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Alarm bells ring for mangroves in Unesco-recognised reserve in Vietnam
Can Gio District is the largest and one of the least populated of 24 districts in Vietnam's capital, Ho Chi Minh city. The district is home to a vast mangrove forest, a biological reserve recognised by Unesco. But scientists are sounding the alarm of declining health of the forest.
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The planted forests have shown many signs of degradation, such as poor growth due to thick density, stunted, crooked trees, and the development of pests and diseases.
Truong Van Vinh
Le Quynh
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HO CHI MINH CITY - The mangroves in Cai Gio District hold a deep, dark secret. They are the only ones to have recovered from chemical warfare.
Formed in the large delta at the estuaries of three rivers - Dong Nai, Sai Gon and Vam Co - the Can Gio mangroves were almost completely destroyed during the Vietnam War by more than 4.5 million litres of the herbicide known as Agent Orange used mostly by the United States military.
