Biodiversity Conservation Project in Chu Yang Sin Nature Reserve, Dak Lak Province
Case Study C0240
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| Date | 2001 |
| Agency | Youth Union of Dak Lak Province |
| Donor/support agency | GEF SGP |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Viet Nam |
| Locality | Dak Lak Province |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/landscape |
| Development focus | Local communities |
| Conservation goals | Conserve biodiversity in Chu Yang Sin Nature Reserve |
| Poverty reduction goals | Create alternative livelihoods for the communities living in the buffer zone of Chu Yang Sin Nature Reserve |
Summary
Chu Yang Sin Nature Reserve, one of the biggest national nature reserves in Viet Nam, contains highly valuable biological resources of a rainforest ecosystem. Poverty and population growth (due to high birth rate and illegal immigration), isolation and a strong lack of human and financial resources for the Reserve management and protection are the main causes of biodiversity loss and deforestation, which are considered two major environmental problems in the Reserve and its buffer zone. To counteract this situation, this project aimed to develop an integrated development model in the buffer zone of the nature reserve where community of the ethnic minorities resides. It focused on strengthening capacity of the Youth Union, especially the Commune Youth Union, carrying out environmental campaigns and awareness raising activities, and improving capacity in nature reserve management of the management authority and youth and local leaders. The project also aimed to create alternative livelihoods for the community so as to reduce their strong dependence on the Reserve resources for their survival.
Despite a good start, the project was a failure. Especially, the development of income generating activities did not achieve the project objectives, mainly due to the following reasons: the project goals were too ambitious; the weather was unfavorable; there was a strong lack of commitment of the project stakeholders.
Conservation impact
Understanding and awareness of the local authorities and community about environmental issues was greatly enhanced through the implementation of training courses, study tours, and the establishment of environmental youth teams.
Poverty reduction impact
55 households were trained on how to develop agricultural production more effectively (growing paddy rice, corn, beans, etc.). The participating households were then supported by project technical assistance and through the revolving loan programme, to start new income generating activities. However, due to the project failure, participating households did not earn additional income from the project income-generating activities.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Reference 1
http://sgp.undp.org/index.cfm?Module=Projects&Page=ShowProject&ProjectID=3643
Related records above this one:
- Global Environment Facility (GEF) (Organisation O0026)