This report was prepared as part of the project “Conservation of Biodiversity in Forest Ecosystems in Vietnam,” implemented through close cooperation between GIZ and the Nature Conservation Department/General Department of Forestry/Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Biodiversity Conservation Agency/General Department of Environment/Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Authors:
Michael R. Appleton – Independent consultant specializing in protected areas and sustainable development
Nguyen Hung Quang – Managing Partner of NHQuang&Associates
Nguyen Quoc Dzung – Head of Environment Division, Center for Natural Resources and Environment, Forest Inventory and Planning Institute; expert in protected area planning
Vu Van Dzung – Independent consultant specializing in protected areas and forest trees; member of the Vietnam Association of Science and Technology
Published Year: 2012

Abstract:
This report provides a legal needs assessment considered foundational for drafting a Circular on the functional zoning of protected areas and the delineation and planning of buffer zones within the framework of protected area management in Vietnam. The objectives of the report are as follows:

1. To review the current legal documents and practical implementation of boundary determination and planning for functional zones and buffer zones in protected areas
2. To draw on international experience regarding criteria and technical-economic justifications for boundary setting and planning of functional zones and buffer zones in protected areas
3. To assess the legal, institutional, and administrative feasibility of applying international experience in Vietnam’s context
4. To provide a rationale for the need to develop a legal document governing the delineation and planning of functional zones and buffer zones in protected areas, including its legal basis, scope of application, regulatory coverage, and to propose a set of criteria and technical procedures for implementation

The findings and recommendations of this study serve as a basis for drafting a Circular on the delineation and planning of functional zones and buffer zones in protected areas, with the aim of guiding the implementation of Decree No. 17 on the organization and management of special-use forests and Decree No. 65 guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Biodiversity.

Suggested citation: NHQuang&Associates, Legal Assessment and Proposals for delineation, demarcation and planning of Protected Area Functional zones and Buffer Zone, 2012.