A sub-project funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) was launched in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on October 8 to enhance conservation of local eco-diversity.

The scheme, to be implemented in three districts of Nam Dong, Quang Dien and A Luoi from September 2019 to September 2020, will help create sustainable livelihoods for local residents, thus reducing the exploitation of wildlife.

With a total budget of over 26.7 billion VND (more than 1.15 million USD), the sub-project will provide locals with techniques in exploiting rattan in a sustainable manner, and in cultivating medicinal herbs.

Local cooperative groups will also receive training to increase their capacity in doing business in handicrafts trading. Three centres will be built to showcase handicraft products from the target districts.

The sub-project, part of the USAID’s Green Annamites Project, is expected to create direct income for around 280 people.

Vo Van Du, head of the province’s Green Annamites Project management board, said through creating stable livelihoods for local residents, the sub-project will help reduce human’s pressure on nature, thus contributing to bio-diversity protection. It will also play a role in promoting the One Commune One Product and new-style rural area building programmes in the province.

The USAID’s Green Annamites Project, running from 2016-2020, is designed to help the central provinces of Quang Nam and Thua Thien-Hue improve people’s incomes by promoting investment in climate smart agriculture while at the same time conserving Vietnam’s natural forests and biodiversity.