Top 9 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam

Area: 1,118,105 hectares
Location: Kien Giang
Year Recognized by UNESCO: 2006
The Kien Giang Coastal and Marine Biosphere Reserve was officially recognized by the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme at its 19th session from October 23 to 27, 2006, in Paris. Spanning over 1.1 million hectares, it is Vietnam's second-largest biosphere reserve. This reserve covers areas in Phu Quoc, Kien Hai, An Minh, Vinh Thuan, and Kien Luong districts, with three core areas in Phu Quoc National Park, U Minh Thuong National Park, and the Kien Luong-Kien Hai coastal protection forest.

In terms of ecosystem diversity, Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve is home to a variety of tropical ecosystems: primary and secondary rainforests dominated by dipterocarp trees, mountain forest ecosystems with guava and cypress species, saline coastal forests, mangrove ecosystems (featuring species like mangroves and nipa palms, including the unique red toad only found in Vietnam), coastal scrub ecosystems, and coral reefs and seagrass beds.

Phu Quoc Island stands out for its rich biodiversity, hosting 529 plant species across 118 families and 365 genera, including 8 endemic species. Among the 42 species listed in the Red Book, 11 are extinct or critically endangered, 20 are rare, 8 are threatened, and 3 are endangered. The island is also home to unique animal species, including the Phu Quoc dog and two bird subspecies, the yellow-billed vireo and the red nectar sucker. Additionally, 23 animal species from Phu Quoc are listed in the Red Book, with critically endangered species like the reticulated python, freshwater crocodile, green sea turtle, flying squirrel, white-cheeked gibbon, and Asiatic black bear.

The Kien Luong-Kien Hai area features a plant variety with 182 species from 59 families, including 39 mangrove species such as nipa palm and mangrove trees. Tràm forests here host 47 species from 30 families, dominated by tràm trees. The wildlife in Kien Luong-Kien Hai-Ha Tien includes 28 mammal species from 8 orders, primarily in Hon Chong, including Southeast Asian endemics and migratory species from India, Myanmar, and Malaysia. The area also hosts over 55 bird species, many of which are crucial for biodiversity conservation in Vietnam and globally, such as the critically endangered sarus crane, lesser adjutant stork, and white-naped crane.

Meanwhile, U Minh Thuong's fauna, while less diverse than other protected areas in Vietnam, plays an important role in the ecosystem of the Mekong Delta's flooded forests, particularly with the discovery of the rare otter species, the hairy-nosed otter, listed in both Vietnam's and IUCN's Red Books. U Minh Thuong National Park is also the only place in the Mekong Delta to preserve a pristine acid sulfate swamp forest with mixed tràm forests and peat swamp tràm forests.

Area: 1,303,278 hectares
Location: Nghe An
UNESCO Recognition: 2007

Located across 9 districts in the western part of Nghe An province, the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve is the largest biosphere reserve in Southeast Asia. The core of this reserve includes Phu Mat National Park and two natural reserves, Pù Huống and Pù Hoạt. It holds a strategic position encompassing the entire upper basin of the Ca River system and the towering peaks of the northern Truong Son range, including Pu Xai Lai Leng and Phu Hoat mountains.

This biosphere reserve boasts an exceptionally high biodiversity, representing nearly all types of tropical rainforest ecosystems. Its diverse habitats include mountains, wetlands, streams, and other environments. It is the only place in northern Vietnam that still protects a large area of pristine rainforest, especially along the Vietnam-Laos border. Western Nghe An is home to around 2,500 species, including 2,000 plant species, 130 species of mammals, and several rare species like the saola, tiger, and the striped rabbit. It also hosts 295 bird species, 54 amphibians and reptiles, 84 fish species, 39 bat species, 304 species of butterflies, and thousands of other insects. Beyond its rich biodiversity, the reserve is also home to 9 ethnic groups, including the rare Ơ Đu people, one of the smallest ethnic minorities in Vietnam.

Recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve on September 20, 2007, the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve is an ideal research area for studying the impact of human activities on nature and global climate change.

Area: 371,506 hectares
Location: Ca Mau
UNESCO Recognition: 2009

Located at the southernmost tip of Vietnam, the Ca Mau Peninsula Biosphere Reserve holds immense value in terms of biodiversity, natural landscapes, environmental significance, and cultural and historical heritage.

The reserve is divided into three zones: the buffer zone, the transition zone, and the core zone. The core area includes two national parks: U Minh Ha and Ca Mau Peninsula, with two distinct ecosystems. The characteristic ecosystem of Ca Mau Peninsula National Park is the mangrove forest, which is home to 22 species of mangrove plants, including dominant species like Rhizophora, Avicennia, Sonneratia, and others. The area has recorded 13 species of mammals, including several endangered species listed in the World Red List, such as the silver langur and long-tailed macaque. Additionally, 74 species of birds, 17 species of reptiles, 5 species of amphibians, 175 species of fish, and 14 species of shrimp have been identified. Scientists consider the mangrove ecosystem here to be the second most diverse in the world, second only to the Amazon rainforest in South America.

Meanwhile, U Minh Ha National Park features a tropical evergreen rainforest ecosystem formed on acidic, waterlogged soils. The park is home to 176 plant species, including typical tree species such as cajuput, scrub, mopane, and thorn bush. Shrubs like the hairy cassowary and the thorny palm are also present, along with fresh vegetation like reeds and sedges. The wildlife of U Minh Ha National Park includes 23 mammal species, 91 bird species, 36 reptile species, and 11 amphibian species.

A unique feature of this biosphere reserve is that its area continues to expand each year, as the Ca Mau Peninsula advances into the sea by several meters annually. This expansion is driven by the sediment deposited by the river systems and assisted by the roots of the mangrove and Rhizophora forests along the coastline. On May 29, 2009, UNESCO recognized this area as a World Biosphere Reserve.

Area: 33,146 hectares
Location: Quang Nam
UNESCO Recognition: 2009

Listed alongside the Ca Mau Peninsula Biosphere Reserve, the Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An Biosphere Reserve includes the ancient town of Hoi An, the Thu Bon River estuary, and the entire Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area, which was recognized by UNESCO during its 21st session held on Jeju Island, South Korea.

Stretching from the city of Hoi An along the lower Thu Bon River to the Cu Lao Cham Archipelago, this area boasts a rich biodiversity, representing various typical ecosystems of the South Central Vietnam biozone, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, seaweed forests, mangrove forests (with prominent nipa palm forests in Cam Thanh), river mouth ecosystems, and wetlands. The Cu Lao Cham ecosystem is considered one of the most biologically diverse areas in Vietnam, home to over 300 coral species, spanning 40 genera and 17 families. Seagrass beds host five species found in waters less than 10 meters deep. The archipelago is also home to 97 mollusk species related to the coral reefs, spanning 61 genera and 39 families, as well as various lobster species and approximately 270 reef fish species from 105 genera and 40 families.

Beyond its impressive marine ecosystems, Cu Lao Cham is also a cultural and historical landmark, featuring architectural relics from the Sa Huynh, Champa, and Dai Viet cultures. Meanwhile, the ancient town of Hoi An has managed to preserve its historic charm, with streets reflecting centuries-old wooden houses, decorated with wooden carvings, couplets, and pillars adorned with intricate Japanese and Chinese influences from the days of trade. The intangible heritage, including festivals, customs, and traditional practices, has been well-maintained, transforming Hoi An into a living museum of architecture and urban life.

The Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An Biosphere Reserve serves as a vibrant example of the harmonious blend of culture and nature, symbolized by the connection between Hoi An's ancient town heritage and the Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area, offering a model for sustainable development in the future.

Area: 969,993 hectares
Location: Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Lam Dong, and Dak Nong
UNESCO Recognition: 2011

On June 29, 2011, the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve was designated as the 580th biosphere reserve in the world and the 8th in Vietnam, with a total area of 969,993 hectares. This expansion of the former Nam Cat Tien Biosphere Reserve spans five provinces in the southeastern and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam, covering the Cat Tien National Park, the Vinh Cuu Nature Reserve and Historical Site, the Trị An – Dong Nai Inland Wetlands, and the Ramsar Site at Bau Sau.

The Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve is home to a variety of ecosystems, ranging from lowland forests along rivers to mountainous forests. It boasts an impressive biodiversity with 401 plant species across 623 genera, 156 families, 92 orders, 10 classes, and 6 plant divisions. This diverse habitat supports a wide array of animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish, with 1,781 species belonging to 211 families and 51 orders. The Nam Cat Tien National Park is also the last remaining tropical rainforest in Southeast Vietnam.

Historically, this area was a revolutionary base and is home to national-level cultural and historical sites such as the Eastern Southern Party Committee Base, the Central South Party Base, and the Suoi Linh Tunnels. Additionally, this land harbors a rich and diverse cultural heritage, shaped by the coexistence of 11 ethnic groups who contribute to the unique characteristics that make it distinct from any other region.

The Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve serves as a model for multi-purpose conservation. It is envisioned as a model for sustainable development, balancing human activities with nature through the preservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage, guided by the philosophy of 'Conserve to Develop, Develop to Conserve.'

Area: 275,439 hectares
Location: Lam Dong
UNESCO Recognition: 2015

The LangBiang Biosphere Reserve is the first biosphere reserve in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Covering 275,439 hectares, with core, buffer, and transition zones measuring 34,943 ha, 72,232 ha, and 168,264 ha respectively, it spans the city of Da Lat and the districts of Don Duong, Duc Trong, Lac Duong, Don Ha, and Dam Rong. The reserve encompasses a vast area of pristine forest, with the core zone centered around Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park. This park is regarded as one of Vietnam's four biodiversity hotspots, home to 1,923 plant species, including rare species such as the flat-pine, a plant only found in Bidoup - Nui Ba, as well as species like Pơ Mu, Red Pine, and five-needle pine of Da Lat. The orchid family is particularly rich, with 297 species, earning the region the title of Vietnam's orchid capital.

The animal life is equally diverse, with 422 species recorded in the core zone of Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park. This area is home to rare species such as the fire fox, wild buffalo, horse bear, fire leopard, yellow-cheeked gibbon, and black-legged douc langur. Furthermore, the national park is one of 221 global bird hotspots, with 154 species listed in Vietnam's Red Book and 153 species in the World Red Book. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has identified the region as a top conservation priority within the South Truong Son mountain range of Vietnam. The area also features a 1,300-year-old Pơ Mu tree.

The biosphere reserve is named after LangBiang Mountain, which is steeped in the romantic legend of Lang and Biang, two characters from the K’Ho ethnic group, the indigenous people who have lived here for generations. The reserve embodies the intersection of global biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes, combined with the rich cultural heritage of the Central Highlands, which is celebrated through the Gong culture, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Area: 75,740 hectares
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
UNESCO Recognition: 2000

The Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, also known as the Sac Forest, is the first area in Vietnam to be designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Located at the mouth of the Dong Nai and Saigon River systems, it serves as a unique transition zone between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as between freshwater and saltwater environments. This reserve is marked by its mangrove forests, which include species such as white mangrove, grey mangrove, and various brackish plants like sour mangrove, nipa palm, and others. The wildlife here is abundant, with over 700 species of invertebrates, more than 130 fish species, 130 bird species, 4 mammal species, and 31 reptile species. Notably, 11 of these reptiles are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book, including the tokay gecko, water monitor, king cobra, and saltwater crocodile.

During the Vietnam War, Can Gio was a vital base for the Vietnamese military. From 1966 to 1975, the Sac Forest Special Forces fought in nearly 400 battles, taking down over 6,000 enemy troops and sinking 356 military vessels. They also destroyed 13 transport ships, shot down 29 helicopters, and suffered heavy casualties, with 860 of the more than 1,000 soldiers perishing, and 542 still missing. On September 23, 1973, the 10th Battalion of Sac Forest Special Forces was awarded the title of Heroic Armed Forces Unit.

Once devastated by bombs and chemical agents, Can Gio has been restored thanks to the tireless efforts of local communities and authorities. Today, the reserve acts as both the “lungs” and “kidneys” of the region, purifying the air and cleaning wastewater from nearby cities along the Dong Nai and Saigon River systems. It also serves as a prime site for scientific research and eco-tourism.

Area: approximately 105,558 hectares, with 66,256 hectares of coastal land and 39,302 hectares of marine water
Location: Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh
UNESCO Recognition: 2004

The Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve is located at the confluence of the Day, Red, and Thai Binh Rivers. It consists of three distinct regions: the coastal area of the Day River mouth in Kim Son (Ninh Binh) and Nghia Hung (Nam Dinh); the coastal region of the Ba Lat River mouth in Giao Thuy (Nam Dinh) and Tien Hai (Thai Binh); and the coastal region of the Thai Binh River mouth in Thai Thuy (Thai Binh). UNESCO recognized it on December 2, 2004.

The reserve encompasses intertidal zones, mangrove forests in Kim Son, Nghia Hung, Thai Thuy, Giao Thuy National Park, the Noi and Vanh islands, Thuy National Nature Reserve, and the Xuan Thuy Ramsar Wetland. The Xuan Thuy Ramsar site was the first nature reserve in Vietnam to be designated under the Ramsar Convention in 1989, marking it as the first Ramsar site in Southeast Asia. Globally, it is the 50th Ramsar site, with a focus on providing a habitat for waterfowl.

The area is home to around 200 bird species, including nearly 60 migratory species and more than 50 waterfowl species. Rare species listed in the International Red Book, such as spoonbills, the black-headed gull, the spoonbill sandpiper, and the northern white stork, can also be found here. The distinctive habitats include vast mangrove forests, saline wetlands, coastal mudflats, and river mouths. These mangroves act as a green barrier, protecting villages from storms, rising sea levels, and potential tsunamis.

However, the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve, particularly its core areas, such as Xuan Thuy National Park and the Tien Hai Wetland Nature Reserve, faces significant pressure due to excessive fishing and aquaculture. Unsustainable fishing practices threaten biodiversity, while fish farming in mudflats disrupts the natural food webs and degrades the landscape's beauty.

Area: 26,241 hectares, including 17,041 hectares of island and 9,200 hectares of marine area.
Location: Hai Phong.
UNESCO Recognition: 2004.

The Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve is located entirely within the Cat Ba National Park in the Cat Hai District of Hai Phong City. Situated at the heart of Cat Ba Island, it features rugged limestone mountains with an average elevation ranging from 50 to 200 meters, interspersed with numerous valleys stretching from northeast to southwest. The dominant ecosystem here is terrestrial, with tropical evergreen broadleaf rainforests, although due to the unique topography, soil, and rainfall, there are several additional forest types, including limestone mountain forests, mangrove forests along the island's coast, freshwater wetland forests on the mountains, and even unique forests such as the Kim Giao mixed forest. The flora is exceptionally rich, with 1,589 plant species, 37 species of mangroves, 102 species of seaweed, and 400 species of phytoplankton. Some of these plants are rare, such as the jade tree, the stone pine, and the special Giao tree, which only appears in the Himalayas. The fauna is equally diverse, with 63 mammal species, 214 bird species, 82 reptile and amphibian species, and 274 insect species. The marine life includes 131 species of zooplankton, 196 species of marine fish, 11 species of freshwater fish, and 193 species of coral. Notably, the Cat Ba langur, an endemic primate species, is critically endangered, with only a few dozen individuals remaining.

In addition to its rich biodiversity, the area is an archaeological treasure trove, home to significant prehistoric artifacts and cultural layers that demonstrate the continuous human presence on Cat Ba Island for over 300,000 years. Archaeological sites such as the fossilized remains at the White Stone Cave / Hoa Cuong Cave and the Late Paleolithic to Early Neolithic sites at Ang Ma and Ong Bay Cave indicate that the island was once connected to the mainland. The Cai Beo culture, dating back to around 7,000-5,000 BC, emerged during the period of rising sea levels, when Cat Ba Island separated from the mainland.

Due to its global significance for biodiversity conservation, UNESCO designated the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve as a world biosphere reserve on December 2, 2004, alongside the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve.