Ecotourism to roost in Tra Su cajeput forest

HA NOI — The Tra Su cajeput forest in the southern province of An Giang is not only home to a range of threatened species, but is showing potential as an ecotourism earner.

The Tra Su protected cajeput forest was first planted out in 1983, and now includes 874ha of forest. Of this area, 713ha form a habitat for storks and other birds.

Since 1997, the State has invested almost VND3 billion to build facilities in the ecologically significant area.

There are 62 species of storks and other birds living in the forest, numbering about 5,000 individuals. The forest is home to 2,000 breeding pairs of birds.

Many of these birds are found all over the world, but are still threatened with extinction.

With more than 300 purple herons, for example, the forest is one of the most important places in the whole Cuu Long (Mekong) River Delta for the bird.

The protected area also has large patches of grass, which make it home to a diversity of birds including the fiery stork, grey heron and spot-billed duck.

Another bird, the threatened yellow baya weaver is only found in Tra Su and the Tram Chim National Park.

The forest forms part of Tinh Bien District’s Van Giao Commune, and is only 7km from the Nha Bang township – only 20 minutes by bus.

The deputy chairwoman of the An Giang People’s Committee, Pham Kim Yen, has directed the relevant provincial authorities to consider further investments in the forest.

Following her lead, the Tinh Bien District and the Forestry Department are co-operating with the Hang Chau Tourism Joint Stock Company to invest in facilities such as a bird observation tower, fisheries site, historic sites and other services.

However, the buildings will not be allowed to interfere with the forest’s ecosystem.

When the project is completed, the Tra Su cajeput forest will be an ecotourism site drawing in tourists from Viet Nam and around the world, and will help to boost social and economic development in An Giang without destroying the important ecosystem. — VNS

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