Issue 23, December 2023

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SPOTLIGHT FROM SECRETARIAT

Welcome to the winter edition of the SNRD Asia-Pacific newsletter!​

Our newsletter is all about bringing you the latest updates and insights filled with informative articles, publications, completed and upcoming events, and more from our members projects across the Asia-Pacific region. As always, our members have shared lots of inspiring stories and knowledge products, we are sure you will find relevant information for your context.

Many thanks for all the contributions! ​​

With this, we wish you happy reading & send best regards,​​

Lisa, Donaya, Khaekhai, Natasha​

Lisa Hunsinger

SNRD AP Spokesperson

Donaya Siamwalla

SNRD AP Network Manager and Public Relations Officer

Khaekhai Tanasansopin​

Office Manager

Natasha Krisanalome

SNRD Assistant

SPOTLIGHT FROM SECRETARIAT

Introducing the SNRD AP Working Groups and Task Forces

SECTOR NETWORK NATURAL RESOURCES AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (SNRD AP)

Training “Biodiversity Conservation and Human Well-being”

Building on an annual series of seminars held at the Isle of Vilm, Germany, the training “Biodiversity Conservation and Human Well-being” was brought to the Asia-Pacific region by the SNRD Biodiversity Working Group in coordination with the SNRD Secretariat, IUCN and UNEP in October 2023. Near Khao Yai National Park in Thailand, 36 participants from GIZ and partner agencies from 7 different countries gathered to gain new knowledge on biodiversity conservation and share their country-specific experiences. Inspired by inputs from trainers, GIZ, UNEP, IUCN and ACB, the participants reflected in interactive sessions on biodiversity conservation concepts and tools as well as the importance of biodiversity and the benefits it provides for human well-being.

During a field trip to the Khao Yai National Park, the participants engaged with national park staff on protected area management, ecotourism and human-wildlife interactions. In the evening, the group had the chance to appreciate the biodiversity of the National Park and go on a night safari to observe sambar deer, dholes, macaques and porcupines.

Webinar Series: Carbon Credits in the Agricultural Sector

The Agriculture Working Group of SNRD Asia and the Pacific organized a Webinar Series on Carbon Credits, engaging around 80 GIZ colleagues across 13 countries. The series offered three one-hour sessions with the opening event introducing the basics of Carbon Markets and Carbon Credits. Subsequent sessions delved into the practical application of these concepts and ways to strengthen carbon credit initiatives, even when facing criticism.

Jens Radschinski of KORA Climate shared his expertise at each webinar, which due to its success and positive feedback, will continue in 2024 with a focus on GIZ project examples related to carbon credits. The sessions promoted understanding and discussion on the practical use of carbon credits

You can watch the recorded sessions and download the slides here

SNRD Africa Conference 2023

Transform & Innovate: Future-proof Food Systems

Under the banner of transforming food systems, the 2023 SNRD Africa Conference was successfully hosted from 09 to 13 October 2023. In line with our mission to facilitate learning, collaborations, and knowledge exchange, this year’s conference was a very dynamic and participatory event. The theme for this year’s conference was “Transform & Innovate: Future-proof Food Systems”.

The primary objective was to foster the promotion of innovative ideas, emerging trends, and cutting-edge solutions. We emphasized established approaches, positive deviances, and best practices that are prepared for scaling, while also underscoring the ability to elevate existing knowledge and projects to higher levels.

For additional details on the conference, please visit our website: www.snrd-africa.net

HIGHLIGHTS AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING

During the recent 16th ACCMSME Meeting in Singapore, the progress of ASEAN Access was highlighted, underscoring its role in assisting MSMEs with cross-border trade. Additionally, a study is being prepared on MSME participation in the circular economy – presenting crucial opportunities for the green transition in ASEAN.
Have you ever considered where our future protein sources might come from? Could the answer be lurking beneath the surface of our world’s waters?
The Directorate General of Nature Resource and Ecosystem Conservation (DG KSDAE) of the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry organized intensive training on coral reef species identification, inventory, and analysis. The goal of the training was to enhance the management of marine ecosystem conservation. The training was conducted in collaboration with the GIZ through Climate and Biodiversity Hub Indonesia (CLARITY)
Started as a virtual knowledge exchange on climate risk resiliency in the CRFI task force, the EbA for Disaster Resilience (E4DR) project in the Philippines hosted a learning visit from GIZ India and GIZ Pakistan on October 4-13, 2023.
ASEAN synchronises forestry strategies for the COP28 preparation, amplifying climate initiatives. Key dialogues focus on decarbonisation, forest ecosystem benefits, and enhancing private-sector climate action.

SASCI+ kicks off an integrated Development Partnership with PT IndoCafco/ECOM to increase sustainability and improve incomes of coffee farmers while reducing the risk of deforestation in West Java, Indonesia

A study tour through northern German national parks showed Mongolian colleagues’ different models for park management models as well as visitor education. In addition, the group met various experts from the field and learned how Germany is dealing with abandoned mining sites.

Thailand announced the successful implementation of the Regenerative Coconut Agriculture Project (ReCAP) which enable farmers to apply climate-resilient farming into practice, leading to an improvement of not only soil quality but also coconut yields and sustainability of their livelihoods.

DOCUMENTS AND PUBLICATIONS

Methods Manual: Document Traditional Knowledge of Aquatic Resources in North-East India

The methods manual is designed for knowledge-holders, and their communities, who would like to document their traditional knowledge of aquatic resources and their uses, as well as those who are working with these communities to do so, such as local Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), NGOs and Universities.  All the methods are also applicable to research aims that may accompany knowledge documentation efforts.

Link to Publication

Key buzzwords
Traditional Knowledge, Aquatic resources, indigenous knowledge, ITK, biodiversity, local knowledge

International Symposium on Aquatic Biodiversity of the Northeast Region-Compendium of Papers

Under the aegis of the Indo German Bilateral Cooperation Project “Protection and Sustainable Management of Aquatic Resources in the Northeastern Himalayan Region of India” (NERAQ), the First International Symposium on Aquatic Biodiversity of the Northeastern Region of India was held on 26-27 October 2021 with the aim to determine status, threats and opportunities to manage aquatic flora and fauna and particularly to tackle the threats of climate change. This two-day virtual workshop was organized by GIZ in cooperation with MoEFCC, Gauhati University, and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

Link to Publication

Key buzzwords
Symposium, research, aquatic biodiversity, conservation, fish

GRASS Baseline Study in Kapuas Hulu, Indonesia

The GRASS project through RASA Consulting conducted a baseline study in Kapuas Hulu to assess the livelihoods of farmers and examined gender social inclusion in the context of four commodities: oil palm , natural rubber, cacao and coffee in the target area. The study classified villages into two categories based on their proximity to markets: good access (close to off-takers) and poor access (far from off-takers). The report also delved into the factors behind the ever-increasing land-use conversion rate from natural rubber to oil palm. The adoption of digital technology is hampered by low telecommunication network coverage.

Link to Publication

Key buzzwords
#GRASSProject #SustainableAgriculture #SmallholderFarmers #Resilience #Indonesia

Analyses on COP 26, 27, and 28 for ASEAN

COP stands for the Conference of Parties and is the annual UN Climate Change Conference that takes place in a different host city each year. The COP is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the COP assesses progress on combatting climate change. UNFCCC COP is an important means to monitor the progress made in combatting climate change and to work out the targets for countries to reach the goals of Paris Agreement. In this context, ASEAN has great potentials to enhance their position in this high-level international climate forum. Read more on our analyses on COP 26, 27, and 28 here.

Link to Publication

Key buzzwords
UNFCCC COP, ASEAN, Climate Action, Climate Policy

The Photo Stories "Forestry through Women’s Eyes"

The photo stories “Forestry through women’s eyes” highlights stories of ten women participating in the forestry sector: from students, members of village forest protection patrol teams, technical staff of management boards, scientific researchers, and entrepreneurs, to those working in the field of forest conservation and policy development.

The authentic accounts of their daily lives, challenges, passions, and achievements related to their work centred around forests provide us with a comprehensive view of the vital roles and contributions of women in the development of the forestry sector in Vietnam.

Link to Publication

Key buzzwords
Gender equality, women, forestry

Appraisal of Springshed Management Structure for Springs in Uttarakhand: Recommendations for Desirable Change

A recent study critically analyses the institutional structure and the role of various departments and associated stakeholders for the Springshed Management Consortium (SMC). The study was instrumental in the formulation of a four-tier structure of the SMC to be established, from State Government level at the apex for the policy decisions, to the Gram Panchayat level bodies for implementation and sustainable management of springs and springsheds. This report outlines a series of recommendations aimed at establishing an institutional framework that promotes inclusive springshed management which can be upscaled in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). These recommendations focus on anchoring relevant stakeholders to ensure effective management of springs, considering the unique characteristics and challenges of the region.

Link to Publication

Key buzzwords
Forest Ecosystem, Springs in Uttarakhand, Springshed Management

EVENTS, TRAININGS AND WEBINARS

COMPLETED EVENTS

September 20, October 18, and November 21, 2023
Online

OTHER GIZ NEWSLETTERS

GIZ International Forestry Policy Newsletter – Subscribe now to get news and updates on GIZ International Forest Policy. If you would like to receive the GIZ International Forest Policy Newsletter, please send a message to forests@giz.de

Indo-German Biodiversity Programme – Indo-German Biodiversity Programme Newsletters

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme II (REEEP II) Newsletter – Subscribe to get news and updates on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme II of GIZ Bangladesh. To receive the newsletter, please send an email to Ananya.rubayat@giz.de

PM GatiShakti Newsletter – Coverage of activities supported by Green Freight project in the PM GatiShakti Newsletter. Please refer to Page 3 to read about Urban Mobility India session and CII summit of Post-harvest logistics infrastructure.

Indo-German Biodiversity Programme Newsletter, Issue no. 23, April 2023 – This bi-monthly newsletter is a service by the Indo-German Biodiversity Programme (IGBP). The newsletter features project updates from across India and interesting thematic articles on the challenges of biodiversity conservation and management from the IGBP projects.

Initiative for Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains (INA) – Read news from the Initiative for Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains (INA)

GIZ Thailand Newsletter – Read news and updates from GIZ Thailand

Wetlands International – This month’s newsletter brings you conversations from Stockholm World Water Week (Aug 20th- 24th), our latest publications on biodiversity corridors in the Paraná delta, and the lithium extraction in the High Andean wetlands, and stories of restoration efforts and achievements from our network.

If you have any further resources or links you think would be useful to add, do share with us via snrd-asia@giz.de

Useful Links and Platforms

AdaptationCommunity.net – The Global Programme Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change (HMCCC) have launched a global website, a subpage on Climate Change and Migration under the AdaptationCommunity.net. Please click the link for an introduction to the topic of climate change-induced human mobility, publications, and other resources. The global programme operates in the Pacific Islands, the Philippines and the Caribbean, and is supported by a team in Bonn.

GIZ Philippines Facebook Page – Get updated on GIZ Philippines and Pacific

GIZ Thailand Website – Learn about GIZ Thailand activities and other updates

GIZ Thailand Facebook Page – Get latest update on GIZ Thailand Facebook page

SNRD Asia and The Pacific Website – Sector Network Natural Resources and Rural Development Asia and the Pacific

SNRD Africa Website – Stay informed what is happening with our sister network

Engage with TUMI’s threads on TUMI’s Twitter – TUMI is the leading global implementation initiative on sustainable urban mobility formed through the union of eleven partners

Indo-German Biodiversity Programme – The Indo-German Biodiversity Programme is working with its overarching goal of sustainable use of biological diversity to support livelihoods for future generations. The Programme addresses the challenges of biodiversity conservation currently in four complementary areas

Podcast ‘Vom Feld ins Regal’ (From field to shelf) – Is sustainable consumption an important topic for you? Are you wondering where The hosts JJ and Lara will talk about these and other exciting questions with guest? The podcast is produced by the Initiative for Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains

PANORAMA – Solutions for a Healthy Planet is a partnership initiative to document and promote examples of inspiring, replicable solutions across a range of conservation and sustainable development topics, enabling cross-sectoral learning and inspiration

If you have any further resources or links you think would be useful to add, do share with us via snrd-asia@giz.de

Published by:
SNRD Asia and the Pacific Secretariat
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Editor:
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