Elephant Conservation Week 2025 kicks off in Dong Nai

On the morning of September 19, the opening ceremony of Elephant Conservation Week 2025 was held at Dong Nai Provincial Square Park in Tan Trieu Ward.

Leaders of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the Asian Elephant Specialist Group cut the ribbon to open the Vietnam Elephant Exhibition, promoting awareness, love, and safe coexistence. Photo: Hoang Loc

Attending the program were Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee; Nguyen Tuan Anh, Member of Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment; Doan Hoai Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; Vivek Menon, Chairman of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group; along with representatives from 13 Asian elephant range countries.

Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang delivered the opening speech for Elephant Conservation Week 2025. Photo: Hoang Loc

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyen Thi Hoang, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee, stated that elephants are not only a rare wild species but also an inseparable part of the forest ecosystem. Currently, Dong Nai is home to the second-largest wild elephant population in the country, a natural heritage that must be protected.

In recent years, the province has taken the lead in elephant conservation efforts and achieved encouraging results. Notably, Dong Nai has implemented the construction of an electric fence system spanning more than 70 kilometers to separate residential and agricultural areas from wild elephant habitats, thereby reducing human-elephant conflict. The province has also used camera traps to monitor and study elephant behavior, leading to the development of more effective protection measures.

In addition, awareness and education campaigns have played a key role in raising public understanding of the importance of harmonious coexistence with elephants. These combined efforts have gradually helped stabilize and support the growth of Dong Nai’s wild elephant population.

Leaders of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the Asian Elephant Specialist Group visit a photo exhibition of elephants and other wild animals. Photo: Hoang Loc

Nevertheless, human-elephant conflict remains a significant challenge for the province, requiring decisive and coordinated action. Elephant Conservation Week, featuring activities such as Run for Dong Nai Elephants, Dance for the Kindness of Elephants and Other Wild Animals, an elephant photo exhibition, and the 12th meeting of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group, is expected to make a meaningful contribution to the conservation of wild elephants.

Leaders of Dong Nai province attend the opening of Vietnam Elephant Conservation Week. Photo: Hoang Loc

On this occasion, the leaders of the Provincial People's Committee expressed hope that every resident of Dong Nai, in particular, and the country as a whole, from urban centers to rural areas, will gain a deeper understanding of the role and value of elephants. They also called for collective efforts from all sectors, from government agencies and businesses to individual citizens, to actively participate in elephant conservation. The goal is to turn meaningful messages into concrete actions, ensuring that Dong Nai remains a safe haven for elephants and a lasting symbol of sustainable development.

Leaders of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment presented flowers to members of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group. Photo: Hoang Loc

"Elephant conservation is not the responsibility of any one individual, but a duty shared by all of society. Every small action we take today, whether refraining from hunting, avoiding the trade of wild animals, or simply spreading meaningful messages, contributes to building a better future for elephants, other wildlife, and generations to come," emphasized the leader of the Provincial People's Committee.

By Hoang Loc – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho