Supporting the implementation of people’s livelihood activities to minimize threats to biodiversity and mobilize communities to participate in the conservation of wetlands in Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province in the Red River Delta

Supporting the implementation of people’s livelihood activities to minimize threats to biodiversity and mobilize communities to participate in the conservation of wetlands in Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province in the Red River Delta

In 2019, CECAD conducted research on “Supporting the implementation of people’s livelihood activities to minimize threats to biodiversity and mobilize communities to participate in the conservation of wetlands in Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province in the Red River Delta”, which was a part of the project “Conservation of important wetlands and associated habitats” implemented by Biodiversity Conservation Agency (BCA), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE). The aim of the research was to design and pilot sustainable clam farming model in Thai Thuy Nature Reserve to: a) minimize threats/stress to biodiversity and environment and; b) enhance sustainable livelihoods for households living in the wetland area in Thai Thuy coastal area. To achieve the objectives of the project, CECAD has helped BCA design and implement the eco-clam farming model in Thai Do commune, Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province. The clams farmed in the model are growing well. The adoption of a sustainable clam farming model with a lower clam density/m2 will reduce pressure and threats to the biodiversity in coastal Thai Thuy area by reducing sediment dredging and creating space for livelihood activities, and better living conditions for invertebrates, vertebrates and plants. Therefore, this approach will contribute to strengthening the harmony between conservation and development goals in Thai Thuy coastal wetlands.