The crane emerges as a creature of revered rarity, finding its place in the world's red book. For the Vietnamese, these cranes, also referred as storks, embody symbols of fortitude, longevity, and unwavering fidelity. Vietnam stands as one of the scarce Southeast Asian countries where these majestic birds reside.
In 1986, during a comprehensive survey of waterfowl ecosystems, Vietnamese scientists, including those from the Center for Natural Resources and Environment at Hanoi University (now the National University), made a joyous discovery. A flock of cranes had chosen Tram Chim, then part of the Tram Chim Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Company, as their habitat-a quintessential locale within the Dong Thap Muoi region.
Subsequently, a surge of conservation efforts ensued, marked by provincial and central decisions. This dedication culminated in Tram Chim being designated as "National Wetland Nature Reserve", encompassing 7,313 hectares. From February 2, 2012, this wetland earned global recogni- tion as a precious heritage of humanity-the first Ramsar wetland in the Mekong Delta, the fourth in Vietnam, and the 2,000th worldwide.
Every year, Tram Chim eagerly anticipates the return of crane season, where these revered guests grace the region with their presence amidst melaleuca forests, grassy expanses, and ghost rice fields. However, with the passage of time, the once-abundant cranes have dwindled, absent from the landscape since 2021.
In a bid to revive this dwindling population, Tram Chim commits to cherishing each flying crane, ensuring future generations can witness the beauty of this precious bird. Years of dedicated research by authorities and scientists have culminated in "the Sarus Crane Conservation and Development Project for the period 2022-2032", boasting practical solutions to rejuvenate this dwindling population.