The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Vietnam June 8 launched a sub-project entitled “Annamites Carbon Sinks and Biodiversity” to prevent deforestation and forest degradation in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. This is part of the “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” project of the WWF Greater Mekong Program. The sub-project will focus on promoting a sustainable management and protection of nearly 200,000 ha trans-boundary forest area with global biodiversity values and high level of ability to absorb carbon dioxide, with the aim to reduce emissions of 1.8 million tons of carbon dioxide delivering from deforestation and forest degradation. The sub-project, funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety of Germany, is slated for implementation by 2014. It covers the two Sao La Nature Reserves and the Bach Ma National Park in Vietnam and the Xe Sap National Protected Area in Laos. These areas are connected with Phong Dien and Song Thanh Nature Reserves in Vietnam via natural forest corridors. Vietnam is home to 10.3 million hectares of natural forests, accounting for about 31% of forest areas across the country. However, only 0.57 million hectares of primeval forest is still in existence. (vovnews.vn June 10, tienphong.vn June 9)
