The Asian Turtle Program (ATP)

The Asian Turtle Program was established in 1998 and incorporated into the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo/Cleveland Zoological Society’s Asia regional program in 2003. Since the ATP originated with the development of the Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) at Cuc Phuong National Park we have been working on the conservation of tortoises and freshwater turtles (TFT) in southeast Asia with a focus on Vietnam.

The aim of ATP is to establish a safe and sustainable future for Asian turtles, and to ensure that no further turtle species become extinct in the region. We implement strategic interventions that directly contribute to the conservation of Asian turtles, helping to ensure efficient use of limited resources, as well as developing capacity, strengthening leadership, and ultimately effecting positive attitudinal and behavioural change within society.

Activities in Vietnam have focused on priority species including critically endangered and endemic species of greatest conservation concern. Project focus on the endemic Vietnamese Pond Turtle (Mauremys annamensis) and Indochinese Box Turtles (Cuora bourreti) and (Cuora picturata) in central Vietnam. And the legendary Hoan Kiem Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) also known as Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle in northern Vietnam, largely recognised as the most endangered turtle species in the world.

Training and awareness undertaken by the ATP include enforcement training for forest rangers, raising public awareness about the importance of protecting Vietnam’s turtles, conducting conservation-focused research, and building the next generation of young scientists and professionals with expertise in Vietnam’s turtles through a student training program.

The Asian Turtle Program would like to support all of our partner and donor organisations. If you would like to contribute to the ATP please visit our support page or contact us at support@asianturtleprogram.org