Vietnam has, over the past ten years, expanded its system of natural reserves to 126 on over 2.5 million ha, representing an increase of 28 percent, reported the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI).

The MPI said it was the result of 10 years of implementing the International Convention on Biological Diversity.

The ministry added that the Government has increased investment in natural reserve conservation to between 20 and 30 percent of the overall budget for the environment, aiming to have up to 11.6 percent of natural reserves conserved by 2010.

Vietnam’s Red Book lists some 12,000 species of flora with some 7,000 identified, 27 animals, 800 birds, 180 reptiles, 80 amphibians, 2,470 species of fish and 5,500 species of insects.

It also reports that Vietnam is a habitat for 10 percent of the animals, birds and fishes found in the world, with over 40 specific species of flora not found anywhere else in the world.

The book also warns that the number of endangered flora and fauna species is on the rise, increasing to 880 species in 2007 from 700 in 1992, of which 49 species are in immanent danger of extinction./.