Vietnam Biodiversity Assessment
Problem
Efforts to address mounting threats to Vietnam’s biodiversity needed a stronger evidence base.
Vietnam ranks among the world’s most biodiverse countries, yet its ecosystems are under severe pressure. Hunting, illegal wildlife trade, forest degradation, and land conversion have driven alarming declines in species populations, with over 760 species now globally threatened. Protected areas cover only 7.6 percent of land and remain fragmented, under-resourced, and vulnerable to encroachment. These challenges are compounded by population growth, economic development, and weak institutional capacity.
Solution
NORC conducted a comprehensive examination of current threats, donor programming, and opportunities for innovative biodiversity interventions.
Under the IDEAL contract, NORC conducted a comprehensive biodiversity assessment for USAID/Vietnam. Using a mixed-methods approach, the team synthesized data from 80+ documents, GIS mapping, and consultations with 150 stakeholders across 13 sites in five regions. The assessment examined current threats, donor programming, and opportunities for innovative interventions. Our assessment provided actionable recommendations across four strategic directions:
- Ecotourism development
- Rewilding readiness
- Capacity building
- Policy support
The goal was to aid the U.S. government’s decision-making around strategic directions and geographic priorities for future biodiversity programming that maximizes conservation impact and aligns with Vietnam’s national priorities.
Result
NORC’s assessment delivered clear priorities for future biodiversity programming.
NORC’s analysis identified Northern and South-Central Vietnam as critical regions to target future programming given their high biodiversity value and low prior donor support. Recommended focal opportunities included:
- Strengthening law enforcement and biodiversity monitoring
- Promoting ecotourism for sustainable financing
- Advancing early enabling conditions and readiness preparations for potential rewilding support
- Implementing a national-level capacity building program
Our report also highlighted opportunities for policy reform to standardize protected area management and integrate modern multi-functional models. The findings strengthened the U.S. government’s informed decision-making on future programming opportunities and new activity design to protect Vietnam’s unique ecosystems and species while supporting resilient communities.
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Project Leads
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Lauren Persha
Principal Research ScientistProject Director
