Xuan Thuy National Park: From the first Ramsar site to an ASEAN Heritage Park

At the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment (AMME-18) held on September 3 in Langkawi (Malaysia), Xuan Thuy National Park (Ninh Binh) was officially recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park, along with Pu Mat National Park (Nghe An) and Dong Nai Cultural-Nature Reserve.

The recognition of Xuan Thuy National Park as an ASEAN Heritage Park not only contributes to preserving and promoting the ecological value of the coastal area of the Red River Delta, but is also an opportunity to promote ecotourism and sustainable economic development associated with environmental protection in Ninh Binh and the Northern Delta region.

The first Ramsar site

Located in the communes of Giao Minh, Giao Hoa and Giao Phuc, Xuan Thuy National Park ( Ninh Binh ) is more than 7,000 hectares wide, a typical coastal estuarine wetland with natural terrain formed according to the law of deposition and erosion of the estuary of the Northern Delta.

In 1989, the wetland of Xuan Thuy National Park was recognized as the first Ramsar site in Vietnam and Southeast Asia; marking Vietnam becoming the 50th member of the Ramsar Convention (Convention for the protection of wetlands of international importance, especially as habitats for waterfowl).

Newly planted and protected mangrove forests next to clam watchtowers in Xuan Thuy National Park. (Photo: Lam Khanh/TTVN)

The main wetland types in Xuan Thuy National Park include tidal flats with mangrove forests; tidal marshes without mangrove forests; shrimp ponds, sand bars on the outer edge of Con Lu and sand bars blocking the river mouths - Con Xanh, Con Mo, tributaries and tidal creeks; estuarine waters (coastal limits outside Con Lu, Con Xanh).

Each type of ecosystem has its own characteristics in terms of living environment conditions, habitats, etc., leading to characteristics of biological communities.

Xuan Thuy National Park recorded 203 species of vascular plants belonging to 145 genera, 65 families, including 14 main mangrove species... This is the habitat of 202 species of higher plants; the vegetation has 7 biomes; 112 species of floating plants have been recorded; 110 species of floating animals have been recorded; there are 385 species of invertebrates; 155 species of fish; 427 species of insects...

In particular, Xuan Thuy National Park is an important stopover and wintering place for migratory waterfowl. The results of field investigations, surveys and research projects have recorded 222 bird species belonging to 42 families of 12 orders; of which 166 are migratory birds.

Among the precious and rare species prioritized for protection in Xuan Thuy National Park, the bird group receives the most attention for conservation, especially migratory birds. There are two types of migratory birds: migratory birds from the North to avoid the cold winter, and in the summer and autumn, migratory birds from the South to avoid the heat.

Therefore, Xuan Thuy National Park is an important “International Bird Station” for many rare and precious bird species, especially the habitat of many waterfowl species. This is also one of the 6 important bird areas of the key wetlands in the Northern Delta and is located on the East Asia-Australian Migratory Waterfowl Flyway (EAAFP).

There are also many aquatic species of high economic value such as fingernails, honey clams, mud crabs, groupers, and bald scad.

By December 2004, Xuan Thuy National Park was recognized by UNESCO as the core zone of the World Biosphere Reserve in the inter-provincial coastal area of the Red River Delta.

The ideal time to explore

Like other provinces in the Northern Delta region, Nam Dinh has a tropical monsoon climate with an average temperature of 23 - 24 degrees Celsius, quite favorable for sightseeing at Xuan Thuy National Park.

If you want to see the birds flying in the sky, you can consider coming here from October to April next year. Because this is the time when the birds are most concentrated in the National Park, making the space more crowded and bustling.

What to do at Xuan Thuy National Park?

The park has developed eco-tourism routes such as cruises, bird watching, field trips, and countryside tours, attracting visitors to explore the nature and culture of the Red River Delta.

Go on a cruise

There is nothing better than experiencing a boat trip down the river to enjoy the wild and peaceful beauty of the famous wetland. After exploring the nature, you can also watch the beautiful sunset and have a cozy dinner with your family right on the boat.

Clam catching experience

People exploit aquatic and seafood products under the mangrove forest canopy in Xuan Thuy National Park. (Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA)

Coming to the Ramsar site, you also have the opportunity to participate in clam catching. This is an experiential activity closely related to the working life of the local community. During the participation, you will learn and directly catch each small clam hiding in the mud as well as immerse yourself in the happy working atmosphere of the people in this area.

Camping in the wild

If you love exploring and immersing yourself in nature, camping in the wild of Xuan Thuy National Park is an experience you should not miss.

To set up a tent for camping overnight here, you need to register in advance with the management board and actively rent or bring equipment. In the midst of vast, peaceful nature and fresh air, you will feel like you have shed all the fatigue and worries in life.

Explore the mangrove ecosystem

Visiting Xuan Thuy National Park can be said to be an opportunity to learn more about the diverse and rich ecosystem of this land during a trip to Nam Dinh.

In terms of plants alone, there are more than 300 different species here that play an important role in the development of the ecosystem. The animal world is equally unique with a variety of rare species. Typical examples include the mammal class with otters, the monkfish, and reptiles with striped banded kraits and cobras. The fish system includes groupers, sea bass, and eels, which bring outstanding economic value.

The most prominent is the bird system with 220 species belonging to typical orders such as the Cranes, Geese, Sandpipers and Passerines. Every year from October to April of the following year, tens of thousands of migratory birds from the North will stop at Xuan Thuy National Park to find food and accumulate energy for their migration journey. This is also the golden time for you to admire the natural picture with birds flying all over the sky.

Visit local architecture

Sunset on Giao Hai beach, in the buffer zone of Xuan Thuy National Park. (Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA)

Over many years of development, the local community has created prosperous villages in the area around Xuan Thuy National Park. Stopping here, you will have the opportunity to visit unique structures such as thatched roof houses, pagodas, Catholic churches... with an architectural style that harmoniously blends traditional and modern styles. These attractions will help you bring back impressive check-in photos.

Learn about the beauty of local culture

Besides the impressive architectural works, this area also possesses the typical lifestyle of the land-opening culture of the residents of the Red River alluvial plain. Coming during the festival, you will listen to the ancient Cheo, Chau Van, watch the lion dance and join in the exciting competitive activities of the local people such as rowing, cockfighting, wrestling.

Local cuisine

During your visit to Xuan Thuy National Park, you can enjoy specialties in the neighboring residential areas. Some delicious dishes that make anyone who has tried them fall in love are jellyfish salad, Giao Thuy spring rolls, Giao Xuan spring rolls, Hoanh Nha fish sauce, etc. You can also buy Sa Chau fish sauce or specialties as souvenirs for your family and friends./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/vuon-quoc-gia-xuan-thuy-tu-khu-ramsar-dau-tien-den-cong-vien-di-san-asean-post1069490.vnp