Dong Nai (VNA) – Nearly 130 conservationists from 13 Asian countries are gathering in the southern province of Dong Nai, home to Vietnam’s second largest wild elephant population, from September 17 - 21 for the 12th meeting of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG).

At the opening ceremony, Doan Hoai Nam, Deputy Director of the Forestry and Forest Protection Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, stated that the event serves as a platform for scientists and policymakers to exchange experience and discuss collaborative measures in response to biodiversity loss, climate change, and the constraints of conservation resources.

Asian elephants are not only vital to biodiversity but also deeply rooted in the culture and beliefs of many nations, he said, adding that the elephant populations are experiencing severe declines, with Vietnam having fewer than 200 wild elephants left, scattered across provinces, with Dong Nai as a critical stronghold.

Vietnam is implementing a national action plan to conserve the animals by 2035, aiming for a vision that extends to 2050, while promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants.

Despite measures such as conflict mitigation and community livelihood support, Vietnam still faces major hurdles due to shrinking forests and financial constraints, Nam said. He emphasised the importance of international cooperation in conservation efforts, pledging to work closely with AsESG, international organisations, and regional countries to protect elephants.

AsESG chair Vivek Menon said the rare species is edging closer to extinction as human-elephant conflicts intensify across Asia. Since 2015, his team has organised conservation programmes, workshops, and mapping initiatives to protect the animals.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang highlighted the locality’s commitment to conservation, recalling that it closed natural forests in 1997 to establish a vast protected area later recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. Today, the province is home to 25 - 27 wild elephants. For several years, it has collaborated with non-governmental organisations and research institutes on various conservation initiatives, installing electric fences, observation posts, and dry-season watering points.

Hoang called for residents’ natural conservation efforts to build Dong Nai into a safe house for elephants and a symbol of sustainable development.

𒅌 Coinciding with the meeting, the Elephant Conservation Week features a photo exhibition, expert talks, and a “Run for Dong Nai Elephant” event, among others./.