Co-management meeting in Cu Lao Dung

Time: 9:00 – 11:00 Date: 12.06.2013
Place: An Thanh Nam Commune People’s Committee, Cu Lao Dung District

At the beginning of the meeting, the issue of meeting shelters was raised. Mr. Kiet confirmed that they found suitable land for the shelters for the two subgroups and that Mr. Chi is preparing the proposal which will be sent to the project this week.

Then we continued to discuss the regulation with Article 11 on monitoring. Here, the important role of monitoring for co-management was emphasized. Again, each article was discussed, adjusted according to the comments of the group and had to be approved by all before going to the next one. So far, at the end of the meeting, we agreed on Article 11 – 15.

For the reward scheme, the TA emphasized that it would be better to set up structures independently from the project within the existing system to ensure continuation and sustainability after the project end. It is very important to raise awareness on co-management and its benefits for all stakeholders. The TA reminded the representatives of the co-management group and local authorities how important it is that they spread the word and exchange with their families, neighbours and other departments/agencies about co-management and its benefits in order to raise awareness and understanding to gain support and active commitment from all levels.

At the end of the meeting, The TA told an inspiring story about a man in India who spent 30 years single-handedly planting a sprawling 1,360-acre forest. “As word spread about his incredible achievement, the humble, eco-conscious farmer stood as a shining example of what one person could do to make the world a better place.”