Capacity building for protected areas on the IUCN Green List Standard

The training aimed to equip protected area and protection forest management boards in the project areas with the capacity to conduct self-assessments and develop implementation plans to enhance conservation effectiveness according to the IUCN GL Standard.

The IUCN GL is a global certification that recognises protected areas achieving successful conservation outcomes. Its core is a set of standards verifying process, assurance, and certification for protected areas that meet and maintain 50 indicators under 17 criteria under four components: Good Governance, Sound Design and Planning, Effective Management, and Successful Conservation Outcomes. In addition to certification, the GL standard is used to analyse governance and management gaps, enabling site managers to identify solutions to improve operations and conservation effectiveness.

Around 40 management board staff attended the training, including representatives from Ba Vi, Chu Mom Ray, Con Dao, and Pu Mat National Parks; Ngoc Linh, Pu Huong, and Pu Hoat Nature Reserves; Anh Son and Ky Son Protection Forest Management Boards; Management Board of Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve; staff from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment’s Department of Forestry and Forest Protection Department, FFI, and the GL Evaluation Expert Group (EAGL).

Participants attended lectures, had Q&A sessions, and practiced self-assessments using the GL criteria and indicators. Through this process, they identified gaps and developed improvement plans under each component. Based on the self-assessments, Pu Mat NP will probably be the first of the protected areas at the workshop to achieve GL status.

In addition to hands-on sessions, participants learned about Cat Tien National Park’s experience with GL. Cat Tien became Vietnam's second site to achieve GL certification in June 2024, following the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve in 2021. This session was very useful, particularly for Con Dao, which is now in the final stage of GL assessment.

"This training is very meaningful for protected areas. Previously, Pu Mat had a basic understanding of the GL. Through this workshop, we now better understand the significance and value of the certificate, as well as the procedures and documentation required to achieve it. Pu Mat is applying for GL evaluation and has already submitted its dossier. However, through this training, we realise we need to supplement our documents and hope the council will approve our application soon," said Le Anh Tuan, Director of Pu Mat National Park.

Mr. Le Anh Tuan - Director of Pu Mat NP (right) discussed at the training © IUCN Viet Nam

Some experts commented that while the GL standard needs to be globally consistent, it needs to be applied flexibly in accordance with the local context. Learning from the experience of certified site like Cat Tien is valuable for new candidates.

Being recognised as a GL site helps protected areas gain international recognition for conservation outcomes, promotes sustainable tourism development, and strengthens governance. However, some participants were concerned that the benefits were too vague or not strong enough to motivate participation given the lengthy process and significant financial and technical demands.

"To further encourage and facilitate national parks and nature reserves in joining the GL program, it is necessary to develop guidelines from state management agencies on applying GL standards in management effectiveness assessments of protected areas," said Nguyen Huu Dung, an EAGL member.

In the coming time, BLF will continue supporting protected areas in completing their GL dossiers, thereby strengthening the foundation for biodiversity conservation in Viet Nam.