2. Chronology

CHRONOLOGY

1. In response to a request from the Government of Cambodia, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided technical assistance for preparing the Project.1 The objective was to prepare a detailed proposal for investment to develop and support community-based integrated management systems for the fisheries, forestry, and agricultural resources of the Tonle Sap. In July 2001, the implementation consultant submitted a draft feasibility study. In November 2001, ADB engaged individual consultants to reinforce the study with supplementary analyses.

2. An ADB mission visited Cambodia from 22 October to 5 November 2001. After reviewing the problems facing the Tonle Sap, the Mission concluded that sustainable management and conservation of natural resources and biodiversity should be considered from the basin's perspective. In keeping with this outlook, the Mission recommended that a first project build management systems and capacity and that provision be made for investment projects once this has been achieved. For the Project, the Mission identified components and costs, executing and implementing agencies, and cofinanciers. It spelled out the requirements for aid coordination and finalized the terms of reference for the supplementary project formulation activities required. From 5 November to 14 December 2001, the individual consultants engaged by ADB described the Project envisaged, focusing on the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. Thereafter, on 17–18 December 2001, an ADB Mission visited Cambodia to take stock of the findings.

3. The ADB Loan Fact-Finding Mission visited Cambodia from 25 February to 15 March 2002 to (i) update available information on all aspects of the proposed Project (including technical, financial, economic, legal, institutional, social, environmental, and policy matters); (ii) consult with a cross-section of prospective beneficiaries and nongovernment organizations; (iii) devote attention to institutional capacities, project costs, and financing arrangements; (iv) secure the active involvement of the Government, as well as adequate and timely counterpart funds for the Project; and (v) clarify prospects for commitments to the Project from other sources. It examined the Project in the context of the Government's development objectives and ADB's operational strategy for Cambodia, and refined the Project's design.

4. The ADB Loan Appraisal Mission visited Cambodia from 13 May to 5 June 2002 to complete the review and analysis of the loan proposal and the sector to which it relates, including the technical, financial, economic, legal, institutional, social, environmental, and other aspects of the Project.2

1 ADB. 1998. Technical Assistance for the Protection and Management of Critical Wetlands in the Lower Mekong

Basin. Manila. In support of the technical assistance, ADB agreed that the United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP) execute GEF PDF-B grant technical assistance, for $350,000, to prepare a biodiversity conservation project in the Tonle Sap. UNDP would then take the lead in executing a Global Environment Facility (GEF) grant paralleling an ADB project. During project formulation, UNDP determined that Capacity 21 funding could also be sought to build the capacity for sustainable development through participatory and institutional strengthening approaches. 2 The Mission was joined by D. Greboval, Senior Fishery Planning Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the

United Nations (FAO); B. Koemlangan, Legal Officer; FAO; P. Evans, Natural Resource Management Specialist,

Consultant, FAO; and Q. Han, Program Specialist, Environmental Sciences and Man and the Biosphere Program,

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.