Medium resolution

13. PLUP
Monitoring
and 1 for more implicit or secondary objectives
(“to reduce poverty”, “to promote tree plantations”).
Finally, an overall participation level for
each individual was calculated by summing presence,
voice and understanding scores” (Lestrelin
et al. 2011: 953). 2
Although the above study remained limited to inter-individual
differences in terms of social status (simple citizens versus. local
elites), combining the method with data on gender, age,
ethnicity, wealth, etc. of each individual interviewed can provide
information on the average participation levels of a variety
of social actors and thereby allows characterizing community
participation in more detail. In turn, this assessment can provide
useful indications for identifying shortcomings in the planning
process, refining the methods and tools used, and, potentially,
targeting facilitation efforts towards the participation of
under-represented social groups.
13.2
Local accountability and capacity
With a view to the long-term, monitoring efforts should also
consider local compliance with agreements on village boundaries,
land zoning and land use regulations. As stipulated in the
PLUP agreement, the VLMC is the primary body responsible for
recording all cases of land mismanagement, mediating land
conflicts, filing charges against offenders and, potentially, communicating
to the district authorities for conflict resolution…
Going beyond simple recording and sanctioning of deviant behaviour,
monitoring must also be employed more positively in
a reflection of the practicability and sustainability of existing
land use plans and agreements. Again, the VLMC plays a key
role in assessing the capacity of villagers to implement Village
Action Plans. VLMC should produce annual reports on local
achievements and challenges. These reports document, for
each land use zone included in the Village Action Plan, existing
shortcomings in local capacity (human, technical and financial)
and extension support). On this basis, it suggests adapted support
from extension services.
Keeping the momentum after the initial planning phase until it
is decided to engage in a new PLUP is a real challenge for local
communities in the absence of external incentives. Extension
projects or mechanisms of payment for environmental services,
such as REDD, may provide the necessary support to the VLMC
towards long term monitoring of PLUP and its impacts on landscapes
and livelihoods.
HANDBOO K - PLUP Monitoring
Participatory Land Use Planning (PLUP) HANDBOOK
2
Lestrelin, G., Bourgoin, J., Bouahom, B., Castella, J-C. (2011). Measuring participation:
Case studies on village land use planning in northern Lao PDR. Applied
Geography 31: 950-958.
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