History

IUCN has a long history in Vietnam since it supported the government in the preparation of the first National Conservation Strategy in 1984. Since then, IUCN has made significant contributions to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection, particularly through the development of laws and policies.

Key documents that IUCN has contributed to include the 1995 National Biodiversity Action Plan, the 1991-2000 National Plan for Environment and Sustainable Development, and the 2008 Biodiversity Law. IUCN also supports a range of field projects, including the Gulf of Tonkin Integrated Coastal Zone Management and karst conservation planning in Kien Giang with Holcim, the Swiss cement company.

Mission

IUCN’s global mission is: “To influence, encourage, and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that the use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.”

As defined in its 2007-2010 Strategic Framework, IUCN Vietnam’s mission is: “To influence, encourage, and assist Vietnam’s biodiversity conservation and equitable sustainable use of natural resources for improving its people’s quality of life.” Its vision is: ”To become the leading knowledge-based conservation and environmental organization, working in partnership with the government of Vietnam, civil society, and the private sector in order to promote best practices for sustainable development; maintain environmental integrity; and support sustainable livelihoods for it people.”

Partners

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) became a state member of IUCN in 1993; a Country Office was established in Hanoi the same year. IUCN Vietnam has three local NGO members: the Institute of Ecological Economy (ECO-ECO), the Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (CRES) and Center for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MDC).

IUCN is continually trying to expand its range of partners and members. To support this process, IUCN supports a web site providing summary information about many local and international environmental NGOs and a map highlighting their main activities.

Structure

In 2009, IUCN Vietnam reorganized its program structure to create two new units: Governance & Business and Environmental Change & Ecosystems. The purpose is to improve communication, coordination, and cooperation across the organization. The new simplified structure aims to deliver on IUCN Vietnam’s 2007-2010 Strategic Framework more effectively and efficiently.