Encouraging and productive -- these words could best describe the results of SEANAFE’s 13th Board meetings in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on 6-8 February 2007.

The 13th Board meeting tackled various administrative and technical concerns of the network. Among the matters discussed were the accomplishments and updates on current SEANAFE, ANAFE, and country network activities; proposed revision on SEANAFE’s 2004 Resource Mobilization Framework, proposed guidelines for membership expansion, logistical preparations and key session topics for SEANAFE’s International Conference in October 2007, development of SEANAFE “Umbrella” Program on Agroforestry Education (similar to ANAFE’s BASIC), agenda items for the 4th SEANAFE General Meeting in Chiangmai, Thailand, SEANAFE’s 4th project theme, and preparations for SEANAFE’s mid-term project review.

Among the major decisions reached by the Board during the meeting include the following:

1. Reinforcement of past successful projects (e.g., participatory curriculum development) and reprioritization of the same according to country network needs and SEANAFE’s available fund resources
2. Sharing of resource mobilization-related information e.g., tips, events, funding donors, etc.).among country networks
3. Amendment of SEANAFE Charter on membership as one of the agenda items during its general assembly in October 2007
4. Formulation of separate but related resource mobilization strategies for the regional and country networks
5. Hiring of an expert to help consolidate the strategic framework and umbrella program of SEANAFE (drawing inspiration from ANAFE’s BASIC Program)
6. Revision of Plan of Work and Budget for 2007 within Sida’s approved allocation

After the two-day meeting, a field trip to estate and private agroforestry plantations, consisting mainly of cashew and cocoa, was conducted in the Chau Duc District, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province. The trip aimed at providing the Board members with the current landscape agroforestry trends and arrangements in Vietnam.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Monton Jamroenprucksa, SEANAFE Chair; Dr. Boonserm Cheva-Isarakul, Thai NAFE chair; Dr.Latsamy Boupha, LaoNAFE Chair; Dr. Suhardi Manto, INAFE Chair; Dr. Bao Huy, VNAFE Chair; Dr. Wilfredo Carandang, PAFERN Chair; Dr. Jess Fernandez, SEANAFE Technical Adviser; Prof. August Temu, ICRAF’s Lead Person for Strengthening Institutions Theme, and Ms. El Shinta Primadona, SEANAFE’s Program Assistant.

The meeting was co-organized by VNAFE, through two of its member-institutions, namely: Tai Nguyen University (TNU) and Nong Lam University (NLU). Excellent support services were provided by Dr. Vo Hung and Mr. Dang Hai Phuong, lecturers from TNU and NLU, respectively.