The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report LA-Scaling-Up Participatory Sustainable Forest Management (P130222) LA-Scaling-Up Participatory Sustainable Forest Management (P130222) EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC | Lao People's Democratic Republic | Environment, Natural Resources & the Blue Economy Global Practice | IBRD/IDA | Investment Project Financing | FY 2013 | Seq No: 13 | ARCHIVED on 19-Dec-2019 | ISR39757 | Implementing Agencies: Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Key Dates Key Project Dates Bank Approval Date: 31-May-2013 Effectiveness Date: 08-Aug-2013 Planned Mid Term Review Date: 23-Nov-2015 Actual Mid-Term Review Date: 09-Nov-2015 Original Closing Date: 31-Aug-2018 Revised Closing Date: 30-Mar-2020 pdoTable Project Development Objectives Project Development Objective (from Project Appraisal Document) To execute REDD+ activities through participatory sustainable forest management in priority areas and to pilot forest landscape management in four provinces Has the Project Development Objective been changed since Board Approval of the Project Objective? No Components Table Name 1: Strengthening and Expanding PSFM in PFAs:(Cost $20.97 M) 2: Piloting Forest Landscape Management:(Cost $2.00 M) 3: Enabling Legal and Regulatory Environment:(Cost $3.38 M) 4: Project Management:(Cost $5.47 M) Overall Ratings Name Previous Rating Current Rating Progress towards achievement of PDO Satisfactory Satisfactory Overall Implementation Progress (IP) Satisfactory Satisfactory Overall Risk Rating Substantial Substantial Implementation Status and Key Decisions The project has already achieved most of its key outcome targets and in doing so has strengthened participatory sustainable forest management and contributed to reduction of carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, as well as diverse livelihoods benefits. Timber harvesting has not been delivered under the project due to Prime Minister’s Order 15 restricting timber harvests and exports. More than 976,000 hectares of forests have been brought under sustainable community-based management plans and over 117,000 people in forests areas have increased monetary and non-monetary benefits from the project, including both forest-related and non-forest activities. More than two-thirds of these beneficiaries are ethnic minorities. The project’s sustainable management interventions and project-supported regulatory measures are estimated to have reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) by about 1.8 million tons CO2 equivalent (CO2e) and reduced the 12/19/2019 Page 1 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report LA-Scaling-Up Participatory Sustainable Forest Management (P130222) annual rate of forest cover loss by about one-third, more than twice the original project target. To date, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has certified 108,408 hectares as meeting either its forest management or controlled wood standard (roughly half under each standard) and efforts are ongoing toward achievement of the project’s target of 175,000 hectares under certification. The government has requested additional financing which, if approved, would further enhance and strengthen project outcomes, particularly in relation to village livelihood activities, forest governance, and development of investment plans to support the longer-term viability of the project forest landscape management outcomes. Risks Systematic Operations Risk-rating Tool Risk Category Rating at Approval Previous Rating Current Rating Political and Governance -- High High Macroeconomic -- Substantial Substantial Sector Strategies and Policies -- Substantial Substantial Technical Design of Project or Program -- Substantial Substantial Institutional Capacity for Implementation and Sustainability -- Substantial Substantial Fiduciary -- Substantial Substantial Environment and Social -- Moderate Moderate Stakeholders -- Substantial Substantial Other -- -- -- Overall -- Substantial Substantial Results PDO Indicators by Objectives / Outcomes To execute REDD+ activities through participatory sustainable forest management in priority areas IN00779270 ►Forest area brought under management plans (Hectare(Ha), Corporate) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 976,211.00 976,211.00 975,000.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 Target achieved. Unchanged since last ISR. This indicator measures the extent of Production Forest Areas where government-approved PSFM plans prepared with support from SUFORD-SU are under implementation. The total area under PSFM plans has been determined by summing up the areas Comments: provided in the 40 individual PSFM plans prepared with support from SUFORD-SU. Note that one of the original 41 PFAs planned to receive project support is inaccessible due to security reasons. 12/19/2019 Page 2 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report LA-Scaling-Up Participatory Sustainable Forest Management (P130222) IN00779281 ►People in forest and adjacent community with monetary/ non-monetary benefit from interventions (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 117,400.00 117,400.00 115,000.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 This is the sum of the number of people in households implementing village sub-projects with funds available from Village Livelihood Development Grants (VLDGs) provided by SUFORD-SU in 666 villages (direct beneficiaries of VLD Grants: 21,344 recipient households x avg of 5.5 people in rural households, according to 2015 census). The VLDGs are fully disbursed and implementation underway with monitoring and extension support from DOF, PAFOs and DAFOs. Comments: In addition, separate impact assessments and other research shows significant welfare improvement effects. The latest is the FIP poverty study independently carried out by the Bank's poverty GP. Prior to that the client prepared similar studies. Also released in 2019 is a FIP report on SUFORD-SU. All studies are listed in the October 2019 mission Aide Memoire. IN00779282 People in targeted forest and adjacent community with increased benefits from interventions-female (Number, Custom Breakdown) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 58,700.00 58,700.00 53,000.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 IN00779283 People in targeted forest & adjacent community with increased benefit from interventions -Ethnic minority/ indigenous (Number, Custom Breakdown) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 90,500.00 90,500.00 80,000.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 IN00779284 ►Enhanced carbon storage from improved forest protection and restoration (tCO2e) (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 33,500.00 33,500.00 14,227.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 Estimated on the following assumptions: - average monthly sequestration if all village projects successfully implemented: 2,500 tCO2e; - By April 2018, 40% of village projects were under implementation with an average implementation time Comments: of 3.5 months; - Since May 2018, 100 % of village projects under implementation. IN00779285 ►Reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (tCO2e) (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 1,800,000.00 1,800,000.00 121,407.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 12/19/2019 Page 3 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report LA-Scaling-Up Participatory Sustainable Forest Management (P130222) SUFORD-SU’s estimated contribution to national level emission reduction because of more efficient law Comments: enforcement. IN00779286 ►Rate of annual forest cover loss in targeted Production Forest Areas (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.27 0.18 0.18 0.23 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 Based on the Forest Cover Change Assessment carried out using RapidEye (2015) and Sentinel 2 images (2017-2018) to assess forest cover loss observed during 2000-2005, 2005-10, 2010-15, and Comments: 2015-17 intervals. To pilot forest landscape management in four provinces IN00779269 ►Forest area brought under forest landscape management plans (Hectare(Ha), Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 3,380,170.00 3,380,170.00 2,680,000.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 Unchanged. This indicator measures the area under plans for Forest Landscape Management (FLM) in Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay and Xayaboury provinces. The FLM area has been defined through Comments: remote sensing, field checks and consultations with stakeholders. Intermediate Results Indicators by Components Strengthening and Expanding PSFM in Production Forest Areas IN00779287 ►Beneficiaries who receive technical services of adequate quality (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 83.00 83.00 80.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 IN00779292 VFLC who receive services of adequate quality in Forest Management and Village Livelihood Development (Percentage, Custom Breakdown) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 71.00 71.00 80.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 IN00779294 Production groups who receive services of adequate quality in Livelihood Support (Percentage, Custom Breakdown) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target 12/19/2019 Page 4 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report LA-Scaling-Up Participatory Sustainable Forest Management (P130222) Value 0.00 95.00 95.00 80.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 IN00779295 ►Participants who perceive the CEF process is adequate (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 97.00 97.00 80.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 Will be assessed in January 2019. Comments: IN00779297 ►Forest area under MoU-PSFM (Hectare(Ha), Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 976,211.00 976,211.00 975,000.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 The May 2018 restructuring revised the end of project target, which is achieved. The baseline has been set at zero and the target has been reduced to account for the inaccessibility of some areas for security Comments: reasons (see PDO 1). MoUs signed in all SUFORD-SU villages. IN00779298 ►Forest area under MoU-VFMA (Hectare(Ha), Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 10,750.00 10,750.00 10,000.00 Date 12-Aug-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 VFMPs being finalized, MoU template is approved and available. It is expected to sign by February 2019. Comments: IN00779299 ►VLD Grants disbursed to villages and under implementation (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 Village Livelihood Development Grants (VLDGs) have been fully distributed to all 666 targeted villages (approximately 21,344 recipient households and 117,400 beneficiaries), and a wide range of livelihood activities are well implemented, monitored and supported with extension services, resulting in improved Comments: livelihoods from alternative income activities (agriculture, agroforestry, and small animal husbandry, etc.) and reduced dependence on forest exploitation. IN00779300 ►Aggregate forest area under certification as a result of the project (Hectare(Ha), Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 108,408.00 108,408.00 175,000.00 12/19/2019 Page 5 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report LA-Scaling-Up Participatory Sustainable Forest Management (P130222) Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 The figure of 10,949 ha was verified in 2014. During the May 2018 mission, an FSC third party certification verification mission was engaged, reviewing the same areas that were previously certified in 2014. A report is due in July 2018. To meet the end of project target, the project will continue resolving non-conformance issues with NEPCon in December 2018 so that the areas are ready for the Corrective Comments: Action Audit scheduled for January 2019 through updating the project Operations Manual’s FSC standards with the latest version of the standards, and training to the standard in the field. In January 2019 the audit was conducted and successfully passed, leading to the current raise in certified area. A new audit conducted in August 2019 confirmed the current figure. IN00779301 Forest area under certification (FSC Forest Management Standard) as a result of the project (Hectare(Ha), Custom Breakdown) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 50,534.00 50,534.00 85,000.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 IN00779302 Forest area under certification (FSC Controlled Wood Standard) as a result of the project (Hectare(Ha), Custom Breakdown) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 57,534.00 57,534.00 90,000.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 Piloting Forest Landscape Management IN00779288 ►Number of FLM Frameworks developed (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 The master Forest Landscape Management (FLM) Framework has been revised with respect to guidelines for applying social and environmental safeguards, and is being integrated into the multi-sector Comments: REDD+ Task Forces in Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay and Xayabouly Provinces IN00779290 ►Areas with Forest Landscape Management implementation plans (Hectare(Ha), Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 1,110,000.00 1,110,000.00 1,080,000.00 Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 Forest Management Plans with annual operational plans have been prepared for 747,000 ha of PFAs, and Management Plans with long-term implementation plans prepared for 254,000 ha in Nam Ha and Nam Comments: Kan NPAs. Enabling Legal and Regulatory Environment IN00779289 12/19/2019 Page 6 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report LA-Scaling-Up Participatory Sustainable Forest Management (P130222) ►Reforms in forest policy, legislation or other regulations supported (Yes/No, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value No Yes Yes Yes Date 01-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 Support has been provided to completed or on-going policy or legal work on village forestry, salvage logging, preparation of the pending new Forest Law (including forestry legal compendium, wildlife and aquatic legal compendium, penal code, TLAS, Forest Certification Systems), implementation of PMO-15, Comments: National REDD+ Strategy, approval of PMO5 (wildlife law enforcement), and PMO9 allowing forest plantation in PFAs. IN00779291 ►Investigations of breaches of forestry law and wildlife and aquatic law referred to criminal courts (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 6.00 6.00 5.00 Date 31-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 Proportionate to the total number of cases, figure based on DOFI internal evaluation report finalized in Comments: April 2019. IN00779293 ►STEPP field activities resulting in enforcement action (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 85.00 85.00 80.00 Date 31-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 Share of human resources involved in activities resulting in enforcement action; figure based on DOFI internal evaluation report finalized in April 2019. Enforcement activities include detection, disruption, Comments: dismantling, discouragement, and ultimately prosecution. Field activities refer to activities undertaken by provincial and district staff. Enforcement includes patrolling but excludes education and administration. IN00779296 ►POFIs in compliance with DOFI best management practice operating procedures (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 16.00 16.00 18.00 Date 31-Jul-2013 31-May-2019 09-Dec-2019 30-Mar-2020 Consists of assessments on 8 areas of work including: 1) Patrol Activity, 2) Timber Seizures, 3) Wildlife Seizures, 4) NTFP, 5) Land illegally cleared, 6) Equipment, 7) Investigations, and 8) Community Comments: Education Activity); figure based on DOFI internal evaluation report finalized in April 2019. Data on Financial Performance Disbursements (by loan) 12/19/2019 Page 7 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report LA-Scaling-Up Participatory Sustainable Forest Management (P130222) Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Currency Original Revised Cancelled Disbursed Undisbursed % Disbursed P130222 IDA-H8520 Effective USD 19.00 19.00 0.00 17.96 0.00 100% P130222 TF-15286 Effective USD 12.83 12.83 0.00 12.83 0.00 100% Key Dates (by loan) Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Approval Date Signing Date Effectiveness Date Orig. Closing Date Rev. Closing Date P130222 IDA-H8520 Effective 31-May-2013 08-Aug-2013 30-Aug-2013 31-Aug-2018 30-Mar-2020 P130222 TF-15286 Effective 08-Aug-2013 08-Aug-2013 08-Aug-2013 31-Aug-2018 30-Mar-2020 Cumulative Disbursements Restructuring History Level 2 Approved on 25-May-2018 ,Level 2 Approved on 21-May-2019 Related Project(s) P170810-Additional Financing for Scaling Up Participatory Sustainable Forest Management Project 12/19/2019 Page 8 of 8