Ninh Binh province has promoted sustainable tourism development over the past years (Photo: VNA)
Ninh Binh (VNA) - With diverse natural resources and rich ecosystems, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve in Gia Vien district, the northern province of Ninh Binh, has many advantages and potential to develop a service-based economy, effectively contributing to local socio-economic development.
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, is one of the few intact lowland inland wetlands remaining in the Hong (Red) River Delta, and also the largest wetland nature reserve in the northern region.
It is home to two ecosystems, the wetland environment and the limestone ecosystem. More than 720 species of plants from 277 families and six phyla of higher vascular plants can be found in the area, with eight species included in the Vietnam's Red Data Book of rare and threatened species.
The range of animals in the reserve is also incredible. There are 39 species of mammals, 100 bird species, 38 reptile and amphibian species, 43 fish species, 132 insect species, 48 terrestrial mollusc species, and 60 aquatic mollusc species here.
Notably, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve houses the greatest number of langurs in Vietnam, which could be seen in the wild.
The site holds two national records for having the most Delacour's langurs and for being the largest unspoiled landscape in Vietnam.
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve (Photo: VNA)
Vu Thi Duoc, Vice Chairwoman of Gia Vien district People's Committee, said that protecting the landscape, environment and biodiversity of Van Long plays an important role in the district's tourism and socio-economic development, helping to create jobs and improve incomes for the locals.
Nguyen Cao Tan, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism of Ninh Binh province, emphasised that the authorities and locals at the nature reserve have made efforts to implement measures to protect its environment and natural beauty. In order to promote the locality’s advantages, the province needs to strengthen education, research and development of specific tourism products associated with biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve receives a large number of visitors every year. Between May and September is the best season to explore the reserve.
The nature reserve is among various attractions in Ninh Binh province, which is blessed by nature with a wide range of beautiful natural landscapes and ecosystems.
Other sites in Ninh Binh that have become familiar to travel fans include Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Cuc Phuong National Park, and particularly the Trang An Landscape Complex.
The Trang An complex was recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 2014 - the first in Vietnam and Southeast Asia to receive the honour./.
