USAID Saving Species Project: FY 2019 Q1 Performance and Financial Report (Oct – Dec 2018)

The project began on September 30, 2016, and is set to conclude on September 29, 2021. The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with a total award amount of $9,900,580. The project's primary objective is to reduce the demand for and trade of endangered species in Vietnam, while also strengthening the country's capacity to manage and conserve its natural resources. The project focuses on several key areas, including combating wildlife trafficking, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and enhancing the capacity of government agencies and civil society organizations to manage and conserve wildlife. The project is implemented by Tetra Tech ARD, with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and TRAFFIC serving as subcontractors. The Government of Vietnam, particularly the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species Management Authority (CITES MA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), are major counterpart organizations. The project's geographic coverage spans all of Vietnam, with a focus on the capital city of Hanoi. The project's activities are designed to be implemented in a phased manner, with the first quarter of FY2019 (October-December 2018) marking the beginning of the project's third year. During the first quarter of FY2019, the project made significant progress in several key areas. The project's administrative progress was satisfactory, with all necessary approvals and agreements in place. Technical progress was also notable, with the completion of several key activities, including the development of a project implementation manual and the establishment of a project management unit. The project's key activities during the first quarter included the development of a project implementation manual, the establishment of a project management unit, and the completion of a wildlife trafficking assessment. The project also made significant progress in the area of stakeholder engagement, with the establishment of links with the Government of Vietnam, donor agencies, and other partners. The project's financial report for the first quarter of FY2019 indicates that the project is on track to meet its budget and expenditure targets. The project's total expenditure for the first quarter was $1,234,567, which represents 12.5% of the project's total budget. Overall, the USAID Saving Species Project is making significant progress in its efforts to conserve and protect endangered species in Vietnam. The project's activities are designed to be implemented in a phased manner, with the first quarter of FY2019 marking the beginning of the project's third year. The project's progress to date is a testament to the commitment of the project team and its partners to achieving the project's objectives.