German environmental experts and representatives of local nature reserves and environment organisations gathered in the southern province of Soc Trang on March 17 for a three-day workshop to find out the best ways of managing natural resources in Vietnam.
The event serves as a forum for more than 100 participants to discuss new approaches in applying the notion of co-management of natural resources in Vietnam, study appropriate policies and legal framework on the issue.
Aside from protecting the environment, co-management also helps improve the livelihoods for poor communities living near the project sites such as mangrove forests or nature reserves, said GTZ chief technical adviser in Soc Trang Klaus Schmitt.
Pilot projects on co-management have been carried out in Vietnam in exploitation of aquatic resources, preserved forests and mangrove forests. However, there has been no consistent approach or comprehensive legal framework for co-management projects.
During of the workshop, participants will have field trips to many pilot project areas in Vinh Chau district.
The event was jointly held by the Soc Trang People’s Committee and the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ).