Protecting forests with technology: Entering Nam Cát Tiên with special forces...

Protecting forests in Vietnam is evolving beyond traditional ranger patrols and warning signs. At Cát Tiên National Park, innovative methods are being employed, including advanced camera technology, local community engagement, and ecotourism initiatives. Visitors are invited to become temporary rangers, live in the forest, and develop survival skills to truly grasp the value of nature.

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People talk a lot about conservation, but few have actually entered the forest to understand what they are trying to protect.

Over 15 years ago, David Minetti, a former French special forces officer, arrived in Vietnam and chose a unique path to connect people with the forest. His expeditions eschew hotels and phone service, providing participants with only a hammock, tarp, 1.5 liters of water, and 24 hours to live within the Nam Cát Tiên forest.

Minetti, who previously served in the French special forces in the Amazon rainforest, developed a deep affection for the wild. After extensive travels through Vietnam's forests in the 2000s, he observed a paradox: "People talk a lot about conservation, but few have actually entered the forest to understand what they are trying to protect," he noted. This realization spurred him to create immersive experiences in Nam Cát Tiên.

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Humans fear the forest because they don't understand it. Once you understand it, you realize it's one of the most wonderful places to exist.

The goal of Minetti's forest expeditions is not mere sightseeing or relaxation. Participants learn essential jungle skills, such as navigation, finding water, making fire, and adapting to the environment with limited resources. More challenging options include 48- or 72-hour stays without food or water, relying solely on survival techniques. Minetti believes that "humans fear the forest because they don't understand it. Once you understand it, you realize it's one of the most wonderful places to exist."

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Don't drink to satisfy thirst. You should take small sips if you want enough water for the whole journey.

During a recent trip, participants were instructed by Minetti to ration their water intake and use the cool stream water to lower body temperature, a tactic learned from his military experience. He explained that this cooling method helps conserve water and that the mud clinging to clothes can mask human scent, allowing for a more seamless integration into the natural environment and minimizing disturbance to wildlife.

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Cool down to limit water loss. The mud clinging to clothes masks body odor, making it easier for humans to blend into nature, and also reduces disturbance to wildlife.