Vinh, Nghe An, 7 November 2024 – In celebration of International Day for Biosphere Reserves (BR), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), convened a dialogue on supporting sustainable livelihoods for communities in the buffer zones of Viet Nam’s biosphere reserves (BRs).  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.

For any media inquiries, please contact: 
Phan Huong Giang 
UNDP Media and Communication Analyst, Climate Change and Environment 
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org
Mob: 0948466688

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Information of the 6 LVG initiatives under the BR Project

1. Sustainable Livelihood Expansion through Met Tree Development in Tam Quang and Tam Hop, Tuong Duong District, Western Nghe An BR: This initiative focuses on reducing pressure on biodiversity and forest ecosystems in Tam Quang and Tam Hop, Tuong Duong District, by promoting met tree cultivation as a sustainable livelihood model for 333 households, supporting forest management on 500.87 hectares of existing met tree forests, adding 86.92 hectares on degraded land, and introducing 44.12 hectares on previously unplanted production land, while increasing participating households’ income from met tree cultivation by 20%.

2. Supporting Buffer Zone Communities in Developing Medicinal Plant Cultivation under Forest Canopy in Tuong Duong, Western Nghe An BR: Through cultivating medicinal plants under the forest canopy, the initiative strengthens sustainable livelihoods by building benefit-sharing mechanisms, establishing nurseries, and implementing 18 hectares of medicinal plant cultivation. Key outcomes include a 20% income increase for 500 households, the creation of revolving livelihood funds, and the establishment of a community forum to support knowledge sharing and market development.

3. Expansion of Sustainable Livelihoods through Cultivation of Yellow Tea, Lùng Bamboo, Met, and Bon Bo Plants in the Buffer Zones of Pu Hoat Nature Reserve, Que Phong, Western Nghe An BR: This initiative promotes the cultivation and responsible harvesting of native plants, enhances technical skills, and establishes revolving funds for community-led activities. Key achievements include sustainable cultivation of 1,483 hectares of Lùng Bamboo, 135 hectares of Yellow Tea, and 92 hectares of Bon Bo, directly benefiting 663 households and strengthening market access for these products.

4. Development of Sustainable Community Livelihood Models Combined with Ecotourism in the Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An BR: By building sustainable livelihood models integrated with community-based ecotourism, the initiative raises conservation awareness, supports local industries, and strengthens environmental protection. Key achievements include improved livelihoods for 320 households, establishment of benefit-sharing mechanisms, community-run ecotourism routes, training for locals in organic farming practices, organizing workshops on waste management and environmental protection, supporting traditional crafts like bamboo and rattan weaving, and cultivating ST25 rice, among others.

5. Enhancing Quality and Value of Citrus and Mango Products to Improve Income and Conserve Natural Resources in Vinh Cuu, Dong Nai BR: This initiative empowers 500 households in Ma Da, Hieu Liem, and Phu Ly communes with sustainable farming techniques to boost income and protect natural resources. Key activities include technical training in organic and safe agricultural practices for citrus and mango crops, the establishment of three community-managed revolving funds to support farming inputs, and workshops on harvesting, storage, and processing. Additionally, a local fruit festival was organized to promote these products, connecting farmers to more stable markets.

6. Sustainable Livelihood Development through Grass Cultivation Combined with Cattle and Goat Raising in Gia Canh, Dong Nai World BR: This initiative supports 259 households in sustainable income generation while protecting the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve. Activities include technical training on grass cultivation and livestock rearing, distribution of cattle and goat breeds, establishment of community revolving funds, and creation of community groups for shared resources, all aimed at reducing pressure on forest resources.