Projects

International SFFA projects

Vietnam Macademia Project

Macadamia project for Vietnam under the CARD Program Ausaid supported. This project is to span 3 years commencing in January 2006.

Prof. Hoang Hoe introducing CSIRO seedlings to Vietnam

Project Title Establish nurseries and training to effectively propagate high quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in 3 provinces of North Vietnam.

This project aims to establish a new nursery and enhance three existing nurseries. Also trial 10 ha of Macadamias involving at least 10 suitable Macadamias varieties, planted on each of three valley sites in 3 provinces of north Vietnam. Conduct trial data collection and evaluation , and hence lay the foundation to Vietnams fledgling Macadamia industry. Training will be conducted throughout the project in all appropriate aspects of propagation, grafting, site design and preparation, planting, maintenance and plantation management. This will be done with a view to the future in terms of high production and quality, innovative value adding, and strategic marketing with the Australian industry as principal partners.
A select group of small holder farmers have been selected for assistance in the of Lang Son, Ha Tay, Hoa Binh provinces.

Vice PM Cong Tan leading Maca development in Ba Vi

In addition, a minimum of 100-500 ha in each of the above provinces has been identified as suitable for commercial Macadamia. This project will pioneer the planting of Macadamia orchards in Vietnam.
The principal Australian organization is the Subtropical Farm Forestry Association and will manage and ensure quality implementation of the project activities along with the Vietnamese partner, the Centre for Environment Tourism and Development. 12 collaborating organizations are providing expertises including MARD, RCFTI, AMS, CSIRO, RIFA, SCU, FSI, RIFV. National and Provincial Extension agency staff will be involved at all aspects of the project particularly with the training courses. The project compliments MARD’s policy of farmer support in the planting of Macadamias.

Project titled North coast landholders demonstrating plantings for biodiversity and habitat restoration.

SFFA was successful in gaining funds through the EnviroFund, a component of the Natural Heritage Fund, for two members to undertake biodiversity and habitat restoration. Both members have already successfully completed significant rainforest cabinet timber plantings with SFFA assistance and were prepared to contribute over 50% of the cost of the planting of a minimum 2000 diverse endemic rainforest species. The grant funds have provided approximately seven to eight thousand dollars to each landholder. This will contribute towards planning, site preparation, planting and maintenance.

This project demonstrates experienced tree growers planting around 5000 endemic rainforest species for biodiversity and habitat restoration on two existing yet different farm forestry sites. These sites are available as demonstration and education sites, for north coast landholders showing how existing rainforest cabinet timber sites, through strategic planting and maintenance can be enhanced to provide significantly increased biodiversity and habitat values. They are also available for higher education and research purposes. All technical aspects of the project are based on sound scientific information and long term hands on experience. Edge, clump, riparian and enrichment plantings have been undertaken particularly selecting fruiting species with also some rare and endangered species being included.

before	after

Less than 1% of the original low land rainforest remains in the eastern subtropical region of eastern Australia. Sustainable Production and Conservation forestry have been identified as key social, economic and environmental goals for this region. SFFA and these 2 members have demonstrated that timber production and conservation can compliment each other as a part of a single development. This project shows that it is possible to do both at little extra cost while enhancing a range of production or conservation values.

The project capitalises on the landholders experience, equipment and suitable land. This strategic selection of landholders and land types establishes working models for others to emulate. It will also help achieve some of the regional catchment priorities of achieving High Conservation Value targets set by the Catchment Management Authority.

Any individual or organization that wishes to undertake similar project should contact the SFFA for more detailed information.