Trang chủOn the morning of May 22, at Cúc Phương National Park in Ninh Bình Province, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), in coordination with the People’s Committee of Ninh Bình Province, held the Commemoration Ceremony for the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025.
Overview of the commemoration ceremony
Attending the event from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment were Vice Minister Nguyễn Quốc Trị; Mr. Nguyễn Văn Tài, Director General of the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (NCBD); Mr. Lê Văn Hữu, Deputy Director General of the NCBD; Ms. Hoàng Thị Thanh Nhàn, Deputy Director General of the NCBD; Mr. Nguyễn Xuân Chinh, Deputy Chief of the Ministry Office; Ms. Nguyễn Thị Mai Hiên, Deputy Director General of the Department of Legal Affairs; and Mr. Nguyễn Việt Dũng, Director of the Natural Resources and Environment Communications Center.
From Ninh Bình Province, Mr. Nguyễn Cao Sơn, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, attended the ceremony. Representing other ministries and sectors was Major General Hà Xuân Duy, Deputy Director of the Environmental Crime Prevention Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security. The event also welcomed representatives of national and international organizations, including Mr. Patrick Haverman, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam; experts and scientists; as well as local residents and students from Nho Quan District, Ninh Bình Province.
In his opening remarks, Vice Minister Nguyễn Quốc Trị stated that in response to the theme “Living in Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development” launched by the United Nations, this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity provides a timely opportunity to inspire national pride and responsibility. Viet Nam is recognized as one of the countries with high biodiversity and is an active, responsible member of the international community, striving to conserve nature and biodiversity for a green, peaceful, and prosperous future. To achieve this goal, alongside the role of state management agencies, the collective engagement of the entire society—from all levels of government, businesses, and social organizations to every citizen—is essential.
Vice Minister Nguyễn Quốc Trị delivering the opening speech
At the ceremony held at Cúc Phương National Park—Viet Nam’s first nature reserve and a place endowed with rich natural resources and biodiversity—the Vice Minister called on ministries, sectors, central agencies, local authorities, organizations, and individuals to take practical actions to address issues related to nature conservation and biodiversity. Key priorities and solutions include:
First, continuing to improve mechanisms and policies that harmonize conservation with the rational exploitation and sustainable use of biodiversity; while integrating biodiversity conservation with poverty reduction, green livelihoods development, ecotourism, and environmental education.
Second, effectively implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy and the National Biodiversity Conservation Planning, aiming to restore ecosystems, ensure ecological integrity and connectivity, and promote the sustainable use of biodiversity in support of socio-economic development aligned with a green and sustainable economy.
Third, promoting science, technology, and digital transformation in ecosystem monitoring and restoration. This includes developing a national digital biodiversity database; advancing research on ecosystem restoration such as mangrove forests, coral reefs, and watershed forests; and supporting national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife rescue centers in applying technologies for the management and monitoring of rare and endangered species.
Fourth, developing plans, allocating budgets, and mobilizing financial resources while diversifying investment sources for biodiversity conservation. Strengthening cooperation with both domestic and international partners will help maximize financial support and investment for nature and biodiversity conservation, ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources, and promote sustainable livelihood models for local communities.
Fifth, enhancing communication, education, and public awareness on nature and biodiversity conservation. This includes diversifying communication channels on biodiversity and integrating conservation education programs into the school system. It is also important to promptly identify, recognize, and honor individuals, organizations, and communities that implement effective models, activities, and initiatives for biodiversity conservation.
Responding to the Vice Minister’s call, Mr. Nguyễn Cao Sơn, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ninh Bình Province, emphasized in his speech that environmental protection and biodiversity conservation are fundamental prerequisites for promoting the development of key economic sectors. In the coming period, Ninh Bình Province will strengthen the integration of biodiversity conservation objectives into socio-economic development strategies across sectors and levels of governance. The province will also prioritize investments in projects that protect natural landscapes, restore degraded ecosystems, and support local communities in participating in conservation through sustainable livelihood models.
In particular, Ninh Bình will continue to promote the important role of special conservation areas such as Cúc Phương National Park, Vân Long Nature Reserve, and the Tràng An Landscape Complex in conserving rare and endangered flora and fauna, while serving as a bridge connecting science, education, tourism, and local communities.
In response to the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025, Mr. Patrick Haverman, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Viet Nam, affirmed UNDP’s commitment to continue supporting Viet Nam on this journey through policy advisory services, technical assistance, and partnerships that generate meaningful impacts for nature and biodiversity conservation.
In his speech, Mr. Patrick Haverman also highlighted the critical role of local communities—particularly women, children, and ethnic minority groups—who are not only among those most affected by biodiversity loss but can also become key actors in the effective management of natural resources.
Following the ceremony, delegates participated in a wildlife release activity at Cúc Phương National Park, returning rescued animals to their natural habitat. Eight individuals of Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), listed under Group IB of Decree No. 84, were released into the wild after being successfully bred and raised under conservation programs and trained for reintroduction.
This meaningful activity helped spread an important message about species conservation and biodiversity protection at Cúc Phương National Park.