Vietnam
Background
Frontier-Vietnam was initiated in June 1993 in conjunction with the Ministry of Forestry and Xuan Mai Forestry College. Since 1996 Frontier and SEE has worked under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (1996-2001 and 2001-2004). Frontier-Vietnam also had a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hanoi Institute of Oceanography (1999-2004) to conduct marine and coastal research projects of mutual interest.
Summary of work
The primary aim of Frontier-Vietnam was to provide the scientific documentation needed to assess the biological and ecological values of protected areas. This was achieved through the collection of baseline biodiversity data on forest reserves, socio-economic surveys of local populations, the assessment of threats to reserve areas and finally, the suggestion of management strategies for the reserves studied.
Achievements
- Research and conservation projects have been carried out in 9 protected areas in 8 provinces.
- Over 60 Vietnamese students and scientists have been trained in field survey techniques.
- Frontier-Vietnam have also run successful environmental education programmes in conjunction with district level Departments of Education and Training.
- Established a medicinal plants enterprise for ethnic minority smallholder farmers in Sa Pa both for income generation and the conservation of the natural resources in the forests.
- Newsletters produced and community forum meetings held to raise awareness about Bai Tu Long National Park, and website developed to cover progress in the Park.