The dried out trees in front of the entrance to Thien Cung Cave, Halong Bay, following Typhoon Yagi. — VNA/VNS Photo
QUANG NINH: Experts from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources will be assessing the effects of super typhoon Yagi on the vegetation of the limestone islands in Halong Bay.
The bay's management board has invited the institure under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to survey, evaluate the current situation and advise on solutions for sustainable conservation and enhancement of the bay's values.
In the wake of the powerful storm that made landfall on Sept 7, many trees on the limestone mountains in the world-renowned bay were uprooted, broken, and dried out.
The huge amount of dried leaves and branches poses a high risk of fires, especially as the dry season approaches.
Experts have recommended fire prevention measures -- including placing of fire prohibition signs and fire prevention notices -- in high-risk areas such as Dau Go - Thien Cung Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and Ti Top Island, which are also popular tourist spots.
According to the findings from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, 100 per cent of the trees on the limestone mountains in the Dau Go - Thien Cung Cave and Hang So - Ba Hang (Three Caves) areas were affected, with 70 per cent having the potential to recover and 30 per cent unable to recover due to being uprooted.
In the Vung Vieng area, 70-80 per cent of the trees shed their leaves and were damaged.
In areas such as Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Hang Co Cave, Me Cung Cave, and Soi Sim, many trees had broken branches or tops, but only a few were uprooted, and most had a high potential for recovery.
Trees in the Tien Ong - Cua Van area were mostly intact, with 15 Halong palms developing normally. After the storm, many trees have begun to sprout green shoots and new leaves, but it will take four-six months before signs of recovery become fully visible.
The assessment revealed that the reduction in vegetation cover on the limestone mountains will negatively affect some endemic plant species and those with landscape value in Halong Bay, such as the Halong cycad, Halong palm, slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum concolor), and bong moc (Sinoradlkofera minus).
Additionally, it will have a detrimental impact on the habitat of wildlife species, particularly affecting the living environment of certain bird and reptile species, as well as the regular food supply for the Macaca mulatta monkeys living on the islands in the heritage area.
These challenges highlight the need for effective solutions to restore the green landscape on Halong Bay's limestone mountains as soon as possible.
Vu Kien Cuong, head of the bay's management board, said that it might take up to 10 years for the green covers to be fully restored among the bay's various islands. — Vietnam News/ANN
