ABSTRACT
Vietnam wetlands consist of inland and coastal wetlands, inhabited by many rare and endangered species, as well as a source of income for the local population. It is estimated that there are more than 12 million hectares of wetlands distributed from north to south, from the mountains to the coast and islands. Of those, five areas are the most important wetlands including: Red river delta, central coastal and lagoons, Mekong delta, lakes and ponds and others. The country has put a lot of effort into managing and conserving the wetlands. Vietnam joined the Ramsar Convention in 1989 with a strong commitment by establishing 8 Ramsar sites to date. Vietnam has also developed several legal documents for wetland management and conservation, while building its capacity for implementing wetlands related policies mechanisms. Several wetland management models have also been developed and applied in different types of wetlands and wetland protected areas. Nevertheless, the wetlands are under degradation in both quality and quantity due to a number of threats and challenges from natural and human causes. This paper presents the general status of wetlands in Vietnam and their current management practice at all levels, as well as future challenges.
