I. The progress report was received on May 19 , 2005, with photos, summarizin g immediate outputs of activities as follows:

1. Monthly Report on water quality for public from and incorporated local curriculum for use in
15 schools
2. A certain number of families practicing organic farming
3. 15 schools managing garbage banks and producing organic solution
4. Clearer areas as wetlands and habitats as well as dissemination materials
5. Produced 20,000 saplings of five native species fish-reproduction in 10 villages
6. Precise data & information for formulation of conservation plan
7. Council with 104 members and 10 administrative committee members
8. Conservation & rehabilitation plan through the participation of council and other stakeholders

II. On September 9, 2005, the NC and one member of NSC participated in capcity-building and networking activities of the project , with the following findings and observation.

Major stakeholders comprising representatives from community leaders , members of the
eight TAO?s in the project area , second crop growers , concerned district officers, and project members , - 80 in number - gathered together at Baan Non Nok Hor Community
School for the people forum ? How to Control Water Gate for People and Environment
Mutual Benefit?. In order to make GEF/SGP and the project more understood by all ,the
NC was invited to make a presentation on the programme for one hour. In order to initiate
? focusing on more impact? of the project, as required by OP3 , the NC finally suggested
the whole group that it come up with one concept paper aiming to better manage
the lower section of the creek and its ecosystems.

The main issue for the forum : how to open the water gate at the dam to regulate the water
flow from the creek to the Mekhong River and vice versa: was put forward for discussion.
The irrigation official suggested level was 157 metres msl.- the most suitable to minimize
the flood. However, the discussion suggested other figures ranging from 158.5 to 161. And
to ensure fish migration from the Mekhong into the creek, maintain re-vegetation of the
project and minimize loss of local species, the gates should remain open during the
migration period. The discussion was observed to be fairly friendly and seeking way to
compromise. After this forum, there would be a bigger one at provincial level to sum up
and lead to conclusion. This was one witnessed impact of the project in which it reached
out to wider target population and involved responsible government agencies

The visiting team then witnessed in Baan Maed School, one of the 17 participating schools
located along the creek, the reuse/recycle activities. Primary students who took the lead
and practice the collecting , sorting out, and selling process demonstrated their capacity ,
under guidance of secondary students and responsible staff.

At Baan (village) Song Phae, one of the 52 participating villages, the visiting team witnessed a
plot planted with native species. As plantation of these species occurred in three successive
events, there were many trees standing a few metres tall , many only half a metre.