Asian Elephant Experts Group meets in Dong Nai

(DN)- On September 17, the 12th Meeting of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG, under the International Union for Conservation of Nature - IUCN) opened in Dong Nai. The event is part of the Elephant Conservation Week 2025.

Attending the event were Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang; Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Doan Hoai Nam; Country Director of the Humane World Organization for Animals Tham Thi Hong Phuong, along with nearly 130 experts from 13 countries with Asian elephant populations.

Representatives of the Asian Elephant Experts Group and leaders of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee at the 12th meeting organized by Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Loc

Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang spoke at the meeting. Photo: Hoang Loc

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Doan Hoai Nam said that holding the meeting in Dong Nai, one of the localities with large and rare wild elephant populations, has special significance. This is an opportunity to review achievements, share experiences, discuss challenges and propose cooperation directions in the context of declining biodiversity, climate change and increasingly limited conservation resources.

According to Mr. Nam, Asian elephants are not only rich in biodiversity but also closely associated with the culture and beliefs of many countries. However, the reality is that the elephant population is seriously declining. Vietnam currently has less than 200 wild elephants, scattered in a number of provinces, of which Dong Nai is a key area. Vietnam is implementing the National Action Plan on the Conservation of Vietnamese Elephants until 2035, with a vision to 2050, to protect this endangered species and promote harmonious coexistence between elephants and humans.

Delegates receive books about wild elephants. Photo: Hoang Loc

Mr. Nam emphasized that although many measures have been implemented such as: Reducing conflicts between humans and elephants, supporting community livelihoods..., conservation work still faces difficulties due to shrinking forest areas and limited resources. In that context, international cooperation and the support of the Asian Elephant Experts Group are extremely important. Vietnam is committed to continuing to closely coordinate with the Asian Elephant Experts Group, international organizations and countries in the region to conserve elephants.

Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang presented pictures of Dong Nai elephants to the Asian Elephant Experts Group. Photo: Hoang Loc

Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang said that since 1997, Dong Nai has been the leading locality in “closing” natural forests to form a large conservation area and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. This is also home to many rare wildlife species, including elephants.

Dong Nai is currently considered the “home” of the second largest wild elephant population in the country. For many years, the province has coordinated with non-governmental organizations and research institutes to implement many solutions such as: Investigation and monitoring of the population; construction of electric fences, observation towers, water pans, etc. In 2019, the province determined that the number of wild elephants was about 25-27 individuals.

Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang discussed with experts from the Asian Elephant Experts Group. Photo: Hoang Loc

The Provincial People's Committee leader emphasized: The meeting of the Asian Elephant Experts Group and the Elephant Conservation Week 2025 in Dong Nai is an important opportunity for the province to receive many scientific opinions, thereby implementing more effective solutions in elephant conservation.

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee also called on people not to hunt or trade wild animals, to spread the message of nature conservation, to build Dong Nai into a safe home for elephants and a symbol of sustainable development.

Leaders of the Department of Forestry and Forestry, the Humane World Organization for Animals and the Asian Elephant Specialist Group took a souvenir photo. Photo: Hoang Loc

At the event, international experts shared research results, solutions for elephant conservation and development, and experiences in reducing human-elephant conflicts. Representatives of the Forestry Department and Forest Rangers also reported on wild elephant conservation in Vietnam.

Hoang Loc

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/kinh-te/202509/nhom-chuyen-gia-ve-voi-chau-a-hop-tai-dong-nai-d620673/