THE MISSION OF THE WORLD BIOSPHERE RESERVES

The establishment of a World Biosphere Reserve aims to promote and create a balanced relationship between humans and nature in prosperity, through the harmonious integration of conservation and sustainable socio-economic development, based on the implementation of three main functions:

  • Conservation: Contribute to the conservation of landscape diversity, ecosystems, species, and genetic resources;

  • Development: Promote economic development based on ensuring environmental sustainability and facilitating scientific conservation experiments;

  • Logistic Support: Provide support for research, monitoring, education, training, capacity building, and international cooperation.

FUNCTIONS OF A BIOSPHERE RESERVE

CONSERVATION FUNCTION

Core Zone

Carry out forest and marine conservation tasks of the National Park in accordance with current regulations.

Buffer Zone

Manage and protect biodiversity and terrestrial and marine ecosystems; conduct ex-situ conservation and preserve native genetic resources (such as botanical gardens and specialty plant seedlings); engage in reforestation, scattered tree planting, and the protection of migratory birds,…

Transition Zone

Manage and protect biodiversity and terrestrial and marine ecosystems; conduct ex-situ conservation and preserve native genetic resources (such as botanical gardens and specialty plant seedlings); carry out reforestation, planting of native trees along roadsides, at schools, and public offices; protect migratory birds; and promote environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in production and service activities.

DEVELOPMENT FUNCTION

Core Zone

Provision of ecosystem services; Scientific research; Responsible ecotourism

Buffer Zone

Provision of ecosystem services; Environmental leasing, responsible ecotourism; Green growth, organic agriculture and aquaculture, high-tech applications; Promotion of eco- and community-oriented enterprises.

Transition Zone

Provision of ecosystem services; Environmental leasing, community-based ecotourism; Green growth, organic agriculture and aquaculture, high-tech applications; Development of biosphere reserve-branded products; Promotion of eco- and community-oriented enterprises

SUPPORT FUNCTION

Core Zone

Provide habitats for flora and fauna; Scientific research; Environmental education; Climate change adaptation; Local/traditional knowledge.

Buffer Zone

Provide habitats for flora and fauna; Scientific research in natural and social sciences serving socio-economic development; Environmental education; Climate change adaptation; Local/traditional knowledge, preservation of cultural institutions; Support for building new-style rural areas, smart cities, and sustainable development.

Transition Zone

Cung cấp sinh cảnh cho động, thực vật; nghiên cứu khoa học tự nhiên, xã hội phục vụ phát triển KT-XH; giáo dục môi trường; ứng phó BĐKH; tri thức bản địa, bảo tồn các thiết chế văn hóa; hỗ trợ xây dựng nông thôn mới, đô thị thông minh, phát triển bền vững.

THE MISSION OF THE WORLD BIOSPHERE RESERVES

The activities of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve meet all seven criteria of the Legal Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBRs), as well as the strategies and action plans of UNESCO and the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), including the Seville Strategy, the Madrid Action Plan, and the Lima Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves (2016–2025). These efforts also contribute to the implementation of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030… A distinctive feature of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve over the past more than 10 years, following the approach of the Vietnam MAB Network, which has been recognized by UNESCO internationally and in the Asia-Pacific region, is the successful application of the motto: “Conservation for development – Development for conservation”, along with the implementation of the operational framework: “Systems thinking – Landscape planning – Interdisciplinary coordination – Quality economy (SLIQ)”, initiated and led by MAB Vietnam.

Systems Thinking

Systems thinking is a holistic approach that views a Biosphere Reserve as a complex system comprising natural, social, economic, and human components. It provides the foundation for designing and implementing management programs in the Biosphere Reserve that aim toward a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Landscape Planning

Landscape planning is a guiding principle and criterion for zoning within Biosphere Reserves, including the core zone, buffer zone, and transition zone.

The core zone is designated for nature conservation and scientific research on biodiversity and ecosystems. The buffer zone acts as a protective layer, mitigating external development impacts on the core zone. The transition zone, which surrounds or borders the buffer zone, is the outermost area of the Biosphere Reserve. It hosts local communities, urban centers, and various economic and social activities.

Interdisciplinary Coordination

Interdisciplinary coordination is an essential requirement in the management of Biosphere Reserves, aiming to ensure effective collaboration among sectors, agencies, businesses, and communities based on legal frameworks and available resources to achieve the goals of conservation and sustainable development.

Each Biosphere Reserve has an interdisciplinary management board, led by provincial or municipal authorities, and composed of representatives from relevant departments, sectors, and specialized agencies. This board does not directly manage the territory, but coordinates activities in accordance with Vietnamese law and relevant international conventions on biodiversity, science, sustainable development, investment, and resource monitoring.

The core zone (national park) complies with regulations for special-use forests; The buffer and transition zones are managed by local authorities, and any planning or land-use changes must align with the sustainable development orientation approved by the People’s Committee of the city/province.

Quality Economy

Quality economy refers to the promotion of additional income generation for local communities through the involvement of businesses, by labeling local specialty products with the Biosphere Reserve certification. These products typically originate from the region’s natural resources and cultural identity. A highlight of the quality economy program in the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve is the implementation of the “Cat Ba Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve” certification label, which is used to certify and promote high-quality products and services that are environmentally and socially responsible, and that have clear local origins and traceability.

In addition to conserving natural resources (in line with the ecosystem-based approach and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment indicators), the quality economy also helps identify, utilize, and develop economic and business potentials following models such as: Green growth, Payments for Forest Environmental Services (PES), Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), Eco-cities (ECO2 City), Smart cities. At the same time, it promotes the development of social capital and social enterprises.