Honoring Vietnam's conservation efforts

Vietnam has the 3rd Green List

Within the framework of the IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) 2025 - the largest forum on nature conservation globally, the Forestry and Forest Protection Department was honored to receive the Green List title for Con Dao National Park. This title was officially recognized on September 12, as an international recognition of Con Dao's effective management efforts and successful conservation results.

This is the 101st National Park in the world, and the third unit of Vietnam to be honored after Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve (Ninh Binh) and Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai).

Con Dao's inclusion in this prestigious list is considered an important milestone, affirming the persistent efforts in nature management and conservation in one of the most unique ecosystems in Vietnam.

According to IUCN, the Green List is not only a “certificate of honor” but also an objective measure, based on a set of international criteria for effectiveness, transparency and fairness in the management of protected areas. To be recognized, Con Dao National Park had to undergo a rigorous assessment process, including the participation of independent experts, conservation organizations and representatives of local communities.

Con Dao is recognized as one of the most valuable biodiversity centers in Vietnam. With an area of ​​over 15,000 hectares of land and 14,000 hectares of sea surface, it preserves many ecosystems of mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrasses and hundreds of rare species of animals and plants. In particular, Con Dao is one of the few places in Vietnam that still maintains a large population of sea turtles that come to the beach to lay eggs every year, playing an important role in the global sea turtle conservation network.

Being recognized on the IUCN Green List also opens up opportunities for Con Dao to enhance its position in the region and internationally. This is not only a testament to sustainable management, but also helps the locality promote the image of sustainable ecotourism, linking conservation with economic development. Experts believe that with this title, Con Dao can become a model of harmony between conservation and community livelihoods, contributing to spreading the value of the Green List network globally.

Previously, Vietnam had two protected areas recognized by the IUCN Green List. The presence of Con Dao makes Vietnam the country with the highest number of Green List protected areas in Southeast Asia, affirming its strong commitment to protecting biodiversity, responding to climate change and moving towards sustainable development.

Cat Tien National Park receives ecological awards

Representatives of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection said that within the framework of the AEN International Ecotourism Award 2025 (AEN-IEA 2025), Cat Tien National Park has just been awarded 4 prestigious awards by the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN).

Accordingly, Cat Tien National Park was honored in the Winner - Biodiversity Conservation Category. The highest award for the continuous efforts in biodiversity conservation, protecting typical tropical forest ecosystems, home to hundreds of forest ecosystems.

Next up is the Finalist - Ecotourism Promotion Category. The award recognizes how Cat Tien promotes the image of responsible, friendly and nature-respecting ecotourism - a place where visitors not only come to explore, but also to understand and love the value of the forest.

Finalist Award - Destination Governance Category, honors a sustainable destination governance model, with harmonious coordination between management agencies, communities and stakeholders in the conservation and development of ecotourism.

The fourth is the Finalist Award - Community Champion Category, recognizing the active participation of the local community, working together to preserve and spread the spirit of living in harmony with nature.

Cat Tien National Park is the only unit in Vietnam to be awarded tourism awards from the Asian Ecotourism Network. This is not only the pride of Cat Tien National Park but also the mark of Vietnam on the international ecotourism map. The awards demonstrate the commitment to developing tourism associated with nature conservation, for a green and sustainable future of Cat Tien National Park over the years.

With an area of ​​nearly 82,000 hectares, Cat Tien National Park is the place with the highest and richest biodiversity in Vietnam, known as the "home of animals". It records 1,729 animals, 1,655 higher plants, of which more than 100 animals and plants are listed in the Vietnam Red Book that need to be preserved. The park was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2001 and 2011; and a special national monument in 2012.