Releasing shrimps, crabs and fingerlings at the reserve to regenerate aquatic resources and increase biodiversity in the lagoon area

This is an event held on the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5), one of the most important holidays to promote environmental awareness and action around the world.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Phan Thien Dinh, on behalf of the Provincial People's Committee, announced the decision on establishing Tam Giang-Cau Hai Wetlands Nature Reserve.

Attending the ceremony were Mr. Nguyen Thuong Hien, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Environment Administration; Mr. Bui Thanh Ha, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Phan Thien Dinh, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Ms. Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam.

Tam Giang-Cau Hai Wetlands Nature Reserve is one of the two protected areas established under the support of the project "Conservation of important wetlands and associated habitats" (2015-2020) funded by the Global Environment Fund (GEF) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The Tam Giang - Cau Hai wetland is the largest semi-closed lagoon system in Southeast Asia, home to high biodiversity, and a very diverse number of species. The ecosystem consists of 1,296 species (including 41 precious and rare species) living in specific ecosystems representing the region such as seagrass, freshwater aquatic plants, estuaries, mangroves, etc.

Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon plays an important role in ensuring the most favorable living and development environment for aquatic species, providing breeding grounds and being of special importance for migratory and wintering birds, of which there are a number of globally threatened migratory water birds listed on the IUCN Red List and the Vietnamese Red List.

The establishment of Tam Giang - Cau Hai Wetlands Nature Reserve will contribute to the goal of effectively preserving the biodiversity values of the province's lagoon, ensuring the wise use of wetlands for sustainable socio-economic development of the region, and responding to climate change.

The establishment of Tam Giang-Cau Hai Wetlands Nature Reserve is of great significance for the conservation and development of a typical and important tropical marine ecosystem in Vietnam. The coming-into-being of the Wetlands Nature Reserve will be an opportunity to carry out conservation activities, protect natural resources, keep ecological balance and maintain the natural landscape, biodiversity values, serve regional socio-economic development, and support the development of sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Story and photo: Hoai Thuong