Decision No. 04/2005/QĐ-BNN On the issuance of the Operational Regulations of the National Coordination Board for Implementing the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

DECISION OF THE MINISTER

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Regarding the issuance of the Working Regulations of the National Coordination Board for the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

implement the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Pursuant to Decree No. 86/2003/NĐ-CP dated July 18, 2003 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

Pursuant to Decision No. 68/2003/QĐ-TTg dated April 28, 2003 of the Prime Minister on the establishment of the National Coordination Board for the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification;

Pursuant to Decision No. 2194/QĐ-BNN-TCCB dated July 30, 2004 of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on the establishment of the National Coordination Board for the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification;

At the proposal of the Director of the Forest Management Department,

DECISION:

Article 1. Now hereby promulgates with this Decision the Working Regulations of the National Coordination Board for the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (hereinafter referred to as the Coordination Board).

Article 2. This Decision shall take effect fifteen days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette and shall be uniformly applied within the Coordination Board; all provisions contrary to these Regulations shall be abolished.

The Director of the Office of the Ministry, Heads of the Department of Organization and Cadres, Heads of units related to the Ministry, and members of the Coordination Board are responsible for implementing this Decision.

 

REGULATIONS

working of the National Coordination Board for the implementation of the desertification convention

of the United Nations (UNCCD)

(attached to Decision No. 04/2005/QĐ-BNN dated January 7, 2005)

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. General Principles

The Working Regulations of the National Coordination Board for the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (hereinafter referred to as the Coordination Board) must ensure the following principles:

1. All activities of the Coordination Board must follow the leadership of the Party, comply with the laws of the State, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (hereinafter referred to as the UNCCD Document).

2. All activities of the Coordination Board shall be carried out according to the functions and tasks defined in Decision No. 68/2003/QĐ-TTg dated April 28, 2003 of the Prime Minister and Decision No. 2194/QĐ-BNN-TCCB dated July 30, 2004 of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on the establishment of the National Coordination Board for the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

3. Clearly define the tasks, powers, and responsibilities of each individual and collective regarding the assigned work within the framework of centralized unity.

4. The Coordination Board operates based on the principle of democratic centralism, promoting the collective and individual wisdom within the Coordination Board, maintaining unity and consistency both internally and in external relations.

5. Activities of the Coordination Board are based on close cooperation between members of the Coordination Board representing relevant Ministries/sectors, supported by the Technical Advisory Group consisting of experts from various fields both domestically and internationally (in English: Science and Technology Advisory Group - STAG) and the Secretariat.

Article 2. Operating Budget

Operating funds will be allocated, managed, and utilized according to Decision No. 68/2003/QĐ-TTg dated April 28, 2003 of the Prime Minister and Decision No. 2194/QĐ-BNN-TCCB dated July 30, 2004 of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on the establishment of the National Coordination Board for the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development seeks support from international organizations to supplement funding for the operating costs of the Technical Advisory Group and the Secretariat.

The operating funds of the Coordination Board are allocated in the annual budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and will only be used for direct expenses related to the guidance and implementation of the Convention, including:

- Costs for organizing regular meetings, interim conferences, and final reviews. These costs are calculated according to current regulations.

- Stationery costs directly serving the activities of the Coordination Board.

- Communication and document purchase costs.

- Travel expenses for members of the Coordination Board when directing at the field.

- Expenses for delegations traveling to regional and international conferences for members of the Coordination Board under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Travel expenses for delegations of members of the Coordination Board under other Ministries/Sectors are included in their respective annual budgets).

- Expenses for the Technical Advisory Group.

- Reception expenses for incoming delegations.

All issues related to the management and use of funds shall be implemented according to current regulations of the State.

Chapter II

SPECIFIC TASKS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COORDINATION BOARD

Article 3President of the Board

The President is responsible before the Prime Minister for the entire content of the work within the following scope:

- Fulfilling all rights and responsibilities as stipulated in Decision No. 68/2003/QĐ-TTg dated April 28, 2003 of the Prime Minister and Decision No. 2194/QĐ-BNN-TCCB dated July 30, 2004 of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on the establishment of the National Coordination Board for the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

- Leading the implementation of tasks and programs of work that have been agreed upon within the Coordination Board.

Article 4. Deputy Presidents

Each Deputy President is assigned by the President to lead and implement certain activities within their area of responsibility or urgent tasks and is accountable to the President for the assigned areas.

Deputy Presidents are responsible for reporting quarterly or urgently when requested by the President on the results of activities within their areas of responsibility.

The President may authorize in writing a Deputy President to represent and handle matters when the President is absent. The authorized Deputy President is responsible for effectively managing and resolving all activities of the Coordination Board in accordance with Vietnamese law and international law, and must report back to the President on the results of the work during the period of authorization.

1. Deputy President 1 (permanent) - Head of the Forestry Service (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development)

- Head of the National Lead Agency for the Implementation of the Convention.

- Mainly responsible for drafting and adjusting the National Action Plan to meet the requirements of each phase.

- Drafting the annual work plan of the Coordination Board.

- Coordinating with members of the Coordination Board to monitor the implementation process of the Convention and prepare the national report.

- Guide the development of programs and projects.

- Serve as the focal point for participating and linking activities at the national level and between national activities and international, regional, and sub-regional activities related to the implementation of the Convention.

- Cooperate closely with international organizations and non-governmental organizations in implementing the Convention; Promote the process of building partnerships to implement the Convention, seek financial and technical support from the international community for the National Action Program (NAP) against desertification for each phase. Act as a bridge with the Forest Sector Support Program and Partners (FSSP&P) to implement the Convention.

- Study and propose the drafting of regulatory legal documents related to sustainable forest resource management and guide the implementation of the Convention, submit to the competent state agency for consideration and decision.

- Be primarily responsible for collecting information and building databases related to combating desertification and providing information on priority areas for combating desertification.

- Advise the Chairman on proposed programs and projects within the forestry scope.

- Monitor and evaluate the impacts of programs and projects and policies on natural resource management and improving the livelihoods of local people, especially ethnic minority groups.

- Act as the Chairman's substitute in managing the Coordination Board's affairs when the Chairman is absent.

2. Deputy Chairman 2 - Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment)

- Lead and coordinate through the national focal agency to closely cooperate with ministries/departments/agencies and localities in assessing land resources and the environment, climate changes, and hydrological variations.

- Lead and organize the collection of information on land resources, the environment, climate, and forecast weather changes.

- Participate in the review of programs and projects as prescribed.

- Guide the monitoring and evaluation of human impacts on the environment and natural resources. Provide information to serve the construction of databases against desertification.

- Serve as a bridge between the Convention to Combat Desertification and the Conventions on Biological Diversity and the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

- Serve as a bridge to promote cooperation with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to seek financial and technical support for programs/projects related to combating desertification.

- Advise the Chairman on proposed programs and projects within the scope of natural resource and environmental management.

- Study and propose the drafting of regulatory legal documents related to sustainable land resource management, water pollution control, disaster reduction activities, limiting the impact of climate change, and environmental protection.

3. Deputy Chairman 3 - Head of the Water Resources Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development)

1. Primarily responsible for collecting and providing information on water resources management and irrigation.

2. Lead and closely coordinate with ministries/departments/agencies and localities in assessing irrigation activities, evaluating drought and flood impacts, and limiting the effects of drought and water pollution.

3. Monitor and evaluate the impacts of programs and projects and policies on water resource management and rural irrigation development serving the livelihoods of rural people, especially ethnic minority groups.

4. Advise the Chairman on proposed programs and projects within the scope of water resources management, irrigation, and drought mitigation.

5. Provide information related to water resources management and irrigation development to serve the construction of databases against desertification.

6. Study and propose the drafting of regulatory legal documents related to sustainable water resource management, irrigation development serving production, and disaster reduction activities.

7. Lead the establishment of an early warning system for disasters and droughts.

8. Serve as a bridge to enhance coordination with Disaster Risk Reduction Partners.

Article 5Members/Secretaries

1. Representative of the Science and Education Division - Office of the Government: Member

- Attend regular meetings of the Coordination Board or when necessary to exchange information and contribute opinions on the next plan of action of the Coordination Board.

- Announce the conclusions of Coordination Board meetings to relevant units under the Office of the Government to ensure consistent action and effective cooperation.

- Coordinate with ministries/departments, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to propose strategies for implementing the Convention suitable for each period.

- Provide information on macro policies, directions, and international cooperation related to the implementation of the Convention at the national and regional levels.

- Advise the Chairman on proposed programs and projects.

- Compile opinions from ministries/departments and submit to the Government for approval of the National Action Program and other programs and projects as prescribed by the Government.

2. Representative of the Agricultural Economy Division - Ministry of Planning and Investment: Member

- Attend regular meetings of the Coordination Board or when necessary to exchange information and contribute opinions on the next plan of action of the Coordination Board.

- Announce the conclusions of Coordination Board meetings to relevant units under the Ministry of Planning and Investment to ensure consistent action and effective cooperation.

- Advise on organizing reviews of programs and projects as prescribed by the Government.

- Advise on coordinating investment plans, seeking support from domestic and foreign agencies and organizations for investment initiatives to implement the Convention.

- Participate in supervising and evaluating the implementation of programs and projects.

- Serve as a bridge between UNCCD and Agenda 21.

- Participate in evaluating the effectiveness of programs and projects.

- Provide updated information on investment programs and projects related to the implementation of the Convention to the Convention Office for reporting and archiving.

3. Representative of the Foreign Financial Affairs Division - Ministry of Finance: Member

- Attend regular meetings of the Coordination Board or when necessary to exchange information and contribute opinions on the next plan of action of the Coordination Board.

- Announce the conclusions of Coordination Board meetings to relevant units under the Ministry of Finance to ensure consistent action and effective cooperation.

- Advise the Chairman on proposed programs and projects related to combating desertification.

- Participate in coordinating and managing financial resources, planning finances to implement the Convention.

- Provide information on regulations concerning the management and use of financial resources for implementing the Convention.

- Monitor, supervise, evaluate, and propose effective solutions for utilizing financial resources.

4. Representative from the Department of International Organizations - Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Member

- Attend regular meetings of the Coordination Board or when necessary to exchange information and contribute opinions on the next plan of action of the Coordination Board.

- Notify the conclusions of Coordination Board meetings to relevant units within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure consistent action and effective cooperation.

- Provide opinions on external affairs issues in activities implementing the convention.

- Support the lead agency in necessary diplomatic procedures.

- Serve as the point of contact for international information related to the Convention.

5. Representative from the Department of Science and Technology of Economic and Engineering Sectors - Ministry of Science and Technology: Member

- Attend regular meetings of the Coordination Board or when necessary to exchange information and contribute opinions on the next plan of action of the Coordination Board.

- Notify the conclusions of Coordination Board meetings to relevant units within the Ministry of Science and Technology to ensure consistent action and effective cooperation.

- Advise the Chairperson on programs, projects, and research topics related to combating desertification.

- Participate in reviewing progress and evaluating results of science and technology programs and projects.

- Participate in developing scientific and technological plans for resource management and the environment.

- Compile and notify outstanding program/project results, draw lessons from previous programs/projects, and plan for advanced technology development for forecasting and mitigating drought disasters.

- Provide information related to the field of science and technology to serve the construction of a database against desertification.

6. Representative from the Department of Science and Technology - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment: Member

- Serve as the liaison for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, assisting the Deputy Chairperson 2.

- Attend regular meetings of the Coordination Board or when necessary to exchange information and contribute opinions on the next plan of action of the Coordination Board.

- Notify the conclusions of Coordination Board meetings to relevant units within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to ensure consistent action and effective cooperation.

- Serve as the point of collecting information on the implementation of the National Action Program against Desertification by participating units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and send it to the Convention Office.

- Serve as the point of coordination with units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (participating in the program) to collect information on resource and environmental assessment, natural disaster changes, and provide resource and environmental information to the Convention Office.

- Advise the Chairperson on programs, projects, and integrate programs and projects related to the sectors under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's administrative management.

7. Representative from the Department of Finance - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development: Member

- Attend regular meetings of the Coordination Board or when necessary to exchange information and contribute opinions on the next plan of action of the Coordination Board.

- Participate in developing annual budget plans serving the activities of the Coordination Board and paying annual fees.

- Participate in guiding the use of financial resources.

- Participate in monitoring, supervising, evaluating, and proposing effective solutions for utilizing financial resources.

8. Representative from the Department of International Cooperation - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development: Member

- Attend regular meetings of the Coordination Board or when necessary to exchange information and contribute opinions on the next plan of action of the Coordination Board.

- Notify the conclusions of Coordination Board meetings to relevant units within the Department of International Cooperation to ensure consistent action and effective cooperation.

- Closely cooperate with international organizations and foreign non-governmental organizations in implementing the Convention; play a key role in building partners to implement the Convention; expand bilateral and multilateral relations to seek international community support in finance and technology for the National Action Program against Desertification (NAP) for each phase.

- Serve as a bridge with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in understanding the Party and Government's policies on related external activities.

- Assist in the process of handling entry and exit procedures and paying annual fees when necessary.

9. Representative from the Planning Department - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development: Member

- Attend regular meetings of the Coordination Board or when necessary to exchange information and contribute opinions on the next plan of action of the Coordination Board.

- Notify the conclusions of Coordination Board meetings to relevant units within the Planning Department to ensure consistent action and effective cooperation.

- Participate in developing plans to implement the Convention.

- Participate in the process of building partners to implement the Convention.

- Provide information related to plans for programs and projects aimed at preventing land degradation, sustainable resource management, forests, and water, limiting the impact of droughts, and developing irrigation to support the construction and updating of databases.

10. Representative from the Department of Science and Technology - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development: Member

- Attend regular meetings of the Coordination Board or when necessary to exchange information and contribute opinions on the next plan of action of the Coordination Board.

- Notify the conclusions of Coordination Board meetings to relevant units within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (participating in related research projects) to ensure consistent action and effective cooperation.

- Serve as the point of collecting information on the implementation of research projects related to combating desertification and send it to the Convention Office.

- Participate in evaluating the results of science and technology programs and projects related to combating desertification.

- Develop scientific and technological plans for preventing land degradation, limiting the impact of droughts, and sustainably managing resources...

- Compile and draw lessons from previous programs/projects and plan for appropriate technology development based on the conditions of priority areas.

- Provide information related to the field of science and technology to serve the construction of a database against desertification.

11. Representative from the Forestry Department - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development - Member and Secretary

- Attend regular meetings of the Coordination Board or when necessary to exchange information and contribute opinions on the next plan of action of the Coordination Board.

- Responsible for collecting information, building databases related to combating desertification, and providing information about priority areas for combating desertification.

- Closely coordinate with Coordination Board members in proposing activities to implement the Convention.

- Cooperate closely with international organizations and foreign non-governmental organizations in sharing information related to the implementation of the Convention; participate in the process of building partnerships for implementing the Convention; participate in expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation relationships to seek financial and technical support from the international community for the National Action Program (NAP) against desertification at each stage.

- Participate in monitoring and evaluating the impacts of programs, projects, and policies on natural resource management and the livelihoods of local people, particularly ethnic minorities.

- Participate in reviewing and evaluating programs and projects.

- Serve as the liaison between the Coordination Board and the Technical Advisory Group.

- Be responsible for managing the activities of the Convention Office.

- Record minutes at Coordination Board meetings.

Chapter III

DUTIES OF THE ASSISTANT SECTION AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY GROUP

Article 6. The Assistant Section

The Coordination Board has an Assistant Section in the form of the Convention Office, operating on a part-time basis, performing the following tasks:

- Carry out administrative, clerical, archival, and information-related work for the Coordination Board;

- Manage databases related to combating desertification;

- Summarize and report on the activities of the Coordination Board, including those of the Technical Advisory Group;

- Organize meetings, conferences, seminars, and field trips;

- Coordinate with the Financial Department and the International Cooperation Department to handle annual registration procedures;

- Organize the International Day Against Desertification on June 17th annually;

- Manage office equipment and assets of the Convention Office. Ensure material and technical conditions for the specialized activities of the Technical Advisory Group;

- Prepare documents, organize meetings, conferences, seminars, etc., within the program of the Convention;

- Handle departure and arrival procedures for delegations.

Article 7. The Technical Advisory Group

The Technical Advisory Group is established separately by the Head of the Board, aiming to assist the Coordination Board in implementing the Convention in a professional and technical manner. The Technical Advisory Group will include national focal points of the Thematic Programme Network (TPN) on combating desertification in the Asia region, as well as some domestic and international experts introduced by organizations and agencies upon the request of the Head of the Board, in fields related to soil science, forestry, water resources management, irrigation, agricultural and forestry extension, climate hydrology, and environment. The duties and powers of the Technical Advisory Group are as follows:

- Directly report to the Deputy Head of the Board.

- Participate in developing, supplementing, and adjusting the National Action Program against desertification according to assigned tasks when requested.

- Participate in drafting national reports.

- Provide information, collect, update, and analyze information related to combating desertification and help build databases.

- Guide the preparation of project proposals in accordance with government regulations and donor requirements.

- Review and advise on project proposals submitted by units and localities.

- Advise the Coordination Board on professional issues.

- Serve as a bridge between national activities and international activities, especially those of the Thematic Programme Networks (TPN) in the Asia region.

- Closely link with the Convention Office.

- Attend Coordination Board meetings when summoned.

Chapter IV

MEETING REGIME AND REPORTING SYSTEM

Article 8. Meeting Regime

- Regular Meetings: The Coordination Board will hold regular meetings every six months (in June and December) to assess the implementation process of the Convention, grasp needs and information, and formulate specific action plans for each phase, develop annual plans, and evaluate their implementation.

- Special Meetings: The Coordination Board will convene special meetings as necessary, decided by the Head or the Deputy Head of the Board, to exchange information, contribute opinions, discuss activity plans, and address specific emerging issues.

- Technical Advisory Group Meetings: The Technical Advisory Group will hold regular meetings every three months to exchange and update information, review, and study proposed projects to advise the Coordination Board. The June and end-of-year meetings of the Technical Advisory Group will be held ten days before the Coordination Board meetings to prepare content for the Coordination Board meetings. The Technical Advisory Group may also convene special meetings as decided by the Head or the Deputy Head of the Board when required to assist the Coordination Board in addressing professional issues.

In addition, central/provincial conferences and seminars may be convened annually as decided by the Head or the Deputy Head of the Board to evaluate the implementation of the Convention, share experiences, and discuss action plans for each phase.

Article 9Reporting System

Conclusions of meetings, conference proceedings will be distributed to all participants and reported to relevant ministries, sectors, and localities. This ensures consistent coordination in actions and the effectiveness of cooperation.

Annually, ministries/departments, agencies, and provincial People's Committees are responsible for reporting on the implementation of the Convention and the National Action Program against desertification (NAP) in their respective agencies and localities to the Convention Office before December 15th. These reports will be compiled into an annual national report, sent to relevant agencies, and translated into English to be submitted to the Convention Secretariat. A website on the enforcement of the Convention will be established to enhance information exchange both internationally and domestically. Specific projects under the NAP will be developed based on priority order, with the participation of relevant parties.

Chapter V

OTHER PROVISIONS

Article 10. Management of the Convention Office

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will allocate a room in the Forestry General Department's headquarters as the Convention Office, initially using existing personnel and equipment to serve the office's operations. When funding becomes available, the Forestry General Department will purchase new equipment for the office's activities.

The Secretariat shall be managed by the Commissioner兼任协调委员会秘书处负责人，由若干兼职人员组成。公约秘书处的工作人员负责自行管理资产和公共设备，确保设备正常运行并有效使用。

The contact address for the Secretariat is as follows:

Domestic transactions:

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Secretariat

Forest Protection Bureau

the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Room B9, 2 Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: 84 4 8438814; Fax: 84 4 8438793; Email: [email protected]

International transactions:

UNCCD National Focal Point Office, Department of Forestry

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Room B9, 2 Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: 84 4 88438814; Fax: 84 4 8438793; Email: [email protected]

Article 11. Record Management

- The support unit is responsible for assisting the members of the Coordination Board and the Technical Advisory Group in collecting, compiling, analyzing, and storing information at the Secretariat in both paper and electronic formats.

- The support unit only serves the retrieval and search of stored documents at the storage location. When printing copies of confidential stored records, approval from the Head of the Board is required. Record storage must comply with current regulations.

Article 12. Extracurricular Activities

Annually, the Coordination Board will send representatives of the Board or members of the Technical Advisory Group to the field to gather information, inspect, and monitor the implementation of activities related to combating desertification locally, identify limitations, propose solutions, and promote good practices and experiences. Each trip will have a report that will be stored at the Secretariat.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 13. All members of the Coordination Board, the Technical Advisory Group, the support unit, and relevant parties are responsible for strictly implementing this Regulation. During the implementation process, if necessary, the Coordination Board may convene meetings to adjust and supplement this Regulation.