WWF and partners have embarked on the largest and most ambitious programme in the history of our involvement in the Greater Mekong region. Aimed at halting deforestation, through forest protection and sustainable use of forest resources, and preserving the unique species diversity, the programme covers an area of more than 200,000 ha of forest along a vital mountain range that links Laos and Vietnam in Southeast Asia.
The Greater Annamites mountain range is an area of high biodiversity, unique endemism, and includes one of the largest continuous natural forest areas in continental Asia. It is also an place where deforestation and illegal logging are rife.
Whilst the CarBi is important for species and forest conservation, it will also enhance the income of the area’s culturally diverse people who also depend on forests for their livelihoods.
The project area, equivalent to the size of more than 280,000 football pitches, is important in the fight against global climate change as the forests remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere – also known as a carbon sink – and our aim is for this project to reduce global emissions by an estimated 1.8 million tonnes of CO2.
WWF will work with partners, including local communities in the region to help rehabilitate, restore and protect the forest, including four protected areas, with two connecting corridors that will allow species to move between them. These protected areas provide unique habitat for some of Asia’s most charismatic and rare species, including many only recently discovered by scientists, such as the saola and douc.
The partnerships will also help to reduce the many threats the region is facing, including illegal or unsustainable logging, unsustainable agriculture and illegal timber trade, by training forest and local administration officials, and promoting sustainable forest management and sustainable livelihood initiatives that increase the income of local communities and businesses.
Overall the trans-boundary nature of the project will also help build future collaboration between both Laos and Vietnam.
The Greater Annamites mountain range is an area of high biodiversity, unique endemism, and includes one of the largest continuous natural forest areas in continental Asia. It is also an place where deforestation and illegal logging are rife.
Whilst the CarBi is important for species and forest conservation, it will also enhance the income of the area’s culturally diverse people who also depend on forests for their livelihoods.
The project area, equivalent to the size of more than 280,000 football pitches, is important in the fight against global climate change as the forests remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere – also known as a carbon sink – and our aim is for this project to reduce global emissions by an estimated 1.8 million tonnes of CO2.
WWF will work with partners, including local communities in the region to help rehabilitate, restore and protect the forest, including four protected areas, with two connecting corridors that will allow species to move between them. These protected areas provide unique habitat for some of Asia’s most charismatic and rare species, including many only recently discovered by scientists, such as the saola and douc.
The partnerships will also help to reduce the many threats the region is facing, including illegal or unsustainable logging, unsustainable agriculture and illegal timber trade, by training forest and local administration officials, and promoting sustainable forest management and sustainable livelihood initiatives that increase the income of local communities and businesses.
Overall the trans-boundary nature of the project will also help build future collaboration between both Laos and Vietnam.
