During 30 July to 1 August 2019, FLOURISH organized Teak Certificate Learning events in three project target villages-- Pakhong and Tha in Xaiyaboury district and Nakhong in Phaing district, Xaiyaboury province. One day event was held in each village. In total, the events were attended by the 191 local smallholders (including 87 women) and representatives from Xaiyaboury PAFO, Xaiyaboury DAFO, Phiang DAFO and RECOFTC Lao PDR. Specifically, the number of participants from Pakong, Tha and Nakhong were 55, 55 and 81 people, respectively.

The learning event aimed to:

• disseminate the revised Forestry Law and regulations on the Promotion of Commercial Tree Plantation
• raise awareness on importance of tree certificates and procedures to apply for tree certificates

After the events, the participants gained knowledge about the revised Forestry Law and the related forestry policy promotes investment by individuals, legal entities and organizations in plantations for commerce and for supply of raw materials for manufacturing. The specific supporting policies include: policies on ownership, exemption or reduction of land tax, duty, taxes related to seeds, planted trees, land lease or concession. There are also policies supporting capacity development for local people.

During the events, the project also recorded the number of farmers who have or do not have tree certificates. The participants also practiced filling the application form to request tree certification and send to DAFO. At the end of the learning events, 57 teak farmers applied for teak certificates covering 91 plots in the three villages.