Experts advise on sustainable development of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve

On the morning of December 9, the Management Board of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve (KDTSQ) held the second 10-year periodic assessment workshop and developed an action plan for the 2027-2037 period.

The workshop was attended by comrade Nguyen Van De - Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Western Nghe An Forest Reserve Management Board; along with representatives of universities and scientists in the forestry sector.

Comrade Nguyen Van De - Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee delivered a speech at the Workshop. Photo: Van Truong

High biodiversity but facing many new challenges

The Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve (KBR) was recognized by UNESCO in 2007. The Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve covers an area of ​​nearly 1.3 million hectares, covering 9 mountainous districts in the west of the province. This is the largest biosphere reserve in Vietnam and is among the areas with high biodiversity in Southeast Asia.

With over 871,000 hectares of natural forest and a coverage exceeding 60%, this area includes three core zones of special conservation value: Pu Mat National Park, Pu Huong and Pu Hoat Nature Reserves. The ecosystem here possesses thousands of species of flora and fauna, many of which are rare and endemic and only appear in the Truong Son range.

Panorama of the 2nd 10-year periodic assessment workshop of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve. Photo: Van Truong

However, the report at the Workshop also frankly acknowledged the existing challenges. The database system on biodiversity of the entire reserve has not been built in a unified and synchronous manner. Meanwhile, the impact of humans, climate change and changes in species populations over time have made much information obsolete and not yet verified by new surveys.

Therefore, the task of "Investigation, analysis, synthesis and cataloging of endangered, rare species with high conservation priority for typical ecosystems of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve" is considered urgent, in line with the strategy of gene source conservation, management and sustainable development of forest resources set forth by the People's Committee of Nghe An province.

Mr. Nguyen Danh Hung - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment reported at the Workshop. Photo: Van Truong

At the workshop, experts and delegates shared many enthusiastic opinions, scientific analysis and practical proposals to complete the 10-year periodic assessment report of the Biosphere Reserve and improve the effectiveness of reserve management in the future. In addition, they discussed the orientation of integrating the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan 2026–2035 into the Operational Plan 2027–2037, ensuring that the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve is consistent with international standards and the new development context of the province.

Associate Professor Dr. Pham Hong Long - University of Social Sciences and Humanities delivered a speech. Photo: Van Truong

Nghe An proposes support in terms of expertise, resources and international cooperation

At the workshop, delegates shared many scientific studies, perspectives and proposals to develop biosphere reserves sustainably.

Delegates attending the Workshop. Photo: Van Truong

Speaking at the workshop, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van De emphasized that in order for the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve (WDBSQ) to continue promoting its international value and become a typical model of UNESCO in the new period, Nghe An province will focus on implementing six important strategic orientation groups.

First: Focus on strictly conserving biodiversity.

Second: Linking conservation with sustainable livelihood development.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Hien - Chairman of the National Committee of the Man and Biosphere Program (MAB) of Vietnam spoke at the Workshop. Photo: Van Truong

Third: Strongly develop eco-tourism and community tourism: Build unique products in Pu Mat, Pu Huong, Pu Hoat and buffer zones. Link tours with Laos and tourist destinations in Western Nghe An. Encourage the community to participate in tourism services, increase income, and reduce pressure on forests.

Mr. Bui Tien Dung - Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) reported on the discussion. Photo: Van Truong

4th: Responding to climate change and developing a green economy: Integrating emission reduction, carbon neutrality, and circular economy goals into the management of the Biosphere Reserve. Researching and forecasting natural disaster risks, strengthening natural systems to protect the upper Ca River basin.

Pu Mat Nature Reserve. Photo courtesy

5th: Perfecting mechanisms and policies and increasing resources: Recommend the Central Government to issue specific mechanisms for the DTSQ zone, especially financial and investment mechanisms.

6th: Expand international cooperation and deeply participate in the UNESCO network: Strengthen connections with the Biosphere Reserves in the Truong Son and ASEAN regions. Call for support from MAB Vietnam, UNESCO, and international organizations on technology, training, and knowledge transfer.

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requested the Central agencies and MAB Vietnam (National Committee of the Vietnam Man and Biosphere Program) to continue providing professional support, building a biodiversity database and accompanying in the appraisal of the 10-year assessment report. Requesting departments, branches and localities to review and provide accurate data; include the objectives of the Biosphere Reserve in the sector's planning; and at the same time, strengthen coordination in forest protection, especially in border and border areas.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/cac-chuyen-gia-hien-ke-phat-trien-ben-vung-khu-du-tru-sinh-quyen-mien-tay-nghe-an-10314497.html