Attending the signing ceremony was Mr. Theo Pagel, Director of Cologne Zoo and his delegation. On the side of Quang Binh province, there was Chairman of the PPC Phan Lam Phuong, Permanent Vice-chairwoman of the PPC Pham Thi Bich Lua and leaders of related departments and branches.

The Project "Nature Conservation in the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park" was initiated in Quang Binh province in 1999. In the process of implementation, the Project achieved some remarkable results, contributing to the preservation of the natural values of the area as well as protecting ecological system, ensuring biological balance, improving public awareness of the conservation efforts and building capacity of National Park staff in relevant conservation matters.

PPC Chairman Phan Lam Phuong addresses the signing ceremony

At the signing ceremony, two parties confirmed their intent to coordinate their activities and cooperate especially in the fields of forest protection, stopping hunting and wildlife trade, law enforcement, monitoring biodiversity and public awareness, in order to optimize the conservation efforts in the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park.

Memorandum of Agreement Signing Ceremony in the 2008-2013 period between Quang Binh People's Committee and Cologne Zoo

Under the MoA between the PPC and the Cologne Zoo, its general goals in the 2008-2013 period is that the Cologne Zoo will provide assistance, support and consultancy for local authorities in all relevant conservation matters; train and improve the ability of National Park staff in relevant conservation matters; transfer of skills and knowledge to Vietnamese colleagues in order to improve conservation activities and wild animal rescue; cooperate with and support the Forest Protection Department of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in the effective implementation of forest protection; assist the Vietnamese authorities with conservation awareness programs; continuously implement faunal surveys, monitor the indicator species and conservation orientated research.

The Project also orientated to particular aims. That is to reduce or ideally stop hunting and wildlife trade in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park and surrounding areas, i.e. ban poaching and trading of wild animals, selling and consumption of wildlife meat in restaurants and private households, as well as using wild animals for and consumption of traditional medicine.

In order to reach the above mentioned project goals, the Nature Conservation Project will mainly focus on implementing the activities, such as wildlife rescue and release, especially professional animal keeping, feeding, medical treatment as well as release in time into suitable habitats; continue the Forest Protection Program in close cooperation with the Ranger Headquarter of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. This program comprises capacity building, improvement of ranger stations and living conditions, regular patrols, extension and connection of strictly protected areas in the National Park. Carry out faunal surveys and research related to the conservation of biodiversity; implement the primate reintroduction Program and the wildlife protection Campaign in order to stop illegal hunting and wildlife trade in Phong Nha - Ke Bang.

Representatives of Quang Binh People's Committee and Cologne Zoo take a photograph at signing ceremony

The Phong Nha - Ke Bang Nature Conservation Project will contribute to the preservation of the natural values of the area. It will maintain the biodiversity and protect the ecosystem; help to preserve a healthy, clean and beautiful environment, to ensure ecological balance and to prevent and overcome adverse impacts of man. The Phong Nha - Ke Bang Nature Conservation Project will be carried out in five years. The Cologne Zoo will provide funding for the Phong Nha - Ke Bang Nature Conservation Project of a total sum up to 40.000 US$ per year and try to raise more funds.

By N.Y