Annual Report 2019 by srdvietnam srdvietnam

Cover photo: Phan Tan Lam

ANNUAL REPORT

2019

Representatives and members of farmer interest groups of Son La project visit sustainable custard apple planting model in Yen Chau district, Son La province

CONTENT 1

About the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) •

Vision, Mission, Values

03 04

Letter from the Chair of the Board of Trustees cum Executive Director

Project Sites and Networks Map

SRD Through Impressive Figures in 2019

Key Working Areas/Programs

•

Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods

•

Climate Change

•

Forestry, VPA-FLEGT

Cross-Cutting Themes

•

Child Protection

•

Gender Mainstreaming

•

Empowering People with Disabilities

International Cooperation and Networking

Communication, Research and Policy Advocacy

Organizational Development

Complimentary Remarks from Donors and Project Partners

Financial Reports

Organizational Structure

Donors and Funding Partners of SRD’s projects implemented in 2019

ABOUT THE CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SRD)

Established in 2006 under the Decision No. 281/QDLHH of the Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA). Inherited 28 years of experience from the International Cooperation for Solidarity and Development (CIDSE Vietnam).

One of the leading non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Vietnam.

The founding member and Chair of the Vietnamsese NGOs Network on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (VNGO-FLEGT).

An active member of many other national regional networks and policy forums. The founding member and Chair of the Vietnamese NGOs and Climate Change Network (VNGO&CC).

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

VISION

MISSION

VALUES

Vulnerable communities have control over resources and ownership of their lives in a sustainable healthy environment and good governance society.

SRD works with a range of stakeholders to achieve real change at both policy and grassroots levels.

• • • • •

Ownership Accountability/Transparency Sharing and Learning Results/Impact focused Participation promoted

CROSS-CUTTING THEMES • Child Protection • Gender Equality • Supporting People with Disabilities

AGRICULTURE

TARGET GROUPS • Ethnic minority groups • Poor and vulnerable groups • Forest dependent households and communities • Small-scale agro-forestry production farmers • Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises • Disasters and climate change affected groups • Local CSOs and Associations • Relevant central and local government agencies

SRD’S FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN Strategic foci • Organizational strengthening • Diversification of revenue streams • Support social entrepreneurship • Lead and collaborate for addressing environmental and social issues in Vietnam

FORESTRY and VPA-FLEGT

CLIMATE CHANGE

TRADE and EVFTA

LETTER

FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES CUM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SRD

Dear valued readers! First of all, I would like to send our warm greetings to our donors, partners, and all of the readers! Early 2019, SRD celebrated its 13th year of operation with significant changes obtained, ever endeavor, learning spirit to uphold the role of a professional, innovative, flexible and creative Vietnamese NGO in pursuing climate smart agriculture, biodiveristy conservation, and forest governance in the context of the Vonluntary Parnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (VPAFLEGT) came into effect from 01 June 2019. We greatly accomplished the year of 2019 by signing an agreement to receive EU funding through a project that enables SRD’s participation in the new area, Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Although at the end of 2019, the Trade Agreement has yet to be ratified by the European Parliament and the Government of Vietnam, initial preparation of SRD and of other CSOs members is necessary to contribute CSOs’ ideas and voices to the agencies in charge of implementing the EVFTA to reflect concerns over environmental protection, labour safety and social safety for many producer communities, including farmers and workers in the supply chain as well as timber export to the EU. From organizational management, in August 2019, Mrs. Nguyen Kim Ngan requested to step down from the role of Executive Director and go back to the position of Chief Accountant. Accepting her decision, SRD’s staff and the Board of Trustees accordingly elected Mrs. Vu Thi Bich Hop as Executive Director as of November 2019. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and our staff, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to our donors and partners for their cooperation, support, and trust. SRD also highly appreciates the poor and vulnerable communities in the project areas, who have accompanied and worked with us in accomplishing the tasks of 2019, to contribute to the implementation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yours sincerely, The Chair of the Board of Trustees cum Executive Director

Vu Thi Bich Hop

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

PROJECT SITES AND NETWORKS MAP

SRD through impressive figures in 2019 5579

Direct beneficiaries from projects

9147

Indirect beneficiaries from projetcs

1312

Local officials and people attending the workshops/trainings within the project on sustainable agriculture and livelihoods, forestry, REDD + and people with disabilities

100

Number of people/households with disabilities participating in sustainable livelihood models

254

Number of children and children with disabilities participating in community playgrounds and classes

894

Number of people participating in interest groups/clubs of Quang Tri and Son La projects

598

Number of people being taken loans from VSLA groups in project communes of Quang Tri and Son La provinces

The joy of farmer in the field

VSLA members of Son La project

Members of Empowering People with Disabilities project practice in the first aid training

The communication event on the occasion of the Vietnamese Traditional Day on Natural Disaster Prevention (May 22)

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

KEY WORKING AREAS/ PROGRAMS

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND LIVELIHOODS

Representatives and members of Son La project visit the rice model field in Than village, Muoi Noi commune

The Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods are ones of SRDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key areas of intervention. They are reflected in all related projectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; objectives with focus on sustainable agriculture for poverty reduction and empowering local communities to sustainably manage their own livelihoods. SRD prioritizes the projects that support the community and increase local people participation in the economic development process. Through the implementation of these agro-biodiversity conservation and climate smart projects in Son La (VM059) and Quang Nam (VM057) provinces, the local communities are being encouraged to apply new technical knowledge to maintain and promote indigenous species via climate smart agriculture (CSA) models in order to produce safe and good products in line with food security, market accessibility and income increase for a better life of the disadvantaged groups and farmers. Simultaneously, successful livelihood models are thereafter recommended to be integrated into the local socio-economic development plans for replication, sustainable development of the project results and also for bringing these results into full play local available resources and advantages.

Key achievements of the projects Son La project • 270 households trained and applied Climate Smart Rice (CSR) practices in their own rice fields, with an average area of 200m2 - 1,000m2. As a result, there is a 10% decrease of chemical fertilizers application compared to that in 2018 (in 2018, it decreased by 25-30% compared to traditional rice cultivation); • The CSR replication is being introduced to 8 neighbouring villages and CSR is being applied by a number of households (mainly using low density, less rice seedling and young seedling transplantation);

Achievements of the members in coffee farming class

• 240 households trained and applied the techniques of fertilizing, pruning and enriching the soil due to too much chemical fertilizer applied previously, and enhanced knowledge on pest management and IPM; • Sustaining rehabilitation of two local sticky rice varieties named Tan Lanh and Tan Nhe, with 30% households involved via applying on the field practice and variety selection for the next seasons; • Expanding the training on chicken raising to 65 households in 8 villages, totaling trained 165 households during 2 years. Number of chickens increased from 20 - 30 to 50 and over 300 chickens; income from this increased from 2 million VND to 18 million VND per household; • Regarding the VSLA (Village Savings and Loan Associate), nearly 140 million VND was mobilized for loaning among 140 households in the area of 8 project villages.

Quang Nam project • Provided two cooperative groups in Tam Thai and Tam Loc communes with two dryers to help people actively process and preserve their products; • Supported building 2 nurseries with an area of 500m2/garden, then handed it over to the cooperative groups, for being proactive in seedling sources and expanding the area of planting trees on-site; Representatives of Manos Unidas, SRD and Agriculture Extension Center at the final review and market connect workshop

• Organized 2 farmer field schools (FFS) for nearly 40 rounds of people focusing on the survey, designing and building nurseries for seedlings. Connecting products to the market is essential to sustain the project result;

• Organized a final review workshop, in which market connection was emphasized with 80 participants including experts on medicinal plants, officials of the People’s Committees of 2 communes and people and representatives of two medicinal plants purchasing and processing companies.

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Story of change

Mr. Lo Van Nui shares about taking care of the flock, especially the chicks

Mr. Lo Van Nui has participated in the training on chicken raising since the beginning of the project. Previously, due to traditional method, his chickens were naturally pastured, resulting in a large number of chickens died from diseases or lost. This led to low numbers of chickens till the end of periods when his family would not have enough chickens to eat, especially during the festivals or ceremonies. Because of this, Mr. Nui hardly thought of selling his chickens for money. However, this situation has changed significantly after he and his wife participated in the project named “Agro-biodiversity conservation and development for poor communities in response to Climate Change in Son La province”. After attending the trainings held by the project in 2018 and 2019 on indigenous chicken raising techniques, they were able to apply and his raising was then much improved. The number of chickens significantly increased from 20 to more than 100 ones. “My family is no longer worried about the food for daily meals. When we want to eat chicken, it is available. We have so much chicken that my kids are getting bored of it!”, he shared happily.

CLIMATE CHANGE (CC) Climate change has become more and more severe, affecting many communities and causing losses to all aspects of socio-economic life, environment and natural resources in Vietnam. The Government of Vietnam has thus advocated for a proactive response to climate change and issued a large number of important policies and documents, of which most notably, is the National Target Program to respond to climate change and green growth in the period 2016-2020, and the Plan to implement the Paris Agreement. Being the Chair of the VNGO&CC network, SRD, together with other CSOs, has made great contributions to climate change adaptation efforts through various programs, projects, and research at both local and national levels, for the common goal of minimizing the impacts of climate change on socioeconomics and environment. There have been hundreds of initiatives and actions to adapt to climate change and mitigate natural disaster risks to be supported and implemented by CSOs throughout the country. Being active, creative and transparent in implementation, SRD and many other CSOs have brought up significant changes in awareness raising, climate adaptiveness and resilience in the affected communities and relevant partners. The project â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strengthening the role and contribution of CSOs in the development of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for Climate Changeâ&#x20AC;? - funded by the Small Grants Program under the Global Environment Fund of United Nations through the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD), has continuously achieved specific results in 2019.

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Key achievements “Strengthening the role and contribution of CSOs in the development of the National Adaptation Plan for climate change (NAP)” project. • In collaboration with the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, SRD successfully organized the forum, “The role of social organizations in the Agriculture Climate Change Adaptation Plan”; in which the proposed national adaptation plan (NAP) was addressed in the fields of cultivation, husbandry, fisheries, irrigation and the participation of social organizations in supporting rural communities to response to climate change; • Organized a forum on CSOs in Vietnam towards the NAP on Climate Change with more than 40 participants; focusing on the orientation of the VNGO&CC Network and the CCWG in the context of developing and implementing NAP as well as of promoting CSA application; • In coordination with the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the CCWG organized a consultation workshop on the “National Adaptation Plan 2021-2030, vision to 2050”. The workshop obtained ideas on the plan outline, the adaptation needs of the sectors and objectives associated with priorities and urgent solutions to be implemented for each sector; which were well received by the Department of Climate Change - NAP drafting agency, for consideration and possible integration into the on-going finalization of the draft NAP; • Compiled and published the document “Social organizations in Vietnam towards the

“The role of social organizations in the Agriculture Climate Change Adaptation Plan” forum

“Social organizations in Vietnam towards the National Adaptation Plan on Climate Change “ workshop

National Adaptation Plan on Climate Change”, on the basis of reviewing and evaluating climate change adaptation models which were successfully supported by CSOs and GEF SGP through workshops, seminars and forums organized by the project. This document was delivered to the Department of Climate Change, the NAP Drafting Board, MARD line agencies, the CCWG, the VNGO&CC Network and relevant international organizations; • Prepared a short clip titled “Social organizations in Vietnam towards the National Adaptation Plan on Climate Change” which broadcast on People’s Television and VNGO network website.

FORESTRY AND VPA-FLEGT

The Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (VPAFLEGT) came into force on June 1, 2019 under the agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Government of Vietnam, presented the two partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; commitment to addressing illegal logging and timber trade situation through the establishment and operation of the Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Timber Legality Assurance System (VNTLAS). As the Chairman of VNGO-FLEGT Network since 2012 till now and the representative of social organizations in the Steering Committee of UN-REDD Phase II Program (2015-2018) in Vietnam, SRD has undertaken many activities and obtained a number of achievements in 2019.

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

Key achievements from the projects

“The second Forest Governance Monitoring Forum”

“Forest Governance, Markets and Climate (FGMC)” and “Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) impact monitoring of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) in the context of FLEGT and REDD+” project •

Organized the second Forest Governance Monitoring Forum on monitoring and evaluation of impact of VPA-FLEGT, impact assessment on the ethnic minority groups, local communities involved and on their livelihoods, as well as impacts on households and the timber industry (SMEs);

•

Supported the Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST) to organize the 5th multi-stakeholder core group meeting on VPA-FLEGT (VPA CORE GROUP), in which VPA’s monitoring and assessment were considered in 3 components, including i) Assessment the operational readiness of VNTLAS; ii) Independent assessment; iii) Monitor the impact of VPA;

•

Published the Survey report on the status of afforestation households, micro and small-sized wood processing enterprises prior to implementing the VPA-FLEGT. Information was collected and aggregated from 647 afforestation households, 36 small and micro-sized wood processing enterprises, 39 relevant officials in four districts of four provinces with abundant planted forests and many wood processing units. Published reports were shared with VNFOREST, VPA CORE GROUP, VNGO-FLEGT members, and relevant international organizations;

•

Developed a database of the current status of smallholders and small & micro-sized timber processing enterprises in four districts of four provinces at the time before VPA-FLEGT implementation;

•

Published a Manual for CSOs to monitor the impact of VPA on afforestation households and wood processing enterprises;

•

Published the NDC Vietnam Report: Enhancing Forest Governance for Successful Forest Restoration.

Mrs. Pham Thi Lam - Head of Cao village, Lam Hoa commune, Tuyen Hoa district, Quang Binh province

Sharing from people on the essentiality of the project “Empowering social organizations and local communities to effectively participate in the implementation of Vietnam Emission Reduction Program (ER-P)”

“Communication and campaigning on forest patrol and protection, forest resources sustaining and benefit sharing.” Mrs. Pham Thi Lam - Head of Cao village, Lam Hoa commune, Tuyen Hoa district, Quang Binh province after participating in a training as part of the project shared “Empowering social organizations and local communities to effectively participate in the implementation of Vietnam Emission Reduction Program (ER-P)”. “I have never known about emission reduction. However, since attending the training, I have learned a lot of emission reduction with respect to forest resources, forest protection and forest carbon. My village members and I are able to participate in REDD+ implementation activities and monitor forest changes if being assigned by the authorities. After the training, I will go back to share these with the entire villagers. We will do our best to patrol and protect the forest, preserve forest resources and be benefited from forests.” After collecting feedback from the stakeholders in the dialogues, the Forest Change Independence Monitoring (FCIM) was revised and experimented in Nghe An province. The local authorities and people highly appreciated the FCIM. They expected that the FCIM would bring opportunities to meet to the practical conditions, from that to promote the participation of CSOs and people in implementing the Vietnam emissions reduction program.

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

CROSS-CUTTING THEMES

The cross-cutting themes throughout SRD’s 2018-2022 strategy include gender equality and child protection. In 2019, many activities reflecting these two cross-cutting themes were integrated into projects to achieve SRD strategic goals, to address inequalities, if any, to empower and promote women’s participation as well as to maintain the implementation of child protection policies within the organization.

CHILD PROTECTION In 2019, child protection issues have continually been integrated into projects. Specifically, the “Empowering People with Disabilities” project organized: • Community learning playground for 254 children and children with disabilities (CwD) in Gio Linh district. Participating in different activities helped them become more integrated and confident. Parents of CwD also learned how to organize the same activities in the future; • Children’s summer camp was held in 2019 for 270 children and Youth’s Union members from 13 elementary and secondary schools in Gio Linh district, in which the participants were guided through first aids practices for drowning victims, aiming to a safe and useful summer; • The sharing sessions were held on the topic “Protecting children from sexual abuse” for 44 members of the parent’s group of CwD and other club members. Parents then exchanged

17 and discussed their own experience in sex education and awareness of protecting children from the risk of sexual abuse; • Initial screenings prior to home based visits for 33 children with disabilities in 9 project communes, 9 CwDs out of which have made significant improvements and 18 have seen with gradual improvements. Physical improvements have led to spiritual improvements of both the CwD and their parents, while also increased children’s independence and happiness found in parents.

Linh and her brother in Gio Phong commune are excited to see their image in the photo book named “When we believe in ourselves”

GENDER MAINSTREAMING As highlighted in the Strategic Plan 20182022, gender equality is integrated into all programs and projects of SRD, from the design stage to the implementation process. SRD also aims to empower and promote women’s participation in all activities and areas as well as in discussions and making important decisions that directly affect them. Mr. Nguyen Duc and his wife in Gio Phong commune

Specific results are reflected through the participation of both men and women in the project activities, such as: • The ratio of women participating in the project “Agro-biodiversity conservation and development for poor communities in response to Climate Change in Son La Province” is always above 70%. For example, indigenous chicken raising group is 72.8% (150 females/56 males); climate smart rice group (CSR) is 82.5% (198 females/42 males); Village savings and loan associate (VSLA) 89% (206 females/25 males); • The total number of direct and indirect beneficiaries of the project “Empowering people with disabilities”, by November 2019, is 1909 and 5727, respectively. The ratio of male beneficiaries is 50.06% (of which male with disabilities is 17.18%, boys accounting for 7.17%). The ratio of women accounts for 49.94% (of which the women with disabilities accounts for 16%, and girls accounting for 8.4%).

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (PwD) 2019 continued to be a year with many effective activities to support people with disabilities in physical and mental health improvement and gradual empowerment through the project “Empowering people with disabilities” funded by Caritas Australia (CA) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The focus of the project includes (i) Equal access and active participation in social life; (ii) Life quality improvement and PwD and their family recovery; and (iii) Empowerment to PwD for making decisions themselves on their life. These objectives not only promote the implementation of one out of three cross-cutting themes in SRD’s strategy period 2018-2022 but also contribute to achieve targets set in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals # 1, 3 and 4 in Vietnam.

Mr. Nguyen Van Luc and his wife – Mrs. Bui Thi Hong in Gio Hai commune, Quang Tri province

Key achievements • Established and consolidated operation of PwDs’ group: 2 new clubs were set up, bringing the number of clubs to 9 with 594 members in 9 project communes; 5 parents groups under the clubs and 2 community based classes with 11 children with disabilities (CwD); • Supported and improved livelihoods: 7 households having members with disabilities were supported; a 6-member group and 90 households having PwD accessed revolving loans Mrs. Pham Thi Hue and her daughter in Gio Hai commune, Quang Tri province for production and business were established. The total number of VSLA groups set up and operated increased to 12 groups in 9 communes, that helped create on-site capital sources available and suitable for PwDs. Annually, there are about 500 rounds of loan takers for 255 VSLA group members; • Improved physical and mental health: Home based visits were made to 45 adults and CwDs; 30 out of which were provided with rehabilitation aids; 254 children and CwDs in Gio Linh district participated in community learning playgrounds; • Strengthened resilience: Through communication activities, training and rehearsals on inclusive disaster risk reduction, 322 PwDs, their caregivers and community members have been more proactive in preparedness and responding as well as reducing vulnerabilities and improving resilience, aiming to ensure safety for not only vulnerable groups but also for the whole community.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Lien and her daughter in Gio Chau commune, Quang Tri province

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

STORY OF CHANGE Ms. Le Thi Thuy - Member of PwD Club in Trung Son commune

Because life is beautiful! (Author: Le Thi Thuy - PWD club of Trung Son commune)

I was born in a very poor family. Since I was born, I suffered from hemiplegia to the left that I could not take my first steps until the age of 10. Then time went by. However, I always kept practicing rehabilitation exercises and gradually began using crutches to manage caring for myself. I raised a few pigs and a brood of chickens and saved limited earnt money with my monthly social allowance to pay for living and taking care of my mother. This helped me prove that I am disabled but still able. Although I am not lucky, I believe that my hard work will pay off. In 2016, the PwD club was established in the commune. I then joined the club and was supported with capital to raise chickens for more income. It is said that when the lights are out, neighbors will look after each other. I have indeed been encouraged and helped by neighbors and club members. Currently, I have raised chickens for selling eggs and my life is more stable than previously. I realized that life is beautiful if I learn how to happily accept disabilities with non-stop efforts to rise up. Accepting the truth and being optimistic are the best solutions for me and anyone else. Not everyone was born with luck; nobody is perfect. If you are in situation like mine, you should face it, accept and love yourself, be optimistic because life is always beautiful. (Excerpt from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meâ&#x20AC;? story of the same author.)

Launching workshop on â&#x20AC;&#x153;State of land in the Mekong regionâ&#x20AC;?

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND NETWORKING Along with socio-economic development and international integration, in 2019, SRD has strengthened its networking and participation into many different activities and events held nationally and internationally. Being the Chair of the VNGO-FLEGT and VNGO&CC Network, SRD plays an important role in the process of bringing the voices of SRD and of the Vietnamese CSOs networks to events and forums at national, regional and international levels.

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

NATIONAL LEVEL

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS

• The second Forest Governance Monitoring Forum;

• The Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Expanded Constituency Workshop (ECW) for Asia in Mongolia (April 2019);

• “The role of social organizations in the Agriculture Climate Change Adaptation Plan” forum;

• Mekong sub-region workshop on land issues in Myanmar (August 2019);

• “Social organizations in Vietnam towards the National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change “ workshop; • “Using the Terra-i vegetation change monitoring system by social organizations and local communities” workshop; • “CSOs’ comments on drafted National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NAP) framework 2021-2030, vision 2050” workshop; • Annual meeting of social organizations in 2019; • Launching workshop on “State of land in the Mekong region”; • “Meet 2019 for cooperation and development” Annual Event of VUSTA.

• Regional REDD Program Dialogue in Nepal (August 2019); • REDD Program Dialogue in Thailand (September 2019); • The 4th World Volunteer Forum in China (September 2019); • The 14th Conference of the Parties of the Convention to combat Desertification of the United Nations (UNCCD) in India (September 2019); • ASEAN People’s Forum 2019 in Thailand (September 2019); • Training on “Training of trainers on advocacy 2.0” in Thailand (September 2019); • Planning workshop on mainstreaming gender and small and medium wood processing enterprises in Malaysia (October 2019); • Workshop on environmental rights in Thailand (October 2019); • ABCD training in the Philippines (October 2019); • ARPN’s annual conference on “People’s struggle in the Asia Pacific in a multipolar world” in Thailand (November 2019); • Global FCPF Dialogue in Washington DC, USA (November 2019) organized by the World Bank.

Networking activities and international exchanges have provided SRD with further opportunities to learn, to share experiences, to seek, to mobilize and to diversify resources for better and more effective operation in the context of globalization that influences development trends in Vietnam and in the world.

The 6th multi-stakeholder core group meeting and comments on the VNTLAS Decree draft

COMMUNICATION, REASEARCH AND ADVOCACY SRD and the VNGO-FLEGT network provided feedbacks on the draft VNTLAS decree On October 19, 2018, the Government of Vietnam and the European Union (EU) signed a Voluntary Partnership Agreement on the Implementation of the Law on Forestry, Forest Governance and Trade in Forest Products (VPA-FLEGT). To implement the Agreement, Vietnam will develop and operate the Vietnam Timber Legality Assurance System (VNTLAS) to ensure legal origin of the Vietnamese timber and timber products for export, including a systematic verification of the legal imported timber of the Vietnamese enterprises that being harvested and traded in accordance with the laws of that country. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) assigned the General Department of Forestry to lead the development of the Decree on VNTLAS. The General Department of Forestry (VNFOREST) then assigned the Forest Protection Department to lead the preparation of the Decree on VNTLAS. The draft VNTLAS decree has been posted on the Government and MARD web portal for feedback from relevant individuals, organizations and the subjects affected by the Decree. Consultation meetings and seminars for getting feedback on the draft Decree have been organized by the VNFOREST in Hanoi, Da Nang, Binh Dinh, Ho Chi Minh. SRD has sent our official written feedback to the VNFOREST. We considered stipulation on “Vietnam’s legal timber assurance system for importing and exporting timber and timber products; criteria, authority, order, and procedures for classification of wood processing and export enterprises; FLEGT licensing” in the draft VNTLAS are insufficient. According to Article 8 of the VPA-FLEGT Agreement and Article 69 of the Law on Forestry, the VNTLAS is a mandatory requirement for all timber and timber products in the supply chain regardless objectives or customer market (i.e including not only cases of import and export but also cases of domestic consumption). SRD’s comments have been acknowledged by VNFOREST but not responded at meetings or in writing.

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPEMENT 2019 marked the second year of implementing the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan. In addition to focuses on key strategies issues including Sustainable Agriculture, Forest Governance, Climate Change, pioneering and collaborating with other organizations in providing possible solutions to address social and environmental issues, still organizational development has been considered as a top priority. Under the leadership of the Board of Trustees (BOT), SRD targets at development of young staff who have good English and IT skills, supported by core members who have long standing experience in project, program design and development, gradually overcome difficulties in securing funding sources in the context of foreign funding decrease for Vietnam. Therefore, in addition to 6 on-going projects, SRD continues to receive three more funded projects named “Promoting forest governance and legal timber trade through EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement” (EU) and “Dialogue for sustainable forest development in Vietnam” (UNDEF) and “European Volunteers for Forestry and Climate Change” (EU/French Volunteer). In November 2019, SRD had a change of leadership. For personal reasons, Mrs. Nguyen Kim Ngan requested to resign as the Executive Director and returned to the former position as Deputy Director cum Chief Accountant. Mrs. Vu Thi Bich Hop, Chairwoman of the Board, was fully recommended by the board and all staff to be back as the Executive Director. In regular BOT and staff meetings, we maintained sharing and updating staff work plan and other key issues of the organization. SRD also kept encouraging its staff to exchange ideas and to take initiatives for organizational development. SRD is constantly providing opportunities for SRD staff to attend training courses nationally and abroad. In 2019, SRD staff participated in 17 international trainings and seminars related to climate change, enhancing the role of people in development. Therefore, SRD continues to be recognized by the Vietnam Association of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) as one of 13 Vietnamese organizations (out of more than 400 affiliated organizations) for outstanding achievements with contributions to sustainable development, especially with respect to climate change response in Vietnam.

COMPLIMENTARY REMARKS FROM DONORS AND PROJECT PARTNERS Within the framework of the project titled “Empowering people with disabilities” in Gio Linh district, funded by Caritas Australia through the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development, Mr. Phang Willy Tan, Coordinator for Vietnam program paid an annual monitoring visit to SRD office and thereafter the project site in Gio Linh district. Mr. Willy Tan highly appreciated a comprehensive sharing on the program to support the people with disabilities who are Representative of Caritas Australia visit seen as the most vulnerable group. “Caritas the project in Quang Tri Australia has been supporting the program in Vietnam for more than 10 years and we are happy to see a lot of changes and empowerment of the people with disabilities. In the coming time, we will maintain the cooperation with SRD for further support to the people with disabilities. We thus would like to ask the project steering board for keeping its guidance and coordination for the sake of the people with disabilities within the project VM064 in particular and in Vietnam in general”. Annually, within the framework of the VM059 project matching-funded by Manos Unidas and the Bread for the World, Mrs. Patricia Garrido Llamas, Senior Officer of Manos Unidas (MU), and Ms. Antonia Morales Perez, Southeast Asia Program Officer of MU paid a working visit to two project communes including Muoi Noi and Bon Phang in Thuan Chau district, Son La province. “Last year, I was impressed by the active participation, optimism and hospitality of the local authorities and people in the two project communes. This year, I am more than happy to see the positive impacts of the people in economic development and community solidarity. I also appreciate the close and enthusiastic cooperation of the local authorities and SRD’s partner, Son La Sub-Department of Plantation and Plant Protection in facilitating the process of supporting people for an effective project implementation. We, Manos Unidas, are committed to supporting and contributing towards the improvement and sustainable development of people’s lives.”, Mrs. Patricia Garrido Llamas shared. The above remarks from Mrs. Patricia and Mr Willy Tan will further motivate SRD, its partners, the local authorities, and the people in the project areas to work together in implementing projects towards its goal for sustainable development of every household and the overall community.

Representatives of Manos Unidas visit the project in Son La

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

FINANCIAL REPORT BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 December 2019

Unit: USD No.

ASSETS

Cash

2019

2018

483,190

530,302

Cash on hand

5,275

5,056

Vietnamese dong

1,466

1,414

Foreign currencies

3,809

3,642

Cash in bank

477,915

525,246

Vietnamese dong

458,268

508,170

Foreign currencies

19,647

17,077

II.

Short-term investments

82,198

Short-term investments

82,198

1,125

III.

Receivables

Receivables from donor

Advances to employees

Other receivables

1,125

IV.

Inventories

Supplies and tools

Other current assets

756

Short-term prepayments

756

Fixed assets

5,455

5,490

Tagible fixed assets

5,455

5,490

17,367

20,200

(11,912)

(14,710)

VI. 1

- Historical cost - Accumulated depreciation 2

Intangible fixed assets - Historical cost

7,859

- Accumulated amortization VII.

Long-term investments TOTAL ASSETS

(7,859) -

570,853

537,672

BALANCE SHEET (Continued)

As at 31 December 2019

Unit: USD No.

LIABILITIES

Short term borrowings

2019

2018

21,662

18,711

Accrued expenses

Payables to employees

6,272

Payables (based on salaries)

Tax payables to the State budget

4,124

Other payables

17,539

12,439

II.

Budget sources

549,190

518,961

Advanced budget

Foreign exchange differences

Reserve and development fund

368,965

384,032

Operation expenditures

17,590

26,592

Projects' expenditures

157,180

102,848

Funds used for fixed asset acquisitions

5,455

5,490

570,853

537,672

TOTAL LIABILITIES

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE For the fiscal year ended 31 December 2019

Unit: USD No. I.

ITEMS

505,512

530,239

Bank interest

2,548

1,999

Foreign exchange gains

2,579

1,212

754

511,392

533,450

Programme expenditure

451,589

467,342

Indirect overhead costs

14,780

10,622

466,369

477,964

45,022

55,486

Other incomes Total income

Expenditure

Total expenditure

III.

2018

Income Donors funding during the year

II.

2019

SURPLUS (DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR

JUNIOR INT’L VOLUNTEER

PROGRAM ASSISTANT INTERN

PROGRAM OFFICER

CLIMATE CHANGE & FOREST GOVERNANCE PROGRAM MANAGER

JUNIOR INT’L VOLUNTEER

PROGRAM ASSISTANT INTERN

PROGRAM OFFICER

CENTRAL PROGRAM MANAGER

JUNIOR INT’L VOLUNTEER

PROGRAM ASSISTANT INTERN

PROGRAM OFFICER

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROGRAM MANAGER

DEPUTY PROGRAM DIRECTOR

TECHNICAL ADVISOR

COMMUNICATION ASSISTANT JUNIOR INT’L VOLUNTEER INTERN

COMMUNICATION OFFICER

SENIOR INT’L VOLUNTEER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE SRD

HUMAN RESOURCEADMIN OFFICER

GUARD/COOK INTERN

ACCOUNTANT

DEPUTY DIRECTOR CUM CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

SRD - ANNUAL REPORT 2019

DONORS AND FUNDING PARTNERS OF SRD’S PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED IN 2019

COUNTRY

Manos Unidas Project: Improving the livelihoods for the poor in Phu Ninh district, Quang Nam province through medicinal plants and market development. Caritas Australia Project: Empowering People with Disabilities. Fern (funded by Department for International Development - DFID) Project: Forest Governance, Markets and Climate.

Spain

Australia Belgium United Kingdom

Bread for the World Project: Agro-biodiversity conservation and development for poor communities in response to Climate Change in Son La province (co-sponsored by Manos Unidas).

BftW Vietnam

The Food and Agriculture Organization Project: CSO impact monitoring of the VPA in the context of FLEGT and REDD+.

Italia

Global Environment Facility - Small Grants Programme in Vietnam (GEF SPG) Project: Strengthening the role and contribution of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in development of the National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change (NAP).

GEF/UNDP

Pesticide Action Network, Asia and the Pacific (PAN AP)

PAN AP Malaysia

Project: Towards a non-toxic South-East Asia.

KEMI/SIDA Swiss

Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources (funded by World Bank) Project: Empowering CSOs and LCs to effectively participate in the implementation of Vietnam’s Emission Reduction Program (ER-P).

ANSAB Nepal World Bank

CARE International in Vietnam Project: Resilience Research & Advocacy (CLAR) - Pilot project to monitor climate finance.

CARE Vietnam

DONORS AND FUNDING PARTNERS OF SRDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED IN 2019

BÁO CÁO THƯỜNG NIÊN

The Centre for Sustainable Rural Development Address: No 56, Lane 19/9, Kim Dong Street, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: 024.3943.6676/78 | Fax: 024.3943.6449 Email: info@srd.org.vn | Website: www.srd.org.vn Facebook: www.facebook.com/srdvietnam/