Mangrove forests are not only home to aquatic products and providing food to local people but also play an important role in balancing eco-system and protecting dykes.
Mangrove forests in Quang Ninh cover a large area of 19,740 ha, mainly in Mong Cai, Hai Ha, Tien Yen, Cam Pha and Van Don. They are not only home to aquatic products and providing food to local people but also play important role in balancing eco-system and protecting dykes. They also perform as green living walls to help local people adapt to climate change and sea level rise.
With 200km coastal line, Quang Ninh recognizes the important role of mangrove forests in preventing saltwater encroachment, protecting local people’s lives and property in case of storms. Therefore, the province always pays attention to mangrove afforestation. Among the dyke upgrading projects supported by the Government, Quang Ninh spends a specific amount on planting and developing mangrove forests.
Since 2017, provincial leaders have issued documents requiring not changing the use of natural forestry to other purposes, except for projects serving national defense and security or especially urgent projects decided by the Government.
Within measures to protect forests, Quang Ninh also pays much concern to livelihood solutions for locals living along the coastal line and mangrove forests. Locals are encouraged to earn their living by aquatic farming to minimize the influence on mangrove forests. Farming cockles or high-yield fish is promoted to gradually replace shrimp cultivation in areas of mangrove forests.
In recent years, people’s awareness of protecting forestry has been improved. Therefore mangrove forest destruction has been declined while afforestation has been developed, minimizing risks caused by climate change.
Translated by Quynh Trang
