Exploring Dong Nai’s pristine forests

(ĐN) – Home to one of southern Vietnam’s largest expanses of natural forest, Dong Nai has become a magnet for eco-conscious travelers and biodiversity enthusiasts alike. Its pristine landscapes and rare wildlife species now draw tens of thousands of visitors each year, marking it as a rising star in Vietnam’s green tourism industry.

Visitors enjoy a gong show by the campfire at Bu Gia Map National Park.

Dong Nai has long been recognized for its strong commitment to forest conservation. This has created favorable conditions for the province to conserve its forests and promote ecotourism development. In the era of Industry 4.0, the province is leveraging modern technology to monitor its forests, protect biodiversity, and elevate the visitor experience.

Drone monitoring: forest management from above

A shining example of this approach is Bu Gia Map National Park, which spans over 25,000 hectares. As one of the most ecologically diverse rainforests in southern Vietnam, the park serves as a critical habitat for a wide array of endangered flora and fauna. It is also a hub for scientific research, forest protection, and immersive tourism.

To safeguard this natural treasure, the park’s management has deployed drone systems equipped with GPS and high-resolution sensors. These tools collect real-time data on forest density, terrain elevation, and potential wildfire risks. Crucially, drones allow access to remote areas that are otherwise difficult for rangers to reach, enhancing both safety and efficiency in forest management.

“Technology has helped us manage the entire forest more effectively, especially in border areas where patrolling is tough,” said Vuong Duc Hoa, Director of Bu Gia Map National Park. “It reduces the pressure on forest rangers and helps ensure better conservation results.”

Bu Gia Map National Park preserves many rare plant and animal species with valuable genetic resources.

QR codes: a self-guided experience for visitors

Tourism at the park is also being revolutionized through digital integration. Over 400 QR codes have been installed on ancient trees and notable flora within the administrative tourism zone. With just a scan, visitors can access detailed information about each plant, turning a simple walk in the woods into an interactive, educational journey without the need for a human guide.

Beyond flora, the park’s use of digital camera traps has yielded remarkable insights into its wildlife population. These high-resolution motion-triggered devices capture rare, often nocturnal, animals in their natural habitat, many of which are highly sensitive to human presence. The images have proven invaluable for conservation efforts, scientific research, and even enhancing the visitor experience.

“Camera traps have helped us document endangered species and understand their behavior patterns, which is crucial for biodiversity conservation,” Mr. Hoa added.

Night safari at Bu Gia Map National Park.

Mr. Vuong Duc Hoa added that with over 25,000 hectares of forest, the management and protection efforts at Bu Gia Map National Park have been consistently well-regarded in recent years. The pristine forests have become a popular destination for tourism and exploration, as well as a hub for scientific research aimed at conservation and the development of biodiversity among forest flora and fauna.

Reported by M. Luan