The Department of Forestry and Forest Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on June 9, launched “Reflections on Viet Nam’s National Parks”, a book by Le Minh Hoan, former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly and former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. More than a work about nature, the book has been described as an emotional journey through 36 national parks across Viet Nam, helping promote messages of biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and appreciation for the country’s forests.
National parks seen as key to conservation and sustainable development
Opening the event, Tran Quang Bao, Director General of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, said “Reflections on Viet Nam’s National Parks” was a unique publication because it not only showcased the beauty of nature but also encouraged readers to reflect on themselves through their relationship with the natural world.
According to Tran Quang Bao, Viet Nam’s network of 36 national parks stretching from north to south represents invaluable biodiversity assets, preserving distinctive ecological values and forming part of the country’s irreplaceable natural heritage. From the mountain peaks of Hoang Lien National Park and the primary forests of Cuc Phuong and Bach Ma national parks to the wetlands of Tram Chim and Xuan Thuy national parks and the mangrove ecosystems of Mui Ca Mau National Park, each protected area tells its own story about nature and people.
He said the book’s distinctive value lay in the deeply personal perspective of its author. Throughout his travels to national parks and protected areas across the country, Le Minh Hoan observed not only from the perspective of a public administrator but also with the sensitivity of a nature enthusiast.
“The national parks portrayed in this book are not merely forests or natural ecosystems. They are stories about people, responsibility, and the connection between humanity and nature,” Tran Quang Bao said.
According to the department chief, the book’s central message is that national parks are not only places where forests continue to thrive, but also places where people learn to listen to nature, understand the importance of conservation, and recognize that development cannot be separated from the protection of natural ecosystems.
Against the backdrop of climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events, Tran Quang Bao said forests and national parks are becoming ever more important. Beyond serving as conservation areas, they help protect water resources, regulate the climate, conserve biodiversity, and provide a foundation for sustainable development.
“Protecting forests and national parks is no longer solely the responsibility of the forestry sector; it is a shared responsibility of society as a whole,” he said.
Author calls for a new relationship with nature
A highlight of the event was a discussion featuring author Le Minh Hoan, experts, policymakers, and representatives of national parks.
Sharing the story behind the book, Le Minh Hoan said his journeys through Viet Nam’s national parks had provided profound experiences, not only of nature itself but also of the people who dedicate their lives to protecting forests.
He said forests should not be viewed simply as collections of trees or resources for exploitation. Each national park embodies a unique story of history, culture, ecosystems, and the people quietly safeguarding natural values for future generations.
Through the book, Le Minh Hoan hopes to bring nature closer to the public, enabling readers to appreciate the beauty and value of natural ecosystems through relatable stories rather than statistics alone.
One of the key messages emphasized by the author is the need to shift from a mindset of exploiting nature to one of living alongside it. While nature has traditionally been viewed as a resource for development, it should now be recognized as a partner in coexistence and shared prosperity.
Le Minh Hoan said his encounters with forest rangers, local communities, and conservation workers had revealed important lessons about quiet sacrifice, responsibility, and the possibility of harmonious coexistence between people and nature.
“Forests have no teachers and no classrooms, yet they offer countless profound lessons,” he said.
According to the author, the book was written not only for people who love forests but also for younger generations, who will shape the country’s future. He expressed hope that through its stories, readers would learn to listen to nature, appreciate natural values, and develop environmental awareness through everyday actions.
Participants at the event also highlighted the book’s value as a communication tool for raising awareness of nature conservation, green growth, and ecosystem governance. They expressed hope that it would help bring Viet Nam’s national parks closer to the public, promote a culture of living in harmony with nature, and encourage broader public participation in forest protection efforts.
The launch concluded with a book-signing session and exchanges between the author and readers. Speakers shared a common message: protecting nature is not only the responsibility of government agencies or forestry professionals, but of every citizen. They expressed hope that as more people engage with the ideas presented in the book, awareness of conservation and appreciation for nature will continue to grow, helping preserve Viet Nam’s forests for present and future generations.
Photos from the launch of “Reflections on Viet Nam’s National Parks”:
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