CECAD

Biodiversity conservation plays a key role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, supporting natural resources and ensuring sustainable development for the future.

Biodiversity conservation involves protecting the variety of life on Earth, including ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity, to maintain ecological balance and support human well-being. It is vital for ecosystem services like food production, water purification, and climate regulation. Human activities such as habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change threaten biodiversity, with many species facing extinction. Conservation efforts focus on:

In-situ Conservation: Protecting species in their natural habitats, such as through the establishment of protected areas like national parks and wildlife reserves.
Ex-situ Conservation: Preserving species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos, seed banks, and botanical gardens.
Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation efforts to ensure sustainable resource use and equitable benefits.
Policy and Legislation: Developing and enforcing laws and regulations to safeguard biodiversity, including international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Conserving biodiversity ensures the resilience of ecosystems, supports livelihoods, and strengthens our ability to address global challenges like climate change, food security, and poverty. Biodiversity conservation is essential for sustainable development, helping address global challenges like climate change and food security.

Understanding its importance, CECAD has implemented various projects to conserve biodiversity, contribute to environmental protection, maintain ecological balance, and support communities reliant on nature, thereby laying a solid foundation for sustainable development. During the 2020–2025 period, CECAD serves as the Service Provider for Hoang Lien National Park (HLNP) under the framework of the “Small Grant Programme, Phase II – Vietnam National Component” (SGP Project). The project is funded by the German Development Bank (KfW) through the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), with the Project Management Unit (PMU) in Vietnam being the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The overarching goal of the SGP Project is to protect biodiversity, sustainably manage natural ecosystems within the ASEAN region, and contribute to improving local livelihoods. The project focuses on eight thematic areas, including: i) National Park Management, ii) Wildlife Research and Monitoring, iii) Law Enforcement, iv) Habitat and Species Management, v) Community Engagement and Conservation Awareness, vi) Community Development, vii) Ecotourism, and viii) Policy Development. Currently, CECAD is providing consultation for the implementation of 10 Small Grant Projects and 10 Microgrant Projects across these thematic areas in Hoang Lien National Park. The project activities are concentrated mainly in Sa Pa town and three buffer zone communes of HLNP, including Hoang Lien, Ta Van, and Ban Ho communes.

The projects have helped significantly strengthen the capacity to monitor and evaluate biodiversity conservation in the AHP system in Vietnam, while improving understanding of the biodiversity and cultural values of the National Park. . Efforts have been made to enhance the conservation of endangered species in the National Park through comprehensive conservation approaches, along with strengthening the capacity of the National Park management board and staff to conserve biodiversity. biodiversity, ecotourism and livelihood development. In addition, the projects have also helped improve the livelihoods of local communities by developing and promoting indigenous products, strengthening value chains, and promoting sustainable development through activities Ecotourism with community participation in the National Park.

The project "Orchid Conservation through Research and Ex-situ Conservation Measures in Ngoc Son - Ngo Luong Nature Reserve, Vietnam" (2015 – 2016) aimed to enhance the conservation of critically endangered orchid species in the Ngoc Son - Ngo Luong Nature Reserve. The project included field surveys, conservation through orchid cultivation development, and environmental education. In its initial phase, the project focused on Tu Do commune, home to approximately 40 orchid species, many of which are listed as endangered. CECAD collaborated with the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC), a non-governmental organization in Vietnam, along with reserve staff, the local government of Tu Do commune, and Lac Son district to conduct field surveys and threat assessments. The research team also conducted interviews with local residents, especially elders with extensive knowledge of orchids in the area, and homestay owners to gain better insights into household economies and the volume and preferences of tourists visiting the region. Additionally, CECAD carried out a communication campaign in schools and the community to raise awareness among students, teachers, and residents about the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services for community development.

The project "Promoting Biodiversity Conservation and Income Generation through Organic Farming for Ethnic Minority Communities of the Muong in Northwest Vietnam" (2014 – 2015) included an information campaign targeting farmers and consumers to raise awareness about organic agriculture and its contributions to biodiversity conservation. As part of the project, CECAD encouraged farmers to adopt safe organic farming methods, while also providing consumers with information on where to purchase these organic products. The project facilitated connections between organic farming groups to monitor product quality and increase the availability of safe vegetables in the market. The campaign successfully motivated 30 households to transition to organic farming and attracted over 50 regular consumers of organic products.

Please join us through stories on the path to protecting and preserving Vietnam's natural world, for a future where people and wild species thrive together.