VIETNAM'S 12 WORLD BIOSPHERE RESERVES SHOWCASE COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1. Phong Nha–Ke Bang Biosphere Reserve

The newest addition to the global network, the Phong Nha–Ke Bang Biosphere Reserve in Quang Tri province, covers more than 515,000 hectares. The area is internationally renowned for possessing the world's largest limestone mountain formation, over 300 caves, and a network of spectacular underground rivers. It is also highly valued for its rich biodiversity, with 2,953 species of higher plants recorded.

This area is home to Son Doong Cave, the largest natural cave in the world, and is recognised as one of Vietnam’s most important biodiversity hotspots.

The new designation opens up opportunities to strengthen international cooperation in nature conservation, scientific research, and the development of sustainable tourism in Quang Tri province.

2. Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve

Recognised by UNESCO in September 2021, the Nui Chua Biosphere Reserve in Khanh Hoa province represents one of Vietnam's most distinctive ecological regions. Covering more than 106,600 hectares, it is characterised by an exceptionally dry climate that is rare in the country.

The reserve encompasses both forest and marine ecosystems and provides habitat for numerous endangered species, including the black-shanked douc langur. Offshore, extensive coral reefs support rich marine biodiversity, while sandy beaches serve as important nesting sites for sea turtles. The area has become a model for integrating marine conservation with sustainable coastal development.

3. Kon Ha Nung Plateau Biosphere Reserve

Also designated by UNESCO in 2021, the Kon Ha Nung Plateau Biosphere Reserve in Gia Lai province, with a total area of more than 413,000 hectares, is a typical representative of the Central Highlands forest ecosystem.

The reserve preserves relatively intact tropical forests that support a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, including many rare and threatened species. Equally important, it protects the traditional living space and cultural heritage of indigenous ethnic communities whose livelihoods have long been intertwined with the forest.

4. Langbiang Biosphere Reserve

Langbiang became the first World Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam's Central Highlands when it was recognised by UNESCO in 2015.

Covering 275,439 hectares in Lam Dong province, the reserve contains rich montane forests and a wide variety of endemic and endangered species listed in Vietnam's Red Book. Its ecological values are complemented by the unique cultural traditions of local ethnic communities and the Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, also recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The combination of biodiversity and cultural heritage makes Langbiang a leading destination for sustainable ecotourism.

5. Cu Lao Cham–Hoi An Biosphere Reserve

Recognised by UNESCO in 2009, the Cu Lao Cham–Hoi An Biosphere Reserve in Da Nang city is widely regarded as a successful example of harmonising nature conservation with cultural preservation.

The area includes marine and island ecosystems, mangrove forests, special-use forests, and the ancient town of Hoi An. It is one of the biosphere reserves that effectively contributes to ecotourism development, marine conservation, and the maintenance of sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

6. Mui Ca Mau Biosphere Reserve

Situated at Vietnam's southernmost tip, the Mui Ca Mau Biosphere Reserve was recognised by UNESCO in 2009.

The reserve occupies a unique geographical position where the East Sea and the Gulf of Thailand meet. Its ecosystems include vast mangrove forests, peat swamp melaleuca forests, and rich coastal waters that support abundant fisheries and wildlife.

These ecosystems play a critical role in protecting coastlines from erosion, maintaining fishery resources, and helping communities adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change and sea-level rise.

7. Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve

Recognised by UNESCO in 2007, the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve covers approximately 1.3 million hectares, making it one of Southeast Asia's largest biosphere reserves.

The reserve protects extensive areas of primary forest within the Truong Son mountain range and serves as a refuge for many endangered species, including the saola—one of the world's rarest mammals, as well as red-shanked douc langurs and Asian elephants. Its vast forest landscapes play a vital role in maintaining ecological connectivity and conserving biodiversity across the region.

8. An Giang Coastal and Island Biosphere Reserve

The An Giang Coastal and Island Biosphere Reserve, formerly known as the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, received UNESCO recognition in 2006.

Its core conservation areas include U Minh Thuong National Park and Phu Quoc Island, encompassing a remarkable diversity of ecosystems ranging from melaleuca forests on acid sulfate soils to coral reefs and seagrass beds.

Phu Quoc's marine environment alone is home to 108 coral species, nine species of seagrass, and hundreds of species of marine algae and economically valuable marine organisms. Alongside its conservation role, the island has developed into one of Vietnam's premier international tourism destinations, illustrating how environmental protection can support sustainable economic growth.

9. Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve

Recognised by UNESCO in 2004, the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve is a typical wetland area of Vietnam, featuring mangrove forests, tidal flats, and estuarine ecosystems.

It serves as a habitat and stopover site for many rare migratory and waterbird species, including several listed in the IUCN Red List. The mangrove forests in this area also play an important role in protecting coastlines and mitigating the impacts of climate change

10. Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve

The Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2004, comprises Cat Ba Island and hundreds of surrounding limestone islands in northern Vietnam.

It is internationally recognised as one of the country's biodiversity hotspots and is home to the critically endangered Cat Ba langur, one of the world's rarest primates.

Adjacent Lan Ha Bay, with its emerald waters and dramatic limestone formations, has become a major attraction for ecotourism while conservation programmes continue to protect the area's fragile ecosystems.