Part of a 3-day event in Nghe An from November 7 to 9, the dialogue underscores the vital role of these communities in protecting biodiversity while building resilient livelihoods.
“Biosphere Reserves” were first introduced by UNESCO in 1971 to recognize areas with significant natural and cultural value. Often referred to as “laboratories” for sustainable development, BRs are designed to manage the interactions between ecosystems and human activities, promoting harmonious coexistence between people and nature.
Buffer zones of BRs, situated between core protected areas and human settlements, present unique opportunities for sustainable, nature-based practices that support both conservation and local economies. An important objective of the buffer zone is to ensure that human activities contribute to the conservation of the core zone without causing any negative impacts. However, communities in these areas still face challenges in sustaining livelihoods due to limited resources and capacity, limited engagement in decision-making and planning processes, and the lack of effective benefit-sharing mechanisms from natural resources management and protection.
Achieving harmony between communities and nature is essential, as enhancing local livelihoods contributes to reducing direct pressure on forests and natural resources, contributing to the objective of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature that is set out in the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Sustainable livelihoods often involve steps like securing initial financial resources to establish viable models, maintaining a stable source of funding to support these, and developing market connections as part of a value chain approach.
In addressing these issues, the Project “Mainstreaming Natural Resources Management and Biodiversity Conservation Objectives in Socio-Economic Development Planning and Management of Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam” (the BR Project), funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and implemented by the MONRE and UNDP, has leveraged the Low Value Grants (LVG) modality under the Small Grants Programs (GEF SGP) to support 14 communes in 3 BRs of Tay Nghe An, Cu Lao Cham – Hoi An and Dong Nai to implement livelihood models in sustainable agroforestry production, animal husbandry and community-based ecotourism, etc. Revolving funds have been established in each commune to provide loans to community members on a rotational basis, proving to be a reliable and sustainable financing model for community development. Market development for the products has been supported with leadership and participation of the local authorities and people.
Mrs. Hoang Thi Thanh Nhan, Deputy Director of the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency, MONRE, emphasizes “Local communities should be placed at the center of conservation efforts. Nature conservation policies should go hand in hand with social development policies in making sure the local people are not left out in the decision-making and planning processes that involve their traditional land and habitats. The BR project has attempted to address both issues and has had some good achievements”.
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, the National Coordinator for UNDP GEF/SGP, shares “The Low Value Grants projects have helped spread the experiences, methods, and capacity building for local people and officials from villages, communes, and districts, and have expanded livelihood models in many communes, making use of local resources, creating revolving funds as a premise for expansion in the communes. Communities have been very aware of their roles and responsibilities in conserving biodiversity of forest ecosystems, contributing to the preservation of ethnic minority cultures, and promoting well the title of the Biosphere Reserves. “
The BR project, implemented by MONRE and UNDP from 2020 to 2024, is part of a larger effort to promote sustainable management of BRs across Viet Nam, directly contributing to the Targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which was adopted in the CBD COP15 in 2022.
With support from the GEF, the project has contributed to the more effective management of more than 1.8 million ha of forest and marine areas across Western Nghe An BR, Cu Lao Cham – Hoi An BR, and Dong Nai BR. The BR project has directly supported more than 3,100 households, benefiting over 14,700 individuals through capacity-building and sustainable practice training for government officials and community members alike. Women make up 42% of beneficiaries, reinforcing the project’s commitment to inclusive, gender-balanced development.
This dialogue is part of a three-day event celebrating International Day for Biosphere Reserves, featuring Celebration Meeting, workshops, exhibitions, and a field visit to Pu Mat National Park, in Nghe An. Participants reviewed Viet Nam’s progress in developing and sustainably managing BRs in Vietnam, explored local products, and witnessed conservation efforts in action, discussing both the rewards and challenges of large-scale BR management.
Since the designation of Viet Nam’s first BR in Can Gio in 2000, the BR Network has grown to 11 UNESCO-recognized sites, each rich in biodiversity and crucial for climate regulation, ecosystem preservation, and community well-being.
UNDP in Viet Nam supports marginalized groups, including ethnic minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, by especially promoting digital inclusion initiatives. Besides nature conservation projects, the 4M Solution (Meet, Match, Mentor, Move) project empowers female ethnic-minority micro-entrepreneurs through digital technologies, enhancing their access to markets and resources. Additionally, UNDP collaborates with local organizations to develop digital tools that improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, fostering their participation in the digital economy./.