Xuan Thuy National Park

Being the home to many important species, Xuan Thuy National Park plays an important role in preserving ecological system and developing eco-tourism of the Red River Delta.

An overview
Located in the Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh Province, Xuan Thuy National Park was declared Vietnam's first Ramsar site of Vietnam in January 1989. More than one quarter of the park's 12,000ha is covered with mangroves that support many aquatic species - including fish, crustaceans and molluscs. These species provide food and livelihoods for the poor, local people of the area. The park houses the “Cá Mòi Co” (Clupanodon thrissa), a fish listed in Vietnam's Red Book as vulnerable and at risk of extinction. It is also recognized as a platform for migratory water birds, including the “Cò thìa” (Black-faced Spoon-Bill), and eight other listed endangered species.
The Biodiversity
To date, more than 200 bird species have been recorded at Xuan Thuy. The site is the most important staging and wintering area for migratory waterbirds in the coastal zone of the Red River Delta. It regularly supports large numbers of commoner migratory waterbird species, including Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank and Eurasian Curlew. Many rare species can also be found at Xuan Thuy, including the largest wintering population of Black-faced Spoonbill in Vietnam, with around 60 birds each winter in recent years. Other rare species that regularly occur at the site include Saunders's Gull, Spotted Greenshank, Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Asian Dowitcher. In addition to its importance for waterbirds, Xuan Thuy is also an important migratory stop-over for non-waterbirds, with large numbers of passerines and cuckoos passing through the site during the spring and autumn migrations. During the summer months, small numbers of Painted Stork and Spot-billed Pelican occur as non-breeding visitors.
The park has a rich, biodiverse coastal wetland environment that is home to about 110 aquatic plant species, 500 species of benthos and zooplankton. Many aquatic species of high economic value, like shrimps, fish, crabs and oysters, are also found in the area. Fish, shrimps and crabs provide the main income of the local community.
The tourism
As a staging and wintering site on the East Asian-Australian flyway, the best time to visit Xuan Thuy is September to April. In August and September, it is still possible to see non-breeding Painted Stork, as well as early migrants, such as Black-winged Stilt. Later, from October onwards, it relatively easy to find wintering Black-faced Spoonbills, particularly at their roost sites in the shrimp ponds.
In Xuan Thuy National Park, you can ask for the assistance from park staff, who know the site very well and are able to show us where to watch particular bird species. It will be so good if you can get a guide from the park. Basically, you can take the hiking routes or boating routes to the sites of interest. It means that you can travel by foot to some places of interest; or you can only be reached by boat at high tide.
Hiking Routes: Walking through the natural and artificial habitats along the dike system in Con Ngan Island, where the park headquarters is located. Especially, in the high tide time, you can find numerous bird roosting in the shrimp ponds, including Black-faced Spoonbill, gulls, ducks and waders.
Boating Routes: In the high tide time, you can get boat to reach the offshore mudflats and sandy flats, where Spoon-billed Sandpiper can be found among large flocks of waders. An alternative boat route involves visiting Con Xanh island, which supports some Casuarina forest, where is very suitable for the migrating non-waterbirds. In the island, you can find the pittas and other passerines during migrating season. Another way, you can take boat to the off shore mudflats and sandy flats areas of Giao Xuan Commune, where is the best area for watching the shorebirds. In this site, you can find big flocks of waders and especially Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordmann's Greenshank, many species of gulls including Saunders's Gull, duck species and sometime Black-faced Spoonbill and Black-headed Ibis.


The preservation matter
In terms of preservation matter, Xuan Thuy National Park has the following objectives and tasks:
+ To preserve the typical submerged land ecological system of the Red river-mouth region, the specific fauna and flora species of the submerged land ecological system, especially aquatic species, water birds and migration birds.
+ To build material and technical bases in service of training, scientific research, environmental education and eco-tourist development, thus contributing to socio-economic development and creating jobs for local population communities.
+ To serve scientific research, environmental education and eco-tourist development.
+ To maintain Xuan Thuy National Park as a Ramsar site through conservation of biodiversity and responsible fisheries.
+ To raise public awareness and also recognized local community efforts in the conservation of Xuan Thuy National Park, the sustainable and wise-use of the park's resources, and responsible fisheries and management.
Xuan Thuy National Park is the pride for local people in their wetlands area, its relevance as a Ramsar site, its importance for their eco-tourist development...


Note for Birding: best time for bird watching in Xuan Thuy National park from September this year till April next year. The birds watching activities are depending a lot on the weather and surrounding factors.



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Ecotourism Guidelines For Responsible Travelers

The conscious attitude, actions, participation and interactions on the part of the individual traveler directly affect the outcome for all involved. As a thoughtful and responsible traveler there are several things you can do before, during and after your journey to ensure the experience is in line with the values of "ecotourism" and minimize your impact on the host country. It is far easier to simply go on vacation as an uninformed tourist but making the choice to be an informed traveler can have far reaching impacts on the world around us. The more you put into your trip the more you'll get out of it. The following is a code of conduct for responsible travelers.
1) Prepare for your trip:
Educate yourself about your destination. Be on the lookout for news and current events about the area. Learn about local history, customs and culture as well as vital ecosystems. Learn at least the basics of the local language. A simple hello, please or thank you goes a long way. Approach travel with the desire to learn rather than just observe.
2) Respect local traditions and etiquette:
Wear clothing that is accepted by the local culture. Be aware of people's sensitivity to being photographed; always ask first. Observe local customs. Be perceptive of your own cultural values and how they affect your judgment of others. Remember that you are the visitor. There are many different concepts of time, personal space, communication etc. which are not wrong or inferior, just different. Act as an example for other travelers who are less informed than you.
3) Avoid ostentatious display of wealth:
What may not seem a display of wealth to you may be considered extravagant by another culture. For example, a camera hanging around your neck or something as simple as a wristwatch or wedding band. Tuck these items away when visiting rural communities. Leave jewelry and other unnecessary valuables at home. They only create barriers and inhibit genuine interactions. Don't hand out sweets and loose change, this only serves to corrupt and create a begging mentality where none existed before.
4) Be flexible in your expectations:
Approach your adventure with an open mind and you won't be disappointed. Sometimes plans change and an opportunity for more in-depth learning or a unique cultural experience presents itself. Adapt yourself to the situation rather than trying to adapt the situation to you.
5) Conserve resources:
Often times the resources in an area visited by tourists are under a great deal of pressure already. Be aware of the resources that are being used because of your visit. This includes your personal consumption of items like water and wood for building fires or specialty foods that had to be transported from afar. Don't allow your guide to hunt endangered or threatened species or harvest rare plants for your consumption. A large luxury hotel in the middle of nowhere takes far more resources to build and maintain than does a small family run inn.
6) Practice environmental minimum impact:
Follow the International Leave No Trace Rules. Pack out everything that you bring in including toilet paper (if there is no toilet) or plastic water bottles (use purification tablets or a filter). Go to the bathroom at least 200 feet (70 paces) from any water source. Remove litter that others left behind. Do not remove any objects, plants or animal products from nature. Be aware of local endangered or threatened species so as not to purchase souvenirs made from their skin, feathers etc. Not only is this impactful on the environment but it is illegal.
7) Choosing a tour operator or guide:
Thoroughly research your tour operator or guide by asking them pointed questions about specifically what they do that is "eco" and how they involve the local communities and economies. The "greening of tourism" has led companies to promote themselves as "eco" simply to sell trips. The larger the company with more luxurious accommodations, the less likely it is to be true ecotourism. Be persistent in your inquiries of an international or local tour operator.
8) Support local economies:
How will your visit directly benefit the local economy or entire community? This is an integral part of true ecotourism. Use local transportation, guides, inns, restaurants and markets. This helps create a buffer zone for the environment surrounding protected natural areas by giving locals an economic alternative to potentially destructive practices. Community based ecotourism spreads the wealth and workload.
9) Bridging cultural gaps:
Take the opportunity to be a cultural ambassador. Much of the world's image of western tourists is based on the unrealities of television and magazines. Look for situations for cultural exchange whereby learning about each other's lives is mutual. Getting to know the person sitting next to you on a local bus or the person cooking your food takes some effort but is often a rewarding experience.
10) Continued ecotourism:
Ecotourism doesn't need to end with your flight home. Follow through on your commitment to conservation in your everyday life. Share your experiences with others to foster a greater understanding of our world. You will have seen and learned much from your journey. While it is still fresh in your heart and mind take action using the various agencies, grassroots organizations and resources available to you. (Source: Untamedpath)

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"Leave No Trace" Principles



Plan Ahead and Prepare
+ Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
+ Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
+ Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
+ Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
+ Repackage food to minimize waste.
+ Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
+ Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
+ Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
+ Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
In popular areas:
+ Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
+ Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
+ Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
In pristine areas:
+ Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
+ Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

Dispose of Waste Properly
+ Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
+ Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
+ Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
+ To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

Leave What You Find
+ Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
+ Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
+ Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
+ Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches
Minimize Campfire Impacts
+ Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
+ Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
+ Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
+ Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife
+ Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
+ Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
+ Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
+ Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
+ Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors
+ Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
+ Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
+ Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
+ Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
+ Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises
(Source: Int, for futher "Leave No Trace" Principles, visit website: Int)

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