Villagers’ Perception and Attitude Toward Wetland Values and Conservation in Vietnam: A Case Study of Xuan Thuy Ramsar National Park

Perception and attitude toward wetland values and conservation are essential to the sustainable management and wise use of this resource. This study examined the attitudes of local communities towards the values and management of Xuan Thuy National Park (XTNP) in Vietnam. The study also explores factors affecting conservation attitudes in the study area. A survey was implemented to 677 households randomly selected in five communes adjacent to XTNP. In addition, focus group discussions, and interviews with selected key informants were conducted. The study shows that local villagers generally hold positive attitudes towards wetland conservation. However, awareness of the threats to wetlands and the national park rules are not high. People are willing to sacrifice part of their income to preserve wetlands for future generations. Age, length of residency, and schooling year are observed to be significantly impacting attitudes towards wetland conservation. It is critical to connect management agencies and people to propagate conservation regulations and XTNP zoning for sustainable wetland management and conservation. Social networks and the internet are potential vehicles for increasing understanding and connection.

Estimating residents' willingness to pay for wetland conservation using contingent valuation: the case of Van Long Ramsar Protected Area, Vietnam

Truong DD. 2021. Estimating residents' willingness to pay for wetland conservation using contingent valuation: the case of Van Long Ramsar Protected Area, Vietnam. Biodiversitas 22: 4784-4793. Willingness to pay (WTP) for wetland conservation is an important basis for designing market-based wetland protection strategies and sustainable wetland management. The main objective of this study is to estimate villagers' WTP for wetland conservation in Van Long Wetland Protected Area, Vietnam, and analyze factors influencing WTP. A questionnaire survey based on the dichotomous contingent valuation method (CVM) was conducted at seven communes surrounding Van Long Ramsar Protected Area (VLPA). The results showed that the local people in the studied area appreciate the roles of the wetland in preserving landscape values, supporting livelihoods, and transmitting values ??to future generations. The value of biodiversity conservation and the value of water filtration and regulation are perceived to a lesser extent in terms of the importance of conservation. Of the 384 respondents, 96% are WTP for wetland conservation at different levels. With the parametric model, the average value of WTP ranges from 300,000 to VND 328,000 VND /family/year. In the non-parametric model, the average of WTP is from 338,000 to 359,000 VND/family/year. The probability of environmental response' that willing to pay for conservation is closely related to their awareness, family income and payment amount. The results also showed optimistic points that the local people are willing to contribute to improving wetland quality. In a general sense, the results of this study make good contributions to the literature related to WTP for wetland conservation in developing countries.

Challenges and opportunities of participatory management of Upland Wetland in Kiambu County, Kenya

Kinyariro MS, Njuguna SG, Macharia G. 2019. Challenges and opportunities of participatory management of Upland Wetland in kiambu county, Kenya. Bonorowo Wetlands 10: 52-65. Wetlands are continuously degraded through agricultural activities, pollution, and settlements. For example, in the Lari sub-district, increased population pressure decreased soil fertility, unreliable rainfall, and the search for food security forced farmers to encroach on the seemingly idle Upland Wetlands. Opportunities for wetland conservation lie in participatory approaches that can be applied at the local level to assist in conserving this vital natural resource. The main water of the Ruiru river comes from the Upland Wetlands harvested by the Nairobi Water and Waste Company in the Githunguri sub-district at the Ruiru dam. This research is critical because the water company does not have in-depth information about its catchment area, which leads to encroachment and ultimately rationing of water in the city of Nairobi. This study aims to document the causes of wetland degradation in the highlands, assess the level of community participation, and determine the level of awareness of the importance of wetlands and the possible contribution of farmer involvement in catchment management. The sampling method used to select the research unit was stratified and random sampling where farmers and Ruiru dam workers were given a questionnaire. Purposive sampling was used to determine the WARMA manager, WRUA officer, and six older people who were interviewed. 40 farmers from the Lari 107 settlement scheme where the wetlands are located and four workers of the Ruiru dam were given questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-square package computer, T-test, and SPSS. Percentages for qualitative data are presented using tables, bar charts, and pie charts. The wetland mapping was carried out using GIS and Google Earth. The study results found that the total land cover of upland rice fields was 129.6 Ha after deducting 105.4. Ha for the last thirty years due to encroachment. The study revealed that 65% of respondents had lived in the area for more than 20 years. Farmers drain wetlands primarily for food supply (50%), generate income (25%), while 10% do so to control waterborne diseases. Participation rates are negligible, with only 2.5% of respondents ever participating in wetland conservation. Community-based conservation groups like WRUA still lack in this area. Environmental impacts include loss of biodiversity, destruction of ornithological habitat, and loss of hydro plant species. Social effects include outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as typhoid, water pollution, and weak community conservation infrastructure. However, there is a chance for community involvement, where the majority of the population is ready to carry out conservation (X2 = 0.127, p = 0.001). The formation of community-based conservation groups such as the Water Resources Users Association, the Association of Riverland Owners, and the Watershed Advisory Committee was proposed as the primary solution. Devolution of water resources is also proposed to ensure local people benefit from selling water to city residents. Such efforts would provide an adequate supply of water to Nairobi and the surrounding satellite cities.

Raphia Palm Grove Diversity and Wetland Conservation Challenges: Evidence from Fotouni in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Aims: Assessing the conservation status of Raphia and the interaction between local populations and Raphia palm groves in Fotouni Study Design: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the West Region of Cameroon (Fotouni) Methodology: A total of 60 Raphia palm grove owners were involved in the interview using questionnaires; mapping and direct observations were additional tools. Results: According to the perception of 93% of the surveyed respondents, the quantity of Raphia in the area has decreased over the past 15 years, due mainly to agriculture (N=48; 80.00%) and non-regeneration (N=18; 30.00%). Farming was the main activity in the area. Raphia in the area is mainly used for building, craft, food source, medicine and agriculture. Respondents confirmed the presence of a diversified mesofauna in Raphia palm groves, dominated by rodents. Mapping gave evidence of a close relationship between Raphia palm groves and water points. In addition, Raphia provides firewood and wine. Good maintenance (N=55; 91.67%) and regeneration (N=45; 75.00%) are the main strategies implemented by the respondents to preserve their Raphia palm groves. For a long-term preservation, respondents proposed: sensitization (N=14; 23.33%), re-planting (N=20; 33.33%), pasting of warning and use of fetishes (N=16; 26.67%). Conclusion: The current state of Raphia palm groves in Fotouni is not favourable to wetland conservation. The Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development should provide a national inventory of Raphia coverage while the local population should adopt healthy behaviours towards the exploitation of Raphia.