March 2024, Laos – The Agroecology Learning Alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) successfully carried out its Regional General Assembly in Luang Prabang. Held from March 26 to 28, 2024, the event brought together 65 participants (20 women) of the ALiSEA network from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand, working in the field of agroecology across the country, such as local and international nongovernmental organizations, farmers’ organizations, universities and research centers.
The workshop was co-organized by GRET, and the national Board Members of the 3 countries (From Laos: CLICK, SAEDA, NUoL-FAG, RDA from Vietnam: NOMAFSI, CARES, CASRAD, PHANO, CISDOMA from Cambodia: DPA, Ecoland, CFAP and DCA).
In his opening speech, Mr. Thongdam Phongphichith, Director of SEADA, stated that “A heartfelt welcome to all of you attending the ALiSEA 2024 Regional General Assembly here in Luang Prabang, Laos! It brings me immense pleasure to see so many familiar faces and new ones joining us today. This assembly is a fantastic opportunity to come together, share our experiences, and work collaboratively towards a brighter future. And what better place to do that than in the beautiful Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city steeped in history and culture. I am confident that the next few days will be filled with productive discussions, meaningful connections, and a deeper appreciation for the wonders this city and the ALiSEA Network have to offer.”
Mr. Thongdam Phongphichith was opening speech
The Regional General Assembly has 4 main objectives:
- Action Plan: We reviewed the achievements of 2023 and discussed plans for the future program (2024-2028).
- Governance Model: Discussions were held to decide on the most appropriate governance model for a more autonomous network in 2024-2025.
- Knowledge Management: Participants actively contributed to shaping the ALiSEA Knowledge Management Strategy to boost the creation of content on agroecology.
- Member Experiences: Inspiring sessions explored (a) market access for agroecological products, (b) youth empowerment in agriculture, and (c) innovative vegetable production techniques.
The Assembly included a half-day field visit of inspiring Agroecological Farms:
- Ban Suan AiOun Organic Farm: This ALiSEA member farm showcases young farmer leadership, organic vegetable production, integrated farming practices, vegetable seed bank, a training and learning center, and even eco-tourism and camping facilities!
- Oun Heuan Organic Vegetable Farm: This young farmer-run farm, a member of the Organic Agriculture Association of Luang Prabang province.
- Tangerine/Mandarine Orange Farm: This promising farm, supported by an ALiSEA small grant in 2024, is demonstrating expertise in organic fruit production, agroforestry, and plant propagation.
The presentations have been showing in the workshop:
- ALiSEA 2023 main progress activities and achievements
- Mid-term evaluation results about the ALiSEA network
- ALiSEA 2024 Action Plan and 2024-2028 Perspectives
- Membership Situation as of December 2023 & Membership update results per country
- ALiSEA Network: Membership Process
- ALiSEA Governance and Structuration
- ALiSEA Knowledge Management
- 3 Case Studies documented on Agroecology
- Update on Small Grant Projects for 2022 and 2023
- Small Grant Videos display: SPERI
Sharing and bringing knowledge on Agroecology
Bringing and linking Agroecological Products to Market
Round table discussion:
- Organic rice value chain and certification in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia: Mr. Oeur Sam Ath (PMUAC)
- Organic vegetables initiative in Xieng Khouang province, Laos: Mr. Xorthor Xaocha (PDDA)
Agroecology and Youth Empowerment
- IFOAM Asia Youth Programme: Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Hossain (IFOAM Asia)
- Y-Famer Mekong Network: Mr. Ly Quoc Dang
- Youth Program in Cambodia: Mr. An Chan Komar (FAEC)
Agroecological practices for vegetables production
- Vegetable seed systems and community seed banks: Mr. Jonathan Ribich (Echo Asia Thailand)
- Agroecology crop protection initiative in Cambodia: Mr. Pheart Phy (GRET)
- Eco-weed management experimentation in Vietnam: Dr. Pham Hoi (CARES)
Conclusion
The regional General Assembly has been rich and fruitful, enabling to approve the proposed Knowledge Management Strategy, the diversity of 4 knowledge products types (brief, stories of change, guidelines, event material) and identified existing information that could be transformed into knowledge products such as measuring pesticide reduction, collective organizations for market access improvement, and promoting youth agency and engagement models.
Furthermore, the General Assembly enabled decisions to be taken on the governance model to adjust and improve the internal structuration. Based on the results of the vote at the Regional General Assembly, the members of each country will elect their national board members for a 4 years’ mandate. The first election will take place end of 2024/early 2025. Additionally, an executive team will be created in each country, mainly responsible for developing and implementing of the network’s activities. A significant step has been made towards a more autonomous and members-owned network goal.
This ALiSEA event is part of ASSET Project that is implemented with the financial assistance of the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), and the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM).