CONSERVATION AND EXPLOITATION OF BANG GRASS EFFECTIVE IN PHU MY VILLAGE, VIETNAM

Phu My located in Kien Giang province, South of Vietnam is a small village with the majority of the population made of a Khmer community. The weather conditions are not encouraging for locals due to serious flooding months. The soils and water are comparatively acidic. Therefore, only Bang grass (Lepironia articulate) - an indicator for the wetland habitats and Nang grass (Eleocharis dulcis.) - the main food of an endangered Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) can thrive. Bang grassland area decreased due to the housing problem. To overcome the decrease of Bang grass and conserve this species, the project "Restoration and sustainable exploitation Bang grassland in Phu My, 2004" conducted to help locals make sophisticated handmade products from Bang grass. It is a good way to help the locals to benefit and conserve Bang grass.