Da Nang, Vietnam – A workshop held on November 24 in Da Nang revealed significant progress in biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability, credited to a project funded by the European Union (EU). The ‘Establishing a Funding Foundation for Biodiversity Protection and Environmental Sustainability in Da Nang city’ project, led by the GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre (GreenViet) and Germany’s Gustav-Stresemann-Institut (GSI), received a 650,000 EUR (710,000 USD) funding from the EU. The project, which started in July 2020 and is set to conclude in December 2023, has been pivotal in enhancing biodiversity conservation and supporting local livelihood development.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the project aims to fortify civil society organizations (CSOs) in Da Nang and nearby central and Central Highlands provinces by diversifying financial resources for environmental protection. Nguyen Dinh Phuc, Vice Chairman of da Nang city’s Union of Science and Technology Associations, acknowledged the project’s success despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic downturns. He emphasized that while the project nears its end, the commitment to biodiversity conservation in Vietnam remains steadfast.

The project has achieved notable milestones over its 42-month duration. It successfully mobilized 4.6 billion VND (189,500 USD) from various enterprises and organizations for biodiversity conservation initiatives. Additionally, the project enhanced the capabilities of over 50 groups, clubs, and organizations involved in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. It also provided funding and technical support to 25 related initiatives. Four communications campaigns were executed to increase public awareness about the importance of biodiversity and sustainable environment protection. A significant achievement includes the monitoring efforts to protect the red-shanked douc langurs, an endangered primate species in Son Tra peninsula.