VIApril 4th, 2025 – Vietnam Wildlife Action Center (WildAct) in collaboration with Chư Yang Sin National Park (CYS National Park), launched the second season of the Guardians of Chư Yang Sin Awards, with sponsorship from the Conservation Vietnam fund.
As one of Vietnam’s biodiversity hotspots facing severe threats, CYS National Park has only 100 dedicated forest rangers responsible for nearly 60,000 hectares of forest. This means each ranger is tasked with protecting approximately 600 hectares of forest – a daunting responsibility that highlights the immense pressures and challenges they face.
Having worked closely with these guardians of the forest on multiple patrols, Mr. Lê Quốc Thưởng, Species and Habitat Program Manager at WildAct, shared: “For rangers, enduring grueling treks over rugged mountains and through treacherous streams for days on end is just part of the job. Many ranger stations remain severely under-resourced, with some even lacking access to clean water, making an already harsh reality even more challenging.”
Beyond these harsh living conditions, rangers constantly face dangers from illegal loggers and poachers. Cases such as a ranger being shot in 2018 or seven rangers narrowly escaping an attack in early 2022 underscore these risks. Yet, driven by passion and commitment, they persist in safeguarding Chư Yang Sin’s vast forests.
With deforestation and wildlife poaching on the rise, recognizing and honoring the dedication of rangers has never been more urgent. Following the success of the first Guardians of Chư Yang Sin Awards in March 2024, season 2 marks a significant turn by expanding participation. In addition to acknowledging the contributions of rangers and forest protection teams, this year’s awards also celebrate the tireless efforts of local communities in preserving their ancestral lands.
Dr. Trang Nguyen, Founder and Director of WildAct, emphasized the spirit of the awards: “This year, we continue to stand alongside the guardians of the forest, supporting them as they navigate their journey of protecting Vietnam’s natural heritage – a journey filled with challenges, dangers, and also deep fulfillment. Each story reflects a unique perspective, yet all share the same mission: to resiliently safeguard our nation’s green lungs and biodiversity. Behind every protected forest lies grueling patrols, multiple hardships, along with the profound joy of dedicating oneself to preserving every stretch of wilderness and the creatures that call it home.”
Over the course of three months, the awards received nearly 60 nominations, showcasing the relentless efforts to protect Chư Yang Sin’s wildlife and ecosystems. After a thorough evaluation and selection process, ten awards were presented to outstanding individuals and teams for their exceptional contributions:
The winners of the Exceptional Individuals – Guardians of Chu Yang Sin Awards are:
Dedicated Patrol Category:
Mr. Trần Duy Mạnh – Head of Ranger Station No. 7
Mr. Đỗ Văn Lâm – Head of Ranger Station No. 10
Mr. Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng – Head of Ranger Station No. 5
Community Collaboration Category:
Mr. Thào Chung Măng – Ranger and Member of the Community Conservation Team
Research and Education Category:
Mr. Trần Quốc Vương – Tourism and Environmental Education Department
The winners of the Outstanding Teams – Guardians of Chu Yang Sin Awards are:
- The Vanguard Award recognizing inspirational achievements goes to Ranger Station No. 10
- The Wayfarer Award honoring the most multi-day patrol missions goes to Ranger Station No. 9
- The Sentinel Award recognizing excellence in wildfire prevention and forest protection awareness goes to Ranger Station No. 5
- The Envoy Award recognizing efforts in community engagement and conservation education goes to the Tourism and Environmental Education Department
- The Custodian Award acknowledging collective efforts by local communities in forest protection goes to the Community Conservation Team