From Bylaws to Leadership
Growing Stronger Together in Nalea District!
From 04–07 September 2025, the Village Forest and Agriculture Grants (VFAG) under the GIZ – Climate Protection through Avoided Deforestation Project (CliPAD) facilitated a series of village-level meetings in Tindoy and Hua Nambak villages, Long District, Luang Namtha Province. For the two-village as mentioned is Akha ethic group in the project’s activity implementation. The purpose was to formally establish VFAG Committees and endorse village bylaws that will guide the management of the grants.
The meetings were co-chaired by Mr. Phoutsongkan Siriphong, Vice Head of the District Agriculture and Forestry Office (DAFO) in Long District, and Ms. Khankeo Chanthakoman, Vice President of the Lao Women’s Union (LWU). Their joint leadership highlighted the collaboration between technical and community organizations, ensuring that the process addressed both technical standards and local inclusion.
As an outcome, both villages successfully elected three committee members to serve key functions:
- Head of VFAG Committee – responsible for overall leadership and decision-making.
- Accountant – responsible for transparent record-keeping and budgeting.
- Cashier – responsible for day-to-day fund handling and accountability.
To strengthen the committees’ ability to fulfill these roles, the activity also included a financial management training session. This training equipped committee members with knowledge and practical tools to ensure transparent, accountable, and effective use of VFAG resources. By introducing basic accounting principles, financial reporting, and monitoring practices, the training directly supports good governance at the village level.
A total of 123 participants, including 40 women, actively engaged in the meetings. This diverse participation reflects both strong local interest in VFAG and the commitment to inclusive decision-making. The involvement of women in both the discussions and committee roles is particularly significant, as it reinforces gender equity in community forest and land management.
Why this matters
The establishment of VFAG Committees and bylaws is not only an administrative step but also a cornerstone for sustainable forest and land management in Long District. Through this process:
- Communities gain ownership and responsibility over local resources.
- Transparent financial systems increase community trust and participation.
- Gender inclusion strengthens social equity and balanced decision-making.
By empowering communities to self-manage funds for forest protection and sustainable agriculture, this initiative contributes to CliPAD’s broader goals: reducing deforestation, promoting climate resilience, and improving the livelihoods of rural households.
With strong community structures now in place, Tindoy and Hua Nambak villages are better prepared to manage their forest and agricultural resources in ways that support both people and the environment.
