Comments on the Draft Plan for Environmental Management and Protection of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve

bna_van truong mm4.JPG — Mr. Nguyen Danh Hung - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, speaks at the workshop. Photo: Van Truong

The workshop was chaired by Mr. Nguyen Danh Hung - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; and Ms. Dao Thi Minh Chau - Deputy Director of the Center for Environment and Biological Resources. Also attending were representatives from the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment ; and the Project Management Board for integrating natural resource management and biodiversity conservation objectives into socio-economic development planning and management of Vietnam's biosphere reserves (BR Project)...

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

bna_van truong 56.JPG — A view of the consultation workshop to provide feedback and finalize the draft plan for environmental management and protection in the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve. Photo: Van Truong

The Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve is currently facing management challenges and requires a unified management plan that complies with current legal regulations and is appropriate to the local conditions, in order for the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve Management Board to operate effectively.

The workshop aimed to gather feedback on the environmental management and protection plan for the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, with the goal of developing and refining the organizational and operational mechanisms, enhancing management capacity, and strengthening the role of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve in leading and connecting stakeholders in implementing environmental management and protection activities.

bna_van truong 4.JPG — Ms. Dao Thi Minh Chau, Deputy Director of the Center for Environment and Biological Resources, presented solutions at the workshop. Photo: Van Truong

Develop, implement, and replicate models for the rational exploitation and use of natural resources, combining socio-economic development with biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation. Attract investment and develop eco-friendly tourism models that combine the conservation of cultural values, biodiversity, and the development of local specialties, OCOP products, and brand-related indications within the Western Biosphere Reserve...

Western Nghe An province has rich and diverse natural resources. (Photo: Archival image)

At the workshop, delegates proposed solutions such as: Establishing a coordinated management mechanism between local authorities and Pu Mat National Park and other nature reserves to improve the effectiveness of managing and protecting the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve; promptly completing institutional and operational mechanisms and enhancing management capacity; and strengthening cooperation, mobilizing resources, and applying technology to effectively develop and implement environmental protection and biodiversity conservation projects in the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Danh Hung, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, acknowledged the opinions of the delegates and requested relevant units to finalize the Draft Plan for the Management and Protection of the Environment of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, to be submitted to the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the People's Committee of Nghe An province for approval and operation from 2024-2027.

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