Vietnam is known as a global biodiversity microcosm which possesses such diverse ecological systems as forests, wetlands, seas and limestone outcrops. It is home to a large number of wild and endemic species of fauna and flora many of which can be found nowhere else in the world. Its tropical landscape has a particularly valuable diversity of medicinal herbs, flower varieties, and ornamental trees.

However, Vietnam is facing a rapid degradation of biodiversity as the acreage of natural ecological land has been steadily shrinking in recent years. Primeval forests have been reduced to just 0.57 million ha, mostly now in the Central Highland, South-eastern and North-central regions. About 62 percent of mangrove forests are newly planted.   

Meanwhile, the number of species and the populations of wild species are both declining significantly. A few extremely wild species are on the brink of extinction.

According to the Vietnam Red Book released in 2007, the country had 882 endangered species of fauna and flora, an increase of 161 compared to the 1992-1996 period. Currently, it has 236 endangered fish species, of which more than 70 sea creatures are listed in the Vietnam Red Book.

Notably, nine species of animals and two species of slippery orchids have already disappeared in nature. There is also a sharp decline or loss of genetic sources of wild species. The biodiversity crisis is leading to ecological imbalance, directly affecting the ecological niche occupied by humans and slowing national development.

2010 is being observed as the International Year for Biodiversity and 2010 World Environment Day (June 5) is themed Many Species – One Planet – One Future.

Le Van Hop, spokesperson for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, says this year’s World Environment Day delivers a clear message: human beings play a decisive role in maintaining the stability of the world’s ecological systems. This means human beings must take action to prevent the extinction of species.

Mr Hop attributes the decline in Vietnam’s biodiversity to population growth and migration, excessive exploitation and consumption of natural resources, poverty, and climate change. Vietnam’s population welcomed 20 million newborns in 18 years, reaching a total of 86 million people in 2008. It is expected that the country’s population will hit 120 million by the year 2020.

There is no denying that human beings rely on natural resources. When the human population increases, more natural resources are exploited and used. Migration also leads to excessive exploitation of natural resources. Forests are chopped down to make room for planting coffee, rubber, food, and other commercial crops. As a result, biodiversity declines significantly and the environment is degraded seriously.

To solve the problem, experts say it is necessary to ensure the livelihood of people, who live near nature reserves and areas with high levels of biodiversity.

“Poverty and biodiversity decline are closely related, so, we should help people living in these designated areas create a source of livelihood and reduce poverty,” says Vu Thanh Ca, director of the Research Institute of Sea and Island Management.