Dong Nai seeks UNESCO advice on forest-crossing highway project

Authorities in southern Dong Nai province want to consult with UNESCO over construction of a bridge and road in Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve.

The Cat Tien Natural Park - part of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve in the southern province of Dong Nai. (Photo: quehuongonline.vn)

The Cat Tien Natural Park - part of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve in the southern province of Dong Nai. (Photo: quehuongonline.vn)

The planned Ma Da Bridge and National Highway 13C will run through approximately 40km of the reserve, which is considered the ‘green lungs’ of the southeast.

Officials are concerned over possible effects it will have on the ecosystem and habitat of wildlife.

The National Committee for the Programme on Man and the Biosphere of Vietnam (MABVN) have recommended the bridge not be built, saying it would cause serious impacts on the core area and the conservation of three national historical relic sites.

Over the years, the province has protected forest areas, planted new trees, and rare animals have re-appeared.

If the bridge is given the greenlight, UNESCO could use their powers to revoke the title of ‘World Biosphere Reserve’.

After the province receives feedback from UNESCO, it will report to the Government and the Prime Minister for further consideration.

The bridge spanning the river of the same name will be part of Provincial Road 753 upgrade and expansion project with a total investment of VND655 billion from the State budget.

Last month, the provincial People’s Committee of neighbouring Binh Phuoc proposed the Government allow developing the Ma Da Bridge project to connect the province with Dong Nai.

Once opened to traffic, the bridge is expected to shorten the distance between Binh Phuoc province and Long Thanh International Airport project by over 60 km and help connect the Central Highlands provinces with Cai Mep-Thi Vai Port.

Under the plan approved by the Prime Minister in September last year, Provincial Road 753 will be upgraded into National Highway 13C running from Dong Xoai city in Binh Phuoc province to Dong Nai province’s Trang Bom district.

The Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve was expanded and renamed (from Cat Tien) in 2011 due to its rich biodiversity and cultural values.

It covers an area of almost one million ha and is situated in the centre of the South-east region of Vietnam, only 70km from Ho Chi Minh City and 40km north of Bien Hoa city.

The core zone covers over 170,000 ha and consists of three protected areas - Cat Tien National Park (72,000 ha), Dong Nai Nature Reserve (68,000 ha) and the Inland Wetland Protected Area of Tri An - Dong Nai (32,400 ha).

VNA

Other News

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

To accelerate the implementation of the the Ethnic Affairs Strategy by 2030, with a vision toward 2045, the Prime Minister requested ministries, agencies and local authorities to continue thoroughly carrying out the Party and State’s policies on ethnic affairs, enhancing the effectiveness of State management and strengthening oversight of policy implementation.

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

The team examined the APEC 2027 Convention Centre, where main conference activities are scheduled; Sun Serenia Hospital, designated to provide healthcare and emergency medical services for delegates; provincial road DT.975, which connects Phu Quoc International Airport to the convention centre; and the area surrounding Phu Quoc International Airport.

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

According to the municipal Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board, the city is simultaneously implementing seven projects, namely Tu Lien, Ngoc Hoi, Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Cat, Van Phuc, Hong Ha and Me So bridges. Construction is being carried out on multiple fronts, focusing on bored piles, pile caps, piers and superstructure works.

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Seventy-two years after the Dien Bien Phu Victory, its legacy still reverberates. The unity, self-reliance, and resilience forged in that historic triumph remain a powerful internal engine, now propelling Dien Bien toward fast and sustainable development.

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

In the 2027–2030 period, the city will accelerate the transition towards the complete phase-out of fossil fuel-powered buses. The share of electric and green energy-fueled buses is projected to reach 79–89% by 2029 and 100% by 2030.

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

At 8:00 the same day, KN475 began towing the disabled fishing boat toward Da Tay A island. The towing operation was carried out safely, and by 18:30 both the vessel and its crew had arrived at the island without incident, where repairs and additional support procedures were arranged.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

By the end of April, the number of buses using electricity and other green energy sources in the city is expected to reach 822, including 683 electric buses and 139 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, representing 42.1% of the total number of vehicles.