Project News

On 31st August, 2017, a workshop on the development of biodiversity monitoring system for Lang Biang World Biosphere Reserve (LB-BR) was organized in Da Lat, Lam Dong Province with participation of central government officials such as Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Director of Biodiversity Conservation Agency (BCA) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), etc. Biodiversity is one of the most important pillars at the Biosphere Reserves, and its monitoring is highly required for the conservation of LB-BR core zone, in which Bidoup Nui Ba National Park is located.

Toward the development of the biodiversity monitoring system, SNRM project has prepared time series vegetation maps based on satellite images, and conducted three baseline surveys on fauna and flora, mammals, insects, amphibians, and fish in both rainy and dry seasons. In this workshop, fruitful discussion was made to examine the selection of the indicator species which could be indexes of ecosystem changes, and biodiversity monitoring methods. A variety of selection criteria was raised and discussed, such as the species which are sensitive to the habitat changes, easy to identify even for forest rangers or villagers, etc. Based on the results of the discussions, and further comprehensive examination in terms of the budget, implementation structure, etc., finalization of the proposed biodiversity monitoring system shall be made.

In the workshop, Dr. Sakaguchi, Senior Advisor (Natural Environmental Conservation) of JICA presented Japanese ecosystem monitoring such as "Monitoring sites 1000" which brought an opportunity for participants to understand and utilize Japanese efforts and approach in this field as a reference for further examination on the monitoring system in Vietnam.

The Project will finalize the proposed monitoring system by the end of October, 2017, and develop the manuals of biodiversity monitoring for the implementers and provide relevant trainings.

Workshop atmosphere

Presentation on Japanese ecosystem monitoring (Monitoring sites 1000) by Dr. Sakaguchi, Senior Advisor of JICA

Remarks by Mr. Ha Cong Tuan, Deputy Minister of MARD

Presentation on the proposed biodiversity monitoring by Prof. Kashio, SNRM consultant

Group photo