Launching a forest restoration and development group in Dakrong

This activity is within the framework of the Sustainable Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation in Vietnam (VFBC) Project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the "Biodiversity Conservation" component is implemented by the international organization for Nature Conservation in Vietnam (WWF-Vietnam).

The project also supports the establishment of similar pilot collaborative management models in a number of protected areas on the list, including 21 protective forests and special-use forests in the project area in Vietnam. 22 members of the Multi-Stakeholder Working Committee include representatives from the People's Committees of Trieu Nguyen Commune, Dakrong Commune, Ba Long Commune, Huc Nghi Commune, Ba Nang Commune, A Bung Commune, Ta Long Commune, representatives of the Women's Union of communes, and especially village heads.

The specific action plan framework of the multi-stakeholder working group includes situation assessment, consultation, and community dialogue on recovery, protection, and sustainable development plans. It also includes the planning and organizing of forums for management dialogue and cooperation on forest protection and biodiversity conservation. This strengthens consensus between the community and the conservation area management board.

"International practice shows that the management of protected areas will be more effective and successful if local communities are involved in finding solutions to conservation challenges. The establishment of a multi-stakeholder working group on forest protection demonstrates the commitment of the Management Boards of Nature Reserves and local authorities to improve standards of forest management and biodiversity conservation constantly", Mr. Nick Cox, Director of USAID's Biodiversity Conservation Component, WWF, shared.

"We have always listened and called for cooperation with the local community in forest protection. Through this model, we expect to see positive results from the Multi-Stakeholder Working Committee and collect initiatives from the community that contribute to better forest protection", Mr. Truong Quang Trung, Director of Dakrong Nature Reserve, commented.

The component "biodiversity conservation" is committed to achieving the goal of improving forest quality and protecting wildlife populations, thereby bringing benefits to local communities and expanding society in Vietnam.