Its co- conveners— the Centre for Marine Life Conservation and Community Development, the National Committee for the Man and Biosphere Program, the Swedish Embassy, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)—were joined by local authorities, UNESCO and Stockholm University representatives, and leading environmental experts.

Cat Ba biosphere reserves

Participants highlighted the important role of community-based approaches to ecological management in Vietnam’s coastal and river delta regions.

They stressed the need to strengthen cooperation and bolster preventative measures against natural disasters.

The seminar reviewed the results of a three-year biosphere and natural resource preservation project (2011–2013) that sought to promote sustainable coastal community development.

Vietnamese delegates introduced the national biodiversity conservation strategy and the long-term vision for aquaculture development in the face of climate change’s ever-increasing impacts.

Vietnam currently has eight biosphere reserves covering more than 4 million hectares and directly affecting the lives of approximately four million local residents.