I. First progress report (May 7, 2007):
Activities undertaken::
1. Endangered species of orchid collected for propagation
2. Training held on propagation technology and maintenance
3. 5,000 orchid species propagated using tissue culture technique
4. 1,000 native species propagated using seeds

Results of activities:
1. 20-25 superior species collected and tested
2. Some species (Uang Park Nokkaew; cultivated using tissue culture) did not thrive, while others (Sua Khrong and Warm Phet Hueng) fared satisfactorily; 200 seedlings of the latter were grown
3. Project members have ability to propagate using tissue culture technique
4. 200 bags of Look Mai Mao cultured; 20-30 are sprouting

II. Second progress report (October 4, 2007):
Activities undertaken:
1. More endangered orchid species collected
2. Tissue culture and seed-based propagation activities continued 3. Project made more visible to the public

Results of activities:
1. 200-300 terrestrial orchids collected, and being propagated
2. 250-400 orchids separated and propagated with growth rate of 85-90%
3. 100 seedlings planted in the Tsunami-affected area; they exhibit a satisfactory growth rate
4. Signboards erected designating and describing each activity

Experiences and lessons learned:
The project struggled with inadequate technical expertise in wild specie propagation and nursery. Future projects would benefit from a thorough study on plant life cycles, and substances necessary to expedite growth.

The knowledge-sharing component of the project, (especially study tours and seminars), proved very useful. Project leaders met with both academics and learned community members to discuss the issues presented by community conservation projects. Project leaders subsequently applied the ?lessons learned? shared by their peers.

III.Mid-course Evaluation Workshop):
Together with 11 other projects of the same class, the project attended midcourse evaluation on March 19-21, 2008.

IV. Monitoring visit from NC (June 4, 2008):
On June 4, 2008, the NC paid a monitring visit to the project. Some findings and observation are as follows:
Kor (Island) Phrathong, the target location is situated in the Andaman Sea, approximately 1.5 km from mainland. The total area is about 9,000 ha with uniqueness of ecosystems. Sea-grass in sea water, Mangrove forest along coastal areas with grasslands and wetland inside. The hit of Tsunami in 2004 resulted in a more unique and complex plant society. The population comprised mainly the sea gypsy or Morgan, with some local Thai and ethnic Chinese. The island is not connected by grid but depends upon solar panels ,in some case diesel generator.

Two of the three project nurseries in Bann (village) Thungdarb were witnessed full of thriving rare and threatened species of orchids and other species of food and medicinal values. The propagation of these species had been under way with technical support from a major stakeholder ,the Thai Royal Navy?s Naval Science Department, who currently participates in the implementation of a national royal project ? Conservation of genetic resources?. A learning centre was established showing project activities and knowledge about rare plant species in the island.

A brief interaction with students ,staff and community members in a community school of Baan Tha Pae Yoei ,another participating village, sensed participation ,conservation awareness and satisfaction. The school and communities had been participating in pilot replanting and monitoring the growth of seedlings from the nurseries. According to one project leaders, at least 5,000 orchids of rare species would be returned to their natural habitats within the year.

Note: The Naval Science Department contributed to cost of travel ( mini-bus /boat) at Baht: 3,500.

V. Experience- sharing meeting (January 14-16, 2009):
Together with leaders of 8 others project of the same grant cycle from various regions of the country(THA/06/01 to THA/06/12) , the project participated in the event.The group had reach agreement to produce knowledge product in a form of booklet sharing experience in implementing their project. The title of the booklet is " Weaving Ways of Lives from Mountain down to Sea".

VI. Completion report (February 4, 2009):

Date of Participatory Evaluation( January 31, 2009)

Number of Beneficiaries/ Participating personnel:
Women: 30
Men: 20
Children: 44

Number of persons trained/ attending seminars, joining study tours:
Women: 3
Men: 25
Children: -

Expense:

Amount received from SGP (3 disbursements): THB: 407,871.10
Total amount spent out of SGP budget: THB: 452,676.50
Balance: THB:(-44,805.40)
Amount authorized for the final payment: US$: 1,284.91
Amount Received from others: THB: 20,000 (in cash)
THB: 370,000(in kind)

Activities undertaken:
1. Collecting typical endangered species of orchid in project area to be used for propagation
2. Conducting training on propagation technology and maintenance of endangered species of orchid and other native ones
3. Launching propagation by tissue culture of 5,000 rare species of orchid
4. Launching propagation by seed native tree species
5. Launching dissemination of project activities and subsequent results

Results of activities:
1. Collection of about 30 native orchid species and 20 native tree species some of which are endemic and never known to community before ? prompting increased conservation awareness and witnessed persistent protection
2. Evinced increased technical capacity of trained community members on propagation technology to apply in the future.
3. Availability of about 1,000 seedlings of native trees and about 3,000 seedlings of endemic orchids ready to be returned (planted) into forest ecosystems during the coming rainy season ? partly in Tsunami affected area.
4. About 1,500 other native trees of various species being planted and thriving in Tsunami affected
5. Fair attention received from public and tourists ? many government agencies, academic institutes and foreign tourist visiting project location

Project Communication:
1. The project , with support from other stakeholders, produced 3,000 books titling ? Plants of Kor (island) Phrathong? for dissemination .
2. Mid October 2008, a documentary about native plants in Kor Phrathong was aired on TV channel 5 and National Broadcasting Television.

Experience , Lessons Learnt , Problems and Issues:
For project managers, it was a learning experience - how to manage the project in various aspects: challenging issues, preparation to cope with emerging issues, and participatory process. For community members, it was an opportunity to learn more about neighboring communities and outside world-how local and global environment are being taken care of. GEF SGP contributed fairly to rehabilitate and plan sustainable use of natural resources , with firm foundation for further conservation activities by community members.

Plans and Activities for Sustainability:
In addition to continuing project activities, the project location would be maintained as a learning place , a collecting site for native tree species and would be developed as an eco-tourist spot, which would generate income for communities.