The People’s Committee of Dak Lak Province in the central highlands has approved a VND8.5 billion (US$528,500) project to preserve domesticated elephants in the region.

Under the project, the province will establish reserve areas and found an association for elephant tamers and breeders, along with other agencies concerned with preserving the animal.

The funds will be generated from local and central governmental bud-gets. The project will begin later this year and is projected to finish in 2011.

The province’s domesticated elephants mostly reside in Buon Don District.

Seven years ago, the herd consisted of over 40 elephants but was reduced to only 13 as of May this year due to overexploitation for tourism purposes.

Tourists to Dak Lak often travel to Buon Don for elephant rides.

Reported by Hoang Thien Nga