Workshop discusses ways to preserve and develop Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee held a workshop on July 23 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the management and development of Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve (2000-2020).

A corner of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve
A corner of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve

Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve was recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2000, the first of its kind in Vietnam. It is located within the administrative boundaries of Can Gio District with a total area of 75,740 hectares, of which the core zone measures 4,721 hectares, the transitional area 29,880 hectares, and the buffer zone 41,139 hectares.

The speeches delivered at the workshop agreed that over the past 20 years Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve has demonstrated its role as a “green lung” for the southern key economic region. Can Gio mangrove forest plays an important role in protecting the environment for Ho Chi Minh City as well as creating appropriate conditions for various sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, ecotourism, and education.

In order to continue to develop the reserve in a sustainable manner, it is necessary to conduct comprehensive studies on biodiversity; at the same time, integrated management of mangrove resources also requires the participation of relevant units and the community.

In addition, the coordination among domestic and foreign organisations should be promoted to study the effects of climate change on biodiversity, thereby providing specific strategies on forest protection and development.