Protected Area Establishment and Management

The conservation of biodiversity relies on the successful protection of areas of habitat in which viable wild populations may exist and survive. One of the simplest ways of doing this is establishing protected areas where the impacts of human activities or other damaging factors can be eliminated or reduced.

IMC works with local and national governments to establish networks of protected areas that cover vital populations of highly threatened habitats and species. We perform in situ research in areas of significance to gain detailed information about endangered species existing there and collaborate with relevant agencies to highlight the best areas for protection.

We have already made significant contributions to protected area creation in Vietnam, including a proposed Species Habitat Conservation Area in Dong Mo, safeguarding key habitat for the Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei).

IMC also helps to manage existing protected areas by providing expertise and advice to agencies managing protected areas. This includes running frequent training workshops for park rangers and other appropriate wildlife officials to maintain enforcement capacity.