Cat Tien National Park Biosphere Reserves

What is a biosphere reserve?

Biosphere reserves are areas with terrestrial or coastal ecosystems, internationally recognized under the Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) of UNESCO to promote and display the balanced relationship between humans and nature.

Each biosphere reserve has three functions:

– The function of conservation: to contribute to the conservation of diversity of genes, species, ecosystems and landscapes.

– The function of development: to promote ecologically sustainable economic development as well as traditional cultural values.

– The function of support: to facilitate research, monitoring, education and information exchange activities between local, national and international levels for conservation and sustainable development purpose.

How is a biosphere reserve organized?

A biosphere reserve is organized into three zones:

– Core zone: to preserve in the long-term species, the landscape and ecosystem diversity.

– Buffer zone: is located around or adjacent to the core. Economic, research, education and entertainment activities can be held here but these must not affect the core zone.

– Transition zone: is located at the outermost. Here, economic activities remain normal on the basis of sustainable development of natural resources that the biosphere reserve offers.

Cat Tien Biosphere Reserve

Pursuant to the standards of UNESCO, on 10/11/2001, Cat Tien has been recognized as the No. 411 biosphere reserve in the world with a total area of  728.756ha, is located in 86 communes and towns, four provinces of Dong Nai, Lam Dong, Binh Phuoc and Dac Nong. Cat Tien Biosphere Reserve includes 33 ethnic communities, the majority is from Kinh, and there are three indigenous minorities: Stieng, Ma and Chau Ro.

Source: Cat Tien National Park