6 March 2019, Nay Pyi Taw
With long- term support of Forest Department, UNREDD team conducted a half-day workshop on Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) at Amara Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw. The workshop was aimed to develop a practical approach to respecting the right to FPIC under the Myanmar REDD+ programme.
UN-REDD Programme is targeting to implement FPIC on a pilot basis in Mawlamyaing District at Mon State. That is why, the objective of the workshop was meant to enhance stakeholders’ recommendations and suggestions on how to integrate FPIC into REDD+ process.
Dr. Thaung Naing Oo gave a welcome remark by highlighting the importance of FPIC in Myanmar REDD+ programme and encouraging participants to share their experiences ad lessons based on FPIC. Over 20 participants and representatives from Chin Human Right organization, KMSS Loikaw, IP/EN Network, Point organization, RECOFTC, OneMap, Forest Department and Forest research Institute attended the workshop and actively participated in the discussions.
During his presentation on FPIC, Mr. Timothy Boyle, Chief Technical Advisor of UNREDD programme said, “Myanmar still lacks the history of securing FPIC. UNREDD programme is planning to implement FPIC on a pilot basis in Mawlamyaing district. So, the recommendations and experiences of our stakeholders will be recorded and used to re-design a practical and effective FPIC process including pilot basis in Mon State.”
Participants discussed in group on “Activities” and “Unit” that are required for FPIC. They also discussed on how FPIC can be applied at the local level, how to ensure gender equity in FPIC and how grievance mechanism should be designed at district level.