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Quang Nam Establishes Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve

Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam – The Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve will further promote sustainable socio-economic development and safeguard the maritime sovereignty of Cu Lao Cham, while providing opportunities for the community to participate in conservation efforts and leverage its potential for tourism and economic growth.

Within the framework of the Closing Ceremony of the National Biodiversity Restoration Year, Quang Nam - 2024, on February 21st, the Quang Nam Provincial People's Committee announced the decision to establish the Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve.

The Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve, located in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, is classified as a Nature Reserve. It was established on the foundation of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area and supplemented with natural forest ecosystems on the islands, aiming for integrated management that links forest, marine, and coastal ecosystems.

Administratively, the reserve is located in Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An City, with a total area of 23,530 hectares, geographically spanning 15°52'30" to 16°00'00" N and 108°24'00" to 108°33'30" E. It is divided into functional zones, including a Strictly Protected Zone, an Ecological Restoration Zone, a Service-Administrative Zone, and a buffer zone. The reserve encompasses seven islands: Hon Lao, Hon Cu, Hon Kho, Hon La, Hon Dai, Hon Mo, and Hon Tai. Hon Lao is the largest, covering approximately 1,147 hectares, and serves as the residence and workplace for the community of Tan Hiep island commune.

The Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve boasts an incredibly diverse and abundant natural resource base. The special-use forest hosts more than 624 identified species of vascular plants, including many endangered and rare species with medicinal value (365 species with medicinal value/624 recorded species). Notably, 52 rare and precious plant species are prioritized for conservation and are listed in the Vietnam Red Book, Government Decree 06/2019/ND-CP, and the IUCN Red List. Examples include Acampe ochracea (Lindl.) Hochr, sea pandanus, sea heliotrope, Rubi (Argusia argentea (L. f.) Heine), Curculigo orchioides Gaertn, Cycas rumphii Miq, and Madhuca pasquieri (Dub.) H.J. Lam. Additionally, the reserve supports a rich diversity of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

The marine ecosystem is equally diverse, featuring seagrass beds, seaweed communities, coral reefs, and valuable aquatic species such as tiger prawns and red lobsters.

Furthermore, the Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve possesses unique scenic and cultural resource values, supported by the participation of the entire community in conservation. It serves as a hub connecting and harmonizing nature, people, and cultural history, and plays a crucial role in the formation and development of the region. Notable cultural and historical elements include ancient Sa Huynh, Champa, and Dai Viet cultures. Excavated relics highlight Cu Lao Cham’s historical connections and exchanges with other countries, serving as a docking point for international merchant ships on the maritime Silk Road since the 13th century.

With the mission of conserving and restoring natural ecosystems, managing and using resources sustainably, and improving community livelihoods, the Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve will continue to contribute to sustainable socio-economic development and safeguard maritime sovereignty. It also provides opportunities for the community to participate in conservation efforts and leverage its tourism and economic potential, contributing to sustainable development in Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An, Quang Nam.