Dong Nai joins 38th session of UNESCO’s MAB International Coordinating Council

From June 3 to 6, the 38th session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB-ICC) was held in Hernandarias, Paraguay.

The Vietnamese delegation, led by the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO and joined by representatives from the country’s World Biosphere Reserves, took part in a range of key activities aimed at strengthening international cooperation and advancing the objectives of UNESCO’s MAB Programme.

A working delegation from Dong Nai City meets and poses for a commemorative photo with Latifa Yaacoubi, Chairwoman of the MAB International Coordinating Council for the 2024–2026 term (fifth from left). Photo by Yen Ha.

The Dong Nai delegation was headed by Nguyen Hoang Hao, Director of the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve and Standing Deputy Head of the Management Board of the Dong Nai World Biosphere Reserve (DWBR). The delegation also included representatives from the Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Agriculture and Environment; and Foreign Affairs. During the event, the delegation took part in official MAB-ICC sessions as well as a number of important side meetings and exchanges.

On June 4, the Vietnamese delegation held a working session with the UNESCO International MAB Secretariat to discuss the operation and development of biosphere reserves in Vietnam.

At the meeting, Pham Thi Phuong Chi, Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, presented an overview of the World Biosphere Reserve Network in Vietnam, highlighting achievements in nature conservation, sustainable development, community engagement and the implementation of the objectives of the Vietnam MAB Programme.

Representatives of Dong Nai City subsequently shared key achievements of the DWBR in biodiversity conservation and management, community livelihood development, environmental education and international cooperation. The delegation also updated UNESCO on a proposed road project crossing the DWBR, which is currently being studied by local authorities. The delegation further presented a number of mitigation measures and alternative options under consideration to minimize any potential impact on the reserve’s outstanding ecological and conservation values.

The Dong Nai delegation poses for a commemorative photo with representatives of the UNESCO International MAB Secretariat. Photo by Yen Ha.

In response, representatives of the UNESCO International MAB Secretariat highly appreciated the efforts of Dong Nai City and the DWBR’s Management Board in carefully assessing project-related factors and studying appropriate solutions to minimize impacts on the reserve. The Secretariat commended local authorities for their proactive and responsible approach to impact assessment, stakeholder consultation and information sharing throughout the project review process.

At the same time, the Secretariat encouraged local authorities to continue strengthening dialogue with organizations, experts and local communities to ensure that the project does not adversely affect the conservation functions and outstanding values of the DWBR.

The UNESCO MAB also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between socio-economic development objectives and nature conservation responsibilities, in line with the UNESCO Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan 2026–2035 and the legal framework governing the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

On the same day, the Dong Nai delegation met with Latifa Yaacoubi, Chairwoman of the MAB International Coordinating Council for the 2024–2026 term, to discuss future cooperation and agree on a timeline for a visit to Dong Nai by a delegation from the Moroccan National MAB Committee.

The two sides also discussed preparations for the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Vietnam MAB Programme and the Morocco MAB Programme.

During the meeting, both parties discussed enhancing experience-sharing in biosphere reserve management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihood development for local communities and youth engagement in MAB Programme activities.

The discussions are considered an important preparatory step toward the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Vietnam Biosphere Reserve Network and the Morocco Biosphere Reserve Network in the near future.

Participation in the 38th session of the MAB International Coordinating Council provided an important opportunity for Dong Nai City to exchange experiences with member countries, expand international partnerships and promote the achievements of the DWBR in nature conservation and sustainable development.

The event also provided an opportunity for Dong Nai to learn from international best practices and recommendations, further strengthening efforts to conserve, manage and promote the values of the DWBR in the years to come.

By A.Nhon, Y.Ha – Translated by M.Nguyet,  Thu Ha