Restoring forests, conserving biodiversity in Hue City

Protecting habitats, creating livelihoods

Recently, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Viet Nam has implemented many projects in Hue City, contributing to enhancing the sustainable management capacity of natural resources and raising the awareness and livelihoods of local communities. Among them, the "Carbon and Biodiversity" Phase 2 (CARBI 2) project is highly regarded as a success.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety through the German state-owned development bank (KfW), and implemented by the Hue City Department of Agriculture and Environment in coordination with WWF-Viet Nam.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the CARBI 2 project has significantly improved forest connectivity indices in the targeted areas (the mountainous regions of former Nam Dong and A Luoi districts). Wildlife sightings have increased in the Quang Nam Saola Nature Reserve and the Hue Saola Nature Reserve, including rare, precious, and endemic species; threat occurrences have decreased from 64% in 2011 to 17% in 2024.

Mr. Le Ngoc Tuan, Head of the City Forest Protection Department, said these results are due to the efforts of relevant stakeholders. This supported and maintained the forest protection patrol team model across all sub-zones of the conservation area to remove snares, combat illegal wildlife hunting, and monitor biodiversity.

The CARBI 2 project also supported 30 villages and hamlets in the project area in operating revolving loan funds to develop community livelihoods, gradually moving towards changing residents' behavior, and contributing to reducing pressure on natural forests and wildlife populations.

On the other hand, the expansion and upgrading of the Thua Thien Hue Saola Nature Reserve (now under Hue City) into the Hue Saola Nature Reserve, with a total area of over 19,000 hectares, holds great significance in protecting the habitats of many endemic flora and fauna species, helping conserve biodiversity, species, and genetic resources within each species. The reserve also contributes to restoring degraded natural forest ecosystems, including the remaining primary forest areas in the Central Annamites.

Enhancing connectivity among forest areas

Standing Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Hoang Hai Minh noted that Hue retains many unique cultural values and natural landscapes. Natural ecosystems such as the Tam Giang - Cau Hai wetland, Bach Ma National Park, Saola Nature Reserve, and Phong Dien Nature Reserve are considered a common home to incredibly diverse natural species. However, during the development process, local natural ecosystems face multiple pressures, leading to the risk of biodiversity degradation.

The CARBI 2 project has connected development partners and government agencies to coordinate closely with local authorities, relevant departments, and communities by carrying out activities aimed at protecting and restoring forests and endangered, rare wildlife. Concurrently, it improves livelihoods for residents, especially those dependent on forest resources, as thousands of households living in the buffer zones have benefited. Additionally, it strengthens the specialized technical capacity of the forest ranger force in biodiversity resource conservation.

From regularly patrolled forests to maintained biological corridors, the project's effectiveness is clearly demonstrated in reality. When forests are connected, the habitats of many wildlife species are expanded, creating conditions for populations to live, forage, and thrive. This is also a crucial foundation for Hue to maintain high-value natural forest ecosystems in the Central Annamites region.

"The CARBI 2 project not only supports promoting forest resource governance in conservation areas but also expands to community forests to increase corridor connectivity between external forest zones and priority conservation areas. The City People's Committee is committed to continuing the implemented project contents. Simultaneously, we will keep seeking opportunities and calling for more and more effective support investments in the Central region and Hue City to protect the integrity of forest landscapes and biodiversity", Mr. Minh shared.