Network Adopts Declaration on Coastal Sustainability
The 13th meeting of the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves in Ho Chi Minh City adopted a declaration on balancing development with conservation.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Environmental
The 13th meeting of the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves, held November 6-8 in Ho Chi Minh City, adopted a declaration outlining cooperation priorities, experience-sharing activities and management guidelines. The meeting focused on balancing urban development with environmental sustainability in coastal and island biosphere reserves.
Why it matters
The declaration harmonises ecosystem conservation with sustainable socio-economic development and commits the network to contribute to Action Target 18 of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan. It sets a framework for managing coastal areas where urban growth and environmental protection often compete.
The declaration cites 26 years of management effort at the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve and four thematic sessions covering biodiversity, governance, circular economy and green economy. Specific measurable targets beyond Action Target 18 were not detailed in the source material.
The players
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization oversees the biosphere reserve network and co-hosts its joint secretariat work.
World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves
A global network of island and coastal biosphere reserves that coordinates conservation and sustainable development practices across member sites.
The details
Representatives of biosphere reserves and network organisations from various countries attended alongside UNESCO representatives, experts and scientists. Presentations covered carbon credits, biodiversity credits, blue carbon and nature-based solutions.
Timeline
- November 6-8, 2026: 13th meeting held in Ho Chi Minh City
- November 7, 2026: Ho Truc Thanh gave closing remarks
- November 24-26, 2026: 11th training course in Jeju, Republic of Korea
- 2028: Guidelines for coastal and marine biosphere reserves due for publication
Big Picture
The declaration extends the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan by committing the network to its Action Target 18 for coastal and island reserves. Guidelines for coastal and marine reserves are due by 2028 under that framework.
The guidelines and training may shape how coastal and island reserves weigh urban growth against habitat protection in the years ahead. Practitioners and local managers in participating regions will see the framework applied to their own sites.
The takeaway
Coastal development decisions increasingly need to account for biodiversity, carbon and governance together. The declaration signals that network members see these goals as complementary rather than competing.
What happens next
The network will publish guidelines for coastal and marine biosphere reserves in 2028, and the 11th training course for managers will be held in Jeju, Republic of Korea, from November 24-26, 2026.
Further reading
For broader context on conservation policy, see Environmental coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus).
