Vietnam, known for its high biodiversity and varied climate, boasts rich ecosystems shaped by diverse topography, with iconic forest landscapes. Recognized as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the essence in wildlife conservation in Cat Tien National Park lies in dedication and collaboration. To protect this natural wealth, Vietnam has developed robust policies and a network of special-use forests, including Cat Tien.
Cat Tien National Park has become one of the pioneering national parks in the country’s conservation efforts. With such diversity, the park has also engaged in many biodiversity conservation programs in collaboration with both domestic and international conservation organizations. Together with WANEE, Let’s explore these Conservation programs at Cat Tien National Park!
Cat Tien National Park Conservation Program
Forest and Wildlife protection program
Collaborating with Cat Tien National Park, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) organized a workshop to enhance the effectiveness of forest protection and wildlife conservation at Cat Tien National Park. Over two days on April 18 and 20, 2023, 140 representatives, including park leaders, officials, forest rangers, contractual staff, and inspection officers, actively participated in the event.
The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for participants to share their expectations and experiences in forest protection. Delegates engaged in discussions on solutions and collaborations between the two units to enhance the effectiveness of forest protection and wildlife conservation, law enforcement, and community awareness at Cat Tien National Park.
Over the two days, participants also dedicated time to discuss solutions and propose amendments to Decree 01/2019/NĐ-CP to enhance the roles, responsibilities, improve salaries, income, and benefits for the Forest Ranger force.
Forest rangers in Cat Tien National Park gathered to discuss and improve patrol strategies aimed at curbing illegal hunting, transportation, and wildlife trade. They proposed solutions, recommended new technologies, and focused on enhancing law enforcement efforts.
A key part of the discussion was raising local awareness about wildlife laws and promoting communication campaigns to reduce demand and change the behavior of hunters and traders.
The workshop concluded successfully, fostering future collaboration between SVW and Cat Tien National Park to strengthen forest and wildlife protection.
Pangolin Conservation Efforts
Vietnam is home to the critically endangered Sunda and Chinese pangolins. Cat Tien NP — in partnership with Save Vietnam’s Wildlife – successfully released over 400 rehabilitated pangolins into the wild between 2012 and 2020.
Run4Wildlife Campaign (2022)
On November 6, 2022, Cat Tien National Park partnered with SVW and the Cat Tien District People’s Committee to organize the Run4Wildlife Campaign, part of the UpRace 2022 event.
Its goals were to:
- Mobilize collective responsibility for protecting Vietnam’s natural heritage
- Raise nationwide awareness about wildlife protection
- Encourage public participation in conservation activities
This event marked a powerful collaboration among youth, environmental organizations, and local authorities.
Biodiversity conservation program
WWF Collaboration: Enhancing Biodiversity and Forest Protection
World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) Collaborates with Cat Tien National Park to Build Biodiversity. Enhancing Forest Protection Capacities with Advanced 5.0 Technologies: WWF’s Support for Biodiversity in Cat Tiên National Park.
Within the High-Level Seminar on Sustainable Financial Directions and Solutions for National Parks and Reserves, on the morning of March 19, Ms. Kirsten Shuijt – Director of the International Organization for Global Nature Conservation, along with the delegation of the International World Wide Fund For Nature in Vietnam (WWF), organized a tree planting ceremony at Cát Tiên National Park.
WWF in Vietnam focuses on supporting national parks and conservation areas to preserve biodiversity. In the past, many of these areas faced significant biodiversity declines, but over the last decade, recovery efforts have led to gradual improvements. WWF is currently assisting national parks across Vietnam, from the Central region to Ca Mau, with the goal of restoring endangered wildlife populations.
Specifically, WWF continues to support Cat Tien National Park by strengthening the capacity of forest rangers, monitoring biodiversity impacts through scientific research, and helping indigenous communities build longhouses for ecotourism. These initiatives not only boost local income but also reduce the environmental impact on the forest.
Sustainable Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation
On February 18, 2023, a launch event for the Professional Trap Removal Team took place at Cat Tien NP. This marks an important initiative within components 7, 8, and 9 under the framework of the ‘Sustainable Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation’ project (VFBC), funded by United States Agency For International Development (USAID).
The Professional Trap Removal Team is established with the core mission of conducting patrols, removing traps, and preventing activities that exploit forest resources. Additionally, the team will carry out other emergency activities related to forest protection as needed.
The objective of the project in establishing the Professional Trap Removal Team is primarily to encourage local communities, especially those in buffer zones, to actively participate in patrol activities, forest protection, and the conservation of local biodiversity. The establishment of the Professional Trap Removal Team aims to alleviate the pressure on forest protection patrols, which are often understaffed given the vast forested areas.
The Trap Removal Team consists of 9 members, mainly local residents from the buffer zone villages of Cat Tien Forest. They will support in enhancing the effectiveness of forest protection and trap removal for the Forest Management Boards in the VFBC project area. The team’s composition of members is a crucial factor, reflecting the community spirit in participating in forest protection activities.
In addition to establishing a trap removal team, the project also aims to deploy synchronous activities from livelihood development, strengthening capacity in biodiversity management and monitoring, as well as increasing community participation. community in on-the-ground conservation activities, as well as communication to raise awareness about biodiversity conservation and reduce demand for wildlife. consumption.
The Essence in Wildlife Conservation in Vietnam
Cat Tien National Park is a living example of how perseverance, collaboration, and shared responsibility can drive large-scale conservation success. Protecting this invaluable ecosystem requires long-term commitment across government agencies, NGOs, scientists, communities, and responsible ecotourism stakeholders.
WANEE hopes to continue joining hands to safeguard Cat Tien – not only for today’s generation but also for the generations to come.
Together, through patience and collaboration, we can make a lasting impact on Vietnam’s conservation landscape.
Join Our Wildlife Tours and Conservation Journeys!
Your visit to Cat Tien National Park is more than an adventure – it directly supports ongoing conservation programs that protect this precious biodiversity hotspot. Every responsible journey contributes to habitat preservation, community awareness, and long-term wildlife protection.
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Together, we can make every adventure a step toward safeguarding Vietnam’s natural heritage.