Assessment of ecotourism development potential based on biodiversity and landscapes in cat ba national park

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF FORESTRY STUDENT THESIS ASSESSMENT OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL BASED ON BIODIVERSITY AND LANDSCAPES

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF FORESTRY

STUDENT THESIS ASSESSMENT OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL BASED ON BIODIVERSITY AND LANDSCAPES IN CAT BA NATIONAL PARK

Major: Natural Resources Management

Code: D850101

Faculty: Forest Resources and Environmental Management

Student: Nguyen Khanh Toan Student ID: 1253101526

Class: K57 Natural Resources Management Course: 2012 - 2016

Advanced Education Program Developed in collaboration with Colorado State University, USA

Supervisor: Dr Dong Thanh Hai

Ha Noi, 2016

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my very great appreciation to Dr Dong Thanh Hai from Vietnam National University of Forestry, my research supervisor, for their enthusiastic encouragement and useful critiques of this research work Without his thoughtful, patient guidance through every step of my research, this thesis could not have been realized

I would like to express my gratitude to Prof Lee MacDonald for finding out the time

to check and give advises to my proposal

I would like to express the deepest appreciation to the heads, officers of Cat Ba National park, local people there for providing me useful information and kind consideration and help

Many other people have contributed to the success of this thesis but I would like to particularly thank my family and classmates from K57 Natural Resources Management-Advanced program for their support Last but not least this thesis could have never been complete without the support of Faculty of Forest Resources and Environmental Management always encouraged me during the entire process of studying and doing research

Despite spending the best efforts in the thesis conducting process, this research still has many shortcomings due to the limitations of time, finance and my ability I am looking forward to receiving comments from teachers, friends to a better thesis completion

Thank you!

ABSTRACT

This research is based on a survey carried out on tourists about ecotourism

The main objective was to assess the ecotourism development potential and current situation of ecotourism in Cat Ba National Park based on biodiversity and landscapes, from which to propose solutions to sustainable development of ecotourism

The methods that were used for collecting data are interview, line transect and using SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats to ecotourism in Cat

Ba National Park

The study showed that Cat Ba National Park had high value about landscape, biodiversity to develop ecotourism, also satisfying levels of tourists to the ecotourism services here The study also show the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats to ecotourism in Cat Ba National Park The findings also revealed that there is need to create more awareness

by providing information regarding ecotourism potentials in the location and its benefits so as

to encourage the local leaders and community people to conserve natural tourism resources and hence improve the economy of the locals

Key word: ecotourism, biodiversity, landscape

ABBREVIATIONS

NP: National Park

IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

ABBREVIATIONS

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF TABLES

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1

CHAPTER 2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 5

2.1 Goals 5

2.2 Objectives 5

CHAPTER 3 STUDY SITE 6

3.1 Geographic location 6

3.2 Climate and hydrology 7

3.3 Topography 7

3.4 Geologic characteristics and soil 7

3.5 Fauna and Flora 8

3.5.1 Flora 8

3.5.2 Fauna 9

3.6 Economy – society 9

3.6.1 Population and employ 9

3.6.2 Livelihood 10

CHAPTER 4 METHODOLOGY 12

4.1 Secondary document review 12

4.2 Collecting data methods 13

4.2.1 Preparation 13

4.2.2 Interview 13

4.2.3 Line transect survey 14

4.3 Assess the potential and advantages to develop ecotourism in Cat Ba NP 14

4.4 Data analysis 15

CHAPTER 5 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 16

5.1 Biodiversity and landscapes potentials for ecotourism in Cat Ba NP 16

5.1.1 Ecological resource potential and landscape value at Cat Ba NP 16

5.1.2 The infrastructure, the tourist spots and potential routes for ecotourism 23

5.1.3 Operational mechanism and management model of the Cat Ba NP 30

5.2 Assess status of ecotourism in Cat Ba NP 32

5.2.1 Ecotourism development status of Cat Ba NP 32

5.2.2 The views of local communities about tourist activities and ecotourism 34

5.3 Assessment of advantages and disadvantages, opportunities, challenges on ecotourism development in Cat Ba NP 37

5.4 Proposing some solutions to develop sustainable ecotourism associated with the conservation of biodiversity in Cat Ba NP 39

CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION 44

6.1 Conclusion 44

6.1.1 Biodiversity and landscapes potential 44

6.1.2 Status of ecotourism 44

6.1.3 Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats to ecotourism in Cat Ba NP 44

6.1.4 Proposing solutions 45

6.2 Constrains 45

6.3 Recommendation 45 REFERENCES

APPENDIX

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1 Geographic map Cat Ba NP 6

Figure 5.1 Ngu Lam Peak- Evergreen forest 18

Figure 5.2 Lan Ha Bay- Marine ecosystemson the limestone ecosystem 18

Figure 5.3 Mangrove forest- coastal mangrove 18

Figure 5.4 Frog Pond- alpine ecosystem 18

Figure 5.5 Cat Co 2 Beach 20

Figure 5.6 Trung Trang Stream 22

Figure 5.7 Ecotourism routes in Cat Ba NP 29

LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.1: The population situation of the commune, town in Cat Ba Island 10

Table 5.1 The units under the Cat Ba NP 31

Table 5.2 Officials and employees' decree of Cat Ba NP 31

Table 5.3 Statistics of tourists to Cat Ba (2011-2015) 33

Table 5.4 Statistics of current situation of visitors to Cat Ba NP (2011-2015) 33

Table 5.5 The purpose visits the park 34

Table 5.6 Information sources to know about NP 35

Table 5.7 Perception of tourists after travel 35

Table 5.8 Reviews on people about the benefits of ecotourism 36

Table 5.9 The views of local people about tourists 36

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, the economic system does not stop growing, science and technology help been supporting people very much but along with it is the working pressure On the other hand, industrial development causes serious environmental pollution, dust and garbage everywhere So, people need to find new ways to relax to dismiss stress and fatigue at work Recently, people tend to choose to relax in wild places, away from crowded areas, which is ecotourism

In recent years, tourism activities have developed remarkably In particular, tourism has been increasingly well known The formation and development of this type have undergone a long time to be like today Ecotourism has begun being talked about since the early 80s in the world The first researchers of this field is Hector Ceballos-Lascurain, Elizabeth Boo, and numerous theoretical, practical studies of ecological tourism of scientists who were interested in this field such as : Linberg, Hawkins, Cocchrane,

eco-The World Conservation Union‟s (IUCN) Commission on National Parks and Protected Areas defines ecotourism as „„environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations (Ceballos-Lascurain, 1996)

Ecotourism has just been formed in recent years but has rapidly growing, drawing attention from many countries and it is also the strategic growth objective of Vietnam‟s tourism industry Furthermore, this type of tourism contributes to nature conservation, biodiversity and community cultural protection, while improving the living condition of local people and developing the social-economic system

Ecotourism in Vietnam emerged around the middle of the 1990s In 1999, within the framework of a seminar on building national strategy for the development of ecotourism, this definition was offered: "Ecotourism is a form of nature tourism that has a high level of education in ecology and environment and make positive impacts on environmental and cultural protection, ensures bringing of financial benefits to the local community and

contributes to the conservation efforts” ( The Seminar about ecotourism, 1999)

To understand more about ecotourism, we need to know about the characteristics of ecotourism and the basic principles of ecotourism

-Ensuring Ecological sustainability and supporting conservation: Due to ecotourism development on the abundant environment in nature, formation and extent of use for tourism activities should be maintained and managed for the sustainability of the ecosystem and the tourism sector

- Environmental Education: characteristic of environmental education in ecotourism is

a fundamental element, is effective in changing attitudes of consumer the community and the tourism industry This can be considered as one of the effective tools for the natural area

- Encouraging the local community to participate in and earn the benefits from tourism: Ecotourism enhances the income for local community on the basis of providing the knowledge and practical experience for the majority of people who have ability to participate

in management, operation of ecotourism services That is the way people can become active conservationists

-Providing travel experience with high quality for visitors: satisfying the desire of tourists about the enhancement of understanding and the interesting travel experiences All of them are the existences of survival of ecotourism sector

b The basic principles of ecotourism

In 1996, Cochrane came up with these principles in order to ensure sustainable ecotourism as follows (Cochrane J.,1996): cautiously using resources, supporting conservation and the reduction of littering; creating long-term economic benefits for local communities, who are the biggest contributors in the development and planning; the Market campaigns need to respect the environment, tourism, should not damage the culture and local society; able to attract a large amount of tourists and frequently satisfy them with exciting tourism experiences; tourists should be given full and accurate information about the visit area, ensuring high educational characteristics

Protected areas are the most appropriate places to develop ecotourism, because it has many factors that attract tourists It could be rare and precious flora and fauna, endemic species, beautiful landscape, high biodiversity, historical or cultural, traditional sites, which have specific characteristics in terms of nature It will bring benefit for organizations, who set

up ecotourism, and local communities Therefore, these factors need to be protected carefully Thus, it is important to have relationship between ecotourism protected areas

However, not all of tourists who come to the natural reserve areas are eco-tourists They just come to enjoy and explore the beauty Therefore, they only stay in short time so they cannot have all the experience with atmosphere and nature here Because of this reason,

it needs to have good management ways in order to develop ecotourism without damaging the natural reserve areas to conserve biodiversity and increase income in a sustainable way for the local community

Viet Nam has a tropical monsoon climate with 75% total area are moutain and plateau, the coastline stretches over 3200km and contain many small and medium island Besides, there is also the diversity of forest ecosystem and humanity ecosystem The harmonious combination of natural view and traditional culture is basic and potential to develop ecotourism in Viet Nam

Located in the east of Hai Phong city, Cat Ba is favored for nice landscape and excellent natural conditions For many years, Cat Ba NP is an ecological tourist attraction for local people as well as people from around the country and foreigners The number of visitors has increased rapidly This gave rise to conflicts in the relationship between tourism and conservation and sustainable development activities

Stemming from the above reasons, the topic:"Assessment of ecotourism development potential based on biodiversity and landscapes in Cat Ba NP" was chosen as

the topic for the student graduation thesis This study proposes a number of measures to conserve biodiversity and develop local economy, while working to develop sustainable ecotourism

CHAPTER 2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 2.1 Goals

Assessing the potential and current situation of development of ecotourism in Cat Ba

NP based on biodiversity and landscapes, from which to propose solutions to develop ecotourism to exploiting the potential of sustainable ecotourism, to improve the local communities‟ livelihood, and to conserve biodiversity

2.2 Objectives

- To assess the biodiversity and landscapes potentials for ecotourism in developing Cat Ba NP

- To assess status of ecotourism in Cat Ba NP

- To identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats to ecotourism in Cat Ba NP

- To give recommendation for long term development of ecotourism in Cat Ba NP

CHAPTER 3 STUDY SITE 3.1 Geographic location

- The distance from Cat Ba Island to HaiPhong is 45 kilometers to the east, 25 kilometers to the south of Ha Long City and Hanoi city about 150km to the southeast To the north it borders Ha Long Bay, QuangNinh province; the west it borders Cat Hai Island, Cat Hai district, HaiPhong city; the east and south is the East Sea

- Cat Ba island coordinates: 20042‟ – 20054‟ North latitude

3.2 Climate and hydrology

- Cat Ba National Park is located in the tropical monsoon area, influenced many of the coastal line climate - Average annual temperature: 20oC; Average annual precipitation is:

1700 - 1800mm Rainy season from April to November and dry season from December to March next year; Average annual humidity is 85%; April is wettest and January is driest; Average annual evaporation is 700mm per year; monsoon northeast wind from September to March next year, the southeast wind from April to August; an average of 2-3 storm a year

3.3 Topography

- All of Cat Ba island are mountainous areas with elevations between 50-200m, the average slope is 30-40 degrees; the lowest place is Ang Tom, 10-30m below sea-level; the highest place is Cao Vong peak located in the north of the island, about 331m high Main terrain of Cat Ba is limestone alternating with many large and small valleys In terms of mineral resources, in addition to limestone, Cat Ba Island also has valuable mineral water (Xuan Dam commune has hot mineral water mine with temperature of 38oC) Cat Ba‟s typical ecosystems are tropical rain forests on limestone mountains mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass, cave ecosystem, etc

3.4 Geologic characteristics and soil

3.4.1 Geologic characteristics

- Cat Ba area as well as the Northeast Vietnam has a history of lasting geological development, had been a part of the folded structure Caledonia marks the end geosynclinal regime deep sea Karatzia in late Silurian

- The limestone blocks with an average age of carbon Late - Permian (250-280 million years) There is configuration blocks, sometimes stratified pretty thin, gray or white-gray alternating with silicon limestone They are full shape of a Karst domain submerged of sea, due to the impact of surface water and groundwater has created a system of caves in different heights (4 meters, 15 meters and 25 - 30 meters) Due to the activities of the ocean waves has

created waves in all limestone foot of Cat Ba Island and the porches abrasive long shape and narrow surrounded, with the dual wave at 3.5 - 4 meters and 1.0 - 1.5 meters In enclosed areas, the waves also creating of sand accumulates very clean surrounded small islands That's beaches mini very ideal for travel services about sea bathe

3.4.2 Soils

Cat Ba National Park consists of five main types of soil: Red-brown soil Feralit developed on limestone, Soil Feralit sepia slopes capacitors of the foot of a mountain limestone, Soil Feralit fawn develop from the product of weathered limestone mixed, submerged valley soils and soil formed from mangroves

3.5 Fauna and Flora

3.5.1 Flora

According to the survey result of Forest Inventory and Planning Institute has identified 1,585 species, belong to 850 genus, 187 families, 5 flora phyla Which includes number of common agriculture species (245 species), for example: Capsicum undatum, Ipomoea balatas, Ipomoea aquatica, Manihot esculenta, Oryza sativa, Capsicum frutescens, ; and number of species which are from different ecological zones, such as: Hopea odorata, Dipterocarpus alatus, D dyeri, D obtusifolius, Shorea chinensis (Dipterocarpaceae), Keteleeria evelyniana, Pinus caribaea, P merkusssii (Pinaceae), Bauhinia purpurea, Bauhinia variegata, Afzelia xylocarpa (Caesalpiniaceae), Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Zygocactus truncatus (Cactaceae), Callistemon citrinus, Eucalyptus spp (Myrtaceae) and many other species Vascular plant includes 1,561 species, belong to 186 families Group of timber include 408 species, group of medicinal plant includes 661 species, group of edible plant includes 196 species, ornamental plants include 203 species This area has valuable conservation of endemic rare and precious species: some species are not in the list of animals and plants on land adjacent Initial survey results have identified 89 rare and precious species

in the Red Data Book of Vietnam and the world, especially Livistona halongensis

3.5.2 Fauna

- Cat Ba Island has 53 animal species belonging to 18 families with 8 ofordo; 160 species of birds with 46 families belonging to 16 ordo; 46 reptile species with 16 families belonging to 2 ordo; 21 species of amphibians with 5 families belonging to 1 ordo

- Terrestrial animals about 282 species, especially species of golden langur (Trachypithecuspoliocephalus), this is beasts species particularly rare in the world only remains in Vietnam (about 50-60 individuals, according to the IUCN Red List)

- Marine animals: there are 98 species of zooplankton, 196 species of marine fish (including 79 species of reef fish), 177 species of coral,532 species of bottom animals According to survey data of the Institute of Oceanography in HaiPhong, said today there are

900 fish species, 500 species of molluscs, 400 species of crustaceans One of the rare species

of Cat Ba is the large Dolphin, and Dolphin baby In total number of marine species in the area of Cat Ba has found there are 21 rare species, including two species listed in the CITES list, 7 species in the Vietnam Red Book need protected still exist in the region

- With the charm of an awarded nature, biodiversity, geology and the tremendous value in terms of culture, history, ethnicity, Cat Ba will become an attractive destination for travelers domestic and foreign visitors With the title "Biosphere Reserve World" will facilitate to economic development impetus, society in a comprehensive way for Cat Ba island and engage in scientific research networks internationally, support environmental management and biodiversity

3.6 Economy – society

3.6.1 Population and employ

- According to statistics in 1997, the Cat Ba district population is 27,051 people, accounting 1.6% of the total population of the Hai Phong city The average population density

of the district is 80 people/km2

- The number of people in labor age is 10,500 people (1997), 12,000 (2000) and 15,000 people (2010)

- According to the Statistical Office of HaiPhong city, population increase in the area

of Cat Ba Island mainly is natural increase with an average of 0.68%/year (2011), lower than the annual average rate of HaiPhong city and the country Relatively stable population in recent years, the phenomenon of migration freely to the island Total population of the region

as of 2011 was 16,566 people, the proportion of men and women in the past years without significant changes, the percentage of women than men usually a little higher According to statistics in 2011, the percentage of women in the region accounted for 50.69%

Table 3.1: The population situation of the commune,

town in Cat Ba Island

HHs Demography

The birth rate

Death rate

Natural increase rate

3.6.2.1 Production of industrial and handicraft

- The small engineering works, repairing boats, stone production, mineral water, production of building materials, electricity, rapidly developing produce timely service and create Occupations for thousands of workers

- In general, industry and handicraft development less powerful, scattered and focused

in town

3.6.2.3 Economic forests

- Due to the forests area on the island of Cat Ba majority belonging to management area of the national park management board, so the area of forest land in the area of the buffer zone is not much So far, FPU of district was coordination with FPU of NP guided perform some work such as: reforestation focus, scattered plantations, restored forests and forest care

- Cat Ba Island has a forest area of 15,200ha, of which forest land managed by the National Park is 9.800has, remaining 6,400ha is managed by the cooperative Natural wood forest has about 293ha (shrubs forest) Plantations: resinous pine (126ha), Acacia (66ha), Cunminghamialanceolata (30ha), Bamboo (40ha) Currently the investigation planning land and forests have been done well In recent years, the whole island of Cat Ba planted 121 hectares, deforestation is limited

3.6.2.4 Fishery Exploitation

- Cat Hai district has 288 fishing ships with a total capacity of 3120 CV, exploitation output 3944.7 tone of shrimp, fish of all kinds (2011) For offshore fishing ships, fishing grounds mainly are offshore region

3.6.3 Health

Health network is being upgraded to meet the initial requirements of health care in the locality of the island people The commune has Community Health Systems (CHS), each station has to 5-7 medical staff In addition, the district has a district health center in Cat Ba town and a number of privatization health facilities are services to health care, examination and treatment for people The national health program was implemented and performed well,

the state of food safety is improved The epidemics are relatively effective control

CHAPTER 4 METHODOLOGY

This research was conducted between February and October The proposal writing was written up from February to April and the field investigation was from 8th August to 25th From 20th August to 1st October is the period time for data analysis and finish the thesis

4.1 Secondary document review

Before proceed collecting data, the author did write thesis proposal, learn about study area through documents, previous researchs that related to infomations of study area and ecotourism activities such as natural conditions, maps and ecotourism routes map

Step 1: Identify the data required in the research:

- The map of Cat Ba NP

- Information on regional fauna, on ecotourism activities in this NP (rare species, their distribution)

- Humanity resources (folk, culture, tradition)

- Information of ecotourism activities available at the national reserve

Step 2: Inheritance data can be collected from Cat Ba NP Management Board:

- The map of Cat Ba NP

- Fauna and flora in Cat Ba NP

- Information about political-social-national defense of the commune in Cat Ba town

- Information about ecotourism

Step 3: The secondary data need to be collected from outside sources

- Book, newspapers: collecting information related to Cat Ba NP

- Tourism organization

Step 4: Collect secondary documents

Step 5: Detailed study of the collected data values

- Identify the data values

- Compared with the research objectives

- Assess: Identify and classify data; the reliability and topicality of the data

Step 6: Derive the required data gathered from the original data

4.2 Collecting data methods

4.2.1 Preparation

- Prepare useful equipments for collecting data: pen, notebook, maps…

- Identifying preliminary survey transects

- Prepare the questionnaires

Step 3: Develop interview questions with locals and tourists

- For local people: The study has interviewed 40 households of 4 communes in the locality of Cat Ba town, the object interview is the head of households and select randomly The questionnaires focus on identifying natural landscape (caves, waterfall, etc…) and flora and fauna which have potential for ecotourism development In addition, the questionnaire assess tourism activities and gather comments from interviewee about local issues, places are enable for tourism and propose potential tourism line Questionnaires for local people are in Appendix 1

- For tourists: The study has interviewed 60 tourists about travel quality and their expectation of participating in this tour Questionnaires for tourists are in Appendix 2

Step 4: Conduct interviews: When interviewing, the object should be understand the mean of questions, the information needs to be briefly noted

Step 5: Synthetize, analyze and save the collected data

4.2.3 Line transect survey

After obtaining information from secondary documents and interview method, the study conducted field survey by the transect line survey method:

Step 1: Create map for transect lines: In this study, author created 4 transects through

4 main routes in Cat Ba NP: Kim Giao forest- Ngu Lam peak route, Trung Trang- Grottos route, forest education trail, Frog pond- Viet Hai commune… The length of transects from 2

to 3 kilometers

Step 2: Investigate and collect data about the image, geographic location and characteristics of tourism potential, infrastructure, transport, etc

Step 3: Storage, synthesize and analyze, classify collected data

4.3 Assess the potential and advantages to develop ecotourism in Cat Ba NP

Based on the information obtained from natural conditions, socio-economic, infrastructure, the participation of people with tourism to establish the SWOT analysis SWOT analysis is a useful analysis tool to understand research issues, including strengths,weaknesses, opportunities, and threats SWOT analysis creates a holistic view of the issues, from that to see the issues in various ways and toward solving the issues SWOT analyzed as

a 2x2 matrix as table:

Inside (present)

Applying this analysis tool for ecotourism in Cat Ba NP to find out how to exploit ecotourism in a sustainable way in the study site From the above model, applying to the study:

-Strengths are to show the advantages and superiority of Cat Ba NP in the service of ecotourism activities

-Weaknesses are limitations related to infrastructure, the ecotourism organization of Cat Ba NP

-Opportunities are raised facilitate to develop sustainable ecotourism of Cat Ba NP -Threats are predict the negative impact on tourism, landscape, environment and natural resources of Cat Ba NP

4.4 Data analysis

From collected data, process the data into tables to evaluate the information

After conducting fieldwork, synthesize and analyze the advantages and difficulties of the study site

CHAPTER 5 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5.1 Biodiversity and landscapes potentials for ecotourism in Cat Ba NP

5.1.1 Ecological resource potential and landscape value at Cat Ba NP

5.1.1.1 Favorable geographic location

Cat Ba NP is located 45km from Hai Phong City, 150km from Hanoi, and next to the

Ha Long Bay – a World Natural Heritage Site, near Do Son Beach Besides, Hai Phong is the third largest city in the country, is considered as a triangle pole of economic development dynamics: Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh There is an international Airport Cat Bi at 5km from center of Hai Phong city With the intention of expanding in the future, it will be a major advantage for tourism development Therefore, tourists from other places, especially cities in the North, will not take to much time to be able to take a trip and enjoy nature at Cat Ba NP There are two options to come to the Cat Ba NP First way is 45 minute-traveling by high-speed boat from Binh-port (Hai Phong city), go through Ha Long Bay with spectacular and beautiful natural scenery This site is considered as World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO,

to Lan Ha Bay The second way is traveling by car from Dinh Vu Port, go to the Cat Hai port

by ferry Then go to the Cat Ba NP on 31km-paved-road

5.1.1.2 Resources

Cat Ba NP is the Core zone of the World Biosphere Reserve:

On 29th October 2004, at the meeting of International Council of coordinating the program Man and Biosphere in Paris (France), UNESCO recognized officially Cat Ba World Biosphere Reserve with outstanding values, ecosystems and biodiversity, including most of Cat Ba archipelago, with total area of 26,240ha, including 17,040ha of land and 9,200ha of sea surface

According to the research results, Cat Ba area has list of 2,320 species of flora and fauna with island and marine species, including 60 species are considered as rare and precious endemic species in Vietnam Red Data Book such as: Pica Pica, Corvus torquatus, Trachypithecus poliocephalus, Trachypithecus delacouri or Nageia fleuryi, Ardisia silvestris, Chukrasia tabularis, Smilax glabra, Sasa japonica, Madhuca pasquieri Island and marine species has economic value including 8 species of seaweed (Caulerpa racemosa, Sargassum tenerrimum,…), 7 animal species of benthic (Trochus pyramis, Tectus niloticus, Pinctada margaritifera,…), 5 species of reptiles (Eretmochelys imbricata, Caretta caretta, Dermochelys coriacea, Thalassophina viperina, Lepidochelys olivacea), 4 species of seabirds (Phalacrocorax carbo, Platalea minor, Aerodramus brevirostris, Larus pacificus) In Cat Ba beach also discovered 193 species of coral, including 166 species belong to hard coral order, and the rest belong to crawled coral order, soft coral order, keratin coral order Islands such as Ang Tham, Cat Dua, Mui Hong, Ba Trai Dao, Dau Be-Hang Trai, Long Chau has well develop coral reefs, with common depth of 5-6m and no more than 10m

Diverse forest ecosystems

Ecosystem diversity include: Evergreen forest on the limestone ecosystem, alpine wetland forest ecosystem, coastal mangrove ecosystem, sea with coral reefs near the coastal and cave ecosystem, farm located between the valley ecosystem for example at Khe Sau or near the residential areas

Biological resources representative for 3 typical tropical approach tropics ecosystems, include: tropical rain forest on limestone island ecosystem, mangrove ecosystem, and coral reef ecosystem

Figure 5.1 Ngu Lam Peak- Evergreen forest

(Source: Cat Ba NP)

Figure 5.2 Lan Ha Bay- Marine ecosystems

on the limestone ecosystem (Source: Cat Ba NP)

Figure 5.3 Mangrove forest- coastal

mangrove (Source: Nguyen Khanh Toan)

Figure 5.4 Frog Pond- alpine ecosystem forest ecosystem (Source: Cat Ba NP)

According to the survey result of Forest Inventory and Planning Institute has identified 1,585 species, belong to 850 genus, 187 families, 5 flora phyla Which includes

number of common agriculture species (245 species), for example: Capsicum undatum,

frutescens, ; and number of species which are from different ecological zones, such as:

Hopea odorata , Dipterocarpus alatus, D dyeri, D obtusifolius, Shorea chinensis (Dipterocarpaceae), Keteleeria evelyniana, Pinus caribaea, P merkusssii (Pinaceae),

Bauhinia purpurea , Bauhinia variegata, Afzelia xylocarpa (Caesalpiniaceae), Epiphyllum

oxypetalum , Zygocactus truncatus (Cactaceae), Callistemon citrinus, Eucalyptus spp

(Myrtaceae) and many other species Vascular plant includes 1,561 species, belong to 186 families Group of timber include 408 species, group of medicinal plant includes 661 species, group of edible plant includes 196 species, ornamental plants include 203 species This area has valuable conservation of endemic rare and precious species: some species are not in the list of animals and plants on land adjacent Initial survey results have identified 89 rare and precious species in the Red Data Book of Vietnam and the world, especially Livistona halongensis

Fauna include 279 species: 53 mammal species, 160 bird species, 66 species of reptiles and amphibian, 274 species of insect 18 animal species are listed in Red Data Book

of Vietnam and the World, especially Cat Ba Langur is Vietnamese endemic species only live

in Cat Ba, but where else over the world, and Cat Ba eyelid Gecko is new species which was discovered in 2007

Furthermore, island and marine species in Cat Ba archipelago are the most abundant and diverse in the northern islands This area is not only a place where keep and distribute large genetic resources of the Gulf of Tonkin, but has many rare and precious species According to the aquatic survey by the Institute of Aquatic Resources and sea environment in Hai Phong show that there are 1,313 species of marine creatures, include: 51 species of plankton, 105 species of marine fish, 4 species of sea turtle, 3 species of dolphin, 204 species

of benthic, 46 species of coral and 11 species of amphibian This area has also identified 53 species of seaweed, 135 species of phytoplankton, and 754 species of vascular plant In these species, there are 8 species of seaweed and 8 species of benthic are rare and precious in Red Data Book in Vietnam and the World Cat Ba marine creatures also have economic value, high export value, such as: Pinctada margaritifera, Perna viridis, Panopea generosa, Lepidochelys olivacea, Trochus pyramis, Hippocampus histrix, Tachypleus tridentatus, Eretmochelys imbricata Coral reef ecosystem has not only biodiversity, but tourism value also, and aquaculture value

5.1.1.3 Attractive natural scenery

Cat Ba NP attract tourist not only by the abundance of ecosystem, biodiversity with many rare and precious species, but also attract both domestic and foreign visitors by wonderful natural scenery that nature has endowed with ability to exploit tourism development

Sea and beaches

Sea is one of the most important tourism potential in Cat Ba

-Beaches: beaches is not too large, but very beautiful Blue sea, white sand shore, adjacent to the forests, and biodiversity values has attracted annually millions of tourists from other area to tourism, sightseeing and bathing

-The system of sea has the potential to exploit the exciting tourism activities such as: diving, coral and other marine species seeing, kayaking, fishing, and squid fishing…

In addition, sea also plays the role as connection between Cat Ba and Ha Long Bay, create ability to longer travel tours, and product diversified

Figure 5.5 Cat Co 2 Beach (Source: Nguyen Khanh Toan)

Unique limestone island system

Cat Ba archipelago, outside of main island also has other 366 small island with many different shape that make up its own unique landscape, unique habitat as a miniature Ha Long Bay, attract tourists, such as: Lan Ha Bay, Viet Hai Bay, Van Boi area…Many island has strange shape, island shores have jutting nose, concave and steep wall, grooved corrosive foot make the mystery, or create favorable sand for the exploitation and development of mini beaches attach to the islands Most of islands have coral reefs around, and saltwater pools on the islands There is a lot of unexplored potential in this area

Large area of primary forest

Cat Ba NP still remain large area of evergreen forests on limestone, mainly are primary forests In the forest, there are many old trees, can be thousand year and many rare and precious flora and fauna species In addition, there are several forest types such as lowland and near the valley forests, forests on steep rocky mountain, forests on the mountain peak, wetland forests (Frog Pond)

Cave systems

Cat Ba archipelago were formed millions year ago According to geologists, Cat Ba archipelago has karst terrain (limestone), with many interesting caves, for example: The Golden Fruit Cave, Thien Long Cave, Trung Trang, Vem Den, Tien Duc, Cat Co, Cat Dua,

Ba Trai Dao, Van Boi…Many places in which are still in primary condition, beneath the green trees in a charming scenery such as Vem Den, Tien Duc Cave,…

Stream and lake systems

Cat Ba NP has famous stream system, such as: Thuong Luong Stream (Tran Chau commune), Trung Trang Stream, Treo Com Stream

In addition, Cat Ba NP has natural lake on limestone (Frog pond) with total area of approximately 3.5ha, have water all year around, is situated between primary forest Besides,