120.000

400.000

532.000

Total

40.000

370.000

1

1.220.000

1.630.000

5.2. Means of financing The financial contributions will be made available to the MRC Secretariat, Phnom Penh. The Secretariat will establish all necessary infrastructure and technical expertise to allow for transparency, regular reporting and required levels of accountability to the German donor. The MRC Secretariat will further disburse the funds according to laid down and agreed investment plans in all 4 countries to identified direct partners. Those direct partners will be in all cases government institutions, which work either in close collaboration with sector organizations in the forest sector or are sector organizations. The proposed partners in the four members countries of the MRC are For Viet Nam the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development •

•

•

•

For Thailand For Lao PDR For Cambodia

the Royal Forest Department the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry the Cambodia National Mekong Committee.

Details of financial flow, monitoring and accounts systems and reporting systems between those direct partners and their collaborative partners for project implementation will be established at a later stage. 6. Project Impact 6.1. Description of micro-economic and macro-economic benefits Micro-economic benefits The project components on community forestry/ agro-forestry directly benefit rural households with supply of food items, which can be consumed by the households or which can be marketed within the village or to nearby town centers. It is envisaged that the returns to investment per ha will be substantial beyond year 3 and 4 after planting, when fruit trees and other perennial tree crops start yielding. For annual crops from community

21

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

forestry activities such as medicinal plants, rattan, firewood, poles, herbal plants, etc., the returns can be expected at an earlier stage. The project component on enrichment planting and re-planting yields direct economic returns to rural households in all those cases, where rural labor will be employed by the implementing organizations for that work (Thailand, Viet Nam, Laos). This component further produces micro-economic benefits to selected village households, which establish tree nurseries either on communal agreement or on contract basis with the implementing organizations. This activity also supports micro-economic entrepreneur-ship and entrepreneurial behavior and skills in villages. The project component on check dams generates employment and paid wage labor to participants from villages either as a result of directly hired labor or as a result of work organization by village based organizations. Macro-economic benefits The project produces substantial benefits on a macro-economic level as a result of improved watershed management, which is a better distribution of water flow from upcountry areas as well as better quality of water. Better distribution and quality are fundamental pre-requisites for agricultural irrigation, domestic use, and also commercial use more downstream. Additional benefits derive from supply of high value timber as a result of forest rehabilitation programs to government. 6.2. Description of Socio-economic and Socio –cultural Benefits Inhabitants of upland watersheds in the Lower Mekong basin are predominantly ethnic groups, which have been mostly mobile in earlier days, practiced shifting cultivation and became permanent settlers on either side of national borders only recently. They have been, in the best case, never been in the main focus of development programming by any government so far, in the worst case they were identified as having been collaborating with the US forces in the Vietnam war, which resulted in sometimes extreme forms of marginalization by governments. Today nearly all ethnic groups in upland watersheds have an average income far below national averages, hardly access to government social services, and very little access to business activities of the private sector, which would contribute to economic development. They largely depend with their livelihood on cultivation of rain fed crops on marginal soils without much support by modern agricultural inputs, which is available mostly to low land people and on forest products. The programs described in this project benefit first of all those ethnic groups not only economically, but also socially and culturally. Particularly programs for forest rehabilitation and agro-forestry through community involvement are able to restore the basis of livelihood also in a cultural and spiritual sense, and may contribute to new forms of social integration.

22

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

6.3. Description of ecological benefits Ecological benefits are by far the most significant and the most important ones. The proposed project forms strategically an important complementary part to the forthcoming Sustainable Land and Water Use Program (SLWUP) of the MRC, which addresses besides watershed rehabilitation also the agenda of consultation and negotiation between countries of the Lower Mekong basin for development of standards for sustainable watershed management, and a common understanding of the importance of the watershed issue in each country for the health of the Mekong basin. The SLWUP will be implemented in the same geographical areas which have been proposed for he project as well in order to guarantee the fullest possible integration of the financial contributions under this project. All selected watersheds under this project proposal are critical watersheds. They are either •

Deforested watersheds or watersheds that carry highly degraded forests

•

Important watersheds for flood control in the Lower Mekong basin

•

Watersheds, that go across borders and have a significant area in 2 countries

Thus the ecological benefits are first of all to be seen in a regional context. The basin wide complex problems of soil erosion due to degraded watersheds will be aimed at in three ways: •

By rehabilitating watersheds, which are classified as critical watershed

•

By building up replicable models for integrated participatory watershed management

•

By installing mechanisms and opportunities for regional exposure and training in two training centers Vietnam and Thailand for sector experts and practitioners throughout the Mekong basin.

23

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

Quantities and Unit Cost Calculations 1. Viet Nam Program

Quantities

Replanting

Unit costs USD 4.9 mio

Unit costs DM 700 / ha

1500 ha

Enrichment planting

2.45 mio

350 / ha

2300 ha

Vocational Training centre PLUP and forest resource planning

182.000

910,000

1

26 / ha

3.800

Total costs DM 1.860.000 901.200 98.800

2. Thailand Program Enrichment planting Re-planting

Unit costs ThB 3.600

Unit costs DM 185 / ha

16.000

800 / ha

Village food banks through community forestry

5.000 / ha

250 / ha

Small check dams

6.000 / ha

300 / ha

Large check dams

25.000 / ha

1.250 / ha

Training centre

8.800.000

PLUP

30.000 / village

Quantities 702 ha

Total costs DM 1.090.000

1.200 ha 1.200 ha 10 ha/ village

300.000

120 villages 7 / village

700.000

440.000

3 / village 120 villages 1

440.000

1.500/ village

120 villages

180.000

24

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 5

3. Lao PDR Program Replanting

Unit costs USD 523 / ha

Unit costs DM 1150 / ha

quantities 800 ha

Total costs DM 920.000

Enrichment planting Community forestry

680.000

Agro-forestry

264 / ha

580 / ha

450 ha

Enrichment planting

127 / ha

280 / ha

1500 ha

PLUP

455/ village

1000/ village

30 villages

30.000

4. Cambodia Program Enrichment planting

Agro-forestry through community forestry

Unit costs USD 84 / ha

Unit costs DM 185 / ha

444 / ha

976 / ha

quantities 2.000 ha

1.250 ha 25 ha/ village

Total costs DM 370.000 1.220.000

50 villages PLUP

364 / village

800 / village

50 villages

40.000

25

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

Organogramme of the MRC Secretariat

Office of the CEO

PCS

TSD

NRDP D

ENV

Core Programmes Management Group

OPD

FAS

H RS

Programmes Coordination Group

Working Group Basin Modeling and Knowledge Base

Working Group Environmental and Transboundary Issues

Working Group Basin Development Planning and SocioEconomic Issues

Temporary Working Group

Temporary Working Group

ENV- Environment Division FAS – Finance and Administration HRD – Human Resource Division NRDPD – Natural Resource Development Planning Division OPD – Operations Division PCS – Programme Coordination Section TSD – Technical Support Division

1

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

WORK PROGRAMME OF THE MISSION AND PEOPLE MET

Monday, 14-01-2002 Arrival of national and international consultants in Phnom Penh (except S. Preuss)

Tuesday, 15-01-2001 and Wednesday 16-01-2002 Start-up workshop for the mission (Clarification of TOR, work and travel planning) Thursday, 17-01-2002 Departure of national consultants from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam National consultants from Cambodia and international consultants: Discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Cambodia (in 2 groups) Institution Cambodia National Mekong Committee Secretariat Ministry of Interior Ministry of Planning UNDP Cambodia Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Department of Wildlife and Forestry Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Land Improvement SEILA

GTZ Office Cambodia

People met Mr. Pich Dun, Director, Projects Dept. Mr. An Pich Hatda, BDP Focal Point Mr. Watt Bokosal, Focal Point for SMRP Mr. Leng Vy, Director, Dept. of Local Administration Mr. Hoy Sythikun, Dep. Director, Dept. of Economic Planning Cancelled, as relevant UNDP representatives were not available Mr. Ty Sokhun, Director of Dept. of Forestry and Wildlife Mr. Mak Tieng Sokhom, Chief GIS Office Mr. Soeung, Chief of of Technical Office

Mr. Scott Leiper, Programme Manager Mrs. Joanne Morrison, Operations Adviser Mr. Julian Abrams, Infrastructure Adviser Dr. Thomas Engelhardt, Director

2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

Friday, 18-01-2002

National consultants from Cambodia and international consultants: Discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Cambodia (in 2 groups)

Institution Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Production

Ministry of Rural Development CDC-DANIDA Natural Resources and Environmental Programme Asian Development Bank Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy Ministry of Environment

People met Dr. Duch Wontito, Gen. Director, General Dept. of Land Mangement and Urban Planning

Mr. Prak Angkeara, Dep. Director, Dept. of Research and Regulation Mr. Nhep Phan, Dep. Director, Dept. of Planning and Public Relations Mr. Lars Lund, Programme Co-ordinator Mr. Loeung Kesaro, Programme Officer Cancelled, as relevant ADB representatives were not available Mr. Am Norinn, Dep. Director, Dept. of Water Conservation and Management Dr. Bun Narith, Director, Hydroelectricity Dept. Dr. Neov Bonheur, Dep. Director, Secretariat of Tonle Sap Biodiversity Mr. Meng Monirak, Officer

Worldwide Fund for Nature Cambodia Conservation Project Oxfam America

Mrs. Phum Vicheth, CTA, World Bank Project „Biodiversity Conservation in Virachey Mr. Toby Carson, CBNRM Specialist Mr. Marc Guichot, Co-ordinator of Strategical Mekong Partnership Mr. Michael Ounsted, Regional Director South-East Asia Mia Hyun, Senior Programme Officer

Saturday, 19-01-2002

National consultants from Cambodia and international consultants: Discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Cambodia Institution Concern

People met Mr. Pissad, CFM Coordinator

MRC-GTZ Sustainable Management of Resources Project

Ms. Danny Harvey, Community Forestry Adviser Dr. Hans Helmrich, Chief Technical Adviser Mr. Michael Glück, Information Management Adviser

MRC-AFIP

Mr. GIS Adviser Mr. Christoph John Leak,Fedkötter, Consultant

Sunday, 20-01-2002

International consultants: Study of documents, departure to Bangkok

3

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

Monday, 21-01-2002

National consultants from Thailand and international consultants: Internal discussions and discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Thailand

Institution Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Royal Forestry Department

Royal Forestry Department, Watershed Management Division

People met Mr. Suwat Dulyapach, Dep. Director General, RFD Mr. Korkiat Kaysornsiri, Director, Watershed Management Division Mr. Udhai Thongmee, Chief of Wazershed Promotion and Development Subdivision (National Consultant) Mr. Chuen Boonnao, Chief of Watershed Management Subdivision No. 1 Mr. Warin Jirasuktaveekul, Chief of Watershed Management Research Subdivision Nr. Ruang Janmahatansien, Technical Officer 7 Mr. Korkiat Kaysornsiri, Director, Watershed Management Division Mr. Udhai Thongmee, Chief of Wazershed Promotion and Development Subdivision (National Consultant)

Tuesday, 22-01-2002

National consultants from Thailand and international consultants: Internal discussions and discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Thailand Institution Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, Office of Environmental Policy and Planning

Kasetsart University, Faculty of Forestry

People met Dr. Wanee Samphantharak, Dep. Secretary General, OEPP Ms. Duangmal Sinthuvanich, Director, Natural Resources and Environmental Management Coordination Division (NRMECD) of OEPP Mr. Somchai Tasingsa, Chief of Watershed resources Subdivision (WSRS) of NREMCD Mr. Intanin Inchayanunth, Senior Environment Officer, WSRS Mr. Chartree Panuves, Senior Environment Officer, WSRS Ms. Oraprapim Channual, Senior Environment Officer, WSRS Ms. Warintorn Manosittisak, Senior Environment Officer, WSRS Ms. Pakawan Chufamanee, Chief of Water Resource, Energy and Mineral Subdivision (WREMS) of NREMCD Ms. Sukanya Wisan, Senior Environment Officer, WREMS Vice-Dean of Faculty

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

Wednesday, 23-01-2002 National consultants from Thailand and international consultants: Internal discussions and discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Thailand

Institution Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Land Development Department

Thailand National Mekong Committee Secretariat

People met Mr. Chaiyasit Anaksaiphan, Dep. Director General, LDD Ms. Promsit Tragcondit, Land Use Planning Division, LDD Ms. Waraporn Boonsorn, Planning Division, LDD Mr. Kamron Saiphuk, Director, Coastal Management Dept., LDD Mr. Sunun Kunaporn, Soil Survey and Classification Division, LDD Mr. Sutham Paladsongkhram, Director, Soil and Water Conservation Division (SWCD) of LDD Mr. Amoon Pongkanjana, SWCD Mr. Sathaporn Jaiarree, SWCD Dr. Suphot Tovichakchaikul, Acting Director, Office of Energy Co-operation Mr. Burachat Buasuwan, Senior Hydrologist, Focal Point for BDP Mr. Trirong Santimetvisul, Senior Policy and Planning Analyst, Focal Point for AIFP Ms. Kobkul Rungsijarog, Senior Policy and Planning Analyst, Focal Point for AIFP Ms. Rinnapa Paneetapalin, Policy an Planning Analyst

Thursday, 24-01-2002 Departure of international consultants to Vientiane (F. Rock) and Hanoi (F.E. Brandl), respectively

Vietnam team (Boi, Brandl, Siem): Thursday, 24-01-2002 Arrival of F. E. Brandl in Hanoi Afternoon: Internal meeting of national and international consultant (TOR, Finalisation of work and travel planning in Vietnam)

5

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

Friday, 25-01-2002 National consultants from Vietnam and international consultant: Discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Vietnam

Institution Committee for Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas

MARD-DANIDA Water Sector Programme Support National Environment Agency

People met Mr. Trinh Cong Khanh, Dep. Director, Dept. of Mountainous Areas Policies Ms. Ho Thi Thanh Truc, International Co-operation Department Mr. Lars Skov Andersen, Programme Co-ordinator Dr. Truong Manh Tien, Deputy Director General

Saturday, 26-01-2002 National consultants from Vietnam and international consultant: Study of documents and discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Vietnam Institution Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Vietnam National Mekong Committee Secretariat

People met Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan, Deputy Director, Department of Forest Development Dr. Do Manh Hung

Sunday, 27-01-2002 Flight to Hue and drive to Dong Ha, Quang Tri Province (Brandl, Siem) Monday, 28-01-2002 Discussions with Government Institutions and field visit to Huong Hoa District Institution Huong Hoa District People’s Committee, Khe Sanh Tan Long Commune

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Quang Tri Province

People met Mr. Vo Xuan Keng, Vice-Chairman, DPC Mr. Le Van Thieu, Chief of District Administration Mr. Truong Duc Thi, Secretary of Communist Party Mr. Do Van Hoa, Chairman, Commune Committee Mr. Do Van Kha, Vice-Chairman, Commune Committee Mr. Truong Van Khanh, Deputy Director Mr. Truong Dinh Cuoc, Head of Forestry Section Mr. Huong Van Thien, Planning Officer

6

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

Tuesday, 29-01-2002

Drive to Hue and flight to Hanoi Afternoon: Discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Vietnam Institution People met Dr. Le Van Hoc, Director, IWRP Institute for Water Resources Planning Mr. Tran Van Nau, Head of Division of Water Planning of IWRP

Song Da Social Forest Development Project

Ms. Phi Thi Thu, Director, Project for Water Planning, Dien Bien District (Project completed) Dr. Elke Förster, Chief Technical Adviser Dr. Ulrich Apel, formerly Forestry Adviser

Wednesday, 30-01-2002 National consultants from Vietnam and international consultant: Discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Vietnam Institution Department of Water Resources and Hydraulic Works Management (MARD), River Basin Organsitation Boards: Song Hong, Dong Nai, Mekong IUCN, Vietnam Office Forest Inventory and Planning Institute (MARD)

People met Dr. Pham Xuan Su, Director General of DWRHWM and Vice-Chairman of RBO Boards

Mr. Nguyen Minh Thong, Country Representative Ms. Nguyen Thi Yen, Forest Programme Officer Dr. Nguyen Huy Phon, Deputy Director Dr. Hoang Sy Dong, Head, International Cooperation Division and Focal Point of MRC BDP

Thursday, 31-01-2002 National consultants from Vietnam and international consultant: Discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Vietnam Institution Vietnam National University Hanoi, Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (CRES) Vietnam National Mekong River Committee,

Worldwide Fund for Nature

People met Prof. Dr. Truong Quang Hoc, Director of CRES Prof. Dr. Pham Binh Quyen, Ecologist-Entomologist Dr. Le Dien Duc, Director of Wetland Restauration Programme Dr. Nguyen Nhan Quang, Dep. Secretary General of VNMRC Dr. Do Manh Hung, VNMRC Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan, Deputy Director, Department of Forest Development, MARD Dr. Pham Quang Minh, DFD Mr. Hoang Thanh, Manager, Vietnam Conservation Programme Mr. Michael C. Baltzer, Ecoregion Action Conservation Co-ordinator Mr. Martin Geiger, Forestry Co-ordinator

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

Friday, 01-02-2002

Departure of F.E. Brandl to Phnom Penh Laos team (Douangsavanh, Rock, Viravongsa): Thursday, 24-01-2002

Arrival of F. Rock in Vientiane National consultants from Laos and international consultant: Discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Laos Institution NAFRI – National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute WWF

People met Dr. Ty Phommasack, Director General

Department of Forestry Division of Forest Resource Conservation Department of National Land Use Planning and Development

Mr. Soulisack Detphachanh, Deputy Director

Mr. Roland Eve, Country Director

Mr. Phoumy Vongleck, Director General

Friday, 25-01-2002

National consultants from Laos and international consultant: Discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Laos Institution Lao National Mekong Conmittee

WB Vientiane Office

People met Mr. Boriboun Sanapsisane, Director General Mr. Oudomsack Philavong, AIFP Focal Point Mrs. Arouny Anne Sakulku, Senior Project Implementation Officer Mrs. Linda Schneider, Chief of Office

MAF Cabinet

Mr. Thongphou Vongsiphansom, Deputy Director

Water Resources Coordination Committee STEA – Science, Technology and Environment Agency

Mr. Phonechaleun Nonthaxay, Chairman

ADB Resident Mission

Mrs. Keobang A Keola, Deputy Director General of Cabinet

Saturday, 26-01-2002

National consultants from Laos and international consultant: Drive to Louang Prabang Sunday, 27-01-2002

National consultants from Laos and international consultant: Drive to Phongsaly

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

Monday, 28-01-2002

National consultants from Laos and international consultant: Discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Laos

Institution Phongsaly Forest Conservation and Rural Development Project (EU) Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office Phongsaly

People met Mr. Thorkild Q. Frandsen, Forestry Advisor

Mr. Bounay Nounouannavong, Director

Tuesday, 29-01-2002

National consultants from Laos and international consultant: Field visit to Mai District, Phongsaly Province Institution Mai District Government Phongsaly

People met Mr. Bounmay, District Gouvernor

Wednesday, 30-01-2002

National consultants from Laos and international consultant: Drive to Louang Prabang Thursday, 31-01-2002

National consultants from Laos and international consultant: Flight to Vientiane Discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Laos Institution Department of Housing and Land Management National Capacity Building Project MAF (DANIDA) IUCN

Rural Development Project Muang Sing (GTZ) MAF Swedish Embassy Vientiane

People met Mr. Bounyo, Deputy Director

Mr. Peter Qwist-Hoffmann, Advisor Mrs. Latsamay Sylavong, Senior Programme Officer Mr. Guenther Kohl, German Teamleader Mrs. Brigitte Sugiono, Administrator Mr. Phoun Parisack, Vice-Secretary General, Head of Planning and Cooperation Department Mrs. Lisbet Bostrand, First Secretary

9

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

Friday, 01-02-2002

National consultants from Laos and international consultant: Discussions with representatives of relevant institutions in Laos

Institution Wrap-up Meeting

People met Dr. Bounthong, Vice-Director, NAFRI Mr. Khamsone Sysanhouth, Project Coordinator, National Capacity Building Project (MAF) Mrs. Chandavanh Dethrasavong, Chief of Water Resources, LNMC – Operations Division Mr. Oudomsack Philavong, AIFP – Focal Point, LNMC – Operations Division Mr. Soulisack Detphachanh, Deputy Director, DoF – Division of Forest Resource Conservation Mr. Phonechaleun Nonthaxay, Chairman, Water Resources Coordiantion Committee

Departure of international consultant to Phnom Penh Saturday, 02-02-2002

Compilation of findings from country visits Arrival of International Consultant S. Preuss in Phnom Penh Sunday, 03-02-2002

Briefing of GTZ representatives on country visits Monday, 04-02-2002

Internal meeting of GTZ representatives and consultants Tuesday, 05-02-2002 Institution German Embassy

People met Dr. Frank Rückert, First Secretary

Preparation of Strategy Workshop on 06 and 07-02-2002 Arrival of national consultants from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam in Phnom Penh Wednesday, 06-02-2002

Strategy workshop

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

Thursday, 07-02-2002

Strategy workshop Evening and next morning: Departure of national consultants from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam Friday, 08-02-2002

International consultants: Discussions at Mekong River Commission Secretariat and study of documents Institution Mekong River Commission, Basin Planning Programme

People met Mr. Nguyen C. Cong, Team Leader of Basin Development Plan

Mr. Stephen Carson, Senior River Basin Planner Ms. Robyn Johnston, Natural Resources Planner Ms. Solieng Mak, Environment/Natural Resources Planner Mr. Nouanedeng Rajvong, Water Resources International Union for the Conservation Mr. Hans Friedrich, Head of Regional Wetland and of Nature Water Resources Programme (SP via phone) Saturday, 09-02-2002

International consultants: Internal discussions and study of documents Sunday, 10-02-2002

International consultants: Internal discussions and study of documents Monday, 11-02-2002

International consultants: Internal discussions and study of documents Institution International Development Research Centre / Regional Community Forestry Training Centre

People met Mr. Doug Henderson, Project Adviser, Community Forestry Research Project

11

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

Tuesday, 12-02-2002 Institution Mekong River Commission, Fisheries Programme

Mekong River Commission, Programme Co-ordination Section Mekong River Commission, Capacity Building Support Programme Mekong River Commission, Flood Management and Mitigation

People met Ms. Jeanineke Dahl Kristensen, Programme Manager Dr. Chris Barlow, Senior Programme Officer Mr. Lars Pedersen, Head of Section

Mr. Henh Socheath, Programme Officer, Human Resource Section Ms. Anna de Boer, Regional Programme Facilitator Mr. Lieven Geerinck, Navigation Programme Manager and Chairman, Flood Management and Mitigation

Wednesday, 13-02-2002 Institution Mekong River Commission

People met Mr. Joern Kristensen, Chief Executive Officer, MRC

Mekong River Commission, Technical Support Division Mekong River Commission, Water Utilisation Programme

Mr. Pech Sokhem, Director Mr. Dirk van der Stighelen, Senior Data Manager Mr. Ruud Corsel, Consultant

Thursday, 14-02-2002 Institution Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, Cambodian-German Land Management Project Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Cambodian-German Forestry Project Swedish International Development Assistance Natural Resources Management Programme Cambodia Mekong River Commission, Environment Programme

People met Mr. Willi Zimmermann, Team Leader

Mr. Jürgen Hesse, Chief Technical Adviser Mr. Daniel Asplund, Counseller, Head of Develoment Co-operation Section – SIDA Resident Representative Mr. Ian Campbell, Senior Environment Specialist Mr. Sein Mya, Environmental Data and Monitoring Specialist

Friday, 15-02-2002

Wrap-up meeting of international consultants Departure of S. Preuss to Bangkok Saturday, 16-02-2002

Study of documents and report writing

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 7

Sunday, 17-02-2002

Study of documents and report writing Monday, 18-02-2002

Preparation of draft Planning Matrix

Tuesday, 19-02-2002

Preparation of Draft Budget Preparation of Draft Agreed Minutes Wednesday, 20-02-2002

Preparation of Project Planning Workshop Thursday, 21-02-2002

Planning Workshop Friday, 22-02-2002

Planning Workshop Departure of F. Rock to France Saturday, 23-02-2002

Editing of agreed Minutes Wrap-up meeting at MRC Secretariat and signing of agreed minutes Sunday, 24-02-2002

Departure of F.E. Brandl to Germany

13

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 8

List of Documents Documents with particular reference to the proposed target areas are highlighted in italics. 1

CAMBODIA

ADB (July 1999): Se Kong – Se San and Nam Theun River Basins Hydropower Study: Final Report: Volume 1 – Main Report (excerpts only) ADB (July 1999): Se Kong – Se San and Nam Theun River Basins Hydropower Study: Final Report: Volume 2 – Technical Data, Surveys and Analysis ADB (July 1999): Se Kong – Se San and Nam Theun River Basins Hydropower Study: Final Report: Volume 4 – Environmental and Social Aspects Report ADB, RETA 5771 (Phase I) (no date): A Review of National Social Policies - Cambodia, by John Dennis ADB, RETA 5771 (Phase I) (no date): A Review of Policies and Institutions Related to Management of Upper Watershed Catchments: Cambodia, by Esa Puustjarvi

ADB, RETA 5771 (Phase II) (March 2001): Final Report: A Proposal for Project Interventions: Se San – Cambodia ADB, RETA 5771 (Phase II) (March 2001): Final Report: Project Progress, Achievements and Conclusions

CIDSE (Dec. 2001): Indigenous Adaptation to a Rapidly Changing Economy – The Experience of Two Tampuan Villages in Northeast Cambodia, by John P. McAndrew Commune Council Support Project (CCSP) (no date): Promoting Pro-Poor Local Governance, Two Year Project Proposal, July 2001 – June 2003 Commune Council Support Project (Aug. 2001): Decentralization, A Review of Literature, by David Ayres

CRES (Feb. 2001): Study Into Impact of Yali Falls Dam on Resettled and Downstream Communities, Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (CRES), Vietnam National University DANIDA (Jan. 2001): Project Document for National Capacity Development – Cambodia DANIDA (March 2001): Programme Document (2001-2005) for Natural Resource and Environment Programme – Cambodia Electricity of Vietnam (May 2001): Hydrodynamic Modeling of Se San River: Tentative Terms of Reference Gartner, Dr. Joseph A. (April 2001): Mandate of the Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Land Improvement, Agricultural Productivity Improvement Project GTZ (Oct. 2000): Review of the GTZ/MRC Sustainable Management of Resources in the Lower Mekong Basin Project (SMRP): Cambodia Report on the 2nd Phase: Nov. 1998 – Aug. 2001, by Noelle O’Brien, Khieu Borin and Chin Chharom 1

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 8

GTZ (Dec. 2001): Review of the GTZ/MRC Sustainable Management of Resources in the Lower Mekong Basin Project (SMRP), Cambodia Report, Prepared by Danny Harvey, Khieu Borin and Ken Serey Rotha

Hasselskog, M. et.al. (June 2001): Addressing Anarchy: Decentralization and Natural Resources Management in Ratanakiri Province, Upland Cambodia McAndrew, J. P. (2001): Indigenous Adaptation to a Rapidly Changing Economy – The Experience of Two Tampuan Villages in Northeast Cambodia McKenney, B. (Jan. 2001): Economic Valuation of Livelihood Income Losses and Other Tangible Downstream Impacts from the Yali Falls Dam to the Se San River Basin in Ratanakiri Province, Cambodia MRC (no date): Existing Institutional Legal and Policy Structure for Wetlands Management in Cambodia, www.mekong.info Oxfam America (Nov. 2001): Sesan River Protection Network: Rehabilitation, Research & Advocacy – Phase 1, Dec. 2001-Dec. 2002

PRDC Ratanakiri (Jan. 2002): Ratanakiri Seila Work Plan and Budget 2002 RGC (no date): Action Program for Development of Agriculture in Cambodia 2001-2010, MAFF, Dept. of Planning, Statistics and International Cooperation RGC (no date): Agriculture Development Plan 2001-2005, MAFF, Dept. of Planning, Statistics and International Cooperation RGC (no date): A Poverty Profile of Cambodia 1999, Min. of Planning RGC (Jan. 1998): Cambodia National Environmental Action Plan 1998-2002 RGC (Dec. 1999): The SEILA Programme of the Royal Government of Cambodia – Management Structure Roles and Responsibilities RGC (Dec. 1999): Cambodia Poverty Assessment, Min. of Planning RGC (May 2000): SEILA Programme 2001-2005, (SEILA Task Force) RGC (June 2000): Community Forestry Guidelines, ADB Sustainable Forestry Management Project TA-3152-CAM RGC (Aug. 2000): Second Five Year Socio-economic Development Plan 2001-2005, Min. of Rural Development RGC (Aug. 2000): Sub-Decrees, PRAKASs (Regulations) and Decisions of the SEILA Programme RGC (Oct. 2000): Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, Phnom Penh RGC (Dec. 2000): SEILA Program Document 2001-2005, (SEILA Task Force) RGC (April 2001): Poverty Monitoring and Assessment for Informed Dialogue and Decision Making in Cambodia – Principles, Diagnostic, and Recommendations, Report prepared by IDEA International, Canada, and UNDP/Bureau for Development Policy, New York 2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 8

RGC (Oct. 2001): Integration and Competitiveness Study – Part A: Overview (DRAFT!) (A pilot study prepared under the Integrated Framework for Technical assistance Program of the world trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the International Trade Centre, United nations Development program, United Nations Conference for trade and development and the World Bank) RGC (Nov. 2001): National Workshop – Formulation of the 2002 Seila Program Support Work Plan and Budget, Council for the Development of Cambodia RGC (Nov. 2001): SEILA Natural Resource and Environment Management Mainstreaming Strategy 2002-2005, (SEILA Task Force) RGC (Nov. 2001): Support Programme to SEILA Natural Resource Environment Management Strategy 2002-2005, Programme Document, Funding Request to DANIDA, (SEILA Task Force) Romeo, Leonardo (March 2000): The SEILA Program and Decentralized Planning in Cambodia UNDP (no date): Project Document for CMB/01/007 – Partnership for Local Governance (UN Donor to SEILA Programme), July 2001 – Dec. 2005 Working Group on Forest Rehabilitation (DFW) (June 2001): National Strategic Plan for Forest Rehabilitation World Food Programme (cooperation with Min. of Planning and PNDP) (Feb. 2001): Identifying Poor areas in Cambodia: Combining Census and Socio-Economic Survey Data to Trace the Spatial Dimensions of Poverty WWF (2000): Conservation Programme in Cambodia WWF (2000): Virachey National Park, Ratanakiri and Stung Treng Provinces, Cambodia WWF/Oxfam America/IDRC) (July 2001): Project Profile of CBRNM Case Study and Networking Initiative WWF/Asia Foundation (no date): Resource Rights and Participatory Planning (RRaPP) Project 4 LAOS ADB, RETA 5771 (Phase II) (February 2001): Final Report: A Proposal for Project Interventions: Nam Ou – Lao PDR BCEOM/DoF (April 1999): Nam Ngum Watershed Management – Final Report, ADB TA 2734-LAO DANIDA (Nov. 1999): Integrated Watershed Managament in Xieng Khouang and Huaphan Provinces, Natural Resources and Environment Programme Lao PDR / DANIDA DANIDA (Feb. 2001): Inception Report – Integrated Watershed Management in Xieng Khouang and Huaphan Provinces

3

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 8

DANIDA (Sept. 2001): Progress Report Jan.2001-Aug.2001 – Integrated Watershed Management in Xieng Khouang and Huaphan Provinces DoF/LSFP/IUCN (Oct. 2000): Fact Sheets for National Biodiversity Conservation Areas in the Lao P.D.R. Department of Land Use Planning and Land Allocation (no date): Pre-feasibility Study on National Land Use Master Plan, Lao PDR GOL-MAF (Dec. 1999): The Government‘s Strategic Vision for the Agricultural Sector LSFP/DoF/IUCN (2001): Review of the National Protected Area System of Lao PDR, by William Robichaud, Clive W. Marsh, Sangthong Southamakoth, Sirivan Khounthikoummane National Capacity Building Project (Nov. 2001): Concept and Practice of Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) in Lao PDR, Lao-DANIDA Natural Resources and Environment Programme NAWACOP (June 1997): Towards a National Watershed Management Strategy, Consultancy Report No. 14, by Herbert Christ SMRP (May 2000): Upland Resources Management in Lao P.D.R. – Directory of Organisations and Projects SPC-National Statistics Center/ADB (June 2001): Participatory Poverty Assessment Lao PDR STEA (Oct. 2000): National Environmental Action Plan 2000 World Bank (May 2000): Logging Survey Mission: Technical Report, Nam Theun Social and Environment Project World Bank (May 2001): Project Appraisal Document on a proposed Credit to the Lao PDR for an Agricultural Development Project World Bank/SIDA/Gov. of Finland (June 2001): Lao PDR Production Forestry Policy – Status and Issues for Dialogue, Vol. 1, Main Report World Bank/SIDA/Gov. of Finland (June 2001): Lao PDR Production Forestry Policy – Status and Issues for Dialogue, Vol.2, Annexes WWF (March 2001): WWF in Lao PDR – Country Strategic Action Plan (Program Focus) 2001-2005 5 THAILAND Gilmore, D. (1999): Rehabilitation of Degraded Forest Ecosystem in Thailand. Workshop Proceedings Rehabilitation of Degraded Forest Ecosystems in the Lower Mekong Basin Assessment of Rehabilitation Policy and Practice in Thailand 24 – 25 November, 1999. Chiang mai, Thailand.

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 8

Liwgasemsan W.(1996): Economic Development and Natural Resource planning Approach: Thailand’s Experience. In the Group Training Course on Community Forestry Development Techniques, January 13-February 25, 1996, Bangkok, Thailand. Pp 94-102. Halcrow/DFID/OEPP/MRC (2001): Kok River Basin – Pilot Study for Water Resources and Environment Management (Basinwide), Final Report Halcrow/DFID/OEPP/MRC (2001): Kok River Basin Pilot Study – Special Report 6: Watershed Management Halcrow/DFID/OEPP/MRC (2001): Kok River Basin Pilot Study – Special Report 7: Land Use Halcrow/DFID/OEPP/MRC (2001): Kok River Basin Pilot Study – Special Report 8: Agriculture Halcrow/DFID/OEPP/MRC (2001): Kok River Basin Pilot Study – Special Report 12: Socioeconomics Halcrow/DFID/OEPP/MRC (2001): Kok River Basin Pilot Study – Special Report 13: Community Participation MRC/OEPP (1999): Pilot Study for Water Resource and Environment Management, Interim Progress Report. Nalampoon Anan (1998): Watershed Research Subdivision of Forest Environment Research and Development Division, Royal Forest Department, Bangkok, Thailand. Northern Watershed Management Project, (1996): Would Bank Funded Project Design and Feasibility study, Draft final report. Volume 1. OEPP (1997): Policy and Prospective Plan for Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality, 1997-2016. OEPP (Dec. 1997): Thailand – Policy and Prospective Plan for Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality, 1997 - 2016 Project Summary (no date): Upper Nan Watershed Management Project Sawintara, S. and Thongmee, U. 1991. Investment Priority for Watershed Management in National Periodic Plans in Thailand. Proceeding of the Policy Workshop “Investement Priority for Watershed Management in National Periodic Plans” Beijing Chaina. 11-14 June, 1991. (RAS/86/107GCP/RAS/129/NET) p 122-144. Sriratana Tabucanon, M. (1998): An Overview of Watershed Management in Thailand. Paper presented at the Regional Environmental Workshop on “Poverty Reduction and Environmental Management in Remote Greater Mekong Subregion Watershed” August 45, 1998. Science Technology and Environment Organization, Vientiane, Lao PDR. Sukawong, S. (1999): Emerging Policy and Institutional Settings for Forest Rehabilitation in Thailand. Workshop Proceedings Rehabilitation of Degraded Forest Ecosystems in The Lower Mekong Basin Assessment of Rehabilitation Policy and Practice in Thailand 24 – 25 November, 1999. Chiang mai, Thailand. Tangtham, N. (1996): Watershed Classification : The Macro Land-use Planning for the Sustainable Development of Water Resources. In International Seminar Workshop on

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 8

“Advances in Water Resources Management and Wastewater Treatment Technologies” 22-25 July 1996. Thongmee, U. (1999): Watershed Management in Thailand (Draft). Watershed Management Division, RFD, Bangkok, Thailand. Wongbundit, A. (1996): Legal and administrative aspects of watershed resources management in Thailand. Proceedings of the FORTROP’96 : Tropical Forestry in the 21st Century 25-28 November 1996.

6 VIETNAM

Apel U. (1997): The potential of natural regeneration for re-establishment and restoration of forests in the Song Da watershed. CFU Working paper No 5. SFDP, Hanoi. Apel, U. (1998): The Community Forestry Management Strategy of the SFDP Song Da, Community Forestry Paper No. 6. SFDP, Hanoi. Asian Forest Network/FIPI (1998): Stewards of Vietnam’s Upland Forest Birdlife International/FIPI (1999): Expanding the Protected Areas Network in Vietnam for 21th Century. CEMMA (1995): Selected policies on Ethnic Minorities and Mountain Areas CEMMA (2000): Handbook for Ethnic Minorities and Mountain Areas CEMMA/UNDP (1995): Framework for External Assistance to Ethnic Minority Development. UNDP, Hanoi.

Dang Tung Hoa (1994): The Role of Women of Ethnic Minorities. Baseline Study No 5. SFDP, Hanoi. DFD/MARD (1998): Proceedings of the National Seminar on sustainable forest management and forest certification DFD/SMRP/SFDP (2000): Experiences and potential for community forest management in Vietnam. Workshop Proceedings, Hanoi. FAO/FIPI (1996): Case study: People based Watershed Sustainable Management FARM (1997): Vietnam National Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture in Rainfed Areas

Förster, Elke and Nguyen Huu Tho (1999): Technical Agriculture and Agroforestry Options for Sustainable Development Promoted by SFDP in the Song Da Watershed, Working Paper No. 5. SFDP, Hanoi Government Gazette (1991): Law on Forest Protection & Development Government Gazette (1997): Law on Agricultural Cooperatives Government Gazette (2000): Law on Water resource Use and Management 6

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 8

Government of Vietnam (1998): Decision No. 661/QD-TTg of July 29 (1998) on the target, task, policy and organisation for the implementation of the project of planting five million new hectares of forest. GTZ (1999): Sustainable Management of Natural Resources. Sector Programme of GTZ in Vietnam. Information Folder: Co-operation Federal Republic of Germany and Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Hirsch P. (1992): Social and environmental implications of resource development in Vietnam: The case of Hoa Binh reservoir. RIAP Occasional Paper No. 17. Sidney, Australia. IIED (1998): Sustainable livelihoods in the uplands of Vietnam: Land allocation and beyond JICA/FSIV (2001): Assessment of productivity of forest lands in Vietnam

Lecup, I. and Bien Quang Tu (2000): Report on a participatory diagnosis of the local non timber forest products (NFTP’s) and their market environment in two communes in Tua Chua district, Lai Chau Province. Consultancy Report No. 23. SFDP, Hanoi. MARD (1997): Rural Development in Vietnam – A Strategic Framework for Planning and Programme Development. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hanoi. MARD (1998): Plan for implementation of the 5 million ha reforestation national programme 1998 – 2010. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hanoi. (unofficial translation) MARD (1999): Circular No. 56/(1999)/TT-BNN-KL MARD (2001): Collection of legislative and decisions on water resources MARD (2001): Forestry Development Strategy 2001-2010; Draft of Sep. 2001 MARD (2001): National Coordination for Water Resources Management MARD (2001): National Five Million Hectare Reforestation Program (1998-2010). MARD (2001): Vietnam’s Forestry (An overview) MARD/IRRI (1998): Eco-regional Approach for Natural Resources Management in the Red River Basin, Vietnam Ministry of Forestry, 1991: Vietnam Forestry Sector Review-Tropical Forestry Action Program MPI (1996): National Programme for Hunger Eradication and Poverty Reduction in Vietnam (DRAFT). Ministry of Planning and Investment, Hanoi. PPC Lai Chau (2000): Decree No.30H/QD-UB of 12th December 2000

SFDP (1997): Land allocation in the Song Da watershed. Paper presented at the national workshop on participatory land use planning and forest land allocation, 3-5 December, 1997, Hanoi. UNDP (1999): Country Economic Review, Vietnam

7

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 8

Wold Bank (2002): Report on Vietnam’s Development for 2001 World Bank (2001): www.worldbank.org (East Asia & Pacific, Vietnam)

7 REGIONAL MRC (1998): Long-Term Environmental Programme 2001-2005, Main Document MRC (1999): Capacity-Building for Implementation of the MRC Strategic Plan. Project Document 2000-2002 (funded by UNDP). MRC (2000): Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme for 2001-2005, Sustainable Land and Water Use for Basin Health and People. MRC (2000): Mekong River Commission Long-Term Environmental Programme 20012005. Main document including Programme Implementation Plan. MRC (2000): Project Document: Basin Development Plan MRC (2000): Strategy Study on the Development of the Watershed Management / Forestry Sector in the Lower Mekong Basin: Strategy and Action Plan, by ARCADIS EUROCONSULT MRC (2000): Work Programme 2001 MRC (2001): Annual Report 2000 MRC (2001): Fisheries Development in Nam Ou Watershed (Lao PDR and Vietnam), Component Proposal by MRC Programme for Fisheries Management and Development Cooperation MRC (2001): Fisheries Development in Sesan-Srepok Watershed (Cambodia and Vietnam), Component Proposal by MRC Programme for Fisheries Management and Development Cooperation MRC (2001): Programme for Fisheries Management and Development Co-operations. Annual Report April 2000 – March 2001 MRC (2001): Request for technical assistance from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for the implementation of a Programme Component of the Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme. MRC Secretariat, Phnom Penh, 2001. MRC (2001): Strategic Plan 2001-2005 (Summary version) MRC (2001): Strategy on Flood Management and Mitigation, November 2001 MRC (2001): Work Programme 2002 MRC (2002): Mekong River Commission Secretariat: Working Groups. Internal Paper, February 2002 MRC (no date): MRC gender policy MRC (no date): MRC gender strategy 8

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Appraisal Report. Annex 8

MRC (no date): Watershed Directory (on CD Rom), MRC (2001): Integrated Forest Rehabilitation in the Lower Mekong Basin. A project proposal for an investment programme in the forest sector. MRC Secretariat/SMRP, Phnom Penh, 2001. Neumann-Silkow, F. (2001): Study of International Conventions relevant to the Catchment Component of the AIFP. MRC/SMRP, Phnom Penh. ODI/ARCADIS Euroconsult (2001): Transboundary Water Management as an International Public Good – Executive Summary ODI/ARCADIS Euroconsult (2001): Transboundary Water Management as an International Public Good. Prepared for The Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden, Stockholm. Oxfam America (1999): The Voice of the Mekong: The Southeast Asia Regional Program 1999-2004 Oxfam America (no date): The Oxfam Mekong Initiative 2001-2003 Wolf, A. T. (2001): Transboundary Waters: Sharing Benefits, Lessons Learned. Draft Thematic Background Paper for the International Conference on Freshwater, Bonn 2001 World Wide Fund for Nature (2001): The Forests of the Lower Mekong Ecoregion Complex

9

Working Paper 01 b

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin A Component of the Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme of the Mekong River Commission Volume 2: Country Reports

Appraisal Report

Phnom Penh / Bangkok / Hanoi, 25 February 2002

MRC-GTZ Cooperation Programme

Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme Watershed Management Component

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin Report on the Appraisal Mission Commissioned by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GTZ regional unit:

RG 204

Regional desk officer:

Richard Jökel

Senior Planning officer: Responsible for the commission:

Dr. Petra Stremplat-Platte Dr. Hans Helmrich

Appraisal team:

Dr. Fred E. Brandl Consultant for Rural Development, Fohren-Linden, Germany (Mission leader) Sabine Preuss Senior Planning Officer, Rural Development Division, GTZ, Eschborn Florian Rock Consultant for natural resources management, Mougins, France Hour Limchun Programme Manager, Cardamom Conservation Programme, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Kenneth Irwin Consultant for Forestry and Adult Education, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tit Chankosal Desk Officer, Department of Agronomy and Livestock Improvement, Phnom Penh Sichanh Viravongsa Forestry Consultant, Earth Systems Lao, Vientiane, Laos Linkham Douangsavanh Head of Socio-economic Research Unit, National Agriculture & Forestry Res. Inst., Vientiane, Laos Udhai Thongmee Senior Forest Officer, WSM Division, Royal Forest Department, Bangkok, Thailand Manu Srikhajon Soil and Water Conservation Specialist, Land Development Department, Bangkok, Thailand Dr. Nguyen Tu Siem Director, Project Management Board, Min. of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hanoi, Vietnam Dr. Phung Tu’u Boi Director, NCCDC, Forest Inventory and Planning Institute, Hanoi, Vietnam

Main Report:

F.E. Brandl, S. Preuss and F. Rock

Date of report

20th March 2002

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Reports.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VOLUME 2: COUNTRY REPORTS (A) Country Report Cambodia

(B) Country Report Laos (C) Country Report Thailand (D)

Country Report

Vietnam VOLUME 1: MAIN REPORT Abbreviations and Acronyms

1 BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURE OF THE APPRAISAL 2 SITUATION ANALYSIS 2.1 Natural Resources in the Lower Mekong Basin 2.2 Watershed Management in the LMB 2.2.1 The Watershed Management Concept 2.2.2 WSM in Cambodia 2.2.3 WSM in Laos

2.2.4 WSM in Thailand 2.2.5 WSM in Vietnam 3 INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE MEKONG RIVER COMMISSION 4 ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMPONENT OF THE AIFP

4.1 Watershed Management as a component of the MRC Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme 4.2 Request for Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the WSM Component 4.3 Proposed Target Sites for Field Implementation 4.4 Assessment of the proposal and the baseline documents 5 DESIGN OF THE AIFP WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COMPONENT 5.1 Objectives

5.2 Strategy 5.3 Outputs, activities and indicators of success 5.4 Target sites 5.5 Organisational set-up and national lead agencies 5.6 Inputs 5.6.1 German contribution

5.6.2 Contributions of the MRC and its member countries 6 IMPACTS 6.1 Environmental impacts 6.2 Micro-economic impacts 6.3 Macro-economic impacts 6.4 Socio-cultural impacts 6.5 Institutional impacts 6.6 Political impacts at the regional level

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Reports.

7 ASSUMPTIONS AND RISKS Annex:

1 Terms of Reference 2 Agreed Minutes 3 Proposed Target Areas 4 Relevant Programmes and Projects 5 Work programme of the mission and people met 6 List of Documents used

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

Report on Catchment Management in Cambodia

For

GTZ Mission Appraising the Sustainable Land and Water Use Programme of the MRC (Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme)

Prepared by: Mr. Hour Limchhun Mr. Tit Chankosal Mr. Kenneth Irwin Phnom Penh, February 2002

I

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

Table of Contents 1. n tr o d u c ti o n

I 1

2. ational policies, sub-decree and laws relevant to major catchment

N 1

2.1 Forest resources 2.2 Land use planning 2.3 Agriculture 2.4 Decentralization and devolution 2.5 Poverty alleviation 2.6 Ethnic minority issues

1 3 3 3 4 5

3. Organizations and institutions relevant to catchment management in Cambodia 3.1 Government organizations 3.2 Multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors: 3.3 Non-Government Organizations: 3.4 Research Organizations: 3.5 Networks active in the NRM sector

5 5 7 8 9 9

4. ist and inventory of selected watersheds in Cambodia.

9

L

5. Prioritised policies and organisations for catchment management in Cambodia 5.1 Guiding policies, laws and sub-decrees 5.2 Government Partners/Organization

12 12 12

6. onclusions and Recommendations

13

C

Annexes: 1. List of Organizations and Persons Met 2. Summary of field trip to Ratanakiri 3. List of All Used Documents 4. International Laws, Treaties and Conventions 5. Overview of Seila Programme 6. Review of Previous Catchment Management Selection Activities 7. List of priority catchments in Cambodia 8. List of Legal Documents 9. Schedule of Assessment

14 16 17 20 21 24 28 30 34

II

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms

ADB Asian Development Bank AIFP Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme CBNRM Community-Based Natural Resource Management CCSP Commune Council Support Project CD Community Development CF Community Forestry CDRI Cambodian Development Resources Institute CIDSE Cooperation Internationale pour le Development et la Solidarte CFNG Community Forestry Networking Group CNMC Cambodian National Mekong Committee DAALI Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Land Improvement DANIDA Danish International Development Assistance DCG General Department of Cadastre and Geography DFW Department of Forestry and Wildlife DLA Department of Local Administration DLMUP General Department of Land Management and Urban Planning DNCP Department of Nature Conservation and Protection DPPR Department of Planning and Public Relations DWRMC Department of Water Resource Management and Conservation FAO Food and Agriculture Organization GTZ (German Agency for technical Development) IDRC International Development Research Centre IMC Inter-Ministerial Council IPRSP Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper MAFF Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries MIME Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy MLMUPC Ministry of land Management, Urban Planning and Construction MOE Ministry of Environment MOI Ministry of Interior MOP Ministry of Planning MRC Mekong River Commission MRD Ministry of Rural Development MWRM Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology NGO Non-Government Organization NRM Natural Resource Management NTFP Non-Timber Forest Products PLUP Participatory Land-Use Planning RECOFTC Regional Community Forestry Training Center RGC Royal Government of Cambodia RUA Royal University of Agriculture SEDP II Second Socioeconomic Development Plan 2001-2005 SMRP Sustainable Management of Resources in the Lower Mekong Basin Project UNDP UNOPS WWF

United Nations Development Programme United Nations Office for Project Services World Wide Fund for Nature

III

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

1. Introduction Like many developing countries, Cambodia has lost important forest resources over the last three decades. Between 1969 and 1997 the forest cover decline from 73% to 58% of the country areas. This resulted in reduced biodiversity, increased soil erosion, higher river silt levels, and changes to the shape of the Mekong River, Tonle Sap River and Tonle Sap Great Lake, which have contributed in recent years to extensive flooding. These changes and others have prompted the use of development strategies aimed at both more participatory and broader-scale, integrated planning. One result has been the promotion of catchment/watershed management. Although defined differently by different stakeholders, in this report, catchment/watershed management is a process in which (1) the focus is on natural resource management in the area of a catchment; (2) participatory planning, implementation and monitoring take place for resource utilization; (3) all major stakeholders are involved; (4) recognized decentralized decision making, transparency, and good governance are guiding principles; and (5) aims at poverty alleviation while maintaining an ecological balance. There are many watersheds in Cambodia, existing within the country and crossing its boundaries. This report presents an overview of Catchment-Based Management in Cambodia. It was created based on input from officials and institutions in Phnom Penh (Annex1) and Ratanakiri province (Annex 2) and a review of relevant documents (Annex 3). It identifies the main legal framework and institutions and organizations working with natural resources in catchments in Cambodia and presents a brief analysis of these. It ends with several recommendations for catchment management in Cambodia. 2. National policies, sub-decree and laws relevant to major catchment The government has many policies that focus on rural development. The main ones involved with catchment based management cover natural resource management and poverty reduction. Furthermore, the government has also committed to uphold a number of international laws, treaties and conventions (See Annex 4). 2.1 Forest resources In Cambodia, there are different Ministries with jurisdiction of forested land. The bulk of all forested land falls under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). The MAFF/Department of Forestry and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for all forest land not controlled by other Ministries. The flooded forest is the responsibility of MAFF/Department of Fisheries, and the Ministry of Environment (MOE)/ Department of Nature Conservation and Protection is responsible for the 23 protected areas. a. Forest policy There is a lack of a comprehensive national forest policy that builds upon the available forest legislation and is harmonised among major stakeholders. Essential fragments of policies relating to forestry are available in a number of forest sector analysis documents. However the development of a comprehensive national forest policy based upon a consultative policy formulation process including all stakeholders still has to be initiated. The RGC is committed to developing a comprehensive forest policy framework over the medium-term. b. Forestry law The DFW formulated the committee to draft, discuss and revise the forestry law. After the discussion and agreement at the ministerial level it was revised and adopted by the 1

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

Council of Ministers in the beginning of August 2001 and submitted to the National Assembly for approval. Ratification is expected at the beginning of 2002 after approval by the Senate and the Constitutional Council. The Law defines the framework for management, harvesting, use, development and conservation of the forest in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The objective of this law is to ensure for present and future generations, the sustainable development of these forests for their social, economic and environmental benefits, including conservation of biological diversity and cultural heritage. On Article 10, B of the law said that MAFF shall classify and set boundaries for all forestland within the Permanent Forest Estate. In carrying out this action, MAFF shall coordinate with local communities, authorities, stakeholders, and the MLMUPC and assist in registration of community land title and preparation of the national land use map c.

Law on water resources management

Currently the law on water resources management was drafted and will be discussed soon among the ministry concerned. Like other laws, the law on water resource management and catchment management will be submitted to and discussed at the ministerial level before it is submitted to the National Assembly for endorsement. The Goal of this law is to develop and enhance the sustainable use of water resources in the Kingdom of Cambodia toward the socio-economic and health development of the people. The law identified: (1) right and duty of the user; (2) main policies for the management of water resources; (3) institution responsible for the execution and implementation of this law; and (4) the participation of the water user communities for sustainable development. They were unable to supply a recent draft copy in English version. d.

Royal Decree on Watershed Management

The royal decree on watershed management was prepared by the DFW and it was approved on 11 January 1999. This Royal decree aims at protection and management of forests within the watersheds. e. Sub-Decree on Community Forest Management With the technical supports from MRC/GTZ-Sustainable Management of Resources Project, Concern Worldwide and the World Bank, since June 2001 a Task Force, including international advisors and law advisors, has been working on the Community Forestry Sub-Decree. Provincial participants from the 14 provinces concerned and from the NGOs Forum participated in a number of discussions. In the meantime, the task force is working and incorporating comments from government, international organizations and NGOs into the sub-decree. It is expected that there will be several more meetings until the sub-decree is finalized. The objectives of this sub decree include: (1) to implement the forestry law and other legislation regarding community management of forest resources; (2) to define the roles and responsibilities of the government authorities, communities and other stakeholders involved in community forestry management; (3) to establish mechanisms and procedures to enable communities to lawfully manage, use and benefit from forest resources, to preserve their culture, and improve their livelihoods; (4) to determine and ensure access and user rights for communities under a Community Forest Agreement; (5) to continue the implementation of the Royal Government of Cambodia policies of poverty alleviation, decentralization and sustainable management of natural resources; and (6) to provide an 2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

effective means for communities to participate in the rehabilitation, regeneration and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity in Cambodia. f. Sub-decree on forest concession management The Sub-decree was prepared by the DFW and was approved by the Prime Minister on 07 February 2000. The Sub-decree gives the process for applying for and approving forest concessions, planning and managing the concessions, and monitoring compliance with laws and regulations. g. Sub-decree on environmental impact assessment (EIA) The sub-decree was prepared by the MOE and was approved on 11 July 1999. The purpose of the Sub-decree is to identify the project and activities which need EIA, outline the process for EIA and charges the MOE with evaluating EIA. h. Law on environmental protection and natural resource management This law was created by the Ministry of Environment and endorsed in November 1996. The objectives of the this law are: (1) to monitor, stop, reduce the pollution in order to protect and improve the quality of the environment and the people’s health; (2) to assess the environmental impact before issuing any government regulations for the proposed projects; (3) to ensure the existing of the conservation, development, management and reasonable and sustainable use of the natural resources in the Kingdom of Cambodia; (4) encourage and make it possible for the people to participate in the environmental protection and natural resource management; and (5) crack down any activities that may have negative impact on the environment. This law is being implemented within the 23 protected areas of the MOE. 2.2 Land use planning The Land Law was prepared by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) and endorsed in August 2001. The land law aims to clarify previous legislation governing the use and ownership of land and other natural resources, regulates basic issues of land management and tenure. It provides for legal allocation of user rights to communes and private households or individuals. With regard to land use, the ministry has been working in cooperation with other ministries such as MAFF, MOE and so on to create a master plan on land demarcation. This will take a longer time than was expected due to lack of equipment, transportation and capability. When the draft master plan on land demarcation is completed, it will need to be discussed with the ministries concerned. 2.3 Agriculture At this time the agriculture sector is guided by the second Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (2001-2005) and the Agricultural Development Plan (2001-2005). Most policy, laws and sub-decrees are still being formulated. The Agricultural Development Plan for 2001-2005 aims to increase the productivities of the agricultural crops to achieve and secure food security and conserve natural resources. 2.4 Decentralization and devolution The law on the management of commune governance aims to manage all the communes in the Kingdom of Cambodia according to the decentralization policy. The law was created by the Ministry of the Interior (MOI)/Department of Local Administration (DLA) and assisted by the experts from UNDP, GTZ and Partnership on Local Governance. The first objective 3

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

of decentralization is to strengthen democracy, especially at the local level. This means that the leaders of the commune will be elected freely by the people in the commune itself. The people have the right to decide on what to do to develop their commune and they have the right to participate in any commune activities. The second objective is to develop human capacity at the local level with financial and technical support from the Ministry of Interior and other donor agencies for sustainable development. Currently the MOI/DLA only have the Law on Commune Administration Management. In order to fulfil the above objectives the MOI/DLA have been preparing: (1) terms of reference of the commune that need to be approved by the Ministry of Interior; (2) the planning processes for development of communes that have to be joined approved by MOI and Ministry of Planning; and (3) other regulations, Prakas relevant to commune development. A major vehicle for implementation of decentralization in Cambodia is the Seila programme, a Cambodian government programme, which is a collective undertaking of seven Ministries managed by a national Seila Task Force. A new phase has been approved (2001-2005) and the outputs aim for locally managed infrastructure and services, improved institutions for public sector and community development management and related capacities at provincial and commune levels, and decentralisation policy lessons and statements. (Annex 2) 2.5 Poverty alleviation

The eradication of poverty is the most important item on the agenda of the Royal Government of Cambodia. Guiding this process is the Second (2001-2005) SocioEconomic Development Plans (SEDPII), and the present draft Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (IPRSP). The RGC Council for Social Development has the coordinating role concerning poverty alleviation. The SEDPII presents main issues of food security as access to land, lack of physical infrastructure, and different forms of social exclusion. It lays out three development objectives and bases them upon a range of governance reforms. Better governance is to be realized through effective implementation of the Government Action Plan 2001, which includes a section specifically dealing with natural resource management. The objectives are Sustainable Broad Based Economic Growth, Social and Cultural Development, and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and the Environment. The IPRSP also places emphasis on good governance as a necessary condition of any sustainable poverty alleviation program. It focuses in three areas: promoting broad-based economic growth and opportunities, creating economic and social security, and strengthening capabilities and generating empowerment. The Cambodia Poverty Assessment put out by the Ministry of Planning lists the issues in rural poverty as low agriculture productivity, inadequate rural infrastructure, poor marketing and distribution and inadequate access to credit and land for the country as a whole. When focusing on the upland areas, the greatest needs are land security and security of tenure of resource, improved health/health care, access to formal/informal education. RGC and the WFP have been working together for five years researching into poverty and food security to understand the location of the poor and better plan adequate poverty alleviation measures. Maps based on data from three successive Cambodia SocioEconomic Surveys (last in 1999) and the National Population Census 1998 help to target WFP FFW schemes. These maps will guide WFP and RGC in the future. (It should be noted that Ratanikiri, Mondulkiri and Steung Treung provinces fall outside of WFP’s priority 4

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

areas for 2001-2003. This is due in part to the low population densities and poor infrastructure in the provinces. However, those provinces within the Seila program are eligible for FFW and other WFP activities.) 2.6 Ethnic minority issues The ethnic minority population is small in Cambodia (less that 2%), but ethnic minority peoples make up the majority of the population in Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri and Steung Treung provinces. The Inter-Ministerial Council (IMC) was set up in the late 90’s to oversee ethnic minority development and was supported by the UNDP Highland peoples programme. It produced a draft policy for Ethnic Minority Peoples’ development, but the paper was never passed by the Council of Ministers. The UNDP Highland Peoples Programme closed in Cambodia in early 2001, and IMC has remained but is not presently an influential council. 3. Organizations and institutions relevant to catchment management in Cambodia 3.1 Government organizations Council for the Development of Cambodia The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) is responsible for making decisions regarding the rehabilitation, development and investment projects in the country. CDC is also responsible for guiding the development of development strategies, coordinating donor support, facilitating inter-ministerial activities, and providing guidance on the utilization of all public and private resources in the country. The CDC is headed by an executive committee that includes the Prime Minister as chairperson. With respect to NRE management, CDC’s role as an investment approval body makes the council responsible for ensuring that foreign investment projects follow the Cambodian requirements including environmental procedures. Cambodia National Mekong Committee CNMC is under direct supervision of the Council of Ministers. The structure of the CNMC consists of General Secretariat covering 3 departments. They are: Policy and Planning Department, Administration and Finance, and Project Department. The CNMC plays an important role in coordinating between the MRC and the government line agencies concerned. Currently there are 10 ministries that have joined the CNMC as members. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) MAFF is responsible for managing and controlling the exploitation of natural resources within Cambodia's major primary production activities, i.e. agriculture, aqua-culture, fisheries, forestry and wildlife. The ministry consists of consist of 12 departments including the Department of Forestry and Wildlife (DFW) and the Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Land Improvement (DAALI). At the provincial level, the Departments form offices under the Provincial departments of Agriculture, which are accountable to the Provincial Governor, who passes reports on to the MAF. The mandate of the MAFF includes: •

Technology development, which includes dissemination of information to help farmers adopt improved farm technologies and apply new techniques in the management of soil, water and natural vegetation.

•

Provision of needed infrastructure such as water supply systems for rural communities and irrigation and flood control systems

5

•

Creation of a positive policy environment that encourages private sector investment

•

Provision of agricultural extension services

•

Establishment of production zoning

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

MAFF/Department of Forestry and Wildlife

DFW is divided into 6 offices, 2 companies, and one research institute. A GIS section is under the direct supervision from the Director. A Secretariat for national committee for development and implementation of the forest policy is chaired by the Prime Minister. The Director of DFW is the Executed Secretary. There are over 700 staff members allocated in the offices, companies and research institute. The DFW is responsible for the management of all forest estates not covered by other Ministries and Departments. This includes the majority of forest resources in Cambodia. (The flooded forests are the responsibility of the Department of Fisheries and the MOE manages the 23 protected areas). MAFF/Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Land Improvement (DAALI) The primary role of DAALI is to deal with all matters to do with plants in agricultural production and plant cover in agricultural land management and improvement. It has responsibility for all technical and regulatory services concerned with plant production

(except rubber and improved pastures) and agricultural land improvement in Cambodia. Its technical and regulatory services relate to Agronomy, Seeds and Plant Production, and Agricultural Land Improvement. Ministry of Water Resources Management (MWRM)

The RGC has given the missions to the MWRM to conduct and manage the water resources and meteorology in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The Department of Water Resource Management and Conservation (DWRMC) is one of 9 departments under the General Directorate of Technical Affairs of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology. The DWRMC is responsible for managing and protecting water resources for sustainable use. The DWRMC is made up of 3 offices and consist of 27 staff members working for 3 departments. They are (1) watershed management, (2) water policy and extension, and (3) hydrology and flood control. On the Viet Nam side of the Se San basin, opposite Rattanakiri province, planning is going on for construction of hydropower dam. An assessment of natural and social environmental impact of the Cambodian side of the Se San River from the border to Veun Say district has been prepared. Ministry Of Interior (MOI)

There are many departments exist under the MOI, however, the Department of Local Administration (DLA) is the one who responsible for decentralization and creation of commune councils. Therefore, it is important to include this department in catchment management. Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC)

The MLMUPC consists of a cabinet, the secretariat, a laboratory, a training center and four general departments. The General Department of Land Management and Urban Planning (DLMUP) and the General Department of Cadastre and Geography (DCG) are two actively involved in NRM. The MLMUPC’s mandate is quite broad and for rural areas involves: •

studying all activities relating to land management

•

implementing the Land Management Policy in cooperation with MRD and other line ministries

•

conduct research and make rules and regulations related to land management and 6

allocation •

carry out cadastral surveys and issue land tenure certificates

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

Ministry Of Environment (MOE) The MOE is responsible for the 23 protected areas that declared by the Royal Decree. The Department of Nature Conservation and Protection (DNCP) is one of six departments in the MOE. The DNCP located at the MOE in Phnom Penh with field offices in each province. The DNCP is responsible for the management and protection of Cambodia’s 23 protected areas. Ministry Of Planning (MOP) The Ministry of Planning is responsible for guidance and managing socio-economic development planning and statistics in the Kingdom of Cambodia. Its responsibilities include

•

formulating concepts, strategies and policies and determining priorities for national development

•

Preparing long, medium and short term plans and national programmes by coordinating with all relevant Ministries/Institutions

Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) MRD consists of 3 general departments, 8 departments, a financial control unit and Cabinet advisors. There are Departments of Rural Development at the provincial level and District Offices at the district level. At the local level MRD is represented by Commune Development Committees and Village Development Committees.

MRD’s mandate is to: • coordinate, implement, monitor and evaluate rural development programmes and projects •

coordinate the operational efforts of Line Ministries and assistance programmes at the provincial level

•

undertake research initiatives to develop rural areas of Cambodia

Ministry of Health • responsible for provide health services Ministry of Education • responsible for provide educational services Ministry of Public Works • responsible for infrastructure development 3.2 Multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors:

A number of donors are active in the areas involved with Catchment management. They are: Asian Development Bank • supported to the Cambodian Forest Sustainable Forest Management project • support to wetlands project in Tonle Sap area • support to MRD to implement the Northeast Village Development Project • support to community based fisheries and buffer-zone management in ream National Park Belgian Government • support to the FAO project in Siem Reap • support to community development in Kampong Cham province

7

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

Danish Government/DANIDA

• •

support to MRC’s Wetlands Inventory Project and Fisheries Management Project support to environment and natural resource management in coastal and wetland areas

European Union

•

support to rural development in six provinces through PRASAC II

FAO

•

support to Tonle Sap programme, Biodiversity Action Plan, Integrated Pest Management and food security projects

German Government

• • • •

support to SMRP a forestry extension project rural development in Kampot and Kampong Thom provinces support to Cambodian-German Forestry Project

Swiss Government

•

support to watershed classification project which was executed by the MRC and implemented in the 4 riparian countries.

UNDP/UNOPS

• • •

manager of trust fund for “forest Crimes Monitoring Project” ,manager for GEF funds for biodiversity activities support to Seila programme

The World Bank

•

support to forestry sector to implement a community-managed forestry demonstration project in a degraded concession in Kampot province

•

provide loan for the RGC to demonstrate of Forest Concession Management and Control Pilot Project

•

support to MLMUPC and a land management project

•

support to implement the Agricultural Productivity Improvement project of the MAFF

•

Provide loan for a biodiversity project in Virachey National Park in Ratanakiri Province

3.3 Non-Government Organizations:

A number of International and Cambodian NGOs are active in rural development in Cambodia. The most important and their relevant activities are listed below. CIDSE – Commune Council Support Project (CCSP), Community Development in Ratanakiri Concern Worldwide – Community Forestry Programme, PLUP, CCSP NGO Forum – Environmental Working Group, NGO network in Ratanakiri – coalition of NGOs working in Ratanakiri province NTFP – Cambodian NGO with many projects in Ratanakiri Oxfam America – Inland Aquatic Resources/Livelihoods and the Land Study

8

Projects, CBNRM, Oxfam GB – Cambodia Land Study Project, CCSP RECOFT – support to Cambodia Community Forestry Training Team and PLUP World Wide Fund for Nature – Community-Based NRM and other projects

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

3.4 Research Organizations: Several institutes and organizations undertake research on NRM in Cambodia. • • • • •

DFW/Research Institute for Forests and Wildlife MAFF/Royal University for Agriculture Royal University of Phnom Penh Cambodian Development Research Institute IDRC – Many projects in NE Cambodia

3.5 Networks active in the NRM sector The Community Forestry Networking Group (CFNG): CFNG was established during the CEMP Project and continues to meet every 3 months. It provides a forum to organizations and individuals interested in CF to share experiences. It is coordinated by Concern Worldwide. Sub-Group on Natural Resources: This group is made up of the major donor organizations and NGOs, and meets regularly. Previously it monitored progress made and set benchmarks for the development of the necessary framework for reform of the forestry sector. Since August of 2000 its mandate covers monitoring and supporting development of all natural resources. Environment Working Group of the NGO Forum: This working group is made of concerned NGOs and individuals and meets monthly at the NGO Forum to share information on environmental issues and deal with environmental advocacy issues. 4.

List and inventory of selected watersheds in Cambodia.

Several important watersheds have their outlets in Cambodia and their headwaters in other countries, while many others are wholly within Cambodia. The RGC has been working with MRC and others in promoting watershed/catchment management projects and programs to manage and protect these watersheds. Selection of watersheds for activities has created a range of principles and criteria to guide the selection process (See Annex 3). The principles and criteria cover most aspects of poverty alleviation and natural resources management, as well as several related dimensions such as cross-border contexts, ethnic minorities, and local government and community interest and capacity. The watersheds selected for consideration for activity implementation in these projects/programmes included: • • • • • • •

Stung Se San Stung Se Kong Stung Sre Pok Stung Mongkol Borey Stung Pursat Stung Sreng Stung Sen

The detailed information may be referred to Figure 1 and Table 1 (Also See Annex 4).

9

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

Key criteria for selection of watersheds for Catchment Management activities in this analysis will remain those of the AIFP, and put priority on: • • • • • •

Trans-boundary areas Presence or high probability of environmental and/or social stress Poverty alleviation CBNRM (land tenure, resource rights, sustainable forest management) Environmental issues such as biodiversity Local government and community interest and capacity

Of the seven watersheds previously identified by RGC, only four represent support for the cross-boundary criteria: Stung Se San, Stung Se Kong, Stung Mongkol Borey and Stung Sre Pok. Mongkol Borey and the Se San rivers have the highest local capacity for catchment planning, many local partners, and are scheduled to have Seila/DANIDA support soon subject to the availability of funds. The catchment of Pursat rivers was also to have schedule for Seila/DANIDA support. The three watersheds in the NE of the country ( Se San, Se Kong, Sre Pok) are the most remote, and are facing serious situations with regard to protecting and preserving biodiversity. The Se San, while being targeted for ADB support, is experiencing serious environmental effects blamed by some stakeholderson cross-border hydro-power generation.

10

1

Stung Sen (72)

Total area: 16360 sq. km. Cambodia: 100% Provinces: Preah Vihear 63%, Kampong Thum 28%, Siem Reap 6%, Otdar Mean Chey 2%, Kampong Chhnang 1% River outlet: 5 MaS High Point: 802 MaS Majority between: 5-100 PRDC meeting and sector guidelines -> Sectoral planning workshops -> Draft PDP -> PDRC approval -> PDP dissemination -> PDP evaluation. 8 step process for 3-year rolling PDIP. National guidelines -> Provincial guidelines -> PDRC meeting/sectoral guidelines ->Focal Points training and Sectoral Planning Workshops -> District integration workshops -> provincial Investment Resources allocation -> Draft PDIP -> PRDC approval The Local (Commune-level) Planning Process (LPP) LPP process LPP orientation -> Identify village-level priorities -> Formulate commune development plan -> District integration workshops -> Formulation of the commune investment plan (CIP) CIP Process Review of CIP achievements -> Review of village-level priorities -> Review of communelevel priorities -> District integration workshop ->Annual CIP formulation As the planning has developed, it has evolved to where the communes are main planning units and village plans are no longer prepared. Seila also dropped PRAs for quicker village-level surveys and participatory data analysis and validation (village data book) and links provincial and commune investment programs via district integration workshops. The author’s assessment: - National government levels still quite centralized - Decentralized financing needs to be added to make decentralized planning work - Seila planning procedures were not conceived as “what provinces and communes should do” to access a specific source of funds and allocate its resources. Rather, they were designed and implemented to provide a unified framework for the investment of resources from a variety of governmental and non-governmental sources and to be institutionalized as local-level statutory planning procedures. - there is not enough attention paid to helping provincial and district level administrations abandon the hierarchical controls of the past and learn how to provide the necessary support (facilitation and technical services) to the emerging local authorities. The author recommends (1) incorporating Seila planning procedures into wider framework for public expenditures management and (2) their institutionalization as statutory procedures at the sub-national level.

23

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

Annex 6: Review of Previous Catchment Management Selection Activities

A number of catchments, both trans-boundary and within Cambodia, have been identified by MRC, RGC and two donors as potential sites for catchment management activities. What follows is a review of these selection principles and criteria. A. MRC’s “Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme for 2001-2005” (Dec. 2000) lists three tests, all of which need to be satisfied, for activities to be taken by MRC. All activities must have: •

Some significant basin-wide implication that is not being adequately covered under other bilateral/national programmes in the basin.

•

National Priority, that is at least one country and an appropriate institution (public or private) must want the activity to be undertaken for a national purpose.

•

A relevance to the MRC mission. MRC in this sense includes NMCs and staff of relevant line agencies.

With regard to Catchment Management in the AIFP, the objective is to institutionalize a process of catchment management planning in selected MRB cross-border areas and where resource use in one domain is creating stress to other users of a sub-basin. The AIFP goes on to identify all watersheds bordering the Tonle Sap lake and the three large trans-boundary watersheds in NE Cambodia (Se Kong, Se San and Sre Pok) as proposed sites for Catchment Management. B.

MRC’s “Strategy Study on the Development of the Watershed Management/

Forestry Sector in the Lower Mekong Basin” (Jan. 2000) lists criteria for MRC forestry and watershed management interventions. This document first states that forestry and watershed management activities should be in line with MRC’s mandate and strategy, which is to “promote and co-ordinate sustainable management of resources for the mutual benefit of people in the LMB”. The document goes on to state that the criteria for prioritizing projects and activities in the forestry/watershed management sector should be based on the following broad principles: • activities should reinforce the MRC’s mandate and strategic direction • activities should have significance and mutual benefit to LMB countries • activities which stimulate regional (cross-boundary) co-operation • activities should, where feasible, incorporate cross-cutting themes – environment, people-centred development, poverty alleviation, livelihood generation, gender issues, etc. •

activities should strengthen capacity of regional institutions to resolve forestry and watershed management problems, as elaborated in the Mekong River Basin Diagnostic Study

•

activities should identify, document and disseminate “best-practices” in watershed management through links to global, regional ad national watershed management initiatives

The document lists four main focal areas for activities: 1. security of land tenure and resource rights, 2.

sustainable forest management,

3.

ecosystem improvement and biodiversity conservation,

24

4. human resource and institutional capacity building, and directs solutions to these issues and constraints to focus on: •

land tenure and forest resource security

•

soil and water conservation

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

•

forest protection and afforestation

•

participation by upland farmers

•

ecosystem improvement and biodiversity conservation

•

public and private participation in programme development, priority setting and implementation

•

cross-border cooperation

•

institutional strengthening

The document goes on to give criteria for selection of individual critical watersheds. These criteria are: •

watersheds having more than 50%of Class I and II areas void of forests

•

watersheds having more than 50% of the Class I and II areas void of forest, which have seen increase in population over the last five years by more than 10%

•

watersheds with more than 50% comprised of Class I and II areas which discharge more than 1 % of total LMB flow

•

watersheds straddling two international boundaries, thereby presenting opportunities for regional collaboration

•

critical watersheds (sub-basins) with a major part of their area located in gazetted protected areas, thereby presenting opportunities for supporting integrated conservation and development projects. (These projects would have the dual objective of enhancing biodiversity/reserve protection with community development in the buffer zones.)

It is felt that using the above approach would have the following advantages: •

meaningful comparative evaluations can be conducted to select priority areas; and

•

appropriate combinations of bio-physical and socio-economic remedial actions can be designed to maximise positive impacts from investment of limited resources.

For one of ADB’s regional projects (RETA 5771) – “Poverty Reduction and Environmental Management in Remote Greater Mekong Sub-region Watersheds”, watershed selection criteria were developed in Phase I and further refined in Phase II. The criteria focused on seven parameters: (1) areas where poverty is endemic, (2) environmental fragility, (3) significance of biodiversity at a national and regional level, (4) have adequate infrastructure, particularly access by road or foot trail, existing or planned before project start-up, (5) have interest and consent of local population, (6) government commitment to provide adequate institutional support, and (7) security. In addition to these general criteria, specific selection criteria focused on project sites with the following characteristics. Criteria Comment Low population density Within sub-basins with relatively low population density (,30p/sq. km) located in areas where watershed mismanagement has an Watershed actual or potential negative impact on infrastructure Mismanagement investments 25

Common hydrological system Community based land use development

definition based upon watersheds or contiguous groups of micro-watersheds linked through either a common hydrological system or common bio-geographical zone Located within communities that are willing to adopt a process of participatory land use planning with local officials, resource user groups and other stakeholders

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

Criteria Development potential

Comment The area must demonstrate a need for development, where “need” can be demonstrated by poverty, natural resource depletion, drug promotion or dependence, or disease incidence

Areas where there are clearly defined opportunities for developing alternative livelihood projects that aim to increase household income levels well above the poverty line indicated for that specific region Demand for This can be demonstrated by local community willingness development to participate, measured by local attempts to develop or intervention improve Resource use conflicts Located in areas where community conflicts over resource use are not currently evident Local absorptive capacity must be adequate, both in Local absorption respect of implementing agencies and target communities. capacity There must be counterpart government agencies in the area that can service the communities and provide an adequate level of frequency and service. If other donors are in the same area, there must be Presence of other sufficient counterpart resources and capacity to donors accommodate a new project. Activities with a low level of other donor activity could be tolerated but no presence is obviously more desirable. Located where NGOs or other social engineering Non-government infrastructure exists in order to spearhead community organizations participation process. The phase I report identified a list of three watersheds, selected and prioritized by the MOE for further study during Phase II. The ranked list was: 1.

Stung Pursat, Pousat Province

2.

Stung Sen, Preah Vihear Province

3. Se San, Ratanakiri Province Although it did not match RGC’s priority, during Phase II the choice was made to focus on the Se San watershed (or at least the Cambodian side of the Se San watershed). The main reasoning for this decision appeared to be a combination of extreme poverty, urgent need for development, remoteness and presence of a large numbers of ethnic minority people. 3. Danida was approached by the Seila Task Force (STF) with a proposal to mainstream natural resource management into the normal development and planning processes (“Seila natural Resource and environment management mainstreaming Strategy 20022005”). STF followed three basic considerations when selecting provinces and watersheds. The NRE Strategy watershed component would only be applied where 1.

The province component (Seila system and mechanisms) was also being implemented.

2.

Provinces were not new to the Seila system.

3. Where previously built capacities in land use planning and management and intercommunal cooperation could be used. Following these considerations, a series of criteria were considered to compose a first

26

selection list of provinces and watersheds.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

• • • • • • • • • •

Numbers of provinces to be associated Province experience with Seila International border crossing watershed Number of communes to be covered Population concerned Watershed size Strategic development opportunities Environmental challenge and relevance with NEAP Past experiences with NRE Opportunities for partnerships

STF Secretariat has decided to start with the watersheds at Stung Pursat and Stung Mongkol Borey (mid-2002), and then expand to cover Stung Se San and Stung Sreng Late-2002/early-2003).

27

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

Annex 7:

List of priority catchments in Cambodia

The Se San Catchment lays 40% within Cambodia ( 35% Ratanakiri and 5% Stueng Treung) and 60% within Vietnam (43% Kon Tum and 17% Gia Lai). It covers 18,888 km2 and is equivalent to 3.05% of the LMB. The catchment outlet is at 46 MaS and the highest point at 2397 MaS, with the majority between 100 and 800 MaS. The catchment has a high relief potential. More than two fifths of the slopes are steep and hilly, while about one fourth are flat. The catchment can be considered as not very critical concerning the risk of soil erosion at this time, since only 11 % of the total area shows WSC classes 1 and 2 without forest cover. 12.4% of the catchment area is covered by Cambodian protected areas, and 18% by Vietnamese protected areas. Most of the land (75%) is covered in forests and shrubs and much of the rest (23%) is for agriculture or grassland. The total population for the Cambodian side of the catchment is 57,695, giving a population density of 3 people per km2, which is rather low. The Sre Pok Catchment lays 41% within Cambodia (21% Mondulkiri, 16%Ratanakiri, 4% Steung Trueng, and 0% Kracheh), and 59% within Vietnam (Dac Lac 44%, Gia Lai 9% and Lam Dong 6%). It covers 30,942 km2 and is equivalent to 5% of the LMB. The catchment outlet is at 46 MaS and the highest point at 2145 MaS, with the majority between 100 and 500 MaS. The catchment possesses a high relief potential. Nevertheless, almost one half of the slopes are flat, with only a few steep and hilly slopes. The catchment can be considered as not critical concerning the risk of soil erosion, as only 3.2% of the total area shows classes 1 and 2 without forest cover. 9% of the catchment area is covered by Cambodian protected areas, and 11 % by Vietnamese protected areas. Most of the land (78%) is covered in forests and shrubs and much of the rest (22%) is for agriculture or grassland. The total population on the Cambodian side of the catchment is 61,443 (146 villages), giving a population density of 2 people per km2, which is very low. The Se Kong Catchment lays 78% within Laos, 19% within Cambodia (19% Steung Treung and 1% Ratanakiri), and 3% within Vietnam. It covers 28815 km2 and is equivalent to 4.66 % of the LMB. The catchment outlet is at 46 MaS and the highest point at 2174 MaS, with the elevation classes scattered quite evenly between 1 and 1300 MaS. The catchment possesses a high relief potential. Almost one third of the slopes are flat, and two fifths are steep and hilly. The catchment can be considered as not critical concerning the risk of soil erosion, as only 11 % of the total area shows classes 1 and 2 without forest cover. 18% of the catchment area is covered by Lao NBCA, 3.8 % by Cambodian protected areas, and 1.5% by Vietnamese protected areas. Most of the land (91%) is covered in forests and shrubs and much of the rest (9%) is for agriculture or grassland. The total population for the catchment is 197,090 (600 villages), giving a population density of 7 people per km2, which is rather low. The Stung Pursat Catchment lies wholly within Cambodia and covers 5965 Km2, which is equivalent to 0.96% of the LMB. The catchment outlet is at 5 MaS and the highest point is 1700 MaS, with the majority between 5 and 300 MaS. The catchment possesses a high relief potential. Almost half the slopes are flat and more than one forth are steep and hilly. The catchment can be considered as not critical concerning the risk of soil erosion, as less than 1 % of the total area shows WSC classes 1 and 2 without forest cover. 26.28 % of the area is covered by Cambodian protected areas. Most of the land (82%) is covered in forests and shrubs and much of the rest (18%) is for agriculture and livestock. The total population in the catchment in 177,912 (260 villages), giving a population density of 30 people per Km2, which is within the upper middle range of all the LMB catchments. The Strung Mongkol Borey lays 73% within Cambodia (Banteay Mean Chey 37%, Battambang 30%, Krong Palin 5%, and Otdar Mean Chey 1%) and 27% within Thailand. It covers 14966 km2 and is equivalent to 2.4 % of the LMB. The catchment outlet is at 28

10

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

MaS and the highest point at 510 MaS, and the majority between 100 and 200 MaS. The catchment possesses a low relief potential. Over four-fifths of the slopes are flat. The catchment can be considered as not critical concerning the risk of soil erosion, as only 0.6% of the total area shows classes 1 and 2 without forest cover. 18% of the catchment area is covered by various protected areas. Just less than half of the land (46%) is covered in forests and shrubs and most of the rest (54%) is for agriculture or grassland. The total population for the catchment is 903,846 (Cambodian side only)(80 communes), giving a population density of 80 people per km2, which is within the highest range of all the LMB catchments. The Stung Sreng Catchment lays 99% within Cambodia (48% Otdar Mean Chey, 45% Siem Reap, 6% Banteay Mean Chey, and 1% Battambang) and 1% within Thailand. It covers 9986 km2 and is equivalent to 1.61 % of the LMB. The catchment outlet is at 5 MaS and the highest point at 671 MaS, with the vast majority between 5 and 100 MaS. The catchment possesses a low relief potential. Almost all of the slopes are flat. The catchment can be considered as not critical concerning the risk of soil erosion, as less than 1% of the total area shows classes 1 and 2 without forest cover. 11.7% of the catchment area is covered by Cambodian protected areas. Most of the land (71%) is covered in forests and shrubs and much of the rest (29%) is for agriculture or grassland. The total population for the catchment is 276,441 (450 villages), giving a population density of 28 people per km2, which is within the upper middle range of all the LMB catchments. The Stung Sen Catchment lays 100% within Cambodia (63% Preah Vihear, 28% Kampong Thum, 6% Siem Reap, 2% Otdar Mean Chey, 1% Kampong Chhnang, and 0% Tonle Sap). It covers 16360 km2 and is equivalent to 2.64% of the LMB. The catchment outlet is at 5 MaS and the highest point at 802 MaS, with the vast majority between 5 and 100 MaS. The catchment possesses a low relief potential. Almost all of the slopes are flat. The catchment can be considered as not critical concerning the risk of soil erosion, as less than 1% of the total area shows classes 1 and 2 without forest cover. 27.9% of the catchment area is covered by Cambodian protected areas. Most of the land (85%) is covered in forests and shrubs and much of the rest (14%) is for agriculture or grassland. The total population for the catchment is 319,291 (457 villages), giving a population density of 20 people per km2, which is within the middle range of all the LMB catchments.

29

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

Annex 8: List of Legal Documents

Sub-decree on the Forest Concession Management – Sub-decree on Environmental Impact Assessment Process - August 11, 1999 Draft Forestry Law (Submitted to the National Assembly, 20 July 2001) Draft Sub-Decree on Community Forestry Management, 2001 The Land Law, October 18, 2001 Royal Decree on Watersheds, Dec 1998 Law on Environmental Protection and Natural Resource Management Law on Administration of Communes Sub-Decree on Organizing and Functioning of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, 1999 Sub-decree on the Organization and Functioning of the Ministry of Planning Sub-Decree on Organizing and Functioning of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology Sub-Decree on Organization and Functioning of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

30

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

Annex 9: Schedule of Assessment

This schedule of the assessment covers the period from Jan. 1, 2002 until Feb. 4, 2002. It is broken into three phases. Part one covers ‘Phase I’, which focused on data and information collection. Part two covers the ‘Cambodian country meetings’. Part three covers the activities of the Cambodian Country Team while the international consultants visited the other three LMB countries.

Part One: Person/Organization Date 1 Jan 02 SMRP 2 Jan 02 Mr. Sik Boreak/ WFP SMRP 3 Jan 02 Mr. Hans Helmrich/SMRP Watt Kosal/CNMC 4 Jan 02 Mr. Hong Sokheang/UNDP Mr. Lay Khim/UNDP Mr. Tuon Sophal/MRD Mr. Meas Sophal/MOE Mr. Kol Vathana/MOE Mr.Theng 5 Jan 02 SMRP 6 Jan 02 7 Jan 02 Mr. Paul Im/ADB Mr. Toby Carson & Mr. Marc Goichot/ WWF Librarian/Seila Ms. Sous Sophal/MLMUPC/DUP Home 8 Jan 02 Mr. Puch Sothon/CIDSE Mr. Paul Im/ADB DAN I DA Mr. Michael Gluck/SMRP Mr. Watt Bot Kosal/CNMC 9 Jan 02 Ms. Danny Harvey & Mr. Pel Piseth/Concern

10 02

11 02

Mr. Leng Vy/MOI/DLA Sao Chivorn/MRD Jan Mr. SMRP Mr. Sang Polrith, Mr. Nhem Sovanna & Mr. Ashish John/UNDP/UNOPS/Rat. Mr. Graham Brown, Mr. Gordon Patterson, Mr. Jerramy/Ratanakiri NGO Network Home Jan Mr. Kham Khoen/First Governor of Ratanakiri Mr. Hor Hong, Mr. Yat Sokhan and others/Provincial Rural Development Meeting

Reason Planning meeting Meeting Planning meeting Planning meeting Planning Meeting Meeting/documents Meeting/documents Meeting/documents Meeting/documents Meeting/documents Meeting/documents

Team Member Limchhun/Ken Limchhun/Ken Limchhun/Ken Limchhun/Ken Limchhun/Ken Ken Ken Limchhun Limchhun Limchhun Limchhun

Planning meeting Planning meeting Meeting

Limchhun/Ken Limchhun/Ken Ken

Meeting/documents Meeting/documents Report writing

Ken Limchhun Limchhun Ken Ken Ken

Collect Documents Meeting Meeting Planning meeting Arrange appointments Meeting Meeting/documents Meeting/documents Planning meeting

Limchhun/Ken Limchhun Ken Limchhun Limchhun Limchhun/Ken/ Chankosal

Meeting

Ken

Meeting Report writing

Ken Limchhun

Meeting

Ken

Meeting

Ken 31

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

Mr. Pen Vuth 12

Jan

13 02

Jan SMRP

02 14

Jan

Fix appointment

Planning meeting

Kosal

Limchhun/Ken/ Chamkosal

02 Jan 15/16 – TOR Workshop at MRCS – Limchhun/Ken/Chankosal

Part two: International Consultant’s Meeting Schedule: Jan 17-19, 2002 Mr. Fred Brandl, Mr. Kenneth Irwin Mr. Florian Rock, Mr. Hour Limchhun and Mr. Min Bunnara and Mr. Tit Chankosal 17-01 -2002 8:30 Cambodia National Mekong 8:30 Cambodia National Mekong Committee Secretariat Committee Secretariat Messrs Pich Dun, W.B Kosal, An Messrs Pich Dun, W.B Kosal, Pichhada, H. Sophearith. and Ou An Pichhada, H. Sophearith. and Sophana Ou Sophana 10:00 Ministry of Agriculture,

10:00 Ministry of the Interior

Forestry and Fisheries/

Department of Local Administration Mr. Leng Vy

Deptartment of Forestry and Wildlife

Director Lunch 14:00 Ministry of Planning Department of Economic Planning Mr. Hoy Sythikun Deputy Director

Mr. Ty Sokhun Lunch 14:00 Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Land Improvement Mr. Mak Seoun Chief Technical Office 16:00 SEILA Programme Mr. Scott Lepair Program Manager Mr Joanne Morrison Operation Advisor Ms Julian Abrams Infrastructure Advisor

18-01 -2002

32

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Cambodia

8:30

Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction General Department of Land Management and Urban Planning Dr. Duch Wontito

8:30

Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology/ Department of Water Resource Management and Conservation Mr. Am Norin Deputy Director

General Director Department of Research and Regulation Mr. Prak Angkeara Deputy Director

10:00 Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy Hydro-electricity

Mr. Um Borith, 10:00 Ministry of Rural Development Department of Planning and Public Relation Lunch 14:00 DANIDA Mr. Lars Lund, NRE Programme Coordinator Mr. Loeung Kesaro Programme Officer

Department Dr. Bun Narith Lunch 14:00 Ministry of Environment Department of Nature Conservation and Protection Mr. Nouv Bunheou/Dep Dir Mr Meng Monirak Ms. Pum Vicheth

17:30 Oxfam America Mr. Michael Ounsted Regional Director Ms. Mia Hyun Senior Program Officer Mr. Michael Lerner 9:30 Concern Worldwide Ms. Danny Harway, Program Advisor Mr. Pel Piseth Program Manager

16:00 WWF Mr. Toby Carson, Advisor Mr. Marc Giochot, Advisor 17:30 Oxfam America Mr. Michael Ounsted Regional Director Ms. Mia Hyun Senior Program Officer 19-01 -2002 9:30 Concern Worldwide Ms. Danny Harway, Program Advisor Mr. Pel Piseth Program Manager

Part Three: In the period from 20-01-02 until 4-02-02, the Cambodian team has continued to visit various ministries and people to collect documents and clarify information already collected. Documents were collected from and people visited at MAFF, MOE, MOP, and the Seila. Programme. The team also spent several days finalizing this report. 33

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

MRC - GTZ Sustainable Management of Resources in the Lower Mekong River Basin

Briefing Note for the AIFP Appraisal Workshop #1, 15-16 15 th January 2002 Prepared by:

EARTH SYSTEMS LAO

January, 2002

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

1.

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT IN LAO PDR

Watersheds of Lao PDR 64 watersheds have been identified in Lao PDR of which 53 drain into the Mekong River (Danida 2001) . 1

Significance to LMB Lao PDR encompasses approximately 207,000 km or 33% of the Lower Mekong Basin (MRCS, Watershed Classification Project). 2

Definition of Catchment Management Rural Development with special emphasis on natural resource management in catchment areas (SMRP Briefing Material): ➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

decentralised planning / implementation local governance PLUP (Participatory Land Use Planning) multi-stakeholder involvement cooperation between GOs / NGOs / communities land allocation forest estate demarcation resource tenure

Generalised Objectives of Catchment Management The objectives of Integrated Watershed Management as defined by Danida (2001) is a process that achieves one or more of the following development objectives: ➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

2.

Increases the marginal productivity values; Poverty alleviation and improved standards of living; Improved conservation and protection; Improved conservation and management; and Improved water resource management.

IDENTIFICATION AND COMPILATION OF MAJOR CATCHMENT-RELEVANT NATIONAL POLICIES, SUB-DECREES AND LAWS

A list of documents relevant to the Regulative Framework for Catchment Management is provided in Table 1 Attachment 1. The list has been ordered accordingly: ➢

➢

1

Land use planning Agriculture and Forestry Danida (2001) Concept and Practice of Integrated Watershed Management in Lao PDR.

1

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

Decentralization Poverty alleviation Ethnic minority issues Investment Environment Infrastructure Development Water Resources

Of particular relevance to catchment management, the government of Lao PDR has prepared a number of action plans for sustainable natural resources management including: National Tropical Forestry Action Plan (MAF 1991) ➢

➢

National Environment Action Plan (STEA 2000)

There are also several laws that are relevant to watershed / river basin management: ➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

Water and Water Resources Law Land Law Forest Law Environmental Protection Law Electricity Law

➢

(Refer to the Danida Study (2001) for an outline of the relevant sections of these laws to catchment management.) A copy of these plans and laws accompany this Briefing Note. 3. ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS RELEVANT TO CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT IN LAO PDR

(A contact list of key persons working in the field of catchment management is provided in Table 1 Attachment 2.) 3.1 Government Organisations

Central government is the level at which policy is decided. Provinces are defined as strategic units – the level at which development decisions are made and implemented. Districts as planning and budgetary units. Villages as implementing units. This recent move toward decentralization of power has given local officials greater authority in issues relating to environmental management (Ecolao 2000) . 2

EcoLao (2000) Lao Environmental, Institutional & Background Research Project – ADB 5783 Strategic Environmental Framework for the Greater Mekong Sub-region. 2

2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

The institutions involved in the development of watershed management can be divided into those mainly operating at the level of central government and those mainly operating at provincial and district levels. Central Level Agencies A List of Institutions/Organizations relevant to catchment management is provided in Table 2 Attachment 2 (Danida 2001). An Organisational Chart for central government is shown in Figure 1 Attachment 2 (Ecolao 2000). An Organisational Chart for Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is shown in Figure 2 Attachment 2 . Provincial Level Agencies (Danida 1999) 3

Lao PDR is broken down into 16 provinces plus the Saisombun Special Zone and Vientiane Prefecture. The provinces are headed by a politically appointed governor, who has a large degree of autonomy over the use of economic and national resources including environmental issues. The governors are assisted by line ministries, which have department level representation in the provinces and in most districts. Development issues are coordinated and implemented by the Rural Development Committees (RDCs). The RDC has a senior administrative position within the provincial government and is situated directly below the Governor’s Office. The RDC also has representatives at the district level. Relevant institutions at the provincial and district level include: Provincial and District Agriculture and Forestry Offices; and the Planning Department. An Organisational Chart for provincial and district level government is shown in Attachment 2, Figure 3 and 4 respectively (Ecolao 2000). Village Level Agencies (Danida 1999) At the village level the institutional point of entry is the Village Administration Committee consisting of 3 to 5 members and village headman. Specific development activities would have to be handled through a Village Development Committee. Mass Organisations (Danida 1999) There are three significant mass organizations in Lao PDR; Lao Women’s Union; Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Organisation; and National Front for Reconstruction. These organizations receive support from and are controlled by the GOL. The Lao Women’s Union and the Youth Organisation have well developed networks. 3.2 Non-Government Organisations Cooperation with International NGOs has seen gradual growth and development however the extent to which NGOs contribute toward environmental management is relatively small. NGO activity within natural resource sector typically involves small-scale “on the ground” activities within the remote, rural communities (Ecolao 1999). The key NGOs involved in natural resource management include: IUCN (The World Conservation Union) ➢

3

Danida (1999) Integrated Watershed Management in Xieng Khouang & Huaphan Provinces.

3

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

➢

WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)

3.3 Projects and Programmes

A list of projects and programmes in the area of natural resource management and development, that are relevant to catchment management are listed in Table 3 Attachment 2 (Danida 2001). 3.4 Research Organisations

Major research organisations are co-ordinated by the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) which is a government research institute operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. NAFRI is an umbrella organisation for 11 different centres including (SMRP Briefing Material): ➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

Coffee Research Center national Agriculture Research Center Horticulture and Vegetable REsearch Center Livestock Research Center Living Aquatic Resource Research Center Soil Survey and Land Classification Center Forest Research Center Forest Inventory and Planning Center Agro-climate Research Center Northern Agriculture and Forestry Research Venter Hydrology Research Center

International research organisations include: Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) ➢

➢

➢

IBSRAM

➢

4. LIST AND INVENTORY OF SELECTED WATERSHEDS IN LAO PDR

A profile for the selected transboundary watersheds of Nam Ou, Se Bang Hieng and Se Kong are provided in Attachment 3 (MRC Watershed Classification Project). The profile provides information on aspects including: land use, slope, size, and population.

4

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

5. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

Some issues to be addressed in the development and implementation of a catchment management programme include (Danida 2001): a.

Continued capacity and awareness building in the area of catchment management at all levels of government.

b.

Designation of watersheds as legal entities for planning purposes.

c.

Clarification of mandate for watershed management among government agencies i.e. MAF and WRCC.

d.

Consolidation of data into a National Watershed Management Information System.

e.

Prioritization of the development needs within watersheds.

f.

Coordination of donor assistance within the natural resources and environment sector.

g.

Development of Regional standards for catchment management, particularly for trans-boundary watersheds.

5

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Attachment 1 –

Regulative Framework Relevant to Catchment Management

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

6 Land Use Planning No. 1 2

Document Document ID Type Decree 99/PM Law 01/97/NA

Date

Document Name

1993 1997

Management and Use of Land Land Law

Level National National

Implementing Agency MF MF/MAF

Sector

Sector Biodiversity

Land Land

Agriculture & Forestry No. 3

Document Document ID Type Decree 188/CCM

4

Decree

5

Strategy

6 7

Law Strategy

8

Strategy

9

Regulation

10 11 12

117/CCM

Date

Document Name

1989 Management and Protection of Aquatic Animals, Wildlife and on Hunting and Fishing

National

Implementing Agency CCM

1989 Management and Use of the Forest and Forested Land 1999 Strategic Vision for the Agricultural Sector Until 2010 1998 Agriculture Law Agriculture and Forestry Sector Development Plan

National

CCM

Forestry

National

MAF

Agriculture

National National

MAF MAF

Agriculture Agriculture

Environmental Action Plan for Sustainable Agriculture

National

MAF

Agriculture

National

MAF

Biodiversity

National National National

MAF MAF MAF

Biodiversity Forestry Forestry

and Rural Development 2001 The Management of the National Biodiversity Conservation Area (NBCA), Aquatic and Wild Animals Decree 1994 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas 164/PM Strategy 2000 Forestry Vision for 2020 Regulation 0221/MAF.2000 2000 Management of Timber and Forest Products Exploitation 0542/AF

Level

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

13

Strategy

14

Order

0054/MAF

15 16

Law Decree

01-96/NA 186/PMO

17

Decree

164/PM

18

Decree

169/PM

19

Decree

89/PM

20

Decree

66/PM

21 22

Decree Decree

67/PM 118/MAF

23

Decree

243/PM

24

Decree

89/PM

25

Decree

84/PM

26 27 28

Plan Strategy Convention

29

Convention

1997 Sustainable Forest Management and Conservation in Lao PDR Vision 2020

National

MAF

Forestry

1996 Customary Rights and the Use of Forest Resource 1996 Forest Law 1994 Allocation of Land and Forest Land for Tree Plantation andand Forest Establishment use Protection of Forest Reserves 1993 Throughtout the Country

National

MAF

Forestry

National National

MAF MAF

Forestry Forestry

National

MAF

Forestry

and use of Forests and Forest 1993 Management Lands Stating National Forestry Reservation Over the 1993 Country

National

MAF

Forestry

National

MAF

Forestry

1991 Adoption of the Tropical Forestry Program of Lao PDR 1991 1999 National Logging Ban Role, Functions, Rights and Organizational Structure

National

MAF

Forestry

National National

MAF MAF

Forestry Institutional

National

MAF

Institutional

National

MAF

Institutional

National

MAF

Institutional

STEA / MAF STEA / MAF UN

Biodiversity Biodiversity Biodiversity

UN

Heritage

of National Agriculture and Forestry Research 1998 Institute Organization and Activities of Ministry of 1998 Agriculture and Forestry Prime Ministerial Decree on implementation of the activities of MAF The Organisation and Operation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 1992 National Biodiversity Action Plan National Biodiversity Strategy Biological Diversity

National National Internation al Internation

Protection of World Heritage and Natural Heritage

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

30

Policy

OP 4.36

al Internation al

1998 Forestry

WB

Forestry

Implementing Agency CPC

Sector

Decentralisation No.

31

Document Type Instruction

Document ID

01/PM

Date

Document Name

2000 Policy of building up the Provinces as strategic units, Districts as planning and budgeting units, Villages as implementing units.

Level

National

Institutional

Poverty Alleviation No. 32 33 34

Document Document ID Type Strategy Strategy Instruction 010/PM

Date

Document Name

Level

Implementing Agency CPC CPC PMO

Sector

2002

Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, Draft National Socio-Economic Development Plan Formulation of Poverty Eradication Program

National National National

Sector

Regional

Implementing Agency LNMC

Environment

National

MIH-DoE

Environment

National

STEA

Environment

Social Social Social

Environment No. 41

Document Document ID Type Agreement

42

Regulation

43

Regulation

447/MIH 1770/STEA

Date

Document Name

1995 Agreement on the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Commission 2001 Implementing Environmental Assessment for Electricity Projects, Draft 2001 Environmental Impact Assessment in Lao PDR

Level

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

44 45

Strategy Law

46

Decree

47 48

02/99/NA 68/PM

Regulation 1122/ STENO Convention

49 50

No. 35 36

2000 National Environment Action Plan 1999 Environmental Protection Law

National National

STEA STEA

Environment Environment

1999 Establishment of the Science, Technology and Environment Agency 1998 Control and Inspection of Wastewater Discharge Wetlands of International Importance Especially as

National

STEA

Institutional

National Internation al

STENO UN

Environment Environment

Internation al Regional

WB

Environment

Level

Implementing Agency STEA WB

1998 Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook Agreement

Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and ASEAN Agreements Ethnic Minority Issues

Document Document ID Type Guidelines

38

Resolution

37

Guidelines

Date Document Name Public Involvement Guidelines, Draft 1998 Public Disclosure

1981 Resolution Concerning Ethnic Minority Policy Note F

Preparation of a Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan

National Internation al

Environment

Sector Social Social

Social

National

Internation al

WB

Social

Level

Implementing Agency

Sector

Investment

No.

Document Type

Document ID

Date

Document Name

39

Law

40

Lao

1/94

1994 Law on the Promotion and Management of Foreign Investment Law on Domestic Investment

National National

CPC CPC

Investment Investment

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Infrastructure Development No. 51

Document Document ID Type Regulation

52 53

Law Decree

54

Regulation

04/99/NA 05/PM 180

55 56 57

Law Law 04/97/NA 585/MIH.DOE

58 59 60 61 62

Policy 581/MIH.DOE Strategy Law 02/97/NA Law Policy OP 7.50

Date

Document Name

Implementing Environmental Assessment for MCTPC Projects, Draft 1999 Road Law 1995 Guidelines for Reducing Environmental Effects of Road Projects 1994 Industrial Waste Discharge Regulation

National

Implementing Agency MCTPC

National National

MCTPC MCTPC

Road Road

National

MIH

Industry

Industrial Law 1997 Mining Law 2001 Environmental Impact Assessment for Electricity Projects

National National National

MIH MIH MIH.DOE

Industry Mining Electricity

National Regional National National Internation al

MIH.DOE MIH-DOE MIH-DoE NA WB

Electricity Electricity Electricity

Level

Implementing Agency MAF PMO PMO PMO

2001 Power Sector Environmental Policy 2000 Hydropower Development Strategy, Draft 1997 Electricity Law 1991 The Constitution 1998 Projects on International Waterways

Level

Sector Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Water Resources No. 63 64 65 66 67

Document Type Decree Policy Strategy Law Strategy

Document ID

Date Document Name Fisheries 2000 Draft Policy on Water & Water Resources, Draft 2000 Management of Water Resources 2000 - 2005 1996 The Water and Water Resources Law National Rural Water Supply Strategy

National National National National National

Sector Fisheries Water Water Water Water

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

ADB =

Asia Development Bank

CCM = CPC = DoE = LNMC = MAF = MIC = MCPTC = MIH = MF = NA = OP = PMO = STEA = STENO = UNDP = WB =

Council of Ministers Central Planning Committee Department of Electricity Lao National Mekong Committee Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Ministry of Information and Culture Ministry of Communication, Post, Transport and Construction Ministry of Industry and Handicraft Ministry of Finance National Assembly Office of the President Prime Minister's Office Science, Technology and Environmental Agency Science, Technology and Environmental Organisation United Nation Development Program World Bank

7

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Attachment 2 –

Organisations and Institutions Relevant to Catchment Management

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Table 2 Attachment 2- Natural Resource Sector Agencies in Lao PDR (Danida 2001) Organization

National Assembly Committee for Planning and Cooperation (CPC)

Dept. for the Promotion and Management of Domestic and Foreign Investment

➢

Coordinates public sector donor support to Government water sector programs and initiatives.

Dept. for Monitoring and Evaluation Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Dept. of Law and Treaties

Monitors project implementation and reports to the PMO. Provides advice on negotiation and signing and follows up implementation of agreements with foreign countries; gives legal advice to State agencies. Develops Government policy into law and promotes the law

➢

Ministry of Justice (MJ) Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)

➢

Water Resource Coordinating Committee and Executing Secretariat (WRCC)

Role

Has ultimate political authority over natural resource use. Approves Regulator National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NESDP). Prepares National Socio-Economic Development Plan. Technical and Regulator and Manager executive functions related to approval of watershed/river basin management plans for incorporation into the NESDP. Support provincial, district and village organizations. Monitors the execution of programs and projects. private sector investment initiatives in the water Solicits and coordinates sector, particularly hydropower BOT investments. Ensures coordination among agencies involved in foreign investment bids and contracts

Dept. International Cooperation

➢

➢

Responsibilities

Regulator Regulator Regulator and Manager

Apex agency for water resources planning and allocation. WRCC is still in formative state. WRCC has prepared Water Sector Profile and Water Sector Strategy

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Organization

Responsibilities

Role

and Action Plan. National Leading Committee for Rural Development

Lead agenc y to f orm ulate and im plem ent the National Rur al Development Program.

National Land Use Planning and Allocation Committee

Lead agency to formulate the Government’s land allocation program, a key element in watershed/river basin management.

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF)

Implements GOL policies, strategies and programs related to the development and management of irrigation, drainage, flood control, fisheries (and livestock).

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

Dept. of For estr y Dept. of Irrigation Dept. Meteorology and Hydrology Dept. Livestock and Fisheries National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute

Ministry of Communications, Transport, Post and Construction (MCTPC)

Regulator, Manager, Operator and Service Provider

Collects, evaluates rainfall, evaporation, river height and flow information for the Lao hydro-meteorology network. Monitors and evaluates data and information related to all of the above. Responsible for monitoring and management for the protection and conservation of watershed resources, protected forest areas, wetlands and wildlife.

Regulator, Manager, Operator and Service Provider

➢

➢

Inland Waterway Division within Dept. of Communication Dept. of Housing and Urban Planning

Manages the use of waterways for transport and ensures safe navigation via dredging and navigation aids. Responsible for river bank and urban flood protection. Collects hydrologic data on Mekong and main tributaries. Responsible for urban development planning. Develops policies, regulations and plans for water supply and drainage, solid wastes and sewerage in urban areas.

➢

Provincial Authorities Urban Water Supply

Supplies water to urban locations (greater than 2000 dwellings and density greater than 30 persons/ha); implements WHO guidelines for drinking water quality, manages sewerage in urban areas

Operator

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Organization

Responsibilities sewerage systems, oxidation ponds and new settlements.

Role

Ministry of Industry and Handicraft (MIH) ➢

Dept. of Industry

Determines policies, plans, regulations and standards relating to industrial waste water.

➢

Dept. of Geology and Mines

Explores mineral deposits, coordinates development and regulates

Regulator, Operator, Service Provider Regulator, Operator, Service Provider

mining operations. ➢

Dept. of Energy

Determines policies, plans, laws and regulations for developing and controlling the production and distribution of electricity. Reviews and evaluates project proposals, contracts and agreements.

Ministry of Health ➢

➢

National Institute of Hygiene Epidemiology and Rural

Supply FoodWater and Drug Dept.

National Geographic Service

Regulator, Operator, Service Provider Manager and Operator Manager Operator and Service Provider

Supplies water and sewerage services to non-urban locations. Sets and monitors standards for drinking water supplies. Provides mapping and other cartographic information.

Provincial Governor’s Offices

Service Provider

Executing agency for provincial projects and provincial budgets. Main Manager agency with links to district and village organizations. Empowered by PMO of all national resources. National University of Laos A working group under the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities and the Faculty of Biology have established an Inter-disciplinary Working Group focusing on Environmental Education and Research

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Table 3 Attachment 3 – List of Projects and Programmes Relevant to Catchment Management Project Name

Donor

ADB TA 3006 and TA 3205: Institutional

Asia Development Bank

Strengthening of the Water Resources

(ADB)

Target Area National

Output National Water Sector Strategy Action Plan

Coordination Committee National Water Sector Profile Draft Decree on WRCC Mandate ADB TA 3285: Strengthening the Capacity for Aid

ADB

National

Coordination and Monitoring

Multi-sectoral Donor Activity Database

ADB TA 2734: Nam Ngum Watershed Management

ADB

National

ADB TA 3374: Power Sector Strategy Study

ADB

National

IPP Power Project Rankings and Assessments

ADB TA 3403: Towards Implementing of the

ADB

National

Agricultural Strategy ADB Loan 1525: Secondary Towns Urban

and summary of donor activities. ADB

Selected Sites

Development ADB Loan 1558: Power Transmission and Distribution

Procedures, agencies, approaches

Water sector infrastructure development

ADB

National

Water sector infrastructure development

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Project Name ADB Loan 1710: Water Supply and Sanitation

Donor ADB

Target Area National

Output Water sector infrastructure development

Nam Ngum Watershed Conservation Project

German Technical

Paek and Pukoud

RRA and PRA land use appraisals

(NAWACOP)

Assistance (GTZ)

Districts, Xieng

and planning

Khouang

Nam Ngum Resources Management Project

Integrated Rural

Province National

Development Committee

Catchment wide socio-economic database.

(IDRC) Participatory land use planning experience and approaches. Watershed Management Plan for Forest

JICA / JAFTA

Conservation in Vang Vieng District

Sekong, Sesan and Nam Theun River Basin

ADB

Hydropower Development Strategy

Vang Vieng

PRA / RRA approaches to resource

District

and watershed management

External river

planning. National Policy for hydropower

basins

including related environmental issues and mitigation measures.

ADB Loan Shifting Cultivation Stabilization Project

Poverty Reduction and Environmental Improvement in Remote Areas

ADB

ADB

Houaphanh

Development of sustainable

Province

agricultural systems.

Mekong

Holistic approach to integrated

subregion

development and natural resource

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Project Name

Donor

Improvement in Remote Areas Watershed Classification Project

Target Area subregion

MRC / CDE

National

Output management policies. Digital terrain maps for preparation of thematic maps.

Assessment and Monitoring of the Mekong Basin

MRC / GTZ

National

Digital forest cover maps.

SIDA

National

Vocational training.

Forest Cover Lao-Swedish Forestry Cooperation Program

Participatory land use planning. Monitoring and Evaluation Systems. Lao-Danida Natural Resources and Environment

DANIDA

National

Programme Forestry Management and Conservation Project

Concepts and Practice in Integrated Watershed Management.

WB / GEF / Finland

(FOMOCOP)

Southern

Vocational training.

Provinces

Participatory land use planning. Monitoring and Evaluation Systems.

Industrial Tree Plantation Project

ADB

Paek and Pukoud

Tree production.

Districts, Xieng Khouang

Dong Dok Forestry College Project

GTZ

Province National

Vocational training.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Project Name

Donor

Management of Protected Areas

IUCN

Target Area National

Output Policy for biodiversity, ecosystems and conservation. Capacity building for local institutions.

Forest Conservation and Afforestation Project

Sustainable Management of Resources in Lower

JICA

MRC / GTZ

Vang Vieng

Forest Conservation and

District

Management.

Regional

Information dissemination, interactive conferencing on regional

Mekong Basin

problems / strategies. Co-financing of local initiatives. Agricultural Strategy Study

ADB

National

Strategy reform in the agricultural and forestry sector.

ADB TA 1745 and TA 2333: Institutional

ADB

National

Capacity building in irrigation, forestry, agriculture, livestock,

Strengthening and Development of MAF

fisheries, hydrology and

ADB TA 2447: Small Scale Community Managed Irrigation

ADB

5 provinces

meteorology sectors. Infrastructure development and water resource use and management capacity building.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Project Name ADB TA 3189: Irrigation Management Transfer

Donor ADB

Target Area 5 provinces

Output Water resource management and development at the community level.

Integrated Rural Development Program

IFAD / UNDCP

Xieng Khouang

Integrated agro-forestry, community

Province

development and irrigation.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Attachment 3 –

Contact Institutions for WSM In Lao PDR

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

Organisation Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry Dept. of Forestry, MAF Dept. of Forestry, MAF Dept. of Forestry, MAF Dept. of Forestry, MAF Dept. of Irrigation, MAF Dept. of Meteorology and Hydrology, MAF Dept. of Agriculture, MAF National Agriculture & Forestry Research Institute MAF STEA STEA Dept. of Environmental Research, STEA PPTA Nam Ngum River Basin, WRCC, STEA Dept. of Electricity, MIH National Institute of Sanitation and Rural Water Supply, MPH Dept. General Planning, CPC Ethnic Minority Dept., National Front for Edification of Lao Nation Gender Resource and Information Development Center, Lao Women's Union Danida - National Capacity Building Project

Contact Name Position Thongphou Chief of Office, Vongsipasom Vice Chairman of Water Resources Coordinating Committee Director Phetsamay Vongkhammounty

Phone 412340 413347 215000

Veunvang Boutthalath Linthong Douangphachanh Savay Thammavongsa Pheng Phieangpanya Vilavanh Phanoulath

Deputy Director

222563

Deputy Head of Forest Resources Division Head of Water Resources Division Deputy Director

222534

Thanousay Ounthouang Dr. Ty Phommasack

Deputy Director Director

712047

Noulinh Sinhbandit Ms Keobang A Keola Phone Chalern Nonthaxay

President, Chairman of WRCC Deputy Chief

218738

Hugh Milner

Team Leader

020 519035

Houmphone Bulyaphol Dr.Nouanta Maniphousay

Director

413014

Director

413310 217204

Sornthavixay Phetdaoheuang Ye Keu Ya

Technician

216752 612081 213764 251971

Bounphèng

Librarian

412078

Peter QuistHoffmann

Technical Advisor

415364

Director

415540 215010 412341 412349

020 519788

Deputy Director

Technician

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Laos

MAF =

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

CPC = MPH = MIH = WRCC = STEA =

Central Planning Committee Ministry for Public Health Ministry for Industry and Handicrafts Water Resources Coordinating Committee Science Technology Environment Agency

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

Country – based Watershed Management Informational in Thailand

Udhai Thongmee Watershed Management Division Royal Forest Department Bangkok, Thailand ******************************

14 January 2002

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

CONTENTS Page 1. Introduction to Watershed Management in Thailand 1.1 General Characteristic 1) Location 2) Topography / Watershed Characteristics 3) Climate 1.2 Watershed Problems / Degradation 1) Conversion of Forest lands to Agricultural lands 2) Forest Fire 3) Logging Operation 4) Other Activities 1.3 Evolution of Watershed Management 1) Watershed Rehabilitation Stage 2) Integrated Watershed Management Stage 3) Participatory Watershed Management Stage

1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5

2. Policy on Forestry and Land Use Planning relevant to Watershed Management 9 2.1 National Policy 9 2.2 Forest Policy 2.3 Policy and Prospective Plan for Enhancement and Conservation of National Environment Quality (1997-2016) 2.4 Watershed Classification

3. ws and Regulations Relevant to Watershed Management

10 11 13

La 15

3.1 Thai constitution, 1997 15 3.2 Laws concerning forest and wildlife 16 3.3 Laws concerning land and soil 16 3.4 Laws concerning water resources 16 3.5 Laws concerning environmental protection 17 3.6 Cabinet Resolution concerning natural resources related to watershed management17

4. ganization Relevant to Watershed Management 4.1 Office of Environment Policy and Planning 4.2 Royal Forest Department 4.3 Land Development Department 4.4 Hilltribe Welfare Division, Department of Public Welfare

5. Watershed Areas in the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) in Thailand 5.1 Mekong River Basin 5.2 The Tributary Basin in LMB within Thailand 5.2.1 Kok River Basin 5.2.2 Chi River Basin 5.2.3 Mun River Basin 5.2.4 Mekong River Basin

Or 19 19 20 23 24 27 27 27 27 27 28 28

REFERENCES

33 *************************

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

1. Introduction to Watershed Management in Thailand

1.1 General Characteristic 1) Location The kingdom of Thailand is located in the centre of the Indo-chinese Peninsula within the Southeast Asia; between latitudes 5 40 and 20 30 North and between longitudes 97 70 and 105 45 East. It has a common border line with Myanmar in the west and northwest, Republic of Laos’ People Democratic is situated on the northeast. Cambodia is on the east and Malaysia in the south. The South China Sea is on the east and the Andaman Sea on the West of the southern peninsula. The total area of the country is about 320 million rai (513,115 sq.km.) and total population is about 62 million. There are approximately 65% of the total population depend on agricultural activities. 0

0

/

0

/

0

/

/

2) Topography / Watershed Characteristics The characteristics of watersheds in Thailand vary from place to place, due to differences in physiography. The National Hydrology Committee was classified the watershed area into 25 major watersheds for the whole country (Figure1). The total areas, upper watershed areas and average annual water volume of the major watershed are 512,066 sq.km., 127,731 sq.km. and 215,558 km. respectively. The detail of each watershed is inlustrated in Table 1. 3

Northern region : The northern region where the Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan rivers originate, is the most important watershed area in the country. The river join together to form the Chao Phraya River, flowing through the central plain towards the Gult of Thailand. The others are Salawin, Kok, and Mekong watersheds. The northern region is mountainous with long ridges and steep narrow valleys in head watersheds. This is a general topographic of northern Thailand with about 75% comprising of highland. The altitude ranges from 100 meters to 2,685 meters above mean sea level. In the upland areas, there are almost a million population have been settled. Most of them are hilltribe minorities which have been practiced shifting cultivation. Northeastern region : There are two main watersheds in the northeastern region. The Chi and Mun rivers flow eastward through the region and join the Mekong River. The other is Mekong watershed. It tributaries flow directly through the Mekong river such as Huai-Banghes, Huai Luang, Mae Nam Songkhram, etc. The topography of the watershed is the main characteristic of the Plateau, which gradually changes from undulation to rolling landforms in the lower portion to mountainous areas in the upper portion. The northeast is the most critical area where drought is prevalent during the dry season; floods and soil erosion in the rainy season. The soil is quite sandy, with low nutrient content and low water holding capacity. Central region : The central region consists of the Chao Phraya, Sakae Krang, Pasak and Thachin watersheds Eastern region : In the eastern region, consists of Prachin Buri, Bang Pakong, Tonlesap and East Coast Watersheds. Western region : The western region consists of the Kwai-Yai and Kwai-Noi rivers which are the tributaries of the Mae-Klong watershed, flowing towards the Gulf of Thailand. The other watersheds in the southern part of this region are the Petchaburi and West-Coast watersheds.

1

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

Southern region : The southern region is a long slender peninsular which runs in a north-south direction. The watersheds can be physically distinguished between the east coast and the west coast. The eastern coast consistes of Peninsala East Coast watershed, Tapi Watershed, Tonle Sap Songkhla watershed and Pattani watershed. The western watershed is Peninsula West Cost watershed consists of small with short distance of river system such as Mae Nam Kraburi, Khlong La Un, Khlong Thom, Mae Nam Trang, etc. 3) Climate The climate of Thailand is tropical and is mainly affected by the monsoons, resulting from the seasonal differences in temperature between the land mass and the oceanic body, alternately blow southwesternly and northeasternly over Thailand. However, the climatic condition of the country varies from region to region with an average annual rainfall from 1,100 millimeters to 4,000 millimeters . The major high rainfall zones are Peninsula Thailand and the southeast coast, which has an average annual rainfall of more than 2,000 millimeters to 4,000 millimeters in some areas. The low rainfall zone is found in the rain shadow in the central part of the northeast region where the average annual rainfall is about 1,100 millimeters. The rainy season with almost 80% of the total rainfall occurs in the period from May through October, resulting from southwest monsoon, with the exception of the southeast coast and east coast of Peninsula Thailand,the rainy season lasts through December. However the rainy season has been irrigular in the last 4 years.The northeast monsoon from November to February bring cool air to the northern and Northeastern region.The mean monthly temperature ranges from 20 oC to 32 oC 1.2 Watershed Problems / Degradation The main cause of watershed problems or watershed degradation is the depletation of forest for the extraction of forest and the conversion of forest lands to agricultural lands incorperation with land use abuse. In the early 1900s, the forest has been depleted by the extraction of timber for national economic development. Another depletion of forest has also caused by conversion of forest lands to agricultural lands to provide subsistence food for rapidly increasing population as well as agronomic expansion for commercial crops. The other depletion of forest lands is for country development, such as road construction, water resources and others infrastructures development. The watershed depletation has resulted on surface runoff, soil erosion and sedimentation in the rainy season. In conversion, it has effected to drought in dry season resulting on defficiency in water consumption, agricultural and industrial production etc. The flooded and drought have been increasing both in term of hazard and frequency. The main cause of watershed degradation can be categoried as fallow. 1) Conversion of Forest lands to Agricultural lands Over the last 3 decades, forest cover in Thailand has dramatically decreased from about 53% in 1961 to approximately 25 % in 1998 (Table 2). The depletion of forest areas has mainly been caused by conversion of forest lands to agricultural lands to provide subsistence food for the rapidly increasing population, as well as rapid agronomic expansion for commercial crops. Most of Thai population have been converted forest lands in the low valleys and flat plain for paddy fields, and agronomic crops such as kenaf,cassava, maize and sugar cane in the flat or undulating areas. However, some of them have been encroached forest areas into the mountainous lands due to the areas in the lowlands are limitted effecting from rapidly increasing population. 2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

In the upland, hilltribes have been settled in the mountainous areas particularly in the most important watersheds in northern region where the four main rivers, the Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan originate. The hilltribes have been practiced shifting cultivation (slash and burn practice) for their livelihood. It is a main cause of forest depletion on the mountainous areas. The hilltribes which living in the mountainous areas in Thailand are Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Lisu, Yao, Akha, H’tin Lua, khamu, and etc. The population living in the highland mountainous areas in 1997 are almost a million people in 187,150 households of 4,841 grouping villages (glum ban) within 20 provinces mainly in the northern region. The distribution of the population and villages are shown in Table 3. In the past, the cultivated lands in the upper watershed areas were mainly cultivated for subsistence food. However, in the last few decades, the cultivated lands have been converted to commercial crops which are rapidly caused forest destruction. The agricultural practices particularly the rapid expansion for commercial crops on the sloping watershed areas are major cause of watershed degradation. These are not caused only surplus runoff, soil erosion and sedimentation but also water contamination from insecticides and fertilizer applied to those crops. 2)

Forest Fire

Forest fire is an important caused of watershed degradation in Thailand. Forest fire is caused by human activities mainly in form of slash and burn for agricultural purpose, collecting forest products, hunting and other causes. Forest fire is mainly occurrence in Dry Dipterocarp forest, Mixed Deciduous forest, Dry Evergreen forest, Pine forest, and abundant shifting cultivated areas. Forest fire is normally occured from January to May while the weather is getting warm and the forest areas is getting dry. Forest fire is not only damage forest trees but also damage ground covers and surface soil. These will decrease water infiltration capacity, therefore resulting to surplus surface runoff and soil erosion. If the situation is going on year after year, the forest structure will be changed into the drier zone. 3)

Logging Operation

In early 1900s forest policy emphasized on the extraction of timber for economic development. Nalampoon (1995) stated that; “Before the 1950’s , Thailand had a thick forest cover of heterogeneous types. Timbers, particulary teak were the most important export commodity after rice. The timber harvesting done by most logging operation in the past, surpassed the sustainable level and caused deterioration to over logged forest.” Access roads for logging operation are also caused soil erosion and sedimentation. At the same time, local landless people penetrated deeper into the forests by using access roads and encroached forests for agricultural practices, and finally settledown in the forest areas. Due to the depletion of forest by logging operation incorporate with a hazard flood in southern Thailand in Nokhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani provinces in late November 1988 which destroyed and buried 55,851 houses and 373 people (Sawintara and Thongmee, 1991). Logging operations both under the concession and illegal logging were blamed as an important cause of the hazard flood. Therefore, the government decided to ban logging over the country since January 1989. 4) Other Activities Other activities cause watershed degradation are road construction, mining , over grazing, pesticides and fertilizer, and etc. Road construction : Road construction particularly on the upper watershed sloping land is one of the major cause of soil erosion and sedimentation. Road construction on sloping land without well manage and unsuitable plan, soil from over cut will cause big 3

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

problem on sedimentation and water quality in the down streams. Land slide and/or soil erosion along the road sites have to be carefully prevented. Mining : Mining is an important watershed degradation particularly in the upper watershed. Mining is cause soil erosion and sedimentation in down streams. Salvage water from mining process will cause water quanlities in down stream areas. Another important issue is a great effort to rehabilitate the areas after mining . Over grazing : Over grazing is another cause of watershed degradation. In the mountainous areas, particularly in northern region where hilltribes are living. Most of the households raise animals such as cattle, horses, and ete. within the forest areas or swidden areas. In some places where over grazing occurrence, ground cover will be reduced at the same time, animals tramp will cause soil compaction. Water infiltration will be reduced which effecting surplus surface runoff and soil ersoion. Animals residual will also be contaminated water quality in the down streams. Pesticides and Fertilizer Application : In the last few decades, the agricultural practices in the mountainous areas have been converted from subsistence food to commercial crops. Agricultural practices become more intensive incoporate with limitation of lands. Pesticides and fertilizer have been intensively applied for the commercial crops. Parlicularly for vegetable with rapidly expanded. Careless and over application of pesticides and fertilizerlead to water contamination causing big problems to water consumers down streams. 1.3 Evolution of Watershed Management 1.

Watershed Rehabilitation Stage :

Watershed Management programme in Thailand has been initiated since 1953 by setting up watershed rehabilitation field stations under the Royal Forest Department (RFD) which was focuses on headwatersheds rehabilitation by reforestation on abandoned shifting cultivated areas in the North. An approach used for watershed management at that time was just to regreen the head watershed areas by reforestation assuming that only the forest can produce optimal yield and distribution of water(Tangtham, 1987). This was the first effort in watershed management in Thailand. In 1964, the Royal Thai Government (RTG) realized that it faced many problems resulting from watershed degradation in the upper watersheds areas. Hence, an interinstiutional watershed management programme was initiated. The Cabinet agreed to set up the Committee on Watershed Conservation and Development. Unfortunately, due to little support and inadequate cooperation among the concerned agencies, this committee did not function very well and disappeared in a few years (Thangtham, 1987). However, Land Development Department (LDD) set up Soil and Water Conservation and Management Division, and RFD established Watershed Research Sub-Division in 1965 (and eventually become a Watershed Management Division in 1975). Since then, foresters, agriculturists, soil and water conservationists, became part of watershed management teams. Watershed management and related activities such as soil and water conservation and agro-forestry etc. have been introduced. However, the main activity in watershed management still remained on reforestation of denuded watersheds and some soil and water conservation practices. 2.

Integrated Watershed Management Stage :

Since 1970, the RFD realized that, without taking the watershed inhabitants

into

consideration for rehabilitation works, it would be impossible to stop deforestation and land ues conflicts. The socio-economic development plan including permanent agricultural system have been introduced for replacing shifting cultivation practices on the mountainous watersheds. Therefore, in 1972 the RFD established the “Mae Sa Integrated Watershed and Forest Land-Use Project” with the assistance from FAO/UNDP. The main goal was to find out the best form of land use for rehabilitation of upland watershed areas in the4

northern

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

region. The project carried out watershed management, forest grazing and range management, horticulture, forest management, forest fire control, road construction, conservation farming, and extension etc. in order to replace the shifting cultivation practices and providing better living conditions to the watershed inhabitants. The project offered scholarships for staff training abroad in watershed management and related subjects. The project ended in 1981 and was completelytaken over by RFD. The project provided considerable on the job training and demonstrations on watershed management and related subject matters. In October 1979, a Committee on Watershed Classification was officially set up. A major objective of watershed classification project is to formulate land use plans for the conservation of natural resources , and in particular water resources with a view to their sustainable use (Sriratana Tabucanon, 1998). Watershed classification is the macro Land-use planning for the sustainable development of water resources ( Tangtham, 1996). In 1980s an integrated watershed management approach, for people’s participation and cooperation among concerned agencies, integrated watershed management concepts were introduced in watershed management programmes. There have been various watershed management project in cooperation with many international agencies, applying participatory approaches e.g. in the Mae Cheam Watershed Development Project (1980-1987) assisted by USAID in the north, and Integrated Development of the Phu Wiang Watershed Project (1984-1989) supported by FAO/UNDP in the north-east. The main objectives of these mentioned projects are to improve living condition and improved land use patterns for environmental conservation through participatory integrated rural watershed development. 3) Participatory Watershed Management Stage : The Sam Mun Highland Development project (SM-HDP) received financial assistance from the United Nation Drug Control Program (UNDCP) . The project focused on improving the quality of life of the people in the project area and on reducing opium growing areas as well as opium addiction. The project was implemented between 1987-1994 and was divided into 2 phases. The SM-HDP was emphasized on people participation in forest and natural resources management, awareness on understanding of forest protection and conservation through participatory land use planning, 3-D model techniques, and selfsufficiency agicultures. In addition, the project also provided basic informations appropriate technology and knowledge to local people through formal and informal discussion, meeting, training, and study tour. The programme has been extended to Accelerated Watershed Rehabilitation Programme, and Watershed Management Units under Watershed Management Division , RFD. The Thai-German Highland Development Program (TG-HDP) was implemented during 1981-1998. Based on the achievement of the programme, the TG-HDP found that inter village networking were an effective way to improve community based land use planning and local watershed management. The Upper Nan Watershed Management Project has been carried out since 1996. The DANCED funded project is planned to continue until year 2003. Village revolving funds are being used for more sustainable land use and generating off-farm income. The strengthening of the village watershed networks has been shown to assist in improving community forest fire management. In 1999 an important activity of the project is improved natural resource management through the sub-district administrations (TAO).

5

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

Figure 1 : 25 Major Watershed of Thailand

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

Table 1 Area and Water Volume of Major Watershed in Thailand

SALAWEEN

17,920

Upper Watershed area (km2) 14,873

57,422

10,514

15,800

7,895

4,452

5,119

No

River Basin

Region

Total area (km2)

. 01

N

Average Annual Water Volume (km3) 8,156

02

N

MEKONG

03

N

KOK

04

N-E

CHI

49,477

6,531

8,035

05

N-E

MUN

69,700

2,300

21,767

06

N

PING

33,898

17,762

8,116

07

N

WANG

10,791

39

1,429

08

N

YOM

23,616

7,557

1,430

09

N

NAN

34,330

13,354

9,581

10

C

CHO PRAYA

20,125

403

4,925

11

C

SAKAE KRANG

5,191

841

519

12

C

PA SAK

16,292

3,486

2,708

13

C

THA CHIN

13,682

944

2,815

14

W

MAE KLONG

30,837

16,405

12,943

15

E

PRACHINBURI

10,481

1,362

4,502

16

E

BANG PARONG

7,978

631

4,900

17

E

TONELESAP

4,150

228

1,193

18

E

EASTERN COAST

13,830

2,060

25,960

19

W

PETCHABURI

5,603

2,740

1,410

20

W

WESTERN COAST

6,745

803

1,013

21

S

S-E COAST

26,353

5,007

35,614

22

S

TAPEE

12,225

2,543

17,380

23

S

SONGKLA LAKE

8,495

2,013

7,301

24

S

PATTANI

3,858

826

3,024

25

S

S-W COAST

21,172

10,057

9,918

512,066

127,731

215,558

TOTAL

Source : Sriratana Tabucanon M. 1998

7

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

Table 2 Remaining Forest area in Thailand Year of total area

sq.km.Of forest area

1961 1973 1976 1978 1982 1985 1988 1989 1990 1991 1993 1995 1998 Source : RFD Annual Reports

273,628 221,207 198,417 175,224 156,600 150,866 143,807 143,417 141,110 136,698 135,521 131,485 129,722

% of total area 53.33 43.11 38.67 34.15 30.52 29.4 28.03 27.95 27.5 26.64 26.02 25.62 25.28

Table 3 Highland Community within 20 Provinces of Thailand in 1997

Tribe Karen Kmong Yao Akha Musur Lisu Lua H’tin Khamu Malabri Palong Tongchu Chinese Thai Yai Thai Lue Low land Thai Others Total

Village 2,130 266 195 276 446 161 71 151 47 3 4 4 71 72 17 879 48 4,841

Households

Population

70,892

353,574 15,704 126,300 9,501 48,357 9,740 56,616 15,388 85,845 5,652 33,365 3,322 17,637 7,058 38,823 2,516 13,674 24 125 290 1,626 53 257 3,456 21,579 4,547 20,068 1,344 6,472 36,031 157,718 1,632 9,086 991,122 187,150

Source : Public Welfare Department, 1997

8

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

2. Policy on Forestry and Land Use Planning relevant to Watershed Management 2.1 National Policy National Economic and Social Development Plan (NESDP) is a national framework for policy and planning. There are also provided guidance for natural resources and environment management which are related to watershed management. The first six NESDP (1961 – 1991) focused on stimulation economic growth. The 7th NESDP (1992 - 1996) introduced the concept of sustainable development and natural resource management. Northern watershed Management project (1996) stated that "the primary focus of the first seven plans focus on economic development which proved highly successful with an impressive average annual growth rate of about seven percent. However, economic growth was unbalanced, with income disparity levels continually widening which created new social stresses and weakened traditional cultural values. The growth was fuelled, largely by resource exploitation rather than investment, particularly in regard to the Country ’s resource base and environment which is now seriously degraded as a result. The 8 NESDP (1997 – 2001) focus not only on the factors that could constrain growth, but also stresses the need to improve household and regional income distribution and manage natural resources in a sustain manner. The plan is emphasized on "human development" as the key concept of development. Its ideas emphasize on an increase in efficient natural resource management through an appropriate system including strengthening the capability of people and their communities to deal with problems, to protect and rehabilitate natural resources through a participatory approach (Liwgasemsan, 1996). th

In order to have effective administration and management of National Resource and Environment; the programs should be management of water resource by watershed area, support the existing land use relevant to land capability and watershed classification. In its implementation strategy the 8 Plan emphasized on an integrated approach which all agencies are urged to cooperate in the design, implementation and evaluation of programmes together with full stakeholder participation (Northern Watershed Management project, 1996) th

Gilmore (1999) expressed that the 8 NESDP had emphasized on three categories. The most important thing is the focus on the protection of remaining natural forests. The second emphasis given in the plan is the rehabilitation of forest and promotion of reforestation. The third emphasis is on people participation in the process of forest management in various forms. th

Sukawong (1999) concluded that: - the 1st – 2nd NESDP encouraged the exploitation of forest resources in order to bring foreign currency. - the 4 NESDP realized the loss of forests, therefore, their conservation was initiated and their destruction banned until the 6 NESDP. th

th

- during the 7 NESDP, forest cover continued to reduced by about 1 million rai (160,000 ha.) per year. th

- the 8 NESDP encouraged the people to participate in the process, initiated community organizations, strengthened the community, campaigned for the understanding of government officials towards the community roles and promoted people’s participation. th

- the 9 NESDP states more clearly that provinces will be aimed at local th

9

planning. The current 9 NESDP (2002 – 2006) aims at poverty alleviation and raise standard of living of the major population in order to sustain development and happiness of Thai people under the “sufficient economy philosophy”. The plan is emphasized on human development (as stated on the 8 plan), strengthening communities, administrative and management natural resource and environment including development of science and technology in appropriate with Thai society. The target on natural resource is to conserve and rehabilitate Protected Forest area not less than 30% of the total country’s area and th

th

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

mangrove forest not less than 1.25 million rai; promote economic forest plantation 5% and private forest 5% of the total country’s area. The strategic plan related to watershed management and natured resources are 1) decentralize the responsibility to local administrative organization. 2) restructuring rural and city development by encouraging economic at grass root with effecting economic growth and poverty reduction; strengthening communities, development group productions and area productions in order to make efficiency economic bases under the area approach participatory management. 3) restructuring mechanism and process of administration and management of natural resource and environment effectively by participation of local communities and the whole stakeholder in the society for sustainable used. 4) poverty reduction by making opportunity for poor people accessing the government services and be able to equally use of natural resources. 2.2 Forest Policy

Early forest policy (1900s) was emphasized on the extraction of timber for national economic development. Though forest policy was included in the First Five - Year NDP in 1962, but the implementation was not emphasized. The only significant policy statement in forestry was the establishment of the minimum permanent area to be kept under forest cover. The target in the Plan was 50 percent of the land area to be under forest cover, with a provision that, as population reached 30 million, the figure should be reduced to 40 percent (FAO, 1993). Due to over logging operation incorporate with encroachment for agricultural lands (particularly during the cash - crop boom in 1960s) have effected the rapid depletion of natural resources causing many of the serious environmental problems. In order to unity the forest policy, the RFD established a committee to draft a national Forest Policy in 1982. The committee was mainly a government body consisting of various ministers, advisers and government secretaries. There was only one representative from the private sector the President of the Forest Industry Association of Thailand. The aim was to coordinate and consolidate the efforts of all concerned toward protection and utilization of the national forest resource. The committee had the following terms of reference (FAO, 1993) : -

Assigning no less than 40 percent of the area of the country as forest area: 15 percent for Protected Forest area with appropriate measures under the National Park Act, Wildlife Protection and conservation Act and the cabinet resolutions on forest conservation; and 25 percent for Economic Forest area with measures under the Forest Reservation Act and Forest Act and any other laws or cabinet resolutions concerning economic forest development;

- Developing a guideline and target for long-term forest management, forestdevelopment and forest resource conservation according to the proposed National Forestry Policy; -

Specifying measures for the conservation of forest environment, soil, water, rare flora and fauna and measures for prevention of natural calamity from flood and landslide and assigning the responsibility to various agencies for implementation;

-

Supervising and expediting the operation of law - enforcement officials 10 to

-

deal with offenders and specifying procedures to follow in prosecution; Providingrecommendationstothecabinetonpolicyandmeasureson forest management, forest development and forest resource conservation

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

such a increasing the use of modern technology to increase farm productivity, reduce farm area expansion, and provide a clear forest boundary to prevent forest encroachment, etc; -

Improving the forest administration system;

-

Assigning all lands with slope of more than 35 percent as forest land and no land deed or title for such land may be issued under the Land Codes;

-

Specifying policy and measures to promote private tree farming; and

-

Undertaking any other activities assigned by the cabinet.

The specific terms of reference limited the scope for deliberations of the committee. The policy formulation process was detailed, with extensive readings and public hearings for academics, the public, politicians, and village leaders. Cabinet approved the policy in 1985. The original ratio of protected to productive forest of 15 percent to 25 percent has already been changed to 20 percent in 1990 and back again by Ministerial decree. At the same time, the Seventh NESDP (1992 – 1996) was submitted for approval where a ratio was specified as 25 to 15 percent. The Cabinet approved the Plan. Also logging has been banned from all forests, so production forest is effectively zero. (FAO, 1993) 2.3 Policy and Prospective Plan for Enhancement and Conservation of National E n v i r o n mental Q u a l i t y, ( 1 9 9 7 2 0 1 6)

This section is summarized from Office of Environmental Policy and Planning, 1999. Preparation of the Policy and Prospective Plan for Enhancement and conservation of National Environment Quality Act of 1992, as stipulated in Section 13(1): The National Environment Board has the authority and obligation to propose the Cabinet for agreement, to be used as guidelines and a framework for administration and promotion and conservation of the nation's environmental quality. The document has been considered finally by the National Environment Board, and on 26 November 1996, the Cabinet passed a resolution accepting the Policy and Prospective Plan for Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality, 1997-2016. 2.3.1 The Policy and Prospective for Plan Environment and Conservation of National Environment Quality for the period 1997 - 2016, consists of six main policy as areas on Natural Resources, Pollution Prevention and Eradication, Natural and Cultural Environments,

Community Environment, Environmental Education and promotion, Environmental Technology. 2.3.2 The vision for managing environmental quality includes:

(1) Natural resources are the resource base for sustainable development. Utilization of these resources for economic development purposes is based on conservation and social justice. (2) Administration and management of environmental quality overall are decentralized to be effective, with power being transferred from central offices to local institutions. Thus, all government agencies, the private sector, NGOs and local level institutions can participate in formulation of policy and planning, and a monitoring program. (3) People have awareness and are willing to work together to protect, and rehabilitate environmental quality. 11

2.3.3 The objectives for managing environmental quality includes:

(1) Protect and rehabilitate environmental quality for enhancement of quality o f l i f e and b e t t e r h e a l t h o f h u m a n b e i n g s. (2) Conserve natural resources to be the resource base for sustainable development, by rehabilitating degraded natural resources for future development, by preserving and sustainable using non-renewable resources.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

(3) Boost institutional capacities to administrate and manage environmental quality, in addition to decentralizing power to provincial and local authorities. 2.3.4 The Policy and prospective Plan for Enhancement and Conservation of National Environment Quality for the period 1997 - 2016 on Natural Resources are:

(1) Increase efficiency in the use of natural resources; coordinate any utilization of natural resources and reduce conflicts; and, accelerate rehabilitation of degraded natural resources to be the basic inputs for sustainable development. (2) Enhance administration and management of natural resources by systematic decentralization of power and authority from central offices to regional offices, in addition to strengthening relationships among government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, and local people. (3) Support the application of resource economics for effective management of natural resources and establishment of social justice. (4) Amend the legal and regulatory framework enabling support for more effective administration and management of natural resources, and recognition of rights and responsibilities of local people to demonstrate ownership of resources. (5) Support the study, research, and establishment of a standardized database net work for natural resource. (6) Increase conservation awareness of senior government officers, politicians at all levels, the private sector, and the general public, in order to integrate concepts for natural resources development and conservation, ensuring their movement in the same direction. 2.3.5 The goal to protect remaining natural resources, and rehabilitate degraded resources as the resource base for sustainable development over the long-term includes:

(1) Soil and Land Use - Effectively use land resources for various activities on their capacity and conforming to environmental conditions, taking into consideration the impact on the country as a whole. - Conserve, rehabilitate and improve degraded soil and land as the resource base for sustainable development, by accelerating rehabilitation of abandoned areas and solving the problem of soil erosion, that covers 59.5% and 41.7% of the countries area, respectively. - Conserve areas containing unique ecosystems and geology based on the natural balance. (2) Forest Resources - Protect 50% of the country as forest cover; of this at least 30% is designated as conservation forest, and the remaining 20% is designated as economic forest. - Utilize forest resources based on maintaining balanced ecosystems and environmental quality. - Conserve biodiversity sustainability. (3) Water Resources

12

Develop, conserve and rehabilitate surface and ground water resources in all basins, to ensure sufficient quantity and good quality on a long-term basis. (4) Coastal Resources - Preserve at least 1 million rai (160,000 hectare) of mangrove forest. - Conserve and rehabilitate all types of coastal resources in order to maintain the natural balance of this ecosystem.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

2.3.6 Policy on Forest Resource Management

(1) Increase forest cover to 50% of the country. At least 30% is to be designated as conservation forest, and 20% as economic forest, to ensure that demands of economic and social development are met, and to maintain the environmental balance. (2) Utilization of forests must be in accordance with natural resource conservation practices. (3) Protect remaining natural forest areas from encroachment. (4) Reduce conflict over utilization of forest resources and other resource in forest areas. 2.4 Watershed Classification In order to protect natural resources, land areas have been allocated for various uses such as areas to be permanently protected forests as watershed cover, commercial forests, and areas open for utilization all resources or conversion to agronomic uses. The watershed classification has been recognized in Thailand for many years. Several methods had been proposed but had not been widely accepted by the government resources management agencies. Finally, a Watershed Classification Project was established by the Cabinet under the National Environment Board. A new committee was formed for the Watershed Classification Project in October 1979. The National Economic and Social Development Board provided funds to Kasetsart University through the National Environment Board for conducting the project. The National Environment Board retained a technical panel of experts (the Watershed Classification Committee : WCC) for advice of technical aspects of the project. While the project was mainly funded by the Government of Thailand, technical assistance and support had been provided by the Government of Sweden through the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) A major objective of watershed classification is to formulate land use plans for the conservation of natural resources, and in particular water resources with a view to their sustainable use (Sriratana Tabucanon, 1998). In addition, watershed classification is the macro Land-use planning for the sustainable development of water resources (Tangtham, 1996). Watershed classification initiated by the WCC is defined as the identification of inherent capacity of landscape unit to be managed and produced, either plants or animals. The terms “WSC” used by the WCC is synonymous with land use planning for watershed areas. It is an effort to make man’s uses of land as compatible as possible with the features of the environment and to mitigate on-site and off-site effect of use. All WCC members were asked to propose the parameters which are thought to be meaningful in characterizing watershed classes and must be available or can be made available in short period. Also constraints required for mapping large area of country (40 million ha) with limited time and computer system (PC) were informed to WCC members. It was agreed that parameters used in deriving prediction models must be stable in space and time and equally good data and must be numerically scaled to establish a mathematical relationship with WSC and for efficient production of WSC maps. Five variables were selected from more than 20 parameters initially proposed by concerned agencies. They are SLOPE, ELEVATION, LANDFORM, GEOLOGY and SOIL. Values for the five variables were read either from 1:50,000 topographic maps, or soil and geologic maps for each of 1x1 sq.km grid. A multivariable analysis was employed to develop the mathematical relationships of variables with assigned WSC values for each region and/or basin. Detailed information on prediction equation derivation, field test and mapping procedures was described by Tangtham (1992). The watershed classification and its land-use practices resolution have been implemented since 1985 for the Ping-Wang watershed in the northern region and

13

implementation in all of the watershed regions of the country in 1995. The watershed classification and recommended land-use are shown in Table 4.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

According to the watershed classification promulgation under cabinet resolution, there are about 58 million rai (9.3 million ha.) or 17.86 percent of the country area was classified as WSC1, about 26.7 million rai (4.28 million ha.) or 8.3 percent was classified as WSC 2. Therefore, about 26 percent of the country area was classified as head watershed areas. The rest of about 235.79 million rai (37.7 million ha.) or about 73.7 percent was classified as WSC 3-5. After Cabinet approval, all government agencies concerned must follow the resolutions whereby measures and recommendations of land utilization applicable to each watershed class. According to the cabinet resolution, watershed class 1 is protected or conservation forest which must be strictly permanent forest as head water sources. All land use are prohibited. Those communities located in the watershed class 1A must be relocated. Immediate reforestation program must be undertaken by RTG on the abandon shifting area. However the LANDSAT imagery survey in 1993 found that, over 2.76 million rai (0.44 million ha.) on the WSC I have been encroached (Thong mee, 1999). Highland Community Development and Narcotics Control Master plan No.2 (1997 - 2001) illustrated that the population living in the highland mountainous areas in 1995 are over 853,000 people in 154,821 households of 4,297 grouping village (glum ban) within 20 provinces mainly in the northern region (the population who are settle on watershed class 1, have not yet classified). The population have been increased up to 991,122 people in 1997 (data from Public welfare Department). Table 4 Watershed Classification and Recommended Land use, Thailand WS CLASS

CHARACTERISTICS AND MAJORLAND USE RECOMMENDED

WATERSHEDS APPROVED B

WSC 1A

WSC 1 B

WSC 2

WSC 3

WSC 4 WSC 5

Protection forest and headwater source area at higher elevations and steep slopes.

YPING-WANG : 28 May 1985

Primary headwater areas should remain under permanent forest1A cover. Similar to WSC but some areas cleared for agricultural use or occupied by villages.

YOM - NAN : 21 October 1986

MUN - CHI : 12 July Primary headwater areas require special SWC 1988 measures, replanted to forest or maintained in SOUTHERN: 07 permanent agro-forestry. Protection and/or commercial forest at higher November 1989 elevations with steep slopes. EASTERN: 19 Landforms less erosive than WSC 1A or WSC 1 B. November 1991 Secondary headwater areas may by use for WESTERNgrazing or certain crops with SWC measures. Unplands with steep slopes and less erosive CENTRAL-PASAK landforms. Areas may be used for commercial NORTHERN AND forests, mining, grazing, fruit trees or certain NORTHEASTERN BORDER : 21 agricultural crops with SWC measures. Gently slopping lands suitable for row crops, fruit February 1995 trees and grazing with moderate need for SWC measures. Gentle to flat areas used for paddy fields of other agricultural used with few restrictions.

Source : Office of the National Environment Board (n.d.) and OEPP (1996a)

14

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

3. Laws and Regulations Relevant to Watershed Management

Wongbandit (1976) concluded that "no law in Thailand is issues to specifically deal with the management of watershed resources as an integrated whole, but each law in general usually addresses each specific kind of resource and at the same time the law give some power to the officials concerned to create some conditions or requirements necessary for the protections and management of resources under their responsibility. However there are many levels of legal framework relevant to watershed management. These include Thai Constitution, 1997, laws as well as cabinet resolutions. 3.1 Thai constitution, 1997 According to Thai Constitution, 1997, the local people and organization should be involved in managing their natural resources. The constitution has further enshrine people’s participation in forest management (Pragtong, 2000 sited from Poffenberger, 1999). Under the Constitution, local governments at the sub-district level, Tambon Coucils and Tambon Administration organization (TAO) have an important role in natural resource administration within their jurisdiction (Pragtong, 2000). TAO has clear responsibilities, as specified by the TAO Law in Clause 67, in which the TAO shall protect, maintain and preserve natural resources and environment within its responsible areas (Sukawong; 1999). There are some sections under the Constitution which are relevant to Watershed management as well as decentralization. These are: Section 46 Person so assembling as to be a traditional community shall have the right to conserve or restore their customs, local knowledge, arts or good culture of their community and of the nation and participate in the management, maintenance, preservation and exploitation of natural resources and the environment in a balanced fashion and persistently as provided by law. Section 56 The right of a person to give to the State and communities participation in the preservation and exploitation of natural resources and biological diversity and in the protection, promotion and preservation of the quality of the environment for usual and consistent survival in the environment which is not hazardous to his or her health and sanitary condition, welfare of quality of life, shall be protected, as provided by law. Section 78 The State shall decentralize of power to localities for the purpose of independence and self-determination of local affairs, develop local economics, public utilities and facilities systems and information infrastructure in the locality thoroughly and equally throughout the country as well as develop into a large – sized local government organization a province ready for such purpose, having regard to the will of the people in that province. Section 79 The State shall promote an encourage public participation in the preservation, maintenance and balanced exploitation of natural resources and biological diversity and in the promotion, maintenance and protection of the quality of the environment in accordance with the persistent development principle as well as the control and elimination of pollution affecting public health, sanitary conditions, welfare and quality of life. Section 89 For the purpose of the implementation of this Chapter, the State shall establish the National Economic and Social Council to be charged with the duty to give advice and recommendations to the Council of Ministers on economic and social problems. Section 290 For the purpose of promoting and maintaining the quality of the environment, a local government organization has powers and duties as provided by law. The law under paragraph one shall at least contain the following matters as its

substance : (1) the management, preservation and exploitation of the natural resources and environment in the area of the locality; (2) the participation in the preservation of natural resources and15

environment outside the area of the locality only in the case where the living of the inhabitants in the area may be affected;

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

(3) the participation in considering the initiation of any project of activity outside the area of the locality which may affect the quality of the environment, health or sanitary conditions of the inhabitant in the area. 3.2 Laws concerning forest and wildlife (1) The Protection and reservation of Forest Act, B.E. 2481 (A.D. 1938) which amended in 1953 and 1954. The Protection and Reservation of the Forest Acts was revise and become the National Forest Reserve Act, B.E. 2507 (A.D. 1964) (2) The National Park Act, B.E. 2504 (A.D. 1961) (3) The Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Act,B.E. 2535 (A.D. 1992) The National Forest Reserve Act, 1964, the National Park Act, 1961, and the Conservation and Protection of wildlife act, 1992, are primarily intended to protect forest and wildlife, which authorize the government to designate certain areas as forest reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries respectively. Entry into such areas is controlled by the government officials but in practice only the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are under the strict control of the government. 3.3 Laws concerning land and soil Agricultural Land Consolidation Act, 1974, and Agricultural Land Reform Act, 1975. These acts prohibit the use of land for purposes other than agriculture, the scope of their application is quite limited and they do not go far enough to specify what part of land should be used for what kind of agriculture or crops. Nor do they require landowners to carry out soil conservation. In fact the issue of soil conservation is addressed by the Land Development Act, 1983, but the Land Development Committee and its Secretariat established by the Act have no power to force landowners to comply with good practice of soil conservation. What has been mentioned seems to imply that land use control and soil conservation are not easily carried out by relying only on the powers of the official concerned under such acts (Wongbandit, 1996). 3.4 Laws concerning water resources Laws concerning water resources will be discussed only on water in watercourse which are summarized from Wongbandit, 1996 as fallow: 1) Water in watercourses in general Water in watercourses in general is free to all persons in Thailand due to the perception that running water was difficult to own, water was indispensable for maintaining life and water in Thailand was still abundant when the Section 1304 of the Civil and Commercial code states was promulgated. However, a kind of limitation or water use is imposed upon riparian landowners as Section 1355 of the Civil and Commercial Code states that "a riparian landowner has no right to withdraw water in the amount exceeding his reasonable need to the prejudice of other land abutting the same water way". So, all persons seem to have almost unlimited right to use water in watercourses in general, which is not good for the development, management and conservation of water resources and country as a whole since it is impossible to identify the scope of water right of each person. However, there recently have some conflict on water user group between people on the upper watershed and downstream areas; for example in cases of Chom-Tong district, Chiang-Mai Province and in Pua district, Nan Province. 2) Water in watercourse in irrigated areas The use of water in watercourses in areas irrigated by government projects, especially those under the responsibility of the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is regulated 16

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

by the Royal Irrigation Act, 1942. In regulating water use, RID usually develops an irrigation system for conveying water to a particular area which is called an “irrigated area”. Watercourses, either natural or man-made, used for an irrigation purpose also are designated by the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives as “irrigation canals”. Once a watercourse is designated as an irrigation canal, the official concerned may according to Section 35 of the Act prohibit anyone from withdrawing or using water from the watercourse if such withdrawal or use would cause injury to another person. The gate of irrigation canal according to Section 25 can be closed or opened only by the official concerned. This indicates that the use of water in irrigation canals is actually under the control of RID. 3.5 Laws concerning environmental protection Wongbandit (1996) stated that "the issues of environmental protection in Thailand is addressed by a large number of laws but the one considered as a framework legislation is the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, 1992 (ECNEQA). This Act addresses several interesting issues such as the creation of National Environmental Board, Pollution Control Committee and Environmental Fund, issuance of environmental quality standards, requirement of environmental impact assessment report for some projects, designation of pollution control areas and environmentally protected areas, imposition of strict liability upon the owners or possessors of pollution sources, and promotion measures for environmental protection". Section 7 in order to encourage people participated on Environment protection and conservation, NGO as non-profit group or non-political party, can register to be a protected and preserved organization by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment according to the rules and regulations of the ministry. Section 8 Legalized NGO as section 7, may get support or assistance from the state as follows:

1.) Provision of volunteers working the government officials regarding to this bill or relation, environment protection and promotion Law 2) Public relation, dissemination of information and knowledge to the people in order to create public awareness about environment conservation. 3) Support the local community to implement the project on environment conservation. 4) Research on environment conservation and propose to the government or concerned agencies. 5) Law assistance to the people endangered by discharge of dissemination of pollution and also being as representative of the suffered to claim for compensation and damage in the court. 3.6 Cabinet Resolutions concerning natural resources related to watershed management. 1)

Cabinet Resolution concerning Watershed Classification

The detail of watershed classification have already mentioned in section 2.4. However, it have to be mentioned here that, according to the cabinet resolution, watershed class 1 is protected or conservation forest which must be strictly kept permanently as head water sources. All land use are prohibited. Those communities located in the watershed class 1A must be relocated. Immediate reforestation program must be undertaken by RTG 17

on the abandon shifting area. 2)

Cabinet Resolution on 30 June 1998

Cabinet resolution on 30 June 1998 states that those who are living and farming in areas of strict protection, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and watershed class 1A and 1 B:

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

- Communities settled before the date of establishment as a protected area shall be allowed to remain. - Exceptions are those communities settled in ecologically sensitive zones and these community settled, which, when possible shall be resettled. An ecologically sensitive zone or critical area is an area which located surrounded or close to good forest cover or abundant biodiversities. It such these areas are disturbed there will be ecologically fragile or on the areas with susceptible to soil erosion, etc. - To ensure that the implementation will be fair and ecologically appropriate the designation of sensitive areas in each site will be done with the full involvement of all local communities concerned, in conjunction with academics and forestry officials. Procedures for 30 June 1998 resolution on forest protection areas 1) Confirmation the government policy on forest protection areas, not to allocate the forest lands to the office of Agricultural Land Reform. 2) Surving and registering the occupied forest areas. 3) RFD and agencies concerned have to proof the occupied lands by using aerial photographs taken before the declaration of forest reserve areas together with the other evidences. 4) The farmers cultivate the lands before the declaration, RFD should provide basic needs for the people and survey the farmland boundary. In the critical areas, RFD should find the other suitable areas for the farmers provided with infrastructures, on-farm and off-farm agriculture and land issuance. RFD will reforest those destroyed areas. 5) If the farmers cultivate the lands after the declaration, RFD should carry on the following activities: - Removing farmers from protected areas and planting trees for watershed rehabilitation. Before starting the relocation, RFD has to provide arable lands, public works, on-farm and off-farm agriculture and land legislation for the farmers. - If RFD can not move farmers immediately, the occupied forest lands must be controlled and the land allocation programs and basic needs should be provided. 6) Sustainable agriculture has to be implemented on the occupied areas to minimize the impacts on natural resources and environment. 7) Basic needs for self reliance are supported by the highland development agencies such as RFD, LDD, Agricultural Extension Department, Public Welfare Department, Highland Community Development and Narcotics Control Program, etc.

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

4. Organizations Relevant to Watershed Management

Northern Watershed Management Project (1996) summarized that " 38 Government departments are active in watershed management related activities, not one has sole responsibility for watershed management. As a consequence, activities tend to be somewhat uncoordinated and disjoined. The four main Government programs which fund activities include the National Rural Development Program, the regular programs of Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC) line agencies, the Highland Community Development and Narcotics Control Program and the Government's first attempt at bottom-up planning whereas MOAC activities tend to be more centrally oriented. The Departments of Forest, Land Development, Irrigation, Livestock Development, Agricultural Extension and the Agricultural Land Reform Office are the main MOAC agencies active in watershed management. Whilst their plans are funded along agency lines, they often cooperate jointly in development projects with varying degrees of success. In spite of the majority of activities being funded under MOAC agency programs, the responsibility for National Watershed Policy Development lies with the Ministry of Science Technology and the Environment. In planing and implementing any project / program. all government agencies have to comply with policies issued by several coordinating committees responsible for natural resources utilization, developments, management and conservation. Such coordinating bodies includes, among other things, the National Economic and social Development Board (NESDB), National Environment Board (NEB), National Water Resources Council (UWRC), National Forestry Policy Board, Committee for Solving National Security Problems Concerning Hill Tribe Population and Narcotic Plants, and Local and Regional Prosperity Distribution Committee (Wongbandit, 1996). Though, many government departments and coordinating bodies are responsible for planing implementing in natural resources utilization, development, management and conservation for watershed management. However, the RFD plays an important role on implementing watershed management particularly on the head watershed areas, due to most of those areas are under forest reserves, National Parks and Wildlife sanctuaries which are the main responsibility of RFD. In addition, under the Tambon Administration Act 1992 and the new Thai Constitution 1997, Tambon Administration Organization (TAO) will play a greater vole in forest management and involved in managing natural resources with in their boundaries. Main organizations relevant to watershed management are as fellow: 4.1 Office of Environmental Policy and Planning The Office of Environmental Policy and Planning (OEPP) was established after the government passed a new Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act 1992 as a unit of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MOSTE). The OEPP has the responsibility for establishing environmental policies and plans of the country in accordance with the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act of 1992. The OEPP is divided into 8 division and 12 regional offices. The detail of responsibility, roles and implementation, and organization of OEPP are in Annex 1 However, watershed management issue is the domain of Natural Resources and Environment Management Division. The division is responsible for : - coordinating the management of natural resources to ensure the integration of the Environmental Quality Management Plan into the National Economic and Social Development plan; - coordinating the designation of environmental Protected Areas and issuing ministerial Regulations prescribing any necessary protection measures;

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

- formulating specific plans related to natural resource management such as conservation of biodiversity, watershed classification, coastal and marine resources, water and mineral resources and energy, land and use. Under the OEPP, a Watershed Resources Sub-Division of the National Resources and Environment Management Division has responsibility for coordinating on natural resources and environment management policy in the watershed areas particularly on the watershed class 1 and class 2. Although, the OEPP has responsibility for watershed policy not an implementing agency. The OEPP is coordinating and monitoring three pilot watershed management project in different regions of the county, including Mae Taeng in the north, Nam Churn in the northeast, and Khlong Yan in the south. These pilot projects are aimed at coordinating the activities of various line agencies involved in watershed management in an integrated manner. On of the major lessons learned from these projects if that funding through the central line agencies makes the integration of activities at the field level very difficult (Northern Watershed Management Project 1996). 4.2 Royal Forest Department

The Royal Forest Department (RFD) was Founded by the King Rama the Fifth on 18 September 1896. The RFD was initially under the Ministry of Interior for 25 year, then it was transfered two to there ministries before it eventually become a unit of the Ministry of Agriculture (Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives) in 1935. The RFD has responsibility for all forest related activities including management, protection, conservation and rehabilitation, law enforcement, services and reseach. The RFD is now organized into five Offices seven Administrative Divisions, 21 Regional Forest Offices, 75 Provincial Forest Office and District Forest Officers. The organization Chart is illustrated on Figure 2. The most important Office under RFD in regard to watershed management is Office of Natural Resources Conservation (ONRC). The main divisions related to watershed management under ONRC and National Park Divisions, Wildlife Conservation Division and Watershed Management Division. Watershed Research Sub-Division under the Office of Forest Research play an important role or research activities related to watershed management. National Park Division : National Parks have represent special conservation areas controlled by specific laws and regulations which vary from governing forest reserve. Establishment of National Parks have been carried out under the legal framework of the National Park Act of 1964 for gazetting park areas and boundaries including the provisions for their management and use. Under the Act, the entry of visitors to the parks is encouraged and appropriate forms of eco-tourism are promoted along with the use of parks for educational purposes or scientific research. The law also allows any activities necessary for park maintenance, development and protection of natural resource. Under the law, a number of activities are specifically excluded including land ownership, clearing and burning, cattle raising and the removal of any flora and fauna. Till 1998, National Park Division has gazettied a total of 19 National Parks covering a total areas of 11,041.99 sq.km. rai (11.04 million ha.). Wildlife Conservation Division : wildlife Sanctuaries and Non-hunting Areas are under the responsibility of Wildlife Conservation Division. Those areas are also represent the conservation or protected areas which are strictly reserve forest which are good for watershed protection. The Wildlife Sanctuaries are governed by the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act of 1960 and amended in 1992. The Act contains similar provisions of national parks with some additional restrictions as to their use. Till 1998, the RFD has Set up a total of 8 sanctuaries cover a total areas of 4,324.6 sq.km. rai (432,400 ha.). 20

Watershed Management Division : Watershed Management Division (WMD) is directly concern to watershed management implementation activities. The WMD is

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

responsible for conserving the area under forest cover in the country’s watershed areas with particularly on the head watershed areas and for attending to provide sufficient needs of communities which utilize this resource for farming and livelihood activities. However, some of watershed areas have overlab with National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The objectives of the WMD are as follows: - To manage watershed areas with pay attention to head watershed areas to provide sufficient and continuous supply of good water quality water through out the year. - To prevent/alleviation soil erosion within the watershed areas and sedimentation to downstream areas. - To improve the socio-economic status of the villagers living in the watershed areas through the efficient use of natural resources based on sound soil and water conservation principles. Watershed management was initiated by the RFD in 1953. Since then, the RFD has played an important role on watershed management implementation, with particularly on head watershed areas. In 1965, the RFD was set up a Watershed Research Section under the Silvicuture Division, and eventually become a Watershed Management Division in 1975. At the present, the WMD is under the Office of Natural Resources Conservation of the RFD. The WMD has divided its organization into six sub-divisions, and has established 19 Watershed Management Centers with 189 Watershed Management Units through out the country which concentrate in the northern region. The organization chart is shown in Figure 3. Further more, the WMD has been working in collaboration with other related organization such as Royal Project, Queen initiated Project etc. There are 274 officers which mainly Forest Officers graduated from Forestry School in Phrae Province and Kasetsart University, with 200 Permanent employee, and many of temporary employment. The main activities have been carried out by WMD are as fallow: 1)

Reforestation Program :

Reforestation have been carried out on the denuded areas by shifting cultivation from 1965 to 1996 cover an area of about 1.3 million rai (0.2 million ha.). The reforestation for watershed rehabilitation are mainly in the northern region 960,145 rai (153,632 ha.) particularly on The Ping Watershed about 577,730 rai (92,439 ha.). Reforestation for watershed rehabililation in each region are as follows. - Northern region

963,495 rai

- Central including

114,377 rai

West and East region - Northeast region

231,583 rai

- Sounthern region

15,940

Total

rai

1,325,395rai

Since 1996, the watershed management has a policy on watershed rehabilitation through natural regeneration incorporate with enrichment planting. The main activities are fire prevention, area protection from encroachment, planting local tree specis 25 trees per rai and tending of planting trees. Total areas of 377,740 rai (60,438.4 ha.) was carried out from 1996 to 2001. 21

2)

Vetiver grass for soil and water conservation :

Vetiver grass has been introduced for soil and water conservation since 1993. Vetiver grass has been enconraged to plant on highland agriculture, roads site, on eroded soils and dam site. About 40 million vetiver grasses were introduced for those purposes between 1993 and 2001. 3) Check dam :

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

Check dam is another activity for watershed rehabilitation. Series of check dams have been constructed to retain water flow in the stream, trap sedimentation, increase moisture, and enhancing vegetative growth. Integrated check dam or temporary check dam is constructed from local matherial such as stone, wooden branches, sack of sand or soil etc. It should be constructed on the upper part of the stream. Where the streams are wide and deep, semipermanent check dam and permarent check dam should be introduced. These dams are also be able to collect water for consumption and small scale agricultural purpose. Till 2001 amount of 42,366 integrated check dams, 1,009 semi-permanent check dams, and 600 permanent check dams have been constructed. 4) Community arrangement/ development : As mentioned earlier, there are about a million people in 4,841 villages (glum ban) living in the head watershed areas, which are difficulty to move them out of those areas at the circumstant. They should stay in harmony with natural resources, make them stay co-exit in the forest areas with less impact. Therefore participatory approach has been introduced to cope those problems. In order to encourage local people participated on watershed activities, 3 tools consist of a) participatory land use planning (PLP) , b) Watershed network organization, and c) people forum have been employed by forest officers, community coordination officers and local communities. a) Participatory Land Use Planning (PLP) : Participatory Land Use Planning by using 3-D model has been developed as a method of negotiation competing claims to resources and helping upland villagers to develop sustainable land management, especially through community forestry schemes. Through such negotiation, agencies and villages have agined access to knowledge and better mutual understanding so that conflict can be resolved. PLP has achieved a good degree of success and life in upland communities made more secure. b) Watershed Network Organization : On the Watershed land , there are many tribal groups living for a long time and praticing different types of agricultural systems. Each village has specific problem concerned with forest and natural resources and had established a village committee. By using 3-D model for land use planning, each village issues regulation for their own and selects a representative to be watershed network committee. The roles of the watershed committee are: 1) To consider the problems and solution in the watershed, 2)

To develop and issue regulation on forest and natural resources utilization,

3)

To enforce the watershed regulations by punishment,

4) To coordinate with the government and concerned agencies. 5) To collaborate with the project staff and lacal communities. c) People Forum : Strenghtening local people on dicision making about watershed management, the people forum will be held at community center or any available appropriate places, aiming to provide a chance for villagers to exchange their experiences

and to resolve conflicts among local communities. Informations and documentations concerned with the government policy, forestry plan, marketing and agricultural technologies will be provided by the RFD in order to create common undershtandings among local people and to resolve conflict with the government offcials. Till the year 2001, the watershed management units have carried out community development through participatory approach in 1284 villages. Watershed Research Sub-Division : Watershed Research Sub-Division of Forester Environment Research and Development Division is an Unit under the Forest Research Office. The main responsibilities of the Watershed Research Sub-Division are research and monitoring activates cover the field of Forest Hydrology, Climatology, Ecology and Environment, Soil erosion and sedimentation and Secio-enonomice aspect. Up to date

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

there are 16 field watershed research stations have been established scattering in all main river basin through out the country. Upper Nan Watershed Management Project : Upper Nan Watershed Management Project is a collaboration project between Royal Forest Department, Watershed Management Division and DANCED. The project area is on upper nan (right bank), Nan Province. The mandate of the project are: - Development Objective : Sustainable management of the natural resource in the upper right catchment of the Nan River is greatly improved by year 2010 through enhanced capabilities of local communities and government agencies. - Immediate Objectives : A sustainable organizational framework and financial basis for continued forest protection and soil and water conservation efforts beyond the project period established in project villages and at the local government agencies. The area and quality of forest cover in the project area is increased considerably by the year 2003 through land use planning, improved cultivation practices and better fire control. Holistic land use systems aimed at sustainable and environmentally sound production and improved quality of life development by the involved parties and applied by a majority of land users. The implementation capacity consists of 1) Royal Forest Department Staff * Project Coordinator, Watershed Management Division, Bangkok * Project Director, Center 12, Nan * Deputy Project Director * RFD Watershed Management Unit Chiefs (6) 2) Local Hire Staff * 6 Specialist staff * 15 Community Coordinators * 8 drivers 3) RAMBOLL Consulting Company, Denmark * Project Director, RAMBOLL * Project Coordinator * CDE Consultant 4.3 Land Development Department Land Development Department was established on 23 May 1963 under Ministry of National Development, which was later abolished. Some years after their establishment, the government agencies were restructured, and as from 29 September 1972 Land Development Department was transferred to be under Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Land Development Department is responsible for soil survey and classification, soil analysis, land use planning, conduct experiments and carry various assorts of land development, assist farmers in soil and water conservation practices and soil improvement, seed production for cover crops and soil improvement materials, transfer technology from its research of soil development and soil science for multiple purpose use. Other duties and responsibilities which stand in an Act of Land Legislation are... 1)

To conduct soil survey and produce soil resource maps, including survey to obtain census of the land data concerning land

23

economics. 2) To conduct landuse planning for the sustainable of land resources. 3) To conduct research and experiments in relation to soil, land improvement, soil and water conservation, watershed conservation, and other relevant issues pertaining to land development and farmer’s requirements.

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

4) To disseminate land development technologies to relevant government personnel, farmers, and interest people. 4.4 Hilltribe Welfare Division, Department of Public Welfare The Hilltribe Welfare Division (HWD) of the Public Welfare Department comes under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. The HWD has been working in the highland areas with highland people for more than 30 years. Its policy, as stated in its 7 Development plan, is “to assist hilltribe people in their development process to become self-sufficient and qualified Thai citizens through a participatory development process and a permanent settlement strategy.” The HWD’s policy focuses on three key areas (Northern Watershed Management Project, 1996 Quoted from Hilltribe Wellborn Division 1995) : 1) Political and Administrative : To provide village stability and sedentary land-use in accordance with the law; encouraging hilltribe people to become part of Thai society from neighboring countries. 2) Economic and social Development : To provide equal access to government services; improving living conditions and standards and promote self reliance in hilltribe people, provide job and occupation and reduce the number of addicts. 3) Natural Resources Management and Conservation : To enhance permanent settlement in accordance with natural resources conservation; introduce appreciate conservation forming practices; and maintain the balance of nature and the environment. th

The HWD has responsibility for the welfare and development of Thailand’s hilltribe people. The type and extent of services provided by the HWD varies according to the level of integration of each hilltribe community into the government system. Because of security issues in many of the remote boder areas occupied by hilltribe people, their migratory life-styles, and the production and use of narcotic crops by some groups, a number of HWD’s programmes are coordinated by a National Security Council committee and are implement under the National Security Programme, often in conjunction with the Thai military. In addition, the communities within Watershed Class 1A or other protected areas, has prompted a survey of highland villages currently conducted by LDD.

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

Figure 2 : Organizational chart of Royal Forest Department

Royal Forest Department

Inspectors

Central Administration

Office of the Secretary Finance Division Personnel Division Permission Division Legal Affairs Division Planning Division

Internal Audit Unit

Forest Protection Office

Local Administration

Provincial Forest offices

District Forest Offices

Forest Research Office Reforestation Office

Information Office

Natural Resources Conservation Office

T r a i n i

25

n g D i v i s i o n Regio nal Forest Office s

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

Figure 3 : Organization chart of Watershed Management Division

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT DIVISION

Watershed Management Administration Sub – Division

Sub – Division Ping & Salawin

Watershed Management

Survey & Planning Sub – Div. Watershed Development and Promotion Sub – Division

Special Projects

Sub – Division II Wang – Yom -

Watershed Management Sub – Division III NE, E, C, S

Watershed Management Center 1 – 19

Implementing units Watershed Management Unit 1 – 189

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

5. Watershed Area in the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) in Thailand

5.1 Mekong River Basin The Mekong River is one of the largest rivers in the world rises in the Tibetan Plateau at an elevation of 5,000 m. and flow in a generally southeast direction through southern China, northeast Myarmar, north and northeast Thailand, Laos PDR and Combodia before discharging to the South China Sea in southern Vietnam. The Mekong River Basin cover an area of 795,000 sq.km with a total length of 4,800 km, and a mean annual runoff of 475,000 Mm.3 (Mekong River Commission, and Office of Environmental Policy and planning, 1999). 5.2 The Tributary Basins in LMB within Thailand

The main tributaries of the Mekong River Basin within Thailand consist of the Kok River Basin and tributaries of the Mekong River Basin in the north (Mekong N); while tributaries in the northeast consist of the Mun and Chi River Basins, and tributaries of the Mekong River Basin in the northeast (Mekong NE). The total catchment area within Thailand is about 184,495 sq.km (or about 23.2% of the 795,000 sq.km of the entire Mekong River Basin). 5.2.1 Kok River Basin The Kok River Basin is a sub-basin of the Mekong River located in the northern region of Thailand and eastern Myanma. It has total catchment area of 10,560 sq.km; with a catchment area of 7,895 sq.km in Thailand.

According to watershed classification, there are 56 percent are classified as head watershed (watershed class 1 and 2), with the remaining of 44 percent belong to watershed class (WSC) 3 to 5 (Table 5). The figures show that most of the areas are on the head watershed which would be mountainous sloping land. This is a general topographic of northern Thailand with about 75% comprising of highland. In addition, there are 4 percent of the total area or about 315.8 sq.km were classified as WSC 1 B. In the other word, forest areas on the WSC 1 have been converted into agricultural land or inhabitant, which might cause watershed degradation. Corresponding to the decline in forest area, agricultural land has been expanding at a rate of around 2.5 percent annually. Around 20 percent of the arable land in the uplands is dominated by slash and burn cultivation where a variety of crops is grown MRC/OEPP (1999). The sedimentation of the Kok River Basin was comparatively high with 116 ton/sq.km, while the sedimentation of the Mekong (N), Mekong (NE), Chi and Mun Basins were 77, 42, 29 and 27 ton/sq.km respectively (Table 5). Therefore, Kok river Basin is one of the most critical watershed area in the LMB. In accordance with national hydrology committee, Kok Basin is divided into 4 sub-catchments namely Nam Mae Fang, Nam Mae Lao, Nam Mae Suai and Lower Nam Mae Kok cover area of 1,948 sq.km, 2,635 sq.km, 539 sq.km, 2,773 sq.km respectively. These four sub watershed should be more investigation. 5.2.2 Chi River Basin

Chi river basin is one of the tributary of the Mekong river basin in the northeast region of Thailand covering an area of 49,477 sq.km. The forest cover constitutes about 14 percent of the total basin in 1988 (Tangtham, 1992). Ongsomwang (1999) studied forest cover in 1995 was 13.8 percent of the total basin. The head watershed area accounts to 13.3 percent of the total basin which 10 percent belong to WSC 1A, others 0.7 percent in WSC 1 B and 2.6 percent in WSC 2. The lower part of the basin cover an area of 86.7 percent of the total basin mainly are in WSC 4 and WSC 5, with only 3 percent of the total 27

basin belong to WSC 3 (Table 5). In the other word, there are about 87 percent of the total

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

basin are located on plat to undulating suitable to agricultural and other uses. About 13 percent of the total basin is mountainous sloping land with should be kept for head watershed areas. According to the Lower Mekong Basin Forest and Land Cover 1997 map of the Forest Cover Monitoring Project showed that most of the forest cover in Chi basin belong to the head watershed of Lam Nam Choen (code 04.13), Nam Prom (code 04.12), Upper part of Nam Phong (code 04.09), and Upper part of Nam Chi (code 04.02) watersheds. Name of sub-basins, code, and areas of each sub-basin are illustrated in table 11. The sedimentation in Chi basin was 29 ton/sq.km with comparatively low due to most of the watershed area (87 percent) are in the plat to undulating lands. However, the 4 sub-basins mentioned earlier which are the most important head watershed of the Chi basin should be taken into consideration and should be more investigated. Total population in the Chi basin in 1992 was 5,531,116 people in 1,147,967 household with population density of 112 person per sq.km. About 80 percent of the population earn their living on agricultural practices, with mainly paddy field. Upland crops are mainly cassava; the others are sugarcane, maize, beans etc. (ONESDB, 1994b). 5.2.3 Mun River Basin

Mun river basin is the largest river basin in Thailand covering an area of 69,701 sq.km in northeast region of Thailand. The mean annual rainfall varies from 1,000 mm. to 2,000 mm. over the watershed. The head watershed area accounts to only 3.4 percent of the total basin area. These areas are belong to WSC class 1A 2.0 percent WSC 1 B 0.5 percent another 0.9 percent WSC 2 (Table 5). The remainder an area of 96.6 percent covers the lower part of the basin, which most of the areas (94.6 percent) are under WSC 4 and WSC 5. Most of the watershed areas are plat to slightly undulating. The remainder small portions of the watershed are mountainous area on Phanomdongrak Range in Nakornratchasima and along border line between Burirum, Surin,Sisaket and Ubonratchathani provinces and Combodia. In accordance with national hydrology Committee the Mun basin is divided into 32 sub-basins (Table 7). The forest cover constitutes about 10 percent of the total basin in 1988 (Tangtham, 1992). About 6,000 sq.km of forest area has been converted to other uses in the last 15 years period (1981 – 1995 / 1996) in the study area (Eiumnoh et al; 1996). The majority of forest land conversion is for agricultural purposes due to increasing population and food demand. The 10 percent or about 6,900 sq.km of the remaining forest cover at the present are mainly on the Phanomdongrak range. Though, forest cover in the Mun river basin is less than the other river basins comparing with the Mekong, Kok and Chi. However, the sedimentation was only 27 ton/sq.km comparing with 77,42,116 and 29 ton/sq.km of the Mekong (N), Mekong (NE), Kok and Chi basins respectively. The low sedimentation on the Mun basin due to most of the watershed area (96 percent) are in the WSC 3 – 5 with mainly plat to undulating lands. 5.2.4 Mekong River Basin

Mekong river basin (code No 02) in Thailand has been divided into there main unconnected sub-basins. They are namely Mae Chan and Mae Ing sub-basin in the north and Sakon-Loei sub-basin in the northeast with total area of 57,422 sq.km (ONESDB, 1994c). In accordance with national hydrology committee; the Mekong river basin (code No 02) has divided into 38 sub-basins as shown in Table 8. Mekong (N) or sub-basins in the north cover area of 9,920 sq.km or 17.3 percent of the Mekong river basin (code No.02) in Thailand. The remainder Mekong (NE) or sub-basins in the northeast cover an area of 47,502 sq.km or 82.3 percent of the Mekong river basin (code No.02) in Thailand.

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

1) Mekong (N)

Topographical features of the Mekong river basin in the northern part is characterized by mountainous topography, which consists of a series of parallel and longitudinal folded mountains. The folding in this part has resulted in small, long and narrow river valleys divided by steeply rising uplands with a considerable variation in elevation. A series of small tributaries drain into Ing river, the main tributary of Mekong basin in this region which flows down northwards into the Mekong at Pak Ing. Some other small tributaries such as Mae Chan, Nam ma etc. flow down eastward directly into the Mekong river (ONESDB, 1994c). According to watershed classification, the head watershed of Mekong (N) consists of 35.8 percent of the total basin with 18.2 percent belong to WSC 1A, 4.6 percent in WSC 1 B and 13 percent in WSC 2 ; while the lower part of the basin (WSC 3 – 5) covers an area of 64.2 percent (table 5). These figures have come along with the topographical features as summaries by ONESDB (1994c). In addition, there are 4.6 percent or about 456 sq.km belong to WSC 1 B. In other words, forest area on the head watershed was replaced by shifting cultivation or inhabitant. The forest cover in Mekong (N) was 37 percent in 1988 (Table 5). The most important sub watersheds should be investigated are Upper Part of Nam Mae Ing, Middle Part of Nam Mae Ing, Mae Nam Pung, and Mae Lao. The problems in these sub-watershed include the forest areas on the head watershed have been replaced for shifting cultivation by ethnic minority groups. It results on soil erosion, sedimentation on down-stream areas, and also socio-economic problem of the watershed inhabitant. 2) Mekong (NE)

The general topographic feature of the Mekong river basin in the northeastern region is mainly plat to undulating with is separated from Mun-Chi river basins by the Phu Phan mountain range extending from Loei to Nakhon Phanom provinces forming the part of the Mekong river basin which is bordered by hill to the west and south and by the Mekong river to the north and east. It is an area of low relief sloping to the east draining a number of tributaries in to the Mekong river. The main tributaries in the northeast region are Mae Nam Loei, Huai Nam Som, Nam Mong, Huai Luang, Mae Nam Songkhram, Huai Nam Un, Huai Nam Kam, Huai Bangi, etc. and some small tributaries flow down eastward directly to the Mekong. In the Mekong (NE) basin, head watershed covers area only 15.9 percent with 8.5 percent belong to WSC 1A , 2.2 percent in WSC 1 B, and 4.4 percent in WSC 2; while the lower part of the basin cover an area of 84.1 percent which mainly are in the WSC 4 and WSC 5 of 22.8 percent and 54.8 percent respectively. It shows that most of the areas are in the plat to undulating low lands with small portion of mountainous sloping land on the Loei sub-basin in Loei province and head watershed of Huai Nam Kam and Huai Bang Sai sub-basins in Sakon Nakhon and Mukdahan provinces. The forest cover in Mekong (NE) basin was 20 percent in 1988 (Table 5). The existing forest cover are mainly on the mountainous areas.

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

Table 5 Watershed areas and classification and estimated sedimentation . Code and main watershed 02

03 04 05

Total area (km2)

Mekong Mekong N Mekong NE Kok Chi Mun Total

57,422 9,920 47,502 7,895 49,477 69,701 184,495

Watershed classes (percent) 1A 1B 2 3 4 5 18 9 36 10 2

5 3 4 0.7 0.5

13 5 16 3 0.9

14 7 12 3 2

12 23 11 24 20

Forest cover in 1988 22.9 37 20 38 14 10

38 55 20 60 75

Sedimen -tation (t/km2) 77 42 116 29 27

Source : Modify from Tangtham (1992) Table 6 Chi basin (04) CODE

SUB-BASIN NAME

Area (SQ.KM)

0401 0402

Mae Nam Chi (main river) Upper Part of Lam Nam Chi

49,476.50 2,488.92

0403

Lam Saphung

758.49

0404

Lam Krachuan

886.54

0405

Lam Khan Chu

1,634.82

0406

Second Part of Lam Nam Chi

3,807.64

0407

Huai Sam Mo

0408

Third Part of Lam Nam Chi

3,244.48

0409

Upper Part of Lam Nam Phong

4,424.34

0410

Huai Phuai

0411

Lam Phaniang

1,912.14

0412

Nam Phrom

2,320.40

0413

Lam Nam Choen

2,921.70

0414

Lower Part of Lam Nam Phong

2,385.72

0415

Huai Sai Bat

0416

Fourth Part of Lam Nam Chi

5,409.90

0417

Upper Part of Lam Pao

3,281.89

0418

Lam Phan Chart

0419

Lower Part of Lam Pao

4,263.79

0420

Lam Nam Yang

4,144.78

0421

Lower Part of Lam Nam Chi

2,547.88

729.04

915.77

741.01

657.25

Source : National Hydrology Committee, 1993

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

Table 7 Mun basin (05) CODE 0501 0502

SUB-BASIN NAME Mae Nam Mun (main river) Upper Part of Lam Nam Mun

Area (SQ.KM) 69,700.44 2,997.46

0503 0504 0505 0506 0507 0508 0509 0510 0511 0512 0513 0514 0515 0516 0517 0518 0519 0520 0521 0522 0523 0524 0525 0526 0527 0528

Lam Sae Lam Phraphlong Lam Takhong Lam Choengkrai Lam Chakkarat Lam Nang Rong Lam Pathai Lam Plai Mat Second Part of Lam Nam Mun Huai Aek Lam Sa Thaet Lam Phang Su Huai Ta Khong Lam Chi Lam Phlapphla Lam Tao Lam Sieo Noi Lam Sieo Yai Huai Thap Than Third Part of Lam Nam Mun Huai Samran Huai Tha Huai Khayung Huai Phong Lam Sa Bai Lam Sa

1,173.62 2,210.93 3,517.68 2,622.41 1,613.87 1,325.76 622.92 3,990.89 4,189.18 1,083.20 2,589.16 1,231.44 1,151.58 4,590.59 1,112.51 846.56 697.94 2,790.16 3,571.44 2,780.24 3,502.21 1,572.27 1,774.58 787.70 2,969.37 3,518.37

0529 0530 0531 0532

Lam Dom Yai Lower Part of Lam Nam Mun Huai Tung Lung Lam Dom Noi

4,846.24 1,013.01 843.38 2,163.77

Source : National Hydrology Committee, 1993

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

Table 8 Mekong basin (02) CODE 0201 0202 0203 0204 0205 0206 0207 0208 0209 0210 0211 0212 0213 0214 0215 0216 0217 0218 0219 0220 0221 0222 0223 0224 0225 0226 0227 0228 0229 0230 0231 0232 0233 0234 0235 0236 0237 0238

SUB-BASIN NAME

Area (SQ.KM) Mae Nam Khong (main river) 57,422.07 Upper Part of Mae Nam Khong 766.48 Nam Mae Chan 1,847.57 Upper Part of Mae Nam Ing 1,087.52 Middle Part of Mae Nam Ing 1,759.29 Mae Nam Phung 1,049.25 Mae Lao 1,176.87 Lower Part of Mae Nam Ing 2,769.09 Second Part of Mae Nam 507.92 Khong Third Part of Mae Nam Khong 674.10 Nam Man 622.30 Nam San 876.41 Fourth Part of Mae Nam 807.70 Khong Huai Nam Puan 658.17 Lower Part of Mae Nam Loei 2,902.04 Fifth Part of Mae Nam Khong 1,822.75 Huai Nam Som 1,056.28 Nam Mong 2,717.83 Sixth Part of Mae Nam Khong 540.39 Nam Suai 1,309.75 Huai Luang 3,424.63 Huai Dan 680.85 Seventh Part of Mae Nam 2,407.18 Khong Upper Part of Mae Nam 3,308.16 Songkhram Lower Part of Mae Nam 3,029.90 Songkhram Huai Khong 629.82 Huai Hi 714.72 Huai Nam Yam 1,733.29 Huai Nam Un 3,468.61 Huai Thuai 787.56 Eight Part of Mae Nam Khong 1,185.65 Nam Phung 970.97 Huai Nam Kam 2,537.15 Nineth Part of Mae Nam 643.79 Khong Huai Bang Sai 1,365.72 Huai Muk 551.58 Huai Bang I 1,589.79 Lower Part of Mae Nam Khong 3,387.08

Source : National Hydrology Committee , 1993

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

REFERENCES Eiumnoh, A. Francis X.J. Canisins, Baimoung, S. Kesawapitak, P. Noomhorm, A. and Rajendra P. Shrestha, 1996. NOAA-AUHRR data for detecting land use change and its impact : A case of Mun macro-watershed of northeastern region, Thailand. Proceedings of the FORTROP’96 :Tropical Forestry in the 21st Century 25-28 November, 1996. Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. FAO, 1993. Forestry Policies of Selected Countries in Asia Pacific, FAO Forestry Paper 115 pp. 154-207. Gilmore, D. 1999. Rehabilitation of Degraded Forest Ecosystem in Thailand. Workshop Proceedings Rehabilitation of Degraded Forest Ecosystems in the Lower Mekong Basin Assessment of Rehabilitation Policy and Practice in Thailand 24 – 25 November, 1999. Chiang mai, Thailand. Liwgasemsan, W.1996. Economic Development and Natural Resource planning Approach: Thailand’s Experience. In the Group Training Course on Community Forestry Development Techniques, January 13-February 25, 1996, Bangkok, Thailand. Pp 94-102. Mekong River Commission and Office of Environmental Policy and Planning (MRC/OEPP), 1999. Pilot Study for Water Resource and Environment Management, Interim Progress Report. Nalampoon, Anan, 1998. Watershed Research Subdivision of Forest Environment Research and Development Division, Royal Forest Department, Bangkok, Thailand. National Hydrology Committee, 1993. Standard Report on Hydrological Data (Surface Water). National Research Council of Thailand, Bangkok (in Thai). Northern Watershed Management Project, 1996. Would Bank Funded Project Design and Feasibility study, Draft final report. Volume 1. Office of Environment Policy and Planning (OEPP), 1997. Policy and Prospective Plan for Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality, 1997-2016. Ministry of Science Technology and Environment. Bangkok, Thailand. 92 p. ONESDB, 1994b. Study of Potential Development of Chi Basin. Final Report. ONESDB, Prime Minister’s Office, Bangkok, Thailand. (in thai) ONESDB, 1994c. Study of Potential Development of Mun Basin. Final Report. ONESDB, Prime Minister’s Office, Bangkok, Thailand. (in Thai) Ongsomwang, S. 1999. Application of GIS in Forestry. Forest Resources Assessment Division, Forest Research Office, RFD, Bangkok, Thailand. (in Thai) Sawintara, S. and Thongmee, U. 1991. Investment Priority for Watershed Management in National Periodic Plans in Thailand. Proceeding of the Policy Workshop “Investement Priority for Watershed Management in National Periodic Plans” Beijing Chaina. 11-14 June, 1991. (RAS/86/107-GCP/RAS/129/NET) p 122-144. Sriratana Tabucanon, M. 1998. An Overview of Watershed Management in Thailand. Paper presented at the Regional Environmental Workshop on “Poverty Reduction and Environmental Management in Remote Greater Mekong Subregion Watershed” August 4-5, 1998. Science Technology and Environment Organization, Vientianc, Laos PDR. Sukawong, S. 1999. Emerging Policy and Institutional Settings for Forest Rehabilitation in Thailand. Workshop Proceedings Rehabilitation of Degraded Forest Ecosystems 33

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Thailand

in The Lower Mekong Basin Assessment of Rehabilitation Policy and Practice in Thailand 24 – 25 November, 1999. Chiang mai, Thailand. Tangtham, N. 1987. “Watershed Monitoring and Research Programme for Phu Wiang” Integrated Development of the Phu Wiang Watershed, Thailand. (FO: DP/THA/84/002,Field Document 2). 122 p. Tangtham, N. 1992. Thai Forestry Master Plan : Watershed Management. Unpubl. Report submitted to Thai Forestry Sector Master Plan Committee. Royal Forest Department, Bangkok. Tangtham, N. 1996. Watershed Classification : The Macro Land-use Planning for the Sustainalble Development of Water Resources in International Seminar Workshop on “Advances in Water Resources Management and Wastewater Treatment Technologies” 22-25 July 1996, on the occasion of 6th Anniversary Suranaree of the Technology. 16.p Thongmee, U. 1999. Watershed Management in Thailand (Draft). Watershed Management Division, RFD, Bangkok, Thailand. Wongbundit, A. 1996. Legal and administrative aspects of watershed resources management in Thailand. Proceedings of the FORTROP’96 : Tropical Forestry in the 21st Century 25-28 November 1996. Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.

34

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

INFORMATION ON CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT IN VIETNAM Nguyen Tu Siem 1) & Phung Tuu Boi 2) 1.

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT IN VIETNAM

1.1. Main features of Vietnam's territory

Vietnam covers a total area of around 330 000 sq.km with a total population of 78 m. habitants. Three quarters of the country are covered by mountains and uplands, the remaining parts belong to plains of two major river basins: Red River (RR) in the North and Mekong River (MR) in the South. Vietnam’s territory can be divided into 7 ecological zones, i.e.: Mountains and Midlands of the North; Red River Delta; Central Coast; Central Highland; South Central Coast; Eastern Midland and Mekong Delta. The topography of the uplands is complicated and dissected with a dense network of rivers. Most of big rivers are short and steep and pour directly to the sea, forming a great number of catchments and watersheds, which are commonly narrow and scattered. About 80% of the total population (50.6 m. habitants) reside in the rural area. The average population density is 192 person/sq.km; however, majority of people crowd in the plains while in the highlands the population density is quite low (50-150 persons per sq.km). The annual growth rate is around 2% with much higher rate among the highlanders (up to 3% and higher). The mountain and highland areas is livelihood of about 20 m. habitants belonging to 50 ethnic minorities of the total 54 ethnic groups of the country. In the mountain region of the North there are 37 minority groups accounting for 58.2% of the area population. Three main landforms can be found popular in the catchment areas: forested land, bare land and narrow wetland valleys along the water lines. Natural forest cover was reduced from 43% in 1943 to 29% in 1983 and 31 % by 2000. 1.2. Catchments

The most critical catchments and watersheds of the country are located in three zones: the Mountains and Midlands of the North; Central Coast and Central Highland. Land in these areas is slope and cultivable land is extremely rare, especially in the steep and rocky limestone mountains. For example, in Song Da catchment of the North, approximately 70% area have slope more than 35o. Soils are generally shallow and poor, except certain plateaus derived from basaltic parent rocks of the Central Highland. Lack of cultivable land is common for every catchments in Vietnam. Three above-mentioned zones account for 80% of total territory, but the area suitable for cultivation presents only about 45% of national agricultural land. As flatland is rare (589,000 ha or 6.35% of unused land), the potential for agricultural land expansion is very limited.

1) & 2) National Consultants, Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development. 2, Ngoc Ha, Hanoi Tel: 8447 336 966 Fax: 8447 337 860 E-mail: [email protected]

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

2

CATCHMENT-RELEVANT NATIONAL POLICIES

There are at least four laws guiding the catchment management, viz.: -Land Law (LL, 1993/1998) -Law on Forest Protection & Development (FL, 1991) -Law on Water resource Use and Management (WL, 2000) -Law on Agricultural Cooperatives (1997) A series of policies most important for land, water and forest protection, development and sustainable management have been promulgated (see Annexes). Previously, in the centrally-planned economy, agriculture and forestry were based on state farms and cooperatives, thus the role of farm households were not properly recognized. Since 1988, farm household has been considered an independent and self-directed economic unit that has the right to use land, perform its own production and business and enjoy its results. Since 1988, especially after the Land Law of 1993, land has been allocated to farmers on a long-term stable basis. Tax on land use has been reduced and fixed for long-term. The State has adopted a benign policy on rural credit for farm households. A new mechanism of agroproducts distribution was adopted allowing free circulation of supplies and products at the best price for farmers. The State used a national reserve fund as an instrument to regulate demand-supply relations in the market and a pricing stabilization fund to subsidize some essential agro-products and input materials in favor to farmers. 2.1. Policies on Land Use Planning

Of the total area of 33 million ha, about 55% (18 million ha) is now under “productive” use, of which 40% (7.35 million ha) is under agriculture. Current land use of Vietnam Agriculture land: 10.156 m.ha Forestry land: 13.504 m.ha Other lands 9.558 m.ha Total 33.218 m.ha The cultivated acreage in rainfed areas can be listed as follows: North mountain and midland area: 1.3 m.ha Western highland area: East south area: North central coast area: South central coast area: Total:

0.6 m ha 0.9 m ha 0.7 m ha 0.5 m ha 4.0 m ha

Land Law (LL, 1993, revised 1998)

The terms of the LL the most relevant to catchment management can be briefed as follows: • Land ownership is people’s ownership. • Land is under State management. • Land is allocated to organizations, households and individuals (“owners”) to use for longterm (20 years for short term crops and 50 years for long term crops). This term will be automatically extended if the user doesn’t violate the regulations. •

Maximal area to be allocated for each household is limited in accordance to land resource availability of each locality. 2

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

General limitation of forestry land to be allocated to each household is 30 ha. • Five rights on land use include: transfer, exchange, inherit, lease and use as collateral. These rights are recorded in Land Use Certificate (LUC) given to users •

•

Land and forest of less protective importance and scattered protection areas are allocated to households and individuals for protection, reforestation and management.

•

Land and forest of large block having important protection function are allocated to the Management Boards of Watershed Forest Protection Zones. Forest State Enterprises (SFEs) are also allocated certain areas of this type of land.

•

The Management Boards and SFEs must re-allocate forest and forestry land to their worker households or individual workers to protect, tending, regenerating and new planting forest. This allocation is practiced in form of long term contracts (up to 50 years).

2.2. Forestry The promulgation of Forest Protection and Development Law (FL) has been promulgated in 1991. After that the Government has issued about 150 under-law documents to form a legal framework for forest management. These policies state that: • State unanimously manages forest and forestry land • Tree forest categories are defined • Forest and forest land is allocated to organizations and individuals (“owners”) to protect, develop and use for long term in accordance with the State projection and plans. •

Each forest watershed zone has a management board

•

Benefit sharing from forest production is defined.

In accordance with the general land use projection, there are about 16 m. ha of forestry land which include protection forest; special-use forest and production forest. Protection forest amounts 6 m. ha (or 37.5%) of which: Watershed forest:

5,715,000 ha (95.2%)

Windbreak forest:

130,000 ha

Coastal forest and Mangroves: 155,000 ha (Source: Forestry Development Strategy 2001-2010; Draft of Sep. 2001) Forest categories Based on main use purposes, since 1986 present forest areas are divided into 3 categories (FIPI): 9 302 200 100% Total of which: special-use protection production

898 300 487 700 4 925 200

9% 37% 54%

Protection forests Watershed forest is regrouped into the category of protection forests. There are 41 zones of protection forest of which 4 are of national importance and placed under the the central management: Da River, Thach Nham, Tri An and Dau Tieng. Each zone has Forest Management Board. The remaining are managed by the SFEs or provincial Department for Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). 3 Watersheds of 4 these projects are located in 12 provinces. Forest cover is poor

(Song Da 9.8%; Thach Nham 10.4%; Tri An 14%; Dau Tieng 8%). From 1991-94 about USD 4.0 m. has been invested for forestation. About

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

20 000 ha forest have been planted increasing forest cover in these 4 catchments by 4-6%. Most important watershed is Song Da (Son La, Lai Chau, Hoa Binh, Lao Cai and Yen Bai) requires an establishment of 0.8 M ha of forest. 1991-94: about 30 M VND. Da basin has a total natural land area oof 2,568,000 ha of which 0.8 m ha is protection forests. Special-use forests: Special-use encompass natural reservations, national parks and cultural and historical forests. Each special-use forest zone has a Management Body and a Forest Team. In 1999 there were 103 special-use forests (including 10 national parks) on an area of 952,882 ha. Production forest: There are 413 state forest enterprises (SFE) which have two types: exploitation and establishment of forest. Most of them are now under the provincial management. At present, only 105 SFEs are still allowed to continue logging about 300 000 m3 of sawn timber per year. Changes in Forest Cover: Between 1943 and 1990 there was a steady and rapid decline in natural forest coverage from 43% (14.3 M ha) to 27.8% (9.175 M ha). Evergreen forest is being reduced the fastest. After that, the forest cover has been gradually increasing reaching 31 % in 2000. Forest benefit sharing: In general, policies on benefit sharing is not clear and systematical. There are different regulations for forest benefit sharing depending on different forest categories. For natural protection forest: forest owners are allowed to collect undesirable trees; nontimber products; thinning products. Thinning ought to be less than 20% to ensure a cover of minimum 80%. For planted protection forest invested by the Government, owners are allowed to exploit supportive species; thinning products (no more than 20% to ensure a canopy of >0.6); selective logging of standard timber (less than 20%). Total logging must be less than 1 ha in important protection areas and less than 0.5 ha in very important protection areas. Annual logging area must not excess 10% of total mature forest. For protection forest planted with the owners’ capital, the owners can exploit maximum 10% of planted area. Total or selective logging can be applied, but the logged area must be < 2 ha in important protection areas and < 1 ha in extremely important protection areas. For production forest planted in the barren land with the owners’ capital, the owners benefit 100% forest products. 2.3. Agriculture

Vietnam is predominantly an agricultural economy, based of paddy rice production. The sector accounts for 28.7% of the country's GDP, employs about 62% of the national labor force, accounts for 16.5% of state investments and originates 35% of total exports. Agriculture provides livelihood for some 23.4 million laborers. Of these, 70.8% (16.3 million) are engaged in crop production; 14.4 % (3.32 million) in full time livestock rising. Agriculture employs about 3 million laborers, absorbing a greater proportion of the labor force than necessary (i.e. farm sizes are too small to provide full employment even at peak seasons). In per capita terms, Vietnam's cultivated land resource base is among the lowest in the world. The cultivated area per capita averages slightly over 0.1 ha and cropping intensities 4

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

(sow area divided by cultivated area) exceeds 140%. Approximately one-third of the cultivated area receives irrigation (mainly for rice). Crop cultivation accounts for about three-quarters of the gross value of agricultural products. Food grain amounted to 33 m. tons in 2000 of which paddy rice was 30 m tons. Rice continues to dominate Vietnam’s agrarian economy. Rice production increased from 27.7. million tons in 1997 to 28.4 million tons in 1998 and more than 30 million tons at present. Rice exports expanded to 3.5 million tons in 1997 and 4.6 million tons in 1999, making Vietnam the second largest world exporter of rice after Thailand. As in the past, the bulk of rice production came from the Red River and Mekong Delta, which account for most of Vietnam’s exportable surplus. Production of other commercial crops such as coffee, rubber, sugar-cane were more heavily affected by market availability. Coffee area expanded rapidly from 120 000 ha in 1990 to 300 000 ha in 1998. The 1997-98 harvest resulted in 391 000 tons of coffee beans for export and generated a revenue of USD 594 million, however, the 1998-99 crop was as much as one fourth lower as the coffee price was sharply decreased. Although the rural economy benefited considerably from the early liberation which shifted production away from dominated collectives to private households and granted more secure land tenure arrangement, state intervention continues in a number of areas. There is a need to continue on the path of reform (e.g. to further liberalize agricultural trade, diversify from rice to other commodities, ...), provide rural infrastructure and credit and support agroprocessing and rural industrialization. 2.4. Decentralization and devolution (local government) The decentralization and devolution is taking place intensively, reflecting in the following aspects: - Local authorities decide their development and financial plans by themselves; - Provincial and district authorities are more empowered in land use planning and land allocation. - District People Committees are assigned to allocate land instead of Provincial Land Administration; - Quota on export and import has been moved; - State enterprises/farms are under equitation and private companies are in full position in their business; - Local authorities are assigned to establish relation and cooperation with foreign agencies; including with the border localities of neighboring countries; 2.5. Poverty alleviation Since the implementation of a market economy, the rich-poor polarization has increased in certain places. In that context, the State has carried out a policy of hunger eradication and poverty alleviation and wealth formation for everyone. This policy is considered the most important at the national level. A number of decisive policies, solutions and activities have been implemented for poor regions and poor households to reduce their problems. The policy is based on the community’s participation in helping the poor gain access to land, capital and training for better livelihood performance. The State has also budgeted a considerable sum to help the poor regions and poor people, especially those in the mountainous and remote areas, including the ethnic minorities who receive top priorities. An employment-generating fund was set up to create more jobs for farmers in their native villages and to move people to new settlement areas if the old places became unacceptable. A number of projects have been conducted to ensure farmers with food, clean water, education, health care, transport and information. 5

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

2.6. Ethnic minority issues

Vietnam has 54 ethnic groups of which Kinh ethnic group is majority. Of the total population of 76 m persons the ethnic minority groups account for only 10% of the total population and mostly live in the mountainous regions. The population density in the rural area is 194 persons per sq.km. However, it differs from locality to locality. In the RRD delta the density is 839-1,092 person/sq.km. In the Western Highland and the northern mountainous regions, there are only 100 persons/sq.km. In these sparsely populated areas the local rural population shares high ratio, due to the fact that most of them are ethnic minorities. On commercial development for Mountain Areas, subsidize price and transport cost were provided. For remote areas (Zone II & III), loan interest is reduced by 15 and 30%, respectively. 2.7. Investment through main Target Programs: •

Program 327 (1993-98):

To invest in average USD 30 m. per year for implementing 427 projects on protection and establishment of forests in the catchment areas. The Project Management Board had a supportive role to assist farmers households who were main actor in implementation. A set of policies had been issued: allocate land to households and organizations; subsidize forest protection and plantation of protection forest; disburse loan with no interest for home gardens establishment; livestock, crop and forestry extension; loan and subsidy for commune road; etc. During 6 years the Project has invested USD 200 m. and protected 1.6 m. ha natural forests, regenerated 0.7 m. ha, and newly planted 0.64 m. ha. •

5 M ha reforestation: (1998-2010) - Invest about USD 315 m for reforestation of 5 million ha to increase cover to 40%; - Protect existing forest; - Plant 2 m. ha protection and special use forests (including regeneration of 1 m. ha and new plantation of 1 m. ha); - Plant 3 m. ha production forest (including 1 m. ha industrial crops).

•

Program 133: Hunger Eradication and Poverty Alleviation (started in 1998)

•

- Fund for job generation; - Credit with no/low interest (Bank for the Poor); - Subsidies for crop, livestock and aqua-culture extension; - Partly subsidies for health care, education, etc. Program 135: Socio-economic Development Program for particularly difficult communes in the remote areas (started in 1998). The most difficult communes selected to involve to the Program accounted 1,715 in 1998; 1, 870 in 2000 and 2,200 in 2001. Each commune received about USD 2,700 per year. The fund is used mainly to improve the infrastructure.

•

Resettlement Projects: Started from 1968. - Up to now about 500 projects has been conducted. In 26 provinces, it has resettled 1.9 M persons with 800 sq.m land for food production (compared 300 sq.m in 1968). 6

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

- The Projects has supported 132 000 households of 0.8 m persons stabilizing in new sites. - Up to 2000 there still has 280 000 households of 1.5 M persons nomad and shifting life. •

Project of supporting extremely difficult ethnic minorities: Started from 1992.

• •

Drug control Program: Focus on 524 communes growing poppy (1992). Program of joint-commune centers: Establish 500 centers for groups of remote communes (hospital, school, market, post office, etc.).

3. ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS RELEVANT TO CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT 3.1 Legislative level Ethnic Council of the National Assembly: Monitoring of implementing the laws including those relating the ethnic issues. Periodically this Council organizes its monitoring missions. The last mission took place in 1998 Monitoring implementation of Laws. Forest Law has a number of terms not fit to market economy and innovation policies. Now the Law is being revised by the MARD. 3.2 Executive level (see Annexes) :

Government organizations: 1. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) • Forest Protection Department • Forest Development Department • Department for Water and Irrigation Constructions • Five million ha of Reforestation Project • Forest Inventory and Projection Institute (FIPI) • Forest Science Institute of Vietnam (FSIV) • National Institute for Agriculture Planning and Projection (NIAPP) • Institute for Water Planning and Projection (IWPP) 2. Committee for Ethnic Minority and Mountain Areas (CEMMA): 3. Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MOSTE) 4. Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) 5. Ministry of Labor, Invalid and Social Affairs (MOLISA) 6. General Department for Land Administration 7. General Department for Meteology and Hydrology 8. Mekong Committee (VNMC) 9. People’s Committees of the provinces

7

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

3.3

Research and education (see Annexes)

1. Forest Inventory and Planning Institute (FIPI) 2. Forest Science Institute of Vietnam (FSIV) 3. Institute for Water Resources Research (IWRR) 4. Institute for Water Projection and Planning (IWPP) 5. National Institute for Agricultural Projection and Planning (NIAPP) 6. Southern Institute for Water Resources Research (SIWRR) 7. Forestry College (FC) 3.4 Donors/NGOs (see Annexes) 1. Danida - Water Sector Program Support (WSPS, MARD) 2. HELVETAS - Social Forestry Development Support (MARD) 3. FAO-BELGIUM - Participatory Watershed Management in Hoanh Bo district 4. GTZ- Social Forestry Project (MARD). 5. I UCN 6. CRES 7. WWF 8. CIDSE 9. CARE

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Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

4.

OUTLINES OF THE SELECTED WATERSHEDS IN VIETNAM

Four watersheds are proposely selected and their main features are list below: Table 1. Main features of the selected watersheds

Watershed s

Se Bang Hien

Sesan

Serepok

Nam Rom*

Location :

16o20-16 o40N 106o30-107 o0E Quang Tri

13 o45-15 o14 N 107 o10-108 o24 E Kon Tum- & Gia Lai

11 o53-13 o55 N 107 o,30-108 o45 E Gia Lai , Dac Lac, Lam Dong

20 o 50-21o35 N 102o50-103o10 E Lai Chau

Province

Huong Hoa, Khe Sanh, Lao Bao 2 A r e a ( k m ) 818

District

Landscape Altitude Slope River

Mekong Forest ( ha ) Agric. Land (ha ) Population (person) Living standard and mode Ethnic minorities Road No

Mountains and hills 250m - 600m > 20o

Ban Kong Don (Laos) 29 116 10 702

Others

Mountains, hills, high plateaus 800 - 2 598m 10 - > 25o Poko, Dakbla, Sa Thay Stung Treng (Cambodia) 730 000 143 294 453 000

Very poor Shifting cultivation

Very poor Shifting cultivation Migrated from North

Pa Co, Van Kieu, Kinh No 14; No 9

Draught & Flooding Reservoir

Dien Bien 18 districts + Pleiku city 17 300

11 450

45 948

Airport Calamity

8 districts + Pleiku city

Jarai, Bana, Sedang, Gie Trieng, Kinh, Brau, No 14; No 24; No 40; No 661 Airport Draught & Flooding Reservoir Yaly; Sesan 3, Sesan 4,... Protected area: Chu mom Ray

Mountains, hills, high plateaus 700 - 2 400m 10 - > 25o Krong No Krong Ana Ia Drang Stung Treng (Cambodia) 1 110 597 367 241 1 608 527 Very poor Shifting cultivation Migrated from North Jarai, Bana, Sedang, Gie Trieng, Kinh No 14; No 26; No 27 Airport Draught & Flooding Reservoir National park: Yordon

1 699 Mountains, hills 400 - 1 500m 20 - > 25o Nam Khau Hu, Nam Phan, Nam Luong,... Luang Prabang (Laos) 27 221 13 309 121 724 Very poor Shifting cultivation Migrated Thai , H’mong, Kho Mu, Laotien, Kinh No 279; No 42; No 12 Airport Draught & Flooding Reservoir

Note: Vietnamese name Nam Rom is Nam Ou in Lao language. Two provinces with potential watershed sites, namely Lai Chau and Quang Tri, have following features: (Source : Govement Decree No 286TTg

).

9

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

Lai Chau province: Total area : 1,691,923 ha. DARD has 14 technical staff. Dien Bien forest enterprise has 22 technical staff managing 4,664 ha . Quang Tri province has a total area of 465,134 ha. Table 2. Land use and population of Dien Bien district, Lai Chau province Communes No. of Population HouseTotal Thai H'Mong Kho Mu Kinh holds Muong Pon 3307 2161 765 369 12 562 Na Thau 8043 6385 1249 0 325 1242 Than Nua 7757 4813 816 291 1314 1435 Muong Phang 7205 5016 794 1227 162 1163 Thanh Minh Thanh Luong 7260 3159 7 43 3761 1810 Thanh Xuong Thanh Hung 5209 2155 3021 1149 ThanhChan 4264 2313 2 6 1663 924 Thang An 5821 3552 91 2192 1203 Than Yen 6762 3248 2 3136 1465 1465 Pu Nhi Muong Thanh 5532 1488 87 3646 Pa Them 872 18 143 156 Noong Luong 4939 2906 2276 1000 2848 8 4377 1557 Nong Het 7248 1076 176 Na U 1107 14 15 Sam Mun 9184 5227 3876 1881 Nua Ngam 4706 2176 659 694 447 848 Muong Nha 5602 2351 2260 371 23 858 Muong Loi 2995 530 229 1148 5 482 163967 57001 8035 4607 33047 20626 (New) Dien Bien District Source Personnel communication from the GTZ project.

Land area in hectare Total Forest Natural land Forest 12340 2557 2447 12572 3166 2748 8536 997 652 7868 1598 1212 0 2767 530 304 0 1401 367 359 1636 459 459 1021 812 48 803 181 151 116 8670 1899 591 6268 2848 6715 16953 19924 101478

97 1785 187 351 1427 1009 3138 8649 2444 26075

forest land 9283 9466 7538 6210

227

2237

9

1039 1177 209 621

764 30 97

1785 152 1 1427 439 3104 8649 2444 19965

Bare

Plantation Forest 110 418 346 386

569 34

20 6825 1212 240 4841 1837 3577

3822

17480 75404

35 350

10

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

Table 3. Land use and population of Huong Hoa district, Quang Tri province Commune

Population Land use (ha) Total area Agric.land Forest.land Unused land** No of Total Of which household habitants Kinh people* Huong Lap 287 1 970 15 22 057 571 8 131 13 313 Huong Phung 766 2 861 1 236 12 479 8 922 10 311 Huong Tan 426 2 358 997 2 462 715 19 1 676 Huc 432 2 538 162 6 488 619 393 5 450 Ta Tang 374 2 169 26 6 092 428 599 5 047 Thuan 385 1 975 269 2 108 275 20 1 790 Thabh 407 2 162 23 2 215 540 171 1 472 Huong Loc 311 1 621 81 4 979 291 582 4 090 262 1 440 28 1 615 337 144 1 116 • Xinh 290 1 563 32 1 223 421 42 713 • Tuc 231 1 241 21 2 984 346 278 2 343 • Doi Xy 239 1 229 16 2 118 368 125 1 609 Khe Sanh 1 835 9 088 7 908 1 326 590 232 275 Lao Bao 1372 7 302 6 396 1 700 312 184 957 Tan Thanh 454 2 357 1 986 4 574 474 730 3 325 Tan Long 543 2 836 2 625 1 974 720 173 1 040 Tan Lap 609 3 084 2 413 1 927 798 61 986 Tan Len 646 3 281 2 999 1 294 637 36 573 Total 9 869 51 075 27 233 79 622 8 450 12 844 56 093 Note: * Remaining is Van Kieu and Pa Co ethnic groups. **Remaining is water surface, road and housing quarter.

11

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

5. INSTITUTIONAL AND POLICY ISSUES MOST RELEVANT TO CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT 5.1. Relevant policies, decrees and laws Table 2. Prioritized Policies & Organizations Policies Land Law

Law on Forest Protection & Development Law on Water Resources Use and Management Law on Agricultural Cooperatives 5M ha Reforestation Program (5MR), (1998-2010)

Guiding Land tenure

Relevant

Within framework

Land allocation Land use rights Forest classification Forest/land alloca-tion & contract Water resources protection, use & management Principles & rules of coop. Establishment Formation of forest management system Investment for Forestry Development Land use planning Building capacity on water delivery & management Building provincial capacity on basin management

Water Sector Support Program

Decree No 525 TTg (1993) on Mountain Area Development Decision No 02 CP on Land Allocation Decision No 245 Decision No 163 on Forest land allocation Decision No 170 CP on private sector Decision No 264 CP on credit for forest planting

Policies for socioeconomic develop’t of mountain areas

Clean water provision

Guidelines for forest land allocation Responsibilities of authorities on forest/land mangn’t Recognition of community forest Policy on promotion of private sector Guidelines for special credit for forest planting 12

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

Policies Decision No 135 CP on Difficult Communes Decree No 09 LCTTN Decision 08 CP on Management of 3 forest categories

Guiding

Relevant

Organization & operation of Disaster Control activities

Within framework Classification of difficult communes Support 2,200 remote communes

Regulations on managing special-use, protection and production forests

5.2. Comments on Policies and Implementation of Previous Projects Principal changes of the policies to adapt to market economy. • Ecological protection is now considered the most important function; • A strategic shift from state forestry towards people’s forestry; • A renovation in roles of state forest enterprises with two separate functions: public service and business; •

A conceptual change: single plantation towards plantation combined with natural rehabilitation;

•

A transfer of less important protection forest into a category where the production purposes dominate;

•

Transition from direct intervention by State to indirect intervention through incentives;

•

Decentralization strengthening local authorities.

Projects shortcomings: A number of shortcomings have been found both in design and implementation of the Projects, i.e.: • Too large subsidies while direct investment to households was low; • Cost-effective principle was not followed; • Top-down approach was dominant; • Benefit sharing was mot clear; • Technical guidelines were not appropriate; and so on. Learning from the previous programs: • Experience show that if the State covers the entire cost, sustainability will not be secured as the fund is not available and the long-term benefits are not seen by local people. •

Local population in the watershed should be in the center of the watershed management cause. It needs to promote them to engage to land use planning, forest management,

•

Management activities should go parallel with improving the local livelihood.

Problems to be addressed. • Identification of forest categories, and demarcation on the field is not completed; • A significant area of forest and barren land is neither classified and identified on the field nor allocated to users by the competent authorities. •

A precondition for establishing local projects is to review and revise the overall land use13

plan in order to identify the forest land and classify it into 3 categories (special-use, protection and production).

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

•

Before, the sustainability standard for forest owners simply included: no reduction in forest area; and stability of the logged volume. But in fact over the second half of the last century forest area steadly shrunken and degraded; up to 60% of natural forest became poor with volume reducing to under 100 m3/ha.

•

How to certify sustainability in managing three forest categories is quite new

•

Criteria and Indicators (C&I) for sustainable forest management have not been developed.

6.

POTENTIAL PARTNERS/ORGANIZATIONS

Table 3. Potential partners No 1 2 3

Organizations Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) • Forest Protection Department (FPD) • Forest Development Department FDD) 4 • Five million ha of Reforestation Project (5MR) 5 • Forest Inventory and Planning Institute (FIPI) 6 • Forest Science Institute of Vietnam (FSIV) 7 • National Institute for Agriculture Planning and Projection (NIAPP) 8 9 • Institute for Water Planning and Projection (IWPP) 10 • Mekong Committee (VNMC) 11 • National Water Resources Council (NWRC) • Committee for Ethnic Minority and Mountain Areas (CEMMA): 12 13 • Ministry of Labor, Invalid and Social Affairs (MOLISA) 14 • Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MOSTE) • General Department for Land Administration (GDLA) 15 • General Department for Meteodology and Hydrology (GDMH) 16 • Provincial Authorities of Lai Chau and Quang Tri *Notes: (1): essential (2): wanted (3): observed. 7.

Priority* 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 3 3 2 3 2

CONCLUDING REMARKS:

• The catchment area in Vietnam, and selected watersheds in particular, are vital important in terms of socio-economic and environmental development as well as natural resources protection. They are livelihood of all ethnic minorities - the most prioritized target groups of a number development projects of Vietnam at present and in future. • Major constraints for catchment development include, inter-alias, remoteness; poor infrastructure; degraded forest, water and land resources; threatened bio-diversity. • Emerging issues include poor-rich polarization; food insecurity; low local investment capacity; low level of knowledge; traditional gender imbalance. • A set of policies have been issued creating sound legislative background for development. State and local people are determined to work together pursuing a sustainable development and in fact have made a considerable step in catchment development (land tenure, reforestation, poverty alleviation, food security, water supply, etc.). However, the policies are still fragment with a numerous elements of a top-down approach. Development activities are widely subsidybased, weak in cost-effectiveness and linkage and in certain cases low local participation.. • In catchment management, the following issues should be taken into account: - decentralization and devolution is uncompleted; 14

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

- responsibility sharing is not clear between central and local levels; - uncertainty of benefit sharing between the State and forest owners; - land allocation should be speeded up; - human resources and farmers’ participation should be improved. Hanoi, 17 February 2002

15

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

Reference (main literature used)

1. Government Gazetta, 1998: Land Law (LL, 1993/1998) 2. Government Gazetta, 1991: Law on Forest Protection & Development (FL, 1991) 3. Government Gazetta, 2000: Law on Water resource Use and Management (WL, 2000) 4. Government Gazetta, 1997: Law on Agricultural Cooperatives (1997) 5. DFD/MARD, 1998: Proceedings of the National Seminar on sustainable forest management and forest certification 6. Asian Forest Network/FIPI, 1998: Stewards of Vietnam’s Upland Forest 7. Birdlife International/FIPI, 1999: Expanding the Protected Areas Network in Vietnam for 21th Century. 8. FAO/FIPI, 1996: Case study: People based Watershed Sustainable Management 9. Ministry of Forestry, 1991: Vietnam Forestry Sector Review-Tropical Forestry Action Program 10. CEMMA, 1995: Selected policies on Ethnic Minorities and Mountain Areas 11. UNDP, 1999: Country Economic Review, Vietnam 12. MARD, 2001: Collection of legislative and decisions on water resources 13. Helvetas, 1999: Social Forestry 14. FIPI, 1999: Bao cao ket qua de tai xay dung lam phan phong ho (Final report on Protection forest) 15. FARM, 1997: Vietnam National Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture in Rainfed Areas 16. MARD, 2001: Forestry Development Strategy 2001-2010; Draft of Sep. 2001 17. MARD, 2001: Forestry Development Strategy 2001-2010; (Draft of Sep. 2001) 18. MARD, 2001: National Five Million Hectare Reforestation Program (1998-2010). 19. MARD, 2001: National Coordination for Water Resources Management 20. Wold Bank, 2002: Report on Vietnam’s Development for 2001 21. MARD, 2001: Vietnam’s Forestry (A overview) 22. JICA/FSIV, 2001: Assessment of productivity of forest lands in Vietnam 23. CEMMA, 2000: Handbook for Ethnic Minorities and Mountain Areas 24. MARD/IRRI, 1998: Eco-regional Approach for Natural Resources Management in the Red River Basin, Vietnam 25. IIED, 1998: Sustainable livelihoods in the uplands of Vietnam: Land allocation and beyond 26. Oxfam-England and Oxfam-Hongkong, 2001: Rice for the poors and market liberation in Vietnam.

16

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

Annexes Annex 1. List of Organisations/Institutions relevant to catchment management in Vietnam

1

2

3

4

5

Name Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (MARD) MARDDepartment Forest Protection (DFP)

Contacts 2, Ngoc Ha, Hanoi Dr Le Van Minh, Director, ICD Tel: 8448 437520. Fax: 8447 330752 2, Ngoc Ha, Hanoi Dr Nguyen Ba Thu, Director Tel: 8447 335680. Fax: 8448 252695

MARDDepartment Forest Development (DFD)

2, Ngoc Ha, Hanoi Dr Nguyen Hong Quan, Deputy Director

MARDDepartment for Water & Irrigation Constructions Management MARD-Five Million ha Reforestation Project Board

Tel: 8448 438 803. Fax: E-mail: 8448 438793 [email protected] 2, Ngoc Ha, Hanoi Director: Pham Xuan Su Tel: 8447 335708 . Fax: 8447 335702 E-mail; [email protected] A9 Building, No 2, Ngoc Ha, Hanoi.Dr Nguyen Ngoc Binh, Director of DFD Tel: 8448 438801. Fax: 8448 438793 E-mail: [email protected]

Mandate -Rural development; -Agriculture, forestry and irrigation; -Manage WSM projects -Protection and inspection of forests; -Inspection and protection of wildlives; -Planning of forest development; -Manage protection and production forests; -Technical guidelines for exploitation and wood processing -Planning water resources; -Water use management; -Management of irrigation construction -Assist Steering Committee (SC) and MARD in afforestation planning; -Assist SC & MARD in distributing plans and funds; -Direct, guide and supervise the implementation of 5m ha of forests; -Reviewing and reporting.

Implementation capacity No

-DFP local branches take part in accordance with their function

-DFD and its local branches take part in implementation

This department its local branches take part in implementation

-Provide guidelines and cooperate in implementing reforestation in the grass-root level.

17

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

6

7

8

9

10

Name Committee for Ethnic Minorities and Mountain Areas (CEMMA)

Contacts Mandate Implementation capacity 80, Phan Dinh Phung street, Hanoi -Standing agency of the -Provide policy guidelines on the issues relevant to ethnic Mr Trinh Cong Khanh, D’ty Director Government minorities and mountain Tel: 8448 437615. -Assist in taking care of the areas; -Assist in the poverty minority and mountain issues; Fax: 8448 230235 alleviation policies. -Preparation of policies relevant mountain areas and ethnic minorities; -Implement main projects on ethnic minority and mountain area General 73 Nguyen Chi Thanh street, Hanoi. development. -Compile land law and under-Provide policies and guidelines Mr Do Duc Doi law; -Manage land use planning; on land use plan; Department for Dep’t for Land Registration -Land inventory & -Its branches co-operate in land Land Tel: 8448 343921 registration; -Land mapping and allocation Administration Fax:: 8448 352191 certification; (GDLA) -Cadastral measurement. -Governmental agency with MARD -Co-ordinate all activities on the Vietnam’s Mekong 23, Hang Tre, Hanoi as standing body; Dr Nguyen Hong Toan project design and Committee -Cooperate sustainable Tel: 8448 255 596. implementation; (VNMC) development, utilization, -International cooperation Fax: 8448 256 929 Econservation and management of mail: Mekong basin in Vietnam. 67, Nguyen Du, Hanoi MOSTE-Manage natural resources; -Provide guidelines regarding the D’ty Director Truong Manh Tien Department of -Supervise environment; environmental issues; Tel: 8448 223196. Environment -Advise on natural resources Technical guidelines on Fax: 8448 223189 management; Management environment protection; E-mail: [email protected] -Environment impact evaluation Management 1A, Nguyen Cong Tru, Hanoi -Manage and implement projects -Provide experience in Board of Forest Director: Doan Diem of reforestation. implementing reforestation Projects projects Tel: 8449 712 542 Fax: 8449 712 542 E-mail: [email protected]

18

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

Name Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD) of Lai Chau province

Contacts 101, Muong Thanh, Lai Chau Tel: 023 826 184

12

Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD) of Quang Tri province

256, Le Duan, Dong Ha Tel; 053 852 573 Fax:053 855 013 D’ty Director: Truong Khanh

13

National Water Resources Council Chairman: Vice Prime-minister Nguyen Cong Tan. Standing member: Minister Le Huy Ngo

2, Ngoc Ha, Hanoi Secetary Dr Pham Xuan Su Tel: 8447 335708 .

11

Fax: 023 826 008 Director: Nguyen Van Cat

Fax: 8447 335702 E-mail; [email protected]

Mandate -In charge of agriculture, forestry and water use in the province; Implementation projects on rural development; -State management on the relevant issues. -In charge of agriculture, forestry and water use in the province; Implementation projects on rural development; -State management on the relevant issues. -Strategy & policy on national WRM; -Planning for inter-basin diversions; -Projecting water use and flood control; -Involve in international water sources management and settling disputes; -Resolution of any conflicts relating water resources.

Implementation capacity -Implementation planning; -Project management; -Partly involve in implementation; -Integrating the existing projects in the locality -Implementation planning; -Project management; -Partly involve in implementation; -Integrating the existing projects in the locality -Guiding function

19

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

Annex 2. Donors and NGOs relevant to catchment management in Vietnam Name of NGOs 1

2

3

4

DANIDA Project “Water Sector Program Support”

Contact MARD. 2, Ngoc Ha street, Hanoi Mr Las Skov Andersen Tel: 8447 337 696 Fax: 8447 337 697 E-mail: [email protected]

GTZ - Social 1A, Nguyen Cong Tru, Hanoi Forestry Ms Elke Forster Development Project Tel: 8448 214768 Fax: 8448 214765 E-mail: [email protected] IUCN 13A, Tran Hung Dao street, Hanoi Dr Nguyen Minh Thong Tel: 8449 330012 Fax: 8448 258794 E-mail: [email protected] CRES 19 Le Thanh Tong street, Hanoi Dr Truong Quang Hoc, Director Tel: 844 825 3506. Fax: 8448 262932 E-.mail: [email protected]

5

WWF

53, Tran Phu street, Hanoi Mr Hoang Thanh & Mike Baltzer Tel: 8447 338387. Fax: 844 733 8388 E-mal: [email protected]

6

CIDSE

Road No 4, Quarter A-5 , Thanh Cong, Dong Da, Hanoi. Mr Laroche Marc Tel 8448 359939. Fax: 8448 359928 E-mail: [email protected]

Mandate/Activity -Support water sector program; Assist in capacity building and implementing national program; Rural and urban water supply and sanitation. -Social forestry development; -Participatory planning;

Implementation capacity Cooperator

Cooperator

-Land use; -Poverty alleviation; -Advise on strategic issues of natural resources; -Develop projects on natural resources management. -Research on natural resources conservation; -Study and consultation on environmental protection; -Education and training staff in the relevant areas. -Survey and inventory of wildlives; -Planning wildlife protection and development; -Execute the projects on wildlife -Small scale projects on rural development;

Cooperator

Cooperator

Cooperator

Cooperator

-Poverty alleviation;

20

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

7

8

9

Name of NGOs

Contact

Mandate/Activity

CARE

Floor 11, Fortuna Tower, No 6B, Lang Ha street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.

-Small scale projects on rural development;

Mr Doolan Brian Tel: 8448 314155. Fax: 8448 314160 E-mal: [email protected] Lathanh Hotel, Doi Can street, Hanoi. Ms Sylvaine Rieg

-Poverty alleviation;

HELVETAS

FAO-BELGIUM

Tel: 8448 431750. Fax: 8448 431744 E-mal: [email protected] FAO Quarter, Room 202- B1, Van Phuc village, Hanoi. Mr Kumar Upadhuyay Tel: 8448 464268. Fax: 8448 464268 E-mal: [email protected]

-Social Forestry Development Project; Natural Resources in Ba Be watershed Poverty alleviation. -Participatory Watershed Management Project;

Implementation capacity Cooperator

Cooperator

Cooperator

-Poverty alleviation;

21

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

Annex 3. Research & Education institutions relevant to catchment management in Vietnam

1

Name Forest Inventory & Planning Institute (FIPI)

2

Forest Science Institute of Vietnam (FSIV)

3

Institute of Water Resources Planning (IWPP)

4

National Institute for Agricultural Planning and Projection (NIAPP)

5

Vietnam Institute for Water Resources Research (IWRR)

6

Southern Institute of Water Resource Research

Contacts Thanh Tri, Hanoi D’ty Director: Dr Nguyen Huy Phon Tel. 8448 615511 Fax: 8448 612 881 E-mail: [email protected] Tu Liem, Hanoi Tel: 8448 389 031 Fax: 8448 389 722 E-mail: [email protected] Director: Prof. Do Dinh Sam Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Tel: 8448 254 091 Fax: 8448 252 807 E-mail: [email protected] Dr Dr To Trung Nghia 61, Hang Chuoi, Hanoi Tel: 8449 716 408 Fax: 8448 214 163 E-mail: [email protected] Director: Vu Nang Dung 171, Tay Son, Hanoi Tel: 8448 522 086 Fax: 8445 632 827 Director: Nguyen Tuan Anh Quan5, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 8488 352 320 Fax: 8488 355 028 E-mail: [email protected] Director: Dr Le Sam

Mandate Survey of natural resources; Prepare development plan Monitor forest resources Research on forest inventory & planning

Implementation capacity Cooperator -Forest inventory -Forest classification -Mapping, GIS

Research on sylvi-culture, forest economy, forest management Consultation on forest investment Post-graduate education on forestry

Cooperator

-Inventory of water sources -Planning water use -Water resources management methods

Cooperator

-Land survey -Land use planning -Land projection

Cooperator

-Studies on water resources management methods; -Method of water supplies; -Water sanitation Special for the South -Studies on water resources management methods; -Method of water supplies; -Water sanitation

Cooperator

Cooperator

22

Watershed Management in the Lower Mekong Basin. Country Report Vietnam

7

8

9

Name Forestry College

Water Management University

Contacts Xuan Mai, Ha Tay, Vietnam Tel: 034 840 233

Mandate -Education of forest technicians at university level

Implementation capacity Cooperator -Training in social forestry

Fax: 034 840 540 Rector: Dinh Tu 299, TayNguyen Son, Hanoi Tel: 8448 522 201

-Education of water management at university level

Cooperator

Fax: 8448 633 351 Rector: Kimtown Truyen Northwest University Dien BienLePhu Lai Chau province

Recently established (2000) Education for minority students

Cooperator In training

23