Vietnam establishes Ea So National Park in Dak Lak

The Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee approved Decision 2366/QĐ‑UBND, upgrading the Ea Sô Nature Reserve to a national park. The new Ea Sô National Park, covering 26,959.01 ha (about 80 % under strict protection), becomes Vietnam's 37th national park.

The park protects the country's largest natural grassland, extensive tropical evergreen forest, and a rich biodiversity hotspot with roughly 789 plant species, 30 mammal species—including critically endangered Java pangolin, wild buffalo, and the rare civet—and over 179 bird species. It also serves as a source of water regulation, flood mitigation, and climate‑change adaptation for surrounding communities, especially ethnic‑minority groups.

Authorities highlight the park's role in conserving endangered flora and fauna, supporting sustainable tourism, and promoting forest‑based livelihoods while safeguarding national security and environmental stability.