Strengthening the promotion of products, goods and services from the Biosphere Reserve

Delegates attending the conference. Photo: Thu Huyen

Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on September 18, 2007. This is the largest terrestrial world biosphere reserve in Vietnam with a total area of ​​nearly 1.3 million hectares, within the administrative boundaries of 9 districts of Western Nghe An including: Thanh Chuong, Anh Son, Con Cuong, Tuong Duong, Ky Son, Tan Ky, Que Phong, Quy Chau, Quy Hop.

Tuong Duong cajuput forest. Photo courtesy of Nghe An Newspaper

The Management Board of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve was established in 2013. Over the years, the Board has coordinated with departments and branches to develop projects and tasks to preserve and promote biodiversity values. The Board has compiled a list of flora and fauna species in the Biosphere Reserve, including: 209 families, 1,048 genera, 3,019 plant species; animals have 39 orders, 131 families, 480 genera, 942 species.

Representatives of the Management Board of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve reported on the operation results of the Reserve and presented the plan for 2023. Photo: Thu Huyen

In 2022, the Management Board of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve coordinated with the BR Project Management Board and UNDP to develop a model of planting purple khôi, purple ba kích, and upright bach bo to create livelihoods for people in the buffer zone of the Biosphere Reserve; Develop a model of meters according to the value chain, replicate the model of yellow flower tea, long, meters... Improve community knowledge and capacity and build a livelihood model in the context of Covid-19. The Zone has also developed a plan for biodiversity conservation and species conservation; Monitor biodiversity of the BR project; support the development of a sustainable forest management plan.

In 2023, the Biosphere Reserve will continue to implement the strategy for the Western Nghe An World Biosphere Reserve for the period 2017-2027, with a vision to 2030; organize activities to call for and promote investment in the Biosphere Reserve; Implement the plan to ecologically label the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve in combination with promoting and advertising potential products and services originating from the Biosphere Reserve. At the same time, promote communication activities, promote images, and strengthen cooperation within the network of domestic and international Biosphere Reserves to attract and call for related investment projects.

Director of Pu Mat National Park spoke about promoting potential products and services, and labeling the biosphere reserve. Photo: Thu Huyen

Implement activities stipulated in the Law on Environmental Protection; implement the Lima action plan on the UNESCO man and biosphere program and the global network...

At the conference, delegates also heard a report on the Project on integrating natural resource management and biodiversity conservation goals into socio-economic development planning and management of biosphere reserves in Vietnam (BR project) funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), implemented by the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity, General Department of Environment.

At the same time, the decision to approve the completion of the apparatus and operating regulations of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve was approved; Consulting and commenting on the draft report assessing opportunities for developing tourism products and certifying biodiversity-friendly tourism facilities in the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve.

Ms. Vo Thi Nhung - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development delivered a concluding speech at the conference. Photo: Thu Huyen

Speaking at the conference, delegates were concerned about proposing recommendations for the development of the biosphere reserve, bringing economic and social benefits to the province. The potential is there, but it is necessary to transform resources into friendly tourism products, develop the economy, and create sustainable livelihoods for the project area; It is necessary to strengthen coordination and integration of implemented projects to promote effectiveness...

Speaking at the conference, Ms. Vo Thi Nhung - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Deputy Head of the Management Board of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve acknowledged the achievements of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, and proposed to soon complete the institutions and policies, consolidate the apparatus, open accounts... so that the Biosphere Reserve becomes an official system in the State management activities of biodiversity conservation.

To support the activities of Biosphere Reserves more effectively, it is recommended that the Central Government strengthen the legal position of the MAB agency at the Central level to enhance the role, functions and powers of the Vietnam MAB. The National Commission for UNESCO and the Vietnam MAB National Committee promote activities to create forums and networks of Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam to enhance learning and support, and promote cooperation between domestic and international Biosphere Reserves./.

Thu Huyen