Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary: Land of life by the riverside

Abundant and diverse nature

Located in My Chanh Hoa Commune, the Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary is one of the most representative biological reserves of the Mekong Delta’s riverine landscape. Covering about 60 hectares of natural mangrove forest and surrounded by the Ba Lai River along with a dense network of canals, this area truly serves as the “green lung” of the fertile alluvial region.

According to the Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary Management Board, the site is home to about 82 species of waterbirds and forest birds, with hundreds of thousands of individuals. Many of these are rare species listed in Viet Nam’s Redlist. Each breeding season, flocks of birds return to build their nests, creating a lively, vibrant natural scene.

Not only rich in wildlife, the vegetation in Vam Ho is also remarkably diverse, with a total of 179 species belonging to 55 families of vascular plants. Most are mangrove and aquatic species such as ban, mam, palm, nipa palm, casuarina, melaleuca, eucalyptus, and others. The dense forest cover helps retain soil, prevent erosion, regulate the climate, and provide abundant food sources for birds and aquatic species. Under the forest canopy, countless species of crabs, fish, snakes, and turtles thrive, contributing to the ecological balance of the area.

Nguyen Trong Duyen, Head of the Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary Protection Team, shared: “In the past, local residents still hunted birds, cut trees, and collected eggs. But now, thanks to continuous outreach and education, they have become aware of the value of the forest and have joined us in its protection. As a result, illegal hunting of wildlife and the cutting of forest trees have significantly decreased.”

Thanks to the joint efforts of local authorities, residents, and conservation organizations, the forest area in Vam Ho has been stably maintained. Each year, thousands of visitors, researchers, and students come to explore and learn about the mangrove ecosystem, helping to spread environmental awareness within the community.

Protecting forests, birds, habitats

The areas surrounding the Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary consist of vast wetlands with an intricate network of rivers and canals. Coastal zones, estuaries, and mudflats, with over 90% of their natural area being wetland, have formed highly diverse natural ecosystems with strong biological productivity.

Particularly, with a total area of nearly 5,000 hectares, the mangrove ecosystems spanning the three coastal districts of Ben Tre province were once considered a massive natural green dyke, playing a vital role in mitigating natural disasters. Beyond environmental protection, the biodiversity of these mangrove forests and coastal mudflats also brings substantial socio-economic value.

Doan Kien Trung, Deputy Head of Forest Protection Unit No. 4 under the Vinh Long Sub-Department of Forest Protection and Biodiversity, said that in recent times, the authorities have strengthened management and closely monitored activities related to the trading and captive breeding of wildlife in the area, gradually bringing these practices into stable order and ensuring compliance with legal regulations.

At the same time, given the difficulties and challenges facing the wetland ecosystem, Forest Protection Unit No. 4 has intensified community outreach and education on the role and importance of forest protection and development. These efforts are integrated with environmental protection activities and wildlife conservation through various appropriate and effective communication methods.

For a green future and sustainable development

More than just a natural conservation site, the Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary in particular and the coastal areas in general are being oriented to become key ecotourism and environmental education destinations in Vinh Long Province. With pristine mangrove landscapes and rich biodiversity, the area attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Le Kim Phung, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, shared: "In the crowded and suffocating urban environment, coming here to admire the untouched natural scenery, walk under the green canopy, and breathe fresh air is truly wonderful."

Returning after nearly five years, she noted that the Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary has undergone remarkable changes, becoming a symbol of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. According to her, if developed in the right direction, the sanctuary will not only be an attractive destination for tourists but also an "outdoor classroom" that helps younger generations learn to appreciate and protect nature and preserve the precious lifeblood of the riverine region.

However, the Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary is also facing numerous challenges caused by human activities and climate change. In recent years, pressure from local communities’ demand for agricultural land, encroachment, deforestation, and illegal hunting and wildlife trade have persisted, affecting efforts to conserve biodiversity.

In response to these realities, local authorities, conservation organizations, and surrounding communities have been working together to implement practical measures: restoring mangrove forests, designating protected areas for bird habitats, controlling resource exploitation, and strengthening environmental education to raise public awareness.

According to Vo Van Ngoan, Deputy Director of the Vinh Long Department of Agriculture and Environment, to restore natural resources and coastal wetland ecosystems, the department has recently collaborated with the University of Science - Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City to carry out the project “Assessment and proposal of Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary and adjacent areas as a provincial-level natural heritage site.”

The project aims to conserve mangrove forests and mudflats, mitigate the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise, safeguard ecological functions, and preserve the diverse coastal biodiversity resources of Vinh Long Province. It also seeks to maintain stable fishery yields, thereby improving local livelihoods and fostering sustainable economic development.