Cuc Phuong National Park cooperation in conservation and wildlife rescue

Transnational linkages

In the context of an increasingly complex global climate crisis that poses severe threats to natural ecosystems, transnational cooperation has become an urgent necessity.

Recently, at Cuc Phuong National Park (located in Ninh Binh Province), representatives of three reputable environmental organizations from Viet Nam and South Korea signed a MOU on Environmental protection and wildlife rescue cooperation.

This event not only lays the foundation for a sustainable bilateral cooperation mechanism over the next three years, but also aims toward a more forward-looking goal: strengthening youth leadership in environmental protection.

The project goes beyond purely academic research, placing strong emphasis on equipping young people with strategic thinking and practical knowledge so that they can become pioneering forces in addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity in both countries.

“We are not only protecting forests or rescuing individual animals; we are jointly building a generation of global citizens who are responsible for the planet,” a representative of the organizing committee of the signing ceremony shared.

The agreement involves three key stakeholders, including the Sihwa Lake Sustainable Partnership (representing South Korea and acting as the lead coordinator), the Center for Environmental Education and Services under Cuc Phuong National Park, and KU Environment International (KEI) in Viet Nam (co-representing the Vietnamese side). To affirm the comprehensive scope and international vision of the project, the agreement was drafted simultaneously in three languages: Vietnamese, Korean, and English.

Four strategic focus areas

MOU clearly defines four specific areas of cooperation, covering professional activities, scientific research, and community education in a comprehensive manner.

First, it focuses on sharing practical experience in wildlife rescue and environmental management. Cuc Phuong is currently home to several internationally recognized wildlife rescue centers, including those for primates, turtles, carnivores, and pangolins.

The Vietnamese side will share its full processes, technologies, and techniques for wildlife care and rehabilitation back into natural habitats. In return, the Korean side will contribute its experience in sustainable environmental management and ecosystem restoration based on lessons learned from the Sihwa Lake case.

A common research framework will be established to study the impacts of climate change on endemic species. Scientists from both countries will work together at Cuc Phuong National Park to develop forecasts and high-tech solutions to support wildlife rescue efforts and the conservation of valuable genetic resources.

Leveraging KEI’s global network and international partners, the three parties commit to strengthening global awareness campaigns on the importance of biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and environmental protection.

With its extensive experience in conserving endangered species, Cuc Phuong National Park often referred to as the “green heart” of Viet Nam’s forestry sector will serve as the core field-based hub for all these transnational collaborative activities in the coming period.