Vietnam’s two biosphere reserves nominated for UNESCO voting

Vietnam’s biosphere reserves Nui Chua in the central province of Ninh Thuan and Kon Ha Nung in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai will be voted to seek UNESCO recognition at the 33rd session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (CIC-MAB) in Nigeria from September 13-17.

Baby turtles are released at Nui Chua National Park in the central province of Ninh Thuan. (Photo: VNA)
Baby turtles are released at Nui Chua National Park in the central province of Ninh Thuan. (Photo: VNA)

The event was held in both online and offline forms in Nigeria. This marks the first time an annual meeting of CIC-MAB has been organised in an African country.

Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO, said Vietnam is now home to 9 biosphere reserves recognised by UNESCO. If approved, Vietnam will have 11 biosphere reserves, becoming one of the countries with the largest number of UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserves.

It is also the first time since 2015 that Vietnam has had biosphere reserves nominated for voting by UNESCO. The voting is scheduled to take place on September 15.

The CIC-MAB, known as the governing body of the Man and the Biosphere programme, comprises 34 member nations biennially elected by the UNESCO General Assembly.