During July 14-15, 2019 in Hoi An – Quang Nam, MCD cooperated with the Management Board of Cu Lao Cham MPA to organize a series of events: (1) Viewing the co-management model of Cu Lao Cham LMMA based on the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) and (2) a workshop to share experiences on LMMA/MPA management based on the EAFM approach, and strengthening cooperation of the Central-Coast LMMA/MPA network.

The Cu Lao Cham LMMA co-management model had the participation of 44 representatives from organizations, local authorities, people, and businesses in Binh Dinh. At Cu Lao Cham MPA, delegates were able to see the co-management model, visit the Cu Lao Cham Marine Conservation Centre, and view the sea-diving tourism model for observing corals. All tourism models of Cu Lao Cham are based on the EAFM approach. This activity is part of the dialogue series to strengthen the sharing of EAFM experiences and the Central LMMA/MPA network within the framework of the project “Enhancing the resilience of small-scale fishing communities and marine ecosystems at local level marine protected areas in Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam”.

Continuing on July 15, 2019 in Hoi An City, with the participation of nearly 45 delegates from parties including: Quy Nhon City People’s Committee, Binh Dinh Provincial Fisheries Department and Department of Tourism, representatives of People’s Committees of LMMA communes, local people in Nhon Ly, Nhon Hai, Ghenh Rang and Nhon Chau communes of Binh Dinh province, as well as representatives of Quang Nam Department of Fisheries, representatives of Hoi An City People’s Committee, Cu Lao Cham MPA, representatives of Border Guard Station, Bai Huong sub-area, and representatives of tourism service providers came to join.

At the workshop, MCD introduced the overview of the project, shared the approach of EAFM and some initial results in the process of strengthening the resilience of small-scale and systematic fishing communities and marine ecology at the local level marine reserve.

Following this, expert Chu Manh Trinh gave a presentation on the approach and practice of waste management to contribute to biodiversity conservation in the LMMA/MPA area.

Expert Tang Thi Duyen Hong shared about the approach and practice of community tourism models by discussing the issue of community based tourism associated with sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

In the second session, stakeholders shared local experiences on the advantages and disadvantages of LMMA/MPA, and proposed effective management of LMMA / MPA with increased cooperation in the Central region.

Mr. Le Vinh Thuan presented experience on management of Cu Lao Cham MPA based on EAFM while sharing experiences with representatives of Cu Lao Cham MPA.Cu Lao Cham belongs to Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province which has natural marine resources, forest resources, and rich and diverse human resources that are suitable for marine and tourism development. During the development process, Cu Lao Cham MPA adopted ecosystem-based fisheries management, and achieved an enhanced awareness of natural resources and environment protection, attracting the participation and consensus of the community for conservation.

Mr. Phan Tuan, Head of Quy Nhon Economic Division and a representative of the Quy Nhon LMMA area, shared about Quy Nhon’s management experience of LMMA. With the advantage of the support of the authorities, the active participation of the community, and the funding support from the project programs, Quy Nhon has built a pilot model of community management in a small area of Hon Kho.  Co-management in the Hon Kho area has protected corals and marine ecosystems by improving people’s skills of aquatic resources, and thus the environment has been improved. Quy Nhon is also developing a co-management plan at Bai Dua under the 2017 Fisheries Law.

A representative of the Ly Son MPA Management Board, Mr. Huynh Ngoc Dung – Deputy Director presented the results achieved during the management process. Communication has been taken seriously by the Management Board, followed by patrols, control and supervision around the marine protected area, which plays an important role in dealing with illegal seafood violations. The Management Board has implemented international cooperation activities, research activities to build models, policies, and scientific research, and other activities such as implementing a package of shipbuilding patrol vessels.

At the end of the workshop, the executive board discussed the plan to increase the cooperation between the Central Region LMMA / MPA, and the participants discussed their specific ideas and experiences in each locality. Specifically, there is a need to strengthen experience exchanges between localities and MPAs, and to implement activities of exchanging knowledge and information to support activities among localities.

Additional information:

In the framework of the project, MCD collaborated with local partners to apply the EAFM management method through implementing a biodiversity conservation management plan, sustainable livelihood development and strengthening enforcement on responsible regulations on sustainable fishing. Parties are particularly concerned with the co-management contents in the protection of fisheries resources, sustainable tourism development and waste management. In order to continue to support localities to practice the management of LMMA / MPA, and to learn, share and exchange mutual lessons, MCD cooperates with the Management Board of Cu Lao Cham MPA to organize a Sharing Workshop: LMMA / MPA management experiences based on the ecosystem approach (EAFM) and strengthening LMMA / MPA network cooperation in the Central region.

Center for Marine Conservation and Community Development Research (MCD):

MCD is a not-for-profit Vietnamese non-profit organization, established in 2003. MCD devotes itself to the protection of marine ecosystems and to improve the lives of coastal communities through villages, and localizing international knowledge and relevant experiences into practical adaptation models in the Vietnamese context.

The project “Enhancing resilience of the small scale fishing communities and marine ecosystems in Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) in the Central Coast of Vietnam” funded by ADM Capital Foundation: The project has implemented the 2^nd phase by MCD in the cooperation with Sub-DFISH of Binh Dinh Province and DFISH from January 2017 to December 2019. The project supports applying ecosystems approach fisheries management (EAFM), towards sustaining healthy and protection of the ecosystems also contributing to development of local community livelihoods in the good governance system.

For more information, please contact Ms. Than Thi Hien, Vice Director/Project Manager of MCD via email: tthien@mcdvn.azurewebsites.net.