Bai Trieu area in Ninh Ich Commune (Ninh Hoa District, Khanh Hoa Province) has a naturally formed mangrove forest where the dominant vegetation of woody plants is formed.
They are characterized by their prop roots, their ability to tolerate regular inundation by salt water, and by precocious germination of their seeds and development of their seedlings. Thanks to grassroots efforts, the mangrove forest is reviving.
The mangrove forest in the Nha Phu Swamp has been destroyed mostly by shrimp farming. Mangroves support unique ecosystems, especially on their intricate root systems. The mesh of mangrove roots produces a quiet marine region. Shrimps and mud lobsters use the muddy bottom as their home. Therefore, the failure of shrimp crops has led to thousands of ha of wasteland. As a result, many kinds of inshore sea creatures have soon disappeared due to lack of shelters and food.
Mr. Vu Dinh Long, an agricultural expert in Ninh Ich Commune said, “Grassroots efforts to save mangroves from development are becoming more popular as the benefits of mangroves are becoming more widely known. The commune has grown about 70 ha of forest, 50 ha of which is included in the Japanese’s mangrove planting project.”
To protect the mangrove forest, the locality is taking great effort to restore the mangrove forest by raising the public awareness of the value of mangrove forests, especially in sustainable and effective aquaculture. A mangrove forest is vital to the socio-economic development. In addition to the sediment pollution, mangroves also help to control other forms of pollution, including excess amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous, petroleum products, and halogenated compounds.
Khanh Hoa Province now has 2,400 ha of mangrove forest, according to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The mangrove forest area of the province, which was narrowed in recent years, will be restored in near future according to a guidance of the provincial People’s Committee.