Can Gio mangrove was designated as the World’s Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO on 21st, January 2000. Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve is located 50km in the South East of Ho Chi Minh city. The mangroves which were formed on the large delta of the downstream of Dong Nai river and Sai Gon river cover an area of 75,740ha. Its population of 70,000 people has their livelihoods tightly connected to the mangrove ecosystem. The biosphere reserve is divided into three zones: the core zone, the buffer zone and the transition zone which serve three primary functions of a biosphere reserve, namely conservation, development and support considering the particular cultural, historic and natural values of the coastal and estuarine land and people.
Can Gio mangrove forest – Vietnam
Can Gio Biosphere Reserve has its own visible and invisible characteristic values: a long history of fighting for the boundary extension and land protection. Traditional religious culture remains strong. In particular, the network of pagodas, communal houses in the village, temples spread across communes. So do traditional festivals and religious customs such as the festival of Can Gio fishmen taking place every August. Archaeological relics of the era prior to Sa Huynh, and Oc Eo culture (especially “giong co vo”, “giong phet”…) as well as victorious historical relics of the fighting against enemies which is compared to a “Floating Cu Chi” (a famous historical site) and legendary sites such as heroic Sac forest war site are still well preserved.
Nghinh Ong festival in Can Gio
Besides, a contributing factor in the entitlement of world biosphere reserve is the process to revitalize the mangroves with its mangrove ecosystem characterized by its valuable diversity of plants and animals after the war which is considered a miracle of the innovation era. The recovery of more than 32,000ha mangrove within just 30 years against the drastic natural condition, the shortage of seed sources, man resources funding and in the general difficult condition of the nation after the war proves that Can Gio deserves to be first biosphere reserve in Vietnam.
Monkeys in Can Gio mangrove forest
Can Gio Protection Forest Management Board has adopted a wide range of policies, programmes and activities toward better protection, development of the mangrove ecosystem, thus increasing its biodiversity. One of sound policies which have proved its effectiveness in protecting forests is the forest allocation for local residents. A strong network to protect the mangroves with the main role assumed by 174 households across the mangroves has been established.
Other major activities toward protection and development include scientific research activities, short-term and long-term programmes on environmental education adopting either single-dimensional or multi-dimensional approach target a variety of audience. Club “l love nature” or contest “Toward better understanding of Can Gio mangrove’, communication programme “improving community’s awareness” have contributed to enhanced sense of environmental and forest protection among the population.
Kayaking in Can Gio mangrove biosphere reserve
These programmes which have been coordinated by national universities, national and foreign research institutes have delivered fruitful results in forest protection and development, indigenous people’s cultural and historical preservation, thus creating a sense of belongings among Can Gio local people. In recent years, as an effort to maximize values of the biosphere reserve, the Management Board has coordinated with tour operators to develop tourism activities, especially sustainable ecotourism. Marine, sightseeing, adventure, community- oriented, camping tours have established Can Gio Biosphere Reserve a brand name as attractive destination for domestic and foreign visitors.
Can Gio Protection Forest Management Board aged more than 10 years has conducted a series of effective programmes to protect and develop forests, improve living standard for the local community, which are highly appreciated by authorities and relevant agencies. Can Gio Biosphere Reserve is a destination for many world’s prestigious scientific conferences on ecosystems, and mangrove’s livelihoods. Also, its communication campaigns have widespread effects thanks to its high quality and committed man power. These initial successes after unlimited efforts suggest a sustainable growth of Can Gio Protection Forest Management Board who gained Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve the status of the pioneer of the biosphere reserve network in Vietnam.
Source: VIETNAM TODAY
By: LE VAN SINH
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