Posted on May, 30 2003

Con Dao is one of the very few remaining places in Vietnam where such rare animals as the dugong, sea turtle, and dolphin still reside. Here also grow species of orchids found nowhere else in Vietnam. In particular, Con Dao has large, diverse coral reefs, the biodiversity of which is on par with coral reefs found in the region’s most famous ecotourism sites. WWF Indochina has identified Con Dao an important site for conserving nature in Vietnam. Con Dao National Park was designated a protected area in 1984 and became a national park in 1993. The protected area totals 20,000 ha, of which 14,000 ha are marine ecosystems and 6,000 ha are terrestrial located on 14 islands. In addition, there is a marine buffer zone of 20,500 ha. The park is rich in marine and terrestrial biodiversity. It includes coastal and marine ecosystems, such as mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. Over 1,300 marine species have been identified here. Since 1995, WWF has been increasing the ability of park staff and local communities to conserve Con Dao’s marine biodiversity. Activities include technical training, study tours, and hands-on experience of conservation of marine species such as marine turtles and dugong. As part of the marine turtle conservation initiative, park staff have been trained to tag turtles, monitor their nests, and transplant eggs into hatcheries. The results achieved are considerable: since 1995, more than 300,000 baby turtles have been released into the sea, and over 1,000 adult turtles have been tagged, enabling the park to monitor breeding patterns and health of the sea turtle population. WWF is helping to link Con Dao National Park with national, regional, and global counterparts engaged in conserving marine turtles. Research on the dugong and its habitats is being conducted in combination with educational activities and efforts to raise awareness about the importance of conserving this endangered species. Work in Con Dao also involves researching coral reefs and monitoring their recovery following Typhoon Linda in 1997. For the past eight years, WWF has organized numerous workshops in and outside Con Dao on marine biodiversity and environmental education for staff of the park and other local agencies. In particular, the study tours to neighbouring countries including Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines were excellent opportunities for park staff to gain valuable knowledge and experience from international counterparts. With practical experience accumulated over more than ten years, park staff are now able to provide training at WWF workshops held in other provinces such as Quang Ninh and Da Nang, as well as to give presentations at local and international workshops and conferences. And now, Con Dao has become the leading national park in marine biodiversity in Vietnam. With the aim of replicating the successful marine biodiversity conservation model of Con Dao, WWF organized a training workshop on marine biodiversity conservation from 24–27 May at the headquarters of Con Dao National Park. The workshop was attended by staff of provincial and district Departments of Fisheries, national park staff, and leaders of local communes and districts who are or might be involved in marine biodiversity conservation in their own localities in Quang Ninh, Kien Giang, Da Nang, and Ninh Thuan provinces. Participants were given basic information on the conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity. Presentations focused on relevant issues such as the biological and ecological characteristics of the sea turtle, community based management, benefits of marine conservation for fisheries, the importance of environmental education, and conservation of coral reefs in Con Dao National Park. Community leaders and technical staff of national and provincial protected areas also visited Con Dao National Park to share experiences and to see conservation activities being practiced in the park. In addition, the participants had a chance to discuss and identify the common problems, challenges, and appropriate approaches to the implementation and management of conservation work. “Before we used to feel puzzled and lost because we thought that nature conservation conflicted with the needs of local people who in our coastal areas mainly rely on marine natural resources. But now we already see the solutions,” said Nguyen Hai Ly, vice-chair of the People’s Committee of Van Don District in Quang Ninh Province. “We will definitely invite Con Dao National Park staff to our district to help us replicate their marine biodiversity conservation model. The highlight of the workshop was a visit to Bay Canh Island, one of the 14 islands of the Con Dao Archipelago, where participants trekked through cool and shady mangrove forests. While walking along the white sand beach, to their delight they discovered turtle nests, which had been dug the previous night. To protect the eggs from being swept into the sea, park staff had moved them to the local hatchery, which participants also had the opportunity to visit. Also memorable was snorkelling above the coral reefs. Having never snorkelled before, participants for the first time saw rich coral reefs stretching for hundreds of metres, with dozens of species of corals of various colours and patterns, around which schools of colourful fish swam in the crystal clear blue water. “I have never seen anything this beautiful. How valuable and wonderful are the things granted to us by nature. I am sure that snorkelling to see the coral reefs can be promoted on Phu Quoc Island, and will definitely attract a lot of tourists. This will both ensure the conservation of marine biodiversity and help the local economy,” said Nguyen Hong Cuong, head of the District Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Phu Quoc Island District after the visit. The main factor for the success of the training workshop was the relevance of the content for all the participants. By observing the interesting work of the national park staff, and by getting in touch with the pristine natural environment, the workshop participants became more aware of the importance of conservation and their role in promoting conservation in their own localities. For further information: Nick Cox Marine Programme Coordinator, WWF Indochina Tel: 7338387, ext. 141 E-mail: nick@wwfvn.org.vn Hoang Thi Minh Hong Communications Manager, WWF Indochina Tel: 7338387, ext. 126 E-mail: hong@wwfvn.org.vn