The concept of the proposed project aims to contribute to conserving indigenous fruit tree species and varieties of Ly Nhan District through developing an on-farm conservation model, which encourages farmers to participate in the agrobiodiversity conservation. The proposed project sites include Hoa Hau and Van Ly Communes, in Ly Nhan District, Ha Nam Province. Ly Nhan has a rich plant genetic resources of the ecological zone of low-lying area in the Red River delta. Many species and varieties, such as bananas, citrus (orange, lemon, mandarin and grapefruit), and persimmon, are indigenous and of highly social and cultural values, and potential for commercial production. However, many of these species and varieties are in danger of extinction. The genetic resources of indigenous fruit tree species and varieties of Ly Nhan District have significantly declined in terms of both quantity and quality.

The primary aims of the planning grant are to promote the participation of key stakeholders of the proposed project, including local authorities and relevant agencies and communities, and provide scientific basis for the project development. Major activities of the project include conducting surveys on social economic conditions of the proposed project site, identifying proposed project objectives and activities and assessing their feasibility, and providing needed technical assistance in project development and writing project proposal which will be submitted to GEF/SGP for review and appraisal; and identifying possibilities for project synergies and resource mobilisation.