Climate change changes the face of Cat Ba biosphere area

Experts warn climate change is a strong impact on Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, Hai Phong. They think that early planning should help the community cope with this phenomenon.

Cat Ba archipelago is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a world biosphere reserve October 29, 2004. Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve has many unique and spectacular natural landscapes and caves with famous historical sites and relics. Cat Ba became one of the few strong development places to ecotourism activities and scientific research.

However, at "Training course on climate change for journalists" last week, scientists said that within 50 years, climate change has changed the appearance and geology of coastal areas of Cat. Mrs. Therefore, experts say an early plan is needed to protect Cat Ba biosphere reserve.

According to Le Thanh Tuyen, management board of Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, in the past decade the temperature here increased 0.12 degrees C. The average annual temperature in recent years (1991 - 2007) increased by 0.4. degree C compared with the previous period (1961-1990). Besides, the frequency of tropical cyclone appeared most on the northern coast, the area containing Cat Ba island.

A corner of Cat Ba biosphere reserve area. (Photo: Hai Phong Newspaper)

"The storm caused a high tide in Cat Hai town, hoarfrost caused wilting of leaves and a series of dead plants. In 2009, the phenomenon of hail occurred, in early 2011 there was a tornado phenomenon. increasing the phenomenon of erosion, leaching, landslides, " Tuyen added.

Mr. Tuyen cited, going along the coast, on the tidal area, it would be easy to see traces of water wells, troughs, fortifications and observatories that had once been a village, a hamlet and a place. Army garrison.

According to the survey results of the Institute of Marine Environment and Resources at the beginning of the 20th century, sea water in Hai Phong has risen to 20cm in about 50 years. About 10 years through the average temperature of winter months, always higher than the average level of climate impact tends to increase. Average annual rainfall tends to decrease.

According to Mark Hawkes, expert at Cat Ba Biosphere Area, there are no comprehensive and specific assessments of the impacts of climate change on Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, but its manifestations to people's lives is becoming more and more obvious.

"That is the risk of lack of fresh water for domestic use and production in the dry season, increasing the risk of salinity of some wells, aquaculture areas in particular are at risk of reduction due to sea level rise , " said Mark Hawkes. said.

To help Cat Ba reduce the impact of climate change, Mr. Hawkes offers several solutions such as reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, reducing CO ₂ and fuel saving devices such as vehicles. electricity. Or develop farms using biogas.

The measure supported by many experts is to develop a climate change response plan for specific community groups in each area such as agriculture, fisheries and education.

The biosphere reserve world of Cat Ba archipelago has a total area of ​​26,140ha with 366 islands, large and small, with high values ​​of biodiversity, not only on land but also in the surrounding sea area. The marine life of Cat Ba island is the most abundant and diverse in the islands of northern Vietnam. There are many species of animals and plants of high economic value.