A mangrove forest restoration and development project is being developed in Khanh Hoa Province...
A mangrove forest restoration and development project is being developed in Khanh Hoa Province. Ninh Ich Commune, Ninh Hoa Town, has taken the lead in mangrove forest restoration.
Reportedly, before 1975, mangroves used to cover nearly 200ha stretching from Ro Tuong Mount to Gia Mount. However, mangrove forests were badly destroyed by industrial shrimp farming in 1985.
 |
| Mangrove forest restoration for tourism develoment in Vinh Thai Commune, Nha Trang. |
Recent educational programs have been undertaken to address the situation and to improve public awareness of mangroves and their role in coastal and marine ecosystems. Local residents have thus joined effort to preserve and sustain the rich natural heritage. Restored mangrove forests have developed well providing a good habitat for sea creatures.
Ho Minh Hiep, a farmer in Ninh Ich Commune, says, "We are among the first mangrove growers in Ninh Ich. We had 1.5ha of mangrove forest in Ngoc Diem Village in 1990. We planted additional 2ha in Hon Co and 2ha in Ngoc Diem in 2009. Proper management of mangrove forests is required."
From 2006 to 2008, Japanese non-governmental organizations expressed their intention to fund mangrove restoration in the commune and some other communities. Mangrove reforestation has been also promoted by Khanh Hoa Department of Environment Resources & Environment.
Over 20ha of mangroves in Ninh Ich Commune has been restored. Mangroves aged 100 or more have developed well in Tuan Le Village, Van Tho Commune, Van Ninh District in recent years. Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography has conducted the thesis: “Mangrove and sea grass restoration and management in Thuy Trieu Swamp, Cam Lam District”, drawing joint effort of many individuals and companies.
According to Khanh Hoa Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, many domestic and international organizations and local residents have joined hands to restore mangroves. Nearly 80ha of mangroves has been restored in Khanh Hoa Province for 10 years.
Under the Prime Minister’s policy on mangrove restoration and development in coastal areas, period 2008 – 2015, Khanh Hoa has made a project on mangrove restoration and development in coastal areas, period 2011 - 2015.
Accordingly, the planning of 3 kinds of forests for special-use, protection and production, has been suggested with a total area of 681ha, including 78ha of existing mangroves and 600ha newly-planted ones.
The Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment has suggested a national target program on climate change and Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee has directed the Department of Natural Resources & Environment in association with the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development to complete and amend some information related to the project on mangrove restoration and development, period 2011 – 2015. The initiative is considered as a move to basically create a “green lung” for coastal areas.
N.T
