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August 4, 2025
Protect the water for the birds, keep it clean for ourselves.
In the past, the water in Van Long Lake was so clear that you could see schools of small fish swimming beneath the floating plants. But one year, the water changed color. Lotus leaves withered early, fewer birds appeared, fish became scarce, and some indicator insect species, such as the giant water bug, nearly disappeared.

Một vùng đất lặng lẽ nhưng không hề tĩnh lặng

Nằm cách Hà Nội khoảng 82km, khu bảo tồn Vân Long trải rộng trên diện tích hơn 2736 ha, là vùng đất ngập nước lớn nhất vùng đồng bằng Bắc Bộ. Vân Long không có tiếng động cơ ồn ào, cũng không có dòng người tấp nập. Ở đây, bạn chỉ nghe tiếng mái chèo khua nhẹ, tiếng chim gọi nhau giữa không trung, và đâu đó là tiếng lá xào xạc vọng lại từ dãy núi đá vôi kỳ vĩ.

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We, the people of Tap Ninh, immediately knew something was wrong. We discussed it with the Gia Van Commune authorities. The entire village worked together to clean up trash along the banks, collecting plastic bottles and bags left by visitors. Many households stopped using chemical pesticides and switched to growing organic lotus vegetables. The commune also coordinated with a nearby factory, requiring proper wastewater treatment. On one occasion, Mr. Ty — a veteran boatman — even recorded unusual foaming water and reported it to the commune immediately.

Gradually, the lake water became clear again. The lotus bloomed, the herons returned, and fish spawned among the aquatic plants. Visitors increased, yet the villagers still reminded each other: "This water not only nourishes the birds and fish, but also nurtures our own hearts."

Whenever tourists ask, "Why is the water so clean here?" we simply smile and say: "Because our village knows how to protect it. If each person does their part, the water will heal itself."

Van Long welcomes you!

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