Analyse the Biodiversity and Socio-Economic Values of the Wetlands in Vietnam

Abstract

The object of research is biodiversity and humanistic ecology values of the wetlands and the negative impacts of the socio-economic development on wetland ecosystem. Propose practical solutions for the conservation, management and sustainable use of the wetland resources for the sustainable development of Vietnam. Vietnam’s wetland area is about 12 million hectares, accounting for one third of the natural area. The wetland ecosystem in Vietnam contains a high level of biodiversity, contains various important ecological functions and values, directly affects people's livelihoods, and plays a major role in the country’s socio-cultural life. Vietnam has 9 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites – The Wetlands of International Importance). However, some wetland areas are increasingly degraded in both quality and quantity of species due to over-exploitation and over-use. In this study, utilized various research methods including desk research, secondary analysis, and Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA), which is carried out to collect data from decision makers and community in Xuan Thuy National Park (Nam Dinh province) and in Tram Chim National Park (Dong Thap province). As a result of the research shown that the major challenges to wetlands in Vietnam include: unsustainable exploitation; imbalanced utilisation and conservation of wetlands; lack of comprehensive wetlands data to meet the requirements of wetland management and sustainable development. The conservation and use of the wetland areas in Vietnam must be carried out on the principle of approaching the ecosystem, ensuring the maintenance of the entire structure, functions, ecological characteristics and biodiversity of the wetland areas. For which the authors recommend increasing the role and participation of the communities living in and around the wetland areas and stakeholders in the conservation and sustainable use of the wetlands. Ensure a fair and equitable benefit sharing mechanism based on equal rights and obligations among stakeholders in the use of wetland ecosystem services