The primamry aims of the planning grant are to promote the participation of key stakeholders of the proposed project, including local authorities and relevant agencies and communties, and provide scientific assistance for the project development. Major activities of the project include conducting surveys on socio-economic conditions of the proposed project site, identifying proposed project objectives and activities and assessing their feasibility, and providing needed technical assistance in project design and writing project proposal which will be submitted to GEF/SGP for review and appraisal; and identifying possibilities for project synergies and resource mobilisation.
The main causes of the problem of land degradation and desertification in the commune of Thach Dinh Commune, Thach Ha District, Ha Tinh Province, are attributed to deforestation, ecosystem degradation, unsustainable agricultural practices and the unfavourable weather conditions in the area. In order to address this issue, it is necessary to stabilise community life in the coastal sandy areas and solve the problem of land degradation and desertification. The proposed project aims to raise awareness among the local authorities, relevant agencies and community about the issues of land degradation and desertification, and sustainable development. The main purpose of the proposed project is to establish two residence areas on coastal sandy land and transfer technology to the community in developing ecological household gardens. Appropriate crop structure which suits the physical and socio-economic conditions of the area will be introduced. The proposed project aims to regreen the barren land, improve the fertility of soil and prevent desertification in coastal sandy area in Thach Dinh Commune.