Biodiversity conservation associated with sustainable livelihood development

Faced with the complex developments of climate change and the risk of biodiversity loss, Son La province is coordinating with other units to implement many nature conservation projects from socialized sources. The Center for People and Nature is currently implementing projects on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation and sustainable livelihood development for local people.

Biodiversity conservation and forest restoration

Son La province has 5 nature reserves, 1 historical landscape protection area, 1 species - habitat conservation area and 11 valuable scenic spots, which are home to many rare species of animals and plants. Therefore, nature conservation is an urgent task.

Volunteers and people participate in planting forests in Van Ho commune.

Mr. Trinh Le Nguyen, Director of the Center for People and Nature (under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations), said: Since 2015, the Center has implemented 4 main areas in Son La, including: Biodiversity conservation, forest restoration, climate change response and sustainable livelihood development, with a total budget of 20 billion VND. The Center established a field office in Van Ho commune to conduct research and conservation; coordinate with the Provincial Forest Protection Department to implement natural resource management projects and connect sponsors and benefactors to learn about the local conservation potential.

Since 2015, the Center has coordinated with the Xuan Nha Special-Use Forest Management Board and the X-Zone Forest Protection Department to conduct research and conserve rare coniferous species such as Xuan Nha pine, Sa Mu Dau, Da Nui Xanh Cypress, and Northern Red Pine. Activities include: Collecting seeds, propagating at nurseries, planting to preserve gene sources, and restoring forests. At the same time, conserving 3 groups of white-cheeked gibbons (14 individuals) in the limestone mountain forest of Van Ho commune.

Officers of the Forest Protection Department of Area X guide people to plant native trees.

Mr. Phan Van Thang, an officer of the Field Office in Van Ho commune, informed: The unit has coordinated to organize capacity building activities for forest protection management teams in areas with species in need of conservation; installed propaganda and warning boards and supported effective forest patrols. At the same time, a gibbon conservation group with 15 members in 4 villages was established to participate in managing and researching the habitat and habits of the white-cheeked gibbon, contributing to the effective implementation of biodiversity conservation work.

The Van Ho gibbon protection team patrols the habitat of the white-cheeked gibbon.
Photo: Phan Thang (Contributor)

In addition, forest restoration activities are being carried out in conjunction with events such as: World Environment Day 2022, International Day for Biological Diversity 2023, "Green Forest" Campaign 2024, "Contribute Leaves to Mend Forests" 2025, attracting nearly 1,000 volunteers to participate. Thereby, more than 13,000 seed bombs have been sown, nearly 70 hectares of native forest trees (Giổi, Tràm, Nghiên, Re, Gù Hương...) have been planted in the communes of Xuân Nha, Vân Hồ, Song Khua, contributing to forest restoration, reducing the risk of landslides and protecting the habitat for wild animals.

Responding to climate change, supporting livelihoods

In response to climate change (CC), the Center for People and Nature has coordinated with the Provincial Farmers' Association to implement the VOF Project sponsored by CISU (Denmark), aiming to enhance the voice and climate change resilience of ethnic minority farmers in the Northwest. From 2018 to 2022, The project was implemented in the villages of Phe A (Chieng La commune), Na Si (Mai Son commune), Khai village (Yen Chau commune) and Thin village (Xuan Nha commune). Thereby, adaptive agricultural models were formed such as: Raising cows and goats in barns; fermenting feed for livestock; growing mango and longan intercropped with grass; cultivating rice according to the SRI method; growing fruit trees in the direction of agroforestry and planting soapberry to restore forests after slash-and-burn farming.

Straw mushroom growing model in Xuan Nha commune.
Photo: Phan Thang (Contributor)

To support people in developing a sustainable economy, Xuan Nha and Van Ho communes have implemented many activities such as: Promoting women to participate in environmentally friendly farming and agricultural business; reducing plastic waste; producing and consuming safe bamboo shoots; building fuel-saving stoves. Eight models have been implemented, including: Growing green hemp, raising bees for honey, growing pineapples, producing clean bamboo shoots, harvesting and processing mac khen, lingzhi mushrooms, and developing bamboo and rattan weaving. At the same time, 40 fuel-saving stoves have been installed for the Mong community in Van Ho commune, contributing to reducing pressure on the forest.

Ms. Ha Thi Sang, President of the Women's Union of Xuan Nha Commune, said: With the support of the Center for People and Nature, the Union is implementing a straw mushroom growing model to increase income for ethnic minority women. Up to now, it has organized technical training for 40 members, built 4 demonstration models and supported replication. After about 35 - 40 days, the mushrooms will be ready for harvest, promising to bring practical economic efficiency.

Women of Xuan Nha commune grow straw mushrooms.

Continue to implement nature conservation activities

In the period 2015-2025, the Center for People and Nature implemented many projects in Son La, focusing on biodiversity conservation, forest restoration, climate change response and sustainable livelihood development. Although mainly on a small and medium scale, these activities have contributed to environmental protection, supporting people's livelihoods and demonstrating the commitment to accompany Son La province and the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations for the goal of sustainable development.

Mr. Trinh Le Nguyen, Director of the Center for People and Nature, said: The Center will implement the Long-term Ecological Research Station (LTER) Project in Van Ho commune in the period of 2025-2035, with a total budget of 43.7-56 billion VND. The project aims to build a sustainable research facility, monitor ecological changes, increase forest cover from 45% to 50%, reduce landslides, and protect the white-cheeked gibbon. In terms of socio-economics, the project is expected to increase income for 2,000-3,000 households through the agroforestry model, create 50-100 direct jobs, 200-300 indirect jobs, and develop ecotourism.

Officers of the Forest Protection Department of Region X and people of Van Ho commune participate in afforestation.

The effective implementation of biodiversity research projects, climate change impact assessment and conservation strategy development by the Center for People and Nature in Son La has contributed to nature management, ecosystem protection and habitat of rare species, while supporting people to develop sustainable livelihoods from the agro-forestry model.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/bao-ton-da-dang-sinh-hoc-gan-voi-phat-trien-sinh-ke-ben-vung-4vyD4D8HR.html