Grantees: Fauna & Flora International (lead) and Center for Studies and Applied Sciences in Gender, Family, Women, and Adolescents (CSAGA)
Overview
This project will embed gender-based violence (GBV) risk mitigation and safeguarding within ongoing conservation and natural resource management initiatives in Ninh Thuận, Tuyen Quang, and Quang Ngai Provinces, Vietnam. Building on long-term work by Fauna & Flora and the technical expertise of CSAGA, the project will strengthen institutional policies, build the capacity of conservation partners, and support community-level awareness, prevention, and response mechanisms. The initiative will focus on women’s empowerment, inclusive participation in conservation, and the integration of GBV risk mitigation into livelihoods, community patrols, and co-management structures, ensuring that conservation outcomes do not unintentionally increase risks for vulnerable groups.
Targeted outcome
Conservation actors and communities in target sites apply safeguarding and GBV risk mitigation in environmental programs, improving women’s safety, participation, and leadership in natural resource governance and conservation livelihoods.
Planned Reach
The project will reach approximately 1,920 people, including 875 women and girls, 950 men and boys, and 200 conservation staff and local authorities. Around 10 partner organizations and government agencies will benefit from strengthened safeguarding and GBV policies. The project is expected to reach approximately 400 community members indirectly through awareness campaigns, communication materials, and improved institutional practices.
Situational background
Ethnic minority and rural communities in northern and central Vietnam depend heavily on forests and natural resources, yet women and vulnerable groups often face barriers to participation, limited decision-making power, and exposure to harassment or violence in conservation and livelihood activities. While national frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women support gender equality and inclusive conservation, practical implementation remains limited. Conservation programs are not often effective in integrating GBV risk mitigation, creating gaps in safeguarding and accountability. Strengthening institutional systems and community awareness is therefore essential to ensure conservation benefits are equitable and do not inadvertently increase risks.
Project Approach
The project will take a practical, systems-based approach to embed GBV risk mitigation into existing conservation and livelihood programs. First, participatory assessments and GBV risk analyses will identify context-specific vulnerabilities and inform mitigation, strategies. Capacity building will target conservation organizations, government partners, protected area staff, and community partners through training on safeguarding, referral pathways, and survivor-centered responses. Institutional strengthening will include revising codes of conduct, supporting partner safeguarding policies, and establishing confidential reporting mechanisms.
At the community level, the project will promote awareness, prevention, and dialogue, engaging women, men, and youth to challenge harmful norms and reduce backlash. Women’s participation in co-management and natural resource governance will be supported alongside livelihood opportunities informed by gender-sensitive value chain analysis. The project will also strengthen referral systems by connecting communities with existing local support services. Robust MEL and knowledge sharing will inform adaptive management, contribute to broader evidence, and ensure sustainability beyond the project
