Academic Perspective on Land Policy for the Ho Chi Minh City Zoological and Botanical Garden

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environment has submitted a draft proposal to the City People's Committee, suggesting an adjustment in the land use model for the Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden. Specifically, over 96% of the garden's land would transition from a lease-based model to a non-revenue land allocation. This shift has significant financial implications for the managing entity while also intersecting with urban conservation policies and public land utilization planning.

Adjusting the Land Management Model: Balancing Conservation and Development

The proposed adjustment covers more than 170,500 square meters of land, located at 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1—home to the Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden. As an essential component of the city's ecological heritage, this site holds significant historical and environmental value. According to a 2014 resolution by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden Co., Ltd. was granted a lease for 158,117 square meters of land for a 50-year period, subject to annual rental payments. However, faced with financial pressures and the necessity of maintaining urban green spaces, the city is now considering an alternative land management model to ensure the sustainability of this area.

Under the latest proposal, 164,702 square meters (approximately 96% of the total area) designated for public use will shift from a lease-based model to non-revenue land allocation, significantly alleviating the financial burden on the zoo's administration. The remaining 5,875 square meters of land, mainly used for commercial activities such as parking lots, food and beverage services, and recreational zones, will continue under the current lease system with annual rental payments to sustain the financial stability of the zoo's operations.

Economic Context and Financial Challenges

Since 2015, the Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden has been operating under full financial autonomy without government subsidies. Despite its nonprofit nature and primary function of conserving rare flora and fauna, the existing land lease model has posed substantial financial challenges. In 2024, the District 1 Tax Department issued a notification stating that the zoo owed over VND 846 billion in taxes, with VND 787 billion subject to enforcement measures.

Zoo administrators have emphasized that only 3.5% of the total land area (approximately 5,590 square meters) is used for commercial purposes, while the rest is dedicated to ecological conservation and public services. Consequently, the financial burden imposed by commercial-based rental calculations makes it increasingly difficult for the institution to sustain its operations.

Against this backdrop, the company has submitted a request to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to transition 152,259 square meters of public-use land from a lease-based model to non-revenue land allocation. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is currently reviewing this request, conducting detailed measurements and classifications to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance in land use planning.

Implications and Long-Term Strategies

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is in the process of evaluating new land rental standards to establish appropriate contractual terms for commercially utilized areas. Simultaneously, the Ho Chi Minh City Tax Department is expected to adjust land rental fees based on actual land-use classifications to ensure fairness in policy implementation.

From an urban planning perspective, this land management model adjustment serves as a strategic policy tool to support urban green space conservation, particularly amid rapid urbanization. Exempting public-use land from rental obligations would facilitate the zoo’s continued role in ecological preservation, reducing financial strain and allowing it to focus resources on biodiversity conservation and environmental quality improvements.

Moreover, maintaining a portion of the land under a commercial leasing model remains a crucial financial strategy. Revenue-generating activities such as entertainment facilities and public services will continue to provide essential financial support, ensuring the zoo’s sustainable operation.

This policy adjustment touches upon multiple aspects of public land management, including the long-term and feasible governance mechanisms for urban conservation zones. Looking ahead, the Ho Chi Minh City government may consider adopting more advanced international management models to develop more effective long-term policies that balance ecological preservation with urban economic development.

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