A workshop to disseminate the NDF of D. cochinchinensis and D. oliveri in the Choam Ksant management district in Preah Vihear province, as well as business-related training to prepare private sector entities and small-scale farmers to participate in the establishment of small-scale private plantations of D. cochinchinensis and D. oliveri. was organized virtually on 24 November 2021. A total of 65 participants from the provincial cantonments and departments of the Forestry Administration, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, and the private sector attended the workshop.

Participants were willing to put in the effort to learn despite the intensity of the training and the need to ensure the completion of the one-day workshop program. However, the Non-detriment Findings Report on D. cochinchinensis and D. oliveri was new to the participants, especially the specific technical assessments. As such, the virtual training workshop of one day might not be sufficient for the participants to understand fully the technical assessments required to make a science-based NDF.

In addition, it was demonstrated to the participants that the establishment of D. cochinchinensis and D. oliveri plantations can provide high economic returns at approximately USD 38,500.00/ha as compared to USD 26,500.00/ha for teak, USD 650.00/ha for cassava, and USD 750.00/ha for rice field.

Despite limited understanding of CITES in regulating plants and timber in the CITES Appendices and timber trade requirement by CITES among the participants, some of the participants who fully understood the presentations had suggested that their views and observations be incorporated into future national NDF assessments for CITES-listed tree species (Appendix I & II), including members of the CITES Scientific Authority.

Author of the news item: Chheang Dany, Say Sinly, Hort Sothea and the Cambodia Project Team.

Contact for further information: wpo@online.com.kh

Project title: Integrating the Development of Guidelines and Incentives for Piloting the Establishment of Small-scale Private Dalbergia Plantations with the Determination of a Non-detriment Findings Report in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia.

Project duration: 18 months.

Country name: Cambodia.

Implementing agency: The Forestry Administration’s Department of Forest Plantations and Private Forest Development and Department of Wildlife and Biodiversity.