| Abstract | In the southwest Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island and surrounding marine waters are considered relatively rich in marine biodiversity and wetland habitats, especially seagrasses and coral reefs. However, the marine biodiversity and marine fisheries are declining due to increased human impacts. In order to protect again the degradation, marine protected area (MPA) was proposed as a solution. It is a tool for biodiversity conservation, protecting endangered species, reducing the conflict between users, and raising awareness for local people. The purpose of this thesis is to apply Geographical Information System (GIS) in finding out areas of high potential for marine conservation, particularly marine protected area establishment. The study started to design and establish a spatial database of Phu Quoc, including natural conditions, socio-economic conditions and biodiversity data, which were the basis for the criteria to determine the potential of marine conservation. It identified seven criteria concerning marine conservation: 1) biophysical condition, 2) distribution of seagrass, 3) coral reefs, 4) rare/ precious species, 5) fishery resources, 6) inland planning, and 7) human activities. The potential level for marine conservation was modeled relying on weight of criteria. Based on GIS dataset, the multi-criteria analysis in combination with the weighting and scoring for each criterion was applied to generate a synthetic map of potential level for marine conservation. Then that map was overlaid with layers of current planning for selecting and zoning PQMPA. A number of methods were applied in this study including GIS mapping, remote sensing, interview of key informants, field survey and observation, local participatory mapping, stakeholder analysis, institutional analysis and assessment. A seminar-workshop was organized to discuss about seven criteria involving marine conservation potentials, weighting and scoring criteria, and conservation planning. After that, the boundary of PQMPA has been reviewed and revised in combination with socio-economic information, seminar, workshop, mapping consultation, analysis of stakeholders, institutional analysis. Finally, the conservation measures and management was proposed. Major results in this study were GIS dataset, seven criteria relating MPA selecting together with scoring and weighting for each criterion, and suggesting conservation measures. This database is practical and useful for PQMPA and Wetland Alliance Programme. In addition, the boundary of PQMPA proposed based on GIS application with multi-criteria analysis for determining the marine conservation potential. |