Vietnam has 11 world biosphere reserves in Vietnam (Photo: Vietnam+) Hanoi (VNA) - With 11 world biosphere reserves, Vietnam possesses natural treasures that play a crucial role in attaining sustainable development goals. Hence, it is imperative to actively promote the role and value of these reserves for sustainable development in the future.
The message above was presented at the annual Conference of Vietnam's Network of World Biosphere Reserves jointly organised by the National Committee for the Vietnam Program on Man and Biosphere (MAB Vietnam), the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency (NBCA) (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam. The event was held in Hanoi on November 3.
Hoang Thi Thanh Nhan, Vice Director of the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency, highlighted the vital importance of the ecological structure of biosphere reserves, which not only impacts millions of lives but also supports various species of plants and animals.
Furthermore, it is of special importance in national policy planning to emphasize the role of biosphere reserves in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Tri, Chairman of the National Committee for the Vietnam Program on Man and Biosphere (Photo: Vietnam+) In addition, Vietnam's Network of World Biosphere Reserves has also been actively contributing to achieving sustainable development goals in Vietnam.
According to Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Tri, Chairman of the National Committee for the Vietnam Program on Man and Biosphere, the annual conference provides an opportunity for 11 world biosphere reserves in Vietnam to reflect on their operations over the past years, learn from their experiences and formulate plans for the coming phase.
Professor Nguyen Hoang Tri also said that in the coming time, the network plans to foster management organisation toward promoting eco-tourism, the green economy, and livelihood development for local people to contribute to mitigating and adapting to climate change.
The sustainable management of World Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam has recently gained considerable attention from stakeholders, including the United Nations Development Program and Global Environment Facility. These organisations have made significant contributions to promoting environmental resilience and supporting local livelihoods in the face of the escalating challenges caused by climate change.
Participants at the forum pose for a group photo (Vietnam+) One example is the Project “Mainstreaming Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation Objectives into Socioeconomic Development Planning and Management of Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam” (Project BR). The project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the United Nations Development Program.
Furthermore, Project BR has made it a priority to restore 4,000 hectares of degraded forests and sustainably manage 60,000 hectares of areas outside of protected areas. It also provides direct support to improve the livelihoods of 2,500 local households, with a special focus on the participation of women who make up 40% of the beneficiaries, in project activities.
System of 11 world biosphere reserves in Vietnam, include: Mangrove forests of Can Gio, Dong Nai, Cat Ba Islands, Red River Delta, Western Nghe An, Kien Giang, Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An, Cape Ca Mau, Langbiang, Nui Chua, Kon Ha Nung Plateau./.
