The ecosystem-based approach (EBA) in bio-diversity conservation was
discussed at a regional seminar in Hanoi on October 15.
The
event was jointly held by the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment (MoNRE), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World
Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Swedish Embassy with the participation of
representatives from regional countries such as China, Laos, Thailand
and Cambodia.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, MoNRE Deputy
Minister Associate Prof. Dr. Bui Cach Tuyen said the event aims to
share experience in climate change adaptation and mitigation based on
the ecosystem, thus helping Vietnam build relevant policies.
Participant also discussed cooperation opportunities in this field
between countries in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, he said.
The project was funded by the Swedish Embassy through the Partnership
Development Cooperation (PDC) programme with partners including the
Vietnam Environment Administration, the WWF, the Stockholm Resilience
Centre and Stockholm University of Sweden.
Lasting from June
2012 to November 2013, the project aims to popularise EBA to climate
change into biodiversity conservation in Vietnam. Under the project, a
pilot model will be established in the southern province of Ben Tre.
According to Raji Dhital from the WWF, climate change has
potential impacts on biodiversity. In the Greater Mekong Sub-region,
from 133 to 2,835 species of flora and from 10 to 213 species of spinal
fauna are in danger of extinction.
She underlined the need
to restore mangrove forests and develop forestry in a sustainable
development approach to fulfil the purpose of ecosystem-based climate
change adaptation.-VNA