Cleaning up Tien Hai Nature Reserve for a better life
Update: 08/03/2008
From industrial waste to careless human litter - all pollution has a negative impact on coastal ecosystems, marine’s species and humans. It is poison to marine and coastal areas, not only ruining the natural beauty of 's beaches but causing ecological imbalance - killing everything from fish, shrimps and clams through to the coral reefs and mangroves.
To remove the beach debris and raise awareness about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems from pollution, the Centre for Marine life Conservation and Community Development (MCD) is holding a Community Coastal Clean-up (CCC) at Con Vanh Beach, in Thai Binh Province on December 8, 2007.
Located in northern, Tien Hai Nature Reserve is an important coastal wetland site in the Red River Delta's Ba Lat estuary. Covering 12,500ha, the nature reserve forms part of the larger UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Co-organized with the Tien Hai Nature Reserve Management Board (THNRMB), the coastal clean-up will involve more than 240 volunteers from the nature reserve's three buffer zone Nam Phu, Nam Hung and Nam Thinh communes.
MCD Research and Development Department Head Than Thi Hien says while coastal clean-ups do not solve pollution problems, they help educate people, make them think seriously about the problem and mobilize them into action.
"CCC is not just about cleaning up the beach, but about raising community awareness about the benefits of environmental protection and the causes of environmental degradation," Ms Than said.
"Leading up to the event team leaders participated in educational activities to learn about the impact of pollution, understand the source of the pollution and think about long term ways to address it. The CCC is a chance to show the communities' determination to keep their beach clean.
"We want to show that having a clean, pollution-free coast will improve the lives of the communities, following the spirit of the event's slogan "Clean coast, Beautiful life".
Tien Hai wetland was made part of UNESCO's World Biosphere Reserve in 2004. It is an important staging and wintering site for 150 migratory water bird and many local bird species. Some of these birds are listed as rare in Vietnam's Red Data Book, including the Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), Black-faced Spoonbill (Ptalalea minor) and Saunders Gull (Larus saundersi).
The nature reserve is also home to more than 100 aquatic animal species including around 80 fish and 20 crustacean species. However, the coastal wetland ecosystem is facing destruction. Along with over-fishing and mangrove deforestation, pollution is destroying the mangrove forests and reducing marine stocks.
"CCC helps to strengthen the cooperation between coastal communities, local authorities and other organizations in ongoing environmental activities for a green, clean and beautiful environment and in improving the quality life for local people," Ms Than said.
"The active involvement of all local volunteers and authorities, the reserve management board, organizations and media shows a strong commitment by all in dealing with marine and coastal pollution issues."
MCD has been holding coastal clean-ups since 2000, part of its ongoing coastal and marine conservation awareness-raising programs. Over the years, CCC events have involved thousands of volunteers in Vietnam and expanded to many provinces including Quang Ninh (Halong Bay), Nam Dinh (Xuan Thuy National Park), Hai Phong, Da Nang, Vung Tau, Khanh Hoa (Trao Reef Marine Reserve), Quang Nam and Ninh Thuan.