Planning of Vietnam Marine Protected Areas

(Baonghean) - Up to now, our country has 5 marine protected areas in operation: Nha Trang Bay (Khanh Hoa), Cu Lao Cham (Quang Nam), Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Con Co (Quang Tri) and Nui Chua (Ninh Thuan). It is expected that by 2015 our country will have 11 more marine protected areas: Tran Island, Co To (Quang Ninh), Bach Long Vi, Cat Ba (Hai Phong), Hon Me (Thanh Hoa), Hai Van - Son Tra (Thua Thien Hue - Da Nang), Ly Son (Quang Ngai), Nam Yet (Khanh Hoa), Phu Quy, Hon Cau (Binh Thuan) and Con Dao (Ba Ria - Vung Tau).

Among the protected areas operating in our country, Hon Mun Marine Reserve (Nha Trang Bay) is considered to be of international stature. With a total area of ​​160 km2, Hon Mun is the first marine reserve in Vietnam and has been assessed by the World Wildlife Fund as the richest marine biodiversity area in our country. Currently, about 350 species have been discovered out of more than 800 species of hard corals in the world. According to statistics, there are about 2,000 species of coral and marine life in the world, of which Hon Mun has up to 1,500 species. In Cu Lao Cham Marine Reserve, with 8 islands with an area of ​​15.5 km2, scientists have found 200 species of coral, including 6 rare species found for the first time in the sea and islands of our country. With the establishment of marine reserves, biodiversity and rare genetic resources of flora and fauna here will be strictly protected to meet conservation goals.

However, in recent years, the marine ecosystem has shown signs of rapid decline, especially in coastal areas. The decline of the marine ecosystem has had significant impacts on the country's economic development plan as well as the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities. The main causes are overexploitation, increasing environmental pollution and the destruction of aquatic species in these areas.

To protect biodiversity in general and protect marine ecosystems in particular, together with the international community in the global strategy, the Government approved the Master Plan for the Marine Protected Area System to 2020 with specific goals divided into 2 phases. Phase 2010-2015: Complete the system of Marine Protected Areas in Vietnam; develop detailed plans, establish and put into operation 11 more marine protected areas, and review and adjust the plans of marine protected areas that have come into operation. Phase 2016-2020: Conduct research and propose plans to develop and expand the system of marine protected areas; investigate, survey and establish and put into operation a number of new marine protected areas; organize monitoring of aquatic resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems of protected areas; Develop a community management model for local communities and domestic and foreign organizations and individuals to participate in the construction and management of marine reserves to exploit and use effectively, creating momentum for economic development for the community, contributing to the protection of the marine ecological environment.

Nguyen Thanh Diep