Vietnam promotes sustainable management of its biosphere reserves

The Vietnamese National Committee for Man and the Biosphere (MAB), in coordination with the central province of Khanh Hoa, held a conference on October 3 to review the country's World Network of Biosphere Reserves to 2025 and define activities for the period 2026-2035, in line with the Hangzhou (China) Strategic Action Plan recently adopted by UNESCO.

The meeting enabled local authorities and the 11 management councils of Vietnam's world biosphere reserves to exchange experiences and discuss measures for more effective management.

Vietnam currently has 11 biosphere reserves recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), covering a total area of over 4.65 million hectares in 12 provinces and cities.hectares in 12 provinces and cities, making it the second largest biosphere reserve in Southeast Asia after Indonesia. These reserves include Cân Gio, Cat Bà, the Red River Delta, Kiên Giang, Cù Lao Chàm-Hôi An, Cape Cà Mau, Langbiang, Kon Ha Nung and Nui Chua.

In addition to their recognition by UNESCO, these reserves also benefit from numerous international designations, such as those awarded by the Ramsar Convention and the Green List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Some core areas have been designated "ASEAN Heritage Gardens" for their high ecological and biological value.

According to Duong Minh Lam, Secretary General of the Vietnamese National Committee for the Management of Biosphere Reserves (MAB), the ecosystems of Vietnam's biosphere reserves are incredibly diverse.are incredibly diverse, ranging from forests and seas to wetlands and mangroves, and are home to many rare and endangered species, such as the black-footed langur, sea turtles and corals.

Thanks to the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment and the support of local People's Committees and the Vietnamese National Committee for UNESCO, the reserves have strengthened their role not only in the conservation of the environment, but also in the promotion of sustainable development.le not only in conserving biodiversity, but also in promoting sustainable development, environmental education, scientific research and improving the living conditions of local communities.

In recent years, Vietnam's biosphere reserves have become focal points for international cooperation in conservation and sustainable development, as well as attractive ecotourism destinations for Vietnamese and foreign visitors. Public awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources and biodiversity has risen considerably, and sustainable production models have been developed.e, and sustainable production models, circular economy practices and green economy initiatives have developed in the buffer zones.

However, administrative changes and the impacts of climate change, natural disasters and environmental pollution have partially affected the activities of some reserves.

The Chairman of the Vietnamese MAB National Committee, Nguyên Van Hiên, emphasized that the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan 2026-2035 dedefines biosphere reserves as "living laboratories" and "learning platforms" for sustainable development. The plan defines 34 objectives, including ecosystem conservation and restoration, combating climate change, sustainable resource management and promoting gender equality and community participation.

He stressed that Vietnam will actively integrate the plan's objectives into its national strategies in order to strengthen its role within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and contribute to the goal of "Living in Harmony with Nature".

For his part, a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment stressed the need for local authorities hosting biosphere reserves to promote evaluation programs for their biosphere reserves.to promote environmental assessment programs, improve communication and mobilize the population and businesses in favor of biodiversity conservation and the creation of sustainable livelihoods.

He also stressed the need to promote scientific research, environmental protection initiatives and climate change adaptation measures, as well as to diversify funding sources to improve reserve management.

Through joint efforts and concrete actions, Vietnam will reaffirm its commitment to the international community for the effective management of biosphere reserves, and make a tangible contribution to the sustainable development and well-being of its people.

Source: lecourrier.vn/