Kien Giang has reportedly gained encouraging outcomes in conserving rare animal and plant genetic resources to serve socio-economic development, a plan this Mekong Delta province implemented between 2014 and 2020.
As a result of the plan implementation, 83 potential and valuable genetic resources were identified, with 61 subject to conservation during the period, the provincial Department of Science and Technology said.
Most of the protected plant genetic resources belong to the species that are economically valuable and associated with local collective trademarks such as the Tac Cau pineapple, Bong Sung sweet potato, Ba Ho durian, Hoa Thuan mangosteen, Phu Quoc peppercorn, and Ha Tien peppercorn.
They also include herbal plants widely used in traditional medicine like “mat nhan” (Eurycoma Longifolia), “ha thu o” (Polygonum multiflorum Thunb), “kim that” (Gynura procumbens), and “thien nien kien” (Rhizoma Homalomenae occultae).
Meanwhile, the conservation of animal genetic resources has been focused on aquatic species with high economic value such as the cobia (Rachycentron canadum), seahorse, “ca chach lau” (Mastacembelus favus), and “ca that lat” (Notopterus notopterus).
Endemic species like “lan bau ruou” (Calanthe rubens Ridl) and the Phu Quoc spring catfish have also benefited from the conservation plan.
The local administration has approved some genetic resources like “bi ky nam” (Hydnophytum formicarum Jack), “ghe xanh” (Portunus armatus), mud clam (Geloina coaxans), and blood cockle (Anadara granosa) for researching and building commercial farming process.
Besides, the Ministry of Science and Technology approved the precious genetic resource of the Phu Quoc ridgeback for preservation, which was listed as a national-level task.
Conservation efforts have helped recover and save some genetic resources, thus maintaining and capitalising on the rare and valuable ones for agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and medicine, the Kien Giang department noted.
It added that the successful conservation has proved useful for not only protecting biodiversity but also creating competitive products in the local market and for export.
Source: Vietnam News Agency