Bio-diversity

Vietnam is one of the Vavilov s Centre of Origin of domesticated plants and animals and is one of 10 centres of highest biodiversity in the world. The total number of native plant species found in Vietnam is estimated at 4,800. Of these 1,900 are food plants or cultivated plants and their wild relatives. Cinnamomum species belongs to the plant family of Lauracea which is a typical plant family of tropical forest in South East Asia. Due to overexploitation of Cinnamomum, it does not exist in natural forest anymore. People have domesticated this for a long time. There is a high species and varietal diversity of Cinnamomum in Vietnam. Indigenous species and varieties of Cinamomum are well-adapted to variations in the climatic conditions and traditional experience of the ethnic minorities. In Vietnam, there are four traditional Cinnamomum growing areas, including Dong Trieu (Quang Ninh), Van Yen (Yen Bai), Que Chau (Nghe An), Thuong Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Tra Mi (Quang Nam), Tra Bong (Quang Ngai). The area and yield of Cinnamomum have significantly increased in recent years thanks to product export. There is big potential for expanding growing area of Cinnamomum in Viet Nam. However, indigenous Cinnamomum production is still under developed and unsustainable. One of the urgent issues to be addressed in order to pursue sustainable Cinnamomum production is to prevent the loss of indigenous Cinnamomum species and varieties. The main causes of the loss are attributed to the lack of awareness and understanding of the local authorities and relevant agencies, and communities on the importance of agrobiodiversity conservation in general and conservation of indigenous Cinnamomum species and varieties. This has resulted in the replacement of indigenous species and varieties by others which are imported from different eco-geographical areas, resulting in reduction in area of indigenous Cinnamomum cultivation. Another major cause is a lack of mechanism to control market of Cinnamomum seeds. In addition, there is the problem of unsustainable methods of harvesting seeds. The project will be located in 3 specific sites of traditional Cinnamomum growing areas in Viet Nam, including Van Yen (Yen Bai), Thuong Xuan (Thanh Hoa) and Tra Bong (Quang Ngai). The project will assist to mitigate the threats to the loss of genetic resources of indigenous Cinnamomum species and varieties and preserve their genetic diversity. Its activities include: Increasing community awareness and understanding on agrobiodiversity conservation Conducting inventory surveys and implement an inventory monitoring program on indigenous Cinnamomum in project areas Establishing seed gardens/stands to preserve indigenous Cinnamomum. Developing community model on sustainable Cinnamomum cultivation Building technical capacity for local relevant agencies and community on conservation and sustainable cultivation and production of indigenous Cinnamomum Documenting traditional knowledge and experience of ethnic minorities on indigenous Cinnamomum cultivation and production Developing community regulations to promote indigenous Cinnamomum. Establishing links between the three project sites for mutual exchange of information and lessons learned

Vietnam