Keeping the U Minh Thuong National Park green

Forest protection forces at U Minh Thuong National Park clear vines. Photo: THUY TRANG

U Minh Thuong National Park is one of the last remaining relics of the peat wetland area in the Mekong Delta. It was recognized as one of the three key areas of the World Biosphere Reserve, ASEAN Heritage Park in 2012, and Ramsar site in 2015. With the characteristics of mixed forests and Melaleuca forests on peat land covering 3,000 hectares, U Minh Thuong National Park is also a place to nurture and shelter many rare wild plants and animals. According to statistics, there are about 260 species of higher plants, 32 species of mammals, 184 species of birds, 54 species of amphibians, 64 species of fish, 218 species of insects and many species of aquatic animals... Of which, 57 species of animals and plants are endangered and rare such as: Hairy-nosed otter, fishing cat, Java pangolin, black eagle...

Not only is it a “green lung” that regulates the climate, U Minh Thuong National Park also contributes to preventing saltwater intrusion, protecting freshwater resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In recent years, the flora and fauna ecosystem here has been degraded due to the strong impact of unsustainable exploitation and use of biodiversity such as: deforestation, illegal logging, wildlife hunting, and forest fire disasters.

Identifying biodiversity conservation and natural resource protection as the top priority tasks of U Minh Thuong National Park, the unit strives to implement many solutions. Accordingly, to restore biodiversity, U Minh Thuong National Park coordinates with the World Wildlife Fund in Vietnam (WWF Vietnam), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and other non- governmental organizations to implement projects to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems and improve livelihoods for local communities.

The National Park regularly coordinates with local authorities to organize educational and propaganda programs on forest and environmental protection for the community and visitors to raise awareness and encourage community participation in forest protection. Along with propaganda activities, U Minh Thuong National Park focuses on protecting and restoring the endemic Melaleuca forest ecosystem. In recent years, the unit has planted 1,731 hectares of pure Melaleuca forest and 73.6 hectares of native trees on the dykes. This activity helps restore the degraded forest area and, at the same time, creates a habitat for animals and plants.

The Board of Directors of U Minh Thuong National Park assigns forest protection forces to regularly organize patrols and timely guard, detect early the risk of forest fires, take preventive measures, respond promptly, and minimize damage caused by forest fires. In addition, the forces can detect and prevent hunting and trading of rare animals, protecting biodiversity.

Mr. Nguyen Van Co - Deputy Head of the Department of Forest Management, Protection and Development, U Minh Thuong National Park said that every week, members of the department take turns clearing vines and fallen trees to keep the patrol path clear. Protecting the forest is not only about patrolling and preventing intruders, but also about mobilizing people living near the forest to participate in protection and raising awareness of fire prevention and fighting. During the dry season, the specialized force is on duty 24/7, ready to be present as soon as they detect a plume of smoke rising from the Melaleuca forest.

The rescue and care of wild animals is also of special concern to U Minh Thuong National Park. All wild animals after being rescued will be brought to the Center for Ecotourism, Environmental Education and Rescue and Development of Creatures in the national park for care. Here, rescuers take care of and monitor the health of the animals, and when they are stable, they will be returned to the natural environment.

In the period 2026 - 2030, the goal of U Minh Thuong National Park is to increase forest cover to over 80%, quickly restore degraded peatland areas, and protect the intact ecosystem of endemic Melaleuca forests. At the same time, develop ecotourism according to international standards, create jobs for more than 1,000 local workers, increase stable income, and reduce budget dependence.

Director of U Minh Thuong National Park Hoang Van Tuan affirmed: “To achieve the goal of sustainable forest development, we will step up propaganda, build a strong forest protection force, apply fire forecasting technology, and expand international cooperation. Ecotourism associated with conservation will both preserve the forest and create sustainable livelihoods for the community.”

THUY TRANG

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/giu-mau-xanh-vuon-quoc-gia-u-minh-thuong-a466874.html