Harnessing the value of Cat Tien’s forests

On October 27, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung signed Decision No. 2058/QD-TTg, transferring management of Cat Tien National Park to the Dong Nai City People’s Committee. The move paves the way for Dong Nai to take a more proactive role in forest protection, biodiversity conservation and harnessing the value of forests. However, a key task for Dong Nai is to conserve and develop its forest areas while effectively tapping into their economic potential.

Covering nearly 72,000 hectares, Cat Tien National Park is one of the country’s most important biodiversity areas. It is home to more than 1,700 animal species and over 1,600 plant species, including many rare species listed in Vietnam’s Red Data Book and international threatened-species lists. The park also serves as a vital “green lung” for the Southeastern region, Vietnam’s most industrialized area.

With Cat Tien National Park now under Dong Nai’s direct management, forest conservation can be more closely integrated into socioeconomic development planning. Conservation and forest development must therefore be given top priority to preserve forest resources for the long term. Cat Tien’s forests play a vital role in the development of a green economy in Dong Nai and the wider southern region. They absorb carbon, regulate the climate, retain water, limit soil erosion and protect the habitats of numerous wild animal and plant species. In recent years, climate change has made weather patterns increasingly extreme and unpredictable. Effective forest protection and development will help maintain ecological balance, thereby slowing the adverse effects of climate change and reducing the risk of natural disasters.

Following the transfer of Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai needs to prioritize enhancing its management capacity, strengthening its forest ranger force and applying technology to detect early risks of forest fires, wildlife poaching and illegal exploitation of forest products. At the same time, Dong Nai should develop appropriate plans to utilize forest environmental services, carbon credits and ecotourism. Forest protection policies must also be linked to livelihood opportunities for people living near the forest, helping them settle down and lead stable lives while actively contributing to forest protection efforts.

Beyond its environmental significance, Cat Tien National Park could generate substantial economic value through participation in the carbon credit market. However, the city must first prepare the necessary data, conduct carbon stock inventories and assessments, and establish appropriate mechanisms and policies. Once the carbon credit market becomes operational, each hectare of forest could potentially generate US$50–100 per year.

Ecotourism is another advantage that should be carefully assessed and sustainably developed. Cat Tien National Park’s rich biodiversity provides favorable conditions for nature-based exploration tours. The city should accelerate efforts to connect the park with Tri An Lake, other ecotourism destinations in the region and Long Thanh International Airport, creating distinctive tourism products for Dong Nai. These activities would not only create jobs and increase incomes for people living near the forest, but also help ease pressure on forest protection efforts. Revenue generated from forest-based economic activities could provide Dong Nai with additional resources to invest in forest conservation and development.

The transfer of Cat Tien National Park to Dong Nai’s management is a test of the city’s capacity to govern its natural resources. The success of this transition must ultimately be measured by tangible results in forest protection and development, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable realization of the forests’ economic value.

By Khanh Minh – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho