The annual event, initiated in 2024, is jointly organised by Wildtour, the Viet Nam Wildlife Photography Club (VWPC), Cat Tien National Park, and BirdLife International, along with various professional, conservation, and media partners.
Globally, BirdRace is a popular community event in several countries with high levels of biodiversity, carrying notable humanitarian and scientific value.
Viet Nam BirdRace 2026 will run over three days, featuring a range of activities including community exchanges, exhibitions, thematic seminars, and field competitions.
Viet Nam BirdRace 2026 marks the third season of this image-based bird recording platform in Viet Nam, following events at Tram Chim National Park in 2024 and Bidoup–Nui Ba National Park in 2025. Beyond capturing valuable images of hundreds of migratory and native bird species, previous editions have contributed to promoting local eco-tourism and raising public awareness of environmental protection.
A key objective of the competition is to collect field data and promote responsible birdwatching tourism. Participating teams (each comprising three to four members) are required to document wild bird species through photographs, with the aim of recording as many species as possible during the official competition period. While artistic quality is not mandatory, the images must be clear enough for species identification and ensuring authenticity while avoiding any negative impact on natural habitats.
In terms of location, Cat Tien National Park is one of the regions with distinctive forest and wetland ecosystems and has long been recognised as a prime destination for birdwatching both regionally and globally.
Viet Nam BirdRace 2026 is expected to attract hundreds of photographers from various countries and territories, including well-known names, contributing to the promotion of eco-tourism and environmental education at Cat Tien National Park as well as in Viet Nam in general.
In addition to the competition, the event will feature in-depth workshops and exchanges between photographers, conservation scientists, and the public. The total prize value exceeds 250 million VND, including both team and individual awards.
More than just a photography contest, Viet Nam BirdRace is expected to gradually become a platform connecting nature lovers domestically and internationally, contributing to biodiversity conservation while opening pathways for sustainable tourism development linked to protected areas in Viet Nam.
