Report of the SEAFDEC RTC on Small-scale fisheries

REPORT OF THE SEAFDEC REGIONAL TECHNICAL CONSULTATION ON SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Bangkok, Thailand
29 April to 2 May 2008
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I. INTRODUCTION

1. The SEAFDEC Regional Technical Consultation (RTC) on Small-Scale Fisheries in Southeast Asia was organized from 29 April to 2 May 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Consultation was attended by representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam as well as the SEAFDEC Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General, advisors and officials from the SEAFDEC Secretariat and Departments. The Consultation was also attended by representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, Food and Agriculture Organization Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO/RAP), and Mekong River Commission (MRC). The Consultation Prospectus appears as Annex 1 and the List of Participants appears as Annex 2.
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VI. FUTURE ACTIVITIES OF SEAFDEC PROJECT ON THE PROMOTION OF CO-MANAGEMENT USING GROUP USER RIGHTS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

18. The Consultation was informed on the activities undertaken by SEAFDEC to promote the implementation of the Regional Guidelines on Co-management Using Group User Right for Small-scale Fisheries, particularly in Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam.

19. The Consultation also took note that in 2008, the SEAFDEC Training Department (TD) plans to implement the project on the “Promotion of Rights-based Fisheries and Co-management towards Institutional Building and Participatory Mechanism for Coastal Fisheries Management” (Annex 23) with support from the Japanese Trust Fund. The Consultation supported the implementation of the Project due to its close linkages with the Southeast Asian Coordinated Positions on Small-scale Fisheries as agreed at this Consultation, and the Project could be viewed as a follow-up program to support the implementation of the Coordinated Positions in ensuring sustainable development of small-scale fisheries in the region.

20. While taking note of the Training Workshop on Co-management, Rights-based Fisheries for Small-scale Fisheries at the National Level (Annex 24) to be organized under a cost-sharing scheme, the representative from Thailand indicated their interest in conducting the Training Workshop in 2008 subject to the approval of the Department of Fisheries. While subsequently expressing interests to conduct the Training Workshop, the representatives from Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia informed the Consultation that the exact timing for the conduct of such Workshop in their respective countries would be confirmed with SEAFDEC subject to the approval by their governments.

21. The Consultation also noted the proposed Regional Training Course on Co-management Using Group User Rights for Promoting Coastal Fisheries Management (Annex 25), to be organized tentatively from 17 to 28 November 2008 with support from the Japanese Trust Fund. While recommending the need of improving the course curriculum, the Consultation suggested that the experiences of Japan in the implementation of co-management should be included, and that the Course should allocate more time for the field study. In this regard, the Consultation requested TD to reduce the number of days for lectures and increase the number of days for the field study. Additionally, the Consultation also requested that henceforth, the Training Course should be conducted regularly.

VII. OTHER MATTERS

7.1 Promotion of Inland Small-scale Fisheries Management through Rights-based Fisheries and Co-management towards Institutional Building and Participatory Approaches

22. The Consultation was informed that SEAFDEC would implement the project on the “Promotion of Inland Small-scale Fisheries Management through Rights-based Fisheries and Co-management towards Institutional Building and Participatory Approaches” (Annex 26) from 2008 to 2011 with support from the Japanese contribution under a cost sharing scheme. The program aims to promote the adoption and implementation of rights-based fisheries and co-management to improve inland fisheries management in order to alleviate poverty in the communities. The Consultation also took note of the supplementary information on Experience and Lessons Learned from Thailand on Co-management for Reservoir/Lake Fisheries (Annex 27) which is closely related to the Project.

23. While agreeing that it is easier to identify fishers’ groups in reservoirs than in river basins, the Consultation suggested that the Project at its initial stage could focus on reservoirs and lakes, and at the later stage expand to river basins. The Consultation also requested SEAFDEC to consider implementing activities on management and conservation of inland habitat, with the involvement of fisheries agencies as well as other stakeholders. The Consultation also noted that setting up and strengthening of local institutions/organizations is among the important factors in order to sustain management initiatives.

24. Recognizing that there have been many activities supporting co-management for inland and coastal small-scale fisheries involving various donors and organizations, the Consultation suggested that SEAFDEC should play a coordinating role and consider organizing a regional workshop to share the experiences and lessons learned from the Member Countries from all such projects, and further develop recommendations for the promotion of inland small-scale fisheries co-management in the region. The Workshop should also involve relevant stakeholders as well as countries outside SEAFDEC. In this regard, SEAFDEC was requested to try to source funding support for the organization of the workshop, e.g. from non-traditional sources of funds.

25. While supporting the organization of the Workshop, the representative from MRC shared the experiences of MRC in the implementation of co-management in the lower Mekong River Basin, of which the initiatives and experiences in inland fisheries co-management could be shared during the proposed workshop.

For completely information contact at rujarek@seafdec.org

Trip to Pak Panang, Nakhon Sri Thammarat

Report on study trip to Pak Panang, Nakhon Sri Thammarat
on 15-16 August 2007

List of researchers
1. Dr. Yuttana Theparoonrat
2. Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekan
3. Dr. Phattareeya Suanrattanachai
4. Ms. Narumol Thaptim
5. Ms. Pattaratjit Kaewnuratchadasorn

Objective of this study trip
· To observe the Royal-initiated Pak Phanang Basin Area Development Project;
· To study and observe on the CORIN involvement of the royal project to be a case study for applying to the transboundary area in Cambodia and Vietnam.

Background of the royal -initiated Pak Phanang Basin Area Development Project

The development of water sources for irrigation or cultivation is important and beneficial for the majority of population in that it enables them to produce crops all the year round. The recognition on the importance of the value of water, His Majesty the King attaches priority to the projects concerning the development of water sources. Therefore, the Royal-initiated Pak Phanang River Basin Development Project is one of His Majesty’s initiatives that launched not only to prevent the intrusion of salty water but also to supply fresh water for the people by functioning as a fresh water storage reservoir to support agriculture uses and daily consumption as well as to prevent the flooding. Moreover, the Project offers solutions for solving the conflicts between shrimp farmers and rice farmers, and in turn, promotes the harmonious co-existence among the people and nature so as to bring about sustainability.

As mentioned, the development of waster sources not only for irrigation but also for cultivation, the The royal-initiated Pak Phanang Basin Area Development Project has an area for agricultural development which is divided into 5 zones:
Zone1: Rice farming for commercial
Zone 2: Palm plantation
Zone 3: Rubber and others plantation
Zone 4: Mariculture
Zone 5: Forest

Concerning on the socio-economic condition of local areas, His majesty’s initiative projects try to avoid causing trouble to one group of people while contributing to another group of people. His Majesty insists that the problem of land allocation should be solved in such ways that it will benefit all parties. Those who lose land should be properly assisted so as to encourage them to positively accept the decision of the government and allow the government to make use of the land without having to purchase additional land. He also wishes that the local people cooperate with the officials and with one another in the community in looking after and maintaining the provided constructions.

Since then, the Coastal Resources Institute (CORIN) have involved in the Royal-initiated Pak Phanang River Basin Development Project in order to assist local people by building local capacity for sustainable management.
According to SEAFDEC in collaboration with the Wetland Alliance Partners (WAP) will conduct the projects relating to the transboundary collaborative arrangement between Kampot, Cambodia and Kien Giang, Vietnam, by financial supported from SIDA. The lesson learn that gained through the Royal-initiated Pak Phanang River Basin Development Project could provide some ideas and concepts that could be apply for solving the transboudary issues.

Mission practiced

1. Visit to the Coastal Fisheries Development center under The Royal-initiated Pak Phanang River Basin Development Project Center

The SEAFDEC team visited Mr. Sukit Rattanavinitkul, the Director of the Coastal Fisheries Development center under The Royal-initiated Pak Phanang River Basin Development Project. He kindly welcomed the team and short briefed on the center involvement to the Royal-initiated project.

2. Observation the three main water gates

Mr. Piya, a representative of Coastal Resources Institute (CORIN), who have been working closely with local people at the Service center for community participation in Pak Phanang River Basin kindly to be a guide for the entire trip.

Firstly, he kindly guided to the main water gates which are namely: “U Thog Vi Phach Prasith gate”, “the Emergency gate” and “Tha Phaya gate”. He also explained the importance of these gates, the past and present issues.

The overall purposes for building the water gates are not only to prevent the intrusion of salty water, but also to supply fresh water for the people by functioning as a fresh-water storage reservoir to support agricultural uses and daily consumption as well as to prevent the flooding. The Royal Irrigation Department has responsibility on the construction of the water gates.

Each water gate has their specific purposes such as “U Thog Vi Phach Prasith”, “the Emergency gates” there are located in the coastal area to prevent the intrusion of salty water. After the construction of these water gates, the conflicts between resource users on the water utilization have been occurred. Therefore, CORIN took charge as a care taker to building the capacity of local resource users through providing education, knowledge and local participation in the process. Enhancing the people to communicate and consult with government institute finding the patterns that they could accept. Knowledge and people recognition, start from understand the problems and conditions, the users communicate and solving the problems together. If still the people can not find the resolution, it will introduce the advantage of the problem.

3. Joined the Ao.Bo.To meeting

Luckily, the team discussed and exchanged some ideas with the representatives of each village Ao.Bo.To have implemented. Dr. Yuttana presented the FEDs implementation in member countries as this would be introduced the idea to people.

Summary report of the first ASEAN-SEAFDEC Regional Technical Consultation on “one village, one fisheries product (FOVOP)”

Summary report of the first ASEAN-SEAFDEC Regional Technical Consultation on “one village, one fisheries product (fovoP)”

I. Introduction

1. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), at the invitation of the SEAFDEC Secretariat, convened the First ASEAN-SEAFDEC Regional Technical Consultation (RTC) on “One Village, One Fisheries Products (FOVOP)” from 24 to 27 March 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Consultation was organized as part of the activity under the project on the Promotion of “One Village, One Fisheries Products (FOVOP)” System to Improve the Livelihood for the Fisheries Communities in ASEAN Region with financial support from the ASEAN Foundation (Japan-ASEAN Solidarity Fund).

2. The Consultation was attended by delegates from the ASEAN and SEAFDEC Member Countries, namely: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Consultation was also attended by resource persons from the Oita OVOP International Exchange Promotion Committee, Japan; the Department of Community Development, Ministry of Interior, Thailand; the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand as well as from the Bangkok-based Ph.D. Programme of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; and representatives from the SEAFDEC Secretariat, TD, MFRD, AQD, and MFRDMD. The list of participants appears as Annex 1.

3. The Consultation was primarily aimed at exchanging experiences on the development and promotion of FOVOP based on the experiences in Japan (One Village, One Product: OVOP), Thailand (One Tambon, One Product: OTOP), and in other ASEAN countries, as well as gender and development issues in the ASEAN region as basis for the development of appropriate strategies and guidelines for the promotion of FOVOP. In addition, the Consultation was also organized to discuss and finalize the project activities, expected outputs, schedule of the activities, and responsibilities of the parties concerned as well as to identify the beneficiaries of FOVOP.

4. The Secretary-General of SEAFDEC, Dr. Siri Ekmaharaj welcomed the participants to the Consultation and declared the Consultation open. In his Opening Statement, he stressed on the importance of poverty alleviation in the region considering that poverty prevails in the region’s fishing communities, and that efforts should be made to minimize the deteriorating economic conditions of the fishers in order to achieve sustainable fisheries. In this regard, he exhorted the participants to consider promoting FOVOP as a means to address poverty issues in fishing communities. His Statement appears as Annex 2. The Meeting adopted the agenda and arrangements of the Consultation, which appears as Annex 3.

II. EXPERIENCES RELATED TO THE PROMOTION OF FOVOP SYSTEM

5. In order to address the major concerns in the promotion of FOVOP in the region, which include: 1) development of the small-scale fisheries; 2) mobilization of the rural community’s economy; and 3) promotion of good marketing management and potential micro-financing arrangements in rural fishing communities, the experience of Japan in promoting its “One Village, One Product (OVOP)” movement as well as those of Thailand and other ASEAN countries were referred to during the Regional Technical Consultation. In addition, an experience in promoting gender and development in the ASEAN region specifically focusing on the involvement of women’s groups in the economic activities in rural communities was also discussed in relation to the promotion of FOVOP.

A. Overview and Policy on “One Village, One Product” Movement in Japan

6. The Consultation took note of the experience of Japan in promoting the “One Village One Product” (OVOP) movement, which was presented by Mr. Tadashi Uchida, Special Advisor of the Oita OVOP International Exchange Promotion Committee, Japan. He explained that the OVOP movement has been successfully implemented in the Oita Prefecture of Japan since 1979 by its Governor, Mr. Morihiko Hiramatsu. The main objectives of the OVOP movement are: to provide motivation to rural potential people to activate the rural economy utilizing various inputs that are unique and available in the rural communities; and to mobilize the rural people particularly the women’s group to take leading role in the social and economic development aspects.

7. In his presentation, he referred to the historical background of the OVOP movement which specifically aimed to increase the income of the farmers, revitalize the rural area, and promote human resource development activities. With regards to fishery products, he cited that the product quality could be improved by processing, taking into account the unique characteristic of the local product from the community. He also clarified that for the successful promotion of any OVOP concept, the local knowledge, technology, and natural resources should be utilized with the support and initiatives from the government. His presentation appears as Annex 4.

B. Promotion of “One Tambol, One Product” (OTOP) in Thailand and promotion of micro-credit and marketing in rural communities

8. The concept of Thailand’s “One Tambol, One Product” (OTOP) was presented by Dr. Chamnan Wattanasiti from the Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior of Thailand. He reviewed the background of OTOP including its main objectives of creating employment, strengthening local wisdom, promoting HRD, and promoting the creativity of local communities. He emphasized that the characteristic of any OTOP product always reflects the local identity, i.e. the culture, ways of life, wisdom, etc.; the use of locally available materials; environmental and social aspects, and should represent the community’s identity. He explained that the achievement of Thailand’s OTOP program was due to various success factors that include social capital and local wisdom, government’s commitment (through mainstreaming of OTOP in the National Agenda) and focused government’s policy on grassroots economy, active people/community participation, agency integration – effective and sufficient, and competent government field workers. His presentation shows as Annex 5.

9. In the presentation of Thailand’s experience on the promotion of micro-credit and marketing in the rural communities, he highlighted on the differences between micro-finance, which is self-help while micro-credit involves outside help. In this connection, the Savings Group for Production Credit Promotion (SGPC) was established and implemented in Thailand as a development innovation to encourage people in local communities to help each other in terms of financial resources for occupational production and families’ urgent needs, and to instill ethics and thus develop the quality of life of the community members. He underlined the most important lessons learnt from the SGPC program which include the presence of strong leadership in communities in spite of the diverse activities, social services, etc. His presentation is shown as Annex 6.

C. Gender and development: involvement of women’s group in community economic activities

10. An experience on gender and development in fisheries communities and community-based economic activities was presented by Ms. Kyoko Kusakabe of the Asian Institute of Technology. The presentation placed an emphasis on major issues of women’s role in marginalization particularly in the economic aspects, women’s ability and capacity building in fisheries, and women’s role in economic development in fisheries communities. She also described many challenges that hinder women from performing actively in community fisheries economic development and the major issues that marginalize the women’s role, and that women perform their major role as house keeping managers without being hired and paid. Women are not also defined as heads of households despite their role in fish marketing and fish processing in order to earn additional household income.

11. Women’s role in fish processing and marketing as shown in many cases of women’s group handling and managing the OTOP fish food products in Thailand is a tangible proof and popular practice in Southeast Asian region. From such performance and role, the women have developed and gained skills in leadership and group solidarity, access to credit and other support as well as in income and employment generation. On the other hand, women still faced many challenges and threats to develop their group and business due to lack of skills in marketing and mobility, competition with other groups or private enterprises, etc. In order to address such challenges and issues, many activities like gender sensitivity in promoting community-based fish processing, management support, support for small group and quality management, and labeling support were proposed. Her detailed presentation is shown as Annex 7.

D. OVOP in Japan vs. OTOP in Thailand

12. A comparative study of OVOP in Japan and OTOP in Thailand was presented by Ms. Rika Fujioka of the Bangkok-based Ph.D. Programme of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Her presentation included a general comparison of OVOP in Japan and OTOP in Thailand considering the similarities and differences in terms of policy framework, development path, local autonomy, policy orientation, support structure by any sectors, funding, etc.; and the elements of success of OVOP and OTOP in both countries to understand the approaches and strategies on the adoption of such movements in the region’s fisheries sector. Her presentation is shown as Annex 8.

E. OVOP movements in the ASEAN countries

13. The Consultation also noted that similar OVOP or OTOP movements have been carried out by many countries in the ASEAN region. The presentations of the representatives from the ASEAN countries are shown as Annexes 9-14. Specifically:

Cambodia, after considering OVOP as a national agenda, has continued to produce products that follow the OVOP approach. However, its efforts are constrained by lack of market strategy, inadequate technology for processing and packaging, insufficient research and extension services, lack of financial support, inadequate management skills, and absence of defined product standards.
Indonesia has been implementing the “Saka Sakti” or “One Regency One Product” movement since 2000 through regional clusters utilizing local competence. One of which is the aquaculture cluster where production of various economically important species is being promoted with small-scale aquaculture operated by groups while large-scale by cooperatives. The aquaculture cluster is however constrained by lack of quality seeds.
In Malaysia, OVOP movement has been carried out since 2001 by promoting seven kinds of products aiming at the international market, thus, its movement give more focus on improving product standards to comply with international safety requirements. The local fishers are faced with the problem of competition between their traditional fish products and those imported as the country relies heavily on imported fish and fishery products which could command lower prices that the local produce.
In Myanmar, a movement similar to OVOP is being carried out specifically in producing fishery products such as fresh snakehead and “belar” (Trichogaster pectoralis) and fish products such as fish sour, fish sauce, fish paste, dried and salted fish and shrimps. The movement is however constrained by lack of technology and inadequate marketing capability, although currently, its products are marketed by various entrepreneurs.
The Philippines started its “One Barangay One Product” movement since 1993 which has been changed to “One Town One Product” aimed primarily at promoting entrepreneurship and creating job opportunities for rural communities. The movement, which is being spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry under the Office of the President, involves mainly the MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises). SULONG or the SME Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth provides capital for the MSMEs under this movement (Sulong literally means advance or forward).
In Thailand, OTOP has been carried out successfully producing a variety of products. For fisheries, OTOP aims to improve the quality of fish and traditional fish products with the involvement of the SMEs.
Although Vietnam has still no legal framework with regards to OVOP or OTOP, the country has been producing specific products such as fish sauce and others through rural communities’ efforts. The Ministry of Fisheries and Rural Development of Vietnam has negotiated with the World Bank for possible funding of the country’s FOVOP activities.

F. Promotion of OVOP concept in Chonburi Province, Thailand

14. In order to learn more about OTOP movement in rural communities in Thailand, the Consultation participants visited Siracha and Bangsaray Municipalities in Chonburi Province. Siracha Municipality hosts the Integrated Coastal Management Project implemented by the Regional Program on Building Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) in order that the East Asian countries that have connecting territorial waters will maintain their culture and conserve natural resources for sustainable benefit.

15. With financial support from the government, state enterprises, private sector and people, and with technical assistance from PEMSEA, Siracha Municipality implemented its Coastal Strategy Implementation Plan, which includes among others the local-based fishery development project promoting the Crab Condominium, floating mussel farm, and culture of economically important fishes in floating cages. Ecotourism is an important activity in Siracha Municipality where the successful implementation of the local-based fishery development project is being promoted as a FOVOP type of movement.

16. In Bangsaray Municipality, their activities also included coastal resource and environmental management, where local participation is encouraged in the conservation and rehabilitation projects that include sea grass re-plantation for conserving dugong food, cleaning beach, coral reef plantation and training camp for youth, are among the important activities. The Municipality produces dried small squid, dried anchovies and fish sauce that are meant for the export market.

IIi. Promotion of FOVOP System for the Fisheries Communities in THE ASEAN Region

17. Based on the presentation made by SEAFDEC Secretariat on the project proposal including the detailed project activities, project objectives, expected outputs, and timeframe and schedule of the activities, the Consultation agreed in principle the project proposal (Annex 15) that have been approved by ASEAN Foundation.

18. The project is being initiated to improve fisheries livelihood through motivation of the potential people in the fisheries communities in ASEAN Member Countries through the introduction and promotion of “One Village, One Fisheries Product (FOVOP)” system.

19. The Consultation also took note that the project implementation will be conducted in parallel with the activities under new project ‘Human Resource Development (HRD) on Poverty Alleviation and Food Security by Fisheries Intervention in the ASEAN Region’, which is also supported by ASEAN Foundation. These projects will greatly contribute to poverty reduction and enhance fisheries community livelihood in ASEAN region.

20. In this regard, the Consultation agreed that more details and concrete clarification of the beneficiaries, prerequisite and preparatory work, evaluation and monitoring of results, and roles and responsibilities of parties concerned will be further developed by SEAFDEC in close consultation with the Member Countries and finalized during the First Regional HRD Workshop on Poverty Alleviation and Food Security by Fisheries Intervention in ASEAN region, tentatively scheduled in June 2008 and later confirmed at the Regional HRD Workshop on Identification of Potential and Problem Areas for the Promotion of FOVOP in the ASEAN Region which is tentatively scheduled in August 2008.

IV. STRATEGIES FOR THE Promotion of FOVOP System to Improve the Livelihood for the Fisheries Communities in ASEAN Region

21. FOVOP will be promoted as part of national fisheries policy to address poverty alleviation by providing alternative livelihood to local fisheries communities in order to achieve sustainable fisheries management and development. The proposed project activities promoting FOVOP will involve various stakeholders such as the government and private sectors, the NGOs, and the local communities and facilitate the promotion of networking among the concerned agencies.

More. . . please contact pouch@seafdec.org

Promotion of “One Village, One Fisheries Products (FOVOP)”

Summary of the Promotion of “One Village, One Fisheries Products (FOVOP)” System to Improve the Livelihood for the Fisheries Communities in ASEAN Region

I. Project Type: Human resources development (HRD) programs mobilizing existing regional technical cooperation schemes and expertise for both awareness building and capacity building on the promotion of active participation of the women’s group in economic activities in the fishing community through the promotion of “one village one fisheries product”(FOVOP) system.

II. The Objectives: The main objective is to improve fisheries livelihood through motivation of the potential people in the fishing communities in ASEAN Member Countries through introduction and promotion of “One Village, One Fisheries Product (FOVOP)”. And in order to achieve the above Development Objectives, the project will focus on the following detailed objectives through various HRD activities.

1) To enhance the awareness on the gender and development in the fishing communities, especially to clarify the role and function of women’s group for the development of small- scale economic activities in the community level;
2) To develop the regional strategy on the development and promotion of “One Village, One Fisheries Product (FOVOP)” especially the policy to support these activities through the government services;
3) To evaluate the needs and problem areas on the introduction and development of “One Village, One Fisheries Product (FOVOP)”in each ASEAN Member Country;
4) To identify the regional mechanism requirement to support the promotional work on “One Village, One Fisheries Product (FOVOP)”; and
5) To provide basis to facilitate exchange of experiences among ASEAN Countries and experts, including experience from the case studies to develop recommendation for future FOVOP activities that could be later developed, which are suitable for each local situation in respective ASEAN Country.

III. Project Activities:

The project is included 6 major activities as follows

The 1st Regional Technical Consultation (RTC) on the Promotion of “One Village, One Fisheries Product (FOVOP)”
This RTC will be held to discuss and share experiences among the regional participants on the OVOP, Japan and OTOP, Thailand as a basis for the development of appropriate strategies for the promotion of FOVOP in ASEAN region. RTC will also share the experiences on the gender and development in ASEAN region. It is also important to identify the required financial resources including through available micro-credit in the region, even though these requirement might be minimal, for the working capital of the economic activities to be identified.

Development of the Materials for Training and Awareness Building Activities
Based on the outcomes of RTC, required materials for various HRD activities to be conducted in the project will be prepared by the SEAFDEC Secretariat and project experts. Then the draft guidelines to promote the FOVOP in ASEAN Region will be prepared.

Regional HRD Workshop on Identification of Potential and Problem Areas for the Promotion of FOVOP in ASEAN Region

After that the Regional HRD Workshop on Identification of Potential and Problem Areas for the Promotion of FOVOP in ASEAN Region will be organized. Through this workshop exchanging of experiences on the issues in the region and will also discuss about the implementation of the case studies (5 sites in the region) in selected ASEAN Countries and standardized methodologies of the case study. The countries that are going to conduct the case studies will be selected using the criteria including the followings.

- The level of willingness and readiness of the countries;
- The level of acceptance of the technical obligation including writing case study reports and translation of HRD material to local languages; and
- The level acceptance of financial obligation under SEAFDEC cost share system on the implementation of the case study.

Case Studies on the Promotion of FOVOP in ASEAN Region (Local HRD Workshop)

Under the HRD project, the case studies will be conducted by SEAFDEC in five selected sites of five Member Countries as Local HRD Workshop with the representatives of the identified women’s group. The Local HRD Workshop will be similar to the Regional HRD Workshop on Identification of Potential and Problem Areas for the Promotion of FOVOP in ASEAN Region”, but mainly using local languages and materials. More detailed and localized potential and problem areas will be identified through the exchange of experiences of the participants.

Revision of HRD Materials

The responsible officer of the central government will revise the regional HRD materials including strategies and guidelines accommodating the findings through the local consultation meeting.

Based on the revised HRD materials submitted by the responsible officers of the central government that conducted case studies, the Secretariat will revise the regional HRD materials (including Strategies and guidelines) so as to reflect the outcomes of the case studies.

The 2nd RTC on the Promotion of FOVOP in ASEAN Region

The 2nd RTC on the Promotion of FOVOP in ASEAN Region will be organized. HRD activities will be conducted using the revised HRD materials accommodating the outcomes of the case studies in the selected countries and localities. Through reviewing the HRD materials and exchanging the experiences of the participants, these HRD materials will be finalized as the regional strategies and guidelines including the followings for the promotion of FOVOP movement.
1) Regional Strategy and Guidelines for the promotion of FOVOP in ASEAN Region;
2) Regional Strategy and Guidelines for the Support of Government Agencies on the Promotion of FOVOP;
3) Regional Guidelines for the Mobilization of the Micro-Credit and Marketing Promotion in Rural areas; and
4) Regional Guidelines on the Identification of the FOVOP Products

In addition, the 2nd RTC will also discuss and recommend future possible post-project activities and will further discuss the development of regional network to promote FOVOP in ASEAN region, in the long run.

IV. Proposed Outcomes:

Awareness building on how the Fisheries OVOP (FOVOP) can provide impact on the following issues, will be greatly enhanced through the successful project implementation
1) Improvement of fisheries livelihood;
2) Impact on the over-capacity;
3) Gender and development in the fishing community;
4) Active participation of women’s group on the community based business activities; and
5) Recommendation on identified future FOVOP activities to be implemented in respective ASEAN Country.

Through the proposed HRD activities, the following strategies/ policy and guidelines will be clarified and understood among the various stakeholders in the region.

1) Regional strategy and guidelines for the promotion of FOVOP in ASEAN Region, especially on HRD motivating local people and encouragement for the appropriate institutional set up including women’s group;
2) Regional strategy and guidelines for the support of government agencies on the promotion of FOVOP;
3) Regional guidelines for the mobilization of the micro-credit and marketing promotion in rural areas; and
4) Regional guidelines on the Identification of the FOVOP Products.

Promotion of “One Village, One Fisheries Products (FOVOP)”

Project Title: Promotion of “One Village, One Fisheries Products (FOVOP)” System to Improve the Livelihood for the Fisheries Communities in ASEAN Region

Project Type: Human resources development (HRD) programs mobilizing existing regional technical cooperation schemes and expertise for both awareness building and capacity building on the promotion of active participation of the women’s group in economic activities in the fishing community through the promotion of “one village one fisheries product”(FOVOP) system.　

Executing Agency: The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) in collaboration with ASEAN Member Countries.

Eligibility: SEAFDEC is an intergovernmental organization established in Southeast Asia being responsible for the promotion of sustainable fisheries. Based on its technical competence in various disciplines of fisheries, SEAFDEC over the last 39 years has played a significant role in fisheries development in the region.

Priority: The lack of alternative livelihood in the fishing communities has been identified as one of the major constraints in achieving sustainable fisheries. The current overcapacity situation that will lead to rural poverty can only be alleviated, if rural economy is practically activated and improved at community level.

Objective: The objective is to promote “One Village, One Fisheries Product (FOVOP)” mobilizing women’s group in the communities to improve the fisheries livelihood.
Participants: 90 government officers being responsible for gender and development and coastal fisheries management either from central or provincial offices of the fisheries related government office of the ASEAN Member Countries. 100 women’s groups living in the selected rural fishing communities will also participate to the national HRD activities.

Project Duration: 24 months

Proposed Commencement Date: October 2007

Proposed Completion Date: September 2009

Sponsor: ASEAN

Regional Workshop on Set-net Fishing Technology

REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON SET-NET FISHING TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR SUSTAINABLE COASTAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Eastern Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center (EMDEC)
Rayong, Thailand
12 - 14 December 2007
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Back Ground :
Since the Resolution and Plan of Action on sustainable Fisheries for Food Security for the ASEAN Region was adopted in the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Millennium Conference in November 2001, SEAFDEC Training Department has implemented a project on Coastal Fisheries Management under ASEAN-SEAFDEC Fisheries Consulting Group (FCG) scheme.

In 2003, a project on Introduction of Set-net Fishing was initiated to support the development of Sustainable Coastal Fisheries Management in the coastal area of Rayong Province, through the Japanese Trust Fund I Program (Coastal Fisheries Management).　 The project has been carried out for 2 years during 2003 – 2005, with the achievement and satisfaction by the small-scale fishermen who participated the project. Then the project has been continued under the collaboration between local fishermen from Mae Rumpheung beach small-scale fisher group, and local technical officers of the Department of Fisheries, Thailand (Eastern Marine Fisheries Research and Development, EMDEC) of Rayong Province. The project has been renamed as to be “Rayong Set-Net project” under the technical supports and advices from Himi set-net fisheries cooperative, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT) and SEAFDEC Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD). The concept of Set-Net was recommended to be applicable for promoting the coastal fisheries management and resources enhancement, with the understanding of needs to have further study for developing appropriate fishing techniques for the tropical waters in the region.

SEAFDEC/TD has been conducting the follow-up activities and Improvement of Set-Net fishing technology transfer for Sustainable Coastal Fisheries Management in collaboration with Rayong Set-Net project since 2005 until the present. It was found that set-net plays an important role for establishing the core as the fishermen’s cooperative activities. It could create the opportunities for many collaborative works among the fishermen and also the local officers. However, the set-net fishing gear is still a new fishing technique for the coastal fishermen in this area, Yet, it also affects the present fishing activities and coastal environment. Therefore, it needs more improvement in both fishing techniques and operation methods.

This workshop will be organized with the aims to evaluate the implementation of Set-Net fishing technology transfer for Sustainable Coastal Fisheries Management, as well as to discuss the faced constraints and future plan for further promotion of an appropriate fishing gear to the fisher in the region, and then to ensure the responsible and collaborative fisheries practices towards the sustainable coastal fisheries management in Southeast Asia. Three-day workshop including half-day on boarding activity for inspecting the fishing operation and marketing management in Rayong Set-Net project will be arranged for giving the full-understanding of on-going project in Rayong, and for gathering the comments and suggestions from the experts and researchers concerned on Set-Net Fishing Technology and Coastal Fisheries Management in the region. An issue on “Can set-net fishing be recommended as an alternative eco-friendly fishing gear for coastal fisher community or not?” will be focused in the wrap-up discussion among participants.

Objectives :

1. To collect and share the information of set-net fishing and stationary fishing gear operated in the Southeast Asia;
2. To observe the set-net project site and exchange the technical opinion among participants;
3. To discuss the difficulties and constraints for trouble-shooting on set-net fishing technology transfer;
4. To evaluate the response for possible acceptance from local fishers and technical staff concerned on set-net fishing technology transfer; and
5. To initiate the regional future plan to promote the set-net fishery for sustainable coastal fisheries management.


Date and Venue :
The workshop is scheduled during the period of 12 – 14 December 2007 and will be held at Eastern Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center (EMDEC) Ban Phe, Rayong Province, Thailand.

Participants :
A representative from Department of Fisheries of Member Countries (Brunei, Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam, The Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia) including Advisors from Japan, Technical staffs from EMDEC, Rayong Provincial Fishery Office and SEAFDEC/TD will participate in the workshop.
Country report with the paper and 20-min power point presentation on set-net/stationary fishing and their management in the country is required for each participant from SEAFDEC member countries.

Expected Outputs :

Sharing the project concept on set-net technology transfer as an Eco-friendly fishing gear for sustainable coastal fisheries management;
Data and information sharing on set-net and stationary fishing gear in the region;
Updating the situation of set-net fishing in each country;
Summarizing the achievements of Set-Net project during the past 4 years; and
Future planning of set-net fishing technology transfer in Southeast Asian region.

Set-net fishers’ group and local government surveys

Report on conducted the set net fishers’ group and local government surveys, Muang District, Rayong Province on 13-15 February 2007

Objective of the survey
To conduct survey entitled “the role and function of the set net fisher’s group to coastal fisheries management: the case of Rayong Province, Thailand”.
To conduct survey named “the Attitude of TAO and local government agencies on Set-Net Fisheries and its Technology Transfer for Coastal Fisheries Management”.

List of research scientist attached to Fishery Governance and Management System Section
Phattareeya Suanrattanachai
Pattarajit Kaewnuratchadasorn
Narumol Thubtim

Mission practiced

Three SEAFDEC research scientists visited the EMDEC staff concerned the set net fisheries project to get information of the set net fishers’ group and local government involved in the project. The EMDEC staff kindly explained how to contact and approach the member of the fishers’ group and local government. So far, the EMDEC staff helped to make an appointment with the Plae municipal mayor and committee for conducting interview.
The SEAFDEC staff could make an interview with the Plae municipal mayor and the committee member totally 7 persons from 15 committee member. Both the Plae municipal mayor and committee member positively participated in interview. Particular, the mayor personally had a positive thinking to seek for a chance to expand number of the set net fisheries to other fishers.

The SEAFDEC staff also had a chance to meet the head of Tapong sub-district administrative organization (TAO). Here, the head of the TAO kindly explained how the TAO plan to develop both agriculture and fisheries sectors in its owned boundary and what was the limitation of the TAO development. The SEAFDEC staff conducted an interview with the members of the set net fishers’ group on Mae Rampueng Beach. These respondents kindly and well participated to give information by answering into the questionnaire.

The member of the set net fishers’ group totally had twelve member at recent. Eleven members were completely interviewed. Other one member left was planned to conduct an interview when the SEAFDEC staff came to join the monthly between SEAFDEC, EMDEC and the fishers’ group in February. The SEAFDEC discussed and exchanged information gained from the survey with EMDEC staff to have the same common understanding on the present situation of the fishers’group and its activities and functions.