A training-of-trainers workshop was organised in Lao PDR on marketing tree seed and seedlings, to support income generation from and planting of Rosewood species (Dalbergia spp.). The training was delivered by Mr Lars Schmidt, University of Copenhagen, who has more than 30 years of international experience on improving tree seed supply systems in tropical countries. The workshop was held at the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), in Vientiane.

The workshop was part of the regional initiative "Conserving Rosewood genetic resources for resilient livelihoods in the Mekong". Working with forestry authorities and rural communities in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam, the initiative applies in situ and ex situ methods to safeguard the genetic resources of three Dalbergia rosewood species of high conservation concern, namely Dalbergia cochinchinensis, D. oliveri, and D. cultrata. The strengthens and  develops capacity for seed collection, seed source and nursery management, and associated value chain development in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam. The project will build the capacity of rural households to generate livelihood benefits from sustainable use of these resources. The project is funded by the UK Darwin Initiative and runs from July 2018 to March 2021.