Vietnam reaffirms its status in the network of World Biosphere Reserves

The most extensive gathering on biosphere reserves

Hangzhou, China, was the site of two significant UNESCO events from September 22 to 27, 2025: the 37th Session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB ICC) and the 5th Global Conference of Biosphere Reserves.

The conference gathered over 4,000 delegates from 136 countries, including government leaders, scientists, conservation experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives of local communities. Recognized as the world's largest forum on sustainable development and conservation under the MAB Programme.

Once every decade, the Global Conference of Biosphere Reserves evaluates advancements and establishes objectives for the subsequent decade. The practical contributions of biosphere reserves to biodiversity protection, climate change adaptation, and the promotion of development models that harmonize people and nature were the primary focus of this year's discussions.

In order to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, countries perceived the event as a valuable opportunity to exchange management lessons, mobilize societal resources, and enhance regional and international cooperation.

The conference also saw the adoption of two critical documents: the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan 2026 - 2035 and the Hangzhou Declaration, which reaffirm a global commitment to a shared future for people and nature.

Vietnam is a regional highlight

Vietnam's delegation consisted of representatives from the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the Vietnam National Committee for the MAB Programme, and the management boards of numerous biosphere reserves, including Can Gio, Dong Nai, Cat Ba, the Red River Delta, Western Nghe An, and Langbiang. Additionally, delegates from Phong Nha - Ke Bang and Vu Quang were present, as both had been preparing nomination dossiers.

The Vietnamese delegation organized sideline meetings with UNESCO leaders, the MAB ICC, the Southeast Asia subregional secretariat, and networks of island and mountain biosphere reserves in addition to participating in plenary sessions. Sharing initiatives that involve local communities in environmental protection, Vietnam introduced its management experience and models based on the principle of "development for conservation, conservation for development". 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Hien, Chair of MAB Vietnam, emphasized at the Southeast Asia Biosphere Reserves Network meeting that Vietnam's biosphere reserve network has evolved into a regional model for integrating conservation with socio-economic development, 25 years after UNESCO recognized Can Gio (2000).

Currently, Vietnam has 11 UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserves, which are the second most numerous in Southeast Asia after Indonesia, with a total of 20. These reserves encompass approximately 14% of the national territory. These reserves not only protect biodiversity but also promote green economic growth, enhance climate resilience, and aid in the reduction of carbon emissions.

Vietnam's models have been particularly successful in fostering active community participation, particularly among ethnic minorities in mountain regions, and in establishing effective connections with universities, research institutes, and businesses. In addition to promoting Vietnam's natural and cultural heritage on a global scale, numerous biosphere reserves have created signature products that provide livelihoods.

MAB Vietnam has identified five fundamental principles for the future: sustainability, community, connectivity, innovation, and adaptation. These principles function as a compass to guarantee that biosphere reserves continue to be pioneering green development models and effective conservation sites in the face of climate change.

This vision envisions that Vietnam's biosphere reserve network will persist in its role as a model of sustainable development, thereby promoting national interests and contributing to global green objectives.

Figures can speak: 

• UNESCO recognizes 759 biosphere reserves across 136 countries.

• Vietnam has 11 biosphere reserves, ranking second in Southeast Asia (after Indonesia with 20).

• Vietnam’s reserves cover 14% of national territory.

• More than 4,000 delegates attended the 5th Global Conference of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou.

• Two major documents adopted: the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan 2026–2035 and the Hangzhou Declaration.