Restoring the Can Gio mangrove forest in the Mekong Delta
Covering 75,740 ha or a little more than the size of the island state of Singapore, the Can Gio or Sac biosphere reserve located in the Mekong Delta is rich in biodiversity, and listed as a biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Apart from the lush mangrove forests, the area is home to many mollusk, crustacean, fish and amphibian species. The tidal mudflats provide a habitat to migratory birds. The forest provides a host of ecological functions including protection against coastal erosion, oil spills and the regular storms that buffet Vietnam’s coastal areas. Given its dense forest cover, the wetlands are a huge attraction for tourism which is posing risks to the ecological integrity of the area.
Many young people are putting efforts to protect the wetlands, by raising public awareness about the value of the Can Gio mangrove forest.
