Forest Area and Biodiversity Expand in Western Nghệ An Biosphere Reserve

The Western Nghệ An Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam has experienced a significant increase in both forest area and biodiversity compared to a decade ago. According to Decision No. 693/QD-UBND dated February 27, 2026, issued by the Nghệ An Provincial People's Committee, the total forest area within the reserve now exceeds 967,000 hectares, accounting for 99.15% of the province's total forest land. This includes over 780,000 hectares of natural forest (98.7% of the provincial total) and more than 187,000 hectares of planted forest (67.95% of the provincial total). By function, special-use forests amount to over 165,345 hectares, encompassing Pù Mát National Park, Pù Huống Nature Reserve, and Pù Hoạt Nature Reserve. Protection forests cover more than 290,491 hectares, and production forests span over 466,491 hectares. Compared to the 2017 assessment, the forest area has grown by more than 105,000 hectares, and the forest vegetation cover has increased from 66.3% to 69.07%. Furthermore, the reserve is home to 1,473 animal species, an increase of 531 species, including 871 vertebrate species. Among these, mammals number 144 species (a decrease of 31), birds 387 species (a decrease of 56), reptiles 91 species (a decrease of 10), and amphibians 66 species (a decrease of 3). Fish species have increased to 183 (an increase of 29). An additional 602 insect species have been identified. This expansion of forest cover and enhancement of biodiversity highlight the effectiveness of Vietnam's environmental conservation policies, particularly in establishing and managing national parks and nature reserves. As Vietnam pursues economic development alongside environmental protection, these conservation successes in protected areas are integral to its long-term development plans under its one-party system. The reserve's location near the border also underscores the importance of environmental management in border regions.