WWF-Vietnam helps safeguard endangered saola

THE HANOI TIMES — The central province of Quang Tri and WWF-Vietnam are co-leading the Central Annamites Conservation Strategy (2026–2030), which focuses primarily on protecting the critically endangered saola.

Unveiled on July 15, the strategy aims to restore forest ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience through nature-based solutions.

Thibault Ledecq, WWF-Vietnam’s Conservation Director, said he hopes the Central Annamites will become a “model landscape” where protecting nature also means better, more sustainable lives for local people.

Earlier in June, both sides launched the “Nature-Based Solutions in Forestry and Environment 2025–2030” program, which has a budget of VND114 billion (US$4.5 million) to support forest conservation, biodiversity, and community development.

Spanning from Ha Tinh to Danang, the Central Annamites are one of 200 globally important ecological zones and a strategic conservation priority in Vietnam, according to WWF-Vietnam.

The area is home to the saola, often called the "Asian unicorn," as well as other threatened species, such as the large-antlered muntjac, Truong Son muntjac, and striped rabbit.

For Quang Tri, this partnership with WWF-Vietnam is crucial for long-term sustainable development. Quang Tri was the first province to sign a five-year partnership with WWF in October 2023.

Since then, WWF has implemented 14 projects worth around VND163 billion (US$6.4 million), aimed at protecting wildlife, supporting sustainable forest-based livelihoods, developing agroforestry models, and reducing plastic waste.

Hoang Nam, Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri provincial People's Committee, reiterated the importance of expanding the partnership with WWF: "Cooperation with WWF needs to be maintained and expanded in scale, scope, and sustainable strategy."