Lung Ngoc Hoang, the green lung in the heart of the Mekong Delta

Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve is located in Phuong Binh Commune (Phung Hiep District, former Hau Giang Province, now Phuong Binh Commune, Can Tho City). Mr. Le Van Son, Deputy Director of Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve, said: The area has a total area of up to 2,800 hectares, of which more than 53% is forested land (mainly Melaleuca forest). Lung Ngoc Hoang is divided into three functional sub-zones: strict protection, ecological restoration and administrative services.

Lung Ngoc Hoang 1.jpg -0 — The patrol team always goes on patrol in Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve regardless of rain or shine.

The biodiversity here has amazed scientists . The flora has up to 396 higher species, many of which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book and the IUCN list such as Ca na, ma rice, Tram hung and Dau nuoc. Regarding animals, this place is a paradise for 206 species, from rare birds such as silver-cheeked birds, snail storks, Giang sen to animals such as dog bats, otters, civets and rare reptiles such as mangrove claws, horseshoe crabs, and golden turtles. The year-round flooded system has turned this place into the "fish belly" of the western region of the Hau River, attracting countless aquatic species to live.

To preserve this natural “treasure”, Hau Giang province (old) has approved the Sustainable Forest Management Plan for the period 2021-2030. The top goal is to preserve the uniqueness and biodiversity of the native flora, while exploiting resources reasonably to maintain ecological balance, increase forest cover and ensure sustainable development for the whole region.

However, the biggest challenge for Lung Ngoc Hoang is the risk of forest fires in the dry season. The management board has developed a strict fire prevention and fighting plan with a participating force of nearly 400 people, including officials and local people. Inter-sectoral patrols have been strengthened, fire fighting equipment is always ready, along with the active cooperation of the community in protecting the forest.

Mr. Luong Hung Nua, who has been with Lung Ngoc Hoang for 38 years, shared: “Rain or shine, my brothers and I in the group still tirelessly patrol and guard to prevent all acts of encroachment and illegal hunting. We only hope to keep Lung Ngoc Hoang peaceful, and nature not be encroached so that it will remain intact in the future.”

In addition to its conservation value, Lung Ngoc Hoang also possesses great ecotourism potential. In 2021, the Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve Ecotourism Project was approved by the People's Committee of Hau Giang Province (old) with a total estimated investment of more than 526 billion VND.

The project aims to develop a variety of types such as: nature exploration, recreational tourism, pure natural “melaleuca road”, scientific research, environmental education and even honeymoon tourism. The focus is on building an ecological resort in harmony with nature and a 53-hectare park for raising wild animals, camping and environmental education. The investor selection plan is expected to take place from early 2025, promising to turn this place into an attractive destination where people can immerse themselves in nature.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/doi-song/lung-ngoc-hoang-la-phoi-xanh-giua-long-dong-bang-song-cuu-long-i782410/