The project under review is an integrated rural development project. The main emphasis of the project is the support of natural resource management and conservation activities within 19 target villages in the Oudomxay Province. Other issues addressed by the project are micro finance, hygiene and sanitation, water supply, community development and to a limited extent, education. The project started in 1999 with a pilot phase and is now running in its in third phase. Activities are implemented by the DWHH together with various government agencies. Target populations are ethnic minority groups.