Svw congratulates the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the dong nai nature reserve
Source: Thanh Nien newspaper
On November 28, 2024, the Dong Nai Nature Reserve (DNNR) celebrated its 20th anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone that marks a journey of conservation filled with unforgettable moments and proud achievements of DNNR. As a partner that has been working closely with DNND in conservation efforts, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) sincerely congratulates the Nature Reserve for its contributions to the forests and ecosystems in Vietnam.
After more than a year of working together as a strategic partner, SVW is extremely proud of the achievements we have made through our collaboration with DNNR in forest protection and raising community awareness about nature conservation and wildlife. We have jointly implemented numerous campaigns and activities aimed at creating a safe living environment for wildlife, while placing people at the center of conservation efforts, enabling them to actively participate and helping them understand the role and value of forests in their lives and their communities.
BIODIVERSITY AT DONG NAI NATURE RESERVE
Source: Thanh Nien newspaper
DNNR is one of the Nature Reserve with a high level of biodiversity in the Southeastern region of Vietnam. This is the habitat of many endangered and rare species, including 1,552 higher plants species, 166 families, 95 orders, 10 classes, belonging to 6 branches. There are 71 rare animal species, including 43 species listed in the IUCN Red List (2015), 36 species in the Vietnam Red Book (2007), and 11 endangered and rare species according to Decree 32/2006/NĐ-CP. (Source: Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity). DNNR is one of the typical representatives of the Lowland Evergreen Forest ecosystem in Southeast Asia, and it is a key area where SVW focuses on coordinating activities to protect this region.
STRENGTHENING FOREST PROTECTION EFFORTS TO PROTECT THE ECOSYSTEM
In 2023, SVW and the DNNR signed a strategic partnership agreement, and the first activity we collaborated on was forest protection patrols. SVW provided personnel support, including 03 Anti-poaching officers to participate in patrolling efforts with forest rangers, raising community awareness, and enhancing the application of scientific technology in forest protection at Nature Reserve. Over the past year, SVW staff and Nature Reserve’s forest rangers conducted 275 patrol days (totaling 2,137 km on foot), dismantled 1,738 traps, 14 snare traps, and confiscated 8 firearms. The team also identified 13 hunters and 44 restaurants involved in illegal activities.
In September 2024, SVW continued to recruit 05 Community Forest Protection Officers and organized training courses to enhance their capacity, and involve them in patrolling and advocacy activities. This model aims to support local people in increasing their income and actively participating in forest protection while addressing the shortage of forest ranger personnel at Nature Reserve and nationwide.
(Anti-poaching officers of SVW and forest rangers from DNNR on the patrolling way – ©SVW)
One of the highlights of the collaboration between SVW and Nature Reserve is the application of SMART technology and PoacherCam in forest protection patrols. To date, 100% of forest rangers have become proficient in using this tool. Advanced training courses have also been implemented to improve data management and analysis efficiency. Additionally, SVW has provided 40 smartphones, assisted in installing the SMART mobile application, established SMART connect synchronization, and developed a patrol reporting data model. SVW has also supported Nature Reserve in testing PoacherCam cameras integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor illegal activities in the forest. These cameras automatically filter images, detect violations at hotspots, and then send images directly to forest rangers for arrests or as evidence for processing violations.
(Training session for DNNR Forest Rangers on SMART application – ©SVW)
EFFORTS TO RAISE COMMUNITY AWARENESS ABOUT
NATURE AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Not only forest protection patrols, SVW and the DNNR also work closely together to raise awareness and reduce the demand for illegal wildlife use in Dong Nai province. Recently, SVW collaborated with the Dong Nai People’s Committee to launch a series of activities titled “Dong Nai Says No to Wildlife Consumption,” where SVW and DNNR implemented community awareness initiatives.
To date, SVW has installed 13 large billboards about forestry laws and 50 posters discouraging illegal wildlife use around Nature Reserve. We have organized village workshops and community events with over 500 participants to raise awareness about the role of forests and wildlife and to promote local community involvement in conservation efforts. Additionally, SVW is working with Dong Nai Television to screen short films promoting forest and wildlife protection, aiming to educate and encourage the community living around Nature Reserve and throughout Dong Nai province.
FUTURE PLANS AND DIRECTIONS
The collaboration between the DNNR and SVW is an important step in the effort to protect the valuable natural resources of Dong Nai province. This partnership not only enhances the effectiveness of forest management and protection but also contributes to wildlife conservation, sustainable development, and ecosystem protection in the region.
In the near future, we plan to expand activities related to installing camera traps to identify key animal species and build a database to monitor changes in wildlife populations. This will be the largest-scale study on wildlife at Nature Reserve, expected to provide important scientific data to support long-term conservation efforts. At the same time, forest protection patrols and community awareness activities will continue to be maintained to ensure sustainable conservation effectiveness.
