The Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve as a 'learning laboratory' for sustainable development

Abstract

UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) was established in 1977 to promote an interdisciplinary approach to research, training and communications in ecosystem conservation and rational use of natural resources. UNESCO's Biosphere Reserves address sustainable development via multiple interlinked projects. Project goals range from the generation of global scientific knowledge, to the experiential knowledge of local indigenous communities. Local solutions are explored via pilot projects in which the biosphere functions as a natural 'learning laboratory' for sustainable development. Vietnam's Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve has served as a learning laboratory for interlinked pilot projects whose aims include the following: (1) contributing to the global knowledge identified by UNESCO/MAB and the UN's Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD); (2) supporting rational use of local natural resources (e.g. biodiversity) and livelihood of people (e.g. poverty alleviation) by developing sustainable economic activities (such as those associated with tourism); (3) promoting the adoption of policies and processes by national, regional and local government agencies and management bodies to ensure that sustainable management is institutionalised and pursues common long term goals. This paper discusses the use of systems thinking concepts and tools in creating learning laboratories for sustainable development. A Causal Loop Model of Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve integrating policy, social, environmental, and economic dimensions was developed to identify key leverage points. At Cat Ba this model serves as a platform for research collaboration through alliances and multi-disciplinary research teams. The relevance of this local solution to global sustainability is discussed.