Vietnam is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, comprising only 1% of the earth’s surface but serving as home to 10% of all species. At the same time, Vietnam is a significant consumer of wildlife and wildlife products, and, as a result, has one of the highest proportions of threatened species in the world. In addition to challenges relating to land-use change, poor environmental management, and weak protected area management, Vietnam is now a major hub for the wildlife trade as a supplier, consumer, and transit route for a variety of live animals, animal parts, and medicinal plants. Conservation crimes undermine the rule of law, perpetuate poverty among vulnerable populations, and endanger vital ecosystems. USAID supports Vietnam to maintain healthy forests and protect wildlife populations in its remaining strongholds of intact forest. In addition, USAID partners with Vietnam to reduce threats to coastal biodiversity and fisheries and strengthen coastal resilience in the Mekong Delta.
PROJECTS
- USAID Biodiversity Conservation supports Vietnam to maintain healthy forests and protect wildlife populations in its national parks and nature reserves in high conservation value provinces. [2020-2025, $38,000,000]
- USAID Saving Threatened Wildlife supports Vietnam to tackle illegal wildlife trafficking. [2021-2026, $15,000,000]
- USAID Mekong Delta Coastal Habitat Conservation strengthens marine resources management to conserve biodiversity and enhance coastal resilience. [2021-2026, $2,900,000]
- USAID Sustainable Forest Management - While mitigating land-based emissions, this project also improves the function of forests and ecosystems through restoration along with conservation of natural forests and improvement of timber forest management to support healthy habitats and biodiversity, which help reduce disaster risk, support livelihoods, and improve food and water security. [2020-2025, $36,300,000]
Photos/Videos
Nguyen Manh Phuc/vietnamwildlife.org