Pretty as a picture: Ba Be Lake in the northern province of Bac Can is a model for "clean and green" land and environment management. — VNA/VNS Photo Dinh Na

Map pins down islands of green

HA NOI — Environmentally-concerned individuals and organisations have received a windfall in the form of an up-to-date map of bio-conservation areas in Viet Nam.

Launched on Friday in Ha Noi as part of a Biodivesity Awareness Programme for Viet Nam – a first ever collaboration on environment, science and technology between Viet Nam and Spain with technical assistance from the World Conservation Union (IUCN) – it is probably the most comprehensive map of the country’s bio-wealth ever published.

The four basic data listed in the map are the name of the protected area, the flora and fauna obtaining there, its geographic position and its extent.

It will not only be useful in raising awareness about Viet Nam’s biodiversity but also be an excellent tool for natural-resources managers and planners, especially those working in protected areas.

The map is also expected to help scientists and students understand more clearly the characteristic features of protected areas.

It is an updated version of an earlier Natural Environment Administration (NEA) and IUCN map published in 1998.

Conservationists can take heart that the Viet Nam government is on the button on issues of nature-conservation. — VNS

www.ecologyasia.com

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