I go to national parks to see beautiful nature, endemic species and the last paradises on earth. After being in some, I know that I have to be lucky to see any animals. They are shy and wild – and won’t just jump in front of my camera. Still, I always hope they will. National parks are established to protect nature. But in Vietnam, that goal has not been reached and species are still more a product than something that has to be protected.

Some days ago I went to the Cuc Phoung National Park in Northern Vietnam. It is its oldest Nationalpark and was established in 1962. Walking though the deep rainforest it is said that you can see more than 200 different kinds of trees and several mamals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. And there are also caves of prehistoric humans you can visit. But the park is very quiet. From time to time I heard bird tweeting-but that’s all.

The reason is poaching – a big problem in Cuc Phuong. “Hunters are especially interested in chasing monkeys and turtles. And then they sell them to China,“ Ling, our tourguide, tells us. As the park is located in the middle of four different provinces, which means four different department are responsible, it is difficult to protect the area. To enhance awareness of endangered species and nature, the park has established conservation centers for primates and turtles. Let’s hope they will be successful.

 

Vietnam’s demand for energy is steadily on the rise. To satisfy demand the country wants to increasingly tap renewable forms of energy, especially wind power. Here are our reporter Peter Wozny’s personal impressions of his trip to Vietnam. Click here to watch his report.

We have won! Again!
GLOBAL IDEAS reporter Vanessa Fischer, who you can see in the picture above, received the AIDB World Award today for “Science and Environment.” The trophy was awarded by the Asia-Pacific Europe Partnership Committee in Hanoi. Vanessas report “Energy-efficient refrigerators in Brazil” was called the “Best Programme Protecting Ozone Layer and Combating Climate Change.” As you can imagine, we all are over the moon about that award. 🙂

Vietnam has incredible potential when it comes to renewable energy. Because of its geography, it's a prime spot for producing hydropower or wind energy. Still, energy consumption in Vietnam remains entrenched largely in fossil fuels.

 

The German Society for International Cooperation, or GIZ, is helping the Vietnamese government and private investors find the best way to plan a green future for the country. GIZ workers are also helping train people in Vietnam to work in renewable energy fields–especially in harnessing wind power. Check out this Global Ideas report and let us know what you think!