USAID Supports Local Community Collaboration with Cat Tien National Park
Posted on June, 19 2023
USAID Biodiversity Conservation has launched a pilot initiative to formalize collaboration between local communities and Cat Tien National Park.
Cat Tien National Park, June 16, 2023. As part of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID)-funded Sustainable Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation project (VFBC), the Biodiversity Conservation component, implemented by WWF, has launched a pilot initiative to formalise collaboration between local communities and Cat Tien National Park. This new "Collaborative Management" (CBM) mechanism, in the form of a multi-stakeholder committee, is designed to involve buffer zone communities in biodiversity conservation activities in Cat Tien National Park.
USAID Biodiversity Conservation is supporting similar pilot initiatives in a small number of the Project’s 21 protected areas in Vietnam, with the aim of showcasing different approaches to engaging local communities in how protected areas are managed, including finding solutions to common problems. After an initial assessment of issues and conflicts in and around Cat Tien National Park, the Director of the management board of Cat Tien NP approved the formation of a multi-stakeholder management committee and issued a Decision. This committee includes representatives from Cat Tien National Park management board, buffer zone communities and the Women’s Union. Together, they will facilitate dialogue events, engaging a wide range of stakeholders to address specific challenges such as the conflict of interest between livelihoods and conservation priority or the issues related to forest environmental service payment policies.
"The creation of a formal mechanism for community involvement will increase the potential for enhancing biodiversity as well as understanding and respecting the social benefits of the globally important Cat Tien National Park," Mr. Nick Cox, Chief of Party, USAID Biodiversity Conservation, implemented by WWF.
“Successful management of Cat Tien National Park needs community involvement. The establishment of this CBM not only strengthens the involvement of local communities in the protection of our natural heritage but also enhances the effectiveness of our conservation strategies. By fostering cooperation and shared responsibility, we are safeguarding the unique ecosystems of Cat Tien National Park and securing the livelihoods and well-being of the communities that depend on them.” Mr Pham Xuan Thinh, Director of Cat Tien National Park.
USAID Biodiversity Conservation is committed to its objectives of improving forest quality and protecting wildlife populations, which in turn will provide benefits to local communities and the broader society in Vietnam.
USAID Biodiversity Conservation is supporting similar pilot initiatives in a small number of the Project’s 21 protected areas in Vietnam, with the aim of showcasing different approaches to engaging local communities in how protected areas are managed, including finding solutions to common problems. After an initial assessment of issues and conflicts in and around Cat Tien National Park, the Director of the management board of Cat Tien NP approved the formation of a multi-stakeholder management committee and issued a Decision. This committee includes representatives from Cat Tien National Park management board, buffer zone communities and the Women’s Union. Together, they will facilitate dialogue events, engaging a wide range of stakeholders to address specific challenges such as the conflict of interest between livelihoods and conservation priority or the issues related to forest environmental service payment policies.
"The creation of a formal mechanism for community involvement will increase the potential for enhancing biodiversity as well as understanding and respecting the social benefits of the globally important Cat Tien National Park," Mr. Nick Cox, Chief of Party, USAID Biodiversity Conservation, implemented by WWF.
“Successful management of Cat Tien National Park needs community involvement. The establishment of this CBM not only strengthens the involvement of local communities in the protection of our natural heritage but also enhances the effectiveness of our conservation strategies. By fostering cooperation and shared responsibility, we are safeguarding the unique ecosystems of Cat Tien National Park and securing the livelihoods and well-being of the communities that depend on them.” Mr Pham Xuan Thinh, Director of Cat Tien National Park.
USAID Biodiversity Conservation is committed to its objectives of improving forest quality and protecting wildlife populations, which in turn will provide benefits to local communities and the broader society in Vietnam.