This year, the United Nations has designated the theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity as 'Be part of the Plan'. This initiative serves as both a message and a call-to-action, urging all stakeholders to actively participate in the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) to combat biodiversity loss during the 'Decade of Ecosystem Restoration'.

Furthermore, this communication aims to raise awareness among stakeholders about the GBF framework at the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), scheduled to convene from October 21st to November 1st in Cali, Colombia.

To mark the International Day for Biological Diversity in 2024, the MONRE recommends that ministries, sectors, and localities intensify efforts in communication, education, and awareness-raising regarding biodiversity and its significance in the nation's sustainable development strategy. It is advised to integrate biodiversity conservation content into educational programs and advocate for lifestyles harmonious with nature.

In addition, agencies are urged to persist in effectively implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy through 2030, with a vision for 2050, aligning with targets outlined in the GBF adopted at COP15. They are encouraged to disseminate, guide, and execute plans, programs, and directives related to nature conservation and biodiversity.

Simultaneously, there should be a reinforced focus on emergency actions to prevent overexploitation and illegal trade of wildlife and plants, while safeguarding the sustainable customs and practices of local communities in vulnerable areas, including conservation areas, national parks, and recognized natural heritage sites.

The MONRE requests that units and localities implement measures to prevent and minimize the occurrence and impact of invasive alien species on biodiversity through control measures, enhanced management of entry pathways, or eradication of invasive species.

Looking ahead, it is imperative to research and apply solutions to reduce pollution and mitigate the impact of climate change on biodiversity. This includes measures such as emission reduction, plastic waste prevention, tight regulation of pesticides and chemicals in agriculture and forestry, disease management, and sustainable farming practices. Moreover, integrating biodiversity conservation into policies, strategies, plans, and regulations of ministries, sectors, and localities is crucial to ensure fairness, comprehensiveness, and consistency in decision-making related to biodiversity conservation.

The MONRE emphasizes the need to strengthen databases and enhance capacity in investigating, inventorying, monitoring, and surveilling biodiversity information and data. Advanced science and technology solutions should be utilized for biodiversity monitoring, and innovative approaches developed to improve conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Promoting and establishing partnerships with domestic and international organizations and individuals to mobilize support and assistance for nature conservation and biodiversity is deemed a vital solution.

Recognizing, proposing, and honoring individuals, groups, and communities with practical and effective models, activities, and initiatives in biodiversity conservation is essential in inspiring and motivating broader participation.

Furthermore, the MONRE has introduced several slogans in response to the message of International Day for Biological Diversity 2024, such as: 'Biodiversity is the foundation of all life on Earth', 'Biodiversity - Life's value from nature', 'Protect all species, protect life', 'Cross-border cooperation for life on Earth', 'Nature conservation is the premise of sustainable development'.

In pursuit of the ambitious goals outlined in the GBF, Vietnam continues to implement various actions, including enhancing legal frameworks to support biodiversity conservation, further developing policy mechanisms related to national biodiversity conservation planning, and prioritizing the conservation of endangered and rare species, alongside efforts to control invasive alien species. Additionally, Vietnam is actively building biodiversity monitoring databases.

Concurrently, Vietnam is focusing on capacity-building for officials, raising awareness about biodiversity conservation, and initiating discussions on integrating biodiversity across various sectors and fields. This includes integrating biodiversity conservation into nature-based tourism and spearheading projects and tasks that apply nature-based solutions to both biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation and mitigation, such as ecosystem-based approaches."

Ngoc Huyen (MONRE)