We left Tam Ky one morning, when the first rays of sunlight were just pouring down on the streets. Less than 5 km to the East, the noisy urban scene quickly receded, giving way to a strangely peaceful and quiet beauty.
Lost in the maze
The car stopped at a small wharf, where rustic lotus huts reflected their shadows and rows of green reeds swayed in the wind, as if welcoming visitors.
Before our eyes was a vast, tranquil, winding body of water stretching through the areas once known as Tam Thang, Tam Phu communes and An Phu ward of Tam Ky city, old Quang Nam province.
Here, the locals still affectionately call it "Dam River" - a name that evokes closeness and affection for the unique "green lung" in the heart of the city. Called a river, but in fact this is a large lake with a water surface area of about 200 hectares, without upstream or downstream, the water surface is calm all year round.
Stork - a bird listed in the Vietnam Red Book, living in Dam River
Sitting on a small boat, we gently glided on the Dam River, feeling every breath of nature in the pure air. All around, the reed beds taller than a person created a lush, magical green maze. Interspersed with it were the purple of water hyacinth, the pink of lotus, the pure white of water lilies, all adding to the poetic beauty of the water surface.
The rows of water coconut trees planted by local people and authorities are now green and lush, becoming ideal pieces, blending beautifully into the colorful ink painting.
The vigorous vitality of the vegetation here has attracted countless species of birds to reside. We easily encountered flocks of white storks flying in the blue sky, looking for food, playing next to farmers' plows; herons and pelicans leisurely strolling on the paved area looking for food, or perching on water hyacinths and lotuses preening their feathers.
Just a small noise, the whole flock of birds scrambled, flying up into the air, creating a spectacular scene, making us feel like we were lost in the U Minh forest of the Mekong Delta. The scene was not only beautiful but also brought a strange feeling of relaxation and peace.
Unique ecosystem
The attraction of Dam River comes not only from its poetic beauty but also from its extremely diverse and rich ecosystem, considered a precious treasure of nature.
According to a recent survey by the research team of the Vietnam Museum of Nature, Dam River is home to 81 species of vertebrates, including 33 species of fish, 1 species of eel, 16 species of reptiles, frogs and especially 31 species of birds; 214 species of invertebrates and 211 species of insects; 170 species of higher plants, characterized by submerged plants.
Lotus flowers are cared for and grown by Tam Thang 1 Agricultural Cooperative, adding to the beauty of Dam River.
Notably, in recent years, Dam River has also become a resting place for thousands of storks - a rare bird species listed in the Vietnam Red Book. Their presence not only enriches the natural life but also turns this place into an ideal place for those who love bird watching and immersing themselves in the poetic and charming scenery.
Realizing the importance and value of Dam River, in recent years, Tam Ky City has been implementing many key tasks to manage, conserve and restore the biodiversity ecosystem.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Nam, former Vice Chairman of Tam Ky City People's Committee, said that recently, the locality has stepped up propaganda work to protect aquatic resources, control water sources entering Dam River, and strictly handle cases of using electric shock to illegally catch aquatic products and hunt wild and migratory birds.
Many native tree species such as sesame, reed, water coconut, cajuput, Indian laurel, candleberry... have been replanted, contributing to creating a cool green belt and protecting the environment. Every year, the locality releases thousands of fish of all kinds to diversify aquatic resources, contributing to restoring the natural balance.
Thanks to these tireless efforts, the Dam River ecosystem has undergone positive changes. The green area has increased significantly, the water surface is cleaner, and aquatic resources have gradually recovered. What is valuable is that the awareness of local people has also changed.
Mr. Phan Dinh Ngo, head of Vinh Binh village, said that in recent years, more shrimp and fish have returned to Dam River, and the landscape has also recovered to be greener. Notably, under the close supervision of the authorities and the participation of local people, the use of electric shock to catch aquatic products or hunt birds seems to no longer exist.
Rough jade waiting to be polished
Dam River is not only beautiful because of its natural scenery but also attracts tourists because it offers unique eco -tourism experiences with a strong local character.
Many tourists coming to Bai Say area of Dam river were excited to act like real fishermen, casting nets to catch fish, witnessing traditional traps placed among lotus, water lily, and water hyacinth areas. Each harvest, joy bursts when fresh batches of fish and shrimp are pulled up, bringing many new experiences.
Flocks of white storks fly and play with farmers plowing the fields
It is not only an entertainment activity but also a way for tourists to better understand the daily life and traditional fishing methods of local people.
Mr. Bui Viet Phuong, Director of Tam Thang 1 Agricultural Cooperative, a pioneer in ecotourism on Dam River, said that in recent years, more tourists have come to Dam River. However, Dam River is still very wild, without many products and services to attract and retain visitors. To develop tourism systematically, he said that more and synchronous investment is needed.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Nam said that the orientation in the tourism development project of Tam Ky in the period of 2021 - 2025, with a vision to 2030, is to connect the Dam River ecosystem with the historical relic of Ky Anh Tunnels, to create an eco-tourism experience area associated with indigenous values, aiming to turn Bai Say of Dam River into a local branded eco-tourism and experience destination.
According to Mr. Nam, when the two-level local government comes into operation, local leaders here need to continue to recommend to the city to focus on developing Dam River tourism according to the set direction, because this is truly a rough gem, if polished carefully, it will shine.
Green Lung
As the afternoon falls, the Dam River's surface turns a gentle orange-yellow, birds return to their nests, and oars gently splash on the water, leaving small ripples that gradually dissipate.
I understand that this peace does not come naturally, but is the result of love for the homeland, from changes in perception and action of each person here.
With its rich flora and fauna and its role as a "green lung" regulating the air for the whole region, Dam River plays an important role in the general planning of Tam Ky City (old) until 2030, with a vision to 2050, aiming to build a modern, environmentally friendly ecological urban area. Dam River is oriented to become a center for preserving, conserving and rescuing ornamental creatures not only in the old Quang Nam province but also in the Central Highlands region.
The old Tam Ky City government once proposed to establish a national Dam River Wetland and Biodiversity Conservation Area, as well as build a Biodiversity Museum in this area.
Dam River seems to be always quiet, but it carries many messages from the past, present vitality and aspirations for the future.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/yen-a-song-dam-196250712193648781.htm
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