On 14^th and 15^th August 2013, Department of Natural resources and Environment of Ninh Binh, Man and Biosphere Program (MBA Viet Nam) and Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD) with support from Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) held the training workshop “Promoting approaches to biosphere reserves in response to climate change in Vietnam”.

The workshop focused on providing information and knowledge about approaching biosphere reserves and about UNESCO system of international titles in Viet Nam as well as giving guidelines on the construction and management of biosphere reserves in climate change context. The workshop also created platform for information exchange and connection enhancement within the network of biosphere reserves in Viet Nam. Besides, the workshop was a forum to underline the role of young people in response to climate change and in reducing natural perils in biosphere reserves, to share experience and measures to increase value of local products by attaching international titles such as Biosphere Reserves or World Heritage Site.

Nearly 80 guests from stated institutions, organizations concerning biosphere reserves and climate change response, NGOs and Representative of Vietnamese National Committee of UNESCO attended the workshop.

The workshop took place while climate change was having heavy impact in Viet Nam, increasing draught, floods and extreme climate conditions, exhausting natural resources, worsening the eco-sociology and human wellness. According to researches, climate change affects coastal areas profoundly via obvious rise of sea level. Average sea level in Hon Dau Hydrology center increased about 20cm over the last 50 years, fastening the saltilization process which narrows planting soil areas. Besides, long and heavy coldness and frost bring some plants to death and increase diseases for cattle.

Biosphere reserves play an important role in seeking and experimenting solutions to threats caused by climate change and change tracking also. According to Associate Professor Nguyen Hoang Tri- General President of MBA Viet Nam, biosphere reserves provide ecosystem services, diverse culture, create employment, raise income and reduce effects of natural perils. A lot of biosphere reserves in the world have been recognized as Good model in response to climate change such as Model Noosa Biosphere reserves in Australia.

The training workshop “Promotiing approaches to Biosphere Reserves in response to climate change in Viet Nam” is expected to provide effective resolutions from related parties for biosphere reserves management and improve the role of biosphere reserves in responding to climate change.