Thái Thuỵ wetlands in the northern province of Thái Bình. — VNA/VNS Photo

THÁI BÌNH — A wetland nature reserve was recently established in Thái Thuỵ District in northern Thái Bình Province.

The Thái Thuỵ Wetland Nature Reserve covers 6,560ha of land, including 1,500ha that is strictly protected, 4,800ha set aside for ecological recovery, and an area for administrative services.

The reserve’s goal is to preserve biodiversity in the district’s coastal wetlands, in particular globally-threatened migratory birds, help maintain the biological balance in local wetlands, ensure environmental security, and mitigate the impact of climate change.

It is also intended to encourage engagement among the local community in managing and sensibly capitalising on wetland ecosystem services.

Addressing the ceremony announcing the decision on the establishment of the reserve on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Võ Tuấn Nhân said Việt Nam is home to about 12 million ha of wetlands, which are important for food security and economic activities such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and tourism, while holding scientific, educational, cultural, and historical value for the Vietnamese people.

The coastal wetlands in Thái Thuỵ District are rich in biodiversity and have been recognised as wetlands of national and international importance, he noted.

The wetland provides livelihood and nutrition for 50,000 people living in the eight coastal communes in Thái Thuỵ District and neighbouring localities.

Nhân added that the establishment of the Thái Thuỵ Wetland Nature Reserve also shows local authorities’ commitment to protecting the environment and preserving wetland ecosystems. — VNS