Other than the appalling human carnage, saturation bombing, napalm and chemical deforestation had a devastating impact on Vietnam’s forests, mangrove areas, wetlands and wildlife. Around two million hectares of forest and half the overall space of mangroves have been destroyed, and large areas of the country have been diminished to dioxin-soaked wastelands. 

Because the warfare, the loss of forest cover continued because the inhabitants grew and poverty increased. In recent times, an intensive programme of re-forestation and mangrove planting has taken place, and the precipitous decline of natural habitats has been halted. The government is committed to restoring Vietnam’s forest cover to its pre-battle level. 

The hidden treasures of Vietnam’s wildlife

Warfare, loss of habitat, pollution and economic necessity resulting from acute poverty has contributed to a severe lack of species of plants and wildlife. Nonetheless, Vietnam continues to be high within the record of nations with in depth bio-range: 12,000 plant species and 700,000 species of animals are already recorded, including many uncommon and endangered ‘Purple E-book’ species. 

The method of cataloguing the flora and fauna of Vietnam is in its infancy, and huge areas are yet to be explored. New species, some previously unknown, are being added regularly. A brand new genus of untamed ox, one in all solely four previously unknown massive land mammals discovered in the course of the 20th century and the first for fifty years, in addition to two new species of muntjac have been found in the Vu Quang Nature Reserve in Central Vietnam. 

Vietnam is house to among the most endangered species in the world: the Java rhinoceros, the Delacourt and Cat Ba Langurs, the Asian elephant, the sun bear, the tiger and the clouded leopard are a number of the higher-identified uncommon mammals. 

The numerous challenges to Vietnam’s natural environment

Despite appreciable authority’s efforts and support from international environmental organizations, the decline of endemic species continues. Poverty is one of the primary causes. For indigent villagers in remote areas, the rewards for poaching and illegal logging far outweigh the risk of being caught. Inhabitants strain is another. Because the slender coastal areas turn into increasingly crowded, the federal government is encouraging settlements in rural areas. Until recently, pollution has been less of an issue however, as Vietnam industrializes and intensifies its agriculture, levels of pesticides, chemical substances and waste merchandise are climbing. 

The lengthy road to recovery

In recent years, authorities concern on Vietnam’s natural atmosphere has risen sharply. Over 100 protected forest areas have been established, together with eleven National Parks. Ranges of safety range from limits upon improvement to complete prohibition of all environmentally damaging activities. In addition, UNESCO has recognized two ‘biosphere areas’, and all 5 of Vietnam’s World Heritage Areas have environmental protection stipulations in their official mandate, significantly Ha Long Bay and Phong Nha.  

At current, the authorities are working to create marine reserves, significantly in areas where city run-off is being carried into delicate coastal zones. The Purple River Delta is particularly at risk - industrial waste from the rapidly-increasing northern Financial Zone is combining with pesticides washed downriver into Ha Long Bay. Luckily, substantial investment in sewage and waste treatment crops funded from foreign aid helps to deliver pollution underneath management on some areas. 

Please assist Vietnam's surroundings to get better

Although Vietnam is very wealthy in its bio-range, visitors to the country will be disillusioned if they are in search of frequent sightings or rare species and ‘safari park’ encounters with animals. The wild life is there; nevertheless it has learned to remain nicely out of sight. The most effective contribution that tourists could make to assist our nation to hold on to its rare plants and creatures is to steer clear of them, and encourage others to do the identical! 

We strongly support the federal government's conservation efforts and those of the international environmental organizations that are energetic in Vietnam. If, like us, you wish to do something practical to help in saving some of our highly endangered species, please contact us. We will probably be very happy to place you in contact with one of the teams which are struggling to save lots of a few of the 300 or more species which might be in urgent need of protection or on the brink of extinction, such because the Cat Ba Langur and the Hawksbill Turtle.