The German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the People’s Committee of Quang Binh province will sign an agreement on implementation of the Project “Nature conservation and sustainable management of natural resources of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park” in Quang Binh province at the GTZ Office in Hanoi on October 19, 2007.

The main target of the project “Sustainable Preservation and Management of Natural Resources of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park” is to reduce the pressure of natural resources exploitation on the national park by promoting the preservation and management; forest restoration and buffer zone management; increasing income earnings in the buffer zone; and researching and supporting the deployment of a tourist development plan.

The first phase of the project will be implemented in three years (2007-2010) at a total cost of EURO 2 million. The German side will contribute EURO1.8 million and the People’s Committee of Quang Binh will account for 10 percent of the Project’s total capital.

Under the project, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park's management board will draw up a sustainable strategy for tourism development and environment protection as part of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang master plan, helping to raise the local people’s incomes.

Source: VOV, Oct. 18, 2007