Cần Giờ Biosphere Reserve (
Vietnamese: ''Khu dự trữ sinh quyển rừng ngập mặn Cần Giờ'') or simply known as Mangrove Forest (''Rừng Sác'') is a
wetland
A wetland is a distinct semi-aquatic ecosystem whose groundcovers are flooded or saturated in water, either permanently, for years or decades, or only seasonally. Flooding results in oxygen-poor ( anoxic) processes taking place, especially ...
located at
the eponymous coastal district that 40 km southeast away from the centre of
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) ('','' TP.HCM; ), commonly known as Saigon (; ), is the most populous city in Vietnam with a population of around 14 million in 2025.
The city's geography is defined by rivers and canals, of which the largest is Saigo ...
. This reserve has been listed as a
biosphere reserve
A nature reserve (also known as a wildlife refuge, wildlife sanctuary, biosphere reserve or bioreserve, natural or nature preserve, or nature conservation area) is a protected area of importance for flora, fauna, funga, or features of geologic ...
by
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) is a List of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world peace and International secur ...
. The site is an important
wildlife sanctuary in
Vietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of about and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's List of countries and depende ...
as it is characterized by a wetland biosystem dominated by
mangrove
A mangrove is a shrub or tree that grows mainly in coastal saline water, saline or brackish water. Mangroves grow in an equatorial climate, typically along coastlines and tidal rivers. They have particular adaptations to take in extra oxygen a ...
and many
rare species
A rare species is a group of organisms that are very uncommon, scarce, or infrequently encountered. This designation may be applied to either a plant or animal taxon, and is distinct from the term ''endangered species, endangered'' or ''threatened ...
.
The forest's area is , with over 150 botanical species.
Biodiversity value
The major habitat types found at Cần Giờ include planted mangroves with 20,000 ha cover, and naturally regenerated mangroves with 7,000 ha. Moreover, there have been a total of 18 molluscs, 27 crustaceans, 45 fish, and three amphibian species recorded at the site.
Saltwater crocodile
The saltwater crocodile (''Crocodylus porosus'') is a crocodilian native to saltwater habitats, brackish wetlands and freshwater rivers from India's east coast across Southeast Asia and the Sundaland to northern Australia and Micronesia. It ha ...
s used to live in the wild here and are now in the protected area. Also,
Dugong
The dugong (; ''Dugong dugon'') is a marine mammal. It is one of four living species of the order Sirenia, which also includes three species of manatees. It is the only living representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae; its closest ...
has been reported to appear seasonally in seagrass beds at the protected area, although these reports have not been confirmed. The intertidal mudflats and sandbanks at the biosphere reserve are an important habitat for migratory shorebirds.
With diverse habitat and biodiversity values, Cần Giờ is considered as the 'green lungs' for Ho Chi Minh City to absorb carbon dioxide and pollutants.
Tourism
Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest and Biosphere Reserve is developed as a special eco-tourism site. Various resources are exploited such as mangroves forest, marine resources, natural rivers, traditional craft villages Thieng Lieng Hamlet salt village, Tam Thon Hiep Commune with bird farming, Long Hoa Commune with fishing. Economically, Can Gio Biosphere Reserve has changed this location from the poorest district of Ho Chi Minh city to a central development tourism area.
Coming to Cần Giờ, visitors can travel to Sac Forest Tourism Area, monkey islands, enjoying the nature and local food here. The best time to travel is from December to March.
Transport
If you want to travel by motorbike, it will allow you to take the initiative to arrange your time. You can hire a motorbike near your hotels, prepare a map and start your journey to Can Gio Island.
You can also travel by bus. From Ben Thanh Market, you catch the bus No.20 and get off at Binh Khanh Ferry. Cross the ferry then continue to take the bus No.90 to Can Gio Island. Remember to announce the driver your next stop, because there is no bus stop in Can Gio Island.
Or you can also go there by car. Travelling by car is the most convenient way to get to Can Gio Island. You can book a Grab car from Ho Chi Minh City Center and reach Can Gio Island in about one hour and a half.
Other documented values
The mangrove forest at Cần Giờ performs many valuable ecological functions, including coastal stabilisation, and protection against
coastal erosion
Coastal erosion is the loss or displacement of land, or the long-term removal of sediment and rocks along the coastline due to the action of Wind wave, waves, Ocean current, currents, tides, wind-driven water, waterborne ice, or other impacts ...
, oil spills and storm surges. The
mangrove forest
Mangrove forests, also called mangrove swamps, mangrove thickets or mangals, are productive wetlands that occur in coastal intertidal zones. Mangrove forests grow mainly at tropical and subtropical latitudes because mangrove trees cannot withsta ...
is a source of fuel wood and construction materials.
Other Documented Values of Can Gio Biosphere Reserve
. Active Travel Vietnam. Retrieved on 2008-11-02]
See also
* Rung Sat Special Zone
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Can Gio Mangrove Forest
Geography of Ho Chi Minh City
Biosphere reserves of Vietnam