Ngos in the GMS Involvement Related to Poverty Alleviation and Watershed Management Lao PDR

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Regional Environmental Technical Assistance 5771 Poverty Reduction & Environmental Management in Remote Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Watersheds Project (Phase I)

NGOs IN THE GMS Involvement Related to Poverty Alleviation and Watershed Management Lao PDR

Gunilla Riska

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 3 2 GENERAL 3 3 LEGAL FRAMEWORK 3 4 COORDINATION 4 4.1 Government-NGOs 4 4.2 Networking among the NGOs 4 5 ROLE OF NGOs 6 5.1 International NGOs 6 5.2 International NGOs at selected watersheds 7 5.3 Local organisations 10 6 CONCLUSIONS 11 6.1 General Conclusions 11 6.2 Co-operation with RETA 5771 12 REFERENCES 14

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1 INTRODUCTION

The review of NGOs working with poverty alleviation and watershed management in some selected watershed areas, has been done within the limited time of a short -term consultancy. The aim is to get an understanding of the development of NGOs in Lao PDR to-day, with an aim to find organisations of interest for the project in its second planning phase and during implementation.

2 GENERAL

The main increase in international NGO assistance occurred after the adoption of the New Economic Mechanism (NEM) by the Government of Lao PDR in 1986. Although the Constitution of 1991 approves of the establishment of associations and organisations local NGOs are not officially recognised.

The Government officially acknowledges the importance of international NGOs and their possibilities in reaching vulnerable populations with efficient interventions, however, some mistrust still exist. The number of international NGOs in Lao PDR is growing slowly compared to the situation in e.g. Vietnam and Cambodia and there are to-day approximately 80 international NGOs present in Lao. The NGOs work in close cooperation with specific government counterparts and can through the local government reach down to local community and village level.

In the past, the work consisted of support to infrastructure development in rural areas as well on health, humanitarian aid and relief, although agriculture also has been a major recipient for a number of years. Since 1996, integrated rural development has been the biggest recipient, with main focus on human resource development. Assistance from the NGO community has increased more than ten times from USD 1.3 M in 1986 to more than USD 16 M in 1996 (UNDP, 1998).

3. LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Decree No 71/PM of April 28, 1998, pursuant to Law 01/95 and made public in English in May 1999, gives the administrative framework for the operations on international NGOs in Lao PDR. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall outline detailed regulations and recommendations on the application of this decree, which contains information pertaining to operations, rights and obligations of international NGOs as well as minimum budget specifications.

All matters pertaining to the activities of international NGOs are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of International Organisations.

According to the Constitution, adopted in 1991, it is possible to form associations and organisations, however no law exists to implement the Constitution when it comes to local NGOs, which are still to be recognised by the government. The few organisations which internationally could be defined as NGOs, and receive financial support from international NGOs, are registered in line ministries in other capacities.

4. COORDINATION

4.1 Government-NGOs

Projects suggested by the NGOs for implementation have to be approved by the line Ministry, whereupon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues official approval. The NGO personnel will then be designated to line ministries, departments or government agencies. These authorities will have a say in the planning, implementing and monitoring of the projects. The government has shown some openness to decentralising decisions regarding community development supported by NGOs. Contracts for NGO development projects go through provincial and district authorities. Some, confusion over the new procedures, however, still exists Page 3 of 9

and has led to major delays for many projects.

A Memorandum of Understanding is signed between the NGO and the government agency responsible for overseeing of the project.

The Government has a tight control on who is working in the NGOs, which e.g. are requested to hand in three candidates when selecting new international staff. Decision on whom to employ is made by the Government. This also goes for short-term consultants who will need a go ahead from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs based on the recommendation of the line ministry. The approval of new projects and the decision on employment often takes long time and the mechanism is considered bureaucratic by the NGOs.

Matters related to aid management, monitoring, supervising and managing foreign grants and loan-assisted projects are designated to the newly constituted Committee for Investment and Foreign Economic Co- operation (CIFEC). Functions related to planning and statistical co-ordination are assigned to the newly created State Planning committee (SPC).

A Directory of NGOs present in Lao was published in 1997. An updated version will be due in July 1999.

4.2 Networking among the NGOs

Networking among the international NGOs is fairly weak, although the NGO community has made efforts to co-ordinate activities and exchange ideas.

To improve co-ordination between NGOs, Government and other organisations an NGO Forum existed between May 1994 and August 1996 when the permission to operate was withdrawn by the Government with reference to the regulations to be drafted by the Government for the NGOs. Co-ordination between NGOs has thereafter been done through informal meetings and sectoral co-ordination group meetings. Some of these groups were established in the beginning of the 90’s. Participating in these sectoral groups are NGO staff, and especially their Lao staff, personnel from other international organisations and government staff.

The following sectoral groups have been established:

Community Health Action Modular Participatory Approach (CHAMPA)

Gender Development Group (GDG)

HIV/AIDS Group

Lao Training Network (LTN)

Sustainable Agricultural Forum (SAF)

Technical Advisory Group (TAG)

SAF; Sustainable Agriculture Forum

SAF, which was established in 1991, is a membership organisation project providing training, workshops and study tours to community development workers promoting sustainable agriculture. Members of SAF are: CUSO, working in Laos since 1989; Community Aid Abroad (CAA), supporting community-based rural development initiatives since 1988; CIDSE, operating in Laos since 1978; Japan International Volunteer Centre (JVC) working in Laos since 1988, and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) active in Laos since 1975. SAF is networking with Terra in Thailand and IIRR (International Institute for Rural Reconstruction) in the Philippines.

CHAMPA Community Health Action Modular Participatory Approach

CHAMPA, which started in 1990 as a project under CIDSE, still remains under the legal umbrella of CIDSE, although it is independent in terms of funding and management, and is looking for funding from international NGOs outside Lao PDR. A consortium of approximately 15 NGOs support CHAMPA, which has developed a national training strategy for village health volunteers. CHAMPA is networking within the CIDSE system. Page 4 of 9

The Gender Development Group

To foster good relations and development for women, the Gender Development Group (formerly WID Group) meets regularly to discuss gender issues and to improve co-ordination and co-operation among NGOs, international organisations and the Lao Women’s Union. The group is under the umbrella of World Education.

HIV/AIDS Working Group

Co-ordinates and shares information on HIV and Aids among NGOs, international organisations and Government officials. The group meets every three months.

Lao Training Network

Meets monthly to share experiences on training.

Technical Advisory Group

Networks among the NGOs and other projects working with irrigation schemes.

Different forms of regional networking exists; several of the international NGOs have regional linkages to draw experience from other programmes in the region, some of them regularly exchange views and experiences with colleagues in sister organisations in neighbouring countries. These are e.g. Care, Save the Children, Oxfam, Action Faim, Food for the Hungry, NCA and CIDSE. E.g. NCA, which has established a Regional Office in Vientiane, and is developing a NCA Regional AIDS Strategy through a network of individuals and institutions in Lao PDR, Vietnam and Thailand and Myanmar. Co-operation with Cambodia will start this year.

In addition the networking with sister organisations other forms of regional networking exist, e.g. TERRA of Thailand is which together with CUSO, Lao providing financial support to CFSU, the Community Forest Support Group with CFP (The Community Forest Project) as an extension. CFP was established by the Department of Forestry, being the implementing agency, to support Community Forestry Activities.

5. ROLE OF NGOs

5.1 International NGOs

Today there are some 80 international NGOs working in Lao PDR, either directly in projects financed by their own organisations or as executing agencies for or in co-operation with bilateral or multilateral donors or funders. Most of them have started operations during the 90’s.

The international NGOs in Lao PDR, work closely with government counterparts, mainly with the local government but also national level and primarily through the Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry, Health, Education, and the local organisations Lao Red Cross, Lao Women’s Union and to a growing extent with the Lao Youth Union.

In the past the work consisted of support to infrastructure development in rural areas as well on health, humanitarian aid and relief, although agriculture also has been a major recipient for a number of years. Today, integrated rural development is the biggest recipient, with main focus on human resource development. Strengthening the capacity of Lao partner-organisations, government as well as private is considered a focal point.

In order to engage more Lao citizens in NGO work, many international NGOs are involving their local colleagues directly in the operation of their organisations’ programmes and in two cases the international NGOs are run by Lao citizens. Since 1997, CIDSE’s (Comite International pour le Development et la Solidarite) country representative and core management team consists of local LAO nationals. This is a result of CIDSE’s policy of encouraging local initiatives, the government’s supportive attitude, and the team’s organisational and management capacity. Also Community Aid Abroad, CAA, is headed by a Lao citizen. The government has recognised the benefits. Page 5 of 9

NGOs have recognised the importance of women issues and gender matters and two NGOs, i.e. CAA and SCF-A are working with Lao Women’s Union at central level while e.g. Japanese Volunteer Committee (JVS), Quaker Services Laos (QSL), Save the Children Australia (SCFA), World Education (WE) and Family Planning International Assistance (FPIA), CIDSE, SCF-UK, NCA and ESF work closely with local LWU units, incorporating women-s concerns into their work both at provincial and lover levels. Many of these projects have provided funds to women for vocational training, improvement of agricultural production, animal husbandry and handicrafts; health education on basic hygiene and sanitation; environmental protection; and non-formal education for improvement of literacy and life skills. More recently, activities have been developed which specifically target gender issues.

Pure advocacy NGOs as e.g. in the neighbouring countries of Thailand and Cambodia are not present in Lao PDR. The Government expects the NGOs to work in accordance with Government’s political framework and do not accept critical voicing. However, introducing new ways of approaches, innovations and development models is accepted.

NGO assistance has been relatively province directed. The major recipients of NGO assistance during 1997 were Vientiane province and municipality, and the provinces of Phongsaly, Savannakhet and Sayaboury.

Several NGOs implement projects or project components with financing from bilateral and multilateral agencies.

Among the largest NGO contributors are World Vision, Care International, The Consortium, Handicap International, Mines Advisory Group, Norwegian Church Aid, Quaker Service, and Save the Children- Australia.

5.2 International NGOs at selected watersheds

The Lao mission to the RETA 5771 Mid Term Review meeting in February 1999 selected three watersheds to be short-listed and further studied. These watersheds are Nam Ou in the province of Phongsaly, Se Kong in Attapeu, and Nam Beng in Oudomxay province, with Nam Ou as first priority. Several NGOs are working in these provinces, mainly with health and capacity building. The watershed of Nam Ou, located in Phongsaly province is considered as the first priority of the watersheds. In addition the location for one possible regional project between Lao PDR and Vietnam was identified in the Nam Ou watershed. Several NGOs with a long history in Lao PDR work in these provinces.

5.2.1 Phongsaly province

The Mennonite Central Committee, which started operating in Lao PDR already in 1975, is involved in integrated rural development activities as well as in strengthening the capacity of district Government staff and Lao MCC staff. Save the Children UK, which also has a long history in Lao PDR – since 1972 – is supporting Lao PDR through an education programme which assists the implementation of Government reforms in upgrading teaching skills, school improvement and management and strengthening co-operation between schools and community. SCF UK has a pre-school in-service training. The Church World Service is assisting in the development of rural minority villages through non-formal education activities and programmes which upgrade and train primary school teachers.

Save the Children, Australia Economic development; small micro credit programme

Church World Service Human resources development; assistance to a ethnic minority Boarding school

Mennonite Central Committee Human resources development; support to primary schools, training Health: malaria protection, birth spacing, clean water, TBC, training Agriculture, forestry, fisheries: integrated rural development

Save the Children Fund, UK Human Resources development; pre-school in-service training

Enfants et Developpement Health; technical support

Source: Directory of NGOs in the Lao PDR, 1997 Page 6 of 9

5.2.2 Attapeu province

Several NGOs are operating in Attapeu province with issues mainly concerning health and human resource development.

Health Unlimited is strengthening the provincial primary health systems through training and upgrading health facilities. HU is also implementing a malaria programme.

The strategy is to work at all levels within the province. The International Red Cross Federation as well as The Netherlands Red Cross are both operating in the region, providing support to Lao Red Cross in its priority programmes.

Norwegian Church Aid Area development; Phouvong capacity building project Human resource development;

Health Unlimited Human resource development Health; Training of medical staff

IFRC, Switzerland Human Resource Development and economic development; training Lao Red Cross Women’s Committees Health and social development; HIV/AIDS education, Lao Red Cross Youth Programme Humanitarian , Disaster Preparedness and Relief

Japan Sotoshu Relief Committee Human Resource Development; distribution of environment equipment to improve quality of education in schools

Netherlands Red Cross Supporting Lao Red Cross in its branch development Programme incl. self help development activities

Save the Children Fund, UK Human Resource Development; In-service training of teachers and administrators

World Education International Human Resource Development; community education

Damien Foundation Belgium Health; support to the national TBC programme

Source: Directory of NGOs in the Lao PDR, 1997

5.2.3 Oudomxay province

Also in Oudomxay province the main NGO activities concern health and capacity strengthening. Within the health sector Care International, Enfants d’Ailleurs and Swiss Red Cross. Ed’A is implementing a health project with the aim of improving the medical situation of mothers and children in two districts. The project operates at provincial, district and village level.

Church World Service is assisting in the development of rural minority villages through non-formal education activities in order to upgrade and train primary school teachers. Also Ecole sans Frontier, ESF, work with non- formal education, e.g. training of trainers in literacy courses, and education and training on Credit and Agriculture.

Forages for Smallholders Project works with the development of local systems of supply of planting material, and training in forage agronomy, seed production and supply. The Quaker Service Laos, which began its work in Laos in 1973, has two programmes in the province; A Community Development Programme which supports villagers to identify, develop, implement and evaluate their own community development plans, and a Small Scale Irrigation programme, which aims at helping farmers plan, construct and manage irrigation systems.

Damien Foundation Belgium Health; support to the national TBC programme Care International Health; Sexually Transmitted diseases Education Material Proj. Enfants d’Ailleurs Health; improved health for mothers and children Page 7 of 9

Swiss Red Cross Health; training Red Cross Volunteers and Community Church World Service Human Resource Development; teacher upgrading Ecole sans Frontier Human Resource Development; training on credit and Agriculture, training of trainers for literacy courses Forages for Smallholders Project Human Resources Development; training in Forage Agronomy, Seed production and Supply Agriculture, forestry, fisheries; development of local systems of supply of planting materials. Participatory development of forage technologies Japan Sotoshu Relief Committee Human Resource Development; development and distribution of teaching materials for environment education Quaker Service Laos Agriculture, forestry, fisheries; Community development programme Area development; Small scale irrigation programme

Source: Directory of NGOs in the Lao PDR, 1997

5.3 Local organisations

According to the Constitution, community-based organisations, associations and foundations can be established in Lao PDR on a voluntary and financially self-supporting basis. Some professional associations, trade associations, religious associations, farmers associations, Red Cross etc are operating, however only few some non-profit development oriented organisations are present.

One reason for this is that the Government does not yet approve of or understand the concept of local NGOs. E.g. the non-profit aspect has led to discussions regarding taxation. As some mistrust towards the NGO community in general exists, the local organisations fear that voicing their views will be considered negatively by the government. They are not very happy to be quoted and prefer to work in isolation. Also their interest to work with a loan -funded project is limited. Among those few organisations working with development matters and who operate like NGOs are e.g. the Participatory Approach Training Centre, the Credit Group and the Handicap Association.

However, in addition to these groups several mass organisations participate in development matters. They are closely linked to the Party and have a network stretching from top level down to grassroots level.

Due to shortage of trained people in Lao, all local organisations face problems caused by lack of capacity, competence and professionalism. This becomes more evident today, when the growing number of internationally funded development projects are draining the resources of qualified staff.

Among the mass organisations, i.e. Lao Women’s Union, Lao Youth Organisation, Lao Patriotic Front for Reconstruction, Lao Trade Union, the Women’s Union is of special interest for RETA 5771 as the Government has specifically entrusted them with the task of upgrading the role and status of women and actively involving them in the development process.

The Lao Women ’s Union

Lao Women’s Union is constitutionally recognised as the country’s sole women’s organisation with an institutional network throughout the country. As LWU has the responsibility for overseeing the implementation of programmes related to women’s development it co-operates closely with other ministries, international donors including NGOs. Not all NGOs, however, go through LWU.

From being a purely political organisation funded by the Government, LWU has moved to development work at grassroots level. The government subsidies have been cut down and LWU is looking for funding elsewhere. The union has an extensive grassroots network and reaches more than half of the adult population.

The Union has offices in the provinces as well as the districts. The staff is trained in participatory working methods, project planning, implementation and monitoring.

Gender Resource Information and Development Centres Page 8 of 9

LWU is responsible for establishing Gender Resource Information and Development Centres in four provinces i.e. in Vientiane Municipality, Savannakhet, Sayaboury and Xiengkhuoang. The project, which is funded by UNDP and NORAD, was approved by the Government in 1997. The centres will e.g. share information and experiences on gender matters, promote gender knowledge through training and mass media campaigns. Each GRID centre will have a resource library. The gathering of gender disaggregated data will be undertaken in co-operation with National Statistics Centre.

6. CONCLUSIONS

6.1 General Conclusions

The development of NGO activities in Lao PDR has been slower than in the neighbouring countries but the number has grown steadily during the last few years parallel with an increased understanding of their importance from Government’s side. There are today more than 80 international NGOs present in the country.

Legislation governing the work of international NGOs has recently been approved, although not yet officially published. The NGOs have not been consulted in the work. Local NGOs are not yet recognised.

There is a lack of systematic studies on NGO issues in Lao PDR and it is therefore difficult to assess their contribution to the development process in the country. However experience from other countries in the region has given ample proof of the very valuable work done by the NGO community. The benefits of their work at grass roots level and the close co-operation with government officials in this work including the aspect of built in capacity strengthening should be recognised as value added.

The relationship between the NGOs and the Government seems a bit strained, this experience was also noted when preparing the ADB’s shifting cultivation project, and this has had an impact on the possibilities of forming umbrella organisations and networking thus lessening the possibilities of cooperation and exchange of experience.

Some of the international NGOs have mentioned the bureaucratic procedures and slow process of approval of projects and personnel as obstacles in their work. Also budgetary aspects, i.e. the decision that TA should be less than 50 % of the budget, and the say from local decision makers in matters concerning planning, financing and implementation of the NGO projects, are according to some of the smaller NGOs issues difficult to handle.

Although the mass organisations have a strong organisational network and are able to work with national and international organisations, they still face difficulties caused by lack of competent staff/members. This has also an impact on their possibilities of participating in the process of developing new and innovative models for development; a work, which in neighbouring countries is carried out by e.g. the local non-governmental organisations.

Quite a number of the NGOs have collaborated with multilateral donors, either by being the implementing agency for specific projects or by receiving funding for special activities or components

6.2 Co-operation with RETA 5771

Some NGOs have expressed a clear interest in co-operating with RETA 5771, however there are also organisations which are reluctant to work in projects supported with loan funding, referring to the big investment programmes funded by the Banks. The interest of the mass organisations seems to be a bit unclear. In discussions between RETA 5771 and the Lao Women’s Union they expressed no objection to work with a bank project, however, they have proved to be more negative in discussions with some other bank projects.

Some of the NGOs expressing a general interest in working with RETA 5771 emphasised that their resources are scarce and they are usually fully occupied with their own activities, however if the objectives of RETA are in line with their own philosophy and their objectives co-operation in some form is of interest. Page 9 of 9

The NGOs have widely varying capacities to implement project activities and there is need for further discussions with the NGO community regarding co-operation and the modalities involved when there is a clearer picture of the future project.

They see their role in a future co-operation as sub-consultants on special subjects, managers of sub- projects, implementing partners and trainers. And mention fields such as community development, environmental management, health, water, PRA and methodology approach.

The engagement of NGOs in the project has to be assessed depending on the components the future project will include. In a long term involvement of an NGO, the possibilities to include the organisation as a partner or a sub-consultant should be considered. This would have an impact on the overall understanding of the development context and enhance the policy dialogue on poverty alleviation and environmental issues.

The engagement of NGOs in the project has, however, to be seen in the light of the following comment mentioned in the ADB study on NGOs in Lao:" as Bank projects are awarded through competitive bidding, NGOs are ruled out from direct involvement because they are not permitted by the Lao Government to undertake any commercial activities in the country. NGOs are regarded as tax/exempt donors but the Lao Government, and the Government considers competitive bidding as commercial activity. Hence, their local staff and expatriate staff cannot undertake any commercial activities in the country. If NGO involvement is included for the tender of technical assistance projects, NGO staff included cannot be based in the country." The UNDP is for example sub-contracting INGOs based in Laos, Bangladesh and Thailand. How strict the Government is following the rule stated above is unclear. There are cases when exceptions have been made and there are cases when the Government directly has asked that certain NGOs be involved in specific projects. Some of the NGOs, however stress that it would benefit their work if the NGO input is mentioned at an early stage of the project planning, as permission to expand their work to co-operation with other donors must be granted by the Government. There is a need for the Bank to negotiate with the Government the possibility mechanism needed for including NGOs in Bank projects.

In addition to operational collaboration, the project should consider the possibility of having a consultative group consisting of NGOs and other organisations with an interest in the project objectives, for discussions on methods and policies.

REFERENCES

The country report is based on interviews and the following literature:

1. Directory of NGOs in the Lao PDR. 1997

2. Development Co-operation Report 1997. UNDP. Vientiane April 1998.

3. Country Report on Women in the Lao PDR. National preparation Committee for the 4th World Conference on Women .Beijing 1995

4. Jacquelin Chagnon. Women in Development. Lao PDR. Asian Development Bank. July 1996

5. Asian Development Bank. Shifting Cultivation Project.

6. Loes Schenk-Sandbergen and Outhaki Choulamany-Kamphoui. Women in rice fields and offices: irrigation in Lao. Gender specific case-studies in four villages. Empowerment. 1995

7. Asian Development Bank. NGOs in Lao. Draft

8. Various booklets and Annual reports Page 1 of 11

Regional Environmental Technical Assistance 5771 Poverty Reduction & Environmental Management in Remote Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Watersheds Project (Phase I)

Annexes to

NGOs in the GMS – Involvement Related to Poverty Alleviation and Watershed Mangement in Lao PDR

By Gunilla Riska

CONTENTS

A. ANNEX I: REVIEW OF SOME NGOs IN LAO PDR

1. Summary

2. Questionnaire

B ANNEX II: DECREE ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF NGOs

A. ANNEX I: REVIEW OF SOME NGOs IN LAO PDR

A study on some NGOs in Lao PDR has been carried out by a local researcher, Noukone One -Vathana, of Lao Montgomery Watson. Emphasise was on contacting organisations working in line with the objectives of RETA 5771 with the aim to get an understanding of their capacity and interest to cooperate with the project.

The total number of environmental and development NGOs included in the review was 22. A letter of introduction, project description and a questionnaire form to be filled in was sent to all. Filled in questionnaires were received from 7 organisations. In addition the researcher interviewed local staff of 12 organisations. The summary includes information from both the questionnaires and the interviews. The filled in questionnaires are included.

1. SUMMARY

1.1 List of NGOs based at Vientiane Received the questionnaires and responded

No. Abbreviations Acronyms 1. NCA Norwegian Church Aid (Norway) 2. CUSO Canadian Volunteer Organization 3. ZOA ZOA (The Netherland) 4. OXFAM Oxfam Solidarity Belgium 5. CIDSE Cooperation International pour le Development et la Solidarite 6. JVC Japan International Volunteer Center Page 2 of 11

7. CWS Church World Service 8. CONSORTIUM The Consortium (USA) 9. CARE Care International (Australia) 10. CAA Community Aid Abroad (Australia) 11. CONCERN Concern Worldwide (Ireland) 12. FHI Food for the Hungry International (Switzerland) 13. QSL Quaker Service Laos 14. Action Faime Action contre la Faime 15. SCA Save the Children Australia 16. WEI Wold Education International 17. WC Wold Concern 18. SCF(UK) Save the Children Fund (England) 19. MCC Mennonite Central Committee

1.2 Objectives of the NGOs

No. Objectives % 1. Promote and develop social and quality of life 13 2. Develop human and PO to be strength 12 3. Promote integrated agriculture 7,5 4. Promote other vocations which help farmers increase their incomes 7 5. Develop farmers and rural social to be self-reliance 8 6. Link the cooperation in form of CO insetting their goals, solving the problems 12 and protecting their own and their communities’ benefits 7. Promote villagers in sustainable natural resources management 5 8. Provide farmers the opportunities to know the appropriated agricultural 7,5 technology 9. Promote CO to strengthen forest management 5 10. Cooperation between Public and private sections in resources management 1 11. Promote and develop leader 10 12. Promote and develop farmer group working 6 13. Develop local environment and culture 6 Total 100

1.3. Type and number of NGOs for each decade (in LAOS)

Registered Year Association Foundation Non registered Total 1971-1980 3 1981-1990 10 1991-now 6 Total 19 19 Page 3 of 11

1.4. Number of NGO staff in respondent organizations (Expatriate and National)

Organization No. of NGOs staff No. of NGO Mean Range Small 1-10 persons 5 5,6 3-8 Medium 11-20 persons 7 20,7 11-18 Large 20 + persons 7 27 23-47 Total 19 17,7

1.5. Interested to work with RETA

Answer No. of NGOs Note

Yes with condition 5 In principle yes, but it would depend on what type of project, where, under which condition etc. At this first phase it is not so clear what our contribution could be, but maybe in Ph II. Depends how cooperation is defined, what would be expected from NCA in terms of inputs, how much time would be needed from existing staff, tend to be reserved towards taking on more CUSO Lao PDR feels that we would both benefit RETA through our participation and benefit our programming by participating in this project. We look forward to hearing from you in these regards. If it’s possible to include it in the program we have with our partners Yes with out condition 1

No 3 At this point, there would appear to be little overlap in our respective areas of focus. We happy to talk with you but do not see close cooperation as a possibility at this point on a project. No answer 10 Total 19

1.6. Form of cooperation

Form of cooperation % 1. Consultant 19 2. Training 24 3. Other In field of clean water supply 4,7 Health education 4,7

Food security/rural development- agriculture 4,7 Manage sub-project 4,7 Page 4 of 11

Partnership 4,7 Forum for exchange of experience 4,7 Did not provide any detail 14 Networking 4,7 4. No answer 9,6 Total 100

1.7. Expectation in Working with RETA

Expectation % 1. Implementing partner 10,52 2. Exchange of information and further develop cooperation 21,05 3. Can not indicate on the basis of available information about the project 5,26 4. Any way (Training, seminar, project cooperation, exchanging experiences, 15,78 Technical and technology support, etc.) 6. Information / Counterpart 15,78 7. Coordination 5,26 6. No mentioned 26,31 Total 100

1.8 Budget range of organizations responding per year

Year Budget range (min.-max.) US$ 1998 83,000 - 1,500.00 1999 83,000 – 2,000.000

1.9 NGOs Budget (US $)

No. NGOs’ size 1998’s Budget 1999’s Budget Source of Budget 1. large 1,225.000 2,000.000 Foreign 2. small 360,000 220,000 Foreign 3. large 330,000 400,000 Foreign 4. small 130,000 100,000 Foreign 5. medium 650,000 600,000 Foreign 6. small 83,000 83,000 Foreign 7. small 200,000 200,000 Foreign 8. large 800,000 800,000 Foreign 9. large 1,500.000 1,500.000 Foreign 10. medium 251,000 251,000 Foreign 11. large 320,000 320,000 Foreign Page 5 of 11

12. medium 250,000 250,000 Foreign 13. medium 600,000 600,000 Foreign 14. large 500,000 500,000 Foreign 15. medium 850,000 850,000 Foreign 16. small 175,000 175,000 Foreign 17. large 350,000 350,000 Foreign 18. medium 500,000 500,000 Foreign 19. medium 306,000 306,000 Foreign Total 9,380.000 10,005.000

(note: The budget for 1999 must be check again)

1.10 NGOs’ Address; Objective & Activities

No. NGO Objective Activities

1. Norwegian Church Aid. 1. Support the people in developing 1. AIDS Prevention and Control countries in their struggle for the freedom That Luang Road from poverty 2. Drug Demand and Supply Reduction Programme Nong Bone, Xaysetha 2. Organizational & Institutional Development 3. Nong District Development Vientiane LAOS 3. Strengthening of Human Resources 4. Capacity Building Phone: (856)(21)413867 4. Sustainable Livelihoods Fax: (856)(21)413867

2. Canadian Volunteer 1. To Support alliance for global social 1. Community Forest Support Unit Organization justice 2. Forest Resource Management 042 Beung Khayong Tay No.4 2. To strive for freedom, self-determination, Project Sisattanak gender equality, and cultural survival. Achieving goals by sharing information, 3. Native Pig Extension Project Vientiane LAOS human and material resources, and by promoting policies for developing global sustainability. 4. Support and Develop Training Phone: (856)(21)314630 for Fisheries Technicians

Fax: (856)(21)313755 5. Sustainable Upland Agriculture Project

3. ZOA (The Netherland) 1. To provide assistance to refugees 1. Education Development for Ethnic Minority Villages Si Amphone Road, 2. To displace persons, and victims of natural disasters regardless of race, sex, 2. Reintegration Assistance Km 3 Thadeua Road religion or politics Project

Watnark, Vientiane LAOS 3. Skills Training and Revolving Funds Project Phone: (856)(21)313071

Fax: (856)(21)313945

4. Oxfam Solidarity Belgium 1. To improve living conditions in target 1. Rural development project area (Agriculture, Forestry and 250/14 Siamphone Road Fisheries Area Development) Page 6 of 11

Km3 Thadeua Watnak, 2. Focusing on agriculture production, irrigation and health Vientiane LAOS 3. Income generation with a minor Phone: (856)(21)313838 Agricultural component

Fax: (856)(21)313979

5. Cooperation International pour 1. To integrate human development in the 1. Co-funding the Lao Community le Development et la Solidarite fields of sustainable agriculture, forestry, Fisheries and Dolphin Protection (CIDSE) health, water usage and education which is Project (Area development natural sustainable, participatory and appropriate resources) 19/3 Chao Anou Road 2. Participation of the poorest with a 2. Community Awareness Vientiane LAOS special emphasis on women and ethnic Component of the (mines advisory peoples in the development process in the group)MAG’s Xiengkhuang, Lao PDR Unexploded Ordanance UXO Phone: (856)(21)214862 (Humanitarian Disaster, 3. Strengthening of people’s organizations Preparedness and Relief) Fax: (856)(21)216312 and assistance to villagers with a view of helping them to participate in their own 3. Community Health Action development Modular Participatory Approach (CHAMPA) 4. To increase understanding and involvement of the government of Lao PDR 4. Integrated Training and in sustainable development Community Development Programme ( Agriculture, Forestry 5. Building of networks both inside and and Fisheries, Human Resources outside the Lao PDR in order to share Development) experiences in development field 5. Micro Project Fund

6. Self-help Rural Development Project ( Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Human Resources Development)

7. Promotion of sustainable agriculture in the secondary agricultural schools ( Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Human Resources Development)

8. Training and information development

9. Sustainable agriculture experimentation

6. Japan International Volunteer 1. Capacity building of rural people as well 1. Community Forest (Natural Center (JVC) as of local officials resources and Human resources development) 342 Sisangvone Road 2. Conservation and community-based management of natural resources 2. Natural dyeing & weavers- Ban Naxay, Xaysetha grouping (Area development and 3. Gender equity and collective self- Social development) Vientiane LAOS reliance 3. Rice Bank (Human resources development) Phone: (856)(21)413942 4. Skill Training (Area Fax: (856)(21)413083 development, Agriculture, Forestry and fisheries)

5. Training on Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Page 7 of 11

7. Church World Service 1. To assist in the development of rural 1. Children in difficult minority villages through non-formal circumstance (CEDC) 74/2 Fa Ngum Road education activities and programs which upgrade and train primary school teachers 2. Emergency Relief Vientiane LAOS (Humanitarian disaster preparedness and relief) Phone: (856)(21)212785 3. Ethnic Minority Boarding School (Human Resources Development) Fax: (856)(21)212786 4. Non Formal education and Teacher Upgrading (Human Resources Development)

8. The Consortium (USA) 1. Work on refugee reintegration as an 1. Adult Literacy, Education, implementing partner of UNHCR and Childcare, Centers English 10 Fa Ngum Road implementation of other development Training initiatives with a focus on local capacity building and participatory community Ban Phiawat, Sisattanak 2. Education for Prevention of development Unexploded Ordanance (UXO) Accidents Vientiane LAOS 3. Food Security for Repatriates Phone: (856)(21)214524 and Neighboring Villagers

Fax: (856)(21)217553 4. Irrigation/Promotion of Food Security

5. Micro-Credit / Revolving Loan Funds, Small Business Training for Women (Economic Development)

6. Upgrading Health Care System to Better Assist War Ordnance Victims

7. Water Supply Sanitation, Malaria Prevention, Village Health Worker (VHW) Training, etc

9. Care International (Australia) 1. To provide the means for sustainable 1. Border Area HIV/AIDS self-held in the communities of lesser Prevention Project 139/17 hong Toum Road developed countries 2. Food for work/Flood Ban Thong Toum Emergency Food

Vientiane LAOS 3. Forest Management and Conservation Project Phone: (856)(21)217988 4. Non-Timber Forest Products Project 217727 5. Environmental Agriculture 212991 Renewal Project

Fax: (856)(21)212991 6. School Nutrition Project

7. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Education Materials Project

8. Women’s Employment Development Project

10. Community Aid Abroad 1. To aim at alleviating poverty through 1. Constructing and Upgrading of (Australia) sustainable community- based small-scale irrigation facilities and development clean water system Page 8 of 11

Siamphone Road 2. To Provide and facilitates appropriate 2. Facilitate opportunities for training, exposure and other learning women to undertake exchange Km3 Thadeua Road opportunities for Government counterpart visits and study tours staff at all levels and villagers on many aspects specific subject and on social Vientiane LAOS 3. Implementation of technical and aspect through community development training activities with emphasis activities including participatory on traditional knowledge Phone: (856)(21)214524 approaches for data collection and analysis, programs planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation 4. Promoting the development of Fax: (856)(21)217553 sustainable village and district institutions, include micro credit activities

5. Supporting further development of women’s handicraft activities

6. Supporting Lao Women’s Union undertake PRA studies in target villages

7. Training farmers and district officials appropriate agriculture techniques

8. Training workshops for key Lao Women’s Union counterparts

11. Concern Worldwide (Ireland) 1. To assist and advancement of poor 1. Activities Aimed at Especially people in less developed countries Vulnerable Individuals 32/4 Ban Haisok (Repatriation) 2. Active in disaster relief, emergency Chanthabuly situations and in long term development 2. Agricultural Development work Vientiane LAOS 3. Monitoring and Evaluation of 3. Support the poorest people of the Technical Assistance Activities targets communities by encouraging active Phone: (856)(21)213578 participation at every stage of project 4. Multi-sectoral Activities in planning and implementation villages near Repatriation Site Fax: (856)(21)213577 To work with people regardless of religion, 5. Resettlement of Laotiane race sax, nationality, political or cultural Refugees beliefs 6. Rural Development Program Activities

12. Food for the Hungry 1. To work with poor people to overcome 1. Clean water, Wells an Gravity- International (Switzerland) hunger and poverty through integrated fed system self-development and relief where 039 Ban Hatsade necessary. 2. Adult literacy mobile libraries and facility improvement Chanthabuly 2. Focuses on human needs related to food security and nutrition 3. Irrigation concrete weirs and Vientiane LAOS canals 3. Long-term development among the extremely poor, stressing community Phone: (856)(21)217281 4. Primary health care training and participation and self-reliance revolving fund for medicine Fax: (856)(21)214797 5. Sustainable farming, Introducing of cash crops

13. Quaker Service Laos 1. Aim to help farmers plan, construct and 1. Community development manage irrigation systems program Sokpaluang Sisattanak 2. To support the villagers to identify, 2. Emergency program Vientiane LAOS develop, implement and evaluate their own (Humanitarian, Disaster community development plans Preparedness and Relief) Page 9 of 11

Phone: (856)(21)312510 3. Activities have included food security, 3. Small Scale Irrigation Program family economy, women’s activities, health Fax: (856)(21)314370 and education 4. Supporting a Variety of Small Scale Community-Initiated Proposals

14. Action contre la Faime 1. Treat malnutrition in its therapy and 1. Rice and tools distributions for supplement feeding centers, control and villages affected by floods 374 Nong Bone Road prevent malnutrition through survey 2. Water Supply and Hygiene Ban Phonxay, Xaysetha 2. Carry out food distributions, organize Education resettlement of refugees and internal displaced people, and strengthen family Vientiane LAOS economy by training, rural development programs, seeds and tools distributions Phone: (856)(21)414899 3. As access to medical care is as vital as Fax: (856)(21)414899 access to food, set up Mother and Child (MCH) actions (immunization) and Public health programs

4. Ensure access to drinking water through drilling wells, gravity feed systems and clean up works. The maintenance of installations is assured by local staff training and population awareness of drinking water

15. Save the Children Australia 1. To dedicate and uphold the declaration 1. Integrate village development on rights of the children, embody four (Area development, Human Saphanthong Road principles-survival, protection development resources development) and participation Ban Saphanthong 2. Micro-Credit/ Income 2. Aims to ensure that children, regardless Generating Activities (IGA) of race, country of origin or religious belief, Vientiane LAOS have the means for survival, receive 3. Primary Health Care adequate nutrition, primary health care and Phone: (856)(21)313837 basic education

Fax: (856)(21)415432 3. To support these principles through: * the implementation of development assistance programs overseas and in Australia * advocacy and education concerning issues which relate to the rights of children

16. World Education International 1. To develop, support and implement 1. Community Education programs for disadvantaged populations in Phone: (856)(21)213059 the area of adult, non-formal education. 2. Strengthening Rural Women’s Education is not simply the ability to read Socio-Economic Position and write, but rather the ability to make Fax: (856)(21)213059 changes in one’s life, society and nation 3. Women’s Opportunities for Income Generation 2. Capacity-building for local Government staff. Increasingly, the organization is focusing on health education, women’s socio-economic development and empowerment, and gender issues

17. World Concern 1. To promote in self-help development, 1. Participatory Rural health care, emergency relief and Development Project 359 Ban Phon Sai rehabilitation programs in the developing countries of the world 2. Primary Health Care/Clean Xaysetha Water 2. To work as a funding and resource agency to enable the recipients in Third Vientiane LAOS 3. Community Based world countries to achieve self- sufficiency Rehabilitation Project and economic independence through Phone: (856)(21)414987 integrated community development Page 10 of 11

Fax: (856)(21)414234

18. Save the Children Fund 1. To assist the implementation of the 1. Action Research in Education (England) Government reforms in the upgrading of teaching skills 2. Core Skill Training to Equip 003/5, Unit 1 People Who Work with Young 2. Schools improvement and management People Ban Hai Sok and strengthening cooperation between schools and the community with the 3. Development of Integrated objective of making school a child focused, Education Vientiane LAOS relevant place for learning

Phone: (856)(21)212351 4. Health Education in Primary 3. To improve the health and well being of Schools children and women of reproductive age 216744 and to strengthen the capacity of the oral health team and to foster the sustainability 5. In-Service Training for of the preventive programs in the primary Unqualified Primary School 216286 school Teachers

Fax: (856)(21)216285 4. To advocate and implements strategies 6. In-Service Training for teachers which support the convention on rights of and administrators the child through activities which support protection and encourage the participation 7. Juvenile Justice Advocacy by children in decisions which affect them 8. Management Training & Support at Provincial, District Levels

9. Participatory Research the Needs and Perceptions of Young People

10. Training on Delivery Care, Growth Monitoring

11. School Support (toilets, wells, and constructions)

19. Mennonite Central Committee 1. To co-operate with the Government in 1. Alley Cropping – Farming implementing integrated rural development Methods towards Stable Farming 143 Phonsavanh activities System

Ban Tay 2. To strengthen and improve agriculture, 2. Birth Spacing Program – health, and education facilities as well as Provide Training Motivation and the economic capacity of the villagers; Supplies Vientiane LAOS while at the same time providing support and strengthening the capacity of district 3. Community Forestry – for Phone: (856)(21)312901 government team Improved Conservation

312625 3. To support some small-scale 4. District health care support – development initiatives (micro-projects) Financial and Transport outside the integrated development Assistance Fax: (856)(21)312901 activities when a need is identified either by the villagers or district Government 5. Financial Support to Mines Advisory Group (MAG) for 4. To provide support to war ordnance Unexploded Ordnance Clearance clean up in some province of Lao PDR 6. Livestock Care & Training and Family Gardens

7. Malaria Prevention – Provide Mosquito Nets and Training

8. Technical and Material Assistance in small scale irrigation system Page 11 of 11

Go back the Contents Page 1 of 22

2. QUESTIONNAIRE

1. CUSO (Cambodian Development Organisation)

Established in year: in Canada: 1961, In Lao PDR : 1991

Registered with: in Canada : The Government of Canada, in Lao PDR : The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Lao PDR

1. What is the philosophy of the organization

CUSO works with people striving for freedom, self-determination, gender and racial equality, and cultural survival. The organization achieves its goals by sharing information, human and material resources, and by promoting policies for developing global sustainability.

2. Which are the main areas of specialization?

CUSO’s focus in Lao PDR is on "Sustainable Rural Development". Including sustainable agriculture, community-based natural resource management strategies, participatory extension approaches, gender equity, networking and media development. Within this focus, special emphasis is put on human resource development, training, information sharing and institutional strengthening.

3. The capacity of the organization

CUSO Lao PDR supports sustainable rural development projects implemented by government partners in Vientiane municipality, Vientiane province, Salavan province and Sekong province. CUSO assists the government partners by accessing funds for projects, conducting needs assessments, implementation using participatory extension approaches, management, and evaluation and reporting.

CUSO’s main resource lies within its ability to place "cooperants" (Canadian volunteers). Highly qualified and experienced Canadians are placed, for two years as volunteers, with government partners to share their skills and knowledge with their Lao counterparts. The two way exchange is beneficial to both the development of Lao PDR and the cooperant. The cooperant can often help develop regional networks for the partner and help to access funding for projects within the government institution.

3.1 Personnels (separate full time and part time)

0. Raymond Leclair (Full time), Program Officer/Country Representative 1. Khampong Thonsavanh (Full time), Project Coordinator 2. Vacant (Full time), Cooperant Programming Assistant 3. Phoungmaly (Khamla) Chantalath (Full time), Administrative Assistant Cooperants (Canadian volunteers) 4. Michael Fennema – Community Development Advisor – That Thong Irrigation College 5. Dr. Christopher Sherrell – Agronomist – Na Keh Agricultural Training Center

3.2 Has your staff received training in special skills by participation in e.g. training courses, seminars, study tours, etc. Give details and length of training.

Khampong Thonsavanh

0. Gender – Training of Trainers (TOT)-2 weeks-Vientiane 1. PGR conservation training-SEARICE-3 weeks-Philippines 2. English-½ year-Vientiane 3. Food Security Conference-ERA consumer-Malaysia

Phoungmaly Chantalath

0. Financial Systems Course –2 months – Vientiane 1. Participatory Rural Appraisal – 1 week – Thailand 2. English – 1 year - Vientiane Page 2 of 22

3.3. Estimated annual budget 1998 and 1999

– approximately $ 220,000 (Canadian)

3.4. Funding sources : The CUSO program in Lao PDR is financed from core funds provided by the Canadian International Development Agency (Government of Canada), and from other sources including Novib (Netherlands), Diakonia (Sweden), The Canadian Embassy – Bangkok, The British Embassy – Bangkok, and various other project grants and private donations.

4. Please list co-operation with other organizations

CUSO Lao PDR also administers the Sustainable Agricultural Forum (DAF) which is a membership organization of Lao agricultural extension staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and NGO field workers who all regularly participate in workshops and training on sustainable agricultural techniques and extension methodology

CUSO Lao PDR also works indirectly with the UNDP, UNFAO, UNHCR, The World Bank, The Asian Development Bank, IDRC (Canada), ACIAR (Australia), The Canadian Embassy CUSO Lao PDR also exchanges information with other CUSO programs in the Asia/Pacific to share knowledge and experiences in offering sustainable economic alternatives to respective countries, partners and programs.

4.1 Local non-government organizations. None.

4.2 Various national authorities, such as

Central government agencies

- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Department of Agriculture Extension Department of Forestry

- Ministry of Education That Thong Irrigation College

- Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare

Provincial authorities

- Vientiane province - Agriculture Extension - Vientiane municipality - Agriculture Extension - Sekong province - Forestry, Livestock - Salavan province - Livestock - Champassak - Fisheries - Savannakhet - Agriculture Extension

District authorities

- Dakcheung, Sekong - Forestry - Vang Vieng, Vientiane - Agriculture Extension

Communes—none

4.3 International non-government organizations,

CUSO Canada works with various international non-government organizations globally which work toward offering people sustainable economic alternatives, community-based natural resource management and rights

CUSO Lao PDR works informally with various international non-government organization to share experiences in sustainable rural development such as CAA (Australia), Oxfam (Belgium), CIDSE, World Page 3 of 22

Education, PADECT, The Consortium, and Quaker Service Lao. and other international organizations: Inclusive in above.

5. In which provinces is your organization working and in which area of specialization? If you have participated in special projects please give the name of the projects and which the implementing agency was

Project: Sustainable Upland Agricultural Project Province: Vientiane municipality & Vientiane Province Area o spec: Sustainable integrated agricultural extension for upland peoples in eco- sensitive areas Implementing agency: Department of Agricultural Extension/CUSO Lao PDR Project: Community Forestry Project Province: National Area of spec Strengthening the role of communities in forest management and protection Implementing agency Department of Forestry/CUSO Lao PDR Project Native Pig Extension Project II Province Salavan province & Sekong province Area of spec. On-farm trials and extension aimed at improving native pig and livestock husbandry Implementing agency Department of Livestock and Fisheries/CUSO Lao PDR Project Forest Resource Management Project Province Dak cheung district, Sekong province Area of spec Promotion of the sustainable use of non-timber forest products Implementing agency Department of Forestry/CUSO Lao PDR Project Sustainable Agriculture Forum Province National/Regional Area of spec. Support institutional development of models for sustainable community- based forest resource management Implementing agency Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry/CUSO Lao PDR.

6. Please describe the manner in which your organization is working with village-based development and capacity building

CUSO Lao PDR assists the Government of Lao implementing community-based projects through participatory, villager-centered extension approaches. Needs assessment and participatory rural appraisal techniques identify the needs of communities. These needs are addressed by using the ideas of villagers to create sustainable rural development projects. Villagers’ input and participation in project development and implementation allows for long term sustainability.

Most projects supported by CUSO focus on sustainable rural development in terms of food security through the promotion of integrated agriculture, income generation through small enterprise development, community forest resource management, and gender awareness.

CUSO attempts to ensure that all groups in village society (gender, ethnicity & age) are involved in their own community development process.

7. Would you like co-operate with the Regional Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA).

CUSO Lao PDR feels that we would both benefit RETA through our participation and benefit our programming by participation in this project. We look forward to hearing from you in these regards. Page 4 of 22

8. What type of input could you provide:

Consultacy Follow up monthly

CUSO has experience in community development and environmental management from 41 countries for nearly 40 years. CUSO also places cooperants (Canadian Volunteers) which have excellent qualifications and experience, without the cost of high paid consultants CUSO is more than willing to recruit a cooperant to fill such a position. CUSO would be willing to cover all costs of the cooperant. CUSO is more than willing to cooperate on providing information to access our global networks and / or to provide the project with a cooperant.

Training

CUSO has both a resource center and cooperants in country, which have excellent experience in training for community development. Please feel free to access our resource center or contact one of our cooperants. CUSO also supports SAF (Sustainable Agricultural Forum) which is a membership organisation project, providing training, workshops and study tours to community development workers promoting sustainable agriculture.

Specific task, such as

CUSO is willing to assist in anyway depending on the project needs

9. What would be your expectations with regards to the above-mentioned involvement?

CUSO would hope to benefit from the exchange of information and further develop cooperation with RETA and STENO in the future

10. Are there any special restrictions/official concerns relating to your involvement in the Regional

Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA)?

No. restrictions.

11. Please give your contact information:

Name of contact person: Raymond Leclair Visiting address : 042 Ban Beung Khayong Tay #4 Post address: P.O. Box 3517, Vientiane, Lao PDR Phone/fax: 314-630 T, 313-755 F Email address: [email protected] The form has been filed in by Reymond Leclair, Program Officer/Country Representative, date Feb 12/99

2. CIDSE (Cooperation International pour le Development et la Solidarite)

Established in year: 1998 (Office opened –some funding provided before that)

Registered with: Lao Govt

1. What is the philosophy of the organization

"Vision" An improved quality equality of life for all peoples in the Lao PDR in which equality between them as well as between men and women is guaranteed and in which they are able to develop themselves in a self- reliant way. This to be arrived through integrated development which is sustainable, participatory & appropriate.

2. Which are the main areas of specialization? Page 5 of 22

Community Development (Integrated, multi-sectoral) Gender Sustainable Agriculture

3. The capacity of the organization

Organisation has capacity to implement existing programmes with current stating level

3.1 Personnel (separate full time and part time)

18 full time staff

3.2 Has your staff received training in special skills by participation in e.g. training courses, seminars, study tours, etc. Give details and length of training.

All staff receive training, based on earlier training needs assessments more recent training have included community health training skills (TOT), accountancy, using indicators in planning, monitoring & evaluation, computer skill, etc.

3.3. Estimated annual budget 1998 and 1999

Approx US $600 (both year) Funding sources: 13 member organizations in Europe, New Zealand and Canada

4. Please list co-operation with other organizations

Govt. – CIDSE works in close cooperation with Vientiane Municipality the Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, and Provincial and district staff in Bolikhamxay & Savannakhet provinces

NGOs. – CIDSE works closely with other NGOs through various networks, including sustainable Ag. Forum (SAF), Gender & Development Group (GDG), Lao training Networks (LTN)

4.1. Local non-government organizations CHAMPA

4.2. Various national authorities, such as

Central government agencies Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry Vientiane municipality (Dept of Agriculture) Provincial authorities Bolikhamxay Savannakhet District authorities Bolikhan (Bolikhamxay) Phire (Savannakhet) Village 7 villages in Bolikham 10 village in Savannakhet

4.3 International non-government organizations. (see 5 above) And other international organizations:

Project. Phine Self/help Rural Development Programme Province Savannakhet Community Page 6 of 22

Implementing agency District staff (with support from CIDSE) Project Bolikham Integrated Training Province Bolikhamxay

6. Please describe the manner in which your organization is working with village-based development and capacity building

CIDSE works to strengthen the capacity of villagers to manage their own development activities through training & the provision of materials & technical support

7. Would you like co-operate with the Regional Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA).

At this point there would appear to be tittle overlap in our respective areas of focus we are happy to talk with very but do not see close cooperation as a possibility at this point on a project

8. What type of input could you provide :

Consultancy Follow up monthly Training Specific task, such as

9. What would be your expectations with regards to the above-mentioned involvement?

10. Are there any special restrictions/official concerns relating to your involvement in the Regional

Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA)?—No.

11. Please give your contact information:

Name of contact person: W. John Howe Visiting address 19/3 Chao Anou, Vientiane Post address P.O. Box 2795, Vientiane Phone/fax Fax 216-312/ Phone 214-862 Email address [email protected]

The form has been filed in by W.J. Howe Training Advisor, date 9/2/99

3. Action Contre la Faim = (Action against Hunger) =(ACF)

Established in year: 1979

Registered with:

1. What is the philosophy of the organization

Humanitarian, NGO, non-profit, non-political, non-religion. Fight against hunger.

2. Which are the main of specialization?

World wide :

Nutrition Food security (agriculture) Page 7 of 22

Water and Sanitation Health Disaster preparedness

In Lao PDR

Focus currency on : Food security Clean water and sanitation Disaster preparedness

3. The capacity of the organization

Head Quarters in Paris, London, Madrid and New York. Operational in 30 countries In Laos head office in Vientiane & 2 field offices In Luang Namtha & Sekong (Thinking about Attapeu for future)

3.1 Personnel (Separate full time and part time)

Changing at moment

3.2 Has your staff received training in special skills by participation in e.g. training courses, seminars, study tours, etc. Give details and length of training.

Yes.

3.3 Estimated annual budget 1998 and 1999

Funding sources: ACF, EU (ECHO and DGS and DIPECHO), French Private Companies

3.4. Please list co-operation with other organizations

ACF always closely coordinates with other organisation working in the same field (geographically or technically) when possible and useful we also collaborate with other Orgs by providing complementary activities in certain place to those implemented by the other Orgs

Examples in Luang Namtha: EU, GTZ, ESF, EED

And in Sekong UNDP, MSF

3.5. Various national authorities, such as

Central government agencies Ministry of Health (especially Nam Saat) Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Social Welfare Provincial authorities Of Sekong and Luang Namtha (Future interest in Attapeu) District authorities Sekong: Kalum and Dahchung Luang Namtha: almost all but current focus on Male Communes

4. International non-government organizations

Many such as ESF, MSF, EED, etc, And other international organizations:

UNDP EU Page 8 of 22

Project Food Security Province Sekong Area of spec. Agriculture and Clean water Implementing agency ACF in collaboration with Department of Agriculture and Nam Saath Project Clean water & hygiene education Province Luang Namtha Area of spec. Water-samitation Implementing agency ACF in collaboration with Nam-Saath

6. Please describe the manner in which your organization is working with village-based development adn capacity building

By working at grass-roots level and actively villagers in project implementation (+Sometimes already in design phase villagers’ participation)

7. Would you like co-operate with the Regional Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA).

In principle yes, but it would depend on what type of project, where, under which conditions etc.

8. What type of input could you provide:

Consultancy

Yes, if activity corresponds to/into up to ACF project in the field which is already in implementation

Training

Yes, idem di to

Specific task, such as

In field of clean water supply health education food security/Rural development agriculture

9. What would be your expectations with regards to the above-mentioned involvement?

I expect to hear more about what you are planning to do and thus what you expect from NGOs before you ask us what our expectations are.

10. Are there any special restrictions/official concerns relating to your involvement in the Regional

Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA)?

11. Please give your contact information :

Name of contact person Action Contre la Farm (ACF) Danielle de Knocke Visiting address: Route Nong Bone 374 Post address P.O. Box 1170, Vientiane Phone/fax 414099 Page 9 of 22

Email address [email protected]

The form has been filed in by Danielle de Knoche, date 26/399

4. ZOA-LAO PDR

Established in year: 1991

Registered with Ministry of Labor and Soc Welfare

1. What is the philosophy of the organization

ZOA is a Christian agency aiming in Lao PDR to support the repatriation and especially the reintegration of Lao refugees into Lao society. High value is given to participation of the target group, both repatriates and surrounding communities.

2. Which are the main areas of specialization?

Education Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Area development Economic development Human Resources Development

3. The capacity of the organization

3.1 Personnel (Separate full time and part time)

Expatriate:

Field based 3 Office based 1

National

Field based 10 Office based 9

3.2 Has your staff received training in special skills by participation in e.g. training courses, seminars, study tours, etc. Give details and length of training.

3.3 Estimated annual budget 1998 and 1999

1998 300.000 1999 400.000

Funding sources: Nether Land government Embassies

4. Please list co-operation with other organizations

4.1 Various national authorities, such as

Central government agencies Min of LSW MOAP Page 10 of 22

MOE MOFA Provincial authorities PLSW PAFO PE DLWU District authorities DLSW DAFO DE DLWU Communes All villages of target area

4.2 International non-government organizations.

EED W Concern Concern Consortium

And other international organizations:

UNHCR EUFAR UNDP GTZ-NaWaCop

Project Education Development for Ethnic Minority Villages

Sector Human Resources Development

Province Luangnamtha Xiengkhuang

Project Reintegration Assistance Project for Ban Pou Don Than Area

Sector Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Area development

Province Luangnamtha

Project Reintegration Assistance Project for Ban Vieng Kham and Ban Nasou Area

Sector Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Area Development

Province Xiengkhuang

Project Skills Training and Revolving Funds Project

Sector Economic Development Human Resources Development

Province Vientiane Municipality

6. Please describe the manner in which your organization is working with village-based development and capacity building

We focus on sustainable use of natural resources by village based development activities like agening water uses groups, community foresters training. Land allocation facilitation

7. Would you like co-operate with the Regional Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA).

At this first phase it is not so clear what our contribution could be but maybe in phase II Page 11 of 22

8. What type of input could you provide ?

Consultancy Training Specific task, such as Manage a Sub-project

9. What would be your expectations with regards to the above-mentioned involvement?

If a target area is found we could be the implementing partner

10. Are there any special restrictions/official concerns relating to your involvement in the Regional Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA)?

We are waiting in 3 target areas and that is for the period 1999-2000 the limit we work in the Nam Ngum Watershed area that is a possible area of involvement

11. Please give your contact information:

Name of contact person Bram van Grootheest Visiting address Si Amphone Road, Km 3 Thadeua Road Watnak, Vientiane Post address P.O. Box 4224 Vientiane Phone 856 21 313 071 Fax 856 21 313 945

The form has been filed in by Bram Vom Grootheest, date 22/2/99

5. OXFAM SOLIDARITY (BELGIUM)

Established in year 1993

Registered with Ministry of Agriculture

1. What is the philosophy of the organization

Strengthen the local organizations at the village, district and province level to assure that they can elaborate, realise and evaluate the projects. In this sense OXFAM doesn’t implement projects itself

2. Which are the main area of specialization?

Sustainable agriculture and irrigation Health Education

3. The capacity of the organization

Support the development plan of the RDC in a district level

3.1 Personnel (Separate full time and part time)

1. Coordinator 2. Project Adviser 3. Project Officer 4. Administration assistant

3.2 Has your staff received training in special skills by participation in e.g. training courses, seminars, study Page 12 of 22

tours, etc. Give details and length of training.

1. Training of Trainers 2. PRA

3.3 Estimated annual budget 1998 and 1999

100,000 US$/year Funding sources: Belgian Government through a NGO Programs

4. Please list co-operation with other organizations

4.1 Local non-government organizations.

Sustainable Agriculture Forum Champa. Gender Development Group

4.2 Various national authorities, such as

Central government agencies Provincial authorities RDC Savannakhet Fisheries and Live Stock Department Savannakhet District authorities Sekong District PhoneSoung Center Communes

4.3 International non-government organizations.

Several other NGO (CAA, CUSO, CIDSE, Etc.)

Project Rural Development Province Savannaketh Area of specialisation Integrated rural development Implementing agency RDC of Sepone district Project Credit and saving Province Vientiane Area of specialisation Credit Implementing agency Phonesong center and LWU Project Upland fishery Province Savannaketh Area of specialisation Fisheries Implementing agency Lifestock and fisheries department Project Education Province Savvanketh Area of specialisation Agriculture training Implementing agency NAKEH Agricultural Training Center Page 13 of 22

6. Please describe the manner in which your organization is working with village-based development and capacity building

OXFAM doesn’t work direct with the villages but we give training to the district staff to ensure a participatory way of planning and realization of the project

7. Would you like co-operate with the Regional Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA).

If it possible to include it in the program

We hear with our partners

8. What type of input could you provide :

Consultancy : In the methodological approach Training: PRA/Credits

9. What would be your expectations with regards to the above-mentioned involvement?

10. Are there any special restrictions/official concerns relating to your involvement in the Regional

Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA)?

We want to respect the methodology and the projects of our partner.

11. Please give your contact information:

Name of contact person DOMINIQUE VBAN DER BORGHT Visiting address 250/14 Siangyhome Rd Post address P.O. Box 4727 Vientiane Phone/fax 31 2838 Email address [email protected]

The form has been filed in by VAN DER BORGHT/COORDINATOR, date 10/2/99

6. NORWEGIAN CHURCH AID (NCA)

Established in year: 1948

Registered with Government of Norway

1. What is the philosophy of the organization

Support the people in Development countries in their struggle for freedom from poverty

2. Which are the main of specialization?

Rural Development HIV/AIDS Prevention

3. The capacity of the organization

At present no surplus capacity, all staff extremely busy with planning, implementing and monitoring existing project Page 14 of 22

3.1 Personnel (Separate full time and part time) VTE Office 7Lao/2 expert

1. Boueo Rural development project 16 Lao/1expert 2. Luang Namtha RDP 22 Lao/2 Expert 3. HIV/AIDS Prevention project 1 Lao 4. Bundmess prevention Project 4 Lao 5. Attapeu Rural development project 5 Lao

Total 55 Lao 5 Experts

3.2 Has your staff received training in special skills by participation in e.g. training courses, seminars, study tours, etc. Give details and length of training.

Yes, quite a variety, too much to mention

3.3. Estimated annual budget 1998 and 1999

Over $2 million for the 2 years combined

4. Please list co-operation with other organizations

A variety of Organization QSL, SCF-UK. PADEC, CHAMPA, UNDCP, GTZ, OXFAM and others Various national authorities, such as

Central government agencies: MFA, CIC, MAF Provincial authorities: DoH, Do A/F, DoE, WU District authorities: same as provincial

International non-government organizations: QSL, SCF-UU, OXFAM AND OTHERS

And other international organizations: UNDCP, GTZ, UNAIDS, UNICDF

Project Rural Development Project Province Bokeo Area of spec. broad Implementing agency NCA/Govt Project Rural Development Project Province Luangnamtha Area of spec Opium Implementing agency NCA/Govt Project Rural Development Province Attapeu Area of spec. multi-sectoral Implementing agency NCA/Govt Project HIV/AIDS prevention Province Savannaketh Area of spec. AIDS Implementing agency Govt/NCA Project Blindness prevention Page 15 of 22

Province Savannaketh Area of spec blindness Implementing agency Govt/NCA

6. Please describe the manner in which your organization is working with village-based development and capacity building

Adhering to principles such as: genuine participation, local realities , small scale, low risk, feasibility, accountability etc

7. Would you like co-operate with the Regional Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA).

Depends how cooperation is defined, what would be expected from NCA in terms of inputs, how much time would we needed from existing staff, tend to be reserved towards taking on more work

8. What type of input could you provide

Consultancy Training Specific task, such as

9. What would be your expectations with regards to the above-mentioned involvement?

Can not indicate on the basis of available information about the project

10. Are there any special restrictions/official concerns relating to your involvement in the Regional

Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA)? Time and capacity

11. Please give your contact information :

Name of contact person: Henk Veerdig Visiting address NCA Post address : P.O. Box 4804, Vientiane Phone/fax : 413867 Fax 413451 Email address: [email protected]

The form has been filed in by Henk Veerding, date 16/2/99

7. JVC Laos

Established in year 1989

Registered with

1. What is the philosophy of the organization Towards the creation of a society where all the peoples on earth can live in harmony with each other and with nature

1. JVC supports people in various parts of the world who are struggling to improve their living conditions despite socially imposed hard ships 2. JVC also works towards evolving new lifestyle and human relationships which ensure and are based on the protection and revitalisation of the global environment Page 16 of 22

2. Which are the main areas of specialization?

Natural Agriculture Forest Preservation

3. The capacity of the organization

3.1 Personnel (separate full time and part time)

All staff are full time

1. Expatriate 3 (Japanese) 2. National 4

Etc

3.2 Has your staff received training in special skills by participation in e.g. training courses, seminars, study tours, etc. Give details and length of training.

Study tour to Thailand to learn Natural Agriculture & Preservation Forestry

3.3 Estimated annual budget 1998 and 1999

1998 – 83.000 $

1999 – 83.000 $

Funding sources : Private groups and individuals in Japan, Keidanren. Japanese Government, UN, Canada Embassy, etc.

4. Please list co-operation with other organizations

4.1 Local non-government organizations. No.

4.2 Various national authorities, such as

Central government agencies Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry Provincial authorities Vientiane Province Khammouane Province District authorities Hin Heup district in VTP 5 district in KMP Communes

4.3 International non-government organizations, No. And other international organizations : No.

Project Natural Agriculture Province Vientiane Implementing agency JVC VT Project Natural Agriculture Province Khammouane Page 17 of 22

Implementing agency JVC KM Project Forest Preservation Province Khammouane Implementing agency JVC KM

6. Please describe the manner in which your organization is working with village-based development adn capacity building

1. Recognition of indigenous wisdom & cultural diversity 2. Conservation and enrichment of natural environment, and community based management of local resources that are vital for livelihood security 3. Active participation of local communities in all stages of projects and support to local initiatives 4. Development of peoples potentials and abilities including inner growth 5. Collective self reliance and regional autonomy 6. Gender equality

7. Would you like co-operate with the Regional Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA). No.

8. What type of input could you provide :

Consultancy Follow up monthly Training

Natural agriculture training Gender training

Specific task, such as

Workshop on Pesticides, Preservation seeds, natural Pesticides Study tour to model villages of natural agriculture

9. What would be your expectations with regards to the above-mentioned involvement?

10. Are there any special restrictions/official concerns relating to your involvement in the Regional

Environment Technical Assistance project (RETA)? No.

11. Please give your contact information:

Name of contact person : Watanabe Tatsuya Visiting address : JVC Thakek office in Khammouane Province Post address : P.O. Box 150 Thakek Phone/fax : 51-212511 Email address : [email protected]

The form has been filed in by Izuni Tsukanoto, Project Coordinator, date 9/2/99

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B ANNEX II: DECREE ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF NGOs

Unofficial translation Page 18 of 22

Lao People ’s Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity

Prime Minister’s Office—No 71/PM

DECREE OF THE PRIME MINISTER ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOs) IN THE LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

Based on the Constitution of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic,

Pursuant to Law 01/95 of March 8, 1995, on the Government of the Lao PDR, At the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs,

The Prime Minister decrees the following:

CHAPTER I

General Provisions

Article 1

This decree on the Administration of Non-Governmental Organizations in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic outlines regulations pertaining to the organization, operation, rights and obligations of Non- Governmental Organizations, and aims at creating conditions favourable and suitable for their operations and ensuring external contributions to socio-economic development and environmental protection in the Lao PDR.

Article 2

Non-Governmental Organizations, hereinafter called NGOs, refer to entities holding the legal status of NGOs and conducting development or humanitarian development activities without any profit-seeking or any other purposes inconsistent with the policy guidelines, laws, regulations and fine traditions of the Lao PDR.

Article 3

NGOs allowed to operate in the Lao PDR shall meet the following conditions:

1. Status of juridical entity in compliance with the laws and regulations of their country of origin or where their headquarters are based;

2. Clear by-laws;

3. Sound financial status;

4. Acknowledgement by the international community.

CHAPTER II

Issuance, Extension, Amendment and Withdrawal of Permits

Article 4

NGOs preparing to conduct assistance activities in the Lao PDR shall require a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under different forms according to the following scope and features:

1. Operating permit; Page 19 of 22

2. Project office permit; and

3. Representative office permit.

Article 5

The operation Permit allows the relevant NGO to operate in the Lao PDR as follows:

1. Contact and inquiries with the relevant organizations of the Lao PDR to assess needs and draft project documents to be submitted for approval;

2. Monitoring of assistance projects executed by Lao agencies.

Article 6

The Project Office Permit allows NGO representatives executing assistance projects to open their project offices at the central and/or local level in Laos for the implementation of project activities.

Article 7

The Representative Office Permit allows NGOs to establish representative offices in Vientiane in view of ensuring efficient operations.

NGOs which will be authorized to set up representative offices shall have adequately and efficiently implemented assistance projects in the Lao PDR for at least 5 years, provided that projects are suitably budgeted (of a minimum of US Dollar five hundred thousand per project, excluding salaries, office travel and insurance expenses) and may be implemented in the long-term (at least 2 years).

Article 8

On-going projects shall be monitored and assessed on-site on a regular basis by the relevant Lao agencies and NGOs. Each evaluation and assessment shall be recorded and signed by both parties concerned.

Article 9

NGO personnel shall be made of expatriates authorized by the Ministry of foreign Affairs as requested by NGOs to conduct activities in the Lao PDR according to the conditions mentioned under Article 4 of this Decree.

Lao citizens employed by NGOs shall be considered as local staff.

Article 10

NGOs wishing to apply for permits mentioned under Article 4 of this Decree shall be required to submit complete documentation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consideration. Upon receiving such application, the Ministry of foreign Affairs shall notify its decision to the relevant NGOs within:

1. Thirty (30) days in the case of an operation permit;

2. Sixty (60) days in the case of a project office permit; and

3. Ninety (90) days in the case of a representative office

Article 11

A permit issued for the first time shall be effective for a period not exceeding:

1. Six (6) months in the case of NGO operations as provided under Article 5.1; Page 20 of 22

2. One (1) year for NGO operations as provided under Article 5.2;

3. Two (2) years in the case of a project office permit; and

4. Four (4) years in the case of a representative office permit.

Where the extension of any of the above mentioned permits is required, NGOs shall submit an application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within thirty (30) days prior to the permit’s expiry. Each extension shall not exceed the first permit’s period of effectiveness.

NGO shall notify the issuance and/or extension of permits within thirty (30) days to the central and/or local level line agencies in charge of their projects.

Article 12

NGOs intending to amend issued permits, - such as changes in names and positions, new address of the project office or representative office, replacement of the project director or representative, Changes in the number of personnel, transfer of personnel from one project to another and modification to the scope and nature of their operations, shall apply to the Ministry of foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall provide and answer in writing thirty (30) days from the application’s receipt.

Article 13

NGOs shall terminate their activities in the following cases:

1. Expiry of the permit

2. Decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to cancel the permit under Article 17 of this Decree.

3. The assistant project is completed.

4. NGOs shall be responsible for the complete settlement of all issues related to their operations in the Lao PDR within thirty (30) days prior to the expiry of their permits or within thirty (30) days from the notice of termination.

CHAPTER III

Rights and Obligations of NGOs in the Lao PDR

Article 14

NGOs authorized to set up project offices or representative offices shall be entitled to:

Rent premises as offices residence Employ expatriate personnel as provided under Article 9.1 of this Decree to work in their offices and projects in the Lao PDR as authorized; Employ a reasonable number of local staff as provided under Article 9.2 of this Decree according to the scope of work in offices and projects; and Import the necessary equipment and materials for their offices, projects and personal belongings into the Lao PDR to meet the working and living requirements of representatives and personnel. The import of such materials, equipment and supplies shall be subject to the laws and regulations of the Lao PDR.

Article 15

NGOs authorized to operate in the Lao PDR shall have the following obligations:

Operate in compliance with the Lao Government’s policy guidelines in respect with the laws, regulations and fine traditions of the Lao PDR; Page 21 of 22

Operate within the scope and nature of activities provided by permits, agreements, memorandums of understanding and/or assistance projects signed by the relevant authorities of the Lao PDR and the relevant officers of the assistance agencies; Be responsible for their activities in Lao PDR; Submit semi-annual and annual reports on the joint implementation of their assistance projects with the relevant Lao agencies to the Ministry of foreign Affairs; Prepare reports and explanatory documents in relation with issues pertaining to their activities to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when requested; and Prepare final reports in collaboration with the relevant line agencies of the Lao PDR on project implementation to the Ministry of foreign Affairs.

CHAPTER IV

Awards and Sanctions

Article 16

NGOs and NGO personnel providing appropriate and efficient assistance in the Lao PDR shall be awarded by the Lao Government.

Article 17

NGOs failing to conduct activities in compliance with their permits, the relevant regulations and/or to consistently abide by the provisions of this Decree shall be ordered to temporarily suspend the implementation of their projects, terminate their projects, or their permits shall be withdrawn according to the nature of such failure.

Article 18

NGO personnel conducting activities inconsistent with the Lao Government’s policy guidelines, in breach of the laws, regulations and fine traditions of the Lao PDR shall be subject to proceedings as provided by the laws of the Lao PDR.

CHAPTER V

Final provisions

Article 19

NGOs and their personnel performing assistance activities in the Lao pDR before and after the entry into force of this Decree shall comply with its provisions.

Article 20

NGOs conducting assistance activities in the Lao PDR prior to the entry into force of this Decree shall apply for permits as follows:

1. NGOs authorized to open representative offices shall not be required to reapply, but shall submit an application to the Ministry of foreign Affairs within sixty (60) days from this Decree’s effective date for the issuance of permits as provided under Article 11 of this Decree.

2. NGOs operating through their project offices in the Lao PDR shall submit an application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within sixty (60) days from this Decree’s effective date for the issuance of permits as provided under Article 11 of this Decree.

Article 21 Page 22 of 22

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall outline regulations and recommendations on the application of this Decree. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be entitled to convene meetings between officers of the relevant governmental agencies to assess the implementation of projects by NGOs and give the necessary guidance to officers of concerned line agencies and local administration for the proper implementation of this Decree.

Article 22

Ministries, central level organizations, provinces, Vientiane Municipality and Special Zone shall have the duty to extend close cooperation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the proper and efficient implementation of this Decree, and shall be directly responsible for NGO’s activities within their sectors and localities. Where this Decree is breached, reports shall be made to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in view of timely solutions. In the case of prominent achievements and proper compliance with the laws and regulations of the Lao PDR, reports shall be similarly made in view of considering appropriate awards.

Article 23

The decree is effective 30 days from its signing. Any provisions and regulations inconsistent with this Decree are superseded.

Vientiane, 28 April 1998

Prime Minister

Sisavath Keobounphanh

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