Primate’s “Kingdom” Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh is known the world over with the title “Kingdom of Caves” because there are hundreds of caves with fanciful beauty and hidden mysteries and surprises. is discovered. Not only that, this place is also known as “Primate Paradise” because it has the highest number of primate species and density in Vietnam. Notably, the whole Vietnam has 24 primate subspecies, here there are 10 species and subspecies living, lasting with time and is identified as the place with the highest diversity of primates in the National Parks. In which, there are 3 globally endangered primate species: the white-necked langur, the brown-shanked douc langur and the white-cheeked gibbon. When coming to any limestone mountains in Phong Nha – Ke Bang, many people are surprised because if they can’t meet monkeys, it is easy to admire the splendid beauty of the brown-shanked douc, or heard the sacred song calling the herd of siki gibbons. The forests: Hung Dang, Hung Lau, Tro Mong… are frequent spots of brown-shanked douc and white-necked langurs. While the white-necked langur often occurs in the Tro Mong area, many people have found that the brown-shanked douc is abundant in Hung Dang. Mr. Le Thuc Dinh, Director of the Center for Rescue – Conservation and Biological Development of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, said that every day when “surveying” or patrolling, officials in the National Park easily encounter douc paws. brown with the number of about 3 herds, each group about 15 individuals. The brown-shanked douc with its brightly colored fur, is considered by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) as the “queen” in the primate world. Meanwhile, in the U Bo forest area, located on the West branch of Ho Chi Minh Road, is the largest population of siki gibbons (local people call it song gibbons) in Vietnam. Here, scientists and rangers recorded about 41 herds of siki with hundreds of individuals. According to Mr. Dinh, in this National Park, there are many primate species belonging to rare goods, such as: loris family, there are large loris, small loris; monkey family, there are pig-tailed monkeys, moldy monkeys, yellow monkeys, red-faced monkeys, jet-black langurs, white-necked langurs, brown-shanked douc langurs; and the gibbon family has the white-cheeked gibbon… According to research documents with unspecified statistics, the white-necked langur alone is estimated to have about 700 individuals; brown-shanked douc, estimated at over 500 individuals. White-necked langur in the area of ​​​​Doi mountain in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park Primates are being cared for, rescued and conserved in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park The place to save primates With the rarity, especially there are rumors about the miraculous value of monkeys and apes, so primates in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park always face a great threat from hunting and trafficking. The illegal sale of wild animals makes the officials and experts working here very hard in the work of protection, conservation and prevention. Center for Rescue, Conservation and Biological Development of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, where many officials are working every day to rescue and nurture dozens of precious and rare primates in danger of extinction, like : brown-shanked douc langur, red-eyed monkey, white-cheeked gibbon… The center is located on the banks of the Son River, where it has a mild climate and an abundant food source for rescued primates. Busy preparing lunch for a red-faced monkey, Pham Kim Vuong – Head of the Wildlife Rescue Department, said that this monkey was very pitiful, previously being hunted by a group of people into the forest. Thanks to the forest ranger’s discovery, this monkey was saved. However, his spirit was panicking, his body was injured due to being entangled in an animal trap, fortunately thanks to the careful care of the brothers in the rescue department, his health is now stable and ready to return to the natural environment. Veterinarian Le Ngoc Anh, deputy director of this center, said that wildlife rescue activities have been carried out since its establishment in 2001. However, the rescue infrastructure is still very poor at this time. temporary, there is no animal rescue area, so the rescue only focuses on a few endangered species. From 2015 to now, the unit has received nearly 600 wild animals; The rescue success rate is nearly 90%. Currently, the center is continuing to nurture and rescue dozens of wild animals. “The care is not simple, it’s hard work, sometimes in the face of danger,” said veterinarian Le Ngoc Anh. Develop a conservation strategy lược Mr. Pham Hong Thai, Director of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park Management Board, said that the unit has developed action programs on wildlife protection and conservation; endangered, precious and rare forest fauna and flora to meet the requirements of conservation according to the actual situation. From 2015 to now, people have been propagated to be more conscious and responsible in handing over wild animals for conservation, including rare primates: pig-tailed macaques, golden monkeys, monkeys Coc, small loris, border mountain turtle, Ha Tinh langur… In addition, in order to contribute to the good implementation of wildlife conservation, the National Park has also signed a regulation on coordination with the provincial border guards, forest rangers and authorities of 7 buffer zone communes to prevent the transportation of forest products. illegal; Sign a commitment not to violate regulations on forest protection, not to trade, trade or consume wild animals for households, restaurants in the buffer zone communes and mining and trading units. travel…

The white-necked langur was found and discovered in 2012 by Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tu, a local resident on the limestone mountain in Thach Hoa commune. Since then, he has persuaded 14 other people to volunteer to protect the langurs. In 2015, the Provincial Forest Protection Department, in collaboration with local authorities, identified about 10 herds with over 100 individuals in the communes of Thach Hoa, Dong Hoa and Thuan Hoa. Thanks to the strict protection of the locality along with the support of functional forces and voluntary protection groups, the white-necked langur herd in the above communes of Tuyen Hoa district has grown in total numbers. According to the investigation results of the Center for Indigenous Knowledge Research and Development (CIRD) in collaboration with the Provincial Forest Protection Department to organize the implementation under the framework of the project sponsored by the Mekong Region Land Governance project, currently Currently, there are 22 herds and 156 individuals of white-necked langurs in 3 main areas: Dong Hoa, Thach Hoa and Thuan Hoa communes. In which, Thach Hoa is the most recorded area with 12 herds and 91 individuals; Dong Hoa area has 9 herds and 57 individuals; Thuan Hoa area has 1 herd with 8 individuals. In particular, in 2020, the number of young children born is quite high compared to previous years at 14 children. Recently, scientists also discovered some moldy monkeys here. The appearance of white-necked langurs, species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world, together with beautiful natural landscapes, rich villages on both sides of Gianh River with many valuable cultural and historical relics, such as: Len Dai Hoa cave, Tran Tao weapons factory (Dong Hoa commune), etc., are favorable conditions and potentials for the development of various types of eco-tourism, cultural and experiential tourism. Visitors can look, watch the white-necked langurs play, look for food on the trees or on the craggy cliffs. Mr. Ngo Van Hong, Director of the CIRD Center, said that if in the past it was necessary to use binoculars to see the langurs, now, the langurs are increasingly bold, with our naked eyes we can also look and watch them happily. play, naturally foraging in the trees or on the crags. This place not only attracts domestic and international wildlife lovers but is also an ideal place for schools inside and outside the province to organize for students to explore the biodiversity of the region. Tuyen Hoa limestone mountains as well as the growth behavior of white-necked langurs, mold monkeys. Both volunteering to protect the local white-necked langurs, the protection team are also volunteer tour guides, guiding those who come to learn, research, take photos, and watch the white-necked langurs… Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tu, leader of the group that volunteered to protect the langurs, shared: “It is much easier to see and take pictures of langurs in the limestone mountains of Tuyen Hoa. Unlike many places, guests wait forever and do not see them. langurs, in Tuyen Hoa, visitors can observe the langurs every day (but must make an appointment in advance), we will introduce and guide you so that you are not disappointed. In the morning, the langurs go to search for food until 7 am, the langurs return to the cave to rest, in the afternoon, at about 4 pm they come out of the cave to look for food, at dusk they return, and in winter, they come out of the cave later. and come back earlier. Not only watching them fly, visitors can also watch the langurs in the caves where they live through binoculars. Recently, tourists as well as research groups come here more and more, In 2020, there are more than 100 turns of people coming here to study, learn, discover and take pictures of the white-necked langur.” Solutions for sustainable development Mr. Cao Xuan Binh, Chairman of Thach Hoa Commune People’s Committee, said that the locality is currently orienting to develop community-based tourism and experience tourism in order to change industries and increase income for people. However, the government as well as the people have no experience in tourism, so there are still many difficulties and obstacles. In particular, people’s thoughts are still heavy on agricultural production, do not dare to invest boldly to develop tourism. Besides, financial capacity, experience in tourism, attracting investment enterprises… are also difficulties of the locality in developing community-based tourism. According to Mr. Nguyen The Son, Head of the Tuyen Hoa District Forest Protection Department, in order to promote the tourism potential of localities as well as find directions for sustainable tourism development, it is necessary to continue promoting the core role of the group. voluntary conservation and local people, thereby, regularly patrolling, monitoring and preventing the risk of affecting the life of white-necked langurs and surrounding habitats. At the same time, it is necessary to regularly organize training programs to raise people’s awareness about conserving the white-necked langur population, their habitat and biodiversity conservation. In particular, if tourism is to be developed, it is necessary to plan tourist routes and spots, not arbitrarily organize to affect the habitat of white-necked langurs, on the contrary, need the coordination of scientists to separate herds when they grow in large numbers, avoiding affecting production and people’s lives. In addition, it is necessary to recognize the legality so that the voluntary conservation group can safely patrol and protect the forest and guide tourists to visit in accordance with the law. Le The Luc, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism, said that in order to diversify tourism products to contribute to socio-economic development, localities need to continue to strictly protect white-necked langurs and mammals. rare species through training to raise awareness for the community in biodiversity conservation, along with behaviors in approaching tourism, protecting, preserving and embellishing the value of historical relics, focus on promoting the image, natural landscape, tourism potential. In particular, it is necessary to gradually carry out market research and visitor tastes, develop suitable tourism products, and improve service quality for tourists when visiting. The fact that Tuyen Hoa district has preserved and protected the rare langur herd, preserving the habitat and environment not only for the langurs but also for monkeys and other wild animals is precious. However, in order to develop tourism as a new direction, taking advantage of the existing strengths and potentials, the local government and the people here need the attention of the departments, agencies, organizations, the investment. Investment of businesses to sustainably protect the ecosystem, build infrastructure for tourism, widely propagate and promote the image for domestic and foreign tourists to know.

Every time the purple succulent flowers bloom, the scenery on the top of Son Tra is beautiful. Each patch of forest races to bloom; Lim Xet yellow, purple Sim flowers fill the whole path… The swaths of Than Mat forest with purple flowers make visitors near and far ecstatic when walking in the romantic scenery at Son Tra Nature Reserve. In the distance is Hai Van peak submerged in the morning dew. Being the flowering season of the white Sua tree, also known as Than Mat or Thuoc Ca, Son Tra attracts visitors. As a white Sua tree, the flowers of this species in Son Tra peninsula are purple. Visitors are surprised by this flower during the flowering season. Purple color is easy to see in Son Tra at the end of April. Sua flowers only bloom within 3-4 days. White Sua tree, also known as Than Mat or Tuc Ca, has an ancient shape. The tree grows on the mountainside. The intense vitality of the White Sue when growing in the ravine. The purple flowers are so charming. Visitors can observe and admire flowers in any position. Mother and daughter of the brown-shanked douc langur on the top of the white Sua tree. Sua flower is also the food of this season of the brown-shanked douc langur – dubbed the “Queen of Primates”. Langur family next to White Sua tree. The Sua tree grows close to the sea’s edge. Sua flower season makes many tourists’ hearts ecstatic when coming to Son Tra peninsula – Da Nang city.

Cu Lao Cham Marine Sanctuary in Quang Nam. Tourism potential from white-necked langurs The white-necked langur was discovered by local people in 2012 on the limestone mountain in Thach Hoa commune, Tuyen Hoa district, Quang Binh province. Since then, thanks to the strict protection of functional forces and the coordination of residential communities and voluntary protection groups, the white-necked langur herd has grown in number. In 2018, the People’s Committee of Quang Binh province planned a part of the forest to become a special-use forest to balance the needs of conservation and exploitation. According to the survey results of the Center for Indigenous Knowledge Research and Development (CIRD) in collaboration with the Provincial Forest Protection Department, there are 22 herds and 156 white-necked langurs in 3 main areas: Dong Hoa commune, Thach Hoa and Thuan Hoa belong to Tuyen Hoa district. If before, you needed binoculars to see the langurs, now, the langurs are increasingly bold, with our naked eyes we can also look, watch them feed, play in the trees or on the rocks. craggy, according to a representative of the CIRD Center. The appearance of creatures listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world in this area has attracted many photographers, scientists and tourists to come here, creating opportunities for the development of various types of eco-tourism. Recently, Chairman of Thach Hoa Commune People’s Committee said that the locality is orienting to develop community tourism and experience tourism in order to change industries and improve incomes for people. people. Although people are still mainly engaged in agriculture, do not have much investment capital, plus difficulties due to epidemics, the potential for community-based tourism development associated with biodiversity is a long-term problem, helping to solve the problem of sustainable livelihoods for residents. Volunteer groups to protect the white-necked langurs in villages and communes will be oriented to become tour guides, helping guide people to learn, research, take photos, admire the white-necked langurs… Along with At that time, visitors can also combine sightseeing and experience with other destinations and events such as Tran Tao weapons factory (Dong Hoa commune), the grave and church of Admiral Le Truc (Tien Hoa commune), the cave. Len Ha (Thanh Hoa commune), Cau Ca Tang (Lam Hoa commune), boat racing festival in Tuyen Hoa district… In order to promote tourism potential in a sustainable way, local authorities pay special attention to continuing to promote the core role of voluntary conservation groups and local people. Lessons from Cham Island Recently, in the program “Honoring organizations and individuals; replicating advanced examples with many achievements contributing to wildlife conservation in the period 2010 – 2020″ organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Selection Council also recognized the initiatives and solutions. community contributes to improving the effectiveness of efforts of all levels, sectors and the whole society in species conservation. A sustainable tourism model based on biodiversity can be mentioned as the Museum of Marine Life on Cu Lao Cham Island, Tan Hiep Island Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province. The marine reserve displays hundreds of fish with many different shapes, along with many rare specimens of shrimp, crab, turtle, marine coral … Worth mentioning, at first, the fishermen here just wanted to save samples and images of sea creatures to teach their children and grandchildren how to fish so that they can both profit from the sea and preserve the seed source for later. Gradually, these accumulations have created a unique ecological destination for this place, attracting many tourists to explore, paving the way for sustainable tourism. Accompanied by other cultural features such as Hai Tang pagoda, Champa ancient well, four heritage trees and the temple of nest craft. In addition to the service of diving to see corals and enjoying specialties of bird’s nest water, another highlight is a specimen of sea turtles over a hundred years old with intact dimensions on display. This is also part of the message conveyed to tourists and indigenous people: After many years of tourism exploitation, sea turtles are rarely found along the island, but tend to move to live and lay eggs on islands. small island. According to a representative of Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area, for many years now, fishermen on the island have been trained as a model of community tourism, saying no to plastic bags and plastic waste, accompanied by tasks of biodiversity conservation. learn. However, tourism development cannot avoid harming nature, landscapes and creatures, which requires greater responsibility from management agencies, travel agencies and visitors. However, the most important thing is the awareness of preserving and preserving nature of the local people. As nature and living things develop, their livelihoods based on such natural services will grow accordingly. Only when they understand that can they become enthusiastic propagandists, proactively guiding visitors to comply.