The Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO held a workshop in the southern province of Dong Nai on November 28 to review its work in 2018 and plan for the implementation of the Lima Action Plan and eco-labelling in world biosphere reserves in Vietnam.
Dong Nai (VNA) – The Vietnam National Commissionfor UNESCO held a workshop in the southern province of Dong Nai on November 28 toreview its work in 2018 and plan for the implementation of the Lima Action Planand eco-labelling in world biosphere reserves in Vietnam.
The Lima Action Plan for UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere(MAB) Programme and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (2016 – 2025) wasadopted by the MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB ICC) at its 28th session in Lima, Peru, in March 2016. It contains actions to ensure theeffective implementation of the MAB Strategy 2015 – 2025.
Its objective is to create thriving societies in harmonywith the biosphere for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals andthe 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development, through global dissemination ofsustainability models developed in biosphere reserves.
This year, Vietnam has seen progress in implementing theLima Action Plan. The Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve in Hai Phong was the first inVietnam to draw up a plan for the implementation of the Lima Action Plan,adopted by the local authority, while Lang Biang Biosphere Reserve in Lam Donghas developed a model for community-based management of the reserve which hasfacilitated local development.
The world biosphere reserve of Cu Lao Cham – Hoi An in QuangNam has launched an egg-hatching project to rebuild sea turtle population incentral Vietnam. Hundreds of eggslaid by sea turtles in Con Dao National Park were carried to Bai Bac (northbeach) of Cu Lao Cham where they hatched in September 2017. This success, alongsideimproved environmental protection practices, has brought greater prospects forthe restoration and conservation of sea turtles and biodiversity of the Cu LaoCham MPA.
Last year, more than 860 baby turtleswere born from 900 eggs using the ex-situ conservation method, and all werelater released to the sea. It is expected some extra 900 eggs will be hatchedin June and August this year. It is expected, by 2020, sea turtles will returnto shore around Cu Lao Cham to nest.
Speaking at the workshop, directors of biosphere reservesin Vietnam suggested that local governments where biosphere reserves arelocated must focus on forest protection and improve livelihoods for people whomanage the forests. At the same time, biosphere reserves in Vietnam need tostep up cooperation with their peers from other countries; acceleratecommunication campaigns to promote the biosphere reserves among people; andraise public awareness of environmental protection. –VNA
Located 45 km east of Hai Phong port city, Cat Ba boasts a typical ecological system in Vietnam, including tropical rain forests, limestone islands, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and sea grass.
The Central Highlands province of Lam Dong has recently approved the development and management plan of the Langbiang Biosphere Reserve in five years from 2018.
IUCN has launched a communication campaign to cut the use of plastic bags on Ly Son island, as a prelude to its sea turtle conservation programme on the island.
Nearly 500 plants from five species have bên planted on 10,000 hectares of a forest in Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, recognised in 2012 by UNESCO as one of eight biosphere reserves in Vietnam.
A large area of sea grass on the Cham Islands, off the coast of Hoi An, have been damaged due to the rapid increase in speed boats over the past several decades—another sign that mass tourism and unsustainable development threaten the rich ecosystem on the islands.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
A view of Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve. (Photo: VTC)
