Vietnam ranks second in ASEAN in terms of biosphere reserves

Biodiversity conservation through biosphere reserves

During its 41st session in 2021, the UNESCO General Assembly has chosen November 3 as the International Day of Biosphere Reserves to promote nature conservation and sustainable development globally.

Accordingly, November 3, 2022 marks the first time the International Day of Biosphere Reserves is celebrated. As the second ranking country in terms of the number of Biosphere Reserves in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has been making efforts to promote balanced and harmonious development between humans and nature.

To fulfill the responsibilities of a member states in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and in response to this occasion, different ministries, departments, branches and local governments have coordinated with Vietnam Man and Biosphere (MAB) to organize a meeting and celebrate the International Day of Biosphere Reserves at Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve in Cat Hai District, Hai Phong city.

The meeting aims to widely propagate about the importance of the World Biosphere Reserve to to organizations, individuals and communities as well as raise awareness regarding the role of the World Biosphere Reserve in regulating climate, protecting the environment, maintaining and conserving biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods for the community.

At the meeting, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan highly commended the efforts and achievements of the network of Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam over the years. He also suggested that the central government, Provincial and City People's Committees containing biosphere reserves to cooperate in implementing actions to promote the development of the network of biosphere reserves in the future.

Namely, it is necessary to organize propaganda and dissemination regarding the value and importance of Biosphere Reserves for humanity and natural life. On the other hand, it is important to call on stakeholders to commit to protecting, sustainably utilizing ecosystem services, enhancing management and promoting the function of conservation, support and development of local biosphere reserves.

Additionally, Mr. Nhan suggested to promote the effective implementation of regulations on management and environmental protection of the Biosphere Reserve as well as improve the operational efficiency of management boards and the responsibilities of authorities at all levels in the management of Sustainable Biosphere Reserve.

Moreover, scientific research, education and promotion of the cultural values ​​of the Biosphere Reserve are indespensible; sustainable livelihood models, environmental protection, nature and biodiversity conservation initiatives, climate change adaptation and mitigation measures must also be promoted; with the goal of establishing Biosphere Reserves as the models of sustainable development.

Furthermore, promote investment solutions in the conservation, management and sustainable development of the world biosphere reserves locally to strengthen the connection between human and nature, protect the environment, as well as conserve nature and biodiversity.

“It is necessary to mobilize and diversify resources to support and enhance the effectiveness of the Biosphere Reserves management; strengthen cooperation with UNESCO, international organizations, other members in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves; expand and develop the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam", emphasized the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Commemorating the first International Day of Biosphere Reserves, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has implemeted various supporting activities to promote the sustainable management of Biosphere Reserves and enhance environmental resilience against the growing threats posed by climate change as well as promote livelihoods for local people.

“National and local leaders play an important role in shaping the future of biosphere reserves. In response to the 1st International Day of Biosphere Reserves, we call for synchronous and cooperative actions to protect  nature and the environment, and to prioritize the needs of the local communities in the work of conserving natural resources, maintaining a landscape approach and increasing greenhouse gas absorption to achieve the goal of being carbon neutral by 2050 as set by the international community", Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam remarked.

The goal of establishing 15 biosphere reserves worldwide by 2030

World Biosphere Reserve is a title awarded by UNESCO to ares of exceptional value for nature and biodiversity in order to promote implementation of solutions that focuses on harmonization between conservation and development.

Since its establishment in 1976, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves has expaned across all continents globally, making important contributions to the implementation of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

The recognition of Biosphere Reserves, in addition to the recognition of outstanding values ​​of nature and biodiversity, also creates opportunities for conservation and sustainable development, attracting development investment, enhancing cooperation, participation, exchange and sharing of experiences within the network.

The first World Biosphere Reserve to be recognized in Vietnam was Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve in 2000. After over 22 years of development, Vietnam has a system of 11 world biosphere reserves recognized by UNESCO.

These include Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve (2000), Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve (2001, 2011), Cat Ba Islands Biosphere Reserve (2004), Wetland Biosphere Reserve located in the inter-provincial coastal area of ​​the Red River Delta (2004), Kien Giang Coastal and Sea Island Biosphere Reserve (2006), Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve (2007), Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An Biosphere Reserve (2009), Ca Mau Cape Biosphere Reserve (2009), Lang Biang Biosphere Reserve (2015), Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve (2021) and Kon Ha Nung Plateau Biosphere Reserve (2021).

From 2000 to 2020, UNESCO has recognized a total of 11 world biosphere reserves in Vietnam, making it the country with the second largest number of biosphere reserves in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia with 19 biosphere reserves. 

The area of the ​​11 World Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam totals up to 4,866,009 hectares, accounting for nearly 14.69% of Vietnam's natural area. Vietnam's Biosphere Reserves play an important role in nature conservation and contribute to the achievement of national sustainability goals.   

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is continuing to guide the nomination and management of World Biosphere Reserves, with the goal of establishing 15 World Biosphere Reserves recognized by UNESCO by 2030 as well as improve the overall management efficiency.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has implemented activities to conserve nature, biodiversity and manage the Tay Nghe An Biosphere Reserves, Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An Biosphere Reserve, Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve within the framework of the Project of "Integrating natural resource management and biodiversity conservation objectives into socio-economic development planning and management of the biosphere reserves in Vietnam” (BR Project) funded by the Global Environment Facility through the United Nations Development Program in Vietnam.