Over the course of two days in Khanh Hoa Province, the Vietnam National Committee for the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB Vietnam), in collaboration with the Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee and the Nui Chua – Phuoc Binh World Biosphere Reserve, organized the 2025 Review Conference of the Vietnam Network of World Biosphere Reserves. The conference was attended by representatives from central ministries and sectors, leaders of Vietnam’s 11 World Biosphere Reserves, as well as numerous scientists, experts, research institutes, universities, and international organizations. This milestone event marks the 40th anniversary of MAB Vietnam’s establishment and the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Network of World Biosphere Reserves. Among the 11 reserves, the Cat Ba Archipelago (Hai Phong City) continues to be recognized as one of Vietnam’s exemplary models, making significant contributions to nature conservation and sustainable socio-economic development.
(Photo: 2025 Review Conference of the Vietnam Network of World Biosphere Reserves)
At the conference, the representative of Cat Ba National Park – Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve presented a report on the 2025 operational results and strategic directions for the upcoming period. According to Mr. Thiu, the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve has effectively implemented the components of the Lima Action Plan (2016–2025) while actively preparing for the implementation phase of the Hangzhou Strategy (2026–2035).
Alongside conservation efforts, Cat Ba is a pioneer in developing ecotourism linked with conservation, featuring numerous models of community participation in resource management and sustainable tourism. The integration of the Hangzhou Action Plan into the Management Plan for the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago World Natural Heritage site has helped the region become one of Vietnam’s exemplary integrated management models, harmoniously combining heritage conservation, scientific research, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the conference, the Park Director emphasized: ‘The Cat Ba Archipelago will continue to promote its central role within the global biosphere network, aiming for a green economic development model and high-quality ecotourism, while actively contributing to UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals”.
(Photo: Mr. Nguyen Van Thiu, representing the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve, presenting the 2025 operational results report and future orientations)
Building upon these significant achievements, the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve continues to solidify Vietnam’s pioneering position in fulfilling international commitments to nature conservation and sustainable development. These ongoing efforts play a vital role in preserving and promoting the Outstanding Universal Values of the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago World Natural Heritage site.
(Photo: Conclusion of the Review Conference of the Vietnam Network of World Biosphere Reserves)
