Projects
Wildlife at Risk, Vietnam
With its wide range of varied habitats, Vietnam is one of the most biologically diverse countries in Asia. Yet threats to this biodiversity are increasing as a result of urban development, overfishing, degradation of coastal areas, logging and agricultural conversion - all continuing to destroy vital habitats.
ADMCF is currently supporting the marine conservation programme of a non-profit organisation Wildlife at Risk (WAR) based in Ho Chi Minh City. WAR launched its programme in 2005 in response to the increasing threats to the marine environment. Specifically, ADMCF is funding a study to identify marine conservation needs relevant to the coastal waters of Southern Vietnam.
The focus of the study is the identification of endangered fish species and introducing fishermen to marine conservation solutions. Fishermen are neither routinely included in conservation solutions nor their knowledge of fish catch monitored. Fishermen are also not included in poverty alleviation schemes in Vietnam, although they comprise 80-90% of low and very low income1 families.
The study has published an identification guide to endangered species to assist in surveys. It has analysed fish catch data to determine conservation needs via a review of national data sources and engagement with fishermen at key ports in southern Vietnam. In all, 91 endangered marine animal species were recorded2 and significant numbers of endangered species are considered at risk from fishing in the sites surveyed, in particular: sharks, rays, reef fish and lobsters.
Status
The project is on-going with the preparation of the second edition of the marine species guide detailing 389 of Vietnam's endangered marine species and 2000 non-endangered species. The study will provide recommendations for marine conservation including alternative livelihoods for fishermen and is expected to be completed towards the end of 2008.
Projects
- The Cardamom Mountains Trust Fund, Cambodia
- Wildlife at Risk, Vietnam
- Air Pollution, Hong Kong
- Air Pollution Mapping, China
- Centre for Legal Assistance to Pollution Victims, China
- Building Cambodia's New Generation of Ecologists, Cambodia
- Green Choice Initiative, China
- Building Shark Fin Awareness, Hong Kong
1 Details not currently available as financial and production data for Vietnam not routinely reported to outside agencies. Link
2 Endangered species include: shark, ray, grouper, lobster, swimming crab, shrimp, mollusk, puffer fish and squid.