Today, the International Union for Conservation ofNature (IUCN) announced that Cat Tien National Park in Viet Nam will be the78th certified protected area added to their IUCN Green List, the secondnational park in Viet Nam on the list after Van Long NatureReserve.
To receive the globally recognized standard, Cat TienNational Park has improved management, design, planning, and governanceprocesses to ensure the conservation of its biodiversity. With financial andprogrammatic support from USAID's Biodiversity Conservation Activity,implemented by WWF, the national park met the detailed 17 criteria to beincluded in the list. To celebrate, WWF issued the following statement fromThinh Van Ngoc, CEO of WWF-Viet Nam:
"This achievement is a testament tothe progress Cat Tien National Park has made in improving protected areamanagement. The dedication of park management and support from Viet Nam'sMinistry of Agriculture and Rural Development and USAID over the last two yearshas been critical to this mission.
"IUCN's Green List sustainabilitystandard is one of the most robust ways to assess area-based conservation andprotected area management. Meeting the rigorous criteria shows that measuringprogress and conservation impacts is vital to inform future efforts. Withsupport from the USAID project, implemented by WWF, protected areas in Viet Namhave been able to improve the quality of their management to achieve globallyrecognized standards."
From USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Aler Grubbs:
"Conservation is an importantpart of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. USAID'sbiodiversity and forestry projects conserve natural systems essential tosustainable growth, combating climate change, and improving the lives of peoplewho depend on them.
For over a decade, USAID has helpedVietnam protect its globally significant biodiversity by combating illegalhunting, protecting habitats for endangered species, and mobilizing domesticresources for forest conservation. USAID's support for areas like Cat TienNational Park, through our Biodiversity Conservation Activity, reflects theshared commitment between the U.S. and Vietnamese governments to the country'ssustainable development."
