Participatory forest restoration and sustainable forest management in Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve

Thanks to a rapid assessment of forest resources, Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve has more than 150,000 ha of forest. Of these, 2,000 ha of degraded natural forest in Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve were identified for forest restoration. The degraded forest areas are located in Ma Da and Hieu Liem communes, under the management of the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Protected Area (the core area of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve).

The overall objective of this mission is to restore 2,000 ha of degraded forests in Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve through participatory promotion of forest care, forest protection and sustainable forest management measures following the guidelines of the current legislation, which contributes to increasing the density and quality of natural forests and improving connectivity for terrestrial animals.

Prior to implementing interference activities, degraded forests were selected for restoration based on their biological values, degree of degradation and improved connectivity to critical areas for biodiversity. From a cost-effective and ecological perspective, the areas selected for forest restoration were classified into the following degradation categories: (i) moderately degraded forest areas with a natural cover between 50% and 75%; and (ii) slightly degraded forests with a natural cover of 75% or higher.

After mapping the degraded natural forest, 4 main activities were carried out:

1. Natural forest care activities for 2,000 ha of degraded forest with the participation of the local community (cutting of invasive vines and creepers).
2. Forest protection and participatory sustainable forest management activities for 2,000 ha of degraded forest.
3. Conduct capacity building of stakeholders through workshop(s), communication and training to support forest restoration, protection and sustainable management activities.
4. Carry out monitoring of field activities in the framework of the various forest restoration measures.

País: Vietnam

Reserva de la Biosfera:  Dong Nai

Ámbito de la experiencia: Applied research

Organismo responsable: Dong Nai BR

Años: Underway

Contacto: Ha Thi Yen   yenha2103@gmail.com