Conservation and development of Tram Chim wetland ecosystems

The People's Committee of Dong Thap Province has just approved a sustainable forest management plan for Tram Chim National Park for the period 2024-2030 in Tam Nong District. The specific goal of the plan is to increase revenue from forest environmental service payments, eco-tourism, resorts, recreation, and forest environment rentals to about 410.000 USD/year. 

The plan outlines solutions for biodiversity conservation based on different zones: Zone A1, which will conserve a variety of seasonal wetland habitats that serve as a residence and feeding ground for waterfowl. Zone A2 will focus on conserving the Melaleuca forest, aquatic species, and other habitats. Zones A3 and C will be dedicated to preserving and restoring all characteristic habitats to support the development of eco-tourism. Lastly, Zones A4 and A5 will focus on conserving seasonally flooded grasslands, which are ideal habitats for waterfowl.

Regarding the environment, the conservation and development of wetland ecosystems, with approximately 2.600ha of Melaleuca forest and 3.600ha of characteristic grassland habitats such as lotus, water lily, couch grass, club-rush, yellow-eyed grass, wild rice, eleocharis dulcis and eleocharis ochrostachys, serve as a habitat for the distribution of many endangered, rare, and valuable species. This is achieved through water regulation management, forest fire prevention programs, habitat restoration, and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Each zone has been designated a function aligned with the actual conditions of natural factors and biodiversity, providing a basis for establishing conservation measures, rational exploitation, and the sustainable use of wetlands, as well as offering eco-tourism services.

Socially, the plan also aims to create jobs and increase income for workers skilled in guiding tourism, as well as for local "Don ca tai tu" music clubs, while raising awareness about sustainable forest management. This, in turn, reduces the pressure on forest protection and the conservation of Tram Chim National Park, as well as alleviating the strain on local communities living near the forest. It also helps to limit illegal forest intrusion for trapping and hunting wildlife.