On November 20, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development officially announced the Elephant Conservation Action Plan in Viet Nam up to 2035, with a vision to 2050 (VECAP 2022). This plan will fulfill Viet Nam's commitment to the Kathmandu Declaration on Asian Elephant Conservation.
VECAP 2022 demonstrates Viet Nam's dedication to a unified, culturally respectful strategy ensuring this precious species's future. The Vietnamese government calls on all stakeholders, including local communities, non-governmental organizations, and the international community, to support implementing this strategic and practical plan.
The Elephant Conservation Action Plan outlines 33 groups of solutions/actions for wild elephants and 21 groups of solutions/actions for captive elephants, which will be implemented by 2035, with a vision for 2050. These measures aim to conserve and increase the elephant population in Viet Nam while promoting harmonious coexistence between elephants and human communities.
The long-term goals include expanding the protected area network, strengthening anti-poaching measures, and developing eco-tourism. These efforts support conservation and boost local economies, laying a solid foundation for the plan's implementation.
The plan marks a significant milestone in efforts to protect elephants by integrating pilot initiatives, enhancing community participation, and advancing policies to ensure the survival and sustainable development of elephants in Viet Nam for decades. Based on scientific research, the plan results from collaboration between the Department of Forestry (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) and Humane Society International (HSI) since 2019.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the success of multi-stakeholder efforts in elephant conservation could serve as a foundation for future programs to protect other endangered wildlife species. Local participation in elephant conservation creates habitats for elephants and provides opportunities for local communities to educate younger generations and develop eco-tourism models.