In the orientation towards sustainable development, protecting natural heritage and biodiversity is not only an essential requirement but also a vital foundation for Hai Phong to achieve socio-economic development in harmony with nature, enhance quality of life, and contribute to fulfilling national and international commitments on nature conservation and climate change response. With its unique ecosystems of coastal areas, islands, and mangrove forests, Hai Phong City has been implementing numerous solutions to preserve and promote the value of its natural heritage and biodiversity, considering this a pillar of its development strategy in the new era.
Hai Phong is home to many precious natural heritage sites recognized at national and international levels. Most notably, the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve was designated by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on December 2, 2004, for its exceptional value representing ecological evolutionary processes of coastal and island areas, along with its high diversity of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna. Most recently, on September 16, 2023, at the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, with Cat Ba recognized for its biodiversity and ecosystem values, marking a significant milestone in the city’s conservation efforts. In addition, under Vietnamese law, Hai Phong currently has eight designated natural heritage sites, including: Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve, Cat Ba National Park, Bach Long Vi Marine Protected Area, Cat Ba Archipelago Scenic Landscape, Hon Dau Island, Trang Kenh – Bach Dang Scenic and Historical Complex, Nui Voi Scenic Landscape, and the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago World Natural Heritage site. These land and marine areas hold exceptional landscape and biodiversity value, containing precious resources to be preserved for present and future generations.
Beyond its rich heritage, Hai Phong is home to diverse ecosystems with 6,177 recorded species, including 130 species listed as endangered, rare, and prioritized for protection. Notably, 77 species are listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book, 7 mammal species are on the IUCN Red List, and the Cat Ba Langur—one of Vietnam’s endemic primates—is critically endangered. This is a clear testament to Hai Phong’s significant biodiversity value and underscores the urgent need for conservation. The city also maintains and preserves many rare agricultural genetic resources such as Lien Minh chicken, Tran Chau mountain goat, Cao Nhan areca palm, Vinh Bao tobacco, Gia Luan citrus, Nep Cai Hoa Vang sticky rice, Bat Trang lychee, Hong Dao pomelo, Dong Du orange, Gia Luan sweet mandarin, and Hai Phong ancient rose. These native plant and animal varieties hold economic value and contribute to conserving the region’s distinctive biodiversity.
Alongside these achievements, conservation of nature and biodiversity in Hai Phong still faces issues that need further improvement. The city has yet to establish biodiversity corridors, although the National Biodiversity Conservation Master Plan identifies a northern coastal biodiversity corridor, including Hai Phong, covering over 20,000 hectares. Similarly, no applications for certification of biodiversity conservation facilities have been submitted by local organizations or individuals. Regarding wetlands—an essential part of the ecosystem—Hai Phong has two nationally designated areas and many coastal and island wetlands, but listings and documentation are still being finalized under the guidance of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Establishing, managing, and protecting these areas is vital to maintaining ecological balance, preventing erosion and saltwater intrusion, and safeguarding aquatic resources.
To promote the value of its natural heritage and biodiversity, Hai Phong has been implementing numerous synchronized solutions. The city continues to improve its mechanisms, policies, and planning systems linked to conservation and sustainable development goals; integrates biodiversity conservation into the master plan for socio-economic development and sectoral and regional plans. Hai Phong is also increasing investment in conservation and ecosystem restoration, particularly in special-use forests, wetlands, and coastal and island biodiversity corridors. Efforts to promote research and monitoring of flora and fauna—especially endangered, rare, and endemic species—are being strengthened to enable timely, effective protection measures.
At the same time, the city is enhancing cooperation with central ministries and international organizations to seek technical assistance and financial resources for conservation programs and projects. In particular, Hai Phong is intensifying community outreach and education about the role and value of biodiversity, encouraging the participation of the whole society in conservation, and developing ecotourism and community-based tourism models linked to heritage and biodiversity preservation. This is a crucial path to building consensus and mobilizing the collective strength of society to preserve and promote the city’s unique natural values.
With its natural heritage, diverse ecosystems, strong political will, and the unity of government, communities, businesses, and citizens, Hai Phong is steadily affirming its position as a green, environmentally friendly port city committed to sustainable development in harmony with nature. In the new era, protecting natural heritage and biodiversity is not only an immediate task but also a fundamental, solid pillar for Hai Phong’s long-term development.