Illustration photo The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) worked with the Ninh Binh provincial People’s Committee to host a series of activities in response to the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22 in Ninh Binh. On this occasion, the MoNRE presented a certificate which recognized Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve as the ninth World Ramsar of Viet Nam and the 2360th of the world. These activities aimed to disseminate the linkages among food, nutrition, and health of people with biological diversity; mitigate and respond to climate change; recover the ecosystem; purify the water resource; and honor natural diversity. Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve covers more than 3,000 hectares in Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province. Van Long is the largest wetland nature reserve in the Red River Delta and is considered as “Waveless bay” with tranquil water surface like a giant mirror reflecting spectacular natural … [Read more...] about VN has ninth World Ramsar site status
Cat ba langur
Cat Ba langurs put under strict protection
VietNamNet Bridge - The Cat Ba langur, or golden headed langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus), is on the list of the 25 most endangered primate species in the world. The Cat Ba langur Director of the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project (CBLCP) Neahga Leonard recently travelled with a group of journalists from Ha Long Bay to Cat Ba Island. Most of the journalists, who joined the trip organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), knew more about Ha Long Bay than Cat Ba island. Cat Ba Island, a UNESCO recognized biosphere reserve, has high biological diversity and many rare animals and plants. These include an animal species which can only be found in Cat Ba – the Cat Ba langur. The langur has become a symbol for the archipelago. The number of Cat Ba langurs dropped by 98 percent within 50 years, from 2,500-2,700 in the 1960s. The population is scattered around the islands in several isolated sub-populations. In the 1990s, when Cat Ba … [Read more...] about Cat Ba langurs put under strict protection
Over 700 kilograms of waste collected on Ha Long bay
The volunteers collecting trash. (Photo: toquoc.vn) The fourth campaign attracted the participation of more than 100 volunteers being representatives from cruise ship companies, travel agencies and non-governmental organizations such as IUCN, GreenHub, and Live&Learn. The volunteers were divided into two groups to act in Coc Cheo and Ang Du grounds. After just one hour, they collected 741 kilograms of waste, in which 70% are made of foam and other types of waste like ropes, plastic bags, plastic bottles, buoys and confectionery cakes also made up large quantities. The “Zero waste” subject and this approach in practice at enterprises operating in tourism and hospitality industry attracted the attention of many participants. They were trained on classifying and auditing waste to get information about the type, origin and composition of waste from the operation of enterprises before developing waste minimization policy. Together with the campaign, Bhaya group also shows … [Read more...] about Over 700 kilograms of waste collected on Ha Long bay
Challenges face Hạ Long Bay-Cát Bà nomination
Natural resources: Fish breeding cages in Gia Luận Bay make up nice scenery for the Cát Bà Archipelago. — VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đạt Viet Nam News HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is in the final stages of preparing a dossier for re-nomination of World Heritage Site (WHS) Hạ Long Bay to include Cát Bà Archipelago for submission to the UN cultural agency UNESCO by September. If approved, the expanded heritage site would confirm the country’s prestige in natural preservation, and allow it to boost its tourism development. However, experts have warned more fierce challenges would face the region’s people and authorities in the balance between development and conservation. A Vice Chairman of the National Heritage Council, Đặng Văn Bài, said Hạ Long Bay in the northern province of Quảng Ninh with its status as a world heritage site, had brought big potential for tourism but also … [Read more...] about Challenges face Hạ Long Bay-Cát Bà nomination