Wildlife At Risk (WAR)

who we are

Vietnam boasts a rich tapestry of national parks and 16 marine protected areas, a diverse landscape and about 7,000 animal and 12,000 plant species (some of which are unique to Vietnam). However, Vietnam’s terrestrial biodiversity is under threat from the illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and environmental changes, while the marine biodiversity is suffering from overfishing, pollution and non-sustainable tourism.

WAR is dedicated to protecting the biodiversity of Vietnam by combating the illegal wildlife trade, raising environmental awareness and promoting the conservation of endangered species and their habitats.

what we do

WAR was established in 2003 to help some 500 bears that are kept in captivity in Vietnam alone and prevent more from suffering the same fate. Working with the Forest Protection Department of HoChiMinh City, we have since expanded our activities to include educational, awareness raising and monitoring programmes. This year, WAR launched its marine conservation programme in Con Dao (a pristine island where sea turtles still lay eggs and dugongs are sighted), working with Con Dao National Park to solve global ocean problems locally.

We collaborate with like-minded organisations, and our efforts are based on local needs, including changing people’s behaviour when it comes to the need to protect exotic animals and instilling the importance of wildlife and environmental protection into the next generation of opinion makers and leaders.

WAR has also opened the first and only multi-species rescue centre in the south of Vietnam at the end of 2007, focusing on small carnivores and species like turtles and snakes. In addition, WAR is currently designing an awareness boat - the Con Dao National Park’s glass bottomed boat, donated by UNDP, is targeted at local and foreign visitors!