Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development Strengthening Capacity in Forest Tree Seed Technologies Serving Research and Development Activities and ex-situ Conservation No. 058/04VIE Completion Report July 2006 – June 2007 1 Table of Contents 1 Project Abstract 2 2 Executive Summary 2 3 Introduction & Background 3 4 Progress to Date 3 4.1 Implementation Highlights 3 4.2 Smallholder Benefits 5 4.3 Capacity Building 5 4.4 Publicity 6 4.5 Project Management 6 5 Report on Cross-Cutting Issues 6 5.1 Environment 6 5.2 Gender and Social Issues 6 6 Implementation & Sustainability Issues 6 6.1 Issues and Constraints 6 6.2 Options 6 6.3 Sustainability 6 7 Next Critical Steps 6 8 Conclusion 6 9 Statutory Declaration 8 10 Appendices 18 10.1 Appendix 1. Report on Training Course in Seed orchard Management. 4 - 6 th July 2006.18 10.2 Appendix 2. Report on Forest Seed Handling in the Laboratory. 14 - 18 th August 2006 18 10.3 Appendix 3. Genetic Improvement for Eucalypts in Vietnam. December 2006 18 10.4 Appendix 4. Training Program for Provincial Forestry Staff in Vietnam. April 2007 18 10.5 Appendix 5. Appraisal of training carried out under CARD Project 058/04VIE Part of Milestone 9 – Provincial staff assessment of quality and value of training. April 2007 18 10.6 Appendix 6. Business Plan for tree Seed Supply & Technical Services by the Research Centre for Forest Tree Improvement, Vietnam. April 2007. 18 10.7 Appendix 7. Strategy for Distribution of Improved Seed by Research Centre for Forest Tree Improvement (RCFTI), Vietnam. April 2007 18 10.8 Appendix 8. Project Trip Report by B. Clarke on Follow up training on installation of the RCFTI computerized seed database and management and use of the database system. 15 – 21 st April 2007. 18 1 Project Name Strengthening Capacity in Forest Tree Seed Technologies Serving Research and Development Activities and ex-situ Conservation (No. 058/04VIE) Vietnamese Institution Research Centre for Forest Tree Improvement (RCFTI), Forest Science Institute of Vietnam, Hanoi Vietnamese Project Team Leader Dr Ha Huy Thinh Australian Organisation Ensis. (Joint Venture between CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products and Scion, New Zealand) Australian Personnel Brian Gunn, Khongsak Pinyopusarerk, Bronwyn Clarke, John Larmour Date commenced 18 th April 2005 Completion date (original) February 2007 Completion date (revised) April 2007 Reporting period July 2006 – March 2007 Contact Officer(s) In Australia: Team Leader Name: Brian Gunn Telephone: +61 2 62818211 Position: Research Officer Fax: +61 2 62818266 Organisation Ensis Email: Brian.Gunn@ensisjv.com In Australia: Administrative contact Name: Ms Eelaine Tan Telephone: +61 3 95452225 Position: Project Management Accountant Fax: +61 3 95452448 Organisation CSIRO FFP Email: Eelaine.Tan@csiro.au In Vietnam Name: Dr Ha Huy Thinh Telephone: +84 4 8389813 Position: Director Fax: +81 4 8362280 Organisation Research Centre for Forest Tree Improvement, FSIV Email: rcfti@netnam.vn 1 1 Project Abstract The Government of Vietnam (GoV) has embarked on a massive tree plantation program. By 2010 it plans to establish an additional 5 million hectares of plantations on cleared land, over and above the current plantation estate of one million hectares, plus the equivalent of more than 50,000 hectares of community forests in scattered plantings. The GoV is committed to improving the quantity and quality of tree seed produced from its own seed orchards, which is a more sustainable strategy than depending on im ported seed. This project aims at strengthening the capacity of RCFTI and selected regional production centres in forest tree seed technologies through development of a functional tree seed centre. Ensis is the Australian project partner contracted to provide the necessary training. Since the previous Progress Report covering the period from Inception to 30 th June 2005, activities have continued to be undertaken largely in accordance with the milestone descriptions under the project docu ment. Key activities undertaken • Seed database installed on RCFTI computer in Hanoi • Seed database operations manual provided in English. • KP - Training course in seed orchard management conducted • Guidelines on seed orchard management provided to RCFTI. . The Government of Vietnam (GoV) has embarked on a massive tree plantation program. By 2010 it plans to establish an additional 5 million hectares of plantations on cleared land, over and above the current plantation estate of one million hectares, plus the equivalent of more than 50,000 hectares of community forests in scattered plantings. The GoV is committed to improving the quantity and quality of tree seed produced from its own seed orchards, which is a more sustainable strategy than depending on imported seed. This project aims at strengthening the capacity of RCFTI and selected regional production centres in forest tree seed technologies through development of a functional tree seed centre. Ensis is the Australian project partner contracted to provide the necessary training. Since the Second Progress Report covering the period from July to December 2005, activities have continued to be undertaken largely in accordance with the milestone descriptions under the project document. Key activities undertaken • Following installation of licensed software the seed database is now running effectively. • Translation of the seed database in to Vietnamese complete. • Training workshop provided to participants in seed collection and processing. • Establishment of a silvicultural trial to study the impact of thinning and fertilizer application on seed production in Acacia crassicarpa seed production area. 2 Executive Summary This Completion Report covers the period 1 st July 2006 to project completion in May 2007. As anticipated, this was a very busy period under the project with Milestones 6, 8 and 9 being completed. A summary of the activities and outcomes achieved are listed below. • Milestone 6. Training was provided in Vietnam with respect to laboratory seed technology and seed orchard management. The training was supported by reports on the training including assessments of competencies by participants. Training in field collections had been completed during the previous six month period. • Milestone 8. A breeding strategy for RCFTI focussing on eucalypts was prepared following considerable interaction between the authors in Ensis and key staff within RCFTI. • Milestone 9. o A training module for trained staff to train others at the provincial level in seed technology has been developed. o A report has been prepared as part of evaluating the effectiveness of the training program under the project. o A business concept strategy plan has been prepared for RCFTI to implement as part of its long term commercialisation plan. o Development of a strategy for distribution of improved seed, other germplasm sources and services by RCFTI. • Completed compiling the RCFTI seed operations manual. 2 • Follow-up visit by Ms Bronwyn Clarke in relation to the seed database. All these reports have been prepared in Vietnamese and English. 3 Introduction & Background A summary of the project objectives, outputs and approach is listed below: • A total of 12 Vietnamese staff will participate in one study tour and four training visits to Australia.  Managerial level training – four persons for two weeks at the commencement of the project to study general operation in Australia to include the ATSC, visit seed orchards in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.  Technical staff training – eight staff comprising four groups of two to receive hands-on training and lectures in seed technology associated with field work (seed collection and processing, seed orchard management, seed laboratory training and associated documentation. Training will also cover development of tree breeding strategies, trial design and data analysis of trials associated with seed orchard activities. Techniques to monitor the reproductive biology of key species will also be studied. The understanding of reproductive biology is an important component of understanding outcrossing rates and factors influencing quality and quantity of seed production. • Four Ensis staff will make a total of 12 visits to Vietnam to work with RCFTI and regional centres over the course of the project.  Project inception meeting followed by visit of field sites and regional collaborators  install the computerised seed database and train staff. This to be undertaken in 2005 with a follow-up visit in 2006 to assess and make modifications to the database to ensure the process is working effectively and data has been correctly entered.  a hands-on training course in seed collection at a pre-determined location (Dongha) for 10 participants and facilitated by ensis staff. Post harvesting seed processing and seed storage requirements, reproductive biology studies will also be covered.  extensive field assessments of seed orchards in the north, centre and south of Vietnam  analyse field data to determine genetic variation within seed orchards and to provide baseline data for thinning based on genetic parameters.  set up experimental plots for silvicultural treatments within one selected seed orchards. Results will have application throughout all seed orchards in the country.  monitor flowering rate and seed production capacity in the sample plots  determine outcrossing rates of seed-orchard seeds to confirm genetic quality  develop breeding strategies for long-term genetic improvement and conservation • Vietnamese staff will be trained how to properly document Seed Centre operations and to use the ATSC seed database, and will discuss with ATSC experts the appropriate modifications to documentations and database, for RCFTI. • RCFTI and ATSC staff will work together to produce a Seed Centre Operations Manual for RCFTI, adapted from the existing ATSC Operations Manual. 4 Progress to Date 4.1 Implementation Highlights Milestone 6 – Competent staff in RCFTI As part of Milestone 6, two one-week training workshops were held in Vietnam. The first workshop was on ‘Seed Orchard Management’ held in Dong Hoi during the week commencing 3 3 rd July 2006. The workshop was attended by 10 participants from various forest offices in nine provinces who had some involvement with seed orchards. The objective of the workshop was to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to efficiently and confidently undertake establishment and management of seed orchards. A report on the workshop was submitted to CARD with a copy attached to this report under Appendix 1. The second workshop was on ‘Forest Seed Handling in the Laboratory’ held at RCFTI facilities in Hanoi during the week commencing 14 th August 2006. The course was attended by 12 participants from RCFTI and other forest offices. The objective of the workshop was to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to handle seed from the time of collection in the field through seed storage and dispatching seed to users. A report on the workshop was also submitted to CARD with a copy attached to this report under Appendix 2. Training in seed collection had been provided during the previous reporting period so is not included here. However, the reports from the three training workshops and other related training in seed orchard management and seed handling was summarised and submitted to CARD as part of meeting requirements under Milestone 6. Milestone 8 – Genetic Improvement Framework In fulfilment of Milestone 8, Four key persons: Messrs Phi Hong Hai, Vice Director, RCFTI/FSIV; Doan Ngoc Dao, MARD Forestry Department; Dang Phuoc Dai, Eastern South Vietnam Forest Science and Production; and Do Huu Son, Researcher, RCFTI/FSIV visited Ensis Canberra for one week commencing 21st August 2006 as part of developing the tree breeding strategy and receive training in trial design and analysis. This was followed up with a trip by Mr Pinyopusarerk to Hanoi for one week in order to gather further data on tree breeding work that had taken place by RCFTI and other tree breeding work on eucalypts carried out in Vietnam. This data was used to develop the strategy document ’Genetic Improvement for Eucalypts in Vietnam’ which has been submitted to CARD and is attached in Appendix 3 for reference. Milestone 9 – Extension and Outreach As part of preparing the various documents under Milestone 9, Messrs Pinyopusarerk and Gunn made a one-week visit to RCFTI at the beginning of February 2007. This enabled Ensis project staff to work closely with RCFTI to discuss earlier drafts of the documents and prepare final drafts for translation. RCFTI have developed a training module for use by trainers who were trained under the project. The module will be used by trained provincial staff to train others associated with seed orchard management and seed handling. This document has been submitted to CARD and is attached in Appendix 4 for reference. As a key part of assessing the effectiveness of training provided under the project, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to all personnel involved with training. The focus of the questionnaire was to seek feedback from participants to determine what new practices have been improved or changed since undertaking training and how this impacted on the work environment. This document was submitted to CARD as part of meeting Milestone 9 and is attached in Appendix 5 for reference. Briefly, 64% of course participants provided responses to the questionnaire. Of these, 75% reporting that they had applied their skills in the workplace. Those that had not applied their skills provided comments that there had not been involved in any seed handling activities associated with their work since training. Almost 50% of the responses indicated they had applied their training to improve existing practices. A further 27% 4 indicated they had applied their skills to implementing new practices and procedures including training others. In response to the requirement to provide a ‘Seed centre commercialisation strategy and implementation plan’, Ensis and RCFTI initially discussed the relevance of such a document in relation to RCFTI’s current commercial situation and future opportunities. As a result it was agreed that a document allowing RCFTI to develop a Business Plan for Tree Seed Supply and Technical Services would be the most appropriate strategy. The outcome of this planning is the preparation of a ‘Business Plan Strategy’ detailing steps required to be taken for its development over time. Since RCFTI is not currently in a position to implement the plan, it is designed to take effect from about 2009 to coincide with the implementation of the government’s requirement that RCFTI moves towards self sufficiency as a commercial arm of the Forest Science Institute of Vietnam (FSIV). The document has been submitted to CARD and is attached under Appendix 6 for reference. In addition to the ‘Business Plan Strategy’, a ‘Strategy for Distribution of Improved Seed’ by RCFTI was also prepared and submitted to CARD. This document is linked to the business plan but has a more immediate focus for the distribution of seed, other germplasm and linked services. The document was prepared in close consultation with RCFTI to ensure that it addressed the current situation as well as offering ideas for future development as RCFTI’s seed and other resources expands. A copy of the report is provided in Appendix 7. Other activities completed during this reporting period The RCFTI seed handling operations manual has been completed in both English and Vietnamese which outlines seed handling procedures by RCFTI staff. The manual has been developed over the two years of the project in order to ensure that appropriate techniques have been adopted relevant to RCFTI and provincial forestry offices. The document was submitted to CARD. Ms Bronwyn Clarke visited RCFTI for one week commencing 15 th April 2007 for follow-up training on installation of the RCFTI computerised seed database and management and use of the information support system. The seed database is now functioning effectively with several staff at RCFTI now competent at managing the database. Backing up of the database to provide added security for the data is now fully operational. Some procedural adjustments to managing the seed store and information processes were discussed. This included checking the physical weights of the seed in store to ensure they matched with the database. Ensuring that all seed sent out was recorded on the database and that a consignment note is generated as a critical step in ensuring seed weights are correctly recorded. A hard copy filing systems was created to keep information on correspondence with clients. A copy of Ms Clarke’s trip report is attached in Appendix 8 for information. 4.2 Smallholder Benefits Activities under the project are related to capacity building within RCFTI. There are therefore no smallholder benefits to report on. 4.3 Capacity Building Training of RCFTI staff has been the key activity within the reporting period as outlined above and in the Logframe. In summary, the following training and supporting information was provided 5 • Seed orchard management workshop held in Dong Hoi, Vietnam for 10 participants for a week commencing 3 rd July 2006. Participants gained skills in establishment and maintenance of seed orchards including cultural management. • Forest seed handling in the laboratory workshop was held at RCFTI, Hanoi, Vietnam for the week commencing 14 th August 2006 involving 12 participants from both RCFTI and regional forestry agencies. The training covered handling seed from the time of arrival at the ‘centre’ through to storage and seed dispatch. 4.4 Publicity 4.5 Project Management The project has been managed within the framework of the Project Proposal. Effective collaboration has been on-going between RCFTI and Ensis. 5 Report on Cross-Cutting Issues 5.1 Environment No issues to report. 5.2 Gender and Social Issues No issues to report. 6 Implementation & Sustainability Issues 6.1 Issues and Constraints No issues or constraints were experienced under the project during this reporting period. 6.2 Options 6.3 Sustainability There are no sustainability issues associated with the above options. 7 Next Critical Steps There are no critical steps to be taken since this is the completion of the project. 8 Conclusion In reflecting back over the project, it can be said that the project objectives were well and truly met in terms of quality and quantity and have had an impact on the Vietnam forest industry. Systems are now in place for effective seed handling of research seedlots by RCFTI. Strategies for cultural and genetic management of seed sources are well documented with examples of implementation by RCFTI taking effect. Sixty four Vietnamese personnel from about 10 forestry related agencies across Vietnam attended training courses either in Vietnam or in Australia directly through the project. As indicated in the training survey, 75% of those who responded to the training questionnaire indicated that they were applying the skills they had gained. 6 Apart from strengthening the skills of RCFTI and other agencies in seed handling and tree breeding there has been the commissioning of the seed database and a number of documents. These documents include: • Genetic improvement for eucalypts in Vietnam • Seed handling operation manual for RCFTI • Strategy for distribution of improved seed • Business plan for tree seed supply and technical services by RCFTI These four documents are significant having application well in to the future with options for modifications. The association between staff at RCFTI and CSIRO Ensis, has been very close, highly effective and professional. Without this close collaboration, this project would not have been able to achieve the level of outcomes that have resulted. The support of CARD team and funding support from AusAID is acknowledged in enabling the project to achieve these successful outcomes. 7 8 9 Statutory Declaration STATUTORY DECLARATION COLLABORATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CARD Project Title: - Strengthening Capacity in Forest Tree Seed Technologies Serving Research and Development Activities and ex-situ Conservation CARD Project Number: - 058/04VIE We the undersigned hereby declare that during the period 01/07/2006 to 31/03/2007 we have delivered the following inputs to assist in implementation of the above project. 1: PERSONNEL INPUTS Australian Personnel Provided (Name) Days in Vietnam Days in Australia Trips to Vietnam Brian Gunn 37 23 2 Khongsak Pinyopusarerk 43 9 3 John Larmour 0 5 0 Bronwyn Clarke 7 21 1 Total 87 58 6 Vietnamese Personnel Provided Days in Vietnam Ha Huy Thinh 12 Phi Hong Hai 40 Nghiem Quynh Chi 45 Nguyen Tuan Hung 35 Mai Trung Kien 6 Duong Thanh Hoa 15 Other staffs 15 Total 168 2: EQUIPMENT AND OTHER SERVICES Equipment & Other Services Description Budget Limit (A$) Ladders (3 sets - 6 m/ladder) (made in VN) 1,000 Thresher - acacia pod (made in VN) 3,000 Tarpaulin - drying seed (made in VN) 3,500 Storage container (made in VN) 2,500 Some other laboratory equipments (Buy in VN) 2,000 [...]... Progress Against Proposed Objectives, Outputs, Activities and Inputs Note: In order that this Table reflects the ongoing project progress, developments undertaken between July 2006 and Project Completion date (current reporting period) are shown in italics Previous progress is shown in normal print Project Title: Strengthening Capacity in Forest Tree Seed Technologies Serving Research and Development Activities. .. course in laboratory seed technology was held commencing the week 14th August 12 11 document and store seed, including conservation techniques for long-term seed storage, and effective in responding to seed requests and distribute seed and information Seed operations manual representing the activities of the seed handling operations from seed collection through to storage and distribution in stock ii Outputs... equipment for seed collection and processing and purchase items within limits of budget ii RCFTI to arrange for importation of tree climbing equipment iii One ENSIS officer (J Larmour) to visit Vietnam for 1 week as part of providing training (Dong Ha) in seed collection and processing iv Trained personnel to then train other field staff in tree climbing and seed collection within their sphere of influence... records ii Seed sent to clients accompanied by consignment notes containing necessary seedlot information iv Monitoring of staff during training v Uptake of training in every day use when handling seed without supervision vi Document in use ii Document can be translated into Vietnamese within the duration of the project participants attended comprising staff from RCFTI Ha Noi and from provincial forestry... RCFTI and records of trained people available ii Training provided in Australia used to develop procedures at RCFTI and in to provincial centres iii B Gunn presented a training workshop in laboratory seed handling in August 2006 training material was provided and an assessment of skills learnt made at the conclusion of the workshop Following the workshop, Gunn visited various field trials, seed stands and. .. ENSIS to assist with seed orchard management ii Training to be provided Training provided as per schedule Training in seed processing and laboratory work undertaken by B Gunn in this reporting period i In conjunction with a visit to Vietnam in July to conduct a training course on seed orchard management, K Pinyopusarerk also visited existing seed orchards with key RCFTI staff and discussed management... capable of assessment and analysis iii Seed orchards thinned following data analysis iv Written guidelines and practical thinning in Seed production areas v Seed yield increases vi Genetic quality confirmed by determination of outcrossing rates i completed The Acacia crassicarpa progeny trial at Dong Ha was thinned following assessment and analysis and has now been converted to a seedling orchard The first... visit Vietnam to provide hands on training in laboratory based seed handling and testing i One ENSIS officer (K Pinyopusarerk) to visit Vietnam to lead field work on establishment of silvicultural trials in seed orchards Trip to coincide with project inception meeting with stakeholders and beneficiaries ii Vietnamese counterparts to study seed orchard management and assessment in conjunction with their... visit seed orchards and participating in PCC meeting i Inception meeting in Hanoi followed by visit to the 3 field stations (Bavi, Quang Tri and Long An) ii PCC meetings (six monthly) i Trip reports i Completed ii Breeding strategies agreed and developed ii 4 officers including two from RCFTI visited Ensis for one week as part of training in trial design and analysis Discussions were also held regarding... Australia for seed collection and processing under (Activity 2 v) iii RCFTI and regional centres to apply silvicultural treatments in seed orchards i Travel record, course schedule, trip report iv KP to supply guidelines and demonstrate thinning in seed production areas i Completed as reported in 1st – 6 monthly Project Report iv Records of flowering trees and seed production ii Program of training developed . Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development Strengthening Capacity in Forest Tree Seed Technologies Serving Research and Development Activities and ex-situ Conservation. AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CARD Project Title: - Strengthening Capacity in Forest Tree Seed Technologies Serving Research and Development Activities and ex-situ Conservation . reporting period) are shown in italics. Previous progress is shown in normal print. Project Title: Strengthening Capacity in Forest Tree Seed Technologies Serving Research and Development Activities