Vietnam is one of the world’s most biologically rich countries. Diverse ecosystems provide clean water, soil stability, buffers against storms and climate shocks as well as a basis for tourism. Biodiversity conservation is an essential component of achieving sustainable, resilient development as well as a global public good. USAID helps Vietnam protect its globally significant biodiversity by safeguarding a future for unique and endangered species that are currently threatened, by land use change, intense poaching and wildlife crime. The USAID program aims to shape a future in which both people and biodiversity thrive via improvements in economic prosperity, social equity and environmental stewardship.
CONSERVING BIODIVERSITY
Through the Green Annamites project, USAID works directly with local governments and citizens in Quang Nam and Thua Thien Hue provinces to strengthen biodiversity conservation, improve land use practices to reduce deforestation and restore degraded landscapes, and increase resilience for vulnerable communities. USAID also supports Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research to contribute to scientific knowledge of biodiversity and build connections between Vietnamese and U.S. research institutions.
COMBATING WILDLIFE CRIME
Vietnam is a source, destination and transit country for the illegal wildlife trade and the USAID Saving Species project aims to combat the illegal trade in wildlife. Partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the project strengthens wildlife law enforcement and prosecution, improves and harmonizes the legal framework, and reduces consumer demand for illegal wildlife and wildlife products.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
USAID promotes environmental protection of the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site and Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve through the Ha Long – Cat Ba Alliance. The Alliance advocates for the preservation of the area’s biodiversity. It also assists local residents in implementing good environmental practices and empowers local actors and organizations for greater participation in environmental protection.
April 2019