Actions/activities relating to the 
        RTM/RTIM recommendation 
        /discussion points
        Progress                                  Challenges and Opportunities
        • 4.04:  developed recommendations on     The SSWG will address the following areas:
          the reduction of pesticide use in cropping  • germplasm-related policies for crops and 
          systems and in the ppromotion of agro-    livestock including development of a National 
          ecological practices                      Seed Policy and the conservation and use of 
        • 7.08: considered the conservation and     native varieties and breeds of animals (Focus 
          sustainable use of agrobiodiversity for   Area 4.02); 
          nutrition in the form of aquatic resources  • development of agro-ecological practices 
          in traditional rice landscapes and Non-   including conservation agriculture and 
          Timber Forest Products (mushrooms)        associated topics (Focus Area 4.04); 
                                                  • role of the private sector in conservation and 
                                                    sustainable use of Agrobiodiversity (Focus 
                                                    Area 9.8)
         Communication and outreach 
         activities with the sector and across 
         Sector Working Groups
         Progress                                    Challenges and Opportunities
         The SSWG has held two consultations on      The Portal will become an asset for the 
         the scope and nature of a Lao               agricultural community in Lao PDR and 
         Agrobiodiversity Portal, with the support   beyond, to access information and share 
         of the TABI project.  A range of            knowledge and experiences on the 
         stakeholders have highlighted the           conservation and use of Agrobiodiversity.  
         importance of this initiative for           An implementation plan for development 
         sustainable development of Lao PDR, and  of the Portal is being finalized, and an initial 
         indicated the types of content and          prototype will be launched in the 1st 
         functionality which should be included.     quarter of 2018.
                           Lao Vegetable Forum
                           Fostering a safe and sustainable vegetable 
                           sector in the Lao PDR
                                th
                           26  October 2017, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Vientiane
                                  •   Highlight the latest research and development activities
                                  •   Forge networks between public, NGO and private sector professionals 
                                      working in this area for communication and collaboration
                                  •   Provide an opportunity to learn about developments in the region
                                  •   Facilitate the exchange of ideas on sector development
                                                                     For more information
                                      Dr Tamara Jackson         tamara.vearing@gmail.com        +856 20 9630 0473
                                      Dr Thongkhoun Sisaphaithong     thongkhounhhrc@yahoo.com        +856 20 5585 7550