Thua Thien-Hue (VNA) – Thecentral province of Thua Thien-Hue has decided to establish a biodiversitycorridor connecting the saola (an endangered bovine, scientifically known aspseudoryx nghetinhensis) reserve with the Phong Dien Natural Reserve.
The project looks to improve the quality ofthe local ecological system and maintain the current forest coverage of 83percent in the biodiversity corridor, as well as protect the natural landscapesand habitats of native creatures.
The biodiversity corridor also seeks toprotect various animals aside from the saola, including the red-shanked douc(pygathrix nemaeus), the northern white-cheeked gibbon (nomascus leucogenys),and the pygmy slow loris (nycticebus pygmaeus), and more.
The project also aims to raise publicawareness of biodiversity protection and forest development, especially amongstforest owners. Its results are hoped to contribute to new policies on biodiversitycorridor management and rational use of natural resources, as well as the potential of local ecosystems.
In addition, it will improve livelihoods toincrease incomes for local residents through the implementation of forestprotection, poverty reduction, and rural agriculture activities.
Thua Thien-Hue province has also expandedthe saola reserve to nearly 15,520ha and linked it with other saola centres inQuang Nam, Bach Ma National Park in Thua Thien-Hue, and Laos’ Xe Sap NationalProtected Area – altogether creating a large and united forest system in theregion.
The province’s saola reserve, with an areaof primary forest in central Truong Son, is also home to more than 1,200 faunaand flora species, including many rare ones. –VNA