Vam Sat – Can Gio eco-tourist site, located in Can Gio biosphere reserve (Can Gio district, HCM City), is a population of mangrove forests attracting eyes of tourists, especially international ones through land-based and water-based adventure tours.
Wildlife
Destroyed by the wars, after over 30 years, this site has now flourished to become one the biggest biosphere reserves on earth with 620ha in area.
Over 100 years of appearance and growth, Bird Sanctuary is home to total of over 7,000 birds with more than 26 species of birds including 11 species of waterfowl (9 natural species and 2 raised species: Mycteria Leucocephala Pennant (Giang Sen) and Small Day chicken.
Dam Doi is also one of the most beautiful natural attractions of Vam Sat, where hundreds of flying bats are residing under dense mangrove forest. In addition, wildlife reserve site of Can Gio is also famous for many animals such as: deer, wild boar, python, varan...
On July 2003, UNESCO recognized Vam Sat a sustainable eco-tourist site of the world in Viet Nam.
Development goes parallel with environment protection
Tourism over development in Vam Sat may seriously affect to its eco-environment, thus, eco-tourism model has been promoted in recent years.
There are many opinions that developing eco-tourism potentials in Vam Sat will not only promote Viet Nam's friendly tourism images but also introduce rich and diversified population of species.
An official of the Ho Chi Minh Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism said ecotourism development through nature-based advantages is popular in the world.
Although Viet Nam has gained considerable experiences of natural environment protection, but still lack of strict regulations to limit people's violation. On the other hand, people did not raise their awareness to preserve natural resource which is considered "treasure" of the nation, he said.
Massive tourism development of Vam Sat will cause clear harm to its ecosystem such as cutting down trees for road, rising shrimp...as well as disturbing wildlife living. Furthermore, the appearance of series of service systems for deluxe resort site in the future will destroy the mangrove forest.
Developing leisure tourism and extra services in Vam Sat ecotourism site should be limited. In addition, afforestation is also necessary to refresh its eco-environment.
The more tourists visit Vam Sat, the more responsibilities for forest management of Can Gio Administrations would take. However, if tourism development goes parallel with environment protection, both tourists and local people will have a chance to enjoy the endless value of this eco-forest.
Translated by Thanh Pham (TITC)