Biodiversity conservation in Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park, Hai Phong city, belongs to Cat Ba World Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important nature reserves in Vietnam recognized by UNESCO in 2004.

The Cat Ba archipelago as seen from above.

Cat Ba National Park covers a total area of ​​115,200 hectares, including 9,800 hectares of forest and mountains and 5,400 hectares of sea surface. To effectively conserve and develop the natural resources on Cat Ba Island, in 2021, Hai Phong City approved the plan for conservation and sustainable development of Cat Ba National Park for the period 2020-2025, with a vision to 2030. This contributes to the conservation of biodiversity of plant and animal species in the forests, wetlands, and marine areas of the National Park.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Hai Phong city, since the beginning of the year, Cat Ba National Park has successfully carried out its nhiệm vụ of managing forests and forest land in the assigned area. The Cat Ba National Park's Forest Ranger force, in coordination with relevant units, has conducted patrols, protected forests, and conserved biodiversity on the island.

Currently, Cat Ba National Park encompasses all three typical ecosystems of Vietnam: forest, wetland, and marine, home to 4,048 species of forest and marine flora and fauna; including 154 endemic, endangered, rare, and precious species that are threatened and protected by Vietnamese and international law. The park contains 1,595 species of forest plants, 357 species of forest animals, 401 species of forest insects, and 72 species of forest fungi and marine flora and fauna. Many endangered and rare species are listed in the Vietnamese Red Book and are strictly prohibited from international trade. In Cat Ba National Park, rare marine flora and fauna classified by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) include 19 species of coral, 3 species of sea turtles, 1 species of marine mammal, and several species of leatherback turtles and hawksbill turtles classified as critically endangered.

In addition to its high biodiversity value, Cat Ba National Park also boasts many unique and majestic natural landscapes, caves, and famous historical sites and relics, contributing to making Cat Ba Island one of the few places that thrive in ecotourism and scientific research. To conserve biodiversity in Cat Ba National Park, in 2024 and 2025, authorities conducted 367 biodiversity monitoring sessions, dismantled and confiscated 495 traps of various types, and seized 2 homemade air guns. The park also coordinated with relevant units to inspect, prevent, and handle the hunting and trapping of wild and migratory birds; and coordinated the reception and reintroduction of 21 healthy wild animals back into their natural environment.

Foreign tourists admire the beauty of Trung Trang Cave, a famous large cave located on Cat Ba Island.

Mr. Pham Hong Hai, Head of the Forest Protection Department of Hai Phong City, said: The management and protection of forest and marine resources and biodiversity in Cat Ba National Park have always received close attention and guidance from the People's Committee of Hai Phong City, and the active participation of local authorities at all levels. Most forest ranger stations are located at forest entrances, facilitating patrol and control efforts to protect natural forest resources. The Forest Protection force has intensified control and promptly prevented violations of laws regarding biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, and the protection of migratory wild birds on the island.

However, Cat Ba National Park currently faces several challenges, including: the shrinking area of ​​mangrove ecosystems, marine ecosystems, and coral reefs, which are contributing factors to habitat degradation and depletion of aquatic resources. Local people still illegally enter the forest to hunt and trap wild animals and birds, and migrate in coastal areas.

To conserve biodiversity in Cat Ba National Park, the city's Forest Protection Department has directed its ranger stations to coordinate with local authorities and units to strengthen inspections and raise awareness among the public to participate in the management, care, and protection of forests and plant and animal species. This will help prevent and promptly address violations related to forests and marine life, protecting biodiversity in Cat Ba National Park and the Cat Ba World Biosphere Reserve.

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Source: https://baolaocai.vn/bao-ton-da-dang-sinh-hoc-o-vuon-quoc-gia-cat-ba-post881366.html