Community-based conservation and benefit-sharing in Vietnam’s protected areas

On 2020 September 25, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) in collaboration with Center for Community and Environment Initiative Development (C&E) successfully organized a field trip to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve. The activity is part of the training on “Community-based natural resource conservation and benefit-sharing in protected areas and national parks in Vietnam”. There were 40 young lecturers from development organizations and universities such as Hanoi National University, Hue University, Nha Trang University, Yersin University and Hoa Sen University joined the training.

At the reserve, CCD shared lesson learnt between development and conservation in some specific protected areas include the specific case in Van Long. CCD also shared some success stories on balancing local livelihood and forest protection and natural resource management case study with a reference to community engagement. Representative from Van Long Nature Reserve share their conservation story and the success and disadvantages of the community-based tourism from different angles. Participant also had chance to witness the unique wetland and limestone landscape of  Van Long, include observing migratory and waterbirds and the critically endangered Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) that is one of 25 world’s most endangered primate in their natural forest on limestone.

The Center for Nature Conservation and Development is maintaining a robust program to protect the critically endangered langur and other threatened species of Vietnam’s flora and fauna through community-based conservation and improving local stakeholders capacity. In addition to capacity building, CCD also implement a strong conservation communication programs to raise public’s understand and perception on wildlife and nature conservation.