Can Gio Mangrove Ecosystem: Green Shield Protecting Ho Chi Minh City Against Climate Change

Located about 50km south of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio mangrove forest has long been considered a giant "green lung", playing an extremely important role in protecting coastal ecosystems and coping with challenges from climate change. With an area of ​​over 75,000 hectares, Can Gio is not only one of the largest mangrove forests in Vietnam, but also a solid wall, helping the city withstand the encroachment of rising sea levels, high tides, and severe natural disasters. The highlight of the ecosystem here is its extremely rich biodiversity. Can Gio forest is home to hundreds of plant species, including typical salt-tolerant species such as mangroves, parrots, and mam... This is also the habitat of countless rare animals, especially waterfowl that have been recognized under the Ramsar Convention, one of the prestigious international conventions on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. This richness has helped Can Gio be recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve since 2000, marking an important turning point in efforts to conserve nature and develop sustainable ecotourism in the area. Not only is it home to a series of valuable animal and plant species, Can Gio mangrove forest also plays an important role in protecting Ho Chi Minh City from the growing challenges of climate change. As a natural shield, the forest strips with complex intertwined root systems help minimize the impact of ocean waves, prevent saltwater intrusion and minimize the destruction of high tides. Not only that, the forests also play a role in reducing the flow rate, helping to prevent flooding and coastal erosion. Thanks to this "green shield", Ho Chi Minh City has avoided many serious natural disasters, protecting the lives of millions of people in coastal areas. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] Can Gio has a rich fauna. Photo: Collected[/caption] In addition to its role as an ecological shield, Can Gio mangrove forest is also a giant carbon sink, contributing to reducing greenhouse gases and slowing down climate change. According to research, mangrove forests have the ability to absorb a large amount of CO2 each year, helping to reduce pressure on the atmosphere and stabilize the ecosystem. This brings great benefits to Ho Chi Minh City, while contributing to global efforts in the fight against climate change. In addition to its invaluable ecological values, Can Gio also contributes positively to sustainable economic development through ecotourism and aquaculture activities. The sustainable exploitation of natural resources has helped local communities improve their lives, while maintaining and developing an economy based on natural resources. Tours to explore mangrove forests and learn about the lives of wild animals and plants in Can Gio are increasingly attracting the attention of domestic and foreign tourists. This is also a bridge for people to immerse themselves in nature, appreciate the vital values ​​of the mangrove ecosystem and at the same time contribute to preserving natural heritage for future generations. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] Cycling to promote environmental protection in the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve (2019). Photo tapchixaydung[/caption] However, the strong development of Ho Chi Minh City and the rapid urbanization process are posing many challenges to the conservation of Can Gio mangrove forest. Pressure from land expansion and uncontrolled resource exploitation has been weakening this ecosystem, reducing the forest's ability to protect itself against climate change. Faced with these challenges, combining conservation and sustainable development is a problem that managers need to solve in a skillful and comprehensive way. Protecting Can Gio mangrove forest is not simply protecting a valuable ecosystem, but also a way for Ho Chi Minh City to ensure safety and sustainable development in the future. Can Gio, with its biodiversity and essential role in combating climate change, deserves to be preserved and promoted as a priceless natural heritage. Along with conservation efforts from the community and authorities, the cooperation of each citizen in protecting the living environment will be an important key for Can Gio to continue to be a solid "green shield", protecting Ho Chi Minh City against the challenges of time and climate change.

Hoang Anh