Lao Teak Forum- Sustainable Teak Value Chains for Sustainable Local Development,19-20 February 2020, Vientiane & Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

About 50 participants in the Lao Teak Forum: Sustainable Teak Value Chains for Sustainable Local Development reviewed opportunities and challenges for sustainable teak value chains in Lao PDR in the workshop organised at Vansana Riverside Hotel, Vientiane coinciding with 2nd PSC Meeting of the ITTO Teak Mekong Project, “Enhancing Conservation and Sustainable Management of Teak Forests and Legal and Sustainable Wood Supply Chains in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region” (ITTO PP-A/54-331)” now under implementation in the five participating countries viz., Thailand, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Cambodia. The forum was co-organized by ITTO in cooperation with Lao PDR’s National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and with financial support from the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). It was convened on 19–20 February 2020. A field excursion was also arranged by NAFRI to Luang Prabang province on 20th February after the Teak Forum in Vientiane.

Teak is a native species in Lao PDR, with natural teak forest covering an estimated 68,500 hectares. Moreover, teak plantations established by the private sector and rural communities cover about 36,000 ha, mainly in the provinces of Luang Prabang and Boeko. According to forum participants, the creation of smallholder teak groups will enable the integration of farmers into supply chains for higher value-added teak products. 

Keynote presentations and discussion

Chairman: Dr. Chahnsamone Phongoudome, Dy. Director-General, NAFRI, Lao PDR

Sustainable Forest Management in Lao PDR, including Teak

Mr. Bounchanh Lattanavongkot,  Deputy Head of Forestry Provincial Office, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

Teak value chains in Lao PDR: Challenges and Opportunities

Prof. Tek Maraseni, University of Southern Queensland, Australia and Mr. Vongvilay Vongkhamsao, NAFRI

Teak product industry in Lao PDR

Mr. Thongsavanh, President of Lao furniture association a teak producer’s organization/ teak company

Country presentations on sustainable supply and value chains of quality teak timber in Lower Mekong

Chairman: Prof. Tek Marseni, University of Southern Queensland, Australia

Sustainable supply and value chains of quality teak timber in Cambodia

Cambodia: Ms. Sopheap Lim, Forestry Administration

Sustainable supply and value chains of quality teak timber in Myanmar

Myanmar: Mr. Than Sint, Forest Department, Myanmar

Sustainable supply and value chains of quality teak timber in Lower Mekong

Thailand: Dr. Nikhom Laemsak, Kasetsart Univeristy

Sustainable supply and value chains of quality teak timber in Vietnam

Vietnam: Dr. Tran Lam Dong, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences (VAFS)

Teak timber value chain analysis in Lao PDR

Lao PDR: Dr. Latsamy Boupha, National University of Laos

Panel Discussion: Sustainable teak value chains in Lower Mekong Region

Chairman: Dr. Hwan-ok MA, ITTO, Japan

The Lao Teak Forum participants noted that smallholder teak plantations have the potential to be a driver of sustainable development in the lower Mekong by improving the livelihoods and landscapes of rural communities. If a smallholder receives technical support and a modest fund under secured land tenure and supportive policies, teak plantations can be well established for their sustainable livelihoods. The forum drawn up the following key recommendations.

Key messages