Da Nang-based GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre and the Management Board of the Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands) in Quang Nam Province recently entered an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on protecting various species of flora and fauna in the forests of the islands.

The beautiful islands

Under the agreement, starting from next year, surveys will be conducted on the current terrestrial plants and animals, creating a detailed database and a map of biodiversity of the forests on the Cham Islands – a world biosphere reserve recognised by UNESCO in 2009.  In addition, endangered species which needing protecting in the future will be identified.

Located 20km off the coast of Hoi An, the islands have been recognised as a historical and cultural site related to the establishment and development of Hoi An.  The islands are now home to 1,500ha of tropical forests and 6,700ha of sea featuring a wide range of marine fauna and flora, including many endangered species such as salangane (swallows), the long-tailed monkey and the crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis).

In particular, the venue has been the only location in Viet Nam to have promoted programmes for promoting the non-use of plastic bags and the 3-R (reduce, reuse and recycle) since 2011.

The islands consist of 8 islets with vast ecological diversity, and has a population of 3,000 people. Annually, it welcomes around 100,000 tourists, 10,000 of whom are foreigners.

The site only offers home-stay services and environmentally-friendly energy solutions including wind and solar power.

(Source: VNA/ Da Nang Today)