Over the past 10 years, many conservation initiatives and solutions have contributed to effectively protecting the common home of biodiversity. (Photo: Hung Vo/Vietnam+) Hanoi (VNA) - After more than 6 months of launching, the program "Honoring organizations and individuals with many contributions to wildlife conservation in the 2010-2020 period" launched by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is coming to the final stage. A ceremony to honor individuals and organizations participating in the program is expected to be held on May 21, 2021, in response to the International Day of Biodiversity (May 22).
Thousands of species are named
According to a representative of the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity under the General Department of Environment, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, over the past decade, Vietnam has witnessed many changes in economy, society and biodiversity conservation is not an exception.
Despite operating in silence, scientists and conservation organizations have contributed to a brilliant biodiversity decade with a series of researches, new species discoveries, and effective initiatives and solutions.
In particular, right after launching in October 2020, the said above program has received many applications from individuals and organizations working in the field of species conservation. Many species of animals and plants have been studied, discovered for the first time and published in prestigious international journals.
Among thousands of species of animals and plants discovered and recognized internationally, there are many species of insects, reptiles, amphibians, etc., which are classified as critically endangered and need to be prioritized for conservation; many studies have found endemic species found only in Vietnam.
Some newly discovered species include Euscorpiopsis cavernicola (in Ba Be district, Bac Kan province) and Vietbocap thienduongensis (Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park, Quang Binh province).
In addition, precious tree species such as Moc Huong (Aristolochia) are also studied to serve practical applications. Through studies, many plant species with medicinal and production value are identified and have a reasonable conservation plan.
Conservation outstanding landmarks
The programme also recognized initiatives and solutions, contributing to improving the efficiency of efforts made by different branches, levels and the whole society in protecting species.
A rare and precious otter kept in captivity and illegally sold at a disguised farmer's market in Thanh Hoa, Long An province, was rescued by functional forces after receiving a report from a reporter of VietnamPlus e-Newspaper. (Photo: Hung Vo/Vietnam+) The first solution mentioned by the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity is the successful breeding and conservation of the white-crested pheasant - a rare endemic bird of Vietnam.
Besides breeding solutions to conserve endangered species, other initiatives also focus on saving wild animals. There are volunteer groups that have rescued 100 sea turtles, of which 94 are still alive and have been released back into the sea; or bear rescue process, bear farming in a semi-wild environment...
In particular, the program received a story from a person who used to be a hunter but now leads a voluntary group to conserve white-necked langurs in Quang Binh. Thereby contributing to preventing the impact of the stone mining programme, protecting the habitat for langurs. As a result, in 2018, the People's Committee of Quang Binh province zone off part of the forest to become a special-use forest to balance the needs of conservation and exploitation.
Evaluating the significance of the programme, Professor-Doctor of Science Dang Huy Huynh, ASEAN Biodiversity Hero, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment, highlighted the significance of the initiative, saying it will help motivate and encourage the development of scientific research on biodiversity./.
