Promoting the protection and management of protected areas

Context

Viet Nam is one of the 20 most biodiverse countries in the world. Its diverse ecosystems are crucial for combatting climate change. In order to protect them, designated areas protect a broad range of ecosystems such as forests, wetlands and marine areas.

At the same time, many people from various ethnic groups living in rural regions depend on the services provided by healthy ecosystems to secure their livelihoods. However, resource-intensive economic development is increasing the pressure on ecosystems. Industry and tourism are damaging the protected areas, as a result of which vast tracts of natural forests, for example, have been degraded.

Responsibilities for the management of protected areas are shared by various government agencies. They lack resources, funds and staff trained in nature conservation. That makes it difficult to ensure the integrated, effective management of protected areas.

Objective

The regulatory, institutional and technical capacities of the responsible authorities and the local population are improved, enabling more effective implementation of integrated protected area management.

Approach

The project operates in the following working areas:

• It improves the conditions for integrated management of protected areas in general and of the three selected areas. Hoang Lien National Park, Van Long Nature Rreserve and Xuan Lien National Park, in particular.
• It develops financing instruments for the management of protected areas to strengthen nature conservation.
• It implements measures that restore ecosystems.
• It promotes environmentally friendly, community-based tourism.

In collaboration with the management boards of the three protected areas and the provincial and national authorities, the project ensures the technical capacity building on the long-term and improves regulatory conditions. It also intends to bring about gender equality.

Last updated: March 2025