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 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 mobilization.

The project aims to conserve and develop the genetic resources of the four critically endangered species in Thai Phin Tung commune, Dong Van district, Ha Giang province. The project focuses on activities of conservation of these four species, such as conducting a survey on their distribution for protection task and a study on ecological characteristics and planting trees of these 4 species. The project also gives priority to enhance the awareness and understanding of the local authorities, relevant agencies and the community on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources aimed at poverty alleviation and sustainable development for the commune. Other key activities are for generating community income from their agro-forestry production, contributing to hunger eradication and poverty alleviation.