Can Gio Biosphere Reserve is located nearly 40 km from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City with a total area of about 75,000 ha and diverse terrestrial and aquatic fauna and flora formed on vast delta of 03 rivers of Dong Nai, Saigon and Vam Co. This area has many potentials and advantages for developing eco-tourism and marine economy. Besides, it plays a particularly important role in responding to the impacts of climate change. Moreover, as located in the seaward defence posture of Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeastern region, it has an important position in terms of national defence and security.
Scientific studies show that Can Gio mangrove forest has a very special natural environment where the aquatic ecosystem meet terrestrial ecosystem, and freshwater ecosystem and saltwater ecosystem converge. Every year, a large amount of alluvium from rivers flows to Can Gio forest, along with the impact of tides from the sea, making a rich flora and fauna. Its fauna is home to as many as 700 aquatic invertebrates, about 89 species of insects, 282 species of fish, over 36 species of amphibians, 36 species of reptiles, more than 164 species of birds and 35 species of mammals, including 11 species of reptiles listed in the Red Book of Vietnam, such as: gecko, water lizard, ground python, brocade python, scorpion snake, cobra, lilac crocodile, etc. Its flora consists of about 150 species, making an ideal source of food and shelter for many aquatic species, fish and other vertebrates. The diverse natural ecosystem of Can Gio mangrove forest not only creates an urban green belt and natural landscapes, serving as a "green lung" for surrounding urban areas, but also contributes to the response to climate change, especially sea level rise, coastal erosion, etc. With its special location and potentials, in 2000, Can Gio mangrove forest was recognised by UNESCO as the first World Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam.
From a poor land with untapped potential, Can Gio socio-economy began to thrive when it was planned, invested and developed into an eco-tourism area. Coming to Can Gio, visitors can enjoy several activities, such as: visiting Dam Doi, boating, visiting bird sanctuary, watching wild monkeys and crocodiles, ... and learning about its rich and diverse flora and fauna. In addition, visitors can participate in the Can Gio Whale Ceremony and visit Sac Forest Base - a National historic site. In addition, leveraging the advantages brought by mangrove forests, Can Gio is promoting aqua production and fishing in the direction of safety and sustainability to create a stable source of income for people.
As part of the national marine spatial plan and the sea-wards development strategy of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio has been receiving strong attention and all-round investments to make it a resort and eco-tourism hub by 2030. It is hoped that, with a strategic vision and practical and effective solutions of the central and local governments, in the near future, the conservation and development of Can Gio World Biosphere Reserve will increasingly be enhanced, ensuring green and sustainable economic growth, contributing to consolidating and strengthening the all-people’s defence posture associated with the people's security posture in the area, becoming a "green treasure", a role model for the protection and development of coastal forests of Vietnam.
CAO VUONG