Protect nesting beaches
Patrols with park staff and volunteers safeguard nests, manage hatcheries, and reduce plastic pollution at sites like Côn Đảo, Núi Chúa, and Hòn Cau.
IUCN Vietnam Sea Turtle Conservation Program Protecting sea turtles for future generations
An IUCN Vietnam initiative partnering with national parks, marine protected areas, fishing communities, and volunteers to safeguard nesting beaches, reduce bycatch, and keep marine habitats healthy across coastal Vietnam.
Our Mission
To conserve and restore sea turtle populations in Việt Nam through science-based protection, community engagement, and responsible ecotourism.
Program Snapshot
Community-led
25+ years of the community-based sea turtle nesting beach conservation & bycatch reduction programme.
Volunteer power
12,000+ applications, 10% selected volunteers, 30k followers on the TNV Facebook fanpage since 2014.
Threats tracked
Plastic made up 91.12% of debris items across 11 MPAs/NPs monitored between 2019–2023.
Where we work
Core sites include Côn Đảo NP, Núi Chúa NP, Hòn Cau MPA, Lý Sơn MPA, Cu Lao Cham MPA, Bái Tử Long NP, and partner MPAs/NPs nationwide.
What We Focus On
Reduce bycatch & pollution
We collaborate with fishers on turtle-friendly gear, support enforcement of the Marine Turtle Conservation Action Plan, and track marine debris impacts .
Research & knowledge sharing
Tagging studies, conservation status reports, and outreach materials keep partners informed and communities engaged across Việt Nam's MPAs/NPs.
Volunteer Programme Impact
12,000+
Applications received nationwide.
10%
Percentage of applicants accepted into the volunteer program.
70%
Women participating in the program.
5+ sites
National Parks & MPAs hosting volunteers: Côn Đảo, Núi Chúa, Hòn Cau, Lý Sơn, Bái Tử Long.
Sea Turtles in Vietnam
Green Turtle
Chelonia mydas
LCLeast ConcernHerbivorous sea turtle often found in seagrass meadows and near coral reefs, especially in Côn Đảo and central coast waters.
Hawksbill Turtle
Eretmochelys imbricata
CRCritically EndangeredRecognized by its narrow pointed beak and beautifully patterned shell; heavily impacted by illegal trade and habitat loss.
Leatherback Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
VUVulnerableThe largest sea turtle species, with a soft leathery shell; sightings in Việt Nam are rare but significant.
Loggerhead Turtle
Caretta caretta
VUVulnerablePowerful jaws adapted for hard-shelled prey; recorded in Vietnamese waters, especially offshore.
Your support helps protect Vietnam's sea turtles
By supporting our marine turtle conservation program, you're helping fund sea turtle conservation efforts in Vietnam. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in protecting these incredible creatures for future generations.