2018-越南海洋生物多样性与湿地保护（英文版）-1mb

Summary of Marine Biodiversity & Wetlands Conservation in Vietnam: Experiences from GEF Small Projects

Core Content

This document outlines the experiences and outcomes of several GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) projects in Vietnam focused on marine biodiversity and wetlands conservation. These projects were implemented by local community-based organizations (CBOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with support from the GEF SGP and local authorities. The projects aim to promote sustainable natural resource management through community participation, policy dialogue, and the development of co-management models.

Main Projects

1. Community Participation in the Cham Island Nature Rehabilitation and Sustainable Gecarcoidea lalandii Harvest (VN/SGP/UNEP-SCS/09/01)

• Project Site: Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
• Implementing Organization: Tan Hiep Communal Association of Farmers
• Beneficiaries: Local crab catchers, tourism operators, and communities in Cham Island
• Biodiversity Area: Cham Island's Gecarcoidea lalandii ecosystem

Main Activities and Initiatives

• Establishment of a working group and training for community involvement in conservation.
• Organization of workshops to discuss sustainable management and protection of G. lalandii.
• Creation of a community-based monitoring program and eco-labeling system.
• Collaboration with students and volunteers for research and development of conservation models.
• Development of a small-scale crab culture model for pilot testing.
• Promotion of alternative livelihoods and community-based eco-tourism.

Results and Impacts

• Biodiversity Impact: Conservation efforts have protected over 75% of the G. lalandii population.
• Socio-economic Impact: Income of crab catchers increased significantly, with prices rising from 200,000 VND/kg to 850,000 VND/kg by 2015. Over 14,486 crabs were ecologically labeled and sold in three years.
• Policy Impact: The project led to the development of legal documents and regulations for crab management.
• Sustainability: The eco-labeling model and community management have been replicated in other marine protected areas.

Lessons Learnt

• Common consent among stakeholders is crucial for project success.
• Conflicts within the community require further study and resolution.
• Integrated natural resource management and benefit sharing are necessary.
• Genetic diversity studies are needed for flagship species like G. lalandii.

Key Actors

• Tan Hiep Communal Association of Farmers
• Tan Hiep Communal People's Committee
• Cham Island Marine Protected Area (MPA)
• Local tourism businesses and services

2. Rehabilitation and Conservation of Nipa Palms at Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City (VN/SGP/UNEP-SCS/09/02)

• Project Site: Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
• Implementing Organization: Cam Thanh Communal Association of Farmers
• Beneficiaries: Local communities, fishermen, and tourism operators in the area
• Biodiversity Area: Cam Thanh nipa palm ecosystem

Main Activities and Initiatives

• Conducted field surveys and organized community workshops on nipa palm conservation.
• Developed zoning and management rules for the nipa palm area.
• Established a community-based network of watchmen and provided them with equipment.
• Organized study-tours and communication campaigns to raise awareness.
• Piloted sustainable nipa palm leaf harvesting techniques and provided technical and financial support for alternative income generation.
• Implemented eco-tourism initiatives and training programs for local communities.

Results and Impacts

• Biodiversity Impact: Nipa palm forest rehabilitation helped maintain the ecosystem and support aquatic species.
• Socio-economic Impact: Local communities were engaged in sustainable practices, improving their livelihoods and income.
• Policy Impact: The project supported the development of local policies and regulations for natural resource management.
• Sustainability: The project contributed to long-term conservation and sustainable use of nipa palms.

Lessons Learnt

• Community participation is essential for effective conservation.
• Benefit-sharing mechanisms should be developed to ensure local support.
• Technical and financial support is needed to promote sustainable practices.
• Eco-tourism can be a viable alternative to traditional resource use.

Key Information

• GEF SGP in Vietnam: Launched in 1999, it has supported 140 projects across 40 provinces, with a focus on biodiversity, climate change, and land degradation.
• Project Funding: Each project receives a maximum of USD 50,000, but has significant long-term impacts.
• Community-Based Approach: Projects emphasize local involvement in decision-making and management.
• Eco-Labeling: Used as a tool to ensure sustainable harvesting and promote conservation.
• Replication: Successful models have been replicated in other marine protected areas such as Con Co, Ly Son, and Phu Quoc.

Conclusion

These projects demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based conservation in protecting marine and wetland ecosystems in Vietnam. They highlight the importance of stakeholder engagement, integrated management, and policy support in achieving sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. The outcomes have been positively evaluated by local authorities and have contributed to the growth of eco-tourism and improved livelihoods.