The Goldman Environmental Prize is awarded every year to six individuals in recognition of their major contributions to the world’s gravest environmental challenges. These individuals are largely grassroots environmental activists whose dedication has inspired and mobilized others around the world to join their cause and create change. Since 1990, the Goldman Environmental Prize has recognized six global citizens, chosen to represent the world’s six inhabited continental regions, who are connected by a common thread: dedication to protecting the natural world.
Thai Van Nguyen founded Save Vietnam’s Wildlife in 2014 and has been dedicated to pangolin conservation his whole life. He started out in 2005 as a volunteer for the Asian Pangolin Conservation Program based in Cuc Phuong National Park and built his illustrious career from there. He has devoted his work to reducing global threats to pangolins and establishing proper rescue and rehabilitation programs.
Nguyen helped to create Vietnam’s first ever anti-poaching unit in 2018. Since its inception, the unit has removed over 9,700 traps, dismantled over 770 illegal poaching camps, confiscated over 75 weapons, and arrested over 550 people involved in the illegal wildlife trade. He invites poachers to workshops that he holds as part of his efforts to educate the public on pangolins and the importance of protecting them. His commitment to protecting pangolins has led to a significant decline in illegal trafficking efforts in Pu Mat National Park.
Nguyen has helped to establish two pangolin rehabilitation centers, in Cuc Phuong and Pu Mat National Parks. After release, the facilities monitor the pangolins in the wild to further understand the elusive animal. Since he was a child, Nguyen remembers pangolins in the forests in Vietnam and losing them would be more than a loss to the ecosystem. He plans to remain committed to pangolin conservation, and believes there is hope for the future as younger generations are interested in protecting pangolins and continuing his conservation work.
“Save Pangolins recognizes the substantial contributions that Thai Nguyen has made to pangolin conservation in his home country of Vietnam and around the world. His work has inspired us and his commitment has made an indelible mark to protect the species’ future. Congratulations to our friend and colleague for this well-deserved honor.” - Paul Thomson, Save Pangolins Co-Founder.
Photo: © Save Vietnam’s Wildlife
