Complete policies soon, put the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve into effective operation

On the morning of August 15, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development held a meeting with the Management Board of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve. Attending were Ms. Vo Thi Nhung - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms. Hoang Thi Thanh Nhan - Deputy Head of the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity, and related departments and agencies.

Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve was 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, located within the administrative boundaries of 9 districts in Western Nghe An including: Thanh Chuong, Anh Son, Con Cuong, Tuong Duong, Ky Son, Tan Ky, Que Phong, Quy Chau, Quy Hop.

The Management Board of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve was established in 2013. Over the years, the Board has coordinated with departments and sectors to develop projects and tasks to conserve and promote biodiversity values. The Board has compiled a list of flora and fauna in the Biosphere Reserve, including: 209 families, 1048 genera, 3019 plant species; animals have 39 orders, 131 families, 480 genera, 942 species.

Ms. Vo Thi Nhung - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spoke at the meeting. Photo: Van Truong.

The Organizing Committee has implemented policies to attract people to participate in forest management and protection such as payment for forest environmental services, forest protection contracts for economic and career sources, and 30a sources. Up to now, the total forest area of ​​the province is over 962,896.97 hectares, with forest coverage reaching 58.41%.

Deploying sustainable livelihood models for people: Such as medicinal plant growing models under forest canopy, developing combined agriculture and forestry models, fruit tree growing, etc. Attracting investment, connecting projects, and cooperating in scientific research.

At the meeting, Ms. Vo Thi Nhung - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development acknowledged the achievements of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, and proposed: It is necessary to soon complete the institutions and policies to turn the Biosphere Reserve into an official system in the State management activities on the work.biodiversity conservation.

Tuong Duong cajuput forest. Photo: PV

In addition, mobilize non-refundable funding sources from international organizations to support and invest in the conservation and sustainable development of the Western Biosphere Reserve, improving the livelihoods of people who depend on the forest.

At the same time, propose the Provincial People's Committee to direct departments, branches, localities, and agencies that are members of the Management Board in activities to build the Biosphere Reserve into a model of sustainable development of the locality. It is necessary to establish a separate Standing Office of the Biosphere Reserve Management Board, under the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to focus on performing well the functions and tasks of the Biosphere Reserve. Create conditions to improve the operational capacity of the Biosphere Reserve to be more effective.