Vivek Menon, Chair of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group: Every citizen is a key stakeholder in elephant conservation

The Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG), under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), recently held its 12th meeting in Dong Nai, which is home to the second-largest population of wild elephants in Vietnam. This occasion marked the first time that representatives from all 13 Asian elephant range countries gathered in Vietnam to discuss strategies for protecting this endangered species.

Vivek Menon, Chair of the AsESG, speaks with Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee.

On this occasion, Dong Nai Weekend conducted an interview with Vivek Menon, Chair of the AsESG from India.

Contributing to the preservation of nature and biodiversity

Could you share what led you to take on the role of Chair of AsESG?

- Being appointed Chair of AsESG is one of the most meaningful responsibilities and a major ‘reward’ in my life. I still remember in 2014, while I was undergoing treatment for a heart condition, I received a call from Simon Stuart, then Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. He earnestly invited me to take on the role of Chair of AsESG. At first, I declined due to my health, but he patiently encouraged me for an entire year. In September 2015, I officially accepted the position.

From the very beginning, I made several commitments such as holding regular meetings, expanding membership, and ensuring the group operates effectively. Today, these commitments have almost all been fulfilled. In terms of organization, the group has grown to 130 official members, with representatives from every country that has elephants, reflecting both diversity and extensive connectivity.

After 10 years of involvement, how do you reflect on the journey you have taken with AsESG?

- Looking back over the past ten years, I am deeply moved. Our group has received the Certificate of Excellence three times from the Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. It has also been recognized as one of the most effective among 205 expert groups.

At the recently held 12th meeting in Vietnam, the group elected a new leader, and I will soon hand over the position to the incoming AsESG Chair. Of course, I will continue to remain a member and an active collaborator within the group.

Personally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all members, colleagues, and partners. Everything we have done has been for the Asian elephant, which has brought together nations, communities, and individuals in a shared effort to protect nature and biodiversity for today and for future generations.

Helping countries conserve wild elephants

Could you briefly introduce the functions and responsibilities of AsESG?

- AsESG is a global network of Asian elephant experts, tasked with supporting governments, communities, and organizations in the long-term conservation of this species.

We have four main tasks: monitoring and assessing elephant populations; analyzing threats and human-elephant conflicts; providing recommendations, guidance, and initiating conservation activities; and mobilizing and coordinating professional resources for elephant conservation. For example, under the second task, AsESG analyzes threats to wild elephant populations and raises awareness about these threats through communication both within and outside communities. Under the third task, we advise and guide governments, communities, and organizations in developing appropriate strategies for elephant conservation.

The Asian elephant is one of the three elephant species still existing today (the other two are the African elephant and the forest elephant). According to estimates by AsESG, there are currently around 40,000 individuals living in the wild, distributed across 13 countries, with approximately 200 in Vietnam. The Asian elephant has been classified as endangered by the IUCN since 1986.

Based on 10 years of practical work, what positive impacts has AsESG achieved in your view?

- Over the past decade, we have taken part in numerous international conventions; organized three regional meetings in Indonesia, Nepal, and Cambodia; issued two joint declarations; supported the development of ten national elephant conservation action plans; and advanced technical workshops. Under the group's coordination, countries have strengthened their collective commitment to elephant conservation.

For example, in Vietnam, the government issued decrees on the management of endangered and precious species in 2019 and 2021, with elephants classified under Group IB (prohibiting commercial exploitation or use). In 2024, the national environmental agency issued the Vietnam Elephant Conservation Action Plan through 2035, with a vision to 2050, focusing on halting population decline, reducing human–elephant conflict, conserving habitats, and promoting sustainable ecology. I also know that some localities with elephant populations, such as Dong Nai province, have issued their own action plans.

Every citizen is a key stakeholder in elephant conservation

How endangered are Asian elephants currently, sir?

- Asian elephants were first listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List in 1986, a classification they have retained ever since. The species holds this status due to its limited distribution across just 13 countries, fragmented populations, and rapidly shrinking habitats, all of which contribute to a continuing decline in numbers...

Listing Asian elephants as an endangered species has addressed a historical oversight and granted this at-risk species a high level of protection priority. This endeavor marks a significant milestone, paving the way for coordinated, science-based conservation efforts now underway in many countries.

Vivek Menon, Chair of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group (far left), conducts a field visit at Cat Tien National Park.

From your perspective, what should Vietnam pay special attention to in elephant conservation, particularly in Dong Nai?

- I hope this 13-country meeting will reach a consensus on joint solutions for elephant conservation. In my view, there are three critical issues that must be addressed: protecting habitats, reducing human-elephant conflict, and ending illegal hunting and trade.

In Vietnam, particularly in Dong Nai, which is still home to a sizable wild elephant population, stronger and more decisive conservation efforts are urgently needed. Vietnam once had wild tigers and lions, but they are now extinct. Elephants are among the last remaining large wild animals, and concrete action is essential to ensure their survival.

I believe it is essential to help communities in buffer zones understand that they are not passive victims of conservation efforts, but key stakeholders in the process. Sustainable harmony can only be achieved when habitats are shared and communities actively participate in protecting elephants.

Thank you very much!

By Ban Mai - Translated by Dang Huyen, Minho