Project Implementation Report: Oddar Meanchey Community Forestry REDD+ Project

Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standard

Prepared by:

and

for

The Forestry Administration of the Royal Government of Cambodia

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

Version 5-0 August 26, 2013

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION & ORIGINAL CONDITIONS IN THE PROJECT AREA 3

2 OVERVIEW OF MONITORING PLAN 5

2.1 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROJECT PARTNERS 5

3 MONITORING DATA COLLECTION, STORAGE AND REPORTING 6

4 DRIVERS OF DEFORESTATION IDENTIFIED DURING MONITORING PERIOD 8

5 IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES 13

5.1 REINFORCING LAND TENURE 13 5.2 LAND-USE PLANS 16 5.3 FOREST PROTECTION 21 5.4 FUEL EFFICIENT STOVES 26 5.5 LIVESTOCK PROTECTION 26 5.6 AGRICULTURAL INTENSIFICATION 27 5.7 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROJECTS 28 5.8 NTFP DEVELOPMENT 28 5.9 FIRE PREVENTION 29

6 CLIMATE IMPACT MONITORING 30

6.1 NET POSITIVE CLIMATE IMPACTS AND OFFSITE CLIMATE IMPACTS 30 6.2 CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION BENEFITS 35

7 COMMUNITY IMPACT MONITORING 37

7.1 NET POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMPACTS 43 7.2 ASSESSMENT OF NEGATIVE OFFSITE STAKEHOLDER IMPACTS 44 7.3 EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY BENEFITS 45

8 BIODIVERSITY IMPACT MONITORING 50

8.1 NET POSITIVE BIODIVERSITY IMPACTS 50 8.2 OFFSITE BIODIVERSITY IMPACTS 53 8.3 EXCEPTIONAL BIODIVERSITY IMPACTS 54

1 Introduction & Original Conditions in the Project Area This Project Implementation Report (PIR) has been prepared by Terra Global Capital and Pact with support from the Forestry Administration of the Royal Government of Cambodia for the first monitoring period (February 28, 2008- February 28, 2012) of the Oddar Meanchey REDD Project. This PIR summarizes the monitoring information related to implementation of project activities and associated climate, community and biodiversity collected during the first monitoring period. A monitoring plan has been prepared according to the requirements of the CCB standards, and has been used as the basis for collection of information for this PIR. The CCB PDD contains all information related to the overall climate, community and biodiversity objectives of the project and should be referred to as the primary resource for such information, much of which has not been replicated in this document.

The project is being implemented by the Forestry Administration of the Royal Government of Cambodia, along with Pact, Terra Global Capital, Children’s Development Association, and Monks Community Forestry Association, with funding support provided by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Danida/DfID/NZAID, US State Department, the Clinton Climate Initiative, Pact, Terra Global Capital, JICA, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

This project supports sustainable forest management and livelihood development in Oddar Meanchey Province by implementing project activities financed through the sale of carbon credits generated from forest protection and regeneration. The project has secured legal land tenure for each of the 13 Community Forest groups involved in the project, and is implementing activities that will create a 30-year income stream to directly enhance household livelihoods and natural resource management capacity. The project has implemented activities that seek to maintain and increase carbon stocks in these areas and conserve biodiversity.

The original conditions of the project area are described in detail in Section G1 of the CCB PDD for the project, available publically on the CCB website. A brief summary of the original conditions in the project area follows.

The Royal Government of Cambodia and the Forestry Administration, along with Terra Global Capital, Pact Cambodia and Community Forestry International have developed the first Cambodian Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (“REDD”) project. The project involves 13 Community Forestry Groups, comprised of 58 villages, which protect a

56,050 hectare project area within a total of 63,831 hectares of Community Forests in the Northwestern province of Oddar Meanchey.

The Oddar Meanchey Province provides an ideal site for the development of a REDD project. The province’s forests have been under intense pressure from commercial and illegal logging, forest fire, economic land concessions and encroachment. Oddar Meanchey has lost 2% of its forests each year from 2002 - 2006, driven by illegal logging, fire, (ex-)soldiers and migrant settlers moving into the region and clearing forests for agriculture.

The project site is covered by lowland evergreen, semi-evergreen, and dry deciduous forests. Semi-evergreen forests contain varying percentages of evergreen and deciduous trees, with the percentage of evergreen trees varying from 30% to 70%. Semi-evergreen forests appear evergreen throughout the year, despite a frequently high proportion of deciduous trees. Deciduous forests are comprised of mixed deciduous forests and dry Dipterocarpaceae forests, both of which drop most of their leaves during the dry season. The majority of forests in the plains of the Northern provinces are dry-land ecosystems.

2 Overview of Monitoring Plan

2.1 Roles and Responsibilities of Project Partners General organizational structure and responsibilities for monitoring of the project are outlined here. A detailed overview of these responsibilities is included in the CCB PIR.

Pact. Pact is responsible for managing, outsourcing and collecting the results of (1) biomass inventory measurements, (2) social assessments, (3) recording action activity implementation, and (4) any other data required to be monitored under this methodology. Pact executed first- pass quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks on all of the monitoring data collected. Pact maintains records of all field inventory and social appraisal data sheets and all other evidence demonstrating the correct execution of project implementation.

Forestry Administration. During these first five years of the project, the FA has been providing assistance in the annual field inventory measurements, social assessments, and in the review of the monitoring reports. The FA will be trained to become the responsible party for all monitoring requirements five years after validation of the project.

Terra Global Capital. Terra Global Capital is responsible for verifying that the required elements are monitored, overseeing or executing all modeling and calculations, and performing second- pass QA/QC checks. In addition, Terra Global Capital is responsible for developing the monitoring reports for the project.

Children’s Development Organization. Children’s Development Organization has assisted in field inventories, social appraisals and recording project activities.

Community Forestry Federation, Monk’s Community Forests and the CFMCs. The communities involved in the REDD project have been collaborating through social appraisals, reporting natural disasters and challenges related to forest protection to the implementing organization.

3 Monitoring Data Collection, Storage and Reporting The project will draw upon multiple data sources and methods for monitoring, reporting and verification including a household survey, participatory rural appraisals (PRA), biodiversity assessment, biomass inventory, remote sensing, desktop review and project documentation.

Table 1. Monitoring Data Sources and Methods

Method/Data Category Frequency Reporting Responsibility Source Participatory Rural Appraisal VCS / Social Assessment (PRA) Every 2 years CDA, TGC, Pact CCB Household Survey (HHS) Biomass Sample plot field [See SOP] VCS Pact, TGC inventory survey Land use land class (LULC) Remote sensing Every 2 years VCS TGC change Biodiversity Field Ongoing CCB CFMCs, Consultant assessment observation Project Activity VCS / CFMCs, CDA, Pact, Ongoing documentation reporting CCB TGC Potential Periodic social Ongoing or Independent Party, assessment as needed Consultant

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed by TGC and Pact will be used to collect all data required for VCS. There are three levels of data collection tools including:

 Standard operating procedures (SOP)  Protocols  Data collection forms

The purpose of SOP’s and Protocols is to provide a standardized and consistent basis for data collection, management and reporting. SOP’s and protocols are therefore an important aspect of quality control and assurance.

Mobile handsets have been used as data collection tools to increase efficiency and reduce transaction costs in data collection, storage and processing, while increasing data quality assurance and control measures. Though only some data is collected in mobile handsets now, routine activity data (i.e. patrols) collected will be stored at three sites; the field CFMC level on hand sets), aggregated at the provincial level in a server administrated by CDA and linked to another local server administrated by Pact, and a centralized server (administered by TGC) which hold all VCS data.

The data quality has been maximized and ensured during all aspects of the monitoring process through quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures. In monitoring field inventory data and data analysis, all individuals and institutions involved in evaluating the quality of analytical data have followed the rigorous QA/QC procedures developed for this project. These QA/QC procedures included specific criteria to evaluate the quality of analytical data that has been gathered. The QA/QC procedures have been an absolutely essential part of monitoring.

Responsibilities and frequencies for monitoring reporting are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2. Monitoring Reporting Responsibilities and Timeline

Report Responsibility Reporting to Timeframe Verification Report Pact Cambodia / TGC VCS Verifier Every 2 years Activity Report Pact Cambodia FA Quarterly / Annually Activity Report CDA / CFN / Monks Local Authorities As required CFA Activity Report CFMC CDA & CFN As required Biodiversity Report Biodiversity consultant Pact Cambodia & FA Annually after 1st verification Evaluation Report Independent evaluator Pact Cambodia & FA Every 3 years

4 Drivers of Deforestation Identified During Monitoring Period Each of the baseline drivers of deforestation expected to take place in the project area over the course of the crediting period have been identified and described in detail the CCB PDD. These baseline drivers of deforestation were identified during the project design phase in collaboration with the local communities through the Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs). Additional PRAs were carried out during this monitoring period (between June 7th and July 15th, 2012) in each of the 13 CFs to determine the extent to which the drivers identified in the PDD were observed within the project area within this monitoring period. Continual monitoring on drivers and agents of deforestation is important as new drivers and agents may become evident in the project area. It is necessary to continually monitor the drivers and agents in order to better address the true causes of deforestation in the area.

Table 3. Summary of PRAs implemented during this monitoring period

# of Participants PRA CF Date of PRA Start Time Village Facilitator Name Men Women

Andong Bor 19 June 2012 08:40:00 Kantuy Choun Khiev Samnang 12 3 Chhouk Meas 7 June 2012 08:30:00 Chhouk Meas Yeang Donal 8 6 Dung Beng 21 June 2012 08:40:00 Yeay Tep Khiev Samnang 6 4 Ou Yeay Kaov 26 June 2012 08:30:00 Opork Net Channa 6 4 Phaav 10 July 2012 08:40:00 Thnal Keng Net Channa 6 6 Prey Srorng 4 July 2012 08:20:00 Ou Koki Kandal Neab Keng 9 8 Prey Srors 15 July 2012 08:30:00 Chheu Slap Vinh San 10 7 Ratanak Ruka 5 June 2012 08:30:00 Ou Kansaeng Net Channa 9 4 Rolus Thom 12 June 2012 09:00:00 Kdol Khiev Samnang 10 2 Romdoul Veasna 26 June 2012 08:30:00 Sambour Meas Khiev Samnang 4 11 Samaky 28 June 2012 08:30:00 Thmey Khiev Samnang 7 7 Sangkrous Preychheu 12 July 2012 08:00:00 Rum Chek Net Channa 7 3 Sorng Rokavorn 28 June 2012 08:40:00 Thmey Neab Keng 4 4

Figure 1. Community Members in Andong Bor CF rank drivers of deforestation by distributing a set quantity of beans

Community members in each CF were asked to rank each driver of deforestation according to their perceived importance (i.e. the most deforestation caused). A ranking system was employed using beans, wherein the participants in each PRA were issued 100 beans and asked to allocate an appropriate number of beans to each driver of deforestation according to their relative importance. As an example, Table 4 shows the outcome of this ranking exercise for the CF Ratanak Ruka.

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

Driver # of Beans ELC 22 Illegal Logging 19 Conversion to Settlement 18 Charcoal Production 17 Forest Fire 13 Land clearing for agriculture 11 TOTAL 100

The aggregated outcome of this exercise, i.e. the relative importance of each driver of deforestation across all 13 CFs is shown in Figure 2. Drivers consisting of less than 1% of total have been excluded from this chart.

Natural disaster Migration Hunting Land clearing for military camp ELC Charcoal production Land clearing for sale Forest fire Land clearing for agriculture

Illegal logging

Figure 2. Relative Importance of Drivers of Deforestation Occurring within the Project Zone During this Monitoring Period

Similarly, the agents of deforestation responsible for these drivers of deforestation were identified and ranked by the communities. The outcome of this ranking is shown in Figure 3.

Local Non-local Athorities/Village Enterprises Chiefs Hunters Private Companies Local Farmers "Powerful People" or "Rich People" Migrants

Soldiers Other non- local

Outside Villagers

Figure 3. Relative Importance of Agents of Deforestation Operating Within the Project Zone During this Monitoring Period Each of the drivers of deforestation identified in Figure 2 were anticipated in the PDD, with the exception of Land Clearing for Military Camps. The prevalence of this driver has been driven by the recent military border conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand, which have taken place primarily within Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey Provinces. This conflict caused a large influx of military personnel and their families into some of the CFs in the project.

Figure 4. Military Camp Established In Andong Bor CF

Figure 5. Highly Developed Military Road

5 Implementation Status of Project Activities As outlined by the CCB PDD, a total of 10 discrete project activities will be implemented over the course of the project. Each of these project activities have been implemented to a greater or lesser extent during the first monitoring period. As carbon revenues are received by the project, these project activities will be fully implemented according to the project workplan. The specific activities that have been implemented within this monitoring period are described below.

5.1 Reinforcing Land Tenure Facilitation of CF Agreements – All 13 CF groups received extensive training and facilitation support from Pact, CDA, and MCF to achieve the steps necessary for strengthening of the legal tenure, including management structure formation, development of CF by laws and regulations, and mapping and boundary demarcation. As a result, all 13 CF groups have received renewable 15-year Community Forestry and Carbon Conservation Agreements under the Community Forestry Sub-Decree. Training courses were provided to each of the CFs in 2008 and 2009 to prepare them for the CF formalization process and to help them establish basic financial management systems. These trainings are described in Table 5 below.

Table 5. CF Development Process Training Courses # CF Name Location Course Date 1 Ou Yeay Kaov Ou Pok Village Mapping 27-Apr-08 2 Ou Yeay Kaov Ou Pok Village Financial Training 21-May-08 3 Prey Srors Chheu Slab Village Financial Training 22-May-08 4 Dung Beng Beng Village Financial Training 12-Jun-08 5 Samaky Tuol Svay Village Financial Training 19-Jun-08 6 Sorng Rokavorn Chhouk Meas Village CF Formulation Process 6-Aug-08 7 Sorng Rokavorn Chhouk Meas Village Development of CF 13-Aug-08 Management Structure 8 Romdoul Veasna Romdoul Veasna Village Financial Training 14-Aug-08 9 Prey Srorng Lomtong Chas Village Financial Training 3-Sep-08 10 Sangkrous Romchek Village Financial Training 4-Sep-08 Preychheu 11 Andong Bor Kantuy Chun Khang Kaeut Financial Training 17-Sep-08 Village

# CF Name Location Course Date 12 Ratanak Ruka Anlong Veng Village Financial Training 8-Oct-08 13 Prasat Phaong Prasat Phaong Village Financial Training 9-Oct-08 14 Phaav Tnoal Kaeng Village Development of CF 29-Oct-08 Management Structure 15 Phaav Thnol Keng Village Financial Training 15-Oct-08 16 Ratanak Ruka Baknim village Facilitation Skill 06-Nov-08 17 Sorng Rokavorn Tropeang Trav village CF By-laws 23-Jan-09 Development 18 Chhouk Meas Chhouk Meas village Nursery Management 15-Jan-09 19 Phaav Thnol Keng village CF By-laws 22-Jan-09 Development 20 Romdoul Veasna Bansayrak village Nursery Management 14-Jan-09 21 Dung Beng Yeay Tep village Nursery Management 07-Feb-09 22 Sorng Rokavorn Oddar Meanchey Nursery Management 05-Feb-09 23 Sangkrous Anlong Veng village Financial Training 18-Feb-09 Preychheu

Installation of boundary posts and signs - From 2008 to 2009 the project team supported boundary pole and sign installation in all of the CFs. Each CF received approximately 100 boundary posts to demarcate their boundaries. A total of 2,000 small zinc signs were also distributed to mark boundaries. In addition, each CF received a larger 2m x 1m sign with a map of their CF for installation at the CF entrance. Finally, three large billboards explaining the project and showing CF boundaries were installed at main intersections in the province.

Trench digging along CF boundaries - In the case of Sorng Rokavorn CF, the MCF has supported construction of a trench along the border of the CF in order to reinforce the boundary. A trench is found to be much less ecologically invasive than a fence, as native fauna can easily cross. Almost all grazing is from cattle which are unwilling to cross open trenches. Illegally harvested logs are almost exclusively transported by tractor or truck. The trench has proven to successfully reduce illegal logging as transportation vehicles are unable to cross without refilling the trench. So far, approximately 10 kilometers have been constructed.

Figure 6. Example of signs placed at each CF entrance

Boundary conflict dispute resolution – During the course of the monitoring period there were numerous boundary conflicts occurring in and around the CF areas. Most boundary conflicts are because of the unknown project boundaries, or lack of awareness about the project. Most conflicts are from “outsiders” encroaching on the project area, as the communities themselves are involved in boundary demarcation, project actions, and protection. During the PRA 11 out of the 13 CF experienced boundary conflicts in the past. For each boundary conflict, specific measures were taken by the community to resolve the conflict. These measures have included increased patrolling, direct mediation, collection of evidence and preparation of incident reports to the FA, and petitions to higher levels of government such as the Ministry of Agriculture, National Assembly and Council of Ministers. Boundary conflicts will continue to be an ongoing issue as 10 of the 13 CFs indicated that they are currently experiencing boundary conflicts (as of August 2012). The project has provided support to the CFs to resolve some of these conflicts by coordinating with authorities and by supporting the CF Network to undertake advocacy efforts.

5.2 Land-use Plans Planning – Commune council members, village leaders and resource users have worked in a collaborative fashion with Pact and the FA to start the development of long-term land use plans for each CF. Communities were asked about specific locations of natural resource use and extraction. Agriculture expansion, community growth, and natural resource, use, extraction and management were mapped though participatory mapping with communities. Communities were specifically asked about High Conservation Value Areas (both culturally, and ecologically), locations of agriculture and specific agriculture practices, fire locations and management, trends and locations of specific NTFPs, wood use and extraction areas, and potential areas for Assisted Natural Regeneration. Communities will use the data collected so far along with proposed suggestions and solutions from each CF to develop specific management plans. Both sketch maps and GIS maps will be key tools to help communities plan for long term sustainable management.

Specific information recorded in the participatory maps include:

 Agriculture areas in or around each CF  Drivers of deforestation (areas or points where driver of deforestation is taking place currently/recently)  Forest fire prone areas (where fire is causing deforestation and degradation)  Areas proposed for Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) treatments. Areas for ANR were also hand demarcated with a GPS in the field, and edited with remote sensing  Areas where wood harvesting takes place. Specifically the areas that have been identified 1) for timber extraction and 2) for fuelwood/charcoal extraction, with a quantitative estimate (in ha) of the total area for each  Areas where boundaries, use rights, or access is disputed (i.e. if there are disagreements on CF boundaries between communities and “outsiders”). Also included is a quantitative estimate (in ha) of the total forest area where disputes or other conflict exists  Areas of High Conservation Value that are important because of cultural or ecological significance

Participatory mapping is an important step in taking control, responsibility, and truly understanding one’s environment. The participatory maps and mapping exercises are a huge step in helping the communities understand past practices, and help strategize future desired

management, land-use, and harvests. Using this information detailed land-use plans for each CF will be created and reflected in the CF Rules and Regulations. Error! Reference source not found. demonstrates the participatory process and digitization of present and future land use. The project team has discussed and outlined the responsibilities of each party in the land use planning process. This information has been inserted into the approved 30-year project implementation workplan. When funding is available for the full development of land-use plans, the workplan will guide the development of these plans. In addition, the cost of land-use planning in all 13 CFs has been estimated. Land-use planning activities will be informed by a combination of the project activities outlined in the CCB PD and consultations with CFs and experts from the FA and other Government ministries such as Rural Development and Land Management.

Timber and Fuelwood Figure 7. Participatory Mapping Exercise in Chhouk Meas CF Harvesting

Demarcation of ANR areas – Specific areas that are in need of ANR were demarcated in the field using the ANR SOP. Communities were asked to pick areas that have specific indicators of degradation, and can be realistically managed by communities. For specifics on ANR demarcation and area identification see the ANR SOP. The project team has demarcated a total of 1,491 ha of ANR areas in collaboration with local communities. These areas contain low biomass due to anthropogenic activities and will grow into healthier forests with human assistance.

Planning for ANR activity implementation–Through community engagement (PRAs and HH surveys) community members have identified specific tree species that they would like to see in healthy forests. In addition, the project partners have consulted ecologists and foresters from the FA to select the trees to be planted and assisted to improve forest health. As expected, the trees desired by the communities are also the more valuable trees being illegally logged, and are lacking in existing forests. Trees planted and otherwise improved through ANR will be benefit communities and biodiversity. During the demarcation process, community members identified different states of degradation on which to conduct ANR techniques. These degraded states are specific strata where specified silvicultural techniques are implemented. See the ANR SOP for additional information on descriptions of the ANR activities.

Biomass plot sampling – The project team has measured 15 biomass sampling plots within the designated ANR strata. Data from these plots has been compiled and analyzed in order to determine the baseline biomass of each stratum.

Figure 8. Implementation team members re-measure trees within a permanent sampling plot Establishment of tree nurseries - Training on tree nursery establishment and management was conducted in Chhouk Meas and Romdoul Veasna CFs in 2009, but slowed due to lack of funding. Training on establishment and management of nurseries will continue after first verification, as the communities are anxious to improve forest health, and sustainably use forest resources. The FA also maintains a large tree nursery in Anlong Veng with over 10,000 seedlings produced annually. These nurseries will provide seedlings for enrichment planting in ANR areas as well as meet communities’ needs for tree crops.

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

5.3 Forest Protection Provision of monitoring equipment – All CFs have received cameras and GPS units to facilitate collection of monitoring data during patrols. Thirteen handheld Garmin GPSs in total, one GPS unit to each CF group. Pact recently acquired additional Garmin GPS units that have been

distributed to the CF groups to assist them with patrolling and CF management. A total of 13 Nikon Coolpix S3000 cameras, one camera to each CF group, were distributed as well. Communities also received Patrol Log Books with a protocol in Khmer explaining how patrolling information should be recorded, as a way to assist communities to document this information. Grid maps of CF areas were also provided to CF groups to assist them in recording geo-spatial data.

Forest patrolling - While forest patrol activities have been ongoing in all of the 13 CFs since the project start, the Project Team started to collect patrol reports from local communities using SMS messaging technology since September 2011. These reports are submitted via the Frontline Forms application of Frontline SMS, an open-source mobile phone SMS communication interface. A central hub computer, currently located at the Pact office in Phnom Penh, receives the data submitted by the Frontline SMS system via a GSM modem. Data received by this system is being processed into monthly reports and shared with the communities. Forms sent in by community leaders record data on patrol time and date, incidents of illegal activity, biodiversity sightings, and fuel used.

Figure 10. Forest patrol group in April 2012

A Frontline Form specific to illegal logging activity has also been distributed to community users. This form allows for reporting on information such as the number of trees cut down in an

illegal logging incident, what the illegal timber will be used for, whether the offender was apprehended, materials confiscated, and the action that was taken by the community in response to the illegal activity (i.e. given a warning, reported to authorities, signed a no-offense contract). Figure 11 shows a screenshot of the Frontline SMS Form for illegal logging data recording. The information generated from these forms is compiled in a monthly report and shared with local forestry authorities.

Between April and August, 2012, 82 patrols were recorded. During these patrols, a total of 58 incidents of illegal activity were documented. Patrols of a similar nature were ongoing since the project start date, but given that the Frontline SMS system was only put in place with all 13 communities as of April 2012 this information was not recorded in a systematic way.

Figure 11. Frontline SMS illegal logging entry form

Table 6. SMS Forest Patrol Reports April – August 2012 Number of patrols reported CF Group April May June July August Andong Bor Chhouk Meas 1 1 Dung Beng 1 3 Ou Yeay Kaov 3 6 2 2 Phaav 5 2 3 Prey Srorng 2 5 Prey Srors Samaky 1 2 1 1 4 Sangkrous Preychheu 1 3 1 2 Sorng Rokavorn 12 3 8 4 2 Ratanak Ruka Romdoul Veasna Rolus Thom 1 Total patrols 20 23 15 8 16

Table 7. Hours spent patrolling for each CF April – August 2012 Time spent patrolling CF Group April May June July August Andong Bor Chhouk Meas 8.3 6.3 Dung Beng 7 23.36 Ou Yeay Kaov 12 32 11 11.1 Phaav 21.4 9.4 15.3 Prey Srorng 23.13 34.5 Prey Srors Samaky 4.3 11.05 4.3 5.1 28.2 Sangkrous Preychheu 24 46.3 5 12.30 Sorng Rokavorn 120 26.34 88 44 20.30 Ratanak Ruka Romdoul Veasna Rolus Thom 6.2

Time spent patrolling CF Group April May June July August Total time spent 173.93 61.39 138.6 54.1 111.36 patrolling (hrs)

Table 8. Illegal logging activities reported via SMS April – August 2012 Illegal Logging Activities Reported CF Group April May June July August Andong Bor Chhouk Meas 1 Dong Beng 1 3 Ou Yeay Kaov 3 6 2 1 Phaav 2 1 Prey Srorng 2 Prey Srors Samaky 1 1 Sangkrous Preychheu 1 3 1 1 Sorng Rokavorn 12 3 8 4 Ratanak Ruka Romdoul Veasna Rolus Thom 1 Total incidents 17 15 14 6 6 reported

Table 9. Incidence of fire reported via SMS April – August 2012 Incidence of fire CF Group April May June July August Andong Bor Chhouk Meas Dong Beng 1 Ou Yeay Keo 1 2 Phaav 2 Prey Srorng

Incidence of fire CF Group April May June July August Prey Srors Samaky 2 Sangkrous Preychheu Sorng Rokavorn Ratanak Ruka Romdoul Veasna Total fires reported 1 5 0 0 2

It should be noted that the lack of a report on fire via SMS in Table 9 does not necessarily mean that no fire was present in the CF areas, only that these fires were not identified by CF patrollers.

5.4 Fuel Efficient Stoves Research - The project team conducted research on the types of stoves currently being used in the project area as part of the project’s household survey, in which 285 families were surveyed. The research found that the stoves currently being used are a simple grouping of three stones on which a cooking device is balanced, New Lao stove, Neang Kongrey stove, Traditional Lao stove, Traditional Lao Kampong Chhnang stove, and Seam stove. The PRA found that approximately 20% of CF members were using the New Lao stove. The study also determined the percentage of each stove being used by the different CF groups, and the percentage of each stove being used by different strata groups, including usage by CF members and non-members. Project proponents will be strategizing ways to improve adoption rates and distribution of the most appropriate improved cookstove model.

5.5 Livestock Protection Research - The project team conducted research to determine the susceptibility of livestock owned by communities in the CFs to diseases transmitted by insects, especially mosquitoes. Research was also undertaken to analyze the effectiveness and cultural acceptability of using netting as a substitute for smoke. Smoke has been traditionally used to ward off insects from livestock pens and holding areas, which leads to a significant use of fuel wood from forest areas. Households in all 13 communities were consulted on the potential to reduce fuelwood consumption through provision of netting for cows. This research will inform the

implementation of appropriate livestock protection programs which will be implemented according to the workplan following verification.

Collaboration with communities -During the PRA process, it was found that an average of 67% of villagers surveyed burn wood to protect their cattle. This is done between five and twelve months out of the year. It was estimated that each family burns 8,469 kg of wood per year. During the PRA process community members from only two of the 13 CF indicated that they use insecticide. During the PRA communities were asked to strategize alternatives to burning wood, and about half the communities suggested mosquito nets, while the other half had no suggestion of an alternative strategy.

5.6 Agricultural Intensification Research - The project team has conducted research on the availability of agricultural expertise in Oddar Meanchey province. The core competencies of the various agricultural organizations working in the province were assessed, a summary of this information is provided in the table below. In addition, documents related to the topic have been compiled. These documents comprise the latest research on agricultural intensification in REDD+ projects developed by UN- REDD and other institutions, and will be used to design and inform agricultural interventions in the OM CF project areas.

Table 10. Agricultural expertise of organizations in Oddar Meanchey Organization Year Offices Agricultural programs established Farmer Livelihood 2010 Phnom Penh, Helps establish Village Savings and Loan Development (FLD) Samraong Associations, supports Micro and Small Oddar Enterprise(MSE) development, works to improve Meanchey agricultural productivity and food security, nutritional programs Partnership for 1980 Phnom Penh, Food security and income generation, help Development in Samraong farmers build small scale agricultural Kampuchea Oddar infrastructure (dam, canal, water-gate and (Padek) Meanchey culvert), help establish community agricultural committees, provide training on agricultural techniques (Systems of Rice Intensification (SRI), vegetable growing, livestock “raising, caring and feeding techniques”, fish raising and extension); Formation of Self Help Groups “SHG” and provide Working Capital Assistance “WCA” Rural Community 1998 Swey Drills water wells and Equip Hand Pumps, these and Environment Sisaphon, pumps supply clean and readily available water to

Organization Year Offices Agricultural programs established Development Banteay village families for farming and drinking. Supports Organisation Meanchey. agricultural production by providing skills training (RCEDO) Samrong, and supporting small scale agricultural income Oddar generation projects Meanchey Action For 2004 Anlong Veng, Supports food security and livelihood projects Development Oddar (AFD) Meanchey Union Aid Abroad 1984 Sydney Conducts 3,4, and 6 month training programs on (APHEDA) Australia fish farming technology, vegetable growing and nutritional security. ZOA Refugee Care, 1993 Anlong Veng, Food security projects, provides capacity building Cambodia Oddar training on technical aspects of agriculture, assists Meanchey with organizational development of rural agricultural organizations

5.7 Natural Resource Management Projects Irrigation systems – During the PRA process the communities have identified improved irrigation systems as a way to combat deforestation, as more food can be grown on a smaller amount of land, and stay in production all year round. Improved irrigation systems have been built, with more in different stages of planning. CDA has supported the development of irrigation systems in 3 CFs intended to improve the efficiency of water use and the production from small-scale agricultural plots. The specific irrigation activities implemented by CDA are as follows:

CF Type of system Area irrigated Prey Srors Wind powered pump 100 ha Romdoul Veasna 2 small dams 100 ha Ratanak Ruka Small dam 500 ha

5.8 NTFP Development Resin enterprise development - The project team has provided support to four CFs for resin enterprise development; 1) Samaky CF, 2) Sorng Rokavorn CF, 3) Sangkrous Preychheu CF, and 4) Phaav CF. This support has included training to enterprise group members on group formation, participatory value chain assessment, and business planning and marketing. Following the trainings, four monitoring/coaching visits were conducted in each of the four CFs to assess the progress and development of sustainable resin enterprises in the CFs. Resin is

intended to be developed under the project as a sustainable income supplement for the CF communities.

Table 11. Resin enterprise trainings # CF Name Location Course Date 1 Samaky Ou Sramor Village Resin Enterprise Capacity 8 Dec 2010 Assessment 2 Sorng Rokavorn Tomnup Thmey Resin Enterprise Capacity 21 Dec 2010 Village Assessment 3 Sangkrous Ou Tameng Village Resin Enterprise Capacity 9 Dec 2010 Preychheu Assessment 4 Phaav Chrok Village Resin Enterprise Capacity 7 Dec 2010 Assessment 5 Samaky Ou Sramor Village Resin M & E 20 Jan 2011 6 Sorng Rokavorn Tomnup Thmey Resin M & E 19 Jan 2011 Village 7 Sangkrous Ou Tameng Village Resin M & E 20 Jan 2011 Preychheu 8 Phaav Chrok Village Resin M & E 19 Jan 2011

5.9 Fire Prevention Community consultations - During Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercises conducted in all 13 CF areas, communal discussions took place regarding the issue of fires in the CFs. Specific topics discussed were the causes (natural and anthropogenic) of forest fires, fire-prone locations, seasonal variability, and techniques and activities that could be implemented to reduce the incidence of fire. As a result, the CF communities came to a better understanding on fire cause, frequency, damage incurred, and location. The communities also discussed strategies and resources to limit fire in the project area. These discussions will in part influence the specific fire prevention activities that will be undertaken by the communities in their CFs. Incidence of fire is being recorded using the SMS monitoring system that has been in place since April 2012.

6 Climate Impact Monitoring

6.1 Net Positive Climate Impacts and Offsite Climate Impacts

The following table contains a justification for which carbon pools were selected. Non-CO2 GHG were not included in monitoring because they are expected to be less than 5% of the total CO2 equivalent benefits generated by the project.

Table 12. Carbon Pools Selected in this Project.

Carbon Pool Selected Justification/ Explanation of Choice Aboveground tree yes Major carbon pool affected by project activities biomass Aboveground non-tree Can be conservatively omitted because no conversion no biomass occurs to a land use with high non-tree biomass occurs Belowground biomass yes Major carbon pool affected by project activities Included because project activities may lead to a decrease in the dead wood pool when biomass is removed for fire Dead wood yes prevention and reducing the fuel-load or sustainable fuelwood collection Expected to decrease under baseline conditions, is Litter no therefore conservatively omitted Expected to decrease under baseline conditions, is Soil organic carbon no therefore conservatively omitted No commercial timber operations take place under the Wood products no project scenario. A decrease in long-lived wood products from reducing illegal timber logging is insignificant.

Biomass monitoring was continued in permanent plots. Ninety-five permanent plots were monitored and eight new permanent plots were added to the inventory. The location of plots was selected using a stratified random sampling design. The size and layout of the plots were selected to be compatible with the Cambodian forest inventory system. Plots were 50 m by 50 m, and all trees above 5 cm DBH within each plot were measured. The location and exact procedure to measure each of the selected biomass pools is described in detail in a Standard Operations Procedure. This manual is available to the verifiers in a non-public attachment.

Table 13. Climate Parameters Monitored

Type of Measurement Summary Full Report Within the biomass plots the Please refer to Biomass Inventory Biomass Inventory following were monitored: 1) live Workbook provided confidentially to Workbook. trees 2) canopy cover, 3) standing Verifier. dead trees, 4) lying dead trees, 5) logged tree stumps. Survival rate of planted or None, as no ANR silviculture activities N/A regenerating trees as an ANR activity took place. Historical LULC and forest strata See Table 15 below. Emission Reductions transition matrix Workbook Hectares undergoing transition See Table 16 below. Emission Reductions within the project area, under the Workbook project scenario Hectares undergoing transition See 7 below. Emission Reductions within the leakage area under the Workbook project scenario Hectares undergoing transition See Table below. Emission Reductions within the leakage area under the Workbook baseline scenario

Table 14. Average and Conservative Emissions Factors for Forest Types in the Project Area Validation Average Emission Relative Conservative Deforestation Factor HWCI Uncertainty Emission Factor from [t CO2e ha-1] [t CO2e ha-1] [-] [t CO2e ha-1] Evergreen 505.13 64.51 13% 505.13 Mixed 201.70 23.42 12% 201.70 Verification Average Emission Relative Conservative Emission Deforestation Factor HWCI Uncertainty Factor -1 -1 -1 from [t CO2e ha ] [t CO2e ha ] [-] [t CO2e ha ] Evergreen 459.48 66.05 14.4% 459.48 Mixed 209.53 31.00 14.8% 209.53

Table 15. Project Area without ANR: land Cover Transitions From To 2009 2010 2011 2012 DCD BAR 415 415 415 274 EVG BAR 162 162 162 63 BAR DCD 0 0 0 180 BAR EVG 0 0 0 35

Table 16. Project Area with ANR: land Cover Transitions From To 2009 2010 2011 2012 DCD BAR 130 130 130 148 EVG BAR 115 115 115 88 BAR DCD 0 0 0 106 BAR EVG 0 0 0 0

Table 17. Leakage Area: Cover Transitions From To 2009 2010 2011 2012 DCD BAR 3,409 3,409 3,409 2,393 EVG BAR 738 738 738 488 BAR DCD 1,599 1,599 1,599 5,306 BAR EVG 386 386 386 386

Leakage is also described in Section 8.2 for geographically constrained drivers. Please see the PD for a more detailed description of leakage, and leakage mitigation. See section 5 for project actions designed as leakage mitigation procedures that have been carried out during the verification period.

Estimated baseline emissions during this monitoring period are shown in Table 18.

Table 18. Estimate of baseline GHG emissions during monitoring period Project Area With YEAR Project Area Without ANR ANR Total [-] [tCO2eYr-1] [tCO2eYr-1] [tCO2eYr-1] 2008 379,358 21,753 401,111 2009 396,157 22,544 418,701 2010 401,876 23,437 425,313 2011 400,080 29,551 429,631 Total 1,577,471 97,285 1,674,756

Ex-post project GHG emissions from the project are shown in Table 19.

Table 19. Estimate of ex-post post project GHG emissions during monitoring period Project Area With YEAR Project Area Without ANR ANR Total [-] [tCO2eYr-1] [tCO2eYr-1] [tCO2eYr-1] 2008 161,544 80,308 241,852 2009 161,544 80,308 241,852 2010 161,544 80,308 241,852 2011 32,710 42,949 75,659 Total 517,342 283,873 801,214

Ex-post GHG emissions from leakage are shown in Table 20

Table 20. Estimate of ex-post GHG emissions from leakage during the monitoring period

Geographically Geographically YEAR Constrained Leakage Unconstrained Leakage Total [-] [tCO2eYr-1] [tCO2eYr-1] [tCO2eYr-1] 2008 0 12,783 12,783 2009 0 25,566 25,566 2010 0 38,349 38,349 2011 0 51,132 51,132 Total 0 127,830 127,830

Table 21. Overview of ex-post estimation of Net Emissions Reductions during the monitoring period ΔGHG from ΔGHG from avoided ΔGHG deforestation degradation GHG from from due to due to leakage by ΔGHG from changes in ΔGHG from geographicall ΔGHG from geographically unconstrained assisted long lived GHG from GHG from avoided y constrained avoided constrained geographic natural wood improved Emission Risk YEAR deforestation leakage degradation leakage drivers regneration products cookstoves sources NER Buffer Buffer VCU

[-] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] [%] [tCO2e] [tCO2e] 2008 -217,814 0 0 - 12,783 58,555 - - - 146,476 17.00 27,074 119,402 2009 -234,613 0 0 - 25,566 57,764 - - - 151,283 17.00 30,064 121,219 2010 -240,332 0 0 - 38,349 56,870 - - - 145,113 17.00 31,188 113,924 2011 -367,370 0 0 - 51,132 13,399 - - - 302,840 17.00 60,175 242,665 Total -1,060,129 - 0 0 127,830 186,587 0 0 - 745,712 - 148,502 597,210

6.2 Climate Change Adaptation Benefits Strategies have been developed to respond to more severe weather conditions that may emerge in Oddar Meanchey as a result of climate change. The project focuses on retaining maximal forest cover to minimize micro-climatic change and ensure slowed water run-off and optimal ground water recharge as ways to mitigate drought.

Improved irrigation systems and de-silting projects were recognized by communities as a way to combat deforestation, as more food can be grown on a smaller amount of land, and stay in production all year round. Three improved irrigation systems have been built, with more in different stages of planning. CDA has supported the development of irrigation systems in 3 CFs intended to improve the efficiency of water use and the production from small-scale agricultural plots. The project will continue to provide small grants to participating communities for use in de-silting water storage tanks and ponds – a way to ensure crop protection during climate change educed droughts. These water security projects are identified as one of the most necessary needs for the local community as they are already feeling the changing climate.

With drastic swings in climate, forest fires are expected to become more severe with prolonged drought. Deciduous forests in Oddar Meanchey will be greatly affected by fire, and with increased severity fire will burn into the evergreen forest. The project team has worked hard to decrease the potential fire risk and increase understanding about the destruction of fire. The potential devastating impact of forest fires are being minimized by installing fire lines and educating local people (and hunters) on the importance of preventing forest fires. The Community Forestry Management Committees will also be trained and supported to implement better fire fighting techniques including the establishment and management of fire lines, the organization of village fire brigades, and the establishment of stronger fire prevention regulations.

Assisted Natural Regeneration of degraded forest patches ensure that forest restoration is based on native species that can adapt to local soil, water, and climatic conditions. Contracts with communities will be developed to guide the restoration of approximately 595 hectares of degraded forests each year from 2013 to 2021 through Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) techniques. Depending on the state of degradation and the ANR techniques used, the ANR treated area may be revisited and treated multiple times to ensure healthy tree growth. The project will also result in the enrichment planting of 1,200,000 (60,000 each year for 20 years) indigenous

trees in forest gaps and highly degraded forest areas, which will help reduce erosion and slow water run-off.

In addition, as required by the VCS, 20-35% of the carbon credits generated will be retained in a buffer account and cannot be sold so that they can cover the potential loss of credits due to (among other things) natural catastrophes induced by climate change. These and other methods of adapting and responding to climate change will be implemented throughout the life of the project.

7 Community Impact Monitoring Quantifying and documenting community impacts of the project is achieved through implementation of Participatory Rural Appraisals and household surveys. Community monitoring indicators monitored by these social assessments are outlined below.

Table 22. Table Community Parameters Monitored

Type of Measurement Summary Full Report Family Information, bio- According to the household survey, interviewees 2010 Household data, immigrant status ages overall ranged from 20 to 78; the average age Survey Report of the interviewee was 43.31 years; 45.9% were women, and 54.1% were men, The average number of people per household was 5.58. Thirty-nine percent reported they had been born in the village and 60.9% responded that they had migrated to the village. Land Information, Tenure is established in all CF. Three CF reported 2012 tenure, and boundary that they had a current boundary conflict (as of Participatory conflict 2012), and two CF reported that there was a Rural Appraisal boundary confect in the past. During the PRA Workbook, participatory mapping, communities indentified Participatory locations of specific land-use and land cover. Maps Natural resources use Significant NTFP include Resin, bamboo (canes and 2010 Household and extraction shoots), thatch grass, insects, honey, mushrooms, Survey Report fodder, fruits, fish, rattan, prich leaves, wildlife, and deadwood. As this is the first verification period, no significant social data was gathered to assess a measured change in NTFP. Price, and amounts can be found in the Household Survey Report 2010 Effect the project has on As this is the first verification period, significant 2010 Household the community or social data to assess the measured change was not Survey Report community impact. gathered at this time. Data on the employment and 2012 Measured change in 1) sector, NTFP income, reason for land clearing, and Participatory forest related income, 2) wealth rank were gathered through the household Rural Appraisal employment, 3) access survey and PRA. Workbook to resources, and 3) wealth rank Wealth rank of Qualitative description on how each community 2012 communities to identify defines wealth and percent of people in each Participatory and track poorer and category to track wealth over time. Rural Appraisal more vulnerable groups. Workbook Project Awareness, All communities strongly endorsed the project. 2012 attitudes and behaviors Participatory related to the project Rural Appraisal Workbook

Type of Measurement Summary Full Report Understanding of Qualitative description of current and past boundary 2012 project boundaries, confects and ways the resolve were documented. Participatory boundary conflicts, and There were a total of 1,315 hectares in dispute (an Rural Appraisal resolutions ELC claimed 800 ha, which are no longer disputed, as Workbook communities proved land tenure). Community member The communities estimated that 58% of them were 2012 knowledge of project aware of the REDD project, though they were all Participatory informed of the community-based forest Rural Appraisal conservation efforts. Workbook Location, description Communities mapped the location of each HCV area. 2012 and perceived negative Many HCV areas were described as having “spirit” Participatory effects of culturally significance. All communities described the CF as Rural Appraisal significant HCV areas. also having cultural significance with the exception Workbook, of Prey Srorng. Community concerns of how HCV Participatory could be harmed include population increase and Maps forest clearing, which are addressed through project actions. Significant natural No significant natural disasters were found, but 2012 disasters, damage and some described include; insect damage, mudslides, Participatory loss, and management flood and storms. The average forest loss is less than Rural Appraisal 3%. Workbook Agricultural Practices, The total number of hectares in agriculture is 2012 adoption of Improved 38,465, of these 29,049 use chemical fertilizer, and Participatory practices, and 2,444 use organic fertilizers. Though there have Rural Appraisal community suggested been agriculture improvements in Oddar Meanchey, Workbook improved practices there has been no direct project actions supporting agriculture improvements yet. Changes or additions to The drives and agents of deforestation are similar to Participatory pre-identified Drivers those identified at project start. Though the military Rural Appraisal and Agents of and solders have been more of a significant role in Deforestation and deforestation. Degradation Changes in number of The population of Oddar Meanchey increased from National people living in the 144,371 in 2005 to 183,353 in 2010. statistics surrounding area Activities to reduce Each activity to reduce deforestation (identified by 2012 Drivers and Agents of communities) was linked to each driver of Participatory Deforestation, and deforestation (as identified by communities). Since Rural Appraisal adaptation of drivers, agents, and activities to reduce Workbook predefined activities deforestation were first identified by communities at project start, no significant changes were identified at verification, with the exception of an increase of military presence in the area. Project activities were not adapted to a change in conditions. Distance walked for The majority of fuelwood is collected by walking 2012

Type of Measurement Summary Full Report fuelwood collection where people walk an average of 0.6 hours for an Participatory average of 0.6 km. Rural Appraisal Workbook Forest fire management Description of fire management that took place is 2012 listed above. Participatory Rural Appraisal Workbook Assisted Natural Spatially explicit locations of planned ANR activities 2012 Regeneration, activities, were mapped, and demarcated with a handheld GPS Participatory locations, and suggested during the PRA. Suggested native species include: Rural Appraisal species planted or Thnong (Pterocaqrpus indicus), Beng (Afzelia Workbook, otherwise improved. xylocarpa), Koki (Hopea odorata), Crassna (Aquilaria Participatory crassna), and Delbergia and Dipterocapus species. Maps Participatory Community During the participatory community mapping Participatory Mapping exercises community members mapped natural Maps  Agriculture within the resource location, use and extraction. They CF identified locations of significance such as locations  Drivers of of agriculture, fire, boundary conflicts, and HCV deforestation areas, temples, and drivers of deforestation  Areas of ANR (example of Chhouk Meas shown in section 5.2).  Fire locations  Locations of harvesting for 1) timber and 2) fuelwood/charcoal.  Disputed boundaries, use rights, or access  HCV areas Extensive data from the household survey and the participatory rural appraisal are included in separate documents as it would be too cumbersome for this report. Community impact monitoring documents are available to the VVB. As this is the first monitoring period, data tracking the change in community health is limited. In future monitoring, significant changes in parameters will be shown in the Project Implementation Reports along with supplemental documents.

The Project Design Document listed potential challenges to project implementation to reach poorer and more vulnerable households. The challenges are listed below, paired with the Project Team’s response during this monitoring period:

Low literacy levels affecting the ability to perform some paper-based or SMS-based reporting and monitoring, or to understand written project documents. Pact has a well-regarded program and skilled staff to address low literacy levels among the CF communities. This program is called WORTH and has been presented to donors for

support. WORTH focuses on rural women and integrates savings groups and small enterprise development, along with literacy training. So far, this intervention has not been funded for expansion to the project area; and is still in the development stage. It is anticipated that resources will be available to support this important supplementary activity.

Educating communities is an ongoing process, but Pact has strong experience working with low literacy communities. The Project Team is trained in facilitation and effective communication with low literacy people. Through their experience, Pact has developed simple awareness material, tools, and report formats for low literacy community.

The Project Team has strived to ensure that any project and training materials shared with community members have been as visual as possible. The project will also have structures in place to support informal community reporting systems. For example, the community monitors (that have been selected and will soon be trained) will conduct village/house visits to gather information and data on project activities, and will then compile these findings into formal written reports. This is seen to be much more accepted and relaxed then an official PRA, where women and other minorities may feel uncomfortable in a group setting.

Disability; physically or mentally unable to perform some tasks. The people of Oddar Meanchey have lived with the constant threat of landmines. Often the outcome is physical deformity such as missing limbs as a result of landmine accidents. These physically disabled people often cannot participate in activities such as; patrolling, building fences, participating in the biomass inventory etc. and are marginalized within society often relying on family members for help. The project strives to engage these socially excluded groups in NTFP enterprise development by providing skill training, and education to be involved with CF administration tasks. The project is dedicated to treat disabled people as equals within the community, and will explain the role of these groups in project benefit distribution to other community members.

Single headed household (especially women head of households). These single headed households have less time available to participate in CF meetings and activities due to household burdens. The gender assessment and the study by Boudewijn provided a more comprehensive understanding of the household burdens of women. The results based framework at the end of this assessment lays out a step

by step strategy to address these issues and prevent exclusion of more vulnerable populations.

Itinerant laborers, due to unstable lifestyles and are difficult to contact and invite to meetings or activities. Through community engagement, it was found that many migrant laborers migrate to Oddar Meanchey, eventually settle in the area, and are incorporated into the local community. Often the term ‘migrant’ is use as a scapegoat for those causing deforestation. Through social assessments community members were able to more clearly describe the migrants as specific groups of people. Many of the CF members themselves migrate to Thailand, especially after rice harvesting season (Nov-Dec) and are known as seasonal migrants. To make sure that migrant groups are able to join project events, the Project Team is exploring the development of a community calendar of when to implement the social assessments or other community consultations.

Children of poor families, who are unable to go to school and therefore miss project topics integrated to the school curriculum. A variety of project awareness raising tools have been utilized to target a wide array of community stakeholders, including children from poor families. For example, visual billboards on the project were established in the province, as was the Monks Radio Program - funded by the Monk’s themselves - which discussed issues facing the Monks Community Forest and the REDD project. When further funding becomes available, additional media outreach activities (radio, TV) will help disseminate project information to all stakeholders. Targeting livelihood support activities to the poorest households will also assist them in being able to send their children to attend school.

The Oddar Meanchey REDD project has involved a wide range of stakeholders at village, commune, district, provincial, and national levels. The success of this long- term project has been dependent on the ability of the stakeholders to effectively and amicably resolve problems and issues that have arisen during implementation.

During this monitoring period a few major studies were carried out on the OM REDD project, particularly focusing on community benefits. These studies were conducted and/or otherwise assessed by a third party or using outsider knowledge. Using independent, third party, and otherwise outside monitoring will continue to be a part of the monitoring system to give valuable insight to potentially overlooked issues, and will help resolve any problems that have arisen during implementation.

Women Organizing for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resources Management (WOCAN) helped to conduct the project’s gender assessment in April 2012. The audit

and assessment aimed to ensure that the project team members have a good understanding of the gender issues related to project implementation and that deliberate efforts are taken to address these issues. The study provided a gap analysis and recommendations specific to the Oddar Meanchey Project. These recommendations are listed below along with the Project Team’s actions.

Gender Sensitivity Training. Pact plans to conduct extensive gender training, taking into account the recommendations and guidelines suggested by WOCAN. As a result of the training and participation in the gender assessment, the Pact project team is now more aware of gender issues and is constantly looking for ways to better address gender issues in the project. Efforts made so far have included: 1) ensuring that women make up at least half of participants in workshops and trainings, 2) making sure that the number of women and men participating is always recorded.

Mainstreaming Gender in Project Implementation. A study by Boudewijn from the University of Copenhagen entitled Inclusion and Benefit Sharing in REDD+: The Case of Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia found that women in one CF (Samaky CF) said they often did not attend CF meetings because they weren’t invited. After hearing this, Pact made a concerted effort to ensure that there were funds to support invitations for one woman and one man from each CF, and emphasized the importance of women’s participation in each meeting. In the second round of PRAs conducted in 2012 many more women were involved.

The Boudewijn report also helped to expose the extent and nature and internal conflicts facing the Samaky Community Forest. For example, it was revealed that the Samaky CF leader was offering (and selling) land to migrants inside a new village bordering (and inside) the CF, and was excluding other CF members from partaking in CF activities. Many CFMC members now no longer recognize the CF Chief as the leader. In light of these findings, the Pact team has been working to facilitate CFMC elections (which should occur every 5 years, and, in the case of Samaky CF, last occurred in 2006). This support for CF elections has included: coaching CFMC members and especially women, assisting CFMCs with the necessary documentation, facilitating with the FA and other local government authorities, and providing financial support for the elections to occur. Elections have already occurred in two Community Forests, and the Samaky elections are being prepared by the FA.

The project has also hosted PhD and Masters researchers from the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), University of Oxford (UK), and University of Gothenburg (Sweden). The articles and presentations resulting from these studies have increased

the project partners’ understanding on the social aspects of the project, as well as provided recommendations on avoiding potential pitfalls which could affect community benefits. The following thesis articles are now available:

 Community Forestry, REDD+ Networks and Power in Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia (Stuart Raetz, School of Global Studies, Social Science & Planning, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia)  Tenure Rights and Benefit Sharing Arrangements for REDD: A Case Study of Two REDD Pilot Projects in Cambodia (Donal Yeang, University of Wageningen, The Netherlands)  Fell a Tree, Fell a Livelihood: Assessing the Importance of Non-timber forest products in Rural Cambodia (Christina Enders, University of Oxford, United Kingdom)  Inclusion and Benefit Sharing in REDD+: The Case of Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia (Inge Boudewijn, Faculty of Forestry, Landscape and LIFE, University of Copenhagen, Denmark)  The Challenge of Assessing Social Dimensions of Avoided Deforestation (Pasgaad, Maya, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark).

7.1 Net Positive Community Impacts The project initiated an ongoing series of community dialogues in January 2008 providing new communication channels for project communities to voice their aspirations and problems. The project development team worked with the local NGO (Children’s Development Association) to conduct a series of village Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs) and community sketch maps to assess proposed project areas. The discussions focused on local drivers of deforestation, management problems, social conflicts, as well as priorities for development and perceived livelihood opportunities. Participants in the discussions included: elected CF management committee members, Buddhist monks, local farmers, commune representatives, and both men and women household heads. Both members of the Khmer ethnic majority and members of a small minority of ethnic Kuy people have been included in discussions. The results from the interviews are described in Section G3.8 of the CCB PD on Stakeholder Input.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has identified three major project goals that will benefit forest dependent communities:

 improve the quality of the forests;  maximize benefit flows to local communities participating in the project;

 develop new REDD project sites that will benefit other forest-dependent communities.

This REDD project has directly benefited communities by:  engaging with local communities in the design and development of the project at the earliest possible stage;  providing training and support to local village organizations to build forest management capacity;  securing the Royal Government of Cambodia’s recognition of community forest management rights;  generating carbon revenues that the community will use for forest restoration employment, improving farming systems, establishing micro-finance organizations, and capitalizing small livelihood enterprises;  maintaining the access and use rights of local communities to continue harvesting NTFPs for customary use from the project area.

Though the project has budgeted to train 260 patrollers to patrol all 13 community sites, only a few CF have continual active patrolling. Based on project budget projections direct support for community forest protection and restoration will employ an estimated 65 people full-time from local communities, and support local police officers and Forestry Administration, while small grants for water resource development projects, NTFP development and agricultural intensification will employ an estimated 30 people. Please see section CM1. Net Positive Community Impacts of the CCB PD for further details on extensive community benefits.

7.2 Assessment of Negative Offsite Stakeholder Impacts The project could have minor negative impacts on the livelihoods of offsite households or individuals which are engaged in illegal activity such as rosewood harvesting or hunting. The project focuses on improved sustainable livelihoods that will benefit the community, biodiversity, and the project such as tree planters, forest guards, and NTFP managers. The goal is to keep jobs in the woods where alternative livelihoods still protect the native values of rural life. Due to high rates of deforestation outside the project area, there may be increased pressure on project area forests as a source for timber and non-timber products. At the same time, communities will be increasing patrols and enforcement activities once full project funding is available. Therefore, there is the potential for increased conflict between some communities protecting valuable forest resources, and outsiders. The project partners will seek to reduce these potential conflicts by several means:

 installing more posts and signs to better identify the project area  increasing general education and awareness on the project  maintaining a warning system for first offenses  conducting regular patrols so that problems are dealt with early and do not grow to larger intractable issues  providing opportunities for other communities in the province to pursue community forestry management and REDD to enhance livelihoods and reduce dependence on unsustainable practices (GDD 699 states that some resources may directed to new REDD+ initiatives).

In general, the project is more likely to benefit outside stakeholders. For instance, general improved economic well-being among the project communities will have positive impacts along relevant value chains. For instance, dealers in NTFPs such as resin and rattan, may have access to a more regular supply of raw material from communities due to increase of sustainable practice. Furthermore, protection of the province's forest resources will moderate the micro-climate and maintain hydrological systems beyond the project area.

7.3 Exceptional Community Benefits According to the most recent information, Cambodia no longer qualifies as a “low human development country”, having barely moved into the “medium development” category. Though poverty has been reduced overall from 47% in 1993 to 30% in 2007, a third of Cambodians still live below the national poverty line (2,473 riel or US$0.61).

Oddar Meanchey province has some of the highest incidences of poverty in Cambodia (Asian Development Bank, 2000). The Cambodia Gini Coefficient has moved upwards from 0.35 in 1994 to 0.43 in 2007 (UN1) showing higher discrepancies between rich and poor. Of the total population of poor in Cambodia, 92% live in rural areas (UN2) In Oddar Meanchey, 100% of the population is defined as “rural” by national standards3. The project zone is located in an exceptionally rural area and is comprised of forest-dependent households and communities,

1 http://www.un.org.kh/undp/what-we-do/poverty-reduction/poverty-reduction 2 Ibid. 3 Commune Database 2004 found in Atlas of Cambodia, National Poverty and Environmental Maps 45

making the Oddar Meanchey project area (and zone) amongst the poorest areas in Cambodia.

It is impossible and likely inappropriate to exclusively measure poverty level of the communities living within the CF border, as communities affected by the project live both inside and outside of the project zone. In order to measure the poverty level of the communities affected by the project, poverty was assessed at the village level during the Participatory Rural Appraisal. Community-specific information collected from PRAs has been used to demonstrate that more than 50% of the households residing in the area are below the poverty line.

In the PRAs conducted for the project, families residing in the village representing each CF were asked to identify the percentage of households which identified as “poor”. The communities themselves were asked to define the criteria which qualified a family as poor. These criteria included, inter-alia, size of property on which house is established, monthly or yearly income, house size, size of rice field(s) and number of cows, bicycles televisions or radios owned (see PRA data spreadsheet (tab “Wealth Rank” for full information). These poverty indicators align with the indicators developed by the Government of Cambodia to identify poverty and poor households in Cambodia through the ID Poor program (see documents provided to verifier “IDPoor Procedures Manual 2008-10-10-Eng-FINAL.pdf” and “IDPoor Questionnaire 2008-10-20 Eng.pdf”. Thus, the PRA poverty indicators are compatible with the poverty indicators in the IDPoor questionnaire and households identifying as poor in PRA data classify as formally below the poverty line.

A summary of this information indicates that a total of about 60% of all the households in the communities living in and around the project zone identify as “poor” and are below Cambodia’s national poverty line. An expert of the corresponding PRA table is included in the table below.

Population of CF Percent Households Weighted Percent CF Name Proportional to Total identified as Poor and Households Below Project Population Below the Poverty Line the Poverty Line Andong Bor 4% 75% 3.0% Chhouk Meas 1% 85% 0.9% Dung Beng 6% 30% 1.8% Ou yeay Kaov 1% 69% 0.7% Phaav 6% 25% 1.5% Prey Srong 6% 60% 3.6% Prey Sros 4% 40% 1.6% Ratanak Rukha 31% 85% 26.4% Rolus Thom 4% 85% 3.4% Romdul Veasna 10% 58% 5.8% Samaky 4% 85% 3.4% Sangkrous 2.6% 15% 17% Preychheu Sorng Rokavorn 8% 65% 5.2% Total 100% 60% 59.7%

As described in the Implementation Status of Project Activities Section, the project has implemented a suite of activities designed to reduce deforestation pressures while providing meaningful livelihood benefits. Within this monitoring period, the project proponents have identified the following specific benefits as being “exceptional” in that is has provided meaningful pro-poor benefits. It is envisioned that as the project continues implementation and receives additional funding from the sale of offsets, the exceptional benefits of the project will be expanded.

Identification of poorer households in the project zone was carried out through the Cambodian Identification of Poor Households (ID POOR) program, initiated in 2006. A database of poorer households in the project zone has been created and will be regularly updated through the ID POOR program. An analysis of the most recently available (2010) ID Poor data shows that approximately 30% of households in the project zone can be classified as poor. ID Poor information is available for each of the CFs involved in the project, identifying the specific households, names of individuals in each household, and their respective poverty category. Project benefits that benefit these households include:

Reinforcement of Land Tenure. Reinforcement of land tenure is one of the primary benefits to communities living in the project zone, and particularly poorer households, which often face difficulty in securing and protecting land tenure due to difficult and often complex processes. The project partners worked directly with the 13 CF communities to guide and support the process of obtaining renewable CF Agreements. This process, requiring multiple government approvals and a formal zoning process to demarcate CF areas, is costly and time consuming, and would be otherwise unavailable to the communities in the project zone without project support. This is particularly true for poorer households who often lack education and resources allowing them to make informed decisions related to securing formal land tenure.

Informal land tenure often makes protection of property and exclusion of outside migrants or encroaching individuals difficult or impossible, particularly in cases of encroachment and population expansion, as is the case in Oddar Meanchey. Moreover, informal land tenure is widely viewed as barrier to motivating communities to undertake sustainable land-use management practices.4 By formalizing and registering land tenure through the renewable CF agreements, the project has assisted all households in the project area, including those poorer households in the project zone, to obtain a legal and enforceable right to their forest resources. The project expects that the concomitant ability to enforce against encroachment and unsustainable development, and the motivation to implement sustainable land-use as a part of the project, will directly benefit poorer households.

In addition, the project has provided resources to community members to support the process of resolving conflicts related to boundary conflicts. Poorer households are often marginalized or in a disadvantaged position – due to a variety of factors such as imperfect information and lack of resources to petition to local government or social governance bodies within the community – in conflicts relating to boundary demarcation. By supporting an equitable process involving community and FA members, poorer households are protected in boundary conflicts.

Development of Sustainable Land-use Plans. Sustainable development is in-part dependent on land tenure formalization, but sustainable land-use plans must also be

4 ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/005/y4307e/y4307e00.pdf; http://www.fig.net/pub/fig2010/papers/ts07j%5Cts07j_sovann_4633.pdf; http://usaidlandtenure.net/sites/default/files/country-profiles/full- reports/USAID_Land_Tenure_Cambodia_Profile.pdf 48

developed to guide the implantation of activities to improve forest conditions and agricultural production. The project, in collaboration with CFMC members, has developed participatory land-use plans through a collaborative process. Poorer households, who rely almost exclusively on forest resources for their livelihoods, have made a large contribution to the land-use planning process. Locations of areas for ANR, NTFP development, sustainable harvesting operations, fire prevention and HCV prioritization have been identified with the help of poorer communities. As a result, it is expected that these sustainable land-use plans – still in the design stage but ready for implementation once funding has been received from the sale of offsets, will directly benefit poorer households.

8 Biodiversity Impact Monitoring Resources have been set aside in the project budget for regular biodiversity monitoring with the help of community monitors in each CF. Furthermore, scientific biodiversity assessments will be conducted every 5 years.

8.1 Net positive Biodiversity Impacts The first project biodiversity assessment implemented in collaboration with Birdlife International identified the key High Conservation Value species to be monitored and resulted in a set of recommendations for continued monitoring by the project participants. Pact and Birdlife international also collaborated to conduct a training course on biodiversity monitoring for community members and local Forestry Administration staff. This training included guidance on how to properly document biodiversity sightings. For instance, community members were instructed in how to identify different animal tracks, measure, and record them properly by camera.

Table 23. Biodiversity monitoring trainings

# CF Name Location Course Date 1 Samaky Ou Sramor village Biodiversity 17 Nov 2010 2 Sorng Rokavorn Tomnup Thmey village Biodiversity 18 Nov 2010 3 Sangkrous Preychheu Ou Tameng village Biodiversity 2 Dec 2010 4 Phaav Chrok village Biodiversity 1 Dec 2010

The largest CF area, Sorng Rokavorn CF, was found to have some of the most important wildlife habitats in the project area. As a result, special efforts has been made to monitor and collect biodiversity data in this particular site. The Monks Community Forest manages several camera traps placed at key sites, and regularly submits special reports and photographs on biodiversity-related information. During patrols, community members collect traps and snares in large quantities.

Figure 12. Ministry of Forestry officer with captured snares

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

Since the project started collecting data on biodiversity sightings through SMS in April 2012, 17 biodiversity sightings have been recorded. In case of biodiversity sightings, community members are requested to report on any HCV species

observed during patrols. Frontline SMS reporting forms are being developed that will allow CF patrollers to report on specific HCV species that are identified within the CFs.

Table 24 Biodiversity Parameters Monitored

Type of Summary Full Report Measurement Presence of key The 2010 Birdlife International biodiversity assessment Birdlife indicator species identified the following notable species within the project International area: green peafowl (Pavo muticus), banteng (Bos Biodiversity javanicus), large deer (Cervus eldii), Dhole (Cuon alpinus) Assessment, white-rumped falcon (Polihierax insignis), northern pig- Camera traps, tailed macaque (Macaca leonina) and pileated gibbons and SMS reports. (Hylobates pileatus). Camera traps identified the following: hog deer (Hyelaphus porcinus) and banteng (Bos javanicus). Identification of The HCV areas are identified as the project areas. Species Birdlife ecological HCV found are listed above. International areas Biodiversity Assessment, Camera traps and SMS reports. Location, and During the PRA communities listed many species not fully 2012 perceived identified by Birdlife International. Their testimony Participatory negative effects supported the finding that many of the CF are most likely Rural Appraisal of ecologically homes to a small population of large cats (leopard or tiger, Workbook, significant High and other species from the Pantherinae family). Participatory Conservation Communities mapped the location of each HCV area. Many Maps Value Areas in CFs were described as having “spirit” significance. and near the Community concerns of how HCV could be harmed include project areas population increase and forest clearing, which are addressed through project actions. Significant No significant natural disasters were found, but some 2012 natural described include; insect damage, mudslides, flood and Participatory disturbances and storms. The average forest loss is less than 3%. Rural Appraisal related events Workbook within CF areas Total area of Shown in section 6 Climate Impact Monitoring. Remote Sensing class or stratum and Emission during time Reductions period Workbook Area of transition Shown in section 6 Climate Impact Monitoring. Remote Sensing from LULC class and Emission or forest stratum Reductions 1 to 2 Workbook

Type of Summary Full Report Measurement Total area of Shown in section 6 Climate Impact Monitoring. Remote Sensing LULC class or and Emission forest stratum Reductions Workbook Invasive species No significant invasive species were identified by 2012 assessment communities. Though the biodiversity assessment Participatory identified the neotropical shrub Lantana camara in one CF Rural Appraisal area, it was not identified by communities as a threat. Workbook Changes in Significant NTFP include Resin, bamboo (canes and shoots), 2010 Household abundance of key thatch grass, insects, honey, mushrooms, fodder, fruits, Survey Report NTFPs fish, rattan, prich leaves, wildlife, and deadwood. As this is the first verification period, no significant social data was gathered to assess a measured change in NTFP. Price, and amounts can be found in the Household Survey Report 2010. Biodiversity Known IUCN endangered species caught in camera traps Photos and SMS sightings are shown in section 8.3 Exceptional Biodiversity Impacts. reports. There have been numerous SMS reports of biodiversity sightings, though species were not identified.

8.2 Offsite Biodiversity Impacts The project has not experienced any significant negative impacts on biodiversity outside the project zone. On the contrary, by better protecting forest habitats inside and around the project area, only positive impacts on biodiversity are foreseen. For instance, education and awareness on the importance of protecting biodiversity have increased throughout the province (through teacher training, radio broadcasts, etc.) which will lead to a decrease in hunting activity. It should be noted that there are no plans for the project to support offsite construction or infrastructure development. There are plans for water harvesting and improvements for crop irrigation, however, these will be micro-scale development projects which are more likely to benefit biodiversity rather than harm it. Improved use of water as well as agricultural land will decrease pressure on forests and wildlife habitats. The net effect on biodiversity from this project is positive with no anticipated negative effects.

A legitimate concern for potential negative offsite biodiversity impacts that some activities will be shifted out of the project area and into the adjacent forest or forest otherwise similar to the project area. This activity shifting is considered leakage, and is carefully monitored as required by the methodology. The project will undertake

ten types of activities to reduce degradation and deforestation. Five of these activities are taking place inside the forests of the project area, and are therefore project activities. The other five activities are taking place outside of the project area and are, therefore leakage mitigation activities and measuring offsite biodiversity impacts. Section 3.10 of the VSC PD clearly explains quantifying emissions from activity shifting into the leakage belt. For a detailed description of activity shifting leakage, leakage belt, and quantification procedures see the VCS PD.

Another concern of the project is that as communities increase in wealth they may become greater consumers and gain larger houses, larger families, have more cattle etc. Since communities have not yet monetary benefited from project benefit sharing, this shift in wealth has not been observed yet. The project team is working to implement sustainable development and tracking community wealth through a series of PRAs that will take place throughout the life of the project. The PRA asks specific questions regarding wealth used to make adaptive management decisions in the future.

Potential negative effects on HCV areas. During the PRA process, communities were asked if there were areas that were culturally or ecologically significant located out of the project area. Eight of the communities identified that they had additional HCV areas not within the CF boundaries. Of these eight HCV areas many were temples or pagodas but five contained some forest, gold mine or natural area. Only three communities indicated that they are worried about potential negative effects on their HCV areas out of the CFs. The concerns they have are general concerns of land clearing that they have seen in the area. Project actions such as strengthening land tenure, improved agriculture techniques, and land use plans are expected to help conserve their HCV area.

8.3 Exceptional Biodiversity Impacts The primary benefit to biodiversity in the project area is protection of forest habitat, which was recognized by communities to be of High Conservation Value. The 64,318 hectares of the project zone represents 10% of the land area of Oddar Meanchey Province, and approximately 15% of its remaining evergreen forest. The project conserves and regenerates dry deciduous and evergreen forest ecosystems through improved protection from illegal logging, fire, and through assisted natural regeneration activities. This strategy restores unique habitat for amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds, while restoring high value and endangered tree species (see CCB PDD for complete list).

The biodiversity study by Birdlife International 2010 undertaken for the Oddar Meanchey project focused in particular on five CF sites to carry out in-depth surveys for biodiversity; Andong Bor, Sangkrous Preychheu, Prey Srorng, Sorng Rokavorn and Romdoul Veasna. A total of 174 bird species were found to reside within the CF areas of Oddar Meanchey, with a large majority (110) recorded in the largest CF, Sorng Rokavorn. All CFs surveyed in the biodiversity study were found to support at least one globally threatened bird species. Green peafowl (Pavo muticus) were located throughout Romdoul Veasna, Sangkrous Preychheu and Sorng Rokavorn, particularly around standing water supplies. The endangered green peafowl was found to be present in two of these CFs. Sorng Rokavorn, the largest CF by area, is host to populations of important mammals such as banteng (Bos javanicus), large deer (Cervus eldii), dhole (Cuon alpinus) and, according to the biodiversity study, is most likely home to a small population of large cats (leopard or tiger, and other species from the Pantherinae family). Further, the near-threatened white-rumped falcon (Polihierax insignis) was found in Sorng Rokavorn, Andong Bor and Prey Srorng. The biodiversity study also identified a small population of northern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca leonina) and pileated gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) in Sangkrous Preychheu (Elliott et al 2010).

Between validation and verification Venerable Bun Saluth of the Monk's Community Forest was able to catch the following IUCN endangered species on his camera trap:

Figure 14 Bantang (Bos javanicus)

Figure 15. Hog deer (Hyelaphus porcinus)