I. The project participated in the mid-course evaluation workshop of Thailand-Year-6 GEF/SGP , organized on 25-27 January 2006 . It was one of 27 projects sending project leaders or representatives to report to the workshop on progress of activities, immediate outputs/results that could be witnessed or observed, problems / issues and solution.

With only a few exception, majority of projects concisely reported progress and summarized immediate outputs and results. The report format included from power point to photos to dissemination materials, and to verbal presentation. There was one project bringing product of chemical-free vegetable for sale and show at the venue.

All presentations mentioned about problems and issues, with varying degree, but they had been corrected or rectified. Or at least, the project possessed idea or approach to do so. However, there were a few projects that presented problems and hot issues on environment soliciting further discussion and advice from participants.

On the final day, participants spent half-an-hour sharing idea on forging future networking of the year-6 projects and submitted approach for sustainability. Majority of participants agreed to be tied by natural network, without any regulation or commitment, but hearts and minds. There were two members pledging their times and skill to help others according to their availability.

As a reminder and incentives to ensure most effective implementation of remaining activities, the NC proposed the idea of strategic project where successful SGP projects could gather together so that community actions affecting global benefits would be clearer.

The workshop had seen substantial sharing of experience, especially on related issues of project activities. Somehow, it was felt that the remaining activities would be carried out to their completion. Another evidence, a natural network of environment was formed with a lot of participants winning one another hearts.

II. The progress report was received on 11 July 2006 , with photos showing caught fishes which was a result of artificial habitats and activities on campaigning against illegal fishing and a compiled list of 25 sea species. In addition, there were two discs of VCD showing community laying down artificial habitats , scenery of seabed and its collective cleaning activities at project location and capacity building activities. The report contains the following essence:

Activities carried out :

1.Laying down artificial habitats along the beach for 30 km, using mostly biodegradable material in locality
2. Conducting four survey and resources inventories
3. Cleaning seabed and checking contaminants in caught fishes
4. Launching capacity building through workshop , camp youth and learning fishery laws (with the Department of Coastal Resources)

Results :

1. Evinced return of long-gone species (Dugong) and teeming of species thus time and energy saving per catch for an average fisherman
2. Acquired data & information for fishing and conservation plan
3. 1,500 community members being added into the project
4. 70 project members being awarded of certificates form the department
5. Emergence of a network of Thai Sea Conservation Group
6. The governor of Chantaburi approving fishing gears worth Baht: 800,000 to the project

III. On 18 March 2007, four NSC member, NC,PA and three staff members of UNDP-RCB paid a monitoring visit to the project. Findings and observation are as follows:

The interaction with project members occurred at a community premises in Baan (village) Chao Lao Hualaem, Tambol Khlongkhud, where carried out activities and evinced results were related and experience shared. Increased capacity of community members was fairly evident. In addition to the community approach on artificial, bio-degradable habitats, they were able to involve in the project various stakeholders ,from both village and provincial level. One major impact was an in kind support from the governor of Chanthaburi Province (CEO budget) doling out fishing gears for 45 in-need community with estimated value of Baht: 230,000. Another involved increased capacity of community leaders who recently were twice invited to participate in public hearing process on the draft of Coastal Natural Resources Management Act. Several leaders of two current GEF SGP grantees, i.e. , the Pattani Small-scale Fisher Network (THA-05-02) and this project , were among the chosen 20 or so who represented fishing communities from the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. Leaders of the two projects offered their approaches to be incorporated into the Act which is currently under review of the cabinet.

During the discussion, project leaders and members were able to explain the changes and estimate the values of changes resulting from GEF SGP intervention. For instance, the increase of marine species, increase of fishing boats , increase per catch and more secured livelihood.

The visiting team later visited Baan (village) Thanon Soong , bordering Rayong and Chanthaburi Province. The village is situated outside project location. Leaders of this village learnt about the activities of the project and would like to replicate for reversing prevalent environmental and economical threats in their locality. Several stakeholders representing villagers, coastal natural resources departments and GEF SGP team came up with an initial approach for a long term, more integrated and sustainable solution.

The project planned to have participatory evaluation upon completion in May after which completion report would be compiled and submitted to the national coordinator.

RECORD OF COUNTRY CONTRIBUTION

Pliew National Park and Mangrove Development Station 2 (Tha Sorn,Chanthaburi Province)
- in kind (lodging for visiting team) = Baht:3,500