Reduced Emissions from Degradation and

Deforestation in Community Forests –

Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia

Project Implementation Report

Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standard (Version 3-0)

VERIFICATION PERIOD: February 28, 2008 – February 28, 2012

Developed by Terra Global Capital and Pact

for

The Forestry Administration of the Royal Government of Cambodia

Version 2-0

December 28, 2012

Table of Contents

Introduction & Original Conditions in the Project Area ............................... 3

Overview of Monitoring Plan ................................................................... 5

Roles and Responsibilities of Project Partners ........................................ 5

Monitoring Data Collection, Storage and Reporting ................................. 6

Drivers of Deforestation Identified During Monitoring Period ...................... 8

Implementation Status of Project Activities ............................................ 13

Reinforcing Land Tenure ................................................................ 13

Land-use Plans ............................................................................. 17

Forest Protection ........................................................................... 22

Fuel Efficient Stoves ...................................................................... 27

Livestock Protection ...................................................................... 28

Agricultural Intensification .............................................................. 28

Natural Resource Management Projects ........................................... 30

NTFP Development ........................................................................ 30

Fire Prevention ............................................................................. 31

Climate Impact Monitoring ................................................................... 32

Climate Change Adaptation Benefits ..................................................... 37

Community Impact Monitoring ............................................................. 39

Net Positive Community Impacts .......................................................... 44

Assessment of Negative Offsite Stakeholder Impacts .............................. 46

Exceptional Community Benefits ........................................................... 47

Biodiversity Impact Monitoring ............................................................. 50

Offsite Biodiversity Impacts ................................................................. 52

Exceptional Biodiversity Impacts .......................................................... 53

Introduction & Original Conditions in the Project Area

This Project Implementation Report (PIR) has been prepared by Terra Global

Capital and Pact with support from the Forestry Administration of the Royal

Government of Cambodia for the first monitoring period (February 28, 2008-

February 28, 2012) of the Oddar Meanchey REDD Project. This PIR

summarizes the monitoring information related to implementation of project

activities and associated climate, community and biodiversity collected

during the first monitoring period. A monitoring plan has been prepared

according to the requirements of the CCB standards, and has been used as

the basis for collection of information for this PIR. The CCB PDD contains all

information related to the overall climate, community and biodiversity

objectives of the project and should be referred to as the primary resource

for such information, much of which has not been replicated in this

document.

The project is being implemented by the Forestry Administration of the Royal

Government of Cambodia, along with Pact, Terra Global Capital, Children’s

Development Association, and Monks Community Forestry Association, with

funding support provided by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur

Foundation, Danida/DfID/NZAID, US State Department, the Clinton Climate

Initiative, Pact, Terra Global Capital, JICA, and the United Nations

Development Program (UNDP).

This project supports sustainable forest management and livelihood

development in Oddar Meanchey Province by implementing project activities

financed through the sale of carbon credits generated from forest protection

and regeneration. The project has secured legal land tenure for each of the

13 Community Forest groups involved in the project, and is implementing

activities that will create a 30-year income stream to directly enhance

household livelihoods and natural resource management capacity. The

project has implemented activities that seek to maintain and increase carbon

stocks in these areas and conserve biodiversity.

The original conditions of the project area are described in detail in Section

G1 of the CCB PDD for the project, available publically on the CCB website. A

brief summary of the original conditions in the project area follows.

The Royal Government of Cambodia and the Forestry Administration, along

with Terra Global Capital, Pact Cambodia and Community Forestry

International have developed the first Cambodian Reduced Emissions from

Deforestation and Degradation (“REDD”) project. The project involves 13

Community Forestry Groups, comprised of 58 villages, which protect a

56,050 hectare project area within a total of 63,831 hectares of Community

Forests in the Northwestern province of Oddar Meanchey.

The Oddar Meanchey Province provides an ideal site for the development of

a REDD project. The province’s forests have been under intense pressure

from commercial and illegal logging, forest fire, economic land concessions

and encroachment. Oddar Meanchey has lost 2% of its forests each year

from 2002 – 2006, driven by illegal logging, fire, (ex-)soldiers and migrant

settlers moving into the region and clearing forests for agriculture.

The project site is covered by lowland evergreen, semi-evergreen, and dry

deciduous forests. Semi-evergreen forests contain varying percentages of

evergreen and deciduous trees, with the percentage of evergreen trees

varying from 30% to 70%. Semi-evergreen forests appear evergreen

throughout the year, despite a frequently high proportion of deciduous trees.

Deciduous forests are comprised of mixed deciduous forests and dry

Dipterocarpaceae forests, both of which drop most of their leaves during the

dry season. The majority of forests in the plains of the Northern provinces

are dry-land ecosystems.

Overview of Monitoring Plan

Roles and Responsibilities of Project Partners

General organizational structure and responsibilities for monitoring of the

project are outlined here. A detailed overview of these responsibilities is

included in the CCB PIR.

Pact. Pact is responsible for managing, outsourcing and collecting the

results of (1) biomass inventory measurements, (2) social assessments, (3)

recording action activity implementation, and (4) any other data required to

be monitored under this methodology. Pact executed first-pass quality

assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks on all of the monitoring data

collected. Pact maintains records of all field inventory and social appraisal

data sheets and all other evidence demonstrating the correct execution of

project implementation.

Forestry Administration. During these first five years of the project, the

FA has been providing assistance in the annual field inventory

measurements, social assessments, and in the review of the monitoring

reports. The FA will be trained to become the responsible party for all

monitoring requirements five years after validation of the project.

Terra Global Capital. Terra Global Capital is responsible for verifying that

the required elements are monitored, overseeing or executing all modeling

and calculations, and performing second-pass QA/QC checks. In addition,

Terra Global Capital is responsible for developing the monitoring reports for

the project.

Children’s Development Organization. Children’s Development

Organization has assisted in field inventories, social appraisals and recording

project activities.

Community Forestry Federation, Monk’s Community Forests and the

CFMCs. The communities involved in the REDD project have been

collaborating through social appraisals, reporting natural disasters and

challenges related to forest protection to the implementing organization.

Monitoring Data Collection, Storage and Reporting

The project will draw upon multiple data sources and methods for

monitoring, reporting and verification including a household survey,

participatory rural appraisals (PRA), biodiversity assessment, biomass

inventory, remote sensing, desktop review and project documentation.

Table 1. Monitoring Data Sources and Methods

Category Method/Data

Source Frequency Reporting Responsibility

Social Assessment

Participatory Rural

Appraisal (PRA) Every 2 years

VCS /

CCB CDA, TGC, Pact

Household Survey

(HHS)

Biomass inventory Sample plot field

survey [See SOP] VCS Pact, TGC

Land use land class

(LULC) change Remote sensing Every 2 years VCS TGC

Biodiversity

assessment Field observation Ongoing CCB CFMCs, Consultant

Project

documentation Activity reporting Ongoing

VCS /

CCB

CFMCs, CDA, Pact,

TGC

Periodic social

assessment

Ongoing or as

needed

Potential Independent

Party, Consultant

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed by TGC and Pact will be

used to collect all data required for VCS. There are three levels of data

collection tools including:

Standard operating procedures (SOP)

Protocols

Data collection forms

The purpose of SOP’s and Protocols is to provide a standardized and

consistent basis for data collection, management and reporting. SOP’s and

protocols are therefore an important aspect of quality control and assurance.

Mobile handsets have been used as data collection tools to increase

efficiency and reduce transaction costs in data collection, storage and

processing, while increasing data quality assurance and control measures.

Though only some data is collected in mobile handsets now, routine activity

data (i.e. patrols) collected will be stored at three sites; the field CFMC level

on hanndsets), aggregated at the provincial level in a server administrated

by CDA andlinked to another local server administrated by Pact, and a

centralized server (administered by TGC) which hold all VCS data.

The data quality has been maximized and ensured during all aspects of the

monitoring process through quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC)

procedures. In monitoring field inventory data and data analysis, all

individuals and institutions involved in evaluating the quality of analytical

data have followed the rigorous QA/QC procedures developed for this

project. These QA/QC procedures included specific criteria to evaluate the

quality of analytical data that has been gathered. The QA/QC procedures

have been an absolutely essential part of monitoring.

Responsibilities and frequencies for monitoring reporting are summarized in

Table 2.

Table 2. Monitoring Reporting Responsibilities and Timeline

Report Responsibility Reporting to Timeframe

Verification Report Pact Cambodia / TGC VCS Verifier Every 2 years

Activity Report Pact Cambodia FA Quarterly / Annually

Activity Report CDA / CFN / Monks CFA Local Authorities As required

Activity Report CFMC CDA & CFN As required

Biodiversity Report Biodiversity consultant Pact Cambodia & FA Annually after 1st

verification

Evaluation Report Independent evaluator Pact Cambodia & FA Every 3 years

Drivers of Deforestation Identified During Monitoring Period

Each of the baseline drivers of deforestation expected to take place in the

project area over the course of the crediting period have been identified and

described in detail the CCB PDD. These baseline drivers of deforestation

were identified during the project design phase in collaboration with the local

communities through the Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs). Additional

PRAs were carried out during this monitoring period (between June 7th and

July 15th, 2012) in each of the 13 CFs to determine the extent to which the

drivers identified in the PDD were observed within the project area within

this monitoring period. Continual monitoring on drivers and agents of

deforestation is important as new drivers and agents may become evident in

the project area. It is necessary to continually monitor the drivers and

agents in order to better address the true causes of deforestation in the

area.

Table 3. Summary of PRAs implemented during this monitoring period

Men Women

Andong Bor 19 June 2012 08:40:00 Kantuy Choun Khiev Samnang 12 3

Chhouk Meas 7 June 2012 08:30:00 Chhouk Meas Yeang Donal 8 6

Dung Beng 21 June 2012 08:40:00 Yeay Tep Khiev Samnang 6 4

Ou Yeay Kaov 26 June 2012 08:30:00 Opork Net Channa 6 4

Phaav 10 July 2012 08:40:00 Thnal Keng Net Channa 6 6

Prey Srorng 4 July 2012 08:20:00 Ou Koki Kandal Neab Keng 9 8

Prey Srors 15 July 2012 08:30:00 Chheu Slap Vinh San 10 7

Ratanak Ruka 5 June 2012 08:30:00 Ou Kansaeng Net Channa 9 4

Rolus Thom 12 June 2012 09:00:00 Kdol Khiev Samnang 10 2

Romdoul Veasna 26 June 2012 08:30:00 Sambour Meas Khiev Samnang 4 11

Samaky 28 June 2012 08:30:00 Thmey Khiev Samnang 7 7

Sangkrous Preychheu 12 July 2012 08:00:00 Rum Chek Net Channa 7 3

Sorng Rokavorn 28 June 2012 08:40:00 Thmey Neab Keng 4 4

# of Participants

PRA CF Date of PRA Start Time Facilitator NameVillage

Figure 1. Community Members in Andong Bor CF rank drivers of deforestation by

distributing a set quantity of beans

Community members in each CF were asked to rank each driver of

deforestation according to their perceived importance (i.e. the most

deforestation caused). A ranking system was employed using beans, wherein

the participants in each PRA were issued 100 beans and asked to allocate an

appropriate number of beans to each driver of deforestation according to

their relative importance. As an example, Table 4 shows the outcome of this

ranking exercise for the CF Ratanak Ruka.

Table 4. Outcome of PRA Driver of Deforestation Ranking Exercise from Ratanak Ruka CF

Driver # of Beans

ELC 22

Illegal Logging 19

Conversion to Settlement 18

Charcoal Production 17

Forest Fire 13

Land clearing for agriculture 11

TOTAL 100

The aggregated outcome of this exercise, i.e. the relative importance of each

driver of deforestation across all 13 CFs is shown in Figure 2. Drivers

consisting of less than 1% of total have been excluded from this chart.

Figure 2. Relative Importance of Drivers of Deforestation Occurring within the Project Zone

During this Monitoring Period

Similarly, the agents of deforestation responsible for these drivers of

deforestation were identified and ranked by the communities. The outcome

of this ranking is shown in Figure 3.

ELC

Land clearing for agriculture

Illegal logging

Forest fire

Land clearing for sale

Charcoal production

Land clearing for military camp

Hunting

Natural disaster Migration

Figure 3. Relative Importance of Agents of Deforestation Operating Within the Project Zone

During this Monitoring Period

Each of the drivers of deforestation identified in Figure 2 were anticipated in

the PDD, with the exception of Land Clearing for Military Camps. The

prevalence of this driver has been driven by the recent military border

conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand, which have taken place primarily

within Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey Provinces. This conflict caused a

large influx of military personnel and their families into some of the CFs in

the project.

Local Farmers

Soldiers

Outside Villagers

Other non-local

Migrants

"Powerful People" or "Rich People"

Private Companies

Hunters

Non-local Enterprises

Local Athorities/Village

Chiefs

Figure 4. Military Camp Established In Andong Bor CF

Figure 5. Highly Developed Military Road

Implementation Status of Project Activities

As outlined by the CCB PDD, a total of 10 discrete project activities will be

implemented over the course of the project. Each of these project activities

have been implemented to a greater or lesser extent during the first

monitoring period. As carbon revenues are received by the project, these

project activities will be fully implemented according to the project workplan.

The specific activities that have been implemented within this monitoring

period are described below.

Reinforcing Land Tenure

Facilitation of CF Agreements – All 13 CF groups received extensive

training and facilitation support from Pact, CDA, and MCF to achieve the

steps necessary for strengthening of the legal tenure, including management

structure formation, development of CF by laws and regulations, and

mapping and boundary demarcation. As a result, all 13 CF groups have

received renewable 15-year Community Forestry and Carbon Conservation

Agreements under the Community Forestry Sub-Decree. Training courses

were provided to each of the CFs in 2008 and 2009 to prepare them for the

CF formalization process and to help them establish basic financial

management systems. These trainings are described in Table 5 below.

Table 5. CF Development Process Training Courses

# CF Name Location Course Date

1 Ou Yeay Kaov Ou Pok Village Mapping 27-Apr-

08

2 Ou Yeay Kaov Ou Pok Village Financial Training 21-

May-08

3 Prey Srors Chheu Slab Village Financial Training 22-

May-08

4 Dung Beng Beng Village Financial Training 12-Jun-

08

5 Samaky Tuol Svay Village Financial Training 19-Jun-

08

6 Sorng

Rokavorn

Chhouk Meas Village CF Formulation

Process

6-Aug-

08

7 Sorng

Rokavorn

Chhouk Meas Village Development of CF

Management

Structure

13-

Aug-08

8 Romdoul

Veasna

Romdoul Veasna

Village

Financial Training 14-

Aug-08

9 Prey Srorng Lomtong Chas Village Financial Training 3-Sep-

08

10 Sangkrous

Preychheu

Romchek Village Financial Training 4-Sep-

08

11 Andong Bor Kantuy Chun Khang

Kaeut Village

Financial Training 17-

Sep-08

12 Ratanak Ruka Anlong Veng Village Financial Training 8-Oct-

08

13 Prasat Phaong Prasat Phaong Village Financial Training 9-Oct-

08

14 Phaav Tnoal Kaeng Village Development of CF

Management

Structure

29-Oct-

08

15 Phaav Thnol Keng Village Financial Training 15-Oct-

08

16 Ratanak Ruka Baknim village Facilitation Skill 06-

Nov-08

17 Sorng Tropeang Trav village CF By-laws 23-Jan-

Rokavorn Development 09

18 Chhouk Meas Chhouk Meas village Nursery

Management

15-Jan-

09

19 Phaav Thnol Keng village CF By-laws

Development

22-Jan-

09

20 Romdoul

Veasna

Bansayrak village Nursery

Management

14-Jan-

09

21 Dung Beng Yeay Tep village Nursery

Management

07-Feb-

09

22 Sorng

Rokavorn

Oddar Meanchey Nursery

Management

05-Feb-

09

23 Sangkrous

Preychheu

Anlong Veng village Financial Training 18-Feb-

09

Installation of boundary posts and signs – From 2008 to 2009 the

project team supported boundary pole and sign installation in all of the CFs.

Each CF received approximately 100 boundary posts to demarcate their

boundaries. A total of 2,000 small zinc signs were also distributed to mark

boundaries. In addition, each CF received a larger 2m x 1m sign with a map

of their CF for installation at the CF entrance. Finally, three large billboards

explaining the project and showing CF boundaries were installed at main

intersections in the province.

Trench digging along CF boundaries – In the case of Sorng Rokavorn CF,

the MCF has supported construction of a trench along the border of the CF in

order to reinforce the boundary. A trench is found to be much less

ecologically invasive than a fence, as native fauna can easily cross. Almost

all grazing is from cattle which are unwilling to cross open trenches. Illegally

harvested logs are almost exclusively transported by tractor or truck. The

trench has proven to successfully reduce illegal logging as transportation

vehicles are unable to cross without refilling the trench. So far,

approximately 10 kilometers have been constructed.

Figure 6. Example of signs placed at each CF entrance

Boundary conflict dispute resolution – During the course of the

monitoring period there were numerous boundary conflicts occurring in and

around the CF areas. Most boundary conflicts are because of the unknown

project boundaries, or lack of awareness about the project. Most conflicts

are from “outsiders” encroaching on the project area, as the communities

themselves are involved in boundary demarcation, project actions, and

protection. During the PRA 11 out of the 13 CF experienced boundary

conflicts in the past. For each boundary conflict, specific measures were

taken by the community to resolve the conflict. These measures have

included increased patrolling, direct mediation, collection of evidence and

preparation of incident reports to the FA, and petitions to higher levels of

government such as the Ministry of Agriculture, National Assembly and

Council of Ministers. Boundary conflicts will continue to be an ongoing issue

as 10 of the 13 CFs indicated that they are currently experiencing boundary

conflicts (as of August 2012). The project has provided support to the CFs to

resolve some of these conflicts by coordinating with authorities and by

supporting the CF Network to undertake advocacy efforts.

Land-use Plans

Planning – Commune council members, village leaders and resource users

have worked in a collaborative fashion with Pact and the FA to start the

development of long-term land use plans for each CF. Communities were

asked about specific locations of natural resource use and extraction.

Agriculture expansion, community growth, and natural resource, use,

extraction and management were mapped though participatory mapping

with communities. Communities were specifically asked about High

Conservation Value Areas (both culturally, and ecologically), locations of

agriculture and specific agriculture practices, fire locations and management,

trends and locations of specific NTFPs, wood use and extraction areas, and

potential areas for Assisted Natural Regeneration. Communities will use the

data collected so far along with proposed suggestions and solutions from

each CF to develop specific management plans. Both sketch maps and GIS

maps will be key tools to help communities plan for long term sustainable

management.

Specific information recorded in the participatory maps include:

1. Agriculture areas in or around each CF

2. Drivers of deforestation (areas or points where driver of deforestation is

taking place currently/recently)

3. Forest fire prone areas (where fire is causing deforestation and

degradation)

4. Areas proposed for Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) treatments.

Areas for ANR were also hand demarcated with a GPS in the field, and

edited with remote sensing

5. Areas where wood harvesting takes place. Specifically the areas that have

been identified 1) for timber extraction and 2) for fuelwood/charcoal

extraction, with a quantitative estimate (in ha) of the total area for each

6. Areas where boundaries, use rights, or access is disputed (i.e. if there are

disagreements on CF boundaries between communities and “outsiders”).

Also included is a quantitative estimate (in ha) of the total forest area

where disputes or other conflict exists

7. Areas of High Conservation Value that are important because of cultural

or ecological significance

Participatory mapping is an important step in taking control, responsibility,

and truly understanding one’s environment. The participatory maps and

mapping exercises are a huge step in helping the communities understand

past practices, and help strategize future desired management, land-use,

and harvests. Using this information detailed land-use plans for each CF will

be created and reflected in the CF Rules and Regulations. Error! Reference

source not found. demonstrates the participatory process and digitization

of present and future land use. The project team has discussed and outlined

the responsibilities of each party in the land use planning process. This

information has been inserted into the approved 30-year project

implementation workplan. When funding is available for the full development

of land-use plans, the workplan will guide the development of these plans.

In addition, the cost of land-use planning in all 13 CFs has been estimated.

Land-use planning activities will be informed by a combination of the project

activities outlined in the CCB PD and consultations with CFs and experts

from the FA and other Government ministries such as Rural Development

and Land Management..

Timber and Fuelwood Harvesting

Figure 7. Participatory Mapping Exercise in Chhouk Meas CF

Demarcation of ANR areas – Specific areas that are in need of ANR were

demarcated in the field using the ANR SOP. Communities were asked to pick

areas that have specific indicators of degradation, and can be realistically

managed by communities. For specifics on ANR demarcation and area

identification see the ANR SOP. The project team has demarcated a total of

1,491 ha of ANR areas in collaboration with local communities. These areas

contain low biomass due to anthropogenic activities and will grow into

healthier forests with human assistance.

Planning for ANR activity implementation–Through community

engagement (PRAs and HH surveys) community members have identified

specific tree species that they would like to see in healthy forests. In

addition, the project partners have consulted ecologists and foresters from

the FA to select the trees to be planted and assisted to improve forest

health. As expected, the trees desired by the communities are also the more

valuable trees being illegally logged, and are lacking in existing forests.

Trees planted and otherwise improved through ANR will be benefit

communities and biodiversity. During the demarcation process, community

members identified different states of degradation on which to conduct ANR

techniques. These degraded states are specific strata where specified

silvicultural techniques are implemented. See the ANR SOP for additional

information on descriptions of the ANR activities.

Biomass plot sampling – The project team has measured 15 biomass

sampling plots within the designated ANR strata. Data from these plots has

been compiled and analyzed in order to determine the baseline biomass of

each stratum.

Figure 8. Implementation team members re-measure trees within a permanent sampling

plot

Establishment of tree nurseries - Training on tree nursery establishment

and management was conducted in Chhouk Meas and Romdoul Veasna CFs

in 2009, but slowed due to lack of funding. Training on establishment and

management of nurseries will continue after first verification, as the

communities are anxious to improve forest health, and sustainably use

forest resources. The FA also maintains a large tree nursery in Anlong Veng

with over 10,000 seedlings produced annually. These nurseries will provide

seedlings for enrichment planting in ANR areas as well as meet communities’

needs for tree crops.

Figure 9. Photos of the tree nursery established in Anlong Veng CF

Forest Protection

Provision of monitoring equipment – All CFs have received cameras and

GPS units to facilitate collection of monitoring data during patrols. Thirteen

handheld Garmin GPSs in total, one GPS unit to each CF group. Pact recently

acquired additional Garmin GPS units that have been distributed to the CF

groups to assist them with patrolling and CF management. A total of 13

Nikon Coolpix S3000 cameras, one camera to each CF group, were

distributed as well. Communities also received Patrol Log Books with a

protocol in Khmer explaining how patrolling information should be recorded,

as a way to assist communities to document this information. Grid maps of

CF areas were also provided to CF groups to assist them in recording geo-

spatial data.

Forest patrolling - While forest patrol activities have been ongoing in all of

the 13 CFs since the project start, the Project Team started to collect patrol

reports from local communities using SMS messaging technology since

September 2011. These reports are submitted via the Frontline Forms

application of Frontline SMS, an open-source mobile phone SMS

communication interface. A central hub computer, currently located at the

Pact office in Phnom Penh, receives the data submitted by the Frontline SMS

system via a GSM modem. Data received by this system is being processed

into monthly reports and shared with the communities. Forms sent in by

community leaders record data on patrol time and date, incidents of illegal

activity, biodiversity sightings, and fuel used.

Figure 10. Forest patrol group in April 2012

A Frontline Form specific to illegal logging activity has also been distributed

to community users. This form allows for reporting on information such as

the number of trees cut down in an illegal logging incident, what the illegal

timber will be used for, whether the offender was apprehended, materials

confiscated, and the action that was taken by the community in response to

the illegal activity (i.e. given a warning, reported to authorities, signed a no-

offense contract). Figure 11 shows a screenshot of the Frontline SMS Form

for illegal logging data recording. The information generated from these

forms is compiled in a monthly report and shared with local forestry

authorities.

Between April and August, 2012, 82 patrols were recorded. During these

patrols, a total of 58 incidents of illegal activity were documented. Patrols of

a similar nature were ongoing since the project start date, but given that the

Frontline SMS system was only put in place with all 13 communities as of

April 2012 this information was not recorded in a systematic way.

Figure 11. Frontline SMS illegal logging entry form

Table 6. SMS Forest Patrol Reports April – August 2012

CF Group

Number of patrols reported

April May June July August

Andong Bor

Chhouk Meas 1 1

Dung Beng 1 3

Ou Yeay Kaov 3 6 2 2

Phaav 5 2 3

Prey Srorng 2 5

Prey Srors

Samaky 1 2 1 1 4

Sangkrous

Preychheu

1 3 1 2

Sorng

Rokavorn

12 3 8 4 2

Ratanak Ruka

Romdoul

Veasna

Rolus Thom 1

Total patrols 20 23 15 8 16

Table 7. Hours spent patrolling for each CF April – August 2012

CF Group Time spent patrolling

April May June July August

Andong Bor

Chhouk Meas 8.3 6.3

Dung Beng 7 23.36

Ou Yeay Kaov 12 32 11 11.1

Phaav 21.4 9.4 15.3

Prey Srorng 23.13 34.5

Prey Srors

Samaky 4.3 11.05 4.3 5.1 28.2

Sangkrous

Preychheu

24 46.3 5

12.30

Sorng 120 26.34 88 44 20.30

Rokavorn

Ratanak Ruka

Romdoul

Veasna

Rolus Thom 6.2

Total time

spent

patrolling

(hrs)

173.93 61.39 138.6 54.1 111.36

Table 8. Illegal logging activities reported via SMS April – August 2012

CF Group

Illegal Logging Activities Reported

April May June July August

Andong Bor

Chhouk Meas 1

Dong Beng 1 3

Ou Yeay Kaov 3 6 2 1

Phaav 2 1

Prey Srorng 2

Prey Srors

Samaky 1 1

Sangkrous

Preychheu

1 3 1 1

Sorng

Rokavorn

12 3 8 4

Ratanak Ruka

Romdoul

Veasna

Rolus Thom 1

Total

incidents

reported

17 15 14 6 6

Table 9. Incidence of fire reported via SMS April – August 2012

CF Group Incidence of fire

April May June July August

Andong Bor

Chhouk Meas

Dong Beng 1

Ou Yeay Keo 1 2

Phaav 2

Prey Srorng

Prey Srors

Samaky 2

Sangkrous

Preychheu

Sorng

Rokavorn

Ratanak Ruka

Romdoul

Veasna

Total fires

reported

1 5 0 0 2

It should be noted that the lack of a report on fire via SMS in Table 9 does

not necessarily mean that no fire was present in the CF areas, only that

these fires were not identified by CF patrollers.

Fuel Efficient Stoves

Research – The project team conducted research on the types of stoves

currently being used in the project area as part of the project’s household

survey, in which 285 families were surveyed. The research found that the

stoves currently being used are a simple grouping of three stones on which a

cooking device is balanced, New Lao stove, Neang Kongrey stove, Traditional

Lao stove, Traditional Lao Kampong Chhnang stove, and Seam stove. The

PRA found that approximately 20% of CF members were using the New Lao

stove. The study also determined the percentage of each stove being used

by the different CF groups, and the percentage of each stove being used by

different strata groups, including usage by CF members and non-members.

Project proponents will be strategizing ways to improve adoption rates and

distribution of the most appropriate improved cookstove model.

Livestock Protection

Research - The project team conducted research to determine the

susceptibility of livestock owned by communities in the CFs to diseases

transmitted by insects, especially mosquitoes. Research was also undertaken

to analyze the effectiveness and cultural acceptability of using netting as a

substitute for smoke. Smoke has been traditionally used to ward off insects

from livestock pens and holding areas, which leads to a significant use of

fuel wood from forest areas. Households in all 13 communities were

consulted on the potential to reduce fuelwood consumption through

provision of netting for cows. This research will inform the implementation of

appropriate livestock protection programs which will be implemented

according to the workplan following verification.

Collaboration with communities -During the PRA process, it was found

that an average of 67% of villagers surveyed burn wood to protect their

cattle. This is done between five and twelve months out of the year. It was

estimated that each family burns 8,469 kg of wood per year. During the PRA

process community members from only two of the 13 CF indicated that they

use insecticide. During the PRA communities were asked to strategize

alternatives to burning wood, and about half the communities suggested

mosquito nets, while the other half had no suggestion of an alternative

strategy.

Agricultural Intensification

Research - The project team has conducted research on the availability of

agricultural expertise in Oddar Meanchey province. The core competencies of

the various agricultural organizations working in the province were assessed,

a summary of this information is provided in the table below. In addition,

documents related to the topic have been compiled. These documents

comprise the latest research on agricultural intensification in REDD+ projects

developed by UN-REDD and other institutions, and will be used to design

and inform agricultural interventions in the OM CF project areas. Table 10. Agricultural expertise of organizations in Oddar Meanchey

Organization Year

established

Offices Agricultural programs

Farmer

Livelihood

Development

(FLD)

2010 Phnom

Penh,

Samraong

Oddar

Meanchey

Helps establish Village Savings and

Loan Associations, supports Micro

and Small Enterprise(MSE)

development, works to improve

agricultural productivity and food

security, nutritional programs

Partnership

for

Development

in Kampuchea

(Padek)

1980 Phnom

Penh,

Samraong

Oddar

Meanchey

Food security and income

generation, help farmers build

small scale agricultural

infrastructure (dam, canal, water-

gate and culvert), help establish

community agricultural

committees, provide training on

agricultural techniques (Systems of

Rice Intensification (SRI),

vegetable growing, livestock

“raising, caring and feeding

techniques”, fish raising and

extension); Formation of Self Help

Groups “SHG” and provide

Working Capital Assistance “WCA”

Rural

Community

and

Environment

Development

Organisation

(RCEDO)

1998 Swey

Sisaphon,

Banteay

Meanchey.

Samrong,

Oddar

Meanchey

Drills water wells and Equip Hand

Pumps, these pumps supply clean

and readily available water to

village families for farming and

drinking. Supports agricultural

production by providing skills

training and supporting small scale

agricultural income generation

projects

Action For

Development

(AFD)

2004 Anlong

Veng,

Oddar

Meanchey

Supports food security and

livelihood projects

Union Aid 1984 Sydney Conducts 3,4, and 6 month

Abroad

(APHEDA)

Australia training programs on fish farming

technology, vegetable growing and

nutritional security.

ZOA Refugee

Care,

Cambodia

1993 Anlong

Veng,

Oddar

Meanchey

Food security projects, provides

capacity building training on

technical aspects of agriculture,

assists with organizational

development of rural agricultural

organizations

Natural Resource Management Projects

Irrigation systems – During the PRA process the communities have

identified improved irrigation systems as a way to combat deforestation, as

more food can be grown on a smaller amount of land, and stay in production

all year round. Improved irrigation systems have been built, with more in

different stages of planning. CDA has supported the development of

irrigation systems in 3 CFs intended to improve the efficiency of water use

and the production from small-scale agricultural plots. The specific irrigation

activities implemented by CDA are as follows:

CF Type of system Area irrigated

Prey Srors Wind powered pump 100 ha

Romdoul Veasna 2 small dams 100 ha

Ratanak Ruka Small dam 500 ha

NTFP Development

Resin enterprise development - The project team has provided support

to four CFs for resin enterprise development; 1) Samaky CF, 2) Sorng

Rokavorn CF, 3) Sangkrous Preychheu CF, and 4) Phaav CF. This support

has included training to enterprise group members on group formation,

participatory value chain assessment, and business planning and marketing.

Following the trainings, four monitoring/coaching visits were conducted in

each of the four CFs to assess the progress and development of sustainable

resin enterprises in the CFs. Resin is intended to be developed under the

project as a sustainable income supplement for the CF communities.

Table 11. Resin enterprise trainings

# CF Name Location Course Date

1 Samaky Ou Sramor

village

Resin Enterprise Capacity

Assessment

8 Dec

2010

2 Sorng

Rokavorn

Tomnup

Thmey village

Resin Enterprise Capacity

Assessment

21 Dec

2010

3 Sangkrous

Preychheu

Ou Tameng

village

Resin Enterprise Capacity

Assessment

9 Dec

2010

4 Phaav Chrok village Resin Enterprise Capacity

Assessment

7 Dec

2010

5 Samaky Ou Sramor

village

Resin M & E 20 Jan

2011

6 Sorng

Rokavorn

Tomnup

Thmey village

Resin M & E 19 Jan

2011

7 Sangkrous

Preychheu

Ou Tameng

village

Resin M & E 20 Jan

2011

8 Phaav Chrok village Resin M & E 19 Jan

2011

Fire Prevention

Community consultations - During Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)

exercises conducted in all 13 CF areas, communal discussions took place

regarding the issue of fires in the CFs. Specific topics discussed were the

causes (natural and anthropogenic) of forest fires, fire-prone locations,

seasonal variability, and techniques and activities that could be implemented

to reduce the incidence of fire. As a result, the CF communities came to a

better understanding on fire cause, frequency, damage incurred, and

location. The communities also discussed strategies and resources to limit

fire in the project area. These discussions will in part influence the specific

fire prevention activities that will be undertaken by the communities in their

CFs. Incidence of fire is being recorded using the SMS monitoring system

that has been in place since April 2012.

Climate Impact Monitoring

The following table contains a justification for which carbon pools were

selected. Non-CO2 GHG were not included in monitoring because they are

expected to be less than 5% of the total CO2 equivalent benefits generated

by the project.

Table 12. Carbon Pools Selected in this Project.

Carbon Pool Selected Justification/ Explanation of Choice

Aboveground tree

biomass yes

Major carbon pool affected by project

activities

Aboveground non-

tree biomass no

Can be conservatively omitted because no

conversion occurs to a land use with high non-

tree biomass occurs

Belowground

biomass yes

Major carbon pool affected by project

activities

Dead wood yes

Included because project activities may lead

to a decrease in the dead wood pool when

biomass is removed for fire prevention and

reducing the fuel-load or sustainable fuelwood

collection

Litter no Expected to decrease under baseline

conditions, is therefore conservatively omitted

Soil organic carbon no Expected to decrease under baseline

conditions, is therefore conservatively omitted

Wood products no

No commercial timber operations take place

under the project scenario. A decrease in

long-lived wood products from reducing illegal

timber logging is insignificant.

Biomass monitoring was continued in permanent plots. Ninety-five

permanent plots were monitored and eight new permanent plots were added

to the inventory. The location of plots was selected using a stratified random

sampling design. The size and layout of the plots were selected to be

compatible with the Cambodian forest inventory system. Plots were 50 m x

50 m, and all trees above 5 cm DBH within each plot were measured. The

location and exact procedure to measure each of the selected biomass pools

is described in detail in a Standard Operations Procedure. This manual is

available to the verifiers in a non-public attachment.

Table 13. Average and Conservative Emissions Factors for Forest Types in the Project Area

Validation

Average

Emission Factor HWCI

Relative

Uncertainty

Conservative

Emission

Factor

Deforestation

from [t CO2e ha-1]

[t CO2e

ha-1] [-] [t CO2e ha-1]

Evergreen 505.13 64.51 13% 505.13

Mixed 201.70 23.42 12% 201.70

Verification

Average

Emission

Factor HWCI

Relative

Uncertainty

Conservative

Emission Factor

Deforestation

from [t CO2e ha-1]

[t CO2e

ha-1] [-] [t CO2e ha-1]

Evergreen 451.79 58.70 13% 451.79

Mixed 210.07 30.25 14% 210.07

Table 14. Project Area with ANR: land Cover Transitions

From To 2009 2010 2011 2012

DCD BAR 415 415 415 274

EVG BAR 162 162 162 63

BAR DCD 0 0 0 180

BAR EVG 0 0 0 35

Table 15. Project Area - Area with ANR: land Cover Transitions

From To 2009 2010 2011 2012

DCD BAR 130 130 130 148

EVG BAR 115 115 115 88

BAR DCD 0 0 0 106

BAR EVG 0 0 0 0

Table 16. Leakage Area: Cover Transitions

From To 2009 2010 2011 2012

DCD BAR 3,409 3,409 3,409 2,393

EVG BAR 738 738 738 488

BAR DCD 1,599 1,599 1,599 5,306

BAR EVG 386 386 386 386

Estimated baseline emissions during this monitoring period are shown in

Table 17.

Table 17. Estimate of baseline GHG emissions during monitoring period

YEAR

Project Area

Without ANR

Project Area

With ANR Total

[-] [tCO2eYr-1] [tCO2eYr-1] [tCO2eYr-1]

2008 378,845 21,625 400,470

2009 395,025 22,448 417,472

2010 400,549 23,309 423,858

2011 398,666 29,358 428,024

Total 1,573,084 96,740 1,669,825

Ex-post project GHG emissions from the project are shown in Table 18.

Table 18. Estimate of ex-post post project GHG emissions during monitoring period

YEAR

Project Area

Without ANR

Project Area

With ANR Total

[-] [tCO2eYr-1] [tCO2eYr-1] [tCO2eYr-1]

2008 160,518 79,490 240,008

2009 160,518 79,490 240,008

2010 160,518 79,490 240,008

2011 32,546 48,598 81,144

Total 514,099 287,069 801,168

Ex-post GHG emissions from leakage are shown in Table 19

Table 19. Estimate of ex-post GHG emissions from leakage during the monitoring period

YEAR

Geographically

Constrained

Leakage

Geographically

Unconstrained

Leakage Total

[-] [tCO2eYr-1] [tCO2eYr-1] [tCO2eYr-

1]

2008 50,175 6,455 56,630

2009 26,659 12,909 39,569

2010 17,546 19,364 36,909

2011 0 33,239 33,239

Total 94,380 71,967 166,347

Table 20. Overview of ex-post estimation of Net Emissions Reductions during the monitoring period

YEA

R

ΔGHG from

avoided

deforestatio

n

ΔGHG from

deforestatio

n due to

leakage

ΔGHG from

avoided

degradatio

n

ΔGHG from

avoided

degradatio

n due to

leakage

GHG from

leakage by

unconstraine

d geographic

drivers

ΔGHG from

assisted

natural

regneratio

n

ΔGHG

from

changes

in long

lived

wood

product

s

GHG from

improved

cookstove

s

GHG

from

Emissio

n

sources NER

Risk

Buffe

r Buffer VCU

[-] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [%] [tCO2e] [tCO2e]

2008 -160,462 50,175 0 0 6,455 0 0 0 35,747 -68,085 19.75 13447 36,394

2009 -177,464 26,659 0 0 12,909 0 0 0 35,747

-

102,149 19.75 20174 67,100

2010 -183,850 17,546 0 0 19,364 0 0 0 1,999

-

144,941 19.75 28626 108,631

2011 -346,880 0 0 0 33,239 0 0 0 1,999

-

311,642 19.75 61549 243,133

Total -868,656 94,380 0 0 71,967 0 0 0 75,492

-

626,81

7 -

123,79

6

455,25

7

Climate Change Adaptation Benefits

Strategies have been developed to respond to more severe weather

conditions that may emerge in Oddar Meanchey as a result of climate

change. The project focuses on retaining maximal forest cover to minimize

micro-climatic change and ensure slowed water run-off and optimal ground

water recharge as ways to mitigate drought.

Improved irrigation systems and de-silting projects were recognized by

communities as a way to combat deforestation, as more food can be grown

on a smaller amount of land, and stay in production all year round. Three

improved irrigation systems have been built, with more in different stages of

planning. CDA has supported the development of irrigation systems in 3 CFs

intended to improve the efficiency of water use and the production from

small-scale agricultural plots. The project will continue to provide small

grants to participating communities for use in de-silting water storage tanks

and ponds – a way to ensure crop protection during climate change educed

droughts. These water security projects are identified as one of the most

necessary needs for the local community as they are already feeling the

changing climate.

With drastic swings in climate, forest fires are expected to become more

severe with prolonged drought. Deciduous forests in Oddar Meanchey will be

greatly affected by fire, and with increased severity fire will burn into the

evergreen forest. The project team has worked hard to decrease the

potential fire risk and increase understanding about the destruction of fire.

The potential devastating impact of forest fires are being minimized by

installing fire lines and educating local people (and hunters) on the

importance of preventing forest fires. The Community Forestry Management

Committees will also be trained and supported to implement better fire

fighting techniques including the establishment and management of fire

lines, the organization of village fire brigades, and the establishment of

stronger fire prevention regulations.

Assisted Natural Regeneration of degraded forest patches ensure that forest

restoration is based on native species that can adapt to local soil, water, and

climatic conditions. Contracts with communities will be developed to guide

the restoration of approximately 595 hectares of degraded forests each year

from 2013 to 2021 through Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) techniques.

Depending on the state of degradation and the ANR techniques used, the

ANR treated area may be revisited and treated multiple times to ensure

healthy tree growth. The project will also result in the enrichment planting of

1,200,000 (60,000 each year for 20 years) indigenous trees in forest gaps

and highly degraded forest areas, which will help reduce erosion and slow

water run-off.

In addition, as required by the VCS, 20-35% of the carbon credits generated

will be retained in a buffer account and cannot be sold so that they can

cover the potential loss of credits due to (among other things) natural

catastrophes induced by climate change. These and other methods of

adapting and responding to climate change will be implemented throughout

the life of the project.

Community Impact Monitoring

Quantifying and documenting community impacts of the project is achieved

through implementation of PRAs and household surveys. Community

monitoring indicators monitored by PRAs and household surveys are outlined

below.

Household Surveys

Parameters monitored during each monitoring period

Family Information, bio-data, wealth rank, immigrant status,

Land Information, tenure, and boundary conflict.

Natural resources use and extraction

Effect the project has on the community or community impact. The

community impact will be monitored by documenting changes in 1) forest

related income, 2) employment, 3) security of land tenure, 4) access to

resources.

Participatory Rural Appraisals

Parameters monitored during each monitoring period

Wealth rank of communities to identify and track poorer and more

vulnerable groups.

Project Awareness, attitudes and behaviors related to the project

Understanding of project boundaries, boundary conflicts, and resolutions.

Community member knowledge

Health, and perceived negative effects of biologically and culturally

significant High Conservation Value Areas in and near the project areas.

Significant Natural Disasters, damage and loss, and management

Agricultural Practices, adoption of Improved practices, and community

suggested improved practices

Changes or additions to pre-identified Drivers and Agents of Deforestation

and Degradation

Activities to reduce Drivers and Agents of Deforestation, and adaptation

rates of predefined activities.

Forest fire management,

Natural resources use and extraction

Assisted Natural Regeneration, activities, locations, and suggested

species planted or otherwise improved in CF.

Participatory Community Mapping

Agriculture within in the CF

Drivers of deforestation

Areas of ANR

Fire location (where fire is present and significantly causing

deforestation/degradation.

Locations for harvesting 1) timber harvesting and 2) fuelwood/charcoal.

Areas where boundaries, use rights, or access is disputed

Areas of High Conservation Value

The Project Design Document listed potential challenges to project

implementation. The challenges are listed below, paired with the Project

Team’s response during this monitoring period:

Low literacy levels affecting the ability to perform some paper-based

or SMS-based reporting and monitoring, or to understand written

project documents. Pact has a well-regarded program and skilled staff to

address low literacy levels among the CF communities. This program is

called WORTH and has been presented to donors for support. WORTH

focuses on rural women and integrates savings groups and small enterprise

development, along with literacy training. So far, this intervention has not

been funded for expansion to the project area; and is still in the

development stage. It is anticipated that resources will be available to

support this important supplementary activity.

Educating communities is an ongoing process, but Pact has strong

experience working with low literacy communities. The Project Team is

trained in facilitation and effective communication with low literacy people.

Through their experience, Pact has developed simple awareness material,

tools, and report formats for low literacy community.

The Project Team has strived to ensure that any project and training

materials shared with community members have been as visual as possible.

The project will also have structures in place to support informal community

reporting systems. For example, the community monitors (that have been

selected and will soon be trained) will conduct village/house visits to gather

information and data on project activities, and will then compile these

findings into formal written reports. This is seen to be much more accepted

and relaxed then an official PRA, where women and other minorities may

feel uncomfortable in a group setting.

Disability; physically or mentally unable to perform some tasks. The

people of Oddar Meanchey have lived with the constant threat of landmines.

Often the outcome is physical deformity such as missing limbs as a result of

landmine accidents. These physically disabled people often cannot

participate in activities such as; patrolling, building fences, participating in

the biomass inventory etc. and are marginalized within society often relying

on family members for help. The project strives to engage these socially

excluded groups in NTFP enterprise development by providing skill training,

and education to be involved with CF administration tasks. The project is

dedicated to treat disabled people as equals within the community, and will

explain the role of these groups in project benefit distribution to other

community members.

Single headed household (esp. woman), so less time available to

participate in CF meetings and activities due to household burdens.

The gender assessment and the study by Boudewijn provided a more

comprehensive understanding of the household burdens of women. The

results based framework at the end of this assessment lays out a step by

step strategy to address these issues and prevent exclusion of more

vulnerable populations.

Itinerant laborers, due to unstable lifestyles and are difficult to

contact and invite to meetings or activities. Through community

engagement, it was found that many migrant laborers migrate to Oddar

Meanchey, eventually settle in the area, and are incorporated into the local

community. Often the term ‘migrant’ is use as a scapegoat for those causing

deforestation. Through social assessments community members were able

to more clearly describe the migrants as specific groups of people. Many of

the CF members themselves migrate to Thailand, especially after rice

harvesting season (Nov-Dec) and are known as seasonal migrants. To make

sure that migrant groups are able to join project events, the Project Team is

exploring the development of a community calendar of when to implement

the social assessments or other community consultations.

Children of poor families, who are unable to go to school and

therefore miss project topics integrated to the school curriculum. A

variety of project awareness raising tools have been utilized to target a wide

array of community stakeholders, including children from poor families. For

example, visual billboards on the project were established in the province, as

was the Monks Radio Program – funded by the Monk’s themselves - which

discussed issues facing the Monks Community Forest and the REDD project.

When further funding becomes available, additional media outreach activities

(radio, TV) will help disseminate project information to all stakeholders.

Targeting livelihood support activities to the poorest households will also

assist them in being able to send their children to attend school.

The Oddar Meanchey REDD project has involved a wide range of

stakeholders at village, commune, district, provincial, and national levels.

The success of this long-term project has been dependent on the ability of

the stakeholders to effectively and amicably resolve problems and issues

that have arisen during implementation.

During this monitoring period a few major studies were carried out on the

OM REDD project, particularly focusing on community benefits. These

studies were conducted and/or otherwise assessed by a third party or using

outsider knowledge. Using independent, third party, and otherwise outside

monitoring will continue to be a part of the monitoring system to give

valuable insight to potentially overlooked issues, and will help resolve any

problems that have arisen during implementation.

Women Organizing for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resources

Management (WOCAN) helped to conduct the project’s gender assessment in

April 2012. The audit and assessment aimed to ensure that the project team

members have a good understanding of the gender issues related to project

implementation and that deliberate efforts are taken to address these

issues. The study provided a gap analysis and recommendations specific to

the Oddar Meanchey Project. These recommendations are listed below along

with the Project Team’s actions.

Gender Sensitivity Training. Pact plans to conduct extensive gender

training, taking into account the recommendations and guidelines suggested

by WOCAN. As a result of the training and participation in the gender

assessment, the Pact project team is now more aware of gender issues and

is constantly looking for ways to better address gender issues in the project.

Efforts made so far have included: 1) ensuring that women make up at least

half of participants in workshops and trainings, 2) making sure that the

number of women and men participating is always recorded.

Mainstreaming Gender in Project Implementation. A study by

Boudewijn from the University of Copenhagen entitled Inclusion and Benefit

Sharing in REDD+: The Case of Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia found that

women in one CF (Samaky CF) said they often did not attend CF meetings

because they weren’t invited. After hearing this, Pact made a concerted

effort to ensure that there were funds to support invitations for one woman

and one man from each CF, and emphasized the importance of women’s

participation in each meeting. In the second round of PRAs conducted in

2012 many more women were involved.

The Boudewijn report also helped to expose the extent and nature and

internal conflicts facing the Samaky Community Forest. For example, it was

revealed that the Samaky CF leader was offering (and selling) land to

migrants inside a new village bordering (and inside) the CF, and was

excluding other CF members from partaking in CF activities. Many CFMC

members now no longer recognize the CF Chief as the leader. In light of

these findings, the Pact team has been working to facilitate CFMC elections

(which should occur every 5 years, and, in the case of Samaky CF, last

occurred in 2006). This support for CF elections has included: coaching

CFMC members and especially women, assisting CFMCs with the necessary

documentation, facilitating with the FA and other local government

authorities, and providing financial support for the elections to occur.

Elections have already occurred in two Community Forests, and the Samaky

elections are being prepared by the FA.

The project has also hosted PhD and Masters researchers from the University

of Copenhagen (Denmark), University of Oxford (UK), and University of

Gothenburg (Sweden). The articles and presentations resulting from these

studies have increased the project partners’ understanding on the social

aspects of the project, as well as provided recommendations on avoiding

potential pitfalls which could affect community benefits. The following

thesis articles are now available:

Community Forestry, REDD+ Networks and Power in Oddar Meanchey,

Cambodia (Stuart Raetz, School of Global Studies, Social Science &

Planning, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia)

Tenure Rights and Benefit Sharing Arrangements for REDD: A Case

Study of Two REDD Pilot Projects in Cambodia (Donal Yeang,

University of Wageningen, The Netherlands)

Fell a Tree, Fell a Livelihood: Assessing the Importance of Non-timber

forest products in Rural Cambodia (Christina Enders, University of

Oxford, United Kingdom)

Inclusion and Benefit Sharing in REDD+: The Case of Oddar Meanchey,

Cambodia (Inge Boudewijn, Faculty of Forestry, Landscape and LIFE,

University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

The Challenge of Assessing Social Dimensions of Avoided Deforestation

(Pasgaad, Maya, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen,

Denmark)

Net Positive Community Impacts

The project initiated an ongoing series of community dialogues in January

2008 providing new communication channels for project communities to

voice their aspirations and problems. The project development team worked

with the local NGO (Children’s Development Association) to conduct a series

of village Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs) and community sketch maps

to assess proposed project areas. The discussions focused on local drivers of

deforestation, management problems, social conflicts, as well as priorities

for development and perceived livelihood opportunities. Participants in the

discussions included: elected CF management committee members,

Buddhist monks, local farmers, commune representatives, and both men

and women household heads. Both members of the Khmer ethnic majority

and members of a small minority of ethnic Kuy people have been included in

discussions. The results from the interviews are described in Section G3.8 of

the CCB PD on Stakeholder Input.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has identified three major project goals

that will benefit forest dependent communities:

improve the quality of the forests;

maximize benefit flows to local communities participating in the

project;

develop new REDD project sites that will benefit other forest-

dependent communities.

This REDD project has directly benefited communities by:

engaging with local communities in the design and development of the

project at the earliest possible stage;

providing training and support to local village organizations to build

forest management capacity;

securing the Royal Government of Cambodia’s recognition of

community forest management rights;

generating carbon revenues that the community will use for forest

restoration employment, improving farming systems, establishing

micro-finance organizations, and capitalizing small livelihood

enterprises;

maintaining the access and use rights of local communities to

continue harvesting NTFPs for customary use from the project area.

Though the project has budgeted to train 260 patrollers to patrol all 13

community sites, only a few CF have continual active patrolling. Based on

project budget projections direct support for community forest protection

and restoration will employ an estimated 65 people full-time from local

communities, and support local police officers and Forestry Administration,

while small grants for water resource development projects, NTFP

development and agricultural intensification will employ an estimated 30

people. Please see section CM1. Net Positive Community Impacts of the CCB

PD for further details on extensive community benefits.

Assessment of Negative Offsite Stakeholder Impacts

The project could have minor negative impacts on the livelihoods of offsite

households or individuals which are engaged in illegal activity such as

rosewood harvesting or hunting. The project focuses on improved

sustainable livelihoods that will benefit the community, biodiversity, and the

project such as tree planters, forest guards, and NTFP managers. The goal is

to keep jobs in the woods where alternative livelihoods still protect the

native values of rural life. Due to high rates of deforestation outside the

project area, there may be increased pressure on project area forests as a

source for timber and non-timber products. At the same time, communities

will be increasing patrols and enforcement activities once full project funding

is available. Therefore, there is the potential for increased conflict between

some communities protecting valuable forest resources, and outsiders. The

project partners will seek to reduce these potential conflicts by several

means:

installing more posts and signs to better identify the project area

increasing general education and awareness on the project

maintaining a warning system for first offenses

conducting regular patrols so that problems are dealt with early

and do not grow to larger intractable issues

providing opportunities for other communities in the province to

pursue community forestry management and REDD to enhance

livelihoods and reduce dependence on unsustainable practices

(GDD 699 states that some resources may directed to new

REDD+ initiatives).

In general, the project is more likely to benefit outside stakeholders. For

instance, general improved economic well-being among the project

communities will have positive impacts along relevant value chains. For

instance, dealers in NTFPs such as resin and rattan, may have access to a

more regular supply of raw material from communities due to increase of

sustainable practice. Furthermore, protection of the province's forest

resources will moderate the micro-climate and maintain hydrological

systems beyond the project area.

Exceptional Community Benefits

As described in the Implementation Status of Project Activities Section, the

project has implemented a suite of activities designed to reduce

deforestation pressures while providing meaningful livelihood benefits.

Within this monitoring period, the project proponents have identified the

following specific benefits as being “exceptional” in that is has provided

meaningful pro-poor benefits. It is envisioned that as the project continues

implementation and receives additional funding from the sale of offsets, the

exceptional benefits of the project will be expanded.

Identification of poorer households in the project zone was carried out

through the Cambodian Identification of Poor Households (ID POOR)

program, initiated in 2006. A database of poorer households in the project

zone has been created and will be regularly updated through the ID POOR

program. An analysis of the most recently available (2010) ID Poor data

shows that approximately 30% of households in the project zone can be

classified as poor. ID Poor information is available for each of the CFs

involved in the project, identifying the specific households, names of

individuals in each household, and their respective poverty category. Project

benefits that benefit these households include:

Reinforcement of Land Tenure. Reinforcement of land tenure is one of

the primary benefits to communities living in the project zone, and

particularly poorer households, which often face difficulty in securing and

protecting land tenure due to difficult and often complex processes. The

project partners worked directly with the 13 CF communities to guide and

support the process of obtaining renewable CF Agreements. This process,

requiring multiple government approvals and a formal zoning process to

demarcate CF areas, is costly and time consuming, and would be otherwise

unavailable to the communities in the project zone without project support.

This is particularly true for poorer households who often lack education and

resources allowing them to make informed decisions related to securing

formal land tenure.

Informal land tenure often makes protection of property and exclusion of

outside migrants or encroaching individuals difficult or impossible,

particularly in cases of encroachment and population expansion, as is the

case in Oddar Meanchey. Moreover, informal land tenure is widely viewed

as barrier to motivating communities to undertake sustainable land-use

management practices.1 By formalizing and registering land tenure through

the renewable CF agreements, the project has assisted all households in the

project area, including those poorer households in the project zone, to

obtain a legal and enforceable right to their forest resources. The project

expects that the concomitant ability to enforce against encroachment and

unsustainable development, and the motivation to implement sustainable

land-use as a part of the project, will directly benefit poorer households.

In addition, the project has provided resources to community members to

support the process of resolving conflicts related to boundary conflicts.

Poorer households are often marginalized or in a disadvantaged position –

due to a variety of factors such as imperfect information and lack of

resources to petition to local government or social governance bodies within

the community – in conflicts relating to boundary demarcation. By

supporting an equitable process involving community and FA members,

poorer households are protected in boundary conflicts.

Development of Sustainable Land-use Plans. Sustainable development

is in-part dependent on land tenure formalization, but sustainable land-use

plans must also be developed to guide the implantation of activities to

improve forest conditions and agricultural production. The project, in

collaboration with CFMC members, has developed participatory land-use

plans through a collaborative process. Poorer households, who rely almost

exclusively on forest resources for their livelihoods, have made a large

contribution to the land-use planning process. Locations of areas for ANR,

NTFP development, sustainable harvesting operations, fire prevention and

HCV prioritization have been identified with the help of poorer communities.

1 ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/005/y4307e/y4307e00.pdf;

http://www.fig.net/pub/fig2010/papers/ts07j%5Cts07j_sovann_4633.pdf;

http://usaidlandtenure.net/sites/default/files/country-profiles/full-

reports/USAID_Land_Tenure_Cambodia_Profile.pdf

As a result, it is expected that these sustainable land-use plans – still in the

design stage but ready for implementation once funding has been received

from the sale of offsets, will directly benefit poorer households.

Biodiversity Impact Monitoring

Resources have been set aside in the project budget for regular biodiversity

monitoring with the help of community monitors in each CF. Furthermore,

scientific biodiversity assessments will be conducted every 3 years.

The first project biodiversity assessment implemented in collaboration with

Birdlife International identified the key HCV species to be monitored and

resulted in a set of recommendations for continued monitoring by the project

participants. Pact and Birdlife international also collaborated to conduct a

training course on biodiversity monitoring for community members and local

Forestry Administration staff. This training included guidance on how to

properly document biodiversity sightings. For instance, community

members were instructed in how to identify different animal tracks,

measure, and record them properly by camera.

Table 21. Biodiversity monitoring trainings

# CF Name Location Course Date

1 Samaky Ou Sramor village Biodiversity 17 Nov

2010

2 Sorng Rokavorn Tomnup Thmey

village

Biodiversity 18 Nov

2010

3 Sangkrous

Preychheu

Ou Tameng village Biodiversity 2 Dec 2010

4 Phaav Chrok village Biodiversity 1 Dec 2010

The largest CF area, Sorng Rokavorn CF, was found to have some of the

most important wildlife habitats in the project area. As a result, special

efforts has been made to monitor and collect biodiversity data in this

particular site. The MCF manages several camera traps placed at key sites,

and regularly submits special reports and photographs on biodiversity-

related information. During patrols, community members collect traps and

snares in large quantities.

Figure 12. MoF officer with captured snares

Figure 13. Photo of an endangered Banteng track capture in the Monk’s Community Forest

Since the project started collecting data on biodiversity sightings through

SMS in April 2012, 17 biodiversity sightings have been recorded. In case of

biodiversity sightings, community members are requested to report on any

HCV species observed during patrols. Frontline SMS reporting forms are

being developed that will allow CF patrollers to report on specific HCV

species that are identified within the CFs.

Offsite Biodiversity Impacts

The project has not experienced any significant negative impacts on

biodiversity outside the project zone. On the contrary, by better protecting

forest habitats inside and around the project area, only positive impacts on

biodiversity are foreseen. For instance, education and awareness on the

importance of protecting biodiversity have increased throughout the province

(through teacher training, radio broadcasts, etc.) which will lead to a

decrease in hunting activity. It should be noted that there are no plans for

the project to support offsite construction or infrastructure development.

There are plans for water harvesting and improvements for crop irrigation,

however, these will be micro-scale development projects which are more

likely to benefit biodiversity rather than harm it. Improved use of water as

well as agricultural land will decrease pressure on forests and wildlife

habitats. The net effect on biodiversity from this project is positive with no

anticipated negative effects.

A legitimate concern for potential negative offsite biodiversity impacts that

some activities will be shifted out of the project area and into the adjacent

forest or forest otherwise similar to the project area. This activity shifting is

considered leakage, and is carefully monitored as required by the

methodology. The project will undertake ten types of activities to reduce

degradation and deforestation. Five of these activities are taking place inside

the forests of the project area, and are therefore project activities. The other

five activities are taking place outside of the project area and are, therefore

leakage mitigation activities and measuring offsite biodiversity impacts.

Section 3.10 of the VSC PD clearly explains quantifying emissions from

activity shifting into the leakage belt. For a detailed description of activity

shifting leakage, leakage belt, and quantification procedures see the VCS PD.

Another concern of the project is that as communities increase in wealth

they may become greater consumers and gain larger houses, larger families,

have more cattle etc. Since communities have not yet monetary benefited

from project benefit sharing, this shift in wealth has not been observed yet.

The project team is working to implement sustainable development and

tracking community wealth through a series of PRAs that will take place

throughout the life of the project. The PRA asks specific questions regarding

wealth used to make adaptive management decisions in the future.

Exceptional Biodiversity Impacts

The primary benefit to biodiversity in the project area is protection of forest

habitat. The 64,318 hectares of the project zone represents 10% of the land

area of Oddar Meanchey Province, and approximately 15% of its remaining

evergreen forest. The project conserves and regenerates dry deciduous and

evergreen forest ecosystems through improved protection from illegal

logging, fire, and through assisted natural regeneration activities. This

strategy restores unique habitat for amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and

birds, while restoring high value and endangered tree species (see CCB PDD

for complete list.)

The biodiversity study (Elliott et al 2010) undertaken for the Oddar

Meanchey project focused in particular on 5 CF sites to carry out in-depth

surveys for biodiversity; Andong Bor, Sangkrous Preychheu, Prey Srorng,

Sorng Rokavorn and Romdoul Veasna. A total of 174 bird species were found

to reside within the CF areas of Oddar Meanchey, with a large majority (110)

recorded in the largest CF, Sorng Rokavorn. All CFs surveyed in the

biodiversity study were found to support at least one globally threatened

bird species. Green peafowl (Pavo muticus) were located throughout

Romdoul Veasna, Sangkrous Preychheu and Sorng Rokavorn, particularly

around standing water supplies. The endangered Green Peafowl was found

to be present in two of these CFs. Sorng Rokavorn, the largest CF by area, is

host to populations of important mammals such as Banteng (Bos javanicus),

large deer (Cervus eldii), Dhole (Cuon alpinus) and, according to the

biodiversity study, is most likely home to a small population of large cats

(leopard or tiger, and other species from the Pantherinae family). Further,

the near-threatened white-rumped falcon (Polihierax insignis) was found in

Sorng Rokavorn, Andong Bor and Prey Srorng. The biodiversity study also

identified a small population of Northern Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca

leonina) and pileated gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) in Sangkrous Preychheu

(Elliott et al 2010).