Carbon stores from Con Dao forests and seas
As an offshore archipelago with 16 large and small islands with a total area of over 75km2, Con Dao Special Zone is not only a famous tourist destination but also a natural treasure trove with a rich forest and marine ecosystem. There are a total of more than 6,462 hectares of forest and forestry land, of which nearly 93% are natural forests.
According to statistics, the average timber reserve in Con Dao's natural forests is more than 130 m3/ha, contributing to the formation of a large-scale "carbon tank" with a total reserve of nearly 430,000 tons. At the same time, the marine component is also capable of storing more than 300 tons of carbon; and 15 tons on marine grass. To optimize the potential, Con Dao strengthens forest protection, minimizing illegal exploitation of forest and marine resources. In addition, it is necessary to promote forest planting and marine ecosystem recovery projects.
This not only increases the area of the carbon "reservoir" but also contributes to coastal protection, anti- exchange and creating habitats for aquatic species. Notably, the restoration of marine grass needs special attention, because this is one of the ecosystems with the highest storage capacity (more than many times than in forests on land), creating a "green carbon" for the ocean, bringing many other benefits such as biodiversity, water quality and livelihood.
Developing a green economy from carbon credits and tourism
With high carbon reserves and the current trend of increasing forest area, Con Dao is eligible to participate in the voluntary carbon credit mechanism. Con Dao National Park is pioneering in this field, implementing measures to protect, restore, and develop forests and marine environment.
Mr. Nguyen Khac Pho - Director of Con Dao National Park - commented that the implementation of the carbon credit model is one of the urgent requirements and tasks for sustainable development, climate change response and living environment protection in Con Dao.
"Con Dao has special advantages with great potential for marine forests and eco-tourism. Integrating conservation work with tourism development will create a circular economic model, both protecting the environment and bringing economic benefits to the people. However, it is necessary to develop specific solutions and roadmaps to preserve, exploit appropriately and contribute to growth," said Mr. Pho.
The correct assessment of the potential for carbon credits in Con Dao is one of the important bases for developing and implementing a circular economy project, making Con Dao a model of green development and sustainable growth. Contributing to the implementation of Vietnam's international commitment to achieving net emissions of "0" by 2050.
