The IMOLA II Phase is coming to an end after five years and half of continuous operation. In February 2011, the IMOLA Project will hold its 6th Technical Workshop, a forum for all stakeholders, experts, guests to discuss the project achievements and steer decisions and actions for the forthcoming period.

At the same time, the 5th Tripartite Review mission will take place, a yearly appointment with representatives of the donor Government (Italy), the beneficiary Government (Vietnam) and the implementing agency (FAO) to appraise project activities of the year and formalize recommendations.

There are two important prospects for 2011: an extension of activities until the end of the year thanks to the additional funding of 200,000 USD granted from the same Donor, to undertake tasks relating to the implementation of the Tam Nong policy in the Province and the inception of a new Decentralized Cooperation Project (GDCP/VIE/002/ITA), granted with additional funds from Italy (USD 200,000) and the Veneto Region (EUR 70,000). A Decentralized Cooperation mini-project in support of the vulnerable households of Hai Tien village, Thuan An town (GDCP/VIE/001/ITA) is also being launched these days, thanks to the generosity of the Veneto Region who recognized a humanitarian scope in the intervention.

So, whilst the IMOLA II is phasing out, there are complementary activities that still will go on at least until the middle of 2012: important strides have been made in the way of enforcement of co-management, amendment of fishery activities in Cau Hai, allocation of fishing rights to the 22 Fishery Associations, planning in the Districts of Phu Loc, Phu Vang and Huong Tra, hydrological and conservation area surveys, but new and more important are awaiting us in the coming year. The impact of the IMOLA achievements has been recognized at National level, thus initiating a fruitful collaboration with the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Rural Development (IPSARD) and Rural Development Center (RUDEC) of MARD on Tam Nong policy.

The constant assignment of financial resources to the project testifies recognitions for the work done so far and trust for future more prominent achievements. We have reasons to look towards this forthcoming new year with optimism and expectations and it is with this positive attitude that we welcome the visitor to our website for the usual constant flow of information, documentations and news.

We take the opportunity to remember that we always appreciate your feedback and comments and in this special occasion of the festive period, we salute both the newly started 2011 and the forthcoming Year of the Cat with auspices of good health and prosperity for all.

Warmest regards,

The Project Coordinator
Massimo Sarti