Vietnam has added two more World Biosphere Reserves.

The decision was announced at the 33rd session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB/ICC), held from September 13-17, 2021 in Nigeria.

Thus, the number of world biosphere reserves in Vietnam has now reached 11, making it the country with the second highest number of biosphere reserves in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia (19 reserves).

According to Ms. Le Thi Hong Van, Ambassador and Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to UNESCO, Vietnam is the only country with two dossiers approved in the first round of review; thus, after six years, Vietnam has added a new biosphere reserve to the world list.

The Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve covers an area of ​​over 106,000 hectares, encompassing both the mainland and sea areas of Ninh Thuan province, located at the end of the Truong Son mountain range. It is a region with a harsh climate characterized by hot, dry weather and minimal rainfall. Nui Chua boasts a rich ecosystem and diverse biodiversity typical of the South Central region, including unique semi-arid vegetation, sea turtle nesting grounds, and coral reefs.

The Kon Ha Nung Biosphere Reserve, covering an area of ​​413,000 hectares, is located in the highlands of Central Vietnam. It possesses the unique characteristics of the Central Highlands forests, a rich tropical closed forest ecosystem, and high biodiversity. The biosphere reserve is also home to rare species such as the gray-footed langur – an endemic primate species in Vietnam, classified as critically endangered, with only about 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild.

In addition, the two biosphere reserves, Nui Chua and Kon Ha Nung, both contain a rich and unique cultural heritage with many outstanding features regarding the tangible and intangible cultural values ​​of the ethnic minority communities living there.

"The event demonstrates international recognition of the diverse and unique natural, biological, flora and fauna, and cultural values ​​of the communities in Vietnam's two biosphere reserves, as well as the efforts of local authorities and people in sustainable biodiversity conservation," Ms. Van said.

List of 11 World Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam:

1. Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve (2000).

2. Biosphere Reserve - Cat Tien National Park (2001).

3. Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve (2004).

4. Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve (2004).

5. Kien Giang Coastal and Island Biosphere Reserve (2006).

6. Tay Nghe An Biosphere Reserve (2007)

7. Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve (2009).

8. Ca Mau Cape Biosphere Reserve (2009)

9. Lang Biang Biosphere Reserve (2015).

10. Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve (2021)

11. Kon Ha Nung Biosphere Reserve (2021).

Huyen Chau - Photo: Internet