The project's general objective is protect and conserve the unique values of biodiversity and uphold values of ecosystem services in the southwest of Quang Binh province and the northwest of Quang Binh province.

The total core area of the project is nearly 20,000 hectares which is managed by the Dong Chau Watershed Protection Forest Mangement Board.

The project will enhance the ability of management on forest protection and biodiversity for the Dong Chau Watershed Protection Forest Mangement Board with the participation of surrounding forest owners.

Besides the enhancement of law enforcement, the project has mobilized the capital to support livelihood development for community surrounding the Dong Chau Watershed Protection Forest, promote the sustainable use of nature resources and minimize the hunting and trapping of wild animals in the region.

The project is expected to last 30 years. The source of capital for the first five-year period (2014-2019) is nearly $1.5 million which is funded by international non-governmental organizations.

At the workshop, Viet Nature and the Quang Binh Forest Protection Department also announced the results of biodiversity survey through camera trapping at Khe Nuoc Trong area from 2001 to now. This is an evidence to affirm that Khe Nuoc Trong is one of areas that has outstanding value of biodiversity in Vietnam and the world with an appearance of four new species of animals, including Saola, Giant muntjac, Truong Son muntjac (Annamite muntjac) and striped rabbit.

Reported by Dang Ha 
(www.quangbinh.gov.vn)