Pu Mat National Park: Preserving Nghe An heritage land

Established in 1995, Pu Mat Nature Reserve was officially upgraded to Pu Mat National Park under Decision No. 174/2001/QĐ-TTg of the Prime Minister on November 8, 2001.

Since then, Pu Mat National Park carried a noble and demanding mission, simultaneously fulfilling the functions of protecting and developing special-use forests; conserving and promoting biodiversity and genetic resources; preserving natural values, cultural and historical heritage, and landscapes; conducting scientific research, international cooperation, wildlife rescue and species development; environmental education and awareness-raising; providing forest environmental services; and developing ecotourism.

Leading experts have assessed that Pu Mat National Park possesses one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems, with all its ecological richness concentrated within more than 93,861 hectares of truly “golden forest.” In this context, professional work at Pu Mat is not merely about forest protection, but about safeguarding “heritage forests” that preserve genetic resources, habitats, and countless rare and endangered species. This highlights just how challenging and demanding the daily mission truly is.

In terms of flora, a total of 2,691 plant species have been recorded in Pu Mat National Park. Classification shows that there are 75 endangered, precious, and rare species listed in the 2007 Vietnam Red Data Book; 77 endangered, precious, and rare species in the 2022 IUCN Red List; 188 species listed under Decree No. 84/2021/ND-CP; 2 species under Appendix I of Decree No. 64/2019/ND-CP; and 170 species under the CITES Convention.

Regarding fauna, a total of 132 mammal species, 343 bird species, 51 amphibian species, 63 reptile species, 119 fish species, and 1,198 insect species have been recorded. Notably, there are 93 endangered, precious, and rare species listed in the 2007 Vietnam Red Data Book; 135 species in the 2022 IUCN Red List; 122 species under Decree No. 84/2021/ND-CP; 43 species under Decree No. 64/2019/ND-CP; and 99 species under the CITES Convention.

Pu Mat National Park stretches across a vast area and includes nearly 70 km of border, making it impossible to simultaneously carry out forest protection and biodiversity research relying solely on its existing in-house forces. Faced with these urgent requirements, the National Park has proactively expanded cooperation with numerous domestic and international organizations and individuals.

Similarly, it has implemented forest protection agreements with local authorities and, in particular, with indigenous communities, so that all stakeholders can jointly contribute to safeguarding this heritage landscape.

This multi-dimensional cooperation process has helped establish a sustainable conservation model in which forest owners, local authorities, communities, and international conservation organizations all serve as essential links in the chain of protection.

Although the responsibilities are heavy, with a steadfast commitment to forest conservation reflected in appropriate policies and plans aligned with practical needs, after more than 30 years of continuous effort, the Pu Mat Heritage Region continues to stand resilient and proud in the vast forests of Nghe An Province.

These tireless contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious titles and awards, notably including two Prime Minister’s Certificates of Merit, the Government’s Emulation Flag, and the Second-Class Labor Order conferred by the President in 2023. The Party Committee of the park has for many years been recognized as a “clean and strong exemplary organization,” and the park has received the Vietnam Environment Award for the 2010-2015 period and in 2021; eight Certificates of Merit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; and 28 Certificates of Merit from Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee. Most recently, it proudly received the title of ASEAN Heritage Park.

Pu Mat National Park is also a pioneer in applying information technology, introducing smart devices to support forest rangers in their professional duties, especially in the effort to "protect the forest at its roots."

Protecting forests is an arduous mission, full of pressure; safeguarding these “heritage forests” in the sun-scorched, wind-swept region of Pu Mat is even more challenging. It is nearly impossible to shoulder this burden alone.