Conservation project reaps rewards

by Xuan Thuy

NINH BINH — A landmark conservation project in the northern province of Ninh Binh has been lauded for successfully combining environmental protection with measures to increase local residents’ incomes.

The project, in Gia Van Commune’s Van Long nature reserve, has raised the locals’ awareness and their living standards, and now there are plans to turn the area into an eco-tourism resort.

"Despite only having VND367 million in capital, the Van Long project has been quite a success," declared Professor Nguyen Trong Hieu, a member of national steering board for Global Environment Facility/Small Grants Programme (GEF/SGP).

"We’ve achieved all three of our goals: stabilising the ecosystem and ensuring natural resources are exploited sustainably; enhancing people’s understanding of environmental issues; and ensuring the community’s development does not put too much pressure on the environment."

Rapid economic development and a fast-growing population are causing serious deforestation and pollution in Viet Nam. Water resources are being over-exploited and animals are being hunted into extinction.

The Van Long project seeks to create a better balance between humans and their environment, and has received VND209 million in support from the Global Environment Facility.

Since October 1999, the GEF has been running training classes for local environmental officers, and has worked in tandem with the local farmers’ association to disseminate information.

Meanwhile, efforts have been made to find sustainable methods of raising the locals’ income without harming the environment.

Assistance has been given to 124 households to set up bee-keeping and fish farming businesses, or to run mixed farms of rice, fish and shrimp.

Van Long nature reserve covers 3,500ha, of which 998ha is submerged in water and surrounded by limestone mountain ranges.

The mountains form many islands boasting caves, valleys and forests. There is an abundant stock of plants, including trees that offer high-quality timber and traditional medicines.

The area is also home to many species of monkey, and a refuge for migratory birds such as the wild goose and phoenix.

Hieu said the key to Van Long’s success was its combination of environmental conservation efforts with new farming models.

"Now, we want to see it become an attractive ecological resort in the near future," he said.

The country also has several other preservation projects under way, including those at Tam Dao National Park and the Chi Lang Fork Park in Hai Duong Province.

The three most valuable of the GEF-sponsored projects to preserve biodiversity are in Na Hang (Tuyen Quang Province), Ba Be (Bac Can Province) and Yokdon (Dac Lac Province), which have a total value of US$8.5 million. — VNS

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