Biodiversity conservation in Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park, Hai Phong city, belongs to Cat Ba World Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important nature reserves in Vietnam recognized by UNESCO in 2004.

Cat Ba archipelago seen from above.

Cat Ba National Park has a total area of ​​115,200 hectares, of which the forest and mountain area is 9,800 hectares and the sea surface area is 5,400 hectares. In order to effectively conserve and develop natural resources on Cat Ba Island, in 2021, Hai Phong City approved the conservation and sustainable development plan for Cat Ba National Park for the period 2020 - 2025, with a vision to 2030. Thereby contributing to the conservation of biodiversity of flora and fauna in forests, wetlands and seas in the National Park.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Hai Phong City, since the beginning of the year, Cat Ba National Park has performed well in managing forests and forestry land in the assigned area. Cat Ba National Park rangers have coordinated with relevant units to patrol, protect forests and conserve biodiversity on the island.

Currently, Cat Ba National Park includes all three typical ecosystems of Vietnam: forest, wetland and marine ecosystems with 4,048 species of forest and marine animals and plants living; of which there are up to 154 endangered, precious and rare endemic species that are threatened and protected by Vietnamese and international law. In the Park, there are 1,595 species of forest plants, 357 species of forest animals, 401 species of forest insects, 72 species of forest mushrooms and marine animals and plants. Many endangered, precious and rare species are listed in the Vietnam Red Book, which prohibits international trade. In Cat Ba National Park, rare marine animals and plants are classified by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as 19 species of coral, 3 species of sea turtles, 1 species of marine mammals and Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles are classified as critically endangered.

In addition to its high biodiversity values, Cat Ba National Park also has many natural landscapes, majestic and unique caves and famous historical sites and relics that have contributed to making Cat Ba Island one of the few places that strongly develop ecotourism and scientific research activities. To preserve biodiversity in Cat Ba National Park, in 2024 and 2025, the authorities had 367 biodiversity monitoring sessions, destroyed and confiscated 495 traps for various types of wild animals, and confiscated 2 homemade air guns. The Park also coordinated with relevant units to inspect, prevent, and handle acts of hunting, trapping wild and migratory birds; coordinated to receive and release 21 healthy wild animals back into the natural environment in the Park.

Foreign tourists admire the beauty of Trung Trang Cave, a famous large cave located on Cat Ba Island.

Mr. Pham Hong Hai, Head of the Hai Phong City Forest Protection Department, said: The management and protection of forest, marine and biodiversity resources of Cat Ba National Park has always received close attention and direction from the City People's Committee and the active participation of local authorities at all levels. Most of the ranger stations are located at forest gates, convenient for patrolling and controlling the protection of natural forest resources. The Forest Protection Force has strengthened control and promptly prevented violations of the law in biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection and migratory wild birds on the island.

However, at present, Cat Ba National Park still faces some difficulties such as: The shrinking of the area of ​​mangrove ecosystems, marine ecosystems, and coral reefs is one of the causes of habitat degradation and aquatic resources decline. The situation of local people secretly entering the forest to hunt and trap wild animals, wild birds, and migratory birds in estuary areas still occurs.

To preserve biodiversity in Cat Ba National Park, the City Forest Protection Department has directed ranger stations to coordinate with localities and units to strengthen inspection and propaganda so that all people can participate in managing, caring for and protecting forests and animal and plant species. From there, promptly prevent and handle violations related to forests and seas, and protect biodiversity in Cat Ba National Park and Cat Ba World Biosphere Reserve.

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Source: https://baolaocai.vn/bao-ton-da-dang-sinh-hoc-o-vuon-quoc-gia-cat-ba-post881366.html