Management capacity in special-use and protection forests is still limited

The Sustainable Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation Project in Vietnam (VFBC) was funded by USAID Biodiversity Conservation Activity and implemented by WWF Vietnam. VDBC has completed a comprehensive institutional assessment to build management capacity for special-use and protection forests at locations.

The USAID Biodiversity Conservation Activity assesses the capacity of 18 special-use and protection forest areas, focusing on the functions and personnel structure of the management board. A competency-based framework assessed the skills and knowledge required for each position.

The results show that most staff have expertise in forestry, forest resource management, accounting and finance. However, up-to-date skills and knowledge, such as biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, biodiversity monitoring, ecotourism, sustainability, planning, and equity investment, are still limited.

A recent study conducted by the VFBC project evaluates 19 forest-managing activities across Vietnam. Research has shown an urgent need to provide local forest management boards with the necessary knowledge and skills.

The institutional assessment identifies more than 70 workshops focusing on special-use and protection forests for local managers. Several workshops are prioritized throughout the VFBC project.

Management capacity workshops aim to build the capacity for Vietnam’s protection areas as part of the Vietnam Forestry Development Strategy 2021-2030 towards 2050.

“We are determined to develop the necessary capacity for forest managers. We recognize that highly skilled managers help reduce the growing pressures and threats to biodiversity.

By organizing focused workshops, we aim to equip forest managers with the necessary tools and knowledge to sustain Vietnam’s protected areas,” – says Mr. Vu Van Hung, Project Director of VFBC project, Deputy Head of the Management Board of Forestry Projects (MARD).

"Management capacity in Vietnam are facing more challenges than ever to conserve forests and biodiversity. Pressures and threats are increasing. Therefore managers should improve their capacity. 

While technology and equipment help to some extent, new skills and knowledge are also needed to advance the management, protection, restoration and conservation of forests and biodiversity," says Mr. Nick Cox. Chief of Party, USAID Biodiversity Conservation.