In October 2019, MCD in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Quang Ninh province organized a kick-off conference to implement the project “Promoting the process of recognition of Co To Islands MPA, strengthening the MPA network in Vietnam”.

As one of the leading marine conservation organizations, MCD will accompany local partners and communities in the process of consulting detailed plans, completing MPA documents and strengthening network connectivity, support technical assistance for Co To – Dao Tran marine protected area in Quang Ninh Province, one of 16 marine protected areas in Vietnam has been planned and expected to be completed in 2020.

The conference delivered introduction about the project and its implementation plan, unified assignment and coordination of implementation among stakeholders. Attending the meeting were leaders of DARD; Department of Fisheries, Department of Sea and Island – Department of Natural Resources and Environment; Department of Science and Technology; Border Guard Command; Association of Education and Environmental Protection; Union of Science and Technology Association of Quang Ninh province, Division of Natural Resources and Rural Development of Co To District, officials and leaders of MCD center.

Overall view of Co To Island. Source: baoquangninh.com.vn

Co To is considered as one of the seas with many precious and rare aquatic species in the Northern coastal areas, including about 40 islands with different acreages, located 60 miles away from the coast of Quang Ninh Province while sharing fame with the World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay. Since 2010, the area has been included in the list of 16 Vietnamese marine protected areas approved by the Prime Minister of Vietnam, which is expected to be completed before 2020.

In recent years, fisheries resources in Co To are showing signs of rapid decline, especially in coastal areas. This is caused by the over-exploitation of humans, combined with the use of destructive exploitation methods, such as electrical impulses, explosives, poisons, and small meshes. At the same time, environmental pollution and the consequences of climate change have adversely affected the quality and quantity of aquatic resources. From the facts stated above, the construction and operation of MPA in Co To (in combination with Dao Tran area) in order to conserve biodiversity, sustainable socio-economic development has become more urgent and necessary than ever.

The project responds to local demands to speed up the process of completing necessary tasks and procedures according to new laws so that the Co To – Dao Tran MPA will be officially established and put into operation. Trust and support have been strongly demonstrated from all levels and sectors, faliciating MCD to connects necessary support to the MPA to meet technical, governance and harmonization requirements of commune factors assembly, community.

Mr. Cong Nguyen Van – Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development speaked at the conference.

Supporting the Co To – Dao Tran marine protected area will contribute to protecting the environment and marine resources of Quang Ninh province in particular and of Vietnam in general, as well as an opportunity to strengthen the network of domestic MPAs. MCD also confirmed that marine conservation is a key task, focusing on promoting stakeholders to build resilience of ecosystems and coastal communities. The main project implementation partner in Quang Ninh is the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which has mandates related to the MPA and willing to cooperate with MCD to implement the project.

The project will endeavor to impact the population of Co To Island area and related coastal areas in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay; managers and personnel involved in MPA decision-making processes at all levels will be assisted in MPA-related capacity; The community will have the opportunity to access information related to the marine protected area topic and the lessons of the process will be shared within Vietnam’s network of marine protected areas.

Ms.Thu Ho Thi Yen Deputy Director of MCD presented at the conference.

At the same time, under the newly revised laws (fisheries law, biodiversity law, MPA circular), with the support of the Project, some requirements for the MPA need to be updated. Experiences and lessons learned of the project will be shared through MPA network.

The project “Promoting the process of recognizing the Co To Islands MPA, strengthening the MPA network in Vietnam” is sponsored by the Oceans 5 program through the Rockerfeller Charity Advisory Organization (RPA). The Oceans 5 program focuses on preventing overfishing through improved fisheries management and the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs).

See more information about the program here https://www.oceans5.org/