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National Park, they encountered endemic activities and environmental health,
species like the critically endangered Cat exemplifying the transformative potential
Ba langurs, gaining insights into of harmonizing biodiversity conservation
agroforestry practices and sustainable and socio-economic development. From
agriculture techniques. Furthermore, the this immersive experience, the ASEP 2015
participants also engaged with residents in participants carried with them a renewed
nearby villages to understand from the sense of purpose and determination to
people themselves the delicate balance contribute towards building a more
between human activities and the resilient and sustainable future for all.
conservation of natural resources. The
exploration of Cat Ba National Park, as the
nucleus of the biosphere reserve, offered a
glimpse into the rich tapestry of
biodiversity that the region has to offer.
From lush tropical forests to coastal
mangroves and marine ecosystems, the
park harbors a staggering array of flora and
fauna, including the critically endangered
white-headed langur. Despite facing
challenges such as habitat loss and wildlife On the fifth day of ASEP 2015 (7th
poaching, the concerted efforts of park August), the participants delved into the
rangers and local communities have heart of sustainable agriculture with a visit
yielded significant strides in biodiversity to the PAMCI-SAFERICE Project, a shining
conservation. Beyond the park's example of Japan International
boundaries, the surrounding communes Cooperation Agency (JICA) support in
grapple with the imperative of balancing Vietnam. The project, officially known as
economic development with environmental "Production and Marketing Capacity
preservation. While agriculture, animal Improvement for Sustainable Agriculture,
husbandry, and tourism serve as the Farmer Empowerment, Rice Improvement
primary economic drivers, challenges such & Cleaner Environment," aimed to enhance
as wildlife poaching, environmental farmers' capacity in environmentally
pollution, and unplanned urbanization pose friendly rice production and process
formidable obstacles. Nevertheless, management through the introduction of
through sustainable livelihood practices the System Rice Intensification (SRI)
and community-led conservation cultivation method, which utilizes lower
initiatives, these communities endeavor to agricultural chemical inputs. Led by experts
forge a path towards inclusive growth and from the Agro-Environmental Lab at The
environmental stewardship. From the visit University of Tokyo (AEE/UoT) and the
to Cat Ba reserve, the participants Vietnam National University of Agriculture
departed with a deeper understanding of (VNUA), the participants of ASEP 2015 were
the complex relationship between immersed in the project's objectives and
conservation and development, inspired by methodologies. Nestled in Dong Phu
the resilience of both nature and local Commune, Chuong My District, Hanoi,
communities. The exploration of Cat Ba Vietnam, the project site provided a real-
archipelago biosphere reserve served as a world context for learning and observation.
poignant reminder of the The expected outcomes included
interconnectedness between human improved farmers' capacity to produce
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