Community forestry enterprises have proven to contribute significantly in raising rural incomes and improving food security. In their analysis, the Program on Forests (PROFOR) in 2018 highlighted that at the global level, it is estimated that small and medium-sized enterprises account for an estimated 45 million, or about 80-90 percent of enterprises within the forestry sector. But these enterprises face challenges without initial investments, capacity and access to markets to support inclusive, responsible business.
In this session, NTFP-EP along with its consortium partners AFA and AIPP, have highlighted the emerging successful models leading to value addition and quality business endeavors for community forestry beneficiaries.
Aadhimalai, a trailblazing producer company of over 1200 indigenous women and men, presented its story of consolidating, processing and marketing farm and NTFP produce from the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve in Southern India. They shared their struggles and corresponding strategies to remain on top of their game. Pgakenyaw (Karen) for Sustainable Development (PASD) discussed how Hin laad nai initiatives have documented and developed the process of indigenous food systems to prepare slow food offerings. In collaboration with chefs from different parts of the country, they have developed slow food meals with ingredients naturally sourced out from their forests. The Lao Farmers Network presented their advocacies and economic efforts to add value to Lao rural producers. NTFP-EP also presented one of its models of green intermediaries, CustomMade Crafts Center (CMCC) as a responsible initiative to effectively bring community products to urban centers. These collective examples across the “forest to fork” distribution chain, provide a collection of interventions emphasizing multiple values of local initiatives resulting in multiple socio-cultural and economic benefits.
KEY MESSAGES
Community-based forest enterprises (CFEs) are empowering and effective mechanisms that capture, conserve and communicate multiple values (economic, ecological, cultural, spiritual, etc.) of forests.
As with the environment they thrive in, the needs of forest-based communities are also changing: the need for subsistence, education, and a stable income for their families. Over time, community forest enterprises have supported these changing needs through value addition of forest products.
The various community forest enterprise models and strategies at the local, national, and green intermediary levels presented have helped respond to shifting social, cultural, and economic needs of forest-based communities. Sustaining these responses require innovative ways to communicate, tap niche markets, forge partnerships, and create an enabling policy environment.
LIST OF SPEAKERS
Crissy Guerrero, Senior Adviser, NTFP-EP Asia Moderator
Femy Pinto, Executive Director, NTFP-EP Asia Introduction and Key Messages
Dr. Prasert Trakansuphakon, Chairperson, Pgakenyaw (Karen) for Sustainable Development (PASD) Slow food and other enterprise initiatives: The case of Hin laad nai, Thailand
Jestin Pauls, Production and Sales Liaison Manager, Aadhimalai Indigenous peoples and farmers producers – the Producers company experience in Southern India
Phouttasinh Phimmachanh, Lao Farmer Network Cooperative Lao Farmer Network Cooperatives and cooperative union in Lao PDR
Julius Domingo, Production Officer, CustomMade Crafts Center Philippines Green intermediaries – empowering communities and providing credibility
The link between the supply and demand-sides’ measures for the legality and sustainability of the forest products trade remains to be an inextricable component to ensure the sustainability of the forestry sector. All over the Asia-Pacific region, efforts undertaken by producing and processing countries to improve forest governance and make their forest sector legal and more sustainable. As a response, markets are complementing and responding to the actions of the producing countries.
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Illegal logging remains the largest single category of environmental crime, degrading forests, eroding governance and the rule of law, and negatively affecting local communities.
As trade in timber increases, forest-related crime becomes increasingly transnational and requires increased international cooperation in law enforcement and information exchange.
Many Asia Pacific countries are taking steps to put in place timber legality measures, at the national level, within regional bodies like ASEAN, international fora like CITES and UNODC, and in cooperation with trading partners such as the EU FLEGT process.
Suppressing illegal logging requires action at all parts of the supply chain, by producer, processing and consumer countries.
Countries in the region increasingly wear multiple “hats” as producers, consumers, and processors of wood and forest products.
Firm legal measures that include robust due diligence measures and meaningful sanctions related to imports from third countries – not just domestically-source timber – are a key foundation for effective timber legality measures.
Voluntary measures, like certification systems such as FSC and PEFC, can complement timber legality measures by governments, and can and should be harmonized to optimize synergies.
Governments need to both pressure the private sector to increase their due diligence (through legally binding measures), and at the same time provide capacity-building support to the private sector related to legality compliance, especially for SMEs.
Independent monitoring by civil society organization, and transparency of information by governments and business, are essential parts of a robust timber legality assurance system.
Innovative technologies (remote sensing, traceability systems, wood ID, etc.) can be useful and cost-effective supports for timber legality assurance systems but must be “fit for purpose” and appropriate for a country’s needs and capacities.
There is vast potential for timber sector to learn from NTFP experiences working with SMEs/communities; and for NTFP producers to benefit from experience of timber sector with legality assurance systems/information collection and management.
There is also potential for sustainable NTFP production (especially bamboo), but also risks of overexploitation of NTFPs if market demand raises while green and fair-trade arrangements are not yet developed.
There should be a balance between the attention and work on the supply as well as the demand side (consumers’ side). Multi-sectoral collaboration and stronger and inclusive policy work and analysis for supply and demand aspects of timber and non-timber forest products should be undertaken.
Community based forest enterprises (CFEs) are empowering and effective mechanisms that capture, conserve and communicate multiple values (economic, ecological, cultural, spiritual, etc.) of forests.
Around 100 people attended the event; 6 speakers, two on timber and three on NTFPs and one on market intelligence.
Many tropical producing countries are in multi-stakeholder dialogues regulating and governing timber legality such as through FLEGT VPAs; their trade is increasingly monitored;
Important changes in value chains in the Asia-Pacific region take place: more timber comes from plantations (IDN, VN), there is an increasing role of small and micro-businesses in timber and timber product production, and several producing countries increase and regulate their own timber imports. These changes result in needs or potentials for regulatory reforms, and space for innovations in timber legality and sustainability assurance mechanisms;
China remains the main global timber market and imports timber to serve its domestic market and exports; regional and global reflections on legal and sustainable timber trade need to address China’s role.
The engagement although still mostly informal but increasingly becoming more organized community forest enterprise or MSMEs around NTFPs; various initiatives on sustainable production and marketing where lessons and potentials are seen
The demand for quality/standard developments for NTFPs utilizing local/traditional ecological knowledge and sustainability values and dimensions;
The importance of small and micro-businesses in the NTFP sector, and their needs wrt tenure security, access to markets, information and finance;
The potential for sustainable NTFP production (Bamboo), but also risks of overexploitation of NTFPs if market demand raises while green and fair-trade arrangements are not yet developed.
Data issues remain – some improvements in the timber sector (also related to transparency and tools), but still too little understanding of dynamics of NTFPs;
Joint efforts by governments, CSOs, research and the industry on the supply and demand side are needed.
Timber side has a lot of experience with irresponsible trade and market. Timber and NTFP sides can learn from each other to improve responsible markets for both, e.g. experience of the timber sector in regulating legal and sustainable production and markets is useful for developing NTFP production and markets.; experience of NTFP initiatives in supporting and organizing smallholders, communities, and micro-enterprises is beneficial for the timber sector.
ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS
Build new and develop further existing resource platforms for better statistics and information management on timber and non-timber forest products to improve supply chain controls, facilitate systems implementation, reduce costs, apply due diligence, inform policy/regulatory reform and facilitate independent monitoring activities;
Adapt governance systems building on multi-sectoral collaboration, and tailor requirements specific to the needs of smallholders, communities, and micro-enterprises to ensure they can participate in legal and sustainable supply chains and access trade benefits for improved livelihood;
3. Facilitate greater collaboration and cross-fertilization of experience and expertise between the timber and non-timber sectors, leveraging on the experience of the timber sector in regulating legal and sustainable production and markets and capitalizing on the experience of NTFP initiatives in supporting and organizing smallholders, communities, and micro-enterprises;
Promote exchanges and collaboration between and among producing and consumer countries to increase the effectiveness of demand- and supply-side measures for timber legality and stronger governance in the forest sector;
Promote the use of innovative technologies (remote sensing, traceability systems, wood identification) for timber legality and sustainability assurance systems appropriate for a country’s needs and capacities.
Bring together more producers and the private sector in the next APFW.
Meaningful engagement of CSOs, local communities, and indigenous peoples is a key ingredient to successful forest governance. There have been numerous researches and case studies that support this key message. With certain Asian national governments taking a right-wing stance in political direction, the prevalence of unsustainable initiatives in forest landscapes and mega-developments challenges and issues, how can responsible, inclusive and proactive forest governance be championed? What mechanisms can be unlocked and tapped?
In this session, key civil society organizations, local communities and indigenous people’s representatives will present, and share their experiences, challenges, perspectives, and lessons learned in forest tenure and access rights and forest governance.
Asian Farmers Association shared their experience in evidence-based advocacy movements using the Land Matrix in tracking forest land grabbing, ANGNA India spoke about their challenges and responses in their fight together with the indigenous peoples to fully implement the Forest Rights Act, and PACOS Trust discussed facilitating and hindering factors in pushing for establishing ICCAs through the support multi-stakeholder working group Sabah Social Forestry network.
Selected CSOs and indigenous community representatives provided their responses to the main presentations and a question and answer will be facilitated at the end of all presentations and responses.
KEY MESSAGES
Gaps and lags in forest governance still exist because of several challenges: inconsistencies in data, lack of capacity among local community and indigenous peoples to engage in multi-stakeholder governance, weak support from the government in recognition of customary land tenure and ICCAs in some countries, and lack of trust and confidence in government-civil society collaborative action.
Despite these challenges, there are on-going initiatives by the civil society organizations from various local, national and regional levels.
People and forest cannot be disconnected. The key to maintaining this innate connection is to sustain and increase partnerships, building trust and confidence within and among various stakeholders. The government, civil society, local communities, and indigenous peoples (most especially women), should be effectively and equally engaged as key stakeholders in policy development towards effective forest governance.
LIST OF SPEAKERS
Mr. Prem Singh Tharu, Program Officer, AIPP Ms. Olivia Melendrez, Area Coordinator, NTFP-EP Philippines Moderators
Ms. Femy Pinto, Executive Director, NTFP-EP Asia Opening remarks and key messages
Ms. Lorraine Angelica Ablan, Land Matrix Coordinator, AFA Experience in evidence-based advocacy movements using Land Matrix in tracking forest land grabbing
Mr. Remish Ekka, Executive Director, ANGNA India CSOs and indigenous people’s challenges and responses in advocating for the full implementation of FRA
Mr. Gordon John Thomas, Technical advisor, PACOS Trust Multi-stakeholder working groups (SASOF) as a support mechanism for establishing ICCAs
Ms. Noraeri Thungme, Vice Chair, Indigenous Women Network in Thailand Role of Indigenous women in the forests: promoting traditional governance system to safeguard forests
Mr. Myo Ko Ko, Programme Manager, Advocacy and Networking, POINT Myanmar Indigenous people’s perspective on the global environment facility
Dazzle Labapis, Program officer, NTFP-EP Asia Indigenous people’s perspective on the global environment facility
NTFP-EP Asia is a collaborative network of non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) working with
forest-based communities to strengthen their capacity in the sustainable
management of natural resources in the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Vietnam, and Cambodia (https://ntfp.org/what-we-do/).
THE POSITION:
We are looking for full-time staff with experience and background in communications and knowledge management and related fields in journalism, public/media relations, among others. Salary range is Ps 30,000 to Ps 35,000 gross per month with basic benefits and commensurate to qualifications. Please see the details below.
This is full-time work with a maximum 6-month probation. The duty station is in Quezon City with occasional domestic and international travels.
IF INTERESTED:
E-mail the application letter and CV to applications@ntfp.org addressed to [THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR] using the subject [COMMUNICATIONS & KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT (Name of applicant)]
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Identifies, develops and executes the strategic visibility, and consistent and effective organizational branding and messaging of NTFP-EP across all thematic programs, audience, media, and collaterals
1. Identifies, develops and executes the strategic visibility, and consistent and effective organizational branding and messaging of NTFP-EP across all thematic programs, audience, media, and collaterals
2. Responsible for Publications and Print Collaterals
Coordinates the preparation of all related publications of NTFP-EP Asia
Designs and/or lays out information and workshop materials as needed
Coordinates the development and contribution of content for the “Voices from the Forest” newsletter both for website release and in printed form twice a year; as well as the e-newsletter; coordinates the editing and sign-off process of the regular publication/s like the NTFP-EP annual report
Supervises the distribution and monitoring of information materials, publications, etc. to NTFP-EP Asia partners, major contacts and other interested publics in coordination with the NTFP-EP Asia Administrative Officer
3. Manages information in the Web and Electronic platforms of NTFP-EP Asia
Manages content generation of the NTFP-EP Asia website
Ensures that the NTFP-EP Asia website/domain, including the EXCEED (Expanding Community Enterprises and Economic Development) microsite, and other related social networking platforms are updated on a regular basis
Coordinates the updating and management of the NTFP databases with concerned staff, partners, interns, and volunteers
Manages the NTFP-EP Asia e-group, intranet, and mailing list
Handles any information requests and queries posed to the NTFP-EP Asia email.
4. Film – Coordinates the production/replication/adaptation of videos depending on demand and budgets
5. Library – Supervises the management of the small NTFP-EP Asia library in coordination with the NTFP-EP Asia Administrative Officer
6. Supports NTFP-EP program events such as forums, webinars, campaigns, and trainings such as EXCEED, and from time to time will initiate and lead social mobilization activities around NTFP-EP’s key messages.
7. Facilitates and works with communications counterparts in each country, ensuring their participation and increasing their capacity and efficiency in communicating the NTFP-EP message to various target groups.
8. Manages consultants, interns, and volunteers associated with communications projects.
9. Performs other tasks related to their job designation as may be assigned by their Supervisor from time to time.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A university degree in Communications or any related field;
At least 3-year work experience on communications, journalism, public/media relations or other related fields;
Strong written and verbal communication skills;
Strong interpersonal skills, able to work in a multicultural environment and a team player;
Good computer skills, particularly on Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office365 programs;
Able to conceptualize and produce communication materials in print, film and online;
Advanced proficiency in English, written and verbal;
A self-starter and deadline-driven;
Willing to travel and flexible;
Knowledge of and interest in issues related to natural resource management, indigenous peoples’ rights are an advantage
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for
interview.
“NTFP-EP values people from diverse backgrounds and works to create an open atmosphere of trust, honesty, and respect. Harassment or discrimination of any kind is unacceptable, including cases involving race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship, disabilities, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other similarly protected status. This principle applies to all aspects of employment, from recruitment to termination and other terms and conditions of employment. This policy complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.”
INCHEON, South Korea – The Republic of Korea will be the host of the largest and most important forestry gathering in the Asia-Pacific region. The Asia-Pacific Forestry Week (APFW) 2019 will be held in Incheon, South Korea and will be attended by representatives from government institutions, development organizations, investors, academics, civil society, media, and the private sector.
The overall theme of the 4th Asia-Pacific Forestry Week (APFW2019) will be “Forests for peace and well-being.” This is a reflection of the positive dimensions of forestry and a call on the proactive integration of forestry into the wider context of the environment, society, and sustainable development, under which economic, social, human and cultural dimensions are considered in a holistic manner.
This APFW2019, NTFP-EP is co-leading Stream 4: “Promoting responsible trade and markets” along with European Forest Institute (EFI) EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Facility (EU-FLEGT Facility), Food and Agriculture Organization and European Union FLEGT Programme (FAO-EU FLEGT Programme), International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), Forest Trends, and World Resources Institute (WRI)
Stream 4: “Promoting responsible trade and markets” offers 10 events that will provide an overview of current actions, trends, issues, opportunities, partnerships, and policies in ensuring the sustainability of forest products trade and markets. Events will offer a deep dive into the dimensions of forest products trade, market, and technology initiatives and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. Specifically, the focus will be on: ensuring the sustainability of forest products (timber and non-timber); empowering community enterprises; promoting smallholder interests; exploring forests investment opportunities; improving synergy between FLEGT and other initiatives; developing integrated forest management approaches; and enhancing transparency in managing agricultural systems in forests.
Below are the scheduled events of NTFP-EP throughout the week:
NTFP-EP is also co-organizing The CANopy Room (Culture and Networking space). The CANopy Room offers a space for participants to meet, hang out, and take a break from the intensive workshops and meetings while gaining knowledge and getting inspired by forest-friendly lifestyles under the overall theme of APFW 2019 “Forests for Peace and Well-being”.
The CANopy is located at the back of the Exhibition Hall. Fourteen partners are collaborating on various events and exhibits showcasing how forests promote peace and well-being, through its four zones: (1) Wild Bar & Kitchen; (2) Wellness Hub; (3) Eco-Market Place; and the (4) Forest Interact Zone.
Drop by The CANopy room for fun activities and surprises from NTFP-EP, ESSC, IFSA, FAO, and other partners. The schedule is as follows:
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Non-timber forest producer groups and associations represent important providers of social protection while making a significant contribution to forest conservation and poverty eradication goals. In fact, about 68% of total rural households across Cambodia rely on forest resources for their livelihood activities. Aside from collecting root crops, fruit, vegetables for daily consumption, local communities sustainably harvest forest honey, rattan, bamboo, resin, and traing for processing and selling consumable food products and daily household materials.
Protecting forest access rights for local communities,
particularly for indigenous peoples are therefore crucial to ensure equitable
benefit distribution through awareness raising and implementation of relevant legislations.
“The national programme also supports the development of viable small and medium scale rural enterprises that add value to forest products making direct contribution toward self-sustained community forest management models,” he added.
Non-timber forest producers not only promote the economic interest among communities but can also focus on protecting community members against risks or eventual economic shocks by creating informal social protection services such as pooling financial resources in savings and credit funds.
Under collaborative efforts with the Government of
Cambodia, International and local NGO partners, and funding support from Netherlands
Committee IUCN, SDC and ADB, NTFP-EP Cambodia successfully supported to-date
development of a total of more than 60 community-based enterprises in Kratie,
Steung Treng, Mondulkiri, Rattanakiri, Preah Vihea, Koh Kong and Siem Reap
provinces. In 2018, the social
enterprises cover a total of 379,897.74 hectares of
community-based forest and fisheries management in these provinces. NTFP-EP
also supports one national intermediary, NatureWild, whose role is
supporting product distribution to markets in the country. In 2017, community
incomes from their production of NTFPs such as forest honey, bamboo, resin, and
traing, is estimated at 78,182 US dollars and 66,898 US dollars in 2018.
In parallel, the forest sector saw a significant contribution
to national prosperity by rattan supply chain, which was estimated at 1.5
million US dollars.
However, in an effort to scale-up the production and
increasing entrepreneurship, these community producers need to be empowered to
compete in a larger non-timer and forest production chain, while gaining access
to the benefits of mainstream markets. Community management and capacity building
are important to ensure compliance with standards and protocols.
In her opening remarks addressing participants at the second National Forum, Ms Femy Pinto, Executive Director of NTFP-EP Asia, says that community producers make up an important proportion of the non-timer forest private sector and are therefore ones of the key players in realising forest conservation and poverty eradication goals, contributing to Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs).
While developing community-run enterprises for
livelihoods, an understanding of markets plays a significant role in ensuring
success. “In general, these community groups seek to gain more support from
different development actors including the Government, private sector and other
stakeholders in NTFP value chain development,” Ms PINTO said.
“Lessons learned from the projects suggest that community
enterprise models should be based on integrating value chains to reach the end consumer
through a multi-stakeholder approach or by linking enterprises to the value
chains of larger enterprises,” she urged.
NTFP productions depend of course on sustainably managed
natural resources. But like for other countries in Asia where the economy is on
the rise, Cambodia’s natural resources have been increasingly used in unsustainable
way due to short-term gains such as illegal logging, wildlife trade, illegal
fishing, conversions of forests to economic land concessions for crop
plantations, destruction of forests for mineral exploitations, among others
threats.
“For community based forest management in Cambodia to succeed, the integration between people, economics and preservation of the natural resources must be central within every forest policies, while secured land rights and community-managed forest lands are protected by laws and reinforced by Government’s national and local authorities, with continuous support from international NGOs, local organisations, and development aid agencies,” says Ms Diane Caroen, Team Leader of the LISDI project for WWF-Cambodia.
As part of its support to communities depending on
Non-timber forest products, WWF and partner WCS engage with FA and MoE into the
ADB funded GMS Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project to implement the
Livelihoods Improvement Strategy and upscale their activities for the promotion
of NTFP value-chains in Koh Kong and Mondulkiri (wild honey, bamboo, medicinal
plants). We have a fruitful partnership with specialized NGOs and we try to
strengthen CPA/CFs business associations, as well as subsector marketings
associations, building linkage between the communities and SMEs.
It is important for secured land tenure arrangements such as community forestry and fisheries and community protected areas to play a complementary role with community-based NTFP enterprise development. “These efforts will enable local people to make decisions on what the best and most productive use of their forest lands and community resources may be so that they can continue to enjoy the social and environmental incentives now and in the long-term future,” Ms. Caroen continued.
The Cambodia NTFP Working Group, a voluntary platform comprising of NTFP experts and practitioners, and representatives from the government, community producers/entrepreneurs, CSOs and researchers, will discuss the recommendations from the National Forum in order to formulate an action plan going forward.
What are non-timber forest products? NTFPs are defined as biological resources extracted
from forests other than timber for human uses. Examples of NTFPs include fruits
and nuts, vegetables, fish, medicinal plants, forest honey, resins, and a range
of barks and fibres such as bamboo, rattans, as well as palms and grasses.
About the National Forum on NTFPs: The National Forum on NTFPs is initiated with
the aim to showcase results and success practices that the local community
achieved in developing and promoting NTFP value chains using
environmentally-friendly harvest and processing practices. These community
efforts support sustainable use and management of NTFPs and forest resources
within their community management areas, while contributing to social-economic
improvement of local community households.
The first National Forum on
NTFPs was organised in 2015, which raised the importance of NTFPs and began to
demonstrate encouraging results in the development of NTFP value chains in
Cambodia. In this second National Forum, we will surface the continuing
progress being made in NTFP value chain development such as standardizing NTFP
management practices and the expansion of community enterprise models on
various NTFPs such as forest honey, rattan, bamboo, resin, and traing.
Partners for Forestry and Fisheries
(PAFF)
LISDI project
is a project of ADB funded GMS Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project to implement
the Livelihoods Improvement Strategy
Shared Resources, Joint Solutions (SRJS) for the IUCN support
Biodiversity Conservation Corridor project.
About NTFP-EP: NTFP-EP is a collaborative
networket of over 60 NGOs and community-based organizations
working with forest-based communities to strengthen their capacity in the
sustainable management of natural resources in the Philippines, India, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. In Cambodia, NTFP-EP has been working since 2007 with the Cambodian
government, NTFP producers and entrepreneurs, private sector, CSOs and academia
on NTFP value chain development and promoting community-based forestry and
fisheries management.
