Under a decision signed by Vice Chairman Phan Thai Binh, the reserve and its buffer zone will include nearly 22,000 hectares of marine waters and over 1,600 hectares of islands, divided into strictly protected, restoration, service-administrative and buffer zones.
Formerly under Hoi An City of Quang Nam Province, the reserve is now administratively part of Tan Hiep Commune in Danang following a merger.
According to Danang authorities, the move aims to conserve ecosystems, ensure sustainable resource use, support community livelihoods and safeguard maritime security around Cu Lao Cham.
By 2030, Danang plans to complete legal and boundary frameworks, establish integrated management, develop eco-tourism, strengthen fire prevention, protect natural forests and restore degraded habitats.
The city will strictly protect key ecosystems, update biodiversity data on endangered species and expand community livelihoods and eco-tourism linked to conservation.
The roadmap schedules boundary demarcation and habitat restoration in 2026-2027, forest enrichment in 2028-2029, and by 2030, benefit-sharing and long-term conservation and community eco-tourism management.
Cu Lao Cham boasts rich biodiversity, with over 620 plant species and 356 hectares of coral reefs hosting hundreds of fish and invertebrate species vital to fisheries and ecological balance.
