Carbon & Biodiversity Project (CarBi)
An ambitious project to save forests, species and livelihoods
WWF and partners have embarked on the largest and most ambitious project in the history of our involvement in the Greater Mekong region. Aimed at halting deforestation, through forest protection and sustainable use of forest resources, and preserving the unique species diversity, the new project covers an area of more than 200,000 ha of forest, along a vital mountain range that links Laos and Vietnam in Southeast Asia.
The Greater Annamites mountain range is an area of high biodiversity, unique endemism, and includes one of the largest continuous natural forest areas in continental Asia. It is also an area where deforestation and illegal logging are rife.
Whilst the new project, the Carbon & Biodiversity Project (“CarBi” for short[1]), is important for species and forest conservation, it will also enhance the income of the area’s culturally diverse people who also depend on forests for their livelihoods.
An area the size of 280,000 football pitches, crucial in the fight against climate change
The project area, equivalent to the size of more than 280,000 football pitches, is important in the fight against global climate change as the forests remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere – also known as a carbon sink – and our aim is for this project to reduce global emissions by an estimated 1.8million tonnes of CO2.
WWF will work with partners, including local communities in the region to help rehabilitate, restore and protect the forest, including 4 protected areas, with two connecting corridors that will allow species to move between the areas. These protected areas provide unique habitat for some of Asia’s most charismatic and rare species, including many only recently discovered by scientists, such as the saola and douc.
The partnerships will also help to reduce the many threats the region is facing, including illegal or unsustainable logging, unsustainable agriculture and illegal timber trade, by training forest and local administration officials, and promoting sustainable forest management and sustainable livelihood initiatives that increase the income of local communities and businesses.
Overall the trans-boundary nature of the project will also help build future collaboration between both nations, Laos and Vietnam.
[1] The full title of the project is: Avoidance of deforestation and forest degradation in the border area of southern Laos and central Vietnam for the long-term preservation of carbon sinks and biodiversity (CarBi).
CarBi is aimed at halting deforestation through forest protection and sustainable use of forest resources, and preserving species.
For more information:
Fanie Bekker
Trans Boundary Director, CarBi Project
WWF Greater Mekong
PO.Box 7871
Vientiane, Lao PDR
fanie.bekker[at]wwf.panda.org
Trans Boundary Director, CarBi Project
WWF Greater Mekong
PO.Box 7871
Vientiane, Lao PDR
fanie.bekker[at]wwf.panda.org
The project will also help the income of the area’s culturally diverse people who depend on forests for their livelihoods.
The project will also enhance the income of the area’s culturally diverse people who depend on forests for their livelihoods.
By preserving forest and promoting sustainable livelihoods, the project will ultimately secure the future for some of the region's most unique and endangered species, like the saola.
CarBi Project Area
Click on the map above to learn more about WWF's work in the CarBi project area.
