Cat Ba Archipelago maintains its status as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve

On September 27, at the 37th session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB ICC), the Cat Ba Archipelago (Hai Phong, Viet Nam) was once again recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve following its second 10-year periodic review (2014–2024). This milestone highlights UNESCO’s acknowledgment of Cat Ba’s tireless efforts in management, conservation, and sustainable development.

UNESCO’s Advisory Committee highly valued the achievements of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve. Its management has been carried out in a coordinated manner, with broad participation from multiple stakeholders. The management practices and operations of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve are regarded as useful reference models for other reserves in the Northwest Pacific region.

Conservation linked with development

Notably, Cat Ba is the only place in the world home to the Cat Ba langur (Trachypithecus francoisi polyocephalus). The conservation project for this rare species, coordinated by Cat Ba National Park since 2000, has yielded encouraging results: the population has risen from about 40 individuals to 76 in 2023. This stands as a clear example of the persistence and effectiveness of long-term conservation efforts.

Alongside conservation, the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve has implemented a range of high-quality economic development projects. Ecotourism, biosphere-labeled services, and a sustainability fund run by volunteers have provided strong momentum for the local community. This model not only creates livelihoods but also encourages residents to directly engage in conservation efforts.

Over the past decade, the buffer and transition zone population has grown rapidly, from 5,510 in 2010 to 18,410 in 2021. This demographic pressure has increased the need for stricter management and conservation, while also demanding innovation in development approaches toward a green economy model. Notably, in 2023, Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site, expanding from the Ha Long Bay heritage, further enhancing Cat Ba’s status on the global heritage map.

Pride and new motivation

At the conference, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hien, Chairman of MAB Vietnam, stated: “The Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve is a vivid testament to the tireless efforts of local authorities, the management board, and the local community in pursuing socio-economic development alongside nature conservation.

The fact that Cat Ba, one of Vietnam’s 11 biosphere reserves, has been reaffirmed by UNESCO after a rigorous review process will also serve as both motivation and inspiration for other biosphere reserves in Vietnam to fulfill their commitments and implement integrated management solutions, thereby optimizing the core functions of a biosphere reserve: conservation, development, and community support.”

He also emphasized that during the preparation of the dossier, MAB Vietnam closely collaborated with the Management Board, consulting units, the leadership of Hai Phong City, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the evaluation documents were of high quality, submitted on time, and in compliance with international standards.

On behalf of the Biosphere Reserve Management Board, Mr. Nguyen Van Thieu – Director of Cat Ba National Park – shared: “Today’s recognition is a tremendous honor. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, MAB Vietnam, the leadership of Hai Phong City, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and the local community for their companionship and support, enabling Cat Ba to successfully fulfill its functions of conservation, development, and community support.”

According to him, in the coming time, Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve hopes to continue receiving attention and support from authorities, ministries, and international organizations so that it can remain a model of best practices in conservation and sustainable development.

Connecting past – present – future

With its unique values, Cat Ba is not only a source of pride for Hai Phong and Viet Nam but also a shared heritage of humankind. UNESCO’s renewed recognition demonstrates that Cat Ba has met the stringent criteria of the global biosphere network. The adjustment of boundaries and the expansion of buffer and transition zones in 2023 reflect a flexible approach, ensuring strict conservation while creating space for sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Looking to the future, Cat Ba continues to affirm its position as a "living laboratory" for sustainable development, where biodiversity conservation, resource management, and high-quality economic models converge. This sends a strong message about Viet Nam’s commitment to linking conservation with development, while making a positive contribution to UNESCO’s and the international community’s shared goals.

Cat Ba at a glance

• The Biosphere Reserve comprises 367 small islands in Cat Hai District, with its area adjusted in 2023 to 26,419 ha, an increase of 178 ha compared to the previous review. The core zone decreased by 2,221 ha, while the buffer zone expanded by 1,056 ha and the transition zone by 1,343 ha.

• The area is a typical example of karst landscapes eroded by the sea, preserving evidence of sea-level rise and fall as well as the early habitation of ancient Vietnamese people.