Dam River Reed Bank - a rare ecosystem in the heart of Tam Ky

Sông Đầm nhìn từ trên cao - Ảnh: LÊ TRUNG — Dam River seen from above - Photo: LE TRUNG

Bai Say Dam River is located in Tam Thang commune and An Phu ward, Tam Ky city, Quang Nam province, with a total basin area of 650 hectares, of which 200 hectares of water surface with a rich ecosystem and biodiversity with nearly 300 species of animals and plants.

The pristine beauty of the Dam River reed beds is formed by the elements of aquatic systems, water surface ecosystems, and onshore ecosystems with diverse flora and fauna associated with natural landscapes and traditional cultural and historical values.

Dam River has a high level of biodiversity, with many important functions and values for the ecological environment and natural landscape.

This is the green lung of Tam Ky, playing a role in adapting to climate change.

Bãi sậy trên sông Đầm mùa này đang trổ hoa - Ảnh: LÊ TRUNG — Reed beds on Dam River are blooming this season - Photo: LE TRUNG

In particular, this is an area with the conditions and necessity to preserve and develop biodiversity, forming a wetland biodiversity conservation area associated with the development of experiential ecotourism .

According to a survey by the research team of the Vietnam Museum of Nature, Dam River has very rich and diverse flora and fauna.

Vertebrates recorded 81 species, 33 different fish species, 16 reptile and amphibian species, 31 bird species, notably the stork species listed in the Vietnam Red Book 2007. Higher plants have 170 species belonging to 74 families.

Coming to Dam River, tourists sit on boats and weave through the reed forests that are in bloom this season, the green of the lac trees, and the colorful blooming water lilies. Besides, everyone can immerse themselves in the fresh, cool air, and enjoy watching the storks perched on the reed fields, flying across the sky.

In recent times, Tam Ky has devoted many resources to restoring biodiversity and investing in infrastructure to develop tourism associated with people's livelihoods.

Localities plant trees and forests on hills and riverbanks with semi-submerged species such as Melaleuca and water coconut, and at the same time plant green trees such as Barringtonia acutangula, Morinda officinalis, and Sua trees along both banks of the Dam River.

Người dân đi ghe ở sông Đầm - Ảnh: LÊ TRUNG — People on boats on Dam River - Photo: LE TRUNG

These days, the Reed Bank - Dam River area will host many activities of the National Biodiversity Restoration Year - Quang Nam 2024.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Nam - Vice Chairman of Tam Ky City People's Committee said that over the past years, the city has focused resources, especially mobilizing people to protect and develop aquatic resources and biodiversity in near-shore areas and the core area of Dam River.

At the same time, 20 billion VND is spent on planting and restoring the Dam River ecosystem through planting native trees such as cajuput and water coconut.

"The city proposed that the province prepare a dossier to form a wetland and biodiversity area of Dam River and aim for a natural park.

We are also gradually developing community-based ecotourism and will continue to invest in the future," said Mr. Nam.