For many generations, the Dam River has been considered the kingdom of birds. Recently, after exploring the Dam River, many scientists exclaimed: “The wetland here is a valuable resource of Tam Ky City, and Quang Nam Province as a whole, so it should need to be preserved for future generations.”

The Dam River covers an area of ​​about 200 hectares, flowing through Tam Thang, Tam Phu and An Phu  of Tam Ky City. In the past, the Dam River was much larger than now, and it was surrounded by pristine nature and boasting aquatic, freshwater and onshore ecosystems with rich flora and fauna where generations of indigenous residents in the eastern part of Tam Ky City inhabited.

The research agency said that the Dam River is now home to 31 species of birds, of which, snail stork has made it into the Viet Nam Red Book. Photo: ST

Most people, especially older generations, said that the Dam River is really like a fairy tale world which is surrounded by a large forest and vast lagoon when they are asked about this place. Indigenous populations have gradually grown, and this river is important as a source of livelihood for them.

Many scientists in the working group of the Viet Nam National Museum of Nature, especially ASEAN Biodiversity Hero Prof. Dr. Dang Huy Huynh, a resident of Quang Nam, hope to establish a Provincial –level Wetlands Conservation Area located along the Dam River.

According to the Viet Nam National Museum of Nature, the conditions for establishing this Conservation Area must meet the following criteria: being on the announced list of important wetlands, a permanent or seasonal habitat of wild species on the list of prohibited wild animal exploitation, a breeding and sheltering place for migratory species, having special ecological and environmental value for scientific research, education, tourism and relaxation purposes.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Nam, the Acting Chairman of the Tam Ky Municipal People's Committee, affirmed that the Dam River is an important asset of the current and future urban area of ​​Quang Nam’s capital city. Local residents have joined hands with municipal leaders to protect and preserve the Dam River ecosystems, as well as develop many livelihood solutions for indigenous people. High priority has given to promoting the establishment of Provincial –level Wetlands Conservation Area.

Mrs. Le Thuy Trinh, the Deputy Director of the Quang Nam Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment committed that the establishment of this Conservation Area is identified as a key task of the province in 2024 as Quang Nam is the first locality nationwide to host the 'National Year for Biodiversity Recovery.' The province with the second-largest area of natural forests in the country, possesses significant advantages in natural resources and biodiversity.

Associate Professor, PhD. Vu Thi Phuong Anh, the Principal of Quang Nam College, an expert in biodiversity research, said: "I have many memories of the Dam River so I get excited about joining many scientists for the Provincial –level Wetlands Conservation Area project".

The establishment of a wetland Nature Reserve in the heart of the city aims to keep up with green urban development trend. It is also a special and rare case of urban development in Viet Nam, which will help Tam Ky City, and Quang Nam Province as a whole, make necessary adjustments to its urban planning so that the urban space of the province’s capital city is rich in identity whille local resident live in harmy with nature.

Reporting by PHAM NGOC SINH – Translating by H.L