On the afternoon of November 29, the Con Dao National Park Management Board coordinated with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to organize a ceremony to receive the Green List certificate. The event took place at the Park Management Board headquarters.
Con Dao National Park began its Green List journey in 2020. The unit underwent a rigorous self-assessment and evidence-gathering process. Con Dao demonstrated its governance capacity and conservation outcomes even under difficult conditions. The candidacy phase was completed in just three months, a record for Vietnam and a strong demonstration of the unit’s commitment.
Dr. Dindo Campilan, IUCN Regional Director for Asia and Oceania, spoke at the ceremony to receive the title of Con Dao National Park. Photo: Manh Hiep.
According to Dr. Dindo Campilan, Director of the IUCN Asia and Oceania Region, Con Dao National Park is a treasure of Vietnam's natural heritage. With nearly 20,000 hectares of forest and marine ecosystems, it is a safe haven for nearly 3,000 species of creatures, many of which are globally threatened.
This milestone is more than just a title , it is an invitation to maintain and expand the successful management of the Protected Areas. As Con Dao becomes part of the administrative structure of Ho Chi Minh City, new opportunities have opened up to integrate conservation with sustainable development, tourism and community engagement.
“IUCN stands ready to continue supporting these efforts, ensuring that Con Dao remains a model of protected area management not only in Vietnam but across Asia,” Dr. Dindo affirmed.
Mr. Nguyen Khac Pho, Director of Con Dao National Park Management Board, said that this certification recognizes transparent and effective management efforts. The unit has strictly complied with international standards. Con Dao is the third protected area in Vietnam to achieve this title, after Van Long and Cat Tien.
The park has 5,890 hectares of tropical evergreen natural rainforest, accounting for 77.5% of the total natural area of Con Dao Special Zone. The marine reserve is 14,000 hectares wide and has been approved by the Prime Minister in national plans. These are plans for forestry, marine space, protection of aquatic resources and biodiversity conservation. The planning vision extends to 2050.
These strategic directions, combined with transparent management and community participation, have enabled Con Dao National Park to be recognized and maintain its Global Green List status.
Con Dao National Park officially received the Green List title after being announced at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in October 2025. Photo: Thuy Linh.
Joining the Green List helps Con Dao National Park standardize its management process according to global standards. The title also opens up opportunities for international cooperation and access to funding for conservation.
Previously, on September 12, 2025, IUCN Director General Grethel Aguilar recognized this title for Con Dao. Asia currently has 31 sites on the Green List, accounting for 30% of the world. Con Dao is the 101st site in the world. Vietnam currently has 8 more national parks and reserves participating in this process.
The certification for Con Dao was announced at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in October 2025. The event was attended by representatives of the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The title affirms the position of Con Dao and demonstrates Vietnam's commitment to protecting nature.
Con Dao National Park currently preserves more than 1,725 marine species. There are more than 1,000 hectares of coral reefs and more than 300 hectares of seagrass beds. The forest flora has more than 1,077 species. The forest fauna recorded more than 155 species. Many endemic and rare species are being safely protected. Typical species include sea turtles, dugongs, Con Dao black squirrels, swiftlets, and white-bellied boobies.
A notable achievement of the Park is the recovery of the Sea Turtle population. From January 1, 2023 to November 1, 2025, more than 2,100 mother turtles laid more than 6,300 nests. The number of eggs reached over 604,000. More than 436,000 baby turtles were released into the sea. This is a positive signal for biodiversity.
Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/vuon-quoc-gia-con-dao-nhan-chung-nhan-danh-luc-xanh-toan-cau-d787272.html
Comment (0)