Biosphere reserves in Asia and the Pacific

Know about Biosphere reserves

What is Biosphere Reserve?

• Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an international designation by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes extending over large areas of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination of both.
• Biosphere Reserves tries to balance economic and social development and maintenance of associated cultural values along with the preservation of nature.
• Biosphere Reserves are thus special environments for both people and nature and are living examples of how human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting each other’s needs.

What are the Criteria for Designation of Biosphere Reserve?

• A site must contain a protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation.
• The core area must be a bio-geographical unit and should be large enough to sustain a viable populations representing all trophic levels.
• The involvement of local communities and use of their knowledge in biodiversity preservation.
• Area’s potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of the environment.

What are the Three Main Zones of Biosphere Reserve?

• Core Areas:
  • It is the most protected area of a biosphere reserve. It may contain endemic plants and animals.
  • They conserve the wild relatives of economic species and also represent important genetic reservoirs having exceptional scientific interest.
  • A core zone is a protected region, like a National Park or Sanctuary/protected/regulated mostly under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is kept free from human interference.
• Buffer Zone:
  • The buffer zone surrounds the core zone, and its activities are managed in this area in ways that help in the protection of the core zone in its natural condition.
  • It includes restoration, limited tourism, fishing, grazing, etc., which are permitted to reduce its effect on the core zone.
  • Research and educational activities are to be encouraged.
• Transition Zone:
  • It is the outermost part of the biosphere reserve. It is the zone of cooperation where human ventures and conservation are done in harmony.
  • It includes settlements, croplands, managed forests and areas for intensive recreation and other economic uses characteristics of the region.

What are the Functions of Biosphere Reserve?

• Conservation:
  • Managing Biosphere Reserve’s genetic resources, endemic species, ecosystems, and landscapes.
  • It may prevent man-animal conflict eg., death of tiger Avni who was shot dead when she turned man-eater
  • Along with the wildlife, culture and customs of tribals are also protected
• Development:
  • Promoting economic and human growth that is sustainable on a sociocultural and ecological level. It seeks to strengthen the three pillars of sustainable development: social, economic, and protection of the environment.
• Logistic support:
  • Promoting research activities, environmental education, training and monitoring in the context of local, national and international conservation and sustainable development.

Biosphere reserves in Asia and the Pacific

Full list of biosphere reserves in Asia and the Pacific

This list includes Periodic Reviews –January 2021 Update link Here (UNESCO.ORG)

Vietnam Biosphere Reserves

In addition, Vietnam joined UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) in 2000. The WNBR consists of a network of sites called Biosphere Reserves, aimed at integrating people and nature for sustainable development. So far, UNESCO has designated eight such voluntary Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam. The Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, designated in 2007, is the largest of these reserves.

Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve

With an area of 1.3 million hectares, Western Nghe shares 440 kilometers (about 273 miles) of its boundary with neighboring Laos. The biosphere reserve contains three important protected areas – Pu Mat National Park, Pu Huong Nature Reserve and Pu Hoat Nature Reserve – home to several threatened, rare and endemic species. Western Nghe An also has many ethnic groups residing within, such as the Thai, Mong, Tay Poong and Kho Mu.

While Western Nghe An was recognized as a biosphere reserve in 2007, it was only in 2011 that the Nghe An People’s Community officially accepted UNESCO’s recognition.

Cat Tien National Park

Located in southern Vietnam, Cat Tien National Park is a protected rainforest filled with ancient trees, rivers, and rare animals. It is home to primates like the Black-shanked Douc Langur, endangered pangolins, and even wild elephants. The wetlands here also shelter the rare Siamese Crocodile. Whether hiking through the jungle or joining a night safari to spot nocturnal creatures, Cat Tien is an exciting place for nature lovers.

Dalat Plateau

High in Vietnam’s central highlands, the Dalat Plateau offers cool weather, misty pine forests, and beautiful waterfalls. This area is a top spot for birdwatching, with species like the Collared Laughingthrush and Vietnamese Greenfinch living in its forests. The Dalat Plateau is a perfect place for those who love hiking, nature photography, and peaceful mountain landscapes.

Can Gio Mangrove Forest

Just outside Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio Mangrove Forest is a unique wetland where rivers, saltwater forests, and mudflats come together. This area is home to long-tailed macaques, saltwater crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. It plays an important role in protecting the coastline and supporting marine life. A boat ride through the mangroves is a great way to explore this peaceful yet exciting ecosystem.

Wildlife Tours to Vietnam Biosphere Reserve

Each of these places offers a different side of Vietnam’s wild beauty. From the deep rainforests of Cat Tien to the misty highlands of Dalat and the rich mangroves of Can Gio, these destinations are worth exploring. By visiting responsibly, travelers can help protect these amazing ecosystems for the future.

Across Vietnam, conservation efforts are expanding—from reforestation projects to wildlife rescue and habitat protection. At WANEE, we believe that the more we appreciate nature, the more we’ll want to protect it. That’s why our tours are designed to inspire a deeper love for wildlife and a stronger commitment to conservation. While trying harder every day to protect the balance of nature, our wildlife tours give tourists the chance to explore Vietnam’s natural beauty, understand how different habitats connect, and take action to protect them.

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