Associate Professor Nguyen Hoang Tri spent 12 years trying to have eight localities in Vietnam recognised internationally as biosphere reserves. His dedication won him a Vietnam Talent Award.

Tri teaches phytology and is the director of the Centre for Environmental Research and Education at Ha Noi National University of Education. He is also the general secretary of the Viet Nam Man and Biosphere Programme National Committee.

What exactly is a biosphere reserve?

Although the concept of a biosphere reserve is well known abroad, it is still a new model in Viet Nam. A biosphere reserve is a voluntary co-operative conservation reserve created to protect the biological and cultural diversity of a region while promoting sustainable economic development. It is a place of co-operation, education and experimentation, where scientists and managers can share research data to better understand man’s impact on nature. It is a place where local communities and environmental groups work collaboratively on conservation and development.

Was there any difficulty in the whole proccess?

The shortest time it takes to carry out the necessary research and then recommend a site for UNESCO biosphere reserve status is about three years. I spent nine years in the case of Cat Tien reserve.

Our biggest challenge was not with any particular issue but with people’s awareness. Authorities in some localities think that a biosphere reserve should serve tourism. Actually, tourism is only the tip of the iceberg because there are many other benefits – environmental, cultural and economic. However, if local authorities are not responsible for formulating conservation plans and local people are not aware of how to benefit financially from the reserve, then recognition can be considered a failure.

Have you had support from other professionals with your work?

Yes, a lot. Getting biosphere recognition involved a lot of teamwork. Even though I initiated the project, I was unable to do all the work myself.

For an area to qualify for designation as a biosphere reserve it must meet seven general criteria. Each criterion could be considered a package of work undertaken by one or more specialists. I played the role of foreman, regulating the whole work and was responsible for the final project.

What does recognition as a biosphere reserve mean for the local area and the country as a whole?

Recognition as a biosphere reserve has many benefits, which cannot be turned into money. It enhances a locality’s image and acts like a trademark. On the back of that, tourism can be developed. But most importantly, the image of the country will be improved in the eyes of our international friends.

Aside from the eight biosphere reserves that have been recognised by UNESCO, what other areas in Viet Nam have the potential to be biosphere reserves?

In my opinion, it is now time for us to look back at what we have achieved over a long period of time. Viet Nam now has more biosphere reserves than any other country in Southeast Asia. Therefore, it’s time to review our successes as well as our failures before moving forward. In addition, UNESCO is going to formulate a long-term plan.

Viet Nam now has eight biosphere reserves. Do you think there is room for more?

Actually, the number means nothing. If done effectively, two or eight projects can be considered successful. However, if the process moves too fast, not only will local authorities face difficulties but so will the local people because it takes time for thinking to catch up with development.

Local authorities do not fully understand what a biosphere reserve is or appreciate its advantages. They don’t even know how to submit an application to UNESCO themselves. Therefore, we provided experts to help them with the process. In fact, because we fully understand the process, it is better local authorities do not submit their own applications. If we had submitted each application individually, we would have had to wait 10 to 15 years to get biosphere reserve status.

So what is the way forward?

I’m thinking of putting forward a national programme to improve people’s awareness of inheritance conservation. We will soon hold meetings with the Ministry of Education and Training about it. We do not need to create a new subject. That programme can be integrated into existing subjects.

The Viet Nam’s Talent Awards were expanded to include the natural sciences in 2009. Do you think your award helps your work?

Receiving this prize was a great honour. Hopefully the award will help highlight the value of developing reserves.

Last but not least, this award means a lot to the locals in charge of UNESCO-recognised biospheres. The awards helped local authorities become more aware of the value of reserve status. Hopefully, they will become more responsible when it comes to environmental and cultural issues.

What are your plans for the near future?

I am a university lecturer. That is my main job.

I plan to publish a book, which I hope will encourage people to think in logical and methodical ways. In addition, I intend to write a book about Viet Nam’s biosphere reserves in English. I really hope that it will help enhance Viet Nam’s global image.

VietNamNet/VNS