U Minh Thuong becomes Vietnam’s 8th Ramsar site
The U Minh Thuong National Park in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang was recognised as Vietnam’s 8th Ramsar site at a ceremony held on February 22.
The recognition shows Vietnam’s commitment to preserving the significant bio-diversity values of a special wetland, which comprises a cajuput forest one peat land and a wide range of species.
Becoming an international Ramsar site, the park will have opportunities to popularise its image to the public and become an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.
The recognition also gives a chance for the country to call for international support to research, conserve and sustain the wetland eco-system amid critical challenges from climate change.
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Covering 21,800 hectares, the U Minh Thuong National Park is home to 243 species of plants, 32 species of mammals, 186 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles, 60 species of fish and 203 species of insects. The park’s peat bog forest plays a crucial role in the prevention of acidification of topsoil and surface water. It also serves as a spawning and nursery area for fish and shellfish, while filtering surface water.
The park served as a revolutionary base during the war. Three years ago, it became the first peat wetland to be recognised as an ASEAN Heritage Park.
Ramsar, or the Convention of Wetlands, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. It was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975.