Biodiversity conservation contributes to sustainable development
Binh Duong is not only a rapidly growing industrial hub, but also a province with a diverse ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and adapting to climate change. Biodiversity not only holds environmental values, but also is closely linked to economic development, particularly in agriculture, eco-tourism and forestry.
Valuable resource for green development
Although Binh Duong does not have a vast expanse of natural forests, it is home to important forested areas such as those in Phu Giao and Dau Tieng districts. These areas serve as habitats for many native plant and animal species and act as the province’s "green lung". According to the Environmental Protection Sub-Department under provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, key biodiversity areas in Binh Duong include Dau Tieng resevoir, which boasts a rich aquatic ecosystem; Lai Thieu orchards in Thuan An city, which not only hold economic values, but also preserve many specialty fruit varieties such as mangosteen, “To nu” jackfruit, langsat…and the Sai Gon and Be rivers, which function as vital ecological corridors, protecting water resources and riverside flora and fauna.
One of the outstanding models leveraging Binh Duong’s biodiversity advantages is the development of eco-tourism and organic agriculture. Areas such as Dau Tieng resevoir, Cau mountain protective forest in Dau Tieng district and Lai Thieu orchards serve as ideal locations for integrating natural conservation with economic development. Nguyen Van Doi, a resident of Hung Dinh ward’s Hung Tho quarter in Thuan An city shared: “Previously, I focused on fruit farming. In recent years, I have combined my business with dining services and guided orchard tours, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh fruits right in the orchard. This model has shown promising results, attracting more customers and increasing my family’s income”.
Many farmers in the province have changed to organic agricultural models, using environmentally friendly farming methods that minimize harmful chemicals. These models not only improve product quality, but also help protect local soil, water resources and biodiversity. In the An Thai High-Tech Agricultural Park in Phu Giao district, fruit cultivation combines advanced planting techniques with environmental protection. This model prioritizes not only productivity, but also ecosystem restoration and climate change adaptation. Trinh Duc Dung, Chairman of Phu Giao district’s Farmers' Association said that thanks to the drip irrigation and automatic fertilization system, farmers save a lot of costs and increase output compared to traditional methods.
Ecosystem conservation and restoration
Binh Duong is facing significant challenges in biodiversity conservation. Particularly, rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to a reduction in green space, disrupting ecosystems. Environmental pollution from industrial and domestic wastewater has degraded water quality, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, climate change has altered the distribution of flora and fauna, reduced soil fertility and affected traditional farming patterns. Forest encroachment has also contributed to shrinking natural forest areas.
In the face of these challenges, Binh Duong has implemented various solutions to preserve natural resources while promoting sustainable development. According to provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the province has identified key areas such as wetlands, ecological landscapes and biodiversity conservation sites that require focused preservation and development efforts. These areas play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and adapting to climate change. Additionally, provincial People’s Committee has introduced provincial Biodiversity Action Plan for the period of 2015–2020 to enhance forest protection, ecosystem conservation and wetland management. Sustainable forest management programs are also implemented, especially the Cau Mountain protective forest - Dau Tieng reservoir area to protect natural resources from deforestation and illegal animal hunting.
Under the Prime Minister’s decision on the project “growing 1 billion trees during the 2021- 2025 period”, Binh Duong has been actively implementing large-scale tree-planting programs across urban and rural areas, contributing to building up a sustainable ecosystem and enhancing environmental quality. The expansion of green spaces not only improves the landscape, but also plays a crucial role in absorbing CO₂, preventing soil erosion, mitigating urban heat island effects, preserving groundwater resources and providing habitats for various species. Provincial People’s Committee has also directed relevant departments and agencies to research and implement measures to increase tree coverage under central guidelines. At the same time, the program to restore and protect traditional orchard ecosystems such as Lai Thieu is also promoted to preserve agricultural values in association with the local ecological environment...
According to provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Binh Duong has been actively implementing the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1671/QĐ-TTg approving the Program for Conservation and Sustainable Use of Genetic Resources until 2025, with an Orientation to 2030. As a result, the whole province has developed 64 facilities raising 76 types and 5,004 individuals of wild forest animals, together with 20 wild plant cultivation facilities with a total area of over 189 hectares. In the province, there is currently a wild animal breeding facility that is preparing procedures to convert into a wildlife conservation center in Dau Tieng district’s Thanh Tuyen commune. This center will be a place to research, care for and preserve many wild animal species, making an important contribution to maintaining the local biodiversity.
Reported by Tien Hanh-Translated by Kim Tin
