CarBi II’s Lasting Impact And The Road Ahead

For the past six years, deep in the Central Annamites, forest guards have patrolled dense forests, communities have come together to protect their lands, and governments have united to safeguard biodiversity and natural ecosystems. This is the legacy of the Carbon and Biodiversity Conservation (CarBi II) Project, which has transformed conservation efforts in one of Viet Nam and Laos’ most ecologically significant landscapes.

The project’s impact extends beyond conservation – it has shaped the region’s future. Mr Nguyen Dai Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hue City, acknowledged its significance: “The project has contributed to the stable development of a vast landscape with high biodiversity value. It has enhanced the unique natural scenery of Hue and Quang Nam, adding to the cultural and heritage value of Central Viet Nam while creating opportunities for sustainable development in the near future.”

Nature around Hue Saola Nature Reserve, Viet Nam. © WWF-US / Justin Mott

Since its launch in 2019, CarBi II has made a lasting impact in Hue and Quang Nam (Viet Nam) and Sekong and Salavan (Laos), strengthening forest protection, restoring critical habitats, and engaging local communities in conservation. Supported by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) through KfW, the project is part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and builds on the successes of CarBi I.

Over the years, the project has expanded protected areas, enhanced law enforcement, and empowered communities. In 2024, Hue Saola Nature Reserve was expanded by over 4,000 hectares, and Xesap National Protected Area expanded over 49,000 hectares, forming a critical protected areas network for wildlife movement between the Bach Ma National Park and the Hue & Quang Nam Saola Nature Reserves (Viet Nam) with Xesap National Protected Area in Salavan and Sekong provinces in Laos. Meanwhile, the Quang Nam Saola Nature Reserve is undergoing further expansion, reinforcing its role as a haven for endangered species.

Beyond protecting forests, CarBi II has been about people. More than 3,500 households have benefited from Village Development Facilities (VDFs), a model that has helped communities invest in sustainable livelihoods while reducing reliance on forest resources.

Ms Poloong Lac, a member of Pho Village Community Management Board from Song Kon Commune, Dong Giang District, Quang Nam, shared on behalf of her community: “With the project’s support, our village has been able to manage the largest amount of funds we’ve ever had. Villagers who borrowed from the CarBi II fund have become more responsible and dedicated to their work, and the number of households raising livestock has increased by 80 compared to previous years. Before, we only knew how to farm using traditional methods, but now we have learned to build proper shelters and apply technical knowledge in livestock farming.”

Ms Poloong Lac presented about the VDF’s result at the Closing Workshop of CarBi II Project. © WWF-Viet Nam / Hue Lens Media

CarBi II also played a pivotal role in curbing wildlife consumption and promoting sustainable resource management. Over five years, the project implemented a behavioural change strategy to address demand for bushmeat and wildlife products. In 2022, Tam Ky launched the ‘Bush Meat-Free City’ initiative, aiming to eliminate the bushmeat trade by 2030. To reinforce these efforts, CarBi II supported monthly joint inspections involving Forest Rangers, Environmental Police, and local authorities in Hue city and Quang Nam province.

The impact has been tangible. A comparison between wildlife consumption surveys from 2020 to the project end revealed a notable decline, with Hue experiencing a 23.37% reduction and Tam Ky achieving a 30.03% drop, surpassing the initial 20% target. These results underscore the effectiveness of sustained enforcement efforts, public awareness campaigns, and collaborative conservation initiatives.

Wildlife, too, has shown signs of recovery. The project’s forest patrols and enforcement efforts have led to a significant drop in illegal threats, from 64% in 2011 to just 17% in 2023. Rare and endemic species, including pangolins, Annamite striped rabbits, and Crested Argus, have been documented more frequently, indicating a positive shift for conservation efforts. Meanwhile, transboundary collaboration between Viet Nam and Laos has been strengthened through formal agreements, ensuring that conservation does not stop at national borders.

The Forest Guard model at the Nature Reserves has helped stabilise or increase the presence of wildlife in these areas. © WWF-Viet Nam

As CarBi II concludes, its achievements pave the way for the next phase of conservation in the Central Annamites. Recognising the importance of community-driven efforts, WWF and its partners have launched a new initiative to enhance local participation in biodiversity conservation. The project will support the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and Viet Nam’s National Biodiversity Strategy (NBSAP), expanding conservation activities across Hue, Quang Tri, and Quang Nam over the next three years.

WWF’s Thibault Ledecq, Chief Conservation Officer at WWF-Viet Nam, emphasised the importance of building on CarBi II’s success: “The Central Annamites is one of WWF’s global priority landscapes, and the work does not stop here. We will continue working with our partners to develop this region into a resilient landscape where conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand.”

As one project ends, another begins. The work to protect the forests, wildlife, and people of the Central Annamites continues, ensuring that the green heart of this region beats strong for generations to come.

For more information on the project, please visit: Biodiversity conservation in the Central Annamites through ecosystem protection and land management