Dear Readers, During the next few months, RECOFTC will be redeveloping both its website and Community Forestry E-News. Your thoughts and ideas are very important to us, and we would much appreciate a few minutes of your time to take our quick online survey. Taking Stock of the Community Forestry E-News Your answers will help us to keep E-News relevant and informative for supporting the wonderful work you all do, and for helping to share the stories and successes of community forestry in the Asia-Pacific. Please continue to share news with us by sending items you would like featured via email to erica.pohnan@recoftc.org. Erica Pohnan, Editor
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMMENTARY OF THE MONTH Harnessing the 'Avatar Effect': People and Forests on Planet Pandora NEWS FROM THE PRESS 1. India: Tribals Still Struggling After 60 Years 2. Indonesia: Government Plans Forest Land Giveaway to Help the Poor 3. International: IPCC Report Under Attack for Rainforest Claims 4. Lao PDR: Forestry Bribes Fuel Illegal Logging 5. Malaysia: Indigenous Communities in Borneo Wins Rights Ruling 6. Thailand: Forest Land Dispute Opens a ‘Pandora’s Box’ 7. Vietnam: Generating Power and Profits Through Paying for Forests UPDATES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY 1. Biodiversity Crucial to Lives of Billions, Says UNEP 2. Copenhagen Fails Forest People 3. Forest Carbon Markets Likely Grew in 2009 Despite Recession 4. Germany Pledges 27 Million Euro to Indonesia REDD Project 5. Global Warming Creative Media: Photos, Interactive Maps, Videos 6. REDD-net Releases Overview of 'Hopenhagen' PUBLICATIONS 1. China’s Forest Tenure Reforms: Impacts and Implications for Choice, Conservation and Climate Change 2. Effects of Forest Certification on Biodiversity 3. Facilitating Forests of Learning: Enabling an Adaptive Collaborative Approach in Community Forestry User Groups 4. Financial Governance and Indonesia’s Reforestation Fund 1989-2009: A Political Economic Analysis of Lessons for REDD+ 5. Losing Ground: Forced Evictions and Intimidation in Cambodia 6. REDD Realities: How REDD Strategies Can Impact Biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples in Developing Countries 7. Timber Markets and Trade Between Laos and Vietnam EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 1. Call for Abstracts: Forestry Education and Research for the Asia-Pacific 2. International Event: Taking Stock of Smallholder and Community Forestry 3. Call for Comments: REDD+ Environmental and Social Standards 4. Call for Abstracts: 13^th Biennial Conference of the International Association for the Study of Commons 5. Training Workshop: Scientific Writing in Development Studies 6. Call for Abstracts: National Conference on Forest-People Interaction JOB OPPORTUNITIES 1. Program Leader/Research Fellow for Climate Change, ODI 2. Social Program Policy Officer, Forest Stewardship Council 3. Assistant Provincial Project Coordinator - Managing Our Forest Project, RECOFTC 4. Global Program Operations Director – China, WWF 5. Regional Director Asia, SNV 6.  Grants, Community-based Adaptation Activities 7. REDD Learning Network Officer, RECOFTC 8. Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, RECOFTC 9. National Program Officer (Thailand), RECOFTC FROM RECOFTC 1. Online Survey: Improving E-News 2. Norad-supported REDD Grassroots Project Launched 3. RECOFTC and IGES Partner for REDD+ National Workshops
COMMENTARY OF THE MONTH
Harnessing the 'Avatar Effect': People and Forests on Planet Pandora By Susan Mackay, Strategic Communications Manager - RECOFTC (susan@recoftc.org) The great advertising blitz publicizing last December's launch of a new blockbuster movie somehow passed me by. It was the Mongabay article featured in last month's E-News that persuaded me to go and see what all the fuss was about. Given the flood of commentary washing through the blogosphere ever since, is there anyone with an internet connection that isn't sure what I'm talking about? Securing nine Oscar nominations, and already breaking records for the highest box office takings of all time, 'Avatar' is a film that has truly caught the public's attention. So what exactly IS all the fuss all about? A futuristic tale of cat-like blue humanoids defending their traditional forest lands from greedy and aggressive human invaders? Or should political correctness lead us to dismiss it as another 'modern white man saves primitive tribe' affair? I believe that in the story's very simplicity, we can find something much more subtle, insightful, and profound. After all, when was the last time many of Avatar's audience had the chance to immerse themselves (thanks to cinematic '3-D') in the true wonder of a bio-diverse, living, breathing, and natural forest ecosystem? Most have probably spent their entire lives growing up in cities. Is dense natural forest something they watch only on television, or flick through its lush images, gracing the pages of National Geographic? One of the biggest challenges in the development and forestry sectors is how to catch people's attention in a world saturated by information. Once we do, we have only a small window of opportunity to get our message across. In Avatar, does Director James Cameron offer us a powerful multi-million dollar 'teachable moment'? While Avatar is not the first movie to explore the critical relationship of local communities and indigenous people with their forests, it may be the first to make the message so completely mainstream. One of the most remarkable aspects of the film is surely in the powerful way it captures the value of local and indigenous knowledge handed down over generations. Our bumbling Avatar hero, Jake, takes considerable time to learn to adapt and appreciate the initially hostile environment. As an ex-marine stepping into the unfamiliar skin of a Na'Vi warrior, is this a metaphor for the deep spiritual connection that our modern, urban, over-consuming society has lost with the natural environment? Do we need to re-learn the value of the symbiosis that local communities and indigenous people can have with their forests, the key role they play in maintaining and improving their health, and in ensuring their very survival? If we look beyond the special effects, and the supernatural story, I believe the characters do speak to us of a starkly simple, moral and enduring truth. We don't need to attempt intergalactic travel to see the damage natural resource conflict causes to local communities and their forests. Such struggles are all too common right here on Earth. They are equally destructive to local livelihoods, often severing deep ties with the land and stirring up strong emotions. In this respect Avatar is hardly a fantasy. Have we the courage to look in the mirror? And if so, what do we see? Are we the ignorant corporation, driven by greed, aggression and short-term consumption? Or are we the Na'Vi people, potentially the 'good guys' in the tale, who waste time bickering and blaming the messenger, rather than heeding the warning of the peril that they, and we, are facing? There is often a temptation for experts and enthusiasts to speak to each other, not always seeing the need to reach out and engage a wider group of people. We must understand the critical role that we all need to play in securing the future of our forests. In this we need to appeal as much to the heart, as to the mind. Now is the time for us to reach out to a new media-aware generation, and to harness the educative potential of the Avatar effect. ***Disclaimer*** These Viewpoints represent the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect opinions of RECOFTC.
NEWS FROM THE PRESS
1. India: Tribals Still Struggling After 60 Years Outlook India, In These Times, February 2010 2010 will mark India ’s 60^th year as an independent republic. However, many tribal and indigenous groups continue to struggle. The Bonda tribe are fighting hard to retain their identity and culture in the face of pressure to develop and modernize. The sacred hills of the Dongria Kondh tribe have been sold for bauxite mining, causing conflicts that continue to fuel India’s internal struggle between the Maoists and central government. Full text: India’s Trail of Tears Full text: Being Remo Back to TOC 2. Indonesia: Government Plans Forest Land Giveaway to Help the Poor Jakarta Globe, 22 January 2010 The Indonesian Government has announced plans to designate 100,000 hectares of forest land as ‘People’s Plantations,’ giving the land to 10,000 households. An additional 40,000 hectares will be granted to 20,000 households for community forest management, and 30,000 hectares to 11,000 households for village forest management. This initiative is part of Indonesia’s efforts to achieve its pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26%, while promoting livelihoods and reducing poverty for forest-dependent people. Indonesia also plans to rehabilitate degraded forests and plant millions of hectares of new forest to meet emission targets. Full text Mongabay: Indonesia to Plant and Restore Vast Areas of Forest Back to TOC 3. International: IPCC Report Under Attack for Rainforest Claims FOX News.com, 28 January 2010 The IPCC’s credibility has come under fire following the revelation that a key claim made in its Fourth Assessment Report about the effects of global warming on tropical forests did not come from a scientific source. In the report, scientists wrote that 40% of the Amazon rainforest was endangered by global warming. This 40% figure has since been attributed to a letter published in the journal Nature that discussed logging activities and was not related to climate change. Full text Time: Explaining a Global Climate Panels’ Key Missteps Back to TOC 4. Lao PDR: Forestry Bribes Fuel Illegal Logging Radio Free Asia, 27 January 2010 Despite ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal logging, the number of Lao forestry officials charged with accepting bribes is still on the rise. These bribes usually come from companies that are exceeding their timber cut quotas. However, there is some evidence that the increase is slowing with stricter penalties beginning to act as a deterrent. Full text Back to TOC 5. Malaysia: Indigenous Communities in Borneo Win Land Rights Ruling Mongabay.com, 27 January 2010 Iban and Malay indigenous communities in Sarawak recently won their suit against the State Government to stop oil palm plantation establishment on native lands. A court ruled that local communities have native customary rights over land, which must be given the force of law. This ruling follows an escalated conflict between an Iban community and a state-backed land developer, which resulted in the demolition of dozens of Iban homes. Full text Back to TOC 6. Thailand: Forest Land Dispute Opens a ‘Pandora’s Box’ Bangkok Post, 25 January 2010 Following mass protests, authorities have confirmed that Privy Councilor Surayad Chulanont was not entitled to occupy the forest land on which his resort home was built. The ruling has caused moderate panic amongst those who could also be found to be illegally occupying protected land. If the government became serious about enforcing its laws on land encroachment groups such as landless farmers, poor people and monks could be adversely affected. Full text: Land Case a ‘Pandora’s Box’ Full text: Surayad Pulls Down House Editorial: Forest Eviction Plan to Steal From the Poor Back to TOC 7. Vietnam: Generating Power and Profits Through Paying for Forests Vietnam Business News, 23 January 2010 Research conducted by Vietnam Forestry University has attempted to quantify the value of environmental services provided by forests. One survey found a forest in Son La province could increase a hydropower plant's revenue by nearly VND 6 billion per year, (nearly USD 300,000), by allowing the hydropower plant to run at full capacity during winter months. These findings are helping to advise the development of the Government’s guiding decree on payment for environmental services. Full text Back to TOC
UPDATES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
1. Biodiversity Crucial to the Lives of Billions Says UNEP Sources: The Ecologist, UNEP, January 2010 At the official launch of the International Year of Biodiversity, UNEP's Executive Director reminded the world of the role biodiversity can play in helping to alleviate poverty. Ecosystems and biodiversity serve as natural buffers against the worst impacts of climate change and natural disasters, and their destruction results in losses of millions of dollars from the loss of free environmental services. The United Nations is currently considering whether to create an intergovernmental scientific body for biodiversity, which would function similarly as the IPCC does for climate change. Full text UNESCO/CBD Press Release Convention on Biological Diversity Website Back to TOC 2. Copenhagen Fails Forest People Sources: BBC, Rights and Resources Initiative, January 2010 If 2010 is the beginning of a new era for people and forests in developing countries, who will drive the agenda, and who will make the decisions? The Rights and Resources Initiative recently released a report taking stock of the current state of forest rights and tenure around the world. The report argues that the prominence of forests in the global agenda will put unprecedented pressure on local people, and that respect for forest peoples’ rights is fundamental for the success of REDD. Read the Report: The End of the Hinterland BBC: Copenhagen Fails Forest People Back to TOC 3. Forest Carbon Markets Likely Grew in 2009 Despite Recession Sources: Ecosystem Marketplace, January 2010 Despite the global economic crisis, forest carbon companies expanded operations in 2009. Throughout the year, Ecosystem Marketplace analyzed what was happening and have produced the first comprehensive report: State of the Forest Carbon Markets 2009. Two key findings were that prices for forest carbon credits are on the rise, and that 90% of forest carbon transactions still occur on the voluntary market. Full text Summary: State of the Forest Carbon Markets 2009 Full PDF: State of the Forest Carbon Markets 2009 Back to TOC 4. Germany Pledges 27 Million Euros to an Indonesia REDD Project Sources: Jakarta Globe, January 2010 Germany has committed 27 million Euros (US$39 million) towards implementing a REDD pilot project in three districts in Kalimantan: Kapuas Hulu, Malinau, and Berau. The German Agency for Technical Cooperation will help support the districts prepare for REDD. The project is scheduled to begin next month and continue until 2016. Full text Back to TOC 5. Global Warming Creative Media: Photos, Interactive Maps and Videos Sources: World View of Global Warming, Population Action International, Environmental Education Media Project This month, we’re highlighting a number of unique tools and information sources for building global warming awareness. One is the World View of Global Warming, an independent photojournalism project that features weekly images of climate change. Population Action International has created an interactive map that allows users to create their own custom maps of climate change impacts. A ‘green’ search engine known as Ecosia was launched in response to recent news that each online search conducted generates about seven grams of carbon waste. The site donates 80% of sponsored-link click revenue to WWF. The Environmental Education Media Project produced a film on how ecosystem restoration can combat the impacts of climate change and help alleviate poverty. The film was made in China, Ethiopia, and Rwanda and has been broadcast globally by the BBC. Video: Hope in a Changing Climate Back to TOC 6. REDD-net Releases Overview of 'Hopenhagen' Sources: REDD-net, January 2010 REDD+ was one of few issues to make progress at COP 15, or 'Hopenhagen', but the implications of the wider negotiations for REDD+ are not yet clear. This REDD-net brief considers the outcomes of the negotiations, focusing on the status of REDD+ and the implications for local and indigenous peoples. Full text Learn more about REDD-net. Back to TOC
PUBLICATIONS
1. China’s Forest Tenure Reforms: Impacts and Implications for Choice, Conservation, and Climate Change Authors: Jintao Xu, Andy White and Uma Lele, Rights and Resources Initiative, January 2010 During the past decade, China has undertaken the world’s largest forest land tenure reforms by giving forest collectives the power to reallocate forest use rights to individual households and communities. These reforms offer valuable lessons for other countries addressing land tenure issues and conflicts. The report examines the evolution of recent forest tenure reform in China, and finds that the situation differs according to each province’s history. It identifies an overall need to improve household participation in collective decision-making processes. Full PDF Back to TOC 2. Effects of Forest Certification on Biodiversity Authors: Marijke van Kuijk, Francis E. Putz, Roderick Zagt, Tropenbos International, December 2009 One of the stated rationales for forest certification argues that forest management which follows set standards can protect biodiversity yet keep forests productive. This report reviews the conservation performance of certified forests over the past 15 years. It tentatively concludes that forest certification appears to benefit biodiversity, but that forest managers need to systematically collect biodiversity information in order for more accurate assessments to take place. Full PDF Back to TOC 3. Facilitating Forests of Learning: Enabling an Adaptive Collaborative Approach in Community Forest User Groups Publisher: CIFOR 2009 This guidebook is a hands-on resource for applying an adaptive collaborative approach to community forestry user group governance and management. This approach uses social, learning-based processes, practices and attitudes that support socially just and inclusive decision making and planning. The guidebook was developed based on six years of research at the community level in Nepal. The guidebook’s approach should be of interest to all practitioners committed to the well-being of people who are marginalized from natural resource management processes. Summary and PDF Back to TOC 4. Financial Governance and Indonesia’s Reforestation Fund 1989–2009: A Political Economic Analysis of Lessons for REDD+ Authors: C. Barr, A. Dermawan, H. Purnomo, H. Komarudin Publisher: CIFOR, January 2010 This paper examines the history of Indonesia’s Reforestation Fund since its creation in 1989. It finds that funds were often misused to promote commercial plantation development and finance politically favored projects outside the fund’s mandate. This mismanagement serves as a warning for future REDD+ payment schemes with the authors calling for strong national strategies that combat corruption and are transparent, verifiable, and equitable. Reuters: Graft Threatens Indonesia’s Carbon Offset Billions Summary and PDF Back to TOC 5. Losing Ground: Forced Evictions and Intimidation in Cambodia Publisher: Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee, September 2009 Forced land evictions are an unfortunate reality in Cambodia, where an estimated 150,000 people are at risk of being removed. This report presents a collection of voices from evictees and others facing the same fate. The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee calls for rigorous enforcement of Cambodia’s Land Law, and greater participation from Cambodian citizens in the country’s overall development. Full PDF Back to TOC 6. REDD Realities: How REDD Strategies Can Impact Biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples in Developing Countries Publisher: Global Forest Coalition, December 2009 In its assessment of national REDD strategies in 12 developing countries, this report finds that gender issues are rarely considered, and that REDD has the potential to weaken biodiversity conservation. It also concludes that including sustainable forest management, as defined by FAO, would have a devastating impact on biodiversity and the livelihoods of indigenous peoples. The report argues that an equitable forest conservation regime that respects legally binding conventions, such as the CBD and UNDRIP, must be put in place before REDD is implemented. Full PDF Back to TOC 7. Timber Markets and Trade Between Laos and Vietnam Publisher: Forest Trends & DFID, January 2010 Vietnam is one of the largest furniture exporters in the world, but the country’s industry relies on importing some 80% of the raw material needed for the furniture industry. With an estimated 16%–25% of this imported material coming from Lao PDR, Vietnam’s furniture industry has a strong influence on forestry there, including the Lao Government’s commitment to participatory, sustainable forest management. This report finds that revenue from the Lao PDR–Vietnam timber trade is often inequitably shared, and that trade is shifting away from markets with strict environmental requirements towards others less stringent about legal sourcing. The report calls for improved law enforcement and verification of chain of custody systems. Full PDF Back to TOC
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
1. Call for Abstracts: Forestry Education and Research for the Asia-Pacific ICRAF, Manila, The Philippines, 23–25 November 2010 Abstract submission deadline: 31 May 2010 This conference aims to strengthen the contribution of forestry education and research towards sustainable forest management in the Asia-Pacific region. Conference objectives: · Assess the state of forestry education and research in the Asia-Pacific region · Identify major issues and challenges confronting the forestry education and research sectors · Chart the future direction of forestry education and research The course is organized by the University of the Philippines Los Banos, with support from the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF). Click here for the conference brochure. For more information, click here. Back to TOC 2. International Event: Taking Stock of Smallholder and Community Forestry Montpellier, France, 24–26 March 2010 Registration deadline: 10 March 2010 While smallholders and communities are recognized for successfully managing forest resources, new global trends such as climate change are affecting local forest management. This international conference will take stock of community forestry options in a rapidly changing world. The conference is jointly organized by CIFOR, the French Research Institute for Development, and the French Agricultural Research Center for International Development. To register, click here. For more information about the conference, click here. Back to TOC 3. Call for Comments: REDD+ Environmental and Social Standards Submission deadline: 15 March 2010 CARE International and the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance have launched an initiative to develop environmental and social standards for implementing REDD+. These standards will help ensure that REDD+ aids biodiversity and respects the rights of indigenous peoples and forest-dependent communities. The draft standards are available online, and comments will be accepted until 15 March 2010. View the draft standards in English here. For more information, click here. Back to TOC 4. Call for Abstracts: 13^th Biennial Conference of the International Association for the Study of Commons Hyderabad, India, 10–14 January 2011 Abstract submission deadline: 31 March 2010 The 13^th Biennial Conference of International Association for the Study of Commons (IASC) will be held in Hyderabad India, with the theme Sustaining Commons: Sustaining Our Future. The conference will deal with physical common resources under the following sub-themes: · The Commons, Poverty, and Social Exclusion · Governance of the Commons · The Commons: Theory, Analytics, and Data · Globalization, Commercialization, and the Commons · Managing the Global Commons: Climate Change and Other Challenges · Managing Complex Commons · New Commons: Digital Commons, Genetics, Patents, Music, Literature Hosted by the Foundation for Ecological Security, this will be the first IASC conference to be held in South Asia. For more information, visit the conference website. To view the call for abstracts, click here. Back to TOC 5. Training Workshop: Scientific Writing in Development Studies Kathmandu, Nepal, 1–5 March 2010 ForestAction Nepal and the College of Development Studies Nepal are conducting a training workshop to teach participants to write articles of moderate scientific rigor by linking experience, data, concepts and larger issues. The training is geared for participants interested in a broad range of social and environmental sciences, and will consist of classroom sessions, lectures, group exercises, and mentoring support. For more information, click here. To apply, please contact the College of Development studies at cdsnepal@mail.com.np or forestaction@wlink.com.np. Back to TOC 6. Call for Abstracts: National Conference on Forest-People Interaction Pokhara, Nepal, 7–8 June 2010 Extended submission deadline: 10 February 2010 This international event aims to disseminate outputs of forestry-based research and share knowledge and ideas around four themes: community-based forest management, biodiversity and environmental services, forest and tree management practices, and forest policy management and governance. Organized by the Institute of Forestry at Tribhuvan University in Nepal, the event is being co-sponsored by DANIDA and the Livelihoods and Forestry Programme. The deadline for submitting abstracts has been extended to 10 February 2010. For more information, click here. Back to TOC
JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES
1. Program Leader/Research Fellow for Climate Change, ODI Location: London, UK Closing Date: 19 February 2010 ODI is seeking a Program Leader/Research Fellow to manage and develop the work of its Climate Change, Environment and Forests Program. S/he will be responsible for leading every aspect of ODI’s work on climate change and furthering development of its climate research program. Essential qualifications include at least 10 years experience in policy research and engagement, five years working in climate change, and a proven ability to manage and build a team. View the full job announcement. Back to TOC 2. Social Program Policy Officer, Forest Stewardship Council Location: Bonn, Germany Closing Date: 25 February 2010 FSC is seeking a Policy Officer for its Social Program. S/he will develop new informational materials and organize training events on certification policies and procedures as well as activities to strengthen networks of small and community producers. Essential qualifications include at least three years experience in social themes related to natural resource management, field-level experience, teamwork and interpersonal communication skills, and a university degree in a relevant field. View the full job announcement. Back to TOC 3. Assistant Provincial Project Coordinator - Managing Our Forest Project, RECOFTC Location: Kampong Thom, Cambodia Closing Date: 22 February 2010 RECOFTC is seeking an Assistant Provincial Project Coordinator (APPC) for its Krub Krong Prey Chheu Yeung: Managing Our Forest Project, which aims to strengthen the capacity of community forestry communities, staff from the Forestry Administration, NGO partners, and local government to enhance the sustainable management of community forests. S/he will assist the Community Forestry Partnership Coordinator to coordinate the project in Kamphong Thom Province. The position is for 12 months with a possibility of extension. To view the full job announcement, click here. Back to TOC 4. Global Program Operations Director, WWF Location: Beijing, China Closing Date: 22 February 2010 WWF China is seeking a Global Program Operations Director to lead its China for a Global Shift Initiative, which aims to help achieve economic development and increased quality of life within the world’s ecological limits. S/he will possess an advanced degree in a relevant discipline; at least five years work experience; and experience in donor relations, fundraising, and working with governments, aid agencies, civil society, NGOs, and the private sector. View the full job announcement. Back to TOC 5. Regional Director Asia, SNV Location: Hanoi, Vietnam Closing Date: Until filled SNV Netherlands Development Organization is seeking a Regional Director Asia to be based in Hanoi, Vietnam, who will represent SNV in the region. S/he will be responsible for fundraising and business development, and lead the regional management team. Qualified candidates will possess a masters degree or equivalent, a strong network of organizations and individuals to build partnerships on, and previous international experience in Asia. View the full job announcement. Back to TOC 6. Community-based Adaptation Activity Grants, International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative Location: Global Closing Date: 26 February 2010 The Australian Government’s International Climate Change Adaptation Initiative is sponsoring activities in community-based adaptation in the Pacific region. Applications will be accepted from Australian and international NGOs proposing work to scale up current successful community-based adaptation activities, or to build adaptation components into existing community-based activities. Applications will be considered in the range of AUD500,000–AUD1,000,000. For details on selection criteria and how to submit proposals, click here. Back to TOC 7. REDD Learning Network Officer, RECOFTC Location: Bangkok, Thailand Closing Date: 2 March 2010 RECOFTC is seeking a project officer to lead the development of its REDD Learning Network. This Network connects key policymakers and influencers in the Asia-Pacific region by facilitating the sharing of information, knowledge building, and the development of capacity building materials on the topic of forests and climate change. The Network's aim is to ensure that REDD mechanisms contribute to poverty reduction and strengthen the rights of local people living in and around forests in the Asia-Pacific region. To view the full job announcement, click here. Back to TOC 8. Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, RECOFTC Location: Bangkok, Thailand Closing Date: to be confirmed RECOFTC is seeking an experienced Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to lead the following: · Design and implementation of organizational performance assessments, and overall program monitoring and evaluation · Quality assurance and M&E capacity building for country programs, thematic programs and projects The full job description and application details will be posted on the RECOFTC Jobs webpage later this week. Back to TOC 9. National Program Officer (Thailand), RECOFTC Location: Bangkok, Thailand Closing Date: to be confirmed RECOFTC is seeking an experienced National Program Officer to take a lead role in the coordination and implementation of the Thailand Country Program. The full job description and application details will be posted on the RECOFTC Jobs webpage later this week. Back to TOC
FROM RECOFTC
1. Online Survey: Taking Stock of the Community Forestry E-News RECOFTC is seeking feedback from its E-News readers to advise how we can improve our online communications services. Please take a few minutes to take our online survey, and tell us a bit about yourself and what you want to read in the E-News. The survey can be accessed through the link below, and should take 10 minutes to complete. Click here to take the survey Back to TOC 2. Norad-supported REDD Grassroots Project Launched Local people need to understand the basics of REDD and its implications before they can meaningfully engage in planning, design, and implementation. Governments are already developing REDD strategies, and every effort needs to be made to close information gaps, ensure local voices are heard, and that local interests and concerns are addressed. A new RECOFTC training program, supported by Norad, will help raise REDD awareness of local forest stakeholders in Indonesia, Lao PDR and Nepal. For more information, visit the project website. Back to TOC 3. RECOFTC and IGES Partner for REDD+ National Workshops During February and March, RECOFTC and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies will hold a series of three-day REDD workshops in Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam. The workshops will target key civil society and government staff, be tailored to the national context and delivered in national languages. Their aim is to strengthen collaboration and improve understanding of REDD, its related issues, capacity needs, and important next steps. For more information, please click here. Back to TOC
ABOUT RECOFTC
RECOFTC holds a unique and important place in the world of forestry. It is the only international not-for-profit organization that specializes in capacity building for community forestry and devolved forest management. RECOFTC engages in strategic networks and effective partnerships with governments, nongovernment organizations, civil society, the private sector, local people, and research and educational institutes throughout the Asia–Pacific region and beyond. With over 20 years of international experience and a dynamic approach to capacity building—involving research and analysis, demonstration sites, and training products—RECOFTC delivers innovative solutions for forests and people. To learn more about our work, please visit the RECOFTC website. P.O. Box 1111, Kasetsart Post Office, Bangkok 10903, Thailand Tel: 66-2-9405700; Fax: 66-2-5614880 E-mail: info@recoftc.org Web-site: http://www.recoftc.org/
ABOUT CF E-NEWS
The Community Forestry E-News is an email released at the end of each month to update readers on community forestry related activities and issues throughout Asia and the Pacific. To provide you with the latest news, we welcome any information from different sources on people's participation in forest management. Please send your information, comments and suggestions to info@recoftc.org by the 20th of the month. We encourage you to forward this message to others who might be interested. If you would like to subscribe to or unsubscribe from the list, please send a message to info@recoftc.org or subscribe online. To find back issues of the E-News, please go to RECOFTC's E-News webpage. The views expressed in articles published by the Community Forestry E-News do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of RECOFTC. Information from CF E-News may not be sold. Please respect copyright and acknowledge authorship and institutions when referencing or redistributing any information from this newsletter.
For more information: Erica Pohnan Editor Communications, Marketing and Fundraising E-mail: erica.pohnan@recoftc.org	With editing support by: Duncan McLeod Communications, Marketing and Fundraising E-mail:duncan@recoftc.org