Cat Tien National Park receives Asian Ecotourism Award

On the evening of October 12, representatives from the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection announced that Cat Tien National Park had been honored with four prestigious awards from the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) within the framework of the AEN International Ecotourism Awards 2025 (AEN-IEA 2025). This is one of the region’s most reputable recognitions, celebrating sustainable ecotourism destinations.

Covering nearly 82,000 hectares, Cat Tien National Park is one of Vietnam’s richest and most diverse biodiversity areas, known as “the home of countless species.” The park hosts 1,729 animal species and 1,655 higher plant species, including over 100 species of flora and fauna listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book that require special conservation. Cat Tien National Park was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2001 and 2011, and was designated as a Special National Heritage Site in 2012.

Research has recorded that Cat Tien National Park is home to 113 mammal species, belonging to 38 families and 12 orders, including 43 species threatened with extinction nationally and globally, 38 of which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book.

In addition, 18 mammal species and subspecies are endemic to the Indochinese biogeographic subregion, with three species and subspecies endemic to Vietnam: the black-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix nigripes), the Vietnamese Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus, now extinct), and the southern red muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak annamensis).

The park is also home to 351 bird species, representing 64 families and 18 orders, including 17 rare and valuable species listed in the Vietnam Red Book. Each year, Cat Tien National Park welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors for sightseeing, research, and study - among them, thousands of international tourists drawn by its rich biodiversity and pristine natural beauty.

Accordingly, Cat Tien National Park was honored in several award categories, including Winner of Biodiversity Conservation Category, the highest recognition for its tireless efforts in conserving biodiversity and protecting the distinctive tropical forest ecosystems that shelter hundreds of species and habitats.

The park was also named a Finalist in the ecotourism Promotion Category, recognizing its effective promotion of responsible, nature-friendly, and respectful ecotourism, where visitors come not only to explore but also to understand and appreciate the true value of the forest.

In addition, Cat Tien received the Finalist designation in the destination Governance Category, honoring its sustainable destination management model, which harmoniously integrates the efforts of park authorities, local communities, and stakeholders in conservation and ecotourism development.

The fourth recognition, Finalist of Community Champion Category, celebrates the active participation of local communities that have joined hands in preserving and spreading the spirit of living in harmony with nature.

Mr. Tran Van Binh, Director of the Environmental Education Center at Cat Tien National Park, shared that Cat Tien is known as “the home of countless species.” Guided by the principle of mutual respect between humans and nature, all tourism activities within the special-use forest must ensure the conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems and biodiversity resources. This includes implementing environmental protection measures, monitoring and regulating visitor activities, and developing sound management policies to balance tourism and conservation.

Cat Tien National Park is the only unit in Vietnam to receive tourism awards from the Asian Ecotourism Network. This achievement is not only a source of pride for the park but also a milestone marking Vietnam’s presence on the global ecotourism map. These awards testify to Cat Tien National Park’s long-standing commitment to developing tourism in harmony with nature conservation for a greener and more sustainable future.

In addition to the four international awards recently received, Cat Tien National Park has also been honored with numerous other prestigious and significant recognitions throughout its operation, underscoring its vital role in biodiversity conservation in Vietnam. These achievements are not only a source of pride for Cat Tien National Park but also mark Vietnam’s presence on the global ecotourism map. This is a testament to the country’s strong commitment to developing tourism in harmony with nature conservation, for a greener and more sustainable future.

On April 20, 2024, Cat Tien National Park was officially recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as part of the prestigious Green List, becoming the 72nd site worldwide and the first national park in Vietnam to receive this honor.