Photographs on display at the exhibition. — Photo courtesy of Forest Department

HÀ NỘI — A hundred captivating photographs celebrating nature and the environment have been showcased at the Kindness and Harmony with Elephants and Wildlife exhibition.

Organised by the Forest Department at Hoàn Kiếm Lake's pedestrian zone on Saturday, the event featured the theme of joining hands to protect forests, elephants, wildlife and combat storms.

Part of the Elephant Conservation Week, the exhibition offered a rich programme aimed at fostering an emotional connection with nature.

Alongside photographs of diverse natural landscapes, it displayed models of storm-resistant forests and educated visitors on how to prevent forest erosion, landslides and flash floods while safeguarding water resources.

Guests were also introduced to images of the unique ecological features and endemic species found in Việt Nam’s 34 national parks.

The event underscored the critical role forests play, particularly after the northern region was so badly hit by devastating storms that caused damage estimated in the billions of US dollars. It served as a clarion call for collective societal action in forest preservation and ecosystem conservation.

Speaking at the event, director of the Forest Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Trần Quang Bảo, stressed the urgent need for a balanced relationship between development and environmental protection.

“Humanity may not yet control nature, but our actions shape the extent of the damage we endure. Forests are not only shields against storms and floods but also silent guardians of human life," Bảo said.

"They slow water flow during heavy rains, reducing the risk of flash floods, while tree roots facilitate groundwater recharge, ensuring rivers and streams flow even in dry seasons.”

Since 1996, Việt Nam has implemented a ministerial-level action plan and three national-level projects dedicated to elephant conservation. Research confirms wild elephants remain in provinces such as Nghệ An, Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Nam, Đắk Lắk and Đồng Nai.

By promoting a global shift towards harmonious living with nature and wildlife, the event created an interactive space for young people, the future custodians of Việt Nam’s natural treasures.

One of the exhibition’s highlights was a collection of elephant-themed photographs, focusing on Yok Đôn, Pù Mát and Cát Tiên national parks.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development recently announced the national action plan for elephant conservation. The move aims to raise awareness about elephants, regarded as key indicators of forest ecosystems and the threats they face.

To engage a social media-savvy audience, the exhibition featured visually striking spaces for visitors to take memorable photos and share them online, further spreading its message of kindness towards wildlife.

The event featured Dance for Kindness performances by the Centre for Natural Resources and Environment Communication and the Việt Nam Young Connection Club, a global initiative celebrating World Kindness Week with displays that unite people across cultures and backgrounds.

At Hoàn Kiếm Lake, five thousand volunteers joined a flashmob dance, spreading a message of kindness, love for nature, and environmental stewardship, resonating deeply with the younger generation. — VNS