Studying the current situation and proposing solutions to protect mangroves in the core area of Ha Long Bay

Abstract

Mangroves serve a vital role in preserving the livelihoods of coastal residents, as well as reducing the negative impacts of natural catastrophes and boosting resilience to sea level rise and saltwater intrusion. The coast of Quang Ninh is about 250 kilometers long, with several divisions interlaced by estuaries that provide ideal conditions for the development of wetland plants in general, and mangroves in particular. Quang Ninh mangrove forest stretches from the mouth of the Bach Dang River (Quang Yen) to Tra Co (Mong Cai), with many varieties and species of wetland plants such as river mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum), grey mangrove (Avicennia marina), stilted mangrove (Rhizophora stylosa), large-leafed orange mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza), sea hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus), and so on. Under the impacts of climate change and human activities such as the expansion of agricultural land area and urbanization, and the overexploitation of mangrove resources, the mangrove forest area in the core of Ha Long Bay has been decreasing. This study assessed the current state of mangroves in the core region of Ha Long Bay and proposed solutions to protect mangrove forests in order to conserve nature, conserve biodiversity, and adapt to climate change and sea level rise.