NatureWild & The <strong>Resin</strong> Story: Exhibition and Socials VIII Annex 27 Annex I: Opening Remarks 28 Annex II: Detail Agenda 32 Annex III: Participant List 35 Annex IV: Presentations 43 : 4
Stakeholder Forum on Sustainable and Pro-Poor Oleoresin Industry Development in <strong>Cambodia</strong> 23 September 2011 Himawari Hotel Phnom Penh, <strong>Cambodia</strong> I. Overview of the Forum Dipterocarp oleoresins or balsams are important products in the rural economy and a source of income for a great number of (mostly indigenous) collectors in Southeast Asia including <strong>Cambodia</strong>. In <strong>NTFP</strong>-<strong>EP</strong>’s resin trade chain study in 2009, it was found that over 17,000 households (or about 100,000 individuals) depend on resin tapping as their primary source of cash income (averaging US$350 per household per annum). The resins are locally employed for waterproofing boats and baskets, while lower grades are used as fuel for torches. There is also a thriving resin trade intra-region. About 3,500 tonnes of the total annual harvest is used domestically where it provides key inputs to the vital and crisisresistant fishing industry, 1 while an estimated average of 11,000 tonnes per annum is exported, mostly to Vietnam, with no value addition premium (<strong>NTFP</strong>-<strong>EP</strong>, 2009). Based on the same research, Preah Vihear and Mondulkiri provinces rank as the top 2 contributors of <strong>Cambodia</strong>’s total resin production; up to 10,000 tonnes in Preah Vihear and up to 3,000 tonnes from Mondulkiri. 2 The current annual value of unprocessed resin exports from <strong>Cambodia</strong> to Vietnam is between US$4.7 to US$7.6 million. A much smaller volume finds its way to Thailand and (for re-export) Laos. Meanwhile, a growing, though currently still modest volume of resin originating in Southeast Asia enters the manufacture of high end natural varnishes and paints, produced in Germany and elsewhere in the European Union. As well, there is an increasing global call for “greener, fairer and sustainable” economies to which natural and fairly traded products, in general, are provided with market entry points. For example, with the growing overall interest worldwide in truly ecological products, there appears to be considerable, albeit so far untapped, potential to develop the household and industrial applications, as well as other possible niche markets of dipterocarp resins such as natural paints, varnish and glue, and essential oil and balsams for both domestic and international markets. The <strong>Cambodia</strong> <strong>NTFP</strong> Working Group (CNWG) in cooperation with the Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme of South and Southeast Asia (<strong>NTFP</strong>-<strong>EP</strong>) have been, since 2007, building a knowledge and partnership base for the development of sustainable management and marketing of dipterocarp resins in <strong>Cambodia</strong>. With support from the UN- MDGF Creative Industries Support Programme, local NGO members of the <strong>Cambodia</strong> <strong>NTFP</strong> Working Group have undertaken sustainable and community based resin enterprise development project initiatives in 7 villages in two provinces, Mondulkiri and Preah Vihear. This entailed community organizing and business support to community resin groups/associations. Additionally, under the same CISP support, <strong>NTFP</strong>-<strong>EP</strong> took the facilitation role in the commercialization and value chain development of resins from the project target areas within a 10-month period. This role involved: • Developing through a participatory process sustainable/quality resin tapping protocols and standards 1 An estimated 350,000 wooden fishing boats ply the inland waters of <strong>Cambodia</strong>. All these boats need regular caulking. In addition, fishing crews increasingly use resin torches for lighting at night, as a substitute for either kerosene lamps or battery fueled torches. The lower resin grades used for the latter purpose would otherwise be considered waste material. Luu, T.H. et al. (draft July 2009). <strong>Resin</strong> Studies in Vietnam (Hochiminh City: CBD and <strong>NTFP</strong>-<strong>EP</strong>), found that tree resins are also widely used for caulking the boats in Vietnam’s fishing fleet. 2 Prom Tola (2009). Beyond Subsistence: Trade Chain Analysis of <strong>Resin</strong> Products in <strong>Cambodia</strong>. (Phnom Penh: <strong>NTFP</strong> Exchange Programme). 5
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