National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, vision to 2030

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY to 2020, vision to 2030 3MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT INDEX LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 6 LIST OF TABLES 7 LIST OF FIGURES 8 PREFACE 10 PART 1: CONTEXT 15 1.1. Richness and role of Vietnam’s biodiversity 15 1.1.1. Richness of Vietnam biodiversity 15 1.1.2. Global importance of Vietnam’s biodiversity 26 1.1.3. The role of biodiversity in supporting the national economy and human well-being in Vietnam 33 1.2. Direct causes of biodiversity degradation in Vietnam 35 1.2.1. Illegal and excessive exploitation of biological resources 36 1.2.2. Fragmentation and Degradation of Habitats and Ecosystems 37 1.2.3. Pollution 46 1.2.4. Introduction of Invasive Alien Species 46 1.2.5. Climate change 48 1.2.6. Forest fires 48 1.3. Conservation and sustainable use of Vietnam’s biodiversity 49 1.3.1. Policy and legal framework 49 1.3.2. Institutional arrangements 57 1.3.3. Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity 59 1.3.4. Management and support measures 69 1.4. Opportunities and challenges 75 1.4.1.Challenges 75 1.4.2. Opportunities 85 PART 2: VIEWPOINTS - VISION - GOALS 93 2.1. Viewpoints 93 2.2. Vision to 2030 93 2.3. Overall target to 2020 93 2.4. Specific targets 93 4 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 PART 3: MAJOR TASKS 94 3.1. Task content 94 3.1.1. Conservation of natural ecosystems 94 3.1.2. Conservation of wildlife and endangered, rare and precious species 98 3.1.3. Sustainable use, fair and equitable access, and sharing of benefits derived from ecosystems and biodiversity 101 3.1.4. Control activties that have negative impacts on biodiversity 102 3.1.5. Biodiversity conservation in the context of climate change 103 3.2. List of priority programs, plans and projects 105 3.3. Solutions for implementation 107 3.3.1. Change in behavior and awareness of state management organizations and communities towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable use 107 3.3.2. Improve the legislative and institutional system and strengthen the capacity of law enforcement for the implementation of legal acts on biodiversity 108 3.3.3. Strengthen integration of biodiversity conservation in policy development 109 3.3.4. Promote scientific research, development and the application of modern technology in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity 109 3.3.5. Increase financial resources for biodiversity conservation 109 3.3.6. Promote integration and international cooperation in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity 110 PART 4: IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS 111 4.1. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment 111 4.2. Ministry of Planning and Investment 111 4.3. Ministry of Finance 111 4.4. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. 111 4.5. Other ministries and central agencies 111 4.6. Provincial People’s Committees and centrally-managed cities 112 4.7. District People’s Committees 112 4.8. Business community 112 4.9. Socio-political organizations, social organizations, and social vocational services. 112 REFFERENCES 113 APPENDIX1: PROCESS OF THE NBSAP DEVELOPMENT 116 APPENDIX 2: IMPLEMENTATION OF BAP 1995 AND 2007 118 5MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT APPENDIX 3: RELEVANCE BETWEEN THE NBSAP AND AICHI BIODIVERSITY TARGETS 128 APPENDIX 4: LIST OF PROTECTED AREAS, BIODIVERSITY FACILITIES AND BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS 139 4.1. LIST OF PROTECTED AREAS 139 (issued together with Decision 1107/QD-BTNMT dated May 12, 2015 of the Minister of Natural Resource and Environment promulgating the List of Protected Areas under Law on Biodiversity) 4.2. LIST OF PROTECTED AREAS 151 (issued together with Decision 45/QD-TTg dated January 4th, 2014 of the Prime Minister approving the National Biodiversity Conservation Master Plan to 2020, vision to 2030) 4.3. LIST OF BIODIVERSITY FACILITIES 164 (issued together with Decision 45/QD-TTg dated January 4th, 2014 of the Prime Minister approving the National Biodiversity Conservation Master Plan to 2020, vision to 2030) 4.4. LIST OF BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS 168 (issued together with Decision 45/QD-TTg dated January 4th, 2014 of the Prime Minister approving the National Biodiversity Conservation Master Plan to 2020, vision to 2030) APPENDIX 5. LIST OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS UPTO 2015 171 (According to Decision No. 742/QĐ-TTg dated May 26, 2012 of the Prime Minister) APPENDIX 6. INDICATORS FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION 172 6 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora FSC Forest Stewardship Council GDP Gross Domestic Product GEF Global Environment Facility IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency PA Protected Area NR Nature Reserve MAP Medicinal and Aromatic Plants NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NTFP Non-Timber Forest Products MARD Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development MONRE Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment ODA Official Development Assistance PES Payment for Ecosystem Service REDD+ Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation UNFCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change PC People’s Committee NP National Park WWF World Wildlife Fund 7MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT LIST OF TABLES Table 1: The abundance of species in Vietnam 24 Table 2: 24 new genera of plants described for the first time 26 Table 3: GDP by economic sector at 2010 prices 34 Table 4: Reduction of coral reefs in some coastal regions in Vietnam 44 Table 5: Quality of coral reefs in Vietnam (World Natural Resource Institute, 2008) 44 Table 6: List of alien invasive species in Vietnam 47 Table 7: Recent National Strategies, Programmes and Plans for Biodiversity Conservation 50 Table 8: Protected areas in SUF system 59 Table 9: Changes of forest area and coverage in Vietnam (period 1990-2010) 63 Table 10: System of fauna ex-situ conservationsites 66 Table11: System of flora ex-situ conservation sites 68 Table 12: Biodiversity-related international conventions/agreements ratified by Vietnam 74 Table 13: Population in Vietnam 75 Table 14: Fisheries area, volume and production value 79 Table 15: Forestry value at 2010 comparision price by activities 80 Table 16: Forestry land planning by 2020 96 Table 17: List of biodiversity facilities planning system under the National Biodiversity Master Plan by 2020, vision to 2030 100 8 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Map of forest ecoregions in Vietnam 16 Figure 2. Forest ecoregions in Vietnam (under forest vegetation classification) 17 Figure 3. Map of terrestrial ecosystems of Vietnam based on types of forest vegetation 18 Figure 4. Some typical terrestrial ecosystems in Vietnam 20 Figure 5. Map of marine bio-geographical zoning and marine biodiversity zoning, and MPA groups of Vietnam 21 Figure 6. Some typical coastal ecosystems in Vietnam 22 Figure 7. Distribution of domestic livestock breeds in Vietnam 25 Figure 8. Some native livestockspecies in Vietnam 26 Figure 9. Some endangered precious and rare species prioritized for protection in Vietnam 29 Figure 10. Vietnam network of biosphere reserves 30 Figure 11. Map of distribution of forest types and some precious and rare animals in regions of Vietnam 31 Figure 12. Map on distribution of some precious and rare wildlife in Central Highland 32 Figure 13. Key biodiversity areas in Vietnam 33 Figure 14. Relationship of forest biomass carbon, key biodiversity areas and biodiversity corridors 35 Figure 15. Annual quantity of traded wild animals 36 Figure 16. Some confiscated timber cases 37 Figure 17. Some photos of over-exploitation in South-West sea 38 Figure 18. Correlation between population density, poverty and forest cover 39 Figure 19. Annual quantity of confiscated timber (m3) 39 Figure 20. Conversion of forest land in Vietnam from 2002 to 2009 40 Figure 21. Area of forest converted for infrastructure building and non-agricultural purposes by year 40 Figure 22. Table of forest area converted for other use purposes from 2005 to 2010 41 Figure 23. Some pictures of the conversion of coastal ecosystems into aquaculture sites 42 Figure 24. Progressive reduction of mangroveforest areas in Vietnam from 1943 to 2012 43 Figure 25. Changes indistribution of coral reefs in Halong Bay, Cat Ba from 1995 to 2011 43 9MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Figure 26. Map of existing and proposed large hydropower reservoir development in Vietnam 45 Figure 27. Amount of forest loss due to fores fire from 2002 to 2010 48 Figure 28. Organizational structure of biodiversity state management 58 Figure 29. Vietnam Protected Area System (under classification of Law on Forest Protection and Development and Law on Fisheries) 60 Figure 30. Map of protected areas (under classification of Law on Biodiversity) 61 Figure 31. Progress of forest coverage 62 Figure 32. Forest area by years (from 1943 to 2009) 62 Figure 33. Forest cover from 1943 to 2010 63 Figure 34. Map of marine PA system (s) and inland water PA system (B) 64 Figure 35. Distribution of population in Vietnam 76 Figure 36. Maps of correlation between poverty incidence and forest cover in Vietnam 69 Figure 37. Map of proportion of land used for agriculture (A), forestry (B) and aquaculture (C) 80 Figure 38. Increased temperature and rising sea level in Vietnam in the climate change scenario 2012 (MONRE) 85 Figure 39. Carbon density in Vietnam 88 Figure 40. Map of three types of forest management under REDD program and biomass carbon density 89 Figure 41. Relationship of forest biomass carbon, forest cover change and threatened species richness 90 Figure 42. Forest biomass carbon and threatened species richness 91 Figure 43. Map of Protected Areas planning by 2020 under Law on Biodiversity 95 Figure 44. Forest cover of Vietnam from 1943 to 2010 and projection to 2020 96 Figure 45. Map of biodiversity corridors planning by 2020, vision to 2030 106 10 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Viet Nam is endowed with extraordinary biodiversity, with many types of ecosystems, species and genetic resources, which are rich and endemic. In Vietnam, biodiversity brings direct benefits to humans, contributing substantially to the national economy, especially sectors such as agriculture, forestry and fisheries; ensuring the food security for the country; maintaining genetic resources for farming animals and crops; providing construction materials, pharmaceutical materials and food. In addition, ecosystems play an important role in climate regulation and environmental protection. Biodiversity has also been a cultural and artistic inspiration to humanity for millennia. At present in Vietnam, some 49,200 species have been identified, consisting of nearly 7,500 microorganisms; 20,000 terrestrial and water plants; around 10,500 terrestrial animals; about 2,000 invertebrates and freshwater fish; and in the sea, there are over 11,000 marine species1. The research results show that hundreds of terrestrial and inland freshwater species new to science have been described for the first time in Vietnam, reflecting the high endemism of the biota. From 2006 to 2011 alone, over 100 species new to science were discovered and described for the first time in Vietnam, in particular there were 21 reptile species, 6 frog species and 1 ferret species. Many scientists believe that there are many other wildlife species in Vietnam still unknown, and the number of such known species may be much lower than the actual number of species in nature2. 1 National Biodiversity Report 2011 2 Updated information based on the National Biodiversity Report 2011 PREFACE 11MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT In the composition of the identified species, 882 rare plants and animals with high economic value are threatened at different levels, which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book 2007. According to estimations, Vietnam is one of the centres with highly diverse local genetic resources of plants and animals in the world, including about 800 agricultural crop varieties, and 14 key cattle and poultry varieties. These are valuable native genetic resources in Vietnam, which need to be protected, conserved and developed. In recognition of the importance of biodiversity, in the last two decades, the Government has issued a relatively complete legal framework related to biodiversity conservation. Many important laws in the field of natural resource management have been enacted and completed, such as the Forest Protection and Development Law 1991 (amended in 2004); the Land Use Law, 1993 (amended in 1998, 2003, and 2013); the Environmental Protection Law, 1993 (amended in 2005 and 2014); the Water Resources Law, 1998 (amended in 2012); and the Fisheries Law, 2003. In particular, the Biodiversity Law, 2008 marks an important milestone for conservation that has identified the principles and priorities of biodiversity conservation at all levels, from national and ministerial to local levels; creating the legal basis for local community involvement in the conservation of natural resources through new mechanisms of co-management and benefit sharing. In recent years, the Government has issued policies, strategies and plans in order to promote the conservation of biodiversity. In 1995, the first Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP 1995) was issued after Vietnam became a member of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1994. BAP 1995 became the guideline for biodiversity conservation in Vietnam during the period 1995-2005. By 2005, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment had submitted the “Biodiversity Action Plan to 2010 with vision to 2020” (BAP 2007) to the Prime Minister for approval. BAP 2007 issued by the Prime Minister at Decision 79/2007/QD-TTg dated May 31, 2007. After three years of implementation of BAP 2007, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment conducted a review and reported to the Prime Minister on the implementation of Decision 79/2007/ QD-TTg. The report pointed out that there were a number of achievements obtained in biodiversity conservation such as the increase in the area of protected ecosystems, discovery of new species meaningful to science, and the conservation, restoration and development of genetic resources valuable in selection and breeding. On the other hand, there were still many challenges requiring a vision and strategic steps in line with the international and domestic context of the new period. 12 Vietnam is a developing country and transitioning to a middle-income country. People’s lives have improved and the pressure on biodiversity resources due to poverty has reduced; however, unsustainable consumption patterns and conservation planning problems have emerged as new challenges to biodiversity. In addition, there are biodiversity conservation issues that need to be resolved, and mechanisms that need to be developed, to share the benefits from biodiversity and ecosystem services in a fair and equitable way that promotes community participation and allows community based management, conservation and development of biodiversity. Methodology and approaches for conservation and restoration of biodiversity in response and adaptation to climate change also need be considered. The government has initiated and is steering towards a green and sustainable economy for the country; but while rapid growth has bought economic and social benefits, it has also put a lot of pressure on biodiversity. Vietnam’s population increased from less than 73 million in 1995, to over 90 million in 2014, making Vietnam one of the most populous countries in Asia and creating a large demand for resource consumption and land use. The global context also brings new challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, climate change has become more severe and is having an increasingly negative impact on biodiversity; while on the other hand, biodiversity conservation has been given higher attention than ever before at the global scale, with 2010 being internationally identified as the biodiversity year and 2010-2020 as the biodiversity decade by the UN. For the first time in history, the United Nations General Assembly in its 65th session held a high-level meeting on biodiversity with the participation of the leaders of states and governments. Also, in the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity held in the city of Nagoya, Aichi province, Japan, the Parties pledged to build their new biodiversity strategy for the next decades including a vision to 2050 and mission to 2020, as well as implementation measures and mechanisms to monitor and evaluate progress towards achieving the global goals. 13MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT In this context, developing a National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 with a vision to 2030 is both to fulfil commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity to which Vietnam is a Party, and to identify goals, objectives and tasks for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in accordance with developments in the new period; such as: 1. Identify the main causes of biodiversity loss; thereby reducing the pressure directly affecting biodiversity and preventing the decline of biodiversity in protected areas; 5. Genetic resources are conserved and developed through the investigation, study and inventory of biodiversity and biological resources, as well as indigenous knowledge on the use of biological resources on a national scale; 2. Properly resolve conflicts between conservation and development, especially the conversion of land use and water in areas with high biodiversity; 6. Promote the management and control the risks from invasive alien species, genetically modified organisms and their products, to the environment and human health; 3. Conserve the system of protected areas (forests, wetlands, marine) containing typical ecosystems, and various key biodiversity areas, and promote ecosystem services. Priority is given to strengthen conservation status in a number of protected areas of ecological importance; 7. Benefits from biodiversity and ecosystem services should be shared fairly and equitably with the participation of communities. Develop, improve and apply regimes on access to genetic resources and benefit sharing. Develop models for payments for ecological services in order to socialize conservation; 4. Enhance biodiversity conservation and development at the level of ecosystems, species and genetic resources. Reduce and then stop the exploitation, illegal trade, and overexploitation of biological resources, especially endangered, rare and precious species; 8. Study and evaluate the role of biodiversity in response to climate change and propose appropriate solutions. P 14 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Pursuant to document no. 3533/VPCP-QHQT dated May 31, 2011 and document no. 4148/VPCP-KGVX dated June 23, 2011 by the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment submits the draft of the National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, with a vision to 2030, including: • Part I: Context • Part II: Viewpoints, vision, goals • Part III: Strategic tasks and priority programs, plans and projects • Part IV: Implementation arrangements, monitoring and reporting The National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 with vision to 2030 is an integral part of the Socio-Economic Development Strategy in order to protect and sustainably use biodiversity resources, to provide the basis for Vietnam’s sustainable development in the current context of climate change. 15MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 1.1. RICHNESS AND ROLE OF VIETNAM’S BIODIVERSITY 1.1.1. Richness of Vietnam biodiversity Vietnam’s territory stretches over 15 latitudes from North to South, with a length of about 1,650 km on the Indochina Peninsula and a total natural land area of 330,591 km2. Due to the bisected topography with a relatively high annual average rainfall, the network of rivers and streams is relatively dense with the river network density ranging from under 0.5-2 km/km2. On the continental part, there are 16 major river basins, of which 10 river basins cover an area of more than 10,000 km2, accounting for 80% of the total country area. The two largest river systems are the Red River in the North and Mekong River in the South, which create two major basins consisting of the Red River Delta and Mekong Delta. The majority of Vietnam’s territory is hilly and mountainous with the highest peak in Hoang Lien Son range being the Fanxipan at 3,143 m above sea level. Vietnam’s topography and climate have given rise to a diverse range of natural ecosystems including a wide variety of forest ecosystem types: Evergreen closed tropical humidforest; Semi-deciduous closed tropical humidforest; Evergreen broad-leaved forests onlimestone; Coniferous forests; Dry dipterocarp forest; Mangrove forests, Melaleuca cajuputi forests; and Bamboo forest.Besides the eight types of forest ecosystems, scientists have classified 14 types of forest vegetation based on ecological factors (Thai Van Trung, 1999). Based on the natural factors of climate, topography, geology, and soil, Vietnam’s continent is divided into eight forest eco-regions with 47 sub-regions that have their own vegetation and landscape characteristics. In addition to forest ecosystems, other important ecosystems include grasslands, inland wetlands, dunes, inter-tidal mudflats, estuaries, sea grass beds, coral reefs and deep-sea areas. Also due to natural conditions, ecosystems and species in Vietnam are small in size, and very vulnerable. Part 1: CONTEXT 16 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 1. Map of forest ecoregions in Vietnam (Source: Report on Forest Ecoregions in Vietnam, UN-REDD, Research Center for Forest Ecology and Environment - RCFEE, 2011) 17MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Based on study documents of Wege et al. (1999), in 2013, BCA, WWF and Stockholm University developed a map of Vietnam’s ecoregions according to UNESCO’s forest plantation classification. Figure 2. Forest ecoregions in Vietnam (under forest vegetation classification) (Source: BCA, WWF and Stockholm University, 2013) 18 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Under the project “Mainstreaming an Ecosystem-based approach to Climate Change into Biodiversity Conservation Planning in Vietnam” (EBA Project), BCA incooperation with WWF and Stockholm University, developed a map of ecosystems in Vietnam. However, this map does not show marine ecosystems, particularly the important ecosystems such as coral reefs and sea grass beds. Figure 3. Map of terrestrial ecosystems of Vietnam based on types of forest vegetation (Source: BCA, WWF and Stockholm University, 2013) 19MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Tropical moist ever-green forest Dipterocarp woodland ecosystem Coniferous forest ecosystem Limestone forest ecosystem Mangrove forest ecosystem Melaleuca forest ecosystem in freshwater swamp Bamboo forest ecosystem Cave ecosystem (Sơn Đòong cave) 20 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 River ecosystem (Côn River, Bình Định) Lake ecosystem (West lake, Hanoi) Agricultural ecosystem Urban ecosystem The coastline is over 3,260 km long with thousands of coastal islands, the Paracel and Spratly archipelagos, and an exclusive economic ocean zone of over 1 million km2. Based on the terrain and hydrography, there are five sea regions including the Northern, North-Central, Mid-Central, South East, and South West regions. Within these sea regions there are 11 coastal areas including Mong Cai-Do Son; Do Son-Mui Ron; Mui Ron-Hai Van; Hai Van-Sa Huynh; Sa Huynh Dai Lanh cape; Dai Lanh-Ca Na; Ca Na-Vung Tau; Vung Tau-Ca Mau cape; Ca Mau-Rach Gia; and Rach Gia-Ha Tien (Tran Duc Thanh, 2015). Vietnam’s continental shelf is an extension of the Asian continent, with a depth of 150 300m at the outer boundary. The continental slope has an average depth of 2,500 3,000m, and up to 4,000m at the deepest points. The abyssal zone has an average depth of 4,000m, with the deepest areas up to 5,500m. The abyssal plain also has a system of underground mountains with a height of 200-3800m, with coral stone crests very specific to the sea terrain conditions (Resources and Environment Sea, Volume IV, 2003). So far, there is very limited data available on biodiversity in the continental shelf, continental slope and deep-sea areas of Vietnam. If a survey of marine biodiversity is conducted, there would certainly be some interesting discoveries. Figure 4. Some typical terrestrial ecosystems in Vietnam 21MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT At the geographical level, some experts from IUCN (1995) showed that Vietnam’s sea is located in the sub-tropical eastern edge of the region 13- East Asia Sea including Vietnam’s North and South; and the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. Based on natural conditions, Vietnam’s sea region can be divided into six biodiversity regions, as follows: Zone 1: Tonkin Gulf (up to the southern edge of Con Co island, Quang Tri province) Zone 4: Sea region in SouthEastern Coast (from Vung Tau to Ca Mau) Zone 2: Sea region in mid-central coast (from Con Co island to Mui Dinh cape to Phan Rang – Varella cape) Zone 5: Sea region in South Western Coast (from Ca Mau to Phu Quoc island in Thailand Gulf) Zone 3: Sea region in South Central Coast (from Mui Dinh cape to Vung Tau) Zone 6: Offshore sea region including Spratly and Paracel Islands Marine bio-geographical zoning in Vietnam (Source: IUCN, 1995) Legend: I. Sub-tropical eastern edge of the region 13- East Asia Sea; 1.Northern Vietnam; 2.Southern Vietnam; 3.Eastern Gulf of Thailand; 4.Central Gulf of Thailand; 5.Western Gulf of Thailand; 6. NorthEast Malaysia. Marine biodiversity and MPA groups of Viet Nam (Nguyen Huy Yet, 2000) Figure 5. Map of marine bio-geographical zoning, marine biodiversity zoning, and MPA groups of Vietnam 22 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 6. Some typical coastal ecosystems in Vietnam In the six marine biodiversity zones mentioned above, about 20 types of marine ecosystems can be identified. Typical marine ecosystems in coastal zones include tidal flats, mangrove forests, lagoons, bays, salt lakes on islands, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. In addition, there are ecosystems surrounding inshore and offshore islands, especially in the deep sea areas surrounding the Spratly and Paracel Islands. Of these ecosystems, mangrove forests, coral reefs and seagrass beds have highest biodiversity levels and most important value for conservation. Coral reef ecosystem Sea grass ecosystem Lagoon ecosystem (Tam Giang Lagoon) Châu Truc/Tra O swamp ecosystem (Binh Dinh) Bay ecosystem (Ha Long Bay) Salt-water lake ecosytem in Cong Do island, Ha Long Bay (Source: Waltham Tony) 23MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Due to the diversity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosysrems, including inland wetlands and marine ecosystems, species composition in Vietnam is also very diverse and abundant. Vietnam is home to nearly 16,500 species of terrestrial vascular plants, fungi and seaweed, a high percentage of which are believed to be endemic (about 30%). This shows a high diversity of flora in Vietnam. On land, there are about 10,500 species of animals, including approximately 8,000 species of insects and invertebrates in the soil, nearly 500 species of reptiles and amphibians, 850 species of birds and 312 species of mammals. In freshwater there are about 1,500 species of microalgae and seaweed, over 1,000 species of invertebrates and 600 species of fish; and in the sea there are more than 1,200 species of seaweed, grass and microalgae, over 7,000 species of invertebrates, 2,500 fish species and approximately 50 species of sea snakes, turtles and mammals3. In addition, scientists say that the number of species in Vietnam may be much higher than this, as species new to science are continually being discovered and described. 3 East Sea monograph -Episode IV-organisms and marine ecology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (2009); National Biodiversity Report, MONRE (2011). 24 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Table 1: The abundance of species in Vietnam Species Group The number of identified species 1. Phytoplankton Freshwater Marine About 2,000 1,438 537 2. Aquatic plants Freshwater Marine About 680 About g 20 653 3. Sea grass 14 4. Mangrove plants 94 5. Terrestrial plants Vascular plants Non-vascular plants (moss, fungi) 16,428 13,747 2,681 6. Freshwater invertebrates About 1000 7. Marine invertebrates Zooplankton Zoobenthic About 7,000 657 About 6,300 8. Soil invertebrates About 1,000 9. Parasitic helminthes 190 10. Insects 6,600 11. Fish Freshwater fish Marine fish About 3,500 About 600 About 2,500 12. Frogs 167 13. Terrestrial reptiles 317 14. Marine reptiles (sea snakes, turtles) 21 15. Birds 840 16. Terrestrial mammals 312 17. Marine mammals 25 Source: National Biodiversity Report, MONRE (2011), East Sea monograph -Episode IV organisms and marine ecology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (2009) 25MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Apart from the diverse natural biology, Vietnam also possesses a wealth of agricultural biodiversity. It is situated within one of the Vavilov Centres of Origin of domesticated plants and has been the source of some 40 domestic livestock breeds. Local crop varieties and livestock breeds, including the famous pot-bellied pig, have been developed over many hundreds of years and often possess valuable characteristics such as disease and pest resistance. More than 6,000 varieties and genotypes of rice have been recorded from Vietnam. Figure 7. Distribution of domestic livestock breeds in Vietnam (Source: MONRE, 2011, National Biodiversity Report) 26 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 1.1.2. Global importance of Vietnam’s biodiversity Besides the advantage of unique natural ecosystems and diverse species composition, over the last 20 years a range of new discoveries have highlighted and reconfirmed Vietnam’s global importance for biodiversity. A new genus of large, hoofed mammal, the Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) was discovered in 1992, which is the world’s largest land-dwelling animal to be discovered more than 50 years after the Kouprey (Bos sauveli) was discovered in Indochina (in 1937). Three new deer species have also been discovered: the Vietnamese mouse deer (Trangulus versicolor); large-antlered Muntjac (Megamuntiacus vuquangensis); and Annamite muntjac (Munticus truongsonensis). Other species have been discovered and described in Vietnam including 3 species of turtle, 15 lizards, 4 snakes, 31 frogs, 55 fish, over 500 invertebrates and more than 200 species of vascular plant4. Table 2: 24 new genera of plants described for the first time 24 new genera of plants described since 1993: 1. Hiepia (Asclepiadaceae) - 2012 2. Lockia (Orchidaceae) - 2012 3. Theana (Orchidaceae) - 2012 4. Lanonia (Arecaceae) - 2011 5. Miguelia (Orchidaceae) - 2011 6. Newmania (Zingiberaceae) - 2011 7. Hayata (Orchidaceae) - 2009 8. Hamularia (Orchidaceae) - 2006 9. Xyloselinum (Apiaceae) - 2006 10. Kontumia (Dryopteridaceae) - 2005 11. Vietorchis (Orchidaceae) - 2003 12. Zeuxinella (Orchidaceae) - 2003 13. Xanthocyparis (Cupressaceae) - 2002 14. Caobangia (Dryopteridaceae) - 2002 15. Metapanax (Araliaceae) - 2001 16. Ascocentropsis (Orchidaceae) - 2000 17. Rubovietnamia (Rubiaceae) - 1998 18. Vidalasia (Rubiaceae) - 1998 19. Fosbergia (Rubiaceae) - 1997 20. Distichochlamys (Zingiberaceae) - 1995 21. Vietnamochloa (Poaceae) - 1995 22. Grushvitzkya (Araliaceae) - 1994 23. Vietnamia (Asclepiadaceae) - 1994 24. Christensonia (Orchidaceae) - 1993 (Source: Vườn thực vật Missouri, năm 2012) Figure 8. Some native livestock species in Vietnam Pintail (Anas acuta acuta) Mong Cai Pig (Sus domesticus) 4 Data source: the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, the Journal of Biology and the Journal Zoo Taxa, Crustaceana. 27MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Vietnam is home to a large number of globally threatened animal and plant species in urgent need of conservation action, including: Primates: Cao Vit gibbon (Nomascus nasutus, Critically Endangered [CR]); Tonkin snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus avunculus, CR and endemic); Cat Ba langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus, CR and endemic); Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri, CR and endemic); Western black-crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor, CR); Grey-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix cinerea, CR and endemic). Reptiles: Vietnamese pond turtle (Mauremys annamensis, CR and endemic); Swinhoe’s softshell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei, CR). Birds: Edwards’s pheasant (Lophura edwardsi, CR and endemic). Ungulates: Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis, CR – only found in Vietnam and Lao). Fish: Cyprinus hyperdorsalis (endemic and threatened with extinction). Molluscs: freshwater mussels, including: Cuneopsisdemange (CR, endemic and threatened with extinction); Gibbosulacrassa (CR, threatened with extinction); Plants (the following are all CR in Vietnam): Agar wood (Aquilaria crassna, internationally endangered); Thailand rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis, vulnerable); Burmese rosewood (Dalbergia oliveri, globally threatened); Ebony (Diospyros mun, endemic); Chinese water fir (Glyptostrobus pensilis, internationally endangered); Hopea cordata (endemic); Sorea falcata (CR, endemic); Delanat’s slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum delenatii, endemic); Vietnamese golden cypress (Xanthocyparis vietnamensis, endemic). 28 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Some stands of Chinese Swamp Cypress (Glyptostrobus pensilis) in Ea Ral, Đắk Lắc Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) Tonkin snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus avunculus). Photo: Le Khac Quyet Delacour’slangur (Trachypithecus delacouri) 29MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Six of the 238 priority eco-regions identified by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) are located in Vietnam. These are the Annamite Range Moist Forests; Indochina Dry Forests; Mekong River; Northern Indochina Sub tropical Moist Forests; South-east China Hainan Moist Forests; and Xi Jiang Rivers and Streams (Bang River – Ky Cung river). A significant number of Vietnam’s protected areas have been accorded international or regional recognition, including: EightRamsar sites: Xuan Thuy National Park in Nam Dinh province (1989); Bau Sau in Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai province (2005); Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan province (2011); Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap province (2012); Mui Ca Mau National Park (2013); Con Dao National Park (2014); U Minh Thuong National Park in Kien Giang province (2015); and Lang Sen Wetland National Park in Long An province (2015). Nine Biosphere Reserves: CanGio (2000); Dong Nai (2001); Cat Ba (2004); the Red River Delta (2004); Kien Giang (2006); Western Nghe An (2007); Mui Ca Mau (2009); Cu Lao Cham (2009); and most recently LangBiang Lam Dong (June, 2014). Two natural World Heritage sites: Halong Bay (1994) and Phong Nha Ke Bang (2003). Four ASEAN Heritage Sites: Ba Be National Park (2003); Kon Ka Kinh National Park (2003); Chu Mom Ray National Park (2003); Hoang Lien National Park (2003); and U Minh Thuong National Park (2013). Figure 9. Some endangered, precious and rare species prioritized for protection in Vietnam Grey-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix cinerea) Swinhoe’s softshell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) (Gibbosula crassa) 30 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 10. Vietnam network of biosphere reserves 31MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Figure 11. Map of distribution of forest types and some precious and rare animals in regions of Vietnam (Source: Vietnam Geographic Atlas) 32 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 12. Map of distribution of some precious and rare wildlife in Central Highlands (Source: Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources - IEBR) 33MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT A total of 63 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) have been identified in Viet Nam, accounting for about 5% of the total land area of the country, in which four provinces with the highest number of IBAs (19 IBAs) are Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Gia Lai and Quang Binh. Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are expanding the concept of Important Bird Areas (IBA), and used to recognise distribution of important groups of organisms. KBAs are internationally recognized areas of importance for species diversity. KBAs are identified at the national, sub-national or regional level by local stakeholders using two widely accepted criteria for biodiversity importance: • Vulnerablity: areas where there is regular occurrence of significant (exceeding a threshold) population of a globally threatened species (according to the IUCN Red List) at the site. • Irreplaceablity: areas that hold a significant proportion of a species’ global population at any stage of the species’ lifecycle. A KBA might be inside or outside of a protected area. In Vietnam, there are 104 KBAs covering an area of 3.35 million ha, accounting for 10% of country’s terrestrial area (Birdlife et al. 2013). Figure 13. Key Biodiversity Areas in Vietnam Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) identified in the Indo-Burma region with black line, hotspot KBAs inside protected areas with green line, KBAs outside of protected areas with red line (Source: Tordoff, A.W., M.C. Baltzer, J.R. Fellowes, J.D. Pilgrim & P.F. Langhammer, 2012) Protected areas and location of KBAs and key wetlands (Source: Carew-Reid, Jeremy, Josh Kempinski and Alison Clausen. 2010) 34 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Table 3. GDP byeconomic sector at 2010 prices Unit: billion VND Year Total Economic Sectors Agriculture, forestry and fisheries Industry and construction Services 2010 2,157,828 396,576 693,351 797,155 2011 2,292,483 413,368 746,069 856,691 2012 2,412,778 425,446 801,217 914,177 2013 2,543,596 436,642 841,953 975,592 2014 2,695,796 451,659 896,042 1,035,726 (Source: Statistical Yearbook 2014) Some 20 million people depend on fisheries for most or part of their income, and exploit and use over 300 marine species and over 50 freshwater aquatic species of economic value. Approximately 25 million people live in or near forests, and derive 20-50 per cent of their income from non-timber forest products, including hundreds of species of medicinal plants and latex plants. Biodiversity and beautiful terrestrial, coastal and island landscapes also underpin much of Vietnam’s rapidly expanding tourism industry. Eco-tourism is becoming popular in protected areas, which on one hand promotes the discovery and education on protection of nature, and on the other hand brings benefits to local people providing the service. Many species of plants and animals have been associated with Vietnam’s history and culture, and have become sacred and worship objects of the Vietnamese community. In addition to these economic benefits, biodiversity supports a wide range of critically important ecosystem services. The terrestrial and coastal water vegetation helpsto regulate the climate through carbon storage, filtering air and water, decomposing waste, and mitigating the harmful effects of natural disasters such as landslides, floods, and typhoons. 1.1.3. The role of biodiversity in supporting the national economy and human well being in Vietnam Although it is not always recognised, biodiversity contributes substantially to the national economy, especially in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries and the pharmaceutical industry. In 2010, agriculture contributed to over 18% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and 28 % of total exports. 35MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Figure 14. Relationship of forest biomass carbon, key biodiversity areas and biodiversity corridors (Source: Mant, R., Swan. S., Anh, H.V., Phương, V.T., Thành, L.V., Sơn, V.T., Bertzky, M., Ravilious, C., Thorley, J., Trumper, K., Miles, L., 2013; Mapping the potential for REDD + to deliver biodiversity conservation in Vietnam: Preliminary analysis;developed by UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK; and SNV, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) The key biodiversity areas (KBAs) are not only important for biodiversity, but also for carbon storage. In Vietnam, in terms of forest biomass carbon, KBAs contain more than one fifth (0.37 Gt) of the country’s total forest carbon stocks. In some places, KBAs are included as parts of SUFs (protected areas), and so are already under some form of conservation management; but this is not always the case. In general, KBAs are larger in size than individual SUFs. According to some surveys and assessments, the key biodiversity areas and biodiversity corridors which have rich forests have the highest carbon biomass, e.g. in mountainous areas of the North-East, North-West, Central region and Central Highlands. Mangrove forests along the coast act as “green shields”, reducing sea wave strength by 20 70% and helping to ensure the safety of sea dykes. In doing so, it has been estimated that mangroves save billions of Dongs in annual dyke maintenance and repair costs, while also supporting the formation of new areas at the estuaries of the Red River and Mekong River. 36 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 1.2. DIRECT CAUSES OF BIODIVERSITY DEGRADATION IN VIETNAM 1.2.1. Illegal and excessive exploitation of biological resources Illegal exploitation for subsistence, recreation or commercial purposes has driven many animal species in Vietnam to the verge of extinction in the wild, and is putting severe pressure on other populations. In 2010, the Forest Protection Department confiscated over 34 tons of nearly 13,000 individual wild animals from illegal traders. The demand for wildlife products as panacea is deep-rooted as in the case of rhino horn, tiger bone, and bear bile, and it appears that consumers are willing to pay almost any price for the products. Many targeted species have been reduced to such low levels that traders now acquire wildlife and wildlife products from neighbouring countries. For example, most pangolins found in trade in Vietnam recently have been in shipments from Malaysia, Myanmar and Indonesia, and rhino horn from South Africa. Information from CITES shows Vietnam is the biggest consumer of rhino horn in the region, while images of butchered langurs published in online newspapers in 2012 upset the public. Trade in wild animals and their products is on the rise and isthe main extinction threat to many species. The consumption of wild animals has become popular in restaurants and they are offerred for sale openly at the market, violating laws and regulations. Over-consumption is a possible cause of the extinction of many animal species. It is estimated that Vietnam now has less than 30 individual tigers in the wild, and they are on the verge of extinction because they are living in severely fragmented and degraded forests with depleted food sources, low adaptability, and small populations, leading to inbreeding problems. Figure 15. Annual quantity of traded wild animals (Source: Synthesis of annual reports of FPD, Vietnam Forest Administration) 7,848 12,930 12,936 18,088 19,132 13,319 587 724 508 895 6001081 37MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT In many northern mountainous provinces, the exploitation of valuable medicinal herbs for illegal exportation across the border to China is quite common. In Cao Bang, Chinese traders have set up stations for buying and processing local medicinal materials such as cu binh voi trang, cu binh voi vang, giao co lam, hoang tinh vang, huyet dang, co nhung, and others. Many medicinal plants are smuggled into China, but their economic value and therapeutic effect is not yet clear. The over-exploitation of plants not only affects biodiversity, but also the livelihoods of households depending on forest products. A lack of data constrains assessments of the magnitude of this threat, but its effects on many groups of plants, for instance orchids, are potentially severe. Plant species with high economic value are often particularly at risk, most notably timber species. Vietnam’s forests support a great diversity of commercially valuable timber species, including Erythrophleumfordii, Dalbergiaspp., various members of the Dipterocarpaceae family (such as Dipterocarpusspp., Shoreaspp. and Hopeaspp.) and various conifers, such as Fokieniahodginsii. Stocks of most timber species have declined significantly over recent decades, although the implications of this for the long-term viability of populations of these species are not fully known. Other economically valuable plant species threatened by over-exploitation include Aquilariacrassna, which is a source of agarwood, and Panaxvietnamensis, which is used to produce a tonic. Figure 16. Some confiscated timber cases Precious timber illegally logged in Phuoc Son, Quang Nam province (Source: http://dantri.com.vn/, Quốc Đô) Timber illegally logged in Bac Kan province (Source: website of Vietnam Law, Minh Anh) 38 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 As human populations and levels of consumption increase, inefficiency in fisheries management has led to over-fishing in many freshwater areas, which in turn results in the reduction of total catch volume. Many high-value aquatic species have been in serious decline, such as Anh vu, Lang, Chien, lobster, abalone, and scallop. Destructive fishing techniques such as the use of explosives, poisons and electric shocks are used rampantly and uncontrolled in both inland waters and the sea, posing a serious threat to natural ecosystems with high biodiversity such as rivers, streams, swamps, lakes, sea grass beds and coral reefs in coastal areas in Vietnam. Figure 17. Some photos of over-exploitation of illegally in the South-West sea Notably, there is a high level of poverty in areas with high forest cover such as in the North-East, North-West, Central region and Central Highlands. This is a factor contributing to illegal hunting and over-exploitation of forest and biodiversity. A method of fishing including small fish (Source: CWPD Project) Using net to catch dugong (Photo: Nguyen Van Tien, 2006) 39MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Commercial logging: Forests are the key habitats for a high proportion of Vietnam’s globally threatened plant and animal species. However, these forests have been the focus of excessive commercial and non-commercial logging for decades, leading to reductions in both their extent and quality, with very few areas of remaining primary forests. Annually, the Forest Protection Department seizes tens of thousands of cubic meters of round and sawn timber, which is rare and precious. There are cases where loggers blatantly carried out illegal exploitation of timber in core zones of national parks, infuriating society. Figure 19. Annual quantity of confiscated timber (m3) (Source: Synthesis of FPD reports on annual confiscated forest products, 2007-2013) Figure 18. Correlation between population density, poverty and forest cover (Source: FAO, 2005, Nguyen, Q.T. 2005. Re-inventing forestry agencies: Institutional restructuring of forestry agencies in Viet Nam since 1994) 17,759.44 22,950.44 25,626.91 22,052.19 16,806.13 17,870.45 15,935.71 1,176.56 2,274.52 1,779.35 1,352.38 1,442.57 1,192.29 751.58 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Normal timber Precious timber 40 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 20. Conversion of forest land in Vietnam from 2002 to 2013 (Source: FPD, 2015) Figure 21. Area of forest converted for infrastructure building and non-agricultural purposes by year (Source: Synthesis of forest coverage by year – FPD) Conversion of forest to cash crops: Conversion of forest to cash crop plantations is a particularly significant cause of the loss of natural forest in Vietnam. There has been extensive replacement of natural forests by a variety of cash crops, including sugarcane, tea, coffee, cocoa, rubber, cashew, and most recently cassava (for export to China to be turned into biofuels). Although reforestation programs have been carried out for many years, they tend to focus on monoculture eucalyptus and pine plantations that contribute very little to the conservation of biodiversity. In 2008, 150,000 ha of degraded semi-evergreen dipterocarp forest in the Central Highlands were allowed to be converted to rubber plantations. The area of natural forest has declined severely, and it is estimated that only half a million hectares of primary forest remains, scattered in the Central Highlands and north-central Vietnam. As domestic and export demand for many agriculture and forestry products continues to increase, the remaining forests are becoming increasingly vulnerable to conversion to cash crop plantations. According to Vietnam Forest Administration’s statistics, each year from 2003 to 2009, approximately 25,000 ha of forest were converted for other land use purposes. Area (1000ha) 41MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT According to data from 2005 to 2012 in the Report on Assessment of 10 Years of Implementation of Law on Forest Protection and Development (Pham Xuan Phuong et al., 2013), the forest area annually converted for other use purposes has increased. Figure 22. Table of forest area converted for other use purposes from 2005 to 2012 (MARD, Report on Assessment of 10 Years of Implementation of Law on Forest Protection and Development, 2013) Deforestation due to shifting cultivation: This is one of the direct threats to forest loss and degradation. Although shifting cultivation is correlated with forest degradation and loss in some parts of the country, there is also evidence that, in other areas, shifting cultivation is being practised with minimal impacts on biodiversity. Agricultural expansion and intensification: Economic development and population growth have led to an intensification and expansion of permanent agriculture in many deltas in Vietnam. In the Mekong Delta, especially Dong Thap Muoi and Long Xuyen quadrilateral, almost all natural grasslands have now been converted for intensive rice cultivation, affecting habitats of several endangered species, and eroding some important wild genetic resources of Vietnam. Conversion of coastal habitats: Inter-tidal mudflats in Vietnam are the feeding areas for hundreds of aquatic species, migratory and resident shorebirds. The conversion of inter tidal mudflats through mangrove afforestation at the estuary of the Red River is a potentially serious threat to the most important areas for migratory shorebirds, such as black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor). Many coastal mangroves, lagoons and inter tidal mudflats have undergone widespread and rapid conversion to ponds for farming of shrimp, clam and other aquatic species, and as a result, primary mangrove forests in many provinces have almost vanished. From 1943 to 2005, at least 220,000 hectares of mangrove forests were lost because of deforestation and aquaculture development. Thousands of hectares of coral reefs and sea grass beds in Vietnam have been lost due to marine exploitation or aquaculture. The need for fish and shrimp pond owners to generate rapid financial returns is driving a shift from extensive aquaculture to unsustainable forms of intensive aquaculture. This, in turn, is leading to mangrove depletion, the loss of habitat for many water birds, and environmental pollution. 42 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Photo: Nguyễn Huy Yết, 2010 Photo: Nguyễn Huy Yết, 2010 Figure 23. Some pictures of the conversion of coastal ecosystems to aquaculture sites Photo: Nguyen Huy Yet, 2010 Photo: Nguyen Huy Yet, 2010 Development of aquaculture using cages and rafts in Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long (Quang Ninh) Mangrove forest converted into shrimp and crab farms in Xuan Thuy core zone Tidal flats, with no mangrove, in the ecological restoration zone of Xuan Thuy National Park, which was converted into a clam farm 43MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Figure 24. Progressive reduction of mangrove forest areas in Vietnam from 1943 to 2012 (Source: MONRE, 2014. Fifth National Report to the CBD) Figure 25. Changes in distribution of coral reefs in Halong Bay, Cat Ba from 1995 to 2011 (Source: Nguyen Huy Yet, 2011) 450,000 400,000 350,000 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 408,500 290,000 255,000 209,741 190,000 134,520 44 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Table 4: Reduction of coral reefs in some coastal regions in Vietnam No. Region Quantity of survey sites Reduction of live coral reefs (%) Reduction of hard coral reefs (%) Reduction of soft coral reefs (%) Duration 1 Cu Lao Cham 5 -16.8 -10.4 -6.4 1994-2008 2 Van Phong 5 -2.8 -2.7 -0.1 2003-2006 3 Nha Trang 8 -16.2 -13.1 -3.1 1994-2007 4 Ninh Hai 6 -6.3 -6.5 -0.2 2002-2007 5 Ca Na 5 -6.3 -4.9 -1.4 1995-2006 6 Con Dao 8 -16.8 -12.9 1994-2004 7 Phu Quoc 6 -8.9 -0.1 1994-2007 Source: Nha Trang Oceanography Institute (2008) and Nguyen Huy Yet (2010) Table 5: Quality of coral reefs in Vietnam (World Natural Resource Institute, 2008) Type Coverage of live coral reef % area Very good >75% live coral reef 1 Good 50-75% live coral reef 26 Relatively good 25-50% live coral reef 41 Bad <25% live coral reef 31 Infrastructure development: The urban, industrial and infrastructure development that has accompanied Vietnam’s rapid economic growth has often had severe direct and indirect impacts on natural habitats. The extension of the road network has bisected several national parks and protected areas, causing fragmentation of habitats and creating barriers to the dispersal of many wild species. New roads also strengthen economic links between remote rural areas and urban centres, facilitating the expansion of wildlife trade networks and placing increased pressure on biodiversity. Upto now, there are more than 1,020 hydropower plants (with total capacity of 24,246 MW), of which 138 plants are on the main basins of large rivers and in hydropower planning projects approved by Ministry of Industry and Trade. Hydropower dams and reservoirs often cause flooding in important terrestrial habitats that were formerly natural forests, while creating barriers for migratory fish, altering the biological behaviour of aquatic species, and causing significant impacts on rivers downstream from the dams, even to coastal estuaries. Many hydropower reservoirs with artificially managed discharges cause major alterations to seasonal flow regimes, causing harm to society, the economy, and particularly affecting downstream ecosystems. According to some statistics, hydropower plants on the Dong Nai River have destroyed over 15,000 ha of natural forests (FCPF, 2011). 45MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Figure 26. Map of Existing and Proposed Large Hydropower Reservoir Development in Vietnam (Source: Carew-Reid, Jeremy, Josh Kempinski and Alison Clausen. 2010) 46 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Mining: Mining for mineral resources and construction materials has caused significant loss of natural habitat. Quarrying of limestone for cement manufacture is a particular threat to highly biodiverse limestone karsts, such as those in Kien Giang, which also happen to be among the richest in terms of invertebrate endemism. Over exploitation for sand and gravel production in river beds has destroyed the habitats of many aquatic species and altered the flow of many rivers. Moreover, several mining techniques can lead to pollution of aquatic ecosystems due to the deposition of toxic chemicals, causing a negative impact on biodiversity and degradation in the quality of wetland ecosystems. 1.2.3. Pollution Rapid urbanization and industrialization have negatively affected water quality. Untreated wastewater from both domestic and industrial sources is frequently discharged into rivers and lakes, having negative impacts on biodiversity in these natural ecosystems. Agricultural intensification and increasing use of agrochemicals of different origins have contributed to the decline of bird and insect populations in rural and suburban areas. Many useful birds eradicating pests have been extinguished, leading to outbreaks of disease in the field. The industrial farming of catfish and basa in high density in Mekong Delta is also a cause of organic pollution in many water areas, affecting natural ecosystems and aquatic communities in these areas. 1.2.4. Introduction of Invasive Alien Species To date, no comprehensive assessment of invasive alien species (IAS) exists for Vietnam. However, there is increasing concern for the potential of IAS to damage biodiversity, human health and the economy, particularly after the introduction of the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in the late 1980s in Vietnam, which has now spread nation-wide. By 1997, it had affected more than 132,000 ha of rice fields, causing the loss of millions of USD due to reduced rice production. According to statistics, there are about 94 species of alien plants in Vietnam, including 42 invasive species and 12 common invasive fast growing tree species such as Mai duong (Mimosa pigra) and Beo nhat ban (Eichhornia crassipes). Of these, Mimosa pigra was first observed in Tram Chim National Park (Dong Thap province) and has now found its way to many areas, becoming a serious threat in many wetlands across the country. In 2009, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development published a list of 48 alien aquatic species introduced by various means; of these, 14 species were considered to have adverse impacts on aquatic biodiversity. In 2013, MoNRE and MARD identified a list of 25 species classified as invasive alien species, 15 species as having invasive risk which have been already appreared in Vietnam, and 41 species as having invasive risk which have not been appeared in Vietnam yet. 47MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Table 6: List of invasive alien species in Vietnam4 No. Vietnamese name Scientific name Invertebrates 1 Bọ cánh cứng hại lá dừa Brontispa longissima 2 Ốc bươu vàng Pomacea canaliculata 3 Ốc bươu vàng miệng tròn Pomacea bridgesii 4 Ốc sên châu Phi Achatina fulica 5 Tôm càng đỏ Cherax quadricarinatus Fish 1 Cá ăn muỗi Gambusia affinis 2 Cá hổ Pygocentrus nattereri 3 Cá tỳ bà (cá dọn bể) Hypostomus punctatus 4 Cá tỳ bà lớn (cá dọn bể lớn) Pterygoplichthys pardalis 5 Cá vược miệng bé Micropterus dolomieu 6 Cá vược miệng rộng Micropterus salmoides Reptiles 1 Cá sấu Cu-ba Crocodylus rhombifer 2 Rùa tai đỏ Trachemys scripta Mammals 1 Hải ly Nam Mỹ Myocastor coypus 4 Source: MONRE, MARD (2013), Joint-Circular 27/2013/TTLT-BTNMT-BNNPTNT dated Sep. 26, 2013 on regulating the criteria to identify invasive alien species and listing invasive alien species 48 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 1.2.5. Climate change Vietnam is one of five countries most affected by global climate change. In this context, fragmented ecosystems will have a weaker response to these changes and may encounter unavoidable loss of species at a high rate. According to the scenario of climate change and sea level rise for Vietnam (MONRE, 2012), a 75 cm to one metre rise in sea level would cause about 20-38% of the Mekong Delta and about 11% of Red River Delta be in undated and seriously affect 78 of Vietnam’s 286 ‘Critical Natural Habitats’ (27% of the total), 46 protected areas (33%), nine biodiversity sites of national and international importance (23%), and 23 other important biodiversity sites. Many species will come under increasing pressure as the spatial distribution of habitats begins to change, food supplies are altered and extreme events such as floods, droughts and storms become more frequent. Some vertebrate species may become extinct over the next century as a result of climate change. However, the impact of climate change on Vietnam’s biodiversity has not yet been fully studied. 1.2.6. Forest fires In Vietnam, every year hundreds of fires occur and destroy thousands of hectares of forests, causing damage worth hundreds of billions VND, having a serious impact on the environment and biological communities in forest ecosystems. According to the Forest Protection Department, in the years 2006 2009, the area of forest disturbed by fires nation-wide was 1,400ha/year on average. Particularly in the first eight months of 2011 alone, there were 214 fires and 263 cases of violation of regulations on forest fire prevention and fighting. Figure 27. Amount of forest loss due to forest fires from 2007 to 2013 (Source: FPD, 2015) 5,668.61 1,324.88 1,744.98 971.27 1,557.20 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 6,000.00 5,000.00 4,000.00 3,000.00 2,000.00 1,000.00 000.00 4,739.72 1,549.74 49MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT The large forest fire occurring in Hoang Lien National Park (Lao Cai province) during eight days of February 2010, burned about 200 hectares of forest and 700 hectares of shrubland. Forest fires in Tram Chim National Park (Dong Thap province) in April 2010 destroyed 200 hectares of forest, threatening the habitat of the Sarus crane. Actual forest fires in recent years show that there is a lack of modern facilities for fighting forest fires in Vietnam, which makes fire control very difficult, especially in forests on high mountains such as those in Hoang Lien National Park. Besides the need for more modern fire fighting equipment to protect forests, it is also important to strengthen education and enhance the control of activities of people entering forests for farming or resource exploitation. 1.3. CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF VIETNAM’S BIODIVERSITY 1.3.1. Policy and legal framework Vietnam has one of the most well developed policy and legal frameworks for biodiversity conservation in South-east Asia; demonstrating the Government’s commitment to international treaties such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Legal instruments on biodiversity were first developed in the early 1960s, providing the foundations for the establishment of Cuc Phuong National Park (NP), the first protected area in Vietnam. Many important laws in the natural resource sector have been enacted, including the Law on Forest Protection and Development 1991 (amended in 2004); Land Use Law, 1993 (amended in 1998, 2003 and 2013); Law on Environmental Protection, 1993 (amended in 2005 and 2014); the Water Law, 1998 (amended in 2012); and Law on Fisheries, 2003. In particular, the Law on Biodiversity, 2008 marks an important milestone for biological conservation. The Law on Biodiversity elevates the principles and priorities of biodiversity conservation to the level of an independent law, which specifies the principles and priorities of biodiversity conservation at all levels, from national and ministerial to local levels; creating the legal basis for local community involvement in the conservation of natural resources through new mechanisms of co-management and benefit sharing. The Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) was approved such as BAP 1995 and BAP 2007. This legal framework coordinates all activities for biodiversity conservation in Vietnam, from central to local levels. In addition, the Government has also issued a number of strategies and plans related to biodiversity conservation and development. 50 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Table 7: Recent National Strategies, Programmes and Plans for Biodiversity Conservation Year Name of Strategy/ Project Objectives related to Biodiversity Conservation Outcomes Achieved 2003 Strategy to Manage the System of Protected Areas in Vietnam to 2010 Ensure natural resources are well developed and managed and that biodiversity is conserved; Ensure close cooperation among different sectors at all levels in the management of Protected Areas and buffer zones; Ensure the conservation of genes, species and ecosystems, and prevent all threats from damaging these resources; Accord priority to the development of management plans and the implementation of rapid and effective action to conserve threatened sites where there is a risk of extinction to indigenous species or damage to ecosystems In 2006, MARD conducted a survey of SUF system which is a basis for PA system planning PAs developed their management plans with support of international conservation organizations The program of scientific research has been promoted; Some national parks have built the sample storage facilities, botanic garden and published many documents on biodiversity. Developed materials and organized awareness raising classes for residents and communities living in and around protected areas. Promotion of ecotourism. According to reports from several national parks, tourism revenue has increased. The development of ecotourism in some NPs has contributed to socio economic development and created jobs for local people. 51MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 2004 Strategy to Protect National Environment to 2010 and Orientation to 2020 Restore 50 per cent of mining areas and 40 per cent of severely degraded ecosystems; Increase forest cover to 43 per cent of total land area; Restore 50 per cent of degraded watershed forests; Increase the total area of PAs by 50 per cent, with a particular focus on Marine Protected Areas and Wetland Protected Areas Restore the area of mangrove forests by 80% of that in 1990. 2004 Protecting and Developing Benefits of Marine Products Programme to 2010 Protect and conserve marine biodiversity, especially species of high scientific and economic value; Maintain the diversity and uniqueness of marine ecosystems; Derive benefits through sustainable aquacultural development. Issued the inland water protected area plan to 2020 Issued the marine protected area plan to 2020 2006 National Water Resource Strategy to 2020 Protect the integrity of aquatic ecosystems and coastal areas; Sustainably develop water resources by promoting the protection and development of forests, in particular, watershed forests. 2006 Comprehensive Project on Primary Investigation and Management of Marine Resources and Environment to 2010, Vision to 2020 Obtain adequate and comprehensive data on biodiversity and the benefits of marine products; Plan and implement a system of Marine Protected Areas for sustainable development. Developed and Implemented Project 47: Conducted basic surveys of marine species that have economic value; built a database of natural resources and marine environments Planned a national marine protected area system, under which some marine protected area were established. 52 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 2007 Vietnam Forestry Development Strategy, 2006 2020 Establish, manage, develop and sustainably use 16.24 million hectares of land for forestry; Increase the percentage of forest land to 42-43 percent by 2010, and 47 percent by 2020; Ensure stakeholder participation in forestry development, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and the provision of environmental services, in order to help eradicate hunger, eliminate poverty and enhance living standards in rural mountainous areas. Forest cover increased each year In process of implementing PES programs 2008 Project “Protecting Valuable Endangered Aquatic Speciesto 2015, Vision to 2020” Prevent the decline of threatened species; Initiate recovery programmes for valuable endemic aquatic species; Conserve biodiversity and sustainably develop fisheries and aquaculture, with community participation. Conducted the project “Storage of aquatic genetic resources and varieties”. Up to now, 50 aquatic lineages and 60 aquatic varieties have been preserved. Researched and conducted successful artificial reproduction and produced breeds of Semilabeo obscurus, Catlocarpio siamensis, Hippocampus kellogi and others which are precious and rare species in the Red Book of Vietnam (2007). 2008 Planning the System of Inland Water Protected Areas to 2020 Design and implement a system of 45 Inland Water Protected Areas; Develop detailed plans for five IWPAs at national level. Developed detailed plans for five national-level inland water protected areas. There has not been any inland water protected area established yet. 53MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 2010 Planning the System of Marine Protected Areas to 2020 Set up a system of 16 marine protected areas with a total area of 169,617 ha Up to 2014, 9 (of 16) marine protected areas have been established, including: Cat Ba, Bach Long Vy, Con Co, Cu Lao Cham, Nha Trang Bay, Nui Chua, Hon Cau, Con Dao and Phu Quoc 2010 Vietnam Fisheries Development Strategy to 2020 Industrialization, modernization and sustainable development of the fisheries sector, improve peoples’ material life and the spirit of the fishermen, while protecting the ecological environment and defence and security of seas and islands of the country. Economic fisheries contribute 30 35% of GDP in the agricultural sector - forestry - fishery 5 million fisheries workers to have per capita income three times higher than at present, and 40% of fisheries workers undertaken training. 2011 National Climate Change Strategy Protect and develop forests in a sustainable way, enhancing the capacity for absorbing greenhouse gases and conservation of biodiversity. Have been implementing the REDD+ Programme 2012 Protecting and Developing Benefits of Marine Products Programme to 2020 By 2015, establish and put into operation 10 marine protected areas and 19 inland water protected areas. By 2020, complete and put into operation the planned system of marine and inland water protected areas in Vietnam. By 2015, complete the planning of areas with a ban on fishing, areas with banned fishing periods, and publish a list of banned objects and occupations. At present, only 9 (of 16) marine protected areas have been established. No inland water protected areas have been established yet Some coastal provinces have developed plans for areas where fishing is prohibited and seasonally prohibited, and issued lists of prohibited fisheries jobs and activities. 54 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 2012 Strategy to Protect National Environment to 2020 and Orientation to 2030 Mitigate the degradation and depletion of natural resources; curb the rate of decline of biodiversity 2012 Project to prevent and control invasive alien species in Vietnam to 2020 To ensure that invasive alien species are investigated, periodic assessments conducted, scheduling and control under the provisions of law; Prevent and control spreading, mitigate the harmful effects of some serious invasive alien species in Vietnam; Effectively control and manage the importation, cultivation and development of exotic species in Vietnam, in order to prevent negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity; To ensure that 80% of communities in the provinces and cities directly under the central propaganda receive regular awareness about the identification, prevention and control of invasive alien species. 55MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 2013 Strategy on sustainable use and exploitation of marine environmental protection by 2020, vision to 2030 Meet requirements of infrastructure and technical data for marine resources and environment; provide timely and reliable forecasts of natural disasters, climate change, support for marine economic development, social and economic development of coastal areas and on islands; Reducing the degree of degradation and depletion of natural resources and halt pollution in coastal areas and islands; Increase resilience to climate change, maintain ecological functions and biological capacity of marine ecosystems in order to protect marine biodiversity and resources; Build capacity and strengthen the management of basic investigation, exploitation and use of natural resources in a sustainable way and to protect the marine environment. 2013 National Action Plan on marine product exploitation management (draft) Period 2014-2017: Total number of trawlers reduced tounder15%. At least eight coastal provinces apply community-based inshore management mechanisms Period 2018 - 2025: Total number oftrawlers reduced to under 12%. Control the number of vesselsin line with resources’ allowance ability, vocation structure on each coast; and particularly, reduce the number of inshore fishing boats More than 28 coastal provinces apply community-based inshore management mechanisms Some coastal provinces have applied pilot co management of coastal fisheries to protect marine resources in the World Bank’s Project: Coastal Resources for Sustainable Development 56 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 2014 Strategy for management of special use forest, marine protected areas and inland water protected areas in Vietnam by 2020, vision to 2030 By 2020, the area of special use forests, inland water protected areas and marine protected areas accounts for 9% of total terrestrial area and 0.24% of Vietnam’s sea. By 2020, special use forest, inland water protected areas and marine protected areas apply new management methods such as co management and benefit-sharing. Control precious and rare wildlife in special use forest, inland water protected areas and marine protected areas; conserve and develop the population of threatened, precious and rare wildlife species Implement international commitments to conserve nature and biodiversity by implementing programs and projects to build capacity for management of special use forest, inland water protected areas and marine protected areas. 2014 National Biodiversity Conservation Master Plan by 2020, orientation to 2030 Ensure that key natural ecosystems, endangered species and genetic resources are sustainably conserved and developed; maintain and develop ecosystem services that can adapt to climate change to ensure the national sustainable development. Some provinces/centrally run cities developed their provincial biodiversity conservation plans 2015 Project to protect and develop coastal forests to mitigate climate change during period 2015 2020 Protect 310,695 ha of current coastal forests Newly plant 46,058 ha of forest, increase total coastal forest area upto 356,753 ha by 2020 and increase forest cover from 16.9% (2014) to 19.5% by 2020. 57MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 1.3.2. Institutional arrangements Article 6 of the Biodiversity Law 2008 stipulates that: (i) the Government shall be responsible for the state management of biodiversity; (ii) the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is responsible to the Government for performing the state management of biodiversity; (iii) ministries and ministerial-level agencies shall perform the state management of biodiversity as assigned by the Government within their scope of powers and duties; (iv) People’s Committees at all levels shall implement the state management of biodiversity as assigned by the Government within their scope of powers and duties. At the national level, the agencies that are directly involved in biodiversity management include the Biodiversity Conservation Agency (BCA-MONRE), Department of Nature Conservation under Forest Protection Departments (FPD-MARD), Department of Aquatic Resources conservation and Development under Administration of Fisheries (MARD). The administration of protected areas is based on ecosystem type. Protected areas within terrestrial, inland water and marine ecosystems fall within the remit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). Protected areas within wetland ecosystems, including wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention, are the responsibility of MoNRE. To date, management of protected areas is decentralised to the lowest appropriate level (provincial and district people’s committees). Responsibility for individual protected areas lies with their respective PA management boards, while there is an exception for six national parks whose boundaries span more than a single province, for which management responsibility remains entirely within MARD. The division of tasks and decentralization in PA management has encountered overlaps and shortcomings, requiring a need for establishment of one single PA management unit in Vietnam. At provincial level, provincial authorities, DONREs, and DARDs are key agencies with responsibility for implementation of national policies and plans on biodiversity. Research and training facilities on biodiversity nation-wide have conducted various scientific studies and achieved important outcomes such as the study results on the biodiversity status of all ecological regions in Vietnam, as well as support to developthe capacities and skills for researchers and biodiversity managers. In addition to these Government institutions, a considerable number of national and international non-governmental organizations are involved in biodiversity conservation, e.g the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE), the Vietnam Forestry Science and Technology Association (VIFA), Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (CRES), Education for Nature-Vietnam (ENV), PanNature, IUCN, Birdlife International, World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Fauna and Flora International (FFI), Asian Turtle Program (ATP), People Resources and Conservation Foundation (PRCF), and others. 58 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 28. Organizational structure of biodiversity state management Government MONRE MARD Related Ministries/ sectors: MPS, MST, MPI, MCST, MOH Provincial PC VEA BCA Species Conservation ISEM VN Administration of Sea and Islands Dept. of Meterology, Hydrology, and Climate Change UNFCCC IMHEN ISPONRE DIC GEF-VN DONRE DARD District PC Provincial PA Management Board DST&E Biodiversity Planning GR & Biosafety Management VNFOREST FPD DNC CITES Office 6 multi-province NPs FIPI VN Administration of Fishery DARCD DFRS Institute of Fisheries Center of Aquaculture I Center of Aquaculture II Center of Aquaculture III LEGEND BCA : Biodiversity Conservation Agency CITES : Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora DARD : Department of Agriculture and Rural Development DARCD : Department of Aquatic Resources conservation and Development DIC : Department of International Cooperation DNC : Department of Nature Conservation DONRE : Department of Natural Resource and Environment DST&E : Department of Science, Technology and Environment DFRS : Department of Fisheries Resource Surveillance FPD : Forest Protection Department FIPI : Forest Inventory and Planning Institute GEF : Global Environment Facility GR : Genetic Resource IMHEN : Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change ISEM : Institute of Science for Environment Management ISPONRE : Institute of Strategy, Policy on Natural Resources and Environment MPI : Ministry of Planning and Investment MPS : Ministry of Public Security MOH : Ministry of Health MONRE : Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment MCST : Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism MST : Ministry of Science and Technology NP : National Park PA : Protected Area PC : People’s Committee VEA : Vietnam Environment Administration UNFCCC : United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change VNFOREST : Vietnam Forestry Administration Ecology 59MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 1.3.3. Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity 1. In-situ Conservation To date, Vietnam’s biodiversity has been conserved inside and outside of protected areas (PAs). The system of terrestrial protected areas includes 164 special-use forests (SUF) with an area of 2,265,754 ha (7.2% of the total land area) with 30 national parks, 58 nature reserves, 11 conservation sites, 45 landscape protection sites and 20 sites for scientific research and experiment (FIPI, Report on review and assessment of SUF system, 2006, National Biodiversity Report 2011). Of these, 80% of SUFs (except forests for scientific research and experiment) have their own management boards. Table 8: Protected areas in the SUF system Type Quantity Total area (ha) National Park 30 1,077,236 Natural protected area Nature Reserve 58 1,060,959 Species and Habitat Conservation Area 11 38,777 Landscape Protection Area 45 78,129 Forest for scientific research and experiment 20 10,653 Total 164 2,265,754 (7.2%) (Source: FIPI, Report on review and assessment of SUF system, 2006) Currently, the classification of protected areas is under different laws, e.g. SUF classification is under the Law on Forest Protection and Development, and the classification of in-land PAs and marine PAs is under the Fisheries Law. There fore, protected area maps have been developed by MARD pursuant to these laws. Recently, MONRE has also developed a map of protected areas under the Law on Biodiversity. 60 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 29.Vietnam Protected Area System (under the classification of Law on Forest Protection and Development and Law on Fisheries) (Source: FIPI, 2012) 61MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Vietnam’s forest ecosystems, which are most biodiverse, are home to the majority of the species of wild plants and animals. Since 1990, thanks to the reforestation program, the forest cover has increased every year, reaching 41.5% in 2014, but it is still lower than targeted, as the bare land area is still more than 2 million hectares. Figure 30. Map of protected areas (under classification of the Law on Biodiversity (Source: BCA, 2013) 62 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 31. Progress of forest coverage (Source: Report on Forest area, Vietnam Forestry Administration, 2015) Figure 32. Forest area by years (from 1943 to 2009) (Source: De Jong etal, 2006; Data of 2002, 2009, 2010 - Vietnam Forestry Administration) Natural forest Plantation forest Year 33.2 35.8 36.1 36.7 38.2 39.1 39.5 40.7 41.1 41.5 P er ce nt ag e % 63MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Table 9: Changes in forest area and coverage in Vietnam (period 1990-2014) Year Forest Area (1000 ha) Forest coverage (%)Natural Forest Plantation Forest Total 1990 8,430 745 9,175 27.8 1995 8,252 1,050 9,302 28.2 2000 9,444.2 1,491 10,915 33.2 2002 9,865 1,919.6 11,785 35.8 2003 10,005 2,090 12,095 36.1 2004 10,088.3 2,218.6 12,306.9 36.7 2006 10,177.7 2,486.2 12,663.9 38.2 2009 10,339.3 2,919.5 13,258.8 39.1 2010 10,304.8 3,083.3 13,388.1 39.5 2911 10,285 2,852 13,515 39.7 2012 10,423.8 3,438.2 13,862 40.7 2013 10,398.16 3,556.294 13,954.454 41.1 2014 41.5 (Source: Synthesis of FIPI and FPD’s Reports of annually forest area) Figure 33. Forest cover from 1943 to 2010 (Source: Development of map of ecosystems in Vietnam, BCA, WWF; Stockholm University, 2013) 64 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Conservation of other water ecosystems is also planned. Forty-five Inland Water Protected Areas have been established in total under the Fisheries Law (2003) and Decision No. 1479/QĐ-TTg dated 13 October 2008 of the Prime Minister. Sixteen Marine Protected Areas covering a total area of 169,617 ha are to be established by 2020, under the Fisheries Law (2003) and Decision No. 742/QĐ-TTg dated 26 May 2010 of the Prime Minister. Upto 2014, there were 9 Marine Protected Areas established including Cat Ba, Bach Long Vy, Con Dao, Hon Cau, Nha Trang Bay, Cu Lao Cham, Nui Chua, Phu Quoc, and Con Co. However, there are not yet any inland water protected area established. Figure 34. Map of marine PA system (A) and inland water PA system (B) (Source: Department of Fisheries Exploitation and Protection, and IEBR) The conservation of biodiversity outside of protected areas plays a very important role. A number of programs and projects in the past few years have been developed and implemented to create ecological connectivity through the wider landscape, particularly in the central region. Vietnam is currently participating in the ADB-supported Greater Mekong Sub-region Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Project. Since 1998, MARD has developed national standards for sustainable forest management, based on 65MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT the principles and standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). In 2007, only one forestry company had received FSC certification. Now, over 100 companies under different types of ownership in the forest plantation and timber-processing sector have been certified. Species conservation is implemented primarily through the protected area system (in-situ conservation). With the financial and technical assistance of international organizations, the Government has undertaken a number of species-focused projects, including projects aimed at the conservation and monitoring of primates in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park; the Cat Ba langur in Cat Ba National Park; Tonkin snub-nosed monkey in the protected areas of Na Hang, Cham Chu in Tuyen Quang and Khau Ca in Ha Giang; black-faced spoonbill in Xuan Thuy National Park; and giant clams (Tridacninae) in the central, south-eastern and western regions. The National Action Plan to strengthen Control of Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora for the period 2005-2010 was approved in 2005, which identifies the most threatened species for conservation priorities. The national Red Book identifying those species at risk of extinction has been prepared and published periodically in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2007. The Ministry of Health published the fourth revision of the Red List of Medicinal Plants of Vietnam (Danh luc Do cay thuoc Viet Nam) in 2006, classifying 139 plant species into three groups according to the 2001 IUCN categories and criteria: 18 Critically Endangered species, 54 Endangered species, and 67 Vulnerable species. Conservation of genetic resources has provided thousands of genetic materials for selection and breeding in agriculture, fisheries and the pharmaceutical industry. A number of native genetic resources have been restored from the risk of extinction; and some endemic and rare species have begun to create competitive advantages for domestic products for consumption and export, which contribute to socio-economic development and national security: e.g. spotted deer, crocodile, Ngoc Linh ginseng, cardamom, and agar wood. In addition to the increasing use of GMOs with desired genetic traits, bio- safety management measures have been considered to minimize risks to biodiversity and humans. 2. Ex-situ conservation Ex-situ conservation activities in Vietnam date back over 100 years, to the formation of the Bach Thao Botanical Garden in Hanoi and the Thao Cam Vien Zoo in Ho Chi Minh City. The Thu Le Zoo in Hanoi and the Thao Cam Vien Zoo in Ho Chi Minh City currently have hundreds of native and introduced wild animals. The Thu Le Zoo has successfully bred a number of rare and endangered wildlife species. For example, in cooperation with the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Thu Le Zoo has achieved some success in breeding two threatened species: Owston’s civet (Cynogaleowstoni) and Vo Quy’s pheasant (Lophurahatinhensis). Eleven botanical gardens have been established to date, mainly located in national parks, which house representative collections of native plants. The Bach Thao Botanical Garden in Hanoi has planted over 100 timber species. Moreover, a number of private conservation units have been established in provinces including Hanoi, Nghe An, Khanh Hoa and Binh Duong, for the purpose of marine species exhibition, and captive breeding of mammals like tigers and bears. However, the main goal of these facilities is not conservation. 66 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Animal rescue centres: At present there are over 10 wildlife rescue centers, of which the Endangered Primate Rescue Center at Cuc Phuong National Park has raised 160 individuals of 15 species of rare primates in captivity, including Trachypithecusdelacouri, Trachypithecuslaotumhatinhensis, Pygathrixnemaeusnemaeus, Pygathrixnigripes and Hylobatesgabriellae. Cuc Phuong National Park has also established the Turtle Conservation Center and the Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program. The Wildlife Rescue Center in Soc Son (Hanoi) was established in 1996 and has achieved some notable successes and gained some experience in captive breeding. The Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre in Tam Dao National Park is located on an area of 12 ha and came in operation in 2008, and is designed with adequate facilities to care for 200 - 250 bears for the duration of their lives. As of September 2011, 84 individual bears have been rescued and raised at the centre. Table10: System of ex-situ fauna conservationsites No. Type Unit Quantity Area (ha) Status 1 Wildlife gardens Garden 2 42 Located in 2 areas: Red River Delta, South East 2 Rescue center Center 9 390.5 Most of the gardens are small, with few species, less than 300 individuals, mainly for the pur pose of entertainment. 3 Domestic animal genetic resource servation center Center 1 - Located in five ecoregions: Red River delta, North Central, Central Highlands, and Mekong River delta; with few species, mainly for rescue operations. Located in the Red River delta, mainly for the purpose of genet ic resource storage and conser vation for domestic animals. Source: Biodiversity Conservation Agency: Report on checking conservation facilities, 2013 67MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Medicinal Herb Gardens: According to data collected, some 3,948 plant and fungi species from 307 families are in use in Vietnam to treat diseases and ailments. Over 10 medicinal plant centres and 50 medicinal herb gardens have been established to help conserve and develop this rich heritage. Gene Banks and Genetic Specimens: At present, Vietnam’s agricultural sector has four institutions with cold storage facilities: the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences; the Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Southern Vietnam; Can Tho University; and the Field Crops Research Institute. However, these facilities are relatively small and are designed only for short and medium-term preservation. A seed-gene bank of the Plant Resources Centre of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Science has stored, conserved and used more than 20,000 seed samples of nearly 250 species of plants in cold storage, and about 2,300 seed samples of 32 species of bulbs, vegetables and spices in the field. Rice species have been given a particular emphasis on preservation, including wild rice species resistant to insects and pests. The Rubber Research Institute of Vietnam conserves 3,340 genotypes and 200 specimens of rubber trees. The National Institute of Animal Husbandry, Thuy Phuong, Hanoi has preserved genetic materials such as sperm of bo u dau riu, bo Hmong; and embryos, cells and DNA of lon mong cai, lon i, lon co Nghe An; ga ho, ga mia, ga ri, ga Dong cao, ga ac, bo vang, bo coc and huou sao. 68 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Table 11: System of ex-situ flora conservation sites No. Type Unit Quantity Area (ha) Status 1 Botanic garden Garden 7 479.89 Located in North East, Red River delta, South east; Most of the gardens are small, with few species (less than 300 species) 2 Medinical herb garden garden 5 Located in almost all regions (except South central coast), with few species (less than 300 species), some gardens are small 3 Plant seed storage center Center 1 Established a center for storage of agricultural plant genetic resources, including gene banks, seed, field gene banks and in-vitro gene bank of 24 units. The center has 20,890 genetic resources of 341 plant species. Units have 7.080 genetic resources of 275 species. (Source: Biodiversity Conservation Agency: Report on checking conservation facilities, 2013) Breeding Programmes: Many precious, rare and endangered species of wild animals in the Vietnam Red List and Red Book (2007) have increased in the number of individuals and become popular commercial products, such as Burmese python, reticulated python, cobra, wild boar, and spotted deer. In particular, the freshwater crocodile is being restored thanks to the natural re-introduction program in Cat Tien National Park. Many native animals such as lon y, lon meo, cuu phan thiet, ga dong cao, ga ho and ga thuoc son la are also being raised and bred. With regard to fisheries, Department of Fisheries has established national centers for fish genetics in the northern area (under the Research Institute for Aquaculture I in Bac Ninh and Hai Phong), central area (under the Research Institute for Aquaculture III in Khanh Hoa), and southern area (under the Research Institute for Aquaculture II in Vung Tau and Tien Giang); sixteen fishery centers were established in provinces and cities. These centres have the function of keeping and breeding freshwater and saltwater rare and endangered aquatic species with high economic value, creating high-quality bloodstocks for breeding programs for the sustainable development of the fisheries in Vietnam. As a result, many rare and precious aquatic species with economic value such as ca lang, ca chien, ca anh vu, ca ho, ca ngua than trang, and abalone have been successfully bred and brought into commercial farming processes. 69MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 1.3.4. Management and support measures 1. Funding for biodiversity conservation a) Budget for biodiversity conservation Starting from 2006, the Government has committed to allocate one percent of the state budget to the environment, coming from central and local budgets. The average spending for biodiversity conservation currently constitutes approximately 0.4 percent of the total national budget. In recent years, government funding for biodiversity related programmes and projects has increased, though initiatives such as the 5 Million Hectares Reforestation Programme and the activities of the Vietnam Environmental Fund and the Vietnam Conservation Fund. Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) is also a significant source of funding for biodiversity conservation, typically making up 20 to 30 percent of that spent for environmental protection in general. Between 2006 and 2010, Vietnam received about $64 million for biodiversity activities from international donors. However, it has been estimated that nearly 90 percent of Government biodiversity funding is spent on infrastructure development, with only ten percent being allocated to conservation and management activities. (National Biodiversity Report 2011) b) Socialization of finance for biodiversity conservation Payments for Ecosystem Services: In 2008, the Government issued a decision on piloting Payments for Forest Environmental Services (PFES) in Lam Dong and Son La Provinces. Under this scheme, payments are received from key water users, including hydropower producers, water bottling companies, and others. Between 80 to 90 per cent of the revenue collected is paid to the environmental service providers, including forest owners, local households, local communities, economic organisations and the Management Boards of Protected Forests and Special Use Forests; and the balance is retained by Government. In September 2010, the approach was scaled up to national level, also broadening the scope of the payments to include carbon sequestration and other services. Thus, from 2009 to 2014, revenues for forest environment services increased from 208.9 billion to 1182.6 billion VND. Of which, 92.774% collected from 190 large hydropower plants, 3.4% from the industrial production facilities, 2.05% collected from water supply companies, 0.17% of revenues from carbon storage services and aquaculture, and 0.11% of revenues from the tourism service companies (BCA, 2014, Report on assessment of current financing for biodiversity) Carbon funding: So far, there is still a lack of carbon reduction projects related to biodiversity. Some 50 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects have been registered in Vietnam to date, and all but one focused on energy efficiency. The only forestry and land-use CDM project is a relatively small initiative, the Cao Phong Reforestation Project. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Program (REDD+): Since 2008, Vietnam has been working with other partners, such as the World Bank, the UN REDD program and a number of international non-governmental organizations, to build REDD+ capacity including systems to account for reductions in emissions and in loss and degradation of forests, as well as benefit distribution systems to compensate local actors for implementing REDD+ 70 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 activities. Currently, SNV is implementing a pilot project for integrating REDD+ in areas with high biodiversity to promote the conservation of biodiversity in the implementation of REDD+ projects. The implementation of REDD + is an opportunity for raising funds for biodiversity conservation if biodiversity conservation objectives are well integrated into the overall goals of developing forest ecosystems. Biodiversity Offsets: The roadmap for biodiversity offsets is currently being developed within the scope of the project of ADB. Thus, a program on biodiversity offsets is not yet implemented in Vietnam; however, international experience shows that this is a good mechanism for biodiversity conservation in the context of the possible impact of development activities on biodiversity. The development of the legal and policy framework on biodiversity offsets is based on Article 75 of the Law on Biodiversity. Corporate Funding: Many businesses have been willing to provide funding for the conservation of biodiversity. In Kien Giang Province, the international cement company Holcim has made a commitment to provide approximately US$ 1 million for the conservation of karst landscapes and endangered species, namely the silver langur and sarus crane. Training programs in environmental protection have been developed, for both Holcim staff and the local community. Economic Valuation of Ecosystems: In order to evaluate different parts of the total economic value of natural resources (environmental assets), some researchers of Vietnam have initially studied and applied evaluation techniques such as travel cost method (TCM) and contingent valuation method (CVM) to evaluate the recreational value of NPs. These researchers include Nguyen Duc Thanh (1996) who studied tourism value of Cuc Phuong National Park, Le Minh Ngoc and Duc Truong Dinh (2006) studied Bach Ma National Park, and Pham Khanh Nam (2003) conducted tourism evalutation of Hon Mun PA (now Nha Trang Bay NP). In recent years, an increasing effort has been made to determine the economic value of Vietnam’s biodiversity including forests, mangroves, coral reefs and sea grass. These studies point to the very significant contributions that biodiversity makes to economic development, livelihoods and human well-being. According to studies of Nguyen Minh Huyen et al (2010), and Nguyen Quang Hung et al (2013), economic value of mangrove forest is about 0.204 – 1.67 billion VND/ha/year; coral reef is about 1.71 – 11.42 billion VND/ha/year; and sea grass is about 0.656 billion VND/ha/year. Under the project “Removing Barriers Hindering Protected Area Management Effectiveness in Viet Nam”, Bidoup-Nui BaNP in Lam Dong province conducted an evaluation of the value of its natural goods and services in 2013, which was calculated at 25,747 billion VND/year. Meanwhile the total financial funding for the NP is about 40 billion VND/year, equivalent to 0.16% of value of its natural resources. The economic evaluation of ecosystems and biodiversity helps decision-makers and managers to identify conservation priorities and provides the basis for evaluation of the trade-off between objectives of conservation and development. However, the economic evaluation of ecosystems and biodiversity has not yet been incorporated in the national accounting system. 71MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 2. Education and training The education and training network for biodiversity conservation managers and technical staff in Vietnam has been widely developed. Approximately 20 universities offer undergraduate degrees in biodiversity related majors, including biology, environmental management, forestry, agriculture and fisheries. Many of these universities also have graduate programs related to biodiversity and the management and sustainable use of wetlands, such as Hanoi University of Natural Sciences (Hanoi National University), Hanoi University of Pedagogy, Hanoi University of Agriculture I, University of Forestry, Nha Trang University of Aquaculture and the HCMC University of Agro-Forestry. Over 10 research institutes have specialized postgraduate training courses on biodiversity, such as the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Institute of Marine Environment and Resources, Hai Phong, Institute of Oceanography, Nha Trang, Research Institutes for Aquaculture I, II and III, Vietnam National Institute of Animal Husbandry, Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology of Vietnam, and Vietnam Agricultural Genetics Institute. Some hundreds of biology and biotechnology undergraduates together with some 8,000 agricultural, forestry and aquacultural engineers complete their education in Vietnam every year; approximately 50 master students and 10 PhD students graduate each year in fields such as zoology, botany, ecology, biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. A number of students are also trained abroad via bilateral scholarship programs or international cooperation projects. Biodiversity is also included in the current primary and secondary school curricula with subjects such as biology, botany, tree planting, and soil and water conservation. Many short-term training courses on biodiversity have also been organized for management staff at central and local levels. The Vietnam Conservation Fund funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of the Netherlands and the European Union through the World Bank, has provided funds to 30 protected areas (US$50,000 to each on average) in the period 2005-2011, to build the capacity of PA management officers and enhance community awareness. 3. Communication and Awareness Enhancing Through the mass media, biodiversity conservation has reached the public and stakeholders to raise the awareness at all levels of society about the role of biodiversity in sustainable national socio-economic development and to develop standards for the relationship between human beings and the environment, between protection and sustainable use of natural resources. A number of site-based awareness-raising activities have also been carried out for communities living in and near protected areas. Every year, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organizes meetings to celebrate international days such as the environment, biodiversity, wetlands, and tiger conservation. 72 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 4. Biodiversity Data and Information Information about Vietnam’s biodiversity has improved dramatically in the last two decades. Surveys and studies have been undertaken in many parts of the country, revealing hundreds of species new to science. On-site monitoring systems have been established at a number of protected areas. However, information is scattered across many management and research institutions. There is an absence of consistency in quality of information, and the use and sharing of information is limited. MONRE is the focal point for management of biodiversity information and data. In 2011, Vietnam Environment Administration (VEA) under MONRE, with the technical and financial support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), co-implemented the Project: “Building a national biodiversity database system”. The Biodiversity Conservation Agency is the implementing unit. The project has achieved following results: An initial national biodiversity database system was successfully developed and put into operation. Initially, data of Xuan Thuy NP can be accessed at the website of http://nbds.vea.gov.vn. A set of biodiversity indicators was developed and tested for monitoring coastal wetlands (E.g. Xuan Thuy NP). It was then improved (with 22 indicators) which can be used for monitoring terrestrial forest, in-land and coastal wetlands. Developed, published and distributed technical documents such as “Guidance for monitoring and evaluating biodiversity in coastal wetlands” and “Guidance for developing and using biodiversity indicators”. Following up NBDS project activities, BCA is developing a draft Circular regulating the provision, exchange and management of biodiversity information. Under the project “Removing barriers hindering protected area management effectiveness in Vietnam”, the Biodiversity Conservation Agency under VEA, MONRE 73MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT developed a set of 16 biodiversity indicators for monitoring and reporting biodiversity status in protected areas. In addition, the NBSAP project developed biodiversity performance indicators at all levels (36 indicators); 31 indicators for provincial level and tested in Son La and Lang Son; and 30 indicators for protected area level. These above documents have been introduced and disseminated to officers of DONRE, DARD, and PA management boards in training workshops organized in the northern, central and southern regions. In addition, MARD is currently developing a forest information management system with support from FINIDA. MOST and MARD have developed a database of breeds and genetic resources of plants and animals. The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology has developed a national database on the Vietnam sea region, including marine biodiversity. It is essential to have a consistent system for a biodiversity database with an effective mechanism for sharing and using information. During 2010-2014, the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources in collaboration with other specialized institutes under VAST and MARD, implemented the project on Investigation, Research, and Amendment of Vietnam Red Book (the project under MOST). This project was finalized in 2015 and its updated data of endangered, precious and rare species will be the scientific basis for the development of the new Red Book. 5. Community Participation and Benefit Sharing A considerable number of regulations aimed at encouraging community participation in the management and sustainable use of biodiversity has been issued. In Xuan Thuy National Park, the management board has implemented a pilot initiative on the wise use of fisheries resources on the basis of co-management, which has provided local communities with a relatively stable source of income from fisheries. In Dong Rui commune, Tien Yen district, Quang Ninh, the community has been engaged in various activities such as mangrove replantation, ecological economic models, biogasmodels, and mangrove protection via setting up self-management groups, which has helped reduce the indiscriminate exploitation of mangroves and forestland. An innovative approach to protected area management and community involvement has been pioneered successfully at Phu My (Kien Giang), with the assistance of the International Crane Foundation. The project has not only raised local incomes through the sustainable use of biodiversity, but has also succeeded in conserving valuable wetland areas and rare, threatened species such as the Sarus crane. Eco-tourism activities in the core areas and buffer zones of protected areas have created employment opportunities and contributed to local economic development, for example, in Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Cat Tien, Cat Ba, Cuc Phuong, Ba Vi, Ba Be and Xuan Thuy National Parks. The sharing of benefits from nature conservation has been an issue in discussion for many years, but with almost no practical implementation. Recently, the Government has allowed the implementation of a pilot project in Xuan Thuy National Park, Bach Ma National Park and Hoang Lien National Park, according to Decision No. 126/2011/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister. 74 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 6. International Collaboration Vietnam has increased its cooperation with ASEAN countries in developing information systems, databases, and organizing a forum to exchange experiences on the conservation and sustainable development of biodiversity and biosafety. Vietnam has been involved in many regional initiatives related to biodiversity, including the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN), the Global Tiger Initiative (GTI), and the Research Group on Saola. Vietnam is Party to many Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) of relevance to biodiversity, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and some other related international protocols. Table 12: Biodiversity-related international conventions/agreements ratified by Vietnam Agreement Date of Ratification World Heritage Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage 19 October 1987 Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) 20 January 1989 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 20 January 1994 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) 16 November 1994 Convention on Biological Diversity 16 November 1994 Kyoto Protocol 25 September 2002 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity 21 January 2004 Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity 23 April 2014 Nagoya- Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redressto the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety 23 April 2014 75MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 1.4. OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES 1.4.1. Challenges Population growth and increase in consumption, poverty and free migration Vietnam’s population has continued to grow, from just under 73 million in 1995 to nearly 90.729 million in 2014; making Vietnam one of the most densely populated countries in Asia. The increase in population density, along with deforestation and environmental degradation, has created a real crisis in upland agriculture areas, leading to serious degradation of ecosystems and natural resources under the pressure of free and unplanned migration, especially in the Central Highlands for example. Due to the lack of land and capital, poor people have to overexploit land and natural resources in order to support their lives, rapidly degrading these resources and leading to the decline of biodiversity. Shifting cultivation practices have caused the loss of forests, degradation of land, and creation of vast barren areas. Table 13: Population in Vietnam Year Total (thousand people) Increased percentage (%) Percentage by Gender (%) Percentage by urban and rural (%) Male Female Urban Rural 2008 85,118.7 1.07 49.29 50.71 28.99 71.01 2009 86,025.0 1.06 49.43 50.57 29.74 70.26 2010 86,947.4 1.07 49.45 50.55 30.50 69.50 2011 87,860.4 1.05 49.45 50.55 31.55 68.45 2012 88,809.3 1.08 49.44 50.56 31.83 68.17 2013 89,759.5 1.07 49.43 50.57 32.17 67.83 2014 90,728.9 1.08 49.33 50.67 33.10 66.90 (Source: Statistical Yearbook 2014) 76 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 35. Distribution of population in Vietnam Population Distribution in regions Unit: 1000 people (Source: GSO, 2012) Map of population density (Source: Joao S. de Queiroz, Daniel Griswold, Nguyen Duc Tu and Patrick Hall, 2013) 77MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT To feed its 90 million people that will reach 100 million by mid-21st century, Vietnam will still have to be dependent on its natural resources such as land, water, forests, sea, animals, plants and minerals. Without awareness and responsibility, it would deplete these valuable resources quickly, especially in remote areas where biodiversity is high, but the poverty rate is also high. Therefore, this is an important challenge with negative impacts on biodiversity conservation. The decline of natural forests is a big challenge for Vietnam with regard to biodiversity conservation, especially in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Notably, there is a high poverty percentage in areas with high forest cover such as in the North-East, North-West, Central region and Central Highlands. This causes the illegal hunting and over-exploitation of forest and biodiversity. 78 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 36. Maps of correlation between poverty incidence and forest cover in Vietnam (Source: Muller et al, 2006 in Pham, TT, Moeliono, M., Nguyen, TH, Nguyen, HT, Vu, TH, 2012; The context of REDD + in Vietnam: Causes, actors and institutions; Thematic Report, CIFOR). In this context, biodiversity must be placed in close relation to the development of the country: biodiversity is vital for the long-term prosperity of the country; but meanwhile, Vietnam’s development cannot be sacrificed for biodiversity conservation. The solution to this dilemma is very difficult to implement, but it must be fully followed, as it is the answer to the country’s sustainable development question. Over-riding Emphasis on Economic Development, and Little Emphasis on Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation An over-riding emphasis has been placed on economic development over the past 20 years. Although this emphasis has led to rapid economic growth (with GDP growing at a rate of over 5 per cent per year since 1994), 79MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT and even up to 7-8 percent per year (The strategy for Economic Development 2011 2020), it has often come at a cost to the environment. Rewards at the provincial level, which is where most land-use decisions are made, are linked primarily to economic criteria without promoting environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. In fact, there has been a conflict of interest between meeting their economic growth targets and conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The control of land use and development planning remains weak, making the access to natural resources relatively easy, and reducing the incentives to engage in value added biodiversity certification projects. Export-led Growth Strategy Vietnam is highly dependent on exports of agricultural commodities such as coffee, rubber, catfish and shrimp. This has driven the rapid, large-scale and often unregulated conversion of natural habitats to paddy fields and shrimp ponds, and the conversion of land has been most dramatic in the relatively sparsely populated and fertile areas of the Central Highlands and Mekong Delta. Meanwhile, there are few incentives to invest in branding, certification or other forms of benefit. Table 14: Fisheries area, volume and production value Year Water surface for aquaculture (thousand ha) Fisheries volume (thousand tons)) Fisheries production value at current prices by activities (billion) 2008 1,052.6 4,602.0 110,510.4 2009 1,044.7 4,870.3 122,666.0 2010 1,052.6 5,142.7 153,169.9 2011 1,040.5 5,447.4 205,866.4 2012 1,038.9 5,820.7 224,263.9 2013 1,046.4 6,019.7 2014 1,053.9 6,332.5 (Source: Statistical Yearbook 2013, 2014, the General Statistics Office 2013, 2014) 80 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Table 15: Forestry value at 2010 comparision price by activities Unit: billion VND Year Total Forestry activity Forestation Exploitation of timber and other forest products Collection of forest products except timber and other forest products Forestry service 2008 17,202.3 2,526.4 12,823.0 898.3 954.6 2009 17,851.8 2,629.1 13,305.1 922.0 995.6 2010 18,714.7 2,711.1 14,011.8 936.2 1,055.6 2011 19,822.6 2,556.0 15,195.8 965.0 1,105.8 2012 21,136.0 2,380.1 16,604.1 998.0 1,153.8 2013 22,361.0 2,516.1 17,856.4 1,035.8 1,222.7 (Source: Statistical Yearbook 2014, the General Statistics Office 2015) Figure 37. Map of proportion of land used for agriculture (A), forestry (B) and aquaculture (C) (Source: Epprecht, M. And Robinson, TP (Eds.). Agricultural Atlas of Vietnam. A depiction of the 2001 Rural Agriculture and Fisheries Census) 81MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Under-valuation of Biodiversity Although the services provided by biodiversity and natural ecosystems are worth hundreds of millions of dollars per year to Vietnam, the value of these services remains largely unrecognized and is not yet reflected in national accounting or economic and financial systems. As a result, biodiversity and ecosystem services are under-valued and are rarely given the attention they deserve during decision making processes. This is a global phenomenon that international programs like the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) are now seeking to address. In addition, the NBSAP project has developed a report on assessing the current funding for biodiversity conservation and financial needs for the implementation of prioritized programs and projects of the national biodiversity strategy by 2020, vision to 2030. The report proposes a plan of financial mobilization from different sources including the State; self-mobilized; payments for ecosystem services; private sector; and the international community. Lack of proper biodiversity conservation methods In the current socio-economic context of Vietnam, economic tools for conservation such as Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES), or the application of new management methods towards sustainable development, have not been widely developed or used. New and complex issues in biodiversity conservation such as access to genetic resources, sharing of benefits derived from biodiversity, and the application of an ecosystem-based approach, have not been givenproper attention. So far, there has been no mechanism to incorporate the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services into national accounting systems. As a result, the real values of biodiversity and its basic contribution to the development of the country have not been properly recognized in national economic planning. Shortcomings in biodiversity management and conservation Vietnam does not currently have a unified coordinating institution for biodiversity conservation. State management of biodiversity conservation is shared between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Provincial People’s Committees, and there are overlaps and conflicts within it. Meanwhile, awareness of conservation and understanding of the true value of biodiversity is not high within society, even amongst some high-level policy makers. Provincial People’s Committees and other natural resource management agencies are given incentives for economic development, but not for biodiversity conservation. This is considered an important obstacle to conservation and sustainable use in the formulation of the Strategy. 82 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Although a large number of protected areas have been established and operated for a long time, the management of protected areas still has many limitations: • Although the laws specify the establishment of a management board for each protected area, so far many protected areas do not have such a board. The decision-making power of management boards is relatively weak and the regulations on their tasks remain incomplete; • The consistency and quality of protected areas continue to decline as a result of infrastructure development, illegal logging and hunting activities, encroachment, grazing, aquaculture, forest fires, invasive alien species and other pressures; • A relatively high percentage of the state budget for protected areas is for infrastructure development, rather than for conservation activities such as patrolling and management of habitats and species; • Agencies responsible for management of protected areas are largely respected in economic perspectives, despite having very few initiatives implemented for conservation activities. Although having been trained for many years, the capacity and confidence of staff in protected areas is still very low. • Many important ecosystems have not received adequate attention in the protected area system. No wetland protected areas have been established, and most of the marine protected areas have not yet come into operation. In addition, the current system of protected areas is not sufficient to protect important biodiversity areas of Vietnam. Out of 102 key biodiversity areas with a total area of 33,191 km2 in Vietnam, only 35.3% are protected areas5. • The poor management of economic development and land-use planning facilitates the access to natural resources, which negatively influences the incentivesfor value-added certificates. 5 Tordoff, A.W., M.C. Baltzer, J.R. Fellowes, J.D. Pilgrim & P.F. Langhammer (2012). Key Biodiversity Areas in the Indo-Burma Hotspot: Process, Progress and Future Directions. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(8): 2779–2787. 83MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT In general, biodiversity is not given proper attention in reforestation programs and biodiversity objectives are not integrated into such program activities. Despite the efforts mentioned above, many species found in Vietnam are threatened with extinction in the wild on a global scale. At least 200 species in Vietnam were identified as critically endangered or endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. The Javan Rhino subspecies (Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus) recently disappeared from the territory of Vietnam, and was confirmed to be extinct on a global scale. Other species that have also not been seen in the territory of Vietnam (but are not extinct on a global scale) include the Kouprey, Hog Deer and Sumatran Rhino. The populations of tigers and elephants in Vietnam are also very low. In-situ conservation projects are given little priority due to limited financial resources. There is no systematic coordination between different agencies involved in ex situ conservation activities, and a lack of an overall strategic approach. Connections between in-situ and ex-situ conservation are weak, and there are very few centres carrying out the reintroduction of species into the natural environment with a clear objective. Regulations on the management of private captivity establishments for wild animals are incomplete, and many private establishments are suspected of having connections to the illegal wildlife trade. Training for rangers is still seasonal and dependent on the funding sources and priority activities of each separate project. There is no national ranger-training program in line with the priorities of Vietnam, and no regular ranger training centres. There is no comprehensive monitoring system in place, particularly in protected areas, to record biodiversity changes or progress towards objectives. Data on biodiversity is scattered in different research and management institutions. The national biodiversity database is still uncomprehensive and insufficient. There are no general standards, very little data available for comparison, and few information sharing mechanisms. The legal and policy system is inadequate, and there is a lack of implementation guidance documents. In some cases, the provisions in various policies and laws overlap in terms of responsibilities, but lack clarity and sometimes lead to conflict. Moreover, legislation enforcement is ineffective. Therefore, the State management of biodiversity conservation does not meet the practical requirements. The conservation workforce is insufficient in number, weak in capacity, and without adequate equipment. The sanctioning of violations of conservation laws is inappropriate and causing the increase in cases of illegal exploitation and trade of wild plants and animals. Violators carry out illegally organized exploitation even in protected areas. Another concern is that Vietnam has become a transit point for many wild plant and animal products between countries in Asia and the rest of the world. 84 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Funding from the state budget for implementation of biodiversity conservation has increased, but is still unfocused and with low efficiency. Most funding from non governmental organizations is for short-term projects and relies on aid, making it difficult for long-term commitments to conservation. Baseline surveys of biological resources and biodiversity have gained some success, but are not carried out in a systematic way. Climate change increases the threat of biodiversity degradation Currently, the loss of biodiversity and global climate change have become the two most serious environmental issues, having a direct impact on human life and development on a global scale. Vietnam is one of the countries most heavily affected by climate change. Initial research has showed a series of coral reefs died following bleaching caused by sea water quality change (pH) related to climate change; and the distribution of some flora species has changed to higher elevations in the Hoang Lien Son range. The maps predicting average temperature increases under the medium emissions scenario show the North Central, Northeast and a part of the Central Highlands, with rich biodiversity, will have highest level of temperature increase. According to the forecast map of flooding due to sea level rise, the Red River estuary, Sac Forest in Ho Chi Minh City, and Ca Mau peninsula where there are mangroves and swamp forests will be affected and seasonally flooded. Biodiversity conservation has positive implications in mitigating climate change, and considering climate change in biodiversity conservation is helpful for effective adaptation to climate change. 85MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Figure 38. Increased temperatures and rising sea levels in Vietnam in the climate change scenario 2012 (MONRE) 1.4.2. Opportunities Biodiversity has been given attention at a global scale Today, biodiversity conservation is given attention not only at a national level but also at a global level, as the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is closely associated with the socio-economic development of each country and helps to mitigate the negative impacts of global climate change. The UN selected 2010 as the international year of biodiversity, and 2010-2020 as the world’s decade of biodiversity. In the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Biodiversity Convention in Japan (COP10), the Parties committed to implement a new strategy in the new period to achieve the strategic goals to 2020 (Aichi targets) which were approved at COP10. Through the Global Environment Facility and other financing mechanisms, the Convention will continue to support the Parties in the implementation of the objectives of the Convention. Annual increased temperatures (oC) by the end of 21st century, compared to the period of 1980-1999 under the medium emissions scenario Map of flood risk in coastal areas with sea level rise of 1m 86 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Greater international interest has been given to the green economy, which emphasizes sustainable growth based on the principles of the ecosystem approach. Thus, the role of ecosystems and biodiversity in general will be taken into consideration in order to ensure ecological balance in the development of human societies. Commitments of Vietnam in international integration In the context of current international integration, Vietnam has participated in many international treaties related to biodiversity conservation. Vietnam’s continuing participation in new treaties and showing the active implementation of its biodiversity commitments to the international community will help support and promote the conservation and sustainable use of Vietnam’s biodiversity. International integration is also an opportunity to set up trans-boundary protected areas with other countries in the region, as well as to establish Natural Heritage sites and Biosphere Reserve sites recognized by UNESCO, Ramsar sites, and ASEAN protected areas. The 2010-2020 decade, the world’s biodiversity decade, is one which requires rapid innovation and commitments in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity from governments, businesses and society for future generations. Vietnam follows the economic development orientation based on the green growth model More international attention nowadays has been given to the development of the green economy or green growth to improve living standards and social equity, meanwhile significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological shortage. The green economy gives attention to biodiversity because the decline of biodiversity reduces social welfare in some parts of the world’s population, while other parts face more serious problems due to poverty. If this situation continues, it could affect the operation of climate-regulating ecosystems in the long term and could lead to unpredictable changes, a reversal in the earth system, and changes in ecosystem services which are a major resource for economic development. For these reasons, the preservation and protection of ecosystems is the focus of the Green Economy Agenda. In addition, green investment also helps to reduce negative effects from external factors caused by the exploitation of natural resources. On September 25, 2012, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1393/2012/QD-TTg approving the National Green Growth Strategy. This shows that Vietnam follows the orientation towards the green growth model which acknowledges the importance and urgency of the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Vietnam’s orientation to transform growth model in both width and depth According to the socio-economic development strategy by 2020, Vietnam is striving to bring the industry and services to account for about 85% of GDP. Thus, agriculture will account for only about 15% of GDP, which is the opportunity to reduce exploitation pressure of biodiversity. Agricultural development will be oriented towards a more modern, comprehensive, effective and sustainable model. Vietnam is speeding up the application of scientific advances and modern technology in production, processing and preservation; giving priority to the application of biotechnology to produce better varieties of crops and livestock, and to manufacturing 87MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT process that achieve high-yield, quality and efficiency, to increase added value per unit of cultivated land. There is also clear planning and sustainable policies for developing and improving the quality of production forests, protection forests and special-use forests. The government is making investments and has comprehensive policies to manage and develop protective forests and special use forests, while at the same time ensuring that the ones who accept extensive agriculture and protect forests will have a stable life. It is also encouraging organizations and individuals of all economic levels to invest in production forests; combinating the forestation for materials with processing industry; and using income from forests to further develop forests and derive increased benefits from them. The model also promotes sustainably and effectively exploiting sources of seafood in association with national defense, security and protection of the marine environment. It is developing aquaculture in accordance with the planning with a focus on products that have advantages and high economic values; comprehensively building the infrastructure for breeding areas; fostering the application of scientific and technological advances in production and processing; improving the productivity, quality, and competitiveness as well as meeting the requirements for food safety. It is building up Vietnamese aquaculture to reach an advanced level in the region. Biodiversity conservation as a solution to cope with climate change effectively Conservation and the development of biodiversity in general are having a positive impact on minimizing climate change. Reforestation and sustainable forest management is a key solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as tropical forest ecosystems can absorb CO2 emissions to produce organic matter, and replantation of mangroves helps to protect against rising sea water and storm damage. Therefore, the effective conservation and management of biodiversity is very important in response to climate change and is an important solution to help communities in areas vulnerable to climate change. The ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change is an approach where the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services is integrated and linked to general climate change adaptation strategies. Integrating biodiversity and climate change within the framework of poverty reduction strategies and food security planning is crucial to Vietnam’s fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals. Some studies showed that the average carbon density is typically highest in areas with high forest vegetation; there is high biomass carbon in the vegetation of special use forests and protection forests, and a correlation between endangered species and areas of high carbon biomass forest vegetation. 88 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 39. Carbon density in Vietnam (Source: SNV in Pham, TT, Moeliono, M, M., Nguyen, TH, Nguyen, HT, Vu, TH 2012. The context of REDD + in Vietnam, causes, actors and institutions. The thematic report, CIFOR.) 89MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Figure 40. Map of three types of forest management under REDD program and biomass carbon density (Source: Mant, R., Swan. S., Anh, H.V., Phương, V.T., Thành, L.V., Sơn, V.T., Bertzky, M., Ravilious, C., Thorley, J., Trumper, K., Miles, L., 2013; Mapping the potential for REDD + to deliver biodiversity conservation in Vietnam: Preliminary analysis;developed by UNEP WCMC, Cambridge, UK; and SNV, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) 90 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 41. Relationship of forest biomass carbon, forest cover change and threatened species richness (Source: Mant, R., Swan. S., Anh, H.V., Phương, V.T., Thành, L.V., Sơn, V.T., Bertzky, M., Ravilious, C., Thorley, J., Trumper, K., Miles, L., 2013; Mapping the potential for REDD + to deliver biodiversity conservation in Vietnam: Preliminary analysis;developed by UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK; and SNV, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) 91MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Figure 42. Forest biomass carbon and threatened species richness (Source: Mant, R., Swan. S., Anh, H.V., Phương, V.T., Thành, L.V., Sơn, V.T., Bertzky, M., Ravilious, C., Thorley, J., Trumper, K., Miles, L., 2013; Mapping the potential for REDD + to deliver biodiversity conservation in Vietnam: Preliminary analysis;developed by UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK; and SNV, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) 92 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Inheriting the contents of socio-economic development strategies from other sectors So far, many socio-economic sectors have begun to implement their development strategies up to 2020, in which there is content directly related to biodiversity, such as the Forestry Development Strategy, Fisheries Strategy, National Environmental Protection Strategy, National Climate Change Strategy, and Science and Technology Strategy. The National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 has inherited and analyzed objectives, indicators, and solutions related to biodiversity from the above strategies to ensure coherence, consistency and rationality, meanwhile taking into account the integration of biodiversity conservation into other related strategies. The National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 with vision to 2030 is a framework and basis for sectors and localities to generate their development strategies and plans related to the use of natural resources and biodiversity of sectors and localities. 93MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT PART 2: VIEWPOINTS - VISION GOALS 2.1. VIEWPOINTS a) Biodiversity is a fundamental element of the green economy; biodiversity conservation is one of the key measures to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change; b) Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity contributes to poverty reduction and improved living conditions of the citizenry; c) Biodiversity conservation shall be the responsibility of the whole society, of State authorities, agencies, and every organization and individual; d) Socialization and international cooperation is enhanced to promote conservation and sustainable development of biodiversity; e) Biodiversity conservation must be integrated into national, sectoral and provincial development strategies, plans and policies. 2.2. VISION TO 2030 By 2030, 25% of degraded ecosystems of national and international significance will be restored. Biodiversity shall be conserved and used sustainably, bringing major benefits to the citizenry and contributing significantly to the country’s socio-economic development. 2.3. OVERALL TARGET TO 2020 That naturally important ecosystems, endangered, rare, and precious species, and genetic resources are preserved and used sustainably, contribute to the development of the green economy, and actively respond to climate change. 2.4. SPECIFIC TARGETS To improve the quality and increase the area of protected ecosystems, ensuring that the area of terrestrial protected areas accounts for 9% of the total territorial area, marine protected areas account for 0.24% of the sea area, forest coverage reaches 45%, primary forest remains at 0.57 million hectares, coupled with effective protection plans; that mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs are maintained at the current levels; that 15% of degraded critical ecosystems are restored; and the number of internationally recognized protected areas are increased to 10 Ramsar wetlands, 10 biosphere reserves, and 10 ASEAN heritage parks. To improve the quality and populations of endangered, rare and precious species, ensuring that no new case of species extinction is reported, and significantly improve the status of endangered, rare and threatened species. To compile an inventory, to store, and to conserve native, endangered, rare and precious genetic resources (including animals, plants and microorganisms) to ensure that they are not impaired or eroded. 94 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 PART 3: PROGAMS, AND SOLUTIONS FOR IMPLEMETATION 3.1. TASK CONTENT 3.1.1. Conservation of natural ecosystems a) Consolidate and complete the system of natural protected areas Identify critical ecosystems and prepare plans for expanding the system of protected areas; Continue to implement the plan to establish marine6 and wetland protected areas7; Establish biodiversity corridors connecting natural habitats of endangered, rare, and precious species prioritized for protection; establish 03 transboundary tiger conservation sites with Laos and Cambodia (Pu Mat National Park in Nghe An province; Sop Cop Protected Area in Son La province; and Yok Don National Park in Dak Lak province); and establish, in cooperatation with Laos and Cambodia, a transboundary conservation site of Virachay, Dong Am Phan and Chu Mon Ray. Conduct a comprehensive review of bioiversity–related provisions in the current legal documents, and make proposals for amendments, revision, and adjustments to ensure consistency; Conduct research on institutional structures to propose a model for one single mangement authority for protected areas, highlighting the involvement of and benefits to the communities living in the buffer zones; Improve the management system for protected areas, ensuring they are all established with a Management Board; Review and improve the functions, tasks, and organizational activities, and take measures to enhance capacity of the Management Boards; Implement policies creating incentives for staff woking at protected areas; Upgrade necessary infrastructure to support managerial activities; Provide field equipment for all protected areas, including biodiversity monitoring and reporting systems; Develop and improve regulations on the decentralization, ranking and classification of protected areas, and the procedure for establishing new protected areas; Prepare and implement management and financial plans, monitoring and regulations for the management of natural protected areas, with the target to have these in place for 6 Decision No.742/2010/QD-TTg dated May 26, 2010 of the Prime Minister approving the national marine conservation planning by 2020. 7 Decision No 1479/2008/QD-TTg dated October 13, 2008 of the Prime Minister approving the inland water protected areas planning by 2020. 95MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT all protected areas by 2015; ensuring that by 2020 the area of terrestrial protected areas accounts for 9% of the total territorial area; marine protected areas account for 0.24% of the sea area, and forest coverage reaches 45%; Conduct investigations and assess the values and ecosystem services of natural protected areas; Develop long-term plans for investment in the buffer zones of protected areas and implement a sustainable economic development model for households in these zones. Figure 43. Map of Protected Areas planning by 2020 under Law on Biodiversity (Source: BCA, 2013) 96 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 44. Forest cover of Vietnam from 1943 to 2010, and projection to 2020 (Source: VNFOREST 2013) Table 16: Forestry land planning to 2020 (Source: Forestry Development Strategy, period 2006-2020) Types Planning by 2020 (million ha) Forestry land 16.24 Land under forest cover 15.57 1. Protection forest 5.68 Land under forest cover 5.67 Barren land 0.01 2. Special forest 2.16 3. Production forest 8.40 Percentage of land under forest cover 47% 97MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT b) Conservation of ecosystems of national and international importance Investigate, review and map ecological regions, identifying areas of high biodiversity value, degraded areas, and sensitive areas; Conduct research, collect statistical data to assess the situation, and develop a data bank and maps of natural wetlands, seagrass beds, coral reefs and other typical natural ecosystems; Strengthen protection activities in primary forests, ensuring the primary forest remains at 0.57 million hectares, coupled with effective protection plans, and take measures to prevent deforestation and illegal logging in natural forests, special use forests, and protection forests to reach forest coverage of 60%; Continue to implement forest regeneration and afforestation programs, taking measures to enrich forests with native plants, and promote the active prevention of forest fires and increase fire response capacity for all forest levels; Continue to implement the targets and tasks in the mangrove forest restoration program under Decision 405/TTg-KTN dated 16 March 2009; Prepare and implement the national plan for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands with priority given to critical river basins; priority for key rivers such as Vu Gia – Thu Bon river, Ba river- Con river, Dong Nai river and Cuu Long river; Implement measures to protect and restore coral reefs and sea grass ecosystems of appropriate scale and scope; implement the management solutionsat central and provincial levels to protect and recover at least 15% of key ecosystems that are being degraded; Prepare and implement a plan to nominate protected areas for international awards, including wetlands of international importance (Ramsar site), biosphere reserves, and ASEAN heritage parks. Develop and issue guidelines for the management of internationally recognized protected areas; and implement policies to support capacity building for effective management of these areas; making best effort to have 10 Ramsar sites, 10 biosphere reserves, and 10 ASEAN heritage parksby 2020. 98 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 3.1.2. Conservation of wildlife and endangered, rare and precious species a) Preventing the decline of threatened wildlife species, particularly endangered, rare and precious species prioritized for protection Continue to effectively implement the targets and tasks of the program to protect rare and precious aquatic species at risk of extinction until 2015, with a vision to 2020, attached to Decision 485/ QD-TTg dated 2 May 2008 of the Prime Minister; Investigate, monitor, periodically update and publish the list of endangered, rare and precious species prioritized for protection; Implement conservation programs for endangered, rare and precious wild species prioritized for protection, with special priority given to endangered large mammals: elephants, tigers, saola and primates; ensuring that the number of endangered precious and rare species that being threatened for exction will not increase; significantly improve the status of at least 10 endangered precious and rare species that being threatened for exction. Investigate and assess the status of endangered, rare and precious fauna and flora; periodically update, compile, and publish the Vietnam Red Book. b) Conservation of native plant varieties, livestock and wild relatives of precious, rare species Take measures to conserve agricultural crop varieties, livestock and their wild relatives; increase the number of samples of crop varieties that are stored and preserved in gene banks; ensuring that precious and rare endemic genetic resources will not be reduced and degraded. Review, assess, and improve the effectiveness of the program for on-farm conservation of rare and precious crop varieties and livestock breeds; implement economic incentives to encourage the involvement of farmers. Continue to implement the national ex situ and in-situ gene bank conservation program, for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of rare and precious plant varieties, livestock and microorganisms; making effort to that the number of valued wild species researched for breeding will be increased by 30% compared to year 2010. c) Develop and enhance the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation units Assess the current status of ex-situ conservation facilities (zoos, botanic gardens, captive wildlife breeding facilities, medicinal plant gardens, gene banks, animal rescue centers) and take measures to improve the effectiveness of ex-situ conservation; Accelerate the construction of the Vietnam Natural Museum in accordance with the Decision 86/QD-TTg dated 20 April 2006 of the Prime Minister; continue to upgrade Vietnam Nature Museum in Hanoi, and build nature museums in Ho Chi Minh city, Lam Dong province, Thua Thien Hue province and Dien Bien province. Establish a network of rescue centers across the country to ensure the needs of rescued wildlife species by region 99MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT and category; prioritize investment in upgrading established rescue centers: Lam Dong Province (Cat Tien National Park), Vinh Phuc Province (Tam Dao National Park), Ninh Binh Province (Cuc Phuong National Park), Quang Binh Province (Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park), Hanoi (Soc Son Rescue Center), Ho Chi Minh City (Cu Chi Rescue Center), Nghe An (Pu Mat National Park), Gia Lai (Kon Ka Kinh National Park), Thua Thien Hue (Nam Hai Van Protected Area), Son La Province (Copia Protected Area), Thanh Hoa Province (Ben En National Park), Can Tho City (O Mon Rescue Centre), Kien Giang Province (Hon Me Rescue Centre); Upgrade the Center of Plant Genetic Resources to become a National Plant Gene Bank that meets international standards. 100 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Ta b le 17 : L is t of b io d iv er si ty f ac ili ti es p la n n in g s ys te m u n d er t h e N at io n al B io d iv er si ty M as te r P la n t o 20 20 , v is io n t o 20 30 R eg io n B y 20 20 B y 20 30 A n im al re sc u e ce n te r A n im al fa ci lit y B ot an ic g ar d en M ed ic in e p la n t g ar d en G en e b an k N u m b er o f b io d iv er si ty fa ci lit ie s To ta l ar ea (h a) A n im al re sc u e ce n te r A n im al fa ci lit y B ot an ic g ar d en M ed ic in e p la n t g ar d en G en e b an k N u m b er o f b io d iv er si ty fa ci lit ie s To ta l ar ea (h a) N or th E as t N or th W es t 1 0 0 1 0 2 9 1 0 0 1 0 2 9 R ed R iv er D el ta 2 1 1 1 3 8 34 4 2 1 2 1 4 10 44 5 N or th C en tr al C oa st 2 0 0 1 0 3 17 3 0 1 1 0 5 76 S ou th C en tr al C oa st 0 0 0 1 0 1 1, 2 1 1 0 1 0 3 6. 2 C en tr al H ig hl an ds 3 0 0 0 0 2 55 3 0 1 0 0 4 24 0 S ou th E as t 2 1 2 0 0 5 69 3 2 1 3 0 0 6 69 9 M ek on g R iv er D el ta 1 0 0 0 0 1 0, 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0. 1 To ta l 12 2 4 5 3 26 1. 29 7 14 3 11 6 4 38 2. 40 9 101MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 3.1.3. Sustainable use, fair and equitable access, and sharing of benefits derived from ecosystems and biodiversity a) Sustainable use of ecosystems Conduct research, develop guidelines and pilot the economic valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The economic valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services should be put into the national accounting system. Improve the policies and institutions to implement payments for the environmental services of forests at a national scale; and pilot a policy for payment for environmental services applicable to marine ecosystems and wetlands; ensuring that by 2020, there will be at least 15 protected areas applying benefit sharing mechanism; Replicate a model for the management of protected areas involving community participation, and implement mechanisms to share benefits in an equitable way amongst involved parties; Apply and implement effectively co-management mechanism in most protected areas, ensuring the community involvement in the management of and sharing benefits from protected areas through policies to encourage community involvement in protected area patrolling and monitoring; implement and control strictly the mechanism of allocating land of protected areas; jointly implement mechanism of payment for ecosystem service and forest environment service leasing; Develop and enforce the regulations on ecological tourism in Vietnam; Effectively implement and manage ecological tourism to provide income for biodiversity conservation and for local people; Develop and implement policies to support production of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products that meet international standards for conservation and sustainable use of biological resources; Research and evaluate granting certification to sustainable products or environmental-friendly products from agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; Supporting enterprises of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture to register their product to be internationally recognized as sustainable or environmental-friendly products. b) Sustainable use of species and genetic resources Investigate, record and take measures to protect and develop valuable non timber forest products (NTFP), especially medicinal and ornamental plants; and effectively control the unconstrained exploitation and cross-border trafficking of wild species; Promulgate policies and guidelines on breeding, farming and trading of common wild species; Conduct researches on breeding valued species and processing technology to enhance their utilization value to contribute to local economic development and reduce pressure on natural resources; Develop and issue technical guidelines on aquaculture and trade of common wild species; Promulgate a list of common wildlife allowed to be bred and, traded and guidelines for registrating and monitoring the breeding of wildlife. 102 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 c) Establish a mechanism for managing access to genetic resources, sharing benefits, protection, and traditional knowledge of genetic resources Conduct research and develop regulations guiding a mechanism for access to and benefit sharing of genetic resources; and pilot models for access and benefit sharing focusing on the interests of communities; Collect, document, and develop a geographic directory and take measures to conserve traditional knowledge of genetic resources; Develop and implement the action plan for capacity building to implement the Nagoya Protocol project. 3.1.4. Control activties that have negative impacts on biodiversity a) Control activities considered to be unsustainable or causing environmental pollution such as conversion of land and water surface area use and agricultural practices Control the conversion of natural forest land use and water surface area of conservation value, to minimize negative impacts on biodiversity; Limit over-exploitation and changes to fishing, harvesting, and breeding practices of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products; take measures to eliminate destructive fishing and havesting; strictly appraise environmental impact assessment and conduct ex-post evaluation of all development projects related to areas with high biodiversity, particularly protected areas; Take measures to control environmental pollution with adverse impacts on biodiversity; limit impacst of environmental pollution to the ecosystems, species and genetic resources, particularly in watersheds and inland wetlands and coastal waters; support communities in monitoring and reporting water pollution to strengthen law enforcement. b) Control illegal hunting, trade and consumption of wild fauna and flora Encourage the broad participation of communities and mass media in the detection and prevention of illegal acts of exploitation, trafficking and consumption of wildlife; organize campaigns to against wildlife crimes and publish results on media; Improve and implement inter-sectoral coordination mechanisms between the environmental police, market management, customs, rangers, and fisheries authorities in the detection and enforcement of illegal exploitation, trafficking, and consumption of wildlife by guiding and training the management and implementation of regulations on biodiversity conservation, the identification of endangered species, the settlement of confiscated species and the investigation of crimes; Advocate and conduct awareness program to prevent the use and consumption of wildlife products nationwide towards erasement of wildlife trading; Strengthen cooperation with regional and international law enforcement networks (ASEAN WEN, Interpol) in trafficking and illegal transportation of wild plants and animals. 103MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT c) Control, halt and prevent the damage caused by invasive alien species; and enhance biosafety management of genetically modified organisms Investigate the status of invasive and potentially invasive alien species on a national scale, with particular emphasis on protected areas, agricultural areas, and forest ecosystems; Implementation of the project to prevent and control invasive alien species to 2020, under Decision 1896/QD-TTg dated 17 December 2012 of the Prime Minister; ensuring that the number of discovered invasive alien species will not increase compared to 2010; Enhance cooperation, exchange, and learning from experience on the biosafety management of genetically modified organisms, to improve technical and professional expertise of biosafety management agencies and units at all levels; Increase investment in infrastructure and resources for implementation of measures to monitor and control the risks of genetically modified organisms to the environment and biodiversity; and develop and promulgate legal documents on redress and liability in biosafety management activities of GMOs; Assessment of status of the release of GMOs and products containing GMOs to the environment, and their appreance in the market. 3.1.5. Biodiversity conservation in the context of climate change a) Identification of climate change impacts on biodiversity and promote biodiversity conservation as a means to actively respond to climate change Conduct research to assess and predict the impacts of climate change on biodiversity of Vietnam; Conduct research on the role of biodiversity in the migitation of and adaptation to climate change in vulnerable areas such as river basins, coastal areas of Red River Delta and Mekong River Delta; and take measures to increase the resilience ability of biodiversity in these regions. b) Development of biological corridors to increase connectivity among forest ecosystems and critical biodiversity areas to adapt to climate change Develop policies for the management of biodiversity corridors, defining management objectives, the use of land in biodiversity corridors, and their connection to the development of land use planning at the local level; Establish biodiversity corridors connecting protected areas, making efforts to establish 04 biodiversity corridors by 2020 and prioritize the implementation of pilot projects in the northern mountainous areas, central and western highland regions; apply mechanisms to assist financial resources for forest corridors. 104 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 c) Implementation of forest regeneration program using methods and approaches such as biodiversity conservation, enhancing carbon stock, and adaptation and mitigationof climate change Integrate biodiversity conservation targets into the implementation of the national action program on “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through efforts to limit deforestation and forest degradation, sustainable management of forest resources, and conserving and enhancing forest carbon stocks” period 2011-2020 (REDD +) approved by the Prime Minister under Decision 799/QD-TTg, dated 27 June 2012; Map areas of high biodiversity value in the REDD + program; promote the use of native species for forest enrichment and restoration in the framework of REDD+; provide information of the implementation of national action plans on REDD+ and contribute to reach two targets of biodiversity conservation and adaptation to climate change; Reduce risks to biodiversity from implementation of the REDD+program through the application of stringent social and environmental security mechanisms. 105MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 3.2. LIST OF PRIORITY PROGRAMS, PLANS AND PROJECTS NO. Name of priority project Focal agencies for preparation and submission In cooperation with Submission time 1 Plan on strengthening the institutional systems for biodiversity management Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Provincial People’s Committees 2015 2 Plan on investigation, inventory and development of a national biodiversity database Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Provincial People’s Committees, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 2016 3 Program on control of illegal exploitation, trade and consumption of endangered wildlife Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Industry and Trade 2014 4 Plan on strengthening management capacity for system of natural protected areas Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Provincial People’s Committees, Management Board of Nature Reserves 2014 5 Program on the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources Ministry of Science and Technology Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Health, and other concerned ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies 2015 6 Plan to strengthen biodiversity crime prevention Ministry of Public Security Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development 2014 7 Plan on restoration of degraded critical ecosystems Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Provincial People’s Committees 2015 106 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Figure 45. Map of biodiversity corridors planning to 2020, vision to 2030 (Source: BCA, 2013) 107MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 3.3. SOLUTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION 3.3.1. Change in behavior and awareness of state management organizations and communities towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable use Increase awareness of the agency responsible for biodiversity management; diversification of resources and mechanisms to share information with appropriate authorities at all levels; Develop policy messages about the importance of biodiversity for sustainable development, especially emphasizing the connection amongst biodiversity and economic development, ecosystem services, international tourism and human health; ensuring that policy messages are sent to the relevant authorities at central and local levels; learn international experience in biodiversity conservation and management for inter-agency steering committee for the implementation of the national biodiversity strategy by 2020 and vision to 2030; Promote information, education, and communication regularly and extensively to all organizations, individuals and communities about the importance of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; enhance the social responsibility of the business sector in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; Research and apply measures to encourage enterprise involvement in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development; Integrate biodiversity conservation content into teaching curricula, and especially extracurricular programs, for appropriate education grades; Promote and honor organizations and individuals that are outstanding role models for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; Organize awards for biodiversity conservation in the structure of the national environmental prize; focus on building “faces represents the conservation of biodiversity’; Develop and implement the provisions of social responsibility of businesses, which recognizes the value of biodiversity (economic and human health people) and contribute efforts in conservation management and sustainable use of biodiversity; Develop and implement a forum on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the mass media; Building relationships on biodiversity conservation partnership between the public and private sector; Attractive organizations: the Women’s Union of Vietnam, the Vietnam Farmers Association, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Vietnam War Veterans’ Association... and local communities to the development and implementation of plans to raise awareness on biodiversity. 108 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 3.3.2. Improve the legislative and institutional system and strengthen the capacity of law enforcement for the implementation of legal acts on biodiversity Amend, supplement and timely promulgate legal documents on biodiversity to ensure consistency and efficiency; pay attention to reviewing the sanctions for violations of provisions on biodiversity and their effectiveness; guiding the mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation into land use planning, and the planning of a number of key sectors (agriculture, forestry and fisheries) and of PPCs. Strengthen the biodiversity management system; develop and implement coordinating mechanisms between biodiversity management authorities; Reviewing functions, tasks and organizational apparatus of the state agencies involved in key biodiversity management; which include law enforcement on biodiversity conservation, information sharing mechanisms, skills and coordination. Improve the capacity forlaw enforcement services of biodiversity conservation staff from the central to local levels; diversify resources and training methods for staff in biodiversity conservation at all levels; Assess the situation and analyze needs for capacity building of state management agencies for the biodiversity conservation and management (especially the agencies and units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Protected Area Management Board) to identify lacking technical competence and professional and recommend appropriate training programs: + Consolidate and strengthen the local state biodiversity management agencies; establish biodiversity management units under the Departments of Environmental Protection and assign specialized staffing of biodiversity; + Strengthen the law enforcement onbiodiversity management and conservation, including the implementation of professional training for the enforcement of legislation on biodiversity to forest and aquatic rangers, environmental police, market management staff and custom staff; + Perform regular professional training on biodiversity conservation for the staff specialized in biodiversity who are working at provincial Departments, units, and biodiversity facilities; focusing on issues: management planning, business planning, investigation and monitoring of biodiversity; build and manage databases, skills for collection, processing and preservation of fauna and flora specimens; identification and rescue of species; geographic information system (GIS), reporting and using software of databases management...; Conduct research to establish a biodiversity monitoring network; implement biodiversity monitoring at protected areas; set up databases and establish a mechanism for reporting and information sharing between central authorities and protected areas; development of biodiversity indicator set and technical guidelines on biodiversity monitoring conformity with international standards; implementing projects piloting 109MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT biodiversity monitoring for three typical ecosystems: forest, wetland and marine. 3.3.3. Strengthen integration of biodiversity conservation in policy development Develop criteria and guidelines for integrating biodiversity conservation into the strategies, master plans and planning at national, sectoral and local levels; Improve the quality of assessments of biodiversity-related requirements during environmental impact assessments for the strategic planning and development of projects. 3.3.4. Promote scientific research, development and the application of modern technology in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Promote scientific research on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; focus research and development on the application of models for breeding and reintroduction of wild species into nature, the sustainable use of species and genetic resources, and efficient eco-tourism activities; promote the role of science and technology in promoting and improving the quality and efficiency of the economy, boosting the transition towards a green economy; Develop, acquire and transfer new technology that uses sustainable exploitation measures for natural resources and biodiversity; Participate in the World Bank’s program to develop an inventory and pricing system for ecosystem services, and promote the accounting of national natural resources; Enhance bioprospecting studies to detect genetic material and derivatives that have valuable applications for economic and social development. 3.3.5. Increase financial resources for biodiversity conservation The State shall ensure resources and budgets in accordance with the delegated level to implement activities of the Strategy; Develop and implement policies to enhance investment in biodiversity resources, especially through mechanisms such as payment for environmental services, biodiversity offsets, other financial mechanisms through the carbon market and encourage investment from the private sector; allocate environmental funds for managing natural protected areas by types and level of response required for biodiversity conservation in protected areas. Encourage and mobilize community participation and business-sector investment in biodiversity conservation; conduct research on the establishment of a biodiversity conservation fund; develop mechanisms to diversify investment sources for biodiversity conservation, particularly payments for environmental services, biodiversity offsets, and other financial mechanisms through carbon markets and private sector investment. Strengthen the support of foreign organizations and individuals in biodiversity conservation activities; particularly funding from the Global Environment Fund allocation for Vietnam in the period GEF 6 (2014 - 2018), GEF 7 (2018 - 2022) focusing support for the priority tasks of the Strategy. 110 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 3.3.6. Promote integration and international cooperation in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity a) Actively participate in and effectively implement international treaties related to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; pay much attention to biodiversity and environment protection in the negotiation and conclusion of international agreements; attract foreign investment in biodiversity conservation; b) Promote and attract foreign resources for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; propose initiatives for international cooperation, participation and effective implementation of international agreements in the field of biodiversity to which Vietnam is a member; c) Strengthen learning and exchange of resources and experiences with other countries and international organizations; promote regional and international cooperation, enhance coordination with international organizations in the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, biodiversity. 111MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT PART 4: IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS 4.1. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be responsible for: a) Assisting the Prime Minister to chair, coordinate and implement the NBSAP; b) Implementing tasks, programs, schemes and projects assigned priority; c) Developing criteria for evaluating the effective management of biodiversity conservation; guide and monitor the implementation of the strategy on a national scale; conduct a preliminary review of the Strategy by the end of 2015, and comprehensive review of the Strategy implementation by the end of 2020. d) Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall establish the interdisciplinary Steering Committee headed by the Minister of MONRE to implement this strategy. The Steering Committee include leader of MARD as the deputy head, and the members are representatives from: Office of the Government, National Assembly Office, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Information and Communications, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, Vietnam Academy of Science. 4.2. Ministry of Planning and Investment shall be responsible for: a) Allocating funds for central ministries and agencies to implement the Strategy; b) Raising funds from international donors for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. 4.3. Ministry of Finance is responsible for allocating the state budget and providing guidance on its use in the implementation of programs, projects and tasks as outlined in the Strategy. 4.4. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall preside over and perform the duties of programs, schemes and priority projects with respect to the functions and mandates of the Ministry; integrate biodiversity conservation activities into fisheries, forestry and agriculture plans, programs and projects. 4.5. Other ministries and central agencies within the scope of their responsibilities and powers, shall coordinate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and 112 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Environment and other ministries concerned to develop and implement programs, schemes, projects and tasks in accordance with the objectives, content, methods, measures and solutions in the strategy. 4.6. Provincial People’s Committees and centrally-managed cities shall be responsible for: a) Implementing the Strategy in accordance with the guidance of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; b) Developing and implementing Provincial Biodiversity Action Plans to detail the tasks set out under the National Strategy; c) Allocating and efficiently using appropriate local resources, sourced by the central government, to implement the strategy; Proactively and actively mobilizing financial and human resources to implement the strategy; mainstreaming the implementation of national biodiversity strategy into other relevant strategies; mainstreaming of biodiversity into making socio-economic policy; regularly checking the implementation of strategies at provinces; performing annual reporting on implementation of the strategy in the province according to regulations. 4.7. District People’s Committees District People’s Committees shall organize the implementation of the Strategy in their local areas under the guidance of the Provincial People’s Committee, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other related ministries and agencies; actively mobilizing financial and human resources to implement biodiversity conservation; integrating the effective implementation of biodiversity conservation into socio-economic development activities as well as other transportation planning and development activities in their local areas; regularly inspecting the implementation of biodiversity conservation in their local areas; and annually reporting on their local areas as prescribed. 4.8. Business community Enterprises shall be responsible for strictly complying with laws and regulations on biodiversity; participating and actively making proposals, and implementing programs and projects on biodiversity conservation. 4.9. According to their own functions, socio-political organizations, social organizations, and social vocational services will be actively involved in monitoring conservation activities and sustainable use of biodiversity. 113MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT REFFERENCES In Vietnamese 1. Report No. 128/CP-BC dated on August 9, 2011 of the Government; Completion report of the project “5 million hectares reforestration” and forest protection and development during the period 2001-2010. 2. BCA, WWF, University of Stockholm, 2013; Mapping of ecosystems in Vietnam, Hanoi Vietnam 3. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2004; Program on the conservation of biodiversity in Trung Truong Son eco-region in the period 2004-2020. 4. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2006; Report on checking SUF system planning. 5. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2006; Forestry development strategy 2006-2020. 6. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and World Wildlife Fund; Protected Area Management Strategy by 2010. 7. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2015; Project on coastal forest protection and development to adapt to climate change in the period 2015 - 2020 8. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 1995; the Biodiversity Action Plan 9. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2011; Statement of Environment 2010: A report on biodiversity. 10. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2013; the National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, vision to 2030. 11. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Environmental Protection Agency; Statement of 10-year implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan to 2010, and orientation to 2020. 12. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2006; Overview of mangrove forest in Vietnam. 13. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2007; “National Biodiversity Action Plan to 2010 and orientation towards 2020 for the implementation of the Convention on Biodiversity and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety”. 14. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2011; Statement of 3-year implementation of the Decision 79 (BAP 2007). 15. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2012; Climate change and sea level rise scenarios for Vietnam. 114 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 16. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2014; 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity 17. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2014; the two-year report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 18. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2014; National Biodiversity Conservation Master Plan to 2020 and orientation to 2030. 19. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment - Biodiversity Conservation Agency, 2014; the report “Assessment of current financing for biodiversity conservation and financial needs for implementation of the prioritized programs and projects of the National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, Vision to 2030 “ 20. Socio-Economic Development Strategy for the period 2011-2020 21. Project JICA/VEA/BCA-NBDS, 2015; NBDS Project Newsletter No. 10. 22. Nguyen Quang Hung et al, 2010; Report on“Research and assessment of fishery resources and biodiversity in some typical mangrove areas forreasonable exploitation and sustainable development”; Research Institute of Fisheries. 23. Nguyen Thi Minh Huyen et al, 2010; Study on the application of economic evaluation of natural resources in some typical coastal ecosystems in Vietnam and proposed solutions for sustainable use; Completion Report; Vietnam Institute of Science and Technology. 24. Nguyen Thi Minh Huyen et al, 2010; Study on the application of economic evaluation of natural resources in some typical coastal ecosystems in Hai Phong and proposed solutions for sustainable use, Completion Report; Hai Phong Department of Science and Technology. 25. Mant, R., Swan. S., Anh, H.V., Phương, V.T., Thành, L.V., Sơn, V.T., Bertzky, M., Ravilious, C., Thorley, J., Trumper, K., Miles, L., 2013; Mapping the potential for REDD + to deliver biodiversity conservation in Vietnam: Preliminary analysis; developed by UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK; and SNV, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 26. Nguyen Ngoc Lung, Do Xuan Quat, Nguyen Dinh Sam et al., 2010; Final report on Ecological Zoning of Forestry in Vietnam; documents of the UN-REDD and RECFEE. 27. Pham, TT, Moeliono, M., Nguyen, TH, Nguyen, HT, Vu, TH, 2012; The context of REDD + in Vietnam: Causes, actors and institutions; Thematic Report 77; CIFOR; Bogor, Indonesia. 28. Pham Xuan Phuong, Doan Diem, Le Khac Coi, Le Hong Hanh, Tran Quang Bao, Nguyen Quoc Dung, 2013; Assessment report of 10-year implementation of the Law on Forest Protection and Development 2004; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developmentand Forestry Sector Support Partnership (FSSP). 29. Tran Duc Thanh, 2015; Discussion on Vietnam coastal zoning; Magazine of Marine Science and Technology; Volume 15, Number 1; 2015: pp. 1-12. 30. https://onthidialy.wordpress.com/2014/11/23/huong-dan-su-dung-atlat-dia-li-viet-nam trang-dong-vat-va-thuc-vat-tr-12 115MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT In English 1. BirdLife International, Conservation International, & the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (2013). Key Biodiversity Areas of Vietnam. BirdLife International, Cambridge, and Conservation International, Arlington. 2. Carew-Reid, Jeremy, Josh Kempinski and Alison Clausen (2010). Biodiversity and Development of the Hydropower Sector: Lessons from the Vietnamese Experience – Volume I: Review of the Effects of Hydropower Development on Biodiversity in Vietnam. ICEM – International Centre for Environmental Management, Prepared for the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, Hanoi, Viet Nam. 3. Epprecht, M. And Robinson, T. P. (Eds.). Agricultural Atlas of Vietnam. A Depiction of the 2001 Rural Agriculture and Fisheries Census. Rom and Hanoi PPLPI of FAO of UN and GSO. Government of Vietnam. 4. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2011) NBSAP training modules version 2.1 – Module 1 - An Introduction to National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. 5. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2011) NBSAP training modules version 2.1 – Module 2 - The Biodiversity Planning Process: How to Prepare or Update a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. 6. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2011) NBSAP training modules version 2.1 - Module 3 - Mainstreaming biodiversity into national sectoral and cross-sectoral strategies, polices, plans and programs. 7. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2011) NBSAP training modules version 2.1 – Module 4 - Setting National Biodiversity Targets in line with the Framework of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, including Aichi Biodiversity Targets. 8. GEF, UNEP, CBD, 2007. Module B-5 - Ensuring stakeholder engagement in the development, implementation and updating of NBSAPs. 9. Joao S. de Queiroz, Daniel Griswold, Nguyen Duc Tu and Patrick Hall (2013). Vietnam tropical forest and Biodiversity assessment. US Foreign Assistance Act, Section 118/119 Report August, 2013. 10. Tordoff, A.W., M.C. Baltzer, J.R. Fellowes, J.D. Pilgrim & P.F. Langhammer (2012). Key Biodiversity Areas in the Indo-Burma Hotspot: Process, Progress and Future Directions. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(8): 2779–2787. 11. UNEP-WCMC, (2008). Carbon and biodiversity: a demonstration atlas. Eds. Kapos V., Ravilious C., Campbell A., Dickson B., Gibbs H., Hansen M., Lysenko I., Miles L., Price J., Scharlemann J.P.W., Trumper K. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK. 116 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Appendix1: PROCESS OF THE NBSAP DEVELOPMENT In response to the calls of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) for the development, adjustment, and update of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity in the period 2011 2020, MONRE in cooperation with national and international experts, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), developed the Project “Developing the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation into Provincial Planning”. One of the main goals of the project is to support the development and promote the issuance of the National BiodiversityStrategy to 2020, vision to 2030. While the Global Environment Facility Secretariat (GEF SEC) was considering the project approval, the Government of Vietnam requested special attention to develop the new NBSAP, which provides meaningful direction for biodiversity conservation in Vietnam. Accordingly, on July 9, 2011, MONRE approved the establishment of the Drafting Committee and Editorial Group for the new NBSAP development under Decision No. 1426/ QD-BTNMT. The Drafting Committee has 28 members and the Editorial Group has 19 members from the following agencies: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Education and Training, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Information and Communications, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Construction, Government Office, Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, and National Assembly Office. The Strategy undergone two name changes. Firstly, it was titled “The National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 and National Biodiversity Action Plan to 2015”. Finally, it was changed to “The National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, vision to 2030” after the Drafting Committee meeting on the orientation of development of the NBSAP on March 23, 2012. Some milestones in the process of developing the Strategy: 1. August 2012: Selected an international expert to provide technical assistance for the NBSAP development as Dr Scott Perkin, RIT Senior Manager, Natural Resources Group, Asia IUCN, who has many years of experience working for IUCN in the field of biodiversity conservation. 117MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 2. October 2012 –April 2013: Established and organized three expert groups to assess the status of: (i) Policy and institutions; (ii) Ecosystems; (iii) Species and genetic resources; and develop three thematic reports. 3. October 2012 –March 2013: Organized consultations with stakeholders by direct interview and discussion at workshops and sent official correspondence to related agencies requesting their input in order to determine key issues of the Strategy. • Organized technical meetings with MARD (VNFOREST, VN Fisheries Administration); MOST (Department of Science, Society and Nature Management); • Organized consultation workshops in Hanoi, Tam Dao, Ba Vi, and Tan Da Resort with the participation of related agencies, national and international NGOs and experts; • Organized consultation workshops with the participation of related departmentsand PA management boards in provinces nationwide, of which, one workshop was organized in Da Nang (for the South) and one workshop was organized in Hanoi (for the North); • Received the official comments from related Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and Provincial People’s Committees for the draft strategy. The draft strategy was also published on the website of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to collect public opinions. 4. On May 28, 2013: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment officially submitted the Strategy to the Prime Minister for approval (Letter of Statement No. 47/TTr - BTNMT May 28, 2013). A summary report of the comments collected from related agencies and units was attached together with the Letter. 5. March – July 2013: Organized seminars with the Government Office (Department of Science and Education, and Literacy), for editing and finalizing the Strategy. 6. On July 31, 2013: The Prime Minister officially signed the Decision number 1250/QĐ-TTg approving the National Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, vision to 2030. 118 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 This table provides only a crude estimate of the extent to which the 59 projects recommended by the 1995 NBSAP have been achieved. Of the policy projects, eight out of 11 are accomplished or in progress, and of the management and conservation projects, 24 out of 33 are accomplished or in progress. Of the complementary projects, only five out of 15 are accomplished or in progress, but this reflects uneven progress with ex-situ conservation projects. Overall, 37 of the 59 projects (63%) are accomplished or in progress. However, success in this case is defined as whether the project outputs have been achieved, such as a new policy issued or a protected area established. What is missing is an assessment of the project outcomes, for example the extent to which people’s behaviour has changed or conditions on the ground have improved. Nearly all the available evidence indicates that conservation conditions have deteriorated since 1995, notably in terms of the deteriorating threatened status of many species and the loss of natural habitats both inside and outside of protected areas. Outputs therefore give a misleading impression of the extent to which the recommendations of the 1995 NBSAP have been successfully implemented. Appendix 2: IMPLEMENTATION OF BAP 1995 AND 2007 119MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Review of Implementation of BAP1995 Project Categories Approaches Projects Progress (1 = Accomplished, 2 = In Progress, 3 = Not Started) Policy Programs: 4/11 Accomplished 4/11 In Progress 3/11 Not Started Policy Tools Institutional review 1 Strengthening law enforcement 2 Policy research 1 Participation and Expanded Players Training NGOs in biodiversity conservation 1 Develop provincial biodiversity plans 2 Traditional Approaches Traditional natural resource use study 2 Protection of traditional medicine resources 3 Marine Issues Enforcement of fisheries regulations 3 Marine pollution monitoring and control 3 Regional Biodiversity Forest product border control 1 Regional biodiversity issues 2 Management and Conservation Projects: 17/33 Achieved 7/33 In Progress 6/33 Not Started Conservation and Management Management of Vu Quang NR 3 Management of Cat Tien NP 1 Management of Bach Ma NP 1 Management of Ba Be/NaHang Biodiversity Areas 3 Management of Thuong Da Nhim Nature Reserve 1 Management of Chu Yang Sinh Nature Reserve 2 Protection of important wetland sites 3 Conservation of Hoang Lien Son Mountains 1 Conservation of HoKe Go Forests Conservation of Red River Delta wetlands 2 Management of CauHai Tam Giang lagoons 1 120 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Management and Conservation Projects: 17/33 Achieved 7/33 In Progress 6/33 Not Started Management of Chu Mom Ray NP Management of Cat Ba NP 1 Protection of Da Lat forests 1 Protected Area Establishment Establish Pu Mat NR 2 Conservation of biodiversity in Annamese lowlands and Da Lat plateau 1 Establish coral reef PAs 2 Establish coastal marine PAs 1 Establish MuongNhe NR 1 Buffer Zones and Community Projects Integrated coastal zone management 2 Yok Don integrated conservation 1 Buffer zone management 1 Rehabilitation Rehabilitation of degraded mangroves in Ca Mau 1 Midlands restoration research 2 Human Approaches Capacity building for biodiversity conservation 1 Cuc Phuong training development 1 Promoting non-damaging fishing methods 2 Wetlands conservation strategy 1 Models for management of uncontrolled migration - Dak Lak 3 Investigation of status of offshore fisheries resources 3 Scientific training on marine environment abroad 3 Ecotourism and protection of Ba Ra forests 3 121MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Complimentary Actions: 2/15 Accomplished 3/15 In Progress 7/15 Not Started Ex-situ and Scientific Methods Establishment of national gene bank of useful plants Culture of rare and depleted marine species 3 Zoological facility management strategy Upgrading botanic gardens Wildlife farming pilot projects 1 Traditional Approaches Village biodiversity development 3 Research on suitable methods for reforestation and regeneration 2 Conservation of agricultural biodiversity 3 Databases and Habitat Monitoring Natural habitat monitoring programme 3 Establishment of national biodiversity database 3 Marine biodiversity database 3 Biodiversity of Ke Bang Karst 1 Public Awareness Public awareness of marine conservation 2 Biodiversity public awareness campaign 2 Development of biodiversity awareness center 3 122 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Review of the implementation of Biodiversity Action Plan in 2007 On May 31, 2007, the Prime Minister approved the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP 2007) under the Decision No.79/2007/QĐ-TTg. After three years of BAP implementation, MONRE organized the review of its implementation to report to the Government. In late 2010 and early 2011, the Biodiversity Conservation Agency under the Vietnam Environment Administration, MONRE, developed a report on the review of three-year implementation of Decision 79 (BAP 2007) to submit to the Prime Minister. The below table is a summary of the achieved and not yet achieved goals. Goals by 2010 Achievements Not yet achieved a. Conservation and development of terrestrial biodiversity. Consolidate, improve and develop the system of special-use forests (to contribute to forest cover rate: 42 – 43%); Forest cover reached 39.5% in 2010; and 41.5% in 2014 Have not reached the forest cover goal (42-43%). Classification system of protected areas is inconsistent. Protected areas did not meet the actual requirements. Rehabilitate 50% of the degraded watershed area; Between 2006-2008, 620,188 hectares of forest (of which, 139,625 hectares was protection and special-use forest, and 480,563 hectares was production forest) has been newly planted. Natural forests with high biological diversity are still being exploited and declining more than before. Particularly in Quang Nam province, from 2007 to 2009, approximately 600 hectares of natural forest was lost. In some mountainous provinces, the watersheds of major rivers have forest cover below 50%; for example: Lai Chau (39.2%), Lang Son (46.33% in 2008), and Lao Cai (48.2%). Chances of complete recovery of species-rich forests are low since these forests have been fragmented and isolated. Effective protection of animals and plants that are precious, rare and are in danger of extinction; There have been some successful attempts in breeding many species of wildlife and rare animals, including black python, gold python, long tailed macaque, cobra, wild pig, spotted deer, tortoise, turtle, and freshwater crocodiles. Some types of fish are being bred in large numbers, such as Semilabeo notabilis, giant barb. 123MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Three Nature Reserves were recognized as World Natural Heritage Areas or Biosphere Reserves. Five nature reserves have been recognized as ASEAN Heritage Parks. Three Biosphere Reserves were recognized after the promulgation of Decision 79 (BAP 1987): Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve (recognized in September 2007), and Ca Mau and Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserves (recognized in May 2009). No further protected areas have been recognized as ASEAN Heritage Parks, except for the four protected areas that have been recognized previously. b. Conservation and development of wetland and marine biodiversity Increase the toal area of wetland and marine protected areas that are of national and international importance to over 1.2 million hectares; The total area of wetland protected and marine protected areas have yet to reach the target of 1.2 million hectares by 2010 in Decision 79. There are no wetland/inland water protected areas Restored 200,000 hectares of mangroves; Mangrove forest area reached 130,000 ha in 2012 The mangrove forest area has not yet achieved the targeted coverage. Establishment of five wetland areas that meet the conditions and requirements to be recognized as wetlands of international importance (Ramsar sites). Only four Ramsar sites have been recognized after the Decision 79 (BAP 2007): Ba Be - Bac Kan (2011); Tram Chim - Dong Thap (2012); Mui Ca Mau (2013); and Con Dao National Park (2014) Has not yet met the target of five Ramsar sites c. Conservation and development of agricultural biodiversity Announce and complete the conservation system to effectively conserve crop varieties, animal breeds, native agricultural microoganisms, etc. that are rare, valuable and possess high socio economic values. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has built gene banks and DNA gene bank of rare animals; a national resource conservation system of plant genetics has been formed with the Plant Resource Centre as a focal point, along with a nationwide network of 19 agencies; conserved and utilized more than 20,000 samples of nearly 250 varieties of crops; collected 7,275 biological samples of cattle, goats, pigs and chickens in Ha Giang province; and 8,014 spotted deer were numbered and tracked in Nghe An and Ha Tinh. 124 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 From 2007 to 2010, Ministry of Industry and Trade preserved and safely stored the genetic resources of some plant species such as samples of 246 varieties (of which there are 118 oil varieties, 61 cotton varieties, 10 grape varieties, and 35 pulpwood varieties). d. Sustainable use of biological resources Establish and develop models for sustainable use of biological resources; control, prevent and eliminate the exploitation, trading and consumption of precious wild flora and fauna that are rare and endangered Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has developed several community-based conservation models. Overall, the management and control of trade, transport and illegal consumption of rare and precious wild animal and plant species has been enhanced. The number of violations remains high every year. According to the statistics from the Forest Protection Department and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in January 2011, confisticated forest products in 2010 included 1,352,350m3 of rare round wood, 2,110,220 m3 of rare sawn wood, and 12,936 wild animals, of which 508 were rare and endangered. Monitor, evaluate and prevent the spread of invasive alien species; From 2007 to 2010, the ministries and agencies have coordinated management and control of invasive alien species. Specifically, in 2009 the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued Circular No. 53/2009/TT-BNN dated 21/08/2009 on the management of invasive aquatic species in Vietnam. Some problems have arised; for example, 40 tons of red eared slider turtles were imported (approximately 25,660 turtles) to make fresh food in Can Tho. Testing 100% of the imported breeds, species, and genetic reesources. In 2009, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development conducted testing on 254,835 imported consignments which weighed 21.68 million tons, and licensed 231 domestic imports of livestock and feed such as pigs, cows, goats, chickens, and other poultry, as well as 989 imports of animal feed and feed ingredients. 1,077 pest samples have been evaluated and no phytosanitary sample has been found. Investigated 217 warehouses with 636,105 tons of goods and found one Mexican bean beetle outbreak on white beans in Quang Ninh. 125MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT e. Strengthening the capacity of state management of biodiversity and biosafety Consolidate and strengthen administrative capacity for the system of state institutions, especially the national coordinating agencies and competent authorities in the system of biodiversity and biosafety; meet the management requirements for these two areas. The Prime Minister has approved the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the three main bodies that perform state management of biodiversity and biosafety as Vietnam Environment Administration (Decision 132/2008/ QD-TTg dated 30/9/2008), the Vietnam Forestry Administration (Decision 04/2010/QD-TTg dated 25/01/2010), and the Vietnam Fisheries Administration (Decision 05/2010/QD-TTg dated 25/01/2010). The system of state management agencies on biodiversity is weak, with many duplications and overlapping functions and tasks of the ministries and sectors. Develop and improve the system of mechanisms, policies and legal documents on the management of biodiversity and biosafety. The system of mechanisms, policies and legal documents on the management of biodiversity and biosafety has been developed and is being refined, especially the Law on Biological Diversity adopted by the National Assembly on 13/11/2008; The Decree detailing and guiding the implementation of some articles of the Law on Biodiversity (No. 65/2010/ND-CP of June 13, 2010); the Decree on biosafety for genetically modified organisms, genetic specimens and genetically modified organism products (Decree 69/2010/ND-CP dated 06/21/2010); Decision No. 1479/QD-TTg dated 13/10/2008 approving the planning of the inland water protected areas system by 2020; Decision No. 742/QD-TTg dated 26/05/2010 approving the planning of marine protected areas system by 2020; Many other related circulars of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Ministry of Science and Technology have been issued. There is still a lack of legal documents guiding the implementation of the Law on Biodiversity 126 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Strengthening the facilities and technical support focused on training and building capacity of staff to meet professional requirements on biodiversity conservation and biosafety management; Organize training courses on biodiversity conservation and development, and biosafety management for ministries, sectors, provinces, socio political organizations, and non governmental organizations. The scientific and technology research activities from 2005 2010 were mainly in the framework of the environment mission (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Management), and the research program (Ministry of Science and Technology Management) was strongly implemented, focusing on the important issues of the baseline survey and conservation. Many trials have been successful and are being institutionalized into policies to apply across the country, such as payment mechanisms for forest environmental services, and the development of biodiversity corridors. The survey results and species studies have discovered and described hundreds of new species for Vietnam and for science. Limited resources for conservation; Failure to develop priority programs and projects. Communication and education to raise public awareness about conservation, development and sustainable use of biodiversity; strive for more than 50% of the population to be able to regularly access information on biodiversity and biosafety, and consulted in giving certification on biosafety; Multiple issues on biodiversity conservation and biosafety have been mainstreamed in the activities of environmental protection at the national and local levels, such as biodiversity research; Many communication materials that disseminate knowledge and raise awareness on biosafety have been developed and disseminated to management officials, public servants, and the public in the provinces; Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into other sectors is still limited. 127MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT The media andcentral and local level communication agencies have actively broadcast information on environmental protection and the conservation and development of biodiversity in order to raise public awareness and the sense of responsibility. Ensure 100% genetically modified organisms and their products and goods which are placed on the market have passed risk assessments in Vietnam, and that they are tagged, monitored and supervised as prescribed by law On November 3, 2014, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment issued Decision No. 2485 and 2486/QD-BTNMT certifying the biosafety of genetically modified maize GA21 (Syngenta Vietnam Co. Ltd. ) and NK603 (Dekalb Vietnam company Limited). In March 2014, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development officially recognized three genetically modified maize varieties NK66 Bt; NK66 NK66 GT and Bt/Gt of Syngenta, and allowed commercial production of these in Vietnam. 128 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Appendix 3: RELEVANCE BETWEEN THE NBSAP AND AICHI BIODIVERSITy TARGETS Targets, Tasks and Solutions of the NBSAP Aichi Targets I. Targets 1) To improve the quality and increase the area of protected ecosystems, ensuring that the area of terrestrial protected areas accounts for 9% of the total territorial area; marine protected areas account for 0.24% of the sea area, forest coverage reaches 45%,and primary forest remains at 0.57 million hectares, coupled with effective protection plans; mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs are maintained at the current levels; 15% of degraded critical ecosystems are restored; the number of internationally recognized protected areas are increased to 10 Ramsar wetlands, 10 Biosphere Reserves, and 10 ASEAN Heritage Parks. B, C, D 2) To improve the quality and populations of endangered, rare and precious species, ensuring that no new case of species extinction is reported, and significantly improve the status of endangered, rare and threatened species B, C, D 3) To compile an inventory, and to store and conserve native, endangered, rare and precious genetic resources (including animals, plants and microorganisms) to ensure that they are not impaired or eroded. B, C, D II. Tasks 1) Conservation of natural ecosystems B5; B10, C11, C12; D14,15 129MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT a) Consolidate and complete the system of natural protected areas: Identify critical ecosystems and prepare plans for expanding the system of protected areas; continue to implement the plan to establish marine and wetland protected areas; establish biodiversity corridors connecting natural habitats of endangered, rare, and precious species prioritized for protection; Conduct a comprehensive review of biodiversity–related provisions in the current legal documents, and make proposals for amendments, revisions, and adjustments to ensure consistency; conduct research on institutional structures to propose a model for one single management authority for protected areas, highlighting the involvement of and benefits to the communities living in the buffer zones; Improve the management system for protected areas, ensuring they are all established with a Management Board; review and improve the functions, tasks, and organizational activities and take measures to enhance the capacity of Management Boards; implement policies creating incentives for staffs working at protected areas; upgrade necessary infrastructure to support managerial activities; provide field equipment for all protected areas, including biodiversity monitoring and reporting systems; Develop and improve regulations on the decentralization, ranking and classification of protected areas, and the procedure for establishing new protected areas; prepare and implement management and financial plans, monitoring and regulations for the management of natural protected areas, with the target to have these in place for all protected areas by 2015; Conduct investigations and assess the values and ecosystem services of natural protected areas; Develop long-term plans for investment in the buffer zones of protected areas and implement a sustainable economic development model for households in these zones. B5, C11, C12, D14, D15 130 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 b) Conservation of ecosystems of national and international significance: Investigate, review and map ecological regions, identifying areas of high biodiversity value, degraded areas, and sensitive areas; Conduct research, collect statistical data to assess the situation, and develop a data bank and maps of natural wetlands, seagrass beds, coral reefs and other typical natural ecosystems; Strengthen protection activities in primary forests, and take measures to prevent deforestation and illegal logging in natural forests, special use forests, and protection forests; Continue to implement forest regeneration and afforestation programs, take measures to enrich forests with native plants, and promote the active prevention of forest fires and increase fire response capacity for all forest levels; Continue to implement the targets and tasks in the mangrove forest restoration program under Decision 405/TTg-KTN dated 16 March 2009; Prepare and implement the national plan for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands with priority given to critical river basins; Implement measures to protect and restore coral reefs and sea grass ecosystems of appropriate scale and scope; Prepare and implement a plan to nominate protected areas for international recognition, including wetlands of international importance, Biosphere Reserves, and ASEAN Heritage Parks. Develop and issue guidelines for the management of internationally recognized protected areas; and implement policies to support capacity building for effective management of these areas. B5, B10, C11, D14, D15 2) Conservation of wild and domestic endangered, rare and precious species of plants and animals C12,13 131MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT a) Prevent the decline of threatened wildlife species, particularly endangered, rare and precious species prioritized for protection: Continue to effectively implement the targets and tasks of the program to protect rare and precious aquatic species at risk of extinction to 2015, with a vision to 2020, attached to Decision 485/QD-TTg dated 2 May 2008 of the Prime Minister; Investigate, monitor, periodically update and publish the list of endangered, rare and precious species prioritized for protection; Implement conservation programs for endangered, rare and precious wild species prioritized for protection, with special priority given to endangered large mammals: elephants, tigers, saola and primates; Investigate and assess the status of endangered, rare and precious fauna and flora; periodically update, compile, and publish the Vietnam Red Book. C12 b) Conservation of rare and precious species of native agricultural crops, livestock, and their wild relatives: Take measures to conserve agricultural crop varieties, livestock and their wild relatives; increase the number of samples of crop varieties that are stored and preserved in gene banks; Review, assess, and improve the effectiveness of the program for on farm conservation of rare and precious crop varieties and livestock breeds; Continue to implement the national ex-situ and in-situ gene bank conservation program, for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of rare and precious plant varieties, livestock and microorganisms. C13 132 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 c) Develop, consolidate and enhance the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation facilities: Assess the current status of ex-situ conservation facilities (zoos, botanic gardens, wildlife captive breeding facilities, medicinal plant gardens, gene banks, animal rescue centers); take measures to improve the effectiveness of ex-situ conservation; Accelerate the construction of the Vietnam Natural Museum in accordance with the Decision 86/QD-TTg dated 20 April 2006 of the Prime Minister; Establish a network of rescue centers across the country to ensure the needs of rescued wildlife species by region and category; prioritize investment in upgrading established rescue centers; Upgrade the Center of Plant Genetic Resources to become a National Plant Gene Bank that meets international standards. C12, C13 3) Sustainable use, fair and equitable access, and sharing of benefits derived from ecosystems and biodiversity A3, A4, B7, C11, C12, C13, D14,16 a) Sustainable use of ecosystems: Conduct research, develop guidelines and pilot the economic valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services; Improve the policies and institutions to implement payments for the environmental services of forests at a national scale; pilot a policy for payments for environmental services applicable to marine ecosystems and wetlands; Replicate a model for the management of protected areas involving community participation, and implement mechanisms to share benefits in an equitable way amongst involved parties; Develop and enforce the regulations on ecological tourism in Vietnam; Develop and implement policies to support production of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products that meet international standards for the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. A3, A4, B7, C11, D14, D16, E18 133MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT b) Sustainable use of species and genetic resources: Investigate, record and take measures to protect and develop valuable non-timber forest products (NTFP), especially medicinal and ornamental plants; effectively control the unconstrained exploitation and cross-border trafficking of wild species; Promulgate policies and guidelines on breeding, farming and trading of common wild species; B7, C12, C13 c) Establish a mechanism for conservation, access and benefit sharing of genetic resources: Conduct research and develop regulations guiding a mechanism for access to and benefit sharing of genetic resources; pilot models for access and benefit sharing focusing on the interests of communities; Collect, document, and develop a geographic directory, and take measures to conserve traditional knowledge of genetic resources; Develop and implement the action plan for capacity building to implement the Nagoya Protocol project. D16, E18 4) Control activities that have a negative impact on biodiversity A2, A3, A4; B6,7,8,9, C12 a) Control activities considered unsustainable or causing environmental pollution such as conversion of land and water surface area use and agricultural practices: Control the conversion of natural forest land use and water surface area with conservation value, to minimize negative impacts on biodiversity; Limit over-exploitation and changes to fishing, harvesting, and breeding practices of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products; Take measures to control environmental pollution with adverse impacts on biodiversity. A2, A3, A4, B6, B7, B8 134 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 b) Control illegal hunting, trade and consumption of wild fauna and flora: Encourage the broad participation of communities and mass media in the detection and prevention of illegal acts of exploitation, trafficking and consumption of wildlife; Improve and implement inter-sectoral coordination mechanisms between the environmental police, market management, customs, rangers, and fisheries authorities in the detection and enforcement of illegal exploitation, trafficking, and consumption of wildlife; Advocate and conduct awareness program to prevent the use and consumption of wildlife products nationwide; Strengthen cooperation with regional and international law enforcement networks (ASEAN WEN, Interpol) in trafficking and illegal transportation of wild plants and animals. A1, A4, C12 c) Control, halt and prevent damage caused by invasive alien species; enhance biosafety management of genetically modified organisms: Investigate the status of invasive and potentially invasive alien species on a national scale, with particular emphasis on protected areas, agricultural areas, and forest ecosystems; Implementation of the project to prevent and control invasive alien species to 2020, under Decision 1896/QD-TTg dated 17 December 2012 of the Prime Minister; Enhance cooperation, exchange, and learning from experience on the biosafety management of genetically modified organisms, to improve technical and professional expertise of biosafety management agencies and units at all levels; Increase investment in infrastructure and resources for implementation of measures to monitor and control the risks of genetically modified organisms to the environment and biodiversity; develop and promulgate legal documents on redress and liability in biosafety management activities of GMOs. B9 135MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 5) Biodiversity conservation in the context of climate change B10, C11, D15 a) Identify climate change impacts on biodiversity and promote biodiversity conservation as a means to actively respond to climate change: Conduct research to assess and predict impacts of climate change on biodiversity of Vietnam; Conduct research on the role of biodiversity in migitation of and adaptation to climate change in vulnerable areas such as river basins, coastal areas of the Red River Delta and Mekong River Delta; take measures to increase resilience ability of biodiversity in these regions. B10 b) Develop biodiversity corridors to increase connectivity between forest ecosystems and critical biodiversity areas to adapt to climate change: Develop policies for the management of biodiversity corridors, defining management objectives, the use of land in biodiversity corridors, and their connection to the development of land use planning at the local level; Establish biodiversity corridors connecting protected areas, and prioritize implementation of pilot projects in the northern mountainous areas, central and western highland regions; C11 136 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 c) Implement forest regeneration programs using methods and approaches such as biodiversity conservation, enhance carbon storage, and climate change adaptation and mitigation: Integrate biodiversity conservation targets into the implementation of the national action program on “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through efforts to limit deforestation and forest degradation, sustainable management of forest resources, and conserving and enhancing forest carbon stocks” period 2011-2020 (REDD+) approved by the Prime Minister under Decision 799/QD-TTg, dated 27 June 2012; Map areas of high biodiversity value in the REDD + program; promote the use of native species for forest enrichment and restoration in the framework of REDD+; Reduce risks to biodiversity from implementation of the REDD+ program through the application of stringent social and environmental security mechanisms. C11, D15 III. Solutions 1) Change behavior and awareness of state management organizations and communities towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable use A1,2,3,4 Increase awareness of the agency responsible for biodiversity management; diversification of resources and mechanisms to share information with appropriate authorities at all levels; A1 Promote information, education, and communication regularly and extensively to all organizations, individuals and communities about the importance of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; enhance the social responsibility of the business sector in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; A1, A4 Integrate biodiversity conservation content into teaching curricula, and especially extracurricular programs, for appropriate education grades; A1, A2 Promote and honor organizations and individuals that are outstanding role models for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; A3 Develop and implement a forum on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the mass media. A1 137MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 2) Improve the legislative and institutional system and strengthen the capacity of law enforcement for the implementation of legal acts on biodiversity: A4; E17, E19 Amend, supplement and timely promulgate legal documents on biodiversity to ensure consistency and efficiency; A4, E17 Strengthen the biodiversity management system; develop and implement coordinating mechanisms between biodiversity management authorities; A4 Improve the capacity for law enforcement services of biodiversity conservation staff from the central to local levels; diversify resources and training methods for staff in biodiversity conservation at all levels; A4 Conduct research to establish a biodiversity monitoring network; implement biodiversity monitoring at protected areas; set up databases and establish a mechanism for reporting and information sharing between central authorities and protected areas; A2, E19 3) Strengthen the integration of biodiversity conservation in policy development A2; A4 Develop criteria and guidelines for integrating biodiversity conservation into the strategies, master plans and planning at national, sectoral and local levels; A2 Improve the quality of assessments of biodiversity-related requirements during environmental impact assessments for the strategic planning and development of projects. A2, A4 4) Promote scientific research, development and the application of modern technology in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity A4, D16, E19 Promote scientific research on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; focus research and development on the application of models for breeding and re-introduction of wild species into nature, the sustainable use of species and genetic resources, and efficient eco-tourism activities; E19 Develop, acquire and transfer new technology that uses sustainable exploitation measures for natural resources and biodiversity; A4, E19 138 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Participate in the World Bank’s program to develop an inventory and pricing system for ecosystem services, and promote the accounting of national natural resources; E19 Enhance bioprospecting studies to detect genetic material and derivatives that have valuable applications for economic and social development. D16 5) Increase financial resources for biodiversity conservation E20 The State shall ensure resources and budgets in accordance with the delegated level to implement activities of the Strategy; E20 Encourage and mobilize community participation and business sector investment in biodiversity conservation; conduct research on the establishment of a biodiversity conservation fund; develop mechanisms to diversify investment sources for biodiversity conservation, particularly payments for environmental services, biodiversity offsets, and other financial mechanisms through carbon markets and private sector investment. E20 Strengthen the support of foreign organizations and individuals in biodiversity conservation activities. E20 6) Promote integration and international cooperation in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity: E17, E20 Actively participate in and effectively implement international treaties related to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; E17 Promote and attract foreign resources for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; E20 Strengthen learning and exchange of resources and experiences with other countries and international organizations. E17 139MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT A p p en d ix 4 : LI S T O F P R O TE C TE D A R EA S , B IO D IV ER S IT y FA C IL IT IE S A N D B IO D IV ER S IT y C O R R ID O R S 4. 1. L IS T O F P R O T E C T E D A R E A S (i ss ue d to ge th er w ith D ec is io n 11 07 /Q D B TN M T da te d M ay 1 2, 2 01 5 of th e M in is te r o f N at ur al R es ou rc e an d E nv iro nm en t p ro m ul ga tin g th e Li st o f P ro te ct ed A re as u nd er L aw o n B io di ve rs ity ) N o. P ro te ct ed A re a P ro vi nc e R eg io n A re a (h a) E st ab lis he d be fo re or a ft er L aw o n bi od iv er si ty c om e to ef fe ct iv e Le ve l o f bi od iv er si ty pr ot ec tio n M an ag em en t Le ve l N ot e B ef or e A ft er I N A TI O N A L PA R K (N P ) 1 B a B e B ac K an N E 10 ,0 48 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 2 B ai T u Lo ng Q ua ng N in h N E 15 ,7 83 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 3 C at B a H ai ph on g N E 16 ,1 96 .8 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 4 Ta m D ao V in h P hu c N E 15 ,2 70 .7 X N at io na l C en tr al Fo rw ar de d to N P To ta l a re a: 2 9, 51 5. 03 h a Th ai N gu ye n N E 11 ,4 46 .6 Tu ye n Q ua ng N E 6, 16 0 5 Xu an S on P hu T ho N E 15 ,0 48 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 140 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 6 P hi a D en P hi a O ac C ao B an g N E 12 ,2 61 X (e st ab lis he d as N R ) N ot es ts ab lis he d as N P N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Tr an sf er fr om N at ur al R es er ve s (N R ) t o N P 7 H oa ng L ie n La o C ai N W 20 ,9 10 .7 5 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P To ta l a re a: 2 8, 00 0. 1 ha La i C ha u N W 7, 59 8. 25 8 B av i H an oi H oa B in h R R D N W 6. 48 6, 4 4. 26 3, 3 X N at io na l C en tr al Fo rw ar de d to N P To ta l a re a: 1 0, 74 9. 7h a 9 C uc P hu on g N in h B in h R R D 11 ,4 40 X N at io na l C en tr al Fo rw ar de d to N P To ta l a re a: 2 2, 40 8. 3h a Th an h H oa N C 4, 99 6. 3 H oa B in h N W 5, 97 2. 5 10 N am D in h R R D 7, 10 0 7. 10 0 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 11 B ac h M a Th ua T hi en H ue N C 34 ,3 80 X N at io na l C en tr al Fo rw ar de d to N P To ta l a re a: 3 7, 48 7 ha Q ua ng N am S C 3, 10 7 12 B en E n Th an h H oa N C 14 ,7 34 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 13 P ho ng N ha K e B an g Q ua ng B in h N C 12 3, 32 6 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 14 P u M at N gh e A n N C 93 ,5 24 .7 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 15 Vu Q ua ng H a Ti nh N C 52 ,7 41 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 16 N ui C hu a N in h Th ua n S C 29 ,8 65 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 17 P hu oc B in h N in h Th ua n S C 19 ,8 14 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 18 C on D ao B a R ia V un g Ta u S E 19 ,9 90 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 19 B ui G ia M ap B in h P hu oc S E 25 ,9 26 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 20 Lo G o S a M at Ta y N in h S E 19 ,1 56 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 141MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 21 C at T ie n D on g N ai S E 39 ,6 27 X N at io na l C en tr al Fo rw ar de d to N P To ta l a re a: 7 1, 35 0 ha B in h P hu oc S E 4, 19 3 La m D on g H L 27 ,5 30 22 C hu M om R ay K on T um H L 56 ,4 34 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 23 K on K a K in h G ia L ai H L 42 ,0 57 .3 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 24 Yo k D on D ak L ak G ia L ai H L 11 3, 85 3. 95 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 25 C hu Y an g S in D ak L ak H L 66 ,9 80 .2 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 26 B id ou p N ui B a La m D on g H L 64 ,3 66 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 27 C a M au C ap e C a M au M R D 41 ,8 62 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 28 U M in h H a C a M au M R D 8, 52 8 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 29 P hu Q uo c K ie n G ia ng M R D 29 ,1 35 .9 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 30 Tr am C hi m D on g Th ap M R D 7, 31 3 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P 31 U M in h Th uo ng K ie n G ia ng M R D 8, 03 8 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C Fo rw ar de d to N P II N A TU R A L R E S E R V E S (N R ) 1 M uo ng N he D ie n B ie n N W 45 ,5 81 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 2 H an g K ia P a C o H oa B in h N W 5, 25 7. 77 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 3 N go c S on N go Lu on g H oa B in h N W 15 ,8 90 .6 3 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 4 P hu C an h H oa B in h N W 5, 64 7 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 5 Th uo ng T ie n H oa B in h N W 5, 87 2. 99 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 6 M uo ng T e La i C ha u N W 33 ,7 75 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 142 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 7 Va n B an La o C ai N W 25 ,1 73 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 8 C op ia S on L a N W 6, 31 1 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 9 S op C op S on L a N W 18 ,0 20 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 10 Ta X ua S on L a N W 16 ,5 53 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 11 Xu an N ha S on L a N W 18 ,1 16 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 12 N a H au Ye n B ai N W 16 ,9 50 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 13 Ta y Ye n Tu B ac G ia ng N E 12 ,1 72 .2 2 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 14 K im H y B ac K an N E 14 ,7 72 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 15 B at D ai S on H a G ia ng N E 4, 53 1. 2 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 16 B ac M e H a G ia ng N E 9, 04 2. 5 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 17 D u G ia H a G ia ng N E 11 ,5 40 .1 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 18 P ho ng Q ua ng H a G ia ng N E 8, 44 5. 6 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 19 Ta y C on L in h H a G ia ng N E 15 ,0 43 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 20 H uu L ie n La ng S on N E 8, 29 3 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 21 D on g S on K y Th uo ng Q ua ng N in h N E 15 ,1 10 .3 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 22 Th an S a P hu on g H oa ng Th ai N gu ye n N E 17 ,6 39 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 143MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 23 C ha m C hu Tu ye n Q ua ng N E 15 ,9 02 .1 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 24 N a H an g Tu ye n Q ua ng N E 22 ,4 01 .5 P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 25 B ac h Lo ng V i H ai ph on g R R D 27 ,0 08 .9 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 26 Va n Lo ng N in h B in h R R D 2, 73 6 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 27 Ti en H ai Th ai B in h 12 .5 00 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R R R D 12 ,5 00 Th an h H oá B TB 23 .0 28 ,2 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 28 P u H u Th an h H oa N C 23 ,0 28 .2 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 29 P u Lu on g Th an h H oa N C 17 ,1 71 .5 3 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 30 Xu an L ie n Th an h H oa N C 23 ,8 15 .5 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 31 P u H oa t N gh e A n N C 35 ,7 23 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 32 P u H uo ng N gh e A n N C 40 ,1 86 .5 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 33 K e G o H a Ti nh N C 21 ,7 59 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 34 B ac H uo ng H oa Q ua ng T ri N C 23 ,4 56 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 35 D ak ro ng Q ua ng T ri N C 40 ,5 26 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 36 C on C o Q ua ng T ri N C 4, 53 2 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 37 P ho ng D ie n Th ua T hi en H ue N C 41 ,5 08 .7 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 144 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 38 A n To an B in h D in h S C 22 ,5 45 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 39 N ui O ng B in h Th ua n S C 23 ,8 34 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 40 Ta K ou B in h Th ua n S C 8, 04 7 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 41 H on C au B in h Th ua n S C 12 ,5 00 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 42 H on B a K ha nh H oa S C 19 ,2 85 .8 3 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 43 N ha T ra ng B ay K ha nh H oa S C 15 ,0 00 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 44 K ro ng T ra i P hu Y en S C 13 ,7 75 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 45 S on T ra P en in su la D a N an g S C 3, 87 1 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 46 B a N a N ui C hu a D a N an g S C 27 ,9 80 .7 6 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 47 B a N a N ui C hu a Q ua ng N am S C 2, 75 3 X C hư a đ ượ c th àn h lậ p là kh u D TT N P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 48 C u La o C ha m Q ua ng N am S C 8, 26 5 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 49 S on g Th an h Q ua ng N am S C 75 ,2 74 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 50 N go c Li nh Q ua ng N am S C 17 ,5 76 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 51 N go c Li nh K on T um H L 38 ,1 09 .4 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 52 Ea S o D ak L ak H L 24 ,0 17 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d To ta l a re a (u nd er p ro vi ni ca l pl an ni ng ) i s 26 ,8 48 .2 ha Fo rw ar de d to N R 145MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 53 N am C a D ak L ak 21 ,9 12 .3 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d To ta l a re a (u nd er p ro vi ni ca l pl an ni ng ) i s 20 ,4 69 .3 ha Fo rw ar de d to N R 54 N am N un g D ak N on g H L 12 ,3 07 .8 X M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 55 Ta D un g D ak N on g H L 17 ,9 15 .2 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 56 K on C hu R an g G ia L ai H L 15 ,4 46 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 57 B in h C ha u B uu – P hu oc B uu B a R ia – V un g Ta u S E 10 ,9 05 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 58 V in h C uu D on g N ai S E 53 ,8 50 .3 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 59 A p C an h D ie n B ac L ie u M R D 36 3 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 60 H on C ho ng K ie n G ia ng M R D 96 4. 7 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 61 La ng S en Lo ng A n M R D 5, 03 0 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 62 Th an h P hu B en tr e M R D 2, 58 4 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 63 Lo ng K ha nh Tr a V in h M R D 86 8. 1 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g N R s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to N R 64 Lu ng N go c H oa ng H au G ia ng M R D 2, 80 5. 37 X (e st ab lis he d as a s pe ci es ha bi ta t M an ag em en t A re a) N ot es ta bl is he d as a N at ur al R es er ve s N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C P ro po se to u pg ra de fr om sp ec ie s ha bi ta t M an ag em en t A re a in to N at ur al R es er ve s 146 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 III S P E C IE S – H A B IT A T M A N A G E M E N T A R E A (S H M A ) 1 C he T ao Ye n B ai N W 20 ,1 08 .2 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 2 K ha u C a H a G ia ng N E 2, 01 0. 4 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 3 N am X ua n La c B ac K an N E 1, 78 8 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 4 Tr un g K ha nh C ao B an g N E 9, 57 3. 68 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 5 S en T am Q uy Th an h H oa N C 51 9 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 6 H uo ng N gu ye n Th ua T hi en H ue N C 10 ,3 10 .5 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 7 S ao la N at ur e R es er ve Th ua T hi en H ue N C 15 ,5 19 .9 3 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 8 S ao la N at ur e R es er ve Q ua ng N am S C 15 ,8 22 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 9 D ak U y K on T um H L 65 9. 5 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 10 Ea R al D ak L ak H L 49 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d U nd er p ro vi nc ia l p la nn in g, th e ar ea a s 5 9. 6 ha (i nc lu di ng E a R al , T ra p K so a nd C ư N é) Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 11 Tr ap K so D ak L ak H L 10 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 12 S an C hi m D am D oi C a M au M R D 13 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 13 B ac L ie u bi rd ga rd en B ac L ie u M R D 12 6. 7 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 14 D on g Th ap M uo i Ec ol og ic al P A Ti en G ia ng M R D X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 147MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 15 P hu Q uo c M ar in e PA K ie n G ia ng M R D 2, 88 1. 47 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A 16 H on K ho ai is la nd fo re st C a M au M R D 62 1 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g S H M A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to S H M A VI LA N D S C A P E P R O TE C TE D A R E A (L PA ) 1 S uo i M o A re a B ac G ia ng N E 1, 20 7 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 2 B an G io c C ao B an g N E 56 6 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 3 La m S on C ao B an g N E 75 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 4 N ui L an g D on C ao B an g N E 1, 14 9 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 5 P ac B o C ao B an g N E 1, 13 7 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 6 Th an g H en C ao B an g N E 37 2 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 7 Tr an H un g D ao C ao B an g N E 1, 14 3 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 8 M uo ng P ha ng D ie n B ie n N W 10 ,0 48 .8 1 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 9 H un g Te m pl e P hu T ho N E 53 8 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 10 N ui N a P hu T ho N E 67 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 11 Ye n La p P hu T ho N E 33 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 12 Ye n Tu Q ua ng N in h N E 2, 78 3 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 13 AT K D in h H oa Th ai N gu ye n N E 8, 75 8 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 14 D a B an Tu ye n Q ua ng N E 11 9. 6 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 148 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 15 K im B in h Tu ye n Q ua ng N E 21 0. 8 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 16 Ta n Tr ao Tu ye n Q ua ng N E 4, 18 7. 3 X N at io na l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 17 C hu a Th ay H a N oi R R D 17 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 18 H uo ng S on H a N oi R R D 3. 76 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 19 K 9 H o C hi M in h M au so le um H a N oi R R D 23 4 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 20 Va t L ai H a N oi R R D 10 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 21 D on g M o N ga i S on H a N oi R R D 90 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 22 S oc S on H a N oi R R D 12 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 23 H o S uo i H ai H a N oi R R D 1. 20 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 24 C on S on K ie p B ac H ai D uo ng R R D 1. 21 6, 9 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 25 Ji ng m en H ai D uo ng R R D 32 3, 4 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 26 D o S on H ai ph on g R R D 22 8 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 27 H oa L u N in h B in h R R D 2. 98 5 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 28 D en B a Tr ie u Th an h H oa N C 43 4 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 29 H am R on g Th an h H oa N C 21 6 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 30 La m K in h Th an h H oa N C 17 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 149MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 31 N ui C hu ng N gh e A n N C 62 8, 3 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 32 Th an D in h M ou nt ai n (C hu a N on ) Q ua ng B in h N C 13 6 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 33 R u Li nh Q ua ng T ri N C 27 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 34 H o C hi M in h ro ad Q ua ng T ri N C 5. 68 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 35 N am H ai V an D a N an g S C 3. 39 7, 3 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 36 N ui B a B in h D in h S C 2. 38 4 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 37 Vu on C am N gu ye n H ue g ar de n B in h D in h S C 75 2 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 38 Q uy H oa G he nh R an g B in h D in h S C 2. 16 3 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 39 D eo C a H on N ua P as s P hu Y en S C 5. 78 4 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 40 N ui T ha nh Q ua ng N am S C 11 1 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 41 M y S on Q ua ng N am S C 1. 08 1 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 42 N am T ra M y Q ua ng N am S C 49 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 43 D ra y S ap G ia L on g D ak N on g H L 1. 51 5, 2 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 44 H o La k D ak L ak H L 10 .2 84 ,3 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 45 C an c u D on g R um Ta y N in h S E 32 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 46 C an c u C ha u Th an h Ta y N in h S E 19 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 150 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 47 C ha ng R ie c Ta y N in h S E 10 .7 11 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 48 N ui B a D en M ou nt ai n Ta y N in h S E 1. 76 1 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 49 N ui B a R a B in h P hu oc S E 1. 05 6 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 50 N ui S am A n G ia ng M R D 17 1 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 51 Th oa i S on A n G ia ng M R D 37 0, 5 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 52 Tr a S u A n G ia ng M R D 1. 05 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 53 Tu c D up A n G ia ng M R D 20 0 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 54 Xe o Q uy t D on g Th ap M R D 61 .2 8 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA 55 G o Th ap D on g Th ap M R D 28 9, 8 X P ro vi nc ia l P ro vi nc ia l P C M ee tin g LP A s ta nd ar d Fo rw ar de d to L PA Le g en d : PA P ro te ct ed A re a; N E N or th E as t B D B io di ve rs ity ; N W N or th w es t P C P eo pl e’ s C om m ite e; R R D R ed R iv er D el ta N P N at io na l P ar k; N C N or th C en tr al N R N at ur al R es er ve ; S C S ou th C en tr al S H M A S pe ci es H ab ita t M an ag em en t A re a H L TH ig hl an d LP A La nd sc ap e P ro te ct ed A re a; S E S ou th E as t M R D M ek on g R iv er D el ta 151MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 4.2. LIST OF PROTECTED AREAS (issued together with Decision 45/QD-TTg dated January4, 2014 of the Prime Minister approving the National Biodiversity Conservation Master Plan to 2020, vision to 2030) No. Name Province Planning area (ha) Category Type Management level Planning period Note North-Eastern region 1. ATK Dinh Hoa Thai Nguyen 8,728 Landscape protection area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 2. Ba Be Bac Can 10,048 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 3. Bac Me Ha Giang 9,042.5 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 4. Bai Tu Long Quang Ninh 15,600 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 5. Ban Gioc Cao Bang 566 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 6. Bat Dai Son Ha Giang 4,531.2 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 7. Cat Ba Hai Phong 15,331.6 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 8. Cham Chu Tuyen Quang 15,902.1 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 9. Co To Quang Ninh 7,850 National Park Marine Provincial 2020 Newly established 10. Da Ban Tuyen Quang 119.6 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 11 Tran Island Quang Ninh 4,200 Landscape protection Marine Provincial 2020 Newly established 12 Hung Temple Phu Tho 538 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 13 Dong Son – Ky Thuong Quang Ninh 14,851 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 14 Du Gia Ha Giang 11,540.1 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwadred 15 Huu Lien Lang Son 8,293 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 16 Khau Ca Ha Giang 2,010.4 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 152 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 17. Khuon Ha – Thuong Lam Tuyen Quang 19,220 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 18. Quan Ba Ha Giang 5,000 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 19. Chi San Ha Giang 5,300 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2030 Newly established 20 The intersecting region of three rivers Da – Lo Thao Phu Tho – Vinh Phuc – Hanoi 24.000 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Central 2020 Newly established 21 Kim Binh Tuyen Quang 210,8 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 22. Kim Hy Bac Kan 14,772 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 23. Lam Son Cao Bang 75 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 24. Na Hang Tuyen Quang 22,401.5 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 25 Nam Xuan Lac Bac Kan 1,788 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 26 Lang Don Mountain Cao Bang 1,149 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 27. Na mountain Phu Tho 670 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 28. Pia Oac mountain Cao Bang 12,261 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 29 Pac Bo Cao Bang 1,137 Landscape protection Landscape protection Provincial 2020 Forwarded 30 Phong Quang Ha Giang 7,910.9 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 31 Suoi Mo Bac Giang 1,207.1 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 32 Tam Dao Tuyen Quang Vinh Phu, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang 29,515.03 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 153MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 33. Tan Trao Tuyen Quang 4,187.3 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 34. Tay Con Linh Ha Giang 14,489.3 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 35. Tay Yen Tu Bac Giang 12,172.22 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 36. Than Sa – Phuong Hoang Thai Nguyen 17,639 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 37. Thang Hen Cao Bang 372 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 38. Tran Hung Dao Cao Bang 1,143 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 39. Trung Khanh Cao Bang 10,000 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 40. The estuary region of Tien Yen river Quang Ninh 21,000 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 41. Xuan Son Phu Tho 15,048 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 42. Yen Lap Phu Tho 330 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 43. Yen Tu Quang Ninh 2,687 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded North-Western region 44. Che Tao Yen Bai 20,108.2 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 45. Copia Son La 6,311 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 46. Hang Kia – Pa Co Hoa Binh 5,257.77 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Central 2020 Forwarded 47. Hoang Lien Lao Cai, Lai Chau 28,500.1 National park Terrestrial Central 2020 Forwarded 48. Hoang Lien – Bat Xat Lao Cai 15,000 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 49. Muong La Sơn La 20,000 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 50. Muong Nhe Dien Bien 44,940.30 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 154 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 51. Muong Phang Dien Bien 935.88 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 52. Muong Te Lai Chau 33,775 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 53. Na Hau Yen Bai 1,699.92 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 54. Ngoc Son – Ngo Luong Hoa Binh 15,890.63 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 55. Phu Canh Hoa Binh 5,647 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 56. Sop Cop Son La 18,020 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 57 Ta Xua Son La 16,553 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 58. Thuong Tien Hoa Binh 5,872.99 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 59. Van Ban Lao Cai 25,173 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 60. Xuan Nha Son La 18,116 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded Red River region 61. Ba Vi Hanoi, Hoa Binh 10,749.7 National Park Terrestrial Central 2020 Forwarded 62. Quan Sơn Hà Nội 2,741 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 63. Bach Long Vi Hai Phong 20,700 Nature Reserve Marine Provincial 2020 Newly established 64. Thay Temple Hanoi 37.13 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 65. Con Son Kiep Bac Hai Duong 1,216.9 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 66. The estuary of Red River Nam Dinh – Thai Binh 40,000 Nature Reserve Wetland Central 2020 Newly established 67. Thai Binh estuary Hai Phong – Thai Binh 2,000 Nature Reserve Wetland Central 2020 Newly established 68. Thai Thuy estuary Thai Binh 13,100 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 155MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 69. Van Uc estuary, Tien Lang district Hai Phong 1,500 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 70. Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Hoa Binh 22,405.9 National Park Terrestrial Central 2020 Forwarded 71. Hong Mo – Ngai Son lake Hanoi 900 Landscape protection Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 72. Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi 16 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 73. Suoi Hai Lake Hanoi 1,200 Landscape protection Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 74. West Lake Hanoi 440 Landscape protection Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 75. Hoa Lu Ninh Binh 2,985 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 76. Huong Son Hanoi 2,719.8 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 77. IC9 – President Ho Chi Minh temple Hanoi 423 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 78. Co Island Hai Duong 31,673 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 79. Tien Hai Thai Binh 3,245 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2020 Forwarded 80. Van Long Ninh Binh 1,973.5 Nature Reserve Terrestrial wetland Provincial 2020 Forwarded 81. Vat Lai Hanoi 11,28 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 82. Xuan Thuy Nam Dinh 7,100 National Park Wetland Provincial 2020 Forwarded Northern Central region 83. Bac Huong Hoa Quang Tri 23,456 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 156 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 84. Bach Ma Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam 37,487 National Park Terrestrial Central 2020 Forwarded 85. Bau Sen Quang Binh 200 Landscape protection Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 86. Ben En Thanh Hoa 12,033 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 87. Con Co Quang Tri 4,400 Nature Reserve Marine Provincial 2020 Forwarded 88. DakRong Quang Tri 40,526 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 89. Ho Chi Minh road Quang Tri 5,680 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 90. Hai Van – Son Cha Thua Thien Hue – Da Nang 17,000 Nature Reserve Marine Provincial 2020 Newly established 91. Ho Cam Khanh Quang Binh 8,590 Nature reserve Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 92. Hon Me Thanh Hoa 6,700 Landscape protection Marine Provincial 2020 Newly established 93. Huong Nguyen Thua Thien Hue 10,310.5 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 94. Ke Go Ha Tinh 21,759 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 95. Giang Man Quang Binh, Ha Tinh 20,000 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2030 Newly established 96. Tam Quy Forest of sen (Madhuca pasquieri) Thanh Hoa 518.5 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 97. Sao La Protected Area Thua Thien Hue 12,153 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 98. Khe Net Quang Binh 26,800 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 99. Khe nuoc trong Quang Binh 19,000 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 157MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 100. Puxilaileng Nghe An 5,000 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 101. Chung mountain Nghe An 628.3 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 102. Than Dinh Moutain (Non Temple) Quang Binh 136 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 103. Pha Tam Giang – Cau Hai swamp Thua Thien Hue 20,000 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 104. Phong Dien Thua Thien Hue 30,262.8 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 105. Phong Nha Ke Bang Quang Binh 125,362 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 106. Pu Hoat Nghe An 35,723 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 107. PuHu Thanh Hoa 23,028.2 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 108. PuHuong Nghe An 40,127.7 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 109. Pu Luong Thanh Hoa 16,902.3 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 110. Pu Mat Nghe An 93,524.7 National park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 111. Ru Linh Quang Tri 270 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 112. Vu Quang Ha Tinh 52,882 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 113. Xuan Lien Thanh Hoa 23,475 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded Southern Central region 114. An Toan Binh Dinh 22,545 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 115. Ba Na – Chua Moutain Quang Nam 2,753 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 116. Ba Na – Chua Mountain Da Nang 30,206.3 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 158 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 117. Son Tra peninsula Da Nang 3,871 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 118. Cu Lao Cham Quang Nam 1,490 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 119. Cu Lao Cham Quang Nam 8,265 Landscape protection Marine Provincial 2020 Forwarded 120. Cu Mong swamp Phu Yen 3,000 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 121. Nai swamp Ninh Thuan 700 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 122. O Loan swamp Phu Yen 1,570 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 123. Thi Nai swamp Binh Dinh 5,000 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 124. Tra O swamp Binh Dinh 1,600 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 125. Tra O swamp Binh Dinh 10,000 Landscape protection Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 126. Deo Ca – Hon Nua Phu Yen 5,768.2 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 127. Song Hinh Lake Phu Yen 500 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 128. Hon Ba Khanh Hoa 19,164.48 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 129. Hon Cau Binh Thuan 12,500 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 130. Hon Heo Khanh Hoa 7,000 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 131. Sao La Protected Area Quang Nam 15,822 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 132. The eastern region of Ba To district Quang Ngai 39,000 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 133. Krong Trai Phu Yen 13,392 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 134. Ly Son Quang Ngai 7925 Nature Reserve Marine Provincial 2020 Newly established 159MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 135. Nam Hai Van Da Nang 3,397.3 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 136. Nam Yet Khanh Hoa 35,000 Nature Reserve Marine Provincial 2020 Newly established 137. Ngoc Linh Quang Nam 17,576 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 138. Ba mountain Binh Dinh 2,384 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 139. Chua mountain Ninh Thuan 29,865 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 140. Ong mountain Binh Thuan 23,834 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 141. Phu Quy Binh Thuan 18,980 Nature Reserve Marine Provincial 2020 Newly established 142. Phuoc Binh Ninh Thuan 19,814 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 143. Quy Hoa – Ghenh Rang Binh Dinh 2,163 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 144. Son Thai – Giang Ly Khanh Hoa 10,500 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 145. Thanh River Quang Nam 79,694 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 146. Ta Kou Binh Thuan 8,407 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 147. Tra Bong Quang Ngai 1,000 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 148. Nha Trang Bay Khanh Hoa 15,000 Nature Reserve Marine Provincial 2020 Forwarded 149. Nguyen Hue orange forest Binh Dinh 752 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded Central Highlands 150. Bidoup – Ba Mountain Lam Dong 55,968 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 151. Ho Sea Gia Lai 600 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 152. Chu Mon Ray Kon Tum 56,434.2 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 160 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 153. Chu Yang Sin Dak Lak 59,316.1 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 154. Dak Uy Kon Tum 659.5 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 155. Dray Sap – Gia Long Dak Nong 1,515.2 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 156. Ea Ral Dak Lak 49 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Provincial 2020 Forwarded 157. Ea So Dak Lak 24,017 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 158. Ialy Lake Gia Lai 6,450 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 159. Lak Lake Dak Lak 9,478.3 Landscape protection Wetland Provincial 2020 Forwarded 160. Yaun Ha Lake Gia Lai 700 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 161. Ayun Pa Gia Lai 50,000 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 162. Kon Chu Rang Gia Lai 15,446 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 163. Kon Ka Kinh Gia Lai 39,955 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 164. Nam Ca Dak Lak 21,912.3 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 165. Nam Nung Dak Nong 10,912 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 166. Ngoc Linh Kon Tum 38,109.4 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 167. Sen San River – Ialy lake Gia Lai 6,500 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Central 2020 Newly established 168. Ta Dung Dak Nong 17,915.2 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 169. Trap Kso Dak Lak 100 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 170. YokDon Dak Lak 109,196 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 161MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT South-Eastern region 171. Binh Chau Phuoc Buy Ba Ria – Vung Tau 10,905 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 172. Bu Gia Map Binh Phuoc 25,926 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 173. Chau Thanh Tay Ninh 147 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 174. Dong Rum Tay Ninh 32 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 175. Cat Tien Dong Nai, Lam Dong, Binh Phuoc 71,457 National Park Terrestrial Central 2020 Forwarded 176. Chang Riec Tay Ninh 9,122 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 177. Con Dao Ba Ria – Vung Tau 19,991 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 178. The estuary of Dong Nai river Ba Ria – Vung Tau 10,000 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 179. Lo Go Ma Sat Tay Ninh 18,345 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 180. Ba Den mountain Tay Ninh 1,545 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 181. Ba Trap mountain Binh Phuoc 1,056 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 182. Be River – Thac Mo lake Binh Phuoc 1,000 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 183. Dong Nai River – Tri An Lake Dong Nai 32,300 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 184. Sai Gon River – Dau Tieng Lake Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc Binh Duong 300 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Central 2020 Newly established 185. Vinh Cuu Dong Nai 53,850.3 Dự trữ thiên nhiên Terrestrial Provincia 2020 Forwarded 162 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 The Mekong Delta 186. Ap Canh Dien Bac Lieu 363 Nature Reserve Terrestria Provincial 2020 Forwarded 187. Bung Binh Thien An Giang 500 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 188. Tho Chu cluster of islands Kien Giang 20,000 Nature Reserve Marine Provincial 2030 Newly established 189. Dong Ho swamp Kien Giang 1,597 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 190. Thi Tuong swamp Ca Mau 700 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 191. Go Thap Dong Thap 289.8 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 192. Hon Chong Kien Giang 964.7 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 193. Phu Quoc Marine Protected Area Kien Giang 2,881.47 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Marine Provincial 2020 Forwarded 194. Cu Lao An Hoa coastal region Ben Tre 10,000 Landscape protection Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 195. The estuary of Ham Luong River Ben Tre 10,000 Landscape protection Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 196. Long Khanh mangrove protected are Tra Vinh 868.1 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2020 Forwarded 197. Dong Thap Muoi ecosystem area Tien Giang 623 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 198. Ba Lai Ben Tre 10,000 Landscape protection Wetland Provincial 2030 Newly established 199. The melaleuca forest of Tri Ton district An Giang 1,900 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 200. Cu Lao Dung mangrove Soc Trang 25,333.7 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2020 Newly established 201. Lang Sen Long An 5,030 Nature Reserve Wetland Provincial 2020 Forwarded 163MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 202. Lung Ngoc Hoang Hau Giang 790.64 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 203. The cape of Ca Mau Ca Mau 41,089 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 204. Kien Luong limestone mountain Kien Giang 929.1 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 205. Sam mountain An Giang 171 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 206. Phu My Kien Giang 1,106.3 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Newly established 207. Phu Quoc Kien Giang 29,135.9 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 208. Hon Khoai cluster of islands Ca Mau 621 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 209 Tra Su cajeput forest An Giang 850 Nature Reserve Provincial 2020 Newly established 210. Bird Sanctuary of Doi swamp Ca Mau 130 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 211. Thach Phu Ben Tre 2,584 Nature Reserve Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 212. Thoai Son An Giang 370.5 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 213. Tra Su An Giang 844.1 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 214. Tram Chim Dong Thap 7,313 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 215. Tuc Dup An Giang 200 Landscape protection Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 216. U Minh Ha Ca Mau 7,926 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 217. U Minh Thuong Kien Giang 8,038 National Park Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 218. Bac Lieu Bird Garden Bac Lieu 385 Species and Habitat Conservation Area Terrestrial Provincial 2020 Forwarded 219. Xeo Quyt Dong Thap 50 Landscape protection Local Provincial 2020 Forwarded 164 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 4.3. LIST OF BIODIVERSITY FACILITIES (issued together with Decision 45/QD-TTg dated January 4, 2014 of the Prime Minister approving the National Biodiversity Conservation Master Plan to 2020, vision to 2030) No. Name Type Line agency Province Planned area (ha) Period North East 1. Me Linh Botanic Garden Botanic Garden Me Linh Biodiversity Station, Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources Vinh Phuc 170 2020 2. Tam Dao Rescue Center Rescue Center Tam Dao National Park Vinh Phuc 05 2020 3. Tam Dao Medicine Plant Garden Medicine Plant Garden The Institute of Medicine Vinh Phuc 1.5 2020 4. Yên Tu Medicine Plant Garden Medicine Plant Garden Quang Ninh 270 2030 5. An Phu Botanic Garden Botanic Garden Hai Duong Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Hai Duong 20 2030 6. Cau Hai Botanic Garden Botanic Garden Cau Hai Experimental Research Center Phu Tho 700.8 2030 7. Con Sơn Botanic Garden Botanic Garden Hai Duong Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Hai Duong 35.5 2030 North West 8. Hoang Lien Sa Pa Rescue Center Rescue Center Hoang Lien National Park Lao Cai 05 2020 9. Sa Pa Medicine Plant Garden Medicine Plant Garden The Institute of Medicine Lao Cai 03 2020 Red River Delta 10. Livestock genetic conservation system Gene bank National Institute of Animal Husbandry Hanoi and other provinces 2020 165MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 11. National flora genetic conservation system Gene bank Center ofAgricultural Plant Resources (25 Institutes and other research centers, including 3 seed gene banks, 24 field gene banks (plant collection gardens) and a number of invitro gene banks) Hanoi and other provinces 100 2020 12. Medicinal gene bank (seed and invitro gene bank) Gene bank The Institute of Medicine Hanoi 0.1 2020 13. Plant Seed Company Gene bank Central forestry seed company (including 9 units) Hanoi and other provinces 2030 14. Soc Son Rescue Centre Rescue Centre Hanoi Forest Protection Department Hanoi 01 2020 15. Hanoi Zoo Animal Facility Hanoi People’s Commitee Hanoi 220 2020 16. Hanoi Botanic Garden Botanic Garden One-member Ltd. Company of Hanoi Green Tree Hanoi 10 2020 17. Hanoi Medicine Plant Garden Medicine Plant Garden The Institute of Medicine Hanoi 05 2020 18. Nui Luot Botanic Garden Botanic Garden Forestry University, MARD Hanoi 100 2030 19. Cuc Phuong Rescue Centre Rescue Centre Cuc Phuong National Park Ninh Binh 04 2020 North Central Coast 20. Phong Nha Rescue Centre Rescue Centre Phong Nha National Park Quang Binh 05 2020 21. Pu Mat Rescue Centre Rescue Centre Pu Mat National Park Nghe An 05 2020 166 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 22. Medicine Plant Garden inThanh Hoa Medicine Plant Garden The Institute of Medicine Thanh Hoa 05 2020 23. Pu Mat Ex situ Botanic Garden Botanic Garden Pu Mat National Park Nghe An 53.65 2030 24. Ben En Rescue Centre Rescue Centre Ben EnNational Park Thanh Hoa 05 2030 South Central coast 25. Marine animal park/ marine animal rescue centre Animal Park Khanh Hoa PC Nha Trang Newly established 2030 26. Song Thanh Rescue Centre Rescue Centre Song Thanh National Park Quang Nam 05 2030 Central Highlands 27. Bidoup – Nui Ba Rescue Centre Rescue Centre Bidoup – Nui Ba National Park Lam Dong 5 2020 28. Kon Ka Kinh Rescue Centre Rescue Centre Kon Ka Kinh National Park Gia Lai 50 2020 29. Lang Hanh Botanic Garden Botanic Garden Lang Hanh Forestry Experiment Station Lam Dong 105 2030 30. Chư Mom Ray Rescue Centre Rescue Centre Chư Mom Ray National Park Kon Tum 80 2020 South East 31. Medicine Plant Garden Medicine Plant Garden The Institute of Medicine Ho Chi Minh City 1.2 2020 32. Cat Tien Rescue Centre Rescue Centre Cat Tien National Park Dong Nai 240 2020 33. Cu Chi Rescue Centre Rescue Centre Ho Chi Minh FPD Ho Chi Minh City 0.4 2020 34. Thao Cam Vien Zoo Zoo Ho Chi Minh PC Ho Chi Minh City 200 2020 35. Sai Gon Park Botanic Garden Ho Chi Minh PC Ho Chi Minh City 33 2020 36. Cu Chi Botanic Garden Botanic Garden Ho Chi Minh PC Ho Chi Minh City 219.39 2020 167MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 37. Trang Bom Botanic Garden Botanic Garden Center for Agricultural Production Science of East Southern – Vietnam Association of Forestry Science Dong Nai 07 2030 Mekong River Delta 38. Hon Me Rescue Centre Rescue Centre Kien Giang FPD Kien Giang 0.1 2020 168 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 4.4. LIST OF BIODIVERSITY CORRIDORS (issued together with Decision 45/QD-TTg dated January 4, 2014 of the Prime Minister approving the National Biodiversity Conservation Master Plan to 2020, vision to 2030) No. Name Province Area (ha) Period Target of establishment North East 1. Na Hang - Ba Be Tuyen Quang 506 2020 Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change 2. Bac Mê - Du Gia Ha Giang 5,601 2030 Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change 3. Bac Me - Khau Ca Ha Giang 7,576 2030 - Snub-nosed monkey populations in Khau Ca protected areas might approach ecological carrying capacity. Supports restoration of populations of species in places where local extinctions or population declines occur. 4. Khau Ca - Du Gia Ha Giang 360 2030 - Snub-nosed monkey populations in Khau Ca protected areas might approach ecological carrying capacity. Supports restoration of populations of species in places where local extinctions or population declines occur. Small area and high feasibility 5. Na Hang – Bac Me Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang 17,847 2030 - Conduct conservation outside SUF boundaries and in the corridor passing through the area of conservation significance where Francois’ langurs exist. Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change 6. Cuc Phuong – Ngoc Son – Ngo Luong Hoa Binh 622 2030 - Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change Small area and high feasibility Supports the exchange of genetic information between isolated populations of golden-headed langur 7. Pu Luon- Hang Kia – Pa Co Hoa Binh 19,141 2030 Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change Red River Delta 8. Northern biodiversity corridor Thai Binh, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh 20,056 2030 - Is a stepping-stone corridor Accelerates the accumulation of material, raises the soil and minimizes the impacts of rising sea levels. Supporting the formation of biosphere reserves the Red River Delta. Disaster Prevention (waves) Provides habitat and breeding area for species with high economic value Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change 169MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT North Central Coast 9. Khe Net - Vu Quang Ha Tinh, Quang Binh 88,786 2030 - Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change, particularly endemic pheasant groups with narrow ecological range Extends the habitat for the Asian elephant populations Includes the Giang Man mountain area that has high biological diversity 10. Pu Hoat – Xuan Lien Nghe An 17,318 2030 Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change 11. Pu Huong – Pu Hoat Nghe An 23,037 2030 - Supports the establishment of Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change 12. Pu Mat – Pu Huong Nghe An 35,964 2030 - Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change 13. Vu Quang – Pu Mat Ha Tinh, Nghe An 79,688 2030 - Supports the movement of species with a large living area Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change South Central Coast 14. Dak Rong- Bac Huong Hoa Quang Tri 15,451 2020 - Supports the movement of species with a large living area Conducts conservation outside SUF boundaries Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change, particularly pheasant and primate groups with narrow ecological range 15. Sao La - Phong Dien Thua Thien Hue 26,711 2020 - Supports the movement of species with a large living area Supports restoration of populations of species in places where local extinctions or population declines occur. (E.g.Primate groups in Bach Ma NP) Conducts conservation outside SUFs Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change 16. Song Thanh - Sao La Quang Nam 76,579 2020 - Support the movement of species with a large living area Conducts conservation outside SUF boundaries Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change 170 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 17. Ngoc Linh (Quang Nam) Song Thanh Quang Nam 9,633 2030 - Supports the movement of species with a large living area Conducts conservation outside SUF boundaries Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change Central Highlands 18. Ngoc Linh – Ngoc Linh (Kon Tum) Kon Tum 2,336 2030 - Supports the movement of species with a large living area Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change 19. Kon Ka Kinh Kon Chu Rang Gia Lai 9,511 2030 - Supports the movement of species with a large living area Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change South East 20. Cat Tien – Cat Loc ĐongNai 16,722 2030 - Supports the movement of species with a large living area (gaur) Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change Mekong River Delta 21. Mekong Delta Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau 90,222 2030 - Is a stepping-stone corridor connecting Ca Mau Cape, Dam Doi, Thanh Phu and Can Gio Protected Areas Accelerates the accumulation of material, raises the soil and minimizes the impacts of rising sea levels Disaster Prevention (waves) Provides habitat and breeding area for species with high economic value Supports the migration of species in the future due to impacts of climate change 171MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Appendix 5: LIST OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS UP TO 2015 (According to Decision No. 742/QĐ-TTg dated May 26, 2012 of the Prime Minister) No. Name/Location Total area (ha) Marine area (ha) Status 1 Tran Island/Quang Ninh 4,200 3,900 2 Co To/Quang Ninh 7,850 4,000 3 Bach Long Vi/Hai Phong 20,700 10,900 Established 4 Cat Ba/Hai Phong 20,700 10,900 Established 5 Hon Me/Thanh Hoa 6,700 6,200 6 Con Co/Quang Tri 2,490 2,140 Established 7 Hai Van-Son Tra/Thua Thien Hue- Da Nang 17,039 7,626 8 Cu Lao Cham/Quang Nam 8,265 6,716 Established 9 Ly Son/Quang Ngai 7,925 7,113 10 Nam Yet/Khanh Hoa 35,000 20,000 11 Nha Trang Bay/Khanh Hoa 15,000 12,000 Established 12 Chua Mountain/Ninh Thuan 29,865 7,352 Established 13 Phu Quy/Binh Thuan 18,980 16,680 14 Hon Cau/Binh Thuan 12,500 12,390 Established 15 Con Dao/Ba Ria-Vung Tau 29,400 23,000 Established 16 Phu Quoc/Kien Giang 33,657 18,700 Established 172 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 Appendix 6: INDICATORS FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF THE NBSAP IMPLEMENTATION No. Indicator Responsible agency (including monitoring and evaluation) Time frame Evaluation method2010 2015 2020 I Strategic Goal 1:Protectecosystems of national and international importance 1 Total area of terrestrial Protected Areas (including wetland PAs) MARD 2.5 million ha 2.75 million ha 3.0 million ha Statistics and reporting 2 The forest coverage MARD 40% 42-43% 45% Statistics and reporting 3 The area of primary forests MARD 0.57 million ha Unchanged Unchanged Statistics and reporting 4 The area of mangroves MARD 190,000 ha Unchanged Unchanged Statistics and reporting 5 The area of seagrass beds MONRE 12,380 ha Unchanged compared to 2010 Unchanged compared to 2010 Statistics and reporting 6 The area of coral reefs MONRE 14,131 ha Unchanged compared to 2010 Unchanged compared to 2010 Statistics and reporting 7 Number of internationally recognized PAs MONRE 2 Ramsar sites, 8 Biosphere Reserves, 4 ASEAN Heritage Parks 7 Ramsar sites, 9 Biosphere Reserves, 7 ASEAN Heritage Parks 10 Ramsar sites, 10 Biosphere Reserves, 10 ASEAN Heritage Parks Statistics and reporting 173MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT 8 Number of PAs carrying out economic evaluation of ecosystem services and biodiversity MONRE 0 5 30 Statistics and reporting II Strategic Goal 2: Reduce the degradation of endangered, rare and precious wildlife, plants, agricultural crops and domestic animals 9 Number of qualified national plant gene banks by international standards MARD - - 1 (upgrading plant genetic resource centers) Statistics and reporting 10 Number of crop specimens stored and preserved in seed banks, gene banks, in the field and in-vitro MARD >20,000 40,000 – 50,000 80,000 – 120,000 Statistics and reporting 11 Number of rare and precious species threatened with extinction MONRE 47 Unchanged compared to 2010 Unchanged compared to 2010 Survey 12 Number of extinct rare and precious species MONRE 9 0 0 Survey 13 Number of rare and precious species protected from the threat of extinction MONRE - - 10 Statistics and reporting III Strategic goal 3: Strengthened sustainable use and equitable sharing of ecosystems, species and genetic resources 14 Percentage of important degraded ecosystems effectively recovered MARD (no baseline data) Up by at least 15% compared to 2010 Statistics and reporting 174 VIETNAM NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - TO 2020, VISION TO 2030 15 Number of rare species with economic value studied and bred MARD Up by 15% compared to 2010 Up by 30% compared to 2010 Statistics and reporting 16 Percentage of PAs applying benefit-sharing mechanisms MARD 10 PAs Up by 10% Up by 50% IV Strategic goal 4: Reduce direct pressures on biodiversity 17 The rate of loss of natural forests and water surface area due to land-use conversion MARD (no baseline data) Reduced by 10% compared to 2010 Reduced by 40% compared to 2010 Statistics and reporting 18 Number of wildlife violations MARD 876 cases Reduced by 10% compared to 2010 Reduced by 40% compared to 2010 Statistics and reporting 19 Number of cases of trade and transportation of forest products MARD 17,899 cases Reduced by 10% compared to 2010 Reduced by 40% compared to 2010 Statistics and reporting 20 Number of deforestation cases MARD 3,503 cases Reduced by 20% compared to 2010 Reduced by 50% compared to 2010 Statistics and reporting 21 Number of confiscated precious and rare wildlife MARD 12,936 Giảm 20% so với 2010 Giảm 40% so với 2010 Thống kê báo cáo 22 Number of invasive alien species discovered in Vietnam MONRE 33 No increase compared to 2010 No increase compared to 2010 Statistics and reporting V Strategic goal 5: Actively respond to climate change through biodiversity conservation measures 23 Number of biodiversity corridors set up MONRE (piloting, not yet recognized) 3 6 Statistics and reporting GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITY (GEF) UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP) BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AGENCY (BCA) VIETNAM ENVIRONMENT ADMINISTRATION (VEA) MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (MONRE) Add: No. 10 Ton That Thuyet Str., Hanoi Tel: (84-4) 3795 6868 (ext: 3117) * Fax: (84-4) 3941 2028