Vietnam Focuses on Wildlife Protection Amidst Wildfire and Flood Damage

The wildlife rescue, conservation and development centre under the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Management Board in the central province of Quang Tri has coordinated with relevant units in the release of 13 wild animals back into their natural habitat. The animals are now receiving quarantine, treatment and specialised care. Once recovering their physical condition and wild behaviour, they will be reassessed for release back into the wild. The authorities of Bac Gianh ward in the central province of Quang Tri recently handed over a golden tortoise (Indotestudo elongate) to the Centre for Rescue, Conservation and Development under the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park for care. Prolonged heavy rains from September 13–17 have caused flooding and landslides, damaging homes, crops, roads and infrastructure in Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces, with local authorities mobilising forces for emergency response. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung urged authorities in provinces and cities from Quang Tri northward, along with relevant ministries and agencies, to take urgent measures to ensure public safety and minimise damage caused by natural disasters. On August 21, he also issued an urgent official dispatch ordering continued proactive disaster response and faster flood recovery. Vietnam, while pursuing economic growth under its one-party system, is also focusing on environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. The protection of affected wildlife, in parallel with disaster recovery, can be seen as part of the country's efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. In its relations with China, disaster response in border areas could present opportunities for regional cooperation, though geopolitical tensions cannot be ruled out. Information source: VietnamPlus English