Vietnam launches national park passport initiative for the first time

The national park passport initiative is carried out for the first time in Vietnam, aiming to establish mechanisms that promote eco-tourism development in national parks and nature reserves; incentivise tourists to experience and discover the values of forest ecosystems; gradually form sustainable financial mechanisms, and create momentum for national parks and nature reserves with tourist infrastructure to attract visitors. In addition, it aims to raise community awareness of the sustainable values of ecosystems.

The delegates press the button to launch the national park passport initiative.

In the initial phase, the national park passports will be applied in 34 national parks within the special-use forest system providing tourism activities. Domestic and international tourists can obtain the passports in either paper or electronic forms.

Passport holders will enjoy benefits and rewards upon visiting national parks and meeting the required conditions.

With the national park passports, travellers gain health and wellness benefits through nature experiences; acquire knowledge and inspiration for nature conservation actions. They also have the opportunity to receive awards from the programme by actively exploring national parks, as well as enjoy service discounts when participating in eco-tourism at national parks.

The initiative also contributes to promoting eco-tourism activities in national parks through widespread promotion via apps, the passport itself, and media channels. This initiative aims to increase visitors and experiences, and encourage visitors to accumulate points, thus enhancing the diversity and refinement of tourism products.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan shared: "When we love nature, we tend to care for nature."

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan said he came up with the idea of the national park passport during a meeting commemorating the US Independence Day.

“I hope these passports will provide additional resources to support forest rangers and forest protection management. We need to find ways to develop and enhance public-private cooperation, towards helping 34 national parks reacher further and develop the multifaceted values of forests”, said Minister Hoan.

Sharing about national park passports, Director of the Save Vietnam's Wildlife Nguyen Van Thai noted that the national park passports will be a bridge connecting people with nature.

Delegates visits booths introducing national parks at the ceremony.

The national park passports will enhance environmental protection awareness by encouraging tourists to accept and participate in environmental conservation activities. It promotes cultural promotion and education by stimulating the understanding of the cultural and natural values of the regions.