Trang chủFrom December 3–5, 2025, the 8th ASEAN Heritage Parks Conference (AHP 8) was held in Quang Ninh Province.
The conference was attended by Nguyen Quoc Tri, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; Nguyen Van Cong, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province; Jerome L. Montemayor, Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB); Nguyen Ky Anh, Head of the Sustainable Development Division of the ASEAN Secretariat; representatives of the leadership of the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity; as well as representatives from ASEAN Heritage Parks and conservation management agencies of ASEAN Member States.
Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Quoc Tri delivering the opening remarks at the conference
The AHP 8 Conference took place over three days (December 3–5, 2025) at Muong Thanh Hotel – Quang Ninh, featuring a series of activities including: the Opening Ceremony of AHP 8; the Opening of AHP 8 booths and exhibitions; presentations showcasing biodiversity, signature products, and exemplary conservation models from ASEAN countries; and the Ceremony for awarding certificates to newly recognized ASEAN Heritage Parks.
On the evening of December 3, 2025, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity awarded certificates to 16 new ASEAN Heritage Parks, bringing the total number of AHPs to 69 parks. Among them, Viet Nam had five newly recognized parks, including: Con Dao National Park; Bach Ma National Park; Pu Mat National Park; Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve; and Xuan Thuy National Park.
During AHP 8, a thematic workshop titled “Review of the AHP 7 Conference in Indonesia” was organized, covering key topics such as: incubation and financing for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) projects; promoting the One Health approach in conservation; and strengthening partnerships with communities, youth, women, and indigenous peoples in conservation efforts.
The conference also featured in-depth presentations and panel discussions focusing on several themes, including: The Return of Nature in ASEAN; cooperation toward achieving the global 30×30 target; and sustainable resource management and climate change adaptation in the region.
Delegates visiting exhibition booths showcasing Vietnamese products
In addition, AHP 8 included a number of side events such as the FAO side-event, the ASEAN Youth Forum, and exhibitions introducing outstanding conservation models.
Before the closing of the conference, delegates participated in a field visit to the management board of the Ha Long Bay – Yen Tu Natural Heritage Site, recognized as the 38th ASEAN Heritage Park, and to Ha Long Bay – a World Natural Heritage Site.
The world is entering a period marked by unprecedented challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. In this context, AHP 8, themed “ASEAN Heritage Parks: ASEAN’s Contribution to Achieving the Global Biodiversity Plan,” holds profound significance. The event serves not only as an annual meeting to exchange experiences but also as a strategic forum affirming ASEAN’s responsibility and commitment to the international community.
With 69 ASEAN Heritage Parks, the AHP network is often regarded as a system of invaluable “green shields,” safeguarding unique genetic resources and providing the foundation for sustainable livelihoods for millions of people. The hosting of the AHP 8 Conference in Quang Ninh once again demonstrates the spirit of solidarity and cooperation among ASEAN countries and their shared aspiration for a green future—where humans and nature coexist in harmony and prosperity.