Highway may ruin nature parks, say greens HANOI - The construction of Vietnam's second major north-south highway could have a devastating environmental impact, according to conservation groups. The route passes through a number of protected areas, including a national park inaugurated by the father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and another awaiting listing by the UN as a World Heritage Site. Frank Momberg, of Fauna and Flora International, said environmentalists recognised the economic importance of the highway but would urge Vietnamese authorities to re-route some sections to avoid some of the country's most pristine natural areas. "As it's currently planned, it cuts through at least 10 protected areas, including Cuc Phuong, which was inaugurated by Ho Chi Minh himself," he said. "It also passes through Phong Nha, which has been nominated for World Heritage listing, and Bach Ma, Vietnam's oldest national park," he said. Work on the 1,700km-route linking the capital, Hanoi, and southern Ho Chi Minh City has already begun, and the US$380 million (HK$2.93 billion) project is scheduled for completion by mid-2003. The decision to proceed with construction was fast-tracked after massive floods in central Vietnam last year severely disrupted traffic between the north and south. Many sections of the new road - to be named the Ho Chi Minh Highway - follow the wartime supply line along which arms, ammunition and troops were funnelled by north Vietnamese communist forces into the south. Mr Momberg warned the highway also passes through areas virtually untouched by humans since the war. Studies have shown the areas contain some of the rarest and most diverse plant and animal life in mainland Southeast Asia. "As it's currently laid out, this road will lead to an acceleration of deforestation, spontaneous migration and agricultural development," Mr Momberg said. "It will also increase access to the last forested areas in Vietnam for poachers and the wildlife trade." Mr Momberg said it was possible to re-route the road away from such areas, and that both local and international conservation organisations would meet in coming weeks to formulate a strategy to be submitted to the Government. "Vietnam does have a high awareness of the importance of its natural heritage and conservation groups are happy to provide the expertise needed to preserve them," he said. By Huw Watkin - South China Morning Post - April 3, 2000.