Experts gathered at a workshop in Hanoi on August 22 to discuss a project on management of natural resources and biodiversity preservation in socio-economic development.
Nguyen The Dong, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Environment Administration (VEA) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said the project will be piloted in Dong Nai, Cu Lao Cham – Hoi An, and Tay Nghe An nature reserves.
According to Tran Huyen Trang from the Biodiversity Conservation Agency of VEA, the project will focus on completing legal documents and policies incorporating natural resources management and biodiversity preservation goals in socio-economic development and enhancing capability of law enforcement.
Various activities will be piloted in the nature reserves to ensure sustainable use of natural resources, management of nature reserves and biodiversity-friendly development.
Harald Leummens, Chief Technical Advisor from the United Nations Development Programme Vietnam said the initiative will develop a mechanism to ensure cooperation among relevant agencies, enhance the capability of the nature reserves and promote communications.
Local experts suggested the project’s feasibility be evaluated in terms of schedule, resources, structures and commitments made by stakeholders.
Truong Quang Hoc from the Vietnam National University Hanoi underlined the need to integrate conservation work in economic development in nature reserves, local development plans and other projects.
It is necessary to develop an evaluation and supervision system, Hoc added.
Vietnam has nine nature reserves recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.-VNA