Son La plans for Muong La - Ta Xua biosphere reserve

On the morning of August 7, Son La officials met to discuss the proposal for the Muong La–Ta Xua Biosphere Reserve. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Tran Dung Tien, Deputy Director of the Son La Department of Agriculture and Environment, and attended by representatives from various provincial agencies, including the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; the Forest Protection Department; the Center for Nature and Human Studies (PanNature); the provincial Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Center; and leaders from the communes within the proposed reserve area.

A “gold mine” of nature

According to Mr. Nguyen Huy Tuan, Chief of the Son La Forest Protection Department, the idea for the reserve originated from the province's possession of a valuable biodiversity corridor that stretches from the Muong La Nature Reserve to the Ta Xua Special-Use Forest.

The proposed area spans communes across the former districts of Muong La (Chieng Lao, Ngoc Chien) and Bac Yen (Xim Vang, Ta Xua, Pac Nga), and extends into Suoi To, Phu Yen, Gia Phu, and Muong Coi communes.

The biosphere reserve is expected to cover nearly 190,000 hectares and will be divided into three functional zones based on UNESCO's model. The core zone will cover over 40,000 hectares, consisting mainly of old-growth forest. The buffer zone, approximately 16,700 hectares, will permit traditional production activities under strict controls. The transition zone, spanning over 151,000 hectares, is where local communities live and will allow for socio-economic development that is environmentally friendly and adheres to sustainable development principles.

Both the Muong La Nature Reserve and the Ta Xua Special-Use Forest feature steep, rugged terrain, particularly in Ta Xua, with numerous peaks above 2,000 meters, including Phu Sa Phin and Phu Chiem Son (the highest at 2,765 meters). This unique landscape has created renowned destinations such as the "Ta Xua Cloud Paradise”, the "Dinosaur's Backbone”, Ta Xua Meadow, and the Khung Long Waterfall. Meanwhile, Ngoc Chien commune offers hot springs, waterfalls, caves, and homestays. Combined with various lodges like Ta Xua Ecolodge and May Home, and a system of majestic streams and waterfalls, these sites attract tourists seeking adventure and exploration.

The Ta Xua region boasts five types of vegetation distributed by altitude, from tropical moist forests below 700 meters to cold temperate forests above 2,400 meters. The area is home to 782 plant species, including 123 rare species listed in the Vietnamese Red Book and by the IUCN. Its fauna is equally rich, with 60 species of mammals, 215 bird species (31 of which are rare), 35 reptile species, and 28 amphibian species.

The Muong La Nature Reserve also has a diverse ecosystem, with 1,015 plant species (79 rare), 76 mammal species, 191 bird species, 57 reptile species, 37 amphibian species, and 265 insect species. Its vegetation is distributed across tropical, subtropical, and temperate ecological belts, interspersed with agricultural land.

Green development and community tourism

Biosphere reserves are an initiative of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program, which promotes harmony between humans and nature. Vietnam currently has 11 recognized biosphere reserves, including Cat Tien, Cat Ba, Tay Nghe An, and Dong Nai. Each reserve has a provincial-level management board chaired by a Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, tasked with coordinating activities among government agencies, businesses, and local communities.

Through this program, Son La could receive technical support, funding, training, and promotional opportunities from UNESCO and other international organizations. This initiative also provides an opportunity for Son La to solidify its reputation as a green, safe, and culturally rich destination for domestic and international visitors.

Mr. Tran Dung Tien emphasized that the biosphere reserve is not only a method for biodiversity conservation but also a foundation for developing a green economy, improving livelihoods, stabilizing lives, and preserving the culture of the highland people. He proposed holding a workshop to assess the area's potential, prepare the nomination dossier, and establish a provincial steering committee to expedite the project. His proposal was met with agreement and high praise from the relevant departments and local government leaders.

Moving forward with the establishment and recognition of the Muong La–Ta Xua Biosphere Reserve is a strategic step for Son La to preserve its natural resources and connect with the international conservation network. The biodiversity corridor is home to numerous ethnic groups, including the Thai, Mong, Dao, La Ha, and Muong. The Thai and Mong communities, which make up a significant portion of the population, still maintain many traditional customs, such as the Gau Tao festival, khen flute music, and crafts like linen weaving, blacksmithing, and papermaking. These cultural traditions provide an excellent foundation for developing cultural and community-based tourism.