2016 Annual Report CSRD - Eng

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

CENTRE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (CSRD)

ABOUT US “Creating resilient communities�

We work to support and improve quality of life, ensuring livelihoods for poor and vulnerable communities, communities who depend on natural resources, and communities living along the coast and around the lagoon. In these communities, their lives are threatened by development, and the negative impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels, floods, storms, and the erosion of river banks and coasts.

The Centre for Social Research and Development (CSRD) is a Hue based, local nongovernment organization (NGO) working to seek justice for vulnerable communities threatened by external change. We help to create community resilience to threats resulting from climate change, hydropower construction, agri-business and industry expansion.

We do this through four key activities: 1.

2.

3.

4.

We research the real issues at the grassroots level and maintain grassroots buy-in at all stages of project implementation.

We act as change agents and raise awareness by training and advocacy.

We empower the disadvantaged, particularly women, helping them to realize their rights and to make their voices heard.

We lead pilot projects such as mangrove planting, composting and childhood education to develop change options.

CSRD works in partnership with local communities - in Thua Thien Hue, other provinces in the central regions, across Vietnam and across borders. We provide support to disadvantaged and vulnerable people with information, empowerment, advocacy services and practical assistance.

All projects are managed in close cooperation with the affected people and are research-based. We have skilled and experienced staff and we work to ensure positive change for the future of everyone in Vietnam.

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“Our mission and our challenge are to create a better future for the people of Vietnam”

MS PHAM THI DIEU MY – DIRECTOR CSRD I thank all the sponsors, partners,

balance the different interests of stakeholders

friends and colleagues who have helped and

and civil society organizations (CSOs) who are

supported us over the years, and for the

committed and motivated to solve the

contribution they have made to CSRD’s

problem, but in different ways.

progress and success.

In 2016 CSRD has managed numerous

Another difficulty we have is with funding. CSRD has initiated two model social

projects on social development and climate

enterprises - the SusuXanh shop in Hue, and

change. We have supported ten communities

study tours based in our project areas. The

in five provinces in the Central Highlands with

two models are now in operation and

research on the impacts of dam construction,

generating a positive response from the

piloted a Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) in

community.

the ‘3S’ river system, applied GIS mapping to

As difficult as it is to survive, we never

polluted areas of agricultural chemicals in

want to stop. In 2017 and in coming years,

Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue provinces, and

CSRD has continuing goals to improve gender

strengthened gender equality and the

equality, build the capacity of disadvantaged

empowerment of women in their livelihoods

groups, and support community development

and social activities. Through its project

activities. We need your support to pursue

activities, CSRD has worked with agencies and

these goals. Your initiatives, ideas and

authorities from the local to the provincial

contributions will help us achieve these goals

level, with civil society organizations in rural

for the benefit of the community.

areas and with the Electricity Corporation

If you want more information or have

Vietnam (EVN). We have used the media to

any questions, please contact us at the email

communicate the project results and to help

address: info@csrd.vn, or via our website:

involve many different communities.

www.csrd.vn

Our work has faced many difficulties and challenges. It is always difficult to

Director CSRD – Ms Pham Thi Dieu My 3

FROM THE BOARD – MR NGUYEN QUY HANH I am lucky to have been a founding member and member of the Advisory Board of CSRD for almost ten years. What I have always admired and appreciated is the enthusiasm and dedication of CSRD to support disadvantaged communities and to help them integrate with the wider region and the country.

We are entering a new era where we need to find a better balance between human activity and natural ecosystems. The idea that people are at the centre of the universe is outdated and inappropriate now, and is responsible for our ecological crisis and rising inequalities around the world.

Many communities are finding it difficult to survive. Even though the knowledge and experience is available, there are major obstacles for these communities. But in this environment, CSRD is still having an impact with its highly professional approach to issues such as community development, gender empowerment, climate change, hydropower development, and water resource management. These positive impacts are being felt not only by the local community but

all stakeholders, including the private sector.

The CSRD approach encourages participating with multiple stakeholders, developing a network of local and regional links, and advocacy based on evidence, innovation and knowledge. This approach will continue to be promoted in CSRD programs and projects.

It is anticipated that there will be numerous challenges for CSRD in 2017 with raising finance, expanding our network, supporting our communities, and continuing to be a pioneer in social policy. With our development direction as a social enterprise, we will exploit new fields this year and will strengthen our academic links, improve our knowledge-based governance, and be more involved in cross-border issues.

I acknowledge CSRD’s successes in 2016.

The Advisory Board and I believe that CSRD will continue to thrive with the enthusiasm and energy of our young and passionate leadership team. With the support of officials and employees, CSRD will continue to pursue its mission to build strong communities and work for sustainable development.

Nguyen Quy Hanh, PhD Board member CSRD

INFORMATION ABOUT CSRD - Website: csrd.vn - Fan page: Centre for Social Research and Development (CSRD) We use the website and fan page for information and communication. The information page is the best way for readers to find out about information, activities and events and is updated regularly.

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PROJECTS PILOT GENDER IMPACT ASSESSMENT – THE 3S RIVER BASIN IN VIETNAM

A Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) is required for development projects.

Donor: Oxfam Novib and Oxfam Australia (Inclusion Project) Date: 8/2015-7/2017 Location: Thua Thien Hue and Dak Lak provinces, Viet Nam

The overall objective of the project is to support hydropower companies and government agencies to consider the role of Gender in the process of hydropower development along the 3S river system in the Central and Central Highlands, Vietnam. CSRD has implemented a lot of activities to better understand the impact of gender on the livelihoods of local people in the A Luoi and Srepok 3 hydropower areas. We are working with hydropower companies and government agencies to engage them with gender and gender mainstreaming in the decision-making process and capacity building for staff. We are currently working with Vietnam Rivers Network (VRN), the local Women’s Union, and the company GENCO 1 and 3 of the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN).

CSRD has established a network of communities and organizations involved in Gender Impact Assessments (GIA). We have also organised a regional workshop to share the results of research in the 3S River area of Vietnam. Researching GIA and mainstreaming Gender in communities and professional agencies is an important step forward for CSRD.

Key activities: 1.

Gender Impact Assessment of the A Luoi Hydropower station in Thua Thien Hue. 2.

Gender Impact Assessment of the Srepok 3, 4 and 4A Hydropower stations 3.

Workshop to exchange research results of the Gender Impact Assessment of hydropower resources in Laos and Vietnam.

Results: 1.

Field research about the Gender Impacts of the A Luoi hydropower dam.

2.

Report on the Gender Impacts of the A Luoi dam 3.

Field research about the Gender Impacts of the Srepok 3,4 and 4A hydropower dams.

4.

Report on the Gender Impacts of the Srepok 3,4 and 4A hydropower dams.

5.

Workshop in Ha Noi to exchange research results between Lao and Vietnam .

Workshop to exchange research result and connect communities – community group from Lao.

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RESEARCH AND LEGAL SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY HYDROPOWER DAMS Thuot City. At the end of the first workshop, CSRD supported 10 communities in Central and Central Highlands to conduct monitoring of the impact of hydropower projects on livelihoods and the local environment. After 3 months of testing of research methods, the community researchers reported the results of monitoring, and CSRD organized field trip with personal interviews, group interviews and on-site observations (with recording and photos).

CSRD is conducting research and building local knowledge, as well as providing legal support to communities.

These were held in the four provinces of Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, Dak Lak and Dak Nong.

Monitoring in the communities is conducted by people in the affected areas and continues until the end of August with the support of

Donor: Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) Date: 2016 Location: Quang Binh, Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, Dak Lak and Dak Nong, Viet Nam Using theresults from the previous year, in 2016 CSRD continued the project “Promoting a Participatory Approach to Hydropower Development and Monitoring in the Central and Central Highlands, Vietnam�.

professional experts and advice from a lawyer.

The research is conducted with the participation of farmer networks that CSRD developed three years ago. Farmer groups join up to collect and analyze information and to consult with investors andlocal authorities to overcome hydropower impacts and to improve the lives of communities.

The findings of community groups have

The project was carried out from March to July,

also been shared with the Third People's Forum

2016 in the riverside communities both

- Hydropower Central Highland: Interests of

upstream and downstream of dams built on

People and Responsibilities of Stakeholders in

rivers in Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, Dak Lak

early December, 2016 at Da Nang City. From

and Dak Nong provinces. CSRD had a meeting

these findings which reflect the

with representatives of people affected by the

recommendations of the people and the

hydropower project which involved a simple

opinions of the research project, the Forum

but highly effective dialogue with investors and

obtained suggestions and recommendations

project owners about resettlement

for investors and the hydropower agencies, as

compensation in March, 2016 in Buon Ma

well as the support of communities affected by hydropower projects.

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MITIGATING THE IMPACTS OF PESTICIDES IN AGRICULTURE

People use pesticides as an "effective" method for agricultural production despite the potential impacts on health and the environment.

Donor: Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) Date: 9/2016 – 6/2017 Locaiton: Thua Thien Hue and Quang Tri province, Viet Nam

The project “Improving Understanding and Action Against Agrochemicals and Water Pollution in Central Vietnam” was based on findings from 2015. The 2015 project Knowledge - Attitudes - Practices (KAP) investigated the issue of pesticide depots and the use of pesticides in the province of Thua Thien-Hue. The project addressed problems in agricultural chemicals and water pollution in the two provinces of Thua Thien Hue and Quang Tri Province. The project has established a GIS map, showing the location of warehouses, with other information about the storage of drugs, the affected area, and the area of water pollution. Activities to raise awareness will involve 1,000 participants who will benefit directly or indirectly from the project. Mainstreaming gender will be practiced throughout the project. Listening to the voices of womenwill be a major factor in training activities which will share knowledge and participate in field activities including mapping and GIS for most project activities.

PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWERING WOMEN This project aims to promote gender equality in

the 3S river area by facilitating economic development for women in three districts in the provinces of Thua Thien Hue, Dak Lak and Dak Nong. The project applies Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and Gender Impact Assessment (GIA), to make the EIA process more comprehensive and more accountable, in line with policy provisions for hydropower development in Vietnam.

Project goals: - Enhancing business opportunities for women affected by the A Luoi and Srepok 3 hydropower dams.

- Promoting the SIA and GIA process as part of the EIA for hydroelectric dams in Vietnam.

- Strengthening the capacity of women along the 3S river system and border regions to tell their story about the impact of the dams.

Enhancing the capacity of women and youth groups to be proactive and to become agents of change for the community.

Donor: Oxfam Novib and Oxfam Australia (Inclusion Project) Date: 9/2016 – 6/2017 Location: Thua Thien Hue and Dak Lak Provinces, Vietnam.

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OTHER CSRD ACTIVITIES SUSUXANH – ORGANIC SHOP IN HUE CITY The use of chemical pesticides in agriculture is rampant and often their use does not comply with regulations. In the province of Thua Thien Hue it has led to the contamination of agricultural produce and environmental pollution of soil, water and air.

SusuXanh wants to promote safe food and security for its customers.

Org: CSRD and SusuXanh group Organic agricultural products.

Date: 2016 Location: Thua Thien Hue province, Viet Nam

CSRD has responded by helping to set up the SusuXanh organic food store at 32 Dong Da, Hue. Fresh vegetables from many different sources around Hue are sold at SusuXanh based on the Green 5 criteria - No herbicides, No chemical fertilizer residues, No growth stimulants, No preservatives and No GMOs (Genetically modified organism).

There are eight fresh vegetable growers supplying customers for SusuXanh, as well as suppliers of fish sauce, organic salt, honey, and essential oils from across the country. Average daily sales are about 5060 per day. SusuXanh will open another fresh vegetables store in Da Nang city this year, operating as a social enterprise with profits which will be returned to the community and farmers to encourage clean and green agriculture.

COMMUNITY-BASED ECOTOURISM Community-based ecotourism has emerged as a sustainable approach to economic development in recent decades. The profits from this model not only help improve household income in disadvantaged regions, but also increase awareness about the value of natural resources.

In the past year, CSRD organized study tours for groups from many backgrounds to CSRD projects.

Through these tours, participants are introduced to the problems of development which the people of Vietnam are facing.

For information about tours, travel, and CSRD projects please contact us at: info@csrd.vn

Org: CSRD Time: Since 2016 Location: Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam.

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SUPPORT FOR FLOOD COMMUNITIES IN QUANG BINH PROVINCE

Community support is a great encouragement to the people in Quang Binh province.

Organisation: CSRD, Vietnam Australia Friendship Association (Hue), Australian Alumni in Viet Nam (VGAC)

The 2016 giving program "Floods Central" collected 260 gifts for 96 household in Van Hoa commune, 80 gifts for students in Van Hoa Primary School, Tuyen Hoa district and 84 gifts for students in Son Trach 1 Primary School, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province. Active support was given by CSRD, and the VietnamAustralia Friendship Association (Hue). A total amount of 35.645.350VND was raised as well as many clothes, books and other items from donors across the country. The activity took place in Octorber/November, 2016. In the Central Region, no year passes without severe flooding which causes great losses and costs lives.

Date: October – November, 2016 Location: Tuyen Hoa and Bo Trach districts, Quang Binh province, Viet Nam

PUBLICATIONS 2016 - Gender Analysic (GA) - “Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women - Enhancing Opportunities for Women’s Enterprises” – in English.

- “Towards Feminine Business & Leadership: A KAP Analysis of Women Doing Business in Vietnam” in English.

- Research Report - “Impact of Hydropower Dams on Communities” – Research Report for the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) project – in Vietnamese.

- Policy Brief - “Institutional Issues and Policy in Communities Affected by Hydropower Projects in Central Highlands, Vietnam” - Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) project – in Vietnamese.

CSRD CONSULTANCY SERVICES CSRD produces a variety of research reports addressing issues such as gender, climate change, hydropower and social development for locations across the country. In 2016, we were also engaged as consultants for an array of different studies. Specific research on Gender Analysic (GA) “Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women - Enhancing Opportunities for Women’s Enterprises” and “Towards Feminine Business & Leadership: A KAP Analysis of Women Doing Business in Vietnam” - is sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Government and managed by the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV). CSRD also assisted with a Waste Management project which has been organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

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ENHANCING THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS The research was conducted in four provinces using qualitative research methods to study the situation in each province. Research shows that women in rural and semi-rural areas take on three roles - family, economic development and community. Although the assignment of roles is a cultural decision, in many areas change is slow and women face difficulties when engaging in business. However the study also found that there are positive changes with women better able to negotiate decision-making with men in and management, and that the knowledge, attitudes and behavior of women have also changed for the better.

Our studies made recommendations regarding common solutions for gender equality and the empowerment of women in business, with specific solutions for each province about how to empower women in business - an important strategy to achieve gender equality and sustainable economic development in Vietnam.

Changing gender norms that limit access opportunities for women in business through changing action.

Org: CSRD Date: 2016 Location: Quang Binh, Binh Dinh, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces, Viet Nam.

COMMUNITY BASED WASTE MANAGEMENT The volume of solid waste is rising rapidly while landfill is not likely to expand in many areas of Thua Thien Hue province. Thua Thien Hue’s Solid Waste Management Plan 2030-2050 includes proposals for industry, operations and community mobilization to reduce pollution and to improve people's awareness.

Priority projects include the production of organic fertilizers; and the promotion of 3R activities through Students learn from participating in waste sorting and raising awareness for environmental protection.

collaboration with business. A pilot project for waste separation at source has been carried out for a range of waste materials. Activity is checked regularly, with monitoring and guidance by project staff. Activities

Organisation: CSRD Date: 2016 and 2017 Location: Thua Thien Hue province, Viet Nam

are designed to promote awareness and improve practice regarding the classification of the different items.

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CSRD STAFF

CSRD has seven employees and one volunteer from Australia. CSRD staffs are young and enthusiastic in their passion to contribute to a better community. Their commitment has created positive change through their projects for the community.

CSRD includes a Masters graduate who has specialized in Climate Change and Disaster (from Australia) and the remaining five employees are graduates from the social sciences. CSRD's Board includes experts in the fields of social policy and project management with many years of professional experience.

CSRD is dedicated to training and works constantly to improve the capacity, skills and qualifications of its employees. CSRD has always supported staff participation in short and long term courses at home and abroad.

Professional development has been carried out in many areas such as gender, social development, climate change, communications, finance, advocacy, management and project development, and human rights. In 2016, an employee of CSRD

was awarded a YSEALI scholarship for study in the USA over five weeks in the field of social development.

Besides professional courses CSRD staffs are continually engaged in fieldwork and community activities to improve their skills and teamwork.

CSRD also creates a welcoming environment for students, interns and volunteers to support project activities and to accumulate knowledge and experience which can be returned to the community later in their careers.

Work Culture CSRD stands for an environmentally friendly, job sharing office with an openminded, proactive, and evidence based approach to all project activities. Friendly attitudes and teamwork are important for all our work with on-time delivery of projects.

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ORGANIZATIONAL CHART CSRD applies a quality management system (QMS) to its operations. It is committed to transparency and accountability in all its work including the annual financial audit.

COMMITMENT TO BEST PRACTICE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Certificate of Good Transparency and Accountability Practice 2015 - 2016.

CSRD was certified as an "Organization of Good Transparency and Accountability Practice" in 2015-2016, by the Research Centre for Management and Sustainable Development (MSD).

Certification is designed to inspire transparency and accountability" and takes place annually.

OUR DONORS AND PARTNERS We thank all the partners and sponsors who have been with us in 2016. Your help and support has enabled projects which encourage the healthy growth of communities, and for them to adapt to a constantly changing economy and society. We look forward to working with you in 2017 and beyond.

CONTACT CSRD 2/33 Nguyen Truong To street, Hue City, Viet Nam Phone/Fax: (+84) 543837714 Email: info@csrd.vn Website: www.csrd.vn CSRD was established by Decision No. 10 / QD - Thua Thien Hue Union of Science and Technology Associations.

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