Lang Sen Ramsar Reserve - a green world in the delta

Nestled in the fertile plains of Southern Vietnam, where winding rivers deposit alluvial soil, the Lang Sen Ramsar site emerges as a precious "green oasis." Not only a source of pride for Tay Ninh and the surrounding region, Lang Sen is also a symbol of biodiversity, one of the world's recognized exemplary wetlands. It is a place where nature retains its pristine beauty, a space where humans and the environment coexist harmoniously for generations.

The Lang Sen Ramsar site boasts a distinctive wetland ecosystem, featuring seasonally flooded grasslands, vibrant swamps, lush green mangrove forests, and a complex network of canals. The landscape here is likened to a "watercolor painting," with each season bringing a different hue.

During the flood season, the Lang Sen Ramsar Reserve transforms: the water rises, lotus and water lily fields bloom, and countless waterbirds flock to take refuge. In the dry season, the land basks in the warm sun, the melaleuca forest emits a gentle fragrance, and animals begin their new growth cycle. Regardless of the time of year, the Lang Sen Ramsar Reserve possesses its own unique beauty and maintains a balanced natural rhythm, a rare sight in today's rapidly developing world.

The most striking feature of the Lang Sen Ramsar Reserve is its rich flora and fauna. It is home to hundreds of species of waterbirds, including rare species listed in the Red Book. Flocks of egrets, herons, and storks fly across the evening sky; the calls of kingfishers echo across the calm water; cranes, ducks, and other birds migrate seasonally – all creating a vibrant symphony of nature.

Not only are the birds abundant, but the aquatic ecosystem is also incredibly rich. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic organisms thrive thanks to the clean water and abundant nutrients. The vegetation, including native mangrove forests, various types of grasses, lotus, water lilies, sedges, and wild rice, contributes to creating a giant "green lung" for the region.

Tourism development in Lang Sen is always oriented towards sustainability.

Beyond its scenic and biological value, the Lang Sen Ramsar Reserve plays a crucial role in regulating climate and water resources. It acts as a "natural sponge," regulating water levels in surrounding areas. During the rainy season, Lang Sen absorbs large amounts of water, minimizing flooding; during the dry season, the stored water becomes a source of support for the land and the life of plants and animals.

Furthermore, Lang Sen is a natural CO₂ absorbent, contributing to mitigating the impacts of climate change – a global challenge. For the Southern Mekong Delta region, maintaining wetlands like Lang Sen is particularly important for water resource protection, ecological balance, and disaster prevention.

The people living around the Lang Sen area have long been closely connected to nature as an integral part of their lives. They fish seasonally, harvest wild honey, gather melaleuca leaves, cultivate rice, and live in harmony with the rhythm of the water. These traditional customs are maintained not only to preserve natural resources but also to ensure sustainability for future generations.

Images of houses nestled against the forest edge, small boats navigating the canals, and vast lotus fields have become a distinctive cultural feature of this region. Lang Sen is not only a conservation area but also the very soul of the local community.

In recent years, ecotourism has become a popular trend among many travelers, and Lang Sen is an ideal destination for those who want to reconnect with nature.

Here, visitors can: Paddle canoes through the mangrove forest; Observe waterbirds in the early morning or at sunset; Visit lotus and water lily fields in full bloom; Experience the life of the local people.

The peaceful atmosphere, fresh air, and pristine landscape make every trip a memorable experience. However, tourism development in Lang Sen is always oriented towards sustainability, ensuring that it does not affect the habitat of the flora and fauna.

Despite its many valuable resources, the Lang Sen Ramsar Site still faces challenges such as climate change, unstable water levels, dry season forest fires, and pressure from agricultural activities. The government and conservation organizations have implemented numerous programs aimed at: planting and restoring melaleuca forests; monitoring migratory bird populations; encouraging sustainable livelihoods for local people; and minimizing environmentally polluting activities.

The task of preserving Lang Sen is not only the responsibility of one locality, but also a shared responsibility of the entire society to safeguard this valuable natural resource.

It can be affirmed that the Lang Sen Ramsar Reserve in Tay Ninh is a testament to the vibrant vitality of nature, a place preserving invaluable ecological values amidst the vast delta. Not only beautiful, Lang Sen is also meaningful – serving as a reminder that nature is only sustainable when people know how to cherish and protect it.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, Lang Sen has become a place where people can find balance, and where future generations have the opportunity to discover the beauty bestowed by Mother Nature. Preserving the Lang Sen Ramsar site is not only a task, but also a responsibility and a source of pride for the entire community.

Duong Lieu - Tran Quoc Thinh