Ecotourism adventures focused on preserving wildlife ecosystems

Rewritten Article:

Cuc Phuong National Park: Boosting Wildlife Conservation Through Experiential Tourism

A swift civet bolted from its cage and vanished into the verdant forests of Cuc Phuong National Park, captivating over 20 onlookers. This thrilling moment marked the "Going Home" tour, a unique offering from the park.

Debuted in March 2021, this captivating journey lets tourists witness and participate in the release of rescued wildlife back into their natural habitat. A delicate balance of tourism and conservation demands rigorous procedures, substantial costs, and a steadfast commitment from skilled teams. Following their rehabilitation, animals are returned to the untouched wilderness.

Over the years, hundreds of release events have welcomed thousands of animals across various species. Nguyen Van Chinh, the Director of Cuc Phuong National Park, stresses the core goal of rescue operations is to reintegrate animals into their natural environment. The "Going Home" tour communicates this message profoundly, emotionally resonating with the public and fostering a responsible approach to nature and wildlife.

Phan Van Tung, a tourist, shared his thoughts, "Witnessing animals returning to the forest stirs something remarkable. It cultivates awareness and responsibility for wildlife protection, beyond just tourism activities, in daily life."

Moreover, Cuc Phuong National Park is renowned for its nocturnal summer tour, revealing fireflies and wildlife in the moonlit darkness. Visitors can discover an array of nocturnal creatures, including deer, pangolins, civets, wild cats, otters, and more.

Responsible tourism practices have proliferated in numerous national parks like Phu Quoc, Cat Tien, Nu Chua, Cat Ba, Ba Be, Yok Don, and Pu Mat, as well as nature reserves such as Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa Province) and Son Tra (Da Nang City)

On April 10, 2025, Co Den National Park in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province will introduce a long-term nature conservation tour on tiny islands where sea turtles nest, such as Hon Bay Canh, Ba Duong, Hon Tai, and Hon Ca.

Nguyen Khaac Pho, the Director of the park's Management Board, has noticed a trend towards experiential tourism involving living in nature and contributing to ecosystem conservation. Co Den National Park has meticulously prepared for the launch of tours spanning 5 to 10 days, planning to organize ten such excursions in the summer of 2025.

Before embarking on their adventure, tourists will undergo training on the unique ecosystem of Co Den, conservation principles, and basic survival skills. Throughout the tour, participants will assist forest rangers in maintaining clean beaches, setting markers for turtle nests, and tending to egg incubation pits. In the evenings, they will patrol nesting areas, measure and relocate eggs, and release baby turtles into the sea.

The Crucial Need for Collaboration

Efficient management and preservation of natural resources, protection of the environment, and the preservation of biodiversity for sustainable tourism development is a primary focus in Vietnam's tourism strategy until 2030. This tourism approach—which shares profits with local communities and minimizes negative impacts on the environment while supporting cultural and wildlife preservation—is vital.

However, implementing experiential wildlife conservation tourism is complex.

Pham Kien Cuong, the Director of the Environmental Education and Services Centre at Cuc Phuong National Park, emphasizes that returning wildlife to nature must adhere to strict conservation guidelines to mitigate risks for tourists.

The costs of rescue, conservation, and re-introduction are substantial, and tour designs necessitate thorough research, as these tours cannot compete on price with mass tourism options alone. If not carefully designed, experiential wildlife conservation tourism could strain animals' habitats. Consequently, close coordination among stakeholders—including tourism businesses, forest rangers, scientists, and local authorities—is essential.

Experts anticipate that future conservation-oriented tours will enhance quality and expand family-friendly options while diversifying activities. A significant example is the "Where Are We Going, Langurs?" programme at Son Tra Peninsula in Danang, which unites education and nature experiences centered on the critically endangered red-shanked douc langur.

Bui Van Tuang, a primate conservationist and Director of Hivooc Company, advocates for elevating the biodiversity value in areas like Son Tra and other reserves through appropriate tourism and education initiatives.

According to the Department of Forestry under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, national parks generate over 2 trillion VND (US$77 million) annually from forest tourism services, essential for forest protection and local income improvement.

Vietnam boasts a rich biodiversity resource of national and global significance, offering substantial potential for experiential and educational tourism. Endorsing nature-based tourism linked to wildlife conservation is believed to be crucial for sustainable development in the near future. - VNA/VNS

Enrichment Insights:

Children feed deer as part of the Cúc Phương Camp 2024, an experiential programme in Cúc Phương National Park. VNA/VNS Photo

In order to sustainably scale experiential wildlife conservation tourism, it's necessary to address financial and operational challenges, such as high costs and pricing pressures.
Regulatory gaps, including unclear wildlife protection laws, inconsistent definitions of protected animal body parts, and rising illegal wildlife trade, hinder enforcement and create legal risks for tour operators.
Ensuring animal welfare during tourist interactions is essential, as poorly designed tours risk habitat disruption, particularly in sensitive ecosystems like Cuc Phuong and Son Tra Peninsula.
Successful coordination among stakeholders—including tourism businesses, scientists, local communities, and authorities—play a crucial role in conserving and protecting wildlife while providing extraordinary tourism experiences.
Balancing educational value with entertainment remains challenging, while limited public awareness about conservation priorities restricts market demand for these specialized tours.
Recent prosecutions of wildlife crimes highlight persistent threats to the species these tours aim to showcase, reiterating the importance of wildlife protection efforts.
The "Going Home" tour in Cuc Phuong National Park not only offers a unique tourism experience but also communicates the importance of wildlife conservation, influencing responsible behavior towards nature.
The "Where Are We Going, Langurs?" program at Son Tra Peninsula combines education and nature experiences, focusing on the critically endangered red-shanked douc langur, advocating for appropriate tourism and education initiatives.
Nguyen Khaac Pho, the Director of Co Den National Park's Management Board, has recognized a growing interest in experiential tourism involving living in nature and contributing to ecosystem conservation.
In 2025, Co Den National Park plans to launch long-term nature conservation tours on tiny islands where sea turtles nest, educating tourists about the unique ecosystem, conservation principles, and survival skills before their adventure.
Experts predict that future conservation-oriented tours will enrich quality and expand family-friendly options, diversifying activities beyond just wildlife observation.
Efficient management and preservation of natural resources, protection of the environment, and the preservation of biodiversity are primary focuses in Vietnam's tourism strategy until 2030, aiming for sustainable tourism development.
Bilateral cooperation among stakeholders, including tourism businesses, scientists, local communities, and authorities, is essential for ensuring successful experiential wildlife conservation tourism.
Africa's technological advancements in environmental-science, such as AI, could provide valuable insights for Vietnam's conservation efforts, potentially integrating data analysis and machine learning technology into wildlife research and monitoring.