Vietnam, a nation of diverse and rich natural beauty, is making great efforts to conserve this precious heritage. From vast primeval forests to expansive wetlands, each nature reserve in Vietnam carries its own story, a unique ecosystem, and irreplaceable values. Let’s explore these “green gems” of Vietnam, where nature is protected and people have the opportunity to immerse themselves in unspoiled beauty.
In a global context facing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, Vietnam has proactively participated in international conventions and programs, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental protection and nature conservation. The establishment and effective management of nature reserves are among the top priorities, contributing to the sustainable development of the country.
Vietnam and International Commitments to Nature Conservation
Vietnam has actively played a role in implementing international commitments on nature conservation and biodiversity (BD), responding to the United Nations’ call for a “Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.” This is reflected in its participation in numerous important international treaties such as:
- Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (acceded in 1987).
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, acceded in 1994) and related Protocols.
- Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (acceded in 1989).
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, acceded in 1994).
These commitments are not just promises but concrete actions. Vietnam has incorporated international obligations into national laws, integrating provisions into national strategies and policies. In particular, the “National Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2050” clearly defines tasks for national-level conservation and contribution to global biodiversity goals.
Extensive Network of Nature Reserves
As of 2023, Vietnam has 178 nature reserves, including:
- 34 national parks.
- 59 nature reserves.
- 23 species and habitat conservation areas.
- 62 landscape protection areas.
Areas of international importance for conservation are also increasing in number, with 4 Ramsar wetlands and 7 ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) newly recognized in the past 5 years. Currently, Vietnam has 9 Ramsar sites, 11 UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserves, 12 ASEAN Heritage Parks (leading the region), and 1 internationally important migratory waterbird site within the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAFP).
Forest Ecosystem Restoration
Vietnam’s forest area is increasing. While in 1995, forest cover reached only 28.2%, by 2022 it had risen to 42.02%. In 2021, the Prime Minister approved the Project “Planting one billion trees in the period 2021 – 2025” to protect the ecological environment, improve landscapes, respond to climate change, promote socio-economic development, and improve the quality of life for people.
Conservation of Endangered Species
Vietnam prioritizes the protection of endangered and rare species such as elephants, tigers, primates, turtles, and species listed as priority for protection. Endangered species conservation programs have helped restore some populations in the wild, such as the Cat Ba langur population, the white-rumped langur in Van Long Nature Reserve (Ninh Binh), and the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey in Khau Ca (Ha Giang). The Siamese crocodile, a species once thought to be extinct in Vietnam, now has nearly 300 individuals living in Cat Tien National Park thanks to a recovery program.
Endangered and rare plant species prioritized for protection are also focused on research, conservation, restoration, and development, typically including Ngoc Linh ginseng, lady’s slipper orchids, etc. In 2022, the Prime Minister issued Directive No. 04/CT-TTg on a number of urgent tasks and solutions for the conservation of wild and migratory birds in Vietnam, demonstrating commitment to the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP).
Gene Source Collection and Conservation
Vietnam collected a total of 88,968 gene sources by 2020, a 3.12-fold increase compared to 2010. More than 3,179 gene sources were shared for research and application in production. Vietnam is one of the leading countries in participating in the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization, and has issued Decree No. 59/2017/ND-CP on management of access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing from the utilization of genetic resources.
Solutions to Prevent Biodiversity Decline
Despite many achievements, Vietnam still faces the alarming risk of biodiversity decline. The 2021 National Biodiversity Report shows a trend of degradation and decline in biodiversity recorded in all types of ecosystems, including terrestrial ecosystems, wetland ecosystems, and marine ecosystems.
To prevent this situation, Vietnam needs to implement synchronous solutions:
- Perfect policies and laws: Review, amend, and supplement legal documents to ensure systematicity, consistency, and compliance with international commitments.
- Enhance conservation capacity: Strengthen the capacity of organizations and personnel involved in biodiversity conservation from central to local levels.
- Raise awareness: Propagate and educate to raise awareness about nature and biodiversity conservation for all levels, sectors, and society.
- Promote scientific research: Prioritize scientific research, development, transfer, and application of advanced technology in conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
- Ensure financial resources: Develop mechanisms to mobilize additional financial resources to meet the needs of implementing biodiversity conservation goals.
- Strengthen international cooperation: Cooperate closely with international partners to mobilize resources and share experiences in biodiversity conservation.
Specific actions to protect and restore endangered migratory birds and their habitats are being implemented by Vietnam in cooperation with international organizations.
Priority Tasks of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) plays an important role in implementing commitments on biodiversity conservation. Key tasks include:
- Building and perfecting legal documents on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
- Strengthening management capacity and law enforcement on biodiversity.
- Investigating, monitoring, and building databases on biodiversity.
- Propagating and raising awareness about biodiversity.
- Deploying scientific and technological tasks to serve the management and conservation of biodiversity.
- Promoting international cooperation on biodiversity conservation.
- Implementing pilot solutions and models for conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems, species, gene sources, and control of impacts on biodiversity.
- Monitoring and evaluating the organization and implementation of plans and strategies.
Conclusion
Vietnam is making continuous efforts to conserve nature and biodiversity. Despite many challenges, with the joint efforts of the government, communities, and international organizations, we can be confident in a brighter future for Vietnamese nature. Nature reserves are not only places to protect rare flora and fauna but also attractive destinations for those who love nature and want to explore the unspoiled beauty of the country. Let’s join hands to protect and cherish these “green gems” for future generations.