Biodiversity conservation, wetland of O Lau estuary

The People's Committee of Thua Thien - Hue province has just agreed to coordinate the construction and pilot implementation of international projects on biodiversity conservation and wetland at the proposal of the General Department of Environment.

Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung, Head of the Environmental Protection Department of Thua Thien - Hue Province, said that under Vietnam's wetland conservation strategy, the General Department of Environment chose Thua Thien - Hue and Nam Dinh to build. conservation pilot. This opens up opportunities for the conservation of wetlands in the province, specifically the estuary of O Lau.

The formation of a protected area by co-management will contribute to raising the awareness of the community about the value of biodiversity, rights and responsibilities of people to promote biodiversity conservation. , supporting infrastructure construction, production and management.

In addition, there are other benefits that over-exploited herds can recover if their breeding and feeding areas are well managed in the reserve. In addition to supporting fisheries and wetland conservation areas, it is also a good place for tourism, scientific research, environmental education, creating migration places for endangered birds and animals.

A part of O Lau river. (Photo: Saigon Economic Times Online)

O Lau estuary wetland is a part of Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon system, which has very high biodiversity with more than 900 species of animals and plants. O Lau estuary is located in 5 communes: Dien Hoa, Dien Loc, Phong Chuong (Phong Dien), Quang Thai, Quang Loi (Quang Dien). This is the exchange area between the freshwater of the river and brackish water of the lagoon, creating a typical ecosystem, diverse species of plants and animals. It is also a breeding ground for most aquatic species in the lagoon and is one of the stops of seasonal migratory birds.

According to statistics, every year, there are about 57 species of perch; Among them, 22 species are listed in the strict protection list of the European community.

The idea of ​​establishing the O Lau wetland reserve area, Thua Thien - Hue was conducted and built more than 8 years ago by some units such as ICZM (Integrated Coastal Management), Department of Science and Technology. Study and Technology, Department of Environment - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, but until now, this project has not yet materialized. Therefore, the risk of declining biodiversity resources in this region is increasing, adversely affecting the environment and biodiversity.