Located in the south of the Northern coastal region between the mouths of Day River, Red River and Thai Binh River, the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve boast ​​over 105,558 hectares in area, in which 66,256 hectares are coastal land and 39,302 hectares are sea surface belonging to 25 communes of 05 districts of Thai Thuy and Tien Hai  of Thai Binh province, Giao Thuy and Nghia Hung of Nam Dinh province, and Kim Son (Ninh Binh province).

This coastal biosphere reserve has two core zones, namely: Xuan Thuy National Park and Tien Hai Wetland Nature Reserve, with a total area of ​​14,167 hectares. The goal of the two core zones is to conserve biodiversity and limit human activities. The conservation of core zone biodiversity is mainly about conserving the mangrove forests and coastal and estuary alluvial plains. Unlike inland reserves, the core zones of this biosphere reserve are being constantly overexploited which not only destroys the beauty of landscape but also disrupts natural food chains.

The buffer zone has an area of ​​36,849 hectares, which is adjacent to the core zones where economic, research, educational and recreational activities can be conducted without affecting the conservation in the core zones. The Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve has 05 buffer zones belonging to the 05 districts mentioned above. The entire area of ​​restored and newly planted mangrove forests, along with the clam fields and aquaculture ponds adjacent to the sea dike, are all located in the buffer zone. This area is very important for birds migrating from the core zones as well as other places to forage and shelter. The management of the buffer zone is put under the direction of local agencies and authorities, which harmoniously combines economic development and mangrove forest conservation, both serving protective purposes and enriching aquatic resources.

Many rare species of animals inhabit in the Xuan Thuy National Park

The transition zone covers an area of ​​54,541 hectares, also known as the sustainable development zone. This place sees the concerted efforts of scientists, managers and local people to promote economic development, tourism and services along with propaganda and education to raise public awareness. The Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve has 05 transition zones within the boundaries of the 05 above-mentioned districts. The boundaries of the transition zones are determined based on the administrative boundaries of communes located along the sea dike.

According to research projects published by UNESCO, the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve is home to about 200 species of bird, including many rare ones listed in the World Red Book, such as: spoonbill, seagull, spoonbill sandpiper, northern white stork, etc. This biosphere reserve also boats thousands of hectares of mangrove forests, salt marshes, coastal alluvial areas and estuaries. The mangrove forests here are likened to green walls protecting sea dykes and residential areas from the destruction of storms and rising sea levels. This is also home to marine species, providing abundant aquatic resources with about 500 species of aquatic animals, plants and seagrass; many of which hold high economic value, such as: shrimp, crab, sea fish, clams, mussels, sea bream, etc.

Moreover, the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve also has great potential for ecotourism development; it is a destination for many domestic and international research and study tours.

Pham Binh