Atelier Workshop

Focal Area:

A preliminary report related to the dam's construction was developed for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) by a group of consultants is available. This report describes some of the urgent concerns related to relocation of settlements, erosion, sedimentation, water quality, and fish stocks. We are currently writing letters to obtain a copy of the report.

The site:

The map:

The issues:

• Illeagal logging
• Forest fires
• Shifting cultivation
• Infrastructure development (in particular, roads and dams)
• Gold mining

To ensure the workshop is a success we need to follow these main steps:

1. Identify the focal area and set of problems that we will consider. The atelier approach is essentially a goal-driven process, and it is crucial to be clear about the goals of the study. This does not mean that during the workshop the goals cannot be changed and modified, but it is important to have some clear goals to frame the preparatory work and to identify the right stakeholders and data sources.
2. Identify the key partners and their responsibilities. Local participants are essential and their performance brings 80 percent of the success. Make sure that their opinion is valued and that their concerns are heard. Figure out the incentives for their participation and make sure that there is a common understanding about the goals and outcomes to achieve.
3. Put together a timeline. In most cases we should start planning at least one year in advance.
4. Identify and contact the key players and stakeholders. Find out what information is available and what data can be found for the workshop.
5. Select faculty who will participate in the workshop. Identify speakers, panels, mediators, and advisors.
6. Finalize budgets.
7. Coordinate the curriculum and design the course syllabus.
8. Select students. Local students with knowledge of English, and US students with prior experience in the region are preferred.
9. Develop a web page. Post background material. Set up discussion boards and interactive features.
10. Work on logistics. Decide on workshop program, field trips, lodging, transportation, visas, interpreters, visuals.
11. Conduct workshop.
12. Post-workshop activities. Write papers, reports, and proposals for future work.

Partners

• Center for Biodiversity and Conservation (CBC), American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) - Provide scientific and technical guidance
• Gund Institute for Ecological Economics (GIEE) - Develop curriculum, syllabus, select US students, pre- and post-course research
• Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry (HUAF) - Primary contact (Duong Viet Tinh (tinhkln1@dng.vnn.vn) and Ho Dang Hai (haina_nl@yahoo.com) - Manage logistics, contact local stakeholders, select Vietnamese students
• Institute of Geography, Landscape Ecology Division (primary contacts: Dr. Tran Van Y (legismap@hn.vnn.vn) and Dr. Lai Vinh Cam (lvcamminh04@yahoo.com) - Participate in model development and geographic data acquisition.
• Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR): Dr. Khuat Dang Long kdlong@iebr.ncst.ac.vn, Dr. Le Xuan Canh lxcanh@vast.ac.vn - Official sponsor of AMNH/CBC, secure visas and participate in workshop

Potential Stakeholders

• Quang Nam Forest Protection Department (FPD) - Director: Mr. Diep Thanh Phong, Director of Protection and management Mr. Dang Dinh Nguyen, and Thu Van Khanh RS/GIS Specialist, Le Cong Be Song Thanh Nature Reserve
• Electricity of Vietnam (www.evn.com.vn) - Luong Lan Dzung (dungll@evn.com.vn - Officer International Cooperation Dept.) and Le Thi Ngoc Quynh (quynhltn@evn.com.vn Environmental specialist)
• World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) MOSAIC Project (mosaic@dng.vnn.vn) - Director Barney Long, Minh Hoang Biologist
• Quang Nam Department of Resource and Environment - Pham Hong Son (GIS person?)
• Quang Nam Department of Forestry - Tran Hai Ha (GIS?)
• Asian Development Bank - Consultants (Jay Roop [jroop@netnam.vn])
• Provincial Peoples Committee
• District Peoples Committees
• Commune Peoples Committees

Timeline

Participants