Dong Thap Delegation Visits and Works with the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand (ZPOT)
(DTO) On the morning of May 27, as part of a working visit to Thailand, the delegation from Dong Thap Province led by Mr. Phan Van Thang, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, visited and held a working session with the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand (ZPOT).
Joining the delegation was Mr. Chinoros Benjachavakul, Senior Executive Vice President of C.P. Vietnam Livestock Joint Stock Company. The delegation was received by Ms. Chongkolnee Kaewsod, Executive Director of ZPOT.
At the meeting, Mr. Phan Van Thang introduced Dong Thap Province as a locality possessing highly valuable ecological potential, especially Tram Chim National Park – the world’s 2,000th Ramsar site.
He said the park is not only a source of pride regarding biodiversity but also a cultural and natural icon closely associated with the development history of the Pink Lotus Land.
He also informed the Thai side about the province’s implementation of the Project for Preservation and Development of Red-crowned Cranes at Tram Chim National Park, aiming to restore habitats for the species, which is currently facing the risk of extinction.
Accordingly, the province is focusing on improving habitats, regulating natural water sources, and restoring characteristic food supplies to attract the crane flocks back.
Permanent Deputy Secretary Phan Van Thang highly appreciated Thailand’s remarkable achievements, particularly through the coordination of ZPOT, in breeding and releasing red-crowned cranes back into the wild. He described the success as an inspiring source and a highly valuable lesson learned for the province’s conservation roadmap.
The Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee requested ZPOT to continue strengthening cooperation between both sides, particularly by establishing a mechanism for regular expert exchanges and organizing in-depth technical training programs for Dong Thap’s technical officials.
In addition, both sides should cooperate in researching and developing ecological agricultural models around the conservation area, aiming to generate sustainable livelihoods for local residents, turning them into “guardians” who protect the cranes, thereby harmoniously linking economic development with biodiversity conservation.
Mr. Le Chi Thien, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, added that preparations for receiving the second flock of cranes consisting of six individuals are being actively carried out and are basically finalized.
The six crane individuals from the previous reception batch are currently growing and adapting well, and they continue to be closely monitored during the care and breeding process.
Regarding technical and environmental conditions, Tram Chim National Park has been fully prepared in accordance with professional requirements. Necessary procedures, including quarantine certificates and related dossiers, have also been basically completed.
In parallel, the unit has coordinated closely with the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens in arranging isolation zones and fully preparing reception vehicles. The province has also received valuable and enthusiastic support from Mr. Chinoros Benjachavakul.
For her part, Ms. Chongkolnee Kaewsod thanked the delegation for their interest, visit, and working session. She briefly introduced the organization's activities and stated that ZPOT is highly interested in the project being implemented in Dong Thap Province.
The organization will continue to coordinate closely with competent agencies of Thailand and Vietnam to prepare the best conditions to bring the second batch of cranes safely and healthily to Vietnam and Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap Province.
By HONG GAM
Translated by X.QUANG
