Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve: When will it be unlocked?

(Baonghean) - In 2007, UNESCO recognized the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve (WBR) as the richest of the 8 BBRs in the country in terms of wildlife and remaining natural forest area. To help readers better understand the value and direction of exploitation and development of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, on the occasion of the New Year of the Horse, Nghe An Newspaper had an interview with Mr. Nguyen Tien Lam - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

PV: It is known that there are currently 580 biosphere reserves in 114 countries in the world and 8 in our country. What is the purpose of recognizing such biosphere reserves?

Cruise on the Giang River

Comrade Nguyen Tien Lam:A Biosphere Reserve is an area established by a country and recognized by the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) to contribute to: Conservation of cultural diversity, biodiversity as well as ensuring the services provided by such diversity; promoting economic development on the basis of ensuring sustainable development in economic, environmental and social aspects, especially appropriate cultural development; research, monitoring, training and community education on conservation and sustainable development at local, national and international levels.

PV:According to the above concept, what is the main value of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve determined to include?

Comrade Nguyen Tien Lam:Talking about the value of the Biosphere Reserves in general as well as the value of the Biosphere Reserve in Western Nghe An, people often mention two areas: Biodiversity and cultural, economic and social values. When considering the recognition of the Biosphere Reserve in Western Nghe An, UNESCO highly appreciated the diversity of the flora and fauna ecosystem. It is the richest Biosphere Reserve among the 8 Biosphere Reserves in our country in terms of wildlife, with a number of endemic and near-endemic species with a large area of ​​remaining natural forest. Preliminary results of the investigation and survey of natural conditions, forest resources and biodiversity show that Pu Mat National Park alone has 1,297 species, 51 rare species (12 typical species) of plants, 938 species, 77 rare species (19 typical species) of animals classified as priority and especially priority for conservation.

The DTSQ areas also contain rich cultural values ​​and are home to ethnic minority groups. Among them are the O Du ethnic group, which has the smallest population in the world; the Dan Lai ethnic group, which is degenerating due to backward production and living habits; the unique culture of the Thai people, and many relics, scenic spots, and branded products.

PV:What benefits does the DTSQ area bring?

Comrade Nguyen Tien Lam: First of all, for those working in agriculture, forestry and fisheries: Benefit from demonstration projects and training on how to manage and use land and resources sustainably in the Biosphere Reserves. Second, provide data on which scientists can build new hypotheses about the relationships between humans and nature as well as identify future trends in climate change and the environment; in-depth and interdisciplinary research as well as long-term monitoring of ecological processes and biodiversity, create jobs, have the opportunity to continue to maintain traditional values; cleaner and healthier environment for local communities and their descendants.

In addition, the Biosphere Reserve also provides information and enhances the capacity of sustainable state management of natural resources. It is also a tool for countries to meet their obligations under international conventions such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, Desertification and Agenda 21. It resolves conflicts in land use and biodiversity conservation, creates opportunities in education, recreation and tourism, and unites people around the world to sustainably manage the biosphere.

PV:To promote the values ​​and benefits of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, what do we need to do?

Comrade Nguyen Tien Lam:To promote the values ​​of the DTSQ area, it is necessary to focus on solving 3 things well:

1. Focus on propaganda and dissemination to all classes of people and ethnic communities to arouse pride in the rich cultural foundation and diversity of nature available in the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve.

2. Investigate, evaluate, and appraise additional values ​​of biodiversity as well as cultural richness of the Biosphere Reserve to integrate Biosphere Reserve values ​​into the socio-economic development planning in the region. Ensure harmony between conservation and development, considering green economic development as a goal towards sustainability in socio-economic development of the Western Nghe An region.

3. Arouse the potential of ecotourism combined with building labels for goods, traditional and typical products in the Biosphere Reserve branded as the Biosphere Reserve of Western Nghe An to increase income, improve the lives of local residents, and at the same time promote the image of the land with great potential in Western Nghe An.

PV:Thank you, comrade!

Hai Yen(Perform)