Dong Nai makes active contributions to the global network of biosphere reserves

In late September 2025, a working delegation from Dong Nai province attended the 5th UNESCO World Congress of Biosphere Reserves and the 37th session of the “Man and the Biosphere” International Coordinating Council (MAB ICC) Programme in Hangzhou, China. At the event, the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve was highly appreciated for its active contributions to the global network of biosphere reserves in recent years.

In 2011, the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve was recognized by UNESCO as the world’s 580th biosphere reserve and one of nine such sites in Vietnam. In the photo: The lush old-growth forests of the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve. Photo: Archives

Following the working trip, reporters from Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television had an interview with NGUYEN HOANG HAO, Director of the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve and Standing Deputy Head of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve Management Board, to discuss key issues highlighted at the event.

A message to the international community

What is the significance of the 5th UNESCO World Congress of Biosphere Reserves and the 37th MAB ICC session?

From September 22 to 27, 2025, two major UNESCO events took place in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, including the 5th Global Conference of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and the 37th MAB ICC session. This occasion brought together more than 4,000 delegates from 136 countries, including government leaders, scientists, conservation experts, entrepreneurs and representatives of local communities.

The event is recognized as the world’s largest forum on conservation and sustainable development within the framework of the “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB) Programme. Held every 10 years, it serves as an opportunity to review past journey and set out directions for the next phase.

During this working trip, we witnessed a strong atmosphere of multilateral cooperation under the overarching message: “Biosphere reserves are living spaces of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.” The conference program was designed to enable delegates to engage in discussions, share insights, and exchange experiences and challenges in managing biosphere reserve areas.

What message did the Dong Nai delegation bring to the international community at the conference?

At the conference, Dong Nai emphasized the model of “Conservation for Development – Development for Conservation,” sharing the results of managing the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve. The Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve Management Board, in coordination with the Vietnam MAB National Committee and the Thailand MAB National Committee, co-organized a sideline event themed “Growing Together: A 10-Year vision from the perspectives of the Thailand’s and Vietnam’s Biosphere Reserve Networks.” At the sideline session, the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve Management Board presented key activities of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve and highlighted cooperative initiatives between the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve and biosphere reserves in Thailand within the framework of the signed cooperation agreement. This marked an important milestone in the 2019-2025 cooperation phase between the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve and biosphere reserves in Thailand, while also setting directions for future collaboration.

During this working trip, what key contacts and exchanges did the Dong Nai delegation have with international organizations and delegates?

With the support of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, and the Vietnam MAB National Committee, the Dong Nai province’s working delegation held a meeting to report and discuss the management situation of Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve with Lidia Arthur Brito, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, and the international MAB Secretariat. At the meeting, the delegation representatives presented the achievements and challenges in managing the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve. They also shared and consulted with UNESCO and the international MAB about the project to construct a transportation route connecting through the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, aimed at meeting transportation infrastructure needs following the provincial merger.

At the meeting, all parties highly appreciated the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve’s active contributions to the Global Network of Biosphere Reserves. They also expressed their hope that the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve would continue to pay attention to and promote its core values, pursuing the goal of “Conservation for Development – Development for Conservation,” while fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

At the meeting, all parties highly appreciated the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve’s active contributions to the Global Network of Biosphere Reserves. They also expressed their hope that the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve would continue to pay attention to and promote its core values, pursuing the goal of “Conservation for Development - Development for Conservation,” while fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Regarding the project to construct a transportation route connecting through the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, representatives of UNESCO and the International MAB Secretariat appreciated the coordination of local authorities in consulting UNESCO and the international MAB on development projects within the biosphere reserve.

Nguyen Hoang Hao, Director of the Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve and Standing Deputy Head of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve Management Board. Photo: Courtesy of contributor

In addition, the Dong Nai delegation met and exchanged views with the Secretariat of the Global Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves. During the meeting, Roberto Aquerreta and Xu Weihua from the Secretariat commended the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve for its contributions in recent years through active participation in the network’s in-person and online conferences and seminars, as well as for its regular exchange of information, experiences, and best practices of Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve with the network.

Additionally, the Dong Nai delegation attended a meeting and working session between the delegation of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam and the Secretariat of the Southeast Asian Biosphere Reserve Network.

To further facilitate the conservation and promotion of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve in the coming period, Dong Nai province will submit several necessary recommendations and proposals to central and local authorities. These proposals include continuing to provide support and guidance for the approval process of the management organization model, regulations, and management plan of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve under the inter-provincial biosphere reserve model; directing the organization of a scientific workshop on “Sustainable Development Orientation for the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve in the 2026-2035 period”; and providing resources to implement the management and environmental protection plan of Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve.

NGUYEN HOANG HAO - Director of the Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve and Standing Deputy Head of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve Management Board

Long-term and effective orientations

What lessons or effective models has Dong Nai learned from other countries and localities?

Dong Nai has learned from various models implemented in other countries and biosphere reserves, such as the community-based management model in Malaysian biosphere reserves; the green and circular economy model in Thai biosphere reserves; the biosphere labeling model in Indonesian and French biosphere reserves; and the interactive communication and education model in Chinese biosphere reserves.

In particular, following the conference, the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve will continue to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of cooperation with biosphere reserves in Thailand, those within the Southeast Asian Biosphere Reserve Network, and the World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves.

What long-term strategies has the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve Management Board set to protect the environment while promoting balanced socio-economic development?

The Management Board of Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve has outlined several long-term strategic directions. One key goal is to develop Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve into a model of harmony between humans and nature, while preserving natural ecosystems and implementing ecosystem restoration projects. The management approach will promote participation from all stakeholders, with particular attention given to the roles of local communities, youth, and women. At the same time, science and digital technology will be applied to enhance biodiversity monitoring and management. The emphasis is placed on strengthening the management capacity and effectiveness of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve through expanding domestic and international cooperative relationships - both within the global network of biosphere reserves and with international organizations, research institutes, and universities. The Management Board also aims to enhance the effectiveness of communication and education activities for sustainable development, diversify financial resources for the operation of the biosphere reserve, and promote sustainable livelihood models and responsible consumption practices.

Thank you!

By Thanh Nhan - Translated by Huyen Trang, Thu Ha