Connectivity Conservation Management: A Biodiversity Corridor for Central Vietnam

Abstract

The Vu Gia Thu Bon (VGTB) watershed in Central Vietnam is enclosed by the foothills of the Annamite Mountains in the north, west and south. The Annamite Mountains are known for their elevated level of biodiversity, but the VGTB watershed faces increasing pressures from economic growth, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. This leads to an increasing loss and fragmentation of near-natural forest ecosystems by an extension of the road network and clearing of forests for agricultural land and plantations of exotic species. The main objective of this research is to identify priority areas for biodiversity conservation based on tree species distribution patterns, and to link these priority areas by a biodiversity corridor. Species distribution models show highest levels of potential tree species richness in the northwestern part of the watershed bordering Lao PDR, and in the highlands in the south at the border to Kon Tum Province. The protected area network covers a proportion of the areas of higher potential tree species richness, but leaves a gap in the northwestern part of the VGTB watershed. In order to close that gap, a new protected area should be established, and be connected to existing protected areas with stepping stones, small areas of elevated high potential tree species richness or with plantations of native tree species with high economic and ecological value. Awareness-building measures for both, biodiversity conservation as well as the use of native tree species for income generation have to be carried out to sensitize local communities.