Deploying 10-year assessment and development orientation of Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve

Attending the conference were representatives of leaders of departments, branches, members of the Management Board of Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, representatives of domestic and international organizations and experts.

Overview of the workshop. Photo: Quang An

The Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve was recognized by UNESCO in 2007 as the largest biosphere reserve in Vietnam with an area of nearly 1.3 million hectares, spread over 9 mountainous districts in the west of Nghe An province. This area currently has over 871,000 hectares of forest, with a coverage of over 60%, including 3 core areas: Pu Mat National Park and two nature reserves Pu Huong and Pu Hoat. With a diverse ecosystem, this is home to many rare species of flora and fauna and is also an important livelihood space for millions of local people.

Over the past 10 years, the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve has achieved many outstanding results in biodiversity conservation, green economic development, improving community livelihoods and promoting international cooperation. However, the region is also facing many challenges such as climate change, pressure from socio-economic development, natural resource depletion and difficulties in inter-sectoral management coordination mechanisms.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Danh Hung - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve emphasized: The 10-year periodic assessment is a mandatory requirement of UNESCO for Biosphere Reserves around the world to ensure management, conservation and sustainable development according to 7 specific criteria. This is not only an opportunity to look back on the past, but also an opportunity to scientifically and objectively analyze the achievements and limitations, thereby building effective strategic orientations for the next stage.

bna_a-hung-2(1).jpg — Mr. Nguyen Danh Hung - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment spoke at the workshop. Photo: Quang An

At the conference, delegates focused on giving comments on two key contents: Draft Regulations on the operation of the Biosphere Reserve Management Board and comments on the 10-year overall assessment plan and orientation for the next 10 years.

The consensus is that it is necessary to soon issue a Regulation as a legal basis for coordinating activities between relevant parties, clearly defining the tasks, powers and coordination mechanisms between departments, branches, localities and international organizations. The Regulation needs to ensure feasibility, suitability to practice, and at the same time meet the requirements of UNESCO.

For the 10-year assessment, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), the lead consultant, presented the assessment plan and method. The conference requested that CCD fully absorb all comments and ensure that the assessment report objectively and fully reflects the results achieved, shortcomings, limitations and lessons learned in the 2017-2027 period.

In particular, comments emphasized the role of close coordination between the Management Board and localities and forest owners in providing information and data on the current state of forests, socio-economic conditions and programs and projects that have been and are being implemented in the 9 districts. This spirit of coordination is a key factor to ensure the quality of reports and the timely submission of dossiers to UNESCO.

With its existing potential and advantages, Con Cuong district strives to become a tourist center of Western Nghe An, aiming to attract about 120,000-150,000 tourists each year, with an average revenue increase of 22-25%/year. In the photo: The majestic beauty of Khe Kem waterfall, the top tourist destination when coming to Con Cuong. Photo: Quang An — The beauty of Khe Kem waterfall in Pu Mat National Park. Photo: Quang An

Concluding the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Danh Hung - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve requested relevant units to urgently complete the contents according to the conference's comments. In particular, the Management Board's office and the consulting unit need to complete the Draft Regulation to submit to the Provincial People's Committee for approval in early June 2025. At the same time, synchronously deploy the preparation steps for the preparation of the 10-year assessment report, with the support of departments, branches, localities and international organizations.

The implementation of a comprehensive assessment and orientation for the new phase of development is expected to create a foundation for the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve to develop more sustainably in the coming time, making practical contributions to the environmental protection strategy and socio-economic development of Nghe An province and the whole country.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/trien-khai-danh-gia-10-nam-va-dinh-huong-phat-trien-khu-du-tru-sinh-quyen-mien-tay-nghe-an-10298552.html