Vietnamese wildlife conservationist gets 'Green Nobel' prize

On June 16, 2021 (on the afternoon of June 15, New York time), the Goldman Environmental Prize 2021 Award Council announced the six winners representing different regions around the world. Mr. Nguyen Van Thai, Director of the Save Vietnam's Wildlife, is the only Asian representative to receive the prize.

The organisers of the prize has recognized Thai’s significant contributions and efforts as well as Save Vietnam's Wildlife to the conservation of illegally traded wildlife.

Through the non-profit organization, Save Vietnam's Wildlife that he founded, Thai and his colleagues have rescued more than 1,500 pangolins, and in conjunction with rangers have destroyed more than 9,700 animal traps, dismantled many illegal camps, and arrested many poachers.

In addition to preventing illegal wildlife trade and poaching, Mr. Thai initiated an educational program to raise awareness of Vietnamese people on the importance of wildlife conservation

He has published various research papers, attended international conferences and developed the first procedures for monitoring and rehabilitating pangolins in Vietnam, including the introduction of the first Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Education Centre of Vietnam in Ninh Binh; Vietnam's first Asian Pangolin Rehabilitation Centre. As a result, 80% of severely injured pangolins were treated and recovered.

The Goldman Environmental Prize, and often referred to as the "Green Nobel", is a prestigious prize awarded annually to the world's environmental grassroots heroes, in recognition of their important contributions to nature conversation, honoring activists from Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South & Central America

Although the Prize awarded six environmental champions each year, it reflects the powerful impact that one person can have on many, and especially contributes to inspiring young people and the Vietnamese community to protect environment and preserve the natural ecosystems on the planet.

To date, the Prize has honored 200 winners (including 87 women) from 90 nations

HT