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Côn Đảo National Park in the southern province of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu is among the 12 ASEAN Heritage Parks in Việt Nam. — Photo from Côn Đảo Tourism Information Portal |
Việt Nam is stepping up as a regional champion in biodiversity conservation by enhancing the connectivity between its ASEAN Heritage Parks. With 12 parks officially recognized — more than any other Southeast Asian country — Việt Nam is positioning itself at the forefront of ecological stewardship and sustainable park management across the region.
These protected areas span the length of the country, from the mist-covered peaks of Hoàng Liên National Park in the north to the lush tropical forests of Côn Đảo National Park in the south. Each park holds a unique ecological fingerprint, representing the diverse landscapes and ecosystems of the ASEAN region.
Building a Stronger Network
The ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme, established in 2003, provides a cooperative framework for countries to jointly safeguard the region’s natural treasures. It emphasizes cross-border collaboration, public awareness, and knowledge sharing to ensure that these parks are not only preserved but actively protected through unified action.
In Việt Nam, efforts are now underway to forge stronger links between these parks. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, through its International Cooperation Department, has launched a new project aimed at strengthening this network from 2023 to 2025. The goal is to align the management of these protected areas with national environmental laws and international biodiversity commitments.
A New Model for Park Management
The future of conservation in Việt Nam lies in smart, inclusive, and well-resourced management. This means developing clear and practical plans for each park, improving the skills of park rangers and community leaders, and creating stable sources of funding to support long-term sustainability.
Monitoring and evaluation systems are being put in place to track biodiversity changes over time, while training programs and expert exchanges are helping park staff stay updated on best practices in conservation. Most importantly, local communities are being encouraged to play a bigger role in park governance — ensuring that those who live closest to nature are also its strongest protectors.
Expansion on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Việt Nam plans to designate three more ASEAN Heritage Parks by 2025. This expansion is part of a broader national strategy that extends through 2030, with a vision to 2050. The country’s commitment is also reflected in upcoming initiatives, including a biodiversity monitoring circular and the development of environmental management criteria tailored specifically for its unique ecosystems.
These steps reflect a shift toward more integrated conservation — not just protecting individual parks, but creating a united network that supports biodiversity, boosts eco-tourism, and provides educational opportunities for future generations.
Parks with Purpose
Việt Nam’s current ASEAN Heritage Parks include some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes: the limestone karsts of Bái Tử Long, the ancient forests of Bạch Mã, and the tranquil wetlands of U Minh Thượng, among others. Each one serves as a vital sanctuary for endangered species, rare plants, and cultural heritage.
But more than that, these parks are living classrooms, biodiversity banks, and symbols of cooperation between nations. By linking them into a more cohesive and resilient system, Việt Nam is not only preserving its natural heritage — it is shaping a greener and more collaborative future for the ASEAN region.
For more information, visit:
www.asean.org
www.kiemlam.org.vn
https://en.monre.gov.vn/
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