ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COORDINATION AND VALUE PROMOTION OF THE WESTERN NGHE AN BIOSPHERE RESERVE

On December 9, 2025, the Management Board of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve (BR) collaborated with the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) to organize a 10-year review workshop. The purpose was to prepare the Second 10-Year Periodic Review Report (2017–2027) and the Action Plan for 2027–2037 for submission to UNESCO.

The workshop brought together nearly 150 delegates, including leaders from Nghe An province, the Vietnam Man and the Biosphere (MAB) National Committee, relevant departments and agencies, local authorities from buffer zone communes, and the Management Boards of core area national parks and protected areas.

Recognized by UNESCO on September 18, 2007, the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve (BR) is the 6th BR of Vietnam. In 2025, CCD and the Management Board conducted a participatory assessment across the core area, buffer zone, and transition area. Key consultations were held with the core area protected area management boards, local communities, and numerous biodiversity and cultural experts.

The aggregated and analyzed data indicates that the Biosphere Reserve effectively implemented its three functions (conservation - development - logistic support) during the 2017–2027 period. Furthermore, the assessment highlighted the strengths of inter-sectoral coordination, community participation, and areas needing improvement for the next phase.

Over the past years, CCD has effectively collaborated with local authorities to prepare 10-year periodic reports for several other Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam, including Cu Lao Cham, Dong Nai, Can Gio, Cat Ba, and Red River Delta. These reviews help elevate the BR status, reaffirming the effective coordination between nature conservation and sustainable development, while also providing a basis for refining cooperation mechanisms, resource mobilization, and adaptive management during the 2027–2037 period.