Applying GIS in forest management and protection in Ca Mau province, Vietnam

During 23-26th October 2017, SNV successfully organized the GIS (Geographic Information System) training course for the forest management team in Ca Mau province.

There was a part of MAM 2 project, which was implemented in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam since 2016 to support mangrove restoration and protection while strengthening the livelihoods and resilience of smallholder shrimp farmers and their families. Attending the course, there were approximately 40 participants of 4 main districts: Ngoc Hien, Nam Can, Dam Doi, and Phu Tan in the province, and some staffs of Minh Phu Seafood Corporation and Phuong Anh Seafood Co., Ltd.

To date, the forest management has faced many challenges and it requires constant skill and knowledge improvement of the management team to deal with these difficulties. During 4-day-training course, these participants were taught how to use, update information on Google Earth in compatible with other apps such as MapInfo, Argis. They were also encouraged to use Global Forest Watch online system to better manage and conserve forest landscapes. Furthermore, the participants also had the opportunity to practise capturing photos and transferring data into GPS and smart phones, and using Locus Map app on smart phone to track and manage forest resources.

At the end of the course, SNV gave the participation certificates to the attendants. In the upcoming months, SNV will further develop and implement project activities to help improve knowledge, skills and build capability on GIS for local forest management teams to better manage and conserve natural forest resources.