Sarus Crane and the Risk of Extinction
Sarus Crane scientifically known as Antigone antigone, is a rare bird species belonging to the Crane family (Gruidae) and the order Gruiformes. With its rich biodiversity and the presence of numerous sedge grasslands, Tràm Chim National Park has long been a feeding ground for the red-crowned crane. However, in recent times, the number of red-crowned cranes returning to the park has been decreasing. Since 2022, no individuals of this species have been observed in the park. The red-crowned crane is currently listed as near threatened in the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
About Tram Chim National Park
Tràm Chim National Park is located downstream of the Mekong River and at the center of Đồng Tháp Mười (in Tam Nông District, Đồng Tháp Province) with an area of over 7,300 hectares. The park is divided into five functional zones from A1 to A5 and a service-administrative zone (Zone C). The park has been recognized as the 2,000th Ramsar site in the world.
The Biodiversity Conservation Center within Tràm Chim National Park is in its initial construction phase, implementing the Red-Crowned Crane Conservation and Development Project at Tràm Chim National Park for the 2022-2032 period. The total estimated cost of the project is nearly 185 billion VND, approved by the Đồng Tháp Provincial People’s Committee, aiming to conserve the red-crowned crane species. [referencing the project approval decision]
CAMPAIGN GOALS
The program “Forest plantation for Sarus Crane” at Tràm Chim National Park is part of the campaign “VNP Forest Planting – For a Sustainable Future.” The planned number of trees to be planted is 1000 native species, including guava, sour soup tree, Tram flower, water apple, and tung oil tree. Particularly, the VNP group will collectively plant two large tung oil trees, each with a height of 4-5 meters and a base diameter ranging from 1m to 1.2m, at the entrance area of the Conservation Camp
The program is organized by The Vietnam – Netherlands Master’s Programme with funding contributed by VNP Alumni (through the tree donation fund commemorating VNP’s 30th anniversary) and sponsorship from the research project of the Southeast Asian Environmental Economics Institute (EPPSEA).
Participants
✅ VNP Students, VNP Alumni
✅ UEH Students
Participant expenses are 500,000 VNĐ/per person.
The participant’s expenses include transportation, accommodation, insurance, and sightseeing fees during the trip. The VNP budget will fund seedlings, fertilizers, planting tools, uniforms (shirts, hats, gloves), and activities related to forest planting. The budget from the Nutrition Research Project of the Southeast Asian Environmental Economics Institute (EPPSEA) will cover food expenses during the trip.
VNP Grow Kits
ACTIVITIES
PART 1: EXPLORATION & ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES
Date: August 17, 2024
7:00 AM: Gather at UEH Campus A (Phạm Ngọc Thạch Gate) and depart for Tràm Chim. Breakfast will be provided on the bus.
11:00 AM: Arrive at Tràm Chim Eco-tourism Area.
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Boat tour to explore the Tràm Chim wetland ecosystem.
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch and socializing at a restaurant within the tourism area.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Participate in painting activities with Tràm flowers.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Trekking 5km through the cool green Tràm route.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Check-in at the hotel, rest.
6:00 PM: Move to the restaurant for dinner.
Free time for rest and personal activities.
PART 2: FOREST PLANTATION
Date: August 18, 2024
5:00 AM: Group gathers for breakfast and moves to the planting area.
6:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Forest planting activities.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Return to the hotel, check-out.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch.
1:00 PM: Departure back to Ho Chi Minh City, estimated return to Campus A at 5:00 PM the same day.
Participants will receive a Forest Planting Certificate issued by Tràm Chim National Park and keep the Tràm flower painting they created themselves.