Conservation and Development of Forest Ecosystems Biodiversity Resources at Cat Tien National Park

Goals & Objectives

The project aims to improve the conservation and development of forest ecosystems biodiversity resources at CTNP engaged with sustainable livelihood improvement for communities in the buffer zone. The objectives are to:

1. Improve knowledge and information sharing on biodiversity of forest ecosystems of the Park for local managers and policy makers
2. Assess the climate change and social impacts on CTNP biodiversity and integrated management measures, improve management and conservation capacities of project
3. Conduct piloting of models for sustainable livelihood improvement of communities in the buffer zones

Main Activities

• Training, sharing knowledge, experiences and skills on biodiversity conservation to the Province, District, Commune Officers
• Study tour in national parks and protected areas inbound and outbound 
• Assess the climate change and social impacts to the biodiversity of CTNP.
• Organize trainings on climate change and social impacts for people and local authorities in the buffer zone.
• Implement measures and solutions to minimize negative impacts of climate change and social impacts at CTNP (i.e. improving the habitat of Ramsar-Crocodile Lake and neighboring wetland).
• Enhance local communities’ capacity on adaptation on climate change and social impacts (i.e. changing cultivation methods, practices for local people in buffer zone to adapt to climate change)
• Develop a model of planting Golden Camellia (Camellia spp.), Theaceae, which is an indigenous, rare and valuable tree used for timber, high quality drinks, medicine, and as an ornamental.
• Collect orchids (Orchidaceae) and set up a greenhouse for orchid genus resource conservation at CTNP.
• Develop supporting documents, materials and tools to improve conservation capacity.
• Organize training for rangers in forest protection, biodiversity monitoring, patrolling, using equipment and management of violators in the community.
• Develop coordination regulations on forest protection with local authorities and sign commitments on forest protection with households.
• Involve local people in study tours and training workshops
• Survey and assess the benefits and potentials of economic development in the future of the Park and local community
• Identify economic benefits of biodiversity conservation engaged with improving livelihoods for local people in the buffer zone.
• Support the planting, maintenance, and marketing of high value tree crops to help improve the livelihoods of ethnic minorities in Village 3 and Village 4, Phuoc Cat 2 Commune, Cat Tien District, and Lam Dong Province
• Plan and establish intensive grassland management for ethnic minorities in Village 7, Dac Lua commune, Tan Phu district, Dong Nai province 
• Develop & promote homestay model in Nam Cat Tien commune, Tan Phu district, Dong Nai province in accordance with local customs and practices as a tourism-based alternative livelihood

Expected Outputs

• Increase knowledge and information on biodiversity at Ca Tien National Park
• Enhance local communities’ capacity on adaptation on climate change and social impacts, climate change and social impact
• Assess the climate change and social impacts to the biodiversity of CTNP
• Improve the habitats and facilities including Ramsar-Crocodile Lake and greenhouse at the Ca Tien National Park
• Survey and assess the benefits and potentials of economic development in the future of the Park and local community
• Establish the piloting model of high value tress planting, intensive grassland management and homestay in buffer zone