Tree at Nui Chua National Park, Vietnam

The view from the Nui Chua National Park en route to the sea turtle conservation site. This coastline and its ecosystems were previously under threat from harmful fishing practices and poor management capacity. But a four-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility has turned the tide, establishing Ninh Hai as a marine protected area with an integrated management plan. The project, Demonstration of Sustainable Management of Coral Reef Resources in the Coastal Waters of Ninh Hai District, Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam, used participatory methods to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the marine ecosystem, and to engage local communities in conservation efforts. Volunteers regularly provide overnight surveillance of sea turtle nesting sites, as well as educating their communities on sustainable fishing methods and the sustainable use of marine resources. The project has resulted in the effective management of 1,070 hectares of coral reef and 40 hectares of seaweed. Local community members have noticed an improvement in the condition of coral and seaweeds and an increase in the sea turtle population.