Amidst the increasing disappearance of wild birds by net traps and hunting rifles, the move of Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee to strengthen the protection of Mr. Hai Chia's bird garden in Tra Con commune is a very welcome sign.
Protecting a bird garden is not only keeping a few flocks of storks and hawksbills, but also keeping a part of the ecosystem, biodiversity and keeping the "green lungs" for the Mekong Delta countryside.
In recent days, information that many birds have died suspected of being hunted at Hai Chia bird garden has caused many people to feel sorry.
On average, about 5-10 birds are hunted each day, showing that the situation of wildlife encroachment has been silent and persistent.
Vinh Long provincial authorities have directed to strengthen patrols, publicize hotlines, and strictly handle illegal hunting acts.
In particular, assigning grassroots police to review subjects at risk of wildlife violations is a very necessary solution.
Because reality shows that wild bird hunting in many localities is no longer a small-scale spontaneous act. Many people set up nets, use sound to lure birds, use homemade guns to hunt and catch them in large numbers and then sell them to pubs or consumption bosses.
Hai Chia bird garden has survived to this day largely thanks to the enthusiasm of local people, especially Mr. Le Van Chia.
But an 80-year-old cannot alone protect a vast habitat from increasingly sophisticated hunting.
Therefore, we cannot let the bird keeper be lonely in the encirclement of net traps and greed.
A noteworthy point in the direction of Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee is the orientation of linking conservation with the development of ecotourism, this is a very correct direction.
People see that wild birds bring tourism value, creating sustainable livelihoods, they will have more motivation to protect them instead of hunting.
A well-preserved bird garden can become an attractive destination, creating jobs for the local community through tourism services, homestays, cuisine and natural experiences.
But to do that, it is necessary to solve the current "bottlenecks". Bird gardens are not yet in the planning of forestry land, so it is difficult to apply conservation support policies.
The forest ranger force is still thin while the area is large and complex.
Therefore, it is necessary to soon study appropriate legal mechanisms to effectively protect community bird gardens and natural bird gardens preserved by people for many years.
At the same time, it is necessary to strictly handle acts of hunting, transporting, and trading illegal wild birds.
A countryside without birdsong will be a countryside that loses the soul of nature.
