Village Forestry Working Group in Lao PDR: A new beginning

The 2nd Workshop on Coordinating Mechanism for Village Forestry in lao PDR was organized by Department of Forestry Lao PDR with support from ASFCC and RECOFTC in Vientiane, on 18 December 2014. The workshop aims to  finalize the terms of reference of Village Forestry Working Group, as a recommendation from the first Workshop.

The meeting was attended by representative from Department of Forestry, Department of Forest Resourcce Management, partners organizations and donor organization and it was opened by Director General Department of Forestry, Lao PDR, Mr. Thongphat Vongmany. 

In the meeting, participants shared ideas and thoughts on how the Village Forestry Working Group will be positioned, the principle, objectives, structure, roles and responsibilities as well as their work plan. 

During the Consultation Workshop on Coordinating Mechanism for Village Forestry in Lao PDR on 7th August 2014, attended by representatives from different departments and sectors of the Government of Lao PDR, donor agencies, development agencies, civil society organizations and academic institutions attended. An overall agenda highlighted the importance of continuing to implement village forestry across Lao PDR. The participants also discussed crucial current issues in village forestry development in Lao PDR, progress to date, strategy for future village forestry development and methods for improving coordination mechanisms.

In reference to the results of the said Consultation, followed by Forest Sub-Sector Working Group (FSSWG) endorsement of VFWG on 23rd September 2014, the draft terms of reference is required to move the official establishment of VFWG forward.