The Quang Ngai Provincial People’s Committee has approved the project document for ‘Biodiversity Conservation in Quang Ngai Province,’ funded by FFI.
Accordingly, the project has a total budget of VND 5.511 billion, equivalent to USD 211,998, entirely funded by non-refundable aid with no counterpart funding. It will be implemented in Ba To and Ba Xa communes from the date the competent authorities approve receipt of the aid through the end of 2027.
The project aims to improve the management and conservation of threatened primate species and important tropical forest ecosystems in Quang Ngai. Its focus is on the area proposed for the establishment of the West Ba To Nature Reserve and surrounding areas.
A grey-shanked douc langur was spotted in the Ba To mountain area. Photo: H.Q.H.Under the plan, the project will conduct additional surveys of primate species and their habitats; establish a data monitoring system for species and threats; and provide training on the use of SMART tools for monitoring and surveillance.
The activities will also support the establishment of the West Ba To Nature Reserve, including assistance for relevant meetings, establishment of a management board, development of a sustainable forest management plan, and knowledge-sharing and experience exchange with neighboring protected areas. Nearly VND 390 million has been allocated for this group of activities.
Another component focuses on strengthening the role of local communities in conservation. The project will review, select and train community conservation groups in priority buffer-zone villages; organize joint patrols involving forest rangers and local communities; and provide essential equipment and supplies for patrols and monitoring.
Through SMART tools, data on species, patrol activities, threats and incidents will be collected, monitored and reported. The project plans to organize four communication and dialogue events and one workshop to raise awareness and share experience in biodiversity conservation. More than VND 714.8 million has been allocated for this group of activities.
Conservation efforts will also be linked to the livelihoods of people living near forests. The project will analyze value chains, identify gender-related barriers, select livelihood models suited to local conditions, and provide technical support to women’s groups.
A number of women-led households will be selected to receive support for livelihood development, market access and income improvement. These activities aim to reduce dependence on forest resources, enhance climate change adaptation and promote gender equality. More than VND 507.2 million has been earmarked for these activities.
According to the Quang Ngai Provincial People’s Committee, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) will directly manage, implement and disburse the aid funds, while coordinating with the Department of Agriculture and Environment and relevant agencies and local authorities to carry out the project. The Department of Agriculture and Environment will be responsible for receiving, managing, monitoring and evaluating the project.
$ 1 = VND 26,100 (Source: Vietcombank).