Review of biodiversity assessment and resource management orientation for sustainable rural development in Lang Son province, Vietnam

Abstract This study examines the conservation and biodiversity management efforts in Lang Son province, Vietnam, in the context of global environmental concerns. Under Decision No 2447/QD-UBND, the province’s Special-use Forest Planning focuses on conserving areas such as the Huu Lien Nature Reserve and the Mau Son special-use forests. This initiative covers a substantial planned land area to sustain biodiversity and foster rural development up to 2030. Recent surveys indicate a notable increase in plant species within these areas, from 842 species in 2017 to 961 in 2019, and significant efforts towards conserving endangered species like the Asiatic black bear and the Annam flying frog. The province encompasses diverse ecosystems spread across 832,075.82 ha, characterized by varied terrains and climates contributing to its rich biodiversity. These regions are crucial for various species, including those listed in conservation documents, such as the 77 plant species recorded. RAP-Plant analysis and Monte Carlo simulation indicate that Lang Son’s biodiversity, with a Shannon index of 2.85 and Simpson index of 0.75, is threatened by a projected forest area decline to 514,578.61 ha by 2040, risking extinction for rare species like Hoang dan and Lan kim tuyen. Furthermore, Lang Son’s strategic initiatives towards sustainable agricultural practices, forest management, and restoration efforts highlight the integration of biodiversity conservation into broader socio-economic development plans. The province’s approach aligns with global strategies emphasizing the protection of endangered and endemic species as essential to maintaining ecological balances and supporting sustainable development. This study underscores the importance of comprehensive regional planning and community engagement in biodiversity conservation efforts to mitigate economic development, illegal activities, and climate change challenges. Threats such as illegal logging and habitat fragmentation persist, necessitating more vital community-based conservation efforts and robust legal frameworks.