The Nam Neun (in Laos) and Ca (in Vietnam) river basin covers some of the poorest parts of Lao PDR and Vietnam. A grant has been provided to the Center for Agricultural Research and Ecological Studies (CARES) of Hanoi Agricultural University (HAU) to collaborate with the National University of Laos (NOUL) in an effort to locate, gain access to, review, and synthesize existing data and relevant field experiences that can contribute to a clearer understanding of trends in land use and land management practices in a trans-bordered watershed. This grant also supports meetings and seminars on research design, collect additional data in the field and facilitate cross-border field visits leading to preparation of an integrated watershed management plan.

During the first six month of the project (August 2003 – January 2004), staff from the two institutes in Vietnam and Lao PDR spent their time in the field on the Vietnamese side to collect relevant, updated information.