Peatlands in the Mekong River Delta (MRD) included seasonally inundated peat
marshes and forest swamps. The peat-swamps were covered mostly by
mixed-species forests at the dome. They showed the ecology of compositional and
structural diversity, with predominant Melaleuca forests in surrounding lower
topography, while the other patches of sparse marshes covered mainly by many
grass species. Under naturally, as well as being characteristic of the wetlands
landscape, peat-swamps and other peat marshes are wet, nutrient-poor environments,
unusual assemblages of ecosystems, habitats, and species adapted to these
conditions.
In the past, the ecological functions and values of peatland had not been given
much attention. Peat materials were considered as minerals were exploited for
various uses, as a result, the area of peatland was degraded and significantly reduced
by mining, conversion to agricultural land, and forest fires. Some peatland areas
Fig. 29.1 Peat-swamp in U Minh region and in ancient abandoned rivers courses in the plain of
reeds and long xuyen quadrangle, MRD (Sources: CTU and UAF 1994; Ngo et al. 2010; Nhan
1996; Nhan et al. 1996, 1998)
29 Management of Peatland in the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam
777
marshes and forest swamps. The peat-swamps were covered mostly by
mixed-species forests at the dome. They showed the ecology of compositional and
structural diversity, with predominant Melaleuca forests in surrounding lower
topography, while the other patches of sparse marshes covered mainly by many
grass species. Under naturally, as well as being characteristic of the wetlands
landscape, peat-swamps and other peat marshes are wet, nutrient-poor environments,
unusual assemblages of ecosystems, habitats, and species adapted to these
conditions.
In the past, the ecological functions and values of peatland had not been given
much attention. Peat materials were considered as minerals were exploited for
various uses, as a result, the area of peatland was degraded and significantly reduced
by mining, conversion to agricultural land, and forest fires. Some peatland areas
Fig. 29.1 Peat-swamp in U Minh region and in ancient abandoned rivers courses in the plain of
reeds and long xuyen quadrangle, MRD (Sources: CTU and UAF 1994; Ngo et al. 2010; Nhan
1996; Nhan et al. 1996, 1998)
29 Management of Peatland in the Mekong River Delta of Vietnam
777