Aquatic Biodiversity of the 6 main lakes of Hanoi city and the necessity of its conservation

1. Hanoi city was built up on the wetland landscape of the Red River delta therefore it has a network of many lakes and rivers. 2. The aquatic biodiversity (Macrophytes, Invertebrates, Fishes, Vertebrates) of the 6 main lakes (Ho Tay, Hoan Kiem, Bay Mau, Giang Vo, Dong Da, Thanh Nhan) are rich and diverse. It represents the patterns of Red River delta one's. Many rare and endangered species are found in these lakes Particularly a giant freshwater turtle species in Hoan Kiem lake. 3. All of these lakes are more or less polluted. Their environments are seriously degrading both in water quality and aquatic biodiversity. 4. Based on socio-economical and cultural role of these lakes of Hanoi city, it is very necessary to preserve and to restore their environments and aquatic biodiversity: water Pollution control, landscape planning, making roads around the lakes and erosion control for their banks, legislation measures, rational exploitation of aquatic biodiversity, restoration the artificial wetlands with macrophytes.