Conserving and developing the area of mangrove forests and aquaculture zones contribute to the biodiversity increase and economic development. Photo: Environmental Protection Sub-department (EPS)
Expectations from the authorities and community
Tam Giang-Cau Hai wetland has the top potential and value in Southeast Asia and the world.
Tam Giang-Cau Hai wetland was officially awakened from the time when the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1131 on July 9, 2014 on approving the project list funded by the Development Program of the United Nations (UNDP). The project "Conservation of important wetlands and associated habitats" is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Thai Binh and Thua Thien Hue provinces.
During the process of joining the units of ministries, branches, experts and the community in participating in the development, research and implementation of the project, on February 20, 2020, Tam Giang - Cau Hai Nature Reserve officially had the decision of establishment. This is an expected event of the local authorities and community of residents in the area, turning Tam Giang - Cau Hai area into a golden land in terms of environment, economy and society.
Tam Giang - Cau Hai WNR was established with a total area of 2,071.5 ha, comprising two zones: O Lau, Con Te - Ru Cha and 23 aquatic resources protection zones, within the administrative boundary of 23 communes and towns in 4 districts: Phong Dien, Quang Dien, Phu Vang, Phu Loc and Huong Tra Town.
The mangrove forests are well developed in Tam Giang - Cau Hai Lagoon. Photo: Environmental Protection Sub-department (EPS)
The buffer zone of the WNR includes the entire water surface area surrounding the lagoon, adjacent to the strict protection subdivision and the ecological restoration subdivision of 17,945 hectares. The associated habitat of the reserve covers an area of69,684 hectares, including the administrative boundary area of 33 communes surrounding the lagoon.
Over the past time, the establishment of 23 aquatic resources protection zones and the spread of Green Sunday movement have helped to clean the lagoon, protect and develop natural resources sustainably here. After announcing the establishment of Tam Giang - Cau Hai WNR, the province promotes the development of the project for restoring the habitat of Tram Chim in the estuary of O Lau River and planning the biodiversity in this area.
It is expected that the project will be issued in late December 2020. 72 more mangrove forests in Quang Thai Commune (40 ha), Dien Hai Commune (16 ha) and Dien Hoa Commune (16 ha) will be planted. About 20 hectares of grassland and swampy areas in particular will be restored to serve as the bird yard, a place for water birds to search for food.
Increasing the value of wetland
Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung, Director of the Provincial Environmental Protection Sub-Department, affirmed that the establishment of Tam Giang - Cau Hai WNR is of great significance to the conservation and development of typical and important tropical marine ecosystem in Vietnam. The birth of the reserve opens up an opportunity to develop the activities for conserving, protecting natural resources, balancing ecology and maintaining the natural landscape.
The biodiversity values, conservation of biological resources and specific ecosystems in Tam Giang - Cau Hai Lagoon, especially seagrass covers, mangroves, breeding ground, delivery ground, precious and rare wild birds and migratory birds will continue to be protected and restored.
Previously, the provincial socio-economic development master plan also determined that the sea and lagoon play an important role in the socio-economic development, national security and defense and ecological environmental protection. The project " the socio-economic development of Tam Giang - Cau Hai Lagoon of the province until 2020" also clearly states that investment should be focused on the development of coastal area, and Tam Giang - Cau Hai Lagoon becomes a specific economic area and also a biosphere reserve.
The establishment of the wetland reserve not only preserves and protects the inherent values of nature, increases biodiversity in the lagoon system but also increases opportunities for the local socio-economic development towards sustainability, in accordance with the target of the project " Making Thua Thien Hue greener - cleaner - brighter, zero-waste".
This is also a condition to support research, environmental education, livelihood development, effective investment, exploitation and development of ecotourism... on the basis of the local community's participation in management, exploitation and rational, sustainable use of the values of the reserve.
Under the forthcoming, proper management of the levels and local communities, Tam Giang - Cau Hai wetland will be a place for scientists, groups of domestic and international nature lovers to study biological science, ecology and continue to propose conservation plans.
By HOAI THUONG