The decision, announced on July 28, establishes Ea So National Park on nearly 27,000 hectares in Ea Knop Commune. More than 80 per cent of the area has been designated for strict protection, with the remainder set aside for ecological restoration and administrative services.
The park is surrounded by an 18,200-hectare buffer zone covering 18 villages across five communes in Dak Lak and neighbouring Gia Lai Province.
The upgrade aims to strengthen conservation, protect water resources, enhance climate resilience and support ecotourism and sustainable livelihoods.
The park will also support scientific research, environmental education and the conservation of indigenous biodiversity and cultural values.
A new management board will be established by restructuring the existing Ea So Nature Reserve management authority.
Recent wildlife monitoring at Ea So has recorded the presence of gaur, underscoring the area's ecological significance.