Title
Developing capacity for wildlife and protected area management in Lao PDR and Vietnam
Author(s)
Rao, M.;Le, M.;Sterling, E.;Porzecanski, A.L.;Phimminith, T.;Praxaysombath, B.
Published
2015
Publisher
Cambodian Journal of Natural History
Abstract
Declining biodiversity in Southeast Asian protected areas is attributed to unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. A significant underlying factor is the lack of capacity for sustainable and effective wildlife and protected area management. There is a strong need to develop the technical capacity of academic and professional training programmes to build a cadre of adequately trained individuals with relevant knowledge and skills. We describe parallel approaches implemented in Lao PDR and Vietnam over the past decade to build capacity within training institutions and in individuals responsible for protected area and wildlife management. The initiative has involved international institutions (the American Museum of Natural History and Wildlife Conservation Society) working in collaboration with national institutions such as the National University of Lao PDR and the Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies in Vietnam. We evaluate the effectiveness of the approaches, review implementation outcomes and identify critical challenges for capacity development within a broader context of evolving donor and host country institution priorities. Lessons that have emerged include the need for strong linkages between organisations implementing fi eld conservation, professional training institutions and government agencies. This is necessary to ensure relevance of training to practical field needs and address baseline capacity limitations. Further, there is a need to develop more rigorous, measurable, and impact-focused systems for evaluation of capacity development investments. Beyond the engagement of international institutions, the sustainability of capacity building initiatives is largely conditional on the commitment of host-country institutions within a supportive government policy framework.
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PUB15685