Vietnam Embraces Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development

On the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22), Vietnam is emphasizing the need for balance between economic growth and nature conservation, highlighting that sustainable development is achievable when humanity lives in harmony with the natural world. Vietnam, with its richest biodiversity in the world, is working to safeguard its species and ecosystems, through proactive measures such as the National Strategy on Biodiversity to 2030, with a vision to 2050, and on-the-ground conservation initiatives. The country has shown strong international commitment to biodiversity conservation, signing key global agreements and pledging to meet the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's ambitious targets.

Key Takeaways:

• Vietnam has the richest biodiversity in the world, with 16 countries worldwide.
• The country has taken proactive measures to safeguard biodiversity, including the development and implementation of the National Strategy on Biodiversity to 2030, with a vision to 2050.
• On-the-ground conservation initiatives have gained momentum nationwide, with local authorities launching various programmes to protect endangered species.
• The network of natural protected areas in Vietnam has been expanded, and degraded ecosystems are showing signs of recovery.
• Notable achievements include the discovery of rare species in the wild, the recovery of threatened populations, and the commercial farming of high-value species.
• Vietnam has demonstrated strong commitment to international efforts on biodiversity conservation, signing key global agreements such as the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1987) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (1994).
• Vietnam has pledged to work closely with international partners to meet the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's targets.
• The National Strategy on Biodiversity to 2030 encourages the active participation of non-governmental organisations, businesses, and local communities in biodiversity conservation.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued guidance to encourage agencies and communities to carry out practical activities in support of biodiversity.
• Key efforts include implementing the National Strategy on Biodiversity to 2030, strengthening cooperation with domestic and international partners to mobilise financial support for conservation, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Statistics:

• Vietnam is among the 16 countries with the richest biodiversity in the world.
• Vietnam has developed and implemented the National Strategy on Biodiversity to 2030, with a vision to 2050.
• Over 190 countries, including Vietnam, adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal in late 2022.
• Vietnam has pledged to work closely with international partners to meet the framework's ambitious targets.
• The National Biodiversity Conservation Plan for the 2021-2030 period aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in alignment with green economy principles and climate resilience.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is urging stronger public communication, the integration of biodiversity education into school curricula, and the recognition of individuals and organisations with effective conservation models and initiatives.

Sources:

• Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE)
• UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1987)
• Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (1989)
• Convention on Biological Diversity (1994)
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
• National Strategy on Biodiversity to 2030, with a vision to 2050
• National Biodiversity Conservation Plan for the 2021-2030 period
• UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15), Montreal, late 2022