Mangrove forest creates livelihoods for local residents in Kim Son district

Kim Son has over 600 hectares of mangrove forest with some main trees such as crabapple mangrove and bruguiera. These plant species have played a crucial role in protecting land and lives of local people against natural disasters. 

These mangrove trees do not only act as solid "walls" against cyclones, storms and tidal surges but they also provide an ideal inhabitant for shrimps, crabs and fish.

In the past few years, ten of local households in the coastal communes of Kim Trung, Kim Hai, Kim Dong, Kim My and Binh Minh town have taken advantage of mangrove forests to develop household economy, exploit aquatic products and beekeeping.

A local resident said the local administration has assigned each household an area of mangrove forest for care and protection. These households are allowed to fish by using traditional fishing tools not electrofishing equipment.

The mangroves forest of Kim Son is a buffer zone and an intertidal area of the World Biosphere Reserve of the Red River Delta that was recognised by UNESCO in 2004. 

The mangroves forest of Kim Son is home to numerous fauna and floral species. Many of them are listed in the World Red Book. The forest and local people have harmonious and sustainable symbiotic relations.

Translated by Nguyen Thuy