Viet Nam’s forests cover more than 41% of the country’s area and provide important habitats for flora and fauna. They play an essential role for the national economy, contribute to local livelihoods, and constitute a global biodiversity hotspot. However, Viet Nam’s forests continue to be degraded and biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate. An estimated 13% of species in Viet Nam are threatened with extinction.

While Viet Nam has committed to several international forest and biodiversity conservation initiatives – including the Convention on Biological Diversity – increased efforts are needed to enhance capacity, technology, and resources to preserve the rich forests and ecosystems effectively.

In this context, the project focusses on strengthening the policy framework and institutional capacity at national level, working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and its subordinate agency, the Vietnam Administration of Forestry. In parallel, the project demonstrates successful approaches for sustainable management and financing for protected forests at four pilot sites: Cat Tien National Park, Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park, Than Sa- Phuong Hoang Nature Reserve, and Tram Tau Protection Forest.

By increasing the engagement of local communities in forest management and planning, the project aims to strengthen natural resource governance and benefit-sharing, which allows for local communities to benefit from ecosystem services while contributing to their preservation. This is coupled with enhancing the long-term financing of protected areas and strengthening monitoring capacity to inform decision makers.  These activities contribute to a more sustainable and equitable use of ecosystem services, preserving Viet Nam’s unique biodiversity for the benefit of its people and the planet.