Green Melaleuca

(Baonghean) - Located about 8 km northeast of Vinh City is the rich primeval forest with a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, the Hung Hoa mangrove forest, also known as Tram Chim. The Hung Hoa mangrove forest acts as a green lung protecting the residents and the mangrove ecosystem, preventing natural disasters, combating erosion, and creating conditions for aquatic species to thrive...

Hung Hoa mangrove forest (Vinh City).

Amidst the golden sunshine of late autumn, Ms. Hoang Thi Thuyet, a resident of Hoa Lam hamlet, rowed us around the Hung Hoa bird sanctuary. Including the round trip, it took us about two hours to explore the entire forest. As we traveled, Ms. Thuyet introduced us to the only remaining pristine mangrove forest in Nghe An province.

She explained that the mangrove trees bloom and bear fruit in July, August, and continue until December, shedding their leaves in February and only sprouting new shoots at the end of April; therefore, the mangrove forest is an ideal ecotourism destination year-round. During this season, every tree in the forest is laden with fruit, the ripe mangroves having a refreshing sourness with a hint of astringency that is unmistakable. Walking through the mangrove forest, we not only enjoyed the natural beauty of the mangrove flowers and ripe fruit, but also heard the chirping of forest birds – the pure sounds of nature; and discovered rare aquatic species.

Ms. Thuyet said: "My family has been fishing here for generations. Growing up, I saw this mangrove forest, and I heard from my grandparents that it's been here for a very long time. There are ancient mangrove trees here that two people can't even wrap their arms around. However, mangrove trees decompose naturally; although their roots are strong, their branches often break off. So every year, the villagers encourage each other to participate in planting new trees and adding more to preserve the forest's greenery."

Scientists have confirmed that this is the most pristine mangrove forest in Vietnam, boasting an incredibly rich and diverse vegetation. The Hung Hoa mangrove forest plays a crucial role; besides combating climate change, preventing saltwater intrusion, preserving freshwater, and protecting against waves and storms, it also provides a rich and diverse ecosystem for aquatic life and migratory birds to live and breed. The bird population in the Hung Hoa mangrove forest has the highest biodiversity, with 31 species, 19 families, and 12 orders, including 3 rare species listed in the Red Book… According to Associate Professor Cao Tien Trung, Head of the Biology Department at Vinh University, this is the oldest mangrove forest and is vulnerable to destruction without conservation measures. The loss of the mangrove forest will negatively impact livelihoods and reduce biodiversity.

According to scientists, restoring the primary mangrove forest in Hung Hoa commune, Vinh City, not only protects the Lam River dike but also has immense significance for the economic development of the people in the Hung Hoa estuary area. To exploit this naturally endowed potential, Vinh City has recently developed a project to manage, protect, replant, and expand the mangrove forest area, linking it with ecotourism planning in the downstream area of ​​the Lam River.

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Nghe An Radio and Television Station