HANOI — At a recent conference in Hanoi, Hoang Thi Thanh Nhan, Deputy Director of the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency (NBCA), emphasized the significance of managing biosphere reserves effectively to reach sustainable development objectives. She highlighted the role of biosphere reserves in advancing economic, social, cultural, and environmental sustainability.
According to Vietnam News Agency, who spoke during the annual meeting of Vietnam’s Biosphere Reserves Network and the related scientific conference on November 3, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been proactive in formulating policies and legal frameworks to improve the governance of the nation’s biosphere reserves. The conference was organized to commemorate the International Day for Biosphere Reserves, in a joint effort by the MAB Vietnam and NBCA, with UNDP Vietnam’s support.
The Deputy Director cited numerous initiatives, models, and conservation successes within Vietnam’s network of biosphere reserves, contributing substantially to the country’s sustainable development targets. Currently, Vietnam boasts 11 biosphere reserves, the second-highest count in Southeast Asia, only behind Indonesia. These reserves are crucial for millions of people and a wide array of endemic species, contributing to climate stabilization, biodiversity preservation, and fostering sustainable cohabitation between humans and nature.
The management of these biosphere reserves is crucial for maximizing their potential benefits. UNDP Vietnam and the Global Environment Facility have shown a particular interest in fostering environmental resilience and aiding community livelihoods amid increasing climate volatility through the reinforcement of nature-based solutions.
The MoNRE and UNDP’s joint initiative, the “Mainstreaming Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation Objectives into Socio-Economic Development Planning and Management of Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam” project, stands as a testament to these endeavors. Targeting the Western Nghe An, Cu Lao Cham – Hoi An, and Dong Nai biosphere reserves, the project seeks to restore forested areas, manage conservation zones sustainably, improve local household incomes, and bolster women’s engagement in these activities.
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Tri, Chairman of MAB Vietnam, outlined that the network’s annual gathering serves as a reflective and planning platform for the reserves. Over the past year, the reserves have gained valuable insights and are now poised to strategize for upcoming challenges and opportunities.
Looking ahead, the network is set to establish a cohesive management structure, implement a World Biosphere Reserve eco-label, enhance eco-tourism, and support green economic initiatives to boost livelihoods and aid in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts within Vietnam’s biosphere reserves.
The event underscored the broad spectrum of interest and commitment from various entities in the sustainable management of biosphere reserves in Vietnam, with UNDP and GEF at the forefront of promoting resilience and local livelihood in the wake of climate challenges.