On 20/5, an inter-agency delegation from Vinh Long province visited Gia Kiet hamlet, Tra Con commune, to survey the bird garden and discuss urgent protection measures.

Mr. Hai Chia (far left) inspecting the garden with authorities. *Photo: An Binh*

Over two decades ago, Mr. Hai Chia's family cultivated their 1,8 ha garden naturally. This approach gradually attracted numerous bird and stork species, prompting the family to designate it as a sanctuary for wild birds.

The garden currently hosts an estimated 5,000-6,000 individual birds and storks, including species like mynahs, night herons, egrets, glossy ibises, and darters. Notably, over 2,000 Asian openbills, a rare stork species strictly protected under the Red Book, reside there.

However, in recent years, poaching has become a frequent problem in the area. Mr. Hai Chia, whose wife passed away and whose children live far away, found himself unable to protect the birds alone, leading him to repeatedly seek government intervention.

For many years, thousands of birds and storks have taken refuge in Mr. Hai Chia's garden. *Photo: An Binh*

Mr. Hai Chia noted that increased patrols by police and local forces, prompted by media and social media attention, have led to a decrease in poaching. The 80-year-old farmer expressed his hope for long-term provincial solutions to protect the bird population, supporting both educational initiatives and biodiversity conservation.

Nguyen Van Nhieu, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tra Con commune, stated that while the local authorities support maintaining the Hai Chia bird garden, limited resources necessitate provincial assistance for its management and protection.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Be Nam, Deputy Head of the Economic Police Department of Vinh Long Provincial Police, met with Mr. Hai Chia's family. He conveyed that Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Minister of Public Security, has directed relevant units and the provincial police to swiftly investigate and strictly penalize bird poaching.

Lieutenant Colonel Nam confirmed that eight suspects were questioned, and they initially admitted to hunting birds near the garden. The provincial police will continue their investigation, enforce regulations, and collaborate on a plan to prevent wildlife poaching.

Mr. Hai Chia's family garden provides a home for thousands of birds and storks. *Photo: An Binh*

Thach Boi, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture - Sports and Tourism of Vinh Long province, identified the Hai Chia bird garden as a unique ecological highlight with significant potential for local tourism development.

"The department will develop a tourism project for this bird garden," Boi stated.

Tran Truong Giang, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Vinh Long province and head of the delegation, announced that the province plans to mobilize community resources to enhance the bird garden's protection. This includes reinforcing fences, installing security cameras, and monitoring high-risk areas.

An Binh