MTP’s operating environment in rural Laos, where there is a long-term culture of children helping their families and communities on the farm and where there are few other decent economic opportunities, brings with it numerous challenges relating to the prevention of child labour and negative impacts on child rights. However, as a responsible land-based business with deep links to those communities, it is a challenge that MTP is addressing with absolute unwavering commitment.
Following a review of our general risks by external specialists, MTP engaged the internally-renowned Center for Child Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility (CCR CSR) to develop our program. After completing their own dedicated in-country risk assessment in March 2018, CCR CSR have gone on to assist MTP in developing a Child Rights Policy together with related manual and standard operating procedures.
CCR CSR are now delivering tailored in-country training on child rights and child labour prevention to all personnel related to our business and operations – both internal and external. Having already conducted training to MTP’s employees at all levels (from top management right down to operational field staff).
From Aug. 13-17, CCR CSR conducted seven training sessions, with a total of 120 participants attending the different training sessions. This included Contractor Managers, Village Representatives and Nursery workers. The workshop sessions with village representatives in Paksun, Pakkading and Hinboun districts were focused on informing the villagers about MTP’s Child Rights and Child Labour Policy and ensuring the local officials from the participating villages fully understand the new policy.
These workshops have strengthened MTP staff, workers and villagers’ awareness of child rights and child labour issues, enhanced their knowledge of child labour prevention strategies (especially the recruitment process) and provided participants with practical suggestions on what to do when discovering non-compliance. We believe, with the implementation of the age verification process, that MTP are on the way to creating a child labour free supply chain, one where children’s rights are protected and safeguarded in all processes.
Following a review of our general risks by external specialists, MTP engaged the internally-renowned Center for Child Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility (CCR CSR) to develop our program. After completing their own dedicated in-country risk assessment in March 2018, CCR CSR have gone on to assist MTP in developing a Child Rights Policy together with related manual and standard operating procedures.
CCR CSR are now delivering tailored in-country training on child rights and child labour prevention to all personnel related to our business and operations – both internal and external. Having already conducted training to MTP’s employees at all levels (from top management right down to operational field staff).
From Aug. 13-17, CCR CSR conducted seven training sessions, with a total of 120 participants attending the different training sessions. This included Contractor Managers, Village Representatives and Nursery workers. The workshop sessions with village representatives in Paksun, Pakkading and Hinboun districts were focused on informing the villagers about MTP’s Child Rights and Child Labour Policy and ensuring the local officials from the participating villages fully understand the new policy.
These workshops have strengthened MTP staff, workers and villagers’ awareness of child rights and child labour issues, enhanced their knowledge of child labour prevention strategies (especially the recruitment process) and provided participants with practical suggestions on what to do when discovering non-compliance. We believe, with the implementation of the age verification process, that MTP are on the way to creating a child labour free supply chain, one where children’s rights are protected and safeguarded in all processes.
Laos’s tragic history as the most heavily bombed country in history brings with it unique operating challenges for land-based companies such as MTP. Many areas of MTP’s concession are at high risk of containing unexploded ordnance (UXO), creating safety issues not only for MTP’s employees and contractor workers, but also for surrounding communities.
Earlier in 2018, MTP engaged Lao UXO specialists Oumma Co., Ltd to conduct a Non-Technical Survey (NTS) of MTP’s plantations assessed to be at high risk. After a highly professional intensive service during which Oumma Co. Ltd spent many weeks in highly remote areas, the NTS was complete.
MTP is now at the planning stage for further work on this issue and is currently managing the risks through strategic operational planning, awareness, in-house training and FPIC principles.
Earlier in 2018, MTP engaged Lao UXO specialists Oumma Co., Ltd to conduct a Non-Technical Survey (NTS) of MTP’s plantations assessed to be at high risk. After a highly professional intensive service during which Oumma Co. Ltd spent many weeks in highly remote areas, the NTS was complete.
MTP is now at the planning stage for further work on this issue and is currently managing the risks through strategic operational planning, awareness, in-house training and FPIC principles.
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Mekong Timber Plantations (MTP), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Dutch development bank (FMO) have agreed to cooperate in the re-design of a smallholder forestry program in Lao.
MTP and IFC have jointly developed a 2-year program to address the structural issues with the existing Outgrower Scheme (“OGS 1”), established in 2005 by the previous management company. The program aims to assess the current system and undertake a comprehensive redesign, developing “OGS 2”. MTP will partner with IFC experts to implement the program, as well as local and regional NGOs and experts. We are working closely with Village Focus International who support us greatly with this program.
A detailed program have been developed to:
MTP and IFC have jointly developed a 2-year program to address the structural issues with the existing Outgrower Scheme (“OGS 1”), established in 2005 by the previous management company. The program aims to assess the current system and undertake a comprehensive redesign, developing “OGS 2”. MTP will partner with IFC experts to implement the program, as well as local and regional NGOs and experts. We are working closely with Village Focus International who support us greatly with this program.
A detailed program have been developed to:
- Identify the location and extent of existing OGS farmers;
- Re-engage with farmers and review existing OGS (“OGS 1”);
- Inventory and market OGS wood;
- Apply social safeguards to key procedures; and
- Design “OGS 2” based on the results of the review of OGS 1
Mekong Timber Plantations manages Eucalyptus plantations with trees grown primarily for saw and pulp logs. Our forest management practices are managed as per our Forest Management Plan (FMP).
The FMP is reviewed regularly to consider changes in management objectives, the results of measurements, monitoring and any new information that may come available.
If you need further information regarding the FMP please contact Mekong Timber Plantations.
The FMP is reviewed regularly to consider changes in management objectives, the results of measurements, monitoring and any new information that may come available.
If you need further information regarding the FMP please contact Mekong Timber Plantations.
