Celebrating 10 years of the establishment of Vietnam's largest Biosphere Reserve

(Baonghean.vn) - On the afternoon of November 28, the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve (WBR) held a ceremony to celebrate its 10th anniversary (2007-2017).

» Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve: Affirming its brand to the world

Delegates attending the celebration. Photo: Thanh Le

This is the largest Biosphere Reserve among the nine Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam with a total area of ​​1,299,795 hectares and is a green corridor connecting three core areas including Pu Mat National Park, Pu Huong Nature Reserve and Pu Hoat Biosphere Reserve, creating continuity in habitats and landscapes to effectively maintain the conservation of the rich biodiversity values ​​of the area.

The Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve also has many ecosystems, rich and diverse flora and fauna, many rare species of conservation significance for both Vietnam and the world such as Asian elephants, saola, Truong Son muntjac...

There are also many tree species and plant populations recognized as Vietnam heritage trees.

Besides, there are also many cultural relics, historical sites, and festivals imbued with the unique cultural traditions of 6 ethnic groups, creating a diverse and unique cultural identity.

Based on the values ​​of natural and cultural resources and the effectiveness of conservation activities, on September 18, 2007, 9 districts in Western Nghe An were recognized as Biosphere Reserves by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Dinh Viet Hong delivered the opening speech. Photo: Thanh Le

After 10 years of construction and development, the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve has achieved many important results. Conservation and development activities in the Biosphere Reserve have created new environmentally friendly and climate change-adaptive livelihoods in the core zone, buffer zone and transition zone.

Specifically, people have income from contracting to care for and protect forests, planting production forests, restoring and developing traditional occupations such as brocade weaving, making rattan and bamboo handicrafts, developing community tourism (homestay services, transporting tourists, tour guides, developing livestock, growing local specialty plants and animals such as Quy duck, growing bon bo trees, Quy cinnamon, yellow flower tea, etc.).

Mr. Nguyen Tien Lam - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Deputy of the Management Board of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve reported on 10 years of establishment of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve. Photo: Thanh Le

Dozens of effective livelihoods have made important contributions to improving income and living standards for households; the poverty rate of districts in the DTSQ Area in 2016 compared to 2010 decreased by 2.3 - 5.2% per year; the economic structure of sectors in districts in the Western Nghe An region has changed. Specifically, the agriculture - forestry sector decreased by 7.53%, industry and construction increased by 1.51%; the service sector increased by 6.02%.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Dinh Viet Hong suggested that in the coming time, the province continue to strengthen propaganda work, and at the same time review and supplement the management regulations of the Biosphere Reserve towards sustainable development.

The province also develops a long-term development strategy for the Biosphere Reserve and a specific management plan for each stage following an interdisciplinary and ecosystem-based approach with the participation of all stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of activities in a synchronous and integrated manner in the operational plans of each sector.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Dinh Viet Hong presented Certificates of Merit from the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to individuals. Photo: Thanh Le

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee also proposed promoting a quality economic program, focusing on developing local specialty products, promoting the Biosphere Reserve brand through certification labels; strengthening domestic and international cooperation, mobilizing investment resources, supporting the improvement of conservation capacity and sustainable development.

On this occasion, the Provincial People's Committee awarded Certificates of Merit to 3 individuals with outstanding contributions to the conservation and development of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve./.

Thanh Le