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Rory Read's final reflections on his time with LEI and some advice for others embarking on a similar role.
Rory Read's highlights from month 3 of interning with Land Equity International.
International deforestation statistics are compelling. Annual tree cover loss is regularly reported at the size of entire countries and is rapidly increasing. We know that addressing deforestation is essential to climate mitigation – yet forests receive just 3% of available climate mitigation finance. We advocated for more emphasis on green and inclusive spatial planning that is operating at National and Local governments that can work in collaboration with foreign and domestic investors.
Tucked away in the small and remote mountainous region of Bokeo, Lao PDR, is a hidden gem of un-spoilt biodiversity, an ancient tea tree forest. The Bokeo Tea cooperative is an example of how poor ethnic minority communities with intermediary support are developing their own sustainable business and livelihoods through environmentally friendly methods. Unfortunately, the global pandemic could not have come at a worse time and threatens the emerging small business in the global market.
As an organisation, we at LEI are very grateful to all our project staff and partners who have continued to work tirelessly in this difficult pandemic environment. During this time, with people being so physically isolated, it is easy to feel disconnected. While the ‘virtual world’ has provided some respite from this isolation, through zoom meetings and the like, it somehow doesn’t fully make up for those familiar face to face connections, visiting offices and having conversations over tea or coffee. It is also daunting and unsettling when passing time is dominated by “doom scrolling” [Scrolling news articles on the COVID count and second wave surges where it is all bad news].
The Mekong Region Land Governance project will be changing leadership in October. We would like to thank John Meadows for his hard work since first joining the team in April 2017. From October, we will be joined by seasoned Mekong professional and Vientiane-based, Dr Micah Ingalls and welcome him to the team.
The second instalment of Rory Read's experiences interning with Land Equity International
Between 2001-2018, Vietnam lost 25% of its forested area, equivalent to over 2.5 million hectares. A 2004 law sought to focus efforts on reforestation and protection; however, it had major shortcomings that failed to protect both the forests and the communities dependent on them.
Rory Read recently commenced an internship with LEI. He’ll be writing a regular blog update to keep us on our toes. Read on for his experiences…
*Thank you for all who applied. This position is now closed*
Land Equity International and Daemeter Consulting are pleased to commence working with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) via the UK Climate Change Unit in Indonesia (UKCCU) and the Government of Indonesia to deliver the program Reducing Deforestation through Improved Spatial Planning in Papua Provinces, Indonesia (Papua Spatial Planning – PSP).
The Mekong Region Land Governance (MRLG) Project with partner organizations in Cambodia will pilot methodology to recognize customary tenure of communities in Protected Areas (PA). The results will be used for the continuing advocacy for the Environmental Code, with the intention of revisions of the Protected Area Law and Forestry Law.
In spirit of reconciliation, Land Equity International acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea, and community. We pay respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
