PART II: PROPOSED ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR 2015
IV. Annual progress meeting and international workshop International workshop
2.2 Project Description/Framework
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The project is in line with the following Resolution and Plan of Action as endorsed at the ASEAN- SEAFDEC Conference of 2011:
Resolution 19: Support the competitiveness of the ASEAN fish trade through the development of procedures and programmes that would certify, validate or otherwise indicate the origin of fish to reflect the need for traceability, sustainable fishing practices and food safety, in accordance with international and national requirements.
Plan of Action D60: Develop traceability systems, with mechanisms as needed to certify or validate the information, for the whole supply chain, and establish regulations and enforcement schemes in line with international standards. Align Member Countries’ inspection systems and incorporate strengthened port inspections in the process as a means to improve inspection systems.
Plan of Action D63: Promote and conduct training programs and develop training materials to upgrade the technical skills and competencies of personnel in the public and private sectors on fisheries post- harvest technology and food safety management system.
This project is also in line with the SEAFDEC Program Thrust II: Enhancing Capacity & Competitiveness to Facilitate International and Intra-regional Trade.
2. PROJECT
2.1 Goal/Overall Objectives and Performance Indicators
The goal of the project is to enhance the competitiveness of the region’s aquaculture products through the implementation of traceability in the aquaculture production and supply chain. The objectives of the project are to:
1. Provide a platform for the sharing of information and experiences among ASEAN member countries on implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture products in the region as well as an overview of the status of implementation of traceability systems in the aquaculture industries in the ASEAN Region; and
2. Enhance regional capability on implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture products and promote their implementation in the region.
The performance indicators of the project are the development of regional guidelines on traceability system for aquaculture products in South East Asia and the establishment of traceability programmes for aquaculture products in member countries especially those which do not yet have such programmes in place.
83 Activity 1: Regional Technical Consultation (RTC)
A RTC will be held in Singapore to initiate the project. All ASEAN-SEAFDEC Member Countries will be invited to participate and to provide an overview on implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture products in their countries. The RTC will also discuss on the project and its activities.
Activity 2: Regional On-site Training Workshops on traceability systems for aquaculture products Sub-Activity 2.1: 1st Regional On-site Training Workshop
The workshop program will include lectures on traceability systems and site visits to a fish aquaculture farm and a fish processing factory where the fish are processed into fillets to enable the participants to learn how traceability is implemented throughout the whole production chain. At the end of the workshop the participants will have a better understanding and knowledge on implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture fish.
Sub-Activity 2.2: 2nd Regional On-site Training Workshop
The workshop program will include lectures on traceability systems and site visits to a shrimp aquaculture farm and a shrimp processing factory. Regional as well as local expertise will be engaged to conduct the workshop. At the end of the workshop the participants will have a better understanding and knowledge on implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture shrimp.
Activity 3: Mid-Term Project Review Meeting
To review the progress of the project and the activities conducted. At the review meeting, participants will be providing updates on the implementation status of traceability systems for aquaculture products in their respective countries. The meeting will also discuss and plan for the 2nd on-site regional training workshop.
Activity 4: Documentation and publication of Technical Compilation and Regional Guidelines
After the conduct of the two on-site workshops, MFRD will compile the information and recommendations provided and use them to publish a Technical Compilation on traceability systems for aquaculture products in the ASEAN Region and the Regional Guidelines on traceability systems for aquaculture products in South East Asia in 2014. The Technical Compilation will include country reports on the status of implementation of traceability for aquaculture products, difficulties faced and benefits of implementing traceability systems for aquaculture products.
Activity 5: End–Of-Project Seminar (EOP)
The EOP will be held in the third quarter of 2014 to conclude the project and to share the results of the project among member countries. The EOP will also discuss and finalize the Technical Compilation and the Regional Guidelines for publication. At the EOP, the participants will also present their proposed plans for implementing traceability systems for aquaculture products in their country.
3. PROGRESS/ACHIEVEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES IN THE YEAR 2014 3.1 Activities Achievements in the Year 2014
Achievements based on Activities Duration Remarks Activity 4: Documentation and
publication of Technical Compilation and Regional Guidelines
8-10 months Preparation of the Technical Compilation and Regional Guidelines began after the 2nd on-site workshop, and these compilation and guideline are scheduled for publication in 2014. The Technical Compilation and the Regional Guidelines on traceability systems for aquaculture products in South East Asia to be developed and published by the project would serve as a useful resource and common reference which could be used by Member Countries to assist in their
84 Activity 5: End –Of- Project (EOP)
Workshop
2 Days
implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture products and in the future formulation and development of national plan of activities to promote traceability.
The training materials of the two on-site workshops can also be used for human resource and capacity building programs and activities in the Member Countries.
The EOP will be organized to conclude the project and to share the results of the project among member countries. The EOP will serve as a sharing platform for the Member Countries to provide a final update on the implementation status of traceability systems for aquaculture products and or proposed plans for implementation, challenges faced during implementation in their respective countries, and to discuss possible future projects. The EOP will also discuss and finalize the Technical Compilation and the Regional for publication.
3.2 Evaluation of the Project Outcomes Till the Year 2014 3.2.1 Theme/Program Thrust and Issues:
(1) Theme/Program Thrust:
Traceability systems for aquaculture products in the ASEAN region/ Thrust II: Enhancing Capacity &
Competitiveness to Facilitate International and Intra-regional Trade (2) Issues in the region at the beginning of the study:
Traceability has become a major concern of the aquaculture industry, especially since it has become a legitimate requirement in major international markets such as the EU and the US. Furthermore as aquaculture production becomes more market and consumer driven, the greatest pressure for product traceability has been coming from the general public. Consumers are getting more and more concerned on what they eat – whether the food comes from a safe and sustainable source, and whether production, transportation, and storage conditions can guarantee food safety.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (2004) defines traceability or product tracing as “The ability to follow the movement of a food through specified stage(s) of production, processing and distribution”. In an increasingly competitive food system, traceability has become a major tool in dealing with concerns of food safety, quality assurance, risk prevention, and gaining consumer trust. Traceability can be used to achieve different purposes or objectives, such as for food safety, bio-security and regulatory requirements or to ensure quality and other contractual requirements. For instance, external traceability allows the tracking of a product and/or attribute(s) of that product through the successive stages of the distribution chain (from farm to fork), while internal traceability (or enterprise traceability) is aimed at productivity improvement and cost reduction within a production unit (e.g. fish plant). Governments and organizations around the world have also been developing different systems on seafood traceability e.g TraceFish (EU), TraceShrimp (Thailand).
In view of these developments, MFRD has proposed a project on traceability for the aquaculture products in the ASEAN region to provide a platform for the sharing of information and experiences among the ASEAN member countries on traceability systems to better enable the regional aquaculture industries to implement appropriate traceability systems for aquaculture products and to meet international traceability requirements in the network of aquaculture production, marketing, and trade.
3.2.2 Expected Final Goal of the Project:
Provide a platform for the sharing of information and experiences among ASEAN Member Countries on implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture products in the region as well as an overview of the status of implementation of traceability systems in the aquaculture industries in the ASEAN Region.
Enhance regional capability on implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture products and promote their implementation in the region.
85 3.2.3 “Steps” Toward Achieving Final Goal:
Step 1: Regional Technical Consultation in Traceability Systems for Aquaculture Products in ASEAN Region Deliberate on the scope of the project which covers technical compilation on traceability systems for aquaculture products in the ASEAN region and on-site training on traceability systems for aquaculture products.
Identify regional expertise with knowledge and experience in developing and implementing traceability systems for aquaculture products to conduct on-site training and to develop the relevant training materials.
Identify suitable sites for the on-site training on traceability systems for aquaculture products (fish farm and shrimp farm) with suitable co-operant.
Step 2: Regional On-site Training Workshops on Traceability Systems for Aquaculture Products in ASEAN Region
To build up capacity in ASEAN member states for knowledge in traceability systems for aquaculture products
To facilitate implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture products for interested parties from ASEAN member states
Step 3: Mid-Term Project Review Meeting
To review the progress of the project and activities conducted.
To provide an update on the implementation status of traceability systems for aquaculture products in the ASEAN Region.
To discuss on the future project activities.
Step 4: Documentation and Publication of Technical Compilation and Regional Guidelines
To prepare and compile technical information and regional guidelines on traceability systems for aquaculture products in ASEAN region. The technical information will include country reports, challenges faced and benefits of implementing traceability systems for aquaculture products.
Step 5: End-of-Project Seminar
To conclude the project and provide a final update on the implementation status of traceability systems for aquaculture products in the ASEAN Region
To discuss and finalize for publication the Technical Compilation on traceability systems for aquaculture products in ASEAN region including the Regional Guidelines.
To discuss the challenges faced during the project implementation and discuss possible future projects.
3.2.4 Activities in the Current Project:
(1) Current position of the project: ( Step 4 & 5) (2) Program duration: (2010-2014)
(3) Main activities:
Regional Technical Consultation in Traceability Systems for Aquaculture Products in ASEAN Region.
1st and 2nd Regional On-site Training Workshops on Traceability Systems for Aquaculture Products in ASEAN Region.
Mid-Term Project Review Meeting.
Documentation and Publication of Technical Compilation and Regional Guidelines.
End-of-Project Seminar.
3.2.5 Progress and Achievements of the Current Project:
(1) Main activities conducted in the current project
The Regional Technical Consultation on Traceability Systems on Aquaculture Products in the ASEAN Region in 2010.
1st Regional On-site Training Workshop on Traceability Systems for Aquaculture Fish in ASEAN Region in 2011.
Mid-Term Project Review Meeting n 2012.
2nd Regional On-site Training Workshop on Traceability Systems for Aquaculture Shrimps in ASEAN Region in 2013.
Documentation and Publication of Technical Compilation and Regional Guidelines in 2014.
End-of-project Seminar in 2014.
86 (2) Main achievements till the end of 2014 (tentative)
The RTC meeting was successfully conducted held from 12-14 October 2010 in Singapore. The meeting decided on all the project activities and time schedule. The meeting agreed to conduct the 1st on-site workshop on traceability systems for aquaculture fish in Vietnam in 2011 and the 2nd on-site workshop on traceability systems for aquaculture shrimp in Thailand in 2013.
The 1st Regional On-site Training Workshop was conducted in Vietnam from 28-30 Nov 2011 to provide training in implementation of traceability system for aquaculture fish to the Member Countries and help build up their capability and knowledge in this area. The workshop was attended by 23 participants from the 10 ASEAN member states. The training comprised of key presentations by regional experts and consultants in aquaculture traceability and field trips to a fish processing factory and aquaculture fish farm to allow the participants to have hands-on experience on how traceability is implemented in an industrial setting. In addition, group discussions were held to deliberate on the challenges faced in implementing traceability for aquaculture products in their countries as well as possible solutions. The workshop concluded with the establishment of generic supply chains for the aquaculture industry in ASEAN and identification of key information that needs to be shared amongst the stakeholders in these supply chains to ensure that the aquaculture product can be traced back to the source.
The Mid-Term Project Review Meeting was successfully held on 7-8 Nov 2012 in Singapore. The meeting reviewed the progress of the project and the activities conducted thus far. The participants provided updates on the implementation status of traceability systems for aquaculture products in their respective countries. The meeting also discussed and planned for the 2nd on-site regional training workshop to be held in 2013 in Thailand taking into consideration the recommendations of the 1st regional on-site training workshop in 2011 to ensure that the training will be more effective and beneficial to the participants of the workshop.
The 2nd Regional On-site Training Workshop on Traceability Systems for Aquaculture Shrimp in ASEAN Region was held on 5-7 November 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop was attended by 23 participants from the 10 ASEAN member states. The training comprised of key presentations by a regional expert in aquaculture traceability and field trips to a shrimp aquaculture farm and processing factory to allow the participants to have hands-on experience on how traceability is implemented in an industrial setting. The workshop concluded with a discussion on generic supply chains for the aquaculture shrimp in ASEAN and identification of key information that needs to be shared amongst the stakeholders in these supply chains to ensure that the product can be traced back to the source.
Publication of the Technical Compilation and Regional Guidelines in 2014.
The End-of-Project (EOP) seminar will be held on 16-17 December 2014 (tentative).
(3) Outcomes/Outputs during the project period and expected achievement rate till the end of 2014 (tentative)
Expected outcomes/outputs Achievement rate (%)
Provide a platform for the sharing of information and experiences among ASEAN member countries on implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture products in the region as well as an overview of the status of implementation of traceability systems in the aquaculture industries in the ASEAN Region.
100%
Enhance regional capability on implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture products and promote their implementation in the region.
100%
3.2.6 Evaluation of Project Activities in 2014:
The EOP will be organized to discuss and finalize the Technical Compilation on traceability systems for aquaculture products in the ASEAN Region and the Regional Guidelines on Traceability System for Aquaculture Products in Southeast Asia for publication. The Technical Compilation and the Regional Guidelines will serve as a useful resource and common reference which could be used by Member Countries to assist in their implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture products and in the future formulation and development of national programmes and activities to promote traceability. It is envisaged that these project activities will help to achieve the project’s objective to enhance regional capability and knowledge on implementation of traceability systems for aquaculture products and promote their implementation in the region thereby contributing to the overall program thrust of enhancing capacity and competitiveness to facilitate international and intra-regional trade in aquaculture products.
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Appendix 8 of Annex 4 PROJECT DOCUMENT
ACHIEVEMENTS FOR YEAR 2014
Project id: 02201003 Program Categories: Project under the ASEAN-SEAFDEC FCG/ASSP Mechanism
Project Title:
Promotion of sustainable aquaculture and resource enhancement in Southeast Asia:
Accelerating information dissemination and capacity building in fish health management in Southeast Asia.
Program Thrust: II Total Duration: 5 years (2010-2014)
Lead Department: AQD Lead Country: Philippines
Project Sponsor: JTF Project Partner: None
Proposed Budget: USD 248,076 This year budget: 2014 USD 42,300
Prepared by Takuro Shibuno, AQD DC Project Leader Takuro Shibuno, AQD DC 1. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
The Aquaculture Department of SEAFDEC (SEAFDEC/AQD) has been responsible for this project, including the management and coordination of all project activities. Other ASEAN Member States which were identified as core countries in the project are involved in implementing the relevant activities on a cost-sharing basis.
In response to many requests for intensive research to address fish health problems, SEAFDEC/AQD initiated the Fish Disease Projects through Japanese Trust Fund. Phase I (2000 to 2004) focused on technologies to control diseases through timely and accurate recognition, sound diagnostic capabilities, and control measures for various diseases. Phase II (2005-2009) focused on disease surveillance activities based on the results of the earlier program.
This project involves the following: 1) compilation of case studies that explain the problems and challenges and possible solutions to the implementation of fish health care in rural aquaculture, and to boost staff capability as well as develop and produce learning materials to further disseminate and sustain the activity; 2) surveillance on the fish-borne zoonotic parasites of freshwater fish along with on-site training for capacity building of fish health workers on disease management strategies to reduce or prevent the spread of zoonotic parasitic diseases; 3) refinement and application of molecular diagnostic methods for the detection of fish and shrimp viral diseases and preventive approaches that will enable the farmer to monitor the health status of their crop so that early and effective intervention strategies can be made; 4) establishment of immunization regimen for the prevention of viral nervous necrosis in high value marine fish; 5) establishment of novel prophylactic and therapeutic methods for the prevention of viral infections in commercially important maricultured fish; 6) evaluation of various carriers for shrimp vaccination and to establish practical delivery methods and efficacy under field conditions, and 7) elucidation of parasitic and shell diseases of abalone with their diagnosis, pathogenicities and prevention methods.
Thus this project on fish health management, which could be designated as Phase III (2010-2014), focuses on the acceleration of delivery of information and awareness building among the aquafarmers. In particular, the rationale of the present project is on the greater dissemination of the said knowledge, especially to the Member Countries whose fish health management capacity still needs to be developed and improved. Dissemination activities especially in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos PDR and the Philippines need to be enhanced and accelerated because technical and administrative systems to carry out the tasks and duties necessary for the efficient control of diseases and for consumer protection are still inadequate.
At the same time, research and technology development should remain as significant activities to sustain SEAFDEC’s role as “A Leading Fish Disease Technology Center in the Region”. An integrated fish- health-care system expected to be established through this project will ensure a holistic approach to a stable supply of safe aquaculture products.