CONSERVATION EDUCATION NETWORK

No. 3, 4/2001

Internal Newsletter

In this issues

New books

EDITION BOARD OF THE INTERNAL NEWSLETTER OF CEN

WORKSHOP ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN PROTECTED AREAS OF VIETNAM

Do Thi Thanh Huyen

Receiving permission from the Vietnam Union of Science and Technical Associations (VUSTA); the Vietnam Forestry Science and Technology (VIFA); the Vietnam National Parks and Protected Areas Association (VNPPA), the Forest Protection Department (FPD) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) co-organised the workshop on Environmental Education in Protected Areas of Vietnam from 21 to 23 February 2001 Participants also joined the field trip to Cuc Phuong National Park one of typical sites of effective environmental education in Vietnam. The workshop also organised an exhibition participated by 16 organisations.

Present at the workshop were 153 delegates, 134 of them were Vietnamese and the others were foreign. Participants came from national parks and nature reserves in Vietnam, universities, institutes, scientific organisations, other relevant ministries and agencies, some Vietnamese NGOs, Ministry of Environment of Cambodia, WWF Vietnam, IUCN, Nature Society of Malaysia, UNDP, Frontier Vietnam and other ongoing Environmental Education (EE) projects in Vietnam.

The total number of reports at the workshop was 29, four of them were presented by foreign speakers that showed the international experience in EE of Japan, Cambodia and Malaysia.

Reports focused on the theories and practices of EE in protected areas in Vietnam. Participants discussed the following topics in three groups:

• EE for local communities
• EE for students at all levels
• EE for visitors

Each group reached the agreed opinion on the target group, contents, forms, methods, and means to develop EE for different target groups.

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to see the EE exhibition contributed by 16 EE organisations: the VNPPA, The Centre for Environment, Tourism and Development (CETD), the Centre for Resources and Environmental Studies (CRES), WWF, FFI, Frontier, PARC project in Nahang - Ba Be, EE Project VIE/98018, Cuc Phuong Conservation Project, Cuc Phuong National Park (NP), Bach Ma NP, Ben En NP, Cat Tien NP, Con Dao NP, Pu Mat Nature Reserve, Xuan Thuy Nature Reserve. Exhibits were books, magazines, posters, paintings, photos an other EE materials such as T-shirts, hats, bags, video tapes, etc.

Participants joined the field trip to the Visitor Centre and the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre in Cuc Phuong NP on 23 February.

The Workshop on EE in Protected Areas of Vietnam was successfully closed bringing opportunities to for all individuals and organisations to learn and, share EE experiences.

MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION IN PROTECTED AREAS IN VIETNAM

According to the Plan of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Vietnam has 94 special use forests covering 2,370,270 ha, of which there are 12 national parks (529,342 ha); 48 nature reserves (1,342,458 ha); 16 habitats/species protected areas (361,713 ha); and 18 landscape/seascape protected areas (136,757 ha).

This is the greatest challenge to conservation in Vietnam. Uncontrolled cultivation has destroyed 20.000 - 30.000 ha forested land every year. Illegal hunting and trading of wildlife has led many species to the brink of extinction.

General knowledge of the society, especially of local communities living in mountains and surrounding protected areas is limited. This challenged has made protected areas focus on not only protection but also conservation education. Conservation education targets at not only local communities but also,@4sitors and other groups at different ages.

Low quality conditions have made local people in protected and forested areas use forest resources in an uncontrolled way. The poor always pay their first attention to their short-term benefits.

2000 can be considered a clear example. The state budget for national parks with 20 billion VND (US$ 1,500,000 USD) was so small.

At present, management boards have been established in all national parks, 60% of nature reserves. 70% of these management boards are under provincial forest protection departments and 30% under provincial, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. As a result, it is very difficult for the Forest Protection Department to direct all functional activities. 40% of protected areas have non-management board and are under local Forest Protection Departments.

The management system from the director to other staff of protected areas need to have knowledge of environmental protection. In the reality, many directors of national. parks and other protected areas 'used to be directors of forest farms. As a result, they have many difficulties in their job. Any mistake in nature conservation cannot be changed but -to cause damage, especially species and ecosystem damage. That is the reason why managers of protected areas need training to fulfill their tasks.

Local communities play an important role in regional nature resources. Accordingly, environmental education should focus on this target group. However, this activity is effective only when environmental education targets at the whole society.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has submitted to the Government the plan "Renovation and completion of forest protection staff". On this basis, regional forest protection units in protected areas and provincial forest protection departments step by step reconsider the quantity and quality' of rangers aiming at making rangers reliable guards for national natural resources.

The macro management has shown that the data of list of flora and fauna, maps of land, maps of vegetation, reports on climate and hydrography of protected areas are not sufficient and some data are out of date except some national parks such as Cuc Phuong, Cat Tien, Bach Ma, Ba Vi, etc. As a result, the first priority task of protected areas is to complete these scientific documents.

Scientific research supports conservation actively. It is impossible to conduct nature conservation successfully without research. Doing research is one of three major 'tasks of each national park. National parks and other protected areas themselves have to direct research to conservation by creating favourable conditions for relevant organisations to do research to supplement scientific materials.

Ecotourism is tourism that is based on local nature and culture and have the educational function that contributes much to nature conservation and sustainable development with participation of local communities.

Ecotourism development brings considerable benefits to national parks and other protected areas. The revenue can be invested back in nature conservation.

CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF CUNNINGHAMIA KONISHII HAYATA - A RARE SPECIES THAT IS NEWLY DISCOVERED IN PU HOAT (NGHE AN PROVINCE)

1. History of Research on Cunninghamia Konishii Hayata in Nghe An

Cunninghamia konishii hayata was firstly found by the Forest Inventory and Planning Institute in 1960 in Pa Ca Tun Phu Huong, Quy Chau District, Nghe An Province. In 1992, the working team who conducted the feasibility study on the establishment of Pu Mat Nature Reserve found Cunninghamia konishii hayata again. In 1997, the biodiversity researcher group (including Dr. John, Ms. Pettiman, Mr. Chu Van Dung, and Ms. Nguyen Thanh Nhan) saw many Cunninghamia konishii hayata in Pu Hoat Peak.

2. Distribution and Ecological Characters of Cunninghamia Konishii Hayata

Cunninghamia konishii hayata was firstly discovered in Taiwan in 1907, then in Hua Phan Province, Lao. Cunninghamia konishii hayata is distributed in Pu Huong and Pu Hoat, Nghe An Province; Muong Xen (Ky Son District, Nghe An); and Quan Hoa (Thanh Hoa Province). In Nghe An Cunninghamia konishii hayata forests are located mainly in three protected areas of the province, of which the area and the population of Cunninghamia konishii hayata in Pu Mat Nature Reserve make the greatest amount, then Pu Hoat and Pu Huong. In this area, many Cunninghamia konishii hayata with large diametre and height compared with other trees have been found.

Cunninghamia konishii hayata is considered R (Rare) in the Red Data Book of Vietnam. This species has small distribution and grows at the area from 1,200 m to 2000 m asl together with Fokienia hodginsii, species of Fabaceae and Illcium. Cunninghamia konishii hayata reproduces in the area which has the rainfall of 1,500 to 2,000 mm annually and the average temperature varies from 16^oC to 19^oC.

3. The Economic Value of Cunninghamia Konishii Hayata

Cunninghamia konishii hayata is a timber tree with considerable weight and productivity. The tree has straight and beautiful body of large diametre, high timber deposits, high branches, and small canopy. Its timber is light yellow, soft but hard with the flavour like Fokienia hodginsii. This species can be considered precious resource of Vietnam in the construction and modernisation.

4. Values of Cunninghamia Konishii Hayata in Terms of Landscape and Tourism

The appearance of Cunninghamia konishii hayata increases the attractiveness of protected areas in Nghe An Province and ecotourism trips, creating an opportunity for tourists to enjoy special natural creature.

5. Threats To Cunninghamia Konishii Hayata

At present, Cunninghamia konishii hayata is suffering from damage caused by forest burning for cultivation and Cunninghamia konishii hayata use for construction.

6. Recommendations

1. It is necessary to conduct dissemination for mountainous people (especially communities living in Cunninghamia konishii hayata area) on protection of forest in general and Cunninghamia konishii hayata in particular. Measures to support socioeconomic conditions and other construction materials instead of Cunninghamia konishii hayata should be found soon.
2. It is necessary to conduct research on biological characteristics and distribution of Cunninghamia konishii hayata individually and generally in Nghe An. On that basis, the map of Cunninghamia konishii hayata can be developed and it is possible to plant Cunninghamia konishii hayata in high areas.

GRANT ASSISTANCE FOR GRASSROOTS PROJECTS, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, JAPAN

The Japanese Government offers a financial assistance programme for development projects designed to meet the diverse needs of developing countries known as "Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects" (GGP). The GGP programme has acquired an excellent reputation because it provides flexible and timely support to development projects at the grassroots level.

The GGP programme provides non-refundable financial assistance to any type of non-profit organisations such as NGOs, hospitals, primary schools, research institutes and other non-profit associations, to help their development projects.

As long as a development project is geared towards grassroots assistance, it can be eligible for financing under the GGP scheme, especially primary health care, primary education, poverty relief, public welfare, and environment. Particular attention is also given to projects which involve women in development activities.

GGP funds are provided after an examination and evaluation of each application on an annual project-by-project basis.

The grant amount per project generally cannot exceed US$100,000. Even in some exceptional cases, the maximum grant amount is less than US$200,000.

If your organisation satisfies the conditions and you want to receive GGP funds to implement a development project, submit an application form (accompanied by a detailed budget for the project, a map showing the project site, a feasibility study for the project, and if available, a brochure and a copy of the regulations of your Organisation) to the Embassy of Japan or the Japanese Consulate - General in your country.

Contact address:

Embassy of Japan in Hanoi
27 Lieu Giai, Hanoi
Tel: (64)8463000
Fax: (04)8463048

Japanese Consulate - General in Hochiminh City
13-17 Nguyen Hue, District 1
Tel: (08)8225314
Fax: (08)8225316

THE SECOND CONGRESS OF THE VIETNAM NATIONAL PARKS AND PROTECTED AREAS ASSOCIATION

The Vietnam National Parks and Protected Areas organised the second congress (2001- 2005) on 22 February 2001 in Tay Ho Hotel, Hanoi.

Present a the congress were more than 100 participants, including directors of all national parks and some nature reserves; directors of five provincial forest protection departments of Nghe An, Thua Thien - Hue, Thanh Hoa, Phu Tho and Lao Cai; representatives of some national and international associations; representatives of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment; Ministry of Education and Training; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Ministry of Fishery; and Ministry of Culture and Information. Attended at the congress were also Prof. Academician Vu Tuyen Hoang, President of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technical Association (VUSTA); Mr. Ha Chu Chu, Vice President of the Vietnam Forestry Science and Technology (VIFA) and Mr. Ngo Duc Minh, Vice President and Secretary General of VIFA.

Participants at the congress heard Dr. Nguyen Duc Khang's report on the results of the association during the first-term and orientation of VNPPA's activities in the second term from 2001 to 2005. Participants contributed ideas to Dr. Khang's report. The majority highly appreciated effective activities of the VNPPA although there were some disadvantages in terms of Organisation and finance. Thank to the active management of the VNPPA's Steering Committee, the VNPPA has spread the movement of environmental education in many national parks and other protected areas. However, the VNPPA has some shortcomings that need improving.

Prof. Academician Vu Tuyen Hoang expressed his high appreciation on the achievements of the VNPPA during the first term.

The steering committee of the second term (2001 - 2005) of the VNPPA was voted including 27 members. The steering committee voted nine people to be members of the standing committee, President, Vice President and Secretary General of VNPPA.

The Standing Committee had the first meeting right after the VNPPA's congress ended and proposed some ideas to the VIFA:

• The former name "Vietnam National Parks and Protected Areas Sub-Association" will be replaced by "Vietnam National Parks and Protected Areas Association". The VNPPA is still under the VIFA without stamps and account.
• The VNPPA will use its own symbol for future contact.
• VNPPA's budget is kept under the name of the Centre for Environment Tourism and Development (CETD) under the VIFA.
• The VIFA is requested to recognize the new steering committee of the VNPPA.

The congress was successfully ended!

TRAINING COURSE ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND ECOTOURISM IN TAM DAO AND BA VI NATIONAL PARKS

The Vietnam National Parks and Protected Areas Association organised the training courses on Environmental Education (EE) and Ecotourism in Tam Dao National Park (from 26 February to 20 March 2001) and Ba Vi National Park (from 28 February to 15 March 2001) with the financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Participating in the training courses were staff of two national parks and others from surrounding tourism companies, provincial Department of Tourism, and local authorities. The contents of the training courses were:

• Ecotourism experiences of Japan's National Parks
• Environmental Interpretation in Japan
• Ecotourism experiences in Australia
• Developing the Ecotourism Master Plan for Tam Dao and Ba Vi National Parks
• Environmental Interpretation
• Reception skills
• Tourist guide's skills

Trainees had a field trip to share ecotourism and EE experiences in Bach Ma National Park.

For further information of the training courses, please contact cen-cetd@hn.vnn.vn

NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN VIETNAM

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment; Hanns Seidel Foundation and Regional Office for Asia and Pacific of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) organised a National Workshop on Environmental Education and Training in Vietnam on 19 December 2000 in Hanoi. Present at the workshop were about 20 participants from sub-committees of the Vietnam Environmental Education and Training Network, universities, institutes, and relevant organizations and individuals. During the workshop, participants beard 5 reports on present challenge, opportunities and approaches of Environmental Education (EE); ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan, 2000-2005; experiences and results of the MATREM, THAITREM. After hearing speeches, participants discussed in groups priority EE activities in Vietnam under following aspects formal education, informal - education, capacity building and networking, cooperation and communication. At the end of the workshop, participants were consist on the future direction of the Vietnam Environmental Education and Training Network.

NEWS

On April 23^rd 2001, the National Environment Agency organised a workshop on environmental communication with 105 participants from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, Departments of Science, Technology and Environment of provinces, some universities, Science Associations and individuals that are working in the field of environment communication. Participants heard to reports on the theories and approaches of environment communication; contents of environmental communication; and role of communities and social associations in environmental communication. Participants also gave their comments on the draft of environmental communication plan. This plan will be completed in near future.

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Orchid Conservation Project in Vietnam

Several institutions in Hanoi and abroad are collaborating to develop a project to conserve indigenous orchids in Vietnam. The project will encompass all aspects of orchid conservation, including:

1. Field surveys for identification, distribution mapping of species collection for ex situ cultivation and research.
2. Development of ex situ cultivation techniques extending the current work of one of the investigators, using tissue culture and nursery propagation.
3. Investigation of mycorrhizal fungi and fungal diseases.
4. Watercolour illustrations of the orchids for public education via a small booklet and travelling ad exhibition.

The research work would result in scientific publications and the, development of techniques suitable for the commercial cultivation of these orchids. Commercial cultivation would reduce pressure on wild populations and thus preserve the orchids in their natural habitat for future generations to enjoy. This project has the potential to impact positively on a wide range of people, creating sustainable employment for the people who currently harvest the wild orchids by teaching them to cultivate the orchids, and thus conserve the unique orchids of Vietnam.

This project are appealing to the investment from organization.

The collaborators in this project will be: Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Hanoi Agricultural Genetics Institute, Hanoi Agricultural University, University of Sydney, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Singapore Botanic Gardens

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Bach Ma National Park has launched a new website for the park (in English and Vietnamese) at www.bachma.vnn.vn. This site will help provide accurate informational about the park and its work to a wide variety of people, including potential tourists

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The Workshop on ASEAN Training Needs Assessment was held by the ASEAN Regional Centre for Biodiversity Conservation (ARCBC) in Bangkok, Thailand from April 25^th to 27^th 2001. Present at the workshop was more than 40 participants from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines. The objectives of the workshop are to determine the training needs widely perceived as the most important while indicating those that are best dealt with by institutions other than ARCBC, and to develop theme-focused activities packages. Participants of the workshop was divided into 4 groups to discuss about project proposals that are submitted to ARCBC to ask for funding from the European Commission following the 4 topics of taxonomy, biodiversity management and assessment, biodiversity awareness, and data management.

For further information, please contact:

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Hanoi Zoo in cooperation with WWF, and with funding by SNV will be holding an Environment Day Fair for the general public at the Hanoi Zoo on the 2^nd of June.

Holding true to this year's theme "Connect with the World Wide Web of Life" we believe that it is important to make connections between those who are working for the environment with all other community members and with all life on earth. These connections will hopefully close the gaps of understanding about the symbiotic world we live in. There will be several events at the fair including a performance by the National Puppet Theater and an art competition for children. Organization and individuals can participate by hosting- an information booth that displays what they do and any special education or awareness materials related to the environment.

For further information, please contact Nguyen My Hanh or Mike Mataraso at WWF Indochina, by mail 53 Tran Phu Street, Hanoi or phone 733-8387.

NEW BOOKS

The English version of the book entitled "Manual on Participatory 3-Dimensional Modeling for Natural Resource Management - Essentials of Protected Area Management in the Philippines" by Giacomo Rambaldi and Jasmine Callosa was published in 2000 with financial assistance of the European Commission, Department of Environment and Nature Resources.

The Manual is intended to assist Participatory Learning and Action practitioners, non-governmental and other civil organizations, society or scientific institutions and other civil organisations, society or scientific institutions and others who would find "community-based 3-D modeling" a powerful tool enabling local stakeholders to express their views and assert their rights.

The manual's content and format are designed for practitioners who would like to plan and facilitate the preparation of 3-D models through a community-based process and for those wanting to bring the potentials of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at grassroots level. The P3-DM process and its output (the scaled relief model) are the foundations upon which participatory GIS can release its full potential.

Contact address:

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The book "Tam Dao National Park" provides readers detailed accurate updated information about natural resources and socioeconomic condition of Tam Dao National Park and its buffer zone. This book is composed with the support of the Vietnam National Park and Protected Areas Association (VNPPA); the Faculty of Biological Science (University of Natural Sciences - Hanoi National University); the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (National Centre for Natural Sciences and Technology) as well as many individuals. This is an useful materials for scientists, students, domestic or international tourists who want to have more information and knowledge about, Tam Dao National Park, one of the largest national parks of Vietnam.

The book was published in both Vietnamese and English at The Agricultural Publishing House in March 2001.

For further information, please contact

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The book "Environmental Interpretation - A Practical Guide for People with Big Ideas and Small Budgets" by Professor Sam H. Ham, University of Idaho, USA was published in 1992 in both English and Spanish. This is a very useful book for both professional and new environmental educators and communicators. More than 200 illustrations, photographs, and technical insets provide simple instructions for designing and implementing effective education program in forests, parks, protected areas, zoos, botanical gardens, extension and community programs, and in all kinds of agriculture and natural resource management programs with high efficiency but small budgets.

The Vietnam National Parks and Protected Areas Association (VNPPA) and the Centre for Environment, Tourism and Development (CETD) have translated this book into Vietnamese with the financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This book was published at Hanoi National University Publishing House.

Contact address:

Centre for Environment, Tourism and Development
114, Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi
Tel/ Fax: (84-4) 7 560 233
Email. cen-cetd@hn.vnn.vn

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The book "Sourcebook of Existing and Proposed Protected Areas in Vietnam" was compiled and published as part of the European Union-funded project entitled Expanding the Protected Areas Network in Vietnam for the 21^st Century. It is the outcome of over one year's work by experts at BirdLife International and the Forest Inventory and Planning Institute (FIPI), with the assistance of many other organisations and individuals, including the Forest Protection Department (FPD) and the National Environment Agency (NEA). The ASEAN Regional Centre for Biodiversity Conservation also provided financial support for production of the Sourcebook.

The objective of the sourcebook is to improve access to information about Vietnam's protected areas. The and sourcebook contains descriptions of 189 existing and proposed protected areas in Vietnam. Each description summarises the existing information available about the site, and directs the reader to more detailed sources of information. The sourcebook also contains revised maps that show the location of each protected area in relation to forest cover. The sourcebook represents a valuable source of information for protected area managers, scientists and other readers who wish to know more about protected areas in Vietnam. It also provides a foundation of knowledge for environment education and biodiversity research programmes in Vietnam.

An on-line version of the sourcebook has now been launched, which allows information on all 189 existing and proposed protected areas to be downloaded in PDF format, The on-line version of the sourcebook can be accessed at the BirdLife International Vietnam Programme website:

A hardcopy version of the sourcebook has been published in two volumes, covering northern and southern Vietnam. Each volume is available in both Vietnamese and English, from the BirdLife International Vietnam Programme. A CD-Rom version of the sourcebook will be available in April.

For further information, contact Vu Thi Minh Phuong, Communications Officer,

Tel/Fax: 851 7217 or email at: phuong@birdlife.netnam.vn

LETTER FROM THE EDITION BOARD

Dear readers,

The Edition Boards of the Internal Newsletter of the Conservation Education Network has received numerous recommendations and contributions of CEN members. We would like to thank you and hope to receive more recommendations and contributions in order to make our newsletter be completed, helpful and be a forum for all organizations and individuals to exchange information related conservation.

In the next newsletter, we intend to introduce organizations and individuals who are working in the field of conservation education and environmental education. Any organization or individual wish to introduce your activities on the newsletter should send the information to the Edition Board to the following address:

Centre for Environment, Tourism and Development (CETD)
114 Hoang Quoc Viet - Cau Giay - Ha Noi
Tel/Fax: (84 4) 7 560233
Email: cen-cetd@hn.vnn.vn

Thank you very much for your cooperation

Edition Board

CEN ACTIVITIES IN THE PERIOD BETWEEN 2000 AND 2005

CEN activities in the period between 2000 and 2005 are:

1. Publish the CEN bilingual (Vietnamese and English) quarterly newsletters (approximately 10 pages for a newsletter both paper copy and electronic);
2. Discuss and exchange information through an email discussion list;
3. Seek funding and coordinate with national and international organisations to (1) organise at least one seminar each year on conservation education in a National Park or a Protected Areas, (2) to develop materials on conservation education, (3) and to organise professional training courses for the CEN members.
4. Support study tours to exchange experiences among national parks and protected areas by consulting organisers (National Parks or Protected Areas) on the content of those study tours.
5. Coordinate with other sub-committees of the Vietnam Environmental Education and Training Network and mass media agencies to effectively implement the task of conservation education and carry out relevant activities.