Dong Nai Forest "scores points" with foreign experts

During the trip, experts appreciated the value of resources and the province's efforts in protecting forests and preserving biodiversity.

"Priceless asset" of international stature

In mid-September 2025, the 12th meeting of AsESG took place in Dong Nai. The event attracted nearly 130 scientists , experts and managers from 13 countries. Dong Nai was chosen as the venue for the international event because the province has the largest forest area in the Southeast region (more than 370 thousand hectares), the second largest wild elephant population in the country (25-27 individuals) and has achieved many positive results in forest protection.

A group of wild elephant scientists, experts and managers on a field trip to Cat Tien National Park.

A group of wild elephant scientists, experts and managers went on a field trip to Cat Tien National Park.

Through meetings, discussion sessions, combined with field trips to survey the current status of forests, ecosystems, and the protection of animals and plants at Cat Tien National Park and Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve, experts highly appreciated the value of forest resources, efforts to protect forests, and preserve biodiversity in the province.

According to Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando (Sri Lanka), Dong Nai possesses extremely valuable forest resources, which have significance beyond the national scope. In fact, since 2011, Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve has been listed by UNESCO in the world biosphere reserve network. This recognition means affirming the value of forests and biodiversity as invaluable assets not only of the locality but also of Vietnam and the world. According to Dr. Fernando, the achievements in forest protection in Dong Nai can completely become a model for replication in other provinces.

The forests in Dong Nai province are not only vast but also rich in resources and beautiful landscapes. Since 1997, Dong Nai has been the leading locality in the country in closing natural forests, forming large-scale nature reserves. Thanks to that, this area has preserved the typical habitat of the Southeast region, with many rare animal species living there.
Provincial Party Committee Member, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee NGUYEN THI HOANG

Mr. Vivek Menon (India), Chairman of AsESG, after a survey trip to Cat Tien National Park and Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve, said: He was very impressed by the pristine beauty of the forest and the richness of the ecosystem. Dong Nai is one of the rare localities in Southeast Asia that still retains a large, continuous area of natural forest to create habitats for many rare species of animals and plants, including Asian elephants. This proves that for many years, the government and people have been unanimous and highly aware of protecting the forest and the environment.

The first time she set foot in Dong Nai, biodiversity researcher Heidi Riddle (USA) expressed: I was very surprised and moved by the beauty of the natural forests here. Unlike other places I have been, the forests here have flat terrain, interspersed with fields, villages, rivers, lakes and even national historical sites. The combination of these factors with endemic flora and fauna has created diverse ecological values of the forest.

Ms. Heidi Riddle also highly appreciated Dong Nai's solutions for forest protection and biodiversity conservation.

Harmonious exploitation of values

Dong Nai forest is the "green lung" of the Southeast region, a natural heritage of the whole country, a world biosphere reserve, containing many values that can be exploited to serve sustainable socio-economic development.

The first value is biodiversity. With thousands of species of animals and plants, many of which are listed in the Red Book of the world and Vietnam, it is a base for scientific research, environmental education and tourism. Areas with high biodiversity such as Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve... are "green treasures" for exploiting eco-tourism and experiential education activities.

The division of 3 types of forests: natural, planted, and unforested land for the purpose of protection is a source of timber and non-timber forest products for industries, contributing to creating sustainable livelihoods for local people. In addition, the value of forest environmental services through fees collected from production and business establishments using surface water is also a stable and long-term source of income to serve the purpose of improving people's lives; at the same time, reinvestment in forest protection and development.

Forest space associated with historical relics and ethnic minority communities in the suburbs is a plus point for the province in exploiting experiential and community tourism types, contributing to promoting the nature and people of Dong Nai while creating stable livelihoods for the community, thereby creating better conditions for preserving identity.

Dong Nai province currently has more than 370 thousand hectares of forest. Of which, natural forest is nearly 180 thousand hectares, planted forest is more than 142 thousand hectares, the rest is unforested land. The forest cover rate in the province is more than 25%.

For a leading industrial province in the country like Dong Nai, protecting forest resources is of particular importance in balancing the ecological environment and maintaining a sustainable quality of life. Forests not only help regulate the climate, protect water resources but also act as a space to absorb emissions from industrial activities, urbanization, and transportation. This is also the province's consistent goal in developing the economy along with protecting the environment and preserving nature sustainably.

From the actual results that Dong Nai has achieved and from the evaluation of international experts and scientists, it has been shown that Dong Nai is a bright spot in the management and protection of forests and biodiversity. This is the foundation for the province to sustainably exploit values, attract more domestic and foreign resources to serve the purpose of maintaining and developing biodiversity.

Hoang Loc

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202510/rung-dong-nai-ghi-diem-voi-cac-chuyen-gia-nuoc-ngoai-4ed0ebe/