Pilot Payment for Wetland Ecosystem Services

A pilot project at Tram Chim National Park in Vietnam aims to establish a sustainable financial mechanism for wetland conservation and support local community livelihoods. The project, developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focuses on "Payment for Wetland Ecosystem Services." A consultation workshop held in Dong Thap province brought together government agencies, local communities, and experts to finalize payment mechanisms. Tram Chim National Park, encompassing over 7,300 hectares, faces challenges like habitat degradation and resource overexploitation, impacting the Sarus Crane and other species. The project seeks innovative financial strategies to address the funding gap for biodiversity conservation in Vietnam. It will identify key ecosystem services provided by the park, such as water filtration and flood regulation, and establish a payment model where beneficiaries contribute to conservation efforts. This pilot project, operating under Decree 08/2022, has the potential to be replicated nationwide, creating a sustainable model for wetland conservation.