In the 1990s, Vietnam had plans to transform its central highlands into one of the world’s biggest coffee and rubber producers. In less than two decades, the country became the world’s largest producer of both commodities. But, the rush to riches came at a steep cost to Vietnam’s unique ecosystem. In the central province of Kon Tum, the land was quickly cleared for rubber plantations, leaving just 15% of the former forest cover. “Fifteen percent of the forest is gone. That’s what’s needed for wild animals to survive,” said Dang Ngoc Can, a local conservationist. “The wildlife are in a critical state now. Unless something is done, they will be gone soon.” The impact of the rubber boom on the local wildlife has been devastating. Tigers have been pushed to the brink of extinction, with only a few hundred remaining in the wild. Elephants have also been severely affected, with their population declining by more than 90% in the past 20 years. The loss of these iconic species is not just a tragedy for Vietnam, but for the world as a whole. Tigers and elephants are keystone species, which means that they play a vital role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem. Without them, the entire ecosystem is at risk. In a bid to save what little remains of the forest, conservationists are working with local communities to establish community-managed protected areas. These areas are designed to protect the remaining forest and wildlife, while also providing a sustainable source of income for the local people. So far, the results have been encouraging. In one community-managed protected area, the tiger population has increased by more than 50%. However, there is still much work to be done. The rubber plantations still cover a vast area of land, and the pressure to clear more forest for agriculture is still high. If Vietnam is to save its remaining wilderness, it will need to find a way to balance economic development with environmental protection. .
Vietnam’s lost last wilderness to rubber plantations
