Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development _ 033/05 VIE Milestone11: Project Completion Report Project Name Field evaluation and advanced vegetative masspropagation technology for scaling up high-value plantations of Pinus caribaea and related hybrids in Vietnam Vietnamese Institution RCFTI, Forest Science Institute of Vietnam (FSIV), MARD Vietnamese Project Team Dr Ha Huy Thinh Leader Australian Organisation Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ) (Formally trading as DPI Forestry) Australian Personnel Mr Ian Last Date commenced February 2006 Completion date (original) February 2008 Completion date (revised) April 2008 Reporting period February 2006 to April 2008 (entire Project Period) Contact Officer(s) In Australia: Team Leader and Administrative contact Mr Ian Last Manager, Plantation Development and Innovation Organisation Forestry Plantations Queensland Name: Position: Telephone: +61 (0) 5482 0891 +61 (0) 5482 3430 Fax: Email: ian.last@fpq.qld.gov.au In Vietnam Dr Ha Huy Thinh Name: Director Position: Organisation Research Centre for Forest Tree Improvement, (RCFTI) Telephone: Fax: Email: Office: (84) 8389369 (84) 836 2280 rcfti@netnam.vn TABLE OF CONTENTS Project Abstract Executive Summary Introduction and Background .5 Progress to Date 4.1 Implementation Highlights 4.2 Capacity Building 4.3 Training Programs 4.4 Publicity 4.5 Project Management Report on Cross-Cutting Issues 5.1 Environment 5.2 Gender and Social Issues Implementation Issues 6.1 Issues and Constraints 7 Conclusion .8 Sign-Off Error! Bookmark not defined Appendix A: Project “Logframe”: Progress against objectives, outputs and activities.9 Project Abstract The Project seeks to review existing experience with and performance of several tropical conifer species in Vietnam, particularly Caribbean Pine, and to establish further trials of improved genetic material, including hybrids The project will also provide capacity building for Vietnamese Forest Research institutions relating to Pinus tree improvement and mass propagation systems via training in Queensland (Qld) and Vietnam, development of small scale hedge and nursery infrastructure, and a study tour to Australia, involving innovative Vietnamese forest managers / researchers Finally, the project will build awareness amongst large and small-scale forest growers including ethnic minorities, through the establishment of collaborative demonstration plantings in priority regions for Pinus plantation expansion, supported by appropriate training During the two-year project period, the following objectives and outputs were achieved: The performance of Caribbean Pine, including its three varieties and related hybrids, was reported in comparison to other tropical pines traditionally grown in Vietnam based on a review and analysis of existing trials, including re-measures of some trials; The Project delivered institutional capacity building in the establishment and management of hedge and containerised nursery systems for the mass vegetative propagation of tropical pines including training in Queensland and Vietnam and the esdtablishment and operation of three pilot hedge and nursery facilities; and The Project will provide ongoing awareness to large and small scale forest growers (including ethnic minorities) regarding the potential of alternative tropical pines in Vietnam, including Caribbean Pine and related hybrids, via the establishment of a network of genetic and demonstration trials in major pine growing regions throughout the country In addition, the networks, facilities and trials developed as part of this Project will facilitate future collaboration opportunities between the project partners to promote further long-term expansion and improvement of Vietnam’s pine resource Executive Summary Achievement of the three project objectives and related outputs has generally been in accordance with the project logframe (Refer Appendix A) Objective 1: Genetic trials A report on the comparative performance of Pinus caribaea in Vietnam was completed based on existing and newly collected data from 17 trials planted since 1976 by the Forest Research Centre (FRC) in Phu Tho Province and the Research Centre for Forest Tree Improvement (RCFTI) in Hanoi Refer Milestone The trials are located across the four major bio-geographic regions of Vietnam (Northern areas of Vietnam from Hanoi extending to the border with China; low elevation sites in Central Vietnam; the Central Highlands of Vietnam; and low elevation regions of Southern Vietnam in the vicinity of Ho Chi Minh City) on site-types believed to be suitable for pine plantations The report demonstrated the general superiority of P caribaea over the current plantation species (P merkussii, P kesiya and P massoniana) It also provided comparative information between that various varieties of P caribaea, provenance differences, hybrid performance and suggestions to assist future P caribaea breeding strategy and tree improvement more generally A network of genetic trials was established in the North, Central Coast and Central Highlands bio-geographic regions of Vietnam comparing “standard” and “improved” sources of P caribaea (Queensland and Vietnam origin) and hybrids (Qld) with locally planted pine species Refer Milestone Objective 2: Techniques for vegetative propagation of pines Training in hedge establishment and management and containerised nursery systems for the mass vegetative propagation of pines was delivered to key Vietnamese technicians in Queensland (Gympie and Toolara Nursery, May 2006) and Vietnam (Ba Vi and Dalat, May 2007) A comprehensive Manual, based on Queensland techniques and adapted to Vietnamese conditions, was prepared to assist with the establishment of hedge and containerised nursery facilities for raising pine cuttings (Refer Milestone 5) Three pilot-scale hedge and containerised nursery facilities were established at Ba Vi (RCFTI), Phu Ninh (FRC) and Dalat (Lamdong FRC) and small scale production of cuttings stock has commenced Unfortunately, the hedge areas at Ba Vi and, to a lesser extent Phu Ninh, suffered widespread mortality following extreme heat in July 2007 which is believed to have “cooked” the root systems The Dalat hedge area is performing well Refer Milestone Despite this setback, the training and practical experience gained at all three sites has provided key individuals across the various institutions and sites with the necessary competencies to continue the work started as part of this project Additional information related to grafting and pollination techniques for pines in Queensland has also been provided Refer Milestone 10 Objective 3: Demonstration trials Four demonstration trials comparing locally planted pines with Caribbean Pine have been established in co-operation with large and small-scale forest growers, including involvement and support from local ethnic minority groups in the Central Highlands region Refer Milestone These trials complement the smaller scale, replicated genetic trials which will be used for future statistical comparisons In summary, the Project has achieved its objectives as described in the project title: Field evaluation and advanced vegetative mass-propagation technology for scaling up high-value plantations of Pinus caribaea and related hybrids in Vietnam The Project and its outputs will provide a useful foundation for policy makers, existing and potential forest growers with an interest in expanding pine plantations and improving their productivity in Vietnam, based on improved genetic material Introduction and Background Project objectives, outputs expected, approach and methodology are as follows: Objective 1: Identify the most highly productive, well-adapted varieties and hybrids of Pinus caribaea, in comparison to other pine species currently planted, for priority pine planting zones Output 1.1: Review and report comparative performance of pines in Vietnam based on existing trials and related information Output 1.2: Establish genetic evaluation trials to compare performance of locally available and introduced pines on multiple sites throughout key regions in Vietnam Output 1.3: Review pine genetic resources and related breeding strategies and capabilities / resources in Vietnam, particularly for Pinus caribaea and related hybrids Objective 2: Provide practical training and support to forest research institutes in Vietnam to enable the development and local adaptation of hedge and containerised nursery systems for the mass propagation of pine cuttings Output 2.1: Trained personnel able to establish and manage hedge beds, collect and set shoots and raise containerised cuttings Output 2.2: Locally adapted Nursery Manual and related checklists developed Output 2.3: Pilot scale hedge and containerised nursery facilities established and various prescriptions tested Objective 3: Create improved awareness amongst rural poor smallholders and industrial forest growers in key pine growing regions, regarding the potential performance of improved varieties of Caribbean pine to supply a range of forest products and services via the establishment of demonstration plantings in collaboration with local land owners Output 3.1: Establish two demonstration trials with a large scale forest grower Output 3.2: Establish community and individual farmer managed plantings in collaboration with two local ethnic minority communities The approach and methodology to achieve these objectives and outputs includes: • Practical nursery training (in Queensland and Vietnam), supported by manuals; • Development of pilot nursery facilities to test and locally adapt new methods; • Study tours to expose Vietnamese researchers to novel approaches to forest management; • Review and analysis of existing tree improvement trials and strategies and the development of revised approaches, supported by new field trials and demonstration plantings Progress to Date 4.1 Implementation Highlights Refer to Appendix A for progress against the detailed Project Logframe General Inception Meeting at Hanoi (15/2/06) attended by over 20 participants Study tour to Australia by Vietnamese researchers (Jun’06) Objective Output 1.1: Completed Technical report titled “Review of the Performance and suitability of Pinus caribaea in Vietnam” submitted to CARD PMU (Milestone 8) Output 1.2: Completed Genetic evaluation trials established at sites Report submitted under Milestone Output 1.3: Completed as part of Milestone As a result, there are ongoing discussions with RCFTI staff regarding enhancements to current breeding strategy based on key findings from Output 1.1 Objective Output 2.1: Completed nursery training in Qld (May’06) and Vietnam (May’07) Output 2.2: Completed Nursery Manual (June-July’07) (including translation) Output 2.3: Completed construction and operation of pilot hedge sites at Ba Vi, Phu Ninh and Dalat, including several trials, however extreme heat in July’07 casued extensive mortality to hedges at Ba Vi and, to a lesser extent, Phu Nih Objective Output 3.1: Completed planting of demonstration trials with local minority people at Dak P’Lao (Dak Lak) Ethnic minority people also involved in demonstration trial at Lam Dong (see Output 3.2) Output 3.2: Completed planting of demonstration trials with commercial forest growers in Lam Dong, Nghe An and Quang Tri Provinces 4.2 Capacity Building Capacity building initiatives during the life of the project include the following: • Delivery of nursery training in Queensland and Vietnam (see 4.3 below) • Follow up competency assessments for key individuals • A comprehensive manual, based on Queensland techniques and adapted to Vietnamese conditions, for the establishment of hedge and containerised nursery facilities for raising pine cuttings • Practical experience gained in the construction and operation of hedge and containerised nursery facilities for raising pine cuttings at three locations in Vietnam • A study tour to Australia (combined with another CARD “Acacia” Project) involving influential leaders from forest research and production centres throughout Vietnam • Presentations on grafting and pollination techniques as used in Queenslands pine tree improvement program 4.3 Training Programs On site nursery training was provided at Ba Vi (Ha Tay) and Dalat (Lam Dong) in May’07 This involved practical and theoretical training in nursery design and hygiene, potting mix preparation and testing, hedge layout and management, shoot collection and setting, watering and nutrition regimes and sorting and conditioning guidelines field prior to field planting The practical training is complemented by a comprehensive Nursery Manual and related checklists (English and Vietnamese versions) 4.4 Publicity Apart from an article in the CARD Newsletter and highlights in FPQ’s annual report, there has been limited publicity of project activities and outcomes 4.5 Project Management There have been no major Project Management issues, with all project partners and stakeholders working well together including a good flow of information Report on Cross-Cutting Issues 5.1 Environment There have been no major (negative) environmental issues associated with the Project 5.2 Gender and Social Issues Nursery training in Vietnam involved a mix of genders on both the delivery and trainee sides Implementation Issues 6.1 Issues and Constraints Issues and constraints either affecting the project or worthy of consideration beyond the life of the CARD project are discussed below Genetic trials: Roles and responsibilities for future management of genetic trials is summarised in the Milestone report The periodic tending of vigorous regrowth at several sites will continue to be an issue, at least until the pines reach “canopy closure” stage The clear identification of plot boundaries, periodic inspections, remeasures and reports are all ongoing priorities that will need to be resourced by responsible agencies Trial Health assessments: Specific assessments for general health, pest and disease impacts should be considered at some sites as part of any future “Forest Health” CARD project or similar initiative, especially since the Queensland treatments have not been developed or selected in the presence of any serious pest and disease populations, such as those present in parts of Vietnam Demonstration Trials: The demonstration trials are still quite young and will need ongoing tending and maintenance to ensure their successful establishment Periodic reporting is also desirable Field Days: Once the genetic and demonstration trials reach around years old and differences between treatments are apparent, it would be useful to organise some field days for local forest growers and other interested parties Hedge Management: The widespread death of hedges following extreme heat conditions in July 2007 at both Ba Vi and Phu Ninh has limited their future potential to produce shoots Project partners are considering re-establishment of replacement hedges using slightly revised protocols (and perhaps some alternative pine varieties and hybrids) to reduce heat damage risks Recommendations have been provided in Milestone report The hedges at Dalat continue to look good Nursery practices The need for careful control of the watering regime and welldrained open-sun areas for the shoots once rooting commences has been highlighted in previous reports (eg Milestone 7) The research scale shade house at Dalat, which is used for a wide variety of projects, is likely to be too small for the number of shoots that will potentially become available from the Dalat hedge site A new nursery facility will be required if it is proposed to seriously scale up shoot production and, hence plantation production The recently constructed nursery and forest office at Dak P’Lao in Dak Lak province could be used as an extended pilot area to further develop hedge and nursery techniques for Pinus caribaea cuttings production Conclusion The project, now completed, will provide a solid foundation for the further development of initiatives to scale up the production of Caribbean Pine and related hybrids in Vietnam It has: Confirmed the general superiority of Caribbean Pine over traditionally planted pines across many environments in Vietnam; Identified Caribbean Pine varieties, provenances and hybrids with best potential in particular parts of Vietnam; Established new genetic trials and demonstration trials across a wide range of environments using best available material to enable ongoing comparisons with locally planted pines; Introduced new techniques for the vegetative propagation of tropical pines in Vietnam, adapted from methods used in Queensland, including the establishment of pilot nursery facilities and production of a detailed procedures manual; and Provided capacity building to over 20 forest technicians from several institutions, including intensive training in Queensland for participants Collectively, these initiatives are expected to make a positive long-term impact on the future of the pine plantation sector in Vietnam, although it is recognised that there are many other issues beyond the scope of this project that also need to be addressed Appendix A: Project “Logframe”: Progress against objectives, outputs and activities Project Title: Field evaluation and advanced vegetative mass-propagation technology for scaling up high-value plantations of Pinus caribaea and related hybrids in Vietnam Vietnamese Implementing Institution: RCFTI, Forest Science Institute of Vietnam (FSIV), MARD Narrative OBJECTIVE OUTPUT 1.1 ACTIVITY Information Required Identify, for the benefit of existing and prospective pine growers in Vietnam, the most highly productive, well-adapted varieties and hybrids of Pinus caribaea, in comparison to other pine species currently planted, for priority pine planting zones Review and report on comparative performance of tropical pines in Vietnam based on existing trials and related information Consult with past & present Vn PROPOSAL Performance Measures i Existing trials reviewed ii New trials established Pine breeding strategy and related capacities reviewed and strengthened Timely delivery of “easy to read” report that takes account of all relevant & available information, including information from recent trial assessments Jan-Feb ’06 (UQ – incl COMPLETION REPORT Information Required Assumptions Trials can be translated and collated in an appropriate time frame Suitable sites identified for trials can be Interference/ disturbance to trial areas can be minimised UQ researcher can obtain sufficient information from relevant Vn staff during & after field visits 1.Existing information & data can be readily located (& translated if necessary) & provided to UQ researcher Project Objective and related performance measures (i) and (ii) achieved RCFTI has the institutional capacity to ensure the long-term sustainability of the outcomes achieved, including maintenance and assessment of existing and new trials arising from project The project has provided additional information and options to strengthen Vietnam’s pine breeding strategy and tree improvement program These matters need to be considered in further detail by RCFTI in the context of competing priorities • Output achieved (Milestone Report) • This report can be made widely available (from RCFTI) to interested parties throughout Vietnam to inform future pine plantation considerations Priority trials can be accurately re-assessed in a timely fashion UQ researcher can analyse available information & prepare report on time In Progress Report • Activity completed 1.1.1 1.1.2 1.1.3 1.1.4 1.1.5 Activity 1.1.6 Activity 1.1.7 Output 1.2 researchers regarding existence of pine trials and related data Obtain relevant reports and related data & inspect trials within limits of project resources Identify priority trials & re-measure Data analysis Draft Report & seek feedback from partners Final report Presentation at Stakeholders Workshop Establish genetic evaluation trials to compare performance of locally available and introduced pines (esp PCH & hybrids) on multiple sites throughout North Central, Central Coast and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam Site visits) Jan-Feb ’06 (UQ) Feb – March’06 (UQ/RCFTI/FRC) April-May’06 (UQ) June’06 Activity completed Activity completed July’06 Sept-Oct’07 Final report submitted under Milestone Activity completed (at November’07 Workshop) Trials properly established on 5-6 sites using agreed replicated design and taxa treatments Identify trial partners, trial sites, trial design, including genetic treatments and working plan(s) for each site Suitable sites can be readily confirmed & prepared for planting Sufficient stock for each treatment x site can be raised in time for planting season Skilled labour is available to establish trials at each site & weather conditions are favourable (Output will support local research institute capacity building in relation to planning & implementation of field trials Well established / maintained/ assessed trials will provide valuable medium - long term information on performance of various pines in Vietnam, to support longer term social & economic development options) Activity 1.2.1 Activity completed Inspections / discussions revealed some shortcomings in existing data (Not a major issue to overall objective) Activity completed FPQ staff are available to provide field support / training including assist with report preparation Jan-Feb 06: (DPI Forestry, UQ, RCFTI & relevant Vn partners) Project Outputs completed (exceeded) Genetic trial sites established (Refer Milestone Report submitted March’07) Note: Since of the trials were not planted until December 2007, it is planned to update MS report so that it includes actual (not planed) details for the final two Central Coast sites The long-term impact of these trials will depend on the extent to which project partners maintain the trials in good condition (eg protection from weeds, fire, grazing damage, other disturbances) and continue to periodically collect data from each site Proposed responsibilities are outlined in MS report Activity completed 10 Activity 1.2.2 Activity 1.2.3 Activity 1.2.4 Raise plants for trials including imports from Queensland, raising seedlings and cuttings to meet best planting seasons for each trial 5- months before planting (see below), ASAP for material to be imported from Qld Prepare site(s) for planting 6-8 weeks before planting (see below) Plant trials and complete “entry check” to ensure quality control North/Hanoi – May – August’06 Activity completed Activity completed Activity completed Central Coast: NovDec’06 Central Highlands: June – Aug’06 Activity 1.2.5 Early age assessment of trials Jan – March’07 Activity completed Periodic assessment and reporting should continue beyond life of project as per MS recommendations Activity 1.2.6 Output 1.3 Progress report & presentation at Stakeholders Workshop Sept – Oct’07 Review pine genetic resources and related breeding strategies and capabilities / resources in Vietnam, particularly for PCH and related hybrids Overview report including recommendations for future directions Tree improvement training provided to selected Vn researchers Activity completed (at November’07 Workshop) Output completed Refer Milestone report Tree improvement training provided as part of November’07 workshop, including provision of presentations and posters on Queensland grafting and pollination techniques As a result of the CARD Project, RCFTI and FPQ are in contact regarding potential further exchanges of improved genetic material to support improvement of Caribbean Pine and hybrids in 11 Vietnam Activity 1.3.1 Activity 1.3.2 Activity 1.3.3 Activity 1.3.4 Objective Consult with past & present Vn researchers regarding relevant pine trials, breeding populations, institutional / staff capabilities/facilities and related data Prepare Review report including recommendations Oct’07 Deliver training to selected Vn researchers on aspects of tree improvement including hybridisation, pollination, grafting and breeding strategy development June’07 Present key findings at Stakeholders Workshop Sept – Oct’07 Based on proven technology and systems in Queensland, provide practical training and support to forest research institutes in Vietnam to enable the development and local adaptation of hedge and containerised nursery systems for the mass propagation of containerised pine cuttings i Trained Activity completed Jan-Feb ’06 (UQ – incl Site visits) Activity completed Activity completed Includes an ACIAR sponsored trainee who received training in Queensland (3 months Aug – Nov’06) personnel able to establish and manage hedge beds, collect and set shoots and raise container cuttings ii Locally adapted Nursery Manual and related checklists developed iii Pilot scale hedge and containerised nursery facilities established Activity completed (at November’07 Workshop) • Availability of suitable staff Project objective achieved to attend & deliver training • Manuals & checklists are an acceptable form of tech transfer for nursery management & techniques • Land, water, other infrastructure & facilities, skilled labour, institutional support and in-kind resources are available to establish pilot facilities at each site Qld equipment & materials is readily imported to target sites Training completed (Qld and Vietnam) Nursery Manual completed and distributed pilot hedge facilities and nurseries constructed and operational, however suffered widespread hedge death following extreme heat event in July’07 (See relevant output for further details) 12 Trained personnel able to establish and manage hedge beds, collect and set shoots and raise containerised cuttings Number of “accredited” staff following training sessions Activity 2.1.1 Visit partner nurseries in Vn to meet key staff, conduct situation analysis Jan – Feb’06 Forestry) (DPI Activity completed Activity 2.1.2 Deliver “hand on” intensive training in Qld to Vn participants April – May’06 (DPI Forestry) Activity completed Activity 2.1.3 Maintain contact with Vn partners via periodic e-communications Throughout (& beyond) project duration Activity completed (and planned to continue informally beyond life of CARD project) Activity 2.1.4 Follow up face to face contact in Vn & broader based training to a wider range of participants, following several month local experience using the “Qld system” April – May’07 (DPI Forestry) Activity completed Activity 2.1.5 Presentations by Vn & Qld trainees/trainers at Stakeholder Workshop Sept – Oct’07 (DPI Forestry & Vn nursery partners) Activity completed (at November’07 Workshop) Output 2.2 Locally adapted Nursery Manual and related checklists developed Manual & Checklists produced Activity 2.2.1 Review relevance of Qld Manuals / Checklists following initial visit to Vn March’06 Forestry) (DPI Activity completed Activity 2.2.2 Develop Draft Documentation (V1) & seek feedback from Vn partners April – May’06 (DPI Forestry) Activity completed Output 2.1 Training methods and facilities are relevant and suitable for proposed training program Vn partners can arrange timely and accurate translations Output achieved Trainees received intensive practical training in Queensland (May’06) and a further 16 received theory presentations and hands on training in Vietnam at workshops in Ba Vi and Dalat (May’07) Output achieved (Milestone 5) Manual is periodically revised as new information becomes available 13 Activity 2.2.3 Further “Road Testing” Ongoing (Vn nursery partners) Activity completed Activity 2.2.4 Presentation of Draft (V2) Manual & Checklists to Vn Workshop Participants April – May’07 (DPI Forestry) Activity completed Output 2.3 Pilot scale hedge and containerised nursery facilities established & various prescriptions tested functioning pilot scale hedge / containerised nursery complexes Management support will be secured early to minimise any delays in securing suitable sites, equipment & personnel to establish facilities Output achieved with pilot scale hedge and nursery sites developed at Ba Vi, Phu Ninh and Dalat However, the hedges at Ba Vi and, to a lesser extent Phu Ninh, suffered widespread mortality following extreme hot weather in July’07 It is believed that the combination of soil type, soil moisture and (at Ba Vi) weed mat effectively “cooked” the root systems of the hedges Recommendations for revised hedge establishment and management protocols have been provided for these sites The Dalat hedges are performing quite well, where soil and climatic conditions are much more favourable Activity 2.3.1 Confirm proposed design & scale for proposed facilities with respective partners, including materials list Jan-Feb’06 (DPI Forestry & Vn nursery partners) Activity completed Activity 2.3.2 Complete site works, source materials & construct facilities Mar-April’06 Activity completed Activity 2.3.3 Raise hedges and containerised stock in pilot facilities, (including various prescriptions) providing regular feedback to all partners on problems & progress Ongoing Activity completed Activity 2.3.4 Follow up site inspections of all facilities and face to face discussions April-May’07 Forestry & (DPI nursery Activity completed 14 with site managers including recommended modifications partners) Activity 2.3.4 Report progress Workshop Sept-Oct’07 Forestry & partners) Create improved awareness amongst rural poor smallholders (particularly central highland minorities) and industrial forest growers in key pine growing regions, regarding the potential performance of improved varieties of Caribbean pine (including hybrids where appropriate) to supply a range of forest products and services via the establishment of large scale demonstration plantings in collaboration with local land owners / forest growers Output 3.1 at Stakeholders Establish demonstration trials with a large scale forest grower (Extend knowledge & awareness of PCH potential vs currently planted pines (P kesiya & P merkussii by initially involving large scale growers Pending successful trials (beyond life of project), Vinapaco may seek wider involvement via outgrower partnerships with local small holders) Activity 3.1.1 Confirm scale, location and treatments for demonstration (DPI nursery i Establish demonstration trials with a large scale forest grower (Vinapaco) ii Establish community and individual farmer managed plantings in collaboration with local ethnic minority community near Dak P’Lao, Dak Lak and Lam Dong FRC Successful demonstration plantings in major plantation regions with pine potential viz: Dak To, Kon Tum (central highlands) Activity completed (at November’07 Workshop) Suitable sites can be confirmed & partners are willing to commit the necessary in-kind resources, including labour to plant, maintain Project objective achieved, (although with different partners and at different sites compared to initial expectations) Seek high level Vinapaco support to ensure that local partners can secure necessary resources to establish, maintain & protect trials Project Output achieved (although at different locations and with different partners) All trial sites are still very young and will need ongoing care and maintenance to ensure they become sustainable demonstration areas Sites planted at : Lac Duong, Dalat Dong Ha, Quang Tri Nam Dan, Nghe An Thanh Hoa, north coast Refer Milestone Report for details September’06 Activity completed 15 Activity3.1.2 Activity 3.1.3 Activity 3.1.4 Output 3.2 plantings at each site Prepare site, source seed, raise stock, plant trials Periodic monitoring & ongoing maintenance & protection Report & present progress at Stakeholders Workshop Establish community and individual farmer managed plantings in collaboration with local ethnic minority community near Dak P’Lao, Dak Lak and Lam Dong months leading up to planting in JuneAugust’07 July’07 onwards Activity completed Sept-Oct’07 Activity completed (Refer MS Report) Demonstration plantings established that take account of special requirements of local ethnic minority community Recommendations developed for further involvement by local community Activity 3.2.1 Activity3.2.2 Activity 3.2.3 Activity 3.2.4 Meet with ethnic minority community to discuss proposed demonstration planting(s), including perceived benefits & seek feedback on any special requirements Prepare site (3-5 ha), source seed, raise stock, plant site Periodic liaison with community to promote monitoring & ongoing maintenance & site protection Report & present progress at Stakeholders Workshop July’06 (LD FRC) months leading planting in August’07 (LD local community) July’07 onwards FRC) Activity completed Encourage high level of ownership and responsibility by local community, supported by relevant hands on training, to ensure successful establishment & protection of demonstration plantings Project Output achieved Site planted November’07 Following the recent construction of a new forest office and nursery at Dak P’Lao, it is likely that further demonstration pine trials will be planted involving the local ethnic minorities This initiative is being co-ordinated by the Lam Dong Forest Research Centre Staff at this new facility would benefit from additional training, based in the techniques developed as part of this CARD Project Activity completed up to JuneFRC, (LD Sept-Oct’07 (LD FRC) Activity completed Activity completed, and ongoing via Director, Lam Dong FRC Activity completed (at November’07 Workshop) and also in MS report 16 Project Management meets requirements of funding agency and all partners i Output 4.1 Effective Project Management Activity 4.1.1 Inception meeting (1) (Hanoi) to meet project staff & clarify partner roles & responsibilities Meeting (2) in Australia, incorporating Study Tour (4 Vn delegates) Progress Reports (6 monthly) i Reports provided as per schedule indicating progress with project output ii Procurement of equipment All transactions carried out Jan-Feb’06 (all partners) Objective Activity 4.1.2 Activity 4.1.3 Activity 4.1.4 Timely & accurate financial acquittals & records Project objective achieved Partners regularly & adequately informed of progress (including problems / delays) associated with Project ii Milestones met and timely submission of progress reports iii Timely and compliant financial reporting and acquittal / transaction of fund No major issues encountered Ensure frequent communication between partners to manage any unforeseen staff/organisational changes with minimal disruption to project Project Output achieved, although some delay in completing final milestones due to staff shortages (3 on maternity leave!) and competing priorities Activity completed May’06 Activity completed March 2006, Sept’06, March’07, Sept’07 Activity completed March’07, Feb’08 Activity completed 17 ... mass-propagation technology for scaling up high-value plantations of Pinus caribaea and related hybrids in Vietnam Vietnamese Implementing Institution: RCFTI, Forest Science Institute of Vietnam. .. the Project has achieved its objectives as described in the project title: Field evaluation and advanced vegetative mass-propagation technology for scaling up high-value plantations of Pinus caribaea. .. the mass vegetative propagation of tropical pines including training in Queensland and Vietnam and the esdtablishment and operation of three pilot hedge and nursery facilities; and The Project