A seminar on “Marine Governance and Ecotourism Development in South East Asia biosphere reserves” was held on 22 Mar 2019 in the Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, for master and undergraduate students.

In this seminar, MSc. Agus Ariyanto, Forest Ecosystem Specialist, East Java Nature Resources Conservation Agency, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia, shared the agency’s current management activities, and introduced the Belambangan Biosphere reserve, community-based ecotourism in Ijen Crater Nature Reserve and in Pangpang Bay. Dr. Quyen Nguyen, Hanoi National University of Education, presented an overview on Vietnam 9 UNESCO/MAB biosphere reserves, especially Cu Lao Cham – Hoi An biosphere reserve, its governance situation and a research project “GCRF Blue Communities”, funded by UK government, being conducted in this case study along with other South East Asia case studies. In addition, MSc. Nguyen Van Minh, Ninh Binh provincial Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism, also shared current management and related issues in the UNESCO’s Natural and Cultural Heritage Trang An, Ninh Binh province.

Students learnt and discussed about Community Based Ecotourism Development model in Ijen Crater Nature Reserve and Mangrove Ecotourism in Pangpang Bay, East Java, Indonesia, and marine governance in Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area, Hoi An city, Vietnam, with the presenters. Tourism development plays important role in making alternative livelihoods and increasing income for local communities in these areas. However, how to balance the nature conservation and community development is an interesting question yet to be well answered. These subjects and information could be useful for the students on their studying and future career development.

Pictures (anticlockwise): Welcome and introduction by MSc. Agus Ariyanto and Dr. Quyen Nguyen; Presentation by MSc. Agus Ariyanto; Introduction by MSc. Nguyen Van Minh; Presentation by Dr. Quyen Nguyen; Students and presenters group picture.