A seminar on “Preservation and Development of U Minh Thuong National Park” was held on November 30th with the participation of many scientists within the country and overseas. Presentations were made on preservation and sustainable development of indigo forests, forest-fire prevention, impacts of hydography on growth of indigo forests, roles of local authorities and communities in management of the national park.
The seminar aimed to find ways to develop and operate a new model that helps manage water for forest-fire prevention and preserve biodiversity of indigo forests in U Minh Thuong National Park.
U Minh Thuong National Park, occupying an area of over 8,000 hectares in the province of Kien Giang, is home to hundreds of fauna and flora species, including some endemic ones listed in Red Books of Vietnam and the world.
A big forest fire in dry season in 2002 burnt to the ground nearly 4,000 hectares of primeval indigo forests and killed many other fauna and flora species.
The forests were regenerated after the fire and measures for fire prevention were also worked out, which focused on keeping the moisture of the forests.
The consequences of the fire had seriously affected the park’s biosystem, decreasing the number of wildlife species.
Recognizing the fact, the managing board of U Minh Thuong National Park has, in 2009, started to regulate water system in the region. The initial results showed positive and practical effectiveness of the doings.
The seminar spent one day for on-the-field survey in U Minh Thuong National Park to discussed practical solutions to preservation and sustainable development of the National Park.
T.P (TITC)