Present at the signing ceremony were PPC Permanent Vice Chairman Nguyen Xuan Quang; Mr Nils-Henning Meyer, Principal Project Manager and representatives of relevant departments and branches.

Sigining Memorandum of Understanding of mid-term review on the “Nature Conservation and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Region” project

Over the past time, the implementation progress of the NCSMNR PNKB project is far behind schedule and below expectations of all stakeholders. Under the Memorandum of Understanding, in order to solve difficulties and ensure the project's efficiency in the following phases, it is agreed upon by all parties that the implementation should focus on the most critical results with main contents as such elaborating the management plan for the PNKB NP; developing and implementing an alternative patrolling systems; developing a performance based incentive system for rangers/guards who have passed the training tests; immediately halting the construction work at Road No.20 until the end of inspection and new order by PPC. The Memorandum of Understanding also specified the duration for completion of work and the implementation mechanism ensuring full participation and ownership of the NP in particular and other line agencies; the role and performance of the Consulting Office, its workplan and financial management.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Permanent Vice Chairman Nguyen Xuan Quang thanked KfW mission for mid-term review on implementation of the project on Nature Conservation and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Region in the past time. Vice Chairman said that the province would direct the Project Management Board and line agencies to quickly overcome shortcomings to well implement the project's following phases on schedule.

Reported by Ngoc Ha - By N.Y