A workshop to strengthen the role of provincial partners in regards to the FLEGT VPA process (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade towards Voluntary Partnership Agreement) and TLAS (Timber Legality Assurance Systems) piloting was carried out in Khammouane on 7 July 2020, with the support of the German project “ Protection and Sustainable Use of Forest Ecosystems and Biodiversity” (ProFEB). This workshop was part of the ProFEB’s FLEGT provincial work plan.
15 participants attended a 1-day workshop, including participants from the Provincial Office of Forestry Inspection (POFI), the Provincial Office of Industry and Commerce (POIC) and the Forestry Section of the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office (PAFO).
The main topics of the workshop are: (i) Update on the FLEGT VPA Process in Lao PDR, (ii) Piloting of elements of TLAS, (iii) Roles and responsibilities of provincial partners, and (iv) Current status of TLAS piloting.
During the workshop, participants discussed the current procedure for confiscated timber. In order to facilitate the process, it was proposed to introduce and pilot a data management system for confiscated timber, of which this corresponding course is expected to take place in Khammouane in September 2020.
Mr. Sonexai Phomluangsy, the Deputy Director of POFI Khammouane, stated the importance of the workshop which in particular allows those new colleagues in the partner institutions of the province to understand FLEGT process better, as well as to give an update on the current status of TLAS piloting.