Dong nai: Nearly 130 conservationists from 13 Asian countries are gathering in the southern province of Dong Nai, home to Vietnam’s second largest wild elephant population, from September 17 – 21 for the 12th meeting of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG). Coinciding with the meeting, the Elephant Conservation Week features a photo exhibition, expert talks, and a ‘Run for Dong Nai Elephant’ event, among others.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the event aims to bring together experts to discuss strategies and measures to conserve the dwindling populations of Asian elephants, which face numerous threats from habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. The gathering is a critical platform for sharing knowledge and experiences in elephant conservation efforts across Asia.

The meeting in Dong Nai underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing the challenges of elephant conservation. Participants are expected to draft new approaches and reinforce ongoing initiatives to ensure the survival of this keystone species in its natural habitat.