Ex-post Evaluation

1. Outline of the Project

Country:

China

Project title:

Forestry Development Project in Fujian Province of China

Issue/Sector:

Forestry

Cooperation Scheme:

Project-type Technical Cooperation

Division in Charge:

Forestry and Natural Environment Department, Forestry and Environment Division

Total Cost:

Period of Cooperation

July 1991 - June 1996

(F/U):July 1996 - June 1998

Partner Country's Implementing Organization:
Fujian Ministry of Forestry (Fujian Research Institute of Forestry)
Fujian Science and Technology Committee

Supporting Organization in Japan:

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
The Forestry Agency
Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute
Forest Development Technological Institute

Related Cooperation:

N/A

1-1 Background of the Project

Fujian province is located in the subtropical, southeast coastal region. It is one of the most important forestry areas in China, in terms of the amount of forest resources and the rate of forest accumulation. Therefore, the province planned to develop its industry by strengthening forest productivity. The local government has drawn up a seven-year forestation plan to increase the forest area to up to 6.68 million hectare, with 55% coverage, and accumulation of up to 600 million m3. However, the development of forestry technology was indispensable to realizing this plan. Development of research foundation, especially the strengthening of survey research system aiming at helping to increase wood production of mainly Broadleaf Cryptomeria and Pinus Massoniana in artificial forests, was an urgent task. For this reason, the Chinese government submitted a request to the Japanese government for Project-type Technical Cooperation.

1-2 Project Overview

Technical cooperation was provided to Fujian Research Institute of Forestry (FFRI) and aimed at advancing silviculture and forest resources management techniques in order to develop the industry of mainly silviculture and forestry in Fujian province.

(1) Overall Goal
To promote silviculture, and forestry resources are sustainably controlled and managed in the subtropical region around Fujian province.

(2) Project Purpose
The Center for Development of Forestry Industry (CDFI) develops a sufficient level of forestry technology and resource management skills to achieve the overall goal.

(3) Outputs
1) Appropriate, sufficient research facilities and equipment are introduced.
2) High-quality and appropriate training (the training for counterparts at CDFI and in Japan) is conducted.
3) High-quality research is practiced by dispatched Japanese experts and Chinese researchers.
4) Sufficient number of appropriate researchers is ensured.
5) CDFI is operated and managed in the areas of general affairs, personnel, finance and support for research activities sufficiently.

(4) Inputs

2. Evaluation Team

Members of Evaluation Team

William Meng, Beijing JP Riohua Environ Tech Co., Ltd.

Period of Evaluation

December 16, 2002 - December 25, 2002

Type of Evaluation:

Ex-Post Evaluation by Overseas Office

3. Results of Evaluation

3-1 Summary of Evaluation Results

(1) Impact
Since the Project began, the use of Remote Sensing technology and Geographical Information System (GIS) technology in the areas of protection of eco-forestry, and reasonable utilization and survey of forestry resources are becoming more and more widespread. Management of forestry operations and production has been greatly improved. After completing the Project, more than 50 important papers on forestry management and technology were published, further promoting the dissemination of technology. Researchers participated in the “Opinions on Readjustment of the Structure of Trees Species” research and participated in the study and drafting of the “10th Five-Year Plan for Forest Science and Technology Development in Fujian Province” and “Guidelines for Forest Making Technology in Fujian Province.” Therefore, the improvement of silviculture and sustainable forestry resource management is being promoted. Furthermore, after the Project finished, the growth rate of trees has increased by 4 - 15% through the diffusion of new technology. CDFI has cultured 6 types of trees which are resistant to high wind. It has provided one million small trees (enough to cover approximately 333 ha) to plant along the sea line protection tree belt. This is equivalent to 10% of new reforested area being developed in a year. Most of these trees are planted to face the wind at the front of the protection belt, and in this way it contributes to the prevention of natural disaster.

Two key laboratories for examination research have been set up in FFRI. FFRI participates in major research projects in China and now ranks number seven among all research institutes of forestry sciences in China. The capacity for international research cooperation has been improved and collaboration with universities and research institutes from Australia, Japan and Taiwan has been carried out. Remote Sensing (RS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and GIS technology are being used by the Provincial Wild Animal Administration Station and Provincial Soil and Water Reservation Committee. Through the training courses at FFRI, skills and technology are being disseminated to other institutions.

(2) Sustainability
As a result of a limited budget, CDFI has found it very difficult to remain independent. Therefore, currently CDFI is functioning as part of FFRI. The entire CDFI staff belongs to FFRI. The number of CDFI staff members remains almost the same since the completion of the Project. FFRI financial input comes mainly from government allocation and funds paid for research projects. The government budget has been gradually rising. The budget in 2002 was up 37% from 1997. Around 90% of the equipment supplied by the Japanese side during the Project is still functioning. GIS was provided with new computers. In this way, CDFI has achieved operational sustainability by being a part of FFRI.

In the follow-up project, all activity plans were implemented successfully. Sixteen research results were published. Four of these studies were awarded as advanced technology for the country as well as the province. The counterparts’ technical skills have been improved and research activities were made more active, leading to an increase in the number of participants on academic activities. The number of published research results also increased remarkably from12 during the implementation of the Project, to 81 after completion the Project. Systems on forest resources management have been established in seven areas and databases have been prepared. Also, FFRI has undertaken commissioned development projects (6 in total by 2002) in the field of resource management. These activities are expected to continue in the future.

3-2 Factors that Promoted the Realization of Effects

(1) Factors Concerning the Planning
N/A

(2) Factors Concerning the Implementation Process
1) The government of Fujian Province established policies for the development of the forest industry and ecological system within its province.
2) The fact that CDFI was an integral part of FFRI contributes to ensuring technically and financial sustainability.

3-3 Factors that Impeded the Realization of Effects

(1) Factors Concerning the Planning
N/A

(2) Factors Concerning the Implementation Process
Due to insufficient budget as a research organization, it was difficult for CDFI to maintain its function as an independent agency.

3-4 Conclusion

The operation of the institute after the completion of the Project has shown that the Project has greatly enhanced the research capabilities of the counterparts. Such technical improvement has spread to the entire institute, including the activities of CDFI. Nearly all of the equipment has contributed to the improvement of research capability and quality of the institute, showing definite results. It has shown that the Project has been highly sustainable in the areas of organization, personnel, technology and finance. The technology of CDFI has had various types of impact, including in areas of silviculture management, as well as the conservation of wild animals.

3-5 Recommendations

N/A

3-6 Lessons Learned

When structuring a project, new organizations established for a project often create future problems for the sustainability of the organization financially. It would be better to improve the capacity of an existing organization, rather than create a new independent organization.

3-7 Follow-up Situation

N/A