The project's objectives are to reduce pressure on the use of natural resources in the PNKB NP; improve legal livelihood of the people in the buffer zone and explicitly link nature conservation and socio-economic development.

The Nature Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Region Project has obtained remarkable results in the past time. The project has worked out management planning and extension of the PNKB NP; provided a support of law enforcement through such activities as construction of working office for NP forest rangers; capacity building and training for NP forest rangers; inter-agency cooperation for law enforcement; equipment support for law enforcement.

With regard to buffer zone development planning and sustainable livelihoods, the project management board has carried out a rapid assessment on threats of 13 communes in buffer zone; conservation-oriented village development planning for 157 villages of 13 communes; implement short-term livelihood models for 770 households in 9 of the 13 communes and medium-term livelihood models for 15 models in 5 communes.

In addition, the project has completed land-use plans in 10 communes; supported construction of 16 tree nurseries and afforestation of 1,608 ha.

Speaking at the meeting, head of the project steering board highly appreciated assistance of the German Government and international organizations in implementation of the Nature Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Region Project. He also paid attention to improving legal mechanism and strengthening self-control of the project management board. In the coming time, he also expressed his hope that international organizations will continue to assist and coordinate with local authorities to effectively implement the project's objectives.

Reported by Ngoc Ha
(www.quangbinh.gov.vn)