Southernmost Ca Mau province has decided to establish a 27,000-ha marine reserve to protect and conserve aquatic resources, according to the provincial People’s Committee.

The reserve will include a 3,000ha strictly protected zone, a 11,230ha ecological restoration zone, 3,970ha service/administrative zone and a 9,000ha buffer zone.

It also aims to protect rare and endangered species and species with economic and scientific values, the environment and ecosystem; and promote sustainable eco-tourism development.

It will preserve marine biodiversity associated with sustainable eco-tourism development, improve the livelihoods of local fishing communities, contribute to the development of the marine economy, and strengthen the role of communities in preserving and developing marine biodiversity.