Today, the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) announced that Cat Tien National Park in Viet Nam will be the
78th certified protected area added to their IUCN Green List, the first national park and second protected area in Viet Nam on the list after Van Long Nature Reserve.
To receive the globally recognized standard, Cat Tien
National Park has improved management, design, planning, and governance
processes to ensure the conservation of its biodiversity. With financial and
programmatic support from USAID’s Biodiversity Conservation Activity,
implemented by WWF, the national park met the detailed 17 criteria to be
included in the list. To celebrate, WWF issued the following statement from
Thinh Van Ngoc, CEO of WWF-Viet Nam:
“This achievement is a testament to
the progress Cat Tien National Park has made in improving protected area
management. The dedication of park management and support from Viet Nam’s
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and USAID over the last two years
has been critical to this mission.
“IUCN’s Green List sustainability
standard is one of the most robust ways to assess area-based conservation and
protected area management. Meeting the rigorous criteria shows that measuring
progress and conservation impacts is vital to inform future efforts. With
support from the USAID project, implemented by WWF, protected areas in Viet Nam
have been able to improve the quality of their management to achieve globally
recognized standards.”
From USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Aler Grubbs:
"Conservation is an important
part of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. USAID’s
biodiversity and forestry projects conserve natural systems essential to
sustainable growth, combating climate change, and improving the lives of people
who depend on them.
For over a decade, USAID has helped
Vietnam protect its globally significant biodiversity by combating illegal
hunting, protecting habitats for endangered species, and mobilizing domestic
resources for forest conservation. USAID's support for areas like Cat Tien
National Park, through our Biodiversity Conservation Activity, reflects the
shared commitment between the U.S. and Vietnamese governments to the country’s
sustainable development."