ANNUAL REPORT
READY FOR
changes
Hanoi - 2017
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ONTENTS
SRD - Ready for Changes
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About the Center for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) Vision, Mission, Values 04. Words from the Chair of the Board of Trustees of SRD 06. Letter from the President of VUSTA 06. SRD in Figures
Key programs: Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) and Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) Vietnam Forests and Deltas Program (VFD) Empowering People with Disabilities Natural Disaster Prevention and Management
Cross-cutting themes: 17. Gender and Development 18. Child Protection 19. Communication, Research and Policy Advocacy 20. International Cooperation and Networking 21. Organizational Development 23. Feedback from Donors and Partners 26. Project and Network map 27. Financial Statements 29. Structure of SRD 30. List of Donors and Funding Partners
WHO WE ARE The Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) is a Vietnamese non-governmental organization founded in 2006. SRD works with the government and partners at all levels to support sustainable development and alleviate inequality and poverty. Our work focuses on the most vulnerable groups, including poor women, ethnic groups, children and people with disabilities. SRD works at a grassroots level, guided by the principle “reaching the poorest of the poor� in order to find practical and innovative approaches to improve the lives of disadvantaged people. More importantly, SRD advocates at high levels of government in order to give a voice to silenced people and agencies regarding policies that affect their livelihoods, contributing to the implementation of SDGs.
OUR VISION People in rural communities are empowered to sustainably manage their own livelihood systems in an equal and compassionate society.
OUR MISSION
Ownership Each individual should have ownership of his or her development. SRD respects personal self-determination as well as organizational autonomy. Accountability/transparency In each and every activity, SRD ensures that a collaborative, professional and effective working environment is maintained. SRD is accountable and transparent to its partners, beneficiaries and donors. Sharing and learning are prerequisites to development. SRD commits to enabling an open environment for sharing and learning, both within the organization and amongst stakeholders. Results/impacts Results are the ultimate indicators of an action’s success. All actions and activities undertaken by SRD and its staff aim to provide positive impacts on the lives of disadvantaged communities. Participation is the foundation for ensuring rights and the sharing of responsibilities. SRD commits to facilitating meaningful participation of disadvantaged people in the decision-making process.
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OUR VALUES
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SRD is a foremost professional Vietnamese development agency that supports poor rural communities to adapt to the changing environment and sustainably manage their own livelihoods. Its success is underpinned by a holistic approach to development that spans grassroots capacity building to international advocacy.
WORDS FROM the Chair of
The board OF TRUSTEES Dear valued readers, In 2017, SRD successfully completed its Third Strategic Plan 2013 - 2017 with positive outcomes. For the last twelve years, SRD’s staff have worked together to ensure that the objectives set out in the strategic plans were achieved. And we are delighted to inform you that we met all our goals! 2017 witnessed critical challenges facing development sector nationally, regionally and globally. First, climate change is a big threat to the world and Vietnam specifically. In 2017, Vietnam’s severe weather conditions included heavy rains, prolonged hot weather, flash floods, landslides and hurricanes that negatively impacted human lives. Statistics from Dân Trí Newspaper (December 2017) showed that more than 1,100 people died or were injured and 8,000 houses collapsed this year. Total economic damage is estimated to be around 60,000 billion VND (approximately 2.8 billion USD). 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - SRD
Second, illegal logging and the exploitation of national resources are still serious, despite the Prime Minister’s June 2016 order for a total ban on clearing natural forests to protect 2.25 million hectares left nationwide. The government discovered many illegal logging cases in different areas across Vietnam including: 581 in Nghệ An Province, 132 in Yên Bái Province, 108 in Tuyên Hòa District (Quảng Bình Province), and 71 in Đạ Huoai District (Lâm Đồng Province). This causes serious threats to forest protection and challenges biodiversity. Agriculture witnessed many difficulties and challenges. Agricultural products are not competitive due to the small scale, low productivity and high price. Moreover, the value chain for many products is not well-established, resulting in low benefits for farmers. Vietnam’s 4.0 Industrial Revolution (also simply referred to as 4.0) will bring new opportunities and challenges to NGOs like SRD, requiring them to innovate and adapt. Since SRD has been working on agriculture and climate change, SRD must find solutions to help poor farmers benefit from 4.0. Also, what should be the “The Four Parties” linkage model (farmers, enterprises, government and scientists) to respond to 4.0? These are just a few of the questions SRD will address in 2018. SRD has prepared for 4.0 with our Fourth Strategic Plan 2018 – 2022 that contains specific and long-term objectives. We will continue with sustainable livelihoods and climate smart agriculture practices, forest governance and VPA/FLEGT’s implementation.
In addition, SRD will strengthen national and international networking to share and learn more about sustainable development with the aim of contributing to The National Action Plan for the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Best regards
VU THI BICH HOP Chair of Founding Committee - Chair of the Board of Trustees The Center for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD)
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The next phase of development will require SRD to keep innovating approaches, methodologies, and practices to address the ever-challenging context. SRD is ready to take the challenge, and highly appreciates your valuable support, cooperation and collaboration.
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For the upcoming Strategic Plan, SRD will build on the achievements and lessons learned over the last twelve years and continue the Emerging Leaders Program for its sustainable organizational development. From 2018, Ms. Nguyễn Kim Ngân will hold the position of SRD’s Executive Director. She is also a member of SRD’s Founding Committee. In the meantime, I will be the Chair of SRD’s Board of Trustees, continue to support SRD’s strategic organizational and program development, and Chair the VNGO&CC and VNGO-FLEGT Networks. I will also represent SRD at national, regional and global high-level meetings.
Firstly, on behalf of VUSTA, I would like to send my best wishes to the Management Board of SRD and congratulate its staff for their achievements in 2017 and throughout the Third Strategic Plan 2013-2017.
Pro. Dr. ĐẶNG VŨ MINH The President of Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA)
Letter from the President of Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA)
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SRD IN FIGURES
In the past year, SRD has done tremendous research on its program priorities. This includes research on sustainable agriculture, the negative impacts of pesticide use on people’s health and the environment, climate change’s vulnerability and sustainable livelihoods, forest governance and more. The outcomes have contributed to advocacy and social feedback, and the development and effective implementation of policies by the Party and the State. As the Chair of VNGO-FLEGT Network, SRD successfully promotes the role of social organizations and their active participation
million Vietnam Dong in savings mobilized from the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) managed by poor and women single-headed households in the project sites in Tĩnh Gia District, Thanh Hóa Province Ardisia silvestris seedlings planted in pilot phase in Phú Lương District, Thái Nguyên Province
children in Quảng Trị Province equipped with swimming and drowning prevention skills
in the negotiation of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA/FLEGT). After five years, tremendous effort resulted in the initialing of the VPA/FLEGT between the European Union (EU) and the Government of Vietnam in May 2017. This agreement is expected to help improve forest governance, tackle illegal logging, and promote certified timber from Vietnam to EU and the other markets. More importantly, the voices of forest-dependent households, as well as the small and medium-sized enterprises involved in the value chain of timber products, and social organizations were raised during negotiation and considered by government and stakeholders for appropriate policies. The SRD’s active involvement in networking and strengthening international cooperation was recognized as an accredited civil society organization (CSO) member of the United
Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Global Environmental Fund (GEF). In September 2017, SRD’s Executive Director presented on behalf of the CSO sector in Vietnam at the 13th Conference of Parties, UNCCD COP 13 in Ordos, China. The presentation helped SRD bring poor grassroots voices to the international community. It was also an opportunity for SRD to strengthen cooperation, partnership and network, as well as to share its responsibility towards emerging development issues in the globalization context. I kindly trust that, with the long-term vision of the SRD’s Board of Trustees and its dedicated and experienced staff, SRD will continue to succeed on the difficult but worthy path: Support poor and vulnerable communities to achieve sustainable development. I wish SRD’s Fourth Strategic Plan 2018 -2022 success.
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local people with enhanced knowledge about the negative impacts of pesticides through training and awareness raising activities in Phú Lương District, Thái Nguyên Province
households in Phú Ninh District, Quảng Nam Province pilot planting solanum procumbent and red turmeric program
household representatives participated in a workshop on the Impact Assessment of VPA/FLEGT on their lives and business
households benefited from biological corn cultivation (that reduces greenhouse gas emissions), public-private partnership promotion (Nghệ An Province) and the climate smart rice method (Thanh Hóa Province)
people (including children) with disabilities in Quảng Trị Province received home-based rehabilitation and treatment
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National Assembly members, VUSTA officials and journalists trained on VPA/FLEGT, organized by SRD and VNGO-FLEGT network
SRD’S KEY PROGRAMS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND LIVELIHOODS
A model of Farmer Interest Group (FIG) in Phú Lương District, Thái Nguyên Province
SRD always prioritizes biodiversity and ecology conservation when developing major interventions and activities. SRD focuses on supporting poor communities, ethnic minorities and women to improve their living conditions. 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - SRD
In 2017, SRD supported rural communities and forest-dependent households in developing indigenous nursery models, connecting the market for plant-based medicinal products following the model of “Four P’s partnership” linkage with positive outcomes.
Technical officer is guiding a farmer using techniques that follow the GACP-WHO standard
Planting model of red turmeric in Tam Lộc Commune, Phú Ninh District, Quảng Nam Province
Key achievements from the project In Thái Nguyên Province 4 Ardisia silvestris planting groups with the participation of 20 households established and maintained 2 study-tours and 10 technical training courses on techniques of planting, tending, harvesting, preliminary processing and preservation following GACP-WHO standard A technical guidebook about Ardisia silvestris multiplication and planting following GACP - WHO standards developed A model of the Ardisia silvestris approved and funded by the District People’s Committee in the amount of 600 million VND.
Ardisia silvestris Pitard
With the support from the project, my family decided to increase our number of Ardisia silvestris to 500 trees to meet the demand from the market for raw materials to treat gastric problems. (Mr. Nguyễn Huy Lập, head of Tân Lập Village, Đu town, Phú Lương District, Thái Nguyên Province)
In Quảng Nam Province
agricultural models resilient to climate change 4,900 households equipped with knowledge on gender equality 45 farmer trainers shared and monitored techniques in breeding and cultivation for other farmers
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32 community-based groups developed and maintained, in which 16 groups participated in social welfare activities 450 households accessed funds for livelihood improvement Approximately 2,800 households understand livelihood models and smart
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In Thanh Hóa Province
26 local households managed a pilot seedling nursery for planting of solanum procumbens and red turmeric 3,000 seedlings were ready to be planted in home gardens 1 hectare of farm land used for planting red turmeric in the pilot period Local authorities promised to support farmers in replicating the models The Commune People’s Committee highly appreciated the feasibility of the red turmeric pilot. We hope that this model will open a new way to improve livelihoods of local people and their income as well. (Representative from Tam Lộc Commune People’s Committee, Phú Ninh District, Quảng Nam Province)
FOREST LAW ENFORCEMENT, GOVERNANCE AND TRADE (FLEGT) AND REDUCING EMMISION FROM DEFORESTRATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION (REDD+) The European Union (EU) and the Vietnamese Government initialed the Voluntary Partnership Agreement on FLEGT in May 2017. The National REDD+ Action Plan to 2030 (NRAP) was issued in April 2017. The REDD+ program is in the stage of result-based payment. SRD, together with VNGO-FLEGT Network and other civil society organizations (CSOs) have contributed to success of these two initiatives since the 2010s.
Movement of civil society throughout the processes of VPA/FLEGT and REDD+
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With experience from the negotiation process, SRD and other CSOs of VNGO-FLEGT network have been actively participating in the VPA verification and preparation process. Collectively we conducted research on the potential issues for communities and micro enterprises, participated in drafting a joint implementation framework (JIF) for VPA, and organized relevant technical workshops focused on the Agreement. Apart from being part of the VPA/FLEGT process, SRD as CSO Representative of UNREDD’s Program Executive Board (PEB), participated in the monitoring trips to Lâm Đồng, Cà Mau and Hà Tĩnh Provinces. During these trips, communities shared their concerns to the PEB and Executive Group Meeting. In addition, SRD and other CSOs also took an active part in REDD+ by signing a cooperation plan with the 2nd Vietnam UNREDD program for better engagement in monitoring REDD+ program at local and
The community consultation meeting for community development in a mountainous area in Quảng Nam Province
provincial levels. SRD was also involved in a trial project on monitoring forest developments in real time using Terra-i technology at Di Linh District, Lâm Đồng Province as part of the UNREDD program. SRD and other CSOs will be able to design and operate the REDD+ monitoring program in the future using knowledge and experience gained from these activities.
Key achievements from the project 40 staff from various CSOs trained on REDD+ 12 representatives of CSOs trained on Terra-i technology and joined a trial project on monitoring forest developments in real time
SRD and VNGO-FLEGT should continue their efforts to participate in the preparation stage, particularly impact assessment of the agreement on the livelihoods of vulnerable groups as well as compliance of relevant stakeholders to the agreement. Prompt and timely responses on shortcomings of the Agreement’s preparation phase should be raised to relevant agencies in both the EU and Vietnam, to not only protect forestry dependent households and communities from loss, but also create benefits for them. (Mr. Nghiêm Vũ Khải, Vice President of VUSTA)
10 technical workshops received SRD comments and input regarding forest protection and development law Participated in a national consultation for the North Central program on emissions reduction and a national consultation on the joint implementation framework of VPA Executive Director of SRD and Chair of VNGO-FLEGT Network joined a series of relevant meetings and workshops at Chatham House in the UK, an EU Meeting in Brussels, and US Forest Services’ Study Tour and Workshop in the USA.
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30 success stories and 4 research reports published
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30 representatives of households who plant forests, exploit, or process timber assessed the impact of the VPA on timber production
VIETNAM FORESTS AND DELTAS PROGRAM
2017 was the final year of SRD’s implementation of the five-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) aiming to promote Vietnam’s transformation to climate resilience, low emission and sustainable development. Together with Winrock International, the SNV, the American Red Cross, and the Vietnam Red Cross, SRD worked effectively with the local authorities in the project provinces for successful implementation of the project objectives in the last four years.
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Key achievements from the project
ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - SRD
In Nghệ An Province
3 models implemented on livelihood adaptation to climate change, increa ing incomes, reducing pressure on exploitation of forest resources, and protecting forests sustainably, including: 400 households benefited from a model of biotech maize cultivation, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promotion of public-private partnership 50 households benefited from Pù Mát community-based ecotourism development model 530 households benefited from the model of conservation and development of cinnamomum loureiroi
98 individuals participated in a district-wide workshop to learn about payment for forest environment services in Tương Dương District 4 livelihood models documented including: 1- Upland maize in Quế Phong and Tương Dương Districts; 2- Biomass corn in reducing emissions in public-private partnership (PPP) in Anh Sơn District; 3- Developing and preserving Lansium domesticum for protection and development of forests in Quế Phong, Kỳ Sơn and Tương Dương Districts; 4 - Chicken raising in Quế Phong District 120 participants attended a tourism promotion fair with the theme of preservation and development for the benefit of the Western Nghệ An Biosphere Reservation
In Thanh Hóa Province
Livelihood models were successfully implemented with: 538 beneficiaries in eight communes of Bá Thước District with a model of Climate Smart Rice farming (CSR) 200 households utilized the honey bee keeping model for mangrove forests to raise 580 bee colonies 63 households in Bá Thước District formed a partnership to produce curcuma 135 households from Thạch Thành District used the “Effective use of biogas digesters and manure treatment” model PFES 5-Year Review organized in cooperation with Thanh Hóa Provincial Forest Protection and Development Fund
In Nam Định and Long An Provinces: 90 farmer interest groups (FIG) with approximately 3,000 farmers formed in five districts of Nam Định Province
Firstly, on behalf of Management Board of Forest and Delta Project at Thanh Hóa (Project VFD), I would like to express best wishes for good health and success to the Board of Trustees and all staff at SRD. The VFD funded by USAID is implemented in four provinces including Thanh Hóa. The VFD operated from 2012 to 2018, and Project Management Board in Thanh Hóa had the pleasure of cooperating with SRD to run this project.
On behalf of VFD Project Management Board in Thanh Hóa, I would like to express our sincere thanks to SRD, and we wish SRD success in your future for the prosperity of our country. On behalf of Project Management Board (Signed and sealed) Director
Lê Công Cường
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After five years of cooperation, we are very impressed by their professional working attitude and experience. The Management Board and staff of SRD put forth extensive effort towards community and rural development, and had significant achievements in the VFD of Thanh Hóa in particular. Activities implemented by SRD in the VFD were very successful and their efforts recognized by local communities and government agencies. SRD’s effort was regarded as practically useful in the socio-economic development of districts. They utilized models for smart rice cultivation that is resilient to climate change, bee raising for honey in mangrove forests, cooperation with enterprises and cooperatives’ members for herbal medicine tree development, training courses on cooperatives management, and communication on payment of forest environment service (PFES) and REDD+ at localities. We have been working together for five years, and we obviously recognize that SRD is a professional organization, and a trustworthy partner in many areas. This statement is based on success of the VFD, spirit of cooperation and respect, and SRD’s strategic vision for sustainable rural and agriculture development.
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SRD supported agricultural extension officers and key farmer groups in Nam Định and Long An Provinces to publish the Guide to Formation and Operation of FIG as a useful reference for the agricultural extension officers and other key farmer groups in other Provinces to establish similar FIGs in their localities
Thank You Letter To the Center for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD)
EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
People with disabilities apply livelihood models in Quảng Trị Province
SRD continues to improve the living conditions of people with disabilities (PwDs) through livelihood models for households and groups. SRD also strengthens the voice and presence of people with disabilities in society. In 2017, SRD implemented two livelihood models in Gio Linh District (Quảng Trị Province) with positive outcomes. More specifically, eight people with disabilities in Gio Mỹ Commune gathered together as a group to produce joss papers. Five other PwDs now run their own small enterprise to produce peanut oil. Additionally, some members of the Parents’ Clubs of Children with Disabilities received financial support from the project for raising pigs, cows and chickens.
Home-based rehabilitation program for PwDs
SRD has continued to support the maintenance of clubs for PwDs in five project communes with practical activities including: capacity building sessions, awareness raising activities on topics related to the rights of PwDs, exchange visits and study tours.
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SRD has been actively working with government agencies and local authorities to officially establish the Association of PwDs at the commune and district levels based on the existing clubs of PwDs. This will provide a legal foundation for the operation of PwDs.
Key achievements from the project in Quảng Trị Province 256 members belonged to five PwD clubs in five communes 40 members belonging to two groups for parents of children with disabilities (CwDs) in Gio Mỹ and Gio Hải Communes 94 home-based visits and rehabilitation activities organized for 67 PwDs and 54 CwDs 300 participants participated in communication activities on the International Day for PwDs 2000 copies of booklets and photo books about the lives of PwDs published In the past I received little care from local people. Since participating in the project, I have had opportunities to apply suitable livelihood models, which helped to improve my living condition a lot. Now, I am an active member and regularly participate in social activities organized by the local Women’s Union. (Sharing of a woman with disabilities in Gio Linh District, Quảng Trị Province)
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A livelihood model of making joss paper in Gio Linh District, Quảng Tri Province
Community-based task force practices disaster management strategies to respond to disasters
Students actively participate in communication campaigns for natural disaster prevention activities
NATURAL DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT
Community for disaster risk reduction
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SRD worked in Hải Chánh, Hải An, and Hải Vĩnh (Hải Lăng District, Quảng Trị Province) to reduce disaster risk by maximizing resources available in the community.
ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - SRD
After one year, SRD achieved a number of positive results. The community-based task forces were formed with the participation of core members in the communities. Many awareness raising campaigns for school children and teachers were completed. Children in lowland or flood - prone areas received swimming and drowning prevention skills. SRD worked to improve economic conditions for local people, 22 households successfully piloted the closed - loop agriculture model. Households also received trainings on Climate - Smart Agriculture (CSA) for climate change adaptation.
Key achievements from the project 3 community-based task force teams formed with 50 local core members 3 natural disaster risk management practice workshops for 150 households and community members 300 pupils and teachers trained on community-based disaster risk reduction and management 125 children in lowland areas equipped with swimming and drowning prevention skills 39 households living condition improved using the livelihood adaptive model for climate change
Suitable livelihood models are introduced to poor and single-headed household women in local communities
GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT Being a gender-responsive organization, SRD has made gender equality and women’s empowerment one of its major focus areas, to support more inclusive, equitable and rights-based community development. Gender mainstreaming, highlighting the role of poor women, is consistently applied in every SRD project and program.
Project results have also improved the operation and management of local Women’s Unions, and contributed partly to complete objectives set out in the Vietnamese Government’s National Strategy on Gender Equality for the 2011-2020 period.
I can see much happiness and confidence in the eyes of poor single woman-headed households in the project site of Tinh Gia District, Thanh Hóa Province. They are engaged more in economic improvement and social activities. They also spend time at cultural and sport activities in their communities. (Sharing from Mrs. Patricia Garrido Llamas – A representative of Manos Unidas, during a trip to the field in September 2017)
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Farmers groups are also established and maintained in Quảng Nam and Thái Nguyên Provinces, with females making up 50% of their membership, bring more opportunities for women to participate in decision making at the commune and village level.
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With the aim of increasing women’s role in disaster risk reduction, SRD has mainstreamed gender equality into activities with local communities. Women in Hải Lăng District, Quảng Trị Province are encouraged to participate (with a goal of 30% female membership) in community - based disa ter preparedness teams,so they can lead activities as community motivators and facilitators.
Currently, there are 15 Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) clubs in two project communes in Tĩnh Gia District (Thanh Hóa Province) involving a total of 400 poor women.
CHILD PROTECTION SRD has continued to strictly implement its Child Protection Policy both internally and externally to ensure that children are always protected and safe. SRD works to integrate the participation of children in its community activities.
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In 2017, SRD organized different activities that encouraged the participation of children in several project sites in Quảng Trị Province. In Gio Linh District, over 100 children from Trung Hải, Trung Sơn, Gio Hải, Gio Mỹ and Gio Linh Communes attended the 2017 Children’s Forum with the theme “Children speak about violence against children and child abuse issues.” Children took this opportunity to raise their voice about the issues affecting their safety and development including: school-based violence, domestic violence, street children, children with disabilities (CwDs), child marriage and child trafficking.
ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - SRD
CwDs received regular support in education and rehabilitation. They were taught at home and attended peer-to-peer learning sessions with the other CwDs, received regular health check-ups and rehabilitation activities.
Child drowning is a serious issue in SRD’s project sites. To ensure safety for children, SRD piloted swimming lessons in three communes of Hải Lăng District that reached 125 children, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to prevent drowning. School-based clubs and groups for children in Thái Nguyên Province have been regularly supported with child-led activities focusing on practical topics such as: environmental protection, violence against children prevention and the harmful effects of pesticides in agriculture and daily life.
I expect adults to understand that all children have the right to be children: to be safe, to attend school, to play, to be treated with respect, to be heard, to be understood, and to be loved. (Phan Thị Song Nhi, 5th grade schoolgirl, Gio Hải Commune, Gio Linh District, Quảng Trị Province)
COMMUNICATION, RESEARCH, AND POLICY ADVOCACY Communication for Community DEVELOPMENT SRD has prioritized communication in its community development work because it builds social awareness and supports behavior change. All SRD projects have integrated communication strategies from the design stage through implementation. In Phú Lương District, Thái Nguyên Province, 20 radio news reports were broadcast on the district radio station to discuss herbal medicine development in three project villages. Thanks to this communication, many households not directly involved with the program understand the benefits of consuming indigenous plant products and specifically know about Khoi leaf.
SRD and other members of VNGO-FLEGT Network conducted five research projects previously, and one more in 2017 on “Timber legality compliance at the household level” in Phú Thọ Province to analyze root causes and provide recommendations that ensure timber and forest dependent households are not negatively affected by the VPA/FLEGT. Based on scientific evidence, SRD and its CSO networks contributed to successful advocacy efforts towards the Vietnamese Government that removed two extremely toxic pesticides (2,4-D and Paraquat) from the list of permitted pesticides in Vietnam.
We are very happy with Decree No.278/QD-BNN-BVTV of the government because people’s health is prioritized. Also, we encourage and expect more toxic pesticides will be banned in Vietnam in the future. (Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Hòa, Vice Director of SRD)
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In Quảng Trị Province, people with disabilities (PwDs) in five project communes of Gio Linh District took part in a variety of communication activities including taking photos and exhibiting their products using
Evidence-based advocacy
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In Nghệ An Province, SRD communicated with 1,000 people about PFES and REDD+. Communication products were accessible, understandable and visually engaging. They provided useful and practical information for local people and communities.
Photovoice as a communication method. They also participated in a writing contest on the life of PwDs and community performances. In addition, other kinds of communication drew the attention of local people including leaflets, posters, meetings at schools and in villages. These communications discussed gender equality, national disaster protection and prevention, livelihood models and business operation strategies.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND NETWORKING SRD’s Director delivers a presentation at the UNCCD COP 13 Conference in Ordos, China
Strengthening international alliance and cooperation As the Chair of VNGO-FLEGT and VNGO&CC Networks, SRD continued strengthening its networking capabilities, bringing its voice and that of other CSOs in Vietnam to national, regional and international forums. Key national events
A study tour on “Participatory Land Use Planning” organized by US Forest Services (USFS) The 27th Illegal Logging Update and Stakeholder Consultation Meeting at Chatham House in London, UK EU’s Workshop on “Tackling Deforestation and Illegal Logging: The Progress and Opportunities for Future Action” in Brussels, Belgium
Workshop on “Strengthening the Participation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in REDD+”
Workshop on “How Can the EU Protect the World’s Forest by Tackling Corruption?” in the European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium
Consultation workshop among CSOs on SiRAP/BDS monitoring and evaluation in UN-REDD Program
Meeting with Fern, a technical and funding partner of VNGO-FLEGT Network and SRD, to discuss about VPA preparation and implementation plan in Vietnam
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Final review of the project “Promoting FLEGT in Southeast Asia through CSO’s Active Participation”
ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - SRD
Workshop “CSOs’ Roles and Participation in VPA/FLEGT Agreement: Negotiation Process and Implementation Plan for the Future” International Conference on “Development and Implement of National Adaptation Plan for Vietnam based on the local and international adaptation experience” Northern Regional Conference: “Climate Change Conference on the Implementation of Paris Agreement” EU Climate Diplomacy Fair in Hanoi Key regional and international events The Asia-Pacific Research Network (APRN) Conference in Japan
Meeting with representatives of The Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission (DG Trade) to discuss about the opportunities and possibilities of VNGO-FLEGT Network and SRD in participating on the consultation process of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) The 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP 13) in Ordos, China International cooperation and networking create more opportunities for SRD to learn, to share experiences, to seek, mobilize and diversify resources for effectively and efficiently operation, especially when the impacts of globalization have had a profound effect on the development sector of Vietnam and globally.
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Organizational Consolidation In 2017, SRD worked with SRD’s new leadership to realize the 2015 Succession Plan.
(Mr. Marko Lovrekovic, Director of the NGO Resource Center - VUFO-NGORC)
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I have known about SRD’s achievements over the past 10 years as one of the leading and most professional NGOs in Vietnam. Hence, I am very honored to be one of the members of SRD’s Board of Trustees.
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SRD was pleased to welcome Mr. Marko Lovrekovic, Director of the NGO Resource Center (VUFO-NGORC) to become the newest member of SRD’s Board of Trustees. With a strategic and experienced management team that understands development in Vietnam, SRD’s Board of Trustees is expected to develop SRD’s Fourth Strategic Plan to continue its vision and mission for sustainable development as a professional NGO in Vietnam.
Starting from early 2018, Mrs. Nguyễn Kim Ngân will be the Executive Director of SRD. Mrs. Vũ Thị Bích Hợp will work as the Chair of Board of Trustees and continue to support organizational strategy and programs. Such critical changes have been carefully considered in order to ensure the sustainable development of SRD. Development of the new Strategic Plan, period of 2018-2022
Mrs. Nguyen Kim Ngan – SRD’s New Executive Director from 2018
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With the survey question: The current SRD’s vision “People in rural communities are empowered to sustainably manage their own livelihood in an equal and compassionate society”, do you think that SRD’s activities in the last five years have helped to realize this vision? 61.9% interviewees said that they strongly agreed, while the rest (38.1%) said that they agreed.
2017 was the final year of SRD’s implementation of its Third Strategic Plan 2012-2017. To support the development of the Fourth Strategic Plan 2018-2022, SRD already conducted a number of organizational review activities. These allowed SRD to develop a list of lessons learned, discuss and identify new opportunities and brainstorm solutions for SRD over the next five years. With participatory and reflective methods, SRD conducted consultations with relevant stakeholders including: community beneficiaries, local and central government partner agencies, international nongovernmental organizations, donors and CSO networks.
FEEDBACK FROM PROJECT PARTNERS AND DONORS GOOD POLICIES MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY “Support from the project met the expectations of local people, and also helped local authorities to achieve the targets set out in the new rural development program of our commune.” This is the feedback by the leader of Ninh Hải People’s Committee at a recent meeting between local authorities and SRD in Tĩnh Gia District, Thanh Hóa Province Positive changes
Organizing study visits to successful models and providing training courses following the Farmer Field School (FFS) method helped poor women easily apply learning into practice. Successful models attracted the attention of people in and outside project sites. PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY Several community-based groups formed to ensure the sustainability of projects including: livelihood sustainability with capable farmer core groups, financial sustainability with the operation of VSLA, human resource sustainability with the group management team and representation from poor women. Such community-based groups are forums for poor women to communicate, share and strengthen solidarity. Lương Thị Nhung – Vice Chairwoman of WU of Tĩnh Gia District, Thanh Hóa Province
READY FOR Changes
Positive changes happened not only to women-headed households but also to Women Unions (WU) at different levels since they actively participated in project activities. WU officials are now more involved in effectively planning, organizing and implementing local activities.
All livelihood models and capacity building activities were designed and implemented based on local strengths and compliment the local authorities’ priorities.
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Thanks to project support, villagers in two communes performed positive changes, particularly women-led households. Women become more open, optimistic and confident in community activities. Appropriate livelihood models have helped them increase their income.
PROJECT SUITABILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS
ANOTHER YEAR OF FRUITFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH SRD
MANOS UNIDAS and SRD Manos Unidas is a long-time partner of SRD. As a Manos Unidas’ representative in Vietnam, this year I visited the projects we support in Thái Nguyên, Thanh Hóa and Quảng Nam Provinces. I must say the balance is an enormously satisfactory one. The projects are running smoothly with no major glitches and, what is most important for us: they are reaching the neediest and most vulnerable people, achieving a true impact and kick -starting processes of change and transformation. 24 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - SRD
Our actions are aimed at women single-headed households, at farmers affected by climate change and at ethnic minorities living in remote mountainous areas. I have had the opportunity to meet many of them during the two weeks I spent in Vietnam and I must say we are proud to see the effect our work is
having on so many lives. We are introducing transformative concepts such as value chain, adaptation to climate change, sustainable livelihoods, community forestry in their lives and achieving real change for the better for all these people and their families and communities. We at Manos Unidas have been partnering with SRD for over ten years now and we feel honoured by this partnership and deeply grateful. I have been fortunate to meet some very knowledgeable, committed and friendly people among SRD’s staff and our annual visits to the projects are great opportunities to keep on learning from them. We expect this very fruitful partnership to continue for a long time, to the benefit of so many people in the rural areas of Vietnam.
Patricia Garrido Llamas Head of the Southeast Asia Desk of Manos Unidas (Spain)
Working with SRD as an Australian Volunteer for International Development, I was impressed by SRD’s record as well as the striking impact of SRD’s work on communities. This included SRD’s success building sustainable livelihoods and a social enterprise approach for
TEAMING UP AGAINST ILLEGAL LOGGING In Vietnam, Fern has continued to work with the VNGO-FLEGT Network through SRD. SRD has reached out to forest-based communities to understand their issues and relay their concerns to the national government to ensure the lives of people are not negatively impacted by decisions made far away from their place of work. The relationship between Fern and SRD has grown stronger and stronger and in 2017 our partnership reached a significant milestone. SRD and Fern worked together to improve forest governance and combat illegal logging by informing the negotiating parties in the trade agreement between Vietnam and the EU (a voluntary partnership agreement or VPA). The VPA seeks to stop the export of illegally sourced timber from Vietnam to the EU. They initialed the agreement this year.
Despite CSOs not having an official seat in the negotiations, the VNGO-FLEGT Network has brought the concerns, constraints and expectations of communities to the attention of negotiators and policymakers. Vietnamese NGOs like SRD have been able to ensure greater transparency and awareness, provide poverty-sensitive suggestions on law reforms and insist on obligations to consult stakeholders. The VNGO-FLEGT is in the process of improving the recognition role and expertise, available in CSOs.
Rudi Kohnert - M&E and FLEGT Campaigner, Fern
single women-headed households, engaging forest-dependent communities in the Voluntary Partnership Agreement development processes under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade initiative, and supporting five Provinces to develop Climate Change Adaptation Plans in the Red River Delta James Simon – SRD’s Climate Smart under the Vietnam Forests and Deltas project. Agriculture Support Officer (Australian Volunteers for International Development AVID)
READY FOR Changes
One official described CSOs as a “bridge” between the issue and the government. “Bridge” is a good metaphor for the relationship between Fern and SRD, as we work together in areas of mutual interest, supporting each other with what each of our organizations need to progress in our respective missions.
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Our work with SRD has centered on the rights of people whose livelihoods depend on forests. However, introducing civil society perspectives into a trade negotiation has not been easy and has required a high degree of trust and communication between us to address sensitive topics which touch on vested interests in land, money and power.
However, shared frustrations and challenges have only served to strengthen the relationship between our two organizations.
PROJECT AND NETWORK MAP
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ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - SRD
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017 BALANCE SHEET As of 31 December 2017 No.
545,695 4,003
713,324 4,708
Vietnamese dong Foreign currencies
692 3,311
1,528 3,180
2
Cash in bank Vietnamese dong Foreign currencies
541,692 533,064 8,629
708,616 633,934 74,683
II.
Short-term investments
-
-
1
Short-term investments
-
-
III. 1 2 3
Receivables Receivables from donors Advances to employees Other receivables
7,656 7,656
10,776 6,823 3,953
IV. 1
Inventories Supplies and tools
-
-
V. 1
Other current assets Short-term prepayments
3,462 3,462
-
VI.
Fixed assets
22,051
28,320
Tangible fixed assets - Historical costs
22,051 56,470
28,320 55,921
(34,419)
(27,602)
-
7,839
1
Cash Cash on hand
- Accumulated depreciation 2
Intangible fixed assets - Historical costs - Accumulated amortization
VII.
Long-term investments TOTAL ASSETS
(7,839) -
-
578,865
752,420
READY FOR Changes
2016
27
2017
I. 1
ASSETS
Unit: USD
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2017 BALANCE SHEET (Continued) As of 31 December 2017 No.
Unit: USD
LIABILITIES
2017
2016
111,971
163,223
-
-
72,989
150,588
I.
Short term borrowings
1
Accrued expenses
2
Payables to employees
3
Payables (based on salaries)
-
-
4
Tax payables to the State budget
-
-
5
Other payables
12,710
12,635
II.
Budget sources
466,893
589,197
1
Advanced budget
-
-
2
Foreign exchange differences
-
-
3 4 5
Reserve and development fund Operation expenditures Projects' expenditures
391,258 728 79,128
341,399 30,442 189,036
6
Funds used for fixed asset acquisitions
22,051
28,320
578,865
752,420
TOTAL LIABILITIES
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE For the fiscal year ending 31 December 2017 28
Unit: USD
ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - SRD
No. I.
ITEMS
2017
2016
746,160
940,215
Bank interest
1,872
4,172
Foreign exchange gain
4,407
12,911
474
1,391
Income Donors funding during the year
Other incomes Administration income from projects from projects Total income II.
-
816,590
958,689
861,272
967,475
95,473
134,854
956,744
1,102,328
(140,155)
(143,640)
Expenditure Program expenditure Indirect overhead costs Total expenditure
III.
63,676
SURPLUS (DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE MANAGER
PROGRAM OFFICER
PROGRAM ASSISTANT INT’L VOLUNTEER INTERN
PROGRAM OFFICER
PROGRAM ASSISTANT INT’L VOLUNTEER INTERN
READY FOR Changes
CENTRAL PROGRAM MANAGER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR
PROGRAM ASSISTANT INT’L VOLUNTEER INTERN
PROGRAM OFFICER
FLEGT AND REDD+ MANAGER
COMS. ASSISTANT INT’L VOLUNTEER INTERN
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRPERSON OF BOT MEMBERS OF BOT
VUSTA
STRUCTURE OF SRD
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HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
DRIVER/ GUARD/ COOK INT’L VOLUNTEER INTERN
ACCOUNTANT
DEPUTY DIRECTOR/ CHIEF ACCOUNTANT
ADMIN OFFICER
LIST OF DONORS AND FUNDING PARTNERS Donor and Donating Partners Manos Unidas
Country Spain
Project: Rainforest recovery by local species nursery garden development in Thai NguyĂŞn Province Project: Towards a sustainable livelihood of the poor single women - headed household by applying climate smart agriculture approach in Tinh Gia District, Thanh Hoa Province Project: Improving the livelihoods for the poor people in Phu Ninh District, Quang Nam province through medicinal plants and market development Caritas Australia
Australia
Project: Empowering People with Disabilities in Gio Linh District, Quang Tráť‹ Province Project: Communities for Disaster risk reduction in Quang Tri Province Winrock International (funded by United States Agency for International Development_USAID)
USA
Project: Vietnam Forests and Deltas 30 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - SRD
Fern (funded by European Union_EU)
Belgium
Project: Promoting forest law enforcement, forest governance and trade in Southeast Asia through proactive participation of CSO engagement Fern (funded by Department for International Development _DFID)
Belgium
Project: Forest Governance, Markets and Climate
Pesticide Action Network, Asia and the Pacific (PANAP) Project: Towards a Non-toxic Environment in South East Asia
Malaysia
A photo of Mrs. Nguyen Kim Ngan, SRD’s New Executive Director, together with other CSOs’ representatives and Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong, The General Secretary in a meeting of the Secretariat of the Communist Party on February 2 2018 COMPLIED BY: Program Officers of SRD Communication Officers of SRD
RESPONSIBLE FOR PUBLISHING Manager: BUI VIET BAC RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTENT Editor-in-chef: LY BA TOAN Editor: Ngo Thi Hong Tu Illustrator: Pham Dang Giang Designer: Quang Minh Print 400 copies, size 18.5 x 26cm Print at Quang Minh Trade and Communication Limited Mobile: 0904 267 080 Register number for publication: 1039 - 2017/CXBIPH/02 - 15/HD Decision number of Publishing House: 533/QĐ - NXBHĐ Printed and Copyrighted in 2018
READY FOR Changes
VIETNAM LAWYERS ASSOCIATION HONG DUC PUBLISHING COMPANY Address: 65 Trang Thi- Hoan Kiem -Hanoi Email: nhaxuatbanhongduc@yahoo.com Tel: 04.3 9260024 Fax: 04.3 9260031
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EDITED BY: Vu Thi Bich Hop – Chair of SRD’s Board of Trustees Rachel Coley – International Development Consultant Photos: from SRD’s photo library Cover photo: Vu Ngoc Dung
CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT Address: No. 56, Lane 19/9 Kim Dong Street, Hoang Mai District, Ha Noi Tel: +84 24 3943 6676/78 * Fax: +84 24 3943 6449 Email: info@srd.org.vn * Website: www.srd.org.vn Facebook: http:/www.facebook.com/srdvietnam/