Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve Sustainable Development Fund
Established in 2010, the Cat Ba Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve Development Fund is a non-profit initiative, founded on the basis of voluntary donations and sponsorships from domestic and international organizations and individuals, aimed at supporting the conservation and sustainable development of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve.
This fund represents a pioneering initiative of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, in response to the Madrid Declaration issued at the 3rd World Congress of Biosphere Reserves held in Madrid, Spain, in February 2008. The declaration encourages Biosphere Reserves to act as bridges for fostering long-term, effective cooperation between governments and businesses in the field of sustainable development, and in climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Specific activities of the Fund according to its charter include:
Support the implementation of conservation and sustainable development of the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve in accordance with legal regulations and the Fund’s Charter;
Provide investment loans;
Offer refundable capital support;
Receive and assign entrusted loans and financial support;
Receive, manage, and utilize sponsorships and aid from domestic and international organizations and individuals to serve the conservation and sustainable development of the Cat Ba Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve;
Carry out other activities as prescribed by law and the Fund’s Charter.
The Fund is currently undergoing review and restructuring to transition its operations into a social enterprise model, in accordance with Decree No. 96/2015/ND-CP dated October 19, 2015 (Article 7: Conversion of social protection establishments, social funds, and charitable funds into social enterprises).
ON THE STRUCTURE, FUNCTIONS, TASKS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE FUND IN THE PERIOD 2010-2016
Overview
The Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve Development Fund is a non-profit organization, established based on voluntary donations and sponsorships from domestic and international organizations and individuals to support the conservation and sustainable development of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve.
The Fund was initiated by Dr. Nguyễn Văn Thành, former Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee and the first Head of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve (currently a Member of the Central Party Committee, Senior Lieutenant General, and Deputy Minister of Public Security), together with Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Trí, Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), with the support of local leaders, officials of Hai Phong City, and the Management Board of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve.
This is a pioneering initiative of the Cat Ba Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve, in response to the Madrid Declaration adopted at the 3rd World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Madrid, Spain (February 2008).
In that declaration, Biosphere Reserves committed to serving as bridges for fostering long-term, effective cooperation between governments and businesses in the areas of sustainable development, climate change adaptation, and mitigation.
The Fund was officially granted its Establishment License and Charter Recognition under Decision No. 537/QĐ-UBND dated April 7, 2010 by the People’s Committee of Hai Phong City.
Fund Transaction Information
The Fund has its own seal, bank account, and transaction office, located at the Representative Office of the Management Board of the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve (within Cat Ba National Park).
Transaction Information:
Official Name: Sustainable Development Fund of the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve
Transaction Address: Representative Office of the Management Board of the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve (at Cat Ba National Park), Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City
Bank Account Number: 2108 2010 01425
Bank: Agribank – Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Cat Ba Branch, Hai Phong
Fund’s Symbol
The Fund’s symbol uses the logo of the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve, which has been registered and protected by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam, under the Ministry of Science and Technology. At the center of the logo is the image of the Cat Ba Langur, surrounded by a green border and English text.
Founding Sponsors of the Fund
The Fund was initiated by the Viet Nhat Steel Group, in agreement with the Vietnam National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, along with several enterprises and individuals committed to conservation and environmental protection, who voluntarily contributed financially.
The founding members who established the Fund include:
- Viet Nhat Steel Joint Stock Company
- Shinec Shipbuilding Industry Joint Stock Company
- Le Quoc Co., Ltd.
- VPS-POSCO Steel Co., Ltd.
- Khanh Vinh Salt Co., Ltd.
- Bach Dang Construction Corporation – Ministry of Construction
- Urban Lighting Power Company
- Sao Do Investment Joint Stock Company
Fund’s Founding Principle
The Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve Development Fund was established as a non-profit organization, based on the voluntary sponsorship and contributions of domestic and international organizations and individuals, in accordance with the laws of Vietnam. The Fund’s revenue is derived from voluntary donations and lawful sponsorships provided by individuals and organizations both inside and outside the country.
The Fund is used to Award prizes and commendations to organizations and individuals with outstanding achievements in contributing to the conservation and sustainable development of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve — either on an occasional or annual basis; Partially sponsor programs, projects, or research topics that are feasible, offer scientific and practical value, and bring effective results to the Biosphere Reserve.
Specific Activities of the Fund
According to the Fund’s Charter, the following activities may be carried out:
- Support the implementation of conservation and sustainable development of the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve in accordance with legal regulations and the Fund’s Charter;
- Provide investment loans;
- Offer refundable capital support;
- Receive and assign entrusted loans and financial assistance;
- Receive, manage, and utilize sponsorships and aid from domestic and international organizations and individuals to serve the conservation and sustainable development of the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve;
- Other activities as prescribed by law and the Fund’s Charter.
Fund Management Board
The Fund is operated by the Fund Management Council and the Fund Executive Board.
Fundraising and Utilization Results (2010–2016)
As of June 30, 2016, the balance of the Sustainable Development Fund of the Cat Ba Archipelago World Biosphere Reserve was VND 475,014,535, consisting of contributions and support from domestic and international organizations and individuals (Source: Fund Management Board Report), specifically:
- Sao Do Investment Joint Stock Company: VND 50,000,000
- VSCPOSCO Steel Co., Ltd.: VND 150,000,000
- Hai Phong Urban Lighting Power Company: VND 50,000,000
- Bach Dang Construction Corporation: VND 50,000,000
- An Vinh Construction Joint Stock Company: VND 30,000,000
- Viet Nhat Co., Ltd.: VND 40,000,000
- Professor Ockie Bosch, University of Queensland: VND 28,072,335
- Hung Vuong – Hung Viet International Investment JSC: VND 50,000,000
- Fund interest earnings: VND 26,942,200
Previously, the Fund served as an entrusted entity to implement sponsored projects funded by two organizations/individuals for activities within the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve:
- UNESCO Hanoi Office: Provided funding for 5 student groups awarded the UNESCO BRESS Prize 2011 in the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, worth USD 5,000 (equivalent to VND 103,849,226) – fully transferred to the Education and Training Department of Cat Hai District (receipt dated August 24, 2011).
- A research group led by Professor Ockie Bosch and Dr. Nam Nguyen funded the finalization of the sustainable development research for the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, worth USD 4,000 – used to cover airfare for two researchers from Australia to Cat Ba to conduct fieldwork in 2012.
