Hanoi, Vietnam – Vietnam, home to the largest number of ASEAN Heritage Parks in Southeast Asia, is actively working to strengthen the role and connectivity of these vital protected areas. This initiative aims to bolster the conservation of the region's unique ecosystems and foster greater collaboration in safeguarding shared natural resources.

The ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP) initiative, established in 2003 through the ASEAN Environment Ministers' Declaration, recognizes protected areas of significant ecological value within the ASEAN region. These parks are specifically chosen to preserve the distinctive ecosystems that define Southeast Asia, promote regional pride in natural heritage, and encourage cooperation among member states in their protection and sustainable use.

Vietnam proudly hosts 12 ASEAN Heritage Parks, showcasing the country's rich biodiversity. These include:

Hoang Lien National Park (Lao Cai, Lai Chau)
Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan)
Vu Quang National Park (Ha Tinh)
Bai Tu Long National Park (Quang Ninh)
Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve (Kon Tum)
Chu Mom Ray National Park (Kon Tum)
Kon Ka Kinh National Park (Gia Lai)
U Minh Thuong National Park (Kien Giang)
Bidoup – Nui Ba National Park (Lam Dong)
Lo Go – Xa Mat National Park (Tay Ninh)
Con Dao National Park (Ba Ria – Vung Tau)
Bach Ma National Park (Hue)

The ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme focuses on three key objectives: prioritizing the protection of biodiversity-threatened areas through agreements with stakeholders, building the capacity of park management agencies to raise conservation awareness and engage local communities through training and knowledge exchange, and increasing local community involvement in park management and protection.

To achieve these objectives, Vietnam's AHPs are actively developing comprehensive management plans and promoting sustainable forest management practices. Efforts are also underway to enhance the capacity of park management teams and relevant stakeholders through monitoring and evaluation systems, increased community participation, and the establishment of sustainable financial support mechanisms.

A significant step towards enhanced connectivity was the launch of a dedicated project in 2024 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s International Cooperation Department. This project, titled "Strengthening the network of Vietnam's ASEAN Heritage Parks for the 2023-2025 period," is a key component of the National Biodiversity Action Plan. It aligns with the Environmental Protection Law 2020 and various government decrees aimed at intensifying natural heritage protection efforts and fulfilling Vietnam's international biodiversity conservation commitments for the 2021-2030 decade.

Looking ahead, Vietnam plans to further expand its contribution to the AHP network by nominating three additional sites for recognition in 2025. This ambition is in line with the nation's Biodiversity Strategy through 2030, with a vision extending to 2050, demonstrating a long-term commitment to biodiversity conservation.

This year will also see the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issue a crucial circular on biodiversity inventory and monitoring, accompanied by technical guidelines for localities and national parks. Furthermore, the ministry is actively working to establish standardized environmental management criteria, create a formal network of Vietnamese ASEAN Heritage Parks, and facilitate exchanges among experts to assess and improve the effectiveness of park management strategies.

By focusing on enhanced connectivity and robust management practices, Vietnam is demonstrating its strong commitment to preserving its invaluable natural heritage and contributing significantly to the broader ASEAN effort in biodiversity conservation for the benefit of present and future generations.

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