High Technology Applications in Mangrove Ecosystem Protection

Mangrove forests are considered an ecological shield to protect the environment, contribute to climate regulation and are a rich ecosystem with the presence of countless rare species of flora and fauna. However, the impacts of human activities and the severity of climate change have been threatening the existence of mangrove forests. In that context, the application of modern technology has created breakthrough solutions, helping to improve the effectiveness of protecting and sustainably developing this special ecosystem.

At Xuan Thuy National Park, one of Vietnam's important protected areas, the application of high technology in forest protection has brought many positive results. With rich biodiversity, from mangrove forests, sandbanks to wetlands, Xuan Thuy National Park has become an ideal habitat for hundreds of migratory waterbird species according to the Ramsar Convention. To monitor and protect this complex ecosystem, modern equipment such as GPS positioning systems, Telescope binoculars and satellite maps have been deployed, helping rangers closely monitor the movement of migratory birds, promptly detecting factors that harm the ecological balance.

Officers of Giao Xuan Hai Forest Protection Department use supporting equipment to observe and promptly detect acts of encroachment on forest resources. Photo: Nam Dinh Newspaper

Not only does technology provide monitoring, it is also a powerful tool for authorities to detect and prevent violations such as deforestation and illegal wildlife hunting. By using satellite imagery and specialized software such as Google Earth, ArcGIS Earth, Mapinfor and Global Mapper, forest rangers can monitor forest developments in real time. Detailed satellite images provide valuable data, helping authorities make timely and accurate decisions in protecting and developing mangrove forests.

The complex terrain of mangrove forests has always been a big challenge for patrolling and monitoring. Travelling by boat or canoe is often difficult when the water level is low, reducing the effectiveness of control. To overcome these obstacles, the Forest Protection Department has made full use of telescopes at observation towers for remote monitoring and used GPS positioning systems to detect violations. Thanks to that, not only does it save time and manpower, but it also improves the ability to respond to negative changes, ensuring the safety of the ecosystem.

In addition to protecting mangrove forests, high technology also plays an important role in monitoring wild birds. The application of modern equipment has helped rangers promptly detect changes in the distribution and ecology of migratory birds. These changes are often a sign of imbalance in the natural environment, and early detection helps to take timely protective measures, preventing the risk of declining numbers of rare bird species.

Wild birds in mangrove forests. Photo: Collected

The support of technology in protecting mangrove forests has brought about significant results and at the same time helped the community better understand the importance of maintaining and developing sustainable ecosystems. To protect precious mangrove forests, the cooperation of the entire community is extremely important. In the future, the Forest Protection Department and relevant agencies will continue to promote the application of high technology, closely coordinating with local people to improve the effectiveness of environmental management and protection.

Protecting the mangrove ecosystem is not only an urgent task, but also a way for us to ensure that precious natural values ​​will continue to be passed on to future generations. High technology has been opening new doors, helping to protect mangrove forests from the increasing challenges from nature and humans, while building a solid foundation for sustainable development in the future.

Hoang Anh