Dong Nai - UNESCO discuss solutions for infrastructure development associated with nature conservation

On September 11, at Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve, Dong Nai provincial People’s Committee received and worked with an inter-sectoral  working delegation of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO Office in Hanoi.

Attending the working session were Nguyen Minh Vu - Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, Head of the working delegation; Jonathan Baker - Chief Representative of the UNESCO Office in Hanoi; representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the National Committee for Man and the Biosphere Program; Nguyen Thi Hoang - Vice Chairwoman of Dong Nai provincial People’s Committee; together with leaders of departments, branches, sectors, and related units.

Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, Nguyen Minh Vu, speaks at the meeting. Photo: Gia Vinh

Delegates follow the report on the impact of the Ma Da bridge project and the provincial road DT.761 through Dong Nai World Biosphere Reserve (WBR). Photo: Gia Vinh

At the meeting, delegates listened to an overview report on the Ma Da bridge project and the DT.761 connecting road through the Dong Nai World Biosphere Reserve. Many opinions focused on discussing technical solutions to minimize impacts on biodiversity, especially habitats of Asian elephants, gaur, and other endangered species.

Member of Dong Nai Party Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang, Head of the Management Board of Dong Nai WBR speaks at the meeting. Photo: Gia Vinh

Chief Representative of the UNESCO Office in Hanoi Jonathan Baker speaks at the meeting. Photo: Gia Vinh

After the meeting, the delegation conducted a field survey at several locations in the core zone of the WBR. Through the survey, UNESCO acknowledged Dong Nai’s efforts in researching and seeking solutions to minimize biodiversity impacts in the project area, aiming for harmony between socio-economic development and environmental protection.

The UNESCO working delegation and Dong Nai provincial leaders conduct a field survey at the planned site of the Ma Da bridge project and the DT.761 connecting road through Dong Nai WBR. Photo: Gia Vinh

The meeting was an opportunity for Dong Nai to reaffirm its commitment to sustainable development, while also receiving companionship and technical support from UNESCO in conserving the ecological and cultural identity of the locality in the integration process. These steps aim to ensure harmony between infrastructure development and preservation of the region’s unique values, thereby spreading the image of a dynamic, integrated Dong Nai which remains steadfast in its commitment to the goal of conserving nature for future generations.

A river section flowing through the core zone of Dong Nai WBR, where the project item is planned to be implemented. Photo: Gia Vinh

The green forest carpet of Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve. Photo: Gia Vinh

By: Anh Dao - Gia Vinh

Translated by: Minh Hanh - Thu Ha