Half of the world’s mangrove ecosystems under threat
The International Union for Conservation of Nature emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts to protect mangrove forests, which are vital habitats for millions of vulnerable communities and diverse species.
Local authorities, domestic and international organizations, and people of the South Central region are making efforts to restore the mangrove forest belt in the region. Initial results have been recorded, contributing to restoring coastal ecosystems, while creating sustainable livelihoods and foundation for ecotourism.
Mangrove forests in Nghe An province’s Dien Chau district were planted in 1994 through projects sponsored by the Japanese Red Cross Society and the World Bank. In the decades since, these mangrove forests have acted as a green barrier, mitigating the impact of rising sea levels, erosion, and storms, and protected coastal embankments.
The Dam Bay mangrove forest in Nha Trang Bay is an interesting destination for visitors to the central province of Khanh Hoa, offering the chance for them to challenge themselves by boating through a mangrove area, watching different types of marine life in untouched natural surroundings.
Visitors to the capital city of Hanoi in March will be surprised by the vibrant colours of the leaves of freshwater mangrove trees (loc vung in Vietnamese) changing to red and yellow.
Can Gio- Ho Chi Minh City was recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve with primeval forests and abundant floral coverage. Various research and monitoring programmes have been implemented at the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve in HCM City, towards sustainable development and biodiversity protection.