Developing ecotourism at Ta Dung National Park

On the afternoon of February 25, Ta Dung National Park, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme in Vietnam (UNDP Vietnam), organized a technical consultation workshop for the draft proposal on ecotourism, resort, and recreational development at Ta Dung National Park.

The technical consultation workshop, titled "Ecotourism, Resort, and Recreational Development Plan of the Ta Dung National Park Management Board until 2030," is part of the project "Integrated Sustainable Landscape Management through a Jurisdictional Approach for Deforestation-Free Development" in Lam Dong and Dak Nong provinces. The project is funded by the European Union (EU) in Vietnam and implemented by UNDP.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Khuong Thanh Long, Director of Ta Dung National Park, stated: "The workshop is organized to gather input from stakeholders on the development plan for high-quality and sustainable ecotourism, resort, and recreational activities, based on the unique natural and cultural resources of Ta Dung National Park. Once approved, the plan will help shape the ecotourism development strategy in Dak Nong, transforming the area into an attractive destination while ensuring a balance between economic development and nature conservation."

The draft ecotourism development plan focuses on key areas such as developing trekking routes, constructing eco-friendly resorts, establishing ecological education centers, and promoting indigenous cultural experiences. Additionally, it proposes a payment mechanism for forest environmental services, aiming to enhance the economic value of forests while reducing pressure on unsustainable resource exploitation.

The Ecotourism, Resort, and Recreational Development Plan for Ta Dung National Park will serve as an important legal foundation for the park to leverage its potential and advantages in sustainable tourism services. It will also help implement forest environmental service payment models, thereby increasing the value of forest services, promoting sustainable production, and improving the quality of agricultural products.

Mr. Do Trong Hoan, Project Manager at UNDP Vietnam, stated that UNDP will support Ta Dung National Park in developing a high-quality tourism development plan based on the region’s unique natural and cultural resources. The ecotourism, resort, and recreational services at Ta Dung National Park aim to improve local livelihoods and contribute to Dak Nong province’s sustainable development goals. UNDP is committed to accompanying Dak Nong province and Ta Dung National Park in achieving these objectives.

Ta Dung National Park is located in Dak Nong province and was established in 2018 under Decision No. 185/QĐ-TTg of the Prime Minister. Previously part of the Ta Dung Nature Reserve, the park is renowned for its pristine beauty, making it one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Dak Nong.

Currently, the park covers a managed area of approximately 19,875.74 hectares, including 19,724.16 hectares of special-use forest, 111.82 hectares of production forest, and 39.76 hectares of non-classified forest land.

The buffer zone holds significant cultural value, preserving the unique traditions of nearly 40 ethnic groups residing in the area. Additionally, migrant communities from northern Vietnam have brought their own distinct cultural heritage, shaping what is often referred to as a "Northwest within the Central Highlands."