Establish and pilot partnerships among government - farmers - scientists and enterprises in the management of harvesting Cu Lao Cham mountain crabs

Mountain crab harvesting in Cu Lao Cham © IUCN

Establishing and piloting partnerships among government - farmers - scientists and enterprises in the management and monitoring of harvesting mountain crabs in Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve

The Gecarcoidea lalandii in Cu Lao Cham serves as the connection between the ocean and the forest, as well an indicator of ecological health in the two spheres
In recent years, the species has been exploited in large number because of increasing tourism. Gecarcoidea lalandii individuals that satisfy established standards are labeled and sold legally on the market
The labeling process has not been effective from a conservation perspective because of lacks in recognition and cooperation from the government, farmers, scientists and enterprises

Stakeholders from all 4 groups (the government, farmers, scientists and enterprises)

Field survey report on crab harvest status finalized.
Crab harvest limit identified: 10,000 crabs/year (Mar-July)
Eco-labelling printed and IP registered.
Monitoring board (41 members with 37 local people) established by CPC. Main tasks: collectors must register with the monitoring board, check the sales from market, restaurant, tourism points
Benefits-sharing mechanism has been established and being piloted. It needs running for some further time before being endorsed. Although the project has finished, grantee committed to following up and reporting on how the mechanism works.

U Minh District and Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau Province

1st Jun 2014 to 31st May 2015

VND360,330,000

Tan Hiep Farmer Union: VND22,300,000

Other contributions: VND48,650,000